Philadelphia's Joel Embiid scored 31 points and pulled down 12 rebounds in his return after missing seven games to spark the 76ers on Sunday in a 108-100 NBA victory at Chicago. Embiid had been sidelined by a left knee injury and personal reasons since a November 20 loss to Memphis, the Sixers going 4-3 in his absence. The 30-year-old Cameroonian-born big man, who wore a left knee brace, also added four assists and two blocked shots in 33 minutes in only his fifth game of the season. "He caught fire there," 76ers coach Nick Nurse said of Embiid. "Certainly he gave us a lot of confidence." Philadelphia guard Tyrese Maxey contributed his first career NBA triple-double with 25 points and career highs of 14 assists and 11 rebounds. "It was good," Maxey said. "The offense flowed really well. Pick and roll was really good. I was able to get everybody involved, get Joel going and get myself going too." "He turned on the jets and got to the rim at some pretty opportune times," Nurse said of Maxey. Embiid was a welcome court presence for the 76ers. "He creates so much space for us on the floor, gets the attention," said Maxey. "I didn't see one pick and roll double team for the first time in a long time." Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 30 points. At New York, Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 34 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead the Bucks over the Brooklyn Nets 118-113. Damian Lillard added 15 points and 11 assists while reserve Bobby Portis contributed 23 points and Gary Trent Jr. scored 20 off the Milwaukee bench. Germany's Dennis Schroder led the Nets with 34 points. js/mlmThe biggest game of the weekend is set to take place in Columbus, Ohio, at 12 p.m. EST on Saturday, as the No. 5 travel to the Horseshoe to take on the No. 2 in a highly anticipated Big Ten clash. This marks Ohio State's third matchup against a top-five opponent this season, but it’s the first one to be held at home in Ohio Stadium. The energy will undoubtedly be electric, and head coach along with starting quarterback , made sure to send a message to Buckeye Nation ahead of the high-stakes showdown. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Thanks for the feedback.
AS Zimbabwe charts a path towards sustainable development and economic resilience, the 2025 National Budget emerges as a pivotal tool to achieve these goals. Presented by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Professor Mthuli Ncube recently, the budget is framed under the theme, “Building Resilience for Sustained Economic Transformation.” This ambitious financial plan reflects a clear intent to overcome current challenges while paving the way for long-term growth and inclusivity. With projected Gross Domestic Product growth of six percent for 2025, this budget balances fiscal prudence with an expansive vision for development. It targets critical areas such as agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and social equity, offering a robust framework to drive economic recovery, resilience, and transformation. Agriculture is the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy, contributing significantly to the GDP, employment, and exports. The 2025 National Budget makes transformative strides in addressing the vulnerabilities of this sector, especially in the context of climate change. With the La Niña phenomenon expected to bring above-average rainfall, the budget capitalises on this opportunity to boost agricultural productivity. One of the standout initiatives is the introduction of hybrid agricultural index insurance under the Farmers’ Basket programme. This innovative insurance mechanism provides financial protection to smallholder farmers against climate-induced losses, a critical step towards mitigating the adverse impacts of droughts and other extreme weather events. The success of the pilot phase, which paid out US$232 997 to 4 014 farmers following drought-induced losses, highlights its potential to enhance resilience among rural communities. The allocation of resources for irrigation infrastructure, rural development, and extension services further strengthens the agricultural framework. By empowering farmers with modern tools and techniques, the budget aims to achieve food security and position Zimbabwe as a regional agricultural powerhouse. Energy shortages have long been a bottleneck for Zimbabwe’s economic progress. The 2025 budget takes a bold stance to address this issue by prioritising reforms in the energy sector. Recognising the private sector as a key partner, the Government plans to lower restrictions on self-generation and attract private investments in energy infrastructure. This approach is not only pragmatic but essential for ensuring a stable and sustainable energy supply. The allocation for energy development, though modest, is strategically focused on expanding domestic power generation. By integrating renewable energy sources and enhancing grid efficiency, Zimbabwe can reduce its reliance on imported electricity and achieve greater energy independence. This will, in turn, unlock productivity across sectors, from manufacturing to mining. Infrastructure investment is a cornerstone of the 2025 budget, reflecting the Government’s commitment to economic modernisation. The budget allocates substantial resources to transport, water, housing, and digital infrastructure. These projects are not just about economic growth; they are about connecting communities, improving accessibility, and creating equitable opportunities. Transport infrastructure, for instance, is set to benefit from targeted road rehabilitation projects. By improving connectivity between urban and rural areas, these initiatives will enhance trade, reduce logistics costs, and boost market access for agricultural and industrial goods. Similarly, investments in water and sanitation infrastructure aim to address critical public health and environmental challenges. Housing development receives a noteworthy allocation, reflecting the government’s dedication to addressing urbanisation and housing shortages. Affordable housing projects, coupled with innovative financing mechanisms, will provide secure living conditions for thousands of families while stimulating the construction sector. In a challenging fiscal environment, the Government has demonstrated commendable discipline in managing public finances. The projected fiscal deficit of 1,4 percent of GDP underscores a commitment to prudent spending and resource optimisation. This is achieved through a combination of measures, including limiting recurrent expenditures, rationalising public sector wages, and enhancing revenue collection mechanisms. Debt sustainability remains a critical focus. With external debt standing at U$12,3 billion, the Government is pursuing arrears clearance and restructuring processes to reduce debt servicing costs. These efforts are complemented by cautious borrowing strategies, leveraging concessional loans for infrastructure projects while avoiding unsustainable debt accumulation. One of the most inspiring aspects of the 2025 budget is its emphasis on social equity and empowerment. Programmes targeting women, youth, and marginalised communities are at the forefront, ensuring that economic growth translates into tangible benefits for all. The expansion of financial inclusion initiatives, such as loans for women and youth entrepreneurs, is a game-changer. By increasing access to credit and business support services, the Government is fostering grassroots entrepreneurship and reducing economic disparities. The data speaks volumes: loans to women as a percentage of total bank loans rose from 4,48 percent in 2023 to 9,86 percent in 2024, a testament to the impact of these initiatives. Additionally, the focus on education and skills development, particularly in science, technology, and innovation, aligns with the Government’s vision of building a knowledge-driven economy. Investments in human capital development will empower the workforce to adapt to evolving economic demands, driving productivity and competitiveness. Zimbabwe’s vulnerability to climate change necessitates urgent action, and the 2025 budget does not disappoint. Substantial allocations for environmental protection, climate resilience, and renewable energy projects reflect a clear commitment to sustainability. Programmes such as the African Risk Capacity drought insurance policy and reforestation initiatives are forward-thinking measures that address both immediate and long-term challenges. The Government’s emphasis on sustainable mining practices and reducing carbon emissions further aligns with global environmental goals. By integrating climate considerations into economic planning, Zimbabwe is positioning itself as a responsible global player. While the 2025 budget sets an impressive agenda, its success hinges on effective implementation and collaboration. Challenges such as external debt management, revenue generation, and corruption must be addressed to ensure that the allocated resources deliver maximum impact. However, these challenges also present opportunities. Public-private partnerships can play a pivotal role in financing and executing infrastructure projects. Strengthening institutions and governance frameworks will enhance transparency and accountability, building public trust in the budget process. The 2025 National Budget is a transformative roadmap that balances ambition with realism. It addresses Zimbabwe’s immediate needs while laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and resilience. From agriculture and energy to infrastructure and social empowerment, the budget reflects a holistic approach to development. As citizens and stakeholders, we must support this vision by actively participating in its implementation and holding our leaders accountable. The journey to economic transformation is not without challenges, but with collective effort and determination, Zimbabwe can achieve its goals and secure a prosperous future for all. The festive lights are already on in many places. The colours — red and white — are back, dazzling. The Father of the time is back too in that outfit and with the bell in hand, entertaining the kids with chocolate, sweets and the opportunity for a snap. Over the next few days, the pay [...] Stephen Mpofu Underhand activities by which Harare City Council employees are accused of enriching themselves with Bulawayo public transport operators blamed for malpractices, will no doubt have besmirched Zimbabwe’s good name locally and abroad, causing some who intended to do business with us to re-examine their minds. 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