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panaloko casino app download British Columbia Premier David Eby said Canada must approach Donald Trump's plan to impose a 25 per cent U.S. tariff on Canadian goods from a position of strength, as business, trade and community organizations called for quick action on the trade threat. Eby said premiers and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau would meet this week to discuss "our strategic approach" to the U.S. president-elect's plan to impose the tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports immediately after his inauguration on Jan. 20, unless action was taken to stem the cross-border flow of migrants and illegal drugs. The B.C. premier made the comments Tuesday in a speech to the annual convention of the B.C. Federation of Labour in Vancouver. "Obviously, this will be devastating to workers on both sides of the border," he said. "Both in the U.S. and in Canada, the impact on families will be profoundly significant." Canada and the U.S. have long been top trading partners, on imports as well as exports, and the strength of this relationship put Canada in a solid position when it came to Trump's tariff threat, Eby said. "We have more in common with Americans than what separates us," he said. "We buy more American stuff than France, than China and Japan and the United Kingdom combined. So, we are negotiating, I believe, from a position of strength." Eby called for a united Canadian approach to the proposed U.S. tariff. "We're going to stand together and we're going to ensure we negotiate from a position of strength and that we negotiate hard and ensure any decisions that are made are in the best interests of British Columbians and Canadians," he said. Eby acknowledged improvements could be made on Canada's border, especially when it came to policing contraband and illegal drugs. "We've called repeatedly, for example, for port police to ensure what comes into B.C. is not contraband, is not illicit drugs or precursor chemicals," he said. "These are things that we can do to make life better here in B.C., as well as respond to concerns that have been raised south of the border." Trump issued a statement on social media on Monday saying Canada and Mexico had the power to solve their border issues, which he called a "long simmering problem." Opposition B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad called for the immediate recall of the B.C. legislature Tuesday to provide funding to secure borders to stop the flow of illegal drugs and migrants. Business organizations in B.C. called on the provincial and federal government to immediately address Trump's tariff plan, which they said would will hurt businesses. The proposal would have significant consequences for B.C. businesses of all sizes and would harm communities and workers across the province, said Fiona Famulak, B.C. Chamber of Commerce president and chief executive officer. “Ottawa must take this news seriously and work proactively with representatives of the incoming U.S. administration immediately to address the issue before the tariffs are implemented," she said in a statement. "We cannot afford to wait until January to take action." The Metro Vancouver city of Surrey, which has two U.S. border crossings, said in a statement the proposed tariff would have severe implications for the city's business community. Most of B.C.'s manufacturing industry is located in Surrey and the city is also home to many thriving import-export-reliant businesses, which would face increased costs and potential job losses if the U.S. tariff was imposed, said Jasroop Gosal, Surrey Board of Trade spokesman. The B.C. Lumber Trade Council said the proposed tariff would hurt U.S. consumers and homebuyers by driving up the cost of building materials from Canada, while the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade said the U.S. was B.C.’s most important trading partner, accounting for 54 per cent of the province’s commodity exports in 2023. "It is imperative that we engage constructively with our U.S. counterparts to advance our collective interests," said Bridgitte Anderson, board of trade president and CEO. "This should act as a wake-up call to all levels of government that a new Team Canada approach is required," said Anderson. "We saw the reaction in the markets, and we saw the (Canadian) dollar fall. The shock waves were quite significant and we shouldn't underestimate what the impact of this could be." She said some of B.C.’s top exports to the U.S. are natural gas, softwood lumber, agricultural products, and minerals and metals. But some economists and policy analysts warned against falling for familiar Trump negotiation tactics. “He likes nothing more than to see his negotiating partners trembling in fear or running around screaming with their hair on fire," said Carlo Dade, trade and infrastructure director at the Alberta-based Canada West Foundation. "So, we need to react, but we need to do so with prudence, with firmness, with thought and without fear and panic." Prof. Nicolas Schmitt said the tariff proposal was a threat rather than a solid policy decision. “We should not panic about the 25 per cent threat right now," said Schmitt, who teaches economics at Simon Fraser University. "It's a bullying tactic. It's like bullying in the schoolyard." B.C. government data says the province's exports to the U.S. in the first half of 2024 were worth $16.9 billion, down 1.1 per cent compared to the same period last year. The U.S. is by far B.C.'s largest export destination, with mainland China in second place receiving goods worth $4.9 billion in the year to July, up 13.2 per cent. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2024. Dirk Meissner and Nono Shen, The Canadian Press

THE world's oldest meat market held its final Christmas meat auction before its closure. People gathered at Smithfield meat market near Farringdon on Christmas Eve to get a last chance to stock-up on food for the big day. At the event this year, people were seen wearing Santa hats and Christmas jumpers as they crammed into the venue for the auction, run by G Lawrence butchers. Butchers and their apprentices were captures in their classic white overalls with black aprons as they began handing out the goods to festive customers. Customers were fighting to get the best meat, whether it be turkey , geese, beef or lamb. All of it went under the hammer. read more in money Traders have sold meat in and around modern-day Smithfield since before 1000AD. A medieval clerk described it as "a smooth field where every Friday there is a celebrated rendezvous of fine horses to be sold". The clerk added: "In another quarter are placed swine with their deep flanks, and cows and oxen of immense bulk." Former customers include novelist Charles Dickens , who described its "filth and fat and blood and foam" in Great Expectations. Most read in Money There were initial concerns that the market would close for good in 2028, but The City of London and Smithfield traders said on Monday that they planned to move it to a new location. Bosses had planned to move Smithfield meat market to Dagenham on the Essex border. But they have scrapped the £1billion move amid spiralling costs . Smithfield will not be moved to the new location following the U-turn - but it will still close down. An insider told The Times : "The whole market move has been catastrophically mismanaged." But one trader said: "I’ve been working here for 30 years, and it's been about to close for 30 years - so I’m taking it all with a pinch of salt." Now officials want to turn Smithfield into a "mixed-use cultural development" housing the Museum of London. But three top lawyers have warned the Corporation's decision could be "unlawful". In a letter, they said: "Understanding the social and economic importance of the existing markets is vital to any decision by the court to abolish them. "As is the social and economic implications of doing so. "The failure to have this information available would, we are concerned, be unlawful." MEAT YOUR MAKER But the Corporation said its own lawyers are "satisfied" the decision is legal. City of London chair Chris Hayward said: "People are eating less meat and fish. "An increasing amount of trade is handled directly online and we understand that a majority of traders will continue with their businesses. "The strength of the markets has always been in the traders, not the buildings." The Corporation has already splashed out £308million moving the market. Last year traders were given £115million in compensation after Smithfield's poultry market shut. READ MORE SUN STORIES Dominic Twomey, leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said: “While this is disappointing news , we understand the financial pressures that key investment projects are facing with soaring inflation in recent years. “We are committed to continue working with the City of London Corporation to unlock the huge potential of the Dagenham Dock site to bring new employment uses and high quality jobs for local people.”

Man City blow three-goal lead in Champions League, Bayern beat PSGRecently, the Centre approved the National Mission on Edible Oil (Oilseeds) with an estimated cost of ₹10,103 crore. The main objective of the mission is to increase domestic edible oil production to 25.45 million tonnes by 2030-31, to meet 72 per cent of the country’s projected domestic requirement. The edible oil sector, and agri-business in general, has been facing several challenges, calling for a policy response. Availability of raw material: A few agri-business companies depend heavily on imports for their raw material, which are riddled with supply-chain disruptions, exchange rate risk, and geo-political tensions. For instance, edible oil companies in India imported 5.66 million tonnes of crude palm oil from Indonesia and Malaysia in FY2023 — 75 per cent of their annual requirement. Hence, crop diversity may be promoted not only to attain self-sufficiency in edible oil sector but also to preserve foreign exchange. Post-harvest processing infrastructure: Though India is a leading producer of agri-commodities, the agri-business industry has inadequate infrastructure facilities, runs on obsolete technology, and lacks sufficient breadth/depth in commodity derivatives market. As a result, India exports raw agri-commodities without value addition, which is evident from its low market share in the world’s agri-business industry. Finance: Barring large corporates, most of the Micro Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in agri-business industry don’t have free access to institutional finance from banks/financial institutions. Per a study by the National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj in 2022, approximately 89 per cent of the SMEs depend on informal finance, with average interest rate being 18 per cent p.a. Therefore, free access to finance, affordable interest rate, and collateral-free loans through Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) may be great enablers for the agri-business industry. Quality manpower: Since few Indian universities/institutes offer market-driven agri-business courses, the industry suffers from availability of skilled manpower and qualified professionals. The Centre can give autonomy to certain higher educational institutes to churn out more agri-business professionals. Marketing of inputs: As Indian agri-business industry is fragmented, spurious seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides are being sold to gullible farmers. Therefore, continuous training and capacity building of farmers need to be undertaken through awareness campaigns, field exposure visits, and extension services. Research: Agri-business industry in India has few large players and hardly any Indian MNCs. Besides, small landholdings and low purchasing power of Indian farmers deter the industry from supplying efficient inputs, all of which are not available at affordable prices. Hence, promotion of collectives like cooperatives and farmer producer organizations (FPOs) will be the right steps in this direction. Public-private partnerships in commercialization of R&D should be facilitated. Climate change: Increased dependence on renewable energy, focus on climate resilient crops/technologies, and adoption of good ecological farming practices by following advanced agri-based economies like Denmark, Finland, and New Zealand should be the way forward. The agri-business industry was estimated at ₹90.22 lakh crore in 2023 and set to touch ₹227.06 lakh crore by 2032 with a Compounded Annual Growth Rate of 10.8 per cent. Therefore, a proper ecosystem is a must. The writer is Director, Centre for Agri-Business Management, MANAGE, Hyderabad. Views are personal Comments

Boise State's legacy includes winning coaches and championship momentsHayleys Electronics Ltd. (HEL), a trailblazer in sustainable energy solutions, hosted an impactful Partner Forum in Kandy, uniting over 40 local businesses and key representatives from Huawei Technologies. This initiative is part of HEL’s strategic vision to drive Sri Lanka’s transition towards smarter, more efficient energy solutions. The event spotlighted cutting-edge technologies, including Huawei’s FusionSolar Smart PV and Energy Storage System (ESS) products, which are revolutionising the energy landscape with unparalleled efficiency and reliability. Attendees also delved into the advanced capabilities of Solax inverters, featuring intuitive mobile app integration for seamless energy management, and the sleek, high-performing JA Solar panels, which combine efficiency with aesthetic appeal. The forum served as a platform to foster collaboration and dialogue, empowering HEL’s partners to leverage advanced energy solutions tailored to meet Sri Lanka’s growing renewable energy demands. Backed by a legacy of trading excellence, HEL is renowned for its unwavering commitment to quality, reliability, and customer support. The company ensures that all solar system components adhere to the highest global standards, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner in renewable energy solutions.

Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. are preparing to start negotiations on a possible merger, which ultimately could be expanded to include Mitsubishi Motors Corp., Japan’s Nikkei reported Tuesday. Such a deal would create an automotive rival to Toyota Motor Corp. that would effectively consolidate the Japanese auto industry into two camps. It would also provide Honda and Nissan with more resources to compete with larger peers after downsizing long-held global partnerships with other carmakers: France’s Renault SA for Nissan and General Motors Co. for Honda. The move toward a merger would follow a decision by the two companies earlier this year to work together on electric vehicle batteries and software. At that time, Honda Chief Executive Officer Toshihiro Mibe floated the possibility of a capital tie-up with Nissan. While Honda and Nissan stopped short of confirming Tuesday’s report, both automakers issued statements that reiterated their previous pledges for further future cooperation. “We will inform our stakeholders of any updates at an appropriate time,” Honda said in its statement. Taking on Tesla The two major Japanese carmakers plan to sign a memorandum of understanding to discuss shared equity stakes in a new holding company under which the combined company would operate, the Nikkei said, without citing sources. The merger would help the manufacturers compete against rivals in electric vehicles such as Tesla Inc. and Chinese automakers, it said. It also puts them in a better position to compete at home and abroad with Toyota, the world’s largest automaker. Toyota has taken stakes in Subaru Corp., Suzuki Motor Corp. and Mazda Motor Corp., creating a powerhouse of brands backed by its top-notch credit rating. Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi combined sold about 4 million vehicles globally in the first six months of the year, well shy of the 5.2 million that Toyota sold on its own. Honda’s valuation stood at 6.8 trillion yen ($ 44.4 billion) as of the close of trading in Tokyo on Tuesday, well above Nissan’s 1.3 trillion yen market capitalisation. But even their combined value is dwarfed by Toyota’s 42.2 trillion yen. Honda has long struggled to keep up with bigger capitalised rivals when it comes to investments in new technologies. It recently has shifted gears to boost hybrid gas-electric vehicles even as it spends billions of dollars on all-electric production. Honda’s arms-length partnership with GM has been weakened bit by bit, most recently earlier this month when their self-driving car partnership ended. Meanwhile, GM has strengthened its ties with South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Co. Unwinding Renault Alliance Nissan has partially unwound its complex 25-year strategic partnership with Renault, a fixation of former Chair Carlos Ghosn. Rivalries and mutual suspicion mounted over the years and came to a head when Ghosn openly contemplated a merger, contributing to his downfall. The former chairman and CEO, who has filed a suit against his former company for ousting him in 2018, warned of a “disguised takeover” of Nissan by Honda in an August interview with Automotive News. Nissan also has stepped up restructuring efforts to cope with stalled revenue growth and lower profits. It faces pressure from an activist shareholder and a daunting debt load that has led to speculation in credit markets about its investment grade rating. The reported merger talks come after the Financial Times said last month that Nissan was looking for an anchor investor to replace part of Renault’s equity holding and that it hadn’t ruled out having Honda buy some of its shares.Bethlehem marks a second subdued Christmas Eve during the war in Gaza BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — Bethlehem is marking another somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of war in Gaza. Manger Square lacked its usual festive lights and crowds of tourists on Tuesday. Instead, the area outside the Nativity Church was quiet. The church was built atop the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born. The war, the violence in the occupied West Bank it has spurred and the lack of festivities has deeply hurt Bethlehem's economy. The town relies heavily on Christmas tourism. The economy in the West Bank was already reeling because of restrictions placed on laborers preventing them from entering Israel during the war. Pope Francis kicks off a yearlong Jubilee that will test his stamina and Rome's patience VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has opened the great Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica. The ceremony kicks off the 2025 Holy Year. It's a celebration of the Catholic Church that is expected to draw some 32 million pilgrims to Rome. And it will test the pope’s stamina and the ability of the Eternal City to welcome them. This begins the Christmas Eve Mass. The ceremony inaugurates the once-every-25-year tradition of a Jubilee. Francis has dedicated the 2025 Jubilee to the theme of hope. Trump vows to pursue executions after Biden commutes most of federal death row FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump says he'll “vigorously pursue” capital punishment after President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of most people on federal death row partly to stop Trump from pushing forward their executions. Trump criticized Biden’s decision on Monday to change the sentences of 37 of the 40 condemned people to life in prison without parole. Trump said that he will direct the Department of Justice to pursue the death penalty “as soon as I am inaugurated.” Trump was vague on what specific actions he may take. 21 dead as Mozambique erupts in violence after election court ruling MAPUTO, Mozambique (AP) — Violence that engulfed Mozambique after the country’s highest court confirmed ruling party presidential candidate Daniel Chapo as the winner of disputed Oct. 9 elections has killed at least 21 people, including two police officers. Mozambique Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda told a news conference in Maputo late Tuesday that a wave of violence and looting was sparked by the court’s announcement a day earlier. He said it was led by mostly youthful supporters of losing candidate Venancio Mondlane, who received 24% of the vote, second to Chapo, who got 65%. Prosecutors find workers in 'slavery like' conditions at Chinese car company site in Brazil RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AP) — A task force led by Brazilian prosecutors says it has rescued 163 Chinese nationals working in “slavery-like” conditions at a construction site in northeastern Brazil, where Chinese electric vehicle company BYD is building a factory. The Labor Prosecutor’s Office released videos of the dorms where the construction workers were staying, which showed beds with no mattresses and rooms without any place for the workers to store their personal belongings. In a statement issued Monday, the prosecutor’s office said the workers had been hired in China by Jinjian Group, one of the contractors on the site, which is located in Camaçari, a city in the Salvador metropolitan region. NFL players who use platform to share their faith say it's their duty to spread their love of Jesus ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — Jake Bates was standing on the turf in his hometown of Houston when asked to reflect on an unlikely journey from learning how to sell bricks to making game-winning kicks for the Detroit Lions. Bates used his platform as an NFL player to spread his love of Jesus. A month later, Bates told The Associated Press it is a duty to share his faith. The NFL is filled with players and coaches who feel the same way, such as Houston's C.J. Stroud, Atlanta's Kirk Cousins, and Lamar Jackson and John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens. Stunning photos show lava erupting from Hawaii's Kilauea volcano HONOLULU (AP) — Lava is erupting from Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano for the second straight day. The eruption has stayed within Kilauea’s summit caldera inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and no homes are threatened. Molten rock began spewing out of the volcano before dawn on Monday when fissures opened in the caldera floor and shot lava high into the air. It then oozed across the caldera floor. Scientists expect activity to fluctuate in coming days. The lava paused Monday afternoon but fountains reemerged Tuesday morning. The eruption has occurred in an area that’s been closed to the public since 2007 due to hazards including crater wall instability and rockfalls. Haiti gangs fire on journalists covering a planned hospital reopening, leaving casualties PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Suspected gang members have opened fire on journalists in Haiti’s capital as they were covering the attempted reopening of the country’s largest hospital, wounding or killing an unknown number of people. The country's interim president, Leslie Voltaire, said in an address to the nation that journalists and police were among the victims of the vicious Christmas Eve attack. He did not specify how many casualties there were, or give a breakdown for the dead or wounded. Radio Télé Métronome said earlier on Tuesday that seven journalists and two police officers were wounded in the shooting. Street gangs have taken over an estimated 85% of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. Hurricane-force winds bear down on California, latest in stretch of extreme weather LOS ANGELES (AP) — California has been hit hard by extreme weather over the past several weeks. Atmospheric rivers, which are long stretches of wet air that can produce heavy rains, brought a record-setting rainfall before Thanksgiving. A series of atmospheric rivers are producing strong waves and storms near Santa Cruz this week. Thousands were left under evacuation warnings and orders because of a fire around Malibu. Climate change means that strong storms will be responsible for a greater share of the state's yearly precipitation and the periods between those events will be drier. Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights WASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne Tuesday about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop, which prevented planes from taking off. American said in an email that the problem was caused by vendor technology in its flight operating system. Aviation analytics company Cirium said flights were delayed across American’s major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time. Nineteen flights were cancelled.

Which winter gloves for women should you buy? The skin on your hands can take some harsh punishment during cold weather. Even prolonged exposure to the air during a chilly snap can leave your hands with dry skin or chilblains. If you live in an area where extreme cold is a high probability, spending time outdoors makes gloves an absolute necessity. But to make sure your gloves can withstand the winter season, you need a pair that’s fit for your climate and lifestyle. Types of winter gloves for women Women’s gloves fall into three main categories: Fashion: For the most part, gloves worn for style purposes focus less on comfort and warmth and more on overall look. That’s not to say that they won’t keep your hands warm on a chilly winter day. But they are not likely to be fit for all situations. Work: Work gloves are made with physical activity in mind. They may not always look particularly stylish, but are effective at keeping your hands protected and warm in the winter. A good example of this category would be winter gardening gloves. Recreation: Similarly, many recreational activities require gloves, which can have a dual purpose. They keep your hands warm and let you keep your grip. What to consider before buying winter gloves Size: Bulkier gloves typically come as one-size-fits-all. But for sleeker designs, you may need to select among different sizes so the gloves fit nicely. Fit: Some gloves provide more flexibility than others. Consider how well you’ll be able to use your hands and fingers while wearing them. Mittens, for example, can make it difficult to perform tasks that require finger dexterity. Other gloves come with fingertips that can be pulled back for moments where you need a little more flexibility. Purpose: If you need gloves for day-to-day wear, you don’t need to consider much beyond how they look. But if you need gloves for outdoor activities or sports, you’ll want to make sure they’ll do the job. Material: Gloves made from materials such as leather, wool or cashmere are not super practical in wet weather or snow. However, in dry conditions they’re warm and comfortable. Gloves with surfaces made from polyester or other synthetic materials will keep your hands dry. The gloves’ internal material also makes a big difference. If you need something warm, for example, look for a soft fleece on the inside. Durability: Some pairs of gloves go through a rough time, especially if their primary use is outdoor activities. If that’s the case for you, make sure you choose a pair that are made from strong material and endure regular machine washing. Extra features: There are lots of extra features that can make your gloves more wearable. If you’re in a particularly cold climate, look for heated gloves that use wires to generate warmth throughout the material. If you’re on your phone a lot, some gloves come with special material on the fingertips that lets you use touch screens without removing them. 9 best women’s winter gloves to buy Dimore Winter Gloves for Women These fashionable gloves are soft, comfortable and will help keep your hands warm through the fall and winter. They come with touch-screen technology that lets you use your smartphone while out in the cold without having to take your gloves off. Geyoga Elastic Cuff Winter Warm Fleece Gloves Equipped with an elastic cuff so they can slip under your jacket’s sleeve, these gloves create an insulating effect on your hands and wrist. The warm fleece line keeps your hands warm in winter, and the gloves are machine-washable. Trendoux Winter Gloves These black gloves are made with 50% conductive yarn on the fingertips so you can use your tablet or smartphone without taking off your gloves. They’re thickened to be windproof, have a warm lining and come with triangle silicone non-slip designs on the palms. Fantastic Zone Women’s Winter Touch-screen Gloves These fleece gloves are made with breathable material to keep hands warm without irritating sensitive skin. Although they are hand-wash only, they are made with high-density, ultra-soft chenille fabric and have three touchscreen-friendly fingertips on each hand. Isotoner Women’s Spandex Cold Weather Stretch Gloves This fashionable pair of gloves have vegan leather patches, fleece lining and stretch spandex to give you a comfortable, warm experience through the cold days of winter. The stretch fabric helps the gloves to repel snow and rain, so your hands stay nice and dry. Carhartt Women’s Quilted Insulated Gloves This set of cold weather gloves is made of polyester with a loop and hook closure and microfiber lining with a stretchy fleece cuff. They’re waterproof and quilted to keep hands dry and warm. Bodvera Thermal Insulation Fingerless Texting Wool Gloves These wool and acrylic gloves have a double-layered elastic cuff and are made with comfortable fabric that insulates your hands during cold snaps. They have flip-up fingertips for convenience, flexibility and style. Vislivin Full-Hand Women’s Gloves These lambskin gloves come in a high-end gift box, making them a lovely gift or treat for yourself or a loved one. The full-finger gloves let you operate a touch screen and the lambskin exterior provides grip for activities such as driving or cycling. Alepo Winter PU Leather Gloves for Women The cashmere lining in these gloves will keep hands nice and snug during cold snaps. The elegant design comes from the gloves’ leather outer lining, which is not only high-quality but soft and supple, too. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Colts Notebook: Richardson again delivers in clutch

Patna: A group of people and government job aspirants held a protest here on Wednesday, December 25, demanding the cancellation of the December 13 combined preliminary exam conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) over the alleged question paper leak. Police lathi charged the protesters after some of them broke past barricades and reached the BPSC office in Patna, disrupting traffic movement, senior officer said. “A group of people, including job aspirants, gathered near the BPSC office on Bailey Road in the second half on Wednesday. They wanted to proceed towards the BPSC office, which the police did not allow. Some of them managed to reach the BPSC office and disrupted the movement of traffic. “Despite repeated requests by the security personnel, they refused to vacate the road. It is a restricted area where protests are not allowed. Finally, mild force, including baton charge was used to disperse the protestors,” Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rajeev Mishra told PTI on Wednesday. Protesters claimed that two or three persons were injured in the baton charge, which the SSP denied. #WATCH | Patna | Aspirants hold protest against the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) demanding re-exam of 70th BPSC Examination. pic.twitter.com/AqZuapo38g “No protesters were injured. Mild force was used to disperse them,” he said. The job aspirants have been demanding cancellation of the preliminary examination of the BPSC and requested the commission to announce a fresh date for the test at the earliest. Protesters alleged that question papers were leaked before the examination started at certain centres. However, BPSC chairman Parmar Ravi Manubhai on Tuesday ruled out the cancellation of the entire exam. He, however, made it clear that BPSC would conduct a re-examination of candidates who appeared for the test at the Bapu Pariksha Parisar centre in Patna on December 13. Manubhai announced that the re-examination would be held on January 4, 2025. The BPSC recently cancelled its combined preliminary examination held at Bapu Pariksha Parisar in Patna’s Kumhrar locality, where an on-duty official died of a heart attack after a ruckus was created by “unruly” candidates on December 13. The commission also served show-cause notices to 34 aspirants, who were allegedly part of the disruption created at Bapu Pariksha Parisar centre.Paul Bradbury/OJO Images via Getty Images I discussed how Zebra Technologies Corporation's ( NASDAQ: ZBRA ) long-term growth drivers lie in digitalization and automation trends in my previous “Buy” rating in September 2024. Zebra delivered a strong Q3 Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.The Christmas tradition has become nearly global in scope: Children from around the world track Santa Claus as he sweeps across the earth, delivering presents and defying time. Each year, at least 100,000 kids call into the North American Aerospace Defense Command to inquire about Santa’s location. Millions more follow online in nine languages , from English to Japanese. On any other night, NORAD is scanning the heavens for potential threats , such as last year’s Chinese spy balloon . But on Christmas Eve, volunteers in Colorado Springs are fielding questions like, “When is Santa coming to my house?” and, “Am I on the naughty or nice list?” “There are screams and giggles and laughter,” said Bob Sommers, 63, a civilian contractor and NORAD volunteer. Sommers often says on the call that everyone must be asleep before Santa arrives, prompting parents to say, “Do you hear what he said? We got to go to bed early.” NORAD’s annual tracking of Santa has endured since the Cold War , predating ugly sweater parties and Mariah Carey classics . The tradition continues regardless of government shutdowns, such as the one in 2018 , and this year . Here’s how it began and why the phones keep ringing. It started with a child’s accidental phone call in 1955. The Colorado Springs newspaper printed a Sears advertisement that encouraged children to call Santa, listing a phone number. A boy called. But he reached the Continental Air Defense Command, now NORAD, a joint U.S. and Canadian effort to spot potential enemy attacks. Tensions were growing with the Soviet Union, along with anxieties about nuclear war. Air Force Col. Harry W. Shoup picked up an emergency-only “red phone” and was greeted by a tiny voice that began to recite a Christmas wish list. “He went on a little bit, and he takes a breath, then says, ‘Hey, you’re not Santa,’” Shoup told The Associated Press in 1999. Realizing an explanation would be lost on the youngster, Shoup summoned a deep, jolly voice and replied, “Ho, ho, ho! Yes, I am Santa Claus. Have you been a good boy?” Shoup said he learned from the boy’s mother that Sears mistakenly printed the top-secret number. He hung up, but the phone soon rang again with a young girl reciting her Christmas list. Fifty calls a day followed, he said. In the pre-digital age, the agency used a 60-by-80 foot (18-by-24 meter) plexiglass map of North America to track unidentified objects. A staff member jokingly drew Santa and his sleigh over the North Pole. The tradition was born. “Note to the kiddies,” began an AP story from Colorado Springs on Dec. 23, 1955. “Santa Claus Friday was assured safe passage into the United States by the Continental Air Defense Command.” In a likely reference to the Soviets, the article noted that Santa was guarded against possible attack from “those who do not believe in Christmas.” Some grinchy journalists have nitpicked Shoup’s story, questioning whether a misprint or a misdial prompted the boy’s call. In 2014, tech news site Gizmodo cited an International News Service story from Dec. 1, 1955, about a child’s call to Shoup. Published in the Pasadena Independent, the article said the child reversed two digits in the Sears number. “When a childish voice asked COC commander Col. Harry Shoup, if there was a Santa Claus at the North Pole, he answered much more roughly than he should — considering the season: ‘There may be a guy called Santa Claus at the North Pole, but he’s not the one I worry about coming from that direction,’” Shoup said in the brief piece. In 2015, The Atlantic magazine doubted the flood of calls to the secret line, while noting that Shoup had a flair for public relations. Phone calls aside, Shoup was indeed media savvy. In 1986, he told the Scripps Howard News Service that he recognized an opportunity when a staff member drew Santa on the glass map in 1955. A lieutenant colonel promised to have it erased. But Shoup said, “You leave it right there,” and summoned public affairs. Shoup wanted to boost morale for the troops and public alike. “Why, it made the military look good — like we’re not all a bunch of snobs who don’t care about Santa Claus,” he said. Shoup died in 2009. His children told the StoryCorps podcast in 2014 that it was a misprinted Sears ad that prompted the phone calls. “And later in life he got letters from all over the world,” said Terri Van Keuren, a daughter. “People saying ‘Thank you, Colonel, for having, you know, this sense of humor.’” NORAD’s tradition is one of the few modern additions to the centuries-old Santa story that have endured, according to Gerry Bowler, a Canadian historian who spoke to the AP in 2010. Ad campaigns or movies try to “kidnap” Santa for commercial purposes, said Bowler, who wrote “Santa Claus: A Biography.” NORAD, by contrast, takes an essential element of Santa’s story and views it through a technological lens. In a recent interview with the AP, Air Force Lt. Gen. Case Cunningham explained that NORAD radars in Alaska and Canada —- known as the northern warning system — are the first to detect Santa. He leaves the North Pole and typically heads for the international dateline in the Pacific Ocean. From there he moves west, following the night. “That’s when the satellite systems we use to track and identify targets of interest every single day start to kick in,” Cunningham said. “A probably little-known fact is that Rudolph’s nose that glows red emanates a lot of heat. And so those satellites track (Santa) through that heat source.” NORAD has an app and website, www.noradsanta.org , that will track Santa on Christmas Eve from 4 a.m. to midnight, mountain standard time. People can call 1-877-HI-NORAD to ask live operators about Santa’s location from 6 a.m. to midnight, mountain time.

Postcards from Santa returns to Helena for second year( MENAFN - IANS) Guwahati, Dec 25 (IANS) The Assam unit of the BJP was celebrating the birthday of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee with a series of programmes at the party's state headquarters here on Wednesday. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will be present on the occasion along with senior leaders of the party. The day is observed as the Good Governance Day. The Assam government also conducted 12 days of development programme in December where various schemes were launched in different districts in the state. CM Sarma said,“The present government has been working very dedicatedly to bring about all-round development of the people of the state belonging to every section of the society.” The Chief Minister also said the state government's 12-day development campaign was an initiative to help the targeted people through government interventions. During this period, CM Sarma and the Council of Ministers visited different districts and participated in the development campaign. He said that in the last 12 days, 20 lakh new ration cards were distributed. 48,673 students are covered under the D. Bani Kanta Kakati Merit Scholarship. CM Sarma stated that since the inception of the Bani Kanta Kakati Merit Scholarship, the programme benefitted one lakh nine thousand students. He said that as per NEP 2020, one high school should be located every five kilometres. Considering the provision, the state government is distributing bicycles to every student studying in Class 9. Stating that a new horizon has been created in education, the Chief Minister said that the state government is spending Rs 2,000 crore annually for the benefit of the students. He also said that if the students take education as their vocation, Assam will progress in leaps and bounds. The Chief Minister also said that if the pace of development remains like what it is now, a lot of investments will come to Assam. “Steps have been taken to ensure that in the new Assam, there will be no dearth of employment avenues in the state. In view of Industry 4.0, new disciplines like AI, Robotics, 3D technology etc have been introduced in the academic landscape of the state,” he added. MENAFN24122024000231011071ID1109028686 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

( MENAFN - EIN Presswire) Pro Service Mechanical Logo Furnace Repair Services Saskatoon Saskatoon Furnace Repair Pro Service Mechanical strengthens its heating system emergency response capabilities to provide critical support during urgent situations. SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN, CANADA, December 25, 2024 /EINPresswire / -- Pro Service Mechanical, a trusted provider of mechanical services in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, announces a significant enhancement to its heating system emergency response team. This strategic improvement demonstrates the company's commitment to addressing urgent heating challenges that can critically impact residential and commercial properties during Saskatchewan's challenging winter conditions. Heating system failures can occur unexpectedly, potentially leading to significant property damage and operational disruptions. Pro Service Mechanical has developed a comprehensive approach to mitigate these risks by expanding its emergency heating response infrastructure and capabilities. The enhanced heating emergency program reflects Pro Service Mechanical's strategic approach to urgent heating system needs. The company has expanded its team of licensed heating technicians, each equipped with advanced diagnostic equipment and a comprehensive inventory of essential heating system components. This preparation enables technicians to address most emergency situations during their initial visit, minimizing potential damage and reducing property disruption. Quick response times are critical during heating emergencies, where moments can determine the difference between minor inconvenience and extensive property damage. Pro Service Mechanical has implemented an advanced dispatch system that efficiently directs the nearest available technician to emergency calls. Strategically positioned service vehicles throughout Saskatoon ensure rapid response to any location within the service area. The emergency heating response team is prepared to handle a diverse range of urgent situations, including complete system failures, critical heating component malfunctions, emergency furnace replacements , and complex system diagnostics. Technicians undergo continuous training in the latest emergency repair techniques and utilize modern technology for accurate problem diagnosis and efficient repairs. This expertise is particularly crucial during Saskatchewan's extreme winter conditions, where heating system reliability is essential for property safety and comfort. Emergency services are designed to support both residential and commercial properties, with specialized protocols tailored to different property types. Residential emergencies receive immediate attention to protect homes and ensure occupant comfort, while commercial clients benefit from technicians experienced in addressing the unique heating challenges of various business environments. The company places significant emphasis on preventative measures and damage mitigation during emergency responses. Technicians are trained to quickly assess heating system issues, implement immediate solutions, and provide comprehensive diagnostics to prevent future emergencies. This approach helps minimize potential disruptions and ensures the long-term reliability of heating systems. Clear communication remains a priority during emergency situations. Pro Service Mechanical provides regular updates throughout the emergency response process, ensuring property owners and managers understand the situation's status, required repairs, and expected completion times. This transparency helps clients make informed decisions during stressful emergency scenarios. The emergency preparedness initiative includes educational resources to help property owners understand heating system maintenance , identify potential issues before they escalate, and provide guidance on immediate response steps during heating emergencies. This proactive approach helps minimize potential damage and ensures more effective emergency responses. To ensure emergency heating services remain accessible, Pro Service Mechanical offers various payment options and maintains relationships with financing partners. The company also collaborates with insurance providers to facilitate claims processes when emergency repairs are covered under property insurance policies. Mark Wanner Pro Service Mechanical +1 306-230-2442 email us here Visit us on social media: Facebook X Instagram YouTube Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above. MENAFN25122024003118003196ID1109029836 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Trevelin Queen took a big sigh of relief. The 6-6 guard had just finished making his first appearance at the podium inside Kia Center on Monday night in front of bright lights, TV cameras and a plethora of local media asking him questions about tying his career high with 17 points that helped lift Orlando past Boston . If he felt nervous sitting alone with a microphone inches from his face while trying to make sense of how the Magic accomplished their second consecutive double-digit comeback at home without key players available, Queen certainly didn’t show it. “I actually haven’t had a moment to really put into perspective what happened tonight,” he said. “For me individually, it was just always having the mental [focus]. “I believed in myself that I belonged when the opportunity came.” The last time Orlando overcame a deficit of 15 or more in consecutive games was 2014. Hours earlier, Queen learned he would be making his first NBA start against the defending champion Celtics (22-7), who he rooted for growing up. “I couldn’t stop smiling; I’m not going to lie to you,” he said about taking the floor with Jalen Suggs, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Tristan da Silva and Goga Bitadze. “That’s my childhood team. For me to be out there and playing against them was a surreal moment for me.” Beede’s Breakdown: How Magic captured gritty win over defending champion Celtics So, how did Queen end up here? How did a two-way guard, limited to just 50 NBA games while splitting his time with Orlando and its G League affiliate, Osceola, contribute critical minutes down the stretch against the East’s top team in just his fifth appearance of the season? Although not direct nor smooth, Queen’s pathway to Monday’s performance resembles much of the Magic’s very own as they battled back from down 15 points without Paolo Banchero, Franz and Moe Wagner and Gary Harris against the Celtics, just 48 hours after they’d completed a 25-point comeback against the visiting Heat. Despite starting in only his 36th NBA appearance, Queen is far from a rookie. He’s actually the fifth-oldest player on the Magic at 27 behind only Cory Joseph (33), Caldwell-Pope (31) and Harris (30). Queen is just seventh months younger than Jonathan Isaac. And Orlando isn’t his first team. Well before signing with the Magic on a two-way contract last year and later re-signing in the offseason, he went undrafted coming out of New Mexico State in 2020. That wasn’t his first college, either. The Maryland native played 2016-17 at the College of Marin in California and another at New Mexico Military Institute (’17-18) before two with the Aggies. From there, he bounced around teams in the NBA (Lakers, Rockets, Pacers and 76ers) and the G League (Rio Grande Valley and Fort Wayne) before landing in Orlando. But throughout it all, he remained committed to the work. It’s what helped him become the 2021-22 NBA G League MVP while leading Rio Grande Valley to the championship. His last two appearances with Orlando, including 7 points in 18 second-half minutes vs. Miami, weren’t the only times he’s helped the Magic. In January, Queen played heavy minutes in back-to-back games on a West Coast road trip with the team ailing and battling locker-room illnesses. But that’s the role of a two-way contract player, filling the gaps on any given night at a moment’s notice. Not every two-way player can accomplish what Queen just did, and he will have to continue to do for the short-handed Magic (18-12) until their health rebounds. But Queen, who assisted on da Silva’s dagger 3-pointer with 9 seconds left against the Celtics, seizes the moment — regardless of his two-way contract. That’s all he’s done throughout his career to get to this point. “Seeing him go out there and play hard, leaving it all out on the court, is infectious,” Suggs said. “It makes all of us want to do the same. “To come in and play back-to-back games when you haven’t had much bump up here all season, it just shows the perseverance and character he has within him.” Jason Beede can be reached at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com Up next ... Magic vs. Heat When: 7, Thursday, Kia Center TV : FanDuel Sports Network Florida

With regards to a story on website, Tuesday, December 24: . or signup to continue reading All things being equal, Wodonga's adoption of the full rate rise of three per cent will see it maintain its extraordinary high level of rate charging. The new council and councillors should be very concerned regarding the high rates that Wodonga residents have had to pay for many years, not to mention the previous Ombudsman report in 2018 where higher rates were via a "backdoor" mechanism. It is very concerning that Wodonga ranks in the top five rate-charging councils given its many economic and logistical advantages and hence an unfair burden on ratepayers. Wodonga Council has several major competitive economic and logistical advantages, not to mention a high density of ratepayers and hence an ability to have lower rates than other council areas. Wodonga Council has very high rates compared to the other four top rate-charging councils, given the following considerable advantages: Wodonga also has a high population density and should have lower rates given there are more people to pay the rates. Bill Tilley has done nothing for the Wodonga and surrounding areas just like Justin Clancy over the border. That's why there's been no money for a proper border hospital big enough to service both sides and surrounding areas. Such a large area of service, large populations and two small hospitals that could be used for physio, rehabilitation, a mental health care institution fractures and day surgery whilst a much larger hospital for emergency care, surgery and ICU. Of course they will also have to get doctors, specialists and nurses to care for the patients. Actually Penny, Bill was one of the first to champion for a new, greenfield, built for purpose hospital for the Albury-Wodonga region. He has never stopped challenging the state Labor government to get commitment and services for our area. Even through FOIs that the state government has still failed to produce even though they have been ordered to do so. I have attached some information for you to read about why we need one health service for this region, and one fit for purpose hospital. The Victorian Liberal Party needs to stop listening to the old guard and start moving into the 21st century. It is still learning what the 20th century is all about, let alone moving forward. Same ol' hacks running it and rejects leading it. Why? The Gateway Lakes precinct is beyond doubt the jewel in the Border crown and so under-utilised! A stop, revive, survive 24-hour rest stop, that would include a secure off-leash park for pets, kids play zone and a 24-hour operational unmanned coffee-tea zone kitchenette and enclosed seating area that could include a manned day cafe area jutting out over the water for the broader community during the day. The TAC, including its equivalent in NSW, are immensely wealthy and begging for suitable locations to endorse and finance. Appropriate signage on the northbound and southbound Hume Freeway would remind folks to stop, revive and survive particularly those travelling with pets, more so after 300km north of Melbourne. A walking, exercise track around the lake precinct that includes barbecues, fishing and water activities could be further drawcards. A footbridge across the river at Noreuil would also open up access to the community gardens, further walking tracks on the southern riverbanks however serve as additional easy access and parking spots for folks attending major Gateway Lakes functions like Chryslers on the Murray, bands, etc. The list goes on and on that would be extremely popular and benefit far more people from the travelling community, providing yet another beautiful waterfront place for locals to visit with their pets or friends etc. How about fixing the roads so people can actually get here, that would be fantastic. Came into town from Kiewa and myself and people around me were swerving all over the road to miss potholes. How is that safe? I had to cross into an oncoming lane, but let's not forget the one hole I hit and now have a buckled rim, steering wheel now shakes due to buckled wheel and not being balanced and a clunk on that side. Spend the money where it needs to be, not where we think it should be. 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NoneWhat's Going On With Vor Biopharma Shares Friday?At age 32, we’d like to suggest is aging like fine wine. “I don’t know. I’m not a big wine guy,” the Canadiens’ winger said after Friday morning’s practice at the CN Sports Complex in Brossard. “I’m more a beer guy. “There’s been times where I haven’t played good hockey,” Gallagher continued. “There’s been times where I’ve played good hockey and been rewarded. Played poor hockey and got rewarded. Over the course of your career I think it all evens out. You put in the time in the summer, you take care of yourself and put in the work, you hope it pays off. But it’s too early in the year to be thinking like that. I feel confident. I feel comfortable. There’s still areas of my game where I’d like to improve and find ways to contribute a little bit more.” Heading into Saturday night’s Bell Centre match against the Vegas Golden Knights Gallagher has through 19 games. Only Cole Caufield, with 12 goals, has lit the lamp more. Gallagher signed a in October 2020. Perhaps this is just a continuation of last season’s late resurgence, when Gallagher scored five goals and added three assists over Montreal’s final five games, giving him 16 goals and 31 points in 77 contests. The 5-foot-9, 185-pounder has made a career from parking his body in front of the net, and has the bumps and bruises to show for his conviction. He’s now in his 13th season with the Canadiens, is the team’s longest-serving member, and understands better than anyone the rich tradition associated with the organization and its rabid fan base. Gallagher also seems to have found a comfort level with linemates Josh Anderson and Christian Dvorak. “Pucks are just finding a way to go in right now,” Gallagher said. “There’s times when they’re not. That’s why I look at my game in other regards. There’s other things I measure and like to do on the ice. Right now, I feel like I’m doing them and am being rewarded. But there’s times where that hasn’t been the case. “All I’m trying to do is be consistent for my coaches and my teammates. Be relied upon and hopefully be there every night. Every once in a while they go in. Everyone wants to contribute. There’s lots of ways to contribute. You can contribute to a team’s success in a lot of different ways. Sometimes it’s not always recognized or measured.” It certainly hasn’t hurt Gallagher’s cause that he has recovered from his litany of injuries. From the fractured jaw he suffered during the 2020 playoffs — while playing with a tear in his hip — to twice breaking his hand and twice fracturing his ankle, limiting him to 37 games during the 2022-23 season, Gallagher has paid the price for his style of play. In the past, Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis has expressed a desire to have Gallagher re-wire his approach to the game, relying on his experience and acumen to prosper rather than draining his physical energy. If the message has been slow to resonate, St. Louis has no qualms with the veteran’s play, suggesting he has improved his “software.” “It’s never too late,” St. Louis said, making an analogy to new and improved versions of Apple iPhones. “When you improve the software, you have more options. I know Gally’s really good in front of the net, but that’s not all he’s doing now. He’s doing way more. When you’re constantly battling with somebody in front of the net, it takes a toll and you’re probably prone to more injuries when that’s all you’re doing. “He understands ... sometimes it’s his turn to go. But it’s not his only job on the ice. He’s playing the whole game more. I think he’s having fun playing. Obviously he’s getting some results, which makes it fun. But it’s not luck.” The Canadiens will attempt to for the first time this season on Saturday — something they accomplished only once in 2023-24 in late March, defeating Seattle, Colorado and Philadelphia on the road. Montreal has been idle since Monday, while the Golden Knights will be playing their third road game in four nights. “We should come out with some good energy,” St. Louis said. “I think our start is very, very important.” Patrik Laine, recovering from an exhibition game knee injury, practised at full speed with his teammates and didn’t seem affected. He wasn’t made available to the media.