WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's administration will examine ways to impose higher costs on private actors and U.S. adversaries who wage cyber attacks on America, Trump's pick for national security adviser, Representative Mike Waltz, said on Sunday. The comments come after U.S. allegations of a sweeping Chinese cyber espionage campaign known as Salt Typhoon that targeted and recorded telephone calls of senior American political figures. The White House has said at least eight telecommunications and infrastructure firms in the United States had been affected and a large number of Americans' metadata was stolen in the sweeping cyber espionage campaign. Waltz did not say what the Trump administration would do in response to Salt Typhoon but spoke more generally about the incoming administration's approach. He said Washington for too long had focused mostly on bolstering its cyber defenses. "We need to start going on the offense and start imposing, I think, higher costs and consequences to private actors and nation-state actors that continue to steal our data, that continue to spy on us," Waltz told CBS News' Face the Nation. He also said the private U.S. technology industry could also be helpful in making adversaries vulnerable as well as aiding in U.S. defense. Chinese officials previously have described the allegations as disinformation and said that Beijing "firmly opposes and combats cyber attacks and cyber theft in all forms." (Reporting by Phil Stewart, editing by Ross Colvin and Deepa Babington)

Football: Furuhashi, Maeda find net as Celtic extend unbeaten run

In a booster to Make in India, Dixon to form JV with Vivo India for manufacturing smartphonesBronze Market Size, Scope 2031 by Key Companies- Lebronze Alloys, Wieland Metals Inc., LDM B.V., National Bronze & Metals Ningbo Boway Alloy Material Co Ltd 11-23-2024 06:46 PM CET | Advertising, Media Consulting, Marketing Research Press release from: Verified Market Research USA, New Jersey: According to Verified Market Research analysis, the global Bronze Market size is reached a valuation of USD 9.33 Billion in 2023, with projections to achieve USD 11.37 Billion by 2031, demonstrating a CAGR 2.50% from 2024 to 2031. What is the current state and outlook of the bronze market? The bronze market, driven by demand in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and automotive, is poised for moderate growth. As of 2024, the price of bronze is heavily influenced by the cost of copper, tin, and aluminum-its primary components. The market has seen price fluctuations due to supply chain issues, geopolitical tensions, and raw material shortages. While global demand for bronze is growing, particularly in Asia-Pacific countries with expanding infrastructure and industrial production, the market faces challenges, including competition from alternative materials like aluminum and plastics. Additionally, increasing recycling efforts are reducing demand for newly mined bronze, affecting overall market growth. Despite these hurdles, demand in emerging economies, coupled with a rise in sustainable manufacturing practices, should help maintain moderate growth through the next decade. https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/download-sample/?rid=23166&utm_source=OpenPR&utm_medium=386 What are the key factors driving investment in the bronze market? Investment in the bronze market is largely driven by several factors: industrial demand, infrastructure development, and raw material pricing. Firstly, the increasing construction of infrastructure, particularly in developing countries, is one of the strongest demand drivers for bronze, particularly in construction components and machinery. Secondly, the automotive and manufacturing sectors, which utilize bronze for high-performance alloys, continue to expand. Thirdly, the rising prices of copper and tin, key components of bronze, are a notable factor in market movements, making bronze a more volatile but potentially lucrative investment. Moreover, the push for green technologies and sustainable manufacturing offers a unique opportunity, as bronze is highly recyclable, aligning with global sustainability trends. These factors together suggest continued demand and potential for strategic investments, especially in emerging markets. What are the risks and challenges for investors in the bronze market? Investing in the bronze market presents several risks. First, price volatility of its core components (copper and tin) can cause significant fluctuations in the price of bronze, leading to unpredictable returns. Additionally, geopolitical issues-such as trade disputes, tariffs, and resource nationalism-pose a risk to supply chains and may disrupt the stability of prices. Another risk is the growing competition from alternative materials like aluminum and composites, which could reduce the demand for bronze, particularly in sectors like automotive and construction. Furthermore, increased recycling initiatives and the shift towards sustainable production may reduce reliance on newly mined bronze, affecting long-term demand. Investors should carefully monitor raw material prices, global trade conditions, and technological innovations to navigate these challenges effectively. Major companies Lebronze Alloys, Wieland Metals Inc., LDM B.V., National Bronze & Metals Ningbo Boway Alloy Material Co Ltd, Diehl Metall Stiftung & Co. Kg, KME Germany GmbH & Co Kg., Concast Metal Products Co, PMX Industries Inc, Ningbo Xingye Shengtai Group Co., Ltd. Trends Global Market Expansion: As markets continue to globalize, numerous enterprises in the Bronze sector are actively exploring opportunities in emerging markets. Leveraging their expertise and resources, these companies are strategically expanding their footprint and reaching out to new customer segments, thereby capitalizing on evolving market dynamics. Sustainable Practices: There's a noticeable surge in prioritizing sustainability within the market, spurred by both consumer preferences and regulatory mandates. This shift is manifesting in heightened adoption of eco-friendly materials, implementation of energy-efficient processes, and proactive initiatives aimed at waste reduction. Digital Transformation: The Bronze market is swiftly embracing digital transformation, incorporating cutting-edge technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain. This transition is significantly enhancing operational efficiency, fostering product innovation, and elevating customer experiences through personalization. Health and Wellness: Consumers are placing a growing emphasis on health and wellness, catalyzing the introduction of functional and nutritious products in the Bronze market. Additionally, there's a notable trend towards integrating health-focused attributes into existing offerings to meet evolving consumer expectations. Key Segments Are Covered in Report Bronze Market, By End-Use Industry • Marine • Automotive • Aerospace & Defense • Industrial • Infrastructure & Construction • Electrical & Electronics • Others. Bronze Market, By Type • Aluminum Bronze • Silicon Bronze • Phosphor Bronze • Leaded Tin Bronze • Others Get a Discount On The Purchase Of This Report @ https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/ask-for-discount?rid=23166&utm_source=OpenPR&utm_medium=386 Barriers to Entry Strong Brand Loyalty: Established brands enjoy strong customer loyalty and trust, making it difficult for new entrants to capture market share without substantial investment in brand building and marketing campaigns. Economies of Scale: Existing players benefit from economies of scale, which enable them to lower production costs per unit and offer competitive pricing, posing a barrier for new entrants to achieve similar cost efficiencies. High Capital Requirements: Entry into Bronze Market requires substantial initial investment in manufacturing facilities, distribution networks, and marketing, making it challenging for new entrants to compete effectively. Regulatory Hurdles: Compliance with Bronze industry regulations and standards adds complexity and cost to market entry, especially for startups or smaller firms lacking resources to navigate regulatory requirements effectively. Regional Analysis North America (USA and Canada) Europe (UK, Germany, France and rest of Europe) Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, and Rest of Asia Pacific) Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America) Middle East and Africa (GCC and Rest of the Middle East and Africa) The report offers analysis on the following aspects: (1) Market Penetration: Comprehensive information on the product portfolios of the top players in the Bronze Market. (2) Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on the upcoming technologies, R&D activities, and product launches in the Bronze market. (3) Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of the market strategies, geographic and business segments of the leading players in the market. (4) Market Development: Comprehensive information about emerging markets. This report analyzes the market for various segments across geographies. (5) Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the Bronze Market. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 1. What are the present scale and future growth prospects of the Bronze Market? Answer: The Bronze Market size is reached a valuation of USD 9.33 Billion in 2023, with projections to achieve USD 11.37 Billion by 2031, demonstrating a CAGR 2.50% from 2024 to 2031. 2. What is the current state of the Bronze market? Answer: As of the latest data, the Bronze market is experiencing growth, stability, and challenges. 3. Who are the key players in the Bronze market? Answer: Lebronze Alloys, Wieland Metals Inc., LDM B.V., National Bronze & Metals Ningbo Boway Alloy Material Co Ltd, Diehl Metall Stiftung & Co. Kg, KME Germany GmbH & Co Kg., Concast Metal Products Co, PMX Industries Inc, Ningbo Xingye Shengtai Group Co., Ltd. are the Prominent players in the Bronze market, known for their notable characteristics and strengths. 4. What factors are driving the growth of the Bronze market? Answer: The growth of the Bronze market can be attributed to factors such as key drivers technological advancements, increasing demand, and regulatory support. 5. Are there any challenges affecting the Bronze market? Answer: The Bronze market's challenges include competition, regulatory hurdles, and economic factors. For More Information or Query, Visit @ https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/product/bronze-market/ Inquiry: Mr. Edwin Fernandez Verified Market Research USA: +1 650 781 4080 APAC: +61 485 860 968 EMEA: +44 788 886 6344 Website:- https://www.verifiedmarketresearch.com/ About us: Verified Market Research Verified Market Research is a leading global research and consulting firm with over 10 years of experience providing advanced analytical research solutions, tailored consulting and in-depth data analysis to individuals and companies seeking accurate, reliable and timely research. Data and technology consulting. It provides insights into strategic and growth analysis, the data you need to achieve business goals, and helps you make key revenue decisions. Our research works as partners to provide our clients with accurate and valuable information to help them make better data-driven decisions, understand market forecasts, capitalize on future opportunities and help optimize efficiency. The industries we cover span a wide range of industries including technology, chemicals, manufacturing, energy, food and beverage, automotive, robotics, packaging, construction, mining and gas. etc. Verified Market Research help you understand comprehensive market indicator factors as well as current and future market trends. Our analysts have extensive expertise in data collection and management, using industry methodologies to collect and examine data at every step. They are trained to combine the latest data collection techniques, superior research methodologies, specialized knowledge, and years of collective experience to produce informative and accurate research results. Having served over 5,000 clients, we provide trusted market research services to over 100 global Fortune 500 companies, including Amazon, Dell, IBM, Shell, Exxon Mobil, General Electric, Siemens, Microsoft, Sony and Hitachi. We provided it. We work with some of the world's leading consulting firms, including McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group and Bain & Company, delivering customized research and consulting projects for companies around the world. This release was published on openPR.

When Ukrainian fighters began reporting back to family and friends that they could use more and better-quality drones to combat Russian forces, average Ukrainians swung into action. Today a civilian drone assembly operation – including in people’s homes – is helping many military units to stave off an encroaching enemy. In October, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told foreign arms manufacturers that Ukraine is now capable of producing 4 million drones annually, with private companies, the military, and civilians all playing a role. Hennadii Mischevskyi, director of testing at Social Drone, a volunteer drone assembly group based in Kyiv, assembles drones at his dining room table, sometimes drawing on the help of his 7-year-old daughter. Social Drone started out a little over a year ago with three friends assembling five to 10 camera-carrying drones a week for one front-line army unit. Today Social Drones’ stable of 1,200 volunteers assembles about 700 drones a week. “If I want to live in an independent Ukraine, if I want my children to grow up in a free country, I feel I have to do something to help those who are fighting on the front lines,” Mr. Mischevskyi says. “I think the growth of our group indicates just how much Ukrainians feel the same.” Sometimes when Hennadii Mischevskyi is assembling military drones on his dining room table, his 7-year-old daughter leans on him and asks a very 7-year-old-child’s question: Why can’t you come play with me? “I tell her Daddy is busy helping our country; I’m helping the army do its job better so they can help us,” he says. “Sometimes she asks if she can help, so I let her sort the little screws that are part of the assembly,” he adds. “I can tell she is happy to join in.” Mr. Mischevskyi and his home drone assembly operation are a small piece of a nationwide civilian effort in Ukraine to supply the military with many of the thousands of drones it uses every month in the war with Russia. Reminiscent of American and British civilian involvement during World War II – which ranged from the collecting of used foil to women working in factories – Ukraine’s civilian drone assembly operation is a critical factor in many army units’ ability to stave off an encroaching enemy. Including the fundraising drives that finance the drone production, the nationwide operation offers insight into how much average Ukrainians remain involved in their country’s defense 1,000 days into the war. “If I want to live in an independent Ukraine, if I want my children to grow up in a free country, I feel I have to do something to help those who are fighting on the front lines,” says Mr. Mischevskyi, director of testing at Social Drone, a volunteer drone assembly group based in Kyiv. “I think the growth of our group indicates just how much Ukrainians feel the same and want to do something to help.” Indeed, Social Drone started out a little over a year ago with three friends assembling five to 10 camera-carrying drones a week for one front-line army unit. Today Social Drones’ stable of 1,200 volunteers assembles about 700 drones a week. In October, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told foreign arms manufacturers that Ukraine is now capable of producing 4 million drones annually, with private companies, the military, and civilians all playing a role. The drone assembly campaign grew out of the surge in volunteering and civic involvement following Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Groups sprung up to help families displaced by the war and to furnish soldiers with everything from medical supplies to warm socks. When family members and friends in combat units began reporting back that they could use more and better-quality drones, average Ukrainians swung into action. One example is Klyn Drones in Kyiv. It started out as a volunteer group replacing homes’ war-damaged roofs, and then shifted to drone assembly this past spring when group members decided they wanted to do something to contribute to Ukraine’s defense. “We decided [drone assembly] would be a more effective means of being involved,” says Andrii Yukhno, an engineer who runs Klyn Drones out of a basement along with two friends and two adopted dogs. “To be honest,” he adds, “we thought it would allow us to be directly involved in the elimination of the enemy.” Six months later, Klyn – whose name means “wedge” or describes the V formation of migrating geese – delivers drones in batches of 150 to army units they have established a relationship with. In return, the soldiers send back drone footage that demonstrates their effectiveness. “We’ve received videos of our drones striking Russian armed vehicles and targeting Russian tanks,” Mr. Yukhno says. “That gives us the sense of direct involvement in defending our country that we were looking for.” Those videos are also an important piece of Klyn’s fundraising – the success of which determines the pace of the group’s drone production. “We’re finding that the initial high involvement of regular people has started to drop off as more people live their lives almost as if the war doesn’t exist,” Mr. Yukhno says. “So the videos with our drones in action remind people of the part we all have to play in defeating the enemy.” Donors who give enough are allowed to name a drone or inscribe one with a message. “People choose the name of the village they are from that Russia has destroyed, or the name of a loved one who was killed in the fighting,” he says. Such videos are also crucial for the fundraising organized by Oleksandra, a conference interpreter and mother in Odesa who, like some others interviewed, asked that her last name be withheld. The video that “really works” with donors, she says, has a kamikaze drone striking new units of Russian soldiers. “When the [operator] doing the voiceover shouts ‘Woo-hoo!’ that’s when [donors] really respond.” Oleksandra says she considered assembling drones but realized fundraising fit better with her skills and schedule. Recently, wanting to do more, she has started combing the internet to find quality drone parts at the best price. Most parts still come from China, but a growing share of drone kits and parts are produced in Ukraine. “I just feel that if we can’t be on the front line, we should all be involved somehow to win this war and preserve our independence,” Oleksandra says. Back at Klyn Drones, in a space the size of a small classroom, Mr. Yukhno and fellow assemblers Sasha and Stanislav do the painstaking work of drone-building. They wield small screw drivers, tweezers, and solder guns, with dogs Lilou and Leonia – both strays picked up in abandoned villages – at their feet. Ukraine’s defense ministry contracts with big companies to provide large orders of drones. But civilian assemblers say the military units they supply often express their preference for the models produced by the volunteer cottage industry. “We pay attention to the quality of our work and pride ourselves on delivering a product that will serve our soldiers well,” says Mr. Yukhno. To illustrate, Sasha points out the difference in soldering quality between a Klyn drone and a commercial model. At Social Drone, Mr. Mischevskyi says the army units they work with know by now they can trust the product to work right out of the box because every drone gets a test flight – not the case, he says, with more mass-produced drones. Units can alter specifications with small producers and expect faster turnaround if they suddenly need drones with, say, night vision or heavier weapons-delivery capacity. At Tricky Drones in Odesa, co-founder and drone engineer Andrii Iavorskyi shows off a stack of boxed drones ready for shipment. As he shows a visitor around Tricky’s two-room operation just off a leafy residential street, Hryhorii Rybalka, the outfit’s sole paid employee, works on a receiver chip that will help operate the drone at longer distances. Mr. Iavorskyi, a video producer by profession, was considering a job with a large drone manufacturer last year when he decided to start a drone assembly operation. A year later, Tricky Drones is building about 1,000 drones a month and is on a Defense Ministry list of drone suppliers military units can contact. Operating with about a dozen volunteers, Tricky produces a variety of drones of varying sizes and functions. Mr. Iavorskyi recalls getting a succinct request from an army volunteer unit seeking a large drone that could operate off of a car battery. “Just make it work” was the only instruction the unit sent. But of all the drones Tricky produces, he says, he’s proudest of the reconnaissance drones that fly up to 40 miles to monitor enemy positions and movement. “That’s a mission a soldier used to have to risk his life to accomplish,” Mr. Iavorskyi says. “To me it’s well worth the $600 that drone might cost to save a precious life.” Oleksandr Naselenko assisted in reporting this story.

HOUSTON – Tyler Herro scored 27 points before being one of six people ejected after a fight in the final minute of the Miami Heat's 104-100 victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday night. Herro was thrown to the ground by the Rockets' Amen Thompson with 35 seconds left and the Heat leading 99-94. Players and coaches from both benches then came onto the court. Recommended Videos Both players were thrown out along with Rockets guard Jalen Green, coach Ime Udoka and assistant coach Ben Sullivan. Terry Rozier was also ejected for Miami. Houston led 92-85 after Fred VanVleet's layup with 8:10 to play, but the Rockets missed their next 11 shots, allowing Miami to tie the game when Herro found Haywood Highsmith for a 3-pointer with 4:47 to play. Herro’s jumper with 1:56 to play put the Heat on top for good. Takeaways Heat: Playing the second night of a back-to-back and missing Jimmy Butler for a fifth straight game, Nikola Jovic finished with 18 points, seven rebounds, and six assists for the Heat. Highsmith added 15 points. Rockets: After blowing a 15-point, fourth-quarter lead against the Wolves, Houston struggled offensively in the fourth quarter, shooting just 6 for 24 from the field. Dillon Brooks scored 22 points after missing the last three games with a right ankle effusion. Key moment Jovic’s 3 with 47 seconds left put Miami up 98-94. Key Stat Miami outscored Houston, the NBA’s best offensive rebounding team, 15-9 in second-chance points. Up Next The Rockets host Dallas on Wednesday and the Heat host New Orleans on Wednesday.1 2 3 Guwahati: ‘Sameeksha' app has marked a new era of technology-driven school evaluations in Assam's Barpeta district , ahead of the mega school evaluation exercise, Gunotsav, scheduled for Jan-Feb. Prasenjit Sarma, a distinguished teacher, tech innovator, and AI expert, has developed the mobile app, which promises to revolutionise school evaluation methodologies, officials said. The app will assess 2,058 govt schools, encompassing 2,30,844 students in the forthcoming ‘Mock Gunotsav' in Assam's Barpeta and Bajali districts. The app utilises advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to provide a comprehensive digital platform for evaluating school performance across these districts. Sarma, who serves as a Block Resource Person at Barpeta, is a versatile professional with a national reputation. He has previously earned widespread acclaim for developing AI applications in education and agriculture. His Sameeksha app represents a sophisticated technological solution for comprehensive school performance assessment. "By integrating cutting-edge technology, the app analyses multiple dimensions of educational institutions, including academic achievements, co-curricular activities, infrastructure quality, and uniform standards," Sarma said. Inspector of schools-cum-district elementary education officer of Barpeta, Ratul Kumar Das, lauded Sarma's innovation, describing it as a "game-changing approach to educational evaluation". He added that Barpeta district is going to conduct the Mock-Gunotsav Evaluation entirely online. Chandan Kumar Das, special Gunotsav committee coordinator, emphasised the app's potential. "Prasenjit Sarma has demonstrated how local innovation can drive significant systemic improvements," he said. The app's three-phase evaluation process — self-assessment on Dec 19, followed by external evaluations on Dec 20, 23, and 24 — showcases a methodically designed approach to comprehensive school performance monitoring . Officials said this pioneering move in Barpeta can be replicated anywhere for school assessment.WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's administration will examine ways to impose higher costs on private actors and U.S. adversaries who wage cyber attacks on America, Trump's pick for national security adviser, Representative Mike Waltz, said on Sunday. The comments come after U.S. allegations of a sweeping Chinese cyber espionage campaign known as Salt Typhoon that targeted and recorded telephone calls of senior American political figures. The White House has said at least eight telecommunications and infrastructure firms in the United States had been affected and a large number of Americans' metadata was stolen in the sweeping cyber espionage campaign. Waltz did not say what the Trump administration would do in response to Salt Typhoon but spoke more generally about the incoming administration's approach. He said Washington for too long had focused mostly on bolstering its cyber defenses. "We need to start going on the offense and start imposing, I think, higher costs and consequences to private actors and nation-state actors that continue to steal our data, that continue to spy on us," Waltz told CBS News' Face the Nation. He also said the private U.S. technology industry could also be helpful in making adversaries vulnerable as well as aiding in U.S. defense. Chinese officials previously have described the allegations as disinformation and said that Beijing "firmly opposes and combats cyber attacks and cyber theft in all forms." (Reporting by Phil Stewart, editing by Ross Colvin and Deepa Babington)

Joe Biden led US presidents and other world leaders in paying tribute Sunday to Jimmy Carter who died aged 100. "Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian," President Biden said in a statement released by the White House. "He saved, lifted and changed the lives of people all across the globe." To President-elect Donald Trump, Americans owe Carter "a debt of gratitude." "The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans," he said on social media. Former president Bill Clinton, a Southern Democrat like Carter, said his predecessor had "worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world." He added, in a joint statement with his wife and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, that Carter "lived to serve others -- until the very end." To former president George W. Bush, Carter "dignified the office. And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn't end with the presidency." And for former president Barack Obama, Carter "taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service." Among other US politicians sharing their condolences, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Carter "taught us that the strength of a leader lies not in rhetoric but in action, not in personal gain but in service to others." Carter "was early to recognize that protecting our shared planet and promoting global public health were vital to national security interests," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said. In one of the first reactions from abroad, French President Emmanuel Macron said Carter had "been a steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable and has tirelessly fought for peace. "France sends its heartfelt thoughts to his family and to the American people," he said. World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted Carter's post-presidency work with the nonprofit Carter Center "saved countless lives and helped bring many neglected tropical diseases close to elimination." Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva hailed Carter as "a lover of democracy and defender of peace," noting his pressuring of Brazil's dictatorship to release political prisoners. "He criticized unilateral military action by superpowers and the use of killer drones," Lula said. "He worked with Brazil to mediate conflicts in Venezuela and to help Haiti." "He will be remembered forever as a name that defends the idea that peace is the most important condition for development."

Gary O’Neil accepts criticism from Wolves fans after heavy defeat at Everton

US And Foreign Leaders Praise Jimmy Carter's Legacy

Say cheese: Vancouver cheese shop increasing security over rise in theftAKRON, Ohio (AP) — Nate Johnson scored 25 points to help Akron defeat Alabama State 97-78 on Sunday. Johnson added five rebounds for the Zips (4-2). Bowen Hardman scored 19 points, shooting 6 for 7 from beyond the arc. Isaiah Gray went 4 of 7 from the field to finish with 11 points. The Hornets (3-3) were led by CJ Hines with 19 points. Tyler Mack added 18 points and Antonio Madlock scored 17. Akron took the lead with 6:46 left in the first half and did not relinquish it. Johnson led their team in scoring with 13 points in the first half to help put them up 50-41 at the break. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

Lions Also Have ‘Families’... The Future of Animal Welfare at Cheongju Zoo

The intersection of faith and governance is not only a global phenomenon but also a deeply personal one for many of us in the vastness of 13 islands we call the Cook Islands. Let alone the 94 thousand living in Aotearoa or 21 thousand in Australia. Especially now as our government must consider our Christian nation status. It is vital we look at the broader context of religious restrictions and governments around the world and move beyond calls of hate or preference. A 2019 Pew Foundation report highlighted this dynamic with profound insights. With over a decade of tracking, the report revealed increasing global government preference toward specific religious groups, particularly in regions such as the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). In these areas, Islam is predominantly preferred, often enshrined in their state constitutions, laws, and societal norms. For instance, 19 of the 20 countries in the MENA region officially recognize Islam, with legal systems often deferring to Islamic law. In Egypt, for example family law is dictated by the religion of the spouses, defaulting to Islamic law when there is a disparity. Their governments have no problem declaring and enforcing Islam as their state religion and its flow into their laws and practices. Across Asia, Africa, and even Europe, governments have shown increasing preference toward dominant religious groups. In Thailand, constitutional amendments have elevated Theravada Buddhism, while in Europe, countries like Greece and Iceland maintain close ties between state and Christian denominations. Even in secular states such as Fiji, constitutional provisions ensure equality of religion while recognizing the predominant influence of Christianity on their cultural fabric. Watch a game of Rugby and hear them sing hymns before and after the game, giving thanks to God for their safety and participation. Closer to home, Pacific nations like Samoa and Tonga explicitly declare their Christian identities within their constitutions. Samoa, for instance, amended its constitution in 2017 to affirm itself as a Christian nation, while Tonga’s constitution upholds the sanctity of Sunday and requires its monarch to be Protestant. As we deliberate on the Cook Islands’ identity as a Christian nation, these global and regional precedents offer valuable lessons. They illustrate how nations both Islam, Buddhist or Christian have balanced their religious heritage with their self-determined principles of inclusion and freedom of religion if that is their choice. But each is free to determine that as they see fit. At its heart, this is not just a legal or constitutional question but a deeply spiritual, deeply moral and deeply cultural one. Christianity has been central to the Cook Islands’ identity since prophecies of its arrival by Taunga in Rarotonga and Enuamanu, and the arrival of its message and gospel. It shapes our values, our community spirit, and the very fabric of our society, our traditional leaders and government. It would be remiss of me to suggest that the God of the Bible is not singular in his desire for worship and honour, clearly stating there are no other Gods before him. Or that if Jesus is God, then he is not as Islam states merely a prophet of God. This distinction in each other’s scripture is more than just a difference of opinion, it is a crossroad that sends both faiths in opposing directions and on roads that never cross again. Ultimately, the question of the Cook Islands as a Christian nation and religious diversity is not just about constitutional amendments or legal frameworks. It is about what kind of society we aspire to be, our identity and our laws, our values and the basis of our internal and external moral code within the diversity of the world we now live in. A leader who knew diversity was King Solomon, who in the Hebrew book of proverbs inscribed, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” In this simple verse, a rule, or standard, composed of two alternatives, there is no middle ground, and there are two causes and each with its own effect. Therefore, we pray for our leaders the wisdom to discern, courage to choose and conviction to lead our nation.None