Title: "46 RMB for 12 Bottles! 'Black Myth: Wukong' Co-Branded with Pepsi-Cola Now Available on JD - Would You Buy It?"The clever fusion of these two beloved characters also hints at the limitless possibilities for storytelling and exploration in the Halo universe. As Master Chief takes on the persona of Indiana Jones, fans are left to imagine the daring escapades and thrilling adventures that await the stoic warrior in his new guise as a swashbuckling explorer. The image serves as a tantalizing teaser for the future of the Halo franchise, hinting at exciting new directions and unexpected twists that fans can look forward to in upcoming installments.One of the key highlights of the new regulations is the emphasis on optimizing evaluation methods without resorting to a "one-size-fits-all" approach. This departure from traditional assessment models signals a shift towards a more flexible and nuanced evaluation process that takes into account the diverse needs and circumstances of different healthcare providers.
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs earned a much-deserved extended rest after their Christmas Day rout of the Pittsburgh Steelers, which capped an unbeaten stretch of three games in 11 days and clinched them the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs. That extended rest? Well, it can be just about as long as Chiefs coach Andy Reid wants it to be. The Chiefs (15-1) face the Broncos in their regular-season finale next weekend, a game whose kickoff remains up in the air. But it will be at least 10 days after their 29-10 win in Pittsburgh, a nice rest for a weary team whose bye was back in Week 6. But with nothing to play for in that game, Reid could conceivably give some of his most important players the entire week off ahead of the playoffs. And now that the Chiefs have a first-round bye, that means they wouldn't face anybody until at least Jan. 18 in the divisional round, meaning a full 24 days between games. "It's been almost 10 weeks of football, grinding on this short schedule at the very end of the year," Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. "We'll see how Week 18 goes — who plays, who doesn't play. That's up to Coach. But having this break, getting healthy, getting ourselves ready for the playoffs, it was super important, especially with the guys we have banged up." The Chiefs dominated the Steelers without four-time All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones, who was resting his sore calf on Wednesday. They also have not had cornerback Chamarri Conner, who has been out with a concussion, or D.J. Humphries, the former Pro Bowl left tackle who appeared in one game for Kansas City before straining his hamstring. All of them figure to be healthy for the playoffs. The same for guys who have been dealing with minor injuries, such as right tackle Jawaan Taylor, who played against the Steelers despite straining his hamstring the previous week against Houston, and running back Isiah Pacheco, who dinged up his ribs in the win in Pittsburgh. "It will definitely help with some of the guys that are banged up, to get guys back, freshened up a little bit," said Reid, who has rested important players in Week 18 in the past, including last season against the Chargers. "I think it will be a positive for us." The trick is to decide exactly how much rest to give everyone. For those dealing with injuries, that full 24-day span without a game could be exactly what they need. For others, it might be too long between games, and getting at least a half of play against the Broncos would help prevent some rust from setting in. "I was just talking to my family about it," Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie said. "My rookie year, we were able to get, you know, all home games, and you just can't be out (on the road) in the playoffs. I mean, I'm excited to go out there. I know we got the first round, you know, off, but I mean, I can't wait to play now." What's working The Chiefs won the Super Bowl last season with a wide receiver group that — outside of Rashee Rice — was lacking in dynamic ability. But with the trade for DeAndre Hopkins, the return of Hollywood Brown from an injury and the emergence of rookie Xavier Worthy, the Chiefs have gone from a position of peril to one of profound strength. What needs help The Chiefs have struggled to the run the ball consistently the past few weeks. Pacheco gained just 18 yards on six carries before hurting his ribs against Pittsburgh, and Kareem Hunt was held to 20 yards on nine carries — a 2.2-yard average. Stock up Worthy has smashed through the rookie wall, just as Rice did at this point last season, and has proven to be more than a speedster. He had eight catches for 79 yards and a touchdown Wednesday, giving him at least five catches in each of his past five games. Stock down Pacheco has not been the same after missing more than two months to injury. He has been held to 55 yards rushing or fewer in each of his past five games, and he's averaging just 2.7 yards per carry over his past three. Injuries There were no significant injuries sustained against the Steelers. Key number 77 — Travis Kelce caught his 77th touchdown pass, breaking a tie with Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez for the Chiefs record. Kelce finished with eight catches for 84 yards and a score against Pittsburgh, making him the third tight end in NFL history with at least 1,000 receptions. Gonzalez had 1,325 and Jason Witten had 1,228 while Kelce has 1,004 and counting. Next steps The Chiefs get the long weekend off before deciding who will play in Denver in their regular-season finale.
Check out the report card from Nebraska's 44-25 win against Wisconsin on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Who can name Nebraska's last 100-yard rusher in a game, before Emmett Johnson achieved the feat Saturday? Johnson ran like he had something to prove, repeatedly shedding the first Badger to get to him. His best run of the day may have been a 19-yard burst in the third quarter when he patiently followed pulling linemen Ben Scott and Henry Lutovsky. Dante Dowdell has a knack for the end zone, scoring three times. (Trivia answer: Chubba Purdy ... against Wisconsin last year). Dylan Raiola has his rhythm back. He spent most of the game hovering around a 70 percent completion rate, which is reminiscent of his first four or five games. The ball is getting out of his hands quicker, and those pitch-and-catches are finally going for big gains. One of his best throws of the day was originally ruled a touchdown on a fade ball to Isaiah Neyor, but replay confirmed he didn't get a foot down. Jahmal Banks had a great TD snag in which he leaped, snared the ball and got his toes down. John Bullock's second tackle for loss of the game stopped Wisconsin's Tawee Walker on fourth-and-1 midway through the third quarter, and it felt like an early dagger for the home team. Bullock was a standout on senior day. The Huskers had some open-field tackling issues but held their own on third- and fourth-down situations. Darrion Dupree was a nice change-of-pace option for the Badgers, averaging 7.5 yards on his seven attempts. Wisconsin found success early on slant passes, including one that went to Vinny Anthony for 42 yards after Isaac Gifford whiffed on a tackle. After that, Braedyn Locke was able to open it for deep balls, including touchdown tosses of 24 and 58 yards. Wisconsin's Vinny Anthony had a big day, racking up six catches for 128 yards and Locke threw for more yards than he has in his past five games. A cool moment for DeShon Singleton, who came down with an interception in his final game at Memorial Stadium. Brian Buschini is having a great season, and Saturday was another notch on his belt. First, he ripped a 52-yard punt that flipped field possession, and he followed that up with a 49-yard boot that went out of bounds at the Wisconsin 3-yard line. Equally as impressive was kicker John "ol' reliable" Hohl, who made all three of his field goals and stayed clean on extra points. Oh, and how about Jacory Barney's 55-yard kick return to open the game? NU's third phase is trending up after a turbulent stretch. A question we might not ever get an answer to: Why was Matt Rhule forced to use a challenge to review Wisconsin's first-quarter touchdown? Don't all scoring plays get reviewed automatically? In a similar situation later in the game, Wisconsin was spared from using a challenge for officials to take another look at a Nebraska touchdown, which was reversed. Also, the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Micah Mazzccua for spiking the ball on a touchdown felt unnecessary. Nebraska scored a touchdown on its first possession of a game for the first time since the Northern Iowa game. A true tone-setter. There's plenty to unpack from Holgorsen's play sheet — it's no coincidence it only took him two games to pop a 100-yard rusher. And, 44 points for a team that has scored 20 (twice), 17, 7 and 14 in its past five games. That'll do. For the first time in 49 days, Nebraska won a football game. That was a long 49 for everyone involved. This one is a little more cathartic than usual, too, as the Huskers finally wrapped their arms around a bowl berth. It also takes a big bite out of the pressure NU faces on Black Friday vs. Iowa, which is no longer a "must-win." Get local news delivered to your inbox!Seongnam City to Participate in CES 2025, Paving the Way as a Global Innovation HubIPL 2025: DC retain McGurk for Rs 9 cr & Harshal Patel joins SRH for Rs 8 cr
NBA teams enjoy showing appreciation to their fan bases, particularly when it’s holiday time. Few teams in sports support their communities more fervently than the Miami Heat , who hosted their 33rd annual Thanksgiving Celebration on Thursday. The team collaborated with organizations to distribute 600 Thanksgiving baskets and also give 450 hot meals to underserved families throughout Miami-Dade County. Advertisement It’s hard for NBA teams to maximize five consecutive off days, but the Heat (6-7) found some solace in giving back and honing its relationship with the fans. Miami hasn’t played since Monday and won’t suit up again until Sunday. “There actually have been a lot of tears — tears of joy, tears of gratitude,” Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra said Thursday. “This is our 33rd year doing this. ... It’s turned into more than it was 33 years ago. Now, it’s a festive party. “This is our backyard here, and to share on a day like this really is amazing.” Among other Heat luminaries in attendance: three-time All-Star Bam Adebayo , team president Pat Riley and Heat stalwarts Alonzo Mourning and Bob McAdoo. The spirit of giving in this holiday season👏 We hosted our 33rd annual Thanksgiving celebration at Miami Rescue Mission to provide meals for hundreds of underprivileged families in the community. pic.twitter.com/wsTIrR5oHV — Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) November 21, 2024 Earlier in the week, Adebayo hosted his “Bam, Books and Brotherhood Thanksgiving Twist” event in Liberty City, where dozens of families received Thanksgiving meals, side dishes, photo opportunities and autographs. He said he enjoys such events every year and will never get tired of doing them. Bam Adebayo, A’ja Wilson and Udonis Haslem arriving for the Bam, Books and Brotherhood Thanksgiving Twist here in Liberty City pic.twitter.com/oUsAfSnsbe — Clay Ferraro (@ClayWPLG) November 20, 2024 “You gotta really mean it when you say it,” Adebayo said. “We see a lot of people that give to the community, but they don’t be there. The biggest thing I learned about U.D. (Udonis Haslem): He was always on the frontline when he does community work. I feel like that’s the biggest representation you can have — you being there.” At this time of the year — between the dishes, high-spirited crowds and charitable moments — what was the best moment of the entire afternoon? Advertisement Riley, who earlier this week learned the Los Angeles Lakers will honor him with a statue , reflected on how important it is for Heat culture to be an extension of the NBA community, no matter the fan base or location. “I think it’s important for any organization, any business,” Riley said. “You create an environment in which everybody can flourish, and that becomes a shared vision within the organization. That doesn’t mean that a lot of people sometimes don’t agree with it, but everybody gets on board, and that’s what the important thing is. “The NBA is a giving league. I think every franchise — from the front office right on down to the players association — has this kind of spirit in their communities. ... A lot of people are going to have a great holiday because of this.” The Heat still play basketball, right? On Sunday, the Heat will host the Dallas Mavericks (8-7) in their first game since Monday’s double-digit win over the Philadelphia 76ers . The Heat have played only five home games thus far, the fewest in the NBA. They’re aiming to reach .500 again but have won three of of their last five. The biggest key to Miami’s turnaround? Since Nov. 10, the Heat are fifth in defensive rating after ranking 20th. They will seek to either maintain or improve that footing against Dallas, which will be without Luka Dončić , who is expected to miss at least the next week with a wrist injury. Dallas enters this matchup with three consecutive wins after losing a season-worst four straight. The Mavericks rank seventh in overall net rating despite being a game over .500. Last season, the Heat lost both regular-season meetings, including a 19-point loss the last time the Mavericks visited South Florida. Dončić and teammate Kyrie Irving combined for 54 points in that matchup, and the latter should be comfortable picking up the slack Sunday. Irving is second on his team in points per game (24.3) and is enjoying the most efficient season of his career (career-high 54.5 percent shooting, 53.8 percent from 3). Such potency undoubtedly will test Miami’s improved defense. Advertisement That could be an opportunity for either Jimmy Butler or Tyler Herro to carry Miami’s offense and avoid the game getting out of hand. Butler recently returned from a four-game absence with 30 points and 10 rebounds. In the two losses to Dallas last season, he averaged only 13 points. Herro is maintaining a career-high 24.2 points-per-game average, but he is shooting only 40.8 percent in his last three games. After Monday’s win, Butler jokingly called himself and Herro “1A and 1B” in terms of Miami’s scoring hierarchy. If both players catch fire on Sunday, it can help Miami reach .500 again, and the team (and its fans) could have a bit more to be grateful for as the holiday season unfolds. (Top photo: Issac Baldizon / Getty Images)BAKU, Azerbaijan (AP) — In the wee hours Sunday at the United Nations climate talks, countries from around the world reached an agreement on how rich countries can cough up the funds to support poor countries in the face of climate change. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * BAKU, Azerbaijan (AP) — In the wee hours Sunday at the United Nations climate talks, countries from around the world reached an agreement on how rich countries can cough up the funds to support poor countries in the face of climate change. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? BAKU, Azerbaijan (AP) — In the wee hours Sunday at the United Nations climate talks, countries from around the world reached an agreement on how rich countries can cough up the funds to support poor countries in the face of climate change. It’s a far-from-perfect arrangement, with many parties still unsatisfied but some hopeful that the deal will be a step in the right direction. World Resources Institute president and CEO Ani Dasgupta called it “an important down payment toward a safer, more equitable future,” but added that the poorest and most vulnerable nations are “rightfully disappointed that wealthier countries didn’t put more money on the table when billions of people’s lives are at stake.” The summit was supposed to end on Friday evening but negotiations spiraled on through early Sunday. With countries on opposite ends of a massive chasm, tensions ran high as delegations tried to close the gap in expectations. Here’s how they got there: What was the finance deal agreed at climate talks? Rich countries have agreed to pool together at least $300 billion a year by 2035. It’s not near the full amount of $1.3 trillion that developing countries were asking for, and that experts said was needed. But some delegations said this deal is headed in the right direction, with hopes that more money flows in the future. The text included a call for all parties to work together using “all public and private sources” to get closer to the $1.3 trillion per year goal by 2035. That means also pushing for international mega-banks, funded by taxpayer dollars, to help foot the bill. And it means, hopefully, that companies and private investors will follow suit on channeling cash toward climate action. The agreement is also a critical step toward helping countries on the receiving end create more ambitious targets to limit or cut emissions of heat-trapping gases that are due early next year. It’s part of the plan to keep cutting pollution with new targets every five years, which the world agreed to at the U.N. talks in Paris in 2015. The Paris agreement set the system of regular ratcheting up climate fighting ambition as away to keep warming under 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels. The world is already at 1.3 degrees Celsius (2.3 degrees Fahrenheit) and carbon emissions keep rising. What will the money be spent on? The deal decided in Baku replaces a previous agreement from 15 years ago that charged rich nations $100 billion a year to help the developing world with climate finance. The new number has similar aims: it will go toward the developing world’s long laundry list of to-dos to prepare for a warming world and keep it from getting hotter. That includes paying for the transition to clean energy and away from fossil fuels. Countries need funds to build up the infrastructure needed to deploy technologies like wind and solar power on a large scale. Communities hard-hit by extreme weather also want money to adapt and prepare for events like floods, typhoons and fires. Funds could go toward improving farming practices to make them more resilient to weather extremes, to building houses differently with storms in mind, to helping people move from the hardest-hit areas and to help leaders improve emergency plans and aid in the wake of disasters. The Philippines, for example, has been hammered by six major storms in less than a month, bringing to millions of people howling wind, massive storm surges and catastrophic damage to residences, infrastructure and farmland. “Family farmers need to be financed,” said Esther Penunia of the Asian Farmers Association. She described how many have already had to deal with millions of dollars of storm damage, some of which includes trees that won’t again bear fruit for months or years, or animals that die, wiping out a main source of income. “If you think of a rice farmer who depends on his or her one hectare farm, rice land, ducks, chickens, vegetables, and it was inundated, there was nothing to harvest,” she said. Why was it so hard to get a deal? Election results around the world that herald a change in climate leadership, a few key players with motive to stall the talks and a disorganized host country all led to a final crunch that left few happy with a flawed compromise. The ending of COP29 is “reflective of the harder geopolitical terrain the world finds itself in,” said Li Shuo of the Asia Society. He cited Trump’s recent victory in the US — with his promises to pull the country out of the Paris Agreement — as one reason why the relationship between China and the EU will be more consequential for global climate politics moving forward. Developing nations also faced some difficulties agreeing in the final hours, with one Latin American delegation member saying that their group didn’t feel properly consulted when small island states had last-minute meetings to try to break through to a deal. Negotiators from across the developing world took different tacks on the deal until they finally agreed to compromise. Meanwhile, activists ramped up the pressure: many urged negotiators to stay strong and asserted that no deal would be better than a bad deal. But ultimately the desire for a deal won out. Some also pointed to the host country as a reason for the struggle. Mohamed Adow, director of climate and energy think tank Power Shift Africa, said Friday that “this COP presidency is one of the worst in recent memory,” calling it “one of the most poorly led and chaotic COP meetings ever.” The presidency said in a statement, “Every hour of the day, we have pulled people together. Every inch of the way, we have pushed for the highest common denominator. We have faced geopolitical headwinds and made every effort to be an honest broker for all sides.” Shuo retains hope that the opportunities offered by a green economy “make inaction self-defeating” for countries around the world, regardless of their stance on the decision. But it remains to be seen whether the UN talks can deliver more ambition next year. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. In the meantime, “this COP process needs to recover from Baku,” Shuo said. ___ Associated Press reporters Seth Borenstein and Sibi Arasu contributed to this report. ___ The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. Advertisement Advertisement
A fresh study has uncovered that this festive season, a quarter of UK adults are looking to wrap up second-hand treasures for youngsters. In the research conducted by YouGov for Oxfam among 2,000 festive celebrators, a not-so-insignificant 24% disclosed plans to select pre-loved presents for children. Top picks for these sustainable goodies include books at 34%, toys grabbing a close second at 30%, and board games selected by 17%. The YouGov survey reveals that two major factors are steering these shoppers - with 57% being driven by environmental concerns and 51% looking to keep their wallets feeling a tad heavier. Oxfam’s retail trading honcho, Lorna Fallon, chimed in with some inspiring words: "Shopping second-hand is such a wonderful way of celebrating Christmas , especially with children. You can find anything they might possibly want – from a cuddly teddy, to a board game or new adventure book." And Fallon doesn't stop there; she points out the trifecta of wins with this approach: "By shopping pre-loved, you are not only saving some precious pennies at a time of year when they are needed most, but you are finding something unique for your child, that is also better for the planet." Brits seem to be on board with gifting items with past lives, valuing thoughtful uniqueness with 27% indicating that's why they'd gift a second-hand item. Over half (60%) wouldn't mind being on the receiving end of pre-loved gifts while a considerable 38% feel all right about passing them on. For grown-ups eyeing more sustainable presents, books take the top spot for pre-loved gifting, with nearly half, 49%, considering passing on second-hand reads this Christmas. Meanwhile, a cosy 24% are looking to wrap up pre-worn apparel under the tree. Ms Fallon commented: "Christmas shopping can feel overwhelming at times, but second-hand shopping offers an alternative where you can find a real range of thoughtful, unique gifts which help reduce waste and conserve precious resources at the same time. "By swapping just a handful of presents this year for a pre-loved gift, you can help to stretch the Christmas budget, while also helping to raise vital funds to tackle poverty and inequality across the world." Join our Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community for all the latest news direct to your phone. To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is choose which community you want to join, click on the link and press 'join community'. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the ChronicleLive team. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice . CLICK HERE TO JOINThis incident serves as a cautionary tale for consumers to exercise caution when making online purchases, especially for high-value items such as flight tickets. It highlights the importance of conducting thorough research, comparing prices across different platforms, and verifying the legitimacy of the seller before committing to a transaction.
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The reported argument with Fati and De Jong is indicative of wider issues within the Barcelona squad, as rumors of cliques and divisions have circulated in recent weeks. While head coach Xavi Hernandez has attempted to foster a sense of unity among the players, it appears that there are still underlying tensions that need to be addressed. The clash between Lewandowski and his younger teammates highlights the need for improved communication and understanding within the team, in order to avoid further conflicts and disruptions.
Rafael began his professional career at Fluminense in his native Brazil before making a move to Europe to join Manchester United in 2008. During his time at Old Trafford, Rafael quickly became a fan favorite with his energetic performances and tenacious defending. He was a key member of Sir Alex Ferguson's squad that won the Premier League title in the 2012-2013 season.
Australia-born Sione Tuipulotu sets Scotland on way to victory over WallabiesAs I conclude this letter, I want you to know that I am committed to honoring your memory, your pain, and your resilience. I carry you with me always, a reminder of where we have been and how far we have come. And as we walk hand in hand towards a brighter future, I promise to never forget the lessons you taught me – to never give up, to never lose hope, and to always believe in the power of love, both for ourselves and for others.
Cooper Rush passed for two touchdowns, Dallas returned two kicks for scores and the visiting Cowboys held off the Washington Commanders in a wild fourth quarter for a 34-26 win. Dallas led 10-9 after three quarters. With Washington trailing 27-26, Jayden Daniels hit Terry McLaurin for an 86-yard touchdown pass with 21 seconds left, but Austin Seibert missed his second extra point of the game. Juanyeh Thomas of the Cowboys then returned the onside kick 43 yards for a touchdown. Rush completed 24 of 32 passes for 247 yards for Dallas (4-7), which snapped a five-game losing streak. Rico Dowdle ran 19 times for 86 yards and CeeDee Lamb had 10 catches for 67 yards. Jayden Daniels was 25-of-38 passing for 274 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions for reeling Washington (7-5), which has lost three straight. He ran for 74 yards and one score. McLaurin had five catches for 102 yards. Trailing 20-9 late in the fourth quarter, Daniels drove Washington 69 yards in nine plays and hit Zach Ertz for a 4-yard touchdown. Daniels ran for two points and Washington trailed 20-17 with 3:02 remaining. KaVontae Turpin muffed the ensuing kickoff, picked it up at the one, and raced 99 yards for a touchdown to make it 27-17. Austin Seibert's 51-yard field goal pulled the Commanders within 27-20 with 1:40 left, With the score tied 3-3, Washington took the second half kick and went 60 yards in 10 plays. On third-and-three from the Dallas 17, Daniels faked a handoff, ran left and scored his first rushing touchdown since Week 4. Seibert missed the point after and Washington led 9-3. Dallas answered with an 80-yard drive. A 23-yard pass interference penalty gave the Cowboys a first-and-goal at the 4. Two plays later Rush found Jalen Tolbert in the end zone and the extra point made it 10-9. Brandon Aubrey's 48-yard field goal made it 13-9 with 8:11 remaining in the game. On the next play, Daniels hit John Bates for 14 yards, but Donovan Wilson forced a fumble and Dallas recovered at the Washington 44. Five plays later, Rush found Luke Schoonmaker down the middle for a 22-yard touchdown and Dallas led 20-9 with 5:16 left. The first quarter was all about field goals. Aubrey's field goal attempt was blocked on the opening drive and Michael Davis returned it to the Dallas 40. Washington later settled for Seibert's 41-yard field goal. On the next Dallas drive, Aubrey hit the right upright from 42 yards out, and then Seibert missed from 51 yards. With 14 seconds left in the half, Rush found Jalen Brooks for a 41-yard gain to the Washington 28. On the next play Aubrey connected from 46 yards to tie it. --Field Level Media
Title: 46 RMB for 12 Bottles! "Black Myth" Co-branded Cola Available on JD - Would You Buy It?The launch of the "Peace of Mind Service" plan represents a significant milestone for AMAP as it continues to expand its influence in the local life services field. By introducing new features, enhancing safety measures, and promoting community engagement, AMAP is poised to become a one-stop solution for users' everyday needs. With a focus on convenience, safety, and social responsibility, AMAP is setting a new standard for mobile service platforms and redefining the way users interact with technology in their daily lives.
Cowboys win wild one vs. Commanders to halt five-game slide
However, despite the strengths of its character roster and combat mechanics, Marvel's Avengers has faced criticism for its lackluster storyline. The game's narrative, which revolves around a new threat facing the Avengers after a catastrophic event, has been deemed predictable and uninspired by some players. The pacing of the story has also come under scrutiny, with many feeling that it drags on at certain points, detracting from the overall experience.Hemant Srivastava of Lucknow has broken geographical and climatic barriers by developing saffron, one of the most expensive and delicate of the world’s spices, farming it via the trailblazing aeroponics method. Saffron has traditionally been cultivated in the cold, mountainous areas of Kashmir and has previously been considered to be difficult to cultivate in plains such as Uttar Pradesh. However, Hemant’s dreamer’s view and ambition have realised this and opened up a new land for saffron cultivation across another non-traditional land. This is a sign of how the power of innovation can turn the agricultural landscape. Lucknow’s innovative researcher and farmer Hemant Srivastava has become a news headline for his pioneering work in saffron cultivation. With a keen interest in exploring advanced agricultural techniques, he turned to aeroponics—a soil-less farming method—to achieve what was once considered impossible: good saffron can be grown in the plains of Uttar Pradesh. His eagerness to try new farming techniques has made him a forerunner of new agricultural innovation. Once synonymous with Kashmir’s pristine valleys, its formal name, ‘saffron’, has come to synonymise the Symbol of Kashmir. The combination of soil, temperature, and altitude has been ideal for centuries in the presence of saffron. It has been cultivated almost exclusively in this region for centuries and is one of India’s most prized agricultural produce. But such a geographical stereotype has been broken by Hemant Srivastava of Lucknow, who has grown saffron successfully in the plains of Uttar Pradesh using the innovative aeroponics system. Aeroponics differs from traditional farming, which requires specific climatic and soil conditions for crop growth; instead, aeroponics crops are grown in a controlled, soil-free environment. So let’s suspend plant roots in the air and supply nutrients in mist, making this the most incredible way of growing saffron no matter where you plant it. Hemant doesn’t just break down the limits of where saffron can be farmed; he points out how modern agricultural practices have negated nature’s boundaries to break out of the boundaries of what saffron can be grown on, placing saffron in hitherto non-traditional areas of India. Saffron, also known as the ‘king of spices,’ is one of the world’s most expensive, sought-after spices due to its intense colour and taste. It’s made from the delicate stigmas of the Crocus Sativus flower. It is an incredibly labour-intensive product that requires an incredible amount of flowers—75,000, to be exact—to make just one pound. Besides the culinary use, this spice is mainly appreciated for its medicinal properties as it plays a vital role in Ayurvedic and Unani traditional medicine systems. The antioxidant-rich composition of saffron has been considered to elevate mood, help improve memory, and enhance health. In addition, saffron has a cultural and economic value in beauty product and religious rituals. Not only is its cultivation an important factor in the agricultural sense, but its cultivation is also a tribute to the remaining of an unalterable legacy. Aeroponics: Revolutionising Farming with Soil-Free Cultivation A technique advanced far from traditional cultivation, aeroponics eliminates the use of soil; instead, it suspends roots in a manner where nutrients are absorbed directly through a fine mist. This mist contains nutrient elements, water, and oxygen, making it the ideal ambience for the plant to thrive in. Aeroponics is totally different from conventional farming, where plants rely on soil for anchorage and nourishment, but aeroponics provides them with precise amounts of nutrients and moisture on roots to promote quicker faster and healthier growth. It also regulates all critical environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and lighting, making it an ideal technique for growing crops in poor ecological or soil conditions. This innovative method maximises resource efficiency, using far less water and nutrients than conventional farming, which not only enhances yield, but also results in a more environment friendly farming for the future of agriculture. A Game-Changer for Indian Agriculture It could revolutionise Indian farming if the use of aeroponics is accepted. Water efficiency is one of its most important benefits. Aeroponics, in contrast to traditional agriculture, which could be water-intensive, is 90 per cent less water-intensive by misting plant roots directly with a nutrient-rich solution. It is the ideal solution for its water, where India is water scarce. It also has the advantage of being soil-less and closed-loop, reducing the risk of soil degradation, pests and diseases, thus producing healthier crops with minimal reliance on pesticides and fertilisers. It’s another critical advantage because it allows the creation of a controlled environment . This means that farmers can control factors, such as temperature, humidity, and light, that would be required to grow crops in adverse climatic conditions or agricultural regions unsuitable for crops. This may be a very valuable feature in India, where weather patterns are unpredictable and climatic change decides the lifetime, lifespan and quality of crops that grow. Aeroponics gives the chance for all-around cultivation at all times of the year. This method enables the uniform growth of premium crops like saffron, strawberries, and leafy greens, which increases farmers’ incomes and reduces reliance on imported products. Aeroponics is a game-breaking innovation for Indian farming. The challenges range from water scarcity, declining soil fertility, and climate unpredictability, and aeroponics takes a position with sustainable and scalable solutions. With this method, Indian agriculture can be made less susceptible, efficient, and environmentally friendly, just like the food security and economic growth of future generations. Economic and Social Impact of Aeroponics in India Aeroponics has immense potential to alienate farmers from areas unsuitable for growing the expensive, legendary spice saffron. Aeroponics enable the farmers of India to overcome the climatic and soil limitations of saffron farming and move to high-value markets. This innovation will likely bring small-scale farmers of plains and arid regions into active participation in saffron production, thereby increasing their potential earnings and bridging regional economic disparities. With the development of saffron production centres outside Kashmir, India’s agricultural economy will take leaps and bounds. Using controlled, efficient methods such as aeroponics, regions that do not have simple agricultural activity can become saffron cultivation centres to fulfil domestic and export requirements. Apart from lowering the country’s dependence on imports, it would significantly enhance the country’s role in the international saffron trade. Taking on aeroponics reflects the advancements India is making in agricultural innovation and its efforts towards self-reliance. Advanced technology, for instance, will improve productivity, solve a water-scarce and climate-change -prone scenario for farmers, and reverse soil degradation. This will inspire greater confidence in the farming community, attract investments, and contribute to a more resilient agricultural sector. Redefining Saffron Cultivation with Aeroponics Aeroponics has revolutionised saffron farming with superior yield and quality control when compared to the way one has done it conventionally. Without soil and in an otherwise controlled environment, aeroponics ensures the delivery of optimal nutrition to plants that improve their health and level of uniformity in producing saffron crops. This precision farming approach eliminates the risks associated with disease, pest infestation, and environmental stresses that impact quality in conventional farming, thereby granting growers the ability to produce premium-grade saffron. Apart from the quality improvement, the other reason for using aeroponics is its cost-effectiveness. As a method, it requires much less water, up to 90% less than traditional agriculture. Using less water and pesticides not only reduces costs but also advocates sustainable farming practices, which goes in tandem with the global effort towards degrading environmental damage. With wide proliferation, aeroponics would have the potential to fulfil the domestic consumption of saffron by executing round-the-year cultivation in various geographical conditions. India, an importer of significant portions of saffron, would benefit immensely by reducing overseas dependence with large-scale crop cultivation. Therefore, by saving high foreign exchange, India would take a vital position as an independent country among the competitive producers of saffron in the world market. Hemant Srivastava’s journey into the world of saffron has started with an eyes-to-innovate vision to challenge the long-held notion that saffron can only thrive in cold valleys of Kashmir. Encouraged by his passion for agricultural innovation and curiosity to find uncharted spaces, Hemant is now cultivating high-value crop saffron in the plains of nawab city, Lucknow. Mr Srivastava’s experiment was the potential for revolutionising Indian agri market and liberating the right of farmers to make the most expensive spice of the world, saffron outside their respective regions. On the other hand, the journey wasn’t easy. Adjusting saffron to Lucknow’s utterly different climate was a challenge in itself. Hemant had to grapple with the issue of cold winters, specific humidity requirements, and controlled temperatures for the proper growth of saffron. Mastering the aeroponics method was an additional complexity in itself, requiring deep research, trying, and understanding of precision farming techniques. Hemant Srivastava’s success in growing saffron through an aeroponic system should now open up the doors to more ambitious plans in scaling up the activities. He would like to expand his saffron cultivation to more extensive facilities, increasing yields and expanding market reach. Hemant further aims to fine-tune this aeroponic system and share his expertise to establish a replicable model for other farmers, especially in regions with adverse conditions for traditional farming. Other farmers can take up this method, mainly when the process exhibits efficiency and effectiveness while saving costs with the promise of high-value crops. The success story of Hemant may motivate agricultural communities towards such technologies and help the transition to innovative agriculture. Water-scarce and non-traditional regions for saffron cultivation shall also help with crop diversification and increased income. Such initiatives could then scale significantly through government support or the private sector. Policies that would offer subsidies for aeroponics equipment, grants to finance research and development, or even training programs for farmers can help accelerate adoption. Private partnership with agricultural technology firms or food and beverage industries can also provide financial backing and technical expertise. By integrating these support mechanisms, India is positioned to become a global leader in saffron production, creating new economic opportunities and fostering sustainable agriculture.
Significant changes to benefits will come into effect in the New Year, authorities have confirmed. Millions of Americans will by affected by the changes to retirees and disability benefits after they were tweaked by the Social Security Administration (SSA), the independent federal agency responsible for managing benefits. The SSA said the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which is made to benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in life with inflation, will mean a rise in benefits pay from January 1. The SSA said: “The latest COLA is 2.5 percent for Social Security benefits and SSI payments. Social Security benefits will increase by 2.5 percent beginning with the December 2024 benefits, which are payable in January 2025. Federal SSI payment levels will also increase by 2.5 percent effective for payments made for January 2025. Because the normal SSI payment date is the first of the month and January 1 is a holiday, the SSI payments for January are always made at the end of the previous December.” CIA fires whistleblower 'who said she was assaulted in a stairwell of the spy agency' Three Americans arrested in Venezuela for alleged plan to 'destabilize' country That means several changes, one of which is that the full retirement age may increase “from 66–67 years to 68–70 years, depending on the beneficiary’s birth year”, according to Tododisca. The current Higher taxable earnings cap is also $160,200 and will go up to $176,100, “expanding the range of income subject to Social Security taxes”. Retirees and people with disabilities are set to benefit from the changes. COLA ensures retirees who depend on Social Security for income replacement will see a rise, as will people unable to work or who have limited resources due to a disability. The change is a smaller raise than recent years, but still larger than some years that saw less than two percent. Medicare Part B premiums from $174.70 to $185 per month in 2025 is one of many things that will hit the pockets of many Americans in the face of a limited COLA rise. That said, a smaller COLA rise is a more positive sign for the economy, as the formula does not need to adjust for massive inflation. To calculate your COLA increase, take your monthly payment and multiply it by 0.025 and add this the the amount you received this year. According to the SSI’s Office of Retirement and Disability Policy figures, a total of 70.6 million people received benefits from programs administered by the SSA in 2022, with 5.6 million people newly awarded in 2022. The average age of disable worker beneficiaries that year was 55.6, while 55 percent of SSI beneficiaries were women. The department said 85 percent of SSI recipients received payments because of disability or blindness in 2022. DAILY NEWSLETTER: Sign up here to get the latest news and updates from the Mirror US straight to your inbox with our FREE newsletter.Zacks Research Has Pessimistic Outlook of MDLZ Q4 Earnings