Monday, December 30, 2024 Facebook Instagram Twitter WhatsApp Youtube Personal Finance Education Entertainment Jobs Alert Sports Hindi Technology Complaint Redressal. Fact-Checking Policy Correction policy Authors and Team DNPA Code of Ethics Onwership and Funding Cookie Policy Terms of Service Disclaimer Contact US About Us More Search Home Personal Finance New Rule 2025: From LPG to PF, these big changes will be... Personal Finance New Rule 2025: From LPG to PF, these big changes will be implemented from January 1, it will affect every pocket By Shyamu Maurya December 30, 2024 0 11 Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Telegram New Rule 2025: From LPG to PF, these big changes will be implemented from January 1, it will affect every pocket Rule Change From 1st January: There are only two days left for the year 2024 to end and preparations have begun to welcome the new year 2025. At the same time, from January 1, 2025, there are going to be important changes in many rules in the country. This includes rules ranging from LPG prices to EPFO. Let us know what will change this time from January 1 and what will affect you. Rule Change From 1st January: Usually, the government changes the price of LPG on the first of every month. In the past few days, there have been many changes in the prices of 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder. However, the prices of 14 kg kitchen cylinder have remained stable in the country for a long time. In such a situation, a change in the price of LPG cylinder is expected this time too. PF account holders may get a special gift in the beginning of the year 2025, through which withdrawal of PF money will be possible from ATM machine. The Labor Ministry is working on this. Recently, Labor Secretary Sumita Dawra said that the Ministry of Labor and Employment is upgrading its IT system to streamline PF withdrawal and improve service. Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given great news for feature phone users. Now UPI payment of up to Rs 10,000 can be made using UPI 123Pay. This facility will start from January 1, 2025. Earlier this limit used to be Rs 5,000. Recently, the Reserve Bank of India has given a big relief news for farmers. RBI has increased the limit of loan available to farmers without guarantee to Rs 2 lakh. The new rules will come into effect from January 1, 2025. Earlier this limit was Rs 1.60 lakh. The National Stock Exchange has announced a change in the expiry day of its contracts. This will come into effect from January 1, 2025. NSE had issued a circular in this regard on November 29. Now the monthly contracts of FinNifty, MidCPNifty and NiftyNext50 will expire on the last Thursday of the respective month. The monthly and quarterly contracts of BankNifty will expire on the last Thursday of the expiry month. Tags epfo Rule Change Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Telegram Previous article Bank license canceled: RBI canceled license of these 11 banks, see the full list here Next article School Closed: Big relief for school students! Now schools will remain closed for so many days, timings of these schools changed Shyamu Maurya Shyamu has done Degree in Fine Arts and has knowledge about bollywood industry. He started writing in 2018. Since then he has been associated with Informalnewz. In case of any complain or feedback, please contact me @informalnewz@gmail.com RELATED ARTICLES Personal Finance School Closed: Big relief for school students! Now schools will remain closed for so many days, timings of these schools changed December 30, 2024 Personal Finance Bank license canceled: RBI canceled license of these 11 banks, see the full list here December 30, 2024 Personal Finance TDS deduction new rule: Now more money will remain in the bank account even after paying income tax? check complete details December 30, 2024 - Advertisment - Most Popular School Closed: Big relief for school students! Now schools will remain closed for so many days, timings of these schools changed December 30, 2024 Bank license canceled: RBI canceled license of these 11 banks, see the full list here December 30, 2024 TDS deduction new rule: Now more money will remain in the bank account even after paying income tax? check complete details December 30, 2024 New recharge plan: BSNL launches new 425 day plan; Jio-Airtel and Vi’s problems increase December 30, 2024 Load more Recent Comments Gul Mohiudin on Kavita sister-in-law wore a sari without a blouse, seeing the pictures you will also be... 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Now schools will remain closed for so many days, timings of these schools changed December 30, 2024 Bank license canceled: RBI canceled license of these 11 banks, see the full list here December 30, 2024 TDS deduction new rule: Now more money will remain in the bank account even after paying income tax? check complete details December 30, 2024 POPULAR CATEGORY Personal Finance 18153 Entertainment 17065 India 4565 News 3786 Technology 2271 Jobs Alert 794 Travel 652 Education 451 ABOUT US INFORMALNEWZ brings the Latest News & Top Breaking headlines on Politics and Current Affairs. Up-to-date news coverage, aggregated from sources all over the world by informal Newz. Find latest news coverage of breaking news events, trending topics, and compelling articles. Contact us: informalnewz@gmail.com FOLLOW US Facebook Instagram Twitter WhatsApp Youtube © - 2024 - informalnewz | Izon web Pvt. Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Contact Us - Izon Web Pvt. Ltd. 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Requirements for the integration of environmental concerns, human rights issues, fair labour conditions and good governance in industrial development are significantly affecting the business sectors in developing and transitioning countries. FROM the lofty towers of policymakers and implementers to the profit-driven boardrooms of corporations and conglomerates, the increasingly familiar term ‘green’ or ‘greening’ has become a buzzword. It has gained popularity and traction in both the public and business spheres, and is used interchangeably depending on the situation. It’s even made its way onto the cheeky local burger menu! It is fashionable and trendy to speak or write of ‘greening’ in mission statements and CSR programmes. The media, not to be left out of the linguistic vogue, have joined the chorus and are contributing to amplifying the voice on greening as well as broadening the public and cross-sector support for the greening narrative. However, there is a larger and more comprehensive story behind the ‘green’ or ‘greening’ movement, which frequently emerges as a daring declaration of a new civic awakening in the cause of ensuring environmental sustainability, even as we advance the rhetoric as a united campaign to counteract the greenhouse effects of climate change on our environment. Yes Minister, as we delve deeper and explore further, we would find that the much-spun narrative on environmental sustainability in our society is more complex and intriguing than a well-written treatise can explain. Let’s start by posing the following question: What does it mean to ‘green’ business, society, industry, or even human-instituted organisations? One way to achieve sustainable economic growth and support sustainable economies is through the greening of industry. It encompasses resource-efficient productivity, enhanced industrial production methods, and policymaking. Carbon neutrality by 2050 The five-year 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), introduced by the government back in September 2021, aims to achieve economic growth and transform Malaysia into ‘a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable country’. Goals include achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, increasing the total installed capacity of renewable energy, enhancing green financing and incentives, and promoting the circular economy. Sarawak, with the passing of the Natural Resources and Environment Bill in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) in November this year, will assume full regulatory authority over the environment. The piece of legislation reaffirms the authority and commitment of the Sarawak government to manage the environment sustainably without compromising its economic development agenda and industrial plan. Regulatory authority on the environment was transferred to Sarawak in phases since 2022. The recently-passed Bill gives Sarawak full authority over resource conservation, environmental management, pollution control and sustainable development. These provisions are intended not only to safeguard Sarawak’s natural assets but also to promote responsible development in alignment with global environmental standards. This would include determining the use of natural resources, issuing directives on environmental management practices, and setting environmental quality goals. Yes Minister, the rise in importance of environmental, social, and governance standards comes as consumers are growing more concerned about the environment and demand institutions to behave in ways that align with what they believe is socially responsible. An investing principle that prioritises social, environmental, and corporate governance is known as environmental, social and governance – or ESG. Other terms for investing with ESG considerations include impact investment or responsible investing, which is used in more aggressive circumstances. Ethical concern More and more investors are making social and environmental performance a primary factor in their selections. In recent years, ethical concern has become increasingly ‘mainstream’, even though this has played a role in ethical funding. Nowadays, requirements for the integration of environmental concerns, human rights issues, fair labour conditions and good governance in industrial development are significantly affecting the business sectors in developing and transitioning countries. This is referred to as corporate social responsibility (CSR). In this regard, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) is developing a framework for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) that aids in converting CSR principles into a pertinent SME viewpoint, improving their market access and competitiveness. Through a number of research projects, global forum events, and technical assistance programmes, UNIDO provides SMEs and the organisations that support them with an easy-to-implement method of meeting the social, environmental, and productivity/quality demands of stakeholders in this field. Yes Minister, it is all well and good to have the legislation and the enforcement agencies in place to make sure that the established guidelines for the dos and don’ts related to environmental sustainability and health are not broken. More than legislation, enforcement Yes Minister, green sustainability is more than just legislation and enforcement, and it requires a variety of efforts to ensure a sustainable future. When environmental requirements are imposed by governments, businesses are encouraged to spend on research and development to meet them. This could lead to the development of new, environmentally friendly processes and technologies. Consumers can help by reducing waste, choosing sustainable options, and buying from local and sustainable sources. They must be encouraged and reminded to do so from time to time, with the local community leaders and the media playing an important role. Companies can assist by recognising the effects that their goods and services have on the environment and society, and by developing innovative approaches to sustainable production and consumption. To guarantee adherence to laws and regulations, government officials can step up enforcement actions. To guarantee more compliance, they can also extend guided self-regulation across industries. Beyond all the aforesaid is the pivotal importance of sustainability benchmarking. Yes Minister, sustainability benchmarking plays a crucial role in guiding companies towards more responsible and efficient operations. By comparing their ESG performance against industry standards and peers, organisations can uncover valuable insights and opportunities for improvement. Sustainability benchmarking One of the main advantages of sustainability benchmarking is the ability to pinpoint areas that require improvement. It pushes businesses to innovate and embrace best practices, which results in sustainability breakthroughs that can save expenses, boost productivity, and boost overall performance. By analysing their position in relation to their counterparts, businesses can obtain a competitive advantage through benchmarking. This information can be used to guide strategic choices, giving companies a competitive edge by showcasing their dedication to sustainability. Investors and customers are increasingly prioritising sustainability in their decision-making processes. Companies that perform well in sustainability benchmarks can attract investment and customer support by showcasing their commitment to responsible practices. Setting goals Establishing attainable, realistic sustainability targets is made easier with the use of benchmarking. Knowing where they stand allows businesses to set specific goals for improvement and track their success over time, guaranteeing ongoing development towards sustainability. Yes Minister, to enhance their ESG effect, businesses are called upon to measure sustainability performance accurately. In order to give a thorough picture of a business’s sustainability initiatives, this method uses a range of measurements and technologies. Yes Minister, the core of monitoring sustainability is Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Metrics pertaining to energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, water use, trash management, and social aspects like community impact and staff involvement may be among them. In this sense, companies are using environmental audits – often known as green auditing – more and more to boost investor trust and satisfy other stakeholder needs. Why conduct a social and environmental audit? It is crucial because stakeholders and investors are starting to place equal weight on an organisation’s environmental impact as they do on its financial performance. Limitations and challenges Before getting entangled in the web of rhetoric and syntax, we need to define what constitutes the mandatory standards and benchmarks important to green auditing. Unlike financial audit, a lack of mandatory standards means that the value of these greening of environmental audits is disputed, but it is generally agreed that more knowledge and information on any aspect of governance is better than less. Obviously, there are challenges and limitations of environmental auditing. Lack of standardised practices and guidelines is one of the key challenges in greening audits. This can lead to inconsistencies in the assessment of environmental performance. The complex process of data collection; the limited scope of operations, the procedure, especially for multinational or multi-site businesses; the interpretation of results, which necessitates knowledge of environmental legislation; and continuous monitoring and development, are the additional challenges. An environmental audit is a continual procedure as opposed to a one-time event. In light of the audit findings, organisations need to establish mechanisms for continuous monitoring and improvement. All these point to education where people from the top and lower rungs must be trained and be instilled with the knowledge and values pertinent to ‘greening’ control. * Toman Mamora is ‘Tokoh Media Sarawak 2022’, recipient of Shell Journalism Gold Award (1996) and AZAM Best Writer Gold Award (1998). He remains true to his decades-long passion for critical writing as he seeks to gain insight into some untold stories of societal value.

Biden says he was ‘stupid’ not to put his name on pandemic relief checks like Trump did

Former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner has filed to run for a seat on the New York City Council, launching a potential political comeback after his once-promising career was destroyed by sexting scandals and later a criminal conviction for having illicit online contact with a child. Campaign finance records list a campaign committee that was set up on Friday for Weiner called Weiner 25, in addition to listing him as a candidate for a council seat in lower Manhattan. In a phone conversation Tuesday with The Associated Press, Weiner, a Democrat, said he is “still exploring” whether to actually campaign for the office. He said he opened the committee late last week so he could participate in a forum held by the Downtown Independent Democrats later this week. He referred additional questions to recent statements he made on his weekly radio show, “The Middle with Anthony Weiner,” where he said: “I haven't decided if I want to do this yet" while considering the personal dynamics of a return to politics. Weiner represented a congressional district in New York City for about 12 years before he resigned in 2011 after sending lewd photos to several women. He tried to make a comeback in 2013 to run for mayor but was damaged by new revelations of explicit photos Weiner had sent under the online alias “Carlos Danger.” Weiner pleaded guilty in 2017 to having illicit online contact with a 15-year-old girl and was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison. He was released in 2019 and was ordered to register as a sex offender . ___ Izaguirre reported from Albany, N.Y. Anthony Izaguirre, The Associated PressTrump chooses Kimberly Guilfoyle as his pick for Greece ambassador

Line items vetoed, programs put in conditional implementation under 2025 GAA

Secured Borders Key To Economic Growth –Adeniyi

Letter to the Editor: Exciting things happening at APSIndia's smartphone market experienced a notable increase, marked by a 3% year-on-year uptick in volume and a 12% rise in value during the third quarter of 2024, reaching unprecedented figures, as per Counterpoint's research. Notably, 5G smartphones comprised 81% of the total shipments, with a significant 93% penetration in the Rs 10,001-15,000 price range, reflecting the Indian consumers' inclination for budget-friendly 5G devices. The division of market share among smartphones from Chinese, Indian, and global brands has remained largely stable over the past five years. Efforts under the 'Make in India' initiative to localize smartphone production have not significantly impacted the dominance of Chinese brands in the Indian market. Indian consumers, known for their price sensitivity, continue to favor affordable Chinese smartphone models equipped with advanced features. While governmental attempts to shift the market away from Chinese dominance have had limited effects, MediaTek has emerged victorious in the smartphone chipset arena, capturing a substantial 54% market share. Apple leads the premium smartphone category with a 35% share, followed closely by Qualcomm at 28%. This trend underscores the growth propelled by both cost-effectiveness and technological innovation by these companies. In the realm of chipsets, which cover myriad functions like cellular communication, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and power management, Chinese smartphones have maintained their market presence. However, Chinese chipset manufacturers have experienced only modest growth within India. According to Counterpoint, UNISOC held an 11% share in the global smartphone chipset market from Q2 2023 to Q3 2024, while HiSilicon (Huawei) maintained a mere 2% share. Globally, Chinese producers face hurdles due to US-led sanctions, with potential blacklisting over security and data privacy concerns posing further challenges. This global backdrop positions India with a strategic opportunity to develop its chip industry, starting afresh with significant initiatives. The government is investing USD 10 billion to establish a robust domestic semiconductor ecosystem, aimed at not only reducing dependency on imported semiconductors but also positioning India as a future exporter of chips. With the global semiconductor market projected to reach USD 1 trillion by 2030, India strives to claim a substantial portion of this burgeoning market through its proactive measures. (ANI) (With inputs from agencies.)

ATLANTA (AP) — Robert Braswell's 19 points helped Charlotte defeat Georgia State 77-63 on Saturday. Braswell also contributed three steals for the 49ers (5-4). Nik Graves scored 15 points while shooting 5 of 7 from the field and 5 for 9 from the line. Jaehshon Thomas totaled 13 points and seven rebounds. Zarigue Nutter led the Panthers (4-6) with 19 points. Nicholas McMullen and Toneari Lane both finished with 13 points and six rebounds. Charlotte took the lead with 8:06 remaining in the first half and never looked back. The score was 32-25 at halftime, with Braswell racking up seven points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .SUZHOU, China, Nov. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- YXT.com Group Holding Limited (NASDAQ: YXT) ("YXT.com” or the "Company”), a leader and disruptor of the digital corporate learning industry in China, today announced changes to its senior management team. Mr. Teng Zu has resigned from his position as the chief executive officer ("CEO”) due to personal reasons, effective today. Mr. Zu's resignation did not result from any disagreement with the Company. In addition, the board of directors of the Company (the "Board”) appointed Mr. Zu as the vice chairman of the Board, effective today. Mr. Zu will remain with the Company as a director and the vice chairman of the Board. Following this transition, the Board has appointed Mr. Xiaoyan Lu, the Company's director, founder, and chairman of the Board, to serve as the CEO of the Company, effective today. Mr. Lu will continue his role as chairman of the Board. Additionally, the Board has appointed Mr. Yazhou Wu, the Company's chief technology officer ("CTO”), to the additional role of chief operating officer ("COO”). In this expanded capacity, Mr. Wu will oversee the Company's overall operational management while continuing his technology leadership role. "I am honored to return as CEO at this pivotal time,” said Mr. Xiaoyan Lu. "Mr. Zu has built a strong foundation in digital corporate learning, and I am confident that with our enhanced management structure and dedicated team, we are well-positioned to accelerate our growth strategy. We remain committed to driving innovation in digital corporate learning and creating lasting value for our stakeholders.” Safe Harbor Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may,” "will,” "expect,” "anticipate,” "target,” "aim,” "estimate,” "intend,” "plan,” "believe,” "potential,” "continue,” "is/are likely to”, or other similar expressions. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law. About YXT.com As a technology company, YXT.com provides corporations with digital corporate learning solutions, including SaaS platforms, learning content, and other services. YXT.com is a leader and disruptor of the digital corporate learning industry in China. Established in 2011, YXT.com has supported Fortune 500 companies and other leading companies with their transformation and digitalization of learning and development, and has received recognition, respect and recurring business. Contact Robin Yang ICR, LLC [email protected] +1 (646) 405-4883

EMMITSBURG, Md. (AP) — Dola Adebayo's 16 points helped Mount St. Mary's defeat Delaware State 76-66 on Saturday night. Adebayo added seven rebounds for the Mountaineers (4-2). Jedy Cordilia scored 14 points while shooting 7 of 10 from the field and added seven rebounds. Terrell Ard Jr. shot 5 of 7 from the field and 4 for 4 from the line to finish with 14 points. Carmello Pacheco shot 4 of 5 from 3-point range and had 14 points. The Hornets (2-4) were led in scoring by Kaseem Watson, who finished with 16 points and six rebounds. Delaware State also got 16 points and two steals from Martez Robinson. Robert Smith had 14 points and six rebounds. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .DFCC Bank Cards Bring Exciting Seasonal Savings and Rewarding Year-Round BenefitsFantasy plays: Players to start and sit for NFL Week 13

By JOSH BOAK WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden said Tuesday he was “stupid” not to put his own name on pandemic relief checks in 2021, noting that Donald Trump had done so in 2020 and likely got credit for helping people out through this simple, effective act of branding. Biden did the second-guessing as he delivered a speech at the Brookings Institution defending his economic record and challenging Trump to preserve Democratic policy ideas when he returns to the White House next month. Related Articles National Politics | Trump names Andrew Ferguson as head of Federal Trade Commission to replace Lina Khan National Politics | Donald Trump is returning to the world stage. So is his trolling National Politics | Biden issues veto threat on bill expanding federal judiciary as partisan split emerges National Politics | Trump lawyers and aide hit with 10 additional felony charges in Wisconsin over 2020 fake electors National Politics | After withdrawing as attorney general nominee, Matt Gaetz lands a talk show on OANN television As Biden focused on his legacy with his term ending, he suggested Trump should keep the Democrats’ momentum going and ignore the policies of his allies. The president laid out favorable recent economic data but acknowledged his rare public regret that he had not been more self-promotional in advertising the financial support provided by his administration as the country emerged from the pandemic. “I signed the American Rescue Plan, the most significant economic recovery package in our history, and also learned something from Donald Trump,” Biden said at the Washington-based think tank. “He signed checks for people for 7,400 bucks ... and I didn’t. Stupid.” The decision by the former reality TV star and real estate developer to add his name to the checks sent by the U.S. Treasury to millions of Americans struggling during the coronavirus marked the first time a president’s name appeared on any IRS payments. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris , who replaced him as the Democratic nominee , largely failed to convince the American public of the strength of the economy. The addition of 16 million jobs, funding for infrastructure, new factories and investments in renewable energy were not enough to overcome public exhaustion over inflation, which spiked in 2022 and left many households coping with elevated grocery, gasoline and housing costs. More than 6 in 10 voters in November’s election described the economy as “poor” or “not so good,” according to AP VoteCast, an extensive survey of the electorate. Trump won nearly 7 in 10 of the voters who felt the economy was in bad shape, paving the way for a second term as president after his 2020 loss to Biden. Biden used his speech to argue that Trump was inheriting a strong economy that is the envy of the world. The inflation rate fell without a recession that many economists had viewed as inevitable, while the unemployment rate is a healthy 4.2% and applications to start new businesses are at record levels. Biden called the numbers under his watch “a new set of benchmarks to measure against the next four years.” “President-elect Trump is receiving the strongest economy in modern history,” said Biden, who warned that Trump’s planned tax cuts could lead to massive deficits or deep spending cuts. He also said that Trump’s promise of broad tariffs on foreign imports would be a mistake, part of a broader push Tuesday by the administration to warn against Trump’s threatened action. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen also issued a word of caution about them at a summit of The Wall Street Journal’s CEO Council. “I think the imposition of broad based tariffs, at least of the type that have been discussed, almost all economists agree this would raise prices on American consumers,” she said. Biden was also critical of Trump allies who have pushed Project 2025 , a policy blueprint from the Heritage Foundation that calls for a complete overhaul of the federal government. Trump has disavowed participation in it, though parts were written by his allies and overlap with his stated views on economics, immigration, education policy and civil rights. “I pray to God the president-elect throws away Project 2025,” Biden said. “I think it would be an economic disaster.” Associated Press writer Fatima Hussein in Washington contributed to this report.

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Ravens' running game was crucial in a big win over the Chargers, especially on 4th downBanks scores 21, UNC Asheville beats Western Carolina 78-61Israel has agreed to a ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon that will take effect at 4 a.m. Wednesday. Moments after U.S. President Joe Biden announced the ceasefire deal , which Israel's Cabinet approved late Tuesday, an Israeli airstrike slammed into the Lebanese capital. Residents of Beirut and its southern suburbs have endured the most intense day of Israeli strikes since the war began nearly 14 months ago, as Israel signaled it aims to keep pummeling Hezbollah before the ceasefire is set to take hold. At least 24 people have killed by Israeli strikes across Lebanon on Tuesday, according to local authorities. Hezbollah also fired rockets into Israel on Tuesday, triggering air raid sirens across the country’s north. An Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire would mark the first major step toward ending the regionwide unrest triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. But it does not address the devastating war in Gaza. Hezbollah began attacking Israel a day after Hamas’ attack. The fighting in Lebanon escalated into all-out war in September with massive Israeli airstrikes across the country and an Israeli ground invasion of the south. In Gaza, more than 44,000 people have been killed and more than 104,000 wounded in the nearly 14-month war between Israel and Hamas, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Here's the Latest: WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump’s senior national security team was briefed by the Biden administration as negotiations unfolded, according to the senior U.S. official. The official, who spoke to reporters on the condition of anonymity in a White House-organized call, added that the incoming Trump administration officials were not directly involved in the talks, but that it was important that the incoming administration knew “what we were negotiating and what the commitments were.” The official said “all fire will stop from all parties” at 4 a.m. local time. The next step would be what the official described as a “phased withdrawal” by the Israeli military. As the Israelis pull back, Lebanese national forces will occupy the territories. The process is slated to finish within 60 days. Lebanese forces is supposed to patrol the area and remove Hezbollah weaponry and infrastructure there. “Hezbollah is incredibly weak at this moment, both militarily and politically,” the official said. “And this is the opportunity for Lebanon to re-establish its sovereignty over its territory.” The official said the ceasefire agreement will strengthen what’s known as the “tripartite mechanism” by including the United States and France. The goal is to address violations of the ceasefire without a return to hostilities. UNITED NATIONS – The top U.N. envoy for Lebanon welcomed the ceasefire announcement and urged Israel and Hezbollah militants to take concrete actions to fully implement the 2006 agreement that ended their last war. U.N. Special Coordinator Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert said the agreement “marks the starting point of a critical process” that must see both sides fully implement U.N. Security Council resolution 1701. It called for the deployment of Lebanese armed forces in the south bordering Israel and the disarmament of all armed groups including Hezbollah – neither of which has happened in the past 17 years. “Nothing less than the full and unwavering commitment of both parties is required,” Hennis-Plasschaert said. “Neither side can afford another period of disingenuous implementation under the guise of ostensible calm.” She commended the parties for “seizing the opportunity to close this devastating chapter,” stressing that “Now is the time to deliver, through concrete actions, to consolidate today’s achievement.” UNITED NATIONS — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is calling for urgent international intervention to stop what he described as “an ongoing genocidal war” in Gaza. Abbas heads the Palestinian Authority which has limited self-rule in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, but not Gaza, which has been controlled by Hamas. The U.S. and others want a reinvigorated Palestinian Authority to run Gaza when the war ends. In a speech on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Abbas accused Israel of repeating what happened to the Palestinians in 1948 and 1967 – displacing them and seizing their land and resources. Abbas demanded to know how long the world will remain silent and refuse to compel Israel to abide by international law. The speech to U.N. member nations was read by Palestinian U.N. ambassador Riyad Mansour. “The only way to halt the halt the dangerous escalation we are witnessing in the region, and maintain regional and international stability, security and peace, is to resolve the question of Palestine,” Abbas' speech said. This must be done in accordance with U.N. Security Council resolutions which call for a two-state solution, he said. BEIRUT -- Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal between Israel and Hezbollah, describing it as a crucial step toward stability, the return of displaced people to their homes and regional calm. Mikati made these comments in a statement issued just after U.S. President Joe announced the truce deal. Mikati said he discussed the ceasefire agreement with Biden by phone earlier Tuesday. The prime minister reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to implementing U.N. resolution 1701, strengthening the Lebanese army’s presence in the south, and cooperating with the U.N. peacekeeping force. He also called on Israel to fully comply with the ceasefire and withdraw from southern Lebanon in accordance the U.N. resolution. JERUSALEM — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security Cabinet has approved a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah, clearing the way for the truce to take effect. Netanyahu’s office said the plan was approved by a 10-1 margin. The late-night vote came shortly before President Joe Biden was expected to announced details of the deal in Washington. Earlier, Netanyahu defended the ceasefire, saying Israel has inflicted heavy damage on Hezbollah and could now focus its efforts on Hamas militants in Gaza and his top security concern, Iran. Netanyahu vowed to strike Hezbollah hard if it violates the expected deal. WASHINGTON — Rep. Mike Waltz, President-elect Donald Trump’s designate to be national security adviser, credited Trump’s victory with helping bring the parties together toward a ceasefire in Lebanon. “Everyone is coming to the table because of President Trump,” he said in a post on X on Tuesday. “His resounding victory sent a clear message to the rest of the world that chaos won’t be tolerated. I’m glad to see concrete steps towards deescalation in the Middle East.” He added: “But let’s be clear: The Iran Regime is the root cause of the chaos & terror that has been unleashed across the region. We will not tolerate the status quo of their support for terrorism.” BEIRUT — Israeli jets targeted a building in a bustling commercial area of Beirut for the first time since the start of the 13-month war between Hezbollah and Israel. The strike on Hamra is around 400 meters (yards) from the country’s central bank. A separate strike hit the Mar Elias neighborhood in the country’s capital Tuesday. There was no immediate word on casualties from either strike, part of the biggest wave of attacks on the capital since the war started. Residents in central Beirut were seen fleeing after the Israeli army issued evacuation warnings for four targets in the city. Meanwhile, the Israeli army carried out airstrikes on at least 30 targets in Beirut’s southern suburbs Tuesday, including two strikes in the Jnah neighborhood near the Kuwaiti Embassy. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that 13 people were injured in the strikes on the southern suburbs. BEIRUT — Hezbollah has said it accepts the ceasefire proposal with Israel, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday that it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state.” of Lebanon, he said. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” Among the issues that may remain is an Israeli demand to reserve the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations under the emerging deal. The deal seeks to push Hezbollah and Israeli troops out of southern Lebanon. JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that he would recommend his Cabinet adopt a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement with Lebanon’s Hezbollah, as Israeli warplanes struck across Lebanon, killing at least 23 people. The Israeli military also issued a flurry of evacuation warnings — a sign it was aiming to inflict punishment on Hezbollah down to the final moments before any ceasefire takes hold. For the first time in the conflict, Israeli ground troops reached parts of Lebanon’s Litani River, a focal point of the emerging deal. In a televised statement, Netanyahu said he would present the ceasefire to Cabinet ministers later on Tuesday, setting the stage for an end to nearly 14 months of fighting. Netanyahu said the vote was expected later Tuesday. It was not immediately clear when the ceasefire would go into effect, and the exact terms of the deal were not released. The deal does not affect Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, which shows no signs of ending. BEIRUT — Lebanon’s state media said Israeli strikes on Tuesday killed at least 10 people in Baalbek province the country’s east. At least three people were killed in the southern city of Tyre when Israel bombed a Palestinian refugee camp, said Mohammed Bikai, a representative of the Fatah group in the area. He said several more people were missing and at least three children were among the wounded. He said the sites struck inside the camp were “completely civilian places” and included a kitchen that was being used to cook food for displaced people. JERUSALEM — Dozens of Israeli protesters took to a major highway in Tel Aviv on Tuesday evening to call for the return of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, as the country awaited news of a potential ceasefire in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah. Protesters chanted “We are all hostages,” and “Deal now!” waving signs with faces of some of the roughly 100 hostages believed to be still held in Gaza, at least a third of whom are thought to be dead. Most of the other hostages Hamas captured in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack were released during a ceasefire last year. The prospect of a ceasefire deal in Lebanon has raised desperation among the relatives of captives still held in Gaza, who once hoped that the release of hostages from Gaza would be included. Instead of a comprehensive deal, the ceasefire on the table is instead narrowly confined to Lebanon. Dozens of Israelis were also demonstrating against the expected cease-fire, gathering outside Israel’s military headquarters in central Tel Aviv. One of the protesters, Yair Ansbacher, says the deal is merely a return to the failed 2006 U.N. resolution that was meant to uproot Hezbollah from the area. “Of course that didn’t happen,” he says. “This agreement is not worth the paper it is written on.” FIUGGI, Italy — Foreign ministers from the world’s industrialized countries said Tuesday they strongly supported an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah and insisted that Israel comply with international law in its ongoing military operations in the region. At the end of their two-day summit, the ministers didn’t refer directly to the International Criminal Court and its recent arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister over crimes against humanity . Italy had put the ICC warrants on the official meeting agenda, even though the G7 was split on the issue. The U.S., Israel’s closest ally, isn’t a signatory to the court and has called the warrants “outrageous.” However, the EU’s chief diplomat Josep Borrell said all the other G7 countries were signatories and therefore obliged to respect the warrants. In the end, the final statement adopted by the ministers said Israel, in exercising its right to defend itself, “must fully comply with its obligations under international law in all circumstances, including international humanitarian law.” And it said all G7 members — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States – “reiterate our commitment to international humanitarian law and will comply with our respective obligations.” It stressed that “there can be no equivalence between the terrorist group Hamas and the State of Israel.” The ICC warrants say there's reason to believe Netanyahu used “starvation as a method of warfare” by restricting humanitarian aid and intentionally targeted civilians in Israel’s campaign against Hamas in Gaza — charges Israeli officials deny. BEIRUT — An Israeli strike on Tuesday levelled a residential building in the central Beirut district of Basta — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near the city’s downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded in Beirut, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. It was not immediately clear if anyone in particular was targeted, though Israel says its airstrikes target Hezbollah officials and assets. The Israeli military spokesman issued a flurry of evacuation warnings for many areas, including areas in Beirut that have not been targeted throughout the war, like the capital’s commercial Hamra district, where many people displaced by the war have been staying. The warnings, coupled with fear that Israel was ratcheting up attacks in Lebanon during the final hours before a ceasefire is reached, sparked panic and sent residents fleeing in their cars to safer areas. In areas close to Hamra, families including women and children were seen running away toward the Mediterranean Sea’s beaches carrying their belongings. Traffic was completely gridlocked as people tried to get away, honking their car horns as Israeli drones buzzed loudly overhead. The Israeli military also issued warnings for 20 more buildings in Beirut’s suburbs to evacuate before they too were struck — a sign it was aiming to inflict punishment on Hezbollah in the final moments before any ceasefire takes hold. TEL AVIV, Israel — The independent civilian commission of inquiry into the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel has found Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly responsible for the failures leading up to the attack, alongside former defense ministers, the army chief and the heads of the security services. The civil commission presented its findings today after a four-month probe in which it heard some 120 witnesses. It was set up by relatives of victims of the Hamas attack, in response to the absence of any state probe. The commission determined that the Israeli government, its army and security services “failed in their primary mission of protecting the citizens of Israel.” It said Netanyahu was responsible for ignoring “repeated warnings” ahead of Oct. 7, 2023 for what it described as his appeasing approach over the years toward Hamas, and for “undermining all decision-making centers, including the cabinet and the National Security Council, in a way that prevented any serious discussion” on security issues. The commission further determined that the military and defense leaders bear blame for ignoring warnings from within the army, and for reducing the army’s presence along the Gaza border while relying excessively on technological means. On the day of the Hamas attack, the report says, the army’s response was both slow and lacking. The civil commission called for the immediate establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the Oct. 7 attack. Netanyahu has opposed launching a state commission of inquiry, arguing that such an investigation should begin only once the war is over. JERUSALEM -- The Israeli military says its ground troops have reached parts of Lebanon’s Litani River — a focal point of the emerging ceasefire. In a statement Tuesday, the army said it had reached the Wadi Slouqi area in southern Lebanon and clashed with Hezbollah forces. Under a proposed ceasefire, Hezbollah would be required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is some 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the Israeli border. The military says the clashes with Hezbollah took place on the eastern end of the Litani, just a few kilometers (miles) from the border. It is one of the deepest places Israeli forces have reached in a nearly two-month ground operation. The military says soldiers destroyed rocket launchers and missiles and engaged in “close-quarters combat” with Hezbollah forces. The announcement came hours before Israel’s security Cabinet is expected to approve a ceasefire that would end nearly 14 months of fighting. BEIRUT — Israeli jets Tuesday struck at least six buildings in Beirut’s southern suburbs Tuesday, including one that slammed near the country’s only airport. Large plumes of smoke could be seen around the airport near the Mediterranean coast, which has continued to function despite its location beside the densely populated suburbs where many of Hezbollah’s operations are based. The strikes come hours before Israel’s cabinet was scheduled to meet to discuss a proposal to end the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The proposal calls for an initial two-month ceasefire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the southern border south of the Litani River. There were no immediate reports of casualties from Tuesday’s airstrikes. FIUGGI, Italy — EU top diplomat Josep Borrell, whose term ends Dec. 1, said he proposed to the G7 and Arab ministers who joined in talks on Monday that the U.N. Security Council take up a resolution specifically demanding humanitarian assistance reach Palestinians in Gaza, saying deliveries have been completely impeded. “The two-state solution will come later. Everything will come later. But we are talking about weeks or days,” for desperate Palestinians, he said. “Hunger has been used as an arm against people who are completely abandoned.” It was a reference to the main accusation levelled by the International Criminal Court in its arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister. Borrell said the signatories to the court, including six of the seven G7 members, are obliged under international law to respect and implement the court’s decisions. Host Italy put the ICC warrants on the G7 agenda at the last minute, but there was no consensus on the wording of how the G7 would respond given the U.S., Israel’s closest ally, has called the warrants “outrageous.” Italy, too, has said it respects the court but expressed concern that the warrants were politically motivated and ill-advised given Netanyahu is necessary for any deal to end the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. “Like it or not, the International Criminal Court is a court as powerful as any national court,” Borrell said. “And if the Europeans don’t support International Criminal Court then there would not be any hope for justice,” he said. Borrell, whose term ends Dec. 1, said he proposed to the G7 and Arab ministers who joined in talks on Monday that the U.N. Security Council take up a resolution specifically demanding humanitarian assistance reach Palestinians in Gaza, saying deliveries have been completely impeded. “The two-state solution will come later. Everything will come later. But we are talking about weeks or days,” for desperate Palestinians, he said. “Hunger has been used as an arm against people who are completely abandoned.” It was a reference to the main accusation levelled by the International Criminal Court in its arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister. Borrell said the signatories to the court, including six of the seven G7 members, are obliged under international law to respect and implement the court’s decisions. Host Italy put the ICC warrants on the G7 agenda at the last minute, but there was no consensus on the wording of how the G7 would respond given the U.S., Israel’s closest ally, has called the warrants “outrageous.” Italy, too, has said it respects the court but expressed concern that the warrants were politically motivated and ill-advised given Netanyahu is necessary for any deal to end the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. “Like it or not, the International Criminal Court is a court as powerful as any national court,” Borrell said. “And if the Europeans don’t support International Criminal Court then there would not be any hope for justice,” he said. (edited)

December 30 - Jayden Daniels hit Zach Ertz for a 2-yard touchdown with 2:42 left in overtime as the Washington Commanders beat the Atlanta Falcons 30-24 on Sunday night in Landover, Md., to secure their first playoff berth since the 2020 season. The Commanders (11-5) clinched a wild-card berth with their fourth straight win and could finish as high as the sixth seed in the NFC. In the NFC South, Atlanta (8-8) sits behind the first-place Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7), who can clinch the division by defeating the New Orleans Saints in Week 18. Washington took the opening kickoff of the extra session, and Daniels later ran for 16 yards on third-and-2 at midfield, then passed to Chris Rodriguez Jr. two plays later for a 12-yard gain and another first down. Daniels eventually added a pair of 6-yard runs that got him in position to find Ertz for the game-winning points. Daniels completed 24 of 36 passes for 227 yards, three touchdowns and one interception and ran for 127 yards on 16 attempts. Ertz caught two touchdown passes, and Olamide Zaccheaus had eight catches for 85 yards and a score. Bijan Robinson ran for two touchdowns for the second straight game for Atlanta, and he finished with 90 yards on the ground. Michael Penix Jr. was 19-of-35 passing for 223 yards, one touchdown and one interception, and Drake London had seven catches for 106 yards. Atlanta's Riley Patterson came up short on a 56-yard field-goal attempt as time expired in regulation. With the Falcons trailing 24-17 and facing fourth-and-11 at the 50 with 2:39 remaining, Penix found London all alone for a 31-yard catch-and-run, but two plays later at the Washington 5, a bad snap on a wildcat play resulted in a 21-yard loss. Later, on fourth-and-goal from the 13, Penix rifled a pass to Kyle Pitts in the end zone to tie the game with 1:19 to go. The Commanders had built their 24-17 lead thanks to a strong fourth quarter, where they got a 2-yard TD run from Rodriguez and a 31-yard field goal from Zane Gonzalez. Robinson had a pair of 1-yard rushing scores in the first half to help Atlanta take a 17-7 lead into the break, but the Commanders drew within 17-14 with 7:13 left in the third quarter when Daniels and Ertz hooked up for a 10-yard touchdown. --Field Level Media Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tabShoppers are bagging a huge Sol De Janeiro body cream at 33% off in Boots Black Friday sale