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TORONTO, Dec. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Purpose Investments Inc. ("Purpose") announced today that it has decided to terminate Purpose Marijuana Opportunities Fund ("the Fund") at the close of business on or about March 14, 2025 (the "Termination Date"). It is anticipated that the ETF units of Purpose Marijuana Opportunities Fund will be voluntarily delisted from the Cboe Canada Exchange at the close of business on or about March 12, 2025 (the "Delisting Date"). The decision to close the Fund was driven primarily by the Fund's relatively low assets under management, which has made it difficult to efficiently manage the Fund in accordance with its intended investment objective. As a result, in the view of Purpose, the termination is in the best interest of unitholders. Unitholders that hold Class A Units, Class F Units or ETF Units (collectively, "Units") will have the option to redeem their Units at net asset value on or prior to the Termination Date. There will be no fees or redemption charges applicable to such redemptions. Holders of ETF Units of the Fund may continue to trade their ETF Units on the Cboe Canada Exchange until the Delisting Date. All units not redeemed prior to the Fund's closure will be automatically redeemed at that time at net asset value, in accordance with the terms of the master declaration of trust of the Fund. Units still outstanding at 4:00 p.m. EST on the Termination Date will be automatically redeemed, with the proceeds either deposited into the unitholder's account or a cheque mailed directly to the unitholder or to their dealer, nominee or intermediary, as applicable. If required, a final distribution for the Fund will occur on or about the Termination Date. There may be tax implications for unitholders with respect to any disposition of Units. We strongly urge unitholders to contact their financial advisor to discuss the financial and tax implications associated with a redemption of Units and the termination of the Fund. About Purpose Investments Inc. Purpose Investments Inc. is an asset management company with more than $20 billion in assets under management. Purpose Investments has an unrelenting focus on client-centric innovation, and offers a range of managed and quantitative investment products. Purpose Investments is led by well-known entrepreneur Som Seif and is a division of Purpose Unlimited, an independent technology-driven financial services company. For further information please contact: Keera Hart Keera.Hart@kaiserpartners.com 905-580-1257 Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment fund investments. The prospectus contains important detailed information about the investment fund. Please read the prospectus before investing. There is no assurance that any fund will achieve its investment objective, and its net asset value, yield, and investment return will fluctuate from time to time with market conditions. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated. Forward-Looking Information Purpose cautions the reader not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements contained herein, which speak only as of the date they are made. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "on pace", "anticipates", or "does not anticipate", "believes", and similar expressions or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might", or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available to management at the time they are made, management's current plans, estimates, assumptions, judgments and expectations. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Purpose to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, geopolitical, technological and social uncertainties. Although the forward-looking information contained in this press release is based on assumptions that Purpose believes to be reasonable at the date such statements are made, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Purpose does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Utah Hockey Club (9-10-4, in the Central Division) vs. Vegas Golden Knights (15-6-3, in the Pacific Division) Paradise, Nevada; Saturday, 10 p.m. EST BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Golden Knights -192, Utah Hockey Club +159; over/under is 6.5 BOTTOM LINE: The Vegas Golden Knights host the Utah Hockey Club after Ivan Barbashev scored two goals in the Golden Knights' 4-3 win against the Winnipeg Jets. Vegas is 15-6-3 overall and 9-2-0 at home. The Golden Knights are 15-2-2 in games they score three or more goals. Utah has a 9-10-4 record overall and a 5-6-2 record in road games. The Utah Hockey Club have an 8-0-4 record when scoring at least three goals. Saturday's game is the third meeting between these teams this season. The Golden Knights won 4-2 in the previous meeting. Barbashev led the Golden Knights with two goals. TOP PERFORMERS: Brett Howden has scored 10 goals with one assist for the Golden Knights. Barbashev has five goals and six assists over the last 10 games. Dylan Guenther has 10 goals and 10 assists for the Utah Hockey Club. Jack McBain has scored six goals over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Golden Knights: 6-3-1, averaging 2.9 goals, 4.7 assists, 3.3 penalties and 7.7 penalty minutes while giving up 2.6 goals per game. Utah Hockey Club: 4-5-1, averaging 2.6 goals, 4.6 assists, 5.1 penalties and 14.4 penalty minutes while giving up 2.6 goals per game. INJURIES: Golden Knights: None listed. Utah Hockey Club: None listed. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar . The Associated Press

Behind India’s success in curbing tuberculosis

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FILE - Then-Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump smiles at an election night watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) AP The Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump used his image as a successful New York businessman to become a celebrity, a reality television star and eventually the president. Now he will get to revel in one of the most visible symbols of success in the city when he rings the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday as he’s also named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year. Trump is expected to be on Wall Street to mark the ceremonial start of the day’s trading, according to four people with knowledge of his plans. He will also be announced Thursday as Time’s 2024 Person of the Year, according to a person familiar with the selection. The people who confirmed the stock exchange appearance and Time award were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. It will be a notable moment of twin recognitions for Trump, a born-and-bred New Yorker who at times has treated the stock market as a measure of public approval and has long-prized signifiers of his success in New York’s business world and his appearances on the covers of magazines — especially Time. Trump was named the magazine’s Person of the Year in 2016, when he was first elected to the White House. He had already been listed as a finalist for this year’s award alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, X owner Elon Musk, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Kate, the Princess of Wales. Time declined to confirm the selection ahead of Thursday morning’s announcement. “Time does not comment on its annual choice for Person of the Year prior to publication,” a spokesperson for the magazine said Wednesday. The ringing of the bell is a powerful symbol of U.S. capitalism — and a good New York photo opportunity at that. Despite his decades as a New York businessman, Trump has never done it before. It was unclear whether Trump, a Republican, would meet with New York’s embattled mayor, Democrat Eric Adams , who has warmed to Trump and has not ruled out changing his political party. Adams has been charged with federal corruption crimes and accused of selling influence to foreign nationals; he has denied wrongdoing. Trump himself was once a symbol of New York, but he gave up living full-time in his namesake Trump Tower in Manhattan and moved to Florida after leaving the White House. CNN first reported Wednesday Trump’s visit to the stock exchange and Politico reported that Trump was expected to be unveiled as Time’s Person of the Year. The stock exchange regularly invites celebrities and business leaders to participate in the ceremonial opening and closing of trading. During Trump’s first term, his wife, Melania Trump, rang the bell to promote her “Be Best” initiative on children’s well-being. Last year, Time CEO Jessica Sibley rang the opening bell to unveil the magazine’s 2023 Person of the Year: Taylor Swift . After the Nov. 5 election, the S&P 500 rallied 2.5% for its best day in nearly two years. The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 1,508 points, or 3.6%, while the Nasdaq composite jumped 3%. All three indexes topped records they had set in recent weeks. The U.S. stock market has historically tended to rise regardless of which party wins the White House, with Democrats scoring bigger average gains since 1945. But Republican control could mean big shifts in the winning and losing industries underneath the surface, and investors are adding to bets built earlier on what the higher tariffs, lower tax rates and lighter regulation that Trump favors will mean. Trump has long courted the business community based on his own status as a wealthy real estate developer who gained additional fame as the star of the TV show “The Apprentice” in which competitors tried to impress him with their business skills. He won the election in part by tapping into Americans’ deep anxieties about an economy that seemed unable to meet the needs of the middle class. The larger business community has applauded his promises to reduce corporate taxes and cut regulations. But there are also concerns about his stated plans to impose broad tariffs and possibly target companies that he sees as not aligning with his own political interests. Trump spends the bulk of his time at his Florida home but was in New York for weeks this spring during his hush money trial there. He was convicted, but his lawyers are pushing for the case to be thrown out in light of his election. While he spent hours in a Manhattan courthouse every day during his criminal trial, Trump took his presidential campaign to the streets of the heavily Democratic city, holding a rally in the Bronx and popping up at settings for working-class New Yorkers: a bodega, a construction site and a firehouse. Trump returned to the city in September to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Manhattan tower and again in the final stretch of the presidential campaign when he held a rally at Madison Square Garden that drew immediate blowback as speakers made rude and racist insults and incendiary remarks . At the stock exchange, the ringing of the bell has been a tradition since the 1800s. The first guest to do it was a 10-year-old boy named Leonard Ross, in 1956, who won a quiz show answering questions about the stock market. Many times, companies listing on the exchange would ring the bell at 9:30 a.m. to commemorate their initial offerings as trading began. But the appearances have become an important marker of culture and politics -- something that Trump hopes to seize as he’s promised historic levels of economic growth. The anti-apartheid advocate and South African President Nelson Mandela rang the bell, as has Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone with his castmates from the film “The Expendables.” So, too, have the actors Robert Downey Jr. and Jeremy Renner for an “Avengers” movie and the Olympians Michael Phelps and Natalie Coughlin. In 1985, Ronald Reagan became the first sitting U.S. president to ring the bell. “With tax reform and budget control, our economy will be free to expand to its full potential, driving the bears back into permanent hibernation,” Reagan said at the time. “We’re going to turn the bull loose.” The crowd of traders on the floor chanted, “Ronnie! Ronnie! Ronnie!” The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed in 1985 and 1986, but it suffered a decline in October 1987 in an event known as “Black Monday.”By MARC LEVY HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania conceded his reelection bid to Republican David McCormick on Thursday, as a statewide recount showed no signs of closing the gap and his campaign suffered repeated blows in court in its effort to get potentially favorable ballots counted. Casey’s concession comes more than two weeks after Election Day, as a grindingly slow ballot-counting process became a spectacle of hours-long election board meetings, social media outrage, lawsuits and accusations that some county officials were openly flouting the law. Republicans had been claiming that Democrats were trying to steal McCormick’s seat by counting “illegal votes.” Casey’s campaign had accused of Republicans of trying to block enough votes to prevent him from pulling ahead and winning. In a statement, Casey said he had just called McCormick to congratulate him. “As the first count of ballots is completed, Pennsylvanians can move forward with the knowledge that their voices were heard, whether their vote was the first to be counted or the last,” Casey said. The Associated Press called the race for McCormick on Nov. 7, concluding that not enough ballots remained to be counted in areas Casey was winning for him to take the lead. As of Thursday, McCormick led by about 16,000 votes out of almost 7 million ballots counted. That was well within the 0.5% margin threshold to trigger an automatic statewide recount under Pennsylvania law. But no election official expected a recount to change more than a couple hundred votes or so, and Pennsylvania’s highest court dealt him a blow when it refused entreaties to allow counties to count mail-in ballots that lacked a correct handwritten date on the return envelope. Republicans will have a 53-47 majority next year in the U.S. Senate. Follow Marc Levy at twitter.com/timelywriterThe United States saw an 18.1% increase in homelessness this year, a dramatic rise driven mostly by a lack of affordable housing as well as devastating natural disasters and a surge of migrants in several parts of the country, federal officials said Friday. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said federally required tallies taken across the country in January found more than 770,000 people were counted as homeless — a number that misses some people and does not include those staying with friends or family because they don't have a place of their own. That increase comes on top of a 12% increase in 2023, which HUD blamed on soaring rents and the end of COVID-19 pandemic assistance. The 2023 increase also was driven by people experiencing homelessness for the first time. The numbers overall represent 23 of every 10,000 people in the U.S., with Black people being overrepresented among the homeless population. "No American should face homelessness, and the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring every family has access to the affordable, safe, and quality housing they deserve," HUD Agency Head Adrianne Todman said in a statement, adding that the focus should remain on "evidence-based efforts to prevent and end homelessness." Among the most concerning trends was a nearly 40% rise in family homelessness — one of the areas that was most affected by the arrival of migrants in big cities. Family homelessness more than doubled in 13 communities impacted by migrants including Denver, Chicago and New York City, according to HUD, while it rose less than 8% in the remaining 373 communities. Almost 150,000 children experienced homelessness on a single night in 2024, reflecting a 33% jump from last year. Disasters also played a part in the rise in the count, especially last year's catastrophic Maui wildfire, the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. More than 5,200 people were in emergency shelters in Hawaii on the night of the count. "Increased homelessness is the tragic, yet predictable, consequence of underinvesting in the resources and protections that help people find and maintain safe, affordable housing," Renee Willis, incoming interim CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, said in a statement. "As advocates, researchers, and people with lived experience have warned, the number of people experiencing homelessness continues to increase as more people struggle to afford sky-high housing costs." Robert Marbut Jr., the former executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness from 2019 to 2021, called the nearly 33% increase in homelessness over the past four years "disgraceful" and said the federal government needs to abandon efforts to prioritize permanent housing. "We need to focus on treatment of substance use and mental illness, and bring back program requirements, like job training," Marbut said in an email. The numbers also come as increasing numbers of communities are taking a hard line against homelessness. Angered by often dangerous and dirty tent camps, communities — especially in Western states — have enforced bans on camping. That follows a 6-3 ruling this summer by the Supreme Court that found outdoor sleeping bans don’t violate the Eighth Amendment. Homeless advocates argued that punishing people who need a place to sleep would criminalize homelessness. There was some positive news in the count, as homelessness among veterans continued to trend downward. Homelessness among veterans dropped 8% to 32,882 in 2024. It was an even larger decrease for unsheltered veterans, declining 11% to 13,851 in 2024. "The reduction in veteran homelessness offers us a clear roadmap for addressing homelessness on a larger scale," Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, said in a statement. "With bipartisan support, adequate funding, and smart policy solutions, we can replicate this success and reduce homelessness nationwide. Federal investments are critical in tackling the country's housing affordability crisis and ensuring that every American has access to safe, stable housing." Several large cities had success bringing down their homeless numbers. Dallas, which worked to overhaul its homeless system, saw a 16% drop in its numbers between 2022 to 2024. Los Angeles, which increased housing for the homeless, saw a drop of 5% in unsheltered homelessness since 2023. California, the most populous state in the U.S., continued to have the nation's largest homeless population, followed by New York, Washington, Florida and Massachusetts. The sharp increase in the homeless population over the past two years contrasts with success the U.S. had for more than a decade. Going back to the first 2007 survey, the U.S. made steady progress for about a decade in reducing the homeless population as the government focused particularly on increasing investments to get veterans into housing. The number of homeless people dropped from about 637,000 in 2010 to about 554,000 in 2017. The numbers ticked up to about 580,000 in the 2020 count and held relatively steady over the next two years as Congress responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with emergency rental assistance, stimulus payments, aid to states and local governments and a temporary eviction moratorium.

World News | What to Know About Pam Bondi, Trump's New Pick for Attorney GeneralToronto Maple Leafs (13-7-2, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (12-8-2, in the Atlantic Division) Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * Toronto Maple Leafs (13-7-2, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (12-8-2, in the Atlantic Division) Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? Toronto Maple Leafs (13-7-2, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (12-8-2, in the Atlantic Division) Tampa, Florida; Saturday, 7 p.m. EST BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Maple Leafs -122, Lightning +101; over/under is 6.5 BOTTOM LINE: The Toronto Maple Leafs visit the Tampa Bay Lightning after the Lightning knocked off the Nashville Predators 3-2 in overtime. Tampa Bay has gone 12-8-2 overall with a 0-2-0 record in Atlantic Division games. The Lightning have a +16 scoring differential, with 83 total goals scored and 67 given up. Toronto has gone 13-7-2 overall with a 4-3-1 record in Atlantic Division games. The Maple Leafs are 5-3-0 in games they serve fewer penalty minutes than their opponents. The teams match up Saturday for the second time this season. The Maple Leafs won the last matchup 5-2. TOP PERFORMERS: Brayden Point has 16 goals and five assists for the Lightning. Anthony Cirelli has eight goals and three assists over the past 10 games. William Nylander has 14 goals and 10 assists for the Maple Leafs. Mitchell Marner has seven goals and nine assists over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Lightning: 5-3-2, averaging 3.7 goals, 5.9 assists, 2.7 penalties and 5.9 penalty minutes while giving up 2.7 goals per game. Maple Leafs: 7-2-1, averaging 2.7 goals, 3.9 assists, 3.6 penalties and 7.7 penalty minutes while giving up 1.9 goals per game. INJURIES: Lightning: None listed. Maple Leafs: None listed. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. Advertisement

Brandon Nunez tosses 2 TD passes to help New Mexico State beat Middle Tennessee 36-21

While there was high drama in Alexandra Palace on the first day back after the Christmas break, where Damon Heta threw a nine-dart finish, Humphries enjoyed a serene evening. He beat Nick Kenny 4-0 to set up a mouth-watering fourth-round meeting with two-time champion Peter Wright. THE WORLD NUMBER ONE KICKS ON! Luke Humphries comfortably books his spot in the Last 16 with a 4-0 whitewash victory over Nick Kenny, averaging 98.59! 📺 https://t.co/pIQvhqYxEj #WCDarts pic.twitter.com/XAADalXD4Q — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 27, 2024 Kenny was unable to produce the form that saw him beat Raymond van Barneveld in the previous round and Humphries did not need to be anywhere near his best. “It was one of those games I didn’t want to take for granted,” he said. “I expected a tough game and I wasn’t firing, I felt there is so much more to give, I felt there was more to come out of me. “I didn’t want to give anyone an inch because they can take a mile. “I’m not going to give up this world title without a fight, I wasn’t at my best but when someone pushes me I know I can come up with the goods.” Earlier in the day Heta set the tournament alight on its resumption with a stunning nine-dart finish before bowing out. The Australian, seeded ninth, achieved darting perfection in the second set of his match with Luke Woodhouse to earn a cool £60,000 payday. However, his joy was short-lived as Woodhouse won a thrilling battle 4-3, having trailed 3-1. HEROIC HETA HITS THE NINE! 🔥 UNBELIEVABLE SCENES! 🤯 Damon Heta lands the second nine-darter of the tournament to raise the roof at Alexandra Palace! #WCDarts pic.twitter.com/DW6rhvFqez — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 27, 2024 Heta was millimetres away from throwing a nine-darter in the previous round when he missed the double 12, but he made no mistake this time in the first match after the Christmas break. Heta’s feat was the second time a nine-darter has been thrown in the 2025 tournament and the 16th of all time at the World Championship, following Christian Kist’s effort before Christmas. As well as landing the Australian a hefty payday, it also saw a lucky fan in Ally Pally win a £60,000, with £60,000 also being donated to Prostate Cancer UK. There were several other titanic battles, none better than Gerwyn Price’s sudden-death leg victory over Joe Cullen. Price looked like he was going to have an easy night when he coasted into a 3-0 lead, but Cullen hit back to send it to a decider, which went all the way. Cullen landed a ‘Big Fish’ 170 checkout to send the tie to a sudden-death leg on his throw but Price hit some big numbers to steal victory. “That was tough, I just wanted to get over the winning line,” he said during his on-stage interview. PRICE WINS A THRILLER! That might just be the game of the tournament so far! 💥 Gerwyn Price manages to break the Rockstars throw in the final leg of the game, and beats Joe Cullen 4-3 and books his place in the Last 16! 📺 https://t.co/pIQvhqYxEj #WCDarts pic.twitter.com/VnjnJxP0T0 — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 27, 2024 “He kept coming back, the crowd were way behind him. “I thought I was going to lose, but I kept in there right to the end and got the win. “He played some good darts at the right times. I put myself in that position, I got myself out of it and I’m still in.” Seventh seed Jonny Clayton also battled to victory after squandering a 3-0 lead against Daryl Gurney. Gurney then had six darts to send the decider to a tiebreaker but lost his nerve and Clayton stole a 4-3 win. Stephen Bunting and Peter Wright, who was suffering from a chest infection, enjoyed much more safe passages with routine wins over Madars Razma and Jermaine Wattimena respectively.As the 2024 showbiz calendar winds up, we are taking stock of each genre today. These include music, visual arts (painting, sculpture, and photography), film and television, theatre, fashion, literary arts, and spoken word. This annual stock-take is critical to establish which artists excelled and those who need to up their game in 2025. With the demand for Zimbabwean art collections rising overseas, we certainly need to elevate our standards if we are to maintain the dominance shown in other genres, especially visual arts. The same dominance should also be exhibited on home turf. Without fear or favour, research has shown that the young “Turks” of showbiz, especially in music, excelled beyond expectations. Music, which commands a huge following, was dominated by youthful musicians who showed consistency throughout the year. Killer T’s track “Kana Ndanyura” can easily pass as the song of the year. It remains a hit at parties, weddings, clubs, and even in some church gatherings like picnics. He represented the Zimdancehall genre with pride and aplomb. Consistent Zimdancehall chanter, Sylvester “Freeman” Chizanga, had a successful season, which saw him holding a fully attended HKD Music Festival at Alex Sports Club in Harare. Master H was the best find of 2024, as the youngster has been performing well. Master H He participated in major festivals including the Castle Tankard, OK Grand Challenge, and Chibuku Road to Fame after-party, among other events. His work ethic has made him a favourite of many. There was also Nisha Ts, who did well for the greater part of the year. Born Anisha Tashinga Shonhiwa and raised in Chegutu, she defied the odds of a poor background that could have hindered her progress. She advanced on merit, which is why she remains a favourite among many. Her benefactor, Tinashe Mutarisi, has also helped her realize her potential in this particular genre. She has managed to put the sponsorship to good use, much to the delight of her fans. With sound management, she is destined for the stars. In Zim Hip Hop, it’s hard to ignore the impact of Holy, Saintfloew, Voltz JT, and Bagga, among other rappers. They left their mark each time on stage whether controversial or not but the good thing is that, it is expected in the genre. In gospel world , the old guard in the genre, led by Baba Mechanic Manyeruke, Shuvai Wutawunashe, Pastor Charles Charamba, and his wife Olivia, Carol Mujokoro, Pastor Bonnie Deuschle and Prince Mafukidze among others shocked many as they bounced back on stage as they did their best to revive the genre at the Gospel Legends Night held at the Harare International Conference Centre early this month. Hosted by United Kingdom based Zimbabwean award winning songstress Eleana Makombe, the inaugural event was a success and it was applauded by many locals for such initiative. Eleana and John Makombe The new crop of gospel musicians, including Minister Michael Mahendere, Janet Manyowa, Ellard, Sharon Cherayi, Elenaa Makombe, and Everton Mlalazi, had a successful year. However, the script was not the same for both seasoned and upcoming sungura musicians. There was nothing to write home about this year, as the majority pursuing sungura failed to produce hits. It appears that they need to recharge their waning vocal batteries. Of course, sungura has stood the test of time, but artists in this genre can do better. Major successes were recorded by visual artists who had a year to remember. Many of these artists toured the world and showcased the unique essence of Zimbabwean art on a global scale. Visual art, which encompasses various mediums including painting, photography, sculpture, drawing, installation, and digital arts, is a significant industry internationally. The sad reality is that locals are yet to embrace it despite its impact overseas. A change of mindset is needed to ensure that local entrepreneurs, corporates, and individuals buy our art first. With most visual artists relying on international buyers, credit goes to arts regulatory chiefs, curators, and artists working closely with the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, and Victoria Falls. NGZ executive director Raphael Chikukwa has done his best to promote this art form. Besides the NGZ headquarters in Harare, other galleries like Dzimbahwe Arts and Cultural Heritage Hub, Nhaka Art Gallery, Mbare Art Space, Chapungu Sculpture Village, and the Swiss-Zim Heritage Gallery in Domboshava have been churning out top creatives. Individuals like Dominic Benhura and David Ngwerume also need no introduction. Zimbabwe’s participation at the 60th International Exhibition of Biennale in Italy was good news to the sector. Often referred to as the “World Cup of Arts,” this prestigious event featured Zimbabwean artists such as Moffat Takadiwa, Gillian Rosselli, Victor Nyakauru, Sekai Machache, Troy Makaza, and Kombo Chapfika. Their participation exemplifies Zimbabwe’s growing presence on the international art stage. Moffat Takadiwa The legacy of Zimbabwean artists at the Venice Biennale includes luminaries like Portia Zvavahera, Virginia Chihota, Misheck Masamvu, Calvin Dondo, and many others. Their ability to captivate audiences both at home and abroad highlights the country’s rich artistic heritage and the potential for future growth in the global art market. The continued efforts to promote local art appreciation will be crucial in ensuring that Zimbabwean artists receive the recognition and support they deserve. In theatre, credit goes to Daves Guzha, Peter Churu, Jasen Mphepo, and Malawi-based producer and director Stanley Mambo, who is doing well at Madsoc Theatre in Lilongwe. Daniel Maposa and Silvanos Mudzvova are some of the top acts who have ensured that theatre maintains its dominance. The same can be said of United Kingdom theatre practitioners who are still in touch with fellow directors in Zimbabwe. In Zimbabwe, Guzha, Churu, and Mphepo have been holding shows in Harare venues like Theatre in the Park, Jasen Mphepo Little Theatre, and Reps Theatre. Mudzvova and Maposa have been conducting a series of workshops to equip creatives in this genre. Their efforts were meant to ensure that creatives monetise their work and embrace technology, especially the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Stand-up comedians including Doc Vikela, King Kandoro (real name Mukudzei Kandoro Majoni), Nigel “Tha Sleek Pasto” Maritinyu, and Admire “Bhutisi” Kuzhangaira have also shown their potential despite challenges such as a shortage of venues. Like theatre, comedy relies on a live audience and a serene environment where creatives can easily express themselves. In fashion, we have seen the potential that the sector has, although it needs funding, proper regulation, and unity. This was the case when the Fashion Council of Zimbabwe (FCoZ) issued a statement distancing themselves from the organisation and management of the Zimbabwe Fashion Week 2024, which did not live up to expectations. The Zimbabwe Fashion Week 2024 was marred by chaos, with FCoZ’s name being dragged into the mess. FCoZ set the record straight and pledged their commitment towards fostering a vibrant and inclusive fashion industry. Zimbabwean fashion designers have continued to show both locally and internationally, and it takes sacrifices from organizations like FCoZ to regulate the sector. Some fashion enthusiasts also expressed their disappointment in the manner the industry is being run. The refreshing news from the sector was Sakhile Dube’s national dress, designed by Ivhu Tribe Brand, named “The Soaring Eagle,” which she donned at the Miss Universe finals held in Mexico recently The world now knows Zimbabwe’s capacity in this sector, where we have plenty of talented fashion designers. In modelling, Zimbabwe was well represented by Sakhile at Miss Universe, made it into the top 30. Although she missed out on the crown, she performed admirably at the global contest. Sakhile is not the only one who managed to raise the country flag high, there was also model Amanda Peresu-Moyo who won the Miss Intercontinental Africa title at a pageant held at the Sunrise Remal Resort in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. Amanda, was in the top five, following the success of Tendai Hunda, who won the same title in 2015. After finishing in the top eight last year at Miss Universe Zimbabwe, Amanda expressed joy over her new crown. On to the dance floor, dancer Victoria Kjær Theilvig (21) of Denmark won the 2024 edition, becoming the first Dane ever to land the crown. People’s favorite and Nigerian beauty queen Chidimma Adetshina was voted first runner-up, and the second runner-up is Mexico’s Maria Fernanda Beltran. The top five finalists at the beauty pageant included Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri and Venezuela’s Ileana Marquez. In film and television, Zimbabwe has shown a lot of potential despite the lack of funding crippling the sector. However, the recent launch of the five-year blueprint strategy for Film and Television by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), in conjunction with the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture, has brought relief to the sector. A billion-dollar industry globally, Zimbabwe, which boasts some of the best brains in the sector including Stephen Chigorimbo, Aaron Chiundura Moyo, and Nakai Tsuro, can thrive with proper funding. The birth of new awards for this sector, like the Zimbabwe Annual Film and Television Awards (ZAFTAs), which cultural ambassadors like Tongayi Chirisa, Danai Gurira, and Chipo Chung support, is great news for the sector. Zimbabwe can also benefit from utilising the expertise of filmmakers like Joe Njagu, Eddie Sandifolo, and Charlene Furusa, who are dedicated to the sector. The European Union Film Festival (EUFF) roundtable held at Mbare Art Space from October 10-13 was also a game-changer for the sector. In literary arts, the sector has been lamenting the decline of the reading culture. However, some literary arts gurus reckon there is not enough reading material in certain communities, which should be made available first. On a sad note, 2024 was the year we lost historian Phathisa Nyathi after a long illness at the age of 73. Many are still reeling from the loss of the popular arts practitioner, famed for his research as a preservationist and his writing style. In summary, a collective mindset shift is vital for the arts sector to thrive and create more opportunities. ELECTIONS by their nature and at any level of society, are a delicate process often characterised by controversy, mudslinging, contestations and a lot of jockeying. Elections are emotional, too. The intensity of those characteristics also varies with the kind of interest, which the elections in question, would have generated and the players involved in those [...] Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub LED by three centurions, Zimbabwe broke records on Day Two of the historic Boxing Day Test against Afghanistan at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The Chevrons began Day Two on 363/4 and ended their innings on a mammoth 586 runs from 135.2 overs. The 586 runs scored over the five [...] Nqobile Tshili, Bulawayo Bureau VICTORIA Mudyanembwa, a brilliant young student from the rural heartland of Lukosi in Hwange District, who just earned a first class honours degree from the University of Zimbabwe in Pharmaceutical Chemistry as the top student in her year, is now moving to Oxford University for a post-graduate degree on the prestigious [...]Luke Humphries bid for back-to-back World Championship titles on track after win

I n the intricate tapestry of legal education, beyond the familiar realms of criminal law, corporate law, and family law, lies a universe of specialised fields. These unique specialisations cater to a range of legal needs, offering students the opportunity to delve into niche areas and contribute to the evolution of the legal landscape. Sports law: Practitioners deal with a range of issues, such as player contracts, endorsements, labour disputes, and intellectual property rights. They work for professional sports leagues, teams, athletes, and agencies, advising them on matters such as salary negotiations, contract disputes, agent representation, and legal disputes involving sports organisations. Maritime law: This is a specialised branch that governs activities on the high seas and navigable waters. It encompasses a range of issues, including ship ownership and registration, maritime contracts, salvage operations, maritime torts, and maritime insurance. Maritime insurance is a specific kind that provides financial protection against losses and covers various risks, such as ship damage, cargo loss, and liability for accidents at sea. Gaming law: In the digital age, gaming law addresses legal issues related to video games, online gaming platforms, and virtual reality. Specialists can work for game developers, publishers, and online gaming platforms, advising on matters such as intellectual property rights, privacy laws, and consumer protection. Space law: It governs activities in outer space and encompasses various aspects such as the exploration, use, and exploitation of celestial bodies, as well as the regulation of satellite launches, space debris, and the legal framework for space colonisation. Space law seeks to establish international standards and principles to ensure peaceful and sustainable use of outer space for the benefit of all humanity. Food law: Another specialised field, this deals with the legal aspects of food production, processing, distribution, and consumption. Specialists can work for food manufacturers, retailers, and government agencies, advising on matters such as food safety regulations, labelling requirements, and consumer protection laws. They play a vital role in ensuring that food products are safe and meet regulatory standards. Art law: These specialists can work for art galleries, auction houses, museums, and artists, advising on matters such as copyright, authentication, and art fraud. They help protect the rights of artists and ensure the integrity of the art market. Art law encompasses a wide range of issues, including copyright, trademark, and patent law as applied to artistic works; contract law in the context of art sales and exhibitions; and issues related to the authentication and provenance of artworks. Technology law: In the age of digital technology, technology law is essential to address the legal challenges posed by the rapid evolution of technology. Specialists can work for technology companies, Internet service providers, and government agencies, advising on matters such as intellectual property rights, privacy laws, and cybersecurity. These are just a few examples of the many specialised fields within the ever-evolving legal profession. As technology continues to advance and societal needs evolve, new specialisations are likely to emerge. The writer is Dean, School of Law, GD Goenka University, Gurugram. Published - December 14, 2024 08:00 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit education / The Hindu Education Plus / higher education / careers / students / university / universities and colleges / lawyer / crime, law and justice / laws

Carrie Fisher's death has given Billie Lourd a "deeper appreciation" of the "little moments" in life. The 32-year-old actress has taken to social media to pay a glowing tribute to her late mother, who died in December 2016, aged 60. Alongside a throwback photograph, Billie - who has Kingston, four, and Jackson, two, with Austen Rydell - wrote on Instagram: "It has been 8 years since my mom died. As my son would say “that’s a lot!” I always dread this day. I spend so much time leading up to it thinking about how awful I’m going to feel. And my dread is usually right. I woke up this morning with a dark cloud over me. "But when my kids woke up the dark cloud dissipated and made way for bright glowing sunshine. Her death anniversary is like an emotional tropical storm. It pours rain a lot of the day but between the storms the light is more beautiful than on any day without storm clouds. There are no rainbows without rain. (sic)" Billie subsequently explained how her mom's death has changed her own outlook on life. She continued: "There’s a great Anne Lamott quote, grief is “like having a broken leg that never heals perfectly - that still hurts when the weather gets cold, but you learn to dance with the limp”. And that describes how I feel today perfectly. Yes the grief weather is cold and yes I may have a limp but I am absolutely dancing through life (oops I quoted wicked?). And I am actually a better dancer with my limp. "My grief has given me a deeper appreciation for all the little moments of life. So today I am griefful (griefy but grateful). I watch the magic that is my son and daughter and I know she is a piece of that magic. And I feel all the things. The grief. The joy. The longing. The magic. The emptiness. The fullness. And it all coexists in a profound way. Sending my love to everyone out there who needs it. [heart emoji] (sic)"The UN General Assembly on Wednesday overwhelmingly adopted a resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, a symbolic gesture rejected by the United States and Israel. The resolution -- adopted by a vote of 158-9, with 13 abstentions -- urges "an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire," and "the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages" -- wording similar to a text vetoed by Washington in the Security Council last month. At that time, Washington used its veto power on the Council -- as it has before -- to protect its ally Israel, which has been at war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip since the Palestinian militant group's October 7, 2023 attack. It has insisted on the idea of making a ceasefire conditional on the release of all hostages in Gaza, saying otherwise that Hamas has no incentive to free those in captivity. Deputy US Ambassador Robert Wood repeated that position Wednesday, saying it would be "shameful and wrong" to adopt the text. Ahead of the vote, Israel's UN envoy Danny Danon said: "The resolutions before the assembly today are beyond logic. (...) The vote today is not a vote for compassion. It is a vote for complicity." The General Assembly often finds itself taking up measures that cannot get through the Security Council, which has been largely paralyzed on hot-button issues such as Gaza and Ukraine due to internal politics, and this time is no different. The resolution, which is non-binding, demands "immediate access" to widespread humanitarian aid for the citizens of Gaza, especially in the besieged north of the territory. Dozens of representatives of UN member states addressed the Assembly before the vote to offer their support to the Palestinians. "Gaza doesn't exist anymore. It is destroyed," said Slovenia's UN envoy Samuel Zbogar. "History is the harshest critic of inaction." That criticism was echoed by Algeria's deputy UN ambassador Nacim Gaouaoui, who said: "The price of silence and failure in the face of the Palestinian tragedy is a very heavy price, and it will be heavier tomorrow." Hamas's October 2023 attack on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,208 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. That count includes hostages who died or were killed while being held in Gaza. Militants abducted 251 hostages, 96 of whom remain in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead. Israel's retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed at least 44,805 people, a majority of them civilians, according to data from the Hamas-run health ministry that is considered reliable by the United Nations. "Gaza today is the bleeding heart of Palestine," Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour said last week during the first day of debate in the Assembly's special session on the issue. "The images of our children burning in tents, with no food in their bellies and no hopes and no horizon for the future, and after having endured pain and loss for more than a year, should haunt the conscience of the world and prompt action to end this nightmare," he said, calling for an end to the "impunity." After Wednesday's vote, he said "we will keep knocking on the doors of the Security Council and the General Assembly until we see an immediate and unconditional ceasefire put in place." The Gaza resolution calls on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to present "proposals on how the United Nations could help to advance accountability" by using existing mechanisms or creating new ones based on past experience. The Assembly, for example, created an international mechanism to gather evidence of crimes committed in Syria starting from the outbreak of civil war in 2011. A second resolution calling on Israel to respect the mandate of the UN agency supporting Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) and allow it to continue its operations was passed Wednesday by a vote of 159-9 with 11 abstentions. Israel has voted to ban the organization starting January 28, after accusing some UNRWA employees of taking part in Hamas's devastating attack. abd/sst/jgc/nro/des

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Investing is often painted as a game of timing. Buying low, selling high, and capturing profits when the market peaks. But for some investments, the wisest choice might be to forget about the sell button altogether. Whether you’re a dividend seeker, a global investor, or a tech enthusiast, these investments offer something unique for every type of portfolio. CIBC stock Let’s start with ( ). As one of Canada’s Big Five banks, CIBC has a long history of weathering financial storms while rewarding shareholders. At its current price of $94.08, CIBC boasts a market capitalization of nearly $88.85 billion and a forward dividend yield of 4.02%. In its most recent earnings report, CIBC posted strong results, with revenue reaching $22.7 billion over the trailing twelve months and a return on equity (ROE) of 12.37%. Even more impressive is its quarterly earnings growth of 25.6% year over year, proving that this isn’t just surviving, it’s thriving. CIBC’s valuation is another reason to hold on tight. With a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 12.08, the stock remains attractively priced compared to its peers. The bank’s strategic focus on growing its wealth management and capital markets businesses has strengthened its revenue mix — all while its disciplined risk management has kept loan losses in check. As interest rates stabilize and the economy remains resilient, analysts expect CM to continue delivering solid results. VXC Next up is ( ), a global investing powerhouse that removes the guesswork from diversification. VXC is a one-stop shop for investors who want exposure to the world’s largest companies without overlap in Canada. It holds some of the biggest companies in the world, with a blend of developed and emerging market stocks. With net assets totalling $2.22 billion, VXC has proven its popularity among Canadian investors, and its stellar year-to-date (YTD) return of 28.75% as of writing speaks for itself. That performance wasn’t a fluke either. The exchange-traded fund (ETF) one-year return sits at a whopping 29.04%. Clearly, VXC has ridden the wave of global economic recovery and surging technology stocks. What makes VXC particularly attractive for long-term investors is its low cost and diversification. Vanguard’s ETFs are known for their minimal fees, ensuring more of your returns stay in your pocket. The ETF’s holdings are spread across sectors like technology, healthcare, and financial services, providing a cushion against downturns in any single industry. With VXC, investors also gain exposure to regions like Europe, the United States, and emerging markets, spreading risk globally. By holding onto VXC indefinitely, you’re effectively betting on the continued growth of the world’s largest and most innovative companies. Topicus Finally, we come to ( ), the rising star of Canada’s tech sector. Topicus, a spin-off of the renowned , has quickly built a reputation for growth and innovation. Specializing in and scaling vertical market software businesses, Topicus operates a proven and highly profitable model. In its most recent quarter, the company reported impressive year-over-year growth, with earnings per share (EPS) jumping to €0.28, up from €0.22, a 27% increase. Topicus’s forward price-to-earnings ratio of 45.66 might seem high, yet investors are paying for growth. Over the past year, TOI.V has returned 25.74%, comfortably outpacing the 22.25% gain. What sets Topicus apart is its long runway for expansion. While many tech companies focus on flashy, consumer-facing products, Topicus targets essential, niche software solutions that businesses rely on every day. This strategy ensures recurring revenue and high margins. As the tech sector continues to grow, Topicus is well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities, both through organic growth and strategic purchases. Bottom line At the end of the day, great investments are like good friends. You stick with them through thick and thin. CIBC, VXC, and Topicus have all proven their worth with little reason to part ways. Whether you’re in it for dividends, diversification, or growth, these three investments deserve a permanent home in your portfolio. And each will likely reward your patience for decades to come.