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Up-and-coming winter sun hotspot just three hours from the UK has golden beaches, cheap spas and 25C temperaturesIndustry association The Confederation of Indian Industry ( CII ) has made a case for including emerging and high-impact sectors such as digital infrastructure , green initiatives , and healthcare in the priority sector lending (PSL) framework and has asked for more development finance institutions. Under the PSL framework, 40% of lenders' credit must be compulsorily loaned to specific sectors. "Sectors like agriculture have reduced contribution to GDP from 30% in 1990s to about 14% now. Hence, it is time that Priority Sector Lending (PSL) framework be reviewed every 3-4 years to align based on emerging priorities and PSL allocations should be in line with GDP contributions and sectoral growth potential," noted CII director general Chandrajit Banerjee in a statement. "We could look at inclusion of emerging and high-impact sectors, including digital infrastructure, green initiatives, healthcare, and innovative manufacturing," he added. In its statement, the association stated that they have further suggested the setting up of a high-level committee to look at the revision of Priority Sector Lending norms and also explore the need for any new DFIs to cater to some of the new and emerging sectors . 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Nominations for ET MSME Awards are now open. The last day to apply is December 15, 2024. Click here to submit your entry for any one or more of the 22 categories and stand a chance to win a prestigious award. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
No. 14 ASU, No. 17 Iowa State front-runners for possibly wild Big 12 finishCONX Corp. Announces Acquisition of Red Technologies SASMaverick McNealy birdies the last hole at Sea Island to finally become PGA Tour winner
‘Completely gone’: Family devastated by fire
New Delhi, Nov 24 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the ICA Global Cooperative Conference 2024 and launch the UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025 at the Bharat Mandapam here on Monday. The ICA Global Cooperative Conference and the ICA General Assembly are being organised in India for the first time in the 130-year-long history of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), the premier body for the global cooperative movement. Also Read | Winter Session 2024: INDIA Bloc To Hold Parliamentary Floor Leaders Meeting To Decide Strategy on November 25. The global conference, hosted by the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), in collaboration with the ICA, the Government of India and Indian cooperatives AMUL and KRIBHCO, will be held from November 25 to November 30. Modi will inaugurate the ICA Global Cooperative Conference 2024 and launch the UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025 at the Bharat Mandapam at around 3 pm on Monday. Also Read | Shiv Sena MLAs Feel Eknath Shinde Should Continue As Maharashtra CM, Says State Minister Deepak Kesarkar. The theme of the conference -- "Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All" -- aligns with the government's vision of "Sahkar Se Samriddhi" (prosperity through cooperation), according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The event will feature discussions, panel sessions and workshops, addressing the challenges and opportunities faced by cooperatives worldwide in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas such as poverty alleviation, gender equality and sustainable economic growth. The prime minister will also launch the UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025, which will focus on the theme, "Cooperatives Build a Better World", underscoring the transformative role cooperatives play in promoting social inclusion, economic empowerment and sustainable development. The UN SDGs recognise cooperatives as crucial drivers of sustainable development, particularly in reducing inequality, promoting decent work and alleviating poverty, the statement said. The year 2025 will be a global initiative aimed at showcasing the power of cooperative enterprises in addressing the world's most pressing challenges, it said. Modi will also launch a commemorative postal stamp, symbolising India's commitment to the cooperative movement. The stamp showcases a lotus, symbolising peace, strength, resilience and growth, reflecting the cooperative values of sustainability and community development. The five petals of the lotus represent the five elements of nature ("Panchatatva"), highlighting cooperatives' commitment to environmental, social and economic sustainability. The design also incorporates sectors like agriculture, dairy, fisheries, consumer cooperatives and housing, with a drone symbolising the role of modern technology in agriculture. Prime Minister of Bhutan Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji Manoa Kamikamica and around 3,000 delegates from more than 100 countries will also be present, the statement said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi, Nov 24 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the ICA Global Cooperative Conference 2024 and launch the UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025 at the Bharat Mandapam here on Monday. The ICA Global Cooperative Conference and the ICA General Assembly are being organised in India for the first time in the 130-year-long history of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), the premier body for the global cooperative movement. Also Read | Winter Session 2024: INDIA Bloc To Hold Parliamentary Floor Leaders Meeting To Decide Strategy on November 25. The global conference, hosted by the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), in collaboration with the ICA, the Government of India and Indian cooperatives AMUL and KRIBHCO, will be held from November 25 to November 30. Modi will inaugurate the ICA Global Cooperative Conference 2024 and launch the UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025 at the Bharat Mandapam at around 3 pm on Monday. Also Read | Shiv Sena MLAs Feel Eknath Shinde Should Continue As Maharashtra CM, Says State Minister Deepak Kesarkar. The theme of the conference -- "Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All" -- aligns with the government's vision of "Sahkar Se Samriddhi" (prosperity through cooperation), according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The event will feature discussions, panel sessions and workshops, addressing the challenges and opportunities faced by cooperatives worldwide in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas such as poverty alleviation, gender equality and sustainable economic growth. The prime minister will also launch the UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025, which will focus on the theme, "Cooperatives Build a Better World", underscoring the transformative role cooperatives play in promoting social inclusion, economic empowerment and sustainable development. The UN SDGs recognise cooperatives as crucial drivers of sustainable development, particularly in reducing inequality, promoting decent work and alleviating poverty, the statement said. The year 2025 will be a global initiative aimed at showcasing the power of cooperative enterprises in addressing the world's most pressing challenges, it said. Modi will also launch a commemorative postal stamp, symbolising India's commitment to the cooperative movement. The stamp showcases a lotus, symbolising peace, strength, resilience and growth, reflecting the cooperative values of sustainability and community development. The five petals of the lotus represent the five elements of nature ("Panchatatva"), highlighting cooperatives' commitment to environmental, social and economic sustainability. The design also incorporates sectors like agriculture, dairy, fisheries, consumer cooperatives and housing, with a drone symbolising the role of modern technology in agriculture. Prime Minister of Bhutan Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji Manoa Kamikamica and around 3,000 delegates from more than 100 countries will also be present, the statement said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Colts defense picks up the pace as offense continues searching for answers to red zone woes
A double-digit victory in a packed, loud arena. Toughness from a deep, experienced lineup that once again is driven to win an elusive national championship. And, peeking a few seasons ahead, he saw an SDSU team that he views more as a future Pac-12 partner than rival. Behind big man Graham Ike and guard Ryan Nembhard, Gonzaga displayed its size, speed and strength in beating Brian Dutcher's young, hobbled squad 80-67 on Monday night. The Bulldogs returned the favor after SDSU won 84-74 last December at The Kennel in Spokane, which ended their 59-game nonconference winning streak. Both teams reached the Sweet Sixteen last season. Gonzaga is the only team in the nation to reach the Sweet Sixteen the last nine seasons as the Bulldogs extended their streak of NCAA Tournament appearances to 25 straight. Back in Spokane on Wednesday night, the Zags improved to 5-0 by routing Long Beach State 84-41, no doubt firing up expectations in the Lilac City and beyond. In a college sports climate dominated by NIL and the transfer portal, the Zags are stacked. Of the 12 possible players who could return from last year, 10 did, including all four starters. They returned 81% of last season's scoring and 71% of their rebounding. Six of its top seven scorers are back, along with 81.4% of minutes played. “We're tougher,” Few said. “We're physically tougher, we're mentally tougher, at least so far in the season. A lot of the same guys from last year. That's what happens when you stick around a couple of years. “You've got to have both to be able to go on the road in a place like this and dig out wins," Few added. "That's one thing San Diego State is going to bring. They're going to bring physicality, they're going to bring great athleticism, they're going to challenge you in every facet of the game.” Hoops powerhouse Gonzaga announced on Oct. 1 that it will move from the West Coast Conference, where it has dominated for most of the last quarter-century, into a Pac-12 conference being rebuilt around football. Beginning with the 2026-27 academic year, Gonzaga will become the eighth member along with holdovers Washington State and Oregon State, and fellow newcomers Boise State, San Diego State, Fresno State, Utah State and Colorado State from the Mountain West. While not as dominant as the Zags, the Aztecs have been one of the West Coast's best programs for several years, first under Steve Fisher and then Dutcher, his longtime assistant who is in his eighth season as head coach. “They're just going to be such a great partner, because they value basketball and they support basketball,” said Few, who's in his 26th season as head coach. “They understand, when you have a national program like we both have, it pays unbelievable dividends to the university, to the community, to the city and the state, like the Northwest and down here. They get that. We're looking for other like-minded places to partner with us.” Few said he would often chat with Fisher about the possibility of the Zags and Aztecs playing in the same conference. Fisher watches Aztecs games with his wife, Angie, from the second row above Steve Fisher Court. “We talked about it forever,” Few said. “I'm happy for Dutch. He's doing a great job." San Diego State reached its first Final Four in 2023, when Lamont Butler's thrilling buzzer-beater against Florida Atlantic lifted the Aztecs into the national championship game, where they lost 76-59 to UConn. SDSU was routed again by UConn, 82-52, in last season's Sweet Sixteen, while Gonzaga lost to Purdue. Gonzaga opened this season with a 101-63 win against then-No. 8 Baylor at the Spokane Arena. It was Gonzaga’s biggest victory margin over a top-10 opponent, over a team it lost to in the 2021 national title game in Indianapolis. Nembhard, who had 19 points and 10 assists against the Aztecs, said the Zags “did a really good job, actually,” of handling the pressure of playing at Viejas Arena. "Every time they went on a little run and the crowd got loud, we did a good job staying composed and trusting our offensive sets.” Nembhard will be gone when the Bulldogs and Aztecs are in the Pac-12 together, but thinks "the rivalry will be great. This is a great program. I played them a couple of times at Creighton, and they always gave us a tough game. They have a great fan base, a great coach over there, and they play really hard. I think it’ll be a great rivalry to come.” ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketballPanthers kick their way to Vegas Final Four
CONX Corp. Announces Acquisition of Red Technologies SAS
RNA Therapeutics Market Future Trends, New Opportunities, Business Growth, Share, Global Size, Demand, Key Segments And Forecast 12-13-2024 08:42 PM CET | Health & Medicine Press release from: ABNewswire The prominent players in the global RNA therapeutics market include Moderna, Inc. (US), Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (US), Pfizer Inc. (US), Novartis AG (Switzerland), Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (US) Browse 135 market data Tables and 36 Figures spread through 171 Pages and in-depth TOC on "RNA Therapeutics Market by Product (Vaccines, Drugs), Type (mRNA Therapeutics, RNA Interference, Antisense Oligonucleotides), Indication (Infectious Diseases, Rare Genetic Diseases), End User (Hospitals & Clinics) - Global Forecast to 2028 RNA Therapeutics Market [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/rna-therapeutics-market-235963408.html?utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=paidpr ] in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth $13.7 billion in 2023 and is poised to reach $18.0 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2023 to 2028 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets Trademark . Growth in this market is largely driven by factors such as the increasing number of partnerships and collaborations among market players and RNA technology manufacturers, expanding modalities for RNA therapeutics, and the rising number of emergency use authorizations and approvals for COVID-19 booster vaccines. The emergence of small activating RNAs (saRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) has expanded the scope of RNA therapeutics. saRNAs are 21-nucleotide long double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) complementary to the promoter region of a targeted gene. They can upregulate gene expression, potentially correcting deficiencies associated with genetic disorders and re-activating tumor suppressor genes in multiple types of cancers. On the other hand, the discontinuation/recalls of RNA therapeutic products is expected to hinder market growth. Download an Illustrative overview: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=235963408 [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=235963408&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=paidpr ] The vaccines segment accounted for the largest share of the RNA therapeutics market in 2022. Based on product, the RNA therapeutics market is segmented into drugs and vaccines. In 2022, vaccines represented majority of the market share and is anticipated to maintain this dominance throughout the forecast period. Two key vaccine products that have showcased majority revenue contribution in this segment, include Spikevax (Moderna, Inc.) and Comirnaty (Pfizer, Inc.) vaccines. Additionally, these COVID-19 vaccines showcased a considerable revenue growth between from 2021 and 2022. On the other hand, the recent recall/discontinuation of Spikevax (Moderna, Inc.) is anticipated to hinder the revenue growth post 2022. Increase in the development of innovative RNA medicine companies in the RNA therapeutics market has rendered it the fastest growing segment during the forecast period. The RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2023 to 2028. Based on the type, the RNA therapeutics market is segmented into RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics, mRNA therapeutics, antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapeutics, and other therapeutics. Factors associated with RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics such as precision and versatility have increased the potential of RNAi applications in personalized medicine and other clinical applications. On the other hand, the mRNA therapeutics segment accounted for the highest share in the global market in 2022 and is expected to maintain this trend through 2021-2028. The advantages of mRNA over DNA or proteins/peptides coupled with advent of novel vaccine and molecular entities are the key attributive reason to this dominance. The infectious diseases segment accounted for the largest share in the RNA therapeutics market in 2022. Based on the indication, the RNA therapeutics market is segmented into infectious diseases, rare genetic diseases/hereditary diseases, and other indications. The large share of the infectious diseases segment is a result of the rapid developments in RNA vaccine manufacturing capabilities for the treatment of infectious diseases along with the outbreak of COVID-19. Demand for mRNA vaccines grew significantly through 2021-2022, for immunization against SARS-COV-2 infection. Increase in the use of RNA-based therapeutics for the treatment of rare/genetic disorders contributes to the high share of hospitals & clinics. The RNA therapeutics market is segmented into hospitals and clinics and research settings. The growing use of RNA therapeutics across hospitals and clinics is driven by factors such as the increasing understanding and advancements of RNA-based therapeutics, the growing number of trends in personalized medicine, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and the rising research investments by governments, private foundations, and industry stakeholders. Europe dominates the global RNA therapeutics market throughout the forecast period. The global RNA therapeutics market is segmented into four major regions, namely, North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World. Europe leads the market for RNA vaccines, with highest share of revenue in this segment in 2022. North America has emerged as the fastest growing region from 2023 to 2028. The collective revenue share of Europe, across both RNA vaccines and RNA drugs is highest in 2022, and this is set to continue through the forecast period. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=235963408 [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=235963408&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=paidpr ] RNA Therapeutics Market Dynamics: Drivers: 1. Increasing partnerships and collaborations among market players and RNA technology manufacturers Restraints: 1. Discontinuation or recalls of RNA therapeutic products Opportunities: 1. Higher progress in the development of RNA aptamer-based therapeutics Challenge: 1. Rapid degradation by ubiquitous RNases in environment and tissues with strong immunogenicity of exogenous RNA Key Market Players: The prominent players in the global RNA therapeutics market include Moderna, Inc. (US), Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (US), Pfizer Inc. (US), Novartis AG (Switzerland), Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (US), Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. (US), Sanofi (France), Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (US), BioNtech SE (Germany), Orna Therapeutics (US), CRISPR Therapeutics (Switzerland), Silence Therapeutics (UK), Astellas Pharma Inc. (Japan), CureVac SE (Germany), Sirnaomics (US), Arcturus Therapeutics Inc. (US) and Arbutus Biopharma (US). Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=235963408 [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=235963408&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=paidpr ] RNA Therapeutics Market Advantages: * Precision Medicine: RNA-based therapies can be tailored to target specific genetic mutations or disease pathways, allowing for personalized treatments that are more effective and have fewer side effects. * Speed of Development: The rapid development of RNA-based vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the agility of this technology, which can potentially accelerate the response to emerging diseases and medical challenges. * Versatility: RNA can be engineered to address a wide range of diseases, including genetic disorders, cancer, infectious diseases, and rare diseases, making it a versatile platform for therapeutic development. * Reduced Off-Target Effects: Compared to traditional small molecule drugs, RNA therapies can have a higher degree of specificity, minimizing off-target effects on healthy cells and tissues. * Lower Manufacturing Costs: Advances in RNA synthesis and production techniques are driving down manufacturing costs, potentially making RNA therapies more accessible and affordable. * Targeting Undruggable Proteins: RNA therapeutics can target proteins that were previously considered "undruggable" with small molecules, expanding the range of potential drug targets. * Potential for Gene Editing: RNA-based therapies, such as CRISPR-Cas9, hold promise for precise gene editing and the treatment of genetic diseases at their root cause. * Immunomodulation: RNA molecules can be designed to stimulate or inhibit immune responses, making them valuable tools in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and for enhancing cancer immunotherapies. * Reduced Development Risk: The ability to rapidly iterate and optimize RNA therapies in preclinical and clinical stages can reduce the risks associated with drug development. * Therapeutic Innovation: RNA therapeutics represent a novel class of drugs that can complement existing treatment modalities, offering innovative solutions to unmet medical needs. Media Contact Company Name: MarketsandMarkets Trademark Research Private Ltd. Contact Person: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=rna-therapeutics-market-future-trends-new-opportunities-business-growth-share-global-size-demand-key-segments-and-forecast ] Phone: 18886006441 Address:1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 City: Florida State: Florida Country: United States Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/rna-therapeutics-market-235963408.html This release was published on openPR.
AP Trending SummaryBrief at 4:32 a.m. EST
India & Kuwait Ink Defence Pact, Elevate Ties To Strategic Partnership After PM Modi Meets Top Kuwaiti LeadersBayan al-Hinnawi, who spent years behind bars in Bashar al-Assad's Syria, joined crowds in the heartland of the Druze minority on Friday to celebrate the president's fall, "a dream" come true for the former prisoner. Hundreds of people descended on Sweida's main square, singing and clapping in jubilation, just days after Islamist-led rebels took the capital Damascus, sending Assad fleeing. The Druze-majority city in Syria's south has been a focal point of renewed anti-government demonstrations over the past year and a half. On Friday, residents waved Syria's pre-Assad flag of white, green and black with three stars, and raised olive branches in a sign of peace. Some of them have lost family members during the anti-government uprising that began in 2011 and spiralled into civil war. Others, like Hinnawi, had languished in prison under the Assad family's five-decade rule. "It was a dream," said 77-year-old Hinnawi of Assad's ouster. Decades ago, a few years after Hafez al-Assad seized power -- which he later handed over to his son Bashar -- a 23-year-old Hinnawi was jailed. He was released 17 years later. The grey-haired man said he had "dreamed that one day the regime would fall", but did not believe that he would live to see the day. "It's a wonderful sight. Nobody could have imagined that this could happen", he said. But his joy was incomplete, remembering the many who have died in jail. "I wish that those who died when I was imprisoned in Mazzeh or Saydnaya could see this scene," said Hinnawi. Since Assad's fall, rebel forces and residents have broken into both detention centres, freeing political prisoners and searching for long-missing loved ones. Activists and rights groups say the Assad government tortured and abused inmates at both facilities. "I got out when I was 40, I missed out of my whole life," said Hinnawi, who served in the Syrian army before being jailed. Recalling torture behind bars, he said that "no oppressor in history has done what they did to us." Since Sunday, the ousted government's security forces were nowhere to be seen in Sweida, and the office of Assad's Baath party has been abandoned, as have army checkpoints on the road to Damascus. Local armed men are present, but not the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham which spearheaded the rebel offensive against Assad. Siham Zein al-Din, who lost her son in 2014 after he defected from the national army to join rebel fighters, said he had "sacrificed his life... for freedom, for dignity". The family was still searching for Khaldun's remains, said his 60-year-old mother. Like her son, some members of the Druze community took up arms against Assad's forces during the war. The Druze, who also live in Lebanon, Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, make up about three percent of Syria's population, around 700,000 people. Beyond defending themselves from attacks in the areas where they live, Syria's Druze largely stayed on the sidelines of the civil war. Many managed to avoid compulsory conscription since 2011. Residents of Sweida have long complained of discrimination and the lack of basic services. Many buildings in the city are constructed from black volcanic stone that can be found in the area, and its roads have fallen into disrepair. Sheikh Marwan Hussein Rizk, a religious leader, said that "Sweida province has been marginalised" for decades, with most of its residents living in poverty. But, surrounded by the joyful protesters, Rizk said better days may be coming. "Today, we look to the future and ask for a helping hand... Our hand is extended to all Syrians." Next to him, resident Hussein Bondok held up a poster of his brother Nasser, a journalist and opposition activist who was last heard from in 2014 when he was arrested. Bondok, 54, said he believes his brother was likely killed under torture in one of Damascus's prisons. Nasser struggled for freedom, Bondok said. "I want to congratulate him now, because the seeds he had planted with his brothers-in-arms has become a tree." lk/ami/it
Giants release quarterback Daniel Jones just days after benching him EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The Daniel Jones era in New York is over. The Giants quarterback was granted his release by the team just days after the franchise said it was benching him in favor of third-stringer Tommy DeVito. New York president John Mara said Jones approached the team about releasing him and the club obliged. Mara added he was “disappointed” at the quick dissolution of a once-promising relationship between Jones and the team. Giants coach Brian Daboll benched Jones in favor of DeVito following a loss to the Panthers in Germany that dropped New York's record to 2-8. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. Week 16 game between Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers flexed to Thursday night spot The Los Angeles Chargers have played their way into another prime time appearance. Justin Herbert and company have had their Dec. 22 game against the Denver Broncos flexed to Thursday night, Dec. 19. Friday’s announcement makes this the first time a game has been flexed to the Thursday night spot. The league amended its policy last season where Thursday night games in Weeks 13 through 17 could be flexed with at least 28 days notice prior to the game. The matchup of AFC West division rivals bumps the game between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals to Sunday afternoon. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Red Bull brings wrong rear wing to Las Vegas in mistake that could stall Verstappen's title chances LAS VEGAS (AP) — Max Verstappen is suddenly in jeopardy of being denied a fourth consecutive Formula 1 title Saturday night. Red Bull apparently brought the wrong rear wing to Las Vegas and GPS data showed its two cars to be significantly slower on the straights than both McLaren and Mercedes, which led both practice sessions. Red Bull says it doesn’t have a replacement rear wing in Las Vegas to fix the issue and little chance of getting two flown in from England ahead of the race. Caitlin Clark to join Cincinnati bid for 16th National Women's Soccer League team WNBA star Caitlin Clark has joined Cincinnati’s bid for an expansion National Women’s Soccer League team. Major League Soccer franchise FC Cincinnati is heading the group vying to bring a women’s pro team to the city. The club issued a statement confirming Clark had joined the bid group. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman has said the league plans to announce the league’s 16th team by the end of the year. The league's 15th team will begin play in 2026 in Boston. Aaron Judge won't be bothered if Juan Soto gets bigger contract from Yankees than his $360M deal NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge won’t be bothered if Juan Soto gets a bigger deal from the New York Yankees than the captain’s $360 million, nine-year contract. Speaking a day after he was a unanimous winner of his second MVP, Judge says “It ain’t my money” and adds "that’s never been something on my mind about who gets paid the most.” Judge led the major leagues with 58 homers, 144 RBIs and 133 walks while hitting .322. Soto batted .288 with 41 homers, 109 RBIs and 129 walks in his first season with the Yankees, then became a free agent at age 26. In a 'Final Four-type weekend,' two top-6 clashes put women's college basketball focus on West Coast LOS ANGELES (AP) — Two games featuring four powerhouse teams has put the focus in women's college basketball on the West Coast this weekend. JuJu Watkins and No. 3 Southern California host Hannah Hidalgo and No. 6 Notre Dame on Saturday. Top-ranked South Carolina visits Lauren Betts and fifth-ranked UCLA on Sunday. Both games are nationally televised and the arenas are expected to be packed. WNBA scouts will be on hand to check out some of the nation's top talent. Two teams will come away with their first losses of the season. USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb calls it “a Final Four-type weekend.” A documentary featuring Watkins will air on NBC ahead of USC's game, which leads into the Army-Notre Dame football game. Noodles and wine are the secret ingredients for a strange new twist in China's doping saga Blame it on the noodles. That's what one Chinese official suggested when anti-doping leaders were looking for answers for the doping scandal that cast a shadow over this year's Olympic swim meet. Earlier this year, reports that 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive for a banned heart medication emerged. None were sanctioned because Chinese authorities determined the swimmers were contaminated by traces of the drug spread about a hotel kitchen. In a strange twist, the leader of China's anti-doping agency suggested this case could have been similar to one in which criminals were responsible for tainting noodles that were later eaten by another Chinese athlete who also tested positive for the drug. Athletes see climate change as threatening their sports and their health. Some are speaking up BAKU, Azerbaijan (AP) — Pragnya Mohan has been a professional triathlete for nearly a decade, but summers in her native India are now so hot that she can’t train there anymore. And she worries about a day when heat around the world kills her sport entirely. She was among athletes who spoke at the United Nations climate summit in Azerbaijan about the threat global warming poses to them, to fans and to sport itself. They described how extreme weather is making training and competing difficult or impossible. With billions of fans worldwide, some athletes and leagues are trying to get more people to care, and act, on climate change.
The Gauteng Department of Education has confirmed that yet another child has died due to suspected food poisoning. The Grade 2 learner from Thabisile Primary School in Diepkloof, Soweto, reportedly died on Friday, 22 November. GRADE 2 LEARNER DIES FROM SUSPECTED FOOD POISONING According to the Gauteng Department of Education the learner allegedly fell ill on Wednesday, 20 November, after reportedly consuming biscuits from a local spaza shop. Her condition reportedly worsened over the course of the next two days, and she was taken to Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital on Friday, where she was tragically declared deceased. Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said at this stage, the exact cause of her passing remains unclear. The relevant authorities are conducting investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. Mabona said they have dispatched the psycho-social support unit to provide counselling to the affected family, learners, and staff at Thabisile Primary School on Monday, 25 November. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and school community during this difficult time. We remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all learners and will continue to monitor developments closely,” Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said. Meanwhile, on Friday, a five-year-old Grade R learner also from Diepkloof in Soweto, Gauteng died from suspected food poisoning after consuming snacks bought from a local spaza shop. Three other minors who were hospitalised. FOODBORNE ILLNESSES CLASSIFIED AS A NATIONAL DISASTER On Thursday, 21 November, ministers leading the multidisciplinary teams in government responsible for the national response to foodborne illnesses held a media briefing to outline the government’s action plan to manage foodborne diseases. Justice Minister Thembi Simelane said the disaster management centre had classified foodborne illnesses as a national disaster under the National Disaster Act. Simelane said the classification encourages all organs of state, the private sector, and communities to improve their risk-avoidance practices by adhering to food safety legislation, standards and procedures. Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.Words on ammo in CEO shooting echo common phrase on insurer tactics: Delay, deny, defend A message left at the scene of an insurance executive’s fatal shooting echoes a phrase commonly used to describe insurer tactics to avoid paying claims. The words “deny,” “defend” and “depose” were written on the ammunition used to kill UnitedHealthcare's CEO. That's according to two officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday. The words are similar to the phrase “delay, deny, defend.” That's how attorneys describe insurers denying services and payment, and the title of a 2010 book critical of the industry. Police haven’t officially commented on the words. But Thompson’s shooting and the messages on the ammunition have sparked outrage on social media and elsewhere, reflecting frustration Americans have over the cost and complexity of getting care. Bitcoin has surpassed the $100,000 mark as the post-election rally continues. What's next? NEW YORK (AP) — Bitcoin has topped the $100,000 mark, extending a rally in the world’s most popular cryptocurrency sparked by the election of Donald Trump. The milestone comes just hours after the president-elect signaled a lighter regulatory approach to the crypto industry with his choice of crypto advocate Paul Atkins to be the next chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Bitcoin has soared to unprecedented heights since Trump won the election Nov. 5. The cryptocurrency has climbed dramatically from $69,374 on Election Day and rose to more than $103,000 before falling back below $100,000 by Thursday afternoon. US judge rejects Boeing's plea deal in a conspiracy case stemming from fatal plane crashes DALLAS (AP) — A federal judge has rejected a deal that would have let Boeing to plead guilty to a felony conspiracy charge and pay a fine for misleading U.S. regulators about the 737 Max jetliner before two of the planes crashed and 346 people died. U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor in Texas said that diversity, inclusion and equity or DEI policies in the government and at Boeing could result in race being a factor in picking an official to oversee Boeing’s compliance with the agreement. His ruling on Thursday creates uncertainty around the criminal prosecution of the aerospace giant. The judge gave Boeing and the Justice Department 30 days to tell him how they plan to proceed. McKinsey subsidiary will pay $122M for scheme to bribe South African officials, US says WASHINGTON (AP) — An African subsidiary of the consulting firm McKinsey & Company Inc. will pay a criminal penalty of more than $122 million to resolve a U.S. Justice Department investigation into a yearslong scheme to bribe South African government officials. The Justice Department says the scheme involved bribes to officials with South Africa’s state-owned and state-controlled custodian of ports, rails, and pipelines, as well as its state-controlled energy company. It netted McKinsey Africa and its parent company $85 million in profits between 2012 and 2016, officials said. McKinsey said in a statement that it “welcomes the resolution of these matters and the closure of this regretful situation.” EPA hails 'revitalized' enforcement efforts as Biden administration heads to exit WASHINGTON (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency says it concluded more than 1,850 civil cases this year, a 3.4% increase over 2023, and charged 121 criminal defendants, a 17.6% increase over the previous year. The agency also issued $1.7 billion in financial penalties, more than double last year's total. Thursday's report was the final one account of Biden-era enforcement actions before President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January. Enforcement efforts included first-ever criminal charges for a California man accused of smuggling climate-damaging air coolants into the United States. Engine maker Cummins Inc. paid more than $2 billion in fines and penalties after it was found to use illegal software to skirt diesel emissions tests. Work-life balance isn't working for women. Why? NEW YORK (AP) — About half of working women reported feeling stressed “a lot of the day,” compared to about 4 in 10 men, according to a Gallup report published Wednesday. The report suggests that competing demands of work and home comprise part of the problem: working women who are parents or guardians are more likely than men who are parents to say they have declined or delayed a promotion at work because of personal or family obligations, and mothers are more likely than fathers to “strongly agree” that they are the default responders for unexpected child care issues. But changing workplace culture and prioritizing well-being can improve the problem, according to Karen Guggenheim, creator of the World Happiness Summit. From outsider to the Oval Office, bitcoin surges as a new administration embraces crypto NEW YORK (AP) — Bitcoin burst on the scene after trust had withered in the financial system and Washington’s ability to protect people from it. Now, it’s Washington’s embrace of bitcoin that’s sending it to records. Bitcoin briefly surged above $103,000 after President-elect Donald Trump said he will nominate Paul Atkins, who's seen as friendly to crypto, to be the Securities and Exchange Commission's next chair. The crypto industry, meanwhile, did its part to bring politicians friendly to digital currencies into Washington. It's a twist from bitcoin's early days, when it was lauded as a kind of electronic cash that wouldn’t be beholden to any government or financial institution. Stock market today: Wall Street edges back from its records as bitcoin briefly pops above $100,000 NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks edged back from their records as Wall Street counted down to a big jobs report that’s coming on Friday. The S&P 500 fell 0.2% Thursday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.6%, and the Nasdaq composite sank 0.2% from its own all-time high. The crypto market had more action, and bitcoin briefly burst to a record above $103,000 before falling back toward $99,000. It's climbed dramatically since Election Day on hopes President-elect Donald Trump will be more friendly to crypto. Airline stocks were strong, while Treasury yields held relatively steady in the bond market. Key members of OPEC+ alliance are putting off production increases amid slack crude prices FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Eight members of the OPEC+ alliance of oil exporting countries have decided to put off increasing oil production as they face weaker than expected demand and competing production from non-allied countries — factors that could keep oil prices stagnant into next year. The OPEC+ members decided at an online meeting to postpone by three months production increases that had been scheduled to take effect Jan. 1. The plan had been to start gradually restoring 2.2 million barrels per day over the course of 2025. That process will now be pushed back to April 1, 2025 and production increases will gradually take place over 18 months until October 2026. Eli Lilly invests $3B to expand Wisconsin factory to help meet demand for Mounjaro, Zepbound Eli Lilly is spending another $3 billion to bulk up manufacturing as the drugmaker seeks to stoke production of some blockbuster drugs and future products. Lilly said Thursday it will expand a Kenosha County, Wisconsin, factory it bought early this year. The investment will help meet growing demand for injectable products like its diabetes and obesity drugs, Mounjaro and Zepbound. Those drugs brought in a combined $4.4 billion in sales for Lilly in this year’s third quarter. The drugmaker plans to start construction of the expansion next year.