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magic ocean book Despite these injury setbacks, Manchester United has managed to cope well in recent weeks, thanks to the depth of their squad and the resilience of the remaining players. Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has shown his ability to adapt and find solutions in the face of adversity, and he will be hoping that his team can continue their good form despite the injury concerns.Small and micro enterprises have long been recognized as the backbone of the economy, playing a vital role in job creation, innovation, and overall economic development. However, these enterprises often face challenges in accessing financing, hindering their growth potential. Recognizing this issue, the government has taken decisive steps to streamline the process and facilitate easier access to credit for these enterprises.Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A doctor has warned that the mysteriously named Disease X could become the next huge pandemic, adding that the world is not prepared for a sudden boom in cases. Disease X - which is the name given to a as-yet-uknown infection - is among 11 diseases which have been described as dangerous by doctors , reports the Mirror. Measles, cholera, scabies, bird flu, and even another Covid outbreak were also named in the list of scientists' most feared infections for 2025. The World Health Organization (WHO) had previously classed the unknown pathogens as Disease X, and it was included in its own priority list of diseases that needed researched urgently. Recently, the disease killed at least 31 people - mainly children - in the Panzi region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The WHO revealed that there were more than 400 recorded cases of an undiagnosed disease in the DRC between October 24 and December 5. The most common symptoms included fever, headache, body aches, and a bad cough. However, the most severe cases were linked to severe malnutrition, they added. Disease X is one of the infections that's is likely to lead to severe outbreaks, and potentially a pandemic, according to Dr Michael Head; Senior Research Fellow in Global Health at the University of Southampton. If an outbreak was to happen immediately, the world is likely to be severely unprepared, similar to the global shock of coronavirus. Disease X does not refer to one infection but a name given to any disease that has not yet been identified. However, the idea of an unknown virus or bacterial infection is very real, and scientists have urged governments to be prepared for anything Mother Nature might throw at us. "Disease X is the name given to an as-yet-unknown bug, that has the potential to cause large outbreaks or even a pandemic," Dr Head told the Mirror. "This bug would have the potential to spread quickly and have a high mortality rate; for example like COVID-19. "The world was poorly prepared for the most recent pandemic, and though we have significant advances in technology, such as the use of mRNA platforms for vaccines and other medicines, we would likely fall short again should Disease X emerge tomorrow." Dengue fever is the world's most commonly transmitted virus, spread by mosquitoes. Tens of millions of cases are contracted per year, and up to 25,000 people die annually. Commonly found in South America and Southeast Asia, more cases are popping up in southern Europe - mainly due to climate change. France, Italy and Spain are most likely to see outbreaks of dengue - which is also referred to as the 'bone breaker' disease. The mosquito that carries the virus is eventually expected to gain a foothold in the UK. However, it's still unknown when that might be. Medicine professor at the University of East Anglia, Paul Hunter, expected to see more cases of dengue fever in 2025 - specifically in southern Europe. This year, there was only one confirmed case of chikungunya in Europe, although it could potentially be on the rise in the coming year, warned Professor Hunter. It's another mosquito-driven viral infection, and is similar to the mayaro virus and the ross river virus. Nearly all cases of the virus are found in South America; particularly in Brazil, which had more than 400,000 between August and October in 2024. Yet, as European climates are becoming more favourable for mosquitoes, and scientists fear chikungunya could be on the rise. Professor Hunter said: "I think we will likely see more mosquito-borne diseases in southern Europe; mainly dengue but also probably chikungunya. I also worry about West Nile fever." The West Nile virus is not often noticed in about 80% of human patients. However, for those remaining 20%, it can lead to deadly West Nile fever. The virus is transmitted by mosquito bite, although it could also be spread by blood transfusions and organ transplants. It's still to be reported by local transmission in the UK, but there have been cases of travellers returning with the infection. Human infections have been reported in Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Germany since the start of November 2024. At its worst, West Nile fever can develop into West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND). WNND describes when the nervous system is directly affected by the virus, and it can include developing meningitis, encephalitis, and acute flaccid myelitis. Measles is an extremely serious airborne infection that mainly affects young children. Over 107,000 people died from measles globally in 2023, a majority of whom were under fives years old. It's spread by coughing or sneezing, moving in air droplets, and can live in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. That makes it highly infectious, and infects about 90% of all unvaccinated people within close contact. Measles has been on the rise in the western world over the past few years, largely driven by a fall in vaccination rates. The proportion of kids receiving their first dose of the measles vaccine in 2019 was 86%. But that fell to 83% in 2023. Dr Head said: "Measles is vaccine-preventable. With two doses of the MMR vaccine, that stops measles in its tracks. With a high uptake, we could literally eradicate it from the planet, like smallpox. A lower uptake, partly due to too much covid interrupting health service delivery in the pandemic, means children in the UK and globally are being affected. It is a nasty infection in unvaccinated children, and it can and does kill." Coronavirus has been around since the beginning of the pandemic, and has never left. It's also still mutating and changing, with new strains harbouring the potential to become more infections and potentially vaccine-resistant. In October 2024, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed a new variant appeared to be more infectious than previous strains. The XEC variant, which combined strains of KS.1.1 and KP.3.3 suddenly sparked a big rise in Covid cases across the country. Admission rates for people testing positive for Covid rose from 3.7 per 100,000 to 4.5 per 100,000 in just one week. Dr Head said: "The vaccines, along with use of medicines and diagnostics etc., have massively blunted the public health impact of COVID -19. But, it’s still here, very much hasn’t gone away, and will continue to pose a problem to health services and populations everywhere around the world. Do get vaccinated if another dose if offered to you!" The WHO has warned that cholera is a global public health threat. Caused by consuming food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae bacteria, it's a severe diarrhoeal disease. In the most extreme cases, the infection can develop extremely fast, leading to death within a few hours if not treated. Up to 143,000 people die from cholera each year worldwide. There have been seven cholera pandemics since in the 19th century, with the most recent in 1961 largely affecting south Asia. But forced migration, sparked by climate change, could mean that 2025 sees another big surge in cholera cases, warned Professor Hunter. Still, cholera cases are incredibly rare in Europe, and most confirmed cases are found in Africa and Asia. In 2022, for example, 29 cases were reported by nine EU countries; all of which included a history of travel to a cholera hotspot. Avian flu, or bird flu as it's known, is widely accepted as the most likely known cause of the next pandemic. It's a form of flu virus that commonly spreads among birds, but has been known to move across to humans. The virus isn't easily passed to humans, although it can mutate rapidly, leaving scientists fearing a mass outbreak. As it stands, almost all cases of H5N1 - the most common bird flu strain in humans - have been reported in those that work closely with animals. "A permanent member of any ‘possible infectious disease threat’ list, avian influenza evolves its shape and style a little like the Covid variants, and has the potential to cause a pandemic," said Dr Head. "We haven’t yet seen widespread human-to-human transmission - but we could do." Bird flu is spread to humans by touching infected animals, their droppings or bedding, or by preparing infected poultry for cooking. There isn't a seasonal bird flu vaccine, but a universal jab to protect against all types of flu, including avian flu, would be the "holy grail", added Dr Head. Antibiotic-resistant infections continue to rise in the UK, the UKHSA has warned. With the WHO stating that antimicrobial resistance is a top global health threat. Antimicrobials are medicines commonly used to treat infectious diseases, including antibiotics, antivirals and antifungals. Scientists have warned that these infections are taking increasingly longer to react to the medications, as they're evolving and developing to protect against them. Individuals who catch a bacterial infection that's resistant to antibiotics are more likely to die within 30 days, according to the UKHSA. Professor Hunter added that antimicrobial-resistant bacteria posed a "significant concern" going into 2025. E.coli is by far the most common type of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the UK, which commonly causes diarrhoea, vomiting, and urinary tract infections. By the middle of 2024, the UK reported more than 600 cases of the bacteria, which was markedly more than seen in previous years. UKHSA Chief Executive, Professor Dame Jenny Harries, said in November: "Increasingly the first antibiotics that patients receive aren’t effective at tackling their infections. That’s not just an inconvenience – it means they are at greater risk of developing a severe infection and sepsis. Our declining ability to treat and prevent infections is having an increasing impact, particularly on our poorest communities. "Only take antibiotics if you have been told to do so by a healthcare professional. Do not save some for later or share them with friends and family. This isn’t just for your own health - it’s about protecting everyone in our communities and future generations." Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a bacterial infection that affects the lungs, and can be deadly if left untreated. It often affects young children and babies, but any can develop symptoms if they become infected. The infection is named after the characteristic 'whoop' sound made by infected young babies between deep breaths. Yet, not all babies make the noise, which means it can go untreated for some time. The UK is in the middle of a major whooping cough outbreak, and annual confirmed cases topped 10,000 in August. The second quarter of the year saw higher confirmed cases than any of the quarters in 2012, which was the last major outbreak year. Professor Hunter said it remained unclear whether there would be more cases of whooping cough in 2025 than 2024, but it remained a "big concern". At least 10 infants have died in the UK since the start of the current outbreak, which dates back to November 2023. UKHSA's Director of Immunisation, Dr Mary Ramsay, said earlier this year: "Vaccination is the best defence against whooping cough and it is vital that pregnant women and young infants receive their vaccines at the right time. Pregnant women are offered a whooping cough vaccine in every pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks. "This passes protection to their baby in the womb so that they are protected from birth in the first months of their life when they are most vulnerable and before they can receive their own vaccines." Recently, doctors have urged Brits to avoid ignoring the signs of scabies infestation, after a spike in cases. The condition is caused by tiny mites burrowing into the skin to lay their eggs, sparking a really unpleasant itchy rash. Scabies doesn't cause death in many people, but it can really affect your quality of life, according to Dr Head. It's particularly common in the UK, and is mainly seen in institutional settings, including schools, care homes, and prisons. The number of confirmed scabies cases in England increased by 58% in the first half of 2024, compared with 2023. GP diagnoses were also well above the five-year average, with the north of England seeing the largest proportion of cases. "The mites burrow under the skin, causing an immune response that triggers inflammation and itching," said Dr Head. "You can catch it by prolonged skin-to-skin contact, or via clothes, furniture or bedding that an infected person may have used previously." Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.

WASHINGTON (AP) — As President Joe Biden uses his final days in office to boost Ukraine’s defenses, Russia is playing a different game: spreading disinformation aimed at eroding U.S. support for Ukraine before Donald Trump’s return to the White House next month. Since the U.S. election on Nov. 5, the Kremlin has used state-run media and its networks of fake news sites and social media accounts to push divisive narratives about the war and America’s Republican president-elect. Analysts say the content, translated into English for American audiences, is intended to turn sentiment against Ukraine at a pivotal time, with the hope of reducing U.S. military assistance and ensuring a Russian victory. Recent examples include fake videos supposedly showing Ukrainian soldiers burning effigies of Trump or his supporters. One clip depicts soldiers saying Trump must not be allowed to take office and should “never be president again.” Multiple researchers have debunked the video, noting telltale signs of digital manipulation. A different video claims to show Ukrainian soldiers firing at a mannequin wearing a red “Make America Great Again” hat and a Trump campaign shirt. That video was analyzed and determined to be fake by private analysts and Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, a government agency that tracks Kremlin propaganda. Other versions — just as fake — depict Ukrainian soldiers burning Trump’s books or calling him a coward. In the weeks after the election, the clips spread far beyond Ukraine and Russia, circulating among Trump supporters and believers in QAnon, the conspiracy theory that claims Trump is fighting a war against a Satanic cabal of powerful world leaders. It’s part of Russia’s continued push to divide Americans over the nearly 3-year war in Ukraine and paint Ukrainians as unreliable, dishonest allies, according to analysts who have tracked Russian disinformation and propaganda since the war began. By discouraging American support for Ukraine, the Kremlin is hoping to cut off the most vital source of military assistance that has kept Ukrainian hopes alive since Russia invaded in February 2022. Early in the war, Russian propagandists portrayed Ukrainian leaders as corrupt and self-serving. Russian state media claimed Ukraine’s leaders held Nazi sympathies — even though President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is Jewish — or were involved in clandestine bioweapons research that Moscow sought to tie to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each false claim was used to justify Russia’s invasion. “It’s planted by the Russians, this idea that ‘Ukraine is so corrupt it shouldn’t even be a state, and we are the right people to be running this place,’” said Rupert Smith, a retired British general and former NATO deputy supreme commander who now leads a Brussels-based consulting firm called Solvo Partners. “Now this is being used as an excuse for not supporting Ukraine.” The fake video claiming to show Ukrainian soldiers firing on the Trump mannequin spread on platforms such as X, Telegram and YouTube, getting an early boost from pro-Kremlin news sites before migrating to ones popular with Americans, according to an analysis by researchers at NewsGuard, a firm that tracks disinformation. Some versions of the video were created long before the election but were passed off as more recent. Within days, the video was receiving hundreds of thousands of views and had been translated into several languages besides Russian and English, including German, Chinese and Polish, NewsGuard found. According to U.S. intelligence, Russia sought to support Trump in the presidential election, believing he would reduce American backing for Ukraine and perhaps the NATO alliance. The incoming president has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, criticized U.S. military aid to Ukraine and NATO and promised to end the war in 24 hours, comments that appear to suggest he would press Ukraine to surrender territory now occupied by Russia. In response to questions about Russia’s role in spreading disinformation about Ukraine, a spokesperson for the Russian Embassy in Washington referred to past statements rejecting any involvement. In the time it has left, the Biden administration has urged Ukraine to quickly increase the size of its military by drafting more troops and has stepped upweapons shipments while forgiving billions in loans provided to Kyiv. So far, the White House has pushed more than $56 billion in security assistance to Ukraine and expects to send billions more before Biden leaves office on Jan. 20, 2025. It’s easy to understand Russia’s motives in trying to cut off that supply of aid, said Joshua Tucker, a New York University professor and Russia expert who studies online disinformation. What’s harder to gauge, he said, is the effectiveness of Russian disinformation, especially on social media platforms already crowded with false, bizarre and debunked claims. One reason that Russia may persist with disinformation targeting Americans is the relative ease and affordability of such operations compared with diplomatic or military alternatives. Russia likely sees disinformation as part of a long-term effort to undermine America’s global leadership by dividing its people and undermining support for its institutions, Tucker said. Whether the topic is immigration, the government, the U.S. economy or the war in Ukraine, he said, the goal remains the same and goes beyond one election cycle or one candidate. “I think what they were really hoping for is a contested result with lots of people out in the streets, arguing the election wasn’t legitimate,” Tucker said. If they couldn’t have that, however, Russia’s disinformation agencies will keep pushing narratives that they believe will inflame Americans and boost their chances in Ukraine, Tucker said.

In the world of portable gaming devices, size matters. And the GPD WIN4 is here to prove that big things really do come in small packages. Priced at 7499 RMB, this cutting-edge handheld device features AMD technology that delivers a powerful gaming experience on the go.The arrests of Yoon Suk-yeol, Kim Yong-hyun, and six others underscore the need for robust institutional reforms and a renewed commitment to upholding the rule of law in South Korea. The country's democratic institutions and political culture face a critical test in the wake of these developments, as the public watches closely to see how the government will respond to the allegations and ensure justice is served.The personal pension system has long been recognized as a crucial component of a well-rounded retirement plan. By participating in the personal pension system, individuals can ensure a steady stream of income during their retirement years, supplementing other sources of income such as social security benefits and personal savings. With the full implementation of the personal pension system, individuals will have greater control over their retirement savings and investment choices, allowing them to tailor their retirement plan to their specific needs and goals.

As the investigation unfolds and the pressure mounts, one thing is clear: Mbappe's quest to rid the team of the mole is not just about solving a mystery, but about restoring trust, unity, and pride in the jersey. Only time will tell if his efforts will be successful, but one thing is certain - Mbappe's determination and leadership have already left an indelible mark on the team's journey.In conclusion, Lionel Messi's return to Barcelona and his contract extension are crucial for the club's future success. The Argentine forward's talent and leadership are essential for Barcelona's competitiveness, and the club cannot afford to delay in finalizing his return. Barcelona fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the announcement of Messi's new contract, hoping to see their beloved La Pulga back in the famous Blaugrana shirt once again.For Chelsea fans, Mahrez represents a beacon of hope, a symbol of the team's resurgence, and a source of inspiration in their quest for glory. With his leadership, skill, and determination, the Blues are once again being taken seriously as title contenders, and the prospect of lifting the Premier League trophy at the end of the season no longer seems like a distant dream.

Title: Munir: Scoring against Manchester City is an honor, I believe we should aim for all 3 pointsDemocrats and Republicans honor former President Jimmy CarterAs the defending champions, Juventus will be eager to assert their dominance and continue their quest for European glory. However, Manchester City will be determined to prove their credentials as one of the top clubs in Europe and target a deep run in the Champions League. The clash between these two heavyweight teams is sure to capture the attention of football fans around the world and provide a spectacle of high-quality football.

S&P/TSX composite rises Thursday, U.S. markets down

As he bids farewell to the sport that has defined his life, Alonso expressed his gratitude to all those who have supported him along the way. "I want to thank my family, my teammates, my coaches, and the fans for their unwavering belief in me," he said. "I am blessed to have had the opportunity to play the game I love at the highest level, and I will carry the memories of these experiences with me always."

A heavy spell of snow brought an end to prolonged dry spell in plains of Kashmir. The sight of each flake of snow dancing down from the sky brought smiles to people, however their joy was short-lived! Snowfall brought life to a standstill in Kashmir as essential services were disrupted. Amid snowfall, there was a lukewarm response from authorities to clear roads and footpaths. With snow-covered roads, commuters faced a tough time navigating slippery roads. There were several accidents as cars skidded off the roads. Snow was not cleared on most of the roads in J&K’s summer capital Srinagar. Situation in rural areas was the worst. As Srinagar city is getting a makeover into a Smart City with generous funding by Government of India, response to natural phenomena like snowfall has to be prompt. Imagine JCB machines, which are used for excavation of soil, being pressed into service for snow clearance at Srinagar’s commercial hub Lal Chowk! The hi-tech snow clearance machines were nowhere visible as snow draped Kashmir. Even snow was not cleared on most of the footpaths especially in Srinagar posing serious risk to pedestrians as they had to walk on roads. Despite the forecast of snowfall, no mock drill or meeting was conducted to effectively conduct snow clearance and maintain essential services. Accumulation of snow on major roads and flyovers caused massive traffic jams. Authorities could not deal with 8 to 12 inches of snowfall and were caught off-guard. With more snowfall forecast in the first week of January, it is going to be a challenging task for people. Owing to its unique topography, J&K is a multi-hazard region prone to natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, landslides, avalanches, high velocity winds, and snowstorms. Most parts of the region fall under the high seismic Zones IV and V making it highly vulnerable to earthquakes. For the last several years, J&K has been witnessing erratic weather patterns. From dry and warm winters to drought and flood-like situations, the union territory is facing the brunt of climate change and vandalisation of forests, water bodies and wetlands. As per weather experts, Kashmir will witness harsh winter this season. And the prediction came true as Kashmir reeled under freezing temperatures and Srinagar shivered with minus 8.5 degree Celsius on December 20—the third-coldest since 1891. Srinagar’s all-time low for December is minus 12.8 degrees Celsius, recorded on December 13, 1934. The situation took a dangerous turn with freezing of drinking water pipes and erratic power supply. Taking serious note of the situation, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah cancelled all his engagements in Jammu and decided to stay in Srinagar to oversee the functioning of the power department and other essential services. “In light of the severe cold spell in the Kashmir valley & the resultant difficulties with water & electricity supply, I have decided to cancel my forthcoming programmes in Jammu & station myself in Srinagar for the next week to personally monitor the functioning of the Power department & other important departments,” the chief minister said in a post on X. Omar chaired a high-level meeting at the civil secretariat in Srinagar and directed for providing seamless services during winter and ensuring connectivity besides providing relief and essential supplies to the people. Officers told the CM that a sufficient number of hi-tech snow clearance machines have been deployed by the R&B Department, SMC, MED, BRO, and NHAI, with additional machines on standby to handle heavy snowfall. The CM emphasised the need for a robust mechanism to minimise public inconvenience during severe weather conditions. He instructed the concerned authorities to focus on clearing key routes, including inter-district highways and roads leading to hospitals, power grids, water supply systems, and fire and emergency services. It is praiseworthy that the CM showed seriousness and passed required directions but the problem is with implementation. There has to be a proactive approach by officers on the ground to deal with winter vagaries. Proper planning is needed to deal with snowfall, rains or floods. Concerned Deputy Commissioners have an important part to play to ensure timely and effective responses to deal with weather-related challenges in their respective districts. The problem is we don’t learn lessons from disasters. We act only after the disasters. Its glaring example is the devastating floods of 2014. J&K needs effective disaster management mechanisms from village to colony levels. Though we have beautifully composed comprehensive disaster management plans, the question is about its proper implementation on the ground. This can only happen when there is coordination between different departments, roles of each officer are defined and importantly accountability is fixed to complete tasks. Where there is a will, there is a way! Despite limited resources, our ancestors effectively braved challenges and dealt with severe winter vagaries. We have resources, machines and technology but no will! Author is Executive Editor, Greater Kashmir

This move also highlights the importance of transparency and honesty in advertising, particularly when it comes to virtual goods and microtransactions in video games. Players, especially younger audiences, should be fully informed about the costs associated with in-game purchases and should not be manipulated through misleading marketing strategies.