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youtube betfred The mellowing of electric-vehicle adoption hasn’t prevented General Motors from introducing several such models, specifically for the Chevrolet and Cadillac brands. In particular, Chevrolet has three available, including the Blazer EV. A fourth – the Corvette EV – is expected sometime in 2025, with others reportedly in the development stage. The scalable platform, which is used for all GM EVs, large and small, can handle front, rear or front and rear electric motors. For the midsize five-passenger Blazer EV, the prominent nose does have a type of grille, but it’s mostly for aesthetics. The rest of the bodywork shares nothing – as in zero – with the gasoline Blazer, which remains in production. Both are same length, but the EV has about a 23-centimetre advantage in distance between the front and rear wheels. That means easier rear-seat access through the generously sized doors, plus plenty of legroom. Despite the EV’s lower roofline, cargo volume is greater than the gasoline Blazer’s, with the seat upright or folded flat. There’s no storage beneath the hood – commonly called a front trunk or a frunk – for smaller items, which is frequently found in other EVs, such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E. The interior has a 17.7-inch infotainment screen and a fashionably large 11.1-inch driver-information display. Instead of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, the Blazer EV gets Google software. Oversized air vents are positioned on either side of the dashboard and directly above the floor console. The base 300-horsepower LT lists for $57,900, including destination charges. It’s available in front- or all-wheel-drive ($61,400), has a range of 453 and 538 kms, respectively. Equipment includes the usual power features as well as heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, 19-inch wheels and standard active-safety technology such as front and rear emergency braking, active cruise control and blind-spot warning. The 365-horsepower rear-wheel-drive RS ($68,400) can also go up to 538 kms on a charge, but AWD claws that back to 453. The performance-oriented AWD Blazer SS ($73,400) makes 595 horsepower and 645 pound-feet. According to Chevrolet, it can hit 60 mph (96-km/h) from rest in less than four seconds. The range is advertised as 470 kms. For every 10 minutes the Blazer EV is plugged in to a Level 3 DC fast charger, 125 kms of range will be added. With a 240-volt home charger, expect a full top-up overnight. Note that the dual-level charge cord needed for Level 2 and Level 3 use is optional. The RS and SS come with heated and ventilated front seats, heated flat-bottom steering wheel and a hands-free power liftgate. They both have exterior lighting between the grille and the hood that illuminates when the driver approaches. Exclusive to the SS is a head-up driver’s info display (projects information such as speed onto the windshield), a rear-view camera/mirror, Brembo-brand front brakes, premium-grade interior trim and unique 22-inch wheels (21-inch versions are fitted to the RS). Standard with the SS is the latest version of General Motors’ Super Cruise system that allows hands-free driving on more than 640,000 kms of roads in the United States and Canada. GM says that Super Cruise allows the Blazer to safely overtake slower-moving traffic and return to the original lane, all without driver involvement. Chevrolet also says it is creating a Police Pursuit Vehicle model based on the SS, which, given its power output, likely makes the most sense. Given its size, styling, output and variety of trim levels, the Chevrolet Blazer EV has plenty going for it. It also happens to be competitively priced, further enhanced by government rebates. These factors are helping to create increased buyer interest and acceptance in electric vehicles.In line with the successful implementation of the faceless assessment by the Income Tax department, EEPC India has proposed to the government to roll out a faceless GST audit focusing on empowering the MSME sector . ET Year-end Special Reads What kept India's stock market investors on toes in 2024? India's car race: How far EVs went in 2024 Investing in 2025: Six wealth management trends to watch out for "The faceless GST audit system, by using technology and ensuring anonymity, will reduce compliance costs . A faceless system will streamline procedures allowing MSMEs to focus on growth and innovation," said Pankaj Chadha , chairman, of EEPC India. EEPC India in its pre-budget recommendation has also proposed that Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) related liabilities should be eligible for the Amnesty scheme . Some RCM issues, such as foreign bank charges and foreign business services, pose challenges for exporters who may be unaware of the charges or services provided. Since these issues are not fraudulent, they should fall under Section 73, which addresses genuine compliance concerns . "Exporters should be granted relief under the amnesty scheme, even if Show Cause Notices (SCNs) are issued under Section 74," Chadha said. Many of the EEPC India members have informed that they have received Show Cause Notices related to RCM; hence, an amnesty scheme is urgently needed for such issues. 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The last day to apply is December 31, 2024. Click here to submit your entry for any one or more of the 22 categories and stand a chance to win a prestigious award. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )Amid intense debate over the deletion of fake ration cards, the Jammu and Kashmir government on Sunday said that an exercise has been started to ensure that only eligible beneficiaries benefit under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) and the undeserving are weeded out. As the opposition Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) is aggressively raking up the issue of deleting at least 1.5 lakh ration cards of Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, the government on Sunday said that no such order has been issued. Quoting a report tabled in the Parliament, the government said that 1.27 lakh ration cards were deleted in an exercise to identify fake and duplicate beneficiaries. "Process to delete fake and duplicate ration cards was started in 2013 and the deletions carried out in the past, over 10 years in J&K as a part of reforms pursued by the Government of India across the country," an official spokesperson of the government said. The report tabled in the Parliament added that the elimination of bogus/duplicate ration cards and beneficiaries is an essential requirement under the TPDS control order of the Government of India, which is now being established through technology interventions like Aadhaar seeding, eKYC, and field verification. "As a result of accelerated Aadhaar seeding, pursued by the Department, huge duplication of ration cards and beneficiaries was established leading to deletion of such ration cards and beneficiaries over the years," the spokesperson said. 8.6 lakh additional beneficiaries added to PDS in J&K At the same time, bringing the left-out eligible beneficiaries under the Public Distribution System (PDS) cover has also been seriously pursued by the government, and this effort has also led to the addition of 8.6 lakh eligible beneficiaries to PDS in J&K since shifting to a dependable Ration Card Management System in September 2022. Further, it is clarified that only the order issued by the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department in the recent past in the context of PDS seeks the inclusion of children born during the years 2011 to 2016 in their family ration cards so that additional benefits flow to these beneficiaries and households as per eligibility under PDS. The government has also issued explicit orders for prompt inclusion of any eligible beneficiary still left out under PDS, wherever reported. As a result of these efforts the number of beneficiaries under NFSA, who are provided free food grains every month, has gone up from 66.37 lakh to 66.59 lakh during the last three months. PDP rakes up issue of ration card deletion to corner the government A day after the date of fake ration cards was tabled in the Parliament, the PDP seized this opportunity to corner Omar Abdullah's government for depriving BPL families of their rights to get subsidized ration. PDP leader Iltija Mufti accused the Omar Abdullah-led Jammu and Kasmir Government of deleting at least 1.5 lakh ration cards. Speaking to reporters on the "Cancellation of BPL rations cards", Iltija Mufti said, "The new government had in their election manifesto promised to provide 10 kilograms floor and rice for free for every month." The PDP leader asked the NC government, "If you cannot provide anything to people, then do not snatch either. You have at least cancelled 1.5 lakh ration cards. Each ration card has at least 6 family members. You are witnessing the number of families getting affected." 5.87 crore fake ration cards were deleted in the whole country On December 17, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya informed the Rajya Sabha that over 5.87 crore fake ration cards have been cancelled during the digitization and re-verification process spanning 2013-2024. The highest number of 1,93,54,572 fake ration cards were detected in Uttar Pradesh, followed by 85,59,560 in West Bengal, 46, 12,756 in Maharashtra and 43, 68, 125 in Andra Pradesh. As per the data shared by the Minister, 1,27,872 such fake and duplicate ration cards were deleted in Jammu and Kashmir from 2013 to 2024. The Union Government has requested all state governments and Union Territory administrations to expedite the eKYC process," the Minister said. "At present, 99.8% of ration cards under PMGKAY have been seeded with the Aadhaar number of at least one member of the beneficiary household," the Minister further said. "As an outcome of the use of technology in Targeted Public Distribution System operations since 2013, i.e., digitization of ration cards/beneficiary databases, Aadhaar seeding, de-duplication process, identification of duplicates, ineligible records, deaths, permanent migration of beneficiaries, etc. all states and union territories have been able to weed-out approximately. 5.87 crore ration cards between 201 3 to 2024 in order to achieve rightful targeting," the Minister said. Bengal passport racket: Cops trying to track PDS dealers acting as roots of creating fake documents Cyber criminals issue fake ration cards by breaching J'khand govt's system; Issue of new ration cards stopped Food scam: Over 98,000 fake ration cards detected in J govt suffers ₹20 crore loss [details]

Health authorities in the United Kingdom have warned the public against cheap Brazilian butt lift (BBL) from overseas clinics. The invasive cosmetic procedure is being offered abroad for under £3,000, inclusive of hotel accommodation and flight fare, to entice customers. In contrast, local BBL costs 70 percent higher in the United Kingdom, according to the National Health Service (NHS). However, a spate of deaths and medical complications arising from botched BBL surgeries, with the NHS frequently having to treat patients when they return home, prompted the warning posted on the NHS website on 21 December. In the post, NHS National Medical Director Professor Sir Stephen Powis also said BBL surgery has the highest death rate of all cosmetic procedures as the fat injected into the buttocks can lead to a pulmonary embolism, which is a blockage in a blood vessel in the lungs that can be fatal. “While many people’s social media feeds will be full of enticing looking offers in the run up to Christmas, the reality is these bargain basement cosmetic procedures are potentially deadly,” he warned. Meanwhile, a literal case of butt lifting has been remedied using 3-D printing technology. Mystic Aquarium senior veterinarian Dr. Molly Martony revealed that the company Adia measured and scanned Charlotte for the design of a customized prosthetic harness to remedy a “bubble butt syndrome” (BBS). Charlotte, a green sea turtle at the Connecticut aquarium, is suffering from BBS years after it was hit by a boat that damaged her shell and spinal cord. The BBS caused the male green sea turtle to be buoyant and vertical in the water because air in its gastro-intestinal tract lifts its butt up. The position can damage its organs, Claire Bolster, Charlotte’s handler, said, according to ABC News. With the prosthetic harness fitted on Charlotte’s shell, weights can be placed to pull his butt down and let him swim at level and more smoothly.The semiconductor industry, renowned for its impressive growth over past decades, is rallying on the back of artificial intelligence (AI) advancements. Though economic slowdowns raise concerns, the demand for cutting-edge devices continues to boost the need for more sophisticated chips. A recent IDC report forecasts a 15% expansion in the semiconductor market by 2025, driven by AI. This development could present a prime opportunity for investors, especially in stocks like Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Micron Technology (MU), which have seen a dip in their stock values despite healthy revenue growth in the data center sector. AMD, which has seen a significant increase in its server CPU market share, anticipates a surge in demand for its GPUs within data centers. This promising demand outlook resonates with Wall Street’s optimistic predictions for AMD’s stock, which currently trades significantly below its peak. The company forecasts that the market for AI accelerators will grow substantially, suggesting a long-term growth trajectory. Meanwhile, Micron Technology, a leader in memory and storage solutions, has enjoyed a notable recovery since 2022. Despite recent market fluctuations, Micron’s sales to data centers have soared, particularly with their high-bandwidth memory outperforming expectations. The company remains optimistic about returning to record revenue by 2025, but unknown variables in demand make future predictions challenging. Both AMD and Micron present tantalizing prospects for 2025, yet AMD’s consistent growth positions it as a potentially safer bet for investors aiming to capitalize on Wall Street’s bullish outlook. Why the Semiconductor Boom Driven by AI Presents Unmatched Opportunities The semiconductor industry is poised for an exhilarating transformation sparked by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). With a projected market expansion of 15% by 2025, as reported by IDC, AI is set to redefine the landscape while offering exceptional investment prospects. This article explores new dimensions that could shape the industry’s future, including innovations, opportunities, and strategic insights. Emerging Trends and Innovations The semiconductor sector is experiencing groundbreaking innovations, particularly in AI-specific chip design. Companies like Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Micron Technology are leading this charge with their focus on developing high-performance chips for AI applications. AMD’s strategic investment in GPU technology gears up to power more robust and efficient AI processors, while Micron’s advancements in high-bandwidth memory are setting new benchmarks in data handling capabilities. Investment Opportunities and Predictions For investors keen to enter the semiconductor market, the dip in stock values of key players like AMD and Micron Technology presents an attractive entry point. Analysts remain optimistic about these stocks, with a consensus on AMD’s continued growth driven by increased demand for GPUs in data centers. Predictions indicate a substantial rise in AI accelerator market share, hinting at AMD’s long-term growth potential. Similarly, Micron aims to recover to record revenue levels by 2025, powered by innovations in memory and storage solutions critical for AI and machine learning processes. However, potential investors should remain cautious due to possible demand fluctuations that could impact projections. Market Analysis and Strategic Insights The semiconductor market’s future hinges on its ability to adapt to AI’s evolving needs. Key insights suggest focusing on AI-driven demand could be the linchpin for sustained growth. Data center sales illustrate a robust demand for high-performance computing solutions, underlining the importance of developing chips optimized for AI tasks. Challenges and Limitations While the industry’s growth outlook is promising, challenges such as supply chain disruptions and fluctuating demand could impede progress. The reliance on rare materials and international market conditions also pose logistical and operational challenges that stakeholders must navigate to maintain momentum. Concluding Thoughts The semiconductor industry’s trajectory is closely tied to AI innovations, offering promising yet complex prospects for businesses and investors alike. Embracing AI’s potential, particularly through strategic investments in companies like AMD and Micron Technology, could prove transformative. As the sector evolves, staying informed and agile will be essential for capitalizing on the nascent opportunities in this rapidly advancing field. Learn more about semiconductor trends at IDC and explore investment opportunities through AMD and Micron Technology .

Despite a resounding defeat at the hands of Ronald Reagan in 1980, the Democrat forged a new path promoting causes such as electoral probity abroad, social justice and drives to rid the world of medical conditions. His first foreign visit as president was to the UK where then prime minister James Callaghan, as well as the usual visits in London, took his guest to the North East with a visit to Newcastle, Sunderland and Washington – the village bearing the name of the first ever president. Mr Carter delighted crowds in the North East by saying “Howay the lads” during a speech to the assembled throng. He also received a miner’s lamp from 12-year-old Ian McEree in Washington. The 39th US president also carried out more traditional presidential duties, including meetings with western European leaders during his time in London while the Cold War was still ongoing. The practising Baptist continued his globetrotting ways after leaving power, even without Air Force One as his vehicle. He was also part of the Elders, a group of experienced statesmen and women drawn from all corners of the world.Weber St. 68, Pepperdine 53

AI-generated deepfake videos are a rapidly growing security concern, with recent reports showing 75 percent of organisations have experienced at least one deepfake-related incident within the last 12 months. Digital PR Agency , which represents the types of sectors that might be affected, has provided some advice to Digital Journal on how to spot deepfake videos. Verify the source and context Fake news spread more rapidly than true news on X (previously Twitter), a concerning trend given that nearly 30 percent of Americans rely on social media as a regular news source. Always examine the credibility of the sources behind the content you consume. Is this information coming from a reputable news outlet or a verified official account? If the source is unfamiliar or looks dubious, cross-check the content’s authenticity using reliable news organisations or fact-checking platforms like Google Fact Check Tools. Misinformation often plays on emotional triggers like fear, anger, or outrage to cloud your judgement. When you encounter content that provokes strong emotions, pause and re-assess to ensure you are not being used as a pawn in someone’s game. Observe facial expressions and movements Deepfakes often falter when trying to replicate the intricate details of facial expressions and natural movements. Key areas to scrutinise include microexpressions around the eyes and mouth. Look out for unnatural blinking patterns, disjointed eye movements, or jerky head motions, and check whether the facial expressions align with the conveyed emotions. Details like the uniformity of teeth, hair texture, and facial structure can also reveal deepfakes. A key giveaway is the shape of the face and ears – deepfakes often have slightly off measurements in these areas, with ears being particularly difficult to replicate. Pausing the video and examining the facial features can help you spot these irregularities. Use reverse image and video search tools Leverage reverse image and video search tools to trace the origins of visual content. Uploading an image to Google Reverse Image Search can help identify if it’s AI-generated, manipulated, or being used out of context. For videos, tools like InVID can dissect footage and check for any modifications or previous appearances. These searches allow you to find other copies of the image online, helping you verify its authenticity and uncover potential misuses. Look for digital artefacts and inconsistencies Deepfakes often reveal themselves through subtle digital flaws like blurriness or unnatural pixelation, especially around the edges of faces or objects. Pay attention to inconsistencies in lighting, shadows, reflections, or even an extra finger, that might indicate manipulation. Check for audio-visual synchronisation Spotting a deepfake often comes down to watching the lips closely. Our mouths form specific shapes when pronouncing certain letters, and these movements are tricky for AI to replicate accurately – nearly a third of deepfake videos struggle to match sounds like M, B and P. Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news.Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.Landowners sue Henry County over proceeds from tax salesKILLINGTON, Vt. (AP) — American skier Mikaela Shiffrin said she suffered an abrasion on her left hip and that something “stabbed” her when she crashed during her second run of a World Cup giant slalom race Saturday, doing a flip and sliding into the protective fencing. Shiffrin stayed down on the edge of the course for quite some time as the ski patrol attended to her. She was taken off the hill on a sled and waved to the cheering crowd before going to a clinic for evaluation. “Not really too much cause for concern at this point, I just can’t move,” she said later in a video posted on social media . “I have a pretty good abrasion and something stabbed me. ... I’m so sorry to scare everybody. It looks like all scans so far are clear.” She plans to skip the slalom race Sunday, writing on Instagram she will be “cheering from the sideline.” The 29-year-old was leading after the first run of the GS and charging for her 100th World Cup win. She was within sight of the finish line, five gates onto Killington’s steep finish pitch, when she an outside edge. She hit a gate and did a somersault before sliding into another gate. The fencing slowed her momentum as she came to an abrupt stop. Reigning Olympic GS champion Sara Hector of Sweden won in a combined time of 1 minute, 53.08 seconds. Zrinka Ljutic of Croatia was second and Swiss racer Camille Rast took third. The Americans saw Paula Moltzan and Nina O’Brien finish fifth and sixth. “It’s just so sad, of course, to see Mikaela crash like that and skiing so well,” Hector said on the broadcast after her win. “It breaks my heart and everybody else here.” The crash was a surprise for everyone. Shiffrin rarely DNFs — ski racing parlance for “did not finish.” In 274 World Cup starts, she DNF'd only 18 times. The last time she DNF'd in GS was January 2018. Shiffrin also has not suffered any devastating injuries. In her 14-year career, she has rehabbed only two on-hill injuries: a torn medial collateral ligament and bone bruising in her right knee in December 2015 and a sprained MCL and tibiofibular ligament in her left knee after a downhill crash in January 2024. Neither knee injury required surgery, and both times, Shiffrin was back to racing within two months. Saturday was shaping up to be a banner day for Shiffrin, who skied flawlessly in the first run and held a 0.32-second lead as she chased after her 100th World Cup win. Shiffrin, who grew up in both New Hampshire and Colorado and sharpened her skills at nearby Burke Mountain Academy, has long been a fan favorite. Shiffrin is driven not so much by wins but by arcing the perfect run. She has shattered so many records along the way. She passed Lindsey Vonn’s women’s mark of 82 World Cup victories on Jan. 24, 2023, during a giant slalom in Kronplatz, Italy. That March, Shiffrin broke Swedish great Ingemar Stenmark’s Alpine mark for most World Cup wins when she captured her 87th career race. To date, she has earned five overall World Cup titles, two Olympic gold medals — along with a silver — and seven world championships. In other FIS Alpine World Cup news, the Tremblant World Cup — two women’s giant slaloms at Quebec’s Mont-Tremblant scheduled for next weekend — were canceled. Killington got 21 inches of snow on Thanksgiving Day, but Tremblant — five hours north of Killington — had to cancel its races because of a lack of snow. AP Sports Writer Pat Graham in Denver contributed to this report. More AP skiing: https://apnews.com/hub/alpine-skiing

Demand at Edmonton's Food Bank is reaching levels never seen before, and the need is causing so much strain that the food bank will soon put limits on how often clients can use its services. Executive director Marjorie Bencz said about 45,000 people a month are now being served through the food bank's hamper program, . "We're running at capacity all the time," Bencz said in an interview. "This is not sustainable over time." The food bank started reducing the size of its hampers in January 2023 to accommodate growing demand. Among other pressures, the city's population has increased by nearly 13 per cent in the past five years, according to provincial data. Marjorie Bencz is the executive director of Edmonton's Food Bank. (Samuel Martin/CBC) Currently, there are no restrictions on the number of hampers a client can receive. But starting as early as February, the food bank will have to limit the number of times that people can use it, Bencz said. Decisions will soon be made on restricting the number of visits, though details still need to be ironed out over whether there would be monthly or yearly constraints. "It's a rough situation for us because, of course, we don't want people going hungry in our community. At the same time, we have to be able to serve as many people as we can," she said. Food banks across Canada are facing big challenges as demand soars, thanks in part to the high cost of living and inflation. According , 56 per cent of food banks across Canada either reduced frequency of service or gave out less food; in 2021, it was 20 per cent. Calgary's Muslim Food Bank has no plans to introduce similar limits, according to operations assistant Mariam Wajhi, but it is seeing the pressure. The food bank, which offers halal options but is open to everyone, distributed hampers to 30 families when it opened in 2022, she said. Calgary's Muslim Food Bank opened its doors in April 2022. (Justin Pennell/CBC) Now, it is at capacity with 300 families registered to receive monthly hampers and another 200 families on the waitlist. "I have heard that some families, they said that 'We go to other food banks and they're at their full capacity so we looked up online and we saw you guys,'" Wajhi said. "Every day, we have 10 to 12 walk-in families." While there is some concern that the organization might not be able to keep up with growing demand, she said it will continue to rely on support and donations from the community. The Veterans Association in Edmonton, which provides monthly food hampers to military members, is also seeing exponential growth in demand. Outreach lead Chris Casey, left, speaks with a volunteer inside a warehouse for Veterans Association food bank. (Julia Wong/CBC) Roughly three years ago, the Veterans Association food bank was filling 55 hampers a month; now, it expects to surpass 300 hampers in December. "It's almost scary just trying to keep up with it. Fortunately we're able to get some very, very good donations that come in to help us," said outreach lead Chris Casey. "But at the same time, you have to worry about a society where we have that many people in that kind of trouble." Casey said growth is expected to continue into the new year and the organization is hoping to keep up by leaning on donations. Eric Monahan and his family have been relying on food hampers from the Veterans Association for roughly two years. (Samuel Martin/CBC News) Eric Monahan and his large family started using the Veterans Association food bank about two years ago. Monahan retired from the Royal Canadian Navy in 2019. What he thought was a one-off for a Christmas hamper ended up becoming a monthly routine. He said that some months, it was the difference between succeeding and failing. "I'm the breadwinner and our incomes aren't really ... they're barely making it," he said. Shelves inside the Veterans Association in Edmonton are stocked with non-perishable items destined for food hampers. (Julia Wong/CBC News) Monahan has an 11-person household to support and said it is "consistently frustrating" to try and stretch the family's income. "Every time I seem to go out, the prices are consistently going higher," he said. Monahan said that without the hampers, his family would have to make difficult decisions and he is grateful for the support. "When we first got this assistance, my pride was [getting] the better of me, that there's other people that are more unfortunate that would need this help," he said. "But it has become our lifeline."

Triumph Gold Corp. ( CVE:TIG – Get Free Report ) shares shot up 35.3% on Friday . The stock traded as high as C$0.23 and last traded at C$0.23. 178,150 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 599% from the average session volume of 25,471 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.17. Triumph Gold Trading Up 35.3 % The company has a market cap of C$9.83 million, a PE ratio of -7.67 and a beta of 1.64. The company has a current ratio of 0.15, a quick ratio of 0.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 56.37. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of C$0.19 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$0.19. About Triumph Gold ( Get Free Report ) Triumph Gold Corp., a junior natural resource company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties. The company primarily explores for gold, silver, copper, and molybdenum deposits. Its flagship project is the Freegold Mountain project located in Yukon, Canada. The company was formerly known as Northern Freegold Resources Ltd. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Triumph Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Triumph Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

India, Kuwait elevate ties to strategic partnership following PM Modi's talks with top Kuwaiti leadership

It won’t be impossible to buy a house in 2025 — just be prepared to play on hard mode. According to a November 2024 report from ICE Mortgage Technology, the monthly principal and interest payment on an average-priced home is $2,385. While that’s not the highest it’s ever been, it’s still a sharp increase — nearly 80% — from just three years ago. In November 2021, when mortgage rates averaged 3%, the monthly principal and interest on an average-priced home was $1,327 per month. So here’s the key to buying in 2025: Look ahead, not back. Regret won’t help you budget for today’s new normal. And with this year’s election also in the rearview mirror, so is some uncertainty among buyers and sellers that historically slows the market during every presidential election cycle. “People have just been kind of sitting, waiting to see what’s going to happen,” says Courtney Johnson Rose, president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, an industry group for Black real estate agents. “I’m hopeful that the new year will bring more attention to real estate, more excitement to real estate, and more opportunities for first-time home owners to get in the game.” Check the forecast Preparing to buy a house is a lot like dressing for the weather. It’s easier when the outlook is sunny — but with some planning, you can gear up to face any condition. Here’s what housing market experts are forecasting for the upcoming year. First, home prices: We’ll likely see more modest growth in 2025, a change from skyrocketing prices in recent years. After 16 consecutive months of year-over-year price increases, the median existing-home sales price hit $407,200 in October, according to the National Association of Realtors. In 2025, with more supply trickling in to temper price increases, NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun forecasts a median existing-home sales price of $410,700, up just 2% over this year. Next, housing inventory: Demand still outpaces supply. While we don’t expect a return to a buyer’s market, competition should be less cutthroat. Realtor.com forecasts a balanced market in 2025 with an average 4.1-month supply of homes for sale, up from an average 3.7-month supply so far in 2024. That would make 2025 the friendliest market for buyers since 2016, which had an average 4.4-month supply. Finally, mortgage rates: After topping 8% in October 2023, the 30-year mortgage rate has slowly eased into the 6.5%-7% range this year. Rate cuts from the Federal Reserve have helped nudge that downward. Despite earlier optimism, forecasters’ latest consensus is for rates to effectively plateau above 6% throughout 2025. That said, every year has its wild cards. In 2025, it’s still uncertain how President-elect Donald Trump and a Republican-led Congress might shake up regulations and tax policies that affect the U.S. housing market. Set a budget National forecasts don’t analyze what matters most: Your personal cash flow. To get ready to buy, first meet with a financial advisor or use an online calculator to determine how much house you can afford . You can also get free or low-cost advice from a housing counselor sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Next, look into down payment and closing cost assistance from state housing finance agencies, local governments, nonprofits and mortgage lenders. Your employer or labor union might offer assistance, too. First-time buyers with income below their area median have the most options, but repeat or higher-income borrowers can qualify for some programs as well. “I think that there’s a lot of free money being left out there,” Rose says. Find a buyer’s agent Your not-so-secret weapon for buying in 2025 just might be an experienced buyer’s agent. “Anybody can write a contract,” says Sharon Parker, associate broker with Tate & Foss Sotheby’s International Realty in Rye, New Hampshire. “But you need somebody who’s seen the market, the ups and downs, who knows how to get creative because every transaction is different.” Following a settlement with the NAR , buyers can now negotiate their agent’s compensation up front. (Previously, home sellers took on that task.) While new norms are still shaking out, Rose says she hasn’t seen too much drama since the change took effect in August. “So as long as buyers remember that we have to talk about this in the beginning of our relationship, everything typically works out fine,” she says. Shop and negotiate Finally, it’s time to shop for a mortgage. To get the best interest rate, get a quote with at least three different lenders. You could also delegate the shopping to a mortgage broker, who can compare quotes and even negotiate a lower rate on your behalf. Though brokers charge a fee, their access to more mortgage options and lower rates can often mean net savings overall. With a mortgage preapproval in hand, it’s go time. And you don’t have to wait until spring: If you’re ready to buy now, buyers have less competition and more negotiating power from December through February, so you could snag a deal. “The people who are selling and the people who are buying in the off season are very serious,” Parker says. “They’re not just lookie-loos.” However, lower inventory means fewer choices for buyers. So start your search prepared to compromise — a “good enough” house will still help you build equity. Should you buy a house in 2025? If a down payment or monthly mortgage payment is financially out of reach, there’s no shame in postponing your search to pad your savings. And owning a home isn’t the right lifestyle choice for everyone, with the ongoing commitment of money and time. But once you’re ready to buy — whether for the first time, or to upgrade or downsize — avoid the trap of waiting for a dip in mortgage rates. “Nobody can predict what the market, or the world, is going to do,” Parker says. “There is no better time than right now.” Mortgage rates will always fluctuate, and if they drop significantly, you can refinance. For first-time buyers, homeownership is a major financial glow-up — and the sooner you jump in, the longer you’ll have to build home equity. “Time value of money is really, really critical when it comes to real estate,” Rose says. “So I would always encourage somebody to buy as soon as you can and get the clock ticking.”Sputnik Africa , curious about how AI envisions the continent’s near future, asked an AI system to predict the key trends shaping Africa in 2025. From geopolitical shifts to digital revolutions, here is what the AI foresees for Africa's continued transformation: African nations are set to enhance their presence on the global stage. Countries will push for greater representation in international institutions such as the UN and the World Trade Organization. South Africa, leveraging its leadership in the G20, is expected to champion Africa’s collective interests and amplify its voice in global discussions. The healthcare sector will undergo significant advancements, with investments in telemedicine, vaccine production, and infrastructure improving access to medical care. Digital technologies will play a transformative role in expanding online education and healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas. The African Continental Free Trade Area is forecasted to be a game-changer, boosting intra-regional trade, encouraging local production, and reducing dependence on imports. This economic integration will be critical for fostering resilience and growth. Artificial intelligence will increasingly find applications in agriculture, healthcare, and resource management. The emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices will grow as nations work toward ensuring food security for their rapidly expanding populations. Africa’s GDP is projected to grow by 4.0% in 2025, driven by sectors such as agriculture, technology, and services. Emerging markets like Rwanda and Ethiopia are expected to gain momentum, while established economies like Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa will continue to lead. Investments in infrastructure and digital transformation will be pivotal in sustaining this growth. The digital transformation sweeping across Africa shows no signs of slowing. By 2025, mobile payment services and digital wallets are expected to handle transactions worth over $500 billion. The rapid adoption of smartphones and mobile internet will fuel e-commerce growth, while advancements in AI, blockchain, and renewable energy promise to revolutionize the continent further. Africa remains the fastest-growing continent demographically. By 2025, urbanization will rise significantly, presenting challenges for infrastructure and services while also driving economic development. With a young, dynamic population, the continent is poised to harness its demographic dividend for growth and innovation.