World
Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI Dies At 95
Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI has died at his Vatican residence, aged 95, almost a decade after he backed out following his ailing health.He became the first Pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415 after leading the Catholic Church for less than eight years.
Benedict spent his final years at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery within the walls of the Vatican.
His successor Pope Francis said he had visited him there frequently.
The Vatican said in a statement: “With sorrow I inform you that the Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, passed away today at 9:34 in the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery in the Vatican.
“Further information will be provided as soon as possible.”
The Vatican said the body of the Pope Emeritus will be placed in St Peter’s Basilica from 2 January for “the greeting of the faithful”.
Plans for Pope Benedict’s funeral will be announced in the next few hours, the Vatican said.
Although the former pontiff had been ill for some time, the Holy See said there had been an aggravation in his condition because of advancing age.
On Wednesday, Pope Francis appealed to his final audience of the year at the Vatican to “pray a special prayer for Pope Emeritus Benedict”, whom he said was very ill.
Born Joseph Ratzinger in Germany, Benedict was 78 when in 2005 he became one of the oldest popes ever elected.
World
AI Revolution: How 92 Million Jobs Will Disappear and 78 Million Will Emerge by 2030
The future of work is undergoing a seismic shift as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly integral to global industries. A new report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) reveals that 92 million jobs, representing 8% of the global workforce, are expected to be displaced by 2030 due to advancements in AI.
While this statistic may sound alarming, the report offers a glimmer of hope: 170 million new jobs are projected to emerge, leading to a net growth of 78 million jobs globally. However, the transition won’t be seamless.
Key sectors like graphic design and legal administration are already witnessing a wave of automation, with generative AI tools replacing traditional roles. Employers worldwide are feeling the pressure to adapt. According to the WEF, 41% of employers plan to downsize, citing AI’s ability to handle complex tasks more efficiently than humans.
Despite these disruptions, the report emphasizes the potential of AI to revolutionize industries positively. AI and big data top the list of in-demand skills, followed by networks, cybersecurity, and technology literacy. Employers are responding by prioritizing retraining, with 77% committing to upskill their workforce for AI integration.
The WEF warns that the road to this AI-driven future requires careful planning. Millions of workers lack the skills needed to transition to these emerging roles, posing a significant challenge. Without comprehensive support systems, the economic and social impact of job displacement could be severe.
“While technology will enhance productivity, equipping workers with the necessary skills is crucial to ensuring no one is left behind,” the report concludes.
As the AI revolution accelerates, the focus must shift to preparing the workforce for a rapidly changing landscape—transforming what could be a crisis into an opportunity.
World
Malawi Ex-Minister, Four Others Arrested in $250 Million Fraud Scandal
Former finance minister Joseph Mwanamveka and four other former government officials have been apprehended by Malawi’s police for their involvement in an alleged embezzlement scheme worth around $250 million.
The funds are said to have been misappropriated from two state-owned enterprises, Salima Sugar Company and Greenbelt Initiative.
Those arrested include former secretary to the president Lloyd Muhara, former treasury secretary Cliff Chiunda, and Collins Magalasi, the former CEO of Malawi’s energy regulatory authority. The arrests are coming after a 2023 audit of Salima Sugar revealed massive mismanagement of funds.
In total, nine individuals have now been arrested in connection with the fraud, with authorities still pursuing Henry Njoloma, the former acting CEO of Greenbelt Initiative, who remains on the run.
The five arrested on Monday will be brought before a court of law once police complete their statements.
The accused officials served under the presidency of Peter Mutharika from 2014 to 2020. Following Mutharika’s ouster in 2020, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) transitioned into the opposition, while President Lazarus Chakwera’s government took over.
World
39th US president Jimmy Carter dies at 100
The 39th president of the United States and Nobel Peace Prize laureate,Jimmy Carter has passed away at the age of 100, leaving behind an enduring legacy of leadership, humanitarian service, and moral integrity.
Carter’s remarkable journey from a peanut farmer in Plains, Georgia, to the Oval Office epitomized the American dream.
Elected in 1976, he championed human rights, brokered the historic Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, and tackled domestic challenges with honesty and resilience. Despite facing setbacks such as the Iran hostage crisis and economic difficulties, Carter’s single term in office laid the groundwork for policies that emphasized peace and social justice.
While his presidency was met with mixed reviews, Carter’s post-presidential life earned widespread admiration. In 1982, he established the Carter Center, which became a global force for democracy, health, and conflict resolution.
His efforts earned him the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, recognizing his tireless work to alleviate suffering and promote fairness worldwide.
Carter’s dedication extended beyond politics. A devout Christian, he spent decades teaching Sunday school and embodying values of faith, humility, and service.
His advocacy for affordable housing through Habitat for Humanity showcased his belief in empowering the less fortunate.
The loss of his wife, Rosalynn, in November 2023 marked the end of a 77-year partnership defined by mutual love and commitment to humanitarian causes.
Even in grief, Carter’s devotion to family and faith remained steadfast.
Carter’s legacy as a statesman, peacemaker, and advocate for human dignity will continue to inspire generations.
His life reminds the world that leadership grounded in compassion and integrity can leave an indelible mark on history.
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