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Ford has been undergoing a transformation to adapt to the evolving automotive landscape. The November sales data suggests that Ford's efforts are starting to pay off, with positive growth in key markets. By investing in electric vehicles and autonomous technologies, Ford is positioning itself for long-term success and is on track to meet its annual targets.
htmumbai@hindustantimes.com MUMBAI: NMIA to take load off CSMIA The passenger and air traffic load on the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) will ease by 2025, as the much-awaited Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is scheduled to begin commercial operations by May 2025, with one terminal and one runway. In October, the Indian Air Force aircraft successfully landed on the 3,700-mt runway. The airport is expected to handle passenger capacity of 20 million and 0.8 million cargo every year. More than 80% of the terminal building is also ready. As the second international airport for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), NMIA was planned to reduce the burden on Mumbai airport, the second busiest in the country – it handled 52.8 million passengers in FY 2024 against 43.9 million in FY 2023. Spread over 1,160 hectares, the largest greenfield airport in the country is designed to handle 90 million passengers and 2.6 million tons of cargo annually. The airport will have parking facilities for 350 aircraft, two parallel runways and two full-length parallel taxiways for separate movement of aircraft. The ₹ 18,000 crore airport is being developed through a public private partnership by NMIA, a special-purpose vehicle formed by Adani Airports Holdings Limited and CIDCO. The airport will be named after late Dinkar Balu Patil, a former MP and activist who led several protests by farmers and land owners in Navi Mumbai when the Maharashtra government acquired land in the area in the 1970s and 1980s to build the planned city. New rail corridors planned Every day, between 65 to 70 lakh commuters travel by local trains on the Western and Central lines – the fortunate squeezed into overcrowded coaches, the not-so-fortunate dangerously hanging on to their lives on the edge of the footboard, in peak hours. In the last two years around 5,000 people have died in rail-related accidents on both routes, as per data from GRP. The pressure on the locals has continuously mounted, as citizens are pushed into distant suburbs of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) for affordable housing, given Mumbai’s expensive real estate. In order to alleviate commuter concerns, the railways have planned to introduce new non-AC and AC local trains, creating new routes, and expanding and laying new tracks, across rail corridors in Mumbai and MMR in 2025. Foremost is laying the sixth rail line from Kandivali to Borivali that will be ready by March 2025. WR has completed laying the 5-6 rail lines till Kandivali connecting Bandra Terminus. The two new rail lines will improve punctuality because it will segregate suburban and non-suburban train corridors. By the end of 2025, a new suburban rail corridor connecting Panvel and Karjat, the two ends of MMR, will be ready, which will reduce travel time between Karjat and CSMT by 20-30 minutes from the approximately two hours it takes now. Following repeated demands, commuters can expect more AC local trains. Of the 10 new AC locals requested by WR and CR, each from the Railway Board, both have received one each. Reviving monorail The Mumbai Monorail, considered a white elephant for over a decade now, is likely to get a shot in the arm in 2025. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has started receiving new train sets at its Wadala depot which will improve the frequency of its services along the 19.48-km Chembur-Wadala-Jacob Circle route. MMRDA has planned to retain some existing rolling stock to give the transport system fresh life. Ten new trains will be introduced to reduce the headway from the present 15 minutes to about 7-10 minutes. The first train set has been delivered by the Telangana-based Medha Servo Drives, while more are expected to reach Mumbai in 2025. Once operational, this transport system will connect the eastern suburbs and south Mumbai. At present, of the seven trains available, only five are put into service; one is kept on standby, while the other undergoes maintenance. The daily ridership hovers between 17,000-18,000, but is expected to improve after additional services introduced, and metro lines 3 (Aarey-Bandra-Colaba) and 4 (Wadala-Ghatkopar-Thane-Kapurbawdi) become operational. Metro 3 will link monorail at Jacob Circle, while metro 4 will be integrated at Wadala’s Bhakti Park. The Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited, an arm of MMRDA, is currently operating and maintaining the entire transportation system. BEST foot forward The century-old Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking, the city’s second lifeline after the local train network, has been challenged with a dwindling fleet which has affected commuters as well as the public utility’s balance sheets. BEST’s image took a beating recently when the driver of a wet lease bus rammed into multiple vehicles at Kurla, killing nine people and injuring 40, on December 9. Between April and November, BEST buses including those on wet lease have been involved in 35 accidents that have resulted in four deaths. The gloom around the transport utility is likely to be lifted, as it has rolled out plans to increase the fleet to 8000 buses in FY 2025-26, from its present depleted number of 2,885 buses, of which a mere 985 are part of their owned fleet while 1,900 buses are run by wet lease operators. In the financial year starting March, BEST expects 5,115 new single and double-decker electric and air-conditioned buses. After the incident in Kurla, the transport body has also moved its attention towards updated training modules for drivers, which is a part of its refurbished standard operating procedure. At least two electric buses will be inducted for training. The undertaking’s electricity supply division also has a ₹ 6000 crore plan to replace 80-year-old underground power cables. Work, including upgrading substations and other power equipment, costing around ₹ 2,000 crore is expected to be undertaken in 2025. 6 metro lines to be operational That Mumbai needs a separate mode of public transport -- the Mumbai metro –to reduce vehicular congestion and shave off load from local train network, was conceived over a decade ago. The numbers speak for themselves – each day, suburban locals ferry approximately 6.5-7 million people. On the other hand, there are nearly 49 lakh vehicles in Mumbai of which approximately 60% comprise two-wheelers. The much-compromised Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking’s fleet has added to the pressure on other modes of public transport. Come 2025, as many as six Mumbai metro lines will be partially or wholly operational to provide relief to commuting Mumbaikars. The six metro corridors are: 2B, 3, 4, 4A, 7A and 9. On the 2B route, Andheri West to Mandale and Mandale to Diamond Garden stretches will be ready in June 2025, while the entire metro 2B with 19 stations will be ready in 2026 The second phase of the underground metro 3 from Bandra Kurla Complex to Cuffe Parade is likely to be ready by July 2025. On Mumbai Metro 4 and 4A (Wadala to Kasarvadavli to Gaimukh), the stretch on Thane’s Ghodbunder Road, is likely to be operational by the end of 2025. Mumbai Metro 7A from Gundavali to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport will connect Terminal 2 and existing Mumbai Metro 3 with the western suburbs creating a metro network with interchanges. Mumbai Metro 9 from Dahisar East to Mira-Bhayander, which is an extension of the currently operational Mumbai Metro 7 on the northern side of the corridor will connect Mira-Bhayander with the rest of Mumbai. MMRDA intends to partially operationalise the metro line by June 2025 between Dahisar East and Kashigaon, a stretch having three of the total seven stations along the corridor. Civic Elections: Poll Position Of the people, for the people, by the people... Municipal corporators represent the voice of citizens, a direct line to the municipality, whose policies and functioning have a powerful impact the quality of our lives. After nearly three years sans corporators, Mumbai is hoping that 2025 will be the year for the BMC elections. When the term of the city’s elected representatives ended on March 7, 2022, power was concentrated in the hands of a state-appointed administrator – the municipal commissioner - Iqbal S Chahal till March 2024 and Bhushan Gagrani since. A system of checks and balances was replaced with a single decision-making authority, that too during the longest vacancy in the 150-year history of the country’s richest municipal corporation. Proposals were drawn up, approved and executed solely under their authority, without corporators present to debate and vote on budgets and the legion of issues that affects our daily lives. But everything hinges on a Supreme Court hearing on the delimitation of civic wards, in January. If the case concludes, elections to Mumbai’s 227 wards can be held before the monsoon. “Corporators will increase the accountability, vibrancy and feedback mechanism in the municipality,” said Gagrani. It will be interesting to see how the elections play out, politically. After the Mahayuti alliance’s strong showing in the recent assembly elections, the ruling coalition is eager – and a little restless – to seize power in the BMC as well. Traditionally, the Shiv Sena ruled the civic body, but after its split in 2022, the two Sena factions will be pitted against each other. Coastal Road: Full Speed Ahead After decades in the planning, 2024 saw Mumbai’s Coastal Road being opened to traffic. It’s 11km of pure magic, quite literally converting hours into minutes as you drive without interruption from Marine Drive to Worli – overland and underground. The Coastal Road is one of Mumbai’s flagship infrastructure projects, and the Marine Drive-Worli stretch opened in a phased manner on March 11. There’s still a long way to go, as this super-expressway will eventually extend from Marine Drive all the way to Palghar, a distance of 167km. The next piece of this engineering marvel to be put in place is the south-bound connector between the Coastal Road and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, on January 26. On November 27, the final span of the bow-string bridge was moved into place, another milestone in this colossal project. A seamless ride will then be possible from Marine Drive to Bandra. The last two of the eight arms of the Haji Ali interchange will open early next year. Anticipation is also building for the 70 hectares of open spaces that will be created along the length of the coastal road, through massive land reclamation. Among these is a promenade that will forever change the city’s coastline. Also planned are sections and precincts with different themes, namely the Green Shore, Nature’s Cove and Park Line. But this will take a while. For now, in a city where gridlocked traffic regularly swallows hours of precious time, the focus is on providing Mumbai’s motorists a dream ride. Concretisation: Hitting Roadblocks If you thought the relentless excavating of the city’s streets and the plumes of dust thus exhumed would cease, forget it! Only 30% of phase 1 of the plan to concretise Mumbai’s roads was completed by June, 2024 – there is a long way to go. Concretising Mumbai’s roads was a project initiated by former chief minister Eknath Shinde, as the solution to making the city pothole-free within two years. Announced in June 2022, the municipality cleared contracts worth ₹ 6,080 crore, for 397km of road. Five firms were awarded the contracts in January 2023, the largest civic contract to date. But the plan is way behind schedule. Worse still, the plan for South Mumbai has run aground. A major contractor’s tender was terminated in January 2024, and fresh bids were invited. Work hasn’t even begun. The target for Phase 1 was thus revised to 324km, and limited to the western and eastern suburbs. But even where concretisation is underway, work is moving at snail’s pace. Utilities under Mumbai’s streets are also posing a challenge. Now the BMC aims to complete Phase 1 by May 2025, a very optimistic deadline they’re unlikely to meet. For citizens, this means another year of navigating endless traffic snarls, mountains of rubble underfoot, and worsening air quality. Bridges: On the Fly The new year will finally see the east-west connector, the Gopal Krishna Gokhale bridge, being completed, after numerous delays. The revised deadline is April 2025 and it’s likely to be revised further. This is only one in a series of bridges – over railway tracks and the city’s streets – that will hopefully be thrown open to traffic in 2025, easing your daily commute. First in line are two rail over bridges (ROBs) – one connecting Worli Naka at Dr E Moses Road and Dhobi Ghat at Saat Rasta, and the other a cable-stayed bridge connecting Saat Rasta and Keshavrao Khade Marg. They are expected to the opened for motorists in February 2025, after an earlier deadline of 2023. The next, perhaps by March, is an east-west connector, the Vikhroli ROB, connecting LBS Marg to the Eastern Express Highway. Work orders were first issued in 2018. Next – if all goes to plan – will be the historic east-west Carnac ROB. The first girder was moved into place in October, and 80% of installation work for the second one is complete. The deadline is May 2025. Another major flyover will be completed next year – the 840-mt extension of the Mrinal Gore flyover, from Ram Mandir to Goregaon (West). Extending above the congested S V Road and Oshiwara River and ending at Relief Road, the flyover is expected to cut travel time, from the Western Express Highway at Goregaon to the Link Road in Oshiwara, from 40 minutes to less than 10 minutes. It is unlikely to be completed before the end of the year.Bucks snap a 2-game skid with a 118-113 victory over the NetsFaruqi & Faruqi Reminds DENTSPLY SIRONA Investors Of The Pending Class Action Lawsuit With A Lead Plaintiff Deadline Of January 27, 2025 – XRAY
Against this backdrop, there are several potential scenarios for how the Syrian situation could develop in the coming years. One possibility is that the Assad regime could maintain its grip on power through continued military force and repression, with the support of its allies. In this scenario, the conflict would likely drag on, leading to further suffering and instability for the Syrian population.
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — If Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh has given any thought to the possibility of in his first season with the team with a win at New England on Saturday, he isn't letting it show. “Just attacking, that’s our mindset. Win the next game," he said. Harbaugh's relative silence on the topic isn't a total departure from his usual business-first approach, but there could also be something else at play. Aside from wrapping up what would be Harbaugh’s fourth postseason trip in five years as an NFL head coach, since the Chargers (9-6) have the tiebreaker over the Denver Broncos but not against the Pittsburg Steelers, Los Angeles would appear destined to be the sixth seed in the postseason. That would mean a trip to Baltimore and a possible Harbaugh Bowl 4 matchup opposite older brother and Ravens coach John Harbaugh. The Ravens beat the Chargers earlier this season 30-23. But first things first. And that's taking care of the Patriots (3-12), who have lost five straight games but showed several signs of offensive improvement during their at Buffalo last week. Jim Harbaugh sees a dangerous group. And his players say they are locked in on the present. “Always one week at a time. We’ve got a lot of respect for this Patriots team," Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert said. "We know we’re going on the road and have to be prepared for everything.” If the Patriots are going to play the role of spoiler, it must start with rookie quarterback Drake Maye. He has thrown a touchdown pass in seven consecutive games, tied with Jim Plunkett (1971) for the longest such streak by a rookie in franchise history. But he has also thrown at least one interception in each of the past seven games. Overall, the Patriots have a minus-9 turnover margin. The Patriots did score 14 points in the first half during last week’s loss at Buffalo. Still, New England's offense has had trouble finishing drives, scoring touchdowns on only 47.7% of its chances in the red zone. Maye said that doesn't mean he plans to be timid over the final two games. “I think there’s definitely a way we need to cut down turnovers,” he said. “That starts with me protecting the football and throwing it incomplete or throwing it in the dirt or little things like that. I’m still going to be aggressive.” The Chargers could have a major weapon return in running back J.K. Dobbins, who has been on injured reserve after suffering a knee injury against Baltimore on Nov. 25. With Dobbins out of the lineup, the Bolts have struggled to have any consistency on offense. Los Angeles has averaged only 74.8 rushing yards in the past four games, which is quite a drop from the 118.1 they were generating before Dobbins’ injury. Dobbins was listed as questionable, while Gus Edwards — who rushed for two touchdowns and a season-high 68 yards in last Thursday’s win over Denver — was ruled out with an ankle injury. Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins would likely take over in the backfield if Dobbins also can't play. Justin Herbert, who has 20,466 career passing yards, needs 153 yards to surpass Peyton Manning for the most in a player's first five seasons in league history. Ladd McConkey is 40 yards away from becoming the first Chargers rookie receiver to reach 1,000 yards since Keenan Allen in 2013. The Chargers have won 11 of their past 13 when playing in the Eastern time zone, including last year’s 6-0 victory over the Patriots. Los Angeles has five of its nine games on Eastern time this season for the first time since 2005. They are trying to become the ninth team since 1988 on Pacific time to win at least four games when having to travel at least three time zones. The Chargers have given up two touchdowns and a field goal on the first possession in the last three games. They allowed only one touchdown on an opening drive in the first 12 games. Another cause for concern is that the Bolts have given up scores on the first two series in back-to-back games. AP Sports Writer Joe Reedy in Los Angeles contributed to this report. AP NFL:
The legacy of Oscar, the first guide dog in Shenzhen, will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. His dedication to service, his unwavering loyalty, and his gentle soul have left an indelible mark on the community. He may no longer walk by his owner's side, but his spirit will continue to guide and inspire all who were touched by his presence.5. Honda Motor Co., Ltd.:
Chargers focused on avoiding a letdown and not a potential playoff berth in matchup with PatriotsThe possibility of a rate hike in Japan has far-reaching implications for the global economy, as the country is one of the world's largest exporters and a key player in the Asian financial markets. A move by the BOJ to raise interest rates could have a significant impact on global financial conditions, influencing everything from currency exchange rates to equity prices.
Alibaba Cloud also communicated directly with its customers and partners to provide timely updates on the situation and address any concerns they may have regarding the impact of the fire on their business operations. The company assured customers that contingency plans were in place to swiftly restore services and data access in case of any disruptions caused by the fire incident.
Ruben Amorim says Man Utd must find way to end strugglesWorld Trade Organization: Mild Growth in Global Merchandise Trade in the Fourth Quarter
"From The Forgotten" - A Chinese 5V5 Multiplayer Competitive Game Reveals Gameplay Demo! Closed Beta Testing to Commence on December 20thThe lack of significant signings in the upcoming transfer window has sparked a debate about the competitiveness of the Premier League in the long run. With the financial power of clubs from other European leagues, such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain, continuing to grow, the English teams risk falling behind if they do not invest in new talent. The reliance on older players may provide short-term success, but in the ever-evolving landscape of football, sustainability and long-term planning are key to remaining competitive at the highest level.
The shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024, where a 3D-printed gun was used, highlights the escalating threat of these untraceable "ghost guns." These firearms, made partially or entirely with commercially available 3D printers, are increasingly appearing in criminal activity, posing significant challenges for law enforcement and policymakers worldwide. The U.S. Supreme Court is currently reviewing the legality of federal restrictions on these weapons. The first documented criminal case involving a 3D-printed gun occurred in the UK in 2013. Since then, their prevalence has grown rapidly. Between 2017 and 2021, U.S. law enforcement seized nearly 38,000 suspected ghost guns, according to a 2024 US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives report. In 2021 alone, over 19,000 were traced, a sharp rise from just over 8,500 in 2020. New York state saw a dramatic increase from 100 seizures in 2019 to 637 in 2022. Arrests are also on the rise, with 108 globally in the first half of 2023, compared to 66 in all of 2022. North America leads in 3D-printed gun-related arrests (166 from 2013 to June 2023), followed by Europe (48) and Oceania (24). The U.S. accounts for 36% of global arrests in 2023, closely followed by Canada (34%). The UK and Australia represent 10% and 8% respectively. According to a report in The Conversation , these weapons have been linked to a wide range of groups, including far-right extremists, ethno-separatists, jihadists, left-wing anarchists, organised crime, and pro-democracy rebels. From 2019 to mid-2022, at least nine cases in Europe and Australia involved extremists, terrorists, or paramilitary groups attempting or succeeding in producing 3D-printed firearms. Analysis of 165 cases from 2013 to mid-2024 shows that 15% were terrorism-related, with far-right groups being the most frequent users. The lack of serial numbers on these homemade weapons makes them difficult to trace, a key attraction for criminals. Global regulatory approaches vary significantly. Japan strictly prohibits unauthorised firearm production, including 3D-printed guns, with severe penalties. Canada effectively banned ghost guns in 2023, requiring licenses for possession or manufacture. Australia criminalises both making and, in some states, possessing blueprints for 3D-printed firearms, with potential prison sentences of up to 21 years. The EU broadly prohibits making or owning homemade firearms, with varying laws and penalties, including criminalising possession of digital files. The UK recently updated its laws to specifically ban possessing, buying, or producing parts for 3D-printed guns, and is considering banning blueprint possession. In the U.S., the Second Amendment and First Amendment pose unique regulatory challenges. While selling 3D-printed firearms requires a federal license, producing or owning them for personal use is permitted, including 3D-printing the lower receiver. Current federal law, under Supreme Court review, requires 3D-printed gun kits to meet specific guidelines, including licensing, background checks, and serial numbers. Converting semi-automatic firearms into automatic weapons using 3D-printed "Glock switches" is illegal and carries significant penalties. State-level regulations are also emerging. By November 2024, 15 U.S. states had implemented regulations on ghost guns, typically requiring serial numbers, background checks, and reporting of 3D-printed firearm production. For example, New Jersey mandates serial numbers and registration, while New York is considering making 3D-printed firearm manufacturing a felony. As 3D printing technology advances, the challenge of regulating these weapons and mitigating the threat they pose to public safety will likely intensify. Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the worldThe collaboration between Google and Meta, two of the world's largest technology companies, is designed to create targeted advertising campaigns specifically tailored to the teenage demographic. By leveraging the vast amount of data collected from their platforms, including search queries, social media interactions, and app usage, the companies aim to deliver personalized ads that appeal to young consumers.$10M Registered Direct Offering Priced At-The-Market Under Nasdaq Rules
Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away JERUSALEM (AP) — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen have targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports. The World Health Organization’s director-general said the bombardment on Thursday took place just “meters away” as he was about to board a flight in Sanaa. He says a crew member was hurt. The strikes followed several days of Houthi attacks and launches setting off sirens in Israel. Israel's military says it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa, power stations and ports. The Israeli military later said it wasn’t aware that the WHO chief was at the location in Yemen. The US says it pushed retraction of a famine warning for north Gaza. Aid groups express concern. WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials say they asked for — and got — the retraction of an independent monitor's warning of imminent famine in north Gaza. The internationally Famine Early Warning System Network issued the warning this week. The new report had warned that starvation deaths in north Gaza could reach famine levels as soon as next month. It cited what it called Israel's “near-total blockade” of food and water. The U.S. ambassador to Israel, Jacob Lew, criticized the finding as inaccurate and irresponsible. The U.S. Agency for International Development, which funds the famine-monitoring group, told the AP it had asked for and gotten the report's retraction. USAID officials tell The Associated Press that it had asked the group for greater review of discrepancies in some of the data. Trump has pressed for voting changes. GOP majorities in Congress will try to make that happen ATLANTA (AP) — Republicans in Congress plan to move quickly in their effort to overhaul the nation’s voting procedures, seeing an opportunity with control of the White House and both chambers of Congress. They want to push through long-sought changes such as voter ID and proof-of-citizenship requirements. They say the measures are needed to restore public confidence in elections. That's after an erosion of trust that Democrats note has been fueled by false claims from Donald Trump and his allies of widespread fraud in the 2020 election. Democrats say they are willing to work with the GOP but want any changes to make it easier, not harder, to vote. Americans are exhausted by political news. TV ratings and a new AP-NORC poll show they're tuning out NEW YORK (AP) — A lot of Americans, after an intense presidential election campaign, are looking for a break in political news. That's evident in cable television news ratings and a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The poll found nearly two-thirds of Americans saying they've found the need recently to cut down on their consumption of political and government news. That's particularly true among Democrats following President-elect Donald Trump's victory, although a significant number of Republicans and independents feel the same way. Cable networks MSNBC and CNN are really seeing a slump. That's also happened in years past for networks that particularly appeal to supporters of one candidate. New York to charge fossil fuel companies for damage from climate change ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Large fossil fuel companies would have to pay fees to help New York fight the effects of climate change under a bill signed by Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul. The governor signed the new law Thursday. It requires companies responsible for substantial greenhouse gas emissions to pay into a state infrastructure fund for repairs or projects that help avoid future damage from climate change. Lawmakers approved the bill earlier this year. It's meant to make big oil and gas companies contribute to the cost of repairs after extreme weather events or for resiliency projects. Such projects may include restoring coastal wetlands or upgrading roads, bridges and water drainage systems. Legal challenges to the new law are expected. Aviation experts say Russia's air defense fire likely caused Azerbaijan plane crash as nation mourns Aviation experts say that Russian air defense fire was likely responsible for the Azerbaijani plane crash the day before that killed 38 people and left all 29 survivors injured. Azerbaijan is observing a nationwide day of mourning on Thursday for the victims of the crash. Azerbaijan Airlines’ Embraer 190 was en route from Azerbaijan’s capital of Baku to the Russian city of Grozny in the North Caucasus on Wednesday when it was diverted for reasons yet unclear and crashed while making an attempt to land in Aktau in Kazakhstan. Cellphone footage circulating online appeared to show the aircraft making a steep descent before smashing into the ground in a fireball. Ukraine's military intelligence says North Korean troops are suffering heavy battlefield losses KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine's military intelligence says North Korean troops are suffering heavy losses in Russia's Kursk region and face logistical difficulties as a result of Ukrainian attacks. The intelligence agency said Thursday that Ukrainian strikes near Novoivanovka inflicted heavy casualties on North Korean units. Ukraine's president said earlier this week that 3,000 North Korean troops have been killed and wounded in the fighting in the Kursk region. It marked the first significant estimate by Ukraine of North Korean casualties several weeks after Kyiv announced that North Korea had sent 10,000 to 12,000 troops to Russia to help it in the almost 3-year war. India's former prime minister Manmohan Singh, architect of economic reforms, dies aged 92 NEW DELHI (AP) — India’s former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic reform program and a landmark nuclear deal with the United States, has died. He was 92. The hospital said Singh was admitted to New Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences late Thursday after his health deteriorated due to “sudden loss of consciousness at home." He was “being treated for age-related medical conditions,” the statement added. A mild-mannered technocrat, Singh became one of India’s longest-serving prime ministers for 10 years and earned a reputation as a man of great personal integrity. But his sterling image was tainted by allegations of corruption against his ministers. How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The benchmark index posted its first back-to-back annual gains of more than 20% since 1998. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing. But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin and gold surged and “Roaring Kitty” reappeared to briefly reignite the meme stock craze. Why this Mexican American woman played a vital role in the US sacramental peyote trade MIRANDO CITY, Texas (AP) — Amada Cardenas, a Mexican American woman who lived in the tiny border town of Mirando City in South Texas, played an important role in the history of the peyote trade. She and her husband were the first federally licensed peyote dealers who harvested and sold the sacramental plant to followers of the Native American Church in the 1930s. After her husband's death in 1967, Cardenas continued to welcome generations of Native American Church members to her home until her death in 2005, just before her 101st birthday.