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Ukraine liberates 40% of territory occupied by Russia since Feb 2022: official

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By Obabueki Victor Nosakhare

Ukrainian forces have liberated 40% of the territory Russian gained after it invaded its southern neighbor more than 10 months ago, Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces Valerii Zaluzhnyi confirmed Monday.

Of the five regions where Russian forces remain, including Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Luhansk and Crimea, roughly 28% has been freed from occupation.

Zaluzhnyi described 2022 as, “A year that forever changed us, our present and future. A year that went down in world history.”

Emergency service workers extinguish a fire after shelling on the Bakhmut frontline in Ivanivske, Ukraine as Russia-Ukraine war continues on Jan. 2, 2023.

The official said the active front line that continues to divide Ukraine’s eastern regions is roughly 930 miles long with heavy fighting taking place particularly in Donetsk.

Areas like Bakhmut have seen heavy ground fighting for months with trench warfare and a constant barrage of shelling from both sides.

In a rare admission of wartime losses, Russia said on Monday that some 63 Russian servicemen were killed after Ukraine hit its military barracks in the settlement of Makiyivka, roughly 50 miles south of Bakhmut and located in the Donbas region which has seen fighting by Russian-backed groups since 2014,

Some reports have suggested the death toll from the attack that occurred around midnight at the start of the New Year could be significantly higher.

Soldiers of the 59th brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces fire grad missiles on Russian positions in Russia-occupied Donbas region on Dec. 30, 2022, in Donetsk, Ukraine.

“Every day, the Armed Forces fight not only for Ukraine but also for like-minded Europe, for preserving peace, security, and freedom in the whole world. And we will definitely win,” Zaluzhnyi said according to a translation by the Kyiv Independent.

The U.K. defense ministry assessed on Tuesday that Russia had increased the presence of its Wagner mercenary group in Donetsk around Bakhmut in December as fighting escalated, but noted its “operations were poorly supported.”

The ministry said that in response to the escalation Ukraine over the past 10 days committed “significant reinforcements to defend the sector,” and Russian assaults have likely been reduced since mid-December when they peaked.

Shells are prepared for the day as Ukrainian tanks from the second company of the tank battalion are positioned on the frontline on Dec. 25, 2022, in Donetsk, Ukraine.

However, the ministry also noted that “both sides have suffered high casualties.”

“Russian offensive operations in the area are now likely being conducted at only platoon or section level,” the assessment continued. “It is unlikely Russia will achieve a significant breakthrough near Bakhmut in the coming weeks.”

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World

AI Revolution: How 92 Million Jobs Will Disappear and 78 Million Will Emerge by 2030

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World Economic Forum

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.

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Malawi Ex-Minister, Four Others Arrested in $250 Million Fraud Scandal

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Joyce Banda

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.

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39th US president Jimmy Carter dies at 100

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Late Jimmy Carter

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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