Connect with us

Business

FEPI: Buying On Declines Can Lead To Success

Published

on

FEPI: Buying On Declines Can Lead To Success
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Business

Ukraine strikes ballistic missile producer deep inside Russia, Kyiv says

Published

on


Ukraine strikes ballistic missile producer deep inside Russia, Kyiv says

Continue Reading

Business

Trump says he will raise global tariff rate from 10% to 15%

Published

on

Trump says he will raise global tariff rate from 10% to 15%


Trump says he will raise global tariff rate from 10% to 15%

Continue Reading

Business

NASA may take moon mission Artemis II rocket back to assembly site, affecting March launch window

Published

on

NASA may take moon mission Artemis II rocket back to assembly site, affecting March launch window


NASA may take moon mission Artemis II rocket back to assembly site, affecting March launch window

Continue Reading

Business

Australia’s 10 Most Iconic Animals Found Nowhere Else on Earth in 2026

Published

on

Punch-kun

Australia’s extraordinary isolation over millions of years has produced one of the planet’s most distinctive wildlife collections, with more than 80% of its mammals, reptiles and frogs endemic — meaning they exist nowhere else naturally. In 2026, amid ongoing conservation efforts and renewed interest in eco-tourism following recent wildlife documentaries and park reopenings, these unique creatures continue to captivate visitors and researchers alike.

From cuddly marsupials to bizarre monotremes, here are 10 standout animals that are truly Australian exclusives, highlighting the continent’s biological marvels:

Platypus
Platypus
  1. Platypus The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) remains one of nature’s strangest creations: a semi-aquatic, egg-laying mammal with a duck-like bill, beaver tail, otter-like body and venomous spurs on males’ hind legs. Found in eastern Australia’s freshwater rivers and streams, it hunts using electroreception to detect prey in murky water. Conservation status is near threatened due to habitat loss and climate impacts, but sightings remain possible in places like the Atherton Tablelands and Tasmania.
  2. Koala The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), often mistakenly called a bear, is an arboreal marsupial specialized for eucalyptus forests in eastern and southeastern Australia. These leaf-eaters sleep up to 20 hours daily to conserve energy from their low-nutrient diet. Vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, bushfires and disease, koalas symbolize Australian wildlife, with populations monitored closely in 2026 recovery programs.
  3. Kangaroo (Red and Eastern Grey species) Several kangaroo species, including the red kangaroo (Osphranter rufus) — the world’s largest marsupial — and eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), are found only in Australia. Reds roam arid interiors while greys inhabit eastern woodlands. Their powerful hind legs enable bounds up to 8 meters and speeds of 56 km/h. As national emblems, they thrive in open country but face threats from drought and vehicle strikes.
  4. Quokka Often called the “world’s happiest animal” for its perpetual smile-like expression, the quokka (Setonix brachyurus) is a small wallaby restricted to Rottnest Island near Perth and limited mainland pockets in Western Australia. Herbivorous and curious, they approach visitors fearlessly on Rottnest, boosting tourism. Vulnerable due to habitat loss and predators, their population remains stable on the island.
  5. Wombat Three wombat species — common, northern hairy-nosed and southern hairy-nosed — are exclusive to Australia. These burrowing marsupials feature backward-facing pouches to prevent dirt entry while digging. Common wombats (Vombatus ursinus) inhabit forests and grasslands across the southeast, while hairy-nosed varieties live in drier regions. Known for cube-shaped scat and resilience, they dig extensive warrens.
  6. Tasmanian Devil The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), now confined to Tasmania after mainland extinction around 3,000 years ago, is the world’s largest surviving carnivorous marsupial. Famous for powerful jaws and ferocious feeding, devils play a key ecological role controlling pests. Threatened by devil facial tumor disease, conservation breeding programs in 2026 continue to bolster wild populations.
  7. Short-beaked Echidna One of only five living monotreme species, the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) is widespread across Australia, including Tasmania. This spiny, ant-eating mammal lays eggs and nurses young with milk secreted through skin pores. Least concern status reflects its adaptability, though roadkill and habitat changes pose risks.
  8. Southern Cassowary The southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius), a large flightless bird with a helmet-like casque and powerful legs, inhabits tropical rainforests in northern Queensland. As seed dispersers, they are vital to rainforest regeneration. Vulnerable due to habitat loss and vehicle collisions, sightings in Daintree and Cape Tribulation remain highlights for eco-tourists.
  9. Numbat The numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus), a small, striped marsupial anteater, survives in fragmented southwestern woodlands after near-extinction from introduced predators. Diurnal and termite-dependent, it lacks a pouch, carrying young on its belly. Endangered but supported by reintroduction efforts, numbats represent successful conservation stories.
  10. Thorny Devil The thorny devil (Moloch horridus), a spiky lizard adapted to arid deserts, drinks through capillary action in its skin grooves. Found only in Australia’s dry interior, it feeds exclusively on ants and blends into sandy environments. Least concern, its bizarre appearance makes it a favorite for wildlife photographers.

These species underscore Australia’s megadiverse status and the importance of protecting unique ecosystems. Conservation challenges persist — feral predators, climate change, habitat loss and disease — but initiatives like fenced reserves, breeding programs and community monitoring offer hope. In 2026, eco-tourism and citizen science continue to raise awareness, ensuring these one-of-a-kind animals endure.

Visitors can ethically observe many in national parks, wildlife sanctuaries or guided tours, contributing to their protection while experiencing Australia’s unparalleled biodiversity firsthand.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Business

Trump ups tariffs day after Supreme Court ruling against him

Published

on

Trump ups tariffs day after Supreme Court ruling against him

The president will increase import taxes to 15% on most products coming into the US from Tuesday.

Continue Reading

Business

The Supreme Court Tariff Ruling Is Good for Stocks, Says Wall Street Strategist

Published

on

The Supreme Court Tariff Ruling Is Good for Stocks, Says Wall Street Strategist

The S&P 500 rose on Friday, after the Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump’s IEEPA tariffs were illegal.

That was probably the right reaction, according to one Wall Street research firm.

“We believe that Friday’s Supreme Court decision was a risk-clearing event that will ultimately be viewed by investors as disinflationary,” wrote Fundstrat Head of Research Tom Lee on Friday evening. “Thus, we view the decision as positive for stocks.”

Continue Reading

Business

Expected Release Date in Late 2026, Latest Rumors on Specs and Timeline

Published

on

Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra

Samsung is gearing up for its next flagship tablet lineup, with the Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra emerging as a highly anticipated refresh to the premium Android tablet segment. While the company has not officially announced the device, recent certifications, supply chain leaks and analyst reports point to a late 2026 debut, likely in the September–October window alongside other major product launches.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Ultra

The Galaxy Tab S12 series first surfaced in early February 2026 through IMEI database listings, confirming development of the Tab S12+ (model SM-X846B) and Tab S12 Ultra (SM-X946B). These entries, spotted by tipsters and reported by GSMArena and NotebookCheck, indicate Samsung is actively preparing the tablets for market. Notably absent is a standard “Tab S12” model, continuing the pattern where Samsung alternates base/Plus variants annually while maintaining the Ultra as a consistent flagship offering.

The Tab S11 series, which included the Tab S11 and Tab S11 Ultra, launched in September 2025 with availability starting later that month. That timing aligns with Samsung’s historical cadence for Galaxy Tab S releases — typically unveiled at a summer or early fall Galaxy Unpacked event, often coinciding with foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold and Flip series. Industry consensus from PhoneArena, GSMArena and YouTube leakers suggests the Tab S12 Ultra will follow suit, with an expected announcement in September or October 2026 and market availability shortly thereafter.

This places the device in the second half of 2026, potentially late summer or early autumn. Some sources, including Smartprix and Mobileinto, float a tentative date around September 4, 2026, based on patterns, though this remains speculative. The inclusion of new wearables like the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 in the same certification batch hints at a bundled Unpacked event featuring tablets, watches and possibly foldables.

Rumors paint an ambitious picture for the Tab S12 Ultra. The device is expected to retain its massive 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz refresh rate, high brightness (potentially exceeding the Tab S11 Ultra’s 1600 nits) and anti-reflective coating for outdoor usability. Leaks suggest evolutionary design tweaks: a notch-less or under-display front camera for a cleaner bezel-to-edge experience, thinner bezels, reduced overall thickness (building on the Tab S11 Ultra’s 5.1mm profile) and possibly a Grade 5 titanium frame for enhanced durability and premium feel.

Advertisement

Performance upgrades are a focal point. The tablet is rumored to feature Qualcomm’s next-generation flagship processor — likely a Snapdragon 8 Elite successor or a custom variant optimized for tablets — paired with up to 24GB of RAM (a significant jump from the Tab S11 Ultra’s max 16GB configurations). This would enable seamless multitasking in Samsung DeX mode, turning the tablet into a laptop-like workstation, alongside advanced Galaxy AI features under One UI 8 or later. Storage options could range from 256GB to 1TB or higher, with microSD expansion support retained.

Battery capacity may see a slight increase from the Tab S11 Ultra’s 11,200mAh, potentially reaching 12,000mAh for extended productivity sessions, backed by faster wired charging (45W or higher). Camera setups are not expected to see major overhauls, focusing instead on software enhancements for video calls and content creation.

Galaxy AI integration remains a key selling point, with rumored features like enhanced Neural DeX for desktop-level multitasking, improved S Pen Pro 3 support for precise note-taking and drawing, and on-device AI tools for productivity and creativity. These would build on the Tab S11 Ultra’s AI capabilities, positioning the device as a strong iPad Pro competitor in the high-end tablet market.

Pricing details remain unconfirmed, but expectations place the Tab S12 Ultra in premium territory. Starting configurations could begin around $1,200–$1,400 for base models, scaling higher with increased RAM and storage. This would maintain its positioning above the Tab S12+ and well beyond mid-range alternatives.

Advertisement

The Tab S12 Ultra’s development comes amid intense competition from Apple’s iPad Pro lineup and emerging Android challengers. Samsung’s focus on larger, more powerful tablets reflects growing demand for hybrid devices that bridge smartphones and laptops, especially for professionals, creators and students.

As certifications and leaks accumulate, excitement builds for what could be Samsung’s most ambitious Tab S release yet. Official confirmation is likely months away, but the trajectory points to a late-2026 launch that could redefine premium Android tablets.

For now, consumers eyeing upgrades can consider the current Tab S11 Ultra, widely available with strong reviews for its display, performance and S Pen ecosystem. Stay tuned to Samsung’s channels for updates on the Galaxy Tab S12 series.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Business

France’s Macron calls for calm ahead of march for far-right activist killed last week

Published

on

France’s Macron calls for calm ahead of march for far-right activist killed last week


France’s Macron calls for calm ahead of march for far-right activist killed last week

Continue Reading

Business

MPs to discuss inquiry into trade envoy role after Andrew arrest

Published

on

MPs to discuss inquiry into trade envoy role after Andrew arrest

A cross-party committee will also look into the appointment and accountability of UK trade envoys.

Continue Reading

Business

15-40-48-58-63, Mega Ball 2; No Jackpot Winner

Published

on

Punch-kun

The Mega Millions drawing on Friday, February 20, 2026, produced no jackpot winner, allowing the prize to roll over and climb to an estimated $438 million for the next drawing on Tuesday, February 24.

Representation. A lottery ticket.
Representation. A lottery ticket.

The winning numbers were 15, 40, 48, 58 and 63, with the Mega Ball 2. No Megaplier multiplier was highlighted in official results for this draw, though the feature is included in most tickets and can multiply non-jackpot prizes by 2X to 10X.

The jackpot stood at an estimated $416 million (cash option $193.1 million) entering the February 20 drawing, drawing strong ticket sales nationwide. Despite the massive prize pool, no ticket matched all six numbers to claim the grand prize. State lotteries, including Illinois, reported zero winners for the jackpot or the $2 million second-tier prize (for matching five white balls without the Mega Ball). Similar outcomes emerged across jurisdictions like Michigan, New Jersey, Florida and California, where lower-tier prizes were distributed but the top award went unclaimed.

Mega Millions drawings occur Tuesdays and Fridays at 11 p.m. ET from the WSB-TV studios in Atlanta. Tickets cost $5 each, with players selecting five white balls from 1-70 and one gold Mega Ball from 1-25. The odds of winning the jackpot remain 1 in 302,575,350, while the overall odds of winning any prize are approximately 1 in 24.

The February 20 rollover extends a pattern of growth in early 2026. The prize reset lower after a late-2025 win but built steadily through January and February without a jackpot claim. This streak reflects robust player participation amid the allure of eight-figure payouts.

Advertisement

No immediate reports of major winners surfaced in the hours after the draw, though smaller prizes — such as $10,000 for matching four white balls plus the Mega Ball — were claimed in various states. Full prize breakdowns and winner claims are typically finalized in the days following the drawing as tickets are validated.

Mega Millions underwent rule updates in 2025, raising the starting jackpot to $50 million and minimum rollovers to $10 million to sustain larger prizes more frequently. The game operates in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with proceeds supporting education, infrastructure and other public initiatives.

For anyone holding a ticket from February 20, officials urge immediate checks via the official Mega Millions website, state lottery apps or retailers. Sign tickets right away, store them securely and adhere to claim deadlines — usually 90 days to one year depending on the state. Jackpot winners may choose 30 graduated annual payments (increasing 5% yearly) or a lump-sum cash option, reduced for taxes and present value. Federal withholding is 24% for U.S. citizens, with state taxes varying.

The rollover fuels excitement for Tuesday’s drawing, with the estimated $438 million annuity (cash option around $203.1 million) expected to drive even higher sales. Analysts note large jackpots create a cycle of increased participation until a winner emerges.

Advertisement

Players are reminded to play responsibly, treating the lottery as entertainment rather than investment. The February 20 numbers — 15-40-48-58-63 Mega Ball 2 — join a long list of unclaimed top prizes in recent months.

Check tickets carefully — partial matches can still yield significant rewards. Results are available on megamillions.com, state lottery sites and major news outlets shortly after each drawing.

As the pot swells, the question lingers: Will Tuesday produce a winner, or will the jackpot continue its ascent? Good luck to all entrants in the next draw.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025