Aryna Sabalenka has been voted the WTA Player of the Year for the first time after the Belarusian won two Grand Slam titles and secured the year-end world number one ranking, the governing body of women’s tennis said. After successfully defending her Australian Open trophy in January, Sabalenka won the US Open crown in September for her third Grand Slam title and leapfrogged Iga Swiatek to top the world rankings a month later. She also won tournaments in Cincinnati and Wuhan to end her 2024 campaign with four titles. International tennis media also voted for Paris Olympics gold medallists Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini as the year’s top doubles team, while American Emma Navarro was named the season’s most improved player. Ranked 38th at the end of 2023, Navarro broke into the top 10 in September after winning her first title in Hobart and making six semi-final appearances, including at Flushing Meadows, during the season. Lulu Sun won the Newcomer of the Year award following the New Zealander’s run to the quarter-finals at Wimbledon as a qualifier, which helped her climb to 40th in the world after being ranked outside the top 200 in January. Former world number two Paula Badosa, who ended her 2023 season early due to a back problem that cast doubt about her future in the game, was named Comeback Player of the Year. After returning to the tour this season, the Spaniard won the Washington title and also matched her best Grand Slam performance by reaching the US Open quarters to finish the year ranked 12th. Saudi PIF names Berrettini as tennis ambassador Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has named Matteo Berrettini as its tennis ambassador, a role in which the Italian will aim to help nurture the next generation of players and elevate the sport globally. The sovereign wealth fund has made significant forays into tennis in recent months, coming on board as the official naming partner of the men’s and women’s world rankings as well as partnering several tournaments. “One of my roles is to inspire the next generation, the youth, the kids,” the former world number six said in a video posted social media on Monday. “Together with the PIF I’m going to be able to do that. This is one of the greatest things I can do.” In January, Rafa Nadal was named an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation, with the Spaniard saying that he was eager to help train children and grow interest in the sport. Berrettini, who has previously played in Riyadh during the Diriyah Tennis Cup in 2022, would also promote inclusivity and create opportunities at all levels of the sport, the PIF said in a statement. Related Story Qatar establishes WEF's Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution Al Nahda for Palestine heldALTOONA, Pa. (AP) — The suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO struggled with deputies and shouted Tuesday while arriving for a court appearance in Pennsylvania, a day after he was arrested at a McDonald’s and charged with murder. Luigi Nicholas Mangione emerged from a patrol car, spun toward reporters and shouted something partly unintelligible referring to an “insult to the intelligence of the American people” while deputies pushed him inside. Prosecutors were beginning to take steps to bring Mangione back to New York to face a murder charge while new details emerged about his life and how he was captured. The 26-year-old Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family was charged with murder hours after he was arrested in the Manhattan killing of Brian Thompson , who led the United States’ largest medical insurance company. At the brief hearing, defense lawyer Thomas Dickey informed the court that Mangione will not waive extradition to New York but instead wants a hearing on the issue. Mangione was denied bail after prosecutors raised concerns about public safety and a potential flight risk. Mangione, wearing an orange prison jumpsuit, mostly stared straight ahead at the hearing, occasionally consulting papers, rocking in his chair or looking back at the gallery. At one point, he began to speak to respond to the court discussion but was quieted by his lawyer. Mangione likely was motivated by his anger with what he called “parasitic” health insurance companies and a disdain for corporate greed, a law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press said. He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive health care system in the world and that profits of major corporations continue to rise while “our life expectancy” does not, according to the bulletin, based on a review of his hand-written notes and social media posts. Mangione called “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski a “political revolutionary” and may have found inspiration from the man who carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology, according to police bulletin. Mangione remained jailed in Pennsylvania, where he was initially charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Manhattan prosecutors have obtained an arrest warrant, a step that could help expedite his extradition from Pennsylvania. Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania — about 230 miles (about 370 kilometers) west of New York City — after a McDonald's customer recognized him and notified an employee, authorities said. Officers found him sitting at a back table, wearing a blue medical mask and looking at a laptop, according to a Pennsylvania police criminal complaint. He initially gave them a fake ID, but when an officer asked Mangione whether he’d been to New York recently, he “became quiet and started to shake,” the complaint says. When he pulled his mask down at officers' request, “we knew that was our guy,” rookie Officer Tyler Frye said. Images of Mangione released Tuesday by Pennsylvania State Police showed him pulling down his mask in the corner of the McDonald's while holding what appeared to be hash browns and wearing a winter jacket and beanie. In another photo from a holding cell, he stood unsmiling with rumpled hair. New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Mangione was carrying a gun like the one used to kill Thompson and the same fake ID the shooter had used to check into a New York hostel, along with a passport and other fraudulent IDs. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said Mangione also had a three-page, handwritten document that shows “some ill will toward corporate America." A law enforcement official who wasn’t authorized to discuss the investigation publicly and spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity said the document included a line in which Mangione claimed to have acted alone. “To the Feds, I’ll keep this short, because I do respect what you do for our country. To save you a lengthy investigation, I state plainly that I wasn’t working with anyone,” the document said, according to the official. It also had a line that said, “I do apologize for any strife or traumas but it had to be done. Frankly, these parasites simply had it coming.” Pennsylvania prosecutor Peter Weeks said in court that Mangione was found with a passport and $10,000 in cash, $2,000 of it in foreign currency. Mangione disputed the amount. Thompson, 50, was killed Wednesday as he walked alone to a Manhattan hotel for an investor conference. Police quickly came to see the shooting as a targeted attack by a gunman who appeared to wait for Thompson, came up behind him and fired a 9 mm pistol. Investigators have said “delay,” “deny” and “depose” were written on ammunition found near Thompson's body. The words mimic “delay, deny, defend,” a phrase used to criticize the insurance industry . From surveillance video, New York investigators determined the shooter quickly fled the city, likely by bus. A grandson of a wealthy, self-made real estate developer and philanthropist, Mangione is a cousin of a current Maryland state legislator. Valedictorian at his elite Baltimore prep school, he went on to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a spokesperson said. “Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” Mangione’s family said in a statement posted on social media late Monday by his cousin, Maryland Del. Nino Mangione. “We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.” From January to June 2022, Luigi Mangione lived at Surfbreak, a “co-living” space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Honolulu. Like other residents of the shared penthouse catering to remote workers, Mangione underwent a background check, said Josiah Ryan, a spokesperson for owner and founder R.J. Martin. “Luigi was just widely considered to be a great guy. There were no complaints,” Ryan said. "There was no sign that might point to these alleged crimes they’re saying he committed.” At Surfbreak, Martin learned Mangione had severe back pain from childhood that interfered with many aspects of his life, from surfing to romance, Ryan said. Mangione left Surfbreak to get surgery on the mainland, Ryan said, then later returned to Honolulu and rented an apartment. Martin stopped hearing from Mangione six months to a year ago. ___ Scolforo reported from Altoona and Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. Contributing were Associated Press writers Cedar Attanasio and Jennifer Peltz in New York; Michael Rubinkam and Maryclaire Dale in Pennsylvania; Lea Skene in Baltimore; and Jennifer Sinco Kelleher in Honolulu.Las Vegas Raiders make a handful of roster moves that just add a chapter to the story of the 2024 season
MERCER 90, JACKSONVILLE 89, OTNEW YORK , Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with the AI impact on market trends - The global publishing market size is estimated to grow by USD 19.37 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 1.2% during the forecast period. Increase in demand for diversity in content is driving market growth, with a trend towards rise in number of self-published authors. However, decreasing market share of traditional publishing poses a challenge. Key market players include Adobe Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Bertelsmann SE and Co. KGaA, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, Cambridge University Press, Georg von Holtzbrinck GmbH and Co. KG, Haufe Lexware GmbH and Co. KG, John Wiley and Sons Inc., McGraw Hill LLC, MPS Ltd., News Corp., Oxford University Press, Pearson Plc, PLANETA CORPORACION Srl, Scholastic Corp., Thomson Reuters Corp., Vivendi SE, White Falcon Publishing Solutions LLP, Wolters Kluwer NV, YUDU Ltd., Lerner Publishing Group, and Blue Heron Book Works. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Key Market Trends Fueling Growth The self-publishing trend has significantly increased the number of books in the global publishing market. Aspiring authors now have the opportunity to publish their work independently, retaining full control and earning higher royalties, typically around 60%-80% of the book's listed price. Self-publishing saves time, cost, and eliminates the risk of losing rights to traditional publishers. Digital platforms like Amazon KDP and Smashwords expand reach with minimal upfront costs, leading to an increase in indie and self-published authors and titles, fueling market growth. The publishing market is currently experiencing significant growth in various areas. One trending sector is eBooks, which have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and accessibility. Another trend is the use of chatbots for marketing and customer service in the publishing industry. Additionally, social media is playing a major role in promoting books and reaching new audiences. The use of analytics and data-driven insights is also becoming essential for publishers to make informed decisions. Furthermore, the rise of self-publishing and print-on-demand technology is giving authors more control over their work and reducing inventory costs. Overall, the publishing industry is adapting to new technologies and consumer preferences to stay competitive. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! • The publishing market faces challenges from shifting consumer preferences towards digital formats. Declining demand for traditional print publications, due to convenience and environmental concerns, puts pressure on profit margins with significant production and distribution costs. Major US newspapers, like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, have seen growth in digital subscriptions, but overall print demand continues to decline. Self-publishing platforms add competition, impacting market share and revenue for traditional publishers in both newspaper and book sectors. • In the publishing market, challenges abound for both traditional and digital players. Classics and new releases, sales and marketing, distribution and logistics, and digital transformation are key areas of concern. Diversifying revenue streams through subscriptions, e-books, and audiobooks is essential for staying competitive. The digital shift requires rich content, user-friendly platforms, and security. Localization and globalization add complexity, while regulatory compliance and data privacy are critical concerns. Collaboration and partnerships are vital for success in this dynamic industry. Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report This publishing market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Book publishing 1.2 Magazine publishing 1.3 Newspaper publishing 2.1 Traditional 2.2 Digital 3.1 North America 3.2 Europe 3.3 APAC 3.4 Middle East and Africa 3.5 South America 1.1 Book publishing- The educational sector's demand for books continues to grow, driven by increasing student populations and expanding access to education. Publishers respond with digital solutions and diverse content. Governments in developing countries, such as India under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, prioritize free education. The rise of eBooks and audiobooks broadens the market, enabling instant access and increased consumption. Independent publishing adds unique voices and niche topics, fueling market growth. Education expansion remains a key driver for the book publishing segment. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) The publishing market encompasses a vast array of genres and formats, catering to the diverse reading preferences of individuals. Notable categories include Mystery, with its intriguing plots and puzzles reminiscent of jigsaws and Rubik's cubes; Educational books, which delve into the realms of Science, as explored by luminaries like Charles Darwin , Albert Einstein , Carl Sagan , and Richard Dawkins ; and Fiction, with its captivating narratives in Romance, Women's Fiction, Young Adult, and Classics. The marketplace is populated by local bookshops, such as Kitabay, and online portals, providing access to a multitude of prospects for both physical stores and online businesses. Stock market and housing market books offer insights into potential buyers' interests, while costs vary between formats and genres. Reading enthusiasts seek out these resources, expanding their knowledge and imagination. The Publishing Market encompasses a wide range of industries and sectors, including print and digital media, educational publishing, scientific, technical and medical (STM) publishing, and academic publishing. This market is driven by various factors such as increasing literacy rates, growing demand for knowledge and information, and the shift towards digital content. The market is also influenced by trends like self-publishing, open access publishing, and subscription models. Publishers are leveraging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance content discovery and personalization. The market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years due to these factors and the increasing adoption of digital content. 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Type Book Publishing Magazine Publishing Newspaper Publishing Platform Traditional Digital Geography North America Europe APAC Middle East And Africa South America 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE TechnavioBiden Says Trump Economic Plan will be Disaster
The annual general meeting and game of ACBL Western New York Unit 116 will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Buffalo Bridge Center. • • • Congratulations to Saleh Fetouh, who won the most master points among Buffalo area players in the Niagara Open Sectional Tournament Nov. 15 to 17 in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. He earned 19.42 points and was fifth overall. Also doing well were Chongmin Zhang with 8.72 points and Davis Heussler and David Colligan, both with 6.55. • • • The Bridge Center offers a regular schedule of in-person and online games five days a week, with special games on the weekends. Fee for face-to-face games is $8 for members and $11 for non-members. For more info, visit the Buffalo Bridge Center website or call 716-424-0014. Lessons for beginners are being held at the Buffalo Bridge Center from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays. For more information, call Ruth Nawotniak at 716-949-7574 or email ruth2250@outlook.com . Don’t want to clean up the house for kitchen bridge? The Bridge Center also hosts a social game in its lessons room on Tuesday mornings during the regular 10:30 a.m. game. Players can go at their own speed and style. Fee is $5 to cover expenses. In-person games: Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. For players with fewer than 1,600 points. Simultaneous game for players with fewer than 99 points if there are enough tables. Free lesson at 10. Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Open to all players. Simultaneous game for players with fewer than 99 points if there are enough tables. Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. Upgraded to now include players with up to 2,000 points. Simultaneous game for players with fewer than 99 points if there are enough tables. Free lesson at 10. Fridays, 10:30 a.m. Open to all players by pre-registration only. Call 716-424-0014. Virtual games on Bridge Base Online: Mondays, 7 p.m. For players with fewer than 750 points. Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Delaware Wednesday game for players with fewer than 2,000 points. For info on this game, call Ed Harman at 716-480-1666 or email eharmon@roadrunner.com . • • • More access to virtual games on Bridge Base Online is being offered by the Airport Bridge Club, which currently is not holding face-to-face games. It has affiliated with a new group of clubs, the SE Club of Clubs Online Bridge Collective, where most games are $5. For more info, click this link . The Airport Club also continues to be part of the Alliance Bridge Club, which offers more than a dozen games every day. Anyone who has played at the Airport Club is automatically a member. For more info, visit alliancebridgeclub.com or call Airport Club manager Bill Finkelstein at 716-603-6943. • • • The East Aurora Bridge Club begins play at 10 a.m. Wednesdays in the Aurora Senior Citizens Center, 101 King St., East Aurora. Attendance is generally three or four tables. For more info, email director Dave Larcom at dmocral@verizon.net . • • • The Bridge Centre of Niagara in St. Catharines, Ont., offers a mix of online games and in-person games at its club in Tremont Square opposite the Pen Centre shopping plaza off Glendale Avenue. Face-to-face games open to all players are offered at 1 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. There is also a face-to-face game for 499ers (players with fewer than 500 points) at 1 p.m. Monday and Friday, a beginner game with a mini-lesson at 6 p.m. Monday, mentoring at 1 p.m. Tuesdays (register by 9 p.m. Sunday), a 299er game at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday (pre-registration requested); and a 999er game at 1 p.m. Thursday. The club currently hosts two virtual games on Bridge Base Online. There’s one for players with fewer than 750 points at 10 a.m. Tuesdays, and an open game at 7 p.m. Thursdays. For more info, click here . • • • Face-to-face play in non-sanctioned clubs is offered at the Tonawanda Senior Center on Wednesday afternoons and at the Amherst Senior Center on Monday and Friday afternoons. • • • Tournament calendar 2024 District 5 STAC (Sectional Tournament at the Clubs) – Participating ACBL-sanctioned clubs. Monday, Dec. 9, to Sunday, Dec. 15. Toronto Non-Life Master Regional – Sheraton Centre, 123 Queen St. West, Toronto, Ont. Friday, Jan. 3, to Sunday, Jan. 5. For more info, click this link . Toronto New Year's Sectional – Sheraton Centre, 123 Queen St. West, Toronto, Ont. Friday, Jan. 3, to Sunday, Jan. 5. For more info, click this link . 2025 Cleveland Rock & Roll Regional – Embassy Suites Hotel, 5800 Rockside Road, Independence, Ohio. Wednesday, Jan. 8, to Sunday, Jan. 12. For more info, click this link . Niagara Sectional – Holiday Inn & Suites, 327 Ontario St., St. Catharines, Ont. Friday, Feb. 7, to Sunday, Feb. 9. Buffalo Spring Sectional – Buffalo Bridge Center, 60 Dingens St., Buffalo. Friday, March 28, to Sunday, March 30. Toronto Easter Regional – Sheraton Centre, 123 Queen St. West, Toronto, Ont. Tuesday, April 15, to Sunday, April 20. For more info, click this link . • • • Bridge club websites: Click names for links. Bridge Center of Buffalo . Western New York Unit 116 . The Airport Bridge Club, which continues to be on hiatus, does not have a website. For info, call 716-603-6943. • • • Duplicate scores from ACBL Live for Clubs Week of Nov. 11 to Nov. 17 ACBL Affiliated Clubs Buffalo Bridge Center Monday evening – 0-750 game online. Carol Licata and Larry Himelein, 70.37%; Jeannine and Michel Dupuis, 61.11%; Michael and Jim Hassett, 53.70%; Fran Schmidt and Richard McGowan, 53.70%. Buffalo Bridge Center Tuesday morning – 0-1,600 game. North-south, Paula Rosen and Maryann Szafran, 57.85%; Joanne Nover and Larry Himelein, 57.84%; Betty Metz and John Brennan, 53.99%; Joyce Greenspan and Audrey Ray, 53.07%; Pat Wolcott and Joe Miranda, 50.96%; east-west, Agi Maisel and Pat Haynes, 61.19%; Ruth Nawotniak and Paul Zittel, 59.82%; Dennis Daley and Brian Fleming, 53.23%; Carol Licata and Ilene Rothman, 46.98%. Buffalo Bridge Center Wednesday morning – Open game. Donna Steffan and Jay Levy, 64.58%; (3-way tie) Kamil Bishara and Fred Yellen, Judy Graf and Jim Gullo, Davis Heussler and Howard Foster, 53.13%. Buffalo Bridge Center Thursday morning – 0-2,000 game. Larry Himelein and David Schott, 81.48%; Betty Metz and Dennis Daly, 57.94%; Marilyn Wortzman and Jim Easton, 56.48%; Jim McClure and Richard McGowan, 50.92%. Buffalo Bridge Center Friday morning – Open game. (Tie) John Ziemer and Vic Bergsten, Judy Graf and Mike Ryan, 56%; Jay Costello and Bud Seidenberg, 55%; Martha Welte and Larry Abate, 52%. Bridge Club of East Aurora Wednesday morning – Open game. Sandi England and Walt Olszewski, 61.46%; Jan and Carl Hasselback, 60.42%; Linda Zittel and Joanne LaFay, 53.13%; Joan and Bob Ciszak, 50%. Delaware Wednesday evening – 0-2,000 game online. Deborah Zimmerman and Tom Karnowski, 67.13%; Sue Manning and Sam Khayatt, 63.89%; Jim Lanzo and Bill Rich, 58.33%; Marilyn Wortzman and Jim Easton, 56.25%; Mary Ball and Joyce Frayer, 50.23%; Sherry Siegel and Gary Keenan, 50%. Other clubs Amherst Senior Center Friday afternoon – North-south, (Tie) Edna and Ron Fill, Walt Olszewski and Ed Drozen, 58%; east-west, Mary and Jim Atwood, 58%; Fritz Schweiger and Carol Neuhaus, 55%. Tonawanda Senior Center Wednesday afternoon – Susan and Harvey Lichtblau, 75%; Rose Bochiechio and Edna Fill, 59%. • • • Unit 116 Master Point Leaders for Virtual Club Play Jan. 1, 2024, to Oct. 31, 2024 0-5 Points – Michael Rupp, 4.94; Maxine Seller, 0.59. 5-20 Points – Fran Holmes, 6.91; Devon Marlette, 2.67; Marie Aaron, 0.90; David Taylor, 0.67; Jeannine Dupuis, 0.16. 20-50 Points – Brian Fleming, 15.26; Michel Dupuis, 10.76; Ilene Rothman, 9.69; Maxine Johnson, 4.83; Kathleen Voigt, 3.80; Maureen Saab, 3.50; Donna Starnes, 2.22; Phyllis Stasiowski, 1.43; Karen Dearing, 1.33; Peggy Stock, 0.42. 50-100 Points – Maria Schory, 34.71; Howard Epstein, 19.17; Gary Keenan, 14.09; John Houghtaling, 13.42; Mike Metzger, 12.90; Cynthia Tashjian, 10.30; Candace Graser, 8.99; Mary Ellen Cotter, 6.28; Susan Burns, 5.30; Amy Habib, 4.62. 100-200 Points – Carol Licata, 21.14; Jim Hassett, 17.94; Fran Schmidt, 11.70; Judith McDermid, 10.16; Jim Greno, 9.04; Joan Ciszak, 7.59; Betsy Greno, 7.09; Susan Levy, 2.57; Janet Desmon, 1.99; Bill Noltee, 1.97; Betty DeFeo, 1.66. 200-300 Points – Maria Amlani, 45.97; Laura Houghtaling, 13.42; John Scott, 1.78; Patty Porter, 1.68. 300-500 Points – Kusum Phadke, 26.10; Pat Haynes, 17.72; Bob Ciszak, 15.44; Margaret Zhou, 6.09; David Schott, 5.19; Jim McClure, 4.89; Joanne Nover, 4 even; Ruth Nawotniak, 3.43. 500-1,000 Points – Martha Townson, 81.73; Terry Hamovitch, 55.61; Bram Hamovitch, 54.29; Ed Harman, 22.21; Sushil Amlani, 22.16; Larry Himelein, 17.56; Bill Rich, 16.90; Richard McGowan, 16.66; Joyce Frayer, 15.90; Diana Smith, 15.64. 1,000-1,500 Points – Jim Lanzo, 155.02; Vic Bergsten, 52.17; (tie) Jim Easton, Marilyn Wortzman, 10.43; Mary Ball, 8.16; Bob Kaprove, 0.83; Ed Rupp, 0.68; Bert Feasley, 0.67; Kamil Bishara, 0.60. 1,500-2,500 Points – John Bava, 41.04; Walt Olszewski, 14.11; Pinky Regan, 10.02; Rajat Basu, 6.64; Sandi England, 2.99; Paula Kotowski, 2.11; Joyce Greenspan, 1.58; Nancy Kessler, 1.54. 2,500-3,500 Points – Art Morth, 15.65; Linda Burroughsford, 9.69; Elaine Kurasiewicz, 1.53; Dale Anderson, 0.98; Mike Silverman, 0.60; Bill Rushmore, 0.28. 3,500-5,000 Points – Judy Padgug, 20.96; Martha Welte, 10.29; Davis Heussler, 10.14; Ken Meier, 4.75; Barbara Libby, 2.38; Chongmin Zhang, 1.88. More than 5,000 Points – Saleh Fetouh, 98.76; Jay Levy, 38.66; Dian Petrov, 5.75. • • • The Duplicate Bridge column is compiled weekly by Buffalo News Staff Reporter Dale Anderson. The print version stopped appearing Saturdays in The News in March 2020 when the pandemic forced local bridge clubs to halt face-to-face play. These days you can find it in two places online. Google “Duplicate Bridge” plus the current Saturday date and that should bring up a link to it on buffalonews.com , the Buffalo News website. Another place to find it is on Dale Anderson’s bridge blog at http://newsdupli.blogspot.com/ Deadline for submission of scores and notices is Tuesday night. Email danderson@buffnews.com or dahotwings@aol.com . Office phone is 716-849-4420. • • • A Gold Life Master , Dale Anderson has a career total of more than 2,970 master points. He occasionally writes about his quest for the next measure of achievement, Sapphire Life Master (3,500 points), and other bridge adventures here . Email danderson@buffnews.com . Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Reporter {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.The National Civil Registration Authority of Sierra Leone (NCRA) is reviewing its current civil registration law to identify gaps that need to be filled in line with current changes witnessed by man and technology. The NCRA is the country’s ID management authority, and led a recent workshop attended by local stakeholders and representatives of international partner organizations, according to a by the Authority. These partners include Irish Aid, the European Union (EU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Focus during the workshop was to discuss possible amendments to the Draft National Civil Registration (NCR) Bill of 2022 and the National Civil Registration Authority Act of 2016. In the course of the four-day workshop, which was held at the instance of Ministry of Internal Affairs, participants shared thoughts on several issues, including how the legal framework for civil registration in the country can be updated to reflect current exigencies. They looked at the gaps and inadequacies which they believe have to be addressed in the exiting legislations as the country moves to strengthen its foundational identity system which is of the government’s digital transformation drive. Speaking during the workshop, the NCRA Director General, Mohamed Mubashir Massaquoi, said in order to modernize the country’s civil registration system and render it more efficient, an update to the legal framework and technological deployment is inevitable. The official noted that a robust CRVS legal framework will not only “strengthen national planning,” but will also enhance “democracy and social protection mechanisms,” reports. UNICEF representative in the country, Rudolf Schwenk, emphasized the importance of birth registration as the foundational layer of legal identity, noting that “every child deserves to have their identity recognized,” and therefore “strengthening civil registration is not only a legal imperative but also a step toward achieving sustainable development goals.” The deputy Chairperson of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Internal Affairs, Sarty Banya, said amendments to the 2016 legislation would address several challenges brought about by legal, technological and operational changes. Officials say reflections during the workshop will be useful in shaping the trajectory the legislative amendment process will take. | | | | | | | |
Article content When it comes to the 2025-model-year iteration of the iconic Mazda MX-5 , the focus is, as always, on the roadster’s lightweight design and engaging driving dynamics, says Mazda Canada. The MX-5, still on offer as a soft-top convertible or retractable fastback (RF), retains the Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre engine’s services, generating 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque . The engine is paired with one of the sweetest six-speed manual transmissions; or an optional six-speed automatic transmission on select trims. All models come equipped with Mazda’s Kinematic Posture Control (KPC) , a suspension technology that improves cornering stability by applying light braking to the inner rear wheel during high-g turns. KPC enhances the car’s precision without adding weight. Trim Levels and Key Features The 2025 MX-5 is available in several trims, offering a mix of performance, safety, and luxury features: 35th Anniversary Edition To commemorate 35 years of the MX-5, Mazda is introducing a limited-edition model for 2025. It features a bespoke Artisan Red exterior, a beige convertible top, and an upgraded tan leather interior. This special edition will debut during the 2025 Rolex 24 at Daytona, celebrating the car’s heritage and Mazda’s racing legacy. Sign up for our newsletter Blind-Spot Monitor and follow our social channels on Instagram , Facebook and X to stay up to date on the latest automotive news, reviews, car culture, and vehicle shopping advice.Taiwan’s foreign minister, Lin Chia-lung, wrapped up a weeklong trip to Europe Sunday after meeting European lawmakers in Brussels and overseeing efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation in developing drone technology between Taiwan and Lithuania. Analysts say the trip was part of Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to deepen engagement with European countries and reflected the current administration’s attempt to focus on facilitating practical and tangible cooperation with individual nations. “European countries and members of the European parliament have pushed for tangible cooperation that the EU and Taiwan can both agree on, so focusing on deepening bilateral ties is a more realistic approach for Taiwan as it can help tangible examples of economic cooperation to materialize,” Zsuzsa Anna Ferenczy, an expert on EU-Taiwan relations at National Dong Hwa University in Taiwan, told VOA. During his seven-day trip, Lin met with several members of the European Parliament in Brussels and visited the Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre, which focuses on nanoelectronics and digital technologies. Lin has made economic and trade diplomacy his priority since becoming Taiwan’s top diplomat in May. Lin also led a delegation of representatives from 20 Taiwanese drone companies to Lithuania. They attended a forum on drone technologies and signed two agreements that will facilitate collaboration in the unmanned aerial vehicle industry. The signing of the agreements is part of Taiwan’s efforts to build a domestic drone manufacturing industry, which the government sees as an important part of enhancing the island’s overall defense capabilities in the face of increasing military pressure imposed by China. Beijing views Taiwan, a self-governing island, as an inalienable part of its territory that should one day reunite with the mainland, by force if necessary. In September, Taiwan gathered more than 50 domestic drone manufacturers and established the Taiwan Excellence Drone International Business Opportunities Alliance, which has been building drone development partnerships with other countries. On November 16, the alliance signed an agreement to promote drone development with the Polish-Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Experts say Lin’s trip can help Taiwan broaden the scope of economic cooperation with central and eastern European countries beyond the semiconductor industry. By focusing on developing partnerships in drone development with Lithuanian companies, “the trip allows the conversation around economic engagements with Taiwan to move beyond the focus on semiconductors,” Marcin Jerzewski, the head of the Taiwan Office at the European Values Center for Security Policy, told VOA by phone. Other European analysts say since central and eastern European countries, especially Lithuania, play an important role in supplying drones to Ukraine in Kyiv's ongoing fight against Russia, Taiwan’s emphasis on deepening bilateral cooperation in this sector could resonate with these countries’ priorities. Since Taiwan is deepening cooperation over drone technology “with Lithuania and Poland, two front-line countries that have nuanced and realistic views of the threats coming from Russia, this development can help improve the defense capabilities in central and eastern Europe,” Matej Šimalčík, executive director of the Central European Institute of Asian Studies, or CEIAS, told VOA by phone. During a dinner ceremony marking the third anniversary of the establishment of Taiwan’s representative office in Lithuania on November 20, Lin said he expects Taiwan and Lithuania to expand the bilateral partnership and “work toward the common goal of promoting peace and prosperity.” Lithuania’s recalibration Despite Taiwan’s attempt to deepen engagement with Lithuania, Lin’s trip comes at a time when Lithuania’s potential new government is considering improving relations with China after Beijing downgraded diplomatic relations with the Baltic country in 2021 following the establishment of Taiwan’s representative office in the country. Gintautas Paluckas, the candidate that the Social Democratic Party wants to make prime minister after coming out on top in elections last month, expressed his desire to “normalize” relations with China. He spoke during an interview with Lithuanian national broadcaster LRT on October 31. “Having normal relations is certainly an aspiration because the EU – even though relations with China will not be rosy, they will argue about the economy, about tariffs, about protectionist measures [...] – but the EU is trying to maintain diplomatic relations. We cannot fall out of this context and call it leadership,” he said. Ferenczy said as Lithuania rethinks its engagement with China, Taiwan’s focus on deepening economic ties will be more “productive” to the sustainability of bilateral ties as it could avoid triggering potential retaliation from China. “It will help circumvent member states’ reluctance to engage with Taiwan and instead bring the kind of engagement that helps both sides,” she told VOA. Ferenczy adds that successful bilateral cooperation with European countries can help consolidate Taiwan’s engagement with the European Union as a whole. “Building up stronger bilateral relationships will help consolidate Taiwan’s cooperation with the EU, as countries that have substance to their partnerships with Taiwan may be more willing to embrace Taiwan at the European level,” she said. In response to questions about Lin’s trip to Europe, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Beijing opposes any form of official interaction between Taiwan and countries having diplomatic ties with China. “The EU should abide by the one-China principle, stop any form of official interaction with the Taiwan authorities, and stop sending wrong signals to ‘Taiwan independence separatist forces,’” he said during a press conference on November 20. Lin Chia-lung's trip marks the third time a high-level Taiwanese delegation has visited Europe since Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te won elections in January. As Taipei continues to deepen engagement with European countries, Jerzewski said the Lai administration should consider establishing a coherent approach to manage its relations with Europe. “Taiwan still doesn’t have a concrete strategic document that allows European stakeholders to understand how Taiwan wants to engage with them, and in order to make Taiwan’s ties with Europe more sustainable, such a document is important,” he told VOA.When President Joe Biden visited Angola last week, one of the highlights was his pledge of hundreds of millions of dollars for an ambitious trans-Africa rail project that would bring copper and cobalt from central Africa to the Atlantic port of Lobito. The project is possible because of the commitment of a $553 million direct loan from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, created in 2019 during the first Trump administration to counter China’s expansion of its global reach through infrastructure projects, such as the mega-port in Chancay, Peru, inaugurated just last month. On Monday, the U.S. agency celebrated its five-year milestone by vowing to advance U.S. foreign policy and strategic interests through projects around the world such as the one in Angola. It also seeks re-authorization from Congress and a greater ability to invest in more countries when there’s a strategic need to compete with China. “We need to be good partners while offering an alternative based on our values,” said Scott Nathan, the chief executive officer of the development agency, who was in Angola last week with the president. “Quite simply, we need to continue to show up.” Nathan is set to leave the post. President-elect Donald Trump is yet to name his pick to lead the agency. Over its first five years, the agency has developed a portfolio of more than $50 billion in 114 countries, including solar panel manufacturing in India, a power plant in Sierra Leone, and digital infrastructure in South America. To do that, the agency has leveraged government funding to partner with private investments. Last year, the agency committed to $12 billion in new transactions, using the roughly $800 million in appropriations, Nathan said. Investments by the agency are having a “transformational impact on economic development while concretely advancing U.S. strategic interests,” Nathan said. In Angola, for example, the rail project would help secure the supply chain by cutting both time and cost in transporting critical minerals. National security adviser Jake Sullivan said the agency was created when the U.S. was “ceding the field” to China in a new era of geopolitics. The U.S. needed a vision “calibrated to new geopolitical realities” and that matched ”the scope of the transformational challenges we faced.” It was in 2013 when Beijing launched the massive Belt and Road Initiative to gain markets and influence around the world by building roads, railways, power plants, transmission lines and ports, usually in less-developed regions. A recent report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office said China provided $679 billion for international infrastructure projects such as those in transportation and energy between 2013 and 2021, compared with the $76 billion the U.S. provided in the same period. Western politicians have criticized these Beijing-backed projects for creating debt traps, but Beijing argues that they have brought tangible and much-needed economic benefits to the host countries. In 2018, Congress passed a bipartisan bill that created the U.S. development agency, aimed at bringing private investments into low- and middle-income countries through tools such as equity investment, loan guarantee and political risk insurance. On Monday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised the agency for “reimagining how the U.S. does development” and said, through its work, the U.S. has “shown countries that they don’t have to resort to projects that are poorly built, environmentally destructive, that import or abuse workers, that foster corruption or burden countries with unsustainable debt.” “We really are the partner of choice,” Blinken said. As challenges lie ahead, Blinken said the agency needs to do even more and in more countries than before. When President Joe Biden visited Angola last week, one of Missouri business groups announced Monday that they have filed a A Massachusetts judge dismissed criminal charges Monday against a backer A federal appeals court panel on Friday unanimously upheld a
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A BODY has been found on a Scottish island during the search for a missing woman who vanished two days ago. Shanahan MacInnes, 28, was reported missing to police after she vanished in the early hours of Friday morning. She went missing on the Isle of Benbecula, which is an island of the Outer Hebrides. Shanahan was last seen in the Tindill Road area of Balivanich at around 1.30am. A frantic search was underway as cops appealed for help from the public to find her over the weekend. She was last seen wearing a burgundy tracksuit and white trainers with a black Nike tick. However, it was thought that she had other clothes with her, and may have changed into a black North Face jacket and black trainers with a gold buckle After cops launched their appeal, Shanahan's family took to social media to urge people to be on the lookout for her. They added that she left behind her purse, phone, car and keys and they were becoming increasingly worried about her. However, police have now tragically confirmed that a body was found during their searches. Most read in The Scottish Sun They said the grim discovery was made at around 1.05pm this afternoon in the Aird area of Benbecula. The area is a short walk away from the location where she was last seen. The body is yet to be formally identified, however, Alice's family have been informed. Police added that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. Police Scotland's Highland and Islands division shared a statement about the tragic find on social media this afternoon. ALMOST 15,000 missing person reports are made to Police Scotland every single year. Most of these cases involve medium-to-high-risk missing persons, however, many more go unreported. In 2020-2021, half of these reports related to children, and 40 per cent involved a person who had been missing before. Tragically, 117 cases over these years had fatal outcomes. This was more than the number of victims involved in homicide across Scotland, which was 58, according to NCA UK Missing Persons data 2020-2021. The data also found that most of the harm suffered by missing adults and Scotland is related to problems with mental health. It read: "Around 1.05pm on Sunday, 24 November 2024, officers were made aware that a body of a woman had been found in the Aird area of Benbecula. "Formal identification has still to take place. "However the family of 28-year-old Shanahan MacInnes, who was missing from Balivanich, has been made aware. READ MORE SUN STORIES "The death is not being treated as suspicious. "A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."
Suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO struggles, shouts while entering courthouseMore than two months after a violent incident at Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center left two correction officers stabbed and three others injured, officers and inmates alike say the prison is still too dangerous. It wasn't always like that, according to Dan Flynn, who started working inside the maximum security prison in 1998. “It was a different place,” Flynn said. “We basically ran the institution.” But Flynn says that began to change. Inmates started using synthetic drugs, like K-2. “They had superhuman strength,” Flynn said. “We had one where a guy was biting the other one, he was trying to rip pieces of flesh off of this guy.” Flynn also began seeing more homemade weapons and assaults. “We had had a major assault in 2012 where an officer was stabbed through the neck,” he said. Flynn retired in 2018, but the violence inside Souza Baranowski hasn't let up. Correction Officers Union President Dennis Martin wants the State Department of Correction to focus less on inmate programs and freedoms and more on security. “These are violent people. They come in violent, and they’re continuing this violent behavior,” Martin said. “If there is an uptick in violence or an uptick in drugs, we need a cleanse in that institution.” Officers are facing more dangers, Martin said, from being sprayed with bodily fluids to being attacked with homemade weapons. And, Martin said, is inaction from the Department of Correction. “We've been complaining about this month after month after month,” he said. “We're not seeing the inmates being held accountable.” Jesse White, legislative director at the inmate advocacy group Prisoners’ Legal Services, said harsher conditions aren't the answer. “Incarcerated people want to feel safe, too,” she said. “If we want to make a safer environment for people, and I think we all do, what we need to do is make sure that we are giving people access to programming, to education, to vocational training opportunities, adequate mental health care, medical care.” Contributing to the violence, according to White, is abuse by staff. The number of excessive force complaints to Prisoners’ Legal Services jumped from 18 in 2022 to 94 so far in 2024. “When the Department of Correction fails to create a culture of accountability within the prison system, incarcerated people and correctional officers alike are less safe,” she said. As the state's only maximum-security prison, Souza-Baranowski is home to the most violent offenders. Data shows there are far more assaults and weapons confiscated here than in any other Massachusetts prison, and it's getting worse. Assaults on staff rose from 118 in 2021 to 187 just through September of 2024. In the same timeframe, the number of weapons found skyrocketed from 52 in 2021 to 186. 5 Investigates’ Brittany Johnson sat down with DOC Commissioner Shawn Jenkins. Jenkins said the Department of Corrections is using a multi-layered approach to reducing violence, including using the latest technology to screen for contraband and training staff to search for drugs and weapons. Jenkins said the DOC is also sending more inmate assault cases to district attorneys’ offices for prosecution, 41 percent more from 2021 to last year. Both the correction officers’ union and Prison Legal Services have made pleas to the governor for help making Souza-Baranowski, now the only maximum security prison in Mass., safer. One surprising source of contention is the computer tablets that inmates use for education and to communicate with the outside world. But the correction officers' union says inmates are taking them apart and turned into weapons. Dennis Martin, the correction officers’ union president, showed 5 Investigates photos of homemade knives that he said are made from pieces of the tablets. “The DOC has provided us information that these tablets were indestructible that has been proven wrong,” Martin said. “So we've asked them to renegotiate with the vendor or possibly choose another vendor to make these tablets unbreakable.” According to the DOC, just 41 out of the 4,650 tablets issued at its state facilities have been turned into weapons. “The vast majority of these people are using tablets for the right reasons. They're using them for programming, they're using them for education, they're using them to keep in contact with their family, and that's critical to the mission that we're trying to accomplish. And so I don't look at those numbers and say that we need to take or remove all the tablets,” Jenkins said. “I look at those numbers and saying, we have a small group of people that have misused those tablets, and when they misuse them, they're held accountable for it, and they lose, in some cases, they can lose their ability to access these tablets.” Jenkins said the tablets are part of providing "good rehabilitative services" to inmates, which is crucial for safety not just inside the prison, but outside as well. The Department of Correction says the recidivism rate — inmates who are re-incarcerated after release — is actually dropping in Massachusetts. But Prisoners’ Legal Services says inmates coming out of Souza-Baranowski are far more likely to re-offend. They say this is evidence that more needs to be done at the state's only maximum security prison.Luigi Nicholas Mangione was arrested Monday in last Wednesday's attack on Brian Thompson after they say a worker at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, alerted authorities to a customer who resembled the suspected gunman. When arrested, Mangione had on him a gun that investigators believe was used in the attack and writings expressing anger at corporate America, police said. As Mangione arrived at the courthouse Tuesday, he struggled with officers and shouted something that was partly unintelligible but referred to an “insult to the intelligence of the American people.” Mangione is being held on Pennsylvania charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Manhattan prosecutors have charged him with five counts, including murder, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a forged instrument. Here are some of the latest developments: What's the latest? Wearing an orange jumpsuit, Mangione mostly stared straight ahead during the hearing, occasionally consulting papers, rocking in his chair, or looking back at the gallery. At one point, he began to speak to respond to the court discussion but was quieted by his lawyer. Judge David Consiglio denied bail to Mangione, whose attorney, Thomas Dickey, told the court that his client did not agree to extradition and wants a hearing on the matter. Blair County (Pennsylvania) District Attorney Peter Weeks said that although Mangione's fighting extradition will create “extra hoops” for law enforcement to jump through, it won’t be a substantial barrier to sending him to New York. What evidence has been gathered? In addition to a three-page, handwritten document that suggests he harbored “ill will toward corporate America,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said Monday that Mangione also had a ghost gun, a type of weapon that can be assembled at home and is difficult to trace. Officers questioned Mangione, who was acting suspiciously and carrying multiple fraudulent IDs, as well as a U.S. passport, New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. Officers also found a sound suppressor, or silencer, “consistent with the weapon used in the murder,” she said. He had clothing and a mask similar to those worn by the shooter and a fraudulent New Jersey ID matching one the suspect used to check into a New York City hostel before the shooting, the commissioner said. What do we know about Mangione? Kenny said Mangione was born and raised in Maryland, has ties to San Francisco and that his last known address is in Honolulu. Mangione, who was valedictorian of his Maryland prep school, earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a university spokesman told The Associated Press on Monday. Mangione comes from a prominent Maryland family. His grandfather Nick Mangione, who died in 2008, was a successful real estate developer. One of his best-known projects was Turf Valley Resort, a sprawling luxury retreat and conference center outside Baltimore that he purchased in 1978. Mangione likely was motivated by his anger with what he called “parasitic” health insurance companies and a disdain with corporate greed, said a law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press. He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive healthcare system in the world and that the profits of major corporations continue to rise while “our life expectancy” does not, according to the bulletin, which was based on a review of the suspect’s hand-written notes and social media postings. The defendant appeared to view the targeted killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO as a symbolic takedown and may have been inspired by “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski, whom he called a “political revolutionary,” the document said. The shooting and a quick escape Police said the person who killed Thompson left a hostel on Manhattan's Upper West Side at 5:41 a.m. on Wednesday. Eleven minutes later, he was seen on surveillance video walking back and forth in front of the New York Hilton Midtown, wearing a distinctive backpack. At 6:44 a.m., he shot Thompson at a side entrance to the hotel, fled on foot, then climbed aboard a bicycle and within four minutes had entered Central Park, according to police. Another security camera recorded the gunman leaving the park near the American Museum of Natural History at 6:56 a.m. still on the bicycle but without the backpack, police said. After getting in a taxi, he headed north to a bus terminal near the George Washington Bridge, arriving at around 7:30 a.m. From there, the trail of video evidence runs cold. Police have not located video of the suspect exiting the building, leading them to believe he likely took a bus out of town. Police said they are still investigating the path the suspect took to Pennsylvania. “This just happened this morning," Kenny said. "We’ll be working, backtracking his steps from New York to Altoona, Pennsylvania,” Kenny said. Associated Press reporters Lea Skene, Matt O'Brien, Sean Murphy and Cedar Attanasio contributed to this report.Senate deputy minority leader wants Nigerian elite to lead electoral reforms
NoneVladimir Putin and Rajnath Singh (R) NEW DELHI: India's expansive strategic partnership with Russia was reinforced on Tuesday, with defence minister Rajnath Singh telling President Vladimir Putin that their "friendship is higher than the highest mountain and deeper than the deepest ocean", while the two countries also inked a wide-ranging protocol on defence cooperation in "ongoing and prospective areas". In his almost-hour-long meeting with Putin at the Kremlin, Singh also stressed that India "has always stood by its Russian friends and will continue to do so in the future", underlining the fine balance India has struck between Russia and the US-led western countries even during the ongoing Ukraine war. However, there were several concerns raised by the Indian delegation during the 21st India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) meeting, which was co-chaired by Singh and his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov. Sources said New Delhi asked Moscow to speed up deliveries of the two remaining squadrons of the S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems as well as set up a repair and overhaul facility for them in India, while also ensuring timely deliveries, maintenance support and supply of spares for several other weapon systems and platforms, ranging from Sukhoi-30MKI fighters to T-90S main-battle tanks. Moscow was also asked to give more transfer of technology to improve the "maintenance and sustenance" of the IAF's existing fleet of 259 Sukhoi jets, the bulk of them produced by HAL under licence from Russia for over $12 billion. With Singh asking Russian defence industries to "explore new opportunities" to enhance their participation in 'Make in India' projects, Belousov said the operationalisation of the military technical cooperation agreement for 2021-31 would give the necessary impetus to such endeavours. Dubbing the joint production of AK-203 assault rifles at the Korwa ordnance factory in UP a "resounding success", Singh told Belousov that Russia must expand the production of such products in India and explore exporting them to other countries, the sources said. Russia still remains India's main weapons supplier, accounting for over 36% of its arms imports, though New Delhi has been focussing on enhancing its own domestic defence production. India has also increasingly turned to countries like the US, France and Israel for military hardware and software over the last two decades. Around 60% of Indian military's inventory is still of Russian-origin, including fighters like Sukhoi-30MKIs and MiG-29s, warships like aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, Talwar and Teg-class frigates and Kilo-class diesel-electric submarines, AN-32 medium-lift aircraft and Mi-17 helicopters. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .Eagles receivers Smith and Brown complain about vanishing pass offense during winning streak
Now that the NBA is set to enter the second quarter of the season, it's a great time to check in on the MVP race. While many fans may deem it too early to tell, a few NBA stars are already setting themselves apart as front runners in the race to becoming this season's Most Valuable Player. Even though Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid was last year's MVP, Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokić has been absolutely dominating the race. Jokić has won the award in three of the past four seasons. So it shouldn't come as a surprise that Jokić is once again putting together another dominating MVP-caliber season. It's not going to be a cakewalk this season though for the Nuggets' star center, as there are a few other stars this season who are off to an incredible start. Here's a list of our front runners to look out for in the MVP race. In fact, the Milwaukee Bucks would like a word! Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has been carrying the Bucks on his back this season, leading his team to wins in 10 of their last 12 games. Antetokounmpo is also leading the league in scoring at 32.5 points per game. We've ranked our top five MVP frontrunners for the 2024-25 season. 5. Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks Season Stats: 28.7 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 8.1 apg Following Doncic's return to the court, the Mavericks put together a seven-game win streak. There's no question the Slovenian guard is one of the most prolific scorers in the league, making him one of the top five leaders in points per game. Fans often question his ability defensively, always making his case for an MVP title controversial, but the consistency offensively is always there. 4. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics Season Stats: 28.4 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 5.6 apg This season we've been able to see Tatum really emerge as the team leader, helping keep his team comfortably seated at the No. 2 spot in the East. After coming off an NBA Championship season, the Celtics roster has taken a few severe hits early in the season with players like Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Kristaps Porzingis all missing games due to injury. That said, Tatum has been putting the team on his back, stringing together some huge wins behind some incredible performances of his. Tatum leads the Celtics in almost every stat category including scoring, rebounds, assists, and steals. He's making a very strong case to add an MVP trophy to his hardware case. 3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder Season Stats: 29.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 6.5 apg Offensive consistency is the first thing that comes to mind when bringing up what Gilgeous-Alexander is doing in Oklahoma City this season. It's very normal to see him come out night after night and score between 25-30 points, easily. What's been even more impressive is his playmaking and closing skills this year. The Thunder are coming off a big playoff run from last season, and haven't seemed to miss a beat behind the offensive production from Gilgeous-Alexander. Fans are interested in seeing if the dominance can translate into more success from the Thunder, but they definitely have an MVP-caliber player just based on the first quarter of the season. 2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks Season Stats: 32.6 ppg, 11.6 rpg, 6.6 apg If you thought Antetokounmpo couldn't get any better than he already has been in previous seasons, you've thought wrong. The "Greek Freak" has shown massive improvement in his shot selection, shooting 61.1% from the field. Not only does he now lead the league in scoring, but he's leading his team up the Eastern Conference standings, as the Bucks now sit at No. 6 in the East. Critics initially believed the Bucks would need to become playoff contenders in order for Antetokounmpo to make a real case for the MVP title this year, but after leading his team to win 10 out of 12 of the Bucks' last games, that may not be an issue any longer. 1. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets Season Stats: 29.9 ppg, 13.4 rpg, 10.4 apg Not only has Jokić fully emerged as the front-runner in the NBA MVP race so far, but you could also make a case for him being the most impactful player in the league. The Nuggets truly sink or swim when Jokić isn't on the floor as opposed to when he is. This is reflected in Denver's offense, as the Nuggets are last in the NBA offensive rating without him, and first when he's healthy and on the court. Having won three of the last four MVP titles, many wondered if there was ever a chance of Jokić slowing down: there isn't. He is the only NBA player to be top five in scoring, rebounds, and assists. He also leads the Nuggets in steals, meaning, as much as fans are reluctant to agree, he's improved defensively as well. It could be another scary season for the NBA with Jokić terrorizing the league. For more NBA news, make sure to head over to Newsweek Sports .
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