Electricity prices in the Philippines have a real risk of rising even further without additional or expanded coal plants in the near term. Why? It is all about going to the next best option for more baseload power, which in this case is gas or nuclear energy. Power demand is projected to grow by over 5% annually, and this needs to be met by a growing pie of dispatchable capacities like coal, gas, and/or nuclear. As the whole energy pie expands, phasing out coal immediately deprives us of today’s most viable and more affordable option for continuous power reliability. Less coal and more gas in the baseload will be more expensive for electricity users. Looking at some of Meralco’s recent competitive selection process, the lowest of two winning bids for a 600-megawatt baseload power requirement was P5.6015/kWh from a coal plant. Had Meralco sourced that requirement from the spot market instead, consumers would have spent about P9.9 billion more. In comparison, in a separate bid for a capacity of 1,200 megawatts, a natural gas plant won at P7.0718/kWh. Gas was more expensive by P1.47/kWh. On the other hand, with nuclear, the investment risk is still high, and there is a hefty price tag for high risks even if it is high reward. For one, there is yet to be a policy framework for nuclear power generation in the Philippines. Second, touted small- and medium-sized modular reactors are “first-of-a-kind” uncommercialized technologies that might put initial investors at a first mover disadvantage. Third, considering the existing bottlenecks in the Philippine energy sector, it is still quite difficult to assure investors that nuclear projects can progress on budget and on time. We needed the additional baseload power yesterday and we still need them now. “But what about solar and wind power?” one might ask. “Aren’t they getting cheaper? Isn’t battery storage getting cheaper as well?” While solar and wind projects can be scaled, their power generation isn’t consistent and reliable, much less dispatchable, and can’t be baseload power. The power generation of these variable renewable energy capacities swings depending on the weather or the time of day (no sun at night), requiring a “firming” resource like battery storage or dispatchable capacities. While coupling battery storage to solar and wind can address the intermittency, the resulting cost simply isn’t economically viable. J.P . Morgan’s 13th annual energy paper cited an analysis from Rice University which computed the total system cost if just one source plus storage served 95% of total demand in Texas. It was found that onshore wind + storage was at $131/MWh, solar PV + storage was at $177/MWh, while coal was just at $72/MWh. Coal has less need of support from a firming source and, relatively, renewable energy plus storage could be twice more expensive. We all want more indigenous renewable energy in our power mix. But, as shown by a slew of recent articles on local banks ceasing coal financing, it isn’t clear to some of us how without additional coal, we risk higher power prices. The economics of fossil fuels are more equitable right now than the economics of rushing into net zero or, worse for lower income earners, the phasing out of coal power plants entirely from the power mix. We should be comfortable with the fact that one can co-exist with the other. Maximizing all sources of energy leads to cheap power, which benefits all — from the rich to the poor — and fuels businesses and jobs in the economy. Putting all our eggs in the emissions reduction basket will have very little effect on the total stock of greenhouse gas emissions but will have a sizable negative impact on Philippine economy and society. Equity demands not rushing into a more expensive energy system that will further burden those with low to modest incomes (see: “The pressing needs of Filipinos” and “Push for renewable energy should be balanced with pressing needs of people” ). We need dispatchable coal power until such time that there is a more economic baseload alternative. No more coal would mean haphazardly expanding our baseload exposure to gas, which is more expensive, or to nuclear like small- and medium-sized modular reactors, which are still risky and yet to be commercially available. Nuclear energization is not even likely to happen in the near term, so this doesn’t address the baseload power that we need now and into the rest of the 2020s. Meanwhile, variable renewable energy like solar and wind aren’t baseload sources to begin with and become expensive when coupled with battery storage. Timely and strategic exposures, or a well-calculated, flexible, and balanced energy mix, as articulated by the Philippine Energy Plan, is the way to go. And coal still has a role to play in the future of the Philippine energy mix. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . To naysayers, be careful what you wish for.
( MENAFN - media OutReach Newswire) HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 30 December 2024 - AS Watson Group and Al-Futtaim Group jointly announce the opening of Watsons' new flagship store at City Centre Bahrain Mall, signifying the Watsons' entry into a new market alongside the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Qatar. This also marks the third store opening in three months in Bahrain, strengthening its presence across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Strategic Market, Huge Potential Bahrain is one of the six countries of the GCC, presenting a dynamic and potential market with a surging demand for health and beauty products, driven by a predominantly young population – over two-thirds of Bahrainis are under the age of 35 – who are pursuing high-quality products. Increased awareness of beauty trends, influenced by social media and lifestyle shifts, has led customers to greater spending on personal grooming. As a trusted beauty expert, Watsons is well-positioned to bring world-class brands and products that meet their needs, ensuring a seamless O+O (Offline plus Online) customer experience while celebrating and enhancing Arabic beauty. With a projected market growth of USD38.8 million at a compound annual growth rate of 5% from 2024 to 2029, Bahrain presents an exciting opportunity for Watsons as part of its expansion strategy. Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson Group , expressed her excitement about this milestone, "The expansion of Watsons health and beauty retail experience into Bahrain is an important milestone in our commitment in the GCC region. Just as important, this new flagship store further strengthens our partnership with Al-Futtaim Group to serve customers in this vibrant region where high-quality beauty and health products are increasingly in demand." Mr. Simon Naga, V ice President of Al-Futtaim Group , emphasised the strategic importance of this expansion, "The opening of our flagship Watsons store in Bahrain is a testament to our commitment to enhancing customer experiences across the region. As we continue to expand our footprint in the GCC market, we focus on delivering innovative retail solutions that meet the evolving needs of consumers." Watsons is "Where Beauty Comes to Shine" The 200-square-meter flagship store leverages Bahrain's strategic location in the Gulf, showcasing over 200 local and international brands across meticulously designed zones. Key areas include the innovative Derma Zone, which features internationally-renowned products alongside personalised skincare recommendations, and the enticing Skincare Zone, where customers can explore popular K-beauty and J-beauty brands. Additionally, the store includes a chic Makeup Zone and Sustainable Zone, each thoughtfully tailored to meet a diverse range of customer needs. As Watsons continues to expand, it remains committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences and high-quality products that empower customers to Look Good, Do Good, and Feel Great. MENAFN29122024003551001712ID1109040284 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.For almost a decade, volunteers at the Ottawa Police Service have spearheaded the Purse Project to collect and distribute sanitary and hygiene products like pads, tampons, deodorant and shampoo to women who may not be able to afford them. This year the demand is greater than ever, but donations have been slow. Detective Dawn Neilly one of the co-organizers, has been part of the project since it started. “Your period is something that I think people are now starting to realize that it's necessary to manage. We have a lot of people who find themselves at a shelter or living on the street or maybe even they have like a fixed income but they need to supplement it by going to drop-in centres," Neilly said. "These items can cost you anywhere between $30 and $50 a month so it’s just one of those things that we just wanted to help out and see if you could just make it more accessible." The Ottawa Police Service will accept donations at 211 Huntmar Dr., 3343 St. Joseph Blvd. and 474 Elgin St. It also accepts donations at the following Shoppers Drug Mart locations: 174 Bank St., 702 Bank St., 1080 Bank St./Sunnyside, 181 Greenbank Rd. and 3781 Strandherd Dr. The Citron Hygiene warehouse located at 150-2855 Swansea Cres. is also a drop-off location, from Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. All items collected will be delivered by OPS to local area shelters including, but not limited to the Youville Centre, the St. Joe’s Women’s Centre, the Emily Murphy Non-Profit Housing Corporation, and la Maison d’amitié. If a monetary donation is easier, you can send an e-transfer to purseproject@ottawapolice.ca . the last day to donate is Dec. 1. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks The Ultimate 2024 Holiday Gift Guide For Nature Lovers And Outdoor Adventurers 27 Of The Absolute Best Stocking Stuffers For Men 24 Of The Best Host And Hostess Gifts You Can Find Online Right Now Home Our Guide To The Best Home Weather Stations In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Our Guide To The Best Stand Mixers In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) Our Guide To The Best Nespresso Machines in Canada in 2024 (And Where to Get Them) Gifts 22 Gifts That Are Guaranteed To Impress Just About Anyone 15 Useful Amazon Products That Make Great Stocking Stuffers 19 Of The Best Tech Gifts Under $100 Beauty 20 Anti-Aging Skincare Products That Reviewers Can’t Stop Talking About 12 Budget-Friendly Makeup Brushes And Tools Worth Adding To Your Kit If You Suffer From Dry Skin, You'll Want To Add At Least One Of These Hydrating Moisturizers To Your Cart Deals Upgrade Your Cat’s Bathroom: Litter-Robot's Black Friday Sale Is Here Early Black Friday Deal: Save Up To 60% On Emma Sleep Mattresses And Sleep Bundles These Grippy Non-Slip Socks Will Level Up Your Pilates Practice, And They're On Sale Right Now For Black Friday Ottawa Top Stories 'It's insulting:' Ontario premier slams Trump on Canadian tariff threat O-Train Line 2 and 4 opening pushed into December at the earliest More winter weather expected this week in Ottawa Ottawa police 'Purse Project': Need for feminine hygiene products greater than ever Ottawa man accused of anti-Asian hate crimes facing additional charge of attempted murder Land near Dow's Lake being cleared in advance of new Civic Campus construction BREAKING | Follow live: Serial killer Paul Bernardo denied parole for a third time How record breaking consumer debt is impacting young Canadians CTVNews.ca Top Stories BREAKING | Follow live: Serial killer Paul Bernardo denied parole for a third time Notorious killer Paul Bernardo has been denied parole for a third time following a hearing before the Parole Board of Canada. Loonie tanks after Trump threatens tariffs on Canadian goods The Canadian dollar fell to its lowest level since May 2020 after Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on Canadian goods shipped to the United States once he takes office in January. Should Canada retaliate if Trump makes good on 25 per cent tariff threat? After U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatened to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian imports on his first day back in the White House unless his border concerns are addressed, there is mixed reaction on whether Canada should retaliate. 'We need to do better': Canadian leaders respond to Trump's border concerns As U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatens Canada with major tariffs, sounding alarms over the number of people and drugs illegally crossing into America, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and some premiers say they agree that more could be done. Biden says Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire will take effect Wednesday morning A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah will take effect on Wednesday after both sides accepted an agreement brokered by the United States and France, U.S. President Joe Biden said on Tuesday. As Trump vows major tariff hike, a look at what the U.S. imports from Canada Some Canadian products could face huge tariffs on the first day of Donald Trump's administration in January. Here’s a quick look at what the U.S. imports from Canada. Longtime member of Edmonton theatre community dies during 'A Christmas Carol' performance Edmonton's theatre community is in mourning after an actor died during a performance of "A Christmas Carol" at the Citadel Theatre on Sunday. Police chief says 'extreme left group' behind Montreal protest violence; Legault calls for more arrests Quebec Premier Francois Legault is putting pressure on the Montreal police to arrest everyone involved in an anti-NATO protest that turned violent last week. Canadian government suspends contracts with Boissonnault's former company The medical supply company co-founded by Liberal MP and former minister Randy Boissonnault has been suspended from bidding on or entering into contracts with the Government of Canada. Atlantic Nova Scotians head to the polls to vote in snap election; results delayed by an hour Nova Scotians are casting their votes Tuesday in a snap provincial election, but they won't learn the outcome until after 9 p.m., due to a delayed opening at a polling station. N.S. man charged with attempted murder after assault left victim with significant injuries A 30-year-old man is facing an attempted murder charge after an alleged assault in Denmark, N.S., on Monday. N.S. lobster buyer calls for heightened policing after shot fired into Meteghan home A lobster buyer in Meteghan, N.S., is looking for increased policing and a community-wide push aimed at organized crime after a bullet was fired into his home on Saturday night. Toronto Ford says Trump's proposed 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods like 'a family member stabbing you right in the heart' Ontario Premier Doug Ford says a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian goods proposed by U.S. president-elect Donald Trump is akin to 'a family member stabbing you right in the heart.' BREAKING | Follow live: Serial killer Paul Bernardo denied parole for a third time Notorious killer Paul Bernardo has been denied parole for a third time following a hearing before the Parole Board of Canada. Wanted suspect shot at passing vehicles on Highway 401 in Mississauga: OPP Ontario Provincial Police are looking for a man who they say shot at several vehicles on Highway 401 in Mississauga Tuesday morning. Montreal Cinemas Guzzo closing West Island theatre amid major financial troubles Cinemas Guzzo owner and reality TV star Vincenzo (Vince) Guzzo said he will close the Cinema Des Sources location as he faces financial trouble and fights to save his business. Police chief says 'extreme left group' behind Montreal protest violence; Legault calls for more arrests Quebec Premier Francois Legault is putting pressure on the Montreal police to arrest everyone involved in an anti-NATO protest that turned violent last week. 'Broken lives and families': former members of Quebec religious community speak out Several former members of fringe religious community the Mission de L’Esprit Saint are urging the Quebec government to intervene following claims that it was a cult that brainwashed some members. Their stories are being told in a new documentary by Noovo Info. Northern Ontario Police seize $1M in drugs in northwestern Ont. bust Suspects from Alberta and B.C. are in custody after Ontario Provincial Police made a massive drug bust at a rental unit near Kenora, Ont. Sudbury resident scammed out of $20K, suspect from southern Ont. charged A 21-year-old from southern Ontario has been charged with several offences after a victim from Greater Sudbury was tricked into giving him $20,000. Sudbury driver arrested for impaired twice in 8 hours A 38-year-old Sudbury man arrested for impaired driving Monday afternoon was arrested for the same offence early Tuesday morning. Windsor Two suspects wanted for pharmacy break-in Windsor police are searching for two suspects after a break-in at a pharmacy on Tecumseh Road East. Lakeshore man facing more sex assault charges after second alleged victim comes forward Essex County OPP say a Lakeshore man is facing more sexual assault charges after a second alleged victim has come forward. Amicable end proposed for former Grace Hospital site The Corporation of the City of Windsor and Fairmount Properties LLC issued a joint statement about the former Grace Hospital site near downtown Windsor. London Police look to identify 3 suspects in shooting investigation, arrest 4th suspect London police are asking the public for help identifying suspects involved in a break, enter and shooting investigation. Sarnia councillor won't apologize to mayor and staff for vulgar attacks during meeting A controversial Sarnia councillor is under fire for a vulgar exchange during a city budget meeting on Tuesday. 'What I envision is a low barrier shelter': Woodstock council endorses mayor’s proposal for homelessness service centre Woodstock City Council has endorsed a proposal by Mayor Jerry Acchione to create a new shelter for those currently living on Woodstock streets and in encampments. Kitchener Guelph man guilty in hit-and-run crash that killed cyclist A Guelph man has pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of a crash that resulted in the death of a cyclist and community advocate. Paul Bernardo denied parole after victims' families plead he be kept behind bars Notorious killer and rapist Paul Bernardo has been denied parole for a third time after the families of his victims made an emotional plea to the Parole Board of Canada on Tuesday to keep him behind bars. 24 arrests as part of Hamilton, Ont. street gang investigation, with ties to Toronto, Waterloo and Brantford Police in Hamilton, Ont. have arrested 24 people as part of a street gang investigation with connections to Toronto, Halton, Waterloo and Brantford. Barrie One person seriously injured in collision with dump truck Emergency crews are at the scene of a serious collision between a dump truck and a minivan in Clearview Township. Multi-vehicle crash involving dump truck sends 3 to hospital Three people were hospitalized after police say a dump truck struck four vehicles in Newmarket on Monday afternoon. Break-in and theft at Barrie business under investigation Police in Barrie are investigating an alleged break-in and theft from a business in the south end. Winnipeg 'It would mean a recession': Premier Kinew speaks on Trump's tariff threat Tariffs on Canadian goods headed to the United States would mean a recession in Manitoba. That is how Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew feels about comments from president-elect Donald Trump Monday. 'They're scared to come to work': Winnipeg transit union calls for more safety measures amid rise in violence A string of recent violent attacks against operators and passengers has prompted the union to sound the alarm. Steinbach man charged with child luring: RCMP A 20-year-old man from Steinbach has been charged with child luring, and RCMP have released one of his social media handles to help identify more victims. Calgary TSB orders more training following incident involving plane in Calgary The Transportation Safety Board says an incident that involved a Westjet plane hitting the runway in Calgary earlier this year was connected to an issue with pilot training on a particular model of aircraft. 'We are a weak link': Canada's border security under the microscope following Trump tariff threat Canada’s border security has been thrust into the spotlight after president-elect Donald Trump threatened the country with a 25 per cent tariff on all goods, including energy coming into the U.S. LIVE | Alberta to announce actions against Ottawa's proposed emissions cap The Alberta government is hitting back at the proposed federal emissions cap Tuesday afternoon. Edmonton LIVE | Alberta to announce actions against Ottawa's proposed emissions cap The Alberta government is hitting back at the proposed federal emissions cap Tuesday afternoon. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says Trump's border concerns are valid as tariffs loom Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says Donald Trump’s concerns about the border are valid, as the president-elect threatens sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods. Edmonton police officer charged with assault An Edmonton police officer has been charged with assault. Regina Charged dropped against ex Regina high school teacher accused of sexual exploitation of student A former Regina high school teacher accused of having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old female student was acquitted on Tuesday of all five charges he faced, Regina’s Court of King’s Bench confirmed to CTV News. SJHL game postponed in Weyburn over ammonia leak A hockey game scheduled between the Yorkton Terriers and Weyburn Red Wings has been postponed due to a "mechanical issue." Defence-called expert says Regina chiropractor accused of sexual assault followed industry standards An expert called by Ruben Manz’s defence counsel testified the Regina-based chiropractor, who is facing several sexual assault charges, followed the industry standard of care when treating the complainants. Saskatoon Saskatoon man hospitalized after he was allegedly stabbed in the forehead A man has been taken to hospital after he was allegedly stabbed in the forehead early on Tuesday. City to begin removing snow piled up across city Now that most major streets have been cleared of snow throughout Saskatoon, city crews will begin removing the snow. City of Saskatoon spent $300,000 on Bus Rapid Transit rebrand The Canadian Taxpayer’s Federation is criticizing the City of Saskatoon for spending more than $300,000 to brand the city’s bus rapid transit system as Link. Vancouver B.C. court levies $4K fine, year-long ban for illegal fishing A British Columbia man was handed a $4,000 fine and a one-year fishing ban after he was caught using a gillnet to catch salmon outside of the legal fishing season. Man who stabbed stranger at Vancouver Tim Hortons released to halfway house: police Vancouver police are warning the public that a man convicted in the random stabbing of a stranger at a downtown Tim Hortons in 2022 will once again be living at a halfway house in the city. B.C. teen with avian flu remains in critical care, no other cases identified The teenager who is infected with the first human case of H5N1 avian influenza acquired in Canada remains in critical care at BC Children’s Hospital, officials said Tuesday. Vancouver Island B.C. court levies $4K fine, year-long ban for illegal fishing A British Columbia man was handed a $4,000 fine and a one-year fishing ban after he was caught using a gillnet to catch salmon outside of the legal fishing season. Man who stabbed stranger at Vancouver Tim Hortons released to halfway house: police Vancouver police are warning the public that a man convicted in the random stabbing of a stranger at a downtown Tim Hortons in 2022 will once again be living at a halfway house in the city. B.C. premier says Canada will negotiate from 'position of strength' on US tariff British Columbia Premier David Eby said Canada had to 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. Kelowna Man in hospital following targeted shooting in Kamloops Police are appealing for information on a targeted shooting that resulted in the hospitalization of a man in Kamloops. Police cleared of fault in fatal 2023 crash in B.C.'s Interior British Columbia's independent police watchdog has cleared officers of wrongdoing in a crash where three people were killed south of Kamloops in July of last year. B.C. woman sentenced for stealing $14K in funds raised for schoolkids A B.C. woman who stole more than $14,000 in volunteer-raised funds that were supposed to be spent on school supplies and programs – including hot meals for vulnerable kids – won't spend any time in jail. Stay Connected
MetLife Investment Management LLC increased its position in shares of Maravai LifeSciences Holdings, Inc. ( NASDAQ:MRVI – Free Report ) by 129.1% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 64,736 shares of the company’s stock after acquiring an additional 36,476 shares during the period. MetLife Investment Management LLC’s holdings in Maravai LifeSciences were worth $538,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD raised its position in shares of Maravai LifeSciences by 5.1% during the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 73,595 shares of the company’s stock worth $639,000 after acquiring an additional 3,575 shares during the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its stake in shares of Maravai LifeSciences by 310.2% in the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 3,585 shares of the company’s stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 2,711 shares in the last quarter. Blue Trust Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Maravai LifeSciences in the 2nd quarter valued at $44,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its position in shares of Maravai LifeSciences by 30.1% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 506,413 shares of the company’s stock valued at $3,626,000 after acquiring an additional 117,120 shares during the period. Finally, Liontrust Investment Partners LLP boosted its stake in Maravai LifeSciences by 14.7% during the second quarter. Liontrust Investment Partners LLP now owns 43,845 shares of the company’s stock worth $314,000 after acquiring an additional 5,628 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 50.25% of the company’s stock. Maravai LifeSciences Trading Down 0.8 % NASDAQ MRVI opened at $5.05 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 10.74, a quick ratio of 9.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.89. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.28 billion, a P/E ratio of -3.08 and a beta of -0.08. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $6.74 and a 200 day simple moving average of $7.94. Maravai LifeSciences Holdings, Inc. has a 12 month low of $4.28 and a 12 month high of $11.56. Insider Activity Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms have weighed in on MRVI. Wolfe Research initiated coverage on shares of Maravai LifeSciences in a research note on Thursday, November 14th. They issued a “peer perform” rating for the company. Robert W. Baird decreased their target price on Maravai LifeSciences from $10.00 to $9.00 and set an “outperform” rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 8th. William Blair reiterated a “market perform” rating on shares of Maravai LifeSciences in a report on Friday, November 8th. Morgan Stanley cut Maravai LifeSciences from an “overweight” rating to an “equal weight” rating and reduced their price objective for the company from $11.00 to $10.00 in a research note on Tuesday, August 13th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group lowered Maravai LifeSciences from a “neutral” rating to a “sell” rating and lowered their target price for the stock from $7.00 to $4.25 in a research report on Thursday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $10.03. View Our Latest Report on Maravai LifeSciences About Maravai LifeSciences ( Free Report ) Maravai LifeSciences Holdings, Inc, a life sciences company, provides products to enable the development of drug therapies, diagnostics, novel vaccines, and support research on human diseases worldwide. The company’s products address the key phases of biopharmaceutical development and include nucleic acids for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, antibody-based products to detect impurities during the production of biopharmaceutical products, and products to detect the expression of proteins in tissues of various species. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MRVI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Maravai LifeSciences Holdings, Inc. ( NASDAQ:MRVI – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Maravai LifeSciences Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Maravai LifeSciences and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Stock market today: Tech stocks and AI pull Wall Street to more recordsThe Red Sox’ most notable free agent signing of the winter — at least to this point — is now official, and it comes with some contract language that had previously gone unreported. Boston announced its one-year deal with starter Walker Buehler on Saturday, confirming an agreement that first surfaced Monday. The deal is effectively a one-year, $21.05 million contract, as was previously reported, but includes a slightly more complicated structure. According to an industry source, Buehler will receive a $3.05 million signing bonus and $15 million base salary in 2025 . His deal also includes a mutual option for 2026 valued at $25 million with a $3 million buyout. Mutual options are never exercised and serve as a way for teams to kick some cash payments down the road. So Buehler will receive that buyout in a form of $3 million in 2026. Buehler’s hit against the competitive balance tax (CBT) threshold is $21.05 million (the total of the signing bonus, base salary and buyout). But it could go up based on performance bonuses. According to a source, Buehler, who returned last season after a two-year absence due to Tommy John surgery can earn up to $2.5 million in additional money based on how many games he starts. He will be paid an additional $500,000 if he reaches 20 starts and another $500,000 for every two starts after that, up to his 28th (22, 24, 26 and 28 starts). With the announcement, the Red Sox’ 40-man roster is now full again. Boston executed two minor trades ( Cam Booser to the White Sox and Mickey Gasper to the Twins ) to clear spots for new signees Buehler and Patrick Sandoval. The Red Sox have now added five pitchers — Buehler, Aroldis Chapman, Garrett Crochet, Sandoval and Justin Wilson — via free agency or trade so far this winter. Backup catcher Carlos Narvaez , acquired from the Yankees in a trade, is the only position player addition so far. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow will address the media about the Buehler signing Monday at 1 p.m. ET. There are no plans for an in-person press conference to introduce Buehler. Buehler made an interesting choice when it comes to his uniform number, choosing No. 0 . He wore No. 21 throughout his time with the Dodgers (since his first full season in 2018) but that number has not been issued to a Red Sox player since Roger Clemens left the organization following the 1996 season. Boston has never formally retired No. 21 but it’s unofficially off-limits. Only two players have ever worn No. 0 for the Red Sox and both instances have come in the last decade. Infielder Brandon Phillips was the first to ever wear it during his late-season cameo in 2018 and reliever Adam Ottavino wore it in 2021. Here’s the current Red Sox 40-man roster: Pitchers (25): Brayan Bello, Brennan Bernardino, Walker Buehler, Aroldis Chapman, Kutter Crawford, Cooper Criswell, Garrett Crochet, Hunter Dobbins, Richard Fitts, Lucas Giolito, Luis Guerrero, Liam Hendriks, Tanner Houck, Zack Kelly, Chris Murphy, Zach Penrod, Luis Perales, Quinn Priester, Patrick Sandoval, Chase Shugart, Justin Slaten, Greg Weissert, Garrett Whitlock, Justin Wilson, Josh Winckowski Catchers (2): Carlos Narvaez, Connor Wong Infielders (5): Triston Casas, Rafael Devers, Vaughn Grissom, David Hamilton, Trevor Story Outfielders (5): Wilyer Abreu, Jarren Duran, Jhostynxon Garcia, Rob Refsnyder, Masataka Yoshida Infielder/Outfielders (3): Romy Gonzalez, Ceddanne Rafaela, Nick Sogard More Red Sox coverage
Lease Management Market to Reach USD 8.44 Billion by 2032 | Driven by Rising Demand for Efficient Lease Tracking and Cost Management | Research by SNS Insider
No. 13 Kansas State women’s basketball was so dominant in its first true road test Sunday that you might not have noticed superstar Ayoka Lee hardly played. Four Wildcats scored double digits, and as a team, they shot above 50% for the fourth straight game as they crushed Texas A&M 89-50 at Reed Arena in College Station, Texas.Second-warmest November on record means that 2024 is likely to be Earth's hottest year
Ontario Provincial Police have charged a driver who was allegedly driving the wrong way on Highway 401 on Sunday. Police say the driver in a silver SUV was travelling eastbound in the westbound lanes of the highway in Loyalist Township before exiting at County Road 6, near Kingston. The motorist, a 70-year-old woman from Etobicoke, was charged with dangerous operation and stunt driving, police said in an email No collisions were reported. Lennox and Addington OPP are seeking any witnesses of the incident or anyone who may have dashcam video. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-888-310-1122, reference number E241694379. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks Here Are All The Best Amazon Boxing Day Deals You Can Find On Beauty Products In Canada These Walking Pads Will Help You Get 10,000 Steps Every Day (And They're On Sale In The Name Of Boxing Day) 10 Family Calendars And Planners That'll Help You Keep Track Of Everything In The New Year Home If You're Headed Somewhere Warm On Vacation, Don't Forget To Pack These 16 Things Our Guide To The Best Snow Shovels In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) 14 Of The Best Home Security Devices You Can Find Online Right Now (And They've Got The Reviews To Prove It) Gifts The Clock Is Ticking — Shop These 25 Last-Minute Amazon Prime Gifts Now If You Have An Amazon Prime Account, These 70+ Crowd-Pleasing Gifts Will Still Arrive Before Christmas If You Have An Amazon Prime Account, These 50 Brilliant Stocking Stuffers Will Still Arrive Before Christmas Beauty 20 Products Your Dry, Dehydrated Skin Will Thank You For Ordering 14 Hydrating Face Masks That’ll Save Your Skin This December 12 Budget-Friendly Products To Add To Your Winter Skincare Routine Deals 11 Bestselling Coffee Makers And Espresso Machines You Can Get On Sale Right Now Don’t Walk, Run! These LEGO Kits Are On Sale For Boxing Day 2024 The Waterpik Advanced Water Flosser Will Make Cleaning Your Teeth So Much Easier — And It's 41% Off For Boxing Day Ottawa Top Stories 4.1 magnitude earthquake in western Quebec felt in Ottawa and Montreal BREAKING | Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter dies at 100 Bell Capital Cup debuts sledge hockey division for children with disabilities Eastern Ontario farm wants your Christmas trees to feed its animals: ’They do like the fresh needles’ OPP seeking witnesses of wrong way driver on Hwy. 401 FOG ADVISORY | Environment Canada warns of 'near-zero' visibility as fog blankets Ottawa Eastern Ontario police arrest Scarborough resident found with nearly $50K of cocaine Two taken to hospital following basement fire in Centretown West CTVNews.ca Top Stories BREAKING | Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter dies at 100 Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, a Georgia peanut farmer who vowed to restore morality and truth to politics after an era of White House scandal and who redefined post-presidential service, died Sunday at the age of 100. Trudeau, Biden, Trump, other world leaders remember former U.S. president Jimmy Carter Former U.S. president and Nobel Peace Prize winner Jimmy Carter died Sunday at the age of 100. Upon news of his death, political figures and heads of state from around the world gave praise to Carter, celebrating his faith and time both in office and afterwards. 'Pretty limited' options for Liberal MPs calling for leadership change As calls mount within the federal Liberal Party for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to step down as leader, one political analyst says there’s little his detractors can do to force his hand. Possible explosion at Metro Vancouver strip mall under investigation Police and firefighters were called to the scene of a potential explosion at a Metro Vancouver strip mall Sunday morning. Eastern Ontario police arrest Scarborough resident found with nearly $50K of cocaine Police in eastern Ontario charged a Toronto resident who was allegedly in possession of hundreds of grams of cocaine earlier this month. 2 teenagers arrested, 1 suspect at-large after attack involving bear spray, machete A pair of teenaged boys have been charged with aggravated assault after police said they attacked a man with bear spray and a machete Friday evening. Plane crashes and bursts into flames while landing in South Korea, killing 179 A jetliner skidded off a runway, slammed into a concrete fence and burst into flames Sunday in South Korea after its landing gear apparently failed to deploy. All but two of the 181 people on board were killed in one of the country’s worst aviation disasters, officials said. Online child exploitation spiked during lockdowns. Police worry it's here to stay Online predators are becoming increasingly resourceful in trolling media platforms where children gravitate, prompting an explosion in police case loads, said an officer who works for the RCMP Integrated Child Exploitation Unit in British Columbia. 4.1 magnitude earthquake in western Quebec felt in Ottawa and Montreal The earth moved in the Maniwaki area this Sunday morning. No damage was reported after a 4.1 magnitude earthquake rattled the Maniwaki area in western Quebec, according to Earthquakes Canada. Atlantic TSB investigating airplane landing incident at Halifax airport The Transportation Safety Board of Canada says they are investigating an aircraft incident at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport that caused temporary delays to all flight operations Saturday night. BREAKING | Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter dies at 100 Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, a Georgia peanut farmer who vowed to restore morality and truth to politics after an era of White House scandal and who redefined post-presidential service, died Sunday at the age of 100. N.B. entrepreneur honours memory of mother with 'thank you' note legacy N.B. entrepreneur Emily Somers honours her mother with 'thank you' notes. Toronto Pedestrian taken to hospital after hit-and-run in Mississauga A pedestrian has been taken to the hospital following a hit-and-run in Mississauga Sunday. Suspect charged after woman found dead at Niagara Falls home A suspect has been charged after a woman was found dead inside her Niagara Falls home. BREAKING | Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter dies at 100 Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, a Georgia peanut farmer who vowed to restore morality and truth to politics after an era of White House scandal and who redefined post-presidential service, died Sunday at the age of 100. Montreal BREAKING | Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter dies at 100 Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, a Georgia peanut farmer who vowed to restore morality and truth to politics after an era of White House scandal and who redefined post-presidential service, died Sunday at the age of 100. McGill research team pioneering stem cell therapy for heart disease treatment In the heart of the McGill University Health Centre’s research institute, Dr. Renzo Cecere and his team are revolutionizing the future of cardiac care. Earthquake near Maniwaki felt in Gatineau, Ottawa, and Montreal A 4.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Maniwaki, Que., on Sunday morning, according to Earthquake Canada. Northern Ontario Mississauga tow truck driver charged for impersonating a cop in northern Ont. A southern Ontario resident has been charged for allegedly impersonating a peace officer during a towing incident in northwestern Ontario. BREAKING | Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter dies at 100 Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, a Georgia peanut farmer who vowed to restore morality and truth to politics after an era of White House scandal and who redefined post-presidential service, died Sunday at the age of 100. 'Pretty limited' options for Liberal MPs calling for leadership change As calls mount within the federal Liberal Party for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to step down as leader, one political analyst says there’s little his detractors can do to force his hand. Windsor Crews battle two apartment fires in under two hours Windsor Fire and Rescue responded to two calls at Ouellette Avenue apartment buildings Sunday morning. 'Pretty limited' options for Liberal MPs calling for leadership change As calls mount within the federal Liberal Party for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to step down as leader, one political analyst says there’s little his detractors can do to force his hand. Woman with outstanding warrant arrested in Chatham One person has been arrested after Chatham-Kent police officers conducted a traffic stop Saturday in Chatham. London Fatal crash in Middlesex County Middlesex County OPP attended the scene of a fatal motor vehicle collision in Strathroy-Caradoc early Sunday morning. New Year’s Eve in London’s Victoria Park You can ring in 2025 this Tuesday night at London’s free New Year’s Eve in the Park celebration. Can you help solve this cold case in Sarnia? Sarnia police are seeking the public’s help in finding any new leads for a cold case from over 20 years ago. Kitchener Are fluctuating temperatures here to stay this winter? Waterloo Region residents traded snow boots for raincoats this weekend as temperatures soared above seasonal norms. Portion of Highway 6 closed following collision in Ennotville, Ont. A portion of Highway 6 is closed Sunday evening following a collision in Ennotville, Ont., just north of Guelph. Police, coroner investigating two deaths at Brantford, Ont. encampment An investigation is underway into the deaths of two people at an encampment in Brantford, Ont. Barrie Deluxe taxi goes up in flames in Barrie parking lot Some locals were quick to pull out their cellphones and capture a minivan as it went up in hot flames in a Barrie parking lot. Region under rainfall warning, fog advisory Many areas across Simcoe Muskoka, upper York Region and Grey County are under rainfall warnings and fog advisories as of Sunday morning. $47K in drugs seized, man arrested in alleged domestic assault Police in Owen Sound made one arrest and seized a ‘large’ quantity of multiple drugs after responding to an alleged domestic assault on Saturday. Winnipeg Stolen vehicle chase ends in arrest, drug seizure A Winnipeg man has been charged with several offences after a police chase involving a stolen vehicle and hundreds of dollars worth of drugs. Fifth night of Hanukkah celebrated ahead of Manitoba Moose hockey game As Jewish people around the world mark the fifth night of Hanukkah, members of Winnipeg’s Jewish community brought the celebration to Canada Life Centre. Winnipeg hotel fire forces residents to evacuate A fire at a Winnipeg hotel forced residents to leave the building Sunday morning. Calgary 1 man hospitalized after being shot in leg near Calgary’s Drop-In Centre One man was taken to hospital after a shooting downtown Saturday night. ‘Eternal optimists’: Southern Alberta farmers wary of drought conditions look to prairie skies for comfort Mcgrath farmer Sean Stanford has lived through too many dry summers to be completely hopeful about the coming growing season in southern Alberta, but he sees signs that the summer of 2025 might be better for farmers than the last few years. Canadian float celebrating Coding for Veterans to participate in Rose Bowl Parade A Canadian parade float will be featured in the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena next week. Edmonton Edmonton to start up cold weather response plan Monday morning The City of Edmonton is activating its extreme weather response plan with the weather forecast calling for cold temperatures over the next eight days. 2 vehicles fall through ice at Sylvan Lake, promoting police warning RCMP issued a warning Saturday after two vehicles fell through the ice on Sylvan Lake. What is known about a fiery passenger jet crash landing that claimed 179 lives in South Korea? Firefighters and rescue team members work near the wreckage of a passenger plane at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Korea, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon) Regina Regina police charge 2 youths in city's 6th homicide of 2024 Two Regina teens are facing murder charges in connection to the death of a Regina man on Boxing Day. Hockey talent showcased in Regina for Male U15, Top 160 tournament The last weekend of 2024 saw Saskatchewan's best hockey players under 15 years of age showing off their skills at the Co-operators Centre in Regina. Regina man showcases local bead supply business Jeramy Hannah recently began selling beading supplies, after he realized the beaders in his life were struggling with a lack of local vendors, prompting him to create a business called Bead Bro. Saskatoon U18 provincials curling tournament underway in PA Teams from across Saskatchewan are in Prince Albert for the U18 curling provincials. Police made two arrests following a shooting in Saskatoon A swift response from Saskatoon police led to the arrest of a man and woman following a reported shooting Friday afternoon. Saskatoon fire crews battle house fire Saskatoon firefighters responded to a house fire on the 100 block of Klassen Crescent Friday afternoon. Vancouver 2 shot during fight outside Surrey pub Two people were injured in a shooting outside of a Surrey pub in the early hours of Sunday morning, according to authorities. Possible explosion at Metro Vancouver strip mall under investigation Police and firefighters were called to the scene of a potential explosion at a Metro Vancouver strip mall Sunday morning. Vancouver’s Bloedel Conservatory reopening after months-long closure Vancouver’s Bloedel Conservatory is set to reopen after a lengthy closure for upgrades, according to the park board. Vancouver Island Victoria police seek witnesses, additional victims after hit-and-run spree A woman is facing seven charges after allegedly committing multiple hit-and-run crashes in a stolen vehicle while impaired, according to police in B.C.'s capital. Online child exploitation spiked during lockdowns. Police worry it's here to stay Online predators are becoming increasingly resourceful in trolling media platforms where children gravitate, prompting an explosion in police case loads, said an officer who works for the RCMP Integrated Child Exploitation Unit in British Columbia. Vancouver man defrauded Chinese developers of US$500K, court rules A Vancouver man has been ordered to pay more than US$500,000 after a B.C. Supreme Court judge found he had defrauded the would-be developers of a real estate project in China of that amount. Kelowna B.C. team building 100 beaver 'starter homes' in the name of wetland preservation More than 70 manmade beaver dams have been installed in Interior waterways since the B.C. Wildlife Federation project launched last year with the goal of building 100 dams by the end of 2025. B.C. man charged with drug trafficking and weapons offences after CBSA investigation A resident of B.C.'s Interior has been charged with weapon and drug trafficking offences after an investigation launched by border agents at Vancouver International Airport earlier this year. B.C woman awarded nearly $750K in court case against contractor A B.C. woman has been awarded nearly $750,000 in damages in a dispute with a contractor who strung her along for a year and a half and failed to complete a renovation, according to a recent court decision. Stay Connected
Mason Maggio Expected to Sign 2025 NASCAR Season Contract 'Soon'Brayden Point scored twice and added two assists, and the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning downed the Vancouver Canucks 4-2 on Sunday. Nikita Kucherov had a goal and two helpers for the Lightning (14-9-3), while Jake Guentzel put away the game winner on a power play late in the third period. Captain Quinn Hughes and Kiefer Sherwood found the back of the net for the Canucks (14-8-4), who fell to 4-6-3 at home. Tampa Bay’s Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 22 of the 24 shots he faced and Kevin Lankinen made 28 saves for Vancouver. Canucks: Hughes took a stick to the face 55 seconds into the game, missed more than 11 minutes, then returned to open the scoring 16:08 into the first period. It was the 50th goal of the defenceman’s career and extended his points streak to seven games with three goals and 10 assists across the stretch. Lightning: Kucherov, who returned to the lineup Sunday after missing two games with a lower-body injury, added another potent piece to Tampa’s red-hot power play. The Lightning were 2-for-4 with the man advantage and scored a power-play goal for the sixth straight game. Tampa took the lead 6:29 into the second when Kucherov sliced a pass to Point at the bottom of the faceoff circle and the Lightning winger blasted it in past Lankinen for his 17th of the season. Kucherov put the visitors on the board just a minute and 49 seconds earlier. Point scored his league-leading 10th power-play goal of the season. He’s one away from becoming the third player to score 100 power-play goals for the Lightning Canucks: Continue a six-game homestand Tuesday against the St. Louis Blues. Lightning: Visit the Oilers in Edmonton on Tuesday.
WASHINGTON (AP) — A machinists strike. Another safety problem involving its troubled top-selling airliner. A plunging stock price. 2024 was already a dispiriting year for Boeing, the American aviation giant. But when one of the company's jets crash-landed in South Korea on Sunday, killing all but two of the 181 people on board, it brought to a close an especially unfortunate year for Boeing. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and aviation experts were quick to distinguish Sunday's incident from the company’s earlier safety problems. Alan Price, a former chief pilot at Delta Air Lines who is now a consultant, said it would be inappropriate to link the incident Sunday to two fatal crashes involving Boeing’s troubled 737 Max jetliner in 2018 and 2019. In January this year, a door plug blew off a 737 Max while it was in flight, raising more questions about the plane. The Boeing 737-800 that crash-landed in Korea, Price noted, is “a very proven airplane. "It’s different from the Max ...It’s a very safe airplane.’’ For decades, Boeing has maintained a role as one of the giants of American manufacturing. But the the past year's repeated troubles have been damaging. The company's stock price is down more than 30% in 2024. The company's reputation for safety was especially tarnished by the 737 Max crashes, which occurred off the coast of Indonesia and in Ethiopia less than five months apart in 2018 and 2019 and left a combined 346 people dead. In the five years since then, Boeing has lost more than $23 billion. And it has fallen behind its European rival, Airbus, in selling and delivering new planes. Last fall, 33,000 Boeing machinists went on strike, crippling the production of the 737 Max, the company's bestseller, the 777 airliner and 767 cargo plane. The walkout lasted seven weeks, until members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers agreed to an offer that included 38% pay raises over four years. In January, a door plug blew off a 737 Max during an Alaska Airlines flight. Federal regulators responded by imposing limits on Boeing aircraft production that they said would remain in place until they felt confident about manufacturing safety at the company. In July, Boeing agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud for deceiving the Federal Aviation Administration regulators who approved the 737 Max. Acting on Boeing’s incomplete disclosures, the FAA approved minimal, computer-based training instead of more intensive training in flight simulators. Simulator training would have increased the cost for airlines to operate the Max and might have pushed some to buy planes from Airbus instead. (Prosecutors said they lacked evidence to argue that Boeing’s deception had played a role in the crashes.) But the plea deal was rejected this month by a federal judge in Texas, Reed O’Connor , who decided that diversity, inclusion and equity or DEI policies in the government and at Boeing could result in race being a factor in choosing an official to oversee Boeing’s compliance with the agreement. Boeing has sought to change its culture. Under intense pressure over safety issues, David Calhoun departed as CEO in August. Since January, 70,000 Boeing employees have participated in meetings to discuss ways to improve safety. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.The ruling Mahayuti alliance cruised to a landslide victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections, winning 235 of the 288 seats, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) registering its best performance ever in the state by emerging as the single largest party after securing 132 seats. The Mahayuti win crushed the opposition coalition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), whose joint tally was at 50, leaving it with scant opportunity to even claim the position of the leader of the Opposition in the assembly. The BJP recorded the highest ever seats won by any party in the last 34 years; the undivided Congress had won 141 seats in 1990, when there was no strong opponent against it. At the height of the Modi wave in 2014, the BJP won 122 seats, which got depleted in 2019 to 105 seats. The MVA, which was confident of making it to the halfway mark in the 288-seat house, stood decimated, with the Shiv Sena (UBT) bagging 20 seats, the NCP (SP) at 10 and the Congress getting 16, and others winning 4 seats. This was a sharp reversal of fortunes from the Lok Sabha elections six months ago when the MVA won 30 of 48 seats, while the Mahayuti won 17. Among those who lost were senior Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat (Sangamner), the Congress’s working president Arif Naseem Khan (Chandivali, Mumbai) and former minister Yashomati Thakur (Teosa, Amravati). What worked for Mahayuti The corrective steps taken by the ruling parties soon after the rout in the Lok Sabha by launching welfare schemes to benefit a cross-section of society (prominently, the Ladki Bahin Yojana for women), social engineering by constituting boards for various communities, and galvanising the Hindutva vote bank seem to have worked. On Saturday, chief minister Eknath Shinde attributed the win to “a combination of welfare schemes and development done by our government in the last two and a half years”. He added that through the Ladki Bahin scheme and the Shasan Apalya Dari (government at your doorstep), the government managed to reach out to 50 million people. “We gave compensation of ₹ 15,000 crore and introduced schemes worth ₹ 45,000 crore for farmers,” Shinde said. Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said: “We bow down before the people. This result has added to our responsibility. The people of Maharashtra supported PM Narendra Modi’s slogan ‘Ek Hain To Safe Hain’.” A senior BJP leader, requesting anonymity, underscored that the alliance had “pulled out all the stops in the last six months” to win over the electorate. “The Lok Sabha defeat in Maharashtra was largely due to the narrative surrounding scrapping of the Indian Constitution which led to a swing in minority and Dalit votes. Muslim voters, who are around 14%, and their high turnout led to the defeat in many constituencies. The party decided to consolidate Hindu votes instead of wooing Muslim voters,” he said, adding that metros like Mumbai saw a high voter turnout, where the BJP dominates. MVA’s losses The opposition MVA leaders termed the results “unexpected and unbelievable”. On Saturday, Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said, “We all know that the mood on the ground was against the government. Did people vote in their favour because farmers are not getting prices for soybean and cotton? Were the people happy over inflation? The secret behind the BJP’s success will be out soon.” Ten of the 20 seats which the Shiv Sena (UBT) won are in Mumbai. The party had contested 95 seats as part of the alliance. Congress in-charge for Maharashtra, Ramesh Chennithala said the verdict “does not reflect the mood of the people in the state”. “The mood of the people who voted for the MVA in the Lok Sabha cannot change in such a short period. We will probe the unexpected results,” he said.Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s pick for intel chief, faces questions on Capitol Hill amid Syria fallout
Canadian consumer confidence plunges after Trump election win
WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump on Sunday pushed Russian leader Vladimir Putin to act to reach an immediate ceasefire with Ukraine, describing it as part of his active efforts as president-elect to end the war despite being weeks from taking office. “Zelensky and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness," Trump wrote on social media, referring to Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In a television interview that aired Sunday, Trump also said he would be open to reducing military aid to Ukraine and pulling the United States out of NATO . Those are two threats that have alarmed Ukraine, NATO allies and many in the U.S. national security community. Asked on NBC's “Meet the Press” if he were actively working to end the nearly 3-year-old Ukraine war, Trump said, “I am.” He refused to say if he had spoken to Putin since winning the election in November. “I don’t want to say anything about that, because I don’t want to do anything that could impede the negotiation,” Trump said. Trump's call for an immediate ceasefire went beyond the public policy stands taken by both the Biden administration and Ukraine and drew a cautious response from Zelenskyy. It also marks Trump's wading unusually deeply into efforts before his inauguration on Jan. 20 to resolve one of the major global crises facing the lame-duck Biden administration. Trump made his proposal after a weekend meeting in Paris with French and Ukrainian leaders in Paris, where many world leaders gathered to celebrate the restoration of Notre Dame cathedral after a devastating fire. None of the advisers traveling with him appeared to have expertise on Ukraine. Kyiv would like to close a deal, Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. “There should be an immediate ceasefire and negotiations should begin.” “I know Vladimir well. This is his time to act. China can help. The World is waiting!” Trump added. He was referring to mediation efforts by China that many in the West have seen as favoring Russia. Zelenskyy described his discussions Saturday with Trump, brought together by French President Emmanuel Macron, as “constructive" but has given no further details. In a post Sunday on the Telegram messaging app, Zelenskyy cautioned that Ukraine needs a “just and robust peace, that Russians will not destroy within a few years.” “When we talk about an effective peace with Russia, we must talk first of all about effective peace guarantees. Ukrainians want peace more than anyone else. Russia brought war to our land,” Zelenskyy said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to Trump's post by repeating Moscow’s longstanding message that it is open to talks with Ukraine. Peskov referenced a decree by Zelenskyy from October 2022 that formally declared the prospect of any talks “impossible” as long as Putin was Russia's leader. That decree came after Putin proclaimed four occupied regions of Ukraine to be part of Russia, in what Kyiv and the West said was a clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty. Trump’s former national security adviser, retired Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, warned there was no such thing as a quick fix to ending Russia’s war with Ukraine. “What I’m worried about is this kind of flawed idea that Putin can be placated, right, that Putin will come to some kind of a deal,” McMaster told “Fox News Sunday." “I think it’s really important for President Trump to adhere to his instinct in this connection ... peace through strength,” McMaster said, adding, “How about give them what they need to defend themselves, and then saying to Putin, ‘You’re going to lose this war?”’ While Trump has said before that he would like to see a quick ceasefire in Ukraine, his proposal Sunday was framed as a direct appeal to Russia. The quick responses from Ukraine and Russia demonstrated the seriousness with which they regarded the idea from the incoming American president. Both Trump and Biden administration officials have pointed to Russia’s disengagement in Syria , where the Russian military largely moved out of the way in recent days as Syrian rebels overthrew the country’s Russian-allied president , as evidence of the extent to which the Ukraine war has sapped Russia’s resources. The Biden administration and other supporters of Ukraine have made a point of not being seen to press Ukraine for an immediate truce. Ukraine's allies fear a quick deal would be largely on the terms of its more powerful neighbor, potentially forcing damaging concessions on Ukraine and allowing Russia to resume the war again once it has built back up its military strength. For most of the war, Kyiv’s official position has been to call for a full withdrawal of Russian troops from internationally recognized Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, as a condition for peace talks. Moscow, too, has demanded heavy concessions from Ukraine as a condition for even beginning talks. Trump portrays himself as up to making fast deals to resolve conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East that have frustrated many of the Biden administration's own mediation efforts. There is no prohibition on incoming officials or nominees meeting with foreign officials, and it is common and fine for them to do so — unless those meetings are designed to subvert or otherwise affect current U.S. policy. The Logan Act bars private citizens from trying to intervene in “disputes or controversies” between the United States and foreign powers without government approval. But the 1799 statute has produced just two criminal cases, none since the 1850s and neither resulting in a criminal conviction. In the NBC interview that was taped Friday, Trump renewed his warning to NATO allies that he did not see continued U.S. participation in the Western military alliance as a given during his second term. Trump has long complained that European and the Canadian governments in the mutual-defense bloc are freeloading on military spending by the U.S., by far the most powerful partner in NATO. NATO and its member governments say a majority of countries in the bloc are now hitting voluntary targets for military spending, due in part to pressure from Trump in his first term. Asked whether he would consider the possibility of pulling out of NATO, Trump indicated that was an open question. “If they’re paying their bills, and if I think they’re treating us fairly, the answer is absolutely I’d stay with NATO,” he said. But if not, he was asked if he would consider pulling the U.S. out of the alliance. Trump responded, “Absolutely. Yeah, absolutely.” Trump expressed the same openness when asked if Ukraine should brace for possible cuts in U.S. aid. “Possibly,” he said. U.S. arms and other military support are vital to Ukraine's efforts to fend off invading Russian forces, and Democratic President Joe Biden has been surging assistance to Ukraine ahead of leaving office. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Saturday announced nearly $1 billion more in longer-term weapons support to Ukraine. Austin spoke to his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov, on Sunday about the status of the war and U.S. military backing, the Pentagon said. — Koslowska reported from London. AP reporters Jill Colvin and Matthew Lee contributed from Washington.
(BPT) - The holidays are almost here! It means parties and events, hustle and bustle ... and figuring out what to buy for everyone on your list. Sometimes it's hard to get inspired with great ideas that your nears and dears will love at a price you can afford, right? The good news? Inspiration + savings are covered this year. One of the top gifts of Holiday 2024 is technology, and there are a lot of deals out there right now. Done and done! Here are 5 ideas for hot tech gifts for everyone on your list. Smartphones for the family T-Mobile is running a hot deal right now. Get four new smartphones at T-Mobile — this includes Samsung Galaxy S24 and other eligible devices — and four lines for just $100/month . It doesn't get better than that! These new Galaxy phones are tech-tastic, too, with features like AI, Circle to Search with Google, which can be used to help solve math problems and translate entire pages of text in a different language, and Note Assist with Galaxy AI, which lets you focus on capturing your notes and then Note Assist will summarize, format and even translate them for you. High tech spiral notebook for students We've got to admit, this is pretty cool. The Rocketbook looks (a bit) like a regular spiral, paper notebook. Here's the high tech twist: You can take notes, capture ideas, brainstorm, draw — whatever you do on paper — on the pad, and the Rocketbook digitizes your doodles and saves to the cloud device of your choice. Then you simply wipe the pad clean and it's good to go. Look for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales at your favorite online retailer. Wrist-worthy smartwatches for athletes (or those who want to be) Everyone loves smartwatches (if you're not already tracking your sleep and heart rate, where have you been?) and the Google Pixel Watch 3 (41mm & 45mm) takes it to the next level with features for athletes or anyone who may be setting fitness goals for the coming year. The watch has workout prompts like Real Time Guidance — audio and haptic cues for when to sprint, cool down or maintain pace. It gives you the ability to program your workouts and even monitors your cadence and stride. It also has Offline Maps, with driving navigation, search and maps. Here's the deal of the century: Get it for free at T-Mobile when adding a qualifying watch line. Cute wireless keyboard for people who are all thumbs Who else is annoyed by typing email or texts or social posts on a smartphone? The Logitech Multi-Device Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard solves that problem with style! It comes in sweet colors like lavender, it's wireless, it's small and portable, and it works with just about any device. Pop it into your backpack or purse and you'll never have to thumb-out a message again. Speakers perfect for hosting and giving Have a music lover in your life or need the perfect hosting gift? T-Mobile has you covered. For a limited time, you can get the JBL Clip 5 for free when you pick up a Harman Kardon Onyx Studio 9 . The JBL Clip 5 is an ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker perfect for those on the go and the Onyx Studio 9's sleek design and booming sound will take care of all your holiday hosting needs. For more tech-tastic holiday gift inspiration, check out T-Mobile's holiday gift guide at t-mobile.com/devices/tech-gifts .A California EV Rebate That Could Exclude Tesla? Musk Says That’s ‘Insane’
PITTSBURGH — Joey Porter Jr. thrives on the pressure. Wants it. Invites it. Needs it. Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin first noticed it more than a decade ago, when Porter was just a kid running around the team facility while his father, Joey Porter Sr., served as an assistant coach. There was something about the way the younger Porter carried himself, a swagger, that made him stand out and served as a precursor to the professional life that was ahead for the second-year cornerback. Tomlin described it as a “serial killer's mentality,” though Tomlin's description of what that actually means isn't as chilling as it sounds. "He’s not running from the fight, he’s running to the fight," Tomlin said. "You better have a short memory at that position, and he’s always had it. He was probably nine or 10 when I met him, and he had it then." It's one of the reasons the Steelers practically sprinted to the podium to take Porter with the first pick of the second round in the 2023 draft, a full-circle moment for a Pittsburgh native well-versed in the franchise's history of excellence at one of the most demanding positions on the field. Porter has not been shy about wanting to become known as an elite defender and is unafraid to ask for the toughest assignments, only too aware that things won't always go his way. Good thing, because of late, they haven't. Porter has found himself being targeted frequently by opposing quarterbacks, looking to use the 24-year-old's innate aggressiveness against him. The results have been a steady stream of flags and the referee finishing his call with “No. 24, defense.” Porter found himself on the wrong side of a call four times in last Sunday's 44-38 victory over Cincinnati as he ping-ponged in between Bengals stars Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Twice he was flagged for holding. Twice he was cited for pass interference. It wasn't ideal, to be clear. It also wasn't the end of the world. Porter stood at his locker in the aftermath and answered every question, then did the same on Wednesday. Tomlin made it a point to say the issues with Porter are technical, not mental. It's one of the reasons neither Porter nor his coach seem concerned about one shaky performance bleeding into another, something the first-place Steelers (9-3) can't afford when Jameis Winston and pass-happy Cleveland (3-9) visit Acrisure Stadium on Sunday. “I've just got to keep playing my game and don’t let (the penalties) affect me,” Porter said. Asked if that was easier said than done, Porter nodded. “Definitely,” he said. "Playing DB is a hard position, but you got to have that mentality anyways. That’s the world we live in and I feel like I’m capable of doing that." In some ways, Porter didn't really have a choice. Not with his father — one of the most prolific and productive trash-talkers in the NFL during a 13-year career as a linebacker that included four Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl ring he earned with the Steelers in 2005. He preached the virtues of not letting one play, one moment, one game chip away at the confidence necessary to survive in a pass-happy game. “He’d been telling me that since I was a young kid,” Porter said. "I know what I got to do to be great, look good, and to help this team win." It's telling that for all the flags against him — Porter has been penalized nine times, tops on the Steelers and tied for second in the league among defensive players — he has yet to allow a touchdown pass in coverage. It's a tradeoff the Steelers can live with in general. Porter's 6-foot-2 frame is one of the reasons he was among the most coveted cornerbacks in his draft class. His size is unusual for his position, and necessary given some of the matchups he draws, such as the 6-foot-4 Higgins. “You have to match the physicality of these big people, and sometimes you do so at risk," Tomlin said. “And that’s just a tightrope that I and he are willing to walk in an effort to be competitive." There are certain tendencies Porter has noticed on film that he needs to clean up, particularly around the line of scrimmage. The hiccups that have popped up recently are correctable. The problems that could crop up if Porter started doubting his own ability are another matter. He insists that's hardly the case. “Things happen, you know that,” he said. “I like to bounce back and prove myself again. So that’s what I got to do this upcoming Sunday.” He likely won't lack for opportunities. Winston is coming off a 497-yard performance in a loss to Denver, and the Steelers had trouble keeping Joe Burrow in check in Cincinnati. Winston is not afraid to test opposing cornerbacks. Porter is not afraid to be tested. “I’m trying to be great,” he said. “And I know to do that, I got to clean up with the stuff I’ve been doing. So I just face it and keep working.” NOTES: LB Alex Highsmith (ankle) was limited in practice on Wednesday and is nearing a return after missing the past three games. ... WR Calvin Austin III (concussion) was limited. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl