EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Justin Jefferson might be weary of all the safeties shadowing his every route, determined not to let the Minnesota Vikings go deep, but he's hardly angry. The double and triple coverage he continually faces, after all, is a sign of immense respect for his game-breaking ability. The strategy also simply makes sense. “I would do the same," Jefferson said. "It’s either let everybody else go off or let Justin go off. I’m going to let everybody else go off. That would be my game plan.” When the Vikings visit Chicago on Sunday, they're expecting the usual heavy dose of split-safety coverage designed to put a lid on the passing attack and force them to operate primarily underneath. “We see that every week: Teams just have different tendencies on film, and then when we go out on the field they play us totally different,” Jefferson said, later adding: “I don’t really feel like anyone else is getting played how I’m getting played.” Jefferson nonetheless is second in the NFL in receiving yards (912) behind Cincinnati's Ja'Marr Chase, his former college teammate at LSU. Last week, Jefferson set yet another all-time record by passing Torry Holt for the most receiving yards over the first five seasons of a career. Holt logged 80 regular-season games and accumulated 6,784 yards for St. Louis. Jefferson has 6,811 yards — in just 70 games. “I want to go up against those single coverages. I want to go have my opportunities to catch a deep pass downfield, just one-on-one coverage, like a lot of these other receivers get," Jefferson said. "It’s definitely difficult going up against an extra person or an extra two people, but it is what it is and the concepts that we’re drawing up and the ways that we’re trying to get me open, it definitely helps.” With fellow tight end Josh Oliver ruled out of the game on Sunday because of a sprained ankle, T.J. Hockenson is certain to have his heaviest workload since returning from knee surgery four weeks ago. He's also certain that Jefferson will continue to see persistent double-teams. “It puts it on us to make some plays and do some things to get them out of that,” Hockenson said. Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell has been forced to dig deeper into the vault of play designs and game plans to help keep quarterback Sam Darnold and the offense on track. O'Connell said after Minnesota's 12-7 win at Jacksonville, when Darnold threw three interceptions to precipitate a safer strategy down the stretch, that he superseded his play-calling role with the wisdom of a head coach to help win that game. "Not just the egomaniac of wanting to score points and constantly show everybody how smart we are. There was a mode that I think you have to go into sometimes to ensure a victory,” O'Connell said on his weekly show on KFAN radio. Taking what the defense gives is usually the shrewdest strategy. “You’ve got to really implement some new things and some things that maybe you didn’t come across during your early coaching years whether as a coordinator or position coach or even when you’re responsible for a small area of the game plan as a younger coach," O'Connell said. "You really have to kind of look outside the lens of always what you see on tape.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Nick Sirianni wore the hat given to NFC East champions as he sat at the podium and considered all the greatness that his Eagles still could accomplish this season. Personal goals, sure. Saquon Barkley has Eric Dickerson's NFL rushing record in sight. Team goals, absolutely. There are playoff games and a Super Bowl to try and win — and this Philadelphia team sure plays like one that could win it all. “It’s cool, I’m not going to downplay it," Barkley said of the division crown. “At the end of the day, you’re not getting remembered for being a 2024 NFC East division champ.” Barkley rushed for 167 yards to top 2,000 on the season , backup quarterback Kenny Pickett ran and threw for scores before departing with injured ribs, and the Eagles clinched the division title by routing the Dallas Cowboys 41-7 on Sunday. Barkley has 2,005 yards and needs 101 in next Sunday's mostly meaningless regular-season finale to top Dickerson and his 2,105 yards for the Los Angeles Rams in 1984. The Eagles (13-3) led 24-7 in the third quarter when Pickett was drilled by defensive end Micah Parsons, ending his first start in place of the concussed Jalen Hurts. Tanner McKee, a career third-stringer, entered the game and the Eagles finished the drive with a field goal. McKee later threw two TD passes, a 20-yarder to A.J. Brown and a 25-yarder to DeVonta Smith, in front of a roaring crowd delighted to watch the Eagles dominate their rivals to wrap up the division title and at least the No. 2 seed in the NFC. “We always want to do special things. I think winning the division is always a special thing, and then our goals are much bigger from here,” Sirianni said. “I think we’ve got special guys.” Hurts was injured in last week's loss at Washington and remains in the NFL's concussion protocol — he didn’t practice all week -- which opened the door for Pickett to start. Pickett, acquired from Pittsburgh in the offseason, played with extra protection under his jersey after he suffered a rib injury when he was pressed into service against the Commanders. Sore ribs or not, Pickett was pumped for this start all week. He was raised a diehard Eagles fan in central New Jersey about 80 miles from Lincoln Financial Field and recalled “great memories” of going to games with his dad and grandfather since he was 5 years old. The 26-year-old Pickett said he had plenty of family at the Linc to cheer him on against Dallas (7-9). More than 60,000 other Eagles rooted him on, too, but Pickett's dream day ended prematurely. He finished 10 of 15 for 143 yards. With the Eagles no longer having a division title to play for, it's likely Hurts will rest another week ahead of the playoffs. Now, Pickett could be sidelined as well — possibly forcing McKee into the starting lineup. Barkley had 31 carries and his last one went for 23 yards to push him over 2,000. He could also sit out rather than risk injury chasing Dickerson's record. Barkley, who left the Giants and signed a three-year deal with the Eagles for $26 million guaranteed, set the NFL mark for most yards rushing in a player's first season with a new team. The friends and family that traveled to see Pickett play had to wait a bit after Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson returned an interception 69 yards for a score on Dallas’ opening drive. Cooper Rush — who threw for 147 yards and had two interceptions — followed on the next drive for Dallas with a 4-yard TD pass to Jalen Tolbert. Pickett connected with Grant Calcaretta for 34 yards and then hit Smith — who had six catches total for 120 yards — for a 22-yard score and a 14-7 lead. The Eagles' defense broke the game open when a recovered fumble led to Jake Elliott’s 31-yard field goal and Gardner-Johnson’s second pick of the day set up Pickett's rushing score on a tush push. Just like Hurts. Pickett took two tough shots on the same drive on the third: Osa Odighizuwa was flagged for roughing the passer on a late hit and Parsons delivered the knockout blow. The Eagles were thrilled to have a capable backup QB who went 14-10 as a starter with the Steelers. His performance prompted Pittsburgh legend and Fox broadcaster Terry Bradshaw to say the Steelers never should have gotten rid of him. “All I wanted to accomplish today was to get the win, for the team, for the city,” Pickett said. Cowboys struggle The injury-depleted Cowboys had won four of five but were no match for Philadelphia. “We knew it was going to be a different game with the plan this week,” Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said. “To be honest with you, we didn’t really get to some of the things we’d hope to get to.” The teams scuffled late in the game, and Eagles defensive back Sydney Brown was ejected after an altercation in a stadium tunnel. Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Brooks and cornerback Troy Pride were also thrown out. Injuries Cowboys: S Donovan Wilson suffered a knee injury. ... All-Pro WR CeeDee Lamb was shut down for the final two weeks with a sprained right shoulder. Eagles: DE Bryce Huff briefly left with a shoulder injury sustained in his first game back since he was activated off the injured list. He had wrist surgery. Up next The Cowboys host Washington next Sunday in their final game of the season. The Eagles tune up for the playoffs with a home game against the Giants next Sunday. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Mahakumbh 2025, a celebration of Sanatan culture, will unfold in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 117th episode of his Mann Ki Baat radio program, highlighted the event's spiritual grandeur and cultural significance, calling it 'Ekta Ka Mahakumbh'. He shared his excitement about the extensive preparations along the Sangam's banks, recalling his recent aerial survey of the Kumbh area, which left him awestruck by its vastness, beauty, and magnificence. PM Modi emphasized the event's unifying message: "Mahakumbh’s essence lies in ‘Ek Ho Pura Desh,’ and the uninterrupted flow of the Ganga symbolizes a united society.” He, along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, extended an open invitation to devotees from India and around the globe to partake in the spiritual festivity. Under the guidance of PM Modi and led by CM Yogi, preparations for Mahakumbh 2025 have reached their final stage. With significant enhancements over the 2019 Kumbh, this edition will feature expanded fairgrounds and improved facilities for pilgrims. CM Yogi, personally steering the ‘Ek Ho Pura Desh,’ campaign, has visited Prayagraj four times in December alone to ensure seamless progress in the arrangements. In 'Mann Ki Baat,' the Prime Minister remarked that the uniqueness of the Mahakumbh lies not only in its vastness but also in its diversity. He highlighted that millions of people gather for this grand event, including thousands of saints, numerous traditions, hundreds of sects, and several Akharas. He also emphasized that the Mahakumbh reflects a society free from discrimination, where no one is considered superior or inferior. “This year’s Mahakumbh will further strengthen the mantra of unity," the Prime Minister said. He urged all Kumbh participants to take the pledge of unity and commit to eliminating division and hatred from society. The Prime Minister stated that this time, devotees from across the country and the world, will also witness a digital Mahakumbh in Prayagraj. With the help of digital navigation, visitors will be guided to various ghats, temples, and saints’ Akharas, as well as parking areas. For the first time, an AI chatbot will be utilized during the Mahakumbh, providing information related to the event in 11 Indian languages. This chatbot will allow users to seek assistance by typing or speaking their queries. The fair ground will be monitored by AI-powered cameras, which will also assist in locating anyone who gets separated from their group. Devotees will have access to a digital lost-and-found centre as well. Additionally, information about government-approved tour packages, accommodations, and homestays will be provided directly to visitors on their mobile devices. The Prime Minister encouraged all attendees to take full advantage of these facilities and share their experiences by uploading selfies with the hashtag #EktaKaMahakumbh. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has personally taken charge of overseeing the Mahakumbh preparations. He is regularly visiting Prayagraj to inspect the ongoing arrangements and review the progress of the work. Under his directives, all tasks within the fairgrounds are set to be completed by January 5. CM Yogi's proactive approach toward the preparations is evident from his frequent visits to Prayagraj in December. During the month, he visited the city four times—on December 7, 12, 13, and 23—to assess and ensure the readiness of the arrangements. The Chief Minister is personally extending invitations for the Mahakumbh to prominent figures. On Saturday in Delhi, the Chief Minister met with former President Ram Nath Kovind, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Health Minister and BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda, and Mizoram Governor General VK Singh inviting them to the grand event. Additionally, ministers from the Yogi government have travelled to other states to invite Chief Ministers, Governors, and other dignitaries to participate in the Mahakumbh. PM Modi and CM Yogi extend invitation to devotees worldwide Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have invited devotees from across the state, nation, and the world to participate in 'Mahakumbh 2025.' Following the Prime Minister’s remarks in his 'Mann Ki Baat' program, the Chief Minister shared a post on ‘X.’ The Chief Minister wrote: ‘Maha Kumbh Ka Sandesh Ek ho Pura Desh’ ‘Ganga Ki Aviral Dhara Naah Bate Samaj Hamara’. He highlighted that PM Modi, during 'Mann Ki Baat,' had called upon 140 crore Indians to unite and experience the divine, grand, and digital Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. He also urged devotees to become witnesses to this spiritual 'Amrit Kaal' and share their experience by uploading selfies with the hashtag #Ekta_Ka_Mahakumbh on social media.
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Single-stock investing remains a worthwhile strategy, but today’s practical advice is diversifying. You reduce or spread the risk if you hold stocks from various sectors. However, if you’re a (TFSA) investor, you can buy one high-quality stock now and hold it forever. ( ) is a no-nonsense investment if you through your TFSA. This $97.4 billion bank, Canada’s oldest financial institution, has endured two World Wars, the Great Depression, and numerous financial crises since its founding in 1817. There are compelling reasons to own BMO besides its strong capital position. With a fresh $7,000 annual contribution limit in 2025, consider making BMO your anchor stock in your TFSA stock portfolio if it isn’t yet. Due to its lengthy dividend payment history, dividend pioneer BMO is the undisputable choice of passive-income investors. The track record is 195 years and counting, which no investor or retiree could outlive. If you invest today, the share price is $134.09 (+7.37% year to date), and the dividend yield is 4.64%. The payout frequency is quarterly. BMO has growth goals, and acquiring Bank of the West in February 2023 is one way to expand its presence in key U.S. growth markets. The footprint in 32 states would accelerate the growth of BMO’s national specialty commercial businesses and give more customers access to its digital banking platform. Darryl White, chief executive officer of BMO Financial Group, said about the strategic acquisition, “We will deliver a highly competitive offering to new growth markets, combining the strength of our digital banking platform and a strong team of bankers to generate leading customer growth.” Bank of the West operates in the largest and fastest-growing U.S. markets, which should also help fuel BMO’s growth. The US16.3 billion deal is the most significant in Canada’s banking history. BMO completed the core and digital platform after eight months. According to Mahen Namaswayan, Head of Technology and Operations Mergers and Acquisitions at BMO, the bank boasts a Digital-First model. It will deliver greater convenience and speed to customers while providing scale and product options across the U.S. The high interest rate environment affected bank stocks, including BMO. Fortunately, the Bank of Canada’s rate-cutting cycle is ongoing, and inflation has moderated. In the first three quarters of fiscal 2024 (nine months ending July 31, 2024), BMO’s net income rose 84.2% year over year to $5 billion. However, provision for credit losses (PCL) increased 29.2% to $2.2 billion from a year ago. Nonetheless, BMO announced a 5% dividend hike for Q4 fiscal 2024. “With our strategic goals firmly in place, a strong balance sheet, robust capital and liquidity, we are well positioned to deliver sustainable returns to our shareholders,” White said. The TFSA lifetime contribution limit will rise to $102,000 on January 1, 2025, for those who turned 18 before 2009 and have never contributed to a TFSA. An investment of the same amount in BMO converts into $1,183.20 in tax-free, pension-like quarterly income, and the principal remains intact.An India-China reset needs bold and new thinking
Daniel Silva of Buchalter Law Firm believes that the Adani Group is likely to face significant restrictions, including the exclusion from raising capital in US markets due to the indictment order. In an interview to CNBC-TV18, Silva highlighted that financial institutions, particularly in the US, are likely to be reluctant to lend or maintain banking relationships due to the heightened risks associated with the criminal and securities fraud investigations. A US court has indicted Gautam Adani , his nephew Sagar Adani, and several other officials for allegedly bribing Indian government officials to secure solar energy contracts. The indictment claims that Adani paid over ₹2,000 crore in bribes, including ₹1,750 crore to a senior official in the Andhra Pradesh government. The Adani group is also accused of hiding information regarding an FBI investigation to Indian financial institutions and investors. Silva noted that Adani Group has already experienced substantial financial repercussions, including a decline in stock value and the cancellation of major contracts, such as a key deal in Kenya post the indictment. However, drawing parallels to past high-profile cases like Siemens and Oracle, Silva suggests that the Adani Group could eventually face large financial settlements as part of a potential resolution to the charges. Below is the verbatim transcript of the interview. Q: Give us a sense of the seriousness of these charges. And when do you think ordinarily, this investigation would have begun, and would all the defendants in this case have already been notified about this investigation and given a notice to join the probe. Silva: The investigation would have started years ago, most likely two or three years ago. Some of these international investigations of complex international frauds, which are what the allegations show, take a very long time. In this case, based on the indictment and the other public information, it's clear that the investigators and prosecutors have obtained co-operators. This is individuals who may have engaged in some type of criminal conduct or assisted in the criminal conduct, and have assisted by providing information, communications, financial transactions and other insights into the alleged bribery scheme. In terms of how serious this is, it really does not get any more serious than this. There is a widespread multi 100-million-dollar bribery scheme, fraud scheme, securities fraud scheme, and obstruction of the actual investigation in the United States. Regarding your question about whether or not all of the individuals indicted would have been contacted in advance of the indictment. Typically, yes, they would have, but at this point, it's unclear whether or not they would have been, especially in light of the allegation that there was a conspiracy to obstruct the investigation. Typically, when that happens, they won't reach out to the people who themselves are attempting to undermine that investigation. Q: I would also like to ask you about the manner in which some of these cases have been settled in the past, Siemens, Oracle for example, these are companies which had been charged for bribing officials across the world, including in India, those cases were eventually settled for millions of dollars. How do you think this could proceed? And do you think eventually this would also reach a settlement? Silva: What's interesting is no entity, no company, whether in the United States, India, or anywhere where else in the world, is named in the indictment. What that suggests to me is that the resolution, as you propose, in the same vein as Siemens, there might be an additional conversation happening separately from the individual indictments. What that means is, in the United States, an entity has its own liability, has its own potential criminal exposure, and so it will have its own attorneys who will most likely be negotiating with the US authorities to resolve that. One extra point is it's not only the company's criminal liability and the individual's criminal liability. There's also an SEC complaint that was filed, and so there's also securities issues, so there's most likely very complex, expansive negotiations happening, both on the criminal level and at the securities level. Q: How does this impact the future possibility of the companies of the defendants mentioned in the indictment and in the SEC investigation their ability to raise capital globally, and will the banks which have given them capital in the US, do you think they will also be brought into this investigation, and would documents and evidence be sought from them as well? Silva: Yes, there is no doubt that the financial institutions involved in the underlying financing or promoting the securities in this indictment have already been contacted and are already providing information - these are the financial transactions, these are the communications, these are any interactions with the defendants or the unindicted co-conspirators in this case. In terms of the Adani Group, they have already suffered financial impacts in terms of the reduction of their stock price. I believe one contract in Kenya was already cancelled. So there's hundreds of millions of dollars of revenue that will be lost. In addition, because of the nature of the securities allegations, there is also the potential that they will be restricted or excluded from raising money on US markets. And then the final issue is similar to the Kenyan government's desire to no longer engage in any contracts with the Adani Group. A lot of financial institutions, particularly in the United States, will be concerned with financing or any type of lending or banking relationship with any company affiliated with the Adani Group, for the simple reason that they are potentially in the middle of a criminal and securities fraud investigation and prosecution, meaning that increases the risks massively for the financial institutions who never want to take very many risks, more than they have to and tend to be much more conservative in issues like this.MeitY Launches e-Toycathon at Convocation of First Batch of Engineers in Electronic ToysHims & Hers Health (NYSE:HIMS) Shares Up 3.6% – Should You Buy?
