NorthStandard member MC Shipping installed two WindWings® by BAR Technologies over one year ago on its bulk carrier Pyxis Ocean with performance data ratified by DNV. MC Shipping Singapore Branch’s Head of New Technology, Karmesh Tiwari, says fuel savings vary with size and speed of a vessel, but the sails are marketed with average savings of 1.5 tonnes per WindWings unit per day across worldwide routes. Even more fuel can be saved on windy routes, adds Tiwari, and favourable weather allowed the Pyxis Ocean to reach 9 knots on a ballast passage free sailing – without using its engine at all. Using WindWings does not materially affect manoeuvrability or cargo operations, although Tiwari acknowledges that Pyxis Ocean experienced deadweight loss of about 1,590 MT. Another wind propulsion developer, GT Wings tells NorthStandard that its 20-metre AirWingTM wind propulsion system helps to reduce the engine power for a given speed or allows the ship to increase speed instead of lowering power. GT Wings CEO George Thompson says the solution is expected to save upward of 8.5% of fuel over a typical yearly average. The business case for wind propulsion is being widened by European legislation, the FuelEU Maritime and EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), as well as IMO regulations like the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), says NorthStandard Director External Affairs Helen Barden. Barden is part of the NorthStandard Navigating Decarbonisation team, and contributed to drafting BIMCO’s EEXI Transition, CII Operations, and the Emission Trading Scheme Allowances Clauses for Time Charter Parties. Barden is currently on BIMCO’s drafting committee producing a clause to promote data sharing between owners and charterers for energy efficiency purposes. “Regulation will help drive the adoption of wind propulsion technologies, however, the contractual relationship between charterers and owners that puts its use into a commercial perspective still needs some work,” says Barden. The European Union’s FuelEU regulation has a reward factor for wind propulsion, and at the IMO level wind propulsion is included as a pathway in the 2024 Life Cycle Analysis Guidelines. At MEPC 82 a paper was submitted by the International Wind Ship Association setting out that wind energy can be incorporated into the mid-term measures. IMO moves to develop market-based measures, including a global fuel standard and carbon levy may also advance shipping’s decarbonisation by encouraging wind propulsion and cutting the use of increasingly expensive fuels, says Mark Smith, Loss Prevention Director – NNE and Decarbonisation, NorthStandard. Smith says more clarity is required on the benefits that will be given under FuelEU, the EU ETS and CII but adds: “If you reduce fuel use under the EU ETS it will have a positive impact on the number of allowances that have to be purchased and similarly on a ship’s CII rating.” Wind sails come at a known capital cost, with little operating cost beyond that, whereas the prices of alternative fuels are likely to rise with strengthening demand while fossil fuels will also become more expensive under a carbon tax, Smith adds. Until now, though, the push for owners to install wind propulsion technology has tended to come from major charterers seeking to cut their emissions, whose long-term commercial relationship with owners better allows for costs and benefits to be shared. Barden says it is more difficult for owners operating in the spot markets or on shorter term charters, but that work is underway to try and address this split incentive issue. Bodies like the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation are working on a ‘pay as you save’ project and BIMCO has a drafting subcommittee, which Barden sits on, that will look at a cost-benefit retrofitting clause for time charter parties. Smith adds that the lower costs of fuel and allowances also plays into cheaper cargo costs for charterers and potentially lower fares for passengers on other vessel types. Thompson, of GT Wings, says he believes that the IMO will standardise calculation methods for wind propulsion emission savings. The method considered potentially most accurate will use comparative analysis based on data driven simulation and modelling, he adds. Source: By Helen Barden, Director External Affairs, NorthStandard and Mark Smith, Loss Prevention Director – NNE and Decarbonisation, NorthStandard.House approves $895B defense bill with military pay raise, ban on transgender care for minorsfortune gems real money 。

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Romania's far-right candidate Calin Georgescu on Saturday urged voters to go to polling stations despite the country's top court having scrapped the presidential elections over alleged irregularities amid claims of Russian interference. The court's shock ruling, coming just before the presidential run-off which had been due Sunday, opens the way for a new electoral process starting from scratch in the EU and NATO member state bordering war-torn Ukraine. The annulment follows a spate of intelligence documents declassified by the presidency this week detailing allegations against Georgescu and Russia, including claims of "massive" social media promotion and cyberattacks. Georgescu -- who unexpectedly topped last month's first round of voting -- called for voters on Sunday "to wait to be welcomed, to wait for democracy to win through their power", said a statement from his team. "Mr. Calin Georgescu believes that voting is an earned right," said the statement. "That is why he believes that Romanians have the right to be in front of the polling stations tomorrow." Georgescu himself would go to a polling station near Bucharest at 0600 GMT, said his team. Earlier Saturday, police raided three houses in Brasov city in central Romania as part of the investigation "in connection with crimes of voter corruption, money laundering, computer forgery". Among the houses searched was that of businessman Bogdan Peschir, a TikTok user who according to the declassified documents allegedly paid $381,000 to those involved in the promotion of Georgescu, Romanian media reported. Peschir has compared his support for Georgescu to the world's richest man Elon Musk's backing of US president-elect Donald Trump. Little-known outsider Georgescu, a 62-year-old former senior civil servant, was favourite to win the second round on Sunday against centrist pro-EU mayor Elena Lasconi, 52, according to several polls. But the constitutional court on Friday unanimously decided to annul the entire electoral process as it was "marred... by multiple irregularities and violations of electoral legislation". President Klaus Iohannis said on Saturday that he had discussed with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, and they agreed on the "need to strengthen the security of social media". The European Commission announced earlier this week that it had stepped up monitoring TikTok after Romania's authorities alleged "preferential treatment" of Georgescu on the platform -- a claim the company has denied. Following the court's decision, the United States said it had faith in Romania's institutions and called for a "peaceful democratic process". Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., on X branded the vote's cancellation an "attempt at rigging the outcome" and "denying the will of the people". Georgescu called it "a formalised coup d'etat" and said democracy was "under attack". His team on Saturday declined to comment on the raids, saying they "will not comment or provide answers until we have exact data". Georgescu and another far-right party, the AUR, have said they plan to appeal the decision to stop the voting to the High Court of Cassation and Justice. A past admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Georgescu, an EU and NATO sceptic, in recent days had reframed himself as "ultra pro-Trump," vowing to put Romania "on the world map" and cut aid for neighbouring Ukraine. In an interview with US broadcaster Sky News on Saturday, Georgescu said there were no links between him and Russia. Political scientist Costin Ciobanu told AFP that the annulment has "further polarised Romanian society". With trust in institutions and the ruling class already low, the vote's cancellation poses a "major danger that Romanians will think that it doesn't matter how they vote", Ciobanu added. Elsewhere in the EU, Austria annulled presidential elections in 2016 because of procedural irregularities. In Romania, a new government is expected to set another date for the presidential vote. In last weekend's legislative elections, the ruling Social Democrats came top. But far-right parties made big gains, securing an unprecedented third of the ballots on mounting anger over soaring inflation and fears over Russia's war in Ukraine. In a joint appeal on Wednesday, the Social Democrats and three other pro-EU parties -- together making up an absolute majority in parliament -- signed an agreement to form a coalition, promising "stability". bur-jza/jj

Epic Games and LEGO have a message for gamers: Can't wait for Grand Theft Auto VI? Maybe try this new brick sim with Miami-esque city streets, neon lights, and tons of vehicles. Sound familiar? Epic is on a roll lately. The Fortnite-maker recently announced Ballistic , a new 5v5 FPS that's a direct contender to its rival's biggest game, Counter-Strike. Now LEGO Fortnite is expanding with a very Grand Theft Auto-esque "social roleplay experience" coming on December 12. It's called Fortnite Brick Life , but most people just call it LEGO GTA. With a rather limited set of players to one world, Brick Life looks like a good mix of simulation and multiplayer. The mode supports 32 players total and the city itself will expand over time, both organically based on player choices and interactions and directly from developers through continued content updates. It features a multitude of locales from some very Vice City-esque LEGO beaches to the big downtown metropolis with its skyscrapers and towers, all the way to the quaint countryside and mysteriously spooky Mourndale Academy. Oh, and Brick Life even features an in-game phone where you'll receive calls, text messages, and missions, just like in GTA titles. LEGO Brick Life launches December 12 and will be available within the Fortnite launcher under the LEGO Fortnite banner. Epic is also giving out 2x Brick Life skins for linking your LEGO and Epic accounts together:NEW YORK, Dec. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. KYTX common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus (collectively, the "Offering Documents") in connection with the Company's February 8, 2024 initial public offering ("IPO"). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 7, 2025 . SO WHAT: If you purchased Kyverna common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the IPO you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Kyverna class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=32239 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 7, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, the Offering Documents used to effectuate Kyverna's IPO misstated and/or omitted facts concerning the results of Kyverna's ongoing evaluation of KYV-101, Kyverna's lead product candidate, in clinical trials. Specifically, Kyverna touted patient "improvement" in certain indicators while failing to disclose adverse data regarding one of Kyverna's trials, which adverse data was known to Kyverna at the time of the IPO. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Kyverna class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=32239 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm , on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/ . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

By THOMAS ADAMSON and JOHN LEICESTER, The Associated Press PARIS (AP) — Howling winds couldn’t stop Notre Dame Cathedral‘s heart from beating again. With three resounding knocks on its doors by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, wielding a specially designed crosier carved from fire-scorched beams, the monument roared back to life Saturday evening. For the first time since a blaze nearly destroyed it in 2019 , the towering Gothic masterpiece reopened for worship, its rebirth marked by song, prayer and awe beneath its soaring arches. The ceremony, initially planned to begin on the forecourt, was moved inside due to unusually fierce December winds sweeping across the Île de la Cité, flanked by the River Seine. Yet the occasion lost none of its splendor. Inside the luminous nave, choirs sang psalms, and the cathedral’s mighty organ, silent for nearly five years, thundered to life in a triumphant interplay of melodies. The restoration, a spectacular achievement in just five years for a structure that took nearly two centuries to build, is seen as a moment of triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline — and a welcome respite from his domestic political woes. The evening’s celebration, attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump , Britain’s Prince William and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscored Notre Dame’s enduring role as both a spiritual and cultural beacon. Observers see the event as Macron’s, and his intention to pivot it into a fully fledged diplomatic gathering, while highlighting France’s ability to unite on the global stage despite internal political crises. Macron’s political woes Speaking inside the cathedral , Macron expressed “gratitude” Saturday to those who saved, helped, and rebuilt Notre Dame, his voice reverberating through the nave. “I stand before you ... to express the gratitude of the French nation,” he said, before voices raised in song flooded the space, filling it with harmonies not heard in over five years. “Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame are ringing again. And in a moment, the organ will awaken,” sending the “music of hope” cascading through the luminous interior to Parisians, France, and the world beyond, he said. The celebration is expected to give a much-needed boost to the embattled French leader, whose prime minister was ousted this week, plunging the nation’s politics into more turmoil . Macron has called Notre Dame’s reopening “a jolt of hope.” Observers say he hoped the occasion would briefly silence his critics and showcase France’s unity and resilience under his leadership — a rare moment of grace in a presidency now facing a grave crisis. Paintings are seen inside Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the monument, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP, file) AP Monumental feats of restoration Inside, 42,000 square meters of stonework — an area equal to six soccer pitches — were meticulously cleaned, revealing luminous limestone and intricate carvings. Overhead, 2,000 oak beams, nicknamed “the forest,” were used to rebuild the spire and roof, restoring the cathedral’s iconic silhouette. The thunderous great organ, with 7,952 pipes ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide, is resounding for the first time since the fire. Its newly renovated console, boasting five keyboards, 115 stops, and 30 foot pedals, was a marvel of restoration, reawakening a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s identity. Guests gradually filing into the cathedral for the evening reopening ceremonies were awestruck by the renovated interiors, many whipping out cellphones to capture the moment. “It’s a sense of perfection,” said François Le Page of the Notre Dame Foundation, which raised nearly half of the €900 million ($950 million) in donations for the restoration. He last visited in 2021, when the cathedral was cloaked in scaffolding. “It was somber,” he said. “It’s night and day.” Paris' archbishop Laurent Ulrich knocks on the doors of France's iconic Notre Dame Cathedral Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 in Paris during it's formal reopening since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019. (Teresa Suarez, Pool via AP) AP Adding to the ceremony’s visual splendor, Archbishop Ulrich and the clergy donned vibrant liturgical garments designed by renowned French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Known for his eye-popping pop-art aesthetic, Castelbajac crafted 2,000 colorful pieces for 700 celebrants, blending modern elements with medieval touches. The Rev. Andriy Morkvas, a Ukrainian pastor who leads the Volodymyr Le Grand church in Paris, reflected on his first visit to Notre Dame in over a decade. “I didn’t recognize it,” he said. “God is very powerful; He can change things.” He expressed hope that the cathedral’s revival could inspire peace in his homeland, drawing strength from the presence of Ukraine’s president. “I think that will have a big impact,” he said. “I hope Notre Dame and Mary will help us resolve this conflict.” The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a time of profound global unrest, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.” “It is a magnificent symbol of unity,” Olivier Ribadeau Dumas said. “Notre Dame is not just a French monument — it is a magnificent sign of hope.” More Life & Culture news How to participate in the 125th Christmas Bird Counts | Nature Watch 5 gift suggestions for the outdoors enthusiast on your list ‘Stranger Things’ actor dead after battle with cancerAlleging that investigating agencies made wrong statements that drugs arrived in a ship at the Visakhapatnam Port, Leader of the Opposition in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council, Botcha Satyanarayana has said that he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and seek action in this regard. Mr. Satyanarayana, while addressing the media on December 9 (Monday) alleged that the investigating agencies were misused to settle political scores. “A probe will reveal the actual culprits. I will write to the PMO and the Union Home Ministry if they decline to give me an appointment,” said Mr. Satyanarayana. He demanded that the name of those who were behind this ‘high drama’ to bring disrepute to the State in the name of drugs be exposed. He recalled that allegations were made against the previous YSRCP government when a container vessel came from Brazil to Visakhapatnam that it was laden with drugs. “They made a lot of fuss in the name of Operation Garuda by deploying the Interpol and CBI for investigation. The container was seized and a couple of arrests were also made. After eight months, the investigation agencies said that there were no drugs in the vessel,” the YSRCP leader said. Alleging that the investigation agencies were ‘misused before the general elections with an intention to damage the prospects of the YSRCP ’, he demanded that all those responsible for it be brought to book. Land grab allegations He said the TDP government had formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe into the allegations of land grabbing by political leaders and others during its previous tenure. Later, the YSRCP had also formed an SIT to probe into the allegations. “Now, the TDP-JSP-BJP alliance government should make the SIT report public if it has the guts to do so,” he said. Mr. Satyanarayana sought that MLC s should be included in the Sub-Committee formed to probe into the allegations on Visakha Dairy. Protests planned He said the YSRCP had announced an action plan to ‘expose the failures’ of the alliance government. “Protests will be held across the State against the government’s failures in paddy procurement on December 13, against the hike in power tariff on December 27 and seeking payment of fee reimbursement on January 3, 2025,” he added. Published - December 10, 2024 04:45 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit

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Dodgers agree to sign two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell

Candidates for political office vainly hope that by slinging mud upon opponents we voters might enhance our estimate of their cleanliness. During the weeks leading up to our Nov. 5 election, my paper machine worked overtime shredding high quality flyers featuring unflattering images of political adversaries and hyperbolic claims of their unworthiness. With the midterms of 2026 already in sight, I have vowed to not vote for any candidate who disparages their rival. I may struggle to vote for anyone. And in the 2028 presidential run on our sensibilities, I must guard against reverting to voting for a ne’er do well to prevent a worst ne’er do well from taking office. WC Beaver Mechanicsburg Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly!Marta's magic helped get the Pride to Saturday's NWSL title game against the Washington Spirit