Seongnam City to Participate in CES 2025, Paving the Way as a Global Innovation Hub
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Donte DiVincenzo scored 26 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the San Antonio Spurs 112-110 on Sunday night. Rudy Gobert had 17 points and 15 rebounds for the Timberwolves, won won their third straight. Julius Randle had 16 points, while Jaden McDaniels added 12 points and 10 boards for Minnesota. Anthony Edwards, who earlier in the day was fined $100,000 for continued use of profanity in postgame media comments, was held to 14 points, 11 below his season average. After DiVincenzo made one of two free throws with 12.1 seconds left, the Spurs had one more possession down 112-110. San Antonio found a wide-open Jeremy Sochan for 3, but he came up short. Wembanyama led San Antonio with 34 points and eight rebounds. Harrison Barnes had 24 points, Devin Vassell had 22 and Chris Paul dished out 14 assists. Spurs: Trailing by 13 early in the third quarter, Wembanyama keyed a 16-4 run by showcasing his diverse offensive skills. He scored in the low post, hit a 3, made a pair of free throws and drained two midrange jumpers. Timberwolves: Minnesota survived a brutal shooting night from 3-point range, making just 11 of 44 attempts from beyond the arc. DiVincenzo was 5 for 10, but Edwards and Randle combined to go 1 for 16. With 4:44 to play and the game tied at 101, Randle made a driving layup against Wembanyama that was initially whistled for an offensive foul. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch challenged the call, and the basket was allowed to stand. Minnesota didn't trail the rest of the way. In the first quarter, the Timberwolves made just 1 of 11 3-point attempts but went 9 for 9 inside the arc. The Spurs host the Clippers, and the Timberwolves visit Oklahoma City on Tuesday. AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba
Spotify Wrapped 2024 campaign debuts alongside Pop-Up Rave in ParramattaChargers QB Justin Herbert does not practice because of left ankle injury
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 - Story Trailer Experience the chaos, brutality and intrigue of the realistic world of the late Middle Ages.Henry, a young man seeking justice for his murdered parents, embarks on an epic adventure where his conscience, morality and integrity are put to the ultimate test.As blood feuds and political conspiracy unfold, Henry's choices will shape his destiny. Fortune favours the brave – but every decision has a price.Kingdom Come: Deliverance II arrives February 4, 2025 on PC, Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5.Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. stock underperforms Wednesday when compared to competitorsHow the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The benchmark index posted its first back-to-back annual gains of more than 20% since 1998. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing. But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin and gold surged and “Roaring Kitty” reappeared to briefly reignite the meme stock craze. Stock market today: Wall Street drifts to a mixed close in thin trading following a holiday pause Stock indexes drifted to a mixed finish on Wall Street as some heavyweight technology and communications sector stocks offset gains elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 slipped less than 0.1% Thursday, its first loss after three straight gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.1%. Gains by retailers and health care stocks helped temper the losses. Trading volume was lighter than usual as U.S. markets reopened following the Christmas holiday. The Labor Department reported that U.S. applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years. Treasury yields fell in the bond market. Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away JERUSALEM (AP) — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen has targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports. The World Health Organization’s director-general said Thursday's bombardment took place just “meters away” as he was about to board a flight in Sanaa. He says a crew member was hurt. The strikes followed several days of Houthi attacks and launches setting off sirens in Israel. Israel's military says it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the airport in Sanaa, power stations and ports. The Israeli military later said it wasn’t aware that the WHO chief was at the location in Yemen. At least three people were reported killed and dozens injured in the Sanaa airport strike. Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices New data shows holiday sales rose this year even as Americans wrestled with still high prices in many grocery necessities and other financial worries. According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, holiday sales from the beginning of November through Christmas Eve climbed 3.8%, a faster pace than the 3.1% increase from a year earlier. The measure tracks all kinds of payments including cash and debit cards. This year, retailers were even more under the gun to get shoppers in to buy early and in bulk since there were five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mastercard SpendingPulse says the last five days of the season accounted for 10% of the spending. Sales of clothing, electronics and Jewelry rose. Finland stops Russia-linked vessel over damaged undersea power cable in Baltic Sea FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Finnish police say authorities detained a ship linked to neighboring Russia as they investigate whether it damaged a Baltic Sea power cable and several data cables. It was the latest incident involving disruption of key infrastructure. Police and border guards boarded the Eagle S and took control as they investigate damage to the Estlink-2 undersea power cable. The cable brings electricity from Finland to Estonia across the Baltic Sea. The cable went down on Wednesday. The incident follows damage to two data cables and the Nord Stream gas pipelines. Both have been termed sabotage. Russian ship that sank in the Mediterranean was attacked, owner says MOSCOW (AP) — The Russian operator of a cargo ship that sank in the Mediterranean Sea between Spain and Algeria says it has been hit by a series of explosions in an act of sabotage. Oboronlogistica is a state-controlled company that operated the Ursa Major freighter. The company said the vessel was wrecked by three powerful explosions just above the water line in what it described as a “terrorist attack” that caused it to sink on Monday. The company said in a statement carried by Russia’s state RIA Novosti news agency on Thursday that the explosions left a hole in the ship’s starboard and filled the engine room with acrid smoke. That hampered the crew’s attempts to access it. Undersea power cable linking Finland and Estonia hit by outage, prompting investigation FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Finland’s prime minister says authorities are investigating an interruption in a power cable under the Baltic Sea between his country and Estonia. Petteri Orpo said on X that power transmission through the Estlink-2 cable suffered an outage Wednesday. Authorities have been on edge about undersea infrastructure in the Baltic after two international data cables were severed in November and the Nord Stream gas pipelines between Russia and Germany were blown up in September 2022. Japan to maximize nuclear power in clean-energy push as electricity demand grows TOKYO (AP) — A Japanese government panel has largely supported a draft energy policy calling for bolstering renewables up to half of Japanese electricity needs by 2040. It also recommends maximizing the use of nuclear power to accommodate the growing demand for power in the era of AI while meeting decarbonization targets. Cabinet is expected to formally approve the plan by March following a period of public consultation. The policy says nuclear energy should account for 20% of Japan’s energy supply in 2040, with renewables expanded to 40-50% and coal-fired power reduced to 30-40%. Working Well: Returning to the office can disrupt life. Here are some tips to navigate the changes NEW YORK (AP) — Thousands of workers are facing an unsettling reality heading into 2025. After years of working from the comfort of home, they're being told it’s time to return to the office full-time for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic. That can bring a host of challenges, including losing time with family. Workers at Amazon, AT&T and other companies have been called back to the office five days a week. Experts have advice to share about how to navigate the changes when an employer calls you back to the office. Workers can convey what they need, seek flexibility and if all else fails, consider other options. FDA proposes new testing rules to ensure cosmetics are asbestos-free WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration is proposing a rule that cosmetic companies would have to take extra steps to ensure that any products containing talc are free of asbestos. The rule was proposed Thursday and is intended to reassure consumers about the safety of makeup, baby powder and other personal care products. The rule follows years of lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson and other companies alleging links between talc-based baby powder and cancer. Research has found mixed evidence of a potential link between cancer and talc, although the possibility has been recognized for decades because of how it is mined.
Aon PLC stock falls Wednesday, underperforms marketAustralia is banning social media for people under 16. Could this work elsewhere — or even there?Blame it on the food and drink?"When In Doubt...": Australian Cricket Greats' Blunt Take On KL Rahul DRS Row
MIAMI , Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Gary Brecka , wife Sage Workinger and respective entities, IJS and TPH, today filed significant lawsuits related to their partnership with Cardone Ventures, LLC. The first complaint is a $100M defamation lawsuit filed by Brecka and Workinger against Elena Cardone , wife of Grant Cardone who co-founded 10X Health with Brecka and Workinger. It details the process by which Mrs. Cardone launched an allegedly intentional smear campaign designed to damage Brecka's reputation, including making false incendiary social media posts and nefarious public statements. The second complaint names Cardone Ventures LLC, a consulting firm claiming to help founders scale their businesses, and its CEO Brandon Dawson as defendants. The complaint details predatory efforts by Dawson and Cardone Ventures to take over 10X Health and edge out Brecka and Workinger through nefarious means and breaches of contractual agreements. Individuals who have worked with Cardone Ventures or CEO Brandon Dawson and may have information or similar complaints may call 305-603-0805 to leave confidential information for legal team review. Editor's Note #1: Copies of both complaints are included with this press release or available upon request. Exhibit information is also available upon request. Editor's Note #2: Brecka and Workinger are available for phone and on-camera interviews. Contact: Josh Merkin rbb communications (954) 789-5530 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/renowned-human-biologist-and-longevity-expert-gary-brecka-files-100m-defamation-claim-against-elena-cardone-and-lawsuit-against-cardone-ventures-in-response-to-questionable-business-practices-302339380.html SOURCE IJS and TPH
Diesel instead of hydrogen in the Taunus – trains too prone to failure Since its launch, hydrogen technology has caused problems in rail traffic in the Taunus region. Now trains with diesel engines are temporarily being used again on one route. As a consequence of the problems with hydrogen trains in the Taunus, the Rhein-Main Transport Association (RMV) is temporarily using trains with diesel engines again on one route. In January, a total of 16 diesel-powered trains will gradually replace the hydrogen trains between Bad Homburg and Brandoberndorf (line RB15), the RMV announced. An emergency timetable is currently in effect on the route, and passengers sometimes have to change to replacement buses. The diesel replacement vehicles will gradually take over journeys in January and are rented until the end of next year. The fact that there is a replacement for the failure-prone hydrogen trains from the manufacturer Alstom is the result of months of effort. Alstom will bear the costs. The launch of the world’s largest fleet with the environmentally friendly technology in the Taunus network was planned for December 2022. But there were problems right from the start. The provision of the trains was delayed, then their operation proved unreliable. However, hydrogen trains are still running in the Taunus: on the RB12 Königstein–Frankfurt. Between Friedberg and Friedrichsdorf (RB 16), however, diesel trains are already running as a replacement. When the diesel vehicles are then in use on the RB15, manufacturer Alstom will carry out a general overhaul of the fault-prone technical components of the hydrogen trains. The aim is “to ensure permanently reliable operation in the Taunus network beyond 2025,” explained the RMV. RMV supervisory board chairman Ulrich Krebs, district administrator of the Hochtaunus district, explained that the diesel trains would ensure a reliable range of journeys. However, the drive has no long-term future. “It is all the more regrettable that Alstom has done a disservice to trust in new types of drive with the two-year series of breakdowns,” added the CDU politician. Reliable operation on the route was finally achieved in the summer, but then there were technical problems again in late summer, explained RMV managing director Knut Ringat. Alstom has now taken measures to ensure that there are sufficient hydrogen trains available for the emergency timetable. Production of important spare parts has been ramped up and workshop staff are working additional shifts. “Alstom must make intensive use of the coming year to finally get the fleet fit and reliable in the long term,” demanded Ringat. Passenger information is also to be improved. To this end, ten displays have been purchased for six stations on the RB15 line, the RMV announced. READ the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Diesel instead of hydrogen in the Taunus – trains too prone to failure, Centrica Says Hydrogen Can Reduce Household Bills by £35 a Year (Bloomberg) — Centrica Plc said hydrogen storage can help cut UK electricity bills, even as the economic viability of the technology is questioned... Omega Seiki Mobility to Launch Hydrogen-Powered Three-Wheelers in India by 2024 A New Era in Sustainable Transport Omega Seiki Mobility (OSM) is setting the stage for a breakthrough in India’s commercial vehicle segment... Liquid Wind raises €44 million in Series C financing with Uniper, HYCAP and Samsung Ventures to meet increasing demand for low-carbon fuels The €44 million ($47m USD) raise is one of the largest funding rounds in Europe...
U.S. Air Force Again Selects Gulfstream for Fleet SupportPresident awards 17 children for exceptional achievements
Content warning: This story discusses allegations of sexual assault. Roger Goodell is responding to recent allegations against Jay-Z . The NFL commissioner shared an update on the organization's partnership with the rapper for the forthcoming Super Bowl three days after it was revealed that Jay-Z—whose real name is Shawn Carter —was accused in a civil lawsuit of raping a 13-year-old girl alongside Sean "Diddy" Combs . "We’re aware of the civil allegation, and Jay-Z’s really strong response to that," Goodell said during a Dec. 11 press conference. "And we know that obviously litigation is happening now. But from our standpoint, our relationship is not changing with them, including our preparation for the next Super Bowl." And the 65-year-old provided insight into why the NFL plans to continue evolving its collaboration with Carter's Roc Nation company, which was brought into the organization to executive produce the Super Bowl Halftime Show and help with the league’s social justice program Inspire Change. "They’re getting incredibly comfortable with not just the Super Bowl but other events that they’ve helped us on and helped us with," Goodell continued. "They’ve been helpful in the social justice area to us on many occasions." He added, "They’ve been great partners that have provided a lot of value for us." Three days before Goodell's update, an accuser—identified anonymously as "Jane Doe"—refiled a sexual assault civil lawsuit that she originally filed against Combs in October , this time adding Carter as an additional defendant in the case. In the document, she alleged that the two music moguls raped her at a house party in 2000 following the MTV Video Music Awards in New York. Hours after news broke that he was named in the suit, Carter—who has since filed a motion to reveal the accuser's identity —denied her allegations in an emotional statement addressed to the accuser's lawyer Tony Buzbee . "These allegations are so heinous in nature that I implore you to file a criminal complaint, not a civil one!!" Carter said in a statement shared to X Dec. 8 . "Whomever would commit such a crime against a minor should be locked away, would you not agree? These alleged victims would deserve real justice if that were the case." Closing out his message, the "Empire State of Mind" rapper—who shares kids Blue Ivy , 12, and twins Rumi and Sir , 6, with wife Beyoncé —shared that his "only heartbreak" is for his family. "My wife and I will have to sit our children down, one of whom is at the age where her friends will surely see the press and ask questions about the nature of these claims," he said, "and explain the cruelty and greed of people." As for Combs—who is currently in jail, awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges, to which he's plead not guilty —the Bad Boy Records founder also denies any wrongdoing in the case, which marks one of several sexual abuse civil lawsuits filed against him in recent months. "Mr. Combs and his legal team have full confidence in the facts, their legal defenses, and the integrity of the judicial process," his lawyers told E! News in October. "In court, the truth will prevail: that Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted anyone—adult or minor, man or woman." (E! and NBC News are part of the NBCUniversal family.) Read on for more info about Combs' federal case... Search Warrants Executed on Sean "Diddy" Combs' L.A. and Miami Properties Federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed search warrants at Sean “Diddy” Combs ’ Los Angeles and Miami properties on March 25, multiple law enforcement sources confirmed to NBC News . The sources told the outlet the warrant was out of the Southern District of New York, and a spokesperson for HSI New York confirmed to E! News it “executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation, with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and our local law enforcement partners.” Law enforcement sources told NBC News the music mogul was in the Miami area when the search warrants were executed. News about the investigation broke after Combs faced allegations of sexual misconduct in lawsuits filed by multiple accusers starting in November, with the musician denying the allegations. “Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday,” he wrote in a December statement posted on Instagram . “Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family and for the truth.” Diddy’s Attorney Speaks Out The day after HSI executed the search warrants at Combs' L.A. and Miami properties, his lawyer spoke out . "Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs' residences," attorney Aaron Dyer said in a March 26 statement to E! News. "There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated." Dyer noted Combs “was never detained but spoke to and cooperated with authorities.” “Despite media speculation, neither Mr. Combs nor any of his family members have been arrested nor has their ability to travel been restricted in any way,” his lawyer's statement continued. “This unprecedented ambush—paired with an advanced, coordinated media presence—leads to a premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits.” And Dyer expressed Combs' intent to defend himself. “There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations,” he added. “Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every single day to clear his name.” Details About the Raid Revealed As for what actually went down during the searches, multiple law enforcement sources familiar with the warrant told NBC News authorities with the Department of Homeland Security seized phones from Combs’ home in Miami before he was scheduled to travel to the Bahamas, and several sources familiar with the matter added that guns were discovered during the search . One source familiar with the matter also told NBC News three women and one man were interviewed by prosecutors and investigators from the Southern District of New York about allegations of sex trafficking, sexual assault, the solicitation and distribution of illegal narcotics and firearms purportedly tied to Combs. Diddy’s Associate Brendan Paul Arrested on Suspicion of Drug Possession On the same day the search warrants were executed at Combs’ Miami and Los Angeles properties, one of his associates, Brendan Paul , was arrested by the Miami-Dade police on suspicion of drug possession, a law enforcement source familiar with the matter told NBC News . According to the Miami-Dade arrest affidavit obtained by the outlet, Paul was taken into custody for allegedly possessing suspected cocaine and suspected marijuana candy. Prison records obtained by NBC News show Paul was released on March 26 after posting bond. “We do not plan on trying this case in the media,” Paul’s attorney Brian Bieber said in a statement obtained by the outlet, “all issues will be dealt with in court.” In May, Paul accepted a plea deal, with his lawyer Bieber telling People , "Brendan accepted the prosecutor’s offer to permit his entry into the diversion program which, after completion, the case against him will be dismissed in its entirety." Diddy Arrested in New York He was arrested in the lobby of a New York hotel on Sept. 16, 2024, according to NBC News. It's unclear what Combs has been charged with and if the arrest has any potential connection to the raids. “We are disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe is an unjust prosecution of Mr. Combs by the U.S. Attorney’s Office," his lawyer Marc Agnifilo said in a statement to E! News. "He is an imperfect person but Is not criminal. To his credit Mr. Combs has been nothing but cooperative with this investigation and he voluntarily relocated to New York last week in anticipation of these charges." Diddy Charged With Sex Trafficking & Racketeering After Combs was arrested based on the sealed indictment, the indictment was unsealed on Sept. 17. The 54-year-old was charged with racketeering conspiracy; sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; as well as transportation to engage in prostitution, according to court documents obtained by NBC News. The indictment alleged Combs “abused, threatened, and coerced women and others around him to fulfill his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct” for more than a decade, with prosecutors saying the purported behavior started around 2008. "To do so," the documents stated, "Combs relied on the employees, resources, and influence of the multi-faceted business empire that he led and controlled—creating a criminal enterprise whose members and associates engaged in, and attempted to engage in, among other crimes, sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice." According to NBC News , Combs pleaded not guilty and was denied bail . “He’s going to fight this with all of his energy and all of his might,” his attorney Marc Agnifilo told reporters outside the courthouse prior to the arraignment, “and the full confidence of his lawyers." Diddy Is Held Without Bail in New York Facility Following his arrest, Combs was held at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center where he was denied a $50 million bond. The music mogul was also placed on suicide watch, which a source told E! News is a customary procedure for high-profile inmates. He was since taken off. He was assigned the same area of the jail as cryptocurrency fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried, a source told NBC News. Comedian Jeff Wittek Says He Attended "Freak Off" Comedian Jeff Wittek , 34, came forward Sept. 29 to say he attended one of Diddy's "freak off" parties around 2010 in a Miami mansion. "It was like eight stories high and it just kept going up," Wittek said on Jeff FM , "and the higher you went, the weirder s--t was going on." " I saw live sex happen that night," he continued. "That's the first time I saw that happen ever in my life. And did I partake? No, but I got f--king drunk there." As Wittek put it, "It's just crazy. I was literally there. I lived through it." Diddy Accused of 120 New Sexual Assault Cases In an Oct. 1 press conference, attorney Tony Buzbee detailed that 120 people had come forward with new sexual assault allegations against the rapper. The allegations against Combs, Buzbee noted in a press conference with NBC News, include, "violent sexual assault or rape, facilitated sex with a controlled substance, dissemination of video recordings, sexual abuse of minors." A lawyer for the rapper, Erica Wolff , later responded to the allegations, emphasizing that Combs maintains his innocence. “He cannot address every meritless allegation in what has become a reckless media circus," she said. " That said, Mr. Combs emphatically and categorically denies as false and defamatory any claim that he sexually abused anyone, including minors." Diddy Accused of Abusing Minors One of the 120 accusers was only 9 years old when they were allegedly assaulted by Combs, their lawyer Tony Buzbee said in an Oct. 1 press conference, per NBC News. According to the attorney, “25 of the accusers were minors at the time of the alleged incidents." Diddy's Mom Janice Small Combs Defends the Rapper “It is heartbreaking to see my son judged not for the truth, but for a narrative created out of lies,” Janice’s attorney Natlie G. Figgers shared in a statement on her behalf to The Hollywood Reporter Oct. 6. “To bear witness what seems to be like a public lynching of my son before he has had the opportunity to prove his innocence is a pain too unbearable to put into words. Like every human being, my son deserves to have his day in court, to finally share his side, and to prove his innocence.” Beyoncé and Jay-Z's Lawyer Calls Out Piers Morgan Over Diddy Comparisons Beyoncé and Jay-Z 's lawyer spoke out after Piers Morgan 's TV guest Jaguar Wright claimed the couple had more “victims” than Diddy. "There’s rumors, and then there’s nonsense, and this is one step further,” lawyer Alex Spiro told TMZ Oct. 9. “This is a formal and pointed accusation of something.” Their attorney told Piers to “remove that false accusation," which the host later did and apologized. “As I noted in the moment," Piers said on his Oct. 8 show, "they were not present to respond or defend themselves. But now they have: their lawyer has contacted us to say those claims are totally false and have no basis in fact.”
Blame it on the food and drink?Manmohan Singh, the economist-turned-politician whose bold economic reforms in 1991 helped pull India back from the brink of financial collapse, has passed away at the age of 92. Known for his calm, measured demeanour and intellectual rigour, Dr Singh played a pivotal role in reshaping India’s economy, transforming it from a closed, protectionist system to one of the world’s most dynamic emerging markets. Under his leadership, India embraced economic liberalization, paving the way for its rise as a global player. Yet one statement by Dr Singh, made at his final press conference ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, now seems especially prophetic: "History will be kinder to me than the contemporary media." This remark came as he stepped down amid a tumultuous period of corruption scandals and public discontent, with his second term as Prime Minister overshadowed by rising inflation and internal government strife. Dr Singh's career began in academia, but he soon moved into the world of economic policymaking. In 1971, he joined the Ministry of Commerce as an economic adviser, quickly rising through the ranks to become India’s Chief Economic Adviser, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, and Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). It was as Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996 that Singh made his most lasting impact. Faced with a dire fiscal crisis -- including a crippling balance of payments deficit and dwindling foreign exchange reserves -- he led the country through a series of groundbreaking economic reforms. Dr Singh championed privatization of state-owned enterprises, liberalized trade policies, and deregulated key sectors, all of which revitalized India’s economy and set the stage for the rapid growth that followed. Dr Singh’s political journey spanned decades, but he is best remembered for his tenure as the country's 14th Prime Minister, a post he held from May 22, 2004, to May 26, 2014. Singh’s ascent to the office of Prime Minister in 2004 was seen by many as the result of his impeccable credentials and diplomatic tact. When Sonia Gandhi, then-President of the Congress Party, chose not to take up the Prime Minister's post following the party’s victory, Singh was selected as a consensus candidate. Though initially reluctant, Singh proved to be a steady and effective leader. His tenure saw significant strides in economic growth, poverty reduction, and India’s global standing. Under his leadership, India earned praise on the international stage. Former United States President Barack Obama, upon Singh’s departure from office, described him as “one of the world’s most respected and admired public figures.” Obama said, “It has been a great pleasure to serve with you. There are very few people in public life that I have admired or appreciated more.” Despite his international acclaim, Singh’s time in office was not without its difficulties. His second term was marred by a series of corruption scandals involving coalition partners and a rising tide of inflation that sapped the popularity of his government. Critics often described him as a "weak Prime Minister," a label he rejected, insisting that “history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media.” Dr Singh’s leadership was also tested within his own party. In one notable incident, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi publicly criticized the UPA government’s decision to issue an ordinance that sought to negate a Supreme Court ruling on disqualifying convicted lawmakers, dismissing it as "complete nonsense." Dr Singh, who was abroad on an official visit at the time, endured significant public humiliation. Additionally, his government faced tension with coalition allies like the DMK, which threatened to pull out of the alliance unless certain party members were given cabinet positions. Yet, Dr Singh held his ground, and despite the occasional internal strife, he remained a figure of dignity and resolve. His international stature only grew, with his visits abroad drawing significant attention and respect. Singh’s tenure also saw the launch of several key programs, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the Food Security Bill, and the Aadhaar project. Dr Singh’s legacy will be defined by his commitment to economic reform, his intellectual leadership, and his humility. At a time when decisive action was needed, he acted swiftly and with foresight, lifting millions out of poverty and placing India on the global economic map. His quiet, transformative leadership will be remembered as one of the most significant chapters in modern India's history.Incarnate Word beats East Texas A&M 38-24 to finish undefeated in conference play
*Nigeria needs to mobilise $8.82tn to hit planned $4tn economy by 2035, says NESG *Seeks export diversification, digital transformation *Says rising inflation limiting nation’s capacity to save *Avers Nigerians currently spending 80% of earnings on food, transport Deji Elumoye and Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, yesterday disclosed that Nigeria’s recent economic diplomacy efforts to Saudi Arabia had started yielding reasonable benefits, including investments, foreign exchange inflows, and job creation for the country. Edun had led a high-level delegation to Saudi Arabia to follow up on the president’s earlier engagements with the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman. Edun, who spoke with newsmen after a brief meeting with President Bola Tinubu, stressed “What we have brought back is investment. What we have brought back is foreign exchange. What we have brought back are jobs for Nigerians” These efforts, the minister explained, are part of the administration’s broader strategy to attract foreign direct investment, trade partnerships, and financial collaborations. Highlighting a key achievement, Edun referenced the Saudi Agricultural Livestock Investment Company’s (SALIC) recent $1.2 billion investment in Olam Agri Holdings, which he described as a testament to the president’s reforms and the stabilisation of Nigeria’s macroeconomic environment. He added: “This type of transaction reflects the success of Mr. President’s strategy. It demonstrates the confidence global investors have in the steps being taken to attract and encourage such investments”. Besides, Edun stressed that the investments translate into direct job creation for Nigerians, as Saudi Arabia’s focus on investing abroad does not include exporting its own labour force. “Clearly, where they invest, that is jobs for Nigerians,” he maintained. He also stressed the government’s ongoing efforts to reduce inflation, particularly food inflation, through initiatives like dry-season farming, aimed at ensuring a bountiful harvest and lower food prices. “Every effort is being made to bring down the price of food and the cost of living for the average Nigerian,” Edun stated. The delegation to Saudi Arabia included representatives from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and the Presidential Economic Coordination Council. The visit built on the president’s economic diplomacy efforts, which have taken him to various global capitals, including Brazil, China, India, Germany, and France. According to Edun: “The proof of the pudding is in the eating. When you see jobs being created and Nigeria’s foreign reserves being added to, that is success all Nigerians can understand.” The visit is expected to further strengthen Nigeria’s burgeoning relationship with Saudi Arabia and unlock more opportunities for economic growth and collaboration. Also, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), one of the country’s foremost economic think-tanks, has proposed that if Africa’s most populous nation must achieve its proposed $4 trillion nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2035, it must mobilise a total of $8.82 trillion. The organisation stated this in its H2, 2024 Economic and Policy Review (EPR) tagged: “ Achieving Economic Transformation in Nigeria.” Besides, the group noted that the ambition to hit $4 trillion in nominal GDP by 2035 in Nigeria should serve as a bedrock to achieving a sustained double-digit real GDP growth rate over the next decade until 2035, which should be in the range of 10 per cent to 15 per cent per annum. It argued that Nigeria remains at a crossroads, brimming with potential, yet grappling with the complexities of its historical socio-economic performance, stressing that although endowed with abundant human capital and vast economic resources, Nigeria’s current position on critical socio-economic indicators has not been impressive. By 2035, the NESG pointed out that Nigeria’s economy is poised to rank among the top 15 global economies, with a per capita income of $14,041.5, thereby propelling the country into the high-income category globally. Endowed with substantial human capital and economic resources, Nigeria, it said, has historically faced suboptimal socio-economic performance, with critical macro-economic and social indicators underscoring the compelling need for a thorough and all-encompassing rejuvenation of the economy. According to the NESG, the impetus behind achieving a $4 trillion economy by 2035 is rooted in the acknowledgement of Nigeria’s immense potential, abundant resources, and the necessity to expedite economic development to meet the burgeoning demands of its populace. “Expanding from less than a $500 billion economy to a $4 trillion GDP by 2035 has cost implications. Over the next 10-13 years, the Nigerian economy needs to mobilise a cumulative total of $8.82 trillion. “This comprises 18.8 per cent or $1.66 trillion of investment directly from the government, specifically on capital and infrastructure investment. The remaining 81.2 per cent or $7.16 trillion will be mobilised through the private sector, comprising existing and new capital accumulation and domestic and foreign investment flow. “As such, the government needs to spend $185.16 billion and mobilise $841.00 billion in private investment over the next four years (2024-2027) to set the pace for a transformed economy. Subsequently, the government needs to spend $501,46 billion and mobilise $2.24 trillion in private investment between 2028-2031. In the following cycle (2032-2035), the government must spend $957.04 billion while mobilising $4,05 trillion in private investment. “On average, the government has to spend $138.49 billion annually to achieve the envisioned $4 trillion GDP by 2035. With a cumulative funding need of $8.82 trillion within the next 10-13 years and an average of $737,16 billion annually, financing Nigeria’s $4 trillion GDP by 2023 appears daunting, however, not impossible,” it stated in the report. In an era characterised by rapid global economic changes, digital disruptions, and evolving geopolitical dynamics, Nigeria’s vision for 2035, NESG stressed, is set against a backdrop of formidable challenges and unparalleled opportunities. The global community’s commitment to sustainable development and the imperative of economic inclusion, the economic think-tank further said, underscores the significance of the pursuit. According to the group, the proposed pathways are intrinsically linked to the strategic objectives outlined in the President’s eight-point agenda, Nigeria Agenda 2050 and the African Union’s Africa Agenda 2063. “This is achievable considering the historical experience of Nigeria’s aspirational peers, such as China. The policy priority for the government includes developing a framework for the inter-governmental economic relationship, inter-state infrastructural development, establishing regional economic commissions, developing regional shared services and clustering, and strengthening regional value chain development. “During the initial stage of its economic transformation, China maintained an average real GDP growth rate of 10.3 per cent (from 1982 to 2011). Similarly, Japan and Germany maintained average growths of 10.5 per cent (1956 to 1973) and 9.2 per cent (1951 to 1960), respectively. “While the strategic paths aim to achieve a $4 trillion economy by 2035, they are also expected to drive improvement across socio-economic indicators. Irrespective of the strategic path, this study anticipates specific mutations in the fundamental structure of the economy that accompany a transforming economy,” the NESG noted. Moving towards the $4 trillion economy, and based on the country’s political cycle, the Nigerian economy, it maintained, could cross critical milestones of $1 trillion, $2.5 trillion, and $4 trillion by 2027, 2031, and 2035, respectively. “Furthermore, Nigeria’s per capita income is expected to cross $5,000, $10,000, and $14,000 by 2028, 2032, and 2035, respectively. Nigeria needs to massively mobilise savings to drive investment, as is the case for most countries that have experienced economic transformation over the past five decades. “But then, the continual erosion of the value of earnings due to the persistent inflationary pressure has limited Nigeria’s capacity to mobilise adequate savings. “Recent fuel subsidy removal and the exchange rate devaluation accompanying the unification of the foreign exchange markets have nearly wiped out the middle class, as most people spend over 80 per cent of their earnings on food and transport with little to zero room for savings. Hence, the government must attract capital from diverse sources to drive investment,” it added. With a visionary alignment of policies and strategic optimism, Nigeria’s economy, NESG said, possesses the potential to soar to $4 trillion within the same time frame, explaining that such growth promises expanded access to economic opportunities, uplifting millions from the depths of poverty. “According to the World Bank Group (2024), more than half of Nigeria’s population is living in poverty as of 2024. Meanwhile, as Nigeria navigates its path towards a $4 trillion economy, poverty would recede by an average of 10 million individuals annually,” the group stated. Therefore, the NESG proposed an export diversification and sophistication strategy for Nigeria to become a global export hub and regional integration champion of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a free trade agreement that aims to create a single market for goods and services across the continent. It further called for innovation and digital transformation strategy in order to become a central global innovation hub and exporter of knowledge products to the world. Besides, the economic think-tank urged the country to embrace a subnational economic integration strategy to develop competitive and viable regions/sub-national economies.Canadian medical services company LifeLabs did not take reasonable steps to safeguard the personal and health information of millions of Canadians from a 2019 cyberattack, the privacy commissioners of B.C. and Ontario have found. When the breadth of the breach was revealed, records relating to approximately 8.6 million unique individuals were identified. The commissioners said the vast majority were from Ontario and British Columbia but people from all provinces were represented in the data. Among the information taken were people’s names; gender; date of birth; address; postal code; health number; health-care provider name; laboratory test number; test dates, location, types and results. A newly released report said LifeLabs asserted the information was not highly sensitive, earning it a commissioners’ rebuke: “We disagree with LifeLabs’ assessment and find their approach to be very cavalier regarding the privacy of their clients’ health information.” “LifeLabs’ failure to put in place adequate safeguards to protect against this attack violated patients’ trust, and the risk it exposed them to was unacceptable,” said Michael Harvey, B.C. information and privacy commissioner, on Nov. 25. The company said recommendations in the report have been implemented. On Oct. 28, 2019, LifeLabs reported it had detected a cyberattack on its computer systems. The report said LifeLabs received a ransom email from the attackers on Oct. 31, 2019. The attackers claimed to have stolen LifeLabs’ patient records to receive payment in exchange for the deletion of their copy of the data. They also offered to send LifeLabs a report detailing the exploits of their attack. To substantiate their claims, the attackers included a sample of patient records. The attackers threatened to release the data and their report onto the internet if they did not receive payment by Nov. 15, 2019. LifeLabs communicated with the attackers with help from a third-party technology company. LifeLabs requested evidence to further substantiate the attackers’ claims. “In return, the attackers provided a high-level summary of the attack and additional patient records. Following this, LifeLabs made two payments to the attackers,” the report said. “A first, partial payment was made in return for the attackers’ report. A second payment was then made to complete the exchange. In return for payment, the attackers provided LifeLabs with four datasets, which they indicated was all the LifeLabs data in their possession.” On Dec. 17, 2019, the Ontario and B.C. privacy commissioners announced their joint investigation into the breach, which affected millions of Canadians. The report found that LifeLabs: • failed to take reasonable steps to protect personal information and personal health information in its custody and control from theft, loss, and unauthorized access, collection, use, disclosure, copying, modification, or disposal; • LifeLabs failed to have in place and follow policies and information practices that comply with B.C. and Ontario privacy laws; and, • LifeLabs collected more personal information and personal health information than is reasonably necessary to meet the purpose for which it was collected. A Nov. 25 joint statement from the commissioners said LifeLabs performs over 100 million laboratory tests each year, with 20 million annual patient visits to its locations. Its website, meanwhile, hosts Canada’s largest online patient portal, on which more than 2.5 million individuals access their laboratory results each year. The report was completed in 2020 but is only now available to the public. In April , the Ontario Superior Court of Justice rejected the company’s attempts to block release. “Both regulators have the statutory authority to coordinate and share investigations in privacy matters,” the court said in its decision. Now, Harvey’s office said, the Ontario Court of Appeal has dismissed LifeLabs’ motion for leave to appeal that decision. “The road to accountability and transparency has been too long for the millions of British Columbians and people across the country who were victims of the 2019 LifeLabs cyberattack,” Harvey said. “When this happens, it is important to learn from past mistakes so others can prevent future breaches from happening. But to learn from lessons, we need to share them.” “I’m pleased with this ruling that affirms overly broad claims of privilege cannot be used to obstruct the vital role of our offices in ensuring public accountability, transparency, and education,” he added. In a media statement, LifeLabs said the orders and recommendations outlined in the report have long since been addressed. “LifeLabs is pleased that the matter has been resolved and is committed to applying the valuable insights gained from the joint investigation,” the statement said. “These findings are not only crucial for LifeLabs but also provide important lessons for all health information custodians facing the increasing challenges of cybersecurity,” it said. “LifeLabs remains dedicated to safeguarding health information and continuously improving our practices to address these evolving risks.” Among various orders from the commissioners were: • LifeLabs ensures appropriate staff monitor security notification lists; • LifeLabs puts in place comprehensive written information practices and policies that set out safeguards implemented to protect people’s privacy; and, • LifeLabs ceases collecting failed login and password pairs and securely disposes of the records of that information that it has collected.Tech review: Gift options for the cord cutter
While we are witnessing an ever-escalating cascade of climate disasters, leaders from the world’s most polluting countries were conspicuously absent from COP29, the United Nations’ annual climate conference. Others boycotted the conference because of host country Azerbaijan’s rampant human rights abuses, particularly its ethnic cleansing of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh last year. Papua New Guinea called the conference “a total waste of time.” Meanwhile, Azerbaijan appointed Elnur Soltanov, the head of its state energy company Socar, as its chief executive to the conference. Soltanov appeared to use the occasion as a forum to cut deals with international petroleum corporations. Nonetheless, there were still over 65,000 registered delegates – making it the second largest in COP’s history. One of those delegates was Chief Wesley Sam from BC’s Ts’il Kaz Koh Nation. The Nation reached Chief Sam during his first “conference of parties” (COP) in Baku, Azerbaijan, after a journey he said took four flights. As chairperson of K’uul Power, a First Nations-led organization pursuing the development of renewable energy projects, he is negotiating with BC Hydro to own a transmission line cutting through several Indigenous territories. “I’m just coming from an event with beautiful wind, solar, earth-based projects and carbon-capture systems,” Sam told the Nation. “First Nations are an absolute key to the success in green energy projects. It’s time to heal.” Sam is optimistic that green energy solutions will power the future. “Our youth are getting very engaged – we call them K’uul kids,” he enthused. “I’d like to bring my youth to the next one so they can start ground-pounding like I am.” Climate change has ravaged his region with forest fires, disappearing salmon stocks and a devastating pine beetle epidemic. At COP29, Sam noted that Indigenous peoples worldwide are facing similar issues yet doing what they can locally to make a difference. “This shows we’re not alone in this fight,” Sam asserted. “It’s us that have to clean it up. What will come out of this is worth the time and energy. There’s a chance we can help steer the ship.” He joined the First Nations Climate Initiative (FNCI) delegation in Baku to showcase Indigenous partnerships in zero-emission and low-carbon energy projects. FNCI is pitching liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a potential emissions solution for Asian steel and shipping industries. However, critics like LNG senior strategist John Young from Climate Action Network have stated LNG has 33% more emissions than coal when shipping, production and methane leaks are considered. FNCI maintains that its responsible production and monitoring process can contribute to decarbonization and Indigenous economic self-determination. After the last summit’s historic pledge to transition away from fossil fuels, oil giants like Saudi Arabia have attempted to sidestep commitments, alleging they were “an option” rather than a goal. The major focus at COP29 was climate finance, with demands that rich countries to help poor countries pay for their fossil fuel transition and cope with climate change repercussions. As talks entered their final days, hopes for confirming the $1 trillion annually demanded by developing countries were diminishing. Indigenous voices at COP29 were vastly outnumbered by fossil fuel lobbyists. But they were adamant be heard, asserting they look after 80% of the world’s remaining biodiversity but receive less than 1% of global climate finance. “Sea level rise is eating us up,” said Flora Vano from the South Pacific island state of Vanuatu. “It threatens our food security, contaminates our water source, infrastructure is destroyed and the increase in gender-based violence goes sky high.” Many Indigenous peoples are alarmed by the prospect of carbon credit trading without adequate safeguards and transparency, as these projects have already resulted in land grabs and rights violations. While some leaders suggested these initiatives have potential to support First Nations communities, they affirmed their fundamental rights must be paramount. Indigenous delegates like Panama’s Giuseppe Olo Villalaz believed this conference was an opportunity to prepare for next year’s climate gathering in the Brazilian Amazon where more decisive commitments are expected. At COP29, Indigenous leaders from Brazil, Australia and the Pacific joined forces to demand shared leadership of future climate talks. Meanwhile, in Rio de Janeiro where the G20 meeting was taking place, Brazil’s Indigenous movement launched a campaign called “The Answer Is Us” and demanded official co-presidency at COP30.