Prayagraj: With chief minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurating a digital lost and found centre on the Mela campus on Saturday, efforts are underway to install AI-powered digital cameras across the Maha Kumbh area to monitor the massive crowd and ensure 24/7 surveillance. The entire mela area is being equipped with 328 AI-enabled cameras, which have already been tested at four key locations. The digital lost and found centres aim to address issues related to missing devotees swiftly, ensuring a safe and organised experience for all visitors during the 45-day Maha Kumbh, beginning from Jan 13. In fact, mela police, for the first time with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques and social media platforms, set up 10 digital lost and found camps to reunite lost people with their families. These state-of-the-art cameras will assist in reuniting individuals who may get separated during the event. In addition, popular social media platforms like Facebook and X will provide immediate assistance in locating lost relatives, streamlining the process of reuniting families amidst the sea of pilgrims. A senior cop said, "The digital lost and found centre will register every missing person's details digitally. Once registered, the AI-powered cameras will begin searching for the individual. Additionally, information about missing persons will be shared on social media platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), making it easier to locate them quickly." Face recognition technology will be used at the Maha Kumbh to identify individuals who get separated from their loved ones. This advanced system will work instantly, capturing photographs and identifying individuals among the attendees.Dragons fans left fuming after Mark Gasnier joins Jason Ryles and Zac Lomax at Parramatta

From Tony John, Port Harcourt Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has pledged to implement the recommendations of the report submitted to him by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Arson, Killings, and Wanton Destruction of Property at some local government council headquarters on or around Monday, October 7, 2024. Governor Fubara gave the assurance when the seven-member commission, led by the Chairman, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, submitted four volumes of reports of their investigation and recommendations to him at Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. The governor declared that his administration will neither tolerate nor allow such level of violence in the State anymore because it is not profitable or productive. “We are not going to be part of any system that would encourage any destruction in this State. And for that reason, we had to inaugurate this commission, so that this commission should look into the remote and immediate causes of this problem,” Fubara stated. “And I believe that the recommendations of this commission, with the help of God and the support of everyone, we will make sure that we implement the recommendations.” The governor added: “We are going to take it to the next stage. The report will be presented to the Executive Council, and there, we will surely come out with the White paper and with the White Paper, I can assure you, we are going to follow it to the end. “Nobody is above the law, including me. So, provided what we are doing is within the confines of the law, we will do it with the help of every one.” Governor Fubara recalled how, before 2014, a group of persons had run wide recklessly in the State, burning down court buildings. He noted that it is such persons, who had recently surfaced with their destructive tendencies, and have extended the violence to local government councils, killing people and destroying government property. Governor Fubara wondered why somebody will spend so much money to build a structure intended to last as legacy of the administration, but would eventually be part of its destruction in the name of politics. Governor Fubara clarified that he has never been part of such destructive politics that continue to set the State backwards and frustrate progressive development strides. Governor Fubara said: “I make bold to say it, I have never been and will never be a party to anything that will bring shame, disgrace, destruction to our dear State. “It is our State. If it is well with us, it will be well with everybody. As a matter of fact, why should I encourage destruction, when I know that when you finish spoiling things, you still need money to rebuild them. “I am an accountant, I know the importance of how we can manage money. Rather than spoil, you should use that money to do a new thing for the State.” Governor Fubara vowed: “So, I am going to ensure that we put a stop to that level of violence or such unreasonable violence. I call it unreasonable violence because it doesn’t mean anything in politics. “Politics is a business of interest. There is no permanent friend, no permanent enemy. Some persons who were not even in our support, today, they are here following us because their interest is the most important thing. “Likewise tomorrow, if the interest changes, they will also go their different ways. So, why burn down the house?” Governor Fubara thanked members of the commission for being bold, focused, and accomplishing their task with determination in the face of physical and legal threats. In her presentation, chairman of the seven-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry, Justice Ibi Minakiri, said they had put their findings into four volumes, including the recommendations. Justice Minakiri explained: “We have here four volumes of the report. We have the memoranda, which is the memoranda we got after we made our publications. “We also have the exhibits that came with the memoranda. We have the proceedings and the records. At the end of the day, we came up with the main report.” Justice Minakiri advised that the recommendations of the report should be studied and implemented so that people can be deterred from such callous acts and the sought-after peace secured for the state.President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to nominate Scott Bessent, and campaign ally, for Treasury secretary, one of the biggest prizes. Multiple news organizations reported the plans Friday evening. Trump's spokesperson did not immediately return Business Insider's request for comment. Bessent, 62, founded and runs the macro hedge fund Key Square Group and emerged as a to Trump on the campaign trail. His journey to the top tier of the GOP financial world hasn't been entirely linear, though — it includes years working for the liberal philanthropist George Soros and hosting a fundraiser for Al Gore, a former Democratic vice president. The billionaire investor spent his childhood in South Carolina. His father went bankrupt investing in real estate, which Bessent later said led him to get his first summer job when he was 9 years old, . Bessent attended Yale and broke onto the investing scene after working for Soros' first partner, James Rogers. He joined Soros Fund Management in 1991. By 2011, Bessent was Soros' chief investment officer, and he was instrumental in the fund's hugely successful bets against the British pound and Japanese yen. In 2015, Bessent broke off to start Key Square. He hasn't talked to Soros in years, The Wall Street Journal said. In 2011, Bessent married his husband, John Freeman, a former New York City prosecutor. They primarily live in Charleston, South Carolina, with their two children. They spend their spare time preserving historic mansions and used to own an . Despite his nomination that would put him at the center of Trumpworld, Bessent has a somewhat checkered political history. He disagreed with much of the work Soros did through his nonprofit and has primarily donated to Republican candidates, though he's helped Democrats on occasion. In 2000, Bessent held a fundraiser at his home for Gore's presidential bid. By 2016, Bessent was inching toward Trump, telling people they weren't taking Trump seriously enough as a candidate. After Trump won, Bessent donated $1 million to his inaugural committee. Though Bessent has known Trump's family for decades, the 2024 election brought him closer to the former and future president — Trump has called Bessent " " and "a nice-looking guy." Rather than slam Bessent for his previous connections to Soros, a favorite right-wing punching bag, Trump appears impressed by how successful he was at Soros' firm. Bessent donated $3 million to Trump-aligned PACs and Republican committees this election cycle. His support extended beyond his pocketbook, as he frequently conferred with campaign officials on . Known for his interest in niche economic data, Bessent helped draft speeches and write policy proposals for Trump's economic ideas. By the end of the race, Bessent was fully woven into Trump's orbit; he attended the last two rallies and watched from as election results rolled in. As treasury secretary, Bessent would face a . While unemployment is low and the economy is growing at a healthy clip, Americans remain frustrated by and what they see as . Dubbed a "Trump whisperer" by , Bessent has signaled support for some of Trump's key proposals. Among Bessent's top priorities is shrinking the country's significant debt, primarily through increasing growth and, in turn, boosting tax revenues. He has also supported Trump's , telling CNBC that they should be "layered in gradually" to spread out any inflationary impact. At one point, Bessent floated the idea of a — under his theory, Trump would nominate a replacement to lead the central bank before Jerome Powell's term ends in 2026. After facing , Bessent walked back the idea. Bessent has advised Trump on a "3-3-3 policy," which "cutting the budget deficit to 3% of gross domestic product by 2028, spurring GDP growth of 3% through deregulation, and producing an additional 3 million barrels of oil or its equivalent a day." On November 10, the published an opinion piece by Bessent that praised Trump's economic vision. The , he wrote, were evidently giddy about the former president's return to the White House. Beyond lavishing praise on Trump, he said that the US should slash bank regulations, overhaul the Inflation Reduction Act, and reinvigorate American energy investment. "Mr. Trump has turned around the economy before, and he is ready to do so again," Bessent said. Read the original article on

Bitcoin’s soaring value has caught the attention of high-end fashion brands and retailers, prompting further interest in offering cryptocurrencies as a means of payment to tap in to fresh pockets of wealth and build loyalty with crypto investors. Until recently, only a handful of luxury brands including LVMH LVMH.PA watch labels Hublot and Tag Heuer as well as Kering-owned PRTP.PA fashion brands Gucci and Balenciaga have experimented with crypto payment offers. In recent weeks, upscale French luxury department store Printemps announced it was teaming up with the world's largest crypto exchange, Binance and French financial tech company Lyzi to accept cryptocurrencies including bitcoin and ethereum in its stores in France — becoming the first European department store to do so. The move, coming as bitcoin rises, has been noticed by other brands and retailers who are showing interest in joining in. "There have been quite a few calls — it's generated interest," said David Princay, president of Binance France, who said the company is in talks with other luxury labels. Luxury lighter and pen maker S.T. Dupont told Reuters it aims to accept cryptocurrency payments in two Paris stores before the holidays. Earn rewards on your spending: Best credit cards for shopping In the realm of experiences, cruise company Virgin Voyages began this month offering its first product accepting bitcoin as a payment option — a $120,000 annual pass for up to a year of sailing on its cruise ships. Regulators have long warned that cryptocurrencies like bitcoin are high-risk assets, with limited uses in the real world. High volatility has been another barrier to wide adoption as a means of payment. But pledges of support from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who is expected to bring in more friendly e-currency regulation, have fueled record-breaking rises for bitcoin. S&P analysts say the narrative is starting to shift, noting that blockchain innovation in financial markets could increase predictability for cryptocurrencies. Seeking innovative branding Luxury labels have long sought to cater to affluent shoppers from the tech industry by opening stores in upscale Silicon Valley malls and issuing products like the Hermes HRMS.PA Apple Watch, for example, which combines signature, stitched leather straps of the French Birkin bag maker with tech giant Apple’s AAPL.O connected timepiece. Now, new wealth generated by bitcoin's recent highs — topping $107,000 on Monday — comes as the luxury industry faces its biggest slump in years and searches for new sources of growth. Offering cryptocurrency payments can be a way for companies to brand themselves as innovative rather than “a stuffy old brand that's only selling to the boomers,” said Andrew O’Neill, digital assets lead analyst at S&P Global Ratings. The payment option remains largely symbolic. Retailers usually reconvert the funds to euros or dollars to offset risks of volatility, while for most shoppers, payment methods are seen overall as “something that’s been solved” already by such transaction platforms as PayPal PYPL.O or Venmo, said O'Neill. But for bitcoin investors who have seen a strong rise in the value of their investment, luxury goods — a designer handbag or high-end watch — are an obvious choice for diversifying one's portfolio, analysts say. In a sign of growing interest from designer labels, Balenciaga recently issued a leather card holder designed to hold “Stax” hardware from crypto wallet company Ledger. The black leather accessory, which retails for 350 euros ($368), includes a keychain and Eiffel Tower charm and an NFC chip fitted underneath the brand logo. Ledger’s Stax Crypto hardware, its recently developed higher-end hardware with a curved touch screen, sells for $399 at Best Buy BBY.N. The company’s “Flex” hardware, which resembles a mini Amazon Kindle, sells for $249 while the “Nano” version, which looks like a USB key, sells for $79. Reaching younger clientele Gregory Boutte, chief client and digital officer for luxury conglomerate Kering, has described the group’s strategy when it comes to technology as “test and learn” rather than “wait and see." He emphasized the embrace of new technologies as key to reaching younger and Asian clientele. Kering’s star label, Gucci, has since 2022 made purchases available through 10 cryptocurrencies for most of its products in the United States. Printemps is working to expand its crypto payments service to New York City, where it plans to open a multibrand retailer in the Wall Street district in March. Bitcoin's rise in late 2021 prompted an initial flurry of interest from luxury brands with Tag Heuer, headed at the time by LVMH luxury scion Frederic Arnault, as well as Gucci, accepting payments in cryptocurrency the following year for some purchases in the United States. One crypto advocate who recently used digital assets to make luxury purchases is Eunice Wong, an investor and influencer known as "Eunicorn." Wong said she used cryptocurrency to buy several high-end watches this year including an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak model. But she is not interested in being drawn in by high end brands seeking to build a closer client relationship, preferring to bypass traditional retail stores and sales routines. That takes too much time, in her view. “If I will buy, I'll buy on the secondary market, not through them,” she told Reuters. “I want it now.” Reporting by Mimosa Spencer in Paris; Editing by Matthew LewisNo, the president cannot change Social Security

Berkshire Partners Managing Director Ted Rainaud Named to GrowthCap's 2024 “Top 40 Under 40 Growth Investors” List

Assad’s fall: The end of Syria’s brutal ruling dynasty

CMA Sri Lanka, the national professional management accounting body, in collaboration with the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) on 3 December hosted the 10th anniversary awards celebrations of the ‘CMA Excellence in Integrated Reporting Awards 2024’ at the Taj Samudra Hotel. The Excellence in Integrated Reporting Awards was held to promote Sri Lankan companies both unlisted, and state-owned institutions/companies, to undertake integrated reporting which will be beneficial to investors and stakeholders. The key objective of an integrated report is to communicate to financial capital providers how an organisation generates, sustains, or diminishes value across the short, medium, and long term. However, its benefits extend beyond investors, offering valuable insights to a broad range of stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, business partners, local communities, policymakers, legislators, and regulators, all of whom have a vested interest in the organisation’s capacity to create value over time. Delivering the keynote address, Panel of Judges Chairman Prof. Ho Yew Kee urged the importance of concise reporting for better understanding that will aid informed decision-making. He called Sri Lanka and Burma the shining lights in Asia and expressed his gratitude in partnering with CMA Sri Lanka, hoping to promote Sri Lankan listed and unlisted companies via a gradual transfer of technical knowledge to the nation. Supreme Court of South Africa former Judge and Global Reporting Initiative Chairman Prof. Mervyn King emphasised the need for reporting that adheres to global financial standards, only then would the country and its companies become globally recognised for its accountancy and business standards, ensuring trust in Sri Lanka’s economy. The event was also attended by Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Prof. D.B.P.H. Dissabandara as a special guest of honour, who spoke about the leverage integrated reporting has over traditional accountancy reports, stating that, “Traditional reports often failed to capture the full potential, picture, prospects and long-term value of companies. This is because, not only do integrated reports have the capacity to capture financial information, but even non-financial information can be recorded.” Elaborating on the benefits of integrated reporting, he described management effectiveness as a result of a more holistic approach to strategy and performance, and brand value enhancement. He also emphasises the alleviation of asymmetrical information (a common crisis faced by businesses) as integrated reports encourage investors to make informed decisions in the long-term. Speaking about the inception of this competition since 2015, CMA Sri Lanka Founder and President Prof. Lakshman Watawala said, “We have witnessed an increasing number of companies both quoted, unquoted, state owned enterprises and SMEs adopting integrated reporting and many of them with a high level of compliance from top conglomerates, banks, finance companies, insurance companies, manufacturing sector, plantation companies, hotel and tourism sector, apparel and over 20 sectors. We are the best in the Asian region in preparing integrated reports.” He labelled the event an auspicious gathering meant to celebrate practices of good governance and corporate social responsibility. “Integrated reporting creates value to organisations by providing a comprehensive and transparent view of an organisation’s performance, including financial, environmental, social, and governance factors, which enhances accountability, supports better decision-making, and builds trust with stakeholders,” he opined. Prof. Watawala, while praising the present administration’s efforts at alleviating bribery and corruption, called for greater support and collaboration from the private sector in steering economic development. The private sector shoulders the responsibility of leading by example via transparent business practices, strong corporate governance, and anti-corruption legal frameworks. CSE Chairman Dilshan Wirasekara said: “CMA related programs encourage institutions to think holistically and create value for stakeholders, set a benchmark for what corporate sustainability looks like while enhancing the quality of financials and non-financials. In addition, risk assessment and management is done in a transparent and accessible manner. All these are the cornerstone for a strong, sustainable market and economy.” Reiterating Watawala’s words, Wirasekara believes that all organisations, State-owned, private, and non-profit must prioritise societal, economical, and environmental wellbeing for a sustainable future. The event concluded with the declaration of Diesel and Motor Engineering PLC as the overall winner, followed by Softlogic Life Insurance PLC and John Keells Holdings PLC as runners up. Other companies awarded for excellent integrated reports were – Commercial Bank PLC, LB Finance, and NDB Bank.

ComBank crowned ‘Green Brand of the Year’ with Gold at SLIM Brand Excellence Awards

The authorities in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states have warned private school proprietors against arbitrary fee hikes and non-compliance with educational regulations. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that most private schools in the affected states have continued to jerk up their fees following the removal of fuel and other subsidies. The Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Borno, Alhaji Bulama Abiso, who spoke on the development, highlighted the need for stakeholder collaboration to address the issue. “Education is a shared responsibility. We must work together to ensure that schools operate in a way that balances quality education with affordability. “Arbitrary fee hikes undermine this balance and place unnecessary burdens on families,” Abiso said. In Borno, the Commissioner of Education, Engr. Lawan Wakilbe, in a meeting with the private school owners in Maiduguri, said that unilateral hikes in school fees without following due process would not be tolerated. According to him, any hike needs to involve consultation with parents who are already struggling with current economic hardship. “It is unacceptable for schools to impose fee increases without first consulting Parent-Teacher Associations. “Parents are key stakeholders in education, and their voices must be heard in decisions that affect their children’s schooling,” he said. The commissioner emphasised the need for full compliance with the state’s education guidelines, particularly the ones regarding financial transparency and safety standards. He further stressed the need for structural integrity in school buildings, particularly multi-story facilities to ensure the safety of students and staff. Related News Assembly awaits panel report on boarding schools fee hike Enugu private school owners lament heavy taxation Ogun threatens to shut private schools not complying with education policy The commissioner called for joint efforts to tackle the rising cases of student indiscipline. In Yobe, the Commissioner for Basic Education, Dr Abba Idris, said that school fees charged by private primary and secondary schools in the state must not exceed N50,000 per student. According to him, school fees charged above N50,000 must merit the amount and have the approval of the state government. The commissioner said that any school found violating the “fee cap policy” introduced would be sanctioned as “education in Yobe is a social service, not a commercial enterprise.” He said that schools’ supervision in Yobe was on course, noting that through the efforts of school inspectors, the state government had recently confiscated textbooks acquired and brought into the state by some individuals to promote homosexuality. He said inspectors and supervisors were deployed regularly to all schools to ensure that the standard of education set by the state and federal government was met. “The inspectors are performing well in ensuring that school curriculum is adhered to, teaching methods are effective, culture and religion of our people are respected and their needs adequately taken care of,” the commissioner said. In Adamawa, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Garba Pella, said private schools as major players in the development of education in the state are carefully monitored to check any form of abuse and exploitation. According to him, the government has made it a policy that whenever there is a need for them to increase fees, they should write to the ministry for the government to be able to know the rationale behind the increase. NAN

The Latest: Former President Jimmy Carter is dead at age 100CINCINNATI (AP) — Saturday's wild overtime win over the Denver Broncos was the most important in what has been a mostly disappointing season for the Cincinnati Bengals. Not only did the Bengals (8-8) win their fourth straight for the first time this season and keep their slim playoff hopes alive, but they also finally made enough plays late to win a close game. Seven of their previous eight losses were by one score. And Cincinnati also got a win over one of the league's better teams. Its seven previous victories came against sub-.500 teams. Joe Burrow, in the midst of the best season of his career, threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Tee Higgins with 1:07 left in overtime to win it 30-24. The final drive followed two critical stops by the Cincinnati defense. “We’ve known we had a good football team all along,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. “And those (close) games are disappointing that we came up short, but they didn’t change our process. They didn’t change what our guys believed in. We didn’t have to change everything we did. We still believed in what we were doing. And now we’ve won four in a row, and we have to make it five in a row.” The playoffs are still a long shot. To get there, the Bengals will have to go into Pittsburgh and beat the Steelers next weekend in the regular-season finale and also count on other bubble teams losing. What's working The Bengals are playing their best football of the season. Burrow, battered by the Denver pass rush, completed nearly 80% of his passes in piling up 412 yards and three touchdowns. It marked his eighth straight game with at least 250 yards and three touchdown passes, extending his NFL record. ... Receiver Ja'Marr Chase, who had nine catches for 102 yards against the Broncos, could finish the season with the receiving triple crown — most catches, yards and touchdowns. What needs help The offensive line continues to struggle, even with the return of starting left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. Burrow rarely had a clean pocket, was constantly on the run and was sacked seven times and hit 15 times. Stock up The Cincinnati defense, much maligned this season, forced two Denver punts in overtime. The second one led to the Bengals' game-winning drive. Linebacker Germaine Pratt intercepted Bo Nix to end a Denver drive in the fourth quarter. “For them to rise up and get those two stops and allow the offense a shot to go win it (is) big-time stuff,” Taylor said. Higgins caught 11 passes for 131 yards and was the recipient of all three of Burrow's touchdown passes. "Everybody can see what kind of player he is," Burrow said of Higgins, who is playing this season with the franchise tag. “He elevates us to a different level when he’s playing like that.” Stock down Kicker Cade York, who was signed in early December to fill in for the injured Evan McPherson, had a chance to win the game with 2:49 left in overtime, but his 33-yard field-goal attempt bounced off the left upright. Injuries RB Chase Brown sprained his ankle in an awkward slide as the Bengals tried to run out the clock in regulation. ... OT Amarius Mims suffered an injury to his right hand. Key number 499 — total yards by the Bengals against Denver. Next steps The Bengals finish the season at Pittsburgh. The Steelers beat them 44-38 on Dec. 1. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Mitch Stacy, The Associated PressTHE House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the non-delivery of 2,000 tractors and 100 combine harvesters promised by President Bola Tinubu in 2023 under the Presidential Food Security Initiative and the Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Drive. It is a good development. Lawmakers are alarmed that one year after the government signed a five-year agreement with AFTRADE DMCC to establish a tractor assembly plant to produce 9,022 agricultural implements and 2,000 tractors annually, at an estimated cost of $684.1m for the equipment and N138.6bn for delivery and assembly, not a single piece of equipment has been delivered. It is befuddling that the government is dragging its feet on promises to revamp the agricultural sector despite pervasive hunger. Nigeria’s agriculture sector is paradoxical. It accounts for approximately 25 per cent of GDP and employs over 70 per cent of the rural workforce. Nigeria has an estimated 34 million hectares of arable land, yet the sector is characterised by low productivity, subsistence farming and outdated practices. The Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates Nigeria’s tractor density is less than 0.3 per 1,000 hectares, far below the recommended standard of 1.5 tractors. This scarcity forces farmers to rely on manual labour and rudimentary tools, limiting their ability to scale production or adopt modern farming techniques. The lack of mechanisation has exacerbated challenges such as post-harvest losses, inefficient land use, and low crop yields. Nigeria produces about 1.5 tonnes of cereals per hectare, compared to over 6.0 tonnes in Brazil and China. This has turned a country with abundant farmland into one heavily reliant on food imports, spending over $10bn annually to bridge the deficit. Nigeria’s failure to mechanise agriculture has grave economic and social implications, as low agricultural productivity undermines food security. With a population projected to reach 400 million by 2050, Nigeria faces an impending crisis unless it significantly boosts food production. The reliance on subsistence farming perpetuates poverty. Most farmers operate on less than one hectare of land, earning meagre incomes that cannot sustain their families or invest in better tools. This stagnation exacerbates rural-urban migration, swelling the ranks of unemployed youth in cities and contributing to social unrest. Related News 2025: MAN, ASUU, others demand better economy from Tinubu Don’t allow cabals derail LG autonomy, NULGE begs Tinubu Elderlies expect better economy, affordable food in 2025 Nigeria’s lack of agricultural competitiveness limits its ability to participate in regional and global markets. While Thailand and Vietnam dominate rice exports, Nigeria struggles to meet domestic demand, let alone compete internationally. Nigeria is the world’s largest producer of cassava, yet it imports starch. Nigeria is a major producer of sorghum, palm oil, and cocoa beans. It is unwise for it to import corn to support the poultry industry despite the possibility of planting corn thrice a year. Mechanisation can transform agriculture, as demonstrated in other developing economies. By investing heavily in agricultural research, mechanisation, and infrastructure, Brazil is the world’s largest exporter of soybeans, sugar, and coffee, with its agribusiness sector accounting for over 20 per cent of GDP. India introduced modern farming equipment, high-yield crop varieties, and irrigation systems that not only boosted food production but also lifted millions out of poverty. The Tinubu administration must get serious about transforming agriculture if a major food crisis will not be the stark reality for Nigerians soon. More funds need to be allocated to agriculture for mechanisation programmes. Tinubu claimed to be supporting farmers with funding and inputs to reignite productivity, yet the government allocated N826bn equivalent to 1.66 per cent of the 2025 budget. This is nonsense. The sector needs subsidies for machinery, tax incentives for agribusinesses, and low-interest loans for farmers to purchase equipment. The government can encourage private companies to procure and lease tractors and harvesters to smallholder farmers who cannot afford outright purchases. Mechanisation cannot succeed without adequate infrastructure. The government should invest in rural roads, electricity, and irrigation systems to support mechanised farming.

Clean energy investors have endured yet another torrid year as traders continue shunning the alternative energy sector. The solar sector, in particular, highlights the negative sentiment pervading renewable energy investing: According to a by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the U.S. is on track to add close to 40 gigawatts of solar energy capacity in 2024--more than double last year’s tally and more than triple what was added in 2022. The solar sector is clearly booming, yet solar stocks have badly underperformed, with the sector’s popular benchmark, (NYSEARCA:TAN), having returned -35.3% YTD vs. 24.3% by the . The upcoming Trump presidency is considered bearish for renewable energy investing. For years, Trump has never hidden his disdain for clean energy, repeatedly lambasting Biden’s historic (IRA), describing it as the “biggest tax hike in history”. Trump has pledged to rescind any “unspent” funds under the IRA after he ascends to the Oval Office. However, there are some pockets within the renewable energy universe that are looking quite promising. Here are 3 renewable energy stocks that outperformed in the current year and could do it again in 2025. (NASDAQ:WAVE) is a wave energy company that develops wave energy conversion (WEC) technology that converts ocean and sea waves into clean electricity. WAVE shares have been surging after the company from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for its wave energy project at the Port of Los Angeles in California. The company will install eight wave energy floaters on the piles of an existing concrete wharf structure on the east side of the port's Municipal Pier One. According to Eco Wave, securing the final permit marks the completion of two key milestones in its agreement with (NYSE:SHEL) which is expected to boost the company's revenues in Q4 2024. Related: European Gas Prices Soar as Putin Says a New Ukraine Transit Deal Is Unlikely Europe is the global leader in blue energy, with of global investments in ocean energy over the last decade flowing into the continent. That’s great news for Eco Wave Power because the company is well-established in the region. Indeed, the company’s first operational wave energy plant was developed in Gibraltar with EU funding. Eco Wave Power is currently developing a 20 MW wave energy project in Porto, Portugal as part of the country’s plan to generate 85% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Eco Wave Power established a subsidiary in Portugal in 2020 and kicked off the licensing process. In March 2024, the company to start construction and committed to completing the project within two years. One of the newer companies in the space, (NYSE:GEV) was incorporated in 2023 after being spun off from (NYSE:GE). This Cambridge, Massachusetts-based company deals in energy equipment manufacturing and services. GE Vernova operates under Power, Wind, and Electrification segments. The company is well-positioned to profit from sustained growth trends as a supplier of power generation assets. Two weeks ago, GE Vernova for FY 2024 revenues and free cash flow, and also raised guidance for 2025 revenues, free cash flow and adjusted EBITDA margin. The company now sees FY 2024 revenues trending towards the higher end of guidance of $34B-$35B; adjusted EBITDA margin of 5.5%-6.0%, narrowed from its previous outlook for 5%-7%; and free cash flow trending towards higher end of $1.3B-$1.7B guidance. For FY 2025, GE Vernova has forecasts revenue in the range of $36B-$$37B, up from prior guidance of mid-single digit growth implying revenues of $35B-$37B; adjusted EBITDA margin of high-single digits and free cash flow of $2B-$2.5B, up from $1.2B-$1.8B previously. " ," GE Vernova CFO Ken Parks said. (NASDAQ:TSLA) is one of the largest manufacturers of electric vehicles on the planet. TSLA stock is trading close to an all-time high with the strong bullish vibe being driven by the view that the Elon Musk-led company will benefit from a Trump Administration that will be friendly to the process of securing autonomous vehicle approvals as it looks to grow the robotaxi fleet rapidly over the next two years. However, Wall Street is more cautious about the shares, assigning TSLA a Hold rating and an average price target of only $259.66, considerably lower than the current price of $421.44. Some bears have pointed out that a similar monster rally in 2021 was followed by a drop of more than 70% over the next 18 months.Global Teller Cash Recycler Market To Worth Over US$ 6,441.49 Million By 2033 | Astute Analytica

CLEVELAND (AP) — Only the Cleveland Browns. Only a team beset by perpetual problems at quarterback for the better part of two decades can get a record-setting 497-yard, four-touchdown, jaw-dropping, where-did-that-come-from performance on Monday night from Jameis Winston — and still lose. History wrapped in misery. Only the Browns. Winston spoiled a high-level performance in Denver's thin air by throwing a pair of pick-sixes — the second with 1:48 remaining — as the Broncos rode big plays to a 41-32 win over the Browns (3-9), who have to wonder what their disappointing season might look like if Deshaun Watson had been benched before getting hurt. The loss ended any illusions the Browns had of making a late playoff push like they did a year ago. It also clinched the team's 22nd losing season since its expansion rebirth in 1999. In his fifth start this season, Winston provided further evidence that the Browns made a major mistake by not switching QBs long before Watson ruptured his Achilles tendon on Oct. 20 against Cincinnati. Cleveland's offense has come alive behind Winston, who has thrown for over 300 yards three times, something Watson didn't do in 19 starts over his three suspension-shortened, injury-riddled seasons with the Browns. While there were some positives, Winston's turnovers were too costly. "You’re not going to play perfect at the quarterback position. He knows that," coach Kevin Stefanski said Tuesday on a Zoom call. “I know that ultimately he wants to do anything in his power to help this team win and that’s going to be taking care of the ball. But he also had moments there where he was moving that offense and did a nice job.” Winston may not be the long-term answer for the Browns, but he's showing he can at least give them a viable option for 2025 while the club sorts through the tangled Watson situation, which continues to have a stranglehold on the franchise. In all likelihood, and assuming he's fully recovered, Watson will be back next season in some capacity with the Browns, who are still on the hook to pay him $92 million — of his fully guaranteed $230 million contract — over the next two seasons. Releasing Watson would have damaging salary-cap implications, and while that would be a bitter financial pill for owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam to swallow, it could the Browns' safest and easiest exit strategy. And if they needed any proof that such a strategy can work, the Browns only had to look across the field at the Broncos, who got out from under QB Russell Wilson's monster contract by cutting him, taking the financial hit and drafting Bo Nix. After some common early growing pains, Nix has settled in and the rookie has the Broncos in the mix for a postseason berth. It wasn't long ago that the Browns thought their quarterback concerns were behind them. Instead, they lie ahead. What’s working Stefanski's decision to hand over the play-calling duties to first-year coordinator Ken Dorsey has been a positive. While the move hasn't led directly to many wins, the Browns have moved the ball much more effectively and scored at least 20 points in three of five games since the switch after not scoring 20 in their first eight. What needs help An issue all season, Cleveland's defense was again gashed for long plays and TDs, including a 93-yard scoring pass in the third quarter. The Browns have allowed 48 plays of 20-plus yards and 12 of at least 40 yards. Stock up WR Jerry Jeudy. His return to Denver was a personal and professional triumph — except on the scoreboard. Vowing revenge on the Broncos, who traded him to the Browns in March, Jeudy had the best game of his career, catching nine passes for 235 yards and a TD. Since Winston took over as Cleveland's starter, Jeudy leads the league with 614 yards receiving. Jeudy just might be the No. 1 receiver the Browns have needed following Amari Cooper's trade. Jordan Hicks gets an honorable mention after recording 12 tackles. Stock down K Dustin Hopkins. He missed a 47-yard field goal to end Cleveland's first drive, setting the tone for a night of missed opportunities. After making 33 of 36 field goal tries in his first season with the Browns, Hopkins is just 16 of 23, with his inaccuracy raising questions why the team signed him to a three-year, $15.9 million contract in July. Injuries Stefanski had no updates from the game. ... LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah remains sidelined with a neck injury suffered on Nov. 2. Stefanski ruled him out again for Sunday's game at Pittsburgh. Key number 552 — Yards of total offense for the Browns, just 10 shy of the single-game franchise record set in 1989. Up next A short turnaround before visiting the Steelers (9-3), who will be looking to avenge their 24-19 loss in Cleveland on Nov. 21. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

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