Photo: The Canadian Press Michael Nantais, manager at vertical microgreens outfit Living Earth Farm, poses for a photograph in Toronto, Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024. It was a Netflix documentary Michael Nantais watched during the early months of the pandemic that cemented his love of sustainable farming. Nantais, who grew up just outside of Montreal in Pointe-Claire, started experimenting in his mother's backyard — growing kale, cucumbers, and zucchinis for the first time more than four years ago. "I didn't really know much at that time," the now 26-year-old said. "I was buying seedlings and planting them." Then came the rush of changes to his life and career plans. Nantais switched from an economics degree at university to a biology program to learn more about plants. He focused on learning everything about farming — first from a plant soil lab and later at a vertical farm in Montreal. Vertical farming stacks crops vertically in layers, typically in an indoor setup, which allows farmers to control lighting, humidity, and temperature. It's gaining popularity, especially in urban areas. "Was my mind set on vertical farming when I switched to biology? The answer is no," Nantais recalled. "I was open-minded ... I just wanted to learn," he said. Younger Canadians may not own the farmland or heavy machinery needed to launch traditional agriculture careers, but they are equipped with technology. That's changing how they get their foot in the door — even when they don't come from farm families. Traditionally, many agriculture students came from rural areas and planned to take over a farm eventually, said Jay Steeves, dean of Werklund School of Agriculture & Technology at Olds College in Alberta. Now, more students from urban areas are joining agricultural programs at schools, and graduates are finding niche areas of the field. "It's not just that broad acre farming with large operations," said Steeves. "We're starting to see indoor agriculture, the idea of produce and food creation for a growing population." Steeves recalled a school project a year ago when a student grew lettuce in their dorm room and was able to control different environments, moisture and light intensity remotely. "That idea of a student or an individual in a small, little dorm room with a growing operation the size of a mini-fridge is part of agriculture at this point in time," Steeves said, "and is now producing food that can be used and consumed by anyone on the planet." Innovation is key for aspiring farmers, said Craig Klemmer, principal economist at Farm Credit Canada. Starting small could be the first step. "With the changing face of the Canadian population, it's creating new opportunities for markets," he said. For instance, there's been a growing demand for sheep and goat meat, which can be started small and scaled up. Others are looking into more niche areas of the sector, he said — growing herbs or working in sustainable farming — which need fewer capital investments and resources to get operations going. "When you look at the opportunities, it's more on the smaller niche," Klemmer said. "Finding a new and creative solution, making some partnerships would be good ways to start." Nantais moved to Toronto last year to set up his own vertical farm business with an investment from his uncle but ran into a logistical issue: finding an appropriate rental space for the operation. He decided instead to partner with an existing vertical farm, Living Earth Farm, which grows sunflowers, peas, radishes, basil, cilantro and arugula, among other microgreens. He operates the farm as a partner and plans to be there for a while. "Hopefully, we can expand, increase our supply and start selling more of it." Exploring niche areas of farming comes at a time when the costs of farmland and farm machines have gone up exponentially over the years. The price of farmland in southern Ontario has gone up from an average of $2,616 per hectare in 1996 to approximately $23,100 per hectare in 2023, according to Farm Credit Canada's historical farmland values report. Other provinces have seen similar price jumps. "The reality, if we look at traditional crop production in Canada at large scale, they are very high barriers to entry," Klemmer said. "It would require quite a bit of capital to make those investments." That means not everyone is in a position to own a facility or run farmland, no matter the size. Steeves said many young graduates from the agricultural college are pivoting to areas such as crop science and working with larger producers to help them become more efficient. "A farmer isn't your classic picture, (a) person standing in the field, getting their hands dirty working with animals," Steeves said. Field work including drone assessments, pest management and soil testing are jobs increasingly finding a place among modern agriculture workers who want to be a part of the food system but can't own their own operations. "It's not so much operating and owning but doing more of the consulting for production," Steeves said. Resiliency can go a long way for a young farmer. Just like any other job, Steeves said, aspiring farmers need soft skills such as networking and the ability to move around for jobs. Despite rising interest in farming and a growing culture of grow-your-own-food, there remains a shortage in labour supply in the farming sector. As a large number of Canadian farmers head into retirement, fewer young people are stepping up to take on those roles. About 61 per cent of Canadian farm operators were 55 and older, according to a 2021 Statistics Canada report. Meanwhile, the number of farmers under 35 fell to 8.6 per cent as of 2021, compared with 11.5 per cent in 2001. "I think we still need more people," Steeves said. He said there's a place for everyone to be a part of agriculture — if not at the farmer or producer level — and still feel connected to the industry. "We're still trying to get rid of that myth that you have to come from this background in order to be involved," Steeves said.
Title: Sun Xingmin Rumored to Move to Turkish Super Lig, Barcelona Agent Quickly Denies and Clarifies Still in Talks with Tottenham HotspurAdditionally, market dynamics and housing trends should be closely monitored to gauge the potential risks and rewards of investing in real estate amidst a changing financial landscape. Consulting with real estate professionals and financial advisors can provide valuable insights into market conditions and assist in making informed decisions regarding property purchases.
Fair Grounds Field demolition. Nov. 25, 2024. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save One thing I learned in my last job was that you feel your age when you start covering the children of athletes you covered years earlier, or when those athletes you covered years before become coaches on your beat. I learned a new lesson Monday, just weeks into this job with The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate, where sports isn't really my beat — I'm bringing you news of public safety and the courts — but I found myself standing in the parking lot of Fair Grounds Field as the monster slowly beat away at the stadium. It's being demolished at a cost of $334,000 by Lloyd D. Nabors Demolition , and one machine was on site Monday afternoon, pounding away at cement on one end of the stands. The lesson? Even the things you don't appreciate enough hurt a bit when they disappear. Fair Grounds Field was state of the art in the 1980s, when I first worked there, running the message center part of the scoreboard. I typed in each hitter's stats and designed graphics to run with each commercial as it played over the intercom or was read by John James Marshall over the public address system. No baseball expert, I worked the job for income, but for some unknown reason I've held on to my first Shreveport Captains polo shirt. It will outlive the stadium itself, though it's been in approximately the same condition for some time. Regardless of your interest in the game itself, there is something so very American about going to a baseball game. And there was something so very Shreveport about Fair Grounds Field. Now subject to the wrecking ball, the stadium opened in 1986, giving the Shreveport Captains Double A baseball team a place to play that didn't embarrass that operation or the city. SPAR Stadium, the team's previous home and just northwest of what is now the Interstate 20/Interstate 49 intersection, seemed to my young eyes to have been a place where cheap beer was its biggest attraction, not for me but for the few who attended games in its final years. Fair Grounds Field brought the city so much more. It was a 4,200-seat place for families to enjoy an evening's entertainment. Tickets could be cheap, even free; the Captains made their money from concessions. Those of us working in the press box got free meals every night, but sometimes you had that urge to bypass what was free to make the walk to the grill adjacent to left field. Those were good hamburgers. Fair Grounds Field demolition, Nov. 25, 2024. The first paycheck I could physically hold in my hands came from that Captains franchise. I saw my first baseball brawl there, and it was shown on national highlight shows. Dee Dixon, himself a fixture on the roster at the time, took his best tool — speed — and turned it into an inside the park grand slam one pitch before a dugout-clearing brawl recalled by Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate sports editor Roy Lang earlier this year. Two pitchers combined for a no-hitter, and it was only the first game of a doubleheader. I remember seeing the San Diego Chicken, as he was known before he lost the city part of his name, and, yes, I got to see him out of costume. I remember at least one Texas League All-Star game and, more significantly to me, a mid-season exhibition against the parent club, the San Francisco Giants. Will Clark was on that team, and I think the Captains won by a run, though the Giants' stars made only short appearances early in the game. For some reason, I remember Marshall's frustration with himself when he learned that Kirt Manwaring, elevated to the Giants, had been dubbed Kirt "What is that" Manwaring by ESPN's Chris Berman. Marshall, who liked to come up with his own monikers for Captains, hadn't thought of it. Royce Clayton, Rod Beck and Juan Gonzalez are among many other players I saw play before their Major League careers. Another memory of mine, being a college student living in Louisiana Tech's Neilson dorm at the time — the dorm where I twice had to climb out of an elevator is already demolished — is that I counted down the outs as the game neared the ninth inning. I had an hour's drive ahead of me and classes the next day, couldn't wait to leave. I thought of that Monday, too, as I watched the monster tear apart cement along the first-base line. As much as I couldn't wait to leave all those nights, now it stings to see it go.
After three months of bargaining over issues like artificial intelligence, wages, shrinking crews, and more, The Animation Guild has reached a tentative agreement for a new three-year contract with the group that represents Hollywood's studios, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). Negotiations initially began on August 12 between TAG and the AMPTP, although the two organizations did not come to an agreement in the five days allotted for bargaining. Negotiations resumed on September 16, with the tentative agreement being reached on Saturday morning and announced on Monday, per a email from TAG sent to guild members. Among the issues that TAG touts gains in are stronger AI guardrails, including consultation and notification provisions; health and pension fund improvements; wage increases; protections for remote work; additional sick days; and the recognition of Juneteenth as a holiday. They also note "craft-specific gains," including staffing minimums for writers rooms. A tentative agreement between TAG and the AMPTP is a massive step forward, but it doesn't mean the new contract is set in stone quite yet. The next step will be a ratification vote by the members, which is currently being scheduled. While there were many issues at play, getting stricter protections for generative AI was a major one for this round of negotiations, something that also played a large role in and and the . IGN ran about how it's become a hot-button topic in the animation industry specifically, with some believing the technology could make their work more efficient and others arguing it's not worth risking jobs or artistic integrity. “After weeks of negotiations that covered months in the calendar, I am very proud of the agreement that we reached with the studios for our new contract,” said Steve Kaplan, TAG Business Representative, said in a statement. “Not only have we seen the inclusion of the advancements in the industry realized by the other Unions and Guilds, but we were able to address industry-specific issues in a meaningful way. The animation industry at large has been facing issues like crunch, layoffs, and low pay for years now, spawning an entire #StandWithAnimation movement. For more, check out our .( MENAFN - EIN Presswire) NextBee adds energy policy expert Jared Johnson to lead sustainability programs helping organizations transition to sustainable practices & compliance. SAN MATEO, CA, UNITED STATES, December 21, 2024 /EINPresswire / -- NextBee Corporation today announced two significant developments in its sustainability initiatives: the launch of Practice Green, a revolutionary employee engagement platform, and a strategic partnership with Jared Johnson, a distinguished energy policy and advocacy expert based in Washington, DC, to strengthen its presence in policy-driven sustainability programs. The Practice Green platform combines powerful gamification features with comprehensive sustainability tracking, enabling organizations to reduce their environmental footprint while achieving significant cost savings. Through customizable challenges, rewards systems, and integration capabilities with major HR platforms, Practice Green offers a unique approach to making sustainability engaging and measurable. Through this strategic partnership, NextBee strengthens its ability to help organizations navigate the complex landscape of energy policy and sustainable transformation. The addition of Johnson to the consultant partner network marks a significant step in NextBee's commitment to supporting organizations in their transition to sustainable practices. Johnson brings extensive experience in energy systems advocacy and sustainability policy, and will focus on helping NextBee expand its Practice Green platform to organizations navigating the transition away from fossil fuels. His expertise in addressing political and social complexities of sustainable transformation will help organizations engage their workforce while meeting policy compliance requirements. Key features of Practice Green include: Process adoption checklists and sustainable practice challenges Gamification elements including badges, leaderboards, and reward points Integration capabilities with major HR systems including SuccessFactors, Workday, and Oracle HCM Cloud Comprehensive sustainability reporting and analytics Employee-driven innovation through sustainable idea submissions Volunteer hour tracking and recognition systems Practice Green is available immediately for organizations across all industries, with particular benefits for technology companies, healthcare organizations, manufacturers, retailers, and financial institutions. Through this new partnership, NextBee will offer specialized implementations focusing on policy compliance and advocacy-driven sustainability initiatives, leveraging Johnson's expertise in energy policy and sustainable transformation. About NextBee Corporation NextBee Corporation, based in San Mateo, CA, is a leading provider of engagement solutions that help organizations drive meaningful participation in key initiatives. Through innovative technology and proven engagement strategies, NextBee helps companies achieve their strategic goals while building stronger relationships with their employees. About Jared Johnson Based in Washington, DC, Jared Johnson is an advocacy and policy expert focused on facilitating humanity's transition away from fossil fuels. His expertise spans energy systems, political complexities, and social constructs that influence sustainable transformation, making him a valuable advisor for organizations navigating the path to sustainability. Media Contact: Rohit Singh ... NextBee 1668 Yorktown Road, San Mateo, CA, 94402 Rohit Singh NextBee email us here Visit us on social media: Facebook X LinkedIn Instagram Other Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above. MENAFN21122024003118003196ID1109020090 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.The tech giant Google is under scrutiny once again as the European Union launches an investigation into allegations of a secret advertising collaboration with Meta, formerly known as Facebook. The European Commission has requested Google to provide crucial details and information regarding this clandestine partnership as part of the ongoing investigation.
NEW YORK (AP) — Minnesota pitchers Justin Topa and Brock Stewart agreed to one-year contracts ahead of Friday's tender deadline along with fellow right-hander Triston McKenzie of Cleveland and Cole Sulser of Tampa Bay. Agreements and non-tenders reduced players eligible for arbitration to 169 from 238 at the start of last week.New Delhi: Yuletide spirit gripped the nation as people thronged churches across states for special prayers on Christmas and families came together to celebrate the joyous occasion. The festive spirit started with special midnight masses in various churches, pealing of church bells and singing of carols. Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people on the occasion, wishing them peace and prosperity. He said on X, “Wishing you all a Merry Christmas. May the teachings of Lord Jesus Christ show everyone the path of peace and prosperity.” The prime minister also shared highlights from his participation at the Christmas celebrations hosted by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India on Monday. In Goa which has nearly 30 per cent Christian population, thousands of devotees reached churches from midnight to celebrate the birth of Lord Jesus. They offered prayers and sang carols in praise of Jesus Christ. People decorated their houses and commercial establishments with bright colourful lights and put up beautifully made cribs, depicting the birth of Lord Jesus. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant extended greetings to the people, saying the festival teaches the values of peace, compassion and harmony. In his Christmas message on Tuesday, Archbishop of Goa and Daman Fr Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrao said that in a world often overshadowed by war, division and suffering, the birth of Jesus reminds us that God has not abandoned us. In Christian-majority Mizoram, Christmas was celebrated with religious enthusiasm and traditional fervour. Traditional congregational singing services called ‘Zaikhawm’ were held by all churches to sing Christmas songs and hymns. Christmas celebration began on Tuesday evening locally known as “Urlawk zan’ or pre-Christmas night during which worship service, dedication of Christmas halls and congregational singing were held by churches. Chief Minister Lalduhoma greeted the people on the occasion. In Mizoram, which celebrated the centenary of the arrival of Christianity back in 1994, Christmas is a blend of religious and traditional fervour. Notwithstanding an English way of celebration, the proselytised Mizos follow their own way of celebrations in tune with their historic traditions. The state government has banned firecrackers to ensure peaceful and pollution-free celebration. In Arunachal Pradesh, prayers for peace and prosperity were held in churches across the state. People from other religions also joined their Christian friends to celebrate the occasion. Governor Lt Gen K T Parnaik (Retd) and Chief Minister Pema Khandu extended their greetings to the people on the occasion. In neighbouring Assam, Christmas was celebrated with religious fervour. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and other prominent political leaders wished the people of the state on the auspicious occasion. “Wishing a #MerryChristmas to everyone celebrating! May this holy occasion bring in good health and prosperity to all,” Sarma said in a post on X. Nagaland, another Christian-majority state, celebrated Christmas with fun and frolic, as people took part in special prayer services and feasts. Decorative lights and Christmas stars lit homes, streets, government offices and commercial buildings while revellers moved around in groups on Christmas eve on Tuesday night singing carols and wishing people ‘Merry Christmas’. At the stroke of midnight, fireworks lit the sky and the air was filled with tolling of church bells. On Wednesday morning, people thronged churches in their finest dresses and attended prayer services in which sermons were delivered on the purpose of the birth of Jesus Christ. Nagaland Governor La Ganesan, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and other senior leaders extended Christmas greetings to all on the joyous occasion. The Christian community in Jammu and Kashmir celebrated the festival as devotees, including tourists, held special prayers. The churches across the Kashmir valley were decked up and decorated with colourful bunting, lights and balloons. The biggest Mass was held at the Holy Family Catholic Church at Maulana Azad Road in Srinagar, where members of the Christian community had assembled to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Among the believers were a few tourists who joined the locals on the auspicious day. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha greeted the members of the Christian community on the occasion, and asked the people to imbibe Jesus Christ’s message of love and compassion. J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also greeted people, hoping the day augurs well for peace and prosperity in the Union territory. In West Bengal, people thronged churches throughout the day and attended prayer services. Decorative lights adored houses in Christian-majority areas of Kolkata, Krishnanagar, Baruipur and Alipurduar, among others. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, “What makes Bengal truly extraordinary is that ‘unity in diversity’ isn’t just an ideal we cherish, it’s the very soul of who we are. This spirit of togetherness resonates deeply during the festive season.” She attended the midnight mass at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Rosary. In Jharkhand’s Ranchi, thousands of people thronged various churches for special prayers on Tuesday midnight. A Christmas gathering was held at St Mary’s Cathedral in the presence of Ranchi Archbishop Vincent Aind. Expressing best wishes to the people of Jharkhand, Aind said that they share the happiness of the occasion with all. Governor Santosh Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren extended their wishes to the people of the state on the occasion. In southern state of Kerala, special prayers began in churches across the state on Tuesday evening and concluded with midnight masses. Cardinal George Koovakkattil led prayers at Lourde Forane Church in Thiruvananthapuram, while Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, Major Archbishop of the Malankara Catholic Church, led services at St Mary’s Church in Pattom. In Wayanad district, survivors of the landslide-affected Mundakkai and Chooralmala areas gathered at St Sebastian Church in Chooralmala on Tuesday evening. A special prayer service was held on Tuesday at 7 pm, where attendees remembered their loved ones who had been lost in the disaster. In neighbouring Tamil Nadu, religious fervour and gaiety marked Christmas celebrations with special prayers being held across churches. The Santhome Basilica Church, one of the popular churches in Chennai, held a special Holy Mass, while the Annai Velankanni and the St Thomas Mount shrine also witnessed people gathering in large numbers to offer prayers. Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi, Chief Minister M K Stalin, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and various political leaders have extended their greetings on the occasion. The festival was also celebrated in other southern states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
In the final moments of the championship match, Team Answers faced off against their formidable opponents in a showdown that kept viewers on the edge of their seats. With the spotlight shining brightly upon them, Team Answers delivered a performance of sheer brilliance, outmaneuvering their rivals with calculated precision and unwavering resolve. Every move, every decision, and every play reflected their commitment to excellence and their relentless pursuit of victory.As Greenwood continues to light up the pitch with his goal-scoring exploits, the footballing world watches in anticipation to see just how far he can go in his career. With his talent, determination, and hunger for success, there is no doubt that Mason Greenwood is destined for greatness and will continue to set new records and break barriers in the world of football.
Investing in wellness
Agreements and non-tenders reduced players eligible for arbitration to 169 from 238 at the start of last week. Teams and players are to exchange proposed arbitration salaries on Jan. 9, 2025, and those who don’t reach agreements will be scheduled for hearings from Jan. 27 through Feb. 14, 2025, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Topa was guaranteed $1,225,000 as part of a deal that included a $1 million salary for 2025 and a $2 million team option for 2026 with a $225,000 buyout. Stewart agreed to an $870,000 salary and can earn $30,000 in bonuses for days on the active roster: $10,000 for 112 and $20,000 for 142. McKenzie agreed to a $1.95 million, one-year contract and Sulser to a one-year deal that pays $900,000 in the major leagues and $450,000 while in the minors. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB
One of the key challenges faced by the technical director and the development team is striking a balance between honoring the spirit of the original game and implementing new features and enhancements. While fans may have fond memories of the original title, expectations for a remake are higher, requiring the team to carefully consider which elements to preserve and which to innovate upon. This delicate balancing act necessitates a deep appreciation for the legacy of the game, as well as a willingness to push boundaries and explore new creative possibilities.
Adani Group Denies Binding Agreement For Kenya Airport Amid Cancellation Reports
A huge redevelopment of the former ITV Studios building on the South Bank has finally got the go-ahead following a High Court battle. The High Court has ruled in favour of former Housing Secretary Michael Gove’s decision to transform the landmark, where shows such as Good Morning Britain and The Graham Norton Show used to be made before the studios were closed in 2018. Campaign group Save Our Southbank launched a judicial review against the decision and the case reached the High Court in October. The group previously argued the redevelopment, which it labelled the Slab, would be “ugly, overbearing and overly dominant for its prominent position on South Bank”. The High Court ruling now clears the way for developers Mitsubishi Estate London and CO—RE to demolish the 24-storey tower at the site, where Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and The Jonathan Ross Show also used to be made. The 50-year-old landmark was also known as the South Bank Studios and the LWT Tower and when it was finished in 1974 was the most technologically advanced television centre in Europe. The building at 72 Upper Ground will be replaced by a 25-storey office building connected to two buildings of 14 and six storeys, including rehearsal space, gallery and presentation spaces and studios, as well as cafes and restaurants facing the Thames. The proposal first received planning approval from Lambeth Council in March 2022. But it was called in by the Government and a public inquiry opened in December 2022. In a joint statement by Shinichi Kagitomi Chief Executive of Mitsubishi Estate London and Stephen Black, Director at CO—RE: “We welcome Justice Mould’s judgement. “At every stage of the planning process, our transformational plans for 72 Upper Ground have had the backing of senior politicians and independent experts including Lambeth Council and its planning officers, the GLA, DLUHC and the planning inspector. “We are looking forward to delivering an outstanding building that makes a significant positive contribution to the South Bank.” Following the decision, Michael Ball from Save Our South Bank said: “This judgement is a huge disappointment for anyone who loves the river and South Bank. “It supports Michael Gove’s wayward approval of a building about which he had great misgivings and acknowledged would harm a string of buildings of national prominence. “The decision reveals planning protections are flawed and have failed: the site is designated for housing, and could provide over 200 homes, but there is no housing, despite buildings which lend themselves to conversion; the demolition and development will generate huge amounts of carbon, which is completely unnecessary; the Queen’s Walk is not designated for tall buildings but will now get one; and a string of buildings of national prominence will not protected from harm.” “This will be a devastating decision for the community and we are considering our options carefully,” he added.As the game continues to dominate the gaming scene on Bilibili, many players are now asking themselves, "Are you updating yet?" The competitive nature of online gaming means that staying ahead of the curve is crucial, and players are eager to dive into the latest updates and experiences that "Black Myth: Wukong" has to offer.
In the upcoming 16th round of the English Premier League, all eyes will be on the highly anticipated Manchester derby between Manchester City and Manchester United. Adding to the excitement is the appointment of referee Anthony Taylor to officiate this crucial clash.
Nagpur, Dec 21, (IANS): Finally, the wait is over. Governor CP Radhakrishnan on Saturday approved the portfolio allocation to the ministers as recommended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The list was released after the conclusion of a weeklong winter session. Fadnavis will hold home, energy excluding renewable energy, law and judiciary, general administration, information and publicity and departments/subjects not allowed to any other minister. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will hold urban development, housing and public works (public enterprises) while Deputy CM Ajit Pawar will be in charge of planning and finance and excise. Chandrashekhar Bawankule will hold the revenue department while Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil will be in charge of the water resources department including Godavari and Krishna Valley Development Corporation. Hasan Mushrif will hold medical education, Chandrakant Patil higher and technical education and parliamentary affairs, Girish Mahajan water resources including Vidarbha, Tapi, Konkan Development Corporation and disaster management. Ganesh Naik will hold forest, Gulabrao Patil water supply and sanitation, Dadaji Bhuse school education, Dhananjay Munde food and civil supplies and consumer protection, Mangallrabhat Lodha skill development, employment, entrepreneurship and innovation, Uday Samant industries and Marathi Language, Jaykumar Rawal marketing and protocol, Pankaja Munde environment and climate change and animal husbandry and Ashok Uike tribal development. Atul Save will hold OBC welfare, dairy development and renewable energy, Shabhuraj Desai tourism, mining and ex-servicemen welfare, Ashish Shelar information technology and cultural affairs, Dattatray Bharne sports, youths welfare, minorities development and Aukaf, Aditi Tatkare women and child development and Shivendraraje Bhosale public works excluding public enterprises. Manikrao Kokate will be in charge of agriculture, Jaykumar Gore rural development and panchayat raj, Narhari Zirwal food and drug administration and special assistance, Sanjay Savkare textiles, Sanjay Shirsat social justice, Pratap Sarnaik transport and Bharatsheth Gogawale employment guarantee, horticulture, salt pan land development, Makrand Jadhav Patil relief and rehabilitation, Nitesh Rane fisheries and ports, Akash Fundkar labour, Babasaheb Patil cooperation and Prakash Abitkar public health and family welfare. The minister of state Ashish Jaiswal will hold finance and planning, agriculture, relief and rehabilitation, law and judiciary and labour while the minister of state Madhuri Misal urban development, transport, social justice, medical education, minorities development and Aukaf. Minister of State Pankaj Bhoyar will hold home (rural), housing, school education, cooperation and mining while Meghna Sakore Bordikar will get public health, family welfare, water supply and sanitation, energy, women and child development. Minister of State Indranil Naik will hold industries, public works, higher and technical education, tribal development, tourism, soils and water conservation while Yogesh Kadam will hold home (urban), revenue, rural development and panchayat raj, food and civil supplies and consumer protection, food and drug administration. Fadnavis had expanded his cabinet with the induction of 39 ministers on December 15. Even though he had announced that the portfolio allocation would be done in two days, it was delayed due to hard negotiations among the MahaYuti partners. The strength of the Fadnavis-led cabinet is 42 against 43 permissible under the legislative norms. Shinde insisted on allocating home, revenue and housing but BJP has rejected his demand while agreeing to give him housing. Ajit Pawar has retained planning and finance and in addition, got the excise department.Speculation surrounding a possible continuation of The Witcher franchise has been rampant ever since the release of the last game in 2015. Rumors and leaks have occasionally surfaced, fueling the excitement of fans who are eager to dive back into the rich lore and engaging gameplay that have made The Witcher series a standout in the realm of RPGs.
Celebrating their 40th anniversary this year, Midland Appliance has been named the 2024 Large Business of the Year for their impressive growth, resilience and strong community engagement. Midland Appliance is a leading provider of appliances, offering a wide range of products and services for retail customers, designers and home builders. Despite supply chain disruptions and uncertain economic conditions, the company has achieved five consecutive years of growth, driven by a commitment to customer relationships, employee retention and community engagement. From a single showroom with Maytag appliances to showcasing 60+ appliance brands across four locations, Midland has seen a passionate evolution through the decades. This evolution has included developing its four unique divisions that provide retail service, service to professional designers and specialized support for single and multi-family home builders. To support this development, Midland has seen exponential growth in its roster of employees and reach into community partnerships. It has steadily gained a reputation as both a leader in community fundraising initiatives and as a trusted employer. Many of Midland's current staff carry decades-long tenures of service at the company. Unchanged, however, is the signature of excellence it was founded on in 1984. Midland's first owner Tom Hleucka was not shy about embracing every role in its first B.C. location. From stocking, sweeping to greeting guests, Tom ran Midland with a gusto that has become a mainstay in Midland's philosophy. That same passion and excellence is Midland's guarantee to customers visiting any of their showrooms today. Got an opinion on this story or any others in Richmond? Send us a letter or email your thoughts or story tips to [email protected] . To stay updated on Richmond news, sign up for our daily headline newsletter . Words missing in article? Your adblocker might be preventing hyperlinked text from appearing.