Insurgents' stunning march across Syria accelerated Saturday with news that they had reached the gates of the capital and that government forces had abandoned the central city of Homs. The government was forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The loss of Homs was a potentially crippling blow for Assad. It stands at an important intersection between Damascus, the capital, and Syria’s coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus — the Syrian leader’s base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base. The pro-government Sham FM news outlet reported that government forces took positions outside Syria’s third-largest city, without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies withdrew from the city, adding that rebels entered parts of it. The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App The insurgency announced later Saturday that it had taken over Homs. The city's capture was a major victory for the rebels, who have already seized the cities of Aleppo and Hama, as well as large parts of the south, in a lightning offensive that began Nov. 27. Analysts said rebel control of Homs would be a game-changer. The rebels' moves around Damascus, reported by the monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. For the first time in the country’s long-running civil war, the government now has control of only three of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Latakia and Tartus. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad's government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. Syrian opposition fighters ride along the streets in the aftermath of the opposition's takeover of Hama, Syria, Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Ghaith Alsayed) The rapid rebel gains, coupled with the lack of support from Assad's erstwhile allies, posed the most serious threat to his rule since the start of the war. The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, called Saturday for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad's chief international backer, said he feels “sorry for the Syrian people.” In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria's border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price. “The situation is very strange. We are not used to that,” the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions. “People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not.” It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a yearslong siege. The U.N. said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution. Assad's status Syria’s state media denied social media rumors that Assad left the country, saying he was performing his duties in Damascus. A boy steps over pictures of Syrian President Bashar Assad and his late father, Hafez Assad, right, Salamiyah, east of Hama, Syria, Saturday Dec. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Ghaith Alsayed) He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia is busy with its war in Ukraine. Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad's forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that the United States should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Separately, President Joe Biden’s national security adviser said the Biden administration had no intention of intervening there. Follow the CTV News channel on WhatsApp Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation of a U.N. resolution, adopted in 2015 and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections. Later Saturday, foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran, along with Pederson, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit to discuss the situation in Syria. In a statement, the participants affirmed their support for a political solution to the Syrian crisis “that would lead to the end of military activity and protect civilians.” They also agreed on the importance of strengthening international efforts to increase aid to the Syrian people. The insurgents' march Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a “salvation government” to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group’s image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. Residents leave the city carrying their belongings in the aftermath of the opposition's takeover of Hama, Syria, Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Ghaith Alsayed) The shock offensive began Nov. 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria’s largest, and the central city of Hama, the country’s fourth-largest city. Opposition activists said Saturday that a day earlier, insurgents entered Palmyra, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017. Complete coverage of conflicts in the Mideast To the south, Syrian troops left much of the province of Quneitra, including the main Baath City, activists said. Syrian Observatory said government troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces. The Syrian army said in a statement that it carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by “terrorists." The army said it was setting up a “strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area,” apparently to defend Damascus from the south. Syrian opposition fighters drive past a damaged government vehicle south of Hama, Syria, on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Ghaith Alsayed) The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011. Diplomacy in Doha The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkey is a main backer of the rebels. Qatar's top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticized Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country’s underlying problems. “Assad didn’t seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people,” he said. Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there is a real threat to Syria’s “territorial integrity.” He said the war could “damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency” to start a political process. __ Karam reported from London. Associated Press writers Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria; Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad; Josef Federman and Victoria Eastwood in Doha, Qatar; and Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington contributed to this report.Nonepanaloko download app free android 。

Two men were arrested for brandishing guns on social media and another for supplying arms from Nihal Vihar in west Delhi’s Nangloi, a police officer said on Tuesday. The officer added that 56 social media accounts found brandishing weapons have also been identified and action initiated. “Some accounts have been shut, and others have been concealed,” Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) (Outer) Amit Verma said. Police identified the accused as Anurag, 22, Manav,19, and Raghav, 26, and recovered a country-made pistol, two live cartridges, and a stolen motorcycle from their possession. On December 22, information regarding two men displaying weapons while making an Instagram reel was received, the senior police officer said. On the same day, the police received another tip-off of the same men riding a motorcycle in Nihal Vihar. The two suspects — Anurag and Manav — were spotted around 9.45 p.m. on the motorcycle. When the two were questioned, they failed to produce the required documents, said the ADCP. Upon further investigation, the motorcycle was found to be reported as stolen at the Zonal Integrated Police Network platform. Both were apprehended and, during interrogation, revealed that they procured the arms from the accused, Raghav, to “gain fame”. Following a raid, Raghav was arrested from Nihal Vihar. The three have been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and further investigation is under way, the ADCP added. Published - December 25, 2024 01:17 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit

Legit.ng journalist Victor Enengedi has over a decade's experience covering Energy, MSMEs, Technology and the Stock Market. CHECK OUT: Learn at Your Own Pace! Our Flexible Online Course allows you to fit copywriting skills development around your busy schedule. Enroll Now! 2024 was a transformative year for Nigeria’s banking industry , marked by significant regulatory shifts, technological advancements, operational adjustments and shifting customer preferences. Stakeholders, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, the banks, and customers, have all played major roles in directing the sector's evolution in the year under review. Here’s a rundown of the top trends that shaped the sector in 2024. 1. CBN increases capital base for banks In a bid to strengthen the banking sector, the CBN mandated an increase in the minimum capital requirement . This move aims to bolster resilience against economic shocks and align Nigeria’s banks with global standards. PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app! According to the CBN, commercial banks with international licenses must now have a minimum capital base of N500 billion, while those with national and regional licenses are set at N200 billion and N50 billion, respectively. Read also African country cancels charges on ATM cards, other debit cards to boost digital transactions Additionally, the minimum capital for merchant banks with national licenses has been increased to N50 billion. For non-interest banks, the new capital thresholds are N20 billion for national licenses and N10 billion for regional licenses. 2. Cash scarcity in ATMs and over-the-counter Persistent cash shortages became a major concern in 2024, leaving many Nigerians frustrated. Long queues and limited cash availability in ATMs and over-the-counter transactions highlighted infrastructure and liquidity challenges within the banking system. 3. Nigerian banks adjust withdrawal limits Amid cash scarcity, Nigerian banks revised withdrawal limits , particularly for ATMs and counters. The adjustments were designed to manage cash flow but faced criticism for inconveniencing customers, especially in rural areas with limited electronic banking options. 4. CBN takes over management of dormant accounts The CBN announced a takeover of dormant accounts, channelling unclaimed funds into a trust fund. This policy is intended to enhance financial inclusion while addressing the issue of idle funds in the banking system. Read also Finally, MTN, Airtel, others set to increase call, data tariffs in early 2025 5. CBN releases phone numbers to report banks The CBN launched dedicated hotlines for customers to report cash shortages at ATMs. The directive requires banks to facilitate effective cash distribution through both over-the-counter (OTC) transactions and ATMs, with the goal of addressing Nigeria's ongoing currency circulation challenges. This initiative aims to ensure banks comply with cash allocation regulations and improve customer satisfaction. 6. CBN increases interest rates multiple times In response to inflationary pressures, the CBN's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) raised interest rates multiple times throughout the year. At the beginning of 2024, the interest rate, otherwise known as the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) stood at 18.75%, but by November 2024, the CBN had hiked it to 27.50%. While this policy sought to stabilize the naira and curb inflation, it also increased borrowing costs for businesses and consumers. 7. Banks introduce Electronic Transfer Money Levy Read also World Bank removes several loan fees for Nigeria and other poor countries Nigerian banks implemented an Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), sparking debates over additional costs for digital transactions. The EMTL is a one-time charge of N50 applied to electronic receipts or transfers of funds amounting to N10,000 or more in any financial institution or deposit bank. This levy, established through the 2020 Finance Act, amended the Stamp Duty Act to generate additional government revenue by leveraging the increase in electronic fund transfers within the country. Despite concerns about financial exclusion, the levy is projected to generate significant revenue for the government. 8. CBN Introduces Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System The CBN introduced the Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System (EFEMS) for conducting foreign exchange (FX) transactions in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM). The EFEMS will streamline foreign exchange transactions in the Nigerian foreign exchange market and ensure all foreign exchange transactions by authorized dealers are conducted exclusively through the CBN-approved platform Read also CBN opens whistleblower website to report financial misconduct, promises professionalism The purpose is to ensure transparent, fair, and efficient FX trading, minimizing counterparty risk and ensuring compliance with CBN regulations. 9. Revocation of Heritage Bank Plc’s license Heritage Bank Plc’s license revocation shocked the sector. The CBN cited insolvency and regulatory non-compliance, underscoring its commitment to ensuring a stable banking environment and safeguarding depositors’ funds. The apex bank subsequently appointed the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) as the bank's liquidator. Exercising its statutory powers as the liquidator of failed banks, the commission announced the commencement of the sale of landed properties belonging to the failed bank. 10. Unity and Providus banks to merge In a landmark deal, the CBN approved the merger of Unity Bank and Providus Bank. The consolidation aims to create a stronger institution capable of delivering enhanced services and expanding financial inclusion. Looking ahead to 2025 Read also MTN, Airtel, Glo, other telcos Warn of service disruption over N250 billion debt by banks These developments collectively signal a year of significant changes for Nigerian banking, with a strong emphasis on stability, innovation, and customer-centric policies. As Nigeria’s banking sector evolves, the changes of 2024 set the stage for a more robust and inclusive financial system. The lessons learned this year will likely shape future policies, ensuring the industry remains adaptable, competitive, and focused on meeting the needs of a dynamic economy . CBN confirms validity of old, new naira notes Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the CBN has dismissed reports claiming that the old series of N200, N500, and N1,000 banknotes will no longer be accepted as legal tender by December 31, 2024. The apex bank stated that such claims are false and calculated to disrupt the country’s payment system. The bank directed all banks to continue to issue and accept all denominations of Nigerian banknotes, whether old or re-designed. PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy! Source: Legit.ngEAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The New York Giants snapped a franchise-record 10-game losing streak and ended the Indianapolis Colts' slim playoff hopes Sunday as Drew Lock threw four touchdown passes and ran for another in a 45-33 victory. New York earned its first home win of the season and it no longer has control of the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Lock sandwiched touchdown passes of 31 and 59 yards to Malik Nabers around TD passes of 32 yards to Darius Slayton and 5 yards to Wan'Dale Robinson in leading the Giants (3-13) to their first win since beating Seattle on Oct. 6. Ihmir Smith-Marsette had a 100-yard return on the second-half kickoff on a day the league's worst offense set a season high for points. Jonathan Taylor scored on runs of 3 and 26 yards for Indianapolis (7-9), while Joe Flacco, subbing for the injured Anthony Richardson, threw touchdown passes of 13 yards to Alec Pierce and 7 yards to Michael Pittman, the last bringing the Colts within 35-33 with 6:38 left in the fourth quarter. Lock, who finished 17 of 23 for 309 yards, iced the game by leading a nine-play, 70-yard drive that he capped with a 5-yard run. The 45 points were the most for New York since putting up 49 in a 52-49 loss to the Saints in 2015. It’s the Giants most in a win since a 45-14 rout against Washington in 2014 and most at home since a 52-27 win against the Saints in 2012. Nabers finished with seven catches for a career-high 171 yards. Flacco was 26 of 38 for 330 yards with two interceptions, the second by rookie Dru Phillips shortly after Lock's TD run. Taylor, who rushed for 218 yards in a win over Tennessee last weekend, finished with 125 yards on 32 carries. Pierce had six catches for 122 yards. Rookies Nabers and running back Tyrone Tracy become the third pair of rookies to have more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage in the same season. The previous duo was running back Reggie Bush and receiver Marques Colston of the Saints in 2006. Injuries Colts: Richardson was inactive with foot and back injuries sustained against Tennessee. Giants: DL Armon Watts (knee) was ruled out in the first half. Up next Colts: Finish the regular season by hosting Jacksonville. Giants: At Philadelphia to face Saquon Barkley and the Eagles. ___ AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Tom Canavan, The Associated Press

The year 2024 comes to and end and we step into 2025 with hope, joy, and a renewed spirit. It is a time for It’s a time for fresh beginnings and renewed hopes. It is also the time to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, cherish our loved ones, and strive to make the most of each moment. ET Year-end Special Reads What kept India's stock market investors on toes in 2024? India's car race: How far EVs went in 2024 Investing in 2025: Six wealth management trends to watch out for Here is a compilation of new year messages , wishes, quotes, and greetings to send to your friends and family on social media. Happy New Year 2025: Wishes for family and friends "Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right." — Oprah Winfrey May the new year bring new happiness, new goals, and new achievements. Here’s to a fantastic 2025 with your loved ones. "Wishing you health, wealth, and happiness in the New Year ahead. May it be a year full of opportunities and growth." 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