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Israel strikes Houthi targets in Yemen's capital. WHO chief says he was nearbyNo. 25 Illinois stuns Rutgers 38-31 on Pat Bryant’s 40-yard TD reception with 4 seconds leftLiverpool powered seven points clear at the top of the Premier League as the title favourites survived a scare in their 3-1 win against Leicester, while Bruno Fernandes was sent off in Manchester United's dismal 2-0 defeat at lowly Wolves. Erling Haaland missed a penalty as crisis-torn Manchester City failed to end their dismal run with a 1-1 draw against Everton, but it was United's travails and Liverpool's remarkable run that took centre-stage on Thursday. Arne Slot's side were shocked by Jordan Ayew's early strike at Anfield, but the leaders recovered their composure to equalise just before the interval through Cody Gakpo. England midfielder Jones marked his 100th top-flight appearance with the second goal soon after half-time. Mohamed Salah's 19th goal this term wrapped up Liverpool's 11th win in their last 13 games in all competitions. "We created enough, but because we went 1-0 down it was a game," Liverpool manager Slot said. "Then you saw how good we are and Leicester didn't want to come back into the game." Liverpool's comeback lifted them well clear of second-placed Chelsea, who were defeated 2-1 by Fulham earlier in the day. United suffered a third successive loss in all competitions to leave new boss Ruben Amorim with five defeats in his first 10 games. Fernandes was dismissed two minutes into the second half at Molineux for a second bookable offence. United's 10 men cracked in the 58th minute when Matheus Cunha's corner went straight in as goalkeeper Andre Onana flapped under pressure. Hwang Hee-chan compounded Amorim's misery when he tapped in with just seconds left. Losing to fourth-bottom Wolves was another bitter blow for United, who endured a humiliating 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth at Old Trafford last weekend after losing 4-3 in the League Cup at Tottenham. With his team marooned in 14th place -- just eight points above the relegation zone -- Amorim's woes might not be over, with United facing in-form Newcastle on Monday before travelling to Liverpool in their first game of 2025. "It's so tough to win games in this league with 11 men. With 10 men, it's more difficult," Amorim said. Champions Manchester City have just one victory in their last 13 games in all competitions as their Christmas schedule started in disappointing fashion. Bernardo Silva put City in front early on before Iliman Ndiaye salvaged a point for Everton. More from this section Seven minutes into the second half, Haaland had the chance to end his longest goal drought at the Etihad but Jordan Pickford denied him. City are languishing in seventh place and sit five points adrift of the top four, with their astonishing decline showing no sign of ending. "Of course we need results and we didn't get it. The team played really good again in all departments and unfortunately could not win," said City boss Pep Guardiola. At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea were stunned by Fulham's late fightback in a dramatic west London derby. It was Chelsea's first home defeat against Fulham since 1979. Cole Palmer put Chelsea ahead after 16 minutes, the England forward drilling home from the edge of the area after weaving through the Fulham defence in dazzling style. But Fulham levelled with eight minutes left when Harry Wilson nodded in from close range. There was worse to come for the Blues when Rodrigo Muniz completed the turnaround in the 95th minute. Nottingham Forest climbed to third place after a 1-0 win against sputtering Tottenham at the City Ground. Forest's fourth successive win was sweet revenge for boss Nuno Espirito Santo, whose former club Tottenham had Djed Spence sent off in the closing moments for a second booking. Tottenham are stuck in 11th as the pressure mounts on boss Ange Postecoglou. Newcastle swatted aside 10-man Aston Villa 3-0, moving up to fifth place after winning three consecutive league games for the first time since 2023. Jarrod Bowen's 59th-minute goal gave West Ham a 1-0 win at bottom of the table Southampton after the visitors saw Guido Rodriguez's red card overturned by VAR. It was a frustrating start for new Saints boss Ivan Juric, who has replaced the sacked Russell Martin. Bournemouth and Crystal Palace shared a goalless draw at the Vitality Stadium. smg/nf

Lucknow: Close your ears to a howling mob and stand and fight if you think you are right, said then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh while invoking 16th US president Abraham Lincoln at the 42nd convocation ceremony of IIT Kanpur in 2010. "The life ahead will test the strength of your character and the mettle of your spirit as never before. I wish to see you pass these tests with flying colors. I hope you will be a little old fashioned and build your life on the bedrock of ethical conduct. I hope you will have the courage of conviction that Abraham Lincoln once spoke of- to close your ears to a howling mob and to stand and fight if you think you are right," the eminent economist and a towering figure in Indian politics had told students. At the event, Singh became the fifth person to receive an honorary degree from the institute. Former President APJ Abdul Kalam and former PM Morarji Desai were some other eminent personalities who were awarded with honorary degrees by IIT-Kanpur. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , Location Guesser and Mini Crossword .

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Claigan Webinar - Global Tour of PFAS Regulation - The current and near term status of PFAS regulationTACOMA, Wash., Dec. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GROUPIRA®, INC. (GROUPIRA®), a leader in financial technology innovation, proudly announces the launch of GROUPIRA® 5.0, a groundbreaking platform designed to revolutionize individual retirement account (IRA) rollovers for its channel partners. By leveraging advanced technologies such as Microsoft Azure, FIS Relius, LexisNexis, Plaid, DocuSign, and Veratad, GROUPIRA® 5.0 enhances efficiency, accuracy, and automation in the rollover process. In addition to this milestone, GROUPIRA® is developing a customized online account origination solution tailored for external retirement plan advisers. This new solution will streamline the onboarding process, enabling advisers to seamlessly integrate their unique point-of-sale documentation and account management forms for Member Clients. Yannis Koumantaros, Co-Founder and President of GROUPIRA®, highlighted the evolution of the platform: “From streamlining rollover claims with GROUPIRA® 3.0 to simplifying automatic enrollments with GROUPIRA® 4.0, each iteration of our platform has been about innovation and efficiency. With GROUPIRA® 5.0, we’re giving valuable time back to our channel partners by automating data transfers using advanced tools with Microsoft Azure leveraging APIs and Secure File Transfer Protocols (SFTPs). These technologies work together to move data securely and seamlessly.” Petros Koumantaros, Co-Founder and Chairperson of GROUPIRA®, expressed pride in the team's accomplishments: “Our dedicated engineering team continues to deliver on schedule, achieving major development milestones. Looking ahead, GROUPIRA® 6.0 will further enhance automation by merging PDFs for channel partners, allowing us to manage millions of accounts while expanding access to retirement plan solutions nationwide.” About GROUPIRA®, INC. GROUPIRA®, Inc. is a pioneering financial technology company committed to bringing the benefits of 401(k) plans to IRA investors. To discover more about GROUPIRA® and its innovative solutions, visit www.groupira.com . Media Contact: Yannis Koumantaros, yannis@groupira.com , 253-592-6687

GSA Capital Partners LLP Cuts Holdings in Wix.com Ltd. (NASDAQ:WIX)By Nia Williams (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Saturday condemned violence and antisemitism at anti-NATO and pro-Palestinian protests in downtown Montreal on Friday night, where NATO delegates have gathered for the alliance's annual assembly. Around 300 delegates from NATO members and partner states are meeting in Montreal from Nov. 22-25. Local media reported that protesters burned an effigy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, lit smoke bombs and set two vehicles on fire. Police used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd and three people were arrested for assaulting officers and obstructing police work, according to CTV News. Videos and pictures posted to social media showed masked rioters burning flares and battering storefront windows. "What we saw on the streets of Montreal last night was appalling. Acts of antisemitism, intimidation, and violence must be condemned wherever we see them," Trudeau said in a post on social media website X. Montreal police said officers carried out a dispersal operation in the downtown area and that the protest was over by 7 p.m. ET. Pro-Palestinian protests have been taking place across Canada since the Israel-Gaza war started late last year. Israel's 13-month campaign in Gaza has killed more than 44,000 people and displaced nearly all the enclave's population at least once, according to Gaza officials. The war was launched in response to an attack by Hamas-led fighters who killed 1,200 people and captured more than 250 hostages in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, Israel has said. (Reporting by Nia Williams in British Columbia; Editing by David Gregorio)Modern Beverage Filling Machines by Alps Machine is Transforming Liquid Packaging 12-26-2024 09:38 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire Image: https://www.abnewswire.com/uploads/aeb4b05a4d4b1ab88ecd152694704ba4.jpg Liquid beverage filling machine [ https://www.alps-machine.com/products-category/beverage-filling-machine.html]s by Zhangjiagang Alps Machine Co., Ltd have emerged as a key component of accuracy and efficiency in the constantly changing production scene. These machines, leaders in the liquid packaging sector, serve a variety of goods and provide high-performance, safe, and energy-efficient equipment customized to meet the user's needs. Versatility Across Applications The versatility of liquid beverage filling machines is unmatched, serving a diverse range of industries with precision and reliability: * Beverages and Drinks: These machines make sure that everything is packaged smoothly, whether it's coffee, juices, carbonated soft drinks, energy drinks, fruit vinegar, milk-based beverages, or drinking water. * Alcoholic Drinks: These machines naturally adjust to the packaging requirements of both gas-infused and non-carbonated alcoholic beverages, ranging from beer and red wine to vodka, whiskey, champagne, and fruit wines. * Condiments and Oils: These machines provide exceptional precision in viscosity management and packing, making them perfect for food oils, lubricating oils, motor oils, honey, vinegar, soy sauce, tomato sauce, and ketchup. * Household Chemicals: Items such as cleaning solutions, liquid soap, detergent, shampoo, and hand wash liquid are packed effectively to satisfy the particular requirements of the household chemical industry. Technological Advantages A dedication to technological innovation and excellence is at the core of these machines. Superior quality is guaranteed by ongoing improvements in R&D, process accuracy, and assembly methods. Furthermore, parts from internationally recognized companies provide dependability and durability. Key benefits include: * Adaptable Solutions: These machines offer flexible filling technologies and configurations that are tailored to particular customer needs. * Enhanced Automation: Simplified operations with less human involvement are made possible by sophisticated controllers and photoelectric inspections. * Efficiency of Energy: These energy-efficient devices support sustainable practices without sacrificing functionality. Filling Technologies: Precision Redefined To cater to diverse product requirements and budgets, these machines offer a variety of cutting-edge filling technologies: * Gravity Filling Technology: Ideal for lightweight liquids. * Isobaric Filling Technology: Best suited for carbonated drinks. * Micro Vacuum and Two-Times Vacuum Filling Technologies: Ensures accuracy for complex liquids. * Mass Meter and Flow Meter Filling Technologies: Precision-focused for consistent results. * Weighing Scale and Volumetric Filling Technologies: Enables exact measurements for all types of liquids. These options ensure flexibility and efficiency, allowing businesses to optimize operations while maintaining product quality. Monoblock Filling Machines: The All-in-One Solution The 3-in-1 Monoblock filling machine exemplifies convenience and innovation. This machine automates the entire process by integrating rinsing, filling, and capping into a single unit. Its adjustable handle allows seamless adaptation to various bottle sizes and shapes, making it ideal for manufacturers with diverse product lines. Equipped with advanced programmed controllers and transducers, the Monoblock machine ensures steady bottle movement, reliability, and high-speed operations. Photoelectric inspection further enhances its precision, making it the preferred choice for beverage manufacturers seeking cutting-edge solutions. To learn more, visit: https://www.alps-machine.com/products-category/beverage-filling-machine.html Media Contact Company Name: Zhangjiagang Alps Machine Co., Ltd. Contact Person: Jay Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=modern-beverage-filling-machines-by-alps-machine-is-transforming-liquid-packaging ] City: Zhangjiagang Country: China Website: http://www.alps-machine.com This release was published on openPR.

In a Sudanese school turned makeshift hospital, a volunteer doctor hooks up a patient lying on a desk to an intravenous drip while nurses hand out medicines donated by neighbors. As war has raged for six weeks and shuttered or destroyed many clinics, this school building in Omdurman, Khartoum's twin city across the Nile, has become an emergency healthcare centre. Theirs is a story of an unbreakable bond that helped them reach new heights out of the challenges of life in a part of the world torn apart by war. Originally from Sudan, Osman Mukhtar and his wife Rua Mohamed, recently reached significant milestones, with Osman earning his masters of business administration degree from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside on Dec. 14, following Rua completing her medical residency at Advocate Masonic Illinois Medical Center last summer. Together, they were determined to reach their shared dream of building a better life for their family. In May 2021, the couple made the difficult decision to leave Sudan, a country torn by political instability and war. Rua received an opportunity to pursue her medical residency in the United States in May 2021, a moment that would change their lives forever. “My wife, a dedicated doctor, had long envisioned coming to the United States to pursue her residency,” Osman said. “Rua received her match result, which became a pivotal moment for us. We made the difficult decision to leave Sudan and pursue opportunities in the United States.” While Rua arrived in the U.S. in July 2021 to begin her residency, Osman remained in Sudan to deal with a deeply personal loss. His mother had passed away from COVID-19 that summer. “Her loss was devastating and one of the most painful experiences of my life,” Osman said. “It was a challenging period, as I grappled with grief while ensuring that I stayed focused on our family’s plans for a better future.” In January 2022, Osman and their son, Yassin, reunited with Rua in the United States. They started a new chapter, facing the challenges of adjusting to life in a new country. “A few months after arriving, I shared with Rua the idea of furthering my education,” he said. “She liked the idea and began encouraging me to take a bold step and return to school. Her unwavering belief in my potential motivated me to navigate the unfamiliar academic system.” Osman, a seasoned engineer, pursued an MBA with a concentration in Data Analytics at UW-Parkside. Despite adapting to an online education system, he found inspiration and strength in Rua’s own determination. “I used my technical skills to assist her in organizing Excel data and preparing PowerPoint presentations, while her discipline and focus inspired me to tackle my studies with greater determination,” he said. “She found many of the case studies in my MBA classes, particularly those exploring the impact of COVID-19 on businesses, very engaging and relevant to her own work in healthcare.” As Osman navigated his MBA coursework, his first experience at UW-Parkside left a lasting impression. “My most memorable moment was my first day of class at UW-Parkside. As I logged into the online platform, I realized I was beginning an exciting journey of personal and professional growth. It set the tone for the rest of my time at Parkside,” he said. The Mukhtar family’s journey was further tested by the war that began in Sudan on April 15, 2023. “The war reduced our home and city to ruins and impacted nearly 80% of Sudan,” he said. “It uprooted millions, leaving families torn apart and futures uncertain. For us, it meant not only losing the physical place we called home but also a profound emotional loss. The conflict made it clear that the decision to leave had been the right one.” Despite the challenges, Osman found academic growth at UW-Parkside, particularly in a key class. “Dr. Xue Ning had a significant impact on me,” Osman said. “The course ‘Technologies for Data Analytics’ was both challenging and rewarding, pushing me to refine my skills. Dr. Ning’s teaching style and guidance helped me build confidence in applying these tools to solve real-world data challenges. “UW-Parkside provided me with a strong foundation,” he said. He cleared the final hurdles and received his degree at the college’s fall commencement ceremony on Dec. 14. “This year, we both achieved our dreams,” Osman said. “Graduating together in the same year is a testament to our love, perseverance, and the unbreakable bond that guided us through this journey. It’s about the power of partnership and the belief that together, we can overcome any obstacle. “Celebrating our achievements this year is a moment we’ll cherish forever — proof that with determination, love, and resilience, even the most ambitious dreams can come true.” Holly Boyce and Jade Webb take their photo before the ceremony. Susan Podlogar was the commencement speaker during the Dec. 14 ceremonies at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Laurel Marcinkus gives the thumbs up sign during her chancellor’s award ceremony during the 2019 Winter Commencement at the University of Wisconsin Parkside. A variety of messages were featured on the caps of UW-Parkside graduates during Saturday’s winter commencement. Michael Connolly grins as he is congratulated by Dr. Suzanne Swiderski after graduating during the Dec. 14 winter commencement at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. He was the physics and mathematics outstanding graduate. Students enter Saturday’s winter graduation ceremony past a University of Wisconsin-Parkside sign. Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Local Editor {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.Tanzania Pioneering New Strategies to Boost Tourism and Conservation for Sustainable Economic Growth

Special counsel moves to dismiss election interference case against Donald Trump

Jamal Murray shoved the ball away from him With 4.2 seconds left and the Nuggets trailing Dallas, 121-119, Murray stepped up for the second of two free throws with the intention of missing. It banked off the backboard and tushed right through the net. One of those nights. One of those Novembers. “The whole game, I’m trying to make (a shot), and I’m trying to miss one time,” the Nuggets guard recalled with a rueful chuckle late Friday night after a 123-120 defeat. “So, that’s the way it goes sometimes, you know?” You’d laugh, but only to keep from crying. Before Saturday night’s late-night showdown with the Lakers, the Blue Arrows looked more like a Broken Arrow. Mr. 50-40-90 went into Tinseltown averaging 17.4 points per game in November while shooting 40.7% from the floor and 33.3% on treys. You don’t know what you’re going to get on a given night. As of Saturday morning, the Arrow had posted four games this season in which he’d scored 20 points or more. After each of those four, he went out the next time and shot 6 for 20, 2 for 7, 7 for 17 and, more recently, 4 for 16 vs. the Mavericks. “You sure you’re feeling OK?” I asked the Nuggets guard at his locker after the Dallas loss. “You keep saying, ‘I’m good, I’m good ...'” Murray looked daggers in my direction. “Then take that,” he replied. , it’s the head. You get flashes of Playoff Mal, those spring heat checks that could melt a glacier. But much of the time, it looks as if Murray is on his back, a wanna-be All-Star staggered by the weight of expectations. A max contract guy putting up mid numbers. To wit: While closing out a miserable first half against Dallas and a Mavs squad missing Luka Doncic, the Nuggets nevertheless found themselves with a chance to take the final shot. Only Murray, who was 2 for 7 at the time, turned it over and then committed a foul, gifting Big D two free throws and a 73-53 cushion at the break. “I think (if) we just take care of the first half, don’t come out as sloppy and make better urgency, we can win that game,” Murray reflected. Alas, the Nuggets ran out of juice over the final three minutes. Which was compounded by Dallas hunting Murray defensively and taking it to him, time and again. Over his first 10 games, the Arrow has posted a 112 or higher Defensive Rating in the fourth quarter — higher is worse — six times. Mind you, he put up the same ratio at the start of the 2022-23 season. You just notice it more when he stops making shots at the other end of the floor. “Some of those are shots that he probably makes,” Malone said. “And I’m sure some of those are probably ... shots where maybe we could have swung it or made an extra pass for maybe a better shot.” Maybe. Although these days, even Murray’s clutch gene comes and goes like the autumn wind. NBA.com defines “clutch” stats as applying to any action that takes place in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime of a game that’s within five points or less. In the first month of the 2022-23 campaign, one that ended with a parade, This season? Seven “clutch” games as of Saturday morning, with a yikes 123.4 Defensive Rating and a Net of plus-7.9. Christian Braun went into Saturday night with 10 “clutch” games and a 115.3 Defensive Rating and a Net of plus-18.9, best among Nuggets starters. Nikola Jokic was second in “clutch” Net, at plus-14.2, followed by Peyton Watson (plus-14.0), then Michael Porter Jr. (plus-13.3) ... and then Murray. When the eye test and the computers match up, you’ve got a problem. If MPJ can be benched for defensive reasons in the fourth quarter, why not the Arrow? “We’ve got to find a way,” Malone continued. “And I have to find a way to help to get Jamal going.” The Canadian’s most buzz-worthy moment Friday came with 8:27 left. Murray caught a live fly, walked over to the sideline “It was just squirming on the court and ... I just thought I’d go to Doris or whoever was over there and just lighten up my mood as well,” the Nuggets guard explained. “Sometimes, you just have to smile ... so I just tried to, more for myself, honestly, break the negativity mentally and have a joke with those guys.” “Did you catch that thing in the air?” I asked. Another look. Another dagger. “I’ll let you figure that out,” he countered. This version of Murray wouldn’t hurt a fly. But it’s hurting the Nuggets in the middle of Jokic’s title window, as the latter creeps ever closer to a cold, lonely sill.

Results show Congress still far behind BJPAP Trending SummaryBrief at 11:18 a.m. EST

India’s love for snacks is unparalleled, with a diverse array of regional flavors, textures, and culinary traditions. Over the years, Indian snacks brands have evolved to cater to changing consumer demands while preserving the authenticity of traditional recipes. By blending nostalgia with innovation, these brands have carved a niche in both domestic and international markets. Here’s a look at the top 10 best Indian snacks brands in 2025 , offering everything from spicy namkeens to gourmet treats. 1. Haldiram’s A household name in India, Haldiram’s has been a pioneer in the snacks industry for decades. Known for its extensive range of namkeens, sweets, and ready-to-eat snacks, Haldiram’s continues to dominate the market. Why It’s Popular : Authentic taste with consistent quality Global presence in over 80 countries Innovative packaging for freshness Haldiram’s is synonymous with classic Indian snacks like bhujia, kachori, and soan papdi. 2. Bikano Bikano, a brand by Bikanervala, is celebrated for its premium range of namkeens, sweets, and frozen snacks. It combines traditional flavors with modern production techniques. Key Highlights : Affordable and widely available Focus on hygienic manufacturing Ready-to-cook options Bikano is a go-to choice for quick snacks and festive gifting. 3. Balaji Wafers Hailing from Gujarat, Balaji Wafers has grown into one of India’s leading snacks brands, offering high-quality chips and namkeens. What Makes It Unique : Fresh and flavorful products Wide variety of chips, including masala, plain salted, and exotic flavors Strong regional and national presence Balaji Wafers is a favorite among young snack lovers for its affordability and taste. 4. ITC Bingo! Bingo! by ITC has redefined snacking with its quirky marketing campaigns and unique product offerings. It appeals to a younger audience looking for bold flavors. Top Features : Fun and experimental flavors like Tandoori Paneer and Masala Chaat Innovative shapes like Mad Angles and Potato Chips Strong presence in urban and rural markets Bingo! has positioned itself as a contemporary, fun brand for the adventurous snacker. 5. Kurkure A product of PepsiCo, Kurkure has become a cultural phenomenon in India, offering crunchy, masala-filled snacks that resonate with Indian taste buds. Why It Stands Out : Bold and spicy flavors Continuous innovation with new product lines Extensive advertising campaigns Kurkure’s tagline, “Tedha Hai Par Mera Hai,” perfectly encapsulates its quirky appeal. 6. Parle Famous for its biscuits like Parle-G, Parle also excels in the snacks segment with offerings such as Monaco and KrackJack. Highlights : Timeless products loved by all age groups Affordable pricing Iconic packaging Parle snacks evoke a sense of nostalgia while maintaining their relevance in the modern market. 7. Lay’s Lay’s, another PepsiCo brand, is renowned for its premium quality chips and wide range of flavors. Key Features : International flavors customized for Indian tastes, like Magic Masala Strong presence in both urban and rural areas Effective celebrity endorsements Lay’s remains a leader in the potato chips segment, offering consistent quality and innovative flavors. 8. Prataap Snacks (Yellow Diamond) Known for its Yellow Diamond brand, Prataap Snacks offers a variety of affordable and delicious options. Unique Selling Points : Focus on regional tastes Expanding into baked and healthier snack options Growing footprint across India Prataap Snacks caters to both traditional and contemporary snack preferences. 9. Too Yumm! Too Yumm! has disrupted the snacks industry with its focus on healthier options without compromising on taste. Backed by Virat Kohli, it targets health-conscious consumers. What Makes It Different : Baked snacks instead of fried Gluten-free and high-fiber options Youth-centric branding and marketing Too Yumm! offers guilt-free snacking with an emphasis on wellness. 10. Chitale Bandhu A legacy brand from Maharashtra, Chitale Bandhu is renowned for its traditional snacks like bhakarwadi and farsan. Why It’s Loved : Authentic Maharashtrian flavors Handcrafted products with a homely touch Perfect for festive occasions Chitale Bandhu keeps the essence of traditional Indian snacks alive while expanding to new markets. Why Indian Snacks Brands Are Thriving The success of these Indian snacks brands stems from their ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences while staying true to their roots. Key factors contributing to their growth include: Cultural Significance : Snacks play an integral role in Indian households. Innovation : Constantly introducing new flavors and healthier options. Global Reach : Indian brands are gaining popularity internationally. The Future of Indian Snacks Brands As consumers become more health-conscious, snacks brands are expected to focus on healthier alternatives, such as baked, gluten-free, and organic options. Additionally, the integration of technology for better supply chain management and e-commerce platforms will further enhance their reach. Conclusion From the iconic Haldiram’s to the innovative Too Yumm!, these top 10 best Indian snacks brands in 2025 represent the rich culinary heritage of India. They combine tradition with innovation, offering something for everyone. As the snacks industry evolves, these brands will continue to shape the future of snacking, delighting taste buds across the globe.Ohtani was a unanimous MVP for the third time, receiving all 30 first-place votes and 420 points in voting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor was second with 263 points and Arizona second baseman Ketel Marte third with 229. Judge was a unanimous pick for the first time. Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. got all 30 second-place votes for 270 points, and Yankees outfielder Juan Soto was third with 21 third-place votes and 229 points. Ohtani was unanimously voted the AL MVP in 2021 and 2023 as a two-way star for the Los Angeles Angels and finished second to Judge in 2022 voting. He didn't pitch in 2024 following elbow surgery and signed a record $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers last December. Ohtani joined Frank Robinson for Cincinnati in 1961 and Baltimore in 1966 as the only players to win the MVP award in both leagues. He was the first player to twice become an unanimous MVP. He had combined with Atlanta outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. in 2023 for the first year both MVPs were unanimous. Ohtani hit .310, stole 59 bases and led the NL with 54 homers and 130 RBIs exclusively as a designated hitter, becoming the first player with 50 or more homers and 50 or more stolen bases in a season. He helped the Dodgers to the World Series title, playing the final three games with a torn labrum in his left shoulder. "The ultimate goal from the beginning was to win a World Series, which we are able to accomplish," he said through a translator. "The next goal is for me to do it again and so right now I'm in the middle of rehab and working out and getting stronger." When Ohtani returns to the mound, could he win MVP and the Cy Young Award in the same year? "That would obviously be great, but right now my focus is just to get to get back healthy, come back stronger, get back on the mound and show everybody what I can do," Ohtani said. Ohtani became the first primary DH to win an MVP in a season that started with the revelation his longtime interpreter and friend, Ippei Mizuhara, had stolen nearly $17 million from the star to fund gambling. Ohtani is the 12th player with three or more MVPs, joining Barry Bonds (seven) and Jimmie Foxx, Joe DiMaggio, Stan Musial, Roy Campanella, Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle, Mike Schmidt, Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols and Mike Trout (three each). Balloting was conducted before the postseason. Judge led the major leagues with 58 homers, 144 RBIs and 133 walks while hitting .322. Witt topped the big leagues with a .332 average, hitting 32 homers with 31 stolen bases and 109 RBIs. Soto batted .288 with 41 homers and 109 RBIs. When Judge won his first MVP award in 2022, he received 28 first-place votes while Ohtani got the other two. Judge had discussed the MVP award with Philadelphia's Bryce Harper, the NL winner in 2015 and '21. "I was telling him, `Man, I'm going to try to catch up to you with these MVPs here, man,'" Judge recalled. "He'd say, hopefully, he could stay a couple ahead of me, which I think he'll do." When Judge won his first MVP award in 2022, he received 28 first-place votes while Ohtani got the other two. He is the Yankees' 22nd MVP winner, four more than any other team. Judge was hitting .207 with six homers and 18 RBIs through April, then batted .352 with 52 homers and 126 RBIs in 127 games. "March and April were not my friend this year." Judge said. "Just keep putting in the work and things are going to change. You can't mope. You can't feel sorry for yourself. Especially in New York, nobody's going to feel sorry for you. So you just got to go out there and put up the numbers?" ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The St. Petersburg City Council reversed course Thursday on whether to spend more than $23 million to repair the hurricane-shredded roof of the Tampa Bay Rays' ballpark, initially voting narrowly for approval and hours later changing course. The reversal on fixing Tropicana Field came after the council voted to delay consideration of revenue bonds for a proposed new $1.3 billion Rays ballpark. Just two days before, the Pinellas County Commission postponed a vote on its share of the new stadium bonds, leaving that project in limbo. “This is a sad place. I'm really disappointed,” council chair Deborah Figg-Sanders said. “We won’t get there if we keep finding ways we can’t.” The Rays say the lack of progress puts the new stadium plan and the future of Tropicana Field in jeopardy. “I can't say I'm confident about anything,” Rays co-president Brian Auld told the council members. The Trop's translucent fiberglass roof was ripped to pieces on Oct. 9 when Hurricane Milton swept ashore just south of Tampa Bay. There was also significant water damage inside the ballpark, with a city estimate of the total repair costs pegged at $55.7 million. The extensive repairs cannot be finished before the 2026 season, city documents show. The Rays made a deal with the Yankees to play next season at 11,000-seat Steinbrenner Field, New York's spring training home across the bay in Tampa. The initial vote Thursday was to get moving on the roof portion of the repair. Once that's done, crews could begin working on laying down a new baseball field, fixing damaged seating and office areas and a variety of electronic systems — which would require another vote to approve money for the remaining restoration. The subsequent vote reversing funding for the roof repair essentially means the city and Rays must work on an alternative in the coming weeks so that Tropicana Field can possibly be ready for the 2026 season. The city is legally obligated to fix the roof. BRIEFLY PIRATES: Pittsburgh hired Matt Hague as its hitting coach, bringing him back to the team that drafted him in 2008. Hague replaces Andy Haines, who was fired after Pittsburgh finished in the bottom 10 in the majors in every significant statistical category last season, including runs (24th) and home runs (25th), while also striking out a club-record 1,504 times, second-most in the National League behind Colorado. The 39-year-old Hague spent last season as an assistant hitting coach with the Toronto Blue Jays.

An off-road vehicle was seized by police. Officers said it was seen being driven antisocially. West Midlands Police also said it breaches the High Court injunction, which is related to street cruising. Police said that the driver is being 'prosecuted' and inquiries into the incident on Saturday, December 21, are ongoing. READ MORE: Toyota Yaris driver who pulled out on ambulance on emergency has car seized Taking to X, a spokesman for WMP Traffic posted: "#OpHercules This off-road vehicle is now off the road, having been seen driven antisocially and breaching the high court injunction. The driver is being prosecuted #RHPT." High court injunctions are in place across Birmingham and the Black Country, which give officers the power to arrest anyone they suspect to be breaking the law. They added that "advanced technology and surveillance" is being deployed to track down street racers. Police are also increasing their patrols in city neighbourhoods where dangerous driving is a problem. They revealed they have already arrested 34 people who have breached these injunctions and handed out hundreds of tickets.BAKU: The world’s most climate-imperiled nations stormed out of consultations in protest at the deadlocked UN COP29 conference Saturday, as simmering tensions over a hard-fought finance deal erupted into the open. Diplomats from small island nations threatened by rising seas and impoverished African states angrily filed out of a meeting with summit hosts Azerbaijan over a final deal being thrashed out in a Baku sports stadium. “We came here to this COP for a fair deal. We feel that we haven’t been heard,” said Cedric Schuster, the Samoan chairman of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). An unpublished version of the final text circulating in Baku, and seen by AFP, proposes that rich nations raise to $300 billion a year by 2035 their commitment to poorer countries to fight climate change. It is up from $100 billion now provided by wealthy nations under a commitment set to expire. COP29 hosts Azerbaijan intended to put a final draft before 198 nations for adoption or rejection on Saturday evening, a full day after the marathon summit officially ended. Sierra Leone’s climate minister Jiwoh Abdulai, whose country is among the world’s poorest, said the draft was “effectively a suicide pact for the rest of the world”. In a statement, Schuster said AOSIS and the group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) have found themselves “continuously insulted by the lack of inclusion” at COP29. Schuster said that without an inclusive process, “it becomes very difficult for us to continue our involvement here at COP29”. But negotiators from AOSIS, the LDCs and wealthy nations met later with the COP29 presidency. “We’re doing our utmost to build bridges with literally everyone,” EU climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra said in a statement. “It is not easy,” he said. “There is no alternative to do whatever we can.” An earlier offer from rich nations of $250 billion was slammed as offensively low by developing countries, which have demanded much higher sums to build resilience against climate change and cut emissions. UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the revised offer of $300 billion was “a significant scaling up” of the existing pledge by developed nations, which also count the United States, EU and Japan among their ranks. Harried diplomats ran to-and-fro in the stadium near the Caspian Sea searching for common ground. “Hopefully this is the storm before the calm,” said US climate envoy John Podesta in the corridors as somebody shouted “shame” in his direction. Panama’s negotiator, Juan Carlos Monterrey Gomez, said delegates could not go home without a deal and repeat the failure of COP15 in Copenhagen in 2009. “I’m sad, I’m tired, I’m disheartened, I’m hungry, I’m sleep-deprived, but there is a tiny ray of optimism within me because this cannot become a new Copenhagen,” he told reporters. Wealthy nations say it is politically unrealistic to expect more in direct government funding. Donald Trump, a sceptic of both climate change and foreign assistance, returns to the White House in January and a number of other Western countries have seen right-wing backlashes against the green agenda. The draft deal posits a larger overall target of $1.3 trillion per year to cope with rising temperatures and disasters, but most would come from private sources. Ali Mohamed, the Kenyan chair of the African Group of Negotiators, told AFP: “No deal is better than a bad deal.” South African environment minister Dion George, however, said: “I think being ambitious at this point is not going to be very useful.” “What we are not up for is going backwards or standing still,” he said. “We might as well just have stayed at home then.” A coalition of more than 300 activist groups accused historic polluters most responsible for climate change of skirting their obligation, and urged developing nations to stand firm. A group of developing countries had demanded at least $500 billion, with some saying that increases were less than met the eye due to inflation. Experts commissioned by the United Nations to assess the needs of developing countries said $250 billion was “too low” and by 2035 rich nations should be providing at least $390 billion. The US and EU have wanted newly wealthy emerging economies like China — the world’s largest emitter — to chip in. China, which remains classified as a developing nation under the UN framework, provides climate assistance but wants to keep doing so on its own voluntary terms. The EU and other countries have also tussled with Saudi Arabia over including strong language on moving away from fossil fuels, which negotiators say the oil-producing country has resisted. “We will not allow the most vulnerable, especially the small island states, to be ripped off by the new, few rich fossil fuel emitters,” said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. – AFP

How Kai Trump Is Sanitizing ‘Grandpa’ Trump on Social MediaWall Street drifts to a mixed close in thin trading following a holiday pauseDES MOINES — State Treasurer Roby Smith announces two updates for IAble (Iowa’s Achieving a Better Life Experience plan). “We know how crucial IAble accounts can be in helping individuals with disabilities save for long- and short-term expenses, which is why I’m proud to share we are offering a new Investment Option and reducing fees,” he said. “Our goal has always been to preserve the growth of our account owners’ savings, and these updates align with that.” “Investing looks different for everyone and their savings timeline,” Smith continued. “This is why we are excited to provide a money market option for account owners looking for the opportunity to earn money on their investments with even lower risk than our current conservative option.” Additionally, account owners will notice on their next statement the annual account maintenance fee, assessed quarterly, is reduced by $2. IAble helps individuals with disabilities save money while maintaining eligibility for federal assistance programs. Account owners can use money in an account to pay for qualified disability expenses such as housing, basic living expenses, employment training, assistive technology, transportation, wellness and more.