UCF coach Gus Malzahn reportedly resigning to take Florida State OC job
Ganji Chudail comes to life as Neena Gupta stars in a YouTube India comedy video | WatchBlack Friday can do one in my opinion. Don’t be sucked in by the so-called deals, when there’s reports aplenty that retailers ramp up prices ahead of the event to pretend slash them and suck you in to buying more things you probably don’t need. I know the marketing and PR push around the event is hard to avoid in the news, on social media, in shop windows and life in general. But you must know by now that it’s just more clever marketing to keep us all in this bleak spiral of consumerism that’s ruining our planet. I often hear from retail bosses about how they provide the goods on their shelves because that’s what their customers want - but if that’s really the case then why do they employ clever PR people and marketers who’ve really done their psychology homework in a bid to keep us buying more and more and more. In reality, all any of us really need is a warm and happy home; nutritious food in our bellies and clean water to drink; clothes that suit the season; as well as community, friends, family connections and something to do that keeps us sane, feeling loved an fill us with some purpose. We don’t need ‘buy one get one free’ on things we don’t need; bathroom cupboards full of creams that promise this, that or the other; wardrobes filled with hundreds of garments and shoes or enough toys to fill the family’s main room at home and the latest hot gadgets - no matter what the ads say. Yet in a bid to fill the void left by loneliness, hopelessness and unfulfillment in our everyday lives because we simply don’t have the time for family and friends and the world seems stuck in a doom spiral; we all rush to buy more stuff for that quick hit of happiness instead of examining our real problem. It’s like we’re all little zombie hamsters stuck on an endlessly cycling wheel of working, buying, using and discarding. I know that in the world our ancestors shaped for us, we need to work to make money to feed ourselves, keep a home and have a family if that’s what you want. But when did incessant consumerism become our factory setting? When did it stop mattering how much we use up and throwaway - even if we are sending it to charity shops to alleviate our shame. If we don’t soon stop - the imagined world of Wall-e will be real for all of us. We’ve already seen it in the mounting mountains of waste in far flung places around the world where our discarded clothes and shoes are piled high in deserts, rivers and on beaches - because we somehow stupidly think that sending it to the poorest places on Earth with the fewest environmental protections that it will be treated in a way that doesn’t pollute the planet. It’s time to wake up people. I know it’s nice to buy new things - I feel that joy too. But when are we going to take responsibility for the burden we are putting on the planet and stop buying things we don’t need? Yes COP29 was a major cop out - and world leaders yet again failed to deliver a date to phase out all fossil fuels and provide the poorer countries in the world with the money they need to put in renewables and turn their backs on fossil fuels. Yes, billionaires have a much bigger carbon footprint than most of us put together, buy far more stuff, have much bigger houses and probably a jet and yacht they never tire of using. But the only thing we can control is what we do personally - so let’s not turn a blind eye to our own weaknesses because we see others doing worse. We all have a hand in the mess our planet is becoming - not just the rich, not just the fossil fuel execs and not just the politicians and that’s because we are all blindly buying into the world we’ve let them create for us. When elections come around - do we vote in the Greens en mass because we know they will take the decisions that need to be made for the best of the planet we call home? No, we don’t. That’s because we’re all sitting here thinking we can carry on as usual, as the world falls down around us, and someone else will fix it for us. They won’t. As long as we keep buying massive cars, huge houses and all the clothes and shoes and devices you want and taking cheap flights five times a year while turning a blind eye to the mess we are leaving in our wake - we are all to blame. We are among the millions of consumers on which this world now rotates - and as long as we keep buying into the reality that we need more of everything, nothing will ever change. But, what if we didn’t? Imagine the power we would wield. Retailers will no longer be able to use the excuse they are supplying what the customer wants. So say ‘no’ to a new phone every year, don’t upgrade your TV every time a new model appears and for the love of God, stop with these hauls from Shein and TikTok and wherever else you are buying clothes stitched together by kids using materials that are killing their corner of the world. We can and must do better - because while we’ve had some devastating floods locally - we’re yet to see the worst of what the climate crisis has in store for us and if we don’t change our ways, we all deserve a share of the blame. Well Ulster Wildlife have just made that idea possible through an amazing partnership with the An Creagán Centre in Co Tyrone. If you head along to their festive event on Saturday, December 7 you could come home with a real that will also help restore Haughey’s Bog to the way it should be. Sitka spruce trees are not supposed to grow in bogland, but after years of peat extraction that allowed the area to dry out they have started to take over. Now families across NI are being invited to come and cut one down to take it home - while helping restore the bog to help in the fight against the climate crisis because intact bogs store carbon emissions. Participants will learn about these restoration efforts while getting to pick and cut a real Christmas tree to take home! Bryan Ward, Senior Peatlands Officer with Ulster Wildlife said: “This is a unique opportunity to make a difference while creating special festive memories. While we wouldn’t typically encourage single-use Christmas trees, in this case, removing the invasive Sitka spruce is vital for the recovery of this precious peatland habitat.” The event is from 10.30am-1pm, with pre-booked time slots. Booking is essential . There is no charge for this event, but a suggested donation of £10 will help support the local nature conservation charity’s vital work to bring nature back. If you are interested in getting involved, email or call 028 9045 4094. To remove this article -WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute receives $25K from the Bowles Rice Foundation
ORLANDO, Fla. — UCF coach Gus Malzahn is resigning after four seasons with the school. ESPN’s Pete Thamel was the first to report the move, which will see Malzahn to leave to take the offensive coordinator job at Florida State. Malzahn previously worked with FSU coach Mike Norvell during their time at Tulsa under then-coach Todd Graham from 2007-08. The Knights ended a disappointing 4-8 season in which they lost eight of their last nine games, the longest losing streak since 2015. Malzahn, 59, was in the fourth year of a contract through 2028. His buyout, it is reported, would have been $13.75 million. He finished 27-25 at UCF but lost 16 of his last 22 games and was a dismal 4-14 in two seasons in the Big 12. After back-to-back nine-win seasons in 2021-22, the Knights went 6-7 in 2023 and 4-8 in 2024. This season started with high expectations as Malzahn made sweeping changes to the program. He retooled the strength and conditioning department and hired Ted Roof and Tim Harris Jr. as defensive and offensive coordinators, respectively. He also added nearly 50 new players to the roster, leaning heavily on the transfer market. UCF started by winning its first three games against New Hampshire, Sam Houston and a thrilling comeback at TCU, but offensive struggles saw the Knights tumble through a TBD-game losing streak to finish the season. Terry Mohajir hired Malzahn on Feb. 15, 2021, six days after he was hired to replace Danny White. The move came eight weeks after Malzahn had been fired at Auburn after eight seasons of coaching the Tigers. The two briefly worked together at Arkansas State in 2012 before Malzahn left for the Auburn job. “When he [Mohajir] offered the job, I was like, ‘I’m in.’ There wasn’t thinking about or talking about ...,” Malzahn said during his introductory press conference. “This will be one of the best programs in college football in a short time. This is a job that I plan on being here and building it.” UCF opened the 2021 season with non-conference wins over Boise State and Bethune-Cookman before traveling to Louisville on Sept. 17, where quarterback Dillon Gabriel suffered a fractured collarbone in the final minute of a 42-35 loss. Backup Mikey Keene would finish out the season as Gabriel announced his intention to transfer. The Knights would finish the season on the plus side by accepting a bid to join the Big 12 Conference in September and then by defeating Florida 29-17 in the Gasparilla Bowl. Malzahn struck transfer portal gold in the offseason when he signed former Ole Miss quarterback John Rhys Plumlee. Plumlee, a two-sport star with the Rebels, helped guide UCF to the American Athletic Conference Championship in its final season. However, Plumlee’s injury forced the Knights to go with Keene and freshman Thomas Castellanos. The team finished with losses to Tulane in the conference championship and Duke in the Military Bowl. Plumlee would return in 2023 as UCF transitioned to the Big 12 but would go down with a knee injury in the final minute of the Knights’ 18-16 win at Boise State on Sept. 9. He would miss the next four games as backup Timmy McClain took over the team. Even on his return, Plumlee couldn’t help UCF, on a five-game losing streak to open conference play. The Knights got their first Big 12 win at Cincinnati on Nov. 4 and upset No. 15 Oklahoma State the following week, but the team still needed a win over Houston in the regular-season finale to secure a bowl bid for the eighth straight season. From the moment Malzahn stepped on campus, he prioritized recruiting, particularly in Central Florida. “We’re going to recruit like our hair’s on fire,” Malzahn said at the time. “We’re going to go after the best players in America and we’re not backing down to anybody.” From 2007 to 2020, UCF signed 10 four-star high school and junior college prospects. Eight four-star prospects were in the three recruiting classes signed under Malzahn. The 2024 recruiting class earned a composite ranking of 39 from 247Sports, the highest-ranked class in school history. The 2025 recruiting class is ranked No. 41 and has commitments from three four-star prospects. Malzahn has always leaned on the transfer market, signing 60 players over the past three seasons. Some have paid huge dividends, such as Javon Baker, Lee Hunter, Kobe Hudson, Tylan Grable, Bula Schmidt, Amari Kight, Marcellus Marshall, Trent Whittemore, Gage King, Ethan Barr, Deshawn Pace and Plumlee. Others haven’t been as successful, such as quarterback KJ Jefferson, who started the first five games of this season before being benched for poor performance. Jefferson’s struggles forced the Knights to play musical chairs at quarterback, with true freshman EJ Colson, redshirt sophomore Jacurri Brown and redshirt freshman Dylan Rizk all seeing action at one point or another this season. This season’s struggles led to several players utilizing the NCAA’s redshirt rule after four games, including starting slot receiver Xavier Townsend and kicker Colton Boomer, who have also entered the transfer portal. Defensive end Kaven Call posted a letter to Malzahn on Twitter in which he accused the UCF coaching staff of recently kicking him off the team when he requested to be redshirted. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
When Dr Manmohan Singh said “I am the adopted son of Assam”Mumbai: Advancements in artificial intelligence and manufacturing are set to shape India's future and uplift communities as the country stands at a pivotal moment of economic opportunity and social progress, Tata Sons chairman N Chandrasekaran has said. ET Year-end Special Reads Corporate Kalesh: Top family disputes of India Inc in 2024 The world of business lost these eminent people in 2024 Fast, faster, fastest: How 2024 put more speed into your shopping "AI will play an increasingly transformative role, particularly in healthcare and mobility, delivering solutions that benefit humanity as a whole. At the same time, manufacturing is poised to drive India's economic transformation ," Chandrasekaran said in his year-end message to Tata Group employees. "Global supply chains are shifting in India's favour, with businesses prioritising resilience over efficiency. What once seemed like a short-term reaction to the pandemic has evolved into a long-term strategy, positioning India-with its vast talent pool and growing manufacturing capacity-at the centre of this global rebalancing," he said. As 2024 draws to a close, it leaves behind a world marked by geopolitical instability and cautious optimism in the macroeconomic outlook, he said. Conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan have continued to cause humanitarian crises, while citizen-led movements in countries like Bangladesh and South Korea shaped their political landscapes. "Amid these global disruptions, issues like immigration, technology and global trade remain at the forefront, with tariffs once again commanding leaders' attention," Chandrasekaran said. He said the Tata Group is committed to creating 500,000 manufacturing jobs over the next five years and this ambition is fuelled by strategic investments in key facilities across India, including factories dedicated to producing batteries, semiconductors, electric vehicles, solar equipment and other critical hardware essential for tomorrow's economy. "In addition to manufacturing, we aim to generate numerous service-oriented jobs in retail, technology, airlines and hospitality," Chandrasekaran said. "This vision is not just about growth for our group or India; it represents hope for the one million young people entering our workforce every month," he said. Manufacturing, with its powerful multiplier effects, has the capacity to create significant indirect employment opportunities, particularly in high-impact sectors like semiconductor production, he added. "Beyond these global events, 2024 holds a more personal significance for our group. This was the year we lost Ratan Tata-a visionary leader whose integrity, personality and strategic foresight defined our business for a generation. For me, personally, it was the loss of a cherished mentor and friend," Chandrasekaran said. Under Tata's encouragement, the group made bold strategic bets that are now bearing fruit, particularly in hi-tech industries and manufacturing, he said. "This year alone, we initiated construction on seven new manufacturing plants, including India's first semiconductor fabrication facility in Dholera, Gujarat, and a semiconductor OSAT plant in Assam. Other milestones include an electronics assembly plant in Narasapura, Karnataka; an automotive plant in Panapakkam, Tamil Nadu; battery cell manufacturing factories in Sanand, Gujarat, and Somerset, UK; and the C295 final assembly line in Vadodara, Gujarat. Additionally, solar module production began in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu," he said. 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View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program The group's technology ventures achieved significant breakthroughs as well, he added. TCS and Tejas Networks delivered the first indigenous 4G mobile telecom stack for BSNL and are poised to drive advancements in 5G. Air India has successfully integrated four airlines into a unified group, while Indian Hotels ' Taj brand remains one of the strongest hotel brands globally. Also, Tata Motors introduced a new model for predicting the real-world range of electric vehicles, leveraging data from connected vehicles, traffic, infrastructure, and user driving patterns. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )Donald Trump said Saturday that a surprise meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Florida was "very productive," days after the incoming US leader rattled Ottawa with a vow to impose tariffs on Canadian imports. Trudeau, on an unannounced visit, had been seen smiling Friday as he exited a hotel in West Palm Beach to head to a dinner at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate. Afterward, Trump posted on his Truth Social website that he had had "a very productive meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau." He said the two men had discussed issues including "the Fentanyl and Drug Crisis that has decimated so many lives as a result of Illegal Immigration." He added, "Prime Minister Trudeau has made a commitment to work with us to end this terrible devastation of U.S. Families." Trudeau told journalists that he had had an "excellent conversation" with Trump, but did not elaborate. Trump has blamed Canada and Mexico for not stemming an influx of undocumented migrants and he blames them, and China, for drug problems in the United States. Trudeau's trip came after Trump sent shockwaves through the region Monday when he announced 25 percent import tariffs against Canada and Mexico and 10 percent against China if they failed to address the drug and migration problems. Such tariffs could have a devastating impact if imposed. More than three-quarters of Canadian exports, or Can$592.7 billion ($423 billion), went to the United States last year, and nearly two million Canadian jobs are dependent on trade. A Canadian government source had told AFP that Canada was considering possible retaliatory tariffs against the United States. Trudeau was the first foreign leader to meet with the US president-elect. But on Wednesday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum spoke to Trump by phone and later ruled out a trade war with the United States. "There will not be a potential tariff war," she told reporters Thursday. Trump later said that Sheinbaum had "agreed to stop migration through Mexico... effectively closing our Southern border." But she said that there would be no closing of the border, stating: "Of course we do not agree with that." Some have suggested Trump's tariff threat was bluster, or an opening salvo in future trade negotiations. But Trudeau rejected those views when he spoke with reporters earlier in Prince Edward Island province. "Donald Trump, when he makes statements like that, he plans on carrying them out," Trudeau said. "There's no question about it." amc/jgc/nro/bbk/bfm
INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev., Dec. 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. (the “Company”) (NYSE:TPH) today announced that its Board of Directors has approved a new stock repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to $250 million of common stock through December 31, 2025 (the “Repurchase Program”), which succeeds the stock repurchase program that the Board of Directors authorized in December 2023 (the “2024 Repurchase Program”). For the fourth quarter through December 17, 2024, under the 2024 Repurchase Program, the Company repurchased 1,202,913 shares of common stock at a weighted average price per share of $41.57 for an aggregate dollar amount of $50.0 million. For the full year through December 17, 2024, under the 2024 Repurchase Program, the Company repurchased 3,964,537 shares of common stock at a weighted average price per share of $36.97 for an aggregate dollar amount of $146.6 million. Purchases of common stock pursuant to the Repurchase Program may be made in open market transactions effected through a broker-dealer at prevailing market prices, in block trades, or by other means in accordance with federal securities laws, including pursuant to any trading plan that may be adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company is not obligated under the Repurchase Program to repurchase any specific number or dollar amount of shares of common stock, and it may modify, suspend, or discontinue the Repurchase Program at any time. Company management will determine the timing and amount of any repurchases in its discretion based on a variety of factors, such as the market price of the Company’s common stock, corporate requirements, general market economic conditions, legal requirements, and applicable tax effects. About Tri Pointe Homes® One of the largest homebuilders in the U.S., Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. (NYSE: TPH) is a publicly traded company operating in 12 states and the District of Columbia, and is a recognized leader in customer experience, innovative design, and environmentally responsible business practices. The company builds premium homes and communities with deep ties to the communities it serves—some for as long as a century. Tri Pointe Homes combines the financial resources, technology platforms and proven leadership of a national organization with the regional insights, longstanding community connections and agility of empowered local teams. Tri Pointe has won multiple Builder of the Year awards, was named to the 2024 Fortune World’s Most Admired CompaniesTM list, is one of the 2023 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® and was designated as one of the PEOPLE Companies That Care® in 2023 and 2024. The company was also named as a Great Place To Work-CertifiedTM company for four years in a row (2021 through 2024), and was named on several Great Place to Work ® Best Workplaces lists (2022 through 2024). For more information, please visit TriPointeHomes.com . Forward-Looking Statements Various statements contained in this press release, including those that express a belief, expectation or intention, as well as those that are not statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our strategy, projections and estimates concerning the timing and success of specific projects and our future production, land and lot sales, operational and financial results, including our estimates for growth, financial condition, sales prices, prospects, and capital spending. Forward-looking statements that are included in this press release are generally accompanied by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “future,” “goal,” “guidance,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” “would,” or other words that convey future events or outcomes. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release, and we disclaim any obligation to update these statements unless required by law, and we caution you not to rely on them unduly. These forward-looking statements are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. The following factors, among others, may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements: the effects of general economic conditions, including employment rates, housing starts, interest rate levels, home affordability, inflation, consumer sentiment, availability of financing for home mortgages and strength of the U.S. dollar; market demand for our products, which is related to the strength of the various U.S. business segments and U.S. and international economic conditions; the availability of desirable and reasonably priced land and our ability to control, purchase, hold and develop such parcels; access to adequate capital on acceptable terms; geographic concentration of our operations; levels of competition; the successful execution of our internal performance plans, including restructuring and cost reduction initiatives; the prices and availability of supply chain inputs, including raw materials, labor and home components; oil and other energy prices; the effects of U.S. trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs and duties on homebuilding products and retaliatory measures taken by other countries; the effects of weather, including the occurrence of drought conditions in parts of the western United States; the risk of loss from earthquakes, volcanoes, fires, floods, droughts, windstorms, hurricanes, pest infestations and other natural disasters, and the risk of delays, reduced consumer demand, and shortages and price increases in labor or materials associated with such natural disasters; the risk of loss from acts of war, terrorism, civil unrest or public health emergencies, including outbreaks of contagious disease, such as COVID-19; transportation costs; federal and state tax policies; the effects of land use, environment and other governmental laws and regulations; legal proceedings or disputes and the adequacy of reserves; risks relating to any unforeseen changes to or effects on liabilities, future capital expenditures, revenues, expenses, earnings, synergies, indebtedness, financial condition, losses and future prospects; changes in accounting principles; risks related to unauthorized access to our computer systems, theft of our homebuyers’ confidential information or other forms of cyber-attack; and additional factors discussed under the sections captioned “Risk Factors” included in our annual and quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The foregoing list is not exhaustive. New risk factors may emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors or to assess the impact of such risk factors on our business. Investor Relations Contact: InvestorRelations@TriPointeHomes.com , 949-478-8696 Media Contact: Carol Ruiz, cruiz@newgroundco.com , 310-437-0045DT Kenneth Grant to leave Michigan for NFL Draft
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday threatened 100% tariffs against a bloc of nine nations if they act to undermine the U.S. dollar. His threat was directed at countries in the so-called BRIC alliance, which consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Turkey, Azerbaijan and Malaysia have applied to become members and several other countries have expressed interest in joining. While the U.S. dollar is by far the most-used currency in global business and has survived past challenges to its preeminence, members of the alliance and other developing nations say they are fed up with America’s dominance of the global financial system . The dollar represents roughly 58% of the world’s foreign exchange reserves, according to the IMF and major commodities like oil are still primarily bought and sold using dollars. The dollar's dominance is threatened, however, with BRICS' growing share of GDP and the alliance's intent to trade in non-dollar currencies — a process known as de-dollarization. Trump, in a Truth Social post, said: “We require a commitment from these Countries that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty U.S. Dollar or, they will face 100% Tariffs, and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful U.S. Economy." At a summit of BRIC nations in October, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the U.S. of “weaponizing” the dollar and described it as a “big mistake.” “It’s not us who refuse to use the dollar,” Putin said at the time. “But if they don’t let us work, what can we do? We are forced to search for alternatives.” Russia has specifically pushed for the creation of a new payment system that would offer an alternative to the global bank messaging network, SWIFT, and allow Moscow to dodge Western sanctions and trade with partners. Trump said there is "no chance" BRIC will replace the U.S. dollar in global trade and any country that tries to make that happen "should wave goodbye to America.” Research shows that the U.S. dollar's role as the primary global reserve currency is not threatened in the near future. An Atlantic Council model that assesses the dollar’s place as the primary global reserve currency states the dollar is “secure in the near and medium term” and continues to dominate other currencies. Trump's latest tariff threat comes after he threatened to slap 25% tariffs on everything imported from Mexico and Canada, and an additional 10% tax on goods from China, as a way to force the countries to do more to halt the flow of illegal immigration and drugs into the U.S. He has since held a call with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who said Thursday she is confident that a tariff war with the United States can be averted. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau returned home Saturday after meeting Trump, without assurances the president-elect will back away from threatened tariffs on Canada.
, the proud sponsor of the , set the stage ablaze with a stunning display of its cutting-edge agricultural innovations at the IARI Grounds, New Delhi. As a leader in agricultural empowerment, Mahindra Tractors is at the forefront of transforming the farming landscape, bringing groundbreaking solutions to India’s agricultural community. Organized by Krishi Jagran and co-organized by ICAR, this prestigious event celebrates the exceptional achievements of India’s top farmers while highlighting Mahindra’s commitment to driving progress in agriculture. Addressing the gathering, , highlighted Mahindra's six-decade journey of empowering farmers with over 350 tractor variants tailored to diverse soil conditions, supporting over 40 lakh farmers across India. He emphasized the importance of the MFOI Awards, calling the three-day event a platform to connect with farmers, share knowledge, and celebrate agricultural innovation and collaboration. As farmers and visitors arrived at the MFOI Awards 2024, they were welcomed by a striking display of Mahindra Tractors’ advanced models, proudly presented as the event's sponsor. Featuring a diverse range of state-of-the-art tractors, Mahindra emphasized its ongoing legacy of innovation and its pivotal role in supporting the farming community across the country. The Mahindra OJA 2130 Tractor stands out for its high-end specifications and modern design, tailored to enhance productivity while maintaining efficiency. Powered by a 22.4 kW (30 HP) engine, it offers a remarkable power-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for farmers looking for a reliable and economical machine. This tractor excels in vineyard and orchard farming, intercultural operations, and puddling tasks, making it a versatile choice for specialized farming activities. Its compact build allows for precision in narrow spaces. The economical mileage ensures reduced operational costs, making it an and cost-effective option for farmers. Designed for a comfortable driving experience, it minimizes operator fatigue, even during long hours in the field. The Mahindra OJA 3136 Tractor offers robust performance with a 26.8 kW (36 HP) engine, designed for optimal fuel efficiency and adaptability across different terrains. The fuel-efficient engine ensures high performance without compromising on cost-effectiveness. It supports a variety of tasks, from orchard farming to puddling operations. This tractor’s sturdy design and all-round capabilities make it a reliable partner for diverse farming applications. It seamlessly handles challenging terrains while maintaining stability and efficiency. The OJA 3136 is an all-weather companion that ensures superior productivity for small and medium-scale farming needs. The Mahindra 275 DI TU PP Tractor is celebrated for its reliability and rugged construction, which ensures longevity and consistent performance. Equipped with a powerful 39 HP engine, it has become a go-to choice for farmers seeking durable and efficient agricultural machinery. Its advanced transmission system provides smooth gear shifts and optimal torque, ensuring a seamless driving experience. The spacious cabin, ergonomic controls, and intuitive features like 180 Nm PTO power enhance operator comfort and ease of use during extended working hours. Its adaptability to various farming tasks, combined with superior mileage, positions the 275 DI TU PP as a valuable asset for This tractor is perfect for those looking for a balance of power, efficiency, and adaptability. The Mahindra 585 YUVO TECH+ Tractor is equipped with cutting-edge technology, making it a trailblazer in productivity and operational efficiency. With a powerful 36.75 kW (49.3 HP) engine and advanced hydraulics, it is a standout performer in the agricultural sector. Its four-cylinder ELS engine offers high max torque and best-in-class mileage. The hydraulic lifting capacity of 1700 kg ensures seamless performance across various applications. Parallel cooling, smooth constant mesh transmission, and high precision hydraulics reflect its technological edge. Backed by a six-year warranty, it guarantees long-term reliability, providing farmers with peace of mind and exceptional value. The 585 YUVO TECH+ is ideal for farmers who aim to increase productivity and profitability with advanced technology. The Mahindra NOVO 605 DI PP V1 Tractor is a powerful machine designed for heavy-duty tasks and precision farming. Its robust 44.8 kW (60 HP) mBoost engine is complemented by advanced features to ensure top-notch performance. With a hydraulic lifting capacity of 2700 kg, it easily handles heavy implements, making it ideal for . Equipped with a dual dry type clutch, synchromesh transmission, and SLIPTO functionality, this tractor provides unmatched efficiency in agricultural operations. Features like heat-free seating, power steering, and a spacious cabin enhance operator comfort and safety during long hours of operation. Farmers looking for durability, precision, and efficiency will find the NOVO 605 DI PP V1 a worthwhile investment. The Mahindra ARJUN 605 DI MS Tractor is another advanced offering from Mahindra, designed to elevate productivity with its 36.3 kW (48.7 HP) engine and advanced features. The high max torque and torque backup make it suitable for a variety of tasks, including PTO-driven and non-agricultural applications. The MSPTO feature provides four different PTO speeds, ensuring compatibility with multiple implements for various operations. With power steering and an 1800 kg hydraulics lifting capacity, it offers both ease of use and robust performance. The ARJUN 605 DI MS Tractor is a dependable choice for farmers aiming to boost productivity and achieve better outcomes in their agricultural endeavors. The Mahindra NOVO 755 DI PP 4WD V1 Tractor is a powerhouse of innovation, combining strength, precision, and . With a 55.1 kW (73.8 HP) engine, it delivers exceptional performance for demanding agricultural tasks. The incorporation of Digisense technology allows farmers to connect to the tractor via smartphone, ensuring enhanced control and real-time monitoring. Features like rollover protection, four-way adjustable seating, and synchromesh gears prioritize both safety and operator comfort. The high hydraulic lifting capacity of 2900 kg, coupled with multiple speed options, makes it suitable for a variety of applications. This model is particularly suited for large-scale farming operations requiring unmatched power and technological sophistication. Mahindra tractors offer a blend of power, innovation, and reliability, catering to the diverse needs of modern farmers. From specialized models like the Mahindra OJA 2130 and 3136 for vineyard and orchard farming to robust machines like the NOVO 755 DI PP 4WD V1 for large-scale operations, Mahindra continues to redefine agricultural efficiency. These tractors are more than just machines; they are partners in progress, empowering farmers to achieve higher productivity and profitability The tractors on display attracted immense attention from farmers and industry professionals alike. Attendees praised Mahindra’s efforts in providing efficient and reliable farming solutions that address the challenges faced by Indian farmers. Mahindra Tractors' impressive showcase at the MFOI Awards 2024 set the stage for an exciting two-day experience, drawing attention to its groundbreaking agricultural innovations. With a diverse range of advanced models on display, Mahindra continues to lead the way in empowering farmers, offering cutting-edge solutions that promise to enhance productivity and efficiency. Visitors over the next two days can explore these state-of-the-art tractors and discover how Mahindra is shaping the future of Indian agriculture.
As I See It: My warning to Albany: Do not go down this same rabbit hole
Home entertainment holiday gift ideas at a discountPPP’s 57th foundation day: ‘Dialogue or baton’, political stability a must, says Bilawal Bilawal says major opposition parties in country were neither political nor democratic ISLAMABAD: Referring to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan People Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has slammed the opposition for agitational politics, stressing the need for ensuring stability in the country either via “dialogue or baton”. Addressing the party workers and supporters via video link to mark the PPP’s 57th foundation day, Bilawal urged “non-political opposition” to adopt democratic norms to ensure economic stability. Bilawal said the major opposition parties in the country were neither political nor democratic. He said that the May 9 attack and the events that took place in Islamabad did not come under the purview of politics. “As a politician, we have to come within the ambit of politics,” he said adding that opposition along with government also responsible for ensuring stability in the country. He also urged the non-political opposition to adopt democratic norms, warning that if they continued with the same attitude then they themselves and the country would suffer. He also referred to the reports that the Centre was planning to impose governor rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and said that the government did not ask them on the issue of imposing governor’s rule or to ban any political party, adding that if the matter was put in before the PPP, we would try to take a decision with mutual consultation. Bilawal said that the whole world was watching what is happening in Parachinar. The writ of the state is ending, while the responsibility of establishing peace is with the chief minister, but he was attacking the federal government. He said that if they wanted to get their founder out of jail, they should leave the provincial government and keep doing that. No one has the right to attack by forming a mob. “It is everyone’s right to protest peacefully, but by forming a mob May 9 or Islamabad should not be attacked. Our point of view is different from the government’s viewpoint.” He said that the opposition has always maintained that there would be no talks. If they wanted to talk to anyone that is the establishment or non-political people. Firing a salvo at the PTI, Bilawal said that the opposition party was not showing interest in solving public problems. He said their sole priority was to ensure release of their incarcerated leader. The PPP leader said that they wanted to restore peace and end terrorism in the country. He said that the political parties and the institutions were capable to steer the country out of crisis. Bilawal declared opposition “biggest obstacle” in bringing political stability in the country. In the same address, the PPP chief said that the space for politics is less in the country, stressing the need for all political parties to return to the political sphere. He also criticised the federal government policies for agriculture, saying it was feared that such policies would lead to the “economic murder” of farmers instead of benefitting them. Calling upon the Centre to listen to the reservations of the provincial governments, Bilawal said the federal government was planning to draw a canal from the Indus River. “If the government pushes forward with this decision, the problem between the federal government and the province will increase,” he warned. Bilawal said the decision would also have a negative impact on the country’s economy. “PPP will not accept any forced decision.” Moving on to terrorism, the PPP chairman said: “Our army, police and [political] leadership rendered [unmatched] sacrifices and defeated terrorists.” He further said that the PPP demands a new plan would have to be brought against terrorism. A new national action plan is needed, and a development plan is also necessary. Stressing the need for a new action plan, he said terrorism was rearing its head once again in Sindh, Balochistan and Islamabad. Earlier, the PPP celebrated its 57th Foundation Day at a ceremony held at the PPP Central Secretariat in Islamabad. The event, attended by party leaders, workers, and supporters, featured a cake-cutting ceremony led by party’s Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman, PPP-Parliamentarians Secretary General Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari and other senior party office-bearers and workers. Speaking to the media during the event, Sherry Rehman reaffirmed the party’s steadfast commitment to democracy, justice, and the empowerment of Pakistan’s citizens. She emphasised that the day marked not just the founding of the PPP but the establishment of a historic movement for the restoration of democracy and the protection of citizens’ rights. “On this significant day, we pay tribute to our visionary founder, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, whose leadership gave a voice to the voiceless and hope to the marginalised. His decision to establish the Pakistan People’s Party on November 30, 1967, was a turning point in our history, and his ideals remain the cornerstone of our political philosophy,” she said. Sherry also honoured the contributions of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who not only carried forward her father’s legacy but strengthened Pakistan’s democratic foundations. She reiterated Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s sacrifices for democracy, human rights, and gender equality, noting that her leadership laid the groundwork for lasting initiatives. “The Lady Health Worker Programme, which remains the backbone of Pakistan’s healthcare system, and the Benazir Income Support Programme, which has provided critical relief to countless vulnerable communities, are examples of the transformative impact of her vision,” she stated. Reflecting on the PPP’s achievements, she noted the foundational role played by President Asif Ali Zardari in laying the groundwork for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which continues to drive economic growth and connectivity in the region. She also stressed the pivotal role of the PPP in empowering women, with Shaheed Benazir Bhutto’s contributions serving as a beacon for gender equality and social progress. She further praised the leadership of Bilawal, under whose guidance the PPP has continued to champion the ideals of its founding leaders. “Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has led the party with determination, ensuring that the PPP remains a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change in the face of unprecedented challenges. His leadership is a testament to our ongoing struggle for a peaceful, progressive, and prosperous Pakistan.” Meanwhile, addressing the PPP Foundation Day ceremony at Lahore, PPP Central Punjab General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza has said that some leaders call their workers to the streets and run away, but the PPP stalwarts gave sacrifices. Today the PPP’s democratic convoy is moving on in the form of the third generation of the Bhutto family, he said. PPP MNA Samina Ghurki congratulate the party workers on the completion of 57 years of the PPP. Sindh Government Spokesperson and Mayor Sukkur Barrister Arsalan Islam Sheikh, addressing a Youm-e-Tasees, said that 57 years ago Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto started the journey of the PPP to struggle for the rights of common people. He said that after Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the rulers had forgotten the people. Bhutto started this journey on the basis of one-man-one-vote system, equality and socialism. He said that the journey has been continued by Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, President Asif Ali Zardari, Faryal Talpur, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. He said that the PPP is the only party whose workers have not only sacrificed their lives, but also the top leadership had offered martyrdom for the nation. He said that the PPP made the country a nuclear power.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday threatened 100% tariffs against a bloc of nine nations if they act to undermine the U.S. dollar. His threat was directed at countries in the so-called BRIC alliance, which consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Turkey, Azerbaijan and Malaysia have applied to become members and several other countries have expressed interest in joining. While the U.S. dollar is by far the most-used currency in global business and has survived past challenges to its preeminence, members of the alliance and other developing nations say they are fed up with America’s dominance of the global financial system . The dollar represents roughly 58% of the world’s foreign exchange reserves, according to the IMF and major commodities like oil are still primarily bought and sold using dollars. The dollar’s dominance is threatened, however, with BRICS’ growing share of GDP and the alliance’s intent to trade in non-dollar currencies — a process known as de-dollarization. Trump, in a Truth Social post, said: “We require a commitment from these Countries that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty U.S. Dollar or, they will face 100% Tariffs, and should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful U.S. Economy.” At a summit of BRIC nations in October, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the U.S. of “weaponizing” the dollar and described it as a “big mistake.” “It’s not us who refuse to use the dollar,” Putin said at the time. “But if they don’t let us work, what can we do? We are forced to search for alternatives.” Russia has specifically pushed for the creation of a new payment system that would offer an alternative to the global bank messaging network, SWIFT, and allow Moscow to dodge Western sanctions and trade with partners. Trump said there is “no chance” BRIC will replace the U.S. dollar in global trade and any country that tries to make that happen “should wave goodbye to America.” Research shows that the U.S. dollar’s role as the primary global reserve currency is not threatened in the near future. An Atlantic Council model that assesses the dollar’s place as the primary global reserve currency states the dollar is “secure in the near and medium term” and continues to dominate other currencies. Trump’s latest tariff threat comes after he threatened to slap 25% tariffs on everything imported from Mexico and Canada, and an additional 10% tax on goods from China, as a way to force the countries to do more to halt the flow of illegal immigration and drugs into the U.S. He has since held a call with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who said Thursday she is confident that a tariff war with the United States can be averted. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau returned home Saturday after meeting Trump, without assurances the president-elect will back away from threatened tariffs on Canada.WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve lowered its key interest rate Dec. 18 by a quarter-point — its third cut this year — but also signaled that it expects to reduce rates more slowly next year than it previously envisioned, largely because of still-elevated inflation. U.S. stocks tumbled Wednesday to their second-worst loss of the year after the diminished outlook sank in on Wall Street. The S&P 500 dropped 2.9 percent to pull further from its all-time high set a couple weeks ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 2.58 percent, and the technology-heavy Nasdaq composite gave up 3.6 percent. The reduced expectations sent Treasury yields rising in the bond market, squeezing stocks. The market moves followed a projection from the Fed's 19 policymakers that they will reduce their benchmark rate by a quarter-point just twice in 2025, down from their estimate in September of four cuts. Their new forecasts suggest that consumers may not enjoy much lower borrowing costs next year for mortgages, auto loans and other forms of credit. Fed officials have underscored that they are slowing their rate reductions as their benchmark rate nears a level that policymakers refer to as "neutral" — the level that is thought to neither spur nor hinder the economy. Wednesday's projections suggest that the policymakers think they may be close to that level. Their benchmark rate stands at 4.3 perent after the latest rate cut, which followed a steep half-point reduction in September and a quarter-point cut last month. Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell took questions from the news media after the central bank's December policy meeting Wednesday. "I think that a slower pace of (rate) cuts really reflects both the higher inflation readings we've had this year and the expectations that inflation will be higher" in 2025, Fed chief Jerome Powell said at a news conference. "We're closer to the neutral rate, which is another reason to be cautious about further moves." "Nonetheless," Powell said, "we see ourselves as still on track to cut." This year's reductions have marked a reversal after more than two years of high rates, which largely helped tame inflation but also made borrowing painfully expensive for American consumers. But now, the Fed is facing a variety of challenges as it seeks to complete a "soft landing" for the economy, whereby high rates manage to curb inflation without causing a recession. Chief among them is that prices remains sticky: According to the Fed's preferred gauge, annual "core" inflation, which excludes the most volatile categories, was 2.8 percent in October, persistently above the central bank's 2 percent target. At the same time, the economy is growing briskly, which suggests that higher rates haven't reined in the economy much. As a result, some economists — and some Fed officials — have argued that borrowing rates shouldn't be lowered much more for fear of overheating the economy and re-igniting inflation. On the other hand, the pace of hiring has cooled significantly since 2024 began, a potential worry because one of the Fed's mandates is to achieve maximum employment. "We don't think we need further cooling in the labor market to get inflation below 2%," Powell said at the news conference. The unemployment rate, while still low at 4.2 percent, has risen nearly a full percentage point in the past two years. Concern over rising unemployment contributed to the Fed's decision in September to cut its key rate by a larger-than-usual half point. Asked why the central bank envisions any rate cuts in 2025 given still-elevated inflation, Powell noted that the Fed's latest projections "have core inflation coming down" to 2.5 percent next year. "That would be significant progress," he said. "We'd be seeing meaningful progress to get inflation down to that level. That wouldn't be all the way to 2%, but it would be better than this year." The Fed chair added: "We and most other forecasters still feel that we are on track to get down to 2 percent. It might take a year or two from here." Beth Hammack, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, dissented from Wednesday's decision because she preferred to keep rates unchanged. It was the first dissent by a voting committee member since September. President-elect Donald Trump has proposed a range of tax cuts — on Social Security benefits, tipped income and overtime income — as well as a scaling-back of regulations. Collectively, these moves could stimulate growth. At the same time, Trump has threatened to impose a variety of tariffs and to seek mass deportations of migrants, which could accelerate inflation. Powell acknowledged that Fed officials are seeking "to understand ways tariffs can affect inflation and the economy and how to think about that." He and other Fed officials have said they won't be able to assess how Trump's policies might affect the economy or their own rate decisions until more details are made available and it becomes clearer how likely it is that the president-elect's proposals will actually be enacted. Until then, the outcome of the presidential election has mostly heightened the uncertainty surrounding the economy. The uncertainty was underscored by the quarterly economic projections the Fed issued Wednesday. The policymakers now expect overall inflation, as measured by their preferred gauge, to rise slightly from 2.3 percent now to 2.5 percent by the end of 2025. Inflation by their measure is now far below its peak of 7.2 percent in June 2022. Even so, the prospect of slightly higher inflation makes it harder for the Fed to reduce borrowing costs because high interest rates are its principal weapon against inflation. The officials also expect the unemployment rate to inch up by the end of next year, from 4.2 percent now to a still-low 4.3 percent. That slight an increase might not be enough, by itself, to justify many more rate reductions. "From here, it's a new phase," Powell said, "and we're going to be cautious about new cuts."Aidan O'Connell shows in loss to Chiefs that he is the Raiders' QB for the rest of season
