Why University of Rwanda has reverted back to four-year degree programsBank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says the central bank is preparing for a future that looks more uncertain and more prone to shocks. In a speech to the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, he said Monday structural changes are underway in the world including demographic shifts, technological changes, decarbonization and a move away from globalization. “We need to use the pandemic experience to prepare for future crises,” Macklem said in a prepared text of his speech. To that end, Macklem says the Bank of Canada is working to learn what it can from how the economy reacted to the pandemic and in its aftermath. The Bank of Canada is conducting a review of the policy actions it took to restore financial stability and support the economy during the pandemic that it plans to publish along with an assessment of an independent panel of experts. Macklem said the spike in inflation in 2022 was a reminder that even though inflation was relatively low and stable for 30 years leading up to the pandemic, central banks cannot take public trust for granted. “All of a sudden, people couldn’t afford the things they need. And while inflation is low once again, many prices are still a lot higher than they were before the pandemic. So people feel ripped off. And that erodes public trust in our economic system,” he said in his speech. The Bank of Canada has cut its key policy interest rate five times this year including last week when it reduced the benchmark by a half a percentage point to 3.25 per cent. Macklem says the bank will be evaluating the need for further reductions in the policy rate one decision at a time and anticipates a more gradual approach to monetary policy if the economy evolves as expected. Statistics Canada reported last month that the annual inflation rate was two per cent in Ontario, hitting the Bank of Canada’s target. The speech by Macklem came ahead of the release of the November inflation report on Tuesday. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 16, 2024. The Canadian PressWASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Defense Department, said he had a “wonderful conversation” with Maine Sen. Susan Collins on Wednesday as he pushed to win enough votes for confirmation. He said he will not back down after allegations of excessive drinking and sexual misconduct. Related Articles Collins said after the hourlong meeting that she questioned Hegseth about the allegations amid reports of drinking and the revelation that he made a settlement payment after being that he denies. She said she had a “good, substantive” discussion with Hegseth and “covered a wide range of topics,” including sexual assault in the military, Ukraine and NATO. But she said she would wait until a hearing, and notably a background check, to make a decision. “I asked virtually every question under the sun,” Collins told reporters as she left her office after the meeting. “I pressed him both on his position on military issues as well as the allegations against him, so I don’t think there was anything that we did not cover.” The meeting with Collins was closely watched as she is seen as more likely than most of her Republican Senate colleagues to vote against some of Trump’s Cabinet picks. She and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a fellow moderate Republican, did not shy from opposing Trump in his first term when they wanted to do so and sometimes supported President Joe Biden’s nominees for the judicial and executive branches. And Hegseth, an infantry combat veteran and former “Fox & Friends” weekend host, is working to gain as many votes as he can as some senators have expressed concerns about his personal history and lack of management experience. “I’m certainly not going to assume anything about where the senator stands,” Hegseth said as he left Collins’ office. “This is a process that we respect and appreciate. And we hope, in time, overall, when we get through that committee and to the floor that we can earn her support.” Hegseth met with Murkowski on Tuesday. He has also been meeting repeatedly with Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, a military veteran who has said she is a survivor of sexual assault and has spent time in the Senate working on improving how attacks are reported and prosecuted within the ranks. On Monday, Ernst said after a meeting with him that he had committed to selecting a senior official to prioritize those goals. Republicans will have a 53-49 majority next year, meaning Trump cannot lose more than three votes on any of his nominees. It is so far unclear whether Hegseth will have enough support, but Trump has stepped up his pressure on senators in the last week. “Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!” Trump posted on his social media platform last week.Dallas (3-7) at Washington (7-4) Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, Fox BetMGM NFL Odds: Commanders by 10 1/2 Against the spread: Cowboys 2-8; Commanders 7-4 Series record: Dallas leads 78-48-2. Last meeting: The Cowboys clinched the NFC East title last season by beating the Commanders 38-10 at Washington on Jan. 7. Last week: Cowboys lost to the Texans 34-10 on Monday; Commanders lost to the Eagles 26-18 on Thursday, Nov. 14. Cowboys offense: overall (20), rush (31), pass (T-7), scoring (T-24) Cowboys defense: overall (27), rush (31), pass (19), scoring (31) Commanders offense: overall (6), rush (6), pass (15), scoring (4) Commanders defense: overall (18), rush (30), pass (5), scoring (T-14) Turnover differential: Cowboys minus-11; Commanders plus-5 Star pass rusher Micah Parsons has six of his 43 1/2 career sacks against Washington, more than any opponent. But Jayden Daniels is the biggest threat Parsons has faced at QB with this opponent. There’s no question the Dallas pass rush suffered in the four games Parsons missed with a sprained ankle and has been substantially better in the two games since the two-time All-Pro’s return. Parsons making life difficult for Daniels might be the only way for the Cowboys to stay close. Rookie CB Mike Sainristil held his own against A.J. Brown despite being at a sizeable height disadvantage. With trade deadline pickup Marshon sidelined again with a hamstring injury, Sainristil could be counted on to do more of the same against CeeDee Lamb, who is still productive no matter who the Cowboys quarterback is. Commanders rushing offense vs. Cowboys rushing defense. Dallas allowed Houston RB Joe Mixon to pick up 109 yards and three TDs and the ground and has struggled against the run all season. Brian Robinson Jr. returned last week after missing the previous two games with a hamstring injury, and Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols provide some depth for Washington. Cowboys: Perennial All-Pro RG Zack Martin and promising young LG Tyler Smith sustained ankle injuries on the same drive in the fourth quarter for the Cowboys against the Texans. Martin, who is also battling a shoulder issue, is doubtful, and Smith is questionable while also dealing with a knee injury. ... Rookie LT Tyler Guyton re-injured a shoulder trying to run with a fumble after QB Cooper Rush had the ball knocked out of his hand on a throw. He is expected to play. ... TE Jake Ferguson was ruled out after sustaining a concussion in the first quarter against the Texans. ... CB Jourdan Lewis (neck) and RB Hunter Luepke (calf) missed the Houston game but are listed as available this week. ... Dallas might get some reinforcements in WR Brandin Cooks (knee), rookie DE Marshawn Kneeland (knee), CB DaRon Bland (foot) and T Chuma Edoga (toe). Cooks last played in Week 4 and Kneeland in Week 5. They are questionable along with Edoga, who hasn't played all season. Bland also hasn't played this year after having surgery for a stress fracture late in the preseason, but it appears he will make his season debut after setting an NFL record in 2023 with five interception returns for touchdowns. ... DB Markquese Bell, a key special teams player, is set for season-ending surgery after injuring a shoulder covering a kickoff against the Texans. Commanders: Lattimore was on the field Wednesday but didn't take part in practice all week. He will miss a third consecutive game since being acquired at the deadline from New Orleans. ... K Austin Seibert appears to be trending toward returning from the right hip injury that sidelined him the past two games. The Cowboys have won five of the past six meetings. Washington's only victory in that span was in the 2022 season finale when Dallas had nothing to play for once it was clear Philadelphia would finish first in the NFC East. ... The Cowboys are 16-4 against NFC East opponents since 2021 and haven’t lost consecutive division games since 2020, when they finished 6-10. Dallas lost to Philadelphia two weeks ago and plays the New York Giants on Thanksgiving Day. ... This is Commanders coach Dan Quinn's first game against the Cowboys since spending the past three seasons as their defensive coordinator. ... Washington with a win would have its best start through 12 games since 1996 and first 3-1 division record since 2012. The Cowboys are on a five-game losing streak, their longest since a seven-game skid in 2015. Mike McCarthy has matched the longest losing streak of his coaching career. He lost five in a row in 2008, late in the third of his 12-plus seasons in Green Bay. McCarthy is on an expiring contract and the possibility of returning to the Cowboys diminishes with each loss. ... Dallas is 3-2 on the road. ... Rush has lost three consecutive starts as an injury replacement for Dak Prescott after winning his first five. He is 0-2 this season with a touchdown, an interception and three fumbles lost. Prescott had season-ending surgery on his torn hamstring last week. ... Lamb needs 81 yards receiving to become the fastest Dallas wideout to reach 6,000 yards. ... WR KaVontae Turpin had a career-long touchdown catch of 64 yards against the Texans. It’s the only TD at home for Dallas since Week 3. ... K Brandon Aubrey has 10 field goals of at least 50 yards this season. That’s one behind Houston’s Ka’imi Fairbairn, who has already tied Daniel Carlson’s single-season NFL record from 2022. ... Daniels has thrown for 10 TDs and three INTs, including one of each against the Eagles. He has four rushing TDs but none since Week 4. He's 18 yards away from being the first rookie QB since Kyler Murray in 2019 to run for 500. ... Robinson's seven TD runs through eight games match his first two professional seasons combined. ... Ekeler had a season-high eight catches for 89 yards at Philadelphia. ... WR Terry McLaurin had just one catch on two targets last week. ... Zach Ertz's 428 yards receiving are his most in a season since 2021. He's 35 away from moving into the top 10 among tight ends in league history. ... LB Bobby Wagner is nine tackles away from joining London Fletcher as the only players with 100-plus tackles in 13 consecutive seasons since 2000. ... LB Frankie Luvu sacked Jalen Hurts twice to tie a career high with seven. McLaurin will almost certainly be targeted more often than last week, especially after he, Daniels and the offense got a full week of practice. Washington's top receiver could be in for a big game. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

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Dallas (3-7) at Washington (7-4) Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, Fox BetMGM NFL Odds: Commanders by 10 1/2 Against the spread: Cowboys 2-8; Commanders 7-4 Series record: Dallas leads 78-48-2. Last meeting: The Cowboys clinched the NFC East title last season by beating the Commanders 38-10 at Washington on Jan. 7. Last week: Cowboys lost to the Texans 34-10 on Monday; Commanders lost to the Eagles 26-18 on Thursday, Nov. 14. Cowboys offense: overall (20), rush (31), pass (T-7), scoring (T-24) Cowboys defense: overall (27), rush (31), pass (19), scoring (31) Commanders offense: overall (6), rush (6), pass (15), scoring (4) Commanders defense: overall (18), rush (30), pass (5), scoring (T-14) Turnover differential: Cowboys minus-11; Commanders plus-5 Star pass rusher Micah Parsons has six of his 43 1/2 career sacks against Washington, more than any opponent. But Jayden Daniels is the biggest threat Parsons has faced at QB with this opponent. There’s no question the Dallas pass rush suffered in the four games Parsons missed with a sprained ankle and has been substantially better in the two games since the two-time All-Pro’s return. Parsons making life difficult for Daniels might be the only way for the Cowboys to stay close. Rookie CB Mike Sainristil held his own against A.J. Brown despite being at a sizeable height disadvantage. With trade deadline pickup Marshon sidelined again with a hamstring injury, Sainristil could be counted on to do more of the same against CeeDee Lamb, who is still productive no matter who the Cowboys quarterback is. Commanders rushing offense vs. Cowboys rushing defense. Dallas allowed Houston RB Joe Mixon to pick up 109 yards and three TDs and the ground and has struggled against the run all season. Brian Robinson Jr. returned last week after missing the previous two games with a hamstring injury, and Austin Ekeler and Jeremy McNichols provide some depth for Washington. Cowboys: Perennial All-Pro RG Zack Martin and promising young LG Tyler Smith sustained ankle injuries on the same drive in the fourth quarter for the Cowboys against the Texans. Martin, who is also battling a shoulder issue, is doubtful, and Smith is questionable while also dealing with a knee injury. ... Rookie LT Tyler Guyton re-injured a shoulder trying to run with a fumble after QB Cooper Rush had the ball knocked out of his hand on a throw. He is expected to play. ... TE Jake Ferguson was ruled out after sustaining a concussion in the first quarter against the Texans. ... CB Jourdan Lewis (neck) and RB Hunter Luepke (calf) missed the Houston game but are listed as available this week. ... Dallas might get some reinforcements in WR Brandin Cooks (knee), rookie DE Marshawn Kneeland (knee), CB DaRon Bland (foot) and T Chuma Edoga (toe). Cooks last played in Week 4 and Kneeland in Week 5. They are questionable along with Edoga, who hasn't played all season. Bland also hasn't played this year after having surgery for a stress fracture late in the preseason, but it appears he will make his season debut after setting an NFL record in 2023 with five interception returns for touchdowns. ... DB Markquese Bell, a key special teams player, is set for season-ending surgery after injuring a shoulder covering a kickoff against the Texans. Commanders: Lattimore was on the field Wednesday but didn't take part in practice all week. He will miss a third consecutive game since being acquired at the deadline from New Orleans. ... K Austin Seibert appears to be trending toward returning from the right hip injury that sidelined him the past two games. The Cowboys have won five of the past six meetings. Washington's only victory in that span was in the 2022 season finale when Dallas had nothing to play for once it was clear Philadelphia would finish first in the NFC East. ... The Cowboys are 16-4 against NFC East opponents since 2021 and haven’t lost consecutive division games since 2020, when they finished 6-10. Dallas lost to Philadelphia two weeks ago and plays the New York Giants on Thanksgiving Day. ... This is Commanders coach Dan Quinn's first game against the Cowboys since spending the past three seasons as their defensive coordinator. ... Washington with a win would have its best start through 12 games since 1996 and first 3-1 division record since 2012. The Cowboys are on a five-game losing streak, their longest since a seven-game skid in 2015. Mike McCarthy has matched the longest losing streak of his coaching career. He lost five in a row in 2008, late in the third of his 12-plus seasons in Green Bay. McCarthy is on an expiring contract and the possibility of returning to the Cowboys diminishes with each loss. ... Dallas is 3-2 on the road. ... Rush has lost three consecutive starts as an injury replacement for Dak Prescott after winning his first five. He is 0-2 this season with a touchdown, an interception and three fumbles lost. Prescott had season-ending surgery on his torn hamstring last week. ... Lamb needs 81 yards receiving to become the fastest Dallas wideout to reach 6,000 yards. ... WR KaVontae Turpin had a career-long touchdown catch of 64 yards against the Texans. It’s the only TD at home for Dallas since Week 3. ... K Brandon Aubrey has 10 field goals of at least 50 yards this season. That’s one behind Houston’s Ka’imi Fairbairn, who has already tied Daniel Carlson’s single-season NFL record from 2022. ... Daniels has thrown for 10 TDs and three INTs, including one of each against the Eagles. He has four rushing TDs but none since Week 4. He's 18 yards away from being the first rookie QB since Kyler Murray in 2019 to run for 500. ... Robinson's seven TD runs through eight games match his first two professional seasons combined. ... Ekeler had a season-high eight catches for 89 yards at Philadelphia. ... WR Terry McLaurin had just one catch on two targets last week. ... Zach Ertz's 428 yards receiving are his most in a season since 2021. He's 35 away from moving into the top 10 among tight ends in league history. ... LB Bobby Wagner is nine tackles away from joining London Fletcher as the only players with 100-plus tackles in 13 consecutive seasons since 2000. ... LB Frankie Luvu sacked Jalen Hurts twice to tie a career high with seven. McLaurin will almost certainly be targeted more often than last week, especially after he, Daniels and the offense got a full week of practice. Washington's top receiver could be in for a big game. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

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NoneMOVE over mince pies and pass on the Christmas pud – this year it is all about ending your meal with showstopper Yuletide desserts. With most supermarkets offering ready-made and pre-frozen options, they are a great way to save yourself a bit of time and money. Advertisement 9 Laura Stott tastes and rates a selection of sweet treats in stores Credit: Damien McFadden Laura Stott tastes and rates a selection of sweet treats in stores. Deluxe Sticky Toffee Bombe £2.49, 227g, Lidl - 2/5 A FESTIVE-themed sponge made with dates, caramel and an oozing, thick toffee sauce that seeps out when you spoon into it. This decadent dessert is extremely sweet and designed to serve two people. 9 Lidl's festive-themed sponge is made with dates, caramel and an oozing, thick toffee sauce Credit: Damien McFadden There’s plenty to go around and it heats up quickly in the microwave, or you can steam cook it more slowly the old-fashioned way. Advertisement Read More on Money HOUSE THAT Map reveals 20 areas with the most mortgage-free homes - do you live near one? THAT'S POTTY Pension transfer delays 'needlessly' hit tens of thousands as DWP urged to act A nice alternative to the traditional Crimbo pudding, especially if you don’t have lots of diners over. It is quite pricey for the amount you get, though, and does not offer much wow factor. Salted Caramel Profiterole Stack £4, 164g, Marks and Spencer or ocado.com - 4/5 BRONZED icing and golden dusting certainly looks festive – and it would make a lovely alternative pudding when you don’t have many mouths to feed. Delicious choux pastry filled with whipping cream and topped with salted caramel sauce, it is very rich so you only need one or two pastries. Advertisement Most read in Money SELL ON HMRC warns Vinted sellers over new ‘30 item rule’ coming in weeks Exclusive 'WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!?' Shoppers fuming after Rowntree's sweets left 'tasting like soap' WE’RE STUFFED Fears Christmas dinner could be RUINED by shortage - will you be affected? FAST BUCK Buckfast sales soar to record high of £55million in the last year 9 M&S Salted Caramel Profiterole Stack scored 4 out of 5 Credit: Damien McFadden No one would blame you if you demolish the whole stack, though. Extremely tasty and well-priced, especially for a more artisan-style patisserie product. Shopper spots Christmas puddings reduced to 29p in Aldi so nabs 10 of them but is trolled for her ‘pure greed’ Ideal for rounding off a romantic Yuletide dinner for two. Yummy. Advertisement Santa’s Sleigh Chocolate Mousse £6, 500g, Morrisons - 2/5 TRIES hard to bring the wow factor to your Christmas table but falls short of being a complete showstopper. A sleigh-shaped mousse is a nice idea but unfortunately it doesn’t really resemble Santa’s wheels as much as you’d hope. 9 Morisson's Santa’s Sleigh Chocolate Mousse falls short of being a complete showstopper Credit: Damien McFadden Once it is turned out on to the plate it is more like a big brown blob. Advertisement If you don’t have a sweet tooth, a slice of this isn’t going to be your top pick and it’s all a bit one flavour. A fun idea, especially for families, and a great alternative to cake. But ultimately a little bit boring to look at and eat. Extra Special Raspberry Pistachio & Passion Fruit Pavlova Wreath £7, 438g, Asda - 4/5 IT looked gorgeous on the table with its jewelled raspberry colours, splashes of vibrant passion fruit and appetising nibs of pistachio nuts. Advertisement The tasty meringue was light, crunchy on the outside and chewy in the middle then topped with cream, fruit and berries. 9 Asda's Extra Special Raspberry Pistachio & Passion Fruit Pavlova Wreath scored 4 out of 5 Credit: Damien McFadden Not overly filling if you don’t want to completely overindulge. You could add extra berries on top and some holly, but it’s a nice centrepiece served straight out of the box. Advertisement Effortless, and there is plenty to go around. Taste The Difference Chocolate & Praline Choux Tower £9 (£6 with Nectar card), 420g, Sainsbury’s - 4/5 SHIMMERY and sparkling, looks fab on the table and tastes rather yummy as well. Made with layers of choux pastry, chocolate fudge sauce and praline cream, it’s extremely indulgent but manages to stay just the right side of being overtly sickly. 9 Taste The Difference Chocolate & Praline Choux Tower scored 4 out of 5 Credit: Damien McFadden Advertisement It’s then topped with chocolate ganache, more milk chocolate shavings and hazelnut pieces. Buy frozen and remove from the freezer 90 minutes before you want to scoff. Perfect for social media snaps and guaranteed to get a great reception. Lemon Meringue and White Chocolate Sponge £2.99, 300g, Aldi - 3/5 A LITTLE bit different and excellent value for a dessert that will feed four people. Advertisement A buttery base with Sicilian lemon curd, lemon oil and meringue pieces, the citrus aroma of this yellow sponge is fresh, although a bit artificial. 9 Aldi's Lemon Meringue and White Chocolate Sponge is different and excellent value for a dessert that will feed four people Credit: Damien McFadden Heat it up in the microwave or on the hob and serve on a platter. A December dessert for any evening you want something festive but inexpensive. Advertisement However, the promised snowflake effect on the top, shown on the box, wasn’t replicated on the pud I turned out, which was disappointing. Luxury Lemon Meringue Baked Alaska £6, 506g, Iceland - 3/5 A FAFF to prepare but worth the effort if you want to bring a bountiful centrepiece out at the end of your Christmas meal. Once you have prised it from packaging, pop the pud on the wire rack on the grill pan. 9 Iceland's Luxury Lemon Meringue Baked Alaska is very sweet but moreish Credit: Damien McFadden Advertisement Warm for two minutes to achieve colour on the top, then remove the outer tray – which was fiddlier than it sounds. Defrost for 25 minutes then it’s ready to serve. Very sweet but moreish, and it does look great on the table. A useful, affordable and tasty pud to have in the freezer. Advertisement Finest Forest Berry Meringue Wreath £6.50 (£5.80 with Clubcard), 518g, Tesco - 5/5 IF you enjoy Black Forest-style cherry flavours, then you’ll love this seasonal showstopper. It hits that sweet-sour spot nicely with a boozy kick too. 9 Tesco's Finest Forest Berry Meringue Wreath scored full marks Credit: Damien McFadden It is made of crispy and chewy meringue topped with sloe gin and cherry cream, adorned with blackberries, sour cherries, sloe gin and cherry sauce, plus dark chocolate shavings. Advertisement Fresh, tasty and a nice alternative to a heavy Christmas steamed pudding. Read more on the Scottish Sun DARR-ARGH! Weather maps reveal exact date Storm Darragh to hit Scots with rain, wind & SNOW 'SICK BEYOND BELIEF' Cops probe footage 'showing Scots woman having sex with XL Bully dog' Hassle-free too. Just get it out of the freezer a couple of hours before you want to serve.

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Confirms pathway to profitability in late 2025 based on record quarterly revenues and materially reduced expenses MONROE TOWNSHIP, N.J., Dec. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. ("OPT" or "the Company") (NYSE American: OPTT), today announced financial results for the second quarter ended October 31, 2024 (Q2FY25). Q2FY25 Financial Highlights Strategic partnerships continue to expand our market presence: The Company reaffirms its previously issued guidance that it believes it will reach profitability (excluding unanticipated extraordinary expenses) during the fourth quarter of calendar 2025. Performance to date reflects strong demand for products, effective cost management, and progress on our strategic initiatives. Recent achievements, including previously announced partnerships, operational milestones, successful exercises and continued customer deliveries, evidence the Company's trajectory toward achieving this stated objective. On August 12, 2024, Paragon Technologies announced via press release that its Board of Directors had resolved to terminate its shareholder campaign and all related activities targeting OPT and had terminated Hesham M. Gad as Chairman and CEO. Furthermore, on December 5, 2024, Paragon disclosed that its Audit Committee engaged legal counsel from Holland & Knight LLP to conduct an independent investigation into the conduct of Mr. Gad. These developments validate our position that the dissident shareholder campaign lacked merit. With this matter resolved, OPT can now fully focus on advancing its mission and delivering sustainable, long-term value for all shareholders. Philipp Stratmann, OPT's CEO and President, stated "I'm incredibly proud of the progress we've made this quarter. Our strategic emphasis on national security, critical infrastructure, and international market expansion continues to deliver results. This reflects not just broader macro-economic trends but our ability to penetrate diverse markets and execute for new customers. We're successfully solving problems for our customers and thus capturing a market versus creating a market while converting our expanding pipeline into revenue, driven by increasing domestic and international demand. Our ability to scale and deliver on large contracts positions us for sustained growth, and we're confident in our ability to capitalize and build on this momentum. We deliver science, not fiction. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Income Statement: A conference call to discuss OPT's financial results will be held on Tuesday December 17, 2024 at 9:00 AM EDT. Philipp Stratmann, CEO, and Bob Powers, CFO will host the call. In an effort to increase relations with institutional investors, OPT management has dedicated time to hosting individual meetings with portfolio managers and analysts. If you are interested in scheduling a meeting with OPT management, please contact: OPT provides intelligent maritime solutions and services that enable safer, cleaner, and more productive ocean operations for the defense and security, oil and gas, science and research, and offshore wind markets, including Merrows, which provides AI capable seamless integration of Maritime Domain Awareness Systems across platforms. Our PowerBuoy® platforms provide clean and reliable electric power and real-time data communications for remote maritime and subsea applications. We also provide WAM-V® autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) and marine robotics services. The Company's headquarters is in Monroe Township, New Jersey, with an additional office in Richmond, California. To learn more, visit www.OceanPowerTechnologies.com . FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This release may contain forward-looking statements that are within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are identified by certain words or phrases such as "may", "will", "aim", "will likely result", "believe", "expect", "will continue", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "contemplate", "seek to", "future", "objective", "goal", "project", "should", "will pursue" and similar expressions or variations of such expressions. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectations about its future plans and performance. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions and estimates that could be inaccurate and subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could vary materially from those anticipated or expressed in any forward-looking statement made by the Company. Please refer to the Company's most recent Forms 10-Q and 10-K and subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for further discussion of these risks and uncertainties. The Company disclaims any obligation or intent to update the forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release or to provide further interim updates in the future. Consolidated Balance Sheets (in $000's, except share data) 2024 2024 Consolidated Statements of Operations (in $000's, except per share data) October 31, October 31,

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IRVING, Texas (AP) — A rape allegation against rapper Jay-Z, whose company Roc Nation has produced some of the NFL's entertainment presentations including the Super Bowl halftime show, won’t impact the league's relationship with the music mogul. “We’re aware of the civil allegations and Jay-Z’s really strong response to that," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Wednesday after the conclusion of the league's winter meetings. "We know the litigation is happening now. From our standpoint, our relationship is not changing with them, including our preparations for the next Super Bowl.” A woman who previously sued Sean “Diddy” Combs, alleging she was raped at an awards show after-party in 2000 when she was 13 years old, amended the lawsuit Sunday to include a new allegation that Jay-Z was also at the party and participated in the sexual assault. Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, said the rape allegation made against him is part of an extortion attempt . The 24-time Grammy Award winner called the allegations “idiotic” and “heinous in nature” in a statement released by Roc Nation, one of his companies. The NFL teamed up with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation in 2019 for events and social activism. The league and the entertainment company extended their partnership a few months ago. Kendrick Lamar will perform the Super Bowl halftime show at The Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Feb. 9. Roc Nation and Emmy-winning producer Jesse Collins will serve as co-executive producers of the halftime show. Beyonce, who is married to Jay-Z, will perform at halftime of the Baltimore Ravens-Houston Texans game on Christmas. “I think they’re getting incredibly comfortable with not just with the Super Bowl but other events they’ve advised us on and helped us with,” Goodell said. “They’ve been a big help in the social justice area to us on many occasions. They’ve been great partners.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflKuwait City: Lauding the hard work, achievement and contribution of the Indian community to the development of Kuwait, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended an invitation to diaspora members to participate in Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and Maha Kumbh events to be held next month while spotlighting that India of the future will be the hub of global development and the growth engine of the world. Addressing a massive gathering of Indian diaspora at a special ‘Hala Modi’ event held at the Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Indoor Sports Complex in Kuwait City, PM Modi praised their significant contributions and vital role played by the Indian community in fostering India-Kuwait ties. “I am not here today just to meet you, but to celebrate your achievements. Just a little while ago, I had the opportunity to meet Indian workers here who are engaged in various professional sectors. They are involved in construction work, and many others are contributing their hard work in other sectors as well. Indian doctors, nurses, and paramedics are a significant strength in Kuwait’s medical sector. Those of you who are teachers are helping shape the next generation of Kuwait. The doctors, architects, and other professionals among you are building the future of Kuwait’s workforce. The citizens of Kuwait highly respect you all because of your hard work, honesty, and skills,” said PM Modi. Addressing Indian nationals representing a cross-section of the community in Kuwait, the Prime Minister outlined India’s approach as a ‘Vishwabandhu’ (a friend to the world) and elaborated upon the country’s rapid progress and transformation, especially in the fields of technology, infrastructure and sustainability. “You all came from India and stayed here, but you have kept the spirit of Indianness in your hearts. India is moving forward with a new attitude. India is the fifth-largest economy in the world. India has the number one fintech ecosystem in the world,” he said. Prime Minister Modi also highlighted achievements such as financial inclusion, women-led development and inclusive growth besides spotlighting the shared aspirations of the two countries – of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘New Kuwait’ – emphasising that there were huge opportunities for India and Kuwait to work together. He thanked the leadership of Kuwait for the welfare of the Indian community and reflected on India’s strong commitment to support Indian workers in Kuwait and elsewhere in the Gulf with technology-based initiatives undertaken by the government such as E-Migrate portal among others. “India has the potential to become the world’s skill capital. For many decades to come, India will remain the youngest country in the world. In this scenario, India has the capacity to meet the global demand for skills. To achieve this, India is aligning its skill development programmes with global needs. In recent years, India has signed migration and employment agreements with nearly two dozen countries. These include Gulf countries, as well as Japan, Australia, France, Germany, Mauritius, the UK, and Italy. Countries around the world are opening doors to India’s skilled manpower,” he mentioned. Sharing achievements and growth trajectory with the diaspora, Prime Minister Modi asserted that India of the future will be the hub of global development and the growth engine of the world. “India is continuously becoming digitally smart, and this is just the beginning. The future of India will be shaped by innovations that will guide the entire world. The future India will be a hub for global development. It will be the growth engine of the world,” he said. Prime Minister Modi, who is the first Indian PM to visit the Gulf nation in 43 years, specifically mentioned that the relationship between India and Kuwait is one of civilizations, of the sea, of affection, and of trade with both countries situated on the two shores of the Arabian Sea. “India is one of the first countries to have recognised Kuwait’s independence. And that is why coming to a country and a society with so many memories attached to it, and with which our present is connected, is truly memorable for me... “Today, personally, this moment is very special for me. After more than four decades, after 43 years, an Indian Prime Minister has come to Kuwait. It takes four hours to travel from India to here, but it took the Prime Minister four decades,” he stated. During his address, PM Modi stated the warmth and affection of the Indian diaspora in Kuwait is extraordinary. “I arrived in Kuwait just two and a half hours ago and since stepping here, I have felt a unique sense of warmth and closeness. People have come from various states of India, and looking at all of you, it feels as if a ‘Mini India’ has gathered before me,” he said. Prime Minister also extended an invitation to diaspora members to participate in Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and Maha Kumbh to be held in India in January 2025. “The first month of the new year, January 2025, is going to be a month full of many national celebrations. This year, from January 8 to 10, the ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Divas’ will be held in Bhubaneswar (Odisha). People from around the world will attend, and I invite all of you to this event. After that, please come to Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) to join the Maha Kumbh, which will be held from January 13 to February 26,” said PM Modi.ASX set to edge up as Wall Street grinds higher

Brand's Latest Offering Is Among Top Three For Industry's Highly Coveted Honor - All-new compact sedan sets new standards for design, technology and roominess - K4 follows in the footsteps of Kia's NACTOY-winning EV9, EV6 and Telluride LOS ANGELES , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Advancing Kia's commitment to deliver sporty sedans with premium features, advanced technology and elevated performance, the all-new Kia K4 has been named one of three finalists for the 2025 North American Car of the Year (NACTOY) AwardsTM. 1 Announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show, this news follows back-to-back NACTOY wins over the past two years for the all-electric Kia EV6 and EV9 utility vehicles, respectively. And five years ago, the brand's popular Telluride SUV earned the same recognition as a NACTOY finalist before going on to win the prestigious award. NACTOY jurors vote on finalists after spending months driving dozens of new vehicles throughout the year. To be eligible, vehicles must be all-new or substantially new. The NACTOY awards will take place on January 10, 2025 at the Detroit Auto Show with winners in the Car, Truck and Utility categories. The K4 compact sedan delivers segment-above technology including up to 29 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), 2 a high level of refinement, and class-leading rear head room and leg room. 3 The available turbocharged engine and standard multi-link rear suspension on the GT-Line model yield an engaging and spirited behind-the-wheel experience. Exceeding expectations for connectivity and technology in its segment, the K4 brings standard wireless Apple CarPlay 4 and Android Auto 5 and an available multi-segment display cockpit with a combined nearly 30-inches of digital instrumentation. 6 Available amenities such as Digital Key 2.0, 7 Harman Kardon premium audio, 8 and a wide sunroof help define the K4's premium character. The K4 is available in five trim levels: LX, LXS, EX, GT-Line and GT-Line Turbo. Kia America – about us Headquartered in Irvine, California , Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World's Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles sold through a network of over 775 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com . To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert . *Certain 2025 EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV/PHEV), Sorento (excludes HEV/PHEV), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts. 1 North American Car, Utility, and Truck of the Year (NACTOY) AwardsTM is a trademark of North American Car and Truck of the Year Corporation. 2 Advanced driver assistance systems are not substitutes for safe driving and may not detect all objects around the vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution. 3 Class-leading 2nd-row legroom and 2 nd -row headroom: Comparison based on publicly available data regarding 2nd-row legroom and 2 nd -row headroom in 2024/2025 compact sedans as of November 2024 . Compact sedan class as defined by Kia segmentation. 4 Apple® and Apple CarPlay® are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Apple CarPlay® runs on your smartphone cellular data service. Normal data rates will apply. 5 Vehicle user interface is a product of Google and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires the Android Auto app on Google Play store and an Android compatible smartphone running Android 5.0 Lollipop or higher. Data plan rates apply. Android, Android Auto, and Google Play are trademarks of Google LLC or its affiliates. 6 Comprised of a 12.3" instrument display, 5" climate display, and 12.3" touchscreen infotainment display. Distracted driving can result in the loss of vehicle control. When operating a vehicle, never use a vehicle system that takes your focus away from safe vehicle operation. 7 Kia Digital Key requires an eligible Kia Connect subscription and a compatible smart device with an active data plan. Normal cellular service rates may apply when using a smart device. 8 Harman Kardon is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kia-k4-sedan-named-finalist-for-2025-north-american-car-of-the-year-nactoy-302313588.html SOURCE Kia AmericaHyderabad: Chief minister A Revanth Reddy has disclosed that Rs 22,606 crore out of the Rs 72,816 crore was disbursed into the accounts of ineligible persons through Rythu Bandhu scheme for lands not under cultivation during the the BRS government. Speaking in the Legislative Assembly during a Short Discussion on the support scheme for farmers on Saturday, December 21, citing an estimate he said, Rs 22,600 crore had been credited to the lands that were not under cultivation. He said that many of these funds were given to lands associated with mining leases, national highways, granite crushing units, farmhouses, real estate layouts, industries, hilly mounds, and those converted for commercial purposes. “Does the Opposition want us to continue the same mistakes,” CM Revanth asked. CM Revanth claimed that fake pattadar passbooks were issued for podu lands, with non-tribal individuals cultivating those lands, while 70-80% of the land within a 50 km radius of Hyderabad remained uncultivated. “I would prefer to use that money to provide bonuses for all crops and increase input assistance for farmers in the future. Our goal is to reach the poorest individuals in the last mile,” he said. CM Revanth said the government is ready to take constructive and specific suggestions from the Opposition parties on the implementation of the Rythu Bandhu scheme. “The BRS government used to provide Rs 5,000 per acre per season under the ‘Rythu Bandhu’ scheme. The Congress government has deposited Rs 7,625 crores in farmers’ accounts after it assumed office an year ago,” the chief minister said. Discussing the state’s farm loan waiver of Rs 2 lakh, which benefited 25,35,963 farmers with a total of Rs 20,616.89 crore in loans forgiven, he stated that the waiver was implemented as a top priority. CM Revanth emphasized that had it been delayed by five years, the interest on those loans could have escalated to Rs 50,000 crore. “For them (Opposition), everything is transactional for give and take, but for us farm loan waiver is an emotion. We wanted to save the farmers from that interest which increased multi-fold,” he said. CM Revanth highlighted that during the “one family” rule over 9.5 years, the state accumulated debts totalling Rs 6,40,000 crore. “As of December 7, 2023, the total outstanding loans, including guaranteed and non-guaranteed debts and unpaid bills, amounted to Rs 7,11,911 crore,” he said. CM Revanth noted that these loans were taken at an interest rate of 11.5 percent, while the BRS government had reduced the state’s liability by securing loans with interest rates as low as 5 percent, 25 percent, or 50 percent, with the rest to be paid by the public. He said that the BRS government had not only reported these deflated numbers to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) but its leaders were now showing the same numbers to misguide the House. CPI secretary and Kothagudem MLA Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao stated that 45 lakh acres of the 1,60,000 acres of cultivable land in Telangana are uncultivated but still receive Rythu Bandhu benefits. He suggested extending Rythu Bharosa assistance to farmers with up to 15 acres of land, as only 7 lakh acres fall under the category of farmers owning more than 15 acres. He also urged the state government to implement the MS Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations on minimum support price (MSP) and extend Rythu Bharosa to tenant farmers by providing them loan eligibility cards. Regarding farmer suicides, he pointed out that NCRB data shows 7,000 farmer suicides in Telangana over the last 10 years, with an average of 640 suicides per year. He also requested the state government to implement the Koneru Ranga Rao Commission’s recommendations for tenant farmers. Sambasiva Rao recalled that government subsidies for horticulture, micro-irrigation, loan interest, and various inputs had been discontinued. In 2009, subsidies for agriculture were Rs 1,19,000 crore, but now they are only Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000 crore. He compared this to Japan’s 90 percent, the US’s 80 percent, Colombia’s 61 percent, and China’s 37 percent spending on agricultural subsidies, while India spends just 3 percent. State agriculture minister Thummala Nageswara Rao assured that the state government would disburse the Rythu Bharosa amount after Sankranthi and that Rs 1,100 crore has been deposited as a premium for Rythu Bima. He also promised that crop insurance would be implemented before the next kharif season.