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Tens of thousands of people gathered in Belgrade Sunday to protest against President Aleksandar Vucic and his ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). The rally, organised by students and farmer unions, was part of a wider movement demanding accountability for the collapse of a railway station roof that killed 15 people last month.
Issued on: 22/12/2024 – 21:07
Tens of thousands of people streamed into a central square in Serbia‘s capital on Sunday for a rally against populist President Aleksandar Vucic and his government, whose tight grip on power has been challenged by weeks of street protests led by university students.
The rally at Belgrade’s Slavija Square, one of the largest in recent years, was called by students and farmer unions. It was part of a wider movement demanding accountability over the Nov. 1 collapse of a canopy at a railway station in the country’s north that killed 15 people.
“We are all under the canopy,” read one of the banners displayed at the main Belgrade square.
Smaller rallies were also held in the cities of Nis and Kragujevac. The protest in Belgrade started with a 15-minute silence for the victims, and later chants of “You have blood on your hands!” were heard.
Many in Serbia blame the collapse on widespread corruption and sloppy work on the railway station building in the city of Novi Sad that was twice renovated in recent years as part of questionable mega projects involving Chinese state companies. Protesters demand that Vucic and those responsible face justice.
Read moreSerbia: Anti-corruption movement gains ground after deadly train station accident
Serbia’s popular theater and movie actors joined the protest, with actor Bane Trifunovic describing Sunday’s rally as “a festival of freedom.”
In a show of confidence, the Serbian president on Sunday inaugurated a section of a newly built highway in central Serbia. Vucic said he wouldn’t budge to opposition demands for a transitional government and accused his opponents of using students to try to seize power.
“We will beat them again,” said Vucic.“They (the opposition) don’t know what to do but to use someone’s children.”
In an apparent attempt to defuse the student-led protests, Vucic has been advertising what he said are “favorable” loans for young people to purchase apartments as well as attracting tens of thousands of doctors and other skilled people who have left the Balkan country for a better life in the West in recent years.
Prosecutors have arrested 13 people over the Novi Sad tragedy, including a government minister whose release later fueled public skepticism about the honesty of the investigation.
The weekslong protests reflect wider discontent with Vucic’s rule. The populist leader formally says he wants to take Serbia into the European Union but has faced accusations of curbing democratic freedoms rather than advancing them.
Opposition parties have said a transitional government that would prepare a free and fair election could be a way out of the political tensions as ruling populists also have been accused of rigging past votes.
Serbia’s government has extended school winter holidays by starting them nearly a week earlier to grapple with widening student protests.
Classes at universities throughout the Balkan country have been suspended for weeks with students camping inside their faculty buildings. In recent days, more high school students have joined the movement. Occasional violence has erupted when pro-government thugs tried to disrupt the protests.
A group of farmers said Sunday that police took away the tractor which they drove into central Belgrade ahead of the protest. In addition to the farmers, Serbia’s students also have received nationwide support from all walks of life including their professors, media personalities, lawyers and prominent individuals.
Vucic initially accused the students of launching protests for money but later said he has fulfilled their demands, including publishing documentation relating to the renovation work at the Novi Sad station.
(AP)
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Imagine stepping into a digital goldmine where every coin is a stepping stone towards financial freedom. The crypto landscape is thriving, with altcoins leading the charge in reshaping the future of finance. Among this vibrant mix, a few standout names beckon investors with their innovative ecosystems and growing communities. Qubetics ($TICS), a blockchain powerhouse with its revolutionary wallet solution, is redefining accessibility for crypto users. Meanwhile, Celestia, SEI, and VeChain bring their unique offerings, from modular blockchains to seamless decentralised trading solutions.
But what sets Qubetics apart? The excitement surrounding its presale phases and game-changing features has made it a magnet for investors. Whether you’re exploring cutting-edge wallets or dreaming of portfolio growth, this article unpacks why these projects, particularly Qubetics, are the best altcoins to buy this month.
The Qubetics Wallet stands at the forefront of crypto innovation, offering a seamless bridge between users and the blockchain. This state-of-the-art wallet is the cornerstone of the Qubetics ecosystem, crafted to simplify the management of digital assets. With support for iOS, Android, and desktop platforms, the Qubetics Wallet ensures accessibility for users regardless of their preferred device.
Designed to manage $TICS tokens and a range of other digital currencies, the wallet combines security, ease of use, and flexibility. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a newcomer, Qubetics Wallet empowers you to take charge of your financial future. This unparalleled convenience positions Qubetics as the best altcoin to buy this month, especially for those seeking a user-centric crypto management tool.

Qubetics is currently in Presale Phase 13, and the momentum is electric. Each weekly phase introduces a 10% price hike, culminating in a 20% jump in the final stage. Right now, $TICS tokens are priced at $0.034, with over $7.5M raised, 11,300+ holders, and an impressive 367M tokens sold. The post-presale target of $0.25 per token underscores the potential for high ROI, making this phase a golden opportunity for early investors.
With the next phase just around the corner, hesitation could mean missing out. Secure your spot in this presale and ride the wave of one of the best altcoins to buy this month before prices soar even higher.
Celestia is revolutionising how blockchains operate with its modular approach. Unlike traditional blockchains, Celestia separates consensus and data availability, offering developers unparalleled scalability and flexibility. This unique design fosters innovation by allowing developers to create custom chains without the bottlenecks of traditional architecture.
Its emphasis on scalability and efficiency has drawn significant attention from the crypto community, cementing its place on this list. 
Celestia’s modular concept could very well be the blueprint for next-generation blockchain networks, which is why it’s made this list.
SEI is carving out its niche in the decentralised finance (DeFi) space, focusing on high-speed, low-cost transactions. Built to cater to the growing demand for decentralised trading platforms, SEI’s infrastructure is optimised for seamless performance. By addressing latency issues and offering instant finality, SEI sets a benchmark for efficiency.
Its unique proposition makes it a favourite for traders looking for reliable DeFi solutions, solidifying its spot among the top picks. SEI’s commitment to performance deserves recognition in this list of top cryptos.
VeChain is a leader in integrating blockchain technology into supply chain management. Its platform provides businesses with a transparent and secure way to track goods across the supply chain, reducing fraud and inefficiency. VeChain’s applications are vast and impactful from luxury goods to food safety.
The platform’s real-world use cases and growing enterprise adoption stand out in the crypto space. VeChain’s innovative approach to solving practical problems ensures its relevance in this list of promising altcoins.

Based on the latest research, the best altcoins to buy this month are undoubtedly Qubetics ($TICS), followed by Celestia, SEI, and VeChain. Each project brings its unique value to the table, but Qubetics stands out with its innovative wallet and explosive presale opportunities. With its ongoing presale and potential for high returns, Qubetics offers an unmissable chance to be part of a project that’s poised for exponential growth.
Don’t wait for the market to validate what investors already see. Invest in Qubetics today, where the future of blockchain innovation meets unparalleled investment potential.

Qubetics: https://qubetics.com
Telegram: https://t.me/qubetics
Twitter: https://x.com/qubetics
Meet Alex, a distinguished writer and researcher specializing in the dynamic world of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. With a wealth of experience and an unyielding passion for staying at the forefront of this ever-evolving industry, Alex is your trusted guide in navigating the complex terrain of digital assets and blockchain innovation. Alex holds a Ph.D. in Blockchain Development, a testament to his unparalleled expertise in this field. His educational journey, combined with his multifaceted perspective, allows him to excel in dissecting the geographical and economic factors shaping the cryptocurrency market, providing insights that delve beyond the surface. What sets Alex apart is not just his professional expertise, but his personal dedication to the transformative potential of blockchain technologies. His keen research skills ensure that he remains a reliable source for industry trends and insights, helping you make informed decisions in the world of cryptocurrencies. Join Alex on this exciting journey through the crypto realm, where knowledge meets innovation, and discover the possibilities that lie within the blockchain revolution. Business Email: info@crypto-news-flash.com Phone: +49 160 92211628
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As Europe grapples with shifting geopolitical forces, Greece finds itself increasingly wary of Turkey’s rising influence in the Middle East. Discussions about the future of European security have intensified, particularly with the growing concerns about Turkish involvement in Syria and the changing US foreign policy under President Donald Trump.
Turkish operations in Syria have escalated, with Ankara playing a key role in the removal of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. This shift, coupled with Turkey’s influence over the armed factions in Syria, has caused alarm in Athens. Greek officials are uneasy about Turkey’s ability to execute complex military operations – entailing coordination between intelligence agencies, armed forces, and foreign players – signaling a major change in regional power dynamics. The concern in Athens has deepened as Turkey seeks new strategic alliances, particularly with regard to maritime zones around Cyprus.
This evolving dynamic includes the possibility of a Turkish-Syrian agreement that could directly impact Cyprus’ exclusive economic zones, further complicating Greek-Turkish relations. Analysts fear that if Turkey’s diplomatic and military influence grows unchecked, it could destabilize not only Syria but also critical parts of the Mediterranean, particularly regarding Cyprus’ energy resources.
A key element adding to this unease is Trump’s ambiguous statements regarding Turkey’s intentions in Syria. The US president-elect recently called Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan “very smart,” while noting Turkey’s expansion in Syria. 
Trump’s sympathy for the charismatic and authoritarian leadership figure embodied by Erdogan has been known since his first presidential term in 2016-2020. Officials in Athens are well aware of this particularity. However, at the same time, they also understand that, for Trump, the relationship with Erdogan may remain in this context of admiration on a personal level if Turkey does not play wisely the very good cards it currently holds at the Middle East table. 
At the same time, Turkey’s shift away from Russia and Iran has given Israel additional leverage, further complicating the already delicate situation.
Greek officials are particularly concerned about how these developments may affect the ongoing Kurdish issue in Syria. Turkey’s stance on Kurdish autonomy in northern Syria, a point of tension with the US, remains a contentious matter. The risk of further Kurdish conflict could destabilize the region, and Greece sees this as a significant threat to its security.
Ultimately, US-Turkish priorities mean, first of all, that Greek-Turkish issues are a much lower priority for Washington. 
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23 Dec, 2024
Sanchita Sinha
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It is the responsibility of an entrepreneurial leader, whether in the public or private sector of the economy, to strengthen the social safety net by making genuine efforts to curb poverty and inequality.
Let me narrate a recent personal experience in order to provide an appropriate context. Before I continue, let me ask the question: why “Price Control?” My answer is that, micro-decisions add up to macro outcomes and macro conditions influence micro-decisions.
Now my experience. I decided to put out one of my books into the market for sale. The price was a “legal” minimum, just a little bit above the equilibrium price. The feedback I got was very instructive. Several people that wanted to buy the book pleaded that the price be lowered. What this development has thrown up is the obvious symptom of the disturbing challenges in the Nigerian marketplace.
How then do we achieve equitable outcomes for the consumer in view of this current unstable relationship between demand, supply and price? How can leaders join hands to guarantee affordable prices in this marketplace characterised by run-off inflation, hunger, worsening economic instability and unemployment?
As we all know, price and quantity move in the same direction. This movement results in a demand shift. This outcome is expected because changes in one variable, affect other variables.
Should government make a pronouncement by way of price control? This definitely will not be effective because for a price to be binding on producers, it must be higher than the equilibrium price.
So what is the way forward? The basic concepts of economics are: the management of needs, wants, demands, supply and of course, the market. There is no market without consumer needs. Ability and willingness to buy to satisfy needs or the satisfying object of demand, is affordability or adequacy of purchasing power. Demand curve is the graphic representation of the relationship between price and quantity demanded of a particular product or service. Intrinsic value is ratio of perceived benefits versus the price paid.
Smart leaders drive their businesses to thrive and not just for survival. Power strategy or the art of strategic planning, building trust and loyalty within your team as well as ensuring growth with customer partners, make it mandatory for leaders to navigate challenges by realistically responding to what is happening now (what is in front of you) and taking necessary pragmatic next steps.
All-embracing customer satisfaction has a direct impact on customer loyalty. An increase in customer satisfaction will deliver growth of customer loyalty and definitely, a thriving business. Value-adding relationship between customer satisfaction and loyalty is a pair of concepts with the proven deliverables of recommendation by customers and their patronage.
Customer satisfaction is the major determinant that impacts development of long-term relationship between providers and customers. People call it, lifetime value-delivering partnership. Thoroughly satisfied customers will, everything being equal, purchase goods and services than those who are not satisfied.
Business strategists have recommended that the success of an organization should be defined and measured by internal metrics of customers’ key outcomes. The point is that, we should drive value for the business through the Customer Value Dashboard. In other words, sustainable success should be determined by the success of customers interacting with organizations’ products and services delivered (to the organizations). That is, patronage revenues and inflows. Let us then ask ourselves, are leaders, in a robust manner, solving customers’ problems? Are customers getting the outcomes desired?
Warren Buffet, one of the most successful investors in the world with a net worth of over a hundred billion dollars, pointed out that leaders of organizations should ask themselves from time to time whether the lives of their customers are “being bettered”.
Leaders can surely work with affordable margins and still compete on the cost of money. Prevailing economic situations should not make organizations push back on enviable customer experience. With the determination to delight customers, leaders should fall back on their organizations’ strengths and capabilities.
I hereby make a passionate call to business leaders to put in stellar efforts to achieve equitable outcomes for customers. Leaders should provide the enablement for customers to achieve their want-satisfying capability and benefits for consuming their organizations’ goods and services.
As I mentioned earlier, enhancing customer satisfaction is crucial for business success and enduring sustainability. Leaders must make customers feel valued and satisfied. We can realistically connect with customers’ needs in a systemic way. Let us be “at home” with their realities of life.
For example, few years ago, the Mutual Benefits team created an insurance empowerment product for tomato sellers in Oyingbo market (Lagos State, Nigeria). With an affordable premium, Mutual Benefits provided the enablement for basic medical needs and at the same time, the traders could buy additional baskets of tomatoes to further enlarge their business.
Even in business to business (B2B) interactions, leaders can widen their views of the customers’ activities for more affordable upsell. This will definitely deliver additional value to the customers or clients.
At these challenging times, personal touch is needed in interactions. Personalize conversations. Be accountable, respectful, empathetic and trustworthy. Honour promises and keeps rebuilding value-adding relationships.
Let me conclude with that power of customer satisfaction and loyalty. It is that capacity to provide the sum of tangible and intangible benefits as well as equitable price. It is the combination of service plus additional service and price.
READ ALSO: Reintroduce commodity price control board
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The Hachette Book Group v Internet Archive case has come to a close after the Second Circuit – one of the United States Courts of Appeals – found that “controlled digital learning” infringes on copyright law.
The court ruled that, as well as lacking legal authority, this also harms authors and publishers.
The legal result was announced after the Internet Archive declined to file a cert petition with the US Supreme Court by the deadline. Plaintiffs included Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers, John Wiley & Sons and Penguin Random House.
The Association of American Publishers (AAP), which funded the action, praised the outcome for setting a precedent for other cases, such as those concerning the use of content by AI companies.
The primary focus of the case was the Internet Archive’s (IA) unlicensed, worldwide distribution platform, known as the “Open Library”, which allowed users to borrow scanned print books without the consent of authors or publishers, and without compensation.
The organisation claimed that, it or its partner libraries, could make and distribute unlicensed digital copies if they kept a copy of the print edition for each digital “borrow”. It also encouraged libraries to stop licensing e-books and use its platform.
The court added: “If authors and creators knew that their original works could be copied and disseminated for free, there would be little motivation to produce new works. And a dearth of creativity would undoubtedly negatively impact the public.”
The court concluded that digitising physical copies of written work is not transformative, adding: “The Copyright Act protects authors’ works in whatever format they are produced.”
The organisation is bound by a permanent injunction and must “substantially” compensate AAP.
Maria A Pallante, president and c.e.o. of the AAP, added: “After five years of litigation, we are thrilled to see this important case rest with the decisive opinion of the Second Circuit, which leaves no room for arguments that ‘controlled digital lending’ is anything more than infringement, whether performed by commercial or noncommercial actors, or aimed at authorship that is creative or factual in nature.
“As the court recognised, the public interest – and the progress of art and science that is the mandate of the US Constitution’s copyright clause – is served best when authors and their publisher licensees can decide the terms on which they make their works available.”

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National Assembly Majority Leader Kimai Ichung’wah. PHOTO: KIMANIICHUNGWAH/X
Speaking in Muhoroni, Ichung’wah emphasized the importance of cleansing the house spiritually and preventing such events from recurring.
“I will speak to Speaker Moses Wetang’ula to explore how we can collaborate with religious leaders to sanctify the house after what transpired in June,” Ichung’wah said.
“We pray that such incidents may never happen again in the history of our country.”
Ichung’wah revealed that several church leaders have already requested these prayers, highlighting a shared concern for national healing and unity.
Reflecting on the Gen Z-led anti-tax bill protests earlier this year, the Majority Leader criticized some church leaders for veering into politics instead of fulfilling their spiritual roles.
“At that time, many of our church leaders abandoned their duty to guide us in a godly manner. They became more political than the politicians,” he remarked.
Ichung’wah also called on parents to take greater responsibility in guiding their children, condemning the language and behaviour exhibited during the protests.
“As parents, we must set good examples for our children. The chaos we saw involving our youth this year was a failure not only of parenting but also of the church,” he said.
“Some of the words those children used against leaders and even their parents are unimaginable for those of us who grew up in earlier generations.”
Ichung’wah urged collective effort from families, religious institutions, and society at large to prevent a recurrence of such incidents, emphasising   the need for moral and spiritual rejuvenation.
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TapSwap, one of the top Telegram ecosystem players, hopes to launch the much-anticipated airdrop in January next year. So, will the TAPS token crash as other popular Telegram cryptocurrencies like Hamster Kombat (HMSTR), Dogs (DOGS), and Catizen (CATI)?
TapSwap, a leading tap-to-earn game on Telegram, has disappointed many players as the developers have delayed its airdrop or the token generation event. It was initially set to start trading in July last year, and then the developers promised to have it listed in the third quarter.
Well, the fourth quarter is ending, with the developers promising that it will happen in January. As such, based on the previous failed promises, there are reasons to doubt whether the token generation event will happen in January.
The developers have justified the delayed listing event to the need to have a good ecosystem that will provide the TAPS token with a good utility. In a recent post, the developers noted that they were working on a gaming platform that will give it more use in the long term. They aim to ensure that the token will be used to pay for tournaments and prize pools.
As you may already know, TapSwap's next big step is launching a gaming platform designed to bring real value to the soon-to-be-listed $TAPS token.$TAPS will play a central role in this new ecosystem — serving as your ticket into tournaments and the foundation of prize pools. As…
The developers have also justified the token listing delay to the need to have strong partnerships with other big players in the crypto industry. This includes exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, and OKX. 
A key concern among Tapswap’s developers is that most tap-to-earn tokens crash after their airdrop. As shown below, tokens like Notcoin, Hamster Kombat, Catizen, and JetTon Games have plunged by double digits in the last 30 days. 
Most of these tokens are down by over 70% from their all-time highs, with only a handful of holders being in profit. Just 15% of Notcoin holders are profitable and 0.92% of Hamster Kombat are profitable. Also, just 0.16% of Dogs and 0.65% of CATI holders are profitable.
Therefore, it makes sense for Tapswap developers to maintain their patience and build the ecosystem before the airdrop.
However, the reality, is that many Tapswap players do so because they want to convert their coins into cash. Most are not interested in the ecosystem growth and the upcoming gaming platform.
This explains why the CATI, HMSTR, and DOGS tokens crashed after the airdrop. Most of the holders used the listing opportunity to sell their tokens. For example, Hamster Kombat, which had over 300 million users now has 3.8 million HMSTR token holders. Catizen now has just 1.4 million tokens. 
The same trend happens among other “to earn” platforms in the crypto industry like move-to-earn networks like Sweatcoin and StepN. Therefore, there is a likelihood that the TAPS taken will crash after the airdop.
Since launching in 2012, Bankless Times is dedicated to bringing you the latest news and informational content within the alternative finance industry. Our news coverage spans the whole crypto-sphere so you’ll always stay up to date — be it on cryptocurrencies, NFTs, ICOs, Fintech, or Blockchain.

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New York’s Board of Regents approved a Department of Education funding request for climate education.
The board is putting more than $536,000 aside for climate change education and materials.
New Jersey is the only state mandating climate change be taught in all subject areas. Connecticut teaches it as well, but primarily in science.
Emily Fano, director of climate resilience education programs with the National Wildlife Federation, described how climate change can be taught across multiple subject areas.
“There are so many ways climate can be integrated into math class, graphing greenhouse gas emissions for example,” said Fano. “Social studies, you can talk about social movements like the youth climate movement that has grown by leaps and bounds all over the world.”
She added that health classes could teach the health impacts of air pollution and poor air quality.
The funding allotment faces no opposition, and a Yale University report finds 81% of New York adults feel climate change should be taught in schools. This is higher than the national average of 75%.
If the funding’s approved, climate change will be taught in New York schools starting in the 2026-2027 school year.
But, climate education has faced an uphill battle.
A bill establishing a course on climate change in elementary and secondary schools garnered widespread support. But, it failed in the state legislature.
Fano said along with a new climate education bill, more work must be done to make this a reality.
“We’ll continue working with the state education department and our partners to make sure that our students are going to get the climate education they need and deserve,” said Fano. “So, we will continue working on this issue regardless, but we really hope the Governor understands the urgency of this request.”
While this funding request provides a framework for training current educators about how to teach climate change, Fano said she wants this training for people studying to be teachers.
An Education Week Research Center poll finds 18% of teachers don’t address climate change because they feel out of their element discussing it.
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Lama Aria Drolma’s Transformative Journey from Fashion Runways to Spiritual Retreats  The New Indian Express
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