couples online games

Germany to tighten criminal law as people-smuggling ‘action plan’ agreed with UK

Ministers warned of cuts as ‘every pound’ of spending to face reviewAn energized SMU squad will carry a three-game winning streak against up-and-down Virginia in the Atlantic Coast Conference opener for each team on Saturday in Dallas. The game is the first for the Mustangs' basketball team as a member of one of the nation's perennial powerhouse leagues, but don't expect SMU (7-2) to wilt in the spotlight. The Mustangs lambasted Alabama State 101-72 on Tuesday in their most recent outing. Their two losses came against Butler on the road by 11 points and against Mississippi State at home by five. Kario Oquendo poured in a season-high 20 points to lead seven SMU scorers in double figures in the win over Alabama State. Matt Cross added 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Mustangs while Samet Yigitoglu and Chuck Harris scored 12 points apiece. Yohan Traore and B.J. Edwards each had 11 and Jerrell Colbert hit for 10. "I think it's finally getting to the point where we are starting to figure out how to play as a team," Oquendo said. "You can see it from game to game. We're getting better, and every practice, we're getting better. I believe the more games we play together, the more the things start coming together." SMU is second in scoring per game in the ACC (averaging 88.3 points) and assists per game (16.4). The Mustangs lead the ACC in rebound margin (plus-10.9), total rebound average (43.3 per game) and offensive rebounds (15.2 a game) -- all in all, an impressive start to their campaign. Boopie Miller is the SMU leader in scoring average (15.6 points per game) and assists (5.8), with Cross the top rebounder (7.5 per game). The Cavaliers (5-3) head to Dallas after an 87-69 loss at No. 13 Florida on Wednesday in the SEC/ACC Challenge. Elijah Saunders scored 19 points for Virginia while Isaac McKneely added 12 points -- all on 3-pointers. The Cavaliers, however, had no answer for the Florida defense, committing 15 turnovers that led to 20 points for the Gators. Virginia led 18-9 early but were down by four at halftime. They got to within a point after a deep basket by Saunders in the opening minute of the second half, but that was as close as the Cavaliers would come. "Overall, I was very, very pleased with the first half," Virginia interim coach Ron Sanchez said. "I think that we handled adversity well. This group is on its way of becoming who they're going to be. It's painful growth, but you grow nonetheless." McKneely leads the Cavaliers with 13.1 points per game, followed by Saunders at 10.3. Jacob Cofie is the top rebounder at 6.4 per game, while Andrew Rohde has a team-best average of three assists. The teams have met just once before, with the Cavaliers outlasting SMU 76-73 in the semifinals of the Corpus Christi Challenge on Nov. 29, 2013. --Field Level Media

WATCH the moment Israeli strikes on Syrian airbases continue to light up the country's night sky following the fall of Assad's brutal regime. An airbase belonging to the dictator, thought to have stored Iranian missiles, was pounded on Monday night. The spectacular collapse of terrorist Assad's regime on Sunday has sparked concerns over a power vacuum forming in the wartorn nation. Several international players have carried out strikes across Syria, mostly targeting arms plants and bases, out of concern for whose hands abandoned weapons could end up in. Footage on Monday night showed a spectacular string of hits on the Qamishli airbase in the northeast of the country, per Sky News . The ammunition dump was hit by Israel, sources told Reuters. The blitz raged for at least 30 minutes as the sound of shells and arms blowing up rang across the area. This military base was reportedly also thought to have stored missiles for Assad's ally Iran, per Sky News. Israel has conducted several airstrikes throughout Syria today, destroying dozens of abandoned helicopters and planes. Huge fires were also spotted at another ammunition dump neighbouring the Qamishli airbase. It was initially unclear who could have been behind these explosions, due to the fraught politics of this region. The Qamishli airbase was situated in a Kurdish controlled part of Syria, neighbouring the border with Turkey. Turkey has fought Kurdish separatists for decades and views these groups fighting on it's border as a threat. Despite this, Israel has claimed responsibility for some of the explosions reported across the country today. Israel has reportedly also been behind strikes at Aqrba airport, southwest of Damascus, and Shinshar base, on the outskirts of Homs. The country has conducted more than 100 airstrikes in Syria on Monday including a hit on Latakia Port, where Syrian navy vessels were docked. The dramatic end of Assad's 24-year brutal reign on Sunday marked the start of foreign airstrikes across Syria. America quickly deployed more than 75 "precision airstikes" in the country, The Sun previously reported. President Joe Biden warned that ISIS would exploit the regime change in Syria and attempt to reestablish itself. He said: "We will not let that happen." Biden praised the downfall of Assad but also warned it was a "moment of risk and uncertainty" for the Middle East. ISIS had created a caliphate across large parts of Syria after the civil war broke out 13 years ago, and at one point controlled a third of the country. It has since lost most of it's influence in the area but US officials have said they would work to route out any potential comeback. Assad reportedly fled to Russia with his family where they have been granted asylum, Russian state media reported on Sunday. Remarkable footage has allegedly shown the inside of the Assad family's secret underground tunnel network . It was reportedly filmed after rebels stormed mansions owned by the family. THE end of Assad’s reign came abruptly this month as rebel forces launched a lightning offensive, exploiting weakened Syrian defences. THE end of Assad’s reign came abruptly this month as rebel forces launched a lightning offensive, exploiting weakened Syrian defences. Rebels captured Damascus in a lightning campaign, declaring the capital “free” and marking the end of years of brutal authoritarian rule. With Russia mired in Ukraine and Iran preoccupied with regional conflicts, Assad’s regime was left vulnerable. Rebels stormed Aleppo, marking a symbolic victory, and Assad fled Damascus. Assad left aboard a military plane amid rumours of its crash before resurfacing in Moscow, where Vladimir Putin granted him asylum. It comes as an apparent Russian conspiracy to distribute false news about an al-Assad 'aircraft accident' has been exposed. The Ukrainian Centre for Strategic Communication and Information Security claimed on X that Russia "hid their trail" in assisting al-Assad's escape by circulating fake claims that he died in a crash. Meanwhile, opposition forces took control of key cities, toppled Assad’s statues, and announced plans for a transitional government. The fall of Assad deals a blow to allies Russia and Iran, with both withdrawing assets from Syria. Challenges remain as Syrians celebrate, but hopes rise for a democratic future after years of war. His fall not only signals the collapse of a dynastic dictatorship but also underscores the cost of clinging to power through terror. Bashar al-Assad has left behind a shattered nation. He decimated Syria’s infrastructure, fractured its society, and plunged millions into despair. Syria became synonymous with human suffering, and Assad’s name will forever be tied to some of the worst war crimes of the modern era. The man once seen as a modernising reformer will be remembered instead as a symbol of unchecked brutality, his legacy written in the blood of his own people.FINDING the perfect Secret Santa present can be a challenge but there are certain items you'll want to avoid. A poll of British adults revealed the festive gifts most people hate, including a popular Christmas buy. The research, carried out by online retailer Northerner , uncovered which Secret Santa gifts people truly hate to receive, And since Secret Santa gift giving is at an all-time high, this information may be useful as you draw up your shopping list. With festive tunes already playing on the radio and Christmas markets packed with people, now is the time to hone in on your buys. And while your little ones outline exactly what they want in a letter to Santa, your co-workers or extended friend group aren't quite so forward. If you're looking for some inspiration on what to get them, we can reveal what not to buy. And what better time than ahead of the Black Friday Sales next week? As Brits continue to feel the pinch on the purse strings, Secret Santa style exchange of gifts is becoming increasingly popular. Research found that the number one most hated Secret Santa gift of all time is socks. According to Northerner, up to 81% of Brits admitted that receiving a pair of socks is a disappointment. A total of 85% of those polled agreed that novelty socks are even worse. A big trend for gifts this year has been "useful gifts" so while a pair of socks might tick that box, the public have spoken - do not purchase socks for your Secret Santa. Other seemingly useful gifts were also rated badly by respondents with items such as shower gel receiving 76% of votes. Mugs also proved to be unpopular at 68% and beers edged them out with 69% of the vote. Stationary, key rings, and cigarettes also featured in the top 10 list. Inappropriate gifts also left a bad taste in Brits mouths with drinking games, naughty calendars, and penis shaped chocolates also receiving poor ratings from respondents. While the Secret Santa tradition has become popular amongst colleagues, this research revealed that 41% of working Brits would like to see the routine banned from the workplace. On the other hand, 63% agreed that a Secret Santa system works well for friendship groups and large families. Saving money was reported as being the biggest benefit, with 71% of people agreeing. “Gift giving can be very stressful, especially if you receive a Secret Santa who you don’t know very well," said Markus Lindblad from Northerner. "It’s interesting to see that some of the most commonly given gifts are actually the most hated by Brits - perhaps the secret to a good gift is creativity. "Hopefully this list is helpful for people searching for inspiration and if you are considering buying someone cigarettes or beers, maybe think twice this year. "Look at some more interesting and healthier alternatives like nicotine replacement products or alcohol-free drinks."

Minister R Bindu to inaugurate Kerala Kaumudi Tech Expo 2024 today

11 gang members indicted says, DABNP posters, banners cover CtgGermany to tighten criminal law as people-smuggling ‘action plan’ agreed with UK

New Delhi, December 21: Google has released the Android 16 second developer preview update with improvements. The second Developer Preview (DP2) of Android 16 for Pixel devices follows the first developer version that was released last month. The new version comes with a range of improved features and enhancements. The Android 16 second developer preview focuses on changes designed to enhance the app experience, improve battery life, and boost performance while minimising incompatibilities for Google Pixel devices. The Android 16 preview is now available with an update that brings an enhanced adaptive refresh rate for a smoother experience. Additionally, Android 16 introduces security features for WiFi location on devices that support WiFi 6. Users will have the option to set up a new shortcut for note-taking on the lock screen of their Pixel devices. iPhone 15 Price Drop: Apple’s iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus With 128GB Available at Discounted Rate on Flipkart, Amazon; Check Details. The Android 16 Preview programme will take place from November 2024 until the official public release next year. Each update in this programme comes with various resources, including SDK tools, system images, emulators, API references, and API differences. Google has kicked off Developer Preview 2 by installing a new system image and updating the necessary tools. If you are already using Developer Preview 1, you will receive an automatic over-the-air update to move to Android 16 DP2.. The photo picker offers a secure method for users to allow your app to access specific images and videos from their local and cloud storage rather than giving access to their entire media library. In this developer preview, new APIs have been introduced to support searching through cloud media providers using the Android photo picker. The upcoming search feature is expected to enhance user experience when managing photos and videos. Apple App Store Releases List of Top Free Games and Apps 2024 for Over 30 Countries and Regions, India’s Ludo Gaming Platform Zupee Among Top Rankers. Google has reportedly introduced a new feature that will enable users to use the in-display fingerprint sensor even when the device's screen is turned off. The enhancement will make it easier to unlock the device using biometric authentication. Google has confirmed that the beta version of Android 16 will roll out in January 2025. Following that, the stable version of Android 16 is expected to be released between March and June 2025. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 21, 2024 05:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com ).FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams sat out practice Thursday with a hip ailment that makes his status for the game Sunday at Buffalo uncertain. Cornerback Sauce Gardner (hamstring), right tackle Morgan Moses (knee) and right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle) also were sidelined for the Jets' first full practice of the week. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who acknowledged Tuesday he's dealing with “a little MCL” issue in a knee but said “there's no way I'm not playing,” practiced fully. Adams was apparently injured in New York's 19-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday, when he had seven catches for 68 yards and a touchdown. Adams, acquired from Las Vegas in October, has 56 receptions for 719 yards and six touchdowns on 94 targets in nine games for the Jets. He's 72 yards away from his fifth straight 1,000-yard season and sixth of his career. Adams and Rodgers are also tied with Miami's Dan Marino and Mark Clayton for the third-most TD connections (82), including playoffs, by a quarterback-wide receiver duo. Gardner sat out the second half of the loss to the Rams with the hamstring injury and could miss the game against the Bills. He sat out one game after injuring a hamstring against Seattle in Week 14. It's unclear if the injuries are related. Moses and Vera-Tucker have been playing through their ailments the past several weeks. Defensive lineman Quinnen Williams, who missed the game last Sunday with a hamstring injury, was limited Thursday at practice, as were left guard John Simpson (calf), defensive end Haason Reddick (neck), safety Tony Adams (ankle), conerback Michael Carter II (back) and rookie defensive lineman Braiden McGregor (ankle). AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

The Federal government has already been handing out holiday treats this season. Most recently, that included a GST/HST “vacation.” The GST vacation is a holiday season delight for Canadians, offering a brief reprieve from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as well as the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) on select purchases. Introduced to stimulate spending during the festive period, this initiative gives consumers more bang for their buck. Imagine snagging that perfect holiday gift or indulging in a family outing while keeping a little more cash in your pocket. It’s not just a treat for shoppers. It’s a nudge for local businesses, giving them a festive season boost. The vacation The temporary GST/HST suspension, set to run from December 14, 2024, to February 15, 2025, will apply to a selection of goods and services commonly purchased during the holidays. Items like children’s clothing, shoes, toys, diapers, restaurant meals, beer, wine, Christmas trees, video game consoles, and snack foods will qualify for the tax relief. This initiative is expected to save Canadian consumers approximately $1.6 billion during the two-month period, making seasonal essentials and celebratory purchases more affordable. However, this proposal still requires parliamentary approval to take effect. The second measure is a one-time $250 payment, which will be distributed to Canadians earning up to $150,000 annually in 2023. With an estimated 18.7 million people eligible, the initiative is projected to cost $4.7 billion. The payment is slated for early 2025 and aims to assist individuals and families in coping with increased living expenses. Start saving Now, what to do with those savings? Instead of splurging on the latest gadget, why not consider investing in a solid growth stock? In that case, ( ) is a strong option. Known for its robust performance and generous , GSY could be the gift that keeps on giving. With record-breaking third-quarter (Q3) 2024 results, including a revenue jump of 19% year over year and net income surging by 28%, this consumer finance company shows no signs of slowing down. GSY has mastered the art of providing financial services to Canadians with non-prime credit. This isn’t just a niche but a necessity. In Q3, it achieved a staggering $839 million in loan originations, up 16% from last year. The loan portfolio also expanded to $4.39 billion, a 28% increase, demonstrating strong demand for their services. Its efficient operations and an impressive 41.7% operating margin are the hallmarks of a well-oiled machine. For investors, GSY’s share price currently hovers around $171, and with a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 8.43, it appears undervalued. This presents a golden opportunity to buy into a company poised for sustained growth. Analysts project a 25% annual revenue growth over the next three years — significantly outpacing the industry average of 12%. That’s a lot of potential packed into a single stock. Even more reasons The dividend is another reason to love GSY. With a forward annual dividend rate of $4.68 and a yield of 2.74%, it’s a solid choice for income investors. But what sets GSY apart is its low payout ratio of 27.26%, leaving plenty of room for dividend growth. Think of this as reinvesting your GST savings into a future stream of income, compounding over time. GSY’s focus on secured lending has been a game-changer. With 45% of their portfolio now secured loans, it’s enhanced stability and credit performance. While some may balk at the company’s debt-to-equity ratio of 292.63%, it’s important to note that this is typical for financial services companies leveraging loans to drive growth. Bottom line As a Canadian, reinvesting GST savings into a company like GSY doesn’t just benefit your wallet. It’s a nod to the strength and resilience of homegrown businesses. You’re not just shopping smart. You’re investing in a piece of Canada’s economic fabric. So, this GST vacation, treat yourself to more than holiday cheer. By choosing to invest in GSY, you’re setting the stage for financial growth that lasts well beyond the season. While you’re enjoying the break, consider giving yourself the gift of compounding returns. A smart investment is truly priceless.Medical Laser Marking Machine Market 2024 Size, Share, Growth Report 2032