Vancouver, British Columbia--(ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com - January 8, 2026) - Military Metals Corp. (CSE: MILI) (OTCQB: MILIF) (FSE: QN90) (the "Company") is pleased to announce it has exercised its buyback right to retire the 1% net smelter royalty ("NSR") that applied to its Slovakian portfolio. The 1% NSR covered three mineral properties, including the flagship Trojarová Antimony Gold Project, as well as the Tiennesgrund Antimony Gold Project, and the Medvedi Potok Tin Project. All three projects are now royalty free thus strengthening the strategic value of the portfolio.Scott Eldridge, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, commented, "We are very pleased to have completed the buyback of the NSR royalty on our Slovakian assets, including our flagship Trojarova Antimony Gold Project. This strategic acquisition eliminates future royalty obligations and is intended to provide Military Metals greater financial flexibility as we advance these properties. With our initial drill results from Trojarova now in hand and a Mineral Resource Estimate expected to be completed later this quarter, we believe this was an opportune time to consolidate our ownership position. We look forward to continuing our exploration programs and updating shareholders as we work towards defining the full potential of this exciting project."The Company's wholly-owned subsidiary has exercised the NSR buyback pursuant to the terms of a share purchase agreement previously entered into by such subsidiary. Management and the Board of Directors of the Company determined that the completion of the NSR buyback and the resulting termination of the 1% NSR is beneficial to the Company's shareholders and the economics of the Company's applicable projects. The NSR buyback consideration is a one-time cash payment in the amount of CAD$162,800 (the "Cash Consideration"). There are no further royalties on any of the Company's mineral projects in Slovakia.For more information about Military Metals Corp. and its critical minerals initiatives, please visit: https://www.militarymetalscorp.com.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/military-metals/ X: https://x.com/militarymetalsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564717587797About Military Metals Corp.The Company is a British Columbia-based mineral exploration company that is primarily engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties with a focus on antimony.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD of DIRECTORS,For more information, please contact:Scott EldridgeCEO and Directorscott@militarymetalscorp.com or info@militarymetalscorp.comFor enquiries, please call 604-537-7556Forward-Looking InformationThis news release contains "forward-looking information". Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements related to the projected beneficial value of the NSR Buyback and approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange. Such statement represents the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Additional risk factors can also be found in the Company's public filings under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward looking statements if circumstances, management's estimates or opinions should change, except as required by securities legislation. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279788 Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
Christians are targeted in a systematic kidnapping campaign in Nigeria by jihadi herdsmen, experts say
FIRST ON FOX: The wave of kidnappings targeting Christians in north-central Nigeria by mostly Muslim groups is a deliberate strategy to target, bankrupt, and destroy communities, multiple sources told Digital."Kidnapping for ransom is a key objective of Fulani militants," Steven Kerfas, lead researcher for the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa (ORFA), told Digital. He added, "They use it to fund their terrorism and also to push the Christian community into financial ruin."In Nigeria’s Middle Belt states, "these groups are targeted," Kerfas said. "There are cases where 100 Christians are led into the forest and held for months. They’re forced to come up with ransoms they don’t have, so they have to sell everything—including their farmland."He continued, "They rely on subsistence agriculture to survive. Now they’re made to sell the farmland they depend on to pay the ransom. So when they’re released, what do they go back to? Nothing."Henrietta Blyth, CEO of Open Doors UK—a global Christian charity that supports Christians persecuted for their faith—told Digital, "The ransom kidnapping crisis in north-central Nigeria doesn’t just affect Christians, but it’s clear they’re disproportionately singled out."Open Doors reports that 4,407 Christians were abducted in Nigeria’s north-central region between 2020 and 2025. When adjusted for population size, a Christian was 2.4 times more likely than a Muslim to be kidnapped, the organization claims.Blyth said, "Kidnappers use tactics like raids on churches and schools… Priests and pastors are targeted because they represent high-value targets. Families and friends often have to sell land, livestock, and property to meet the kidnappers’ demands, which can bankrupt families for generations."Blyth warned of the "horrific dilemma" Christians face: "Pay ransoms hoping to save lives—knowing payment lets attacks continue—or refuse and risk their loved ones being slaughtered. Sometimes families and communities pay the ransom, but the kidnapped person still isn’t released alive."International Christian Concern reported that a pastor kidnapped in August last year in north-central Nigeria, Rev. James Audu Issa, was held for several weeks and then killed—even though a ransom had been paid."In the (Nigerian) Middle Belt, they kidnap clergy, they abduct women. They hardly kidnap any Muslims," Nigerian lawyer Jabez Musa told Digital. Musa is a pseudonym used to protect the lawyer’s identity.He said, "The purpose of these ransom demands is to weaken Christians economically. That’s how Christians view it."The lawyer added that in April this year, one church—the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA)—said it had to pay 300 million naira ($205,000) in ransom for about 50 members kidnapped in Kaduna State and Plateau State. Payments like these place an unbearable financial strain on the church and affected families.Kerfas added, "Fulani militants are waging jihad, and of course, they need to fund that jihad. So the Christians being abducted have to pay huge sums as ransoms."Christian communities are the majority in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. But the Fulani militants’ stated goal of wiping out Christian communities through kidnapping leaves their future desperate and bleak.Kerfas warned, "If you don’t pay the ransom, you get killed. And sometimes, even after paying, you still get killed." Digital reached out to the Nigerian government but did not receive a response.
Hong Kong Tech Firms Win Big at CES 2026 with Frontier Tech Innovations to Draw Global Buyer Interest
HONG KONG, January 8, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) led the largest ever delegation of 61 Hong Kong tech companies to the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas from January 6-9. In just the first two days, the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion drew visits from dozens of international brands, industry leaders and investors exploring the latest local innovations and potential collaboration. The participation enables local tech firms to access overseas markets, showcase their R&D strengths, underscores the city’s role as a leading international innovation and technology (I&T) hub.The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion featured innovations spanning across areas in advanced materials & sustainable technology, AI & data, digital transformation, electronics & robotics, and life & health. Meanwhile, three of the city’s rising stars were recognised at the prestigious annual CES Innovation Awards 2026, with Widemount Dynamics Tech leading the way with its Smart Firefighting Robot named as the Best of Innovation for “Product in Support of Human Security for All”. Eieling and PointFit were honored under the “Digital Health” category, with the world’s first intelligence-driven compact fatty liver diagnostic device FattaLab® and patented ultra-thin biomarkers tracking wearable PF-Sweat Patch.Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said: “We believe in catalysing tomorrow’s world and this celebration of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology via the global platform like CES demonstrates our city’s unique convergence of cutting-edge R&D, global talent and capital, and enablers such as HKSTP is connecting innovators with resources, markets and opportunities, propelling their success to the world stage.”Vivian Chan, Associate Director, Business Development, Exhibitions and Digital Business, HKTDC pinpointed that, “Having participated in CES for over 40 years, HKTDC is committed to facilitating more technology-driven, cross-border business deals and investments riding on our global network with over 50 offices, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a regional and global innovation hub.”Photo download: https://bit.ly/3N2DQP1The largest-ever Hong Kong Tech Pavilion featured 61 tech companies at CES 2026, signifying Hong Kong’s fast-rising technology advancements and the ability to empower innovators in and out of the city to scale imagination to global impact.Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP (2nd from left), Vivian Chan, Associate Director, Business Development, Exhibitions and Digital Business, HKTDC (2nd from right), Eddy Chan, Executive Vice-Chairmen of HKEIA (1st from left) and Janenne Remondino, Senior Director of International Programs, Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® (1st from right) officiated the opening of Hong Kong Tech Pavilion at CES 2026. Three of the city’s innovation stars received global recognition at the CES Innovation Awards 2026 including (from left) Eieling Technology, Widemount Dynamics Tech and Point Fit Technology.Co-organised by HKSTP, HKTDC and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office of San Francisco, a Hong Kong Tech Networking Reception was conducted to inspire tech professionals, business partners and investors in the US to discover the wealth of opportunities in Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem.From left:- Vivian Chan, Associate Director, Business Development, Exhibitions and Digital Business, HKTDC- Terry Wong, CEO, HKSTP- DC Cheung, Director, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, San FranciscoProduct demo and pitching sessions were arranged for startups to enhance exposure and visibility during the show. The delegation saw enthusiasm drawn to Hong Kong-based innovative solutions spanning across areas in advanced materials & sustainable technology, AI & data, digital transformation, electronics & robotics, and life & health.Appendix: List of 61 tech companies at Hong Kong Tech Pavilion, including 47 within the HKSTP ecosystem (in alphabetical order) No.Company NameBooth Location10x LimitedEureka Park2AIeveR Robotics LimitedGlobal Pavilion3Airoma AI LimitedEureka Park4AniMed Technology LimitedEureka Park5AP Infosense LimitedGlobal Pavilion6Aporion Technology LimitedEureka Park7BuyHive LimitedEureka Park8Cartesius Robotics LimitedGlobal Pavilion9Cresento LimitedEureka Park10Cyanse Smart Energy Tech LimitedGlobal Pavilion11Dealer Send Logistics LimitedGlobal Pavilion12Decennium Platforms LimitedEureka Park13Dentomi LimitedEureka Park14DRESIO LimitedGlobal Pavilion15Eieling Technology LimitedGlobal Pavilion16Entoptica LimitedEureka Park17Ezygreenpak LimitedGlobal Pavilion18Feelings Group LimitedEureka Park19Firefilm Group LimitedGlobal Pavilion20FreightAmigo Services LimitedGlobal Pavilion21Gembody LimitedEureka Park22Glassdio Scientific Company LimitedEureka Park23GoGoChart Technology LimitedGlobal Pavilion24Green Vigor LimitedEureka Park25Greenbulb Trading LimitedGlobal Pavilion26Hay-koze LimitedEureka Park27Haylo Tech LimitedEureka Park28HKSTP x ARROW HARDWARE LABGlobal Pavilion 29Hong Kong Aozhen Technology Co., LimitedGlobal Pavilion30iCombo Tech Company LimitedEureka Park31ImageVector MedTech LimitedEureka Park32Immune Materials LimitedEureka Park33Innobound LimitedEureka Park34Loongrise Avionics (HK) Co., LimitedGlobal Pavilion35Mangdang Technology Co., LimitedEureka Park36MedVision LimitedEureka Park37Meridian Innovation LimitedGlobal Pavilion 38MintMind LimitedGlobal Pavilion39Mirror Caring LimitedEureka Park40MMSTAR Technologies LimitedEureka Park41moftBODY LimitedEureka Park42Multiply Studio & Technologies LimitedEureka Park43Novautek Autonomous Driving LimitedGlobal Pavilion44Nuvatech LimitedEureka Park45On-Skin Wearable Technology LimitedEureka Park46Plasticvore Chain LimitedEureka Park47Point Fit Technology LimitedEureka Park48ReSaTech LimitedGlobal Pavilion49Robocore Technology LimitedGlobal Pavilion50Shannon & Turing Technology LimitedEureka Park51Solos Technology LimitedGlobal Pavilion52TG0 LimitedGlobal Pavilion53The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityGlobal Pavilion54UbiquiTech Innovations LimitedEureka Park55Vcare Vision Technology LimitedGlobal Pavilion56Vista Innotech LimitedGlobal Pavilion57Webuild Tech LimitedEureka Park58WeWealth Electronic Innotech LimitedGlobal Pavilion59Widemount Dynamics Tech LimitedEureka Park60Xeroptix Technology LimitedEureka Park61XOXO Beverages LimitedGlobal PavilionAbout Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks CorporationHong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 to create a thriving I&T ecosystem grooming 12 unicorns, more than 16,000 research professionals and around 2,600 technology companies from 25 countries and regions focused on developing healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies, etc.Our growing innovation ecosystem offers comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures, with the I&T journey built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Pak Shek Kok, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong, where sectors including advanced manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined.Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen plays positive roles in connecting the world and the mainland with our proximity, strengthening cross-border exchange to bring advantages in attracting global talent and allowing possibilities for the development of technology companies in seven key areas: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability, with both dry and wet laboratories, co-working space, conference and exhibition facilities, and more.Through our R&D infrastructure, startup support and enterprise services, commercialisation and investment expertise, partnership networks and talent traction, HKSTP continues to contribute in establishing I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong.More information about HKSTP is available at www.hkstp.org.About HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Media Contact: Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks CorporationAngela LauTel: +852 6535 7611Email: angela.lau@hkstp.orgHKTDC – Communications & Public Affairs DepartmentWinnie KanTel: +852 2584 4055Email: winnie.wy.kan@hktdc.org Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
Education & Careers Expo opens 22 January
HONG KONG, January 8, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – The 35th Education & Careers Expo, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will be held from 22 to 25 January (Thursday to Sunday) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Expo is open to the public with free admission.This year’s event is divided into separate "Education" and "Careers" sections and will bring together over 860 organisations from 23 countries and regions, including government bureaux and departments, tertiary institutions and education centres, to offer a wide range of information on further studies and career opportunities. The popular “CV Clinic” is enhanced this year with the introduction of new services, including Personal Colour Analysis and 16 Personality Types Magic Quiz, one-to-one trainee and career consultations, and an Aptitude Test Ready Station. These value-added services will help job seekers gain deeper insights into their personal strengths and attributes, and enable them to plan their career paths with greater clarity and confidence.Smilely Lam, Assistant Executive Director of the HKTDC said, “With the theme of ‘Go with Your Passion, Go Beyond Limits,’ this year’s Expo spans four days and focuses on key areas including Civil Servants & Public Services, Next Gen Technologies, Healthcare & Wellness, and Greater Bay Area Opportunities — to better align with social development and evolving market needs. The Expo will also host special seminars to inspire university students and overseas students to explore employment and development opportunities in Hong Kong, as well as showcase the advantages of Hong Kong institutions’ diverse courses and international recognition. This will help students and working professionals plan their study and career paths, while attracting non-local students to Hong Kong for education and growth, enhancing our status as an international education hub. The ‘Careers’ section provides a platform for government departments, public institutions and the business sector to recruit talent. Through exchanges with representatives from international organisations, the Expo supports Hong Kong’s development as an international hub for high-calibre talent.”Promote education in Hong Kong and explore diverse pathwaysThe 2025 Policy Address announced measures to consolidate Hong Kong’s role as an education hub and talent centre. In line with this directive, this year’s Expo hosts a series of themed talks and seminars to encourage students from neighbouring regions to pursue further studies and career opportunities in Hong Kong. Highlights include the themed seminar “A Date with Giants”, featuring representatives from enterprises such as J.P. Morgan and Lenovo. The session is designed to inspire university and overseas students to explore diverse career and development opportunities in technology, finance, entrepreneurship and further studies, thus enhancing their employability and career prospects in Hong Kong.The China Hong Kong Elite Union will invite “Hong Kong Drifters”, Chinese Mainland students who study in Hong Kong, to share their experience from education to employment, providing insight for non-local students who wish to develop their careers in Hong Kong. In addition, the principal of the Hong Kong Chinese Women’s Club College will join two alumni to share tips to achieve top results in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination.Integration of AI applications and education programmes to align with workforce trendsThe “Education” section is divided into four zones: “Local Studies”, “Non-Hong Kong Education”, “Lifelong Learning” and “Youth Zone”. The “Local Studies” section will bring together a wide range of tertiary institutions and vocational and professional education providers. Highlights include the SOPHIE 8x model, independently developed by the Engineering Discipline of the Vocational Training Council (VTC) and winner of the World Solar Challenge held in Australia last year, which will be showcased at the Expo to highlight how the courses nurtures technology talent while showcasing the potential of Hong Kong's young generation in the innovation and technology field.The Hong Kong Institute of Construction will also present its latest technological and innovative achievements, featuring a series of immersive learning experiences such as the “AI Tower Crane Simulator”. Using AI technology, visitors will experience a simulated construction site environment and gain firsthand insight into innovative construction technologies, fostering a fresh and positive perception of the industry. A number of institutions will also introduce new application-oriented programmes, including robotics and automation engineering, in response to a growing global demand for technology related industries talent, strengthening the linkage between education and the workplace.The “Non-Hong Kong Education” zone comprises consulates based in Hong Kong, overseas universities and education consultancy organisations from various countries and regions, offering study abroad advisory services covering Europe, the Americas, Asia and countries and regions along the Belt and Road. These services will assist students in planning their overseas study pathways according to their interests, academic backgrounds and budgets.The “Lifelong Learning” and “Youth Zone” sections will provide a wide spectrum of further education and industry information for working professionals, career switchers and young people. The Employees Retraining Board (ERB) will introduce skills training programmes across multiple industries and offer consultation services on technology, language and vocational skills training. The Professional Communication Association will share insight on public speaking, debating and job interview techniques to help enhance soft skills. Organisations such as the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups and the Hong Kong Youth Exchange Promotion United Association will provide young people with career planning support, summer job opportunities and internship placements.An upgraded “CV Clinic” with six key services to enhance workplace competitivenessOn the employment and recruitment front, the “Careers” and “Recruitment Square” zones will offer job seekers a wide range of career pathways. Over 30 government departments and public organisations will set up booths in the “Careers” zone, including the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the Airport Authority of Hong Kong, the Education Bureau, the Civil Service Bureau, the Judiciary and various financial institutions. Participating government departments will include disciplined services and professional and technical roles, as well as administrative and management grades. This reflects a strong demand for young talent and provides firsthand information and professional insights for visitors seeking a career in public service.The “Recruitment Square” will offer a comprehensive range of employment information and support services, with some employers conducting onsite interviews to enable job seekers to apply directly. The “CV Clinic”, which received an enthusiastic response last year, will return with a comprehensive upgrade. This year, the Clinic will feature six services including one-to-one CV consultations and professional CV portrait photography provided by recruitment platform Jobsdb; 1:1 Trainee Programme & Career Consultation, an Aptitude Test Ready Station, offered by career consultancy MT20 Consulting Limited to help job seekers master interview strategies and enhance their chances of success; onsite Personal Colour Analysis by clincolour; and the latest 2026 edition of the “16 Personality Types Magic Quiz” presented by CTgoodjobs. Job seekers may reserve these onsite services in advance via the Education & Careers Expo website. Quotas are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.Over 100 events to examine industry trends and career prospectsDuring the Expo period, four themed days will be organised: "Civil Servants & Public Services”, “Next Gen Technologies”, “Healthcare & Wellness” and “Greater Bay Area Opportunities”. Over 100 activities will feature industry experts and speakers to share their experience in areas such as innovation and technology, public service careers and working holiday programmes, to provide students and job seekers with comprehensive industry insights. Serrini, a singer-songwriter who holds a PhD from the University of Hong Kong, will share her career path to success. Film screenwriters and directors will also speak at selected sessions to share professional perspectives and life experiences, while well-known DJ “Ah Jeng” will speak about her growth and career story. The Expo will also feature a series of skill-training sessions and interactive activities suitable for parents and children, including a mock TV studio set up by Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) where participants can experience professional production workflows first-hand.Four themed days and highlighted events22 JanuaryCivil Servants & Public Services themed events- Secretary for Education Dr Choi Yuk-lin, JP, will officiate at the opening ceremony.- The Civil Service Bureau and other government departments will host seminars to introduce career development in the civil service and public services.23 JanuaryNext Gen Technologies themed events- The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Hong Kong Electric, CLP Power and MTR Corporation will host seminars to discuss prospects for technology and smart city development.Star Speaker Sharing- Ho Cheuk-tin, director of “The Sparring Partner”; Chiu Sin-hang, director of “One Second Champion”; Sunny Chan, director and screenwriter of the “The Table for Six” series; and Dr Terry Lam, Dean of the School of Film and Television at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and screenwriter of “A Guilty Conscience” will explore new trends in using technology for storytelling and film production.- Serrini, a singer-songwriter who holds a PhD from the University of Hong Kong will share her career path to success.24 JanuaryHealthcare & Wellness themed events- Registered expressive arts therapist Aleck Kwong will share his journey from top HKCEE scorer to one of the 2025 Ten Outstanding Young Persons, and how he found his life purpose through an extraordinary career path.Star Speaker Sharing- Radio DJ “Ah Jeng” will share her personal growth and career story.- Hong Kong actress and singer Sara Lee, together with Dr Fan Ning, Chairman of Forget Thee Not, will share their experiences of becoming life celebrants and the insights gained along the way.25 JanuaryGreater Bay Area Opportunities themed events- Calvin Tse, President of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs, will speak on “Guide to GBA Entrepreneurship”, sharing practical experience and advice with young people interested in entrepreneurship.Star Speaker Sharing- Angela Stanton, the first runner-up at the 2025 Miss Hong Kong pageant, will share how she journeyed from graduating with first-class honours from the University of Cambridge, to working in investment banking, to becoming a news anchor, illustrating the boundless possibilities of career development.Seats for activities are limited and pre-registration online is encouraged. Visitors can also enjoy the “Instant Career Snapshot” AI photo experience and receive complimentary souvenirs, including a limited-edition mobile phone strap for the 35th Education & Careers Expo, while stocks last. For details and registration, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/3yh4wd8aPhoto download: https://bit.ly/4smN74qSmilely Lam, Assistant Executive Director of the HKTDC, says this year’s Education & Careers Expo features the theme “Go with Your Passion, Go Beyond Limits”. The four themed days cover Civil Servants & Public Services, Next Gen Technologies, Healthcare & Wellness, and Greater Bay Area Opportunities, in line with social development and market needs.This year’s Expo brings together over 860 organisations from 23 countries and regions, offering comprehensive information on study, further education and employment opportunities. The photo shows last year’s 34th Education & Careers Expo.Education & Careers Expo Website: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkeducationexpo/enEvents’ information: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkeducationexpo/en/intelligence-hubHKTDC Media Room: https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/enMedia enquiriesHKTDC's Corporate Communications Department:Stanley SoTel: (852) 2584 4049Email: stanley.hp.so@hktdc.org Navin LawTel: (852) 2584 4025Email: navin.cm.law@hktdc.orgWinnie KanTel: (852) 2584 4055Email: winnie.wy.kan@hktdc.orgAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland , the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
Hall Chadwick to Convene Invitation-Only Capital Access Forum for APAC Corporates Exploring Global Capital Pathways
Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore January 8, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – Hall Chadwick, the leading Australian-founded professional services firm with a 138-year legacy, will host an invitation-only investment forum in Singapore in March 2026, bringing together senior corporate leaders, global capital markets advisers and institutional investors to examine how Asia-Pacific companies can navigate evolving global capital markets and access deeper pools of capital, liquidity and strategic partners.The two-day forum will be held at Capella Singapore on 10–11 March 2026, with a private golf day on 9 March. The event will feature keynote addresses and panels from senior representatives of NASDAQ, leading global investors and capital markets specialists, alongside keynote speaker Donald Trump Jr., Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization.The forum is convened by Hall Chadwick, with Cohen & Company Capital Markets (CCM) participating as an anchor sponsor and contributor to the program. CCM is a highly active adviser in the Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) and de-SPAC space, and will share practical insights alongside other market participants, drawing on recent transaction experience including the HCAC transaction that culminated in a NASDAQ bell-ringing ceremony.Key Event Details (at a glance)Dates & Venue- 10–11 March 2026 — Capella Singapore- Golf Day: 9 March 2026Format- Invitation-only forum- Pre-arranged one-on-one corporate and investor meetings- Panels, closed-door roundtables and networking sessionsKeynote Speaker- Donald Trump Jr., Executive Vice President, The Trump OrganizationParticipants- NASDAQ leadership- Institutional investors and global funds- Capital markets advisers and transaction specialistsA defining moment for global capital and supply chainsGlobal capital markets are at an inflection point. Shifting interest-rate cycles, tighter capital conditions and heightened regulatory scrutiny are reshaping how and where companies raise capital. At the same time, supply chains in critical minerals, energy, technology and advanced manufacturing are being re-evaluated, creating new demands for scale, transparency and long-term institutional support.For Asia-Pacific corporates, these dynamics are driving a reassessment of capital strategy. Domestic markets remain important, but increasingly, companies are exploring international capital options to support growth, liquidity events, cross-border acquisitions and strategic partnerships. The U.S. capital markets, with their depth, institutional reach and sector specialisation, continue to play a central role in that global ecosystem.Capital optionality becomes a strategic advantage for APAC corporatesFor companies operating across the Asia-Pacific region, engagement with international capital markets is rarely a binary decision. Geopolitical complexity, regulatory considerations and investor perception all influence how boards and management teams approach global expansion and funding strategies.In this environment, optionality matters. Understanding how different capital structures work, how timing and jurisdictional considerations affect outcomes, and how investor expectations vary across markets enables corporates to prepare strategically, even if execution occurs later or through alternative pathways.Hall Chadwick’s Singapore Forum is designed to provide insight and perspective, enabling corporates to assess structures, partnerships and timing without presupposing outcomes or commitments.From strategy to execution: a forum designed for decision-makersUnlike large public conferences, Hall Chadwick’s Capital Access Forum 2026 is intentionally limited in size and highly curated. Each participating corporate will receive one to two private, pre-arranged meetings with financiers, sponsors and advisers aligned to their sector and strategic objectives.The agenda is built around execution-level discussion, covering:- SPAC and IPO pathways in current market conditions- Cross-border M&A and strategic partnerships- Regulatory frameworks and listing considerations- Institutional investor expectations and capital deployment trends- Sector-specific dynamics across critical minerals, AI, technology, energy and infrastructureThe emphasis is on practical insight: what works, what does not, and how successful transactions are being structured in today’s market.Perspectives from global capital market leadersA key highlight of the forum is the keynote address by Donald Trump Jr., Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization. With extensive experience in large-scale real estate, corporate development and international expansion, he brings a commercial perspective on navigating market cycles, unlocking growth opportunities and engaging global capital platforms.The program will also feature senior leadership from NASDAQ, offering insight into U.S. public markets, listing considerations and sector trends, alongside institutional investors and global funds actively deploying capital.Convening at the intersection of capital, strategy and executionHall Chadwick’s decision to convene the Singapore Forum reflects its evolution into a global corporate advisory platform operating at the intersection of capital, strategy and execution.Founded more than 138 years ago as a chartered accounting firm, Hall Chadwick has expanded well beyond its traditional accounting heritage to integrate global capital markets expertise. Today, the firm advises corporates on complex cross-border transactions, U.S. public listings and SPAC structures, working alongside specialist partners to deliver end-to-end outcomes.The forum provides a live demonstration of this model in practice, including insights drawn from Hall Chadwick’s recent HCAC transaction, which delivered a four-times return and culminated in a NASDAQ bell-ringing ceremony.Reflecting the Forum’s focus on global capital connectivity and institutional engagement, Donald Trump Jr., Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization and the Forum’s keynote speaker, said: “I look forward to joining top industry leaders, financiers, strategic partners, and market specialists in Singapore this spring.”Kayla Hardy, Partner of Hall Chadwick (Hong Kong), said: “Global capital markets are becoming more complex, more selective and more interconnected. This forum is about giving corporate leaders clarity; not just on the opportunities, but on the structures, timing and execution required to access them responsibly. Singapore provides a neutral platform for those conversations, and we are pleased to bring together market leaders to share practical insight drawn from real transactions.”Who the forum is designed forThe forum is designed for senior decision-makers, including:- CEOs, CFOs and corporate development leaders- Corporate executives across mining, resources, energy, technology, infrastructure and manufacturing- Investment firms, funds, family offices and financial services executives- Companies exploring international capital markets, strategic partnerships or liquidity eventsAttendance is by invitation only, with participation capped to ensure meaningful engagement.For companies not initially included on the invitation list, a limited opportunity is available to submit an expression of interest for consideration, subject to review and availability. Requests must be submitted by 5.00pm on 28 January 2026.Registration and enquiriesCorporate attendees who receive an invitation may register via the exclusive Eventbrite link provided in their invitation package.Investors who have received an invitation, or who wish to enquire about participation, may contact:Kristina Khlopunovakkhlopunova@hallchadwick.comMedia enquiries:Hall ChadwickMike Willeseemwillesee@hallchadwick.com.auFinancial & Corporate Relations Pty Ltd.Maggie Aum.au@fcr.com.au Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
Netflix’s Most Fascinating New Drama Features an Unexpected Supernatural Twist
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty ImagesDuring Netflix's live sports broadcasts over the 2025 holiday season, one promotional clip repeatedly aired during commercial breaks: a cryptic brief footage tracking a young woman experiencing bizarre occurrences connected to prominent Netflix series such as , , and Stranger Things. The teaser concluded by hinting at a major reveal on January 7th.Now that January 7th has arrived, the announcement has been made. It's not the of Stranger Things, but the complete lineup of Netflix's planned 2026 releases. While extensive, the list contains a new series that appears poised to become Netflix's next major success. View the full teaser below: published Netflix's forthcoming schedule, with certain projects such as One Piece Season 2 and The Night Agent Season 3 receiving specific premiere dates, while others are merely slated for the general 2026 timeframe. Concealed among both fresh and returning series, plus three separate ventures from Stranger Things' creators, lies a modest project titled The Body.The Body, hailing from actress-turned-showrunner Quinn Shephard of Hulu's Under the Bridge, was initially revealed in October 2025, though this marks the first indication of its potential arrival. The synopsis states: "A dance-team initiation gone awry causes a group of misbehaving Catholic schoolgirls to start experiencing prophetic visions, triggering mass hysteria throughout their community."Under the Bridge, though grounded in actual crime, similarly told a story of troubled girls. | HuluThe cast of young performers has already been revealed, featuring The Pitt’s Jackson Kelly, ex-Disney Channel star Sofia Wylie, and numerous emerging actors. Reality television personality and TikTok influencer Gabby Windey will make her screen acting debut as Coach Miller. While the series is categorized as a "coming-of-age drama," the description strongly suggests supernatural elements. Though Under the Bridge flew under the radar, and series often disappear amid Netflix's crowded catalog, incorporating supernatural aspects into Quinn Shephard's repertoire could render this among 2026's most fascinating offerings, regardless of its premiere date.The Body will debut on Netflix in 2026.
Top Stealth Game of the Last Ten Years Available for Free with Amazon Prime
Lince WorksWhile stealth games are still around, the genre has evolved significantly from its origins. Modern hits like and differ greatly from the titles of the 1990s and early 2000s. However, some recent games still pay homage to the classic stealth action style of , and one such title is now available for free to Amazon Prime members.The core principle of hiding in darkness is central to Lince Works' Aragami , which builds its entire gameplay around this concept. Players control a vengeful spirit endowed with shadow magic, summoned to rescue a mysterious girl. The game's world is distinctly split into areas of light and shadow. Remaining in darkness recharges your power and renders you nearly invisible when stationary. Conversely, exposure to light rapidly depletes your magic and makes you instantly visible to enemies.Aragami’s shadow magic lets you take full advantage of its moonlit environments. | Lince WorksThis light-and-dark mechanic defines Aragami's stealth, which emphasizes fast decisions, precise movement, and utilizing a wide array of powers. Foundational skills form the basis of your approach: with sufficient energy, you can teleport to any patch of shadow and even generate new ones. This pair of abilities accelerates the game's pace, as a common and effective tactic is to create a shadow behind a guard, teleport to it for an assassination, and then vanish before being detected. This system also facilitates quick getaways after being spotted or allows you to bait and distract enemies.As a result, Aragami feels more dynamic and lenient than many stealth games, yet it still requires strategic planning. Your magic depletes rapidly in lit areas, so its use must be calculated. Allowing a guard to engage you in direct combat will end your attempt instantly without a prepared escape plan.Aragami encourages you to use your powers as much as possible. | Lince WorksAragami draws more direct inspiration from the classic Tenchu than most contemporary stealth games. Although a non-lethal approach is possible, the game incentivizes eliminating guards, particularly for achieving a perfect "ghost" run by clearing a level without being seen. Mirroring Tenchu, each mission concludes with a scorecard that grades your performance, awarding points for takedowns and penalizing you for detections, discovered bodies, and other mistakes.Another similarity to Tenchu is the emphasis on an expanding toolkit. Beyond basic skills, players can unlock new abilities using scrolls found in levels. With enough scrolls, you can gain powers like invisibility, ranged knife throws, a blinding flash, or even summoning a shadow beast to eliminate enemies and hide their bodies. Leveraging these tools is key to conquering the game's most difficult sections and is far more engaging than a simplistic approach.The stealth genre's expansion has been largely positive, now encompassing immersive sims, tactical games, and occasional throwbacks. Yet, the foundational style that started it all remains viable, and Aragami demonstrates how a fresh take on a classic formula can yield an excellent game.Aragami is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. It’s currently free for Amazon Prime subscribers through .
Iluvatar CoreX Soars by 31.54% in Trading Debut: ‘Genuine Leader’ of Domestic AI Computing Power Chips Emerges
HONG KONG, January 8, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – On January 8, Shanghai Iluvatar CoreX Semiconductor Co., Ltd. (“Iluvatar CoreX”, stock code: 9903.HK), the highly anticipated Chinese GPGPU chip design company, officially commenced trading on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The stock surged over 31.54% at the opening bell, propelling its market capitalization past the HK$ 48.37 billion threshold.The impressive first-day performance not only validated the market's strong expectations for the substitution of domestic computing power but also highlighted the robust investment value of Iluvatar CoreX, serving as the “computing power chip backbone” for domestic large models. As a scarce GPGPU stock in Hong Kong's equity market, Iluvatar CoreX has emerged as the most definitive core investee amid the AI investment boom by virtue of its lucid business logic and solid commercialization achievements, offering an optimal timing window for investors to position themselves within the domestic high-end computing power sector.Full-stack technological upgrades solidify the computing power foundation for domestic large modelsAt the pivotal juncture where AI large models transition from technical validation to scaled deployment, the technical maturity and consistency of supply of GPGPU directly determine the pace and penetration of industrial implementation. Through its fully-stack self-developed technology path and continuously evolving GPGPU architecture, Iluvatar CoreX has emerged as the most dependable “computing power chip backbone” for domestic large models, breaking the monopoly held by international giants in the high-end computing power sector.As the China’s first company to achieve mass production of GPGPU chips for both training and inference, Iluvatar CoreX has established a product ecosystem spanning the entire lifecycle of large models: the “TG” series training chips prioritizes massive data processing and model training, addressing the high-intensity computing demands of large-scale parameter models; while the “ZK” series inference chips are optimized for deployment scenarios and address inference-specific requirements such as low latency, high throughput, and optimal power efficiency, delivering excellent performance-to-cost ratio for large language model inference tasks. Crucially, adhering to the "hardware-software integration” philosophy, Iluvatar CoreX has independently developed a software stack that ensures full compatibility with mainstream GPGPU programming ecosystem and platform, thereby significantly reducing customer migration costs.Through three generations of GPGPU architectural iterations and progressive software stack enhancement, Iluvatar CoreX has achieved steady advancement in computing performance, ecosystem compatibility, and adaptability across diverse application scenarios, positioning itself as a genuine technology-driven enterprise rather than a “concept company” reliant on policy incentives. As domestic large models transition from technical validation to in-depth industry integration and scaled deployment, the demand for a high-performance, cost-effective, and consistently supplied domestic computing backbone is poised for explosive growth. Leveraging its first-mover advantage in mass production, proven product reliability through bulk deployment, and extensive hardware/software ecosystem compatibility, Iluvatar CoreX has become a serious option for numerous technology giants and industry leaders pursuing computing autonomy.With a lucid business logic, Iluvatar CoreX stands as the most robust AI computing chip enterpriseAmidst the AI chip industry’s prevailing challenges of “splashing the cash with narrow profitability”, Iluvatar CoreX has charted a healthy trajectory of “technology implementation - scaled monetization - sustained growth” by virtue of its lucid business logic, establishing itself as the computing chip enterprise with the most solid capabilities for sustainable development in China.Unlike business models that rely heavily on government subsidies, research projects, or single demonstration orders, Iluvatar CoreX rapidly penetrated the market by leveraging its products’ advantages of enhanced efficiency, strong adaptability and high portability, with its customer base directly anchored to the most authentic and sustainable demand sources within the AI industry: cloud service providers, large data centers, and leading government and enterprise clients. The core procurement logic for these clients is acquiring continuous, stable, and scalable computing to support their massive AI training and inference operations. This generates predictable bulk orders and sustained repurchase potential for Iluvatar CoreX, aligning its revenue characteristics with rigid infrastructure investments, which forms a sustainable business model closely aligned with “directly delivering computing value”. From an investment perspective, Iluvatar CoreX’s business trajectory offers greater clarity and stronger cash flow visibility.Meanwhile, Iluvatar CoreX maintains an efficient and controlled pace in its R&D investments. Based on publicly available financial data, the “R&D expense/revenue” ratio of Iluvatar CoreX ranges between approximately 80% and 120%, representing the lowest level among comparable peers. This healthy return on investment ensures continuous technological iteration while avoiding operational pressures from reckless spending, which effectively reduces the risk of the Company being forced into strategic compromises or marginalized due to the pressure on the capital chain. Market analysis widely recognizes Iluvatar CoreX as the most likely enterprise to maintain its independent leadership position in long-term competition through its self-sustaining capabilities and technological accumulation.Performance continues to improve with promising growth prospectsSolid business logic brings impressive performance. As of June 2025, Iluvatar CoreX had cumulatively shipped over 52,000 units of GPGPU products, served over 290 cross-sector customers, and completed over 900 deployments and applications in essential sectors including financial services, healthcare and transportation. Revenue scale has experienced explosive growth, surging from RMB189 million in 2022 to RMB540 million in 2024, representing a compound annual growth rate of 68.8%. Revenue further increased by 64.2% to RMB324 million in the first half of 2025.What is even more noteworthy is its high-quality profit structure. In 2024, the gross margin for the Company’s GPGPU products reached 56.6%, and the overall gross margin remained at a high level of 50.1% in the first half of 2025. This data fully demonstrates that the Company’s products have gained genuine market recognition through technological premium pricing rather than relying on low-price competition, laying a solid foundation for long-term sustainable growth.The impressive performance of Iluvatar CoreX on its first day of listing represents the market’s “vote” for its solid accumulation over the past years and its core position in the golden track of AI computing. It has demonstrated its profit-making capability through clear business logic and its spending efficiency through healthy financial indicators. As AI investment transitions from conceptual phase to performance validation, companies like Iluvatar CoreX possessing technical hard power, genuine commercial momentum, and financial stability are poised to consistently deliver growth value amid the dual waves of AI technological revolution and domestic substitution. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
Seven Years After Release, ‘Red Dead Redemption 2’ Community Scrambles to Unravel New Mystery
Rockstar GamesSeven years after came out, the game's very active community has just stumbled onto a major mystery and is scrambling to get to the bottom of it. This one goes deep.In late December, discovered several spider webs scattered on telephone poles throughout the game's open world. These eight webs appear for exactly one in-game hour each day and release a feather when shot. , a popular Red Dead YouTube channel that has been documenting the hunt for answers, credited Reddit user with discovering a larger web hung in a tree at the center of the other eight webs.That web contains the letter N, along with an image of a telephone pole. Heading directly north from there leads players to an ordinary-looking pole. However, chipping away at its wooden base with a firearm reveals a hidden message underneath—a W with five telephone pole symbols.Walking five poles west and shooting its base reveals another hidden message: NW and a guitar symbol. Following these directions leads players to the Fort Wallace settlement, where a series of guitars eventually takes them to a roof. There, players found two bird symbols carved into the tiles. Heading in the direction the two birds seem to be flying leads players to the very edge of the map, where, if you peer toward a specific mountain with binoculars, you can make out a giant question mark etched on the mountainside.This question mark can't be reached, as the mountain is out of bounds. Fans aren't sure whether this particular punctuation marks the end of this mysterious journey, or if there's more to this tangled web. While the hunt for answers continues, another layer to the mystery suggests that it extends beyond Red Dead's world. Last month, Grand Theft Auto 5 players discovered two spider webs on Mount Chiliad, the map's largest mountain. Both webs look exactly like those found in Red Dead 2, and also appear only during a specific in-game hour. Additionally, a coin-operated fortune teller named Madam Nazar (who's actually ) seems to mention these webs when activated in GTA Online.Grand Theft Auto 5 is part of the larger Red Dead mystery. | Rockstar Games / GTA BOOM“I see a web, still tangled after years of unraveling,” she says. “Will you be the one? I wonder!” Keen-eyed players have confirmed that the spider-web mystery has lain dormant within Red Dead 2 since it launched in 2018, suggesting that whatever this is leading to isn't related to the likes of or the Red Dead Redemption 2 remaster. However, its ties to GTA Online imply that Rockstar is teasing something big.We're not sure how this will all end, but we're on the edge of our seats. If you're as intrigued as we are, I suggest monitoring the for the latest. Or, if this is putting you in the mood for your own western adventure, the original Red Dead Redemption was just on modern consoles, and it's as great as it was 15 years ago.Red Dead Redemption 2 is available now on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Nordic-Baltic governments alarmed by ‘irregular’ armed guards aboard Russian shadow tankers
The capture of a Russian-connected oil tanker in the North Atlantic has underscored concerns among NATO and Nordic-Baltic governments regarding shadow fleet vessels and their crew composition, according to a maritime intelligence specialist.U.S. military and seized the Marinera between Iceland and the U.K. Wednesday as it operated under deceptive shipping practices, including flying a false flag and violating sanctions.According to , Russian authorities called for humane treatment and repatriation of the crew members.Windward maritime intelligence analyst Michelle Wiese Bockmann stated the Marinera's ownership had just been transferred to Burevestmarin LLC, a "We do not know the status of these sailors and seafarers, who are Russian nationals," Wiese Bockmann told Digital. "That lack of clarity is common with dark fleet tankers."The Marinera did have its ownership transferred to a newly formed Russian company, with the registered owner, ship manager and commercial manager being Burevestmarin LLC."She also suggested NATO and the Nordic-Baltic 8+ group of governments have been "worried" about sanctioned oil tankers with unauthorized personnel onboard, including ".""Increasingly, and I know the Nordic Baltic 8+ governments are worried about the fact that you are having unauthorized people also on board, also known as armed guards," Wiese Bockmann said. "But it is highly irregular."Armed guards are rarely seen and typically used on ships that are transiting the Gulf of Aden or the Red Sea and are therefore assessed as at risk from attack by Houthis or pirates," she added.After the seizure, White House press secretary dismissed Russian demands for special treatment of the Marinera's crew during her regular briefing Wednesday."This was a Venezuelan shadow fleet vessel that had transported sanctioned oil," Leavitt said."The vessel was deemed stateless after flying a false flag, and it had a judicial seizure order. And that's why the crew will be subject to prosecution."Russia's Foreign Ministry said it was "closely following" the situation, according to the state-run .Wiese Bockmann noted that dark fleet crews are often multinational, typically involving a Russian master with Chinese, Indian or Filipino crew members."There is a blurring of commercial and military shipping around the dark fleet," she said. "What we're seeing now is something that has really only emerged in the last six or seven months."European authorities have also begun holding crews accountable, particularly when captains are "facilitating dangerous deceptive shipping practices, such as spoofing and going dark," she explained."The the captain of a tanker who refused orders from the Estonian navy (Jaguar) to be stopped for inspection last May. And the French charged a captain over his refusal to comply with orders and failure to justify a flag's nationality after authorities intercepted a dark fleet tanker in the Atlantic last October," Wiese Bockmann added.As previously reported by Digital, , the M. Sophia, was also boarded in international waters near the Caribbean while en route to Venezuela. Digital has reached out to the White House for comment.
‘Fallout’ Series Uncovers the Secret Origin of Its Iconic Deathclaw Monsters
Amazon Prime Video's hit Fallout series has completed its first season, faithfully capturing the post-apocalyptic video game world without a direct adaptation. However, one iconic element has been absent until now: deathclaws, the supremely powerful monsters that plague players throughout the Fallout games.While these mutated lizard creatures remain largely mysterious, the show has now unveiled a crucial piece of their origin story, pushing their history back further than many fans anticipated.Warning! Spoilers ahead for Fallout Season 2 Episode 5.A flashback shows Cooper Howard’s military service in the Battle of Anchorage. | Amazon Prime VideoIn a flashback during Season 2 Episode 4, the scene shifts to the Alaskan frontlines during the pre-war Battle of Anchorage. Cooper Howard is seen in malfunctioning power armor, denied retreat by his commanding officer. Confronted by a Chinese soldier, he is suddenly saved from her attack by a monstrous assault from behind—revealed to be a deathclaw.This raises the question: what were these mutants doing before the nuclear bombs fell? The explanation is rooted in deep Fallout lore. According to the official Fallout 2 strategy guide, the creatures were originally engineered by the United States as a low-cost alternative to human soldiers for high-risk combat zones. This background is seldom mentioned in the games themselves, outside of notes that they were partially created from Jackson's chameleons.This backstory means when the deathclaw appears in New Vegas, it’s personal. | Amazon Prime VideoWhy introduce this lore if it's not central to the games? The answer becomes clear centuries later when Lucy discovers a deathclaw egg in New Vegas. Cooper, known as the Ghoul, has a deeply personal reaction. His history with deathclaws predates the apocalypse. Ironically, one saved his life in Anchorage, yet that does nothing to diminish their lethal threat when encountered in the wasteland.A central theme of Fallout Season 2 is the betrayal by trusted institutions, extending even to the wasteland's most terrifying beasts. For the Ghoul, the deathclaw represents more than just another irradiated monster like radscorpions. It stands as a potent symbol that everything he once fought for during his military service was built on a foundation of lies.Fallout Season 2 is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Patriot Critical Minerals Announces Corporate Update Regarding NI 43-101 Technical Report
Elko, Nevada--(ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com - January 7, 2026) - Patriot Critical Minerals ("Patriot" or the "Company"), a U.S.-based critical minerals developer advancing the 100%-owned MEGA tungsten project in Elko County, Nevada, announces that as a result of a review by the British Columbia Securities Commission (the "Commission"), the Company is issuing the following news release to clarify its disclosure. Following the Commission's review, the Company is noting that the technical report filed on November 27, 2025 is not in compliance with the requirements of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and investors should not rely on the information contained in this technical report.The Company originally filed a technical report for the Company's MEGA Project on SEDAR+ because it disseminated scientific and technical information about the MEGA Project to the public in Canada through a news release dated August 26, 2025. This news release triggered the disclosure requirements of NI 43-101.The Company will be filing a revised technical report on SEDAR+ to address the comments received from the Commission and will ensure the commodity pricing information and all information within the technical report is adopted by the Qualified Person. Within the originally filed technical report, the commodity pricing information had been provided by an external market data and analysis company. When the technical report is re-filed, the Company will ensure the corresponding certificate(s) of the Qualified Person(s) are also filed on SEDAR+.About Patriot Critical MineralsPatriot Critical Minerals is a U.S.- based company dedicated to the development of critical minerals, with a primary focus on advancing its wholly owned MEGA tungsten project located in Elko County, Nevada. Encompassing 310 acres across 15 unpatented lode mining claims, the MEGA project represents one of the largest known tungsten deposit in the United States. To learn more, please visit our website at www.patriotcritical.com.Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis news release contains forward‐looking statements and forward‐looking information (collectively, "forward‐looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian legislation. Forward‐looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", "would", "will", "potential", "scheduled" or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved.All statements in this news release that are not purely historical are forward‐looking statements and include statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations and orientations regarding the future. Specifically, the forward-looking statements include the anticipated filing of a revised NI 43-101 technical report. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable and reflect expectations of future developments and other factors which management believes to be reasonable and relevant, the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. In making the forward‐looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that the NI 43-101 technical report will be revised and filed on SEDAR+. Other factors may also adversely affect the future results or performance of the Company, including general economic, market or business conditions, future prices of minerals, changes in the financial markets and in the demand for minerals, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting the mineral exploration industry, as well as additional risks that cannot be anticipated at this time. Ongoing labour shortages, inflationary pressures, rising interest rates, the global financial and geopolitical climate and the conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine and surrounding regions are some additional factors that are affecting current economic conditions and increasing economic uncertainty, which may impact the Company's operating performance, financial position, and future prospects. Collectively, the potential impacts of this economic environment pose risks that are currently indescribable and immeasurable. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward‐looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. Readers are cautioned that forward‐looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and, accordingly, are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward‐looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of such statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update such forward‐looking information whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law.For further information regarding this press release, please contact:Patriot Critical Minerals+1-604-910-1804info@patriotcritical.com705-1030 West Georgia St., Vancouver, BC, V6E 2Y3www.patriotcritical.comTo view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279777 Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
One ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ Rumor Debunks a Major Black Panther Theory
Marvel StudiosBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever in 2022. With Chadwick Boseman’s passing, the Marvel Cinematic Universe lacked a Black Panther, yet director Ryan Coogler found a way to honor his friend and collaborator while setting Wakanda up for its next chapter. King T’Challa won’t be recast in the MCU; instead, his younger sister Shuri (Letitia Wright) will take over his duties as the new Black Panther. Ideally, she’ll get more chances in the future, especially with Avengers: Doomsday on the horizon. Still, despite the potential teased in Wakanda Forever, not everyone is convinced Shuri will stay on as the MCU’s new Panther. Recasting rumors have swirled around future Black Panther films for years, with some naming F1 star Damson Idris as the new T’Challa — possibly from another universe. Others claimed Idris would play an aged-up version of T’Challa’s young son, Toussaint, who was introduced at the end of Wakanda Forever. Either way, fans don’t seem to appreciate the Black Panther they already have. Shuri deserves the chance to make the mantle her own, and the franchise needs some stability. Fortunately, Doomsday directors Anthony and Joe Russo may agree... at least, according to the latest leaked teaser for the upcoming film.The Black Panther will return in Avengers: Doomsday. | Marvel StudiosWith Doomsday less than a year away, Marvel has started ramping up promotion for the new film. Four trailers are set to play before Avatar: Fire & Ash, and the fourth and final trailer is rumored to focus on two major groups: the people of Wakanda and the Fantastic Four. Wakanda seems to be uniting with the aquatic nation of Talokan and its leader, Namor (Tenoch Huerta), against the threat of Doctor Doom, with the Fantastic Four arriving in their ship to help.“I’ve lost everyone that matters to me,” Shuri apparently in the trailer. “The King has his duties: to prepare our people for the afterlife. I have mine.” Dressed for battle, Shuri will reportedly board the Fantastic Four’s ship alongside Ben Grimm, aka the Thing (Ebon Moss Bachrach). It sounds like she’s heading straight into the action while her lieutenant, M’Baku (Winston Duke), will likely stay behind to defend Wakanda. All this points to an exciting, more prominent role for Shuri in the upcoming film. For a story about the multiverse, time travel, and incursions, there’s every chance we could see another Black Panther at some point — maybe even one played by Damson Idris. But if these rumors are right, Shuri will remain the Black Panther of the Sacred Timeline, fighting with the other Avengers to save the universe.Avengers: Doomsday opens in theaters on December 18.
20 Years Ago, a Notorious Horror Movie Gave Rise to the Worst Trilogy Ever
Boll KG ProductionsUwe Boll's career is… unparalleled. When discussing video game adaptations, Boll's name is inescapable, yet his body of work is abundant solely in quantity. He has helmed an astonishing 10 films based on game properties, including Sega's House of the Dead and others, and they all fall into various degrees of abysmal. How did he keep churning out Razzie-nominated duds? meant he could self-fund and recoup substantial costs, enabling "Raging Boll" to survive despite dreadful reviews and box office outcomes.Among his works, BloodRayne, which hit the U.S. 20 years ago, best embodies his legacy. It's not his worst release that year — give a nod to Alone in the Dark — but it's not much better. Boll's take on Majesco Entertainment and Terminal Reality's vampire franchise is a stilted 18th-century vampire flick that halfheartedly introduces moviegoers to Rayne, a vengeful half-human, half-vampire, otherwise known as a dhampir. Critics loathed it (it has a stomach-churning 4% on Rotten Tomatoes), and it grossed a disastrous $3.7 million against a $25 million budget. You'd think that would end any franchise aspirations. Instead, BloodRayne might be the worst horror movie to ever spawn a trilogy.Boll's would-be fan film is incredibly awful, surprising everyone who thought it couldn't get worse than House of the Dead. Model-turned-actress Kristanna Loken (T-X in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines) stars as the vampire-slaying Rayne, exuding blank-faced hero energy with an unfortunate lack of fluidity in her performance. She's on a quest to slay Kagan, the King of Vampires (portrayed by the listless Ben Kingsley), her undead rapist father. Along the way, she comes across the Brimstone Society, where she trains under Vlad (Michael Madsen) and finds camaraderie with a group of mercenaries. Together, they must defeat Kagan and liberate Romania from his rule, yadda yadda; it's nowhere near as dynamic or creature-filled as the games.Boll's adaptations notoriously deviate from their source material — in the games, Rayne is born in 1915 and hunts everything from vampires to demons to apex predators. But Boll fancies himself wiser, opting for his fantasy version over any fan service. That's not to say adaptations should kowtow to existing fanbases, but Boll so often mangles the style and tone of his source material that you're left questioning who they're aimed at. The BloodRayne games are gothic hack-and-slash adventures with a dominatrix-looking dhampir dishing out gore-heavy action, while Boll's first BloodRayne film is like sluggish fan fiction with crude period charm.Michelle Rodriguez arms herself with a sword rejected by Medieval Times. | Boll KG ProductionsWorst of all, BloodRayne doesn't even have that so-bad-it's-good allure. Actors mumble through their old-fashioned lines as if sedated, even during the most awkward and passionless sex scene ever to taint the screen. The prop weapons look absurd, with Loken and action villain Michelle Rodriguez seemingly swordfighting with oversized butter knives. Where does the budget actually show? It's certainly not evident in production value, as Billy Zane's wig looks like an intern found the ill-fitting mop in a Spirit Halloween dumpster on November 1. And yet, against all odds, Boll wasn't finished with BloodRayne.In 2007, a direct-to-video sequel titled BloodRayne: Deliverance took Rayne to Montana’s Wild West. Natassia Malthe would replace Loken as the dhampir, but she couldn't propel the budding franchise forward. For absurd reasons, Rayne finds herself in America hunting a vampiric Billy the Kid (played by frequent Boll collaborator Zach Ward). It has the potential to be a wacky midnight movie you could laugh at with friends, but Boll once again failed to stumble into an engaging genre experience. The film has only four reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, all of which are scathing. What should have been a campy B-movie instead attempts to be a serious horror Western, which is a bewilderingly bad time. But wait, there's more!In 2011, Boll released BloodRayne: The Third Reich. Set in 1943 Europe, "Agent Rayne" battles Nazis with the French resistance, in a premise that at least vaguely resembled Rayne’s video game adventures. Unfortunately, it's somehow the worst film in the series. Malthe returns to flounder through the silliest action-horror tropes, while actor Michael Paré achieves a trifecta no one should take pride in, appearing in every BloodRayne as a different character. The additions of Brendan Fletcher and Clint Howard aren't a savior, since Boll can't piece together a coherent or thrilling combat sequence. It's a painful experience that seems to have been made for a few pennies and some gum.BloodRayne: The Third Reich somehow dumbed things down further. | Boll KG ProductionsAnd now we arrive at the strangest part of the BloodRayne saga: Blubberella.The same year Boll tormented the world with BloodRayne: The Third Reich, he released an unexpected companion film. Blubberella is a scene-by-scene remake of The Third Reich with the same cast, except for — guess what — an obese vampire-human hybrid instead of Rayne. The fatphobic exploitation comedy is the lowest form of filmmaking you can imagine. Lead actress Lindsay Hollister, who later about Boll’s behavior, did her utmost to elevate the film, stating, "I really wanted to make a movie about a fat girl who could kick ass." But despite her best efforts, Boll (who also plays a sympathetic Hitler) was never going to let his idiotic satire of the MCU be anything more than the cheapest punchline imaginable.Even by Uwe Boll's standards, the journey from BloodRayne to Blubberella is a bizarre one. The director was essentially squandering money on his productions, but they were made in the years before video game developers recognized how valuable their own properties could be. There’s a get-it-down aspect to his career that’s weirdly respectable, but his maverick approach to cinema (and advantageous German tax benefits) could have given us so much better.
Warhammer’s Top Sci-Fi Action Game Joins Xbox Game Pass
SEGAThe Warhammer 40,000 universe is an incredibly engaging sci-fi setting that is well worth exploring. For newcomers, however, grasping its complex lore, multitude of factions, and deep, history-filled narrative can be daunting. If you're curious about this popular tabletop franchise and subscribe to Xbox Game Pass, you're in for a treat. One of the finest entry points to the universe has just been added to Xbox Game Pass Premium, and it also stands as one of the most overlooked shooters from its generation.Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine Master Crafted Edition is a refreshed take on Relic Entertainment's 2011 third-person shooter. This ultimate edition boasts 4K resolution, updated controls, a new user interface, and enhanced character models and audio, bringing it closer in line with its 2024 sequel.The original Space Marine serves as an ideal introduction to Warhammer 40k largely due to its narrative, which centers on one of the setting's most fascinating factions. The Ultramarines are genetically enhanced supersoldiers who serve as the pride of the omnipotent Emperor of Mankind. Stationed at the forefront of humanity's endless galactic conflicts, this means you, the player, are plunged directly into the action.In Space Marine, you play as Captain Titus, a devoted Ultramarine whose squad is sent to the Imperial planet Graia to counter an Ork invasion. As the story unfolds, you discover that these green savages are not the sole danger confronting your allies on this remote world. Experiencing events through Titus's perspective simplifies the understanding of humanity's inner workings 36,000 years into the future, giving you a sample of the "grimdark" atmosphere of its bleak fiction and the extreme brutality of its future. You also encounter other aspects of the universe, such as the humorous yet formidable orks, and humanity's chief enemies, the forces of Chaos.In terms of gameplay, Space Marine offers a captivating blend of classic Xbox 360-era third-person shooting. Integrated seamlessly with the impactful gunplay and diverse arsenal is an equally rewarding melee combat system. During an intense battle, you can switch from using your reliable firearm to hacking at approaching foes with a Chainsword (a blade with an integrated chainsaw). This unique mechanic distinguished the game from others at the time and remains enjoyable 15 years post-launch.The combination of shooting and melee combat in Space Marine differentiates it from other games of its time. | SEGAWhen measured against its modern successor, Space Marine is a more contained experience; you won't see thousands of Orks overwhelming your position like the Tyranids do in Space Marine 2. Although this might appear to be a technical constraint, it results in a distinct yet equally absorbing shooter. Combat encounters are more focused and require players to be vigilant against flanking maneuvers. Melee fighting also emphasizes precise timing over simple crowd control, providing an alternative combat rhythm that supports the series' core concept.Among the numerous excellent Warhammer 40,000 games available (including upcoming titles), Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine Master Crafted Edition is the perfect method to acquaint yourself with the franchise's overarching narrative. Even for players with no interest in the lore, it is a superb shooter in its own regard and a strong addition to the Xbox Game Pass lineup for 2026.Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine Master Crafted Edition is available now on Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Hungary’s Orbán States Budapest is Europe’s Safest City for Jews Amid Rising Antisemitism
This week, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that Jewish communities are than anywhere else in Europe, with Anti-Defamation League data indicating a significant increase in antisemitic incidents throughout the continent. In an X post, Orbán wrote, "Jewish communities are safer in Budapest than anywhere else in Europe. Zero tolerance for antisemitism, no hate crimes, no violent migrants. This is how a modern European capital ought to be." Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli publicly supported Orbán's claim, writing on X that "Budapest is one of the safest and most welcoming European capitals for its Jewish community and for Israeli citizens alike." Chikli referenced what he called a recent decision by the not to host a Zionist Youth Congress for roughly 200 Jewish young people, noting that Hungary consented to host the gathering and that a senior Hungarian minister gave a speech. According to Chikli, Hungary's approach derives from "a responsible immigration policy that recognizes the danger posed by radical Islam" and "an uncompromising government policy against antisemitism." Orbán's comments follow an Anti-Defamation League (ADL) report indicating that is increasing at a concerning rate. In a 2024–2025 analysis titled Take Action: Antisemitism Is Escalating in Europe, the ADL documented a rise in antisemitic harassment, vandalism, threats, and physical assaults across various European nations, especially after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the Gaza war. The ADL noted that incidents increased significantly in nations such as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Jewish communities reported growing security threats, and many Jews indicated they felt insecure wearing visible religious symbols in public. The ADL cautioned that Jewish institutions throughout Europe now need enhanced security and that antisemitism is becoming more normalized in public discussion. Hungary hosts Central Europe's largest Jewish community, with population estimates between 80,000 and 100,000, the majority residing in Budapest. Hungarian Jewish leaders have provided varied evaluations over time. Some have commended the government for its investment in synagogue restoration, , as well as for preserving close diplomatic relations with Israel. Others have voiced concerns about nationalist rhetoric and disagreements over historical memory, specifically concerning Hungary's role in the Holocaust. Prior to World War II, Hungary possessed one of Europe's largest Jewish populations, estimated at approximately 825,000 individuals. After the German occupation in March 1944, Hungarian and Nazi officials deported around 430,000–440,000 Jews to Auschwitz within weeks, with most being killed upon arrival. In total, historians estimate that roughly 564,000 Hungarian Jews perished during the Holocaust. Orbán's administration has consistently denied domestic accusations of antisemitism, citing its and its public stance against antisemitic violence. Hungarian authorities often compare Budapest to major Western European cities where Jewish institutions currently need substantial police protection and where Gaza war-related protests have occasionally become violent. The ADL states that antisemitic narratives have now permeated Europe's political spectrum and online platforms, fostering an atmosphere of fear even in nations previously regarded as secure for Jewish living.
Iranian protesters name a Tehran street after Trump, plead ‘don’t let them kill us’ amid crackdown
Iranian protesters escalated nationwide demonstrations over the past 24 hours, directly appealing to President Trump while chanting anti-regime slogans. Footage published Wednesday showed a protester in Tehran symbolically renaming a street after Trump, while other videos captured handwritten appeals reading, "Don't let them kill us," Iran International reported. Holly Dagres, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute, posted the video on X stating, "Since Trump's comments about the Iran protests, I've seen numerous videos of Iranian protesters either thanking him or, in this case, renaming streets after the US president." The appeals came as demonstrators faced a widening crackdown, including the deployment of armed units and tear gas near major civilian sites in Tehran. Exiled Iranian opposition leader Reza Pahlavi said the current unrest represents a historic opportunity to end Iran's Islamic Republic. "In all these years, I've never seen an opportunity as we see today in Iran," Pahlavi said in an interview aired on Tuesday. "Iranian people are more than ever committed to bringing an end to this regime, as the world has witnessed in the last few days, the level of demonstrations is unprecedented in Iran," he said. Pahlavi said protests have spread to more than 100 cities and emphasized the role of Iran's traditional merchant class, describing developments inside the country's bazaars as a turning point. "We are beginning to see more and more defections," Pahlavi said, adding that "Either way, the regime is crumbling and is very close to collapsing." Over the past 24 hours, Iran International reported continued protests across the country, including in Tehran, Tabriz, Qazvin, Kermanshah, Kerman, Shiraz, Falavarjan and Bandar Abbas. Tehran's Grand Bazaar remained a focal point of unrest, with large crowds chanting against Iran's leadership as authorities responded with tear gas and armed deployments. Security operations expanded into sensitive civilian locations. Videos published by Iran International showed security forces inside Tehran's Sina Hospital and the Plasco Shopping Center. Casualty and arrest figures continued to rise. The Human Rights Activists News Agency, cited by Iran International on Wednesday, reported at least 36 people killed since protests began, including 34 protesters and two members of Iran's security forces, with more than 2,000 arrests nationwide. Iranian authorities have not released updated official figures. New footage from the past day showed demonstrators lighting fires in the streets of Shiraz and chanting slogans referring to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In Qazvin, protesters were heard chanting, "Law enforcement, return to the side of the nation." Workers also joined the unrest, with strikes reported at the South Pars gas refinery and widespread shop closures at major markets in Tehran and Tabriz.
Unearthing experimental data buried in scientific papers
TSUKUBA, Japan, Jan 8, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Technologies that underpin modern society, such as smartphones and automobiles, rely on a diverse range of functional materials. Materials scientists are therefore working to develop and improve new materials, but predicting material properties is no simple task. Data science is key to transforming this field, and new tools powered by artificial intelligence are expected to accelerate the exploration, collection, and management of materials property data worldwide.Researchers and artificial intelligence work together to collect experimental materials science data from papers worldwide and build a database. (Copyright: Kenji Tashiro. Instagram: ripplemarkmaker. CC-BY-4.0)The relationship between functional materials and their properties is complex. Even slight differences in composition or synthesis methods can affect electronic states and microstructures, often resulting in entirely different properties. For this reason, theoretical models alone cannot provide reliable predictions, and the intuition of researchers and engineers built on years of experience has played a significant role.Machine learning is a technology that can learn empirical trends rather than relying on theory. By applying machine learning to experimental data in materials science, it may be possible to replicate such intuition computationally. Large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, now support the daily lives of many people and are capable of flexible information extraction that takes background knowledge and context into account. This opens up the possibility of automating the process of converting complex information sources like scientific papers into structured data. If large-scale datasets of experimental data can be built through this approach, it is expected to enable researchers to gain inspiration through a bird's-eye view of the data, as well as to realize property predictions based on empirical trends using machine learning.A team led by Dr. Yukari Katsura, a Senior Researcher at the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), has focused on this potential and developed two new tools to accelerate the construction of Starrydata, a materials property database built from data collected from scientific papers. This work was recently published in the journal Science and Technology of Advanced Materials: Methods."Graphs in the millions of papers published to date contain valuable experimental data collected by past researchers, and much of it remains untapped," says Prof. Katsura. In the Starrydata project, which she launched in 2015, data collection from papers was performed manually and supported by the independently developed Starrydata2 web system, successfully amassing an unprecedented volume of experimental data. The new tools are designed to further streamline this data collection process. "We found that by specifying a data structure and giving instructions to an LLM, we can accurately and comprehensively extract information about figures, tables, and samples from the text of paper PDFs across a wide range of fields."Prof. Katsura added, "Many publishers prohibit the use of artificial intelligence on paper PDFs, so we are currently developing the system to target open-access papers."The first tool, Starrydata Auto-Suggestion for Sample Information, is a function that reads the text of a paper and suggests candidate entries for data fields pre-designed for each materials domain; it is already integrated into the Starrydata2 web system. When a user pastes text from a paper's abstract or experimental methods section, it is sent to OpenAI's GPT via API, and candidate entries in English are automatically displayed below each input field.The second tool, Starrydata Auto-Summary GPT, deconstructs an entire open-access paper PDF uploaded by the user and automatically summarizes all descriptions of figures, tables, and samples appearing in the paper as a structured data in JSON format. The JSON data output is generated using ChatGPT's custom GPT feature, and the resulting data can be viewed as an easy-to-read table in a web browser. Although this data is not currently incorporated directly into the Starrydata database, it dramatically accelerates the work of data collectors in quickly locating target data and entering information. Note that reading data points from graph images is difficult for LLMs, so this task is performed by data collectors using an independently developed semi-automated tool."A paper is a logical structure assembled to convey the author's claims, but by deconstructing it and returning it to the form of experimental data, other researchers can also use it for their own research," says Dr. Katsura. "In this way, we are aiming for a future where experimental data from all materials science fields can be shared in digital format and viewed from a bird's-eye perspective."At present, Starrydata has only progressed in building databases for certain materials science fields, such as thermoelectric materials that convert heat and electricity, and magnets. However, as an open dataset that can be used for new materials development, it is beginning to be utilized primarily by leading researchers around the world. The team is advancing their research with the aim of raising broader awareness of the potential of such large-scale experimental data and establishing paper data collection as a recognized form of research within the scientific community.Further informationYukari KatsuraSenior Researcher, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)KATSURA.Yukari@nims.go.jp(Yukari Katsura is also an associate professor at University of Tsukuba and guest researcher at RIKEN)Paper: https://doi.org/10.1080/27660400.2025.2590811 About Science and Technology of Advanced Materials: Methods (STAM-M)STAM Methods is an open access sister journal of Science and Technology of Advanced Materials (STAM), and focuses on emergent methods and tools for improving and/or accelerating materials developments, such as methodology, apparatus, instrumentation, modeling, high-through put data collection, materials/process informatics, databases, and programming. https://www.tandfonline.com/STAM-M Dr Kazuya SaitoSTAM Methods Publishing DirectorSAITO.Kazuya@nims.go.jpPress release distributed by Asia Research News for Science and Technology of Advanced Materials. Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
RAK ICC Provides Strategic Solutions for Holding Companies and Regional Expansion
RAS AL KHAIMAH CITY, UAE, Jan 7, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - As businesses face increasing regulatory complexity across borders, RAK ICC offers flexible solutions to simplify expansion and protect assets.RAK ICC offers a straightforward and globally aligned registration of holding companies for high net worth individuals, families and their advisors looking to manage investments, shareholding structures, and regional expansion. With a focus on regulatory compliance and operational efficiency, RAK ICC provides businesses with the tools needed to scale within the UAE and across the region.In an ever-changing global business landscape, RAK ICC allows businesses to operate within the UAE's well-established economic and legal frameworks, ensuring they meet both local and international standards while managing operations effectively.Key Features of RAK ICC's Platform:Streamlined Business Management: RAK ICC makes it easier for companies to consolidate operations and manage investments across regions, reducing complexity and increasing efficiency.Tax Efficiency and Dividend Repatriation: RAK ICC helps businesses potentially optimize their tax structures and manage dividend repatriation across borders, making cross-border operations smoother and more cost-effective.Intellectual Property Protection: RAK ICC provides tools to help businesses protect their intellectual property, ensuring that valuable assets are safeguarded as they grow.Seamless Integration with the UAE's Economic and Legal Systems: RAK ICC benefits from being closely integrated with the UAE's legal and economic systems, offering businesses a secure and regulated environment to operate within.Designed for Businesses of All Sizes: Whether you're a family-owned business, a scale-up, or a multinational investor, RAK ICC offers flexible solutions to meet the diverse needs of businesses at various stages of growth.RAK ICC is built to provide businesses with a stable foundation for managing operations and investments. Whether you're consolidating assets or expanding operations, it offers nimble solutions to help companies grow and stay compliant with regulations."Our mission is to help families and businesses manage wealth nimbly and preserve their legacies, backed by RAK ICC's secure and reputable jurisdiction."Sandra Louw, CEO of RAK ICCToday, RAK ICC stands as one of the region's most established corporate registries, with more than 40,000 incorporations benefiting from its secure and compliant ecosystem.About RAK ICCRas Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC) is a corporate registry based in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. The organisation provides international business companies and foundations, typically used for private and business structuring, asset consolidation, and succession planning. To date, RAK ICC has incorporated thousands of international companies and supports multi-billion dirhams in structured assets. It serves high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses seeking flexible and secure solutions for long-term business and wealth management.For media enquiries, contact us at:Phone: +971 7 207 7177Email: info@rakicc.comWebsite: https://www.rakicc.com/contact-us/SOURCE: RAK ICC Copyright 2026 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com
Iranian military chief warns of preemptive strike following Trump’s remarks
Iran's top military commander issued a threat of preemptive measures in response to what he termed "rhetoric" directed at the nation, which is currently confronting widespread protests. Maj. Gen. Amir Hatami's statement is believed to be a reaction to President Trump's warning that the U.S. would intervene if Iran used violence against demonstrators.Trump recently affirmed that the United States would become involved if it observed Iran abusing or killing protesters.On Truth Social, the president wrote, "If Iran shoots [sic] and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go."The significance of Trump's warning was amplified for Iran in the wake of a recent U.S. operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture and extradition of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.While addressing students at a military academy, Hatami stated, "The considers the intensification of such rhetoric against the Iranian nation as a threat and will not leave its continuation without a response," as reported by The Associated Press, which quoted the state-run IRNA news agency.He further commented, "I can say with confidence that today the readiness of Iran’s armed forces is far greater than before the war. If the enemy commits an error, it will face a more decisive response, and we will cut off the hand of any aggressor."Economic difficulties have sparked an uprising among citizens, and the international criticism regarding the handling of protesters has made regime officials feel endangered, especially by the .To calm the disturbances, the Iranian government initiated a monthly payment equal to $7 to help offset increasing food costs for staples like rice, meat, and pasta. According to the AP, Iranian state television announced the subsidy would be distributed to over 71 million people nationwide. The report also mentioned that this new subsidy is more than twice the previous amount of 4.5 million rials.As reported by the AP, Iranian merchants have cautioned that prices for essential items such as cooking oil could increase threefold due to the pressure from the nation's collapsing currency. Iranian media have also allegedly reported on rising prices for basic commodities, including cooking oil, poultry, and cheese.Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah, Iran's vice president for executive affairs, informed reporters that the country is engaged in a "full-fledged economic war," the AP reported. He also urged "economic surgery" to eliminate rentier policies and , the AP added.The protests, which started towards the end of last month, continue without any indication of ceasing. The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) asserted that protesters had effectively "taken over" the cities of Abdanan (in Ilam province) and Malekshahi.The Associated Press and Digital's Emma Bussey contributed to this report.















