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From road closures, power outages, weather declarations and nonstop shoveling, Muskoka residents were faced with nearly a metre of persistent snowfall this weekend. According to Environment Canada, storm accumulations reached 140 centimetres of snow in Gravenhurst and 125 centimetres in Bracebridge. Near-whiteout conditions near Orillia Ont., on Sat., Nov. 30, 2024 (CTV News/David Sullivan) The heavy snowfall led to the closure of Highway 11 in both directions between Orillia and Huntsville on Saturday, with the closure persisting through to Monday morning. OPP Sgt. Kerry Schmidt said police expect the northbound lanes along Highway 11 to reopen around noon Monday from West Street in Orillia to Highway 60 in Huntsville. "There will be limited access. Not every exit and entrance will be open in that stretch," he explained. Except for Luigi Road, all ramps are cleared. Schmidt noted southbound lanes are expected to reopen sometime in the afternoon. Additionally, a dozen trucks were trapped on Country Road 6 in Cooper's Falls near Washago Monday morning. Near-whiteout conditions near Orillia Ont., on Sat., Nov. 30, 2024 (CTV News/David Sullivan) Emergency crews and motorists confirmed to CTV News that hundreds of vehicles were stranded without food or water, some for nearly 30 hours. On Saturday, fire crews helped bring motorists to Gravenhurst Town Hall via side-by-side transports for access to generators amid power outages.Lakeland Power and Elexicon Energy – the respective suppliers of electricity for Bracebridge and Gravenhurst – and Hydro One all indicated via their outage maps that tens of thousands of customers were without power on Saturday. The Town of Gravenhurst declared a state of emergency on Sunday after the District Municipality of Muskoka had declared a ‘Significant Weather Event’ on Saturday. Premier Doug Ford posted to social media Monday morning stating the province was working closely with authorities in Gravenhurst and across Muskoka to ensure they have everything they need. “Provincial resources are on hand and more are en route to help where needed. I’m relieved that there are no injuries or fatalities reported.” Ford encouraged residents to stay home until power is restored and roads and highways are safely reopened. Drivers who are low on fuel are advised to find a safe place to park until they can safely access a gas station, or until fuel can be brought to them. OPP add that locals should only dial 911 for life-threatening situations and should contact the non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122 for all other situations.Trump made unqualified pick to lead Defense Dept. | Letters

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Ruud van Nistelrooy enjoys winning start with LeicesterNorthwest Bancshares Inc. lessened its holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. ( NYSE:JPM – Free Report ) by 14.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 35,877 shares of the financial services provider’s stock after selling 6,110 shares during the quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. makes up approximately 1.3% of Northwest Bancshares Inc.’s investment portfolio, making the stock its 12th largest position. Northwest Bancshares Inc.’s holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. were worth $7,565,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in JPM. WFA Asset Management Corp increased its stake in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 51.2% in the 1st quarter. WFA Asset Management Corp now owns 1,216 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $244,000 after acquiring an additional 412 shares in the last quarter. China Universal Asset Management Co. Ltd. acquired a new stake in JPMorgan Chase & Co. in the 1st quarter valued at $1,185,000. Freestone Capital Holdings LLC grew its position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 4.2% in the 1st quarter. Freestone Capital Holdings LLC now owns 106,829 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $21,398,000 after purchasing an additional 4,296 shares during the period. EP Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 0.7% in the 1st quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 640,857 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $128,364,000 after purchasing an additional 4,253 shares during the period. Finally, Axxcess Wealth Management LLC grew its position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 3.9% in the 1st quarter. Axxcess Wealth Management LLC now owns 167,057 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $33,462,000 after purchasing an additional 6,280 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 71.55% of the company’s stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Trading Up 1.5 % Shares of JPM stock opened at $248.55 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $699.75 billion, a PE ratio of 13.83, a P/E/G ratio of 3.55 and a beta of 1.10. JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a 1-year low of $152.71 and a 1-year high of $249.15. The business has a 50-day moving average of $223.14 and a 200 day moving average of $211.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.27, a current ratio of 0.89 and a quick ratio of 0.89. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 31st. Investors of record on Friday, October 4th were issued a dividend of $1.25 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 4th. This is a boost from JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s previous quarterly dividend of $1.15. This represents a $5.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.01%. JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s dividend payout ratio is currently 27.82%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In JPM has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Morgan Stanley lowered shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from an “overweight” rating to an “equal weight” rating and raised their price target for the company from $220.00 to $224.00 in a research report on Monday, September 30th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $240.00 to $270.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Friday, November 15th. Oppenheimer cut JPMorgan Chase & Co. from an “outperform” rating to a “market perform” rating in a research report on Wednesday. Citigroup boosted their price objective on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $215.00 to $250.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 19th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price objective on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $211.00 to $230.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research note on Monday, October 14th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $229.31. View Our Latest Stock Report on JPMorgan Chase & Co. About JPMorgan Chase & Co. ( Free Report ) JPMorgan Chase & Co operates as a financial services company worldwide. It operates through four segments: Consumer & Community Banking (CCB), Corporate & Investment Bank (CIB), Commercial Banking (CB), and Asset & Wealth Management (AWM). The CCB segment offers deposit, investment and lending products, cash management, and payments and services; mortgage origination and servicing activities; residential mortgages and home equity loans; and credit cards, auto loans, leases, and travel services to consumers and small businesses through bank branches, ATMs, and digital and telephone banking. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

1,591 Graduates Shine at IoBM’s 27 th Convocation “Let us leverage our education to champion corporate social responsibility and actively create a lasting positive impact on society,” remarked Rida Asif, the Valedictorian of the 27 th Convocation of the Institute of Business Management (IoBM). She was also the recipient of the Shahjehan Syed Karim Gold Medal, awarded in honor of IoBM’s late Founder President. This Convocation ceremony, held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, saw 1,591 graduates clad in gowns and caps, their eyes beaming with excitement and a vision for the future. The graduates, awarded degrees in programs ranging from BBA and BS to MBA, MS, MPhil, and PhD, aspire to become future leaders and entrepreneurs. They are eager to put into action the lessons learned in their classrooms. Among the graduating class, 24 distinguished students were awarded gold medals, while 44 received merit certificates. IoBM’s 27 th Convocation was a testament to the diverse journeys of its graduates, each aspiring to make a positive impact on the world through their professional endeavors. The event was honored by the presence of distinguished guests, including Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori as the Chief Guest; Dr. Gohar Ejaz, former caretaker Federal Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Production, as the Guest of Honor; and former caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan, Anwaarul Haq Kakar. The Keynote Speaker was Yasmin Fasih, an IoBM alumna from the first batch (1997), currently serving as the Regional Human Resource Manager for Operations Execution in the Asia-Pacific region at Maersk, Singapore. Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori, in his address, encouraged the graduates to reflect on the day their parents accompanied them on their first day of school and how their unwavering support has guided them to this significant milestone. He praised the visionary leadership of IoBM’s late Founder President, Shahjehan Syed Karim, for establishing this prestigious institute of higher learning. Tessori called upon the youth to raise their voices, take initiative, and work toward creating a brighter and more promising future for themselves and the nation. The Governor, highlighting the invaluable contributions of IoBM’s late Founder President, Shahjehan Syed Karim, to the field of education, announced his intention to recommend to the President of Pakistan that he be posthumously honored with the prestigious Hilal-e-Imtiaz. Dr. Gohar Ejaz highlighted that the seats occupied by the graduates today represent less than one percent of all graduates, emphasizing the exclusivity and privilege of their achievement. He noted the immense opportunities available in Pakistan and presented an economic overview of the country, illustrating how graduates can contribute to various sectors. “We have immense potential to grow, and what we need today is you!” he concluded. IoBM President Talib Karim presented the Institute’s Progress Report, underscoring IoBM’s dedication to achieving AACSB accreditation, expanding global partnerships for alumni, and integrating advanced technology into the curriculum to enhance the learning experience. He also highlighted the efforts of IoBM’s Center for Islamic Business and Finance, which is actively aligning its initiatives with the broader developmental goals set by the government. In his Welcome Address, IoBM Chancellor Bashir Janmohammad advised the graduates to always respect their parents. He encouraged them to dream big and develop entrepreneurial skills to add value to their lives and careers. He also acknowledged the unwavering support of parents in helping students achieve their dreams. Anwaarul Haq Kakar expressed his excitement about being among the youth, stating, “I feel energized when I am surrounded by young minds brimming with vigor. A formal education helps channel this energy toward meaningful objectives.” He encouraged the graduates to actively contribute to building an egalitarian society where everyone fulfills their role according to their abilities, describing it as the Pakistani dream we must collectively strive to achieve. He also urged the graduates to embrace new aspirations, emphasizing that creativity is deeply connected to the essence of life. During her keynote speech, Yasmin Fasih remarked, “Today, we celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in your lives.” She commended the graduates for their hard work and perseverance, reflecting on her own journey at IoBM and how it played a pivotal role in her success. “Remain deliberate and purposeful in your approach, embrace lifelong learning, and don’t hesitate to take chances in life,” she encouraged. Valedictorian Rida Asif, the proud recipient of the Shahjehan Syed Karim Gold Medal, highlighted the importance of corporate social responsibility in her address. She encouraged her fellow graduates to utilize their education and skills to drive meaningful change and make a positive impact on society. IoBM’s 27th Convocation marked a significant milestone for a diverse group of graduates, culminating their academic journeys and preparing them to embark on impactful professional careers. This milestone event ushered in a new chapter for these graduates, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to Pakistan. As they transition into the professional world, these proud graduates carry with them the values and knowledge instilled by IoBM, equipping them to navigate challenges and seize opportunities with confidence. IoBM boasts a distinguished history of producing successful graduates who now hold prominent positions across diverse sectors, including corporate, banking, and entrepreneurial ventures, both domestically and internationally. This graduation ceremony further solidifies IoBM’s tradition of excellence, reinforcing its position as a leading institution in higher education. The twenty-seven Convocations hosted by IoBM are a testament of the vision of its Late Founder President, Mr. Shahjehan Syed Karim, who established an institute of higher education in 1995. Guided by the principles established by its founder, IoBM, under the current leadership of President Mr. Talib Syed Karim, Vice President of the Foundation for Higher Education and Chief Advisor to IoBM Ms. Sabina Mohsin, along with the Senior Management and Head of Departments, continues to strive for excellence. IoBM comprises four constituent colleges: the College of Business Management (CBM), the College of Computer Science and Information Systems (CCSIS), the College of Engineering and Sciences (CES), and the College of Economics and Social Development (CESD). These colleges offer a diverse range of degree programs encompassing disciplines such as business management, accounting and finance, entrepreneurship, computer science, data science, software engineering, technology management, engineering management, psychology, economics, and media studies, among others. Across over thirty disciplines, IoBM emphasizes a comprehensive curriculum that extends beyond traditional classroom learning. Students not only explore core subject areas but also cultivate essential skills such as leadership, social awareness, and innovation. Experiential learning is central to the academic experience, fostering teamwork, interpersonal communication, foreign language proficiency, and the ability to navigate diverse work environments. The 24 recipients of the gold medals at the IoBM Convocation were: Fatima Sarwar (BBA (Honors) – Janmohammad Dawood), M. Mohib Zafar (BBA (Honors) – Meezan Bank), Laiba Gul Durrani (BBA (Honors) – Ghulam Faruque), Tahreem d/o Aqeel Ahmed Shaikh (BBA (Honors)- Shan Foods), Maaha Jetha (BBA (Honors) – Mondelez Pakistan), Sandesh Kumar (BS (Honors) Accountancy, Management and Law – Faizan Steel), Muhammad Faizan Abid (BS (Actuarial Science and Risk Management) – EFU Life Assurance), Simran Ashok (BS (Computer Science- PayPak), Yameena Nasir (BS (Honors) Accounting and Finance – EFU Life Assurance), Syeda Manahil Amin (BS (Honors) Accounting and Finance – Westbury Group of Companies), Madiha Zehra Misri (BS (Data Science) – Dr. Ahmer Syed Karim), Aiyza Ahmed (BS (Mathematics and Economics) – Imam Ali Kazi Memorial), Maira Rais (BS (Social Entrepreneurship and Leadership) – Management Association of Pakistan), Zulekha Adnan (BS (Industrial Management) – Upfield Pakistan), Siddiqa Asim (BS (Entrepreneurship) -Tufail Industries), Alishba Khursheed (BS (Economics, Law and International Relations) – S. H. Hashmi Memorial), Laiba Adnan (BS (Honors) Business and Psychology – DVAGO), Eisha Wahid (BS (Logistics and Supply Chain Management) – Afeef Packages), Rida Asif (BS (Honors) Economics and Finance – Shahjehan Syed Karim), Alifya Tinwala (BS (Education) – Dr. Essa’s Laboratory), Ursalan Ilyas (MBA (Industrial Management) – President IoBM), Lalit Kumar (MBA (Weekend) – Orient McCann), Yaseen Raza Haider (MBA (Logistics and Supply Chain Management) – Jubilee General Insurance) and Muhammad Abbas (MSc in Organizational Psychology and HRM – Tabba Foundation). Merit certificates were awarded to students across various degree programs, as follows: BBA (Honors): Ayesha Khan, Haris Muhammad Shahid, Fiza d/o Imtiaz Hassan, Amina Butt, Maria Nisar, Zainab d/o Muhammad Javed, Shamikh Pervez, Humza Ahmed Khan, Bushra Nadeem, Haya Khan, Mohammad Hamza Brohi, Ayesha Abdul Samad, Khadija Siddiqi, Aimen Adnan, Unzilla Shaikh, Farzeen d/o Karim, Maham Saqib, Tooba Najm-ul-Hasan, Sara Ghani, Umm-e-Abiha Ameer and Saad Iftikhar. BS (Honors) Accountancy, Management and Law: Areeba d/o Muhammad Jawaid and Minahil Fakhir. BS (Computer Science): Mubashir Bhania. BS (Honors) Accounting and Finance: Rizwan Abbas, Muhammad Ali Imran Mamsa, Syed Mohammad Saud Tauqir and Daniya Nadir Merchant. BS (Social Entrepreneurship and Leadership): Hira Sohail and Asma d/o Abdul Hafeez. BS (Honors) Business and Psychology: Manal Tariq, Ayesha Tariq Khan, Sania Khalid, Fatima Ahmed, Aqsa d/o Muhammad Shahid and Rihab Khalid Khan. BS (Honors) Economics and Finance: Ramsha Shaikh. BS (Education): Arwa Abbas. B.Ed.: Eman Sadiq, Hira Ahmed and Maria Ahmed. M.Phil (Organizational Psychology): Tayyiba Imtiaz. PhD (Education): Diana Louisa Ambrose and Dania Shoaib Khan. IoBM’s graduating class of 2024 joins a distinguished lineage of IoBM alumni, carrying forward the legacy of its Late Founder President, Mr. Shahjehan Syed Karim. Established under his guidance, IoBM has consistently strived to cultivate intellectual growth and social responsibility within its students. This commitment, rooted in the belief in education’s transformative power, has propelled IoBM to its position as a leading institution of higher learning in Pakistan. As these graduates embark on their professional journeys, they carry with them the core values instilled by IoBM: academic excellence, ethical conduct, and a commitment to making a positive impact on society. IoBM’s 27 th Convocation was more than just a graduation ceremony. It was a celebration of triumph, a testament to the dedication and hard work of the graduating class, and a recognition of the unwavering support of parents and faculty members. This momentous occasion served as a reminder of the bright future that awaits these accomplished individuals. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );

Trump has flip-flopped on abortion policy. His appointees may offer clues to what happens nextAP News Summary at 8:26 a.m. EST

Application Hosting Market Overview: Market Share, Value, and CAGR Projections for 2024-2031A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mohammed Ndarani, has urged Nigerians of all classes to return to farming to ensure food security in the country. Ndarani made this statement in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja. He expressed concern over reports that no fewer than 26.5 million Nigerians suffered from food insecurity in 2024 due to an unpredictable farming season, frequent flash floods, and long months of drought. “While growing up, every family had farms; we were all farmers, going to the farm after coming back from school, and there was sufficient food in the country. “I had part of my education abroad but still went to the farm with my parents whenever I was in the country. “We must go back to farming. Let the rich get involved in mechanised agriculture, just like Governor Bago is doing in Niger State, while smallholder farmers can farm even at their backyards. “We must fight food insecurity from all angles. If every household has vegetables in their backyards, prices of vegetables will come down, and the same thing goes for other crops,” he said. He commended President Bola Tinubu and Governor Umaru Bago of Niger for the establishment of the Abdulsalami Abubakar University of Agriculture and Climate Action in Mokwa. The learnt silk said the establishment of the university was a significant step towards achieving food security. “The establishment of this university speaks to the vibrant vision of the farmer-governor, Bago, for education. “It will serve the additional purpose of considerably reducing the rate of unemployment in the state by creating diverse opportunities. “Apart from the direct employment opportunities found in administration, teaching, and support services, there are also indirect employment opportunities. “These opportunities will absorb unskilled labour, which is often the focus of attention for terror recruitments. “Being a specialised university, it will equip students with marketable skills, especially in the area of climate action, a subject currently occupying global attention,” he said. He urged the management to ensure that the university contributed immensely to combating food insecurity, not only in Niger State but in Nigeria as a whole. “Nigerians are expecting it to attract businesses, especially in research and technology, with the added advantage of serving as a hub that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship, often through research and startup incubators,” he said. Ndarani stated that Nigerians were expecting the nation’s universities to produce research outcomes on climate-resilient crops, improve water management systems, and promote sustainable farming practices. “We expectfood security our agricultural institutions across the country to come up with innovations that will address the effects of climate change. “Climate change is a variable to consider in any discussion or project that involves enhancing agricultural productivity and, by extension, food security. “It is expected that the new university will design methods of combating climate change and thereby mitigate its effects on agriculture. “We expect that these and other untapped potentials will catalyse the economic growth and development of Mokwa in particular and the state in general,” he said.

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], December 14 (ANI): Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) airport, managed by Adani Airport Holdings Limited – a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Ltd., the flagship incubator of the globally diversified Adani Portfolio has been recognised for its exceptional commitment to energy conservation by winning a prestigious Certificate of Merit at the National Energy Conservation Awards 2024 (NECA 2024), a release said on Saturday. This award makes SVPIA the only airport in India to receive this coveted recognition, it added. SVPI Airport’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond energy conservation. The Airport is actively pursuing initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including waste reduction, recycling, and the use of fully renewable energy sources. By embracing innovative technologies and sustainable practices, SVPI Airport is setting a new benchmark for the aviation industry. This NECA 2024 award is a testament to the airport’s dedication to creating a greener and more sustainable future. As per the release, the SVPIA has implemented several energy-saving measures, including State-of-the-art systems with High-Efficiency Cooling, Optimised Air Conditioning, Smart Airport Projects, Water Conservation, Sustainable Transportation, and Employee Empowerment. The state-of-the-art systems with High-Efficiency Cooling have replaced less efficient chillers and cooling towers, resulting in a significant reduction in energy consumption. Optimised Air Conditioning: The implementation of centralised chiller systems and energy-efficient Variable Refrigerant Volume (VRV) air conditioning systems has significantly improved the energy performance of the airport’s Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. Smart Airport Project leverages advanced technologies to monitor and optimise energy consumption in real time. Water Conservation at the airport includes the installation of water-efficient aerators and recycling sewage water for various purposes, including horticulture and use in HVAC systems. Sustainable Transportation with the use of electric vehicles for airport operations has enabled SVPI Airport to significantly reduce its carbon footprint and fossil fuel consumption. Employee Empowerment with regular training programmes are conducted to educate and empower employees on energy-saving practices, fostering a culture of sustainability. The NECA Awards, organised by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power, under the Government of India, honours organisations that demonstrate outstanding achievements in energy efficiency. Ahmedabad International Airport Limited (AIAL) manages Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD), Ahmedabad, India. AIAL operates under the leadership of Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises, the prominent infrastructure arm of the diversified Adani Group. (ANI) This report is auto-generated from ANI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. var ytflag = 0;var myListener = function() {document.removeEventListener('mousemove', myListener, false);lazyloadmyframes();};document.addEventListener('mousemove', myListener, false);window.addEventListener('scroll', function() {if (ytflag == 0) {lazyloadmyframes();ytflag = 1;}});function lazyloadmyframes() {var ytv = document.getElementsByClassName("klazyiframe");for (var i = 0; i < ytv.length; i++) {ytv[i].src = ytv[i].getAttribute('data-src');}} Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );

Talentuch Hosted an HR Webinar with Jon Wolheim on How to Build an Effective Recruitment Team

Sports on TV for Sunday, Dec. 15Nigeria and South Africa on Tuesday agreed to finalise the five-year-old Memorandum of Understanding on the Early Warning Mechanism, which monitors threats of violence, acts of criminality, and reprisals involving nationals of both countries. The decision was revealed in a communiqué released at the end of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission in Cape Town. President Bola Tinubu and President Cyril Ramaphosa co-chaired the meeting. Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement he signed Tuesday titled ‘Nigeria, South Africa set a deadline for signing MoU on early warning, agree on AUC Elections, joint position on the Middle East.’ In the wake of the attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, both countries agreed to establish an Early Warning Mechanism to prevent such attacks. Before the 11th BNC meeting, both parties agreed to harmonise all contentious areas, conclude and present during the 11th session of the BNC. The joint communique, read by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, said the two leaders underscored the urgent need to finalise the MoU. “To this end, it was agreed that the MoU will be signed no later than March 2025, during the visit of the South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation to Nigeria for political consultations,” Lamola said. Tinubu and Ramaphosa welcomed the ongoing negotiations to conclude other new agreements. According to the communique, both leaders renewed their commitment to work closely to broaden and sustain the two nations’ bilateral relationship to enhance strategic cooperation and partnership for mutual benefit. He said, “In this regard, the Heads of State and Government directed the various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to deepen their cooperation in the context of the BNC. “The Heads of State and Government welcomed the high levels of economic cooperation between the two countries. “In this regard, they welcomed the significant investments of South African companies in Nigeria and encouraged corresponding Nigerian investments in the South African economy.” The joint communique read, “The leaders recognised the need for the two countries to create an enabling business environment.” On the African Continental Free Trade Area, which both Nigeria and South Africa have ratified, the two leaders committed to working towards increased and balanced trade between the two countries by utilising the opportunities provided by the agreement. Nigeria and South Africa also agreed to collaborate on programmes that address mutual challenges in food and nutrition security, strengthen meaningful digital connectivity, and take leadership in developing artificial intelligence. Related News Nigeria, South Africa must strengthen ties for Africa’s development — Tinubu Nigerians don’t know their true worth Nigeria seeks South Africa’s support for G20, BRICS membership They also committed to expanding digital literacy initiatives and prioritising data protection and online safety for all citizens. Nigeria and South Africa affirmed their resolve to coordinate their positions on the upcoming African Union elections to ensure the election of candidates committed to advancing the continent’s development agenda. They reiterated their mutual support for equitable representation within African Union institutions that reflect the continent’s diverse perspectives. South Africa congratulated Nigeria on the reappointment of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the Director General of the World Trade Organisation, as both countries agreed to work closely together in international organisations. It also solicited Nigeria’s support for its candidate, Ms Swazi Tshabalala, for the position of President of the African Development Bank. Equally, Nigeria solicited South Africa’s support for the re-election of Ambassador Bankole Adeoye as the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security. The Heads of State and Government are committed to working closely with the African Union and each other to advance the African Agenda in pursuit of implementing Agenda 2063. Nigeria highlighted its efforts, as well as those of other members of the ECOWAS bloc, to foster and promote peace and security. South Africa also outlined the efforts undertaken by the Southern African Development Community to support peace initiatives in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and northern Mozambique. “The Delegations also underscored the need to redouble efforts to realize the African Union Agenda 2063 Aspiration to ‘Silence the Guns.’ “In this regard, the Heads of State and Government expressed concern at the devastating conflict in Sudan, which has resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of infrastructure and property, and a humanitarian crisis.” Similarly, the two presidents agreed to intensify support for the cause of Western Sahara for self-determination, freedom, and justice. Nigeria congratulated South Africa on its assumption of the G20 Presidency on December 1, 2024. It commended South Africa on its priorities: inclusive economic growth, industrialization, inequality reduction, food security, artificial intelligence, data governance, and innovation. On the escalating crisis in the Middle East, the two countries adopted a joint position calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomacy. They emphasised the importance of upholding international humanitarian law, ensuring the protection of civilians, and promoting sustainable peace in the region.

Malique Ewin finished with team highs of 17 points and seven rebounds to lead the Florida State Seminoles to a 92-59 victory over the Massachusetts Minutemen in each team's final game of the Naismith Hall of Fame Tip-Off on Sunday afternoon in Uncasville, Conn. The Seminoles (6-1) won their third consecutive game and went 2-0 in the event as they pulled away in the second half, leading by as many as 36 points. It's Florida State's best start since the 2019-20 season when it went 7-1. UMass (1-5) dropped its fifth in a row following a season-opening win over New Hampshire despite a strong game on Sunday from Jaylen Curry, who scored 17 points. Curry, with six free throws, helped propel the Minutemen on a 10-0 run over a four-plus minute span in the first half to take a 24-23 lead with 4:22 left. FSU closed the half on a 13-3 run to lead 37-27 at halftime. A 15-4 surge to open the second half helped the Seminoles break the game open. Florida State's defense frustrated UMass shooters throughout the contest, especially on the perimeter, limiting the Minutemen to 3-for-24 shooting (12.5 percent) from 3-point range and 18-for-58 (31 percent) overall. The Seminoles finished with 22 points off 17 UMass turnovers. On the flipside, Florida State had one of its best shooting games of the season. The Seminoles moved the ball well throughout the game and finished with 25 assists while only turning the ball over 10 times. The Seminoles shot 33 for 58 (57 percent) from the field and made 9 of 18 three-pointers to put together a season-high scoring output. Once again, Florida State shined thanks to its depth as 10 players scored and four scored in double figures. The Seminoles were able to have 16 players participate in the game as well. Jamir Watkins finished with 14 points while Jerry Deng and Justin Thomas each had 10 points. For UMass, Daniel Rivera finished with 12 points and six rebounds while Nate Guerengomba had 10 points. Daniel Hankins-Sanford collected a game-high 13 rebounds. --Field Level MediaAs the end of the year approaches, the budgeted salary increases for 2025 across Southeast Asia are projected to be higher than in 2024, according to a November report by professional services firm Aon. On top of that, businesses in the region are likely to maintain or increase their overall workforce numbers, according to the study, which was conducted from July to September 2024. It analyzed data collected from more than 950 companies across Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Notably, the failure to attract and retain top talent has emerged as a key risk for organizations in the Asia-Pacific, moving from the ninth top risk in 2021 to the fourth in 2023, according to Aon's Global Risk Management Survey . "The salary increase rates are still [anticipated to be] higher [in 2025] than they were [in 2024], while we are anticipating a lower inflationary, lower interest rate environment going forward," Rahul Chawla, Aon's partner and head of talent solutions for Southeast Asia, told CNBC Make It. "So what that really means is that in spite of a softening inflationary environment, salary increases are still hardening up, which means that there is a talent supply and demand discrepancy which goes beyond inflation," he said. While inflation remains an element in the expected increases, other factors also come into play, such as the high demand for skilled talent in the region. For example, Southeast Asia has been "a sandbox environment for a lot of technology companies, i.e. in Singapore, to be setting up shop, so it is attracting capital... and then that creates a demand for talent to serve this growth," Chawla said. "It's also the speed of technology evolution, right? So things like prompt engineering — probably not something that would have existed as a big skill set two years ago, but now, with ChatGPT ... it's a very new skill that now there is a demand for," said Cheng Wan Hua, director of talent analytics for Southeast Asia at Aon. Here's how much salary budgets are projected to increase in 2025 across six Southeast Asian countries, according to Aon. Actual salary increase in 2023: 7.5% Actual salary increase in 2024: 6.4% Budgeted salary increase in 2025: 6.7% Actual salary increase in 2023: 6% Actual salary increase in 2024: 5.7% Budgeted salary increase in 2025: 6.3% Actual salary increase in 2023: 5.2% Actual salary increase in 2024: 5.4% Budgeted salary increase in 2025: 5.8% Actual salary increase in 2023: 5% Actual salary increase in 2024: 4.9% Budgeted salary increase in 2025: 5% Actual salary increase in 2023: 4.7% Actual salary increase in 2024: 4.4% Budgeted salary increase in 2025: 4.7% Actual salary increase in 2023: 4% Actual salary increase in 2024: 4.2% Budgeted salary increase in 2025: 4.4% Salary increases also vary across industries in Southeast Asia, with technology and manufacturing budgeting for the highest bump at 5.8%, according to the report. Retail; consulting, business and community services; and life sciences and medical devices are set for a bump of 5.4%. On the lower end of the spectrum are the energy (4.9%), financial services (4.8%) and transportation (4.1%) industries, according to the data. Notably, the survey also found that the budgeted salary increases in Singapore and Thailand are expected to fall behind the broader region in 2025, at 4.4% and 4.7%, respectively. "Singapore salary increases typically lag other markets in Southeast Asia. Because Singapore is a developed market, inflation tends to be lower compared to other countries which are growing at a faster pace," said Chawla. In addition, gross domestic product growth rates in the city-state tend to be lower than other countries in the region, thus also contributing to the smaller budgeted salary increase, he added. Thailand, on the other hand, has had less economic growth than other countries in the region, Chawla said. In addition, as the country's talent pool is "less mobile from a language and deployment perspective," it tends to stay within its own market, he added.

Bryant 4-12 6-7 14, Anderson 6-12 3-4 15, Pettway 8-12 2-5 21, Ricks 2-3 0-0 4, Tillmon 0-1 2-2 2, Bush 1-2 3-5 5, Horton 1-5 1-2 3, Sawyer 2-2 0-2 4, Terry 1-1 0-2 2, Oraegbu 0-1 4-4 4. Totals 25-51 21-33 74. Clark 7-8 0-0 15, Parker 1-2 1-2 4, Roberts 4-6 4-5 14, Walker 2-5 0-2 4, I.Williams 3-6 2-4 9, Dease 4-5 0-0 9, Jackson 3-4 0-0 7, Giwa 0-2 2-4 2, Wright-Forde 5-6 3-4 14, Dennis 3-4 0-0 6, Potter 1-1 1-2 4, S.Williams 6-7 0-0 12, Torbor 1-2 0-1 2, Villegas 2-2 2-2 7. Totals 42-60 15-26 109. Halftime_Texas A&M-CC 50-30. 3-Point Goals_Prairie View 3-12 (Pettway 3-4, Horton 0-1, Tillmon 0-1, Bryant 0-2, Anderson 0-4), Texas A&M-CC 10-17 (Roberts 2-4, Clark 1-1, Dease 1-1, Jackson 1-1, Parker 1-1, Potter 1-1, Villegas 1-1, I.Williams 1-2, Wright-Forde 1-2, S.Williams 0-1, Walker 0-2). Fouled Out_Bryant. Rebounds_Prairie View 24 (Bryant 10), Texas A&M-CC 33 (S.Williams 7). Assists_Prairie View 9 (Anderson 3), Texas A&M-CC 17 (Walker 3). Total Fouls_Prairie View 18, Texas A&M-CC 25. A_1,155 (10,000).

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