The Founder of Eko Drive, Ademide Osunsina, has called on the federal government to prioritise the nation’s automotive sector to achieve inclusive economic growth. Osunsina stated this during Eko Drive’s third car exhibition in Lagos while also acknowledging that the automotive industry plays a key role in contributing to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product despite the sector currently facing significant challenges. He said the industry’s potential remains high with estimates predicting that it could account for up to 12 per cent of GDP if properly developed. “The automotive sector is crucial to Nigeria’s economic landscape, and the Eko Drive exhibition is at the forefront of this transformation. The exhibition serves as a powerful catalyst to promote innovation by featuring cutting-edge technology and electric vehicles, thus encouraging local manufacturers to adopt sustainable practices,” he said. Speaking on the exhibition, Osunsina who also doubles as the project manager said Eko Drive’s goal is to foster a vibrant automotive community that not only appreciates luxury vehicles but also drives economic growth in Nigeria. “This year’s edition, held at the Alliance Francaise, Ikoyi drew hundreds of automotive enthusiasts – sports cars, supercars, power bike lovers – solidifying Nigeria’s position as a rising hub for supercar culture and technology,” he averred. He stated that the energy at this year’s exhibition was electric and he is thrilled to see so many passionate individuals come together to celebrate the future of supercars. “We are committed to showcasing not just supercars but also the innovations that will shape the future of transportation in Nigeria,” the co-founder and creative director of Eko Drive,” Imran Claud-Ennin said. He pointed out that Eko Drive’s exhibition goes beyond showcasing vehicles, adding that it builds a strong community among enthusiasts and industry stakeholders. “We believe in the power of the community,” added Sanjo Morgan, co-founder and event coordinator of Eko Drive. “Our events bring together diverse individuals who share a common passion for cars. Together, we can promote responsible consumer choices and environmental sustainability within the automotive sector. “As Eko Drive looks to the future, it invites sponsors who share its vision of innovation and community development to join forces to enhance Nigeria’s automotive landscape while contributing positively to the economy and society,” Alliance Francaise de Lagos marketing executive,” Precious Naador said.DP World has issued a groundbreaking $100 million Blue Bond to fund sustainable projects cutting across marine transportation, port infrastructure, marine pollution, as well as nature and water positive initiatives. Through this issuance, DP World will contribute to closing the significant funding gap for UN SDG 14 (Life below water) and SDG 6 (Clean water and sanitation), as well as increasing transparency to meet investors’ growing interest in blue assets. This is the first Blue Bond issuance from a company in the Middle East and North Africa, reflecting the company’s aim of leading the logistics sector and region toward a more resilient future. It is also the first corporate Blue Bond out of the broader Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East and North Africa region. DP World’s 5-year Blue Bond was priced at a 5.25% coupon rate. Investment management firm, T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. was the key investor. The Blue Bond is fully aligned with the DP World’s recently launched Ocean Strategy and long-standing Decarbonisation and Water Strategies. The Ocean Strategy, which encompasses four foundational pillars, links global trade and environmental stewardship, supports the company’s leadership towards a Sustainable Blue Economy and removes barriers to comprehensive climate ocean action. The strategy aims to advance the Paris Climate Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework Goals. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive of DP World, said: “As a responsible leader in global trade, we are committed to preserving the ocean’s ability to provide for future generations. It is our ambition to lead our industry towards a sustainable blue economy as we work with our partners to remove barriers to comprehensive climate and ocean action. This Blue Bond will lay the foundation for the years to come.” “We are increasingly working in regions where the ocean is being polluted, coastal biodiversity is being lost, and critical resources like water are becoming scarcer, posing significant threats to both nature and people. This issuance represents DP World’s second foray into the sustainable financing capital markets highlighting our commitment to sustainability and demonstrates our approach towards sustainable business practices.” “We are proud to partner with DP World on its issuance of the first corporate Blue Bond in the Middle East. This innovative transaction will mobilize capital towards UN SDG 14, Life Below Water, while providing an opportunity for attractive investment returns. We recognize UN SDG 14 as the most underfunded of all the sustainable development goals. We hope this transaction can be a model for other issuers and investors to support the blue economy.” Philip Brown, Managing Director, Global Head of Sustainable Debt Capital Markets of Citigroup, which advised on the bond, said: “Citi is proud to have supported DP World in arranging this important inaugural Blue Bond issuance under the updated and pioneering Sustainable Finance Framework.” The Blue Bond spread of 99.6 bps above US treasuries represents DP World’s tightest ever spread in the bond or sukuk market, demonstrating the attractiveness of the issuance. · Sustainable Marine Transportation: Supporting research, development, and procurement of alternative fuels and technologies to reduce carbon emissions, and other sources of marine pollution in the maritime sector. · Sustainable Ports Development: Funding infrastructure upgrades to minimise environmental impacts, noise and air pollution. · Marine Ecosystem Conservation and Restoration: Expanding Nature Based Solutions projects to conserve and restore marine ecosystems, and innovations to enhance biodiversity. · Marine Pollution: Initiatives to tackle waste and pollution in coastal and marine environments, as well as improvements to water quality and ensuring the equitable access to water. The Bond follows the publication of DP World’s recently enhanced Sustainable Finance Framework, which is aligned with various international standards. The Framework takes into consideration the Guidelines for Blue Finance from the International Finance Corporate and the ‘Bonds to Finance the Sustainable Blue Economy – A Practitioner’s Guide’. Earlier this year, DP World published its inaugural Green Sukuk Impact and Allocation Report. Of the $1.5bn raised in 2023, $1.17bn has already been allocated to eligible green projects. Projects financed though the Sukuk have contributed to avoiding more than 177 million kg of CO2 emissions, saving 466,057 MJ of energy and generating 866,686 kWh of renewable energy. Source: DP World
The fall of Assad represents a revolution in the Middle EastPITTSBURGH (AP) — Technically, the standings still show the Pittsburgh Steelers atop the AFC North. It just doesn't exactly feel that way at the moment. While the Steelers still have everything in front of them even after a 34-17 loss in Baltimore on Saturday in which a pair of Russell Wilson turnovers and a battered defense starting to show signs of wear allowed the Ravens to pull away, the grasp they had on the division two weeks ago is now far more tenuous. There were no excuses offered afterward. Yet there's also no time to pout either. Not with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs visiting Acrisure Stadium on Christmas Day. “The one thing I’m not going to do is keep my head down," Wilson said shortly after a fourth-quarter pick-6 allowed Baltimore to pull away. "I know for us, we got so much great confidence in who we are and what we can do and how we’re going to respond.” If Pittsburgh wants the home playoff game that capturing a division title for the first time since 2020 would provide, it doesn't really have a choice. To do it, the Steelers will likely have to beat the two-time defending Super Bowl champions on three days' rest and then the Bengals in the regular-season finale, not exactly ideal opponents for an injury-marred defense that has given up more than 400 yards in consecutive weeks for the first time since the first three games of the 2019 season. Beating Philadelphia and Baltimore on the road even in the best of times is a tough ask. The Steelers came up empty twice in six days, and while Wilson's turnovers didn’t help, Pittsburgh’s inability to match up with either team in the trenches could be a far bigger problem going forward if it can't find a way to regain the physicality it showed earlier this season. True, the Ravens and Eagles have the two best running games in the league led by backs who are putting together Hall of Fame resumes. Still, every team the Steelers figure to face in the postseason will almost certainly try to follow the blueprint Philadelphia and Baltimore used so effectively. Pittsburgh's truncated schedule — the visit by the Chiefs will be its third game in 11 days — means the tackling issues that have popped up of late will have to be addressed more in theory than in practice. It's a less-than-ideal situation. Yet despite the step or two back recently, the Steelers believe that everything they want to do this season is still in front of them. That's certainly true. Wilson — who knows a thing or two about winning this time of year — remains upbeat. “We can’t let a tough game like this take us into a negative state of mind because there’s a lot more to play for and a lot more we’re searching for, and we can still win the (AFC) North,” he said. "There’s still a lot of opportunity there, too, as well. And so we just got to buckle down and get back to work.” What's working Being disruptive in the red zone. Minkah Fitzpatrick's fourth-quarter pick of Lamar Jackson — his first in 26 games — was the fifth takeaway by the Steelers inside their 20 this season, tied for second most in the NFL. What needs help Just about everything else in the red zone. The Steelers allowed Baltimore to score touchdowns on its first three drives that reached the Pittsburgh 20. The other two ended with Fitzpatrick's interception and a chip-shot field goal by Justin Tucker in the final minutes. Two short touchdown throws from Jackson to tight ends Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews bothered Steelers coach Mike Tomlin the most. “It is just too late in the year to have guys running open like that, to be quite honest with you," Tomlin said. “So we’ve got some work to do this week and try to shore some of that up.” Stock up Calvin Austin III is the only wide receiver who seems capable of being a difference-maker with George Pickens out of the lineup. The 5-foot-9 Austin has nine receptions for 130 yards over the past two games, and while Wilson's fourth down heave to Austin at the goal line in the third quarter fell incomplete, it also symbolized the faith Wilson has in a highly motivated player who thrives on being underestimated. Stock down Complementary football. The Steelers surged to the top of the division by having a team that thrived in all three phases. That hasn't happened of late. The Ravens turned Wilson's fumble into a 96-yard touchdown drive. Fitzpatrick's interception appeared to give the Steelers momentum only to have Wilson give it right back with a poor throw that Marlon Humphrey turned into the clinching score. Injuries Pickens could return from the hamstring injury that has forced him to miss the past three games. Safety DeShon Elliott (hamstring), defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (groin), cornerback Donte Jackson (back) could also play after sitting out against Baltimore. The news isn’t as positive for starting cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (knee) and wide receiver Ben Skowronek (hip), both of whom left against the Ravens and did not return. Key number 39 — field goals this season by Chris Boswell, five short of the NFL record set by David Akers with San Francisco in 2011. Next steps Try to heal up quickly and beat Mahomes for the first time. The Kansas City star is 3-0 against the Steelers with 14 touchdowns and zero interceptions. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
City of St. Paul finds Council Member Anika Bowie violated workplace conduct policy in airing grievances against fellow council memberNo. 20 Texas A&M wins tight battle vs. Rutgers
Southwest Airlines says it is ending its cabin service earlier on its flights starting next month. Beginning on Dec. 4, a company spokesperson said, flight attendants will begin preparing the cabin for landing at an altitude of 18,000 feet (5,486 meters) instead of 10,000 feet (3,048 meters). The change in procedure is designed to “reduce the risk of in-flight turbulence injuries” for crew members and passengers, the company said. For passengers, that means they will need to do the usual pre-landing procedures — such as ensuring their seatbelts are fastened and returning their seats to an upright position — earlier than before. While turbulence-related fatalities are quite rare, injuries have piled up over the years. More than one-third of all airline incidents in the United States from 2009 through 2018 were related to turbulence, and most of them resulted in one or more serious injuries but no damage to the plane, the National Transportation Safety Board reported . In May, a 73-year old man died on board a Singapore Airlines flight when the plane hit severe turbulence over the Indian Ocean. The airline had also previously announced other changes. Starting next year, Southwest will toss out a half-century tradition of “open seating” — passengers picking their own seats after boarding the plane.Ousted Syrian leader Assad flees to Moscow after fall of Damascus, Russian state media say DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Russia media say ousted Syrian leader Bashar Assad has fled to Moscow and received asylum from his longtime ally. The reports came hours after a stunning rebel advance swept into Damascus to cheers and ended the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule. Thousands of Syrians poured into streets echoing with celebratory gunfire, joyful after a stifling, nearly 14-year civil war. But the swiftly moving events raised questions about the future of the country and the wider region. The rebels face the daunting task of healing bitter divisions in a country still split among armed factions. One rebel commander said “we will not deal with people the way the Assad family did." Analysis: Collapse of Syria's Assad is a blow to Iran's 'Axis of Resistance' MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) — For Iran’s theocratic government, it keeps getting worse. Its decadeslong strategy of building an “Axis of Resistance” supporting militant groups and proxies around the region is falling apart. Hamas has been batttered by Israel's campaign in Gaza. In Lebanon, Israeli bombardment has crippled Iran’s most powerful ally, Hezbollah, even as Israel has launched successful airstrikes openly inside of Iran for the first time. And now Iran’s longtime stalwart ally and client in Syria, President Bashar Assad, is gone. Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the insurgency that toppled Syria's Assad? BEIRUT (AP) — Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the militant leader who led the stunning insurgency that toppled Syria’s President Bashar Assad, has spent years working to remake his public image and that of his fighters. He renounced longtime ties to al-Qaida and depicts himself as a champion of pluralism and tolerance. The extent of that transformation from jihadi extremist to would-be state builder is now put to the test. The 42-year-old al-Golani is labeled a terrorist by the United States. He has not appeared publicly since Damascus fell early Sunday. But he and his insurgent force, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, stand to be a major player in whatever comes next. Trump says he can't guarantee tariffs won't raise US prices and won't rule out revenge prosecutions WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump says he can’t guarantee his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won’t raise prices for American consumers. And he's suggesting once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect made the comments in a wide-ranging interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday. He also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning “things do change.” A timeline of the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the search for his killer NEW YORK (AP) — The search for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s killer has stretched into a fifth day — and beyond New York City. Police say it appears the man left the city on a bus soon after Wednesday's shooting outside the New York Hilton Midtown. The suspect is seen on video at an uptown bus station about 45 minutes later. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Police believe that words found written on ammunition at the shooting scene, including “deny," “defend” and "depose,” suggest a motive driven by anger toward the healthcare company. The words mimic a phrase used by insurance industry critics. Trump calls for immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and says a US withdrawal from NATO is possible WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump is pushing Russian leader Vladimir Putin to act to reach an immediate ceasefire with Ukraine. Trump describes it as part of his active efforts as president-elect to end the war despite being weeks from taking office. Trump also said he would be open to reducing military aid to Ukraine and pulling the United States out of NATO. Those are two threats that have alarmed Ukraine, NATO allies and many in the U.S. national security community. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says any deal would have to pave the way to a lasting peace. The Kremlin's spokesman says Moscow is open to talks with Ukraine. Gaza health officials say latest Israeli airstrikes kill at least 14 including children DEIR AL BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinian health officials say Israeli airstrikes in central Gaza have killed at least 14 people including children, while the bombing of a hospital in northern Gaza has wounded a half-dozen patients. Israel’s military continues its latest offensive against Hamas militants in northern Gaza, whose remaining Palestinians have been almost completely cut off from the rest of the territory amid a growing humanitarian crisis. One airstrike flattened a residential building in the urban Bureij refugee camp Sunday afternoon. That's according to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the nearby city of Deir al-Balah, where the casualties were taken. South Korea's democracy held after a 6-hour power play. What does it say for democracies elsewhere? SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A short-lived martial law decree by South Korea's leader last week raised worries about budding authoritarianism around the world. In the end, though, democracy prevailed. President Yoon Suk Yeol announced that he was declaring martial law and giving his government sweeping powers to crack down on protesters, ban political parties and control the media. Members of the military blocked lawmakers from using the legislature's constitutional power to cancel the power grab. But the National Assembly within hours unanimously voted to do so. The stars will come out at the Kennedy Center for Coppola, the Grateful Dead, Raitt and Sandoval WASHINGTON (AP) — Celebrities, cultural icons and a few surprise guests are gathering for the annual Kennedy Center Honors celebration in Washington. This year’s recipients of the lifetime achievement award for artistic accomplishment are director Francis Ford Coppola, the Grateful Dead, jazz trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, and singer-songwriter Bonnie Raitt. In addition, the venerable Harlem theater The Apollo, which has launched generations of Black artists, is being recognized Sunday night. There will be personalized tributes with performances and testimonials from fellow artists during the gala at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. College Football Playoff's first 12-team bracket is set with Oregon No. 1 and SMU in, Alabama out SMU captured the last open spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff, bumping Alabama to land in a bracket that placed undefeated Oregon at No. 1. The selection committee preferred the Mustangs, losers of a heartbreaker in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game, who had a far less difficult schedule than Alabama of the SEC but one fewer loss. The inaugural 12-team bracket marks a new era for college football, though the Alabama-SMU debate made clear there is no perfect formula. The tournament starts Dec. 20-21 with four first-round games. It concludes Jan. 20 with the national title game in Atlanta.
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AP News Summary at 6:44 p.m. ESTNone
No. 20 Texas A&M wins tight battle vs. Rutgers
The 1% Club viewers complained the quiz show had been 'dumbed down' for the new series. The 1 quiz show, hosted by comedian , has just returned with its fourth series, but fans felt there was too much focus on the 'quirky' contestants, and that it distracted from the questions. The second episode of the new series aired on Tuesday, 10 December and saw Mack chatting to contestants in between questions - including an accountant whose dream was to retire and buy an ice cream van, a drama student who worked in an escape room and another who had changed his name to that of a Transformer. And with six contestants making it to the 1% question final, many claimed the questions were too easy. Hit game show The 1% Club has become increasingly popular since it launched in 2022. It is not based on general knowledge, but styled like an IQ test, with questions that require logic and common sense to realise the correct answer. That often leaves viewers and complaining the questions are too difficult. But during Tuesday night's episode they were complaining the questions were too easy and that the show had been 'dumbed down' to showcase Mack's jokes. During the game show Mack chatted to several audience members. The first contestant he spoke to, James, revealed he was was hoping to pay for a vasectomy with the prize money if he won, as he had three children under five and added: "I haven't slept in a bout five years and I'm done". Another contestant, accountant Natalie revealed she would like to buy an ice cream van and retire early, "just work summers, that's nice". There were several couples among the 100 contestants, and a brother and sister who shared the surname Mistry. Contestant Antony revealed his middle name was Optimus Prime, as he had changed it by deed poll because he was such a big fan of when he was younger. Six male contestants made it through to the final to answer the 1% question. prompting some to claim the questions were too easy. But all of them failed to answer the last question correctly - which was to identify what word was represented by a picture of the number '8' in a box. Ladies & gentlemen, THE 1% question! 🤩 🤩 🤩 — The 1% Club (@1PercentClubITV) The answer was 'incubate'. Many viewers felt Mack's chats with the audience distracted from the thrill of playing along with the gameshow. One on social media platform X: "What’s happened to this show. It’s forgot it’s a quiz show, It’s turned into an audience of cranks just for Lee to get laughs... Quiz dumbed down, Audience dumbed up #The1PercentClub" Another : "They've dumbed it down this series #The1PercentClub" And someone else : "Why do these programmes all go from normal people as contestants to wannabes who seem despo for fame." But other liked the interesting audience members and wanted to know more. One : "I love the banter between Lee and the contestants. But the questions need to be harder. #the1percentclub" Other viewers felt the questions were too easy, especially when so many made it through to the final. One : "If you have this many people at the end then it means the questions are too easy i fear #The1PercentClub" Another : "Either I'm a bloody genius or these questions are way too easy... #The1PercentClub" And somebody else : "Why is it so easy today? I've got nearly every answer! #The1PercentClub" Many viewers could not believe contestant Antony had really changed his middle name to Optimus Prime. One : "Did he just call himself Optimus Prime? Is he a human Transformer? #The1PercentClub" Another on Blue Sky: "This guy named himself after Transformers? He must be Michael Bay's favourite person. #The1PercentClub" And someone else : "Why would you add Optimus Prime to your name? #The1PercentClub"
KUWAIT: The Embassy of the Republic of Korea and Gulf University for Science & Technology (GUST) co-hosted the 2024 Korean Street Food Festival on the university’s campus on November 28, to celebrate the rich culinary traditions of South Korea, and the growing interest among Kuwaitis in Korean culture. The festival offered a rare opportunity to savor iconic street food loved by people in South Korea, such as gimbap, tteokbokki, bulgogi, and a variety of chicken dishes. Visitors also participated in kimchi making sessions during the event. Kimchi, a staple South Korean side dish consisting of salted and fermented vegetables, has been receiving interest from culinary enthusiasts in Kuwait. The event attracted a diverse audience, including GUST faculty and students, guests from various nationalities, and representatives from the culinary industry. South Korean restaurants, such as Kim’s House, Korea Gwan, Seoulian, Sinjeon Tteokbokki, The Kimchi, and Thomas Bbokki, participated in the event, each bringing their unique touch to traditional Korean dishes. During the event, South Korean Ambassador to Kuwait Chong-suk Park remarked: “Korean street food holds a special place in Korean culture. It’s not just about the food, but about the history that resonates with every dish. Through this festival, we present kimchi-making, a significant element of Korean cuisine. Experiencing the process will offer insights into the depth of Korean food. I hope you enjoy the unique atmosphere and the culinary journey.” Mohammad Al-Haddad, Academic Affairs Leader at GUST, who spoke on behalf of the GUST president, highlighted the festival’s purpose of being a celebration of South Korean culture and a reflection of the strong ties between Kuwait and South Korea. “At GUST, we take pride in fostering cultural diversity and global connections, offering students and community meaningful opportunities to learn about the world,” he said.Quantum Computing: The New AI? A Look at the Rapidly Expanding Market and Top Stocks For 2025