ph365 free 100 apk U.S-based and England’s have partnered to integrate their biometrics and forensics capabilities for the law enforcement market. Next-generation latent fingerprint technology from ROC has been integrated with Smytek’s BlindSite product for crime scene investigators. UK-based national security specialist Vigilate facilitated the software integration, according to the company announcement. BlindSite is described by Smytek as a “hybrid-spectral imaging system.” It takes the form of a handheld camera that performs hyperspectral and multispectral imaging for contactless, non-destructive latent print capture from up to five meters away. Then installation of ROC’s latent fingerprint recognition allows investigators to analyze latent biometrics at the scene of the crime, and get matching results in less than a minute. This means more streamlined processes and lower resource requirements for more efficient and cost-effective investigations, the partners say. “Integrating ROC fingerprint capabilities with BlindSite addresses long-standing challenges in forensic science,” says Dr. Alexander Smyth, CEO at Smytec. “From reducing evidential backlogs to saving lives in high-stakes situations, this partnership exemplifies how technology can empower the entire criminal justice system.” Smyth says the integration transforms evidence capture and analysis while redefining investigative workflows. “Our partnership with Smytec is a testament to ROC’s commitment to providing cutting-edge biometric solutions that address the evolving needs of the public safety and defense sectors,” says B. Scott Swann, CEO of ROC. “By integrating our next-gen latent capabilities into BlindSite, we are enabling first responders to make faster, more informed decisions at the point of need, accelerating the path to CSI and other law enforcement activities.” The partnership also sets up the potential for face and iris biometrics from ROC to be integrated with BlindSite. ROC has scored solid results in NIST’s Evaluation of Latent Fingerprint Technologies (ELFT) with a pair of this year, with particularly strong results in matching speed. A match is delivered in an average of 15 seconds, ROC says, 500 times faster than the industry average. Overall, BlindSite can now accelerate by 60 times, according to the announcement. The company has also been hiring expertise in the government and law enforcement markets, most recently including new advisor and . | | | | | |NTPC Ramagundam wins four awards at 9th Apex India HR and Safety Excellence Awards

Two weeks after she beat a transgender candidate to return to the Utah Legislature, the Republican state lawmaker behind the majority of the state’s anti-transgender laws is advocating for policies that strip additional rights from trans people. Rep. Kera Birkeland, of Morgan, posted to X on Thursday that transgender women, specifically, should not be able to amend their birth certificates or IDs to reflect their gender. “Men should not be allowed in women’s bathrooms,” Birkeland wrote. “However, achieving this goal requires more than just signing or passing a bill that articulates this stance. We need to address the underlying issue of allowing men to change their birth certificates and driver’s licenses to reflect a female identity.” Birkeland continued, “Until we achieve that, our primary action is to run message bills, that are almost unenforceable. If a man can obtain a driver’s license identifying him as a woman, secure a birth certificate identifying him as a woman, and undergo surgical procedures to alter his appearance to look similar to women, it becomes nearly impossible for the government to distinguish between him and Representative Mace. That presents a significant challenge in enforcement.” Birkeland’s post was written in support of U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-North Carolina, who responded to the first transgender woman being elected to Congress by pushing for her and other transgender women not to be allowed in women’s restrooms at the U.S. Capitol. I completely agree with @RepNancyMace that men should not be allowed in women’s bathrooms. However, achieving this goal requires more than just signing or passing a bill that articulates this stance. We need to address the underlying issue of allowing men to change their birth... The post comes one day after Transgender Day of Remembrance — an annual occasion memorializing transgender people lost to violence or suicide due to attacks on their identity. The Utah Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that transgender Utahns have “a common-law right to change facets of their personal legal status, including their sex designation.” “My life was going forward day by day sometimes is not easy,” said Angie Rice, a transgender woman and one of the plaintiffs in the case, at the time. “But (this decision)... gives young people and everybody who has been suffering in silence, or victimized, it gives them a chance to believe in hope and have the courage to now live their truth.” Since she was first appointed to the House in 2020, Birkeland has led a push to bar transgender girls from high school sports. Since the Legislature passed a law she sponsored to do so in 2022, and overrode the governor’s veto , the ban has been partially blocked by a lawsuit. Meanwhile, a commission weighs the cases of young transgender athletes who want to participate in sports. This year, Birkeland successfully proposed a bill that creates legal definitions “female” and “male” to categorize Utahns by the reproductive organs of their birth, and prohibits transgender Utahns from using locker rooms or bathrooms that align with their gender in government-owned buildings. Republican lawmakers repeatedly employed misinformation about transgender Utahns while working to rally support for the bill, an investigation by The Salt Lake Tribune found . Utah, which has passed restrictions on transgender people for three consecutive years, also prohibits transgender minors from accessing gender-affirming health care . Birkeland did not respond to questions about whether she would introduce bills to enact such policy shifts in the 2025 legislative session, but told KUER earlier this month that she isn’t planning on proposing legislation impacting the transgender community. A spokesperson for the Utah House of Representatives did not respond to questions as to GOP leadership’s feelings on such policies, or whether other members of their caucus would draft bills including them. On Monday, legislative leadership and Gov. Spencer Cox urged Utah State University to join a lawsuit against the Mountain West Conference over its transgender participation policy — weeks after players on the school’s volleyball team opted to forfeit a game against another team that allegedly includes a transgender athlete. The school filed a motion to join soon after. “Female athletes deserve the right to a safe playing field, fair competition and equal opportunities,” the officials said in a statement. “By intervening, Utah will send a clear message that these rights are non-negotiable.” Utah House Democrats responded with a statement of their own, writing, “Transgender athletes have participated in sports for years without facing the intense scrutiny they endure today. Targeting them harms their mental health, further isolates an already vulnerable population, and goes against the inclusive values we should all uphold. This is not the Utah way.” Birkeland’s post also follows an anti-transgender political action committee that appears to be violating campaign finance laws and aimed to influence the outcome of a state legislative race in a district bordering hers. Despite establishing a website, deploying mailers and sending texts attacking Democrats throughout the state for opposing restrictions on transgender Utahns, including the only Democrat outside of Salt Lake County , the out-of-state Preserving Utah Values PAC reports that it has raised and spent $0 during the 2024 election cycle. The United Nations recognizes transgender people’s ability to change official documents, including birth certificates, as a human right. “Failing to provide access to legal gender recognition hinders access to rights and services (e.g. education, employment, bathrooms) and puts trans people at risk of violence (e.g. when presenting documents that don’t match their appearance),” reads the website for the supranational organization’s high commissioner for human rights. “Trans people are at particular risk of violence in detention settings when their gender identity is not respected.” According to the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification , hate crimes against LGBTQ+ Utahns more than doubled from 2022 to 2023. This year, law enforcement agencies have reported 15 incidents.

Sir Keir Starmer was speaking at the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) conference in Estonia where he met leaders of other Baltic states. After signing an energy partnership with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store in Bergen, Sir Keir flew to Estonia where he spoke alongside Mr Store and their Estonian counterpart Kristen Michal. Asked what else could be done to support Ukraine, Sir Keir said: “There is an ever-increasing demand for more capability. That is understandable, and Ukraine needs all the capability that it can get, so I think all of us have put in more capability into Ukraine by way of equipment.” He added: “A lot of money has been raised, funding has been raised, but more is going to be needed.” The Prime Minister’s also discussed making the economic case at home for continued support for Ukraine. Sir Keir said: “Making the case on the significance of Ukraine, making the case, to double down, linking it back to each of our countries – what does it mean for us if Russia succeeds, is a really important question that we have to answer with our people to make it clear why it is that we are so supportive of Ukraine, why it is that we must stand with our allies on this, why it is we must make sure that Nato is put in the strongest position as well. “Now, this is a different world to the world of 10, 20 years ago, to recognise the world that we are living in, there’s a positive case as well to be made. “Defence spending doesn’t sort of sit in a silo over here with no effect on the rest of the economy, no effect on technology. “It has a huge effect on technologies, the cutting edge of technology and change which can then be used in other areas. “It binds countries together. I think all of us have got joint projects on in terms of defence capabilities that bind us together. There’s a huge number of well-paid jobs that are very important to our economy in defence spending as well. “But we have to make that positive case. I don’t personally feel that we can sort of sit back and assume that all of those in our respective countries necessarily accept all of our arguments unless we make them in that positive way, which I do think the argument can and should and must be made. “But the challenge that you put to us is the right challenge, which is it’s very difficult when finances are tight, as they are in all of our countries.” On Tuesday morning the Prime Minister will meet Taavi Madiberk, the founder of Estonian tech start-up manufacturing low-cost air defence missiles, Frankenburg Technologies, which is planning to open a new office in London Specialising in the manufacture of the missiles, the rapidly growing company already collaborates closely with the UK defence industry, sourcing a significant portion of its subsystems locally, including from propulsion specialists Roxel in Worcestershire. The Prime Minister will again attend the JEF summit, joining leaders from the Nordics and Baltics to discuss support for Ukraine, the sustained threat posed by Russia and wider European security. He will then visit British forces serving in the region to deter malign Russian threats.Tesla would likely be excluded from new California EV tax credits, Newsom's office says

WASHINGTON — Lawmakers return for what’s expected to be the last workweek of the year with no continuing resolution yet in sight. The text of a stopgap spending bill that would continue funding until at least March 14 was not released over the weekend, though it had been expected to be. Late hiccups this time include a dispute over how to extend farm programs and provide relief to those in the agriculture sector. Absent congressional action, funding would lapse at the end of the night on Friday, when the current stopgap funding law expires. The Republican and Democratic leaders of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees each issued weekend statements criticizing the other party’s handling of the farm bill provisions. “Their eleventh-hour offer fell short of what farmers need, shortchanged critical farm bill programs, and steals from critically needed assistance to address recent natural disasters. We can and should do both economic and disaster assistance, not pit one against the other.” Senate Agriculture Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and House Agriculture Committee ranking member David Scott, D-Ga., said in a joint statement. “The failure to include economic assistance will have devastating and lasting consequences on our farm families, the rural communities in which they live and American agriculture. For that reason, we intend to oppose any supplemental spending package that does not provide meaningful assistance to our farmers,” House Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pa., and Senate Agriculture ranking member John Boozman, R-Ark., said in their own statement. While the funding sparring and talks continue, the Senate is moving toward clearing the fiscal 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which already passed the House. Senators vote Monday evening on a motion to limit debate on the bill, setting up a vote on final passage likely on Tuesday or Wednesday. Also on the docket is the final agreement on the bipartisan water resources reauthorization bill, which has been named for retiring Senate Environment and Public Works Chairman Thomas R. Carper, D-Del. Under a unanimous consent agreement announced last week, Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., can call up the House-passed agreement on that bill for a brief debate and vote notwithstanding the restrictions normally imposed by cloture, so it could be on the floor Tuesday while the Senate is still processing the defense authorization bill. Social Security measure Schumer has also filed the cloture motion on proceeding to a bipartisan bill that would eliminate reductions in Social Security benefits for people who held jobs that did not require them to pay into the system. That includes firefighters, teachers and police officers — who may have had multiple jobs, including some for which they did pay Social Security taxes. While the price tag is estimated by the Congressional Budget Office at $196 billion, the measure passed the House 327-75, and it appears to have at least 61 supporters in the Senate, which would be enough to break a filibuster if there’s strong attendance. Schumer also said Sunday that he plans to push for the Senate to take up a bill sponsored by Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chairman Gary Peters, D-Mich., that would provide federal law enforcement with new authorities related to unmanned aircraft. The bill has bipartisan support. It was introduced last year, but the risks posed by drones have made headlines in recent weeks with widespread reports of unidentified flying aircraft, primarily in New Jersey. In a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Schumer wrote, “These sightings have exposed the federal government’s limitations when it comes to the authorities for protecting against the illicit use of UAS [unmanned aircraft systems]. State and local law enforcement agencies currently lack the explicit authorities to assist DHS in deploying technology to detect drone signals. These local agencies are responsible for keeping our citizens safe at the local level, and they must be part of a coordinated response.” CRA watch One other bit of House business is a prelude to the agenda for the early part of the next Congress. The House is expected to vote on a bill sponsored by Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., that would make it easier to disapprove of regulations under the Congressional Review Act by allowing a single disapproval measure for multiple executive branch rules to get expedited consideration in the Senate. “House Republicans are stepping up to rein in executive overreach, protect Americans from burdensome regulations, and keep the legislative process transparent and accountable to the American people the way our Founding Fathers intended,” the office of House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., said in announcing the bill’s placement on the week’s schedule. While the measure probably will not come up in the Senate, it does underscore how much of the first months of the new Congress with President-elect Donald Trump may be spent stopping rules from President Joe Biden’s administration during the “lookback period” that allows a new Congress to overturn rules from the prior year. The review window will likely apply to rules starting around Aug. 1, according to the Congressional Research Service.

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP) — Romanian lawmakers on Monday voted narrowly in favor of a new pro-European coalition government led by incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. The move could usher in an end to a protracted political crisis in the European Union country following the annulment of a presidential election by a top court. Parliament approved the new administration in a 240-143 vote in Romania's 466-seat legislature. The new coalition is made up of the leftist Social Democratic Party, or PSD, the center-right National Liberal Party, PNL, the small ethnic Hungarian UDMR party and national minorities. It caps a month-long period of turmoil in which far-right nationalists made significant gains in a Dec. 1 parliamentary election , a week after a first-round presidential race saw the far-right outsider Calin Georgescu emerge as the front-runner. “It will not be an easy mandate for the future government,” Ciolacu, whose PSD party topped the polls in the parliamentary election, said in a statement Monday. “We are aware that we are in the midst of a deep political crisis," he said. "It is also a crisis of trust, and this coalition aims to regain the trust of citizens, the trust of the people.” Romani's 16 ministerial positions will be shared among the parties, which will hold a slim majority in the legislature. It's widely seen as a tactical partnership to shut out far-right nationalists whose voices found fertile ground amid high living costs and a sluggish economy. Ciolacu, who came third in the first-round presidential ballot despite polls indicating he would win the most votes, has served as prime minister since June 2023. After parliament’s approval, President Klaus Iohannis swore in the new government and warned the new Cabinet that it's entering a “difficult new period” in which “for many Romanians, there are major concerns.” Romania was plunged into turmoil after Georgescu’s surprise success in the presidential race, after allegations of electoral violations and Russian interference emerged. Days before the Dec. 8 runoff, the Constitutional Court made the unprecedented move to annul the presidential race . “We go through complicated times, but I think we all learned from mistakes of the past,” Ciolacu said. “I hope that together with my colleagues in the coalition, we’ll find the best solutions to get past the challenges we have in front of us.” Ciolacu said that the new government would aim to quickly organize the rerun of the presidential election in which the new coalition has agreed to put forward an agreed common pro-European candidate. Cristian Andrei, a political consultant based in Bucharest, said that the new government made up of the same political parties will likely embrace “soft populist” rhetoric such as economic patriotism, anti-austerity, and a peace solution in neighboring Ukraine to counter the rise of far-right populism. “This will be a way to answer the concerns of many Romanians who voted for populists ... but will not solve the fundamental problem of trust,” he said. “The only decisive factor now will be who and how convincing the pro-European candidates will be against this popular revolt.” George Simion, the leader of the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, which came second in the parliamentary election, said that all lawmakers from his party on Monday would vote against the Ciolacu government. In 2021, the PSD and the PNL also formed an unlikely but increasingly strained coalition together with UDMR, which exited the Cabinet last year after a power-sharing dispute. Stephen McGrath reported from Warwick, England.

RJ Johnson, Daylen Berry lift Charleston Southern to surprising 83-79 victory over Miami

Mechtron Leads the Trend in Men's Lifestyle Tools with the Launch of an Innovative Product Lineup 12-16-2024 11:36 PM CET | Associations & Organizations Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: LianPR The highly anticipated results of the 2024 American Good Design Awards and French Design Awards have been announced, with Mechtron, a brand under Mechtron (Shanghai) Intelligent Technology Co.,Ltd., standing out among fierce competition to claim both prestigious honors. This achievement not only highlights Mechtron's exceptional accomplishments in design but also underscores its robust capabilities in technological innovation and intellectual property protection. International Design Awards: A Global Recognition of Excellence Mechtron's "Cyber-Mecha Universe Series" ( http://mechtron.tech/ ) captivated the judges with its distinctive futuristic aesthetic and cyberpunk elements, standing out among numerous entries. Winning the Good Design Award and French Design Award serves as a testament to Mechtron's innovation in product design and its significant market impact. These accolades also affirm the brand's value and its competitive edge on the global stage. Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/12/086d2cbed19e79b965e6d60aa192129c.jpg Patented Technology: A Dual Guarantee of Innovation and Quality Mechtron continues to push the boundaries of product innovation, boasting multiple patented technologies, including but not limited to: 4V PRECISION SCREWDRIVER, 4V CYBER SCREWDRIVER, 4V T-SHAPE CYBER SCREWDRIVER and 8V LI-ION CYBER 2-SPEED HAMMER DRILL (1ST GENERATION). These design patents not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the products but also improve their functionality and user experience. Additionally, the development of utility and invention patents, such as for a new type of electric drill, has further elevated Mechtron's product performance. These innovations deliver superior efficiency and convenience, providing users with a highly optimized and reliable experience. Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/12/2036478341dab94c4557b6ec39e3da89.jpg Product Lineup: The Perfect Fusion of Technology and Aesthetics Cyber-Mecha Universe Series offers a diverse range of products, including: l 4V PRECISION SCREWDRIVER( https://www.mechtron.tech/product/4VPRECISIONSCREWDRIVER.html)Engineered with a compact design and powerful functionality, this precision screwdriver is ideal for handling the assembly and disassembly of screws in delicate instruments. Its lightweight form factor and long-lasting battery can effortlessly manage the removal of over 400 micro screws. The one-button forward/reverse control ensures smooth and highly convenient operation. l 4V CYBER SCREWDRIVER( https://www.mechtron.tech/product/4VCYBERSCREWDRIVER.html)With its efficient performance and user-friendly operation, the 4V Precision Screwdriver is perfectly suited for everyday household tasks. Featuring a no-load speed of 270 RPM and an electric torque of 5N.m, it effortlessly handles a wide range of home repair and assembly projects. l 4V T-SHAPE CYBER SCREWDRIVER( https://www.mechtron.tech/product/4VTSHAPECYBERSCREWDRIVER.html)Its unique T-shaped design offers users enhanced convenience and versatility across various applications. The T-shape enables greater flexibility when operating in tight spaces or at specific angles, effectively meeting the demands of diverse usage scenarios. l 8V LI-ION CYBER 2SPEED HAMMAR DRILL (1ST GENERATION)( https://www.mechtron.tech/product/8VLIIONCYBER2SPEEDHAMMARDRILL1STGENERATION.html [ https://www.mechtron.tech/product/4VTSHAPECYBERSCREWDRIVER.html])With its powerful performance and dual-speed settings, this tool is ideal for a wide range of professional and household applications. Featuring a no-load speed of 230 RPM/900 RPM and a maximum torque of 15N.m, it effectively handles drilling tasks from light to heavy-duty requirements. Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/12/df8ce485b685f944010045d0ffda77f8.jpg Innovative Design: A Fusion of Futurism and Cyberpunk Aesthetics Mechtron's product designs seamlessly blend futuristic elements with cyberpunk aesthetics, offering users a truly unique experience. Each product feels like a magical key unlocking the door to the future, radiating unparalleled allure. These tools are more than just functional items-they are bold statements of personality and attitude for young men. By using Mechtron products, users can proudly express their passion for technology and mecha, while reveling in the excitement and joy that Mechtron brings to their lives. Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/12/371898b99c9648aa008dc30df5bca4f4.jpg Brand Vision: Continuous Innovation, Leading the Trend Mechtron is committed to leveraging its innovative designs and patented technologies to consistently introduce high-quality tools tailored to the needs of modern urban men. By combining technology with aesthetics, the brand aims to deliver a more personalized and futuristic experience for its users. At the same time, Mechtron will continue to strengthen its intellectual property protections to maintain its leadership in technology and design. As the brand garners increasing recognition, Mechtron's market influence and competitiveness are set to grow even further. Through innovative designs and exceptional quality, it will meet consumers' aspirations for a refined lifestyle and personalized expression. Additionally, Mechtron is actively exploring international markets, bringing its brand philosophy and premium products to a global audience. Media Contact Company Name: Mechtron (Shanghai) Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. Contact Person: Andrew lo Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=mechtron-leads-the-trend-in-mens-lifestyle-tools-with-the-launch-of-an-innovative-product-lineup ] Country: China Website: http://mechtron.tech/ This release was published on openPR.BOSTON (AP) — Two men, including a dual Iranian American citizen, have been arrested on charges that they exported sensitive technology to Iran that was used in a drone attack in Jordan that killed three American troops early this year and injured dozens of other service members, the Justice Department said Monday. The criminal case in federal court in Massachusetts charges the men, identified as Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi and Mohammad Abedininajafabadi, with export control violations. U.S. officials blamed the January attack on the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed militias that includes Kataib Hezbollah. Three Georgia soldiers — Sgt. William Jerome Rivers of Carrollton, Sgt. Breonna Moffett of Savannah and Sgt. Kennedy Sanders of Waycross — were killed in the Jan. 28 drone attack on a U.S. outpost in northeastern Jordan called Tower 22. In the attack, the one-way attack drone may have been mistaken for a U.S. drone that was expected to return back to the logistics base about the same time and was not shot down. Instead, it crashed into living quarters, killing the three soldiers and injuring more than 40. Tower 22 held about 350 U.S. military personnel at the time. It is strategically located between Jordan and Syria, only 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the Iraqi border, and in the months just after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel, and Israel’s blistering response in Gaza, Iranian-backed militias intensified their attacks on U.S. military locations in the region. Following the attack, the U.S. launched a huge counterstrike against 85 sites in Iraq and Syria used by Iran's Revolutionary Guard and Iranian-backed militia and bolstered Tower 22’s defenses. Tucker and Copp reported from Washington.

20 Must-Play Video Games from 2024 2024 has been an exceptional year for video games, with developers pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity. This year's releases have boasted stunning graphics, captivating narratives, and fresh gameplay mechanics, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. As a result, gamers have been treated to a rich and varied landscape of gaming experiences. Here is a look at 20 must-play video games from 2024 that left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape: This exciting role-playing game boasts great graphics and a powerful storyline. Players embark on an amazing adventure to restore balance to a broken world by fighting legendary creatures and finding old secrets. This sequel to the famous cyberpunk adventure offers even more thrills with better gameplay , a big open world, and fierce fighting scenes. Fans of fantasy will love this RPG, where the richness of world-building goes hand in hand with clever gameplay. The updated combat system and spell features are something special. This space exploration game allows players to pilot customizable starships, locate alien civilizations, and be a part of exciting battles in space. The survival game in an open world after a disaster calls players to rebuild society while fighting mutants and other groups. Strategy game fans will love commanding armies of legendary animals. The game offers a great deal of tactical depth and flexibility. This stealth -action game keeps players on the edge of their seats with complex-level designs and a captivating plot of treachery and vengeance. This indie treasure reimagines retro-style platformers with a modern twist, including bright 3D graphics and addicting action. This is a futuristic sci-fi thriller where the player has to solve complex puzzles and navigate through action-packed levels as a rogue AI seeking freedom. This MMO game captured the hearts of gamers with its vast open world, rich lore, and interesting player-versus-player battles. A unique puzzle platformer takes the theme of time travel seriously. Players must use time manipulation to get through levels and solve challenges that unravel an intricate narrative. Fans of tactical warfare will like this mech-based strategy game's thrilling battles and moral dilemma around using AI in combat. This gorgeous adventure game is all about uncovering and retelling emotional stories. Players travel to a magical world full of mysteries and interesting people. The sequel to the action shooter improves co-op gameplay, adds new weapons, and features dynamic missions. This nature survival game focuses on realism. Players face tough environments and develop skills to survive in the wild. This Japanese role-playing game draws players in with its stunning artwork, intricate turn-based combat, and heartwarming story of bravery and hope. This colorful arcade racing game enhances futuristic racing with quick circuits, customisable automobiles, and interesting challenges. This game will appeal to competitive card game players because of its strategic depth and the beautiful design of the cards in a magical universe. This dungeon-crawling action RPG offers endless replayability with procedurally generated levels and a dynamic loot system. Mystery and horror blend seamlessly in this atmospheric adventure game, where players uncover ancient secrets beneath the ocean's surface. Why These Games Matter These games show the creativity and new ideas of the gaming industry in 2024. Developers tried out new types of games, made better graphics and stories, and gave gamers amazing experiences. Games like “Eclipse of Eternity” and “Cyber Rebellion 2” showed that sequels could be better than the original games, while smaller releases like “Pixel Kingdom 3D” showed how smaller studios can make important games. This lineup has different games, so every gamer can find something they like: action, adventure, strategy, or exploration. Each game has unique features and fascinating worlds, making them important experiences for the year. A Bright Future for Gaming These games are proof of how much the gaming industry can grow. This has an exciting future, with developers always developing new ideas as technology improves. What has been showcased in 2024 is really raising the standard for anyone who loves gaming. When these games are made, the industry connects, entertains, and inspires people everywhere.No. 2 Georgia is resting its national championship hopes on backup quarterback Gunner Stockton. Coach Kirby Smart said Monday that Georgia is preparing Stockton to start in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1 in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal against No. 3 Notre Dame. Stockton took over when starter Carson Beck suffered a right elbow injury in the the first half in the Bulldogs’ 22-19 overtime win over Texas in the Southeastern Conference championship game on Dec. 7 in Atlanta. Georgia's first-round bye in the playoffs has given Stockton, a sophomore, more time to prepare for his new starting role. Smart said the experience with the first-team is the primary benefit in “several practices” since the SEC championship game. “He got lots of reps prior to these practices, but he’s getting much more now,” Smart said. “I do think ... when you get ready for an opponent like Notre Dame, you need time and we have time.” The Fighting Irish advanced by beating Indiana 27-17 in the first round on Friday night. Smart said Stockton and Georgia can focus on Notre Dame. “But I think the biggest thing is just competition at practice,” Smart said. “You know, the situations we put him in. All those things allow him to get better as a quarterback.” Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said Stockton will require adjustments by his defense. “You evaluate, obviously, what they’ve done all season and you have a separate tape of what Stockton has done,” Freeman said Monday. “I think we have 80-something plays of him. He can run their offense. He does things a little bit differently. He can extend plays with his legs, he’s a good athlete. The thing I probably noticed most about him, he’s an ultra-competitive individual.” Georgia announced on Dec. 9 that Beck and his family were considering treatment options for his elbow. Those options could include surgery, though Georgia has not released details about the injury. Two weeks later, no decision has been released by Beck or Georgia. “The only thing I can update is that they’re still going through those deliberations in terms of the decision-making process time, all the kind of decisions they have to make as a family,” Smart said. Beck suffered the injury to his throwing arm in the first half of the SEC championship game and made a dramatic return to the field for the handoff on the game-winning play in overtime. Stockton had to leave the field for one play after having his helmet knocked off. Even though he was able to take the snap and hand off to Trevor Etienne for the running back’s decisive 4-yard touchdown run, Beck was unable to raise his right arm. Stockton’s job may get a little easier with Notre Dame defensive tackle Rylie Mills out. Freeman announced Monday that Mills will miss the rest of the season with a right knee injury he suffered against Indiana. Mills had 37 tackles and 7 1/2 sacks this season and anchored the interior line while All-American Howard Cross II missed the final three regular season games with a high ankle sprain. Cross returned against Indiana. It’s yet another blow to a defense that had already lost preseason All-America cornerback Benjamin Morrison and its top two rush ends with season-ending injuries. “You can’t replace Rylie Mills,” Freeman said. “Yes, the production, but the leadership, a captain, very similar to the things I said about Benjamin when he was out. You feel awful for him as a person, a guy that came back to improve his draft stock. You’ve got to replace what he did for our defense in different ways.” Stockton completed 12 of 16 passes for 71 yards with one interception against Texas. Smart downplayed the suggestion Stockton could give the Bulldogs more options as a running quarterback. “I think we are who we are in regards to that,” Smart said. “I mean, we played an entire season, offensively. You know, Gunner’s a good athlete. I think Carson is a good athlete. So it’s one of those deals that I don’t know how much that changes things.” Beck, a fifth-year senior, is 24-3 as a starter. He started all 26 games for the Bulldogs in 2023 and 2024. He passed for 3,941 yards with 24 touchdowns and only six interceptions in 2023 but had more difficulties with turnovers this season. Beck passed for 28 touchdowns with 12 interceptions this season and completed 7 of 13 passes for 56 yards before his injury in the SEC championship game. AP Sports Writer Mike Marot contributed to this report. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Democratic Gov.-elect Josh Stein announced his choices for a majority of his Cabinet positions Monday before he takes office next month, with two of the seven revealed department secretaries being holdovers from outgoing Gov. Roy Cooper's administration. The two current secretaries — Reid Wilson and Pamela Cashwell — have been appointed by Stein to lead departments new to them. Other Cabinet appointees include a top lieutenant for Stein while in his current job as attorney general. Stein’s transition office also said the Cabinet will include its first Latino and first Indian American secretaries in Gabe Esparza and Dr. Devdutta Sangvai, respectively. Wilson, at present the Natural and Cultural Resources Department secretary, is set to become the next head of the Department of Environmental Quality. And Cashwell, the current Department of Administration secretary, is Stein's choice to succeed Wilson. Stein, who defeated Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson last month, and his transition leadership team have been working to fill out positions in the next administration. A public inauguration ceremony for the governor and others elected to statewide executive branch positions is set for Jan. 11 in Raleigh. It’s anticipated that Stein will get officially sworn in as governor earlier as the new year begins. His Cabinet appointees — likely 11 in all — will be subject to confirmation by the state Senate. Since a 2016 law that laid out the confirmation process, the Senate has rejected only one Cabinet appointee — Dionne Delli-Gatti as environment secretary in 2021. Wilson's long work history includes stints at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Conservation Trust for North Carolina, and as national political director for the Sierra Club. Stein picked Sangvai as the Department of Health and Human Services secretary, which in part oversees Medicaid, mental health services and state-run hospitals. Sangvai, a Duke University medical school professor, recently served as Duke Regional Hospital president and is current president of the North Carolina Medical Board, which licenses and disciplines doctors. Esparza, a former U.S. Small Business Administration administrator and previous candidate for state treasurer from Charlotte, is in place to succeed Cashwell leading the Department of Administration. The department oversees many internal business affairs within government, including purchasing and contracting, the state’s motor fleet, and government buildings and property. Leslie Cooley Dismukes, the criminal bureau chief within Stein's state Department of Justice, is the governor-elect's choice to lead the Department of Adult Correction, which includes the state's prisons and probation and parole services. Dismukes was previously a criminal division chief for the U.S. attorney's office for eastern North Carolina. Other Stein Cabinet choices named Monday were McKinley Wooten Jr. leading the Department of Revenue and Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette leading the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Wooten has had a long state government career and is currently an assistant revenue secretary. Mallette has been a private attorney who graduated from the U.S Air Force Academy and served as an Air Force intelligence officer and prosecutor. Cabinet secretaries yet to be announced include those who would lead the commerce, public safety, information technology and transportation departments. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Hassan: The inauguration ceremony of the ‘ Nishidhi Mantapa ', honouring the revered Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swami of Shravanabelagola and recipient of the Bhagwan Sri Mahaveer Shanti Award, will be held on December 6. The installation of the revered swami's sacred footwear, along with a commemorative inscription and the inauguration of the Nishidhi Mantapa, was announced by Abhinava Charukeerthi Panditacharyavarya Bhattaraka Swami on Saturday. Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Swami contributed in every way to society. Over five decades, he elevated the religious, educational, social, and cultural stature of the place to global recognition. He served as the head of the Shravanabelagola Dakshinacharya Peetha from 1970 to 2023. The event will be graced by Nirmalanandanatha Swami of the Adichunchanagiri Mutt, Vishwa Prasannathirtha Swami of Pejawar Mutt, Siddhalinga Swami of Siddaganga Mutt, and Shambhunath Swami of the Adichunchanagiri Mutt's Hassan branch. The Nishidhi Mantapa will be inaugurated in the presence of Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade and Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah . Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, Union minister HD Kumaraswamy and ministers D Sudhakar and KN Rajanna, as well as former chief minister Veerappa Moily, and other elected representatives will attend the event. The Bhatarkas of 15 Jain monasteries will also be present. In the presence of over 10,000 devotees, the installation of the sacred footwear, along with various religious rituals and ceremonies, will be conducted, he said.