Two of Japan's biggest automakers, Honda and Nissan, have reportedly begun merger talks, according to a report in Japan's financial Nikkei Asia newspaper. The two Japanese-headquartered automakers are looking to join forces as a way to contend in an ever-challenging industry increasingly focused on electric vehicles, the newspaper reported . Both companies responded to a question about the report from USA TODAY with identical statements, which did not deny merger talks were underway. "The content of the report is not something that has been announced by either companies," the statements read. "As announced in March of this year, Honda and Nissan are exploring various possibilities for future collaboration, leveraging each other's strengths. If there are any updates, we will inform our stakeholders at the appropriate time." Honda and Nissan have recently increased ties to persist in an EV marketplace fueled by competition from Tesla and Chinese automakers – and stalling demand in the U.S. and Europe. Holiday deals: Shop this season’s top products and sales curated by our editors. The companies announced in August they were "deepening the framework of the strategic partnership" agreed on in March 2024 to collaborate on research and development – and investments – in new EVs and the software used by next-generation vehicles. "Going forward, Nissan and Honda will continue to study ways to create further synergies between the two companies and work toward the speedy implementation of specific measures," the companies said . Seat belt warnings: They will soon be required for rear seats: Here's what to know Honda and Nissan merger: 'Positioning' for the future The merger makes sense, according to Jessica Caldwell, head of insights for auto research and news company Edmunds. “A merger would be a long-term strategy, not a solution to any short-term challenges either company is facing. Both Nissan and Honda are positioning themselves for the future, which will be defined by electrification and autonomous technology – developments that are extremely costly," Caldwell told USA TODAY. With the future turning to EVs and self-driving vehicles, "it’s logical that smaller automakers may need to collaborate to keep pace with larger players, including rising competition from Chinese manufacturers that have entered the market aggressively," Caldwell said. The two companies may operate under a holding company, Nikkei reported, and are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding soon. A merged company could also eventually include Mitsubishi Motors, of which Nissan owns a 24% stake. Mitsubishi joined the Honda-Nissan initiative on EV and next-gen vehicle development in August. Collectively, the company would have combined sales of about 8 million annually, making it the third-largest automaking company in the world, Nikkei reported. The merger would put the combined automaker in a better competitive position, according to Bloomberg . Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi combined sold about 4 million vehicles worldwide in the first six months of 2024, behind the global leader, Toyota, which sold 5.2 million, Bloomberg said. The number two global automaker, Volkswagen , sold 4.35 million. Electric vehicles: Is now a good time to switch to an EV? The capital-intensive EV business requires billions of dollars in investment for new factories and battery development, said K. Venkatesh Prasad, chief innovation officer at the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Michigan. For legacy automakers such as Honda and Nissan, "it only makes sense to consolidate while you still can to create the volumes you need for cost to be kept low and to be able to design and build premium content capabilities." Securing a profitable business in traditional vehicles using internal combustion engines "is a necessary condition to make way for the money needed to build an EV business with a mid-to-long-term business sustainability plan," Prasad said. Honda-Nissan merger could face Trump roadblocks Other hurdles include the potential rollback of EV-friendly policies by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and merger scrutiny from the Trump Administration. The incoming president has vowed to take a hard line on imported vehicles, including 25% tariffs on vehicles shipped from Canada and Mexico . Both companies currently have plants in Mexico and Honda has a plant in Canada. Trump could seek concessions from Honda and Nissan to approve any deal, auto industry officials said. During his first term, Trump threatened tariffs on Japanese vehicles. Honda and Nissan also manufacture vehicles in the U.S. Honda has 12 manufacturing plants in the U.S., where it makes automobiles, power equipment and aircraft engines. Nissan, which has three plants in the U.S., announced 9,000 global layoffs last month and a 20% production cut. Contributing: Hadley Hitson, USA TODAY Network, and Reuters. Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads: @mikesnider & mikegsnider . What's everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day

Zelensky demands response from allies as Putin threatens West with new missileJaipur: In a bid to combat illegal mining activities, the Rajasthan mining department is set to roll out geo-fencing technology , following its inclusion in the recently approved state mining policy. This move aims at tightening compliance in areas prone to illegal mining. An official said, "Geo-fencing will be instrumental in monitoring high-risk areas, while GPS tracking systems will be installed at check posts to enhance oversight. Furthermore, seized sand will be transported using the e-Ravanna system to maintain transparency." The policy also mandates the issuance of online royalty receipts, reducing the prevalence of fake receipts. Additionally, the vigilance wing will merge with the divisional mining wing, equipping the department of mines and geology with cutting-edge technologies like Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS), drones, and other modern tools. The draft policy highlights, "In mineral-rich areas, up to one hectare of govt land adjoining private lease areas may be allocated to facilitate greater mineral extraction." Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .

Find the links between the words to win today's game of Connections. Looking for Sunday’s Connections hints and answers instead? You can find them here: Hey there! Welcome to the start of a new week. I hope you’re well rested and raring to go. I’m going to go with a double recommendation today, and I’ll drop the first one right here. Sabrina Carpenter’s Netflix Christmas special is very good, but the obvious highlight is her duet with Chappell Roan. They both have great voices and it’s little surprise that they harmonize wonderfully. And, no, this doesn’t count as you losing Whamageddon since it’s a cover. Today’s NYT Connections hints and answers for Monday, December 9, are coming right up. How To Play Connections FBI Warns iPhone, Android Users—Change WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Signal Apps What To Know About The UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder—As NYPD Releases New Photos Of Suspect iOS 18.2 Release Date: iPhone’s New Upgrade Is Hours Away Connections is a free, popular New York Times daily word game. You get a new puzzle at midnight every day. You can play on the NYT website or Games app. You’re presented with a grid of 16 words. Your task is to arrange them into four groups of four by figuring out the links between them. The groups could be things like items you can click, names for research study participants or words preceded by a body part. There’s only one solution for each puzzle, and you’ll need to be careful when it comes to words that might fit into more than one category. You can shuffle the words to perhaps help you see links between them. Each group is color coded. The yellow group is usually the easiest to figure out, blue and green fall in the middle, and the purple group is usually the most difficult one. The purple group often involves wordplay. Select four words you think go together and press Submit. If you make a guess and you’re incorrect, you’ll lose a life. If you’re close to having a correct group, you might see a message telling you that you’re one word away from getting it right, but you’ll still need to figure out which one to swap. If you make four mistakes, it’s game over. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen with the help of some hints, and, if you’re really struggling, today’s Connections answers. As with Wordle and other similar games, it’s easy to share results with your friends on social media and group chats. If you have an NYT All Access or Games subscription, you can access the publication’s Connections archive. This includes every previous game of Connections , so you can go back and play any of those that you have missed. Aside from the first 60 games or so, you should be able to find my hints for each grid via Google if you need them! Just click here and add the date of the game for which you need clues or the answers to the search query. What Are Today’s Connections Hints? Scroll slowly! Just after the hints for each of today’s Connections groups, I’ll reveal what the groups are without immediately telling you which words go into them. Today’s 16 words are... And the hints for today’s Connections groups are: What Are Today’s Connections Groups? Need some extra help? Be warned: we’re starting to get into spoiler territory. Today’s Connections groups are... What Are Today’s Connections Answers? Spoiler alert! Don’t scroll any further down the page until you’re ready to find out today’s Connections answers. This is your final warning! Today’s Connections answers are... Ooh, that's more like it. Two perfect games in a row. And my streak is now up to 12 wins. Here's how I fared: 🟩🟩🟩🟩 🟨🟨🟨🟨 🟦🟦🟦🟦 🟪🟪🟪🟪 This was an easier grid than it seemed at first glance. After a few moments of thought, I was able to zip through the grid. LIGHTER and MAGNIFYING GLASS opened up the greens for me, with the remaining two being clear enough. I decided to go with that Prodigy clue even before it clicked that the name of the singer was Keith Flint (RIP). With MAGNIFYING GLASS out of consideration, REFLECTION had to go with the yellows. I found the blue group fairly straightforward as well, albeit with some slight hesitation over the inclusion of STAIN. Then when, I saw the remaining four words, the connection was blindingly obvious. That’s all there is to it for today’s Connections clues and answers. Be sure to check my blog for hints and the solution for Tuesday’s game if you need them. P.S. There's a new Indiana Jones game out today (at least for those who didn't pay extra for early access). I haven't hopped in yet, but to mark the game's release, I thought I'd shine a spotlight on my favorite Indiana Jones-related thing. Back in the '80s, a group of kids set out to remake Raiders of the Lost Ar k shot-for-shot. It took them seven years — their entire adolescence — to make. Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation was also shot out of sequence, so the actors appear at different ages throughout the film. One scene they weren't able to pull off in the '80s was an aircraft explosion, but they were finally able to raise the funds to do that decades later. The film is charming as heck and you can check out the first 10 minutes below. If you're interested in watching the whole thing, it's $10 to buy on Vimeo : Have a great day! Call someone you love! If you’re so inclined, please do follow my blog for more coverage of Connections and other word games and even some video game news, insights and analysis. It helps me out a lot! Also, follow me on Bluesky ! It’s fun there.

The RCMP will create a new aerial intelligence task force to provide round-the-clock surveillance of Canada’s border using helicopters, drones and surveillance towers. The move is part of the federal government’s $1.3-billion upgrade to border security and monitoring to appease concerns of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump about the flow of migrants and illegal drugs. Trump has threatened to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian and Mexican exports to the U.S. as soon as he is inaugurated next month unless both countries move to improve border security. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc says he has discussed parts of the plan with American officials and that he is optimistic about its reception. Canada will also propose to the United States to create a North American “joint strike force” to target organized crime groups that work across borders. The government also intends to provide new technology, tools and resources to the Canada Border Services Agency to seek out fentanyl using chemical detection, artificial intelligence and canine teams. The union representing rank-and-file Mounties is welcoming the federal plan unveiled in the fall economic update Monday. Money, to be spread over six fiscal years, is earmarked for the RCMP, Public Safety Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency and the cyberspies at the Communications Security Establishment. RCMP members enforce laws between official points of entry and investigate criminal activities related to the border. National Police Federation president Brian Sauvé says members have been protecting the border with limited resources, and the new money will allow them to continue delivering on their mandate. Aaron McCrorie, the border services agency’s vice-president of intelligence and enforcement, said in a recent interview that irregular migration and smuggling of drugs such as fentanyl are common concerns for Canada and the United States. “These aren’t concerns that are unique to the United States. We share those same concerns,” he said. “In that sense, it really speaks to the need for us to work collaboratively.” McCrorie said the Canadian border agency is working closely with U.S. counterparts including Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security, as well as with agencies in Britain, Australia and New Zealand. “Criminal enterprises, organized crime, they don’t respect international boundaries. They collaborate, they exploit weaknesses in the system,” McCrorie said. “And so the best way to confront them is to is to collaborate on our side, fill those gaps, support each other’s efforts.” He said Canada’s border agency has two targeting officers embedded with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the American agency plans to soon send a targeting officer to Canada.

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Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has asked the Department of Homeland Security to deploy a specific type of technology that detects drones in New York and New Jersey. The Senate majority leader told reporters during a news conference Sunday that a specialized drone-detecting product from Robin Radar Systems is likely more effective than the equipment DHS currently uses to track aircrafts in tri-state skies. “Today, we’re asking the DHS, the Department of Homeland Security, to deploy special detection systems, like the Robin, which use not a linear line of sight, but 360-degree technology that has a much better chance of detecting these drones,” Schumer said. “And we’re asking DHS to bring them to the New York-New Jersey area.” Residents say they have spotted unidentified drones flying over New Jersey recently, prompting concerns among elected officials. Schumer said Robin Radar Systems will help provide answers to questions about the aircraft. “If the technology exists for a drone to make it up into the sky, there certainly is the technology that can track the aircraft with precision and determine what the heck is going on,” Schumer said. “And that’s what the Robin does.” “Once we get those answers, we will be in much better shape. Let’s face it: Our local people ... who have questions about these drones should not have to shake an 8-ball to get an answer,” Schumer added, holding up a Magic 8 Ball. “They want real answers, and the Robin can supply those answers, and that’s why we want them here. Schumer said he has received briefings from DHS about the drones. The department did not return a request for comment. Last week, former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan flying over his Davidsonville home, though critics claim he actually saw the constellation Orion.

( MENAFN - Caribbean News Global) ST JOHN'S, Antigua – cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the appointment of Chris Dehring as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). A visionary leader with an extraordinary track record in finance, sports management, media, and telecommunications, Dehring is uniquely positioned to steer CWI into a bold new chapter of growth and development. Selected from a competitive pool of over 50 applicants representing Europe, Australia, Afghanistan, India, and the Caribbean, Dehring's appointment is the culmination of a meticulous, meritocratic process which included independent experts. His selection reflects CWI's steadfast commitment to attracting top-tier talent to lead West Indies cricket. Dr Kishore Shallow, president of CWI, praised the appointment, saying: “Consistent with the priority to recruit exceptional leadership to drive our mission forward, Chris Dehring represents the best of the best – an innovator, strategist, business magnate and passionate advocate for West Indies cricket. His return as an executive at West Indies cricket signals the dawn of an exciting new era as we work to reclaim our position as a dominant force in world cricket.” Dehring is no stranger to pioneering achievements. As the founder of SportsMax, the Caribbean's first sports television broadcaster, he revolutionized the region's media landscape by showcasing global events such as the FIFA World Cup and the NBA. He also co-founded Jamaica's first investment bank, Dehring, Bunting & Golding, which grew into a financial powerhouse and was eventually acquired by Scotiabank. His entrepreneurial portfolio further includes ReadyTV, Jamaica's first digital broadcast television service, and ReadyNET, the country's first satellite internet provider. In telecommunications, Dehring's leadership at Cable & Wireless Communications was transformative. He served as a member of the senior executive Global Leadership Team responsible for US$3.5 billion in annual revenues while spearheading innovative digital content delivery and expanded access to advanced telecommunications services across the Caribbean and Latin America. His ability to seamlessly integrate commercial strategy with technological advancement has earned him international respect. Dehring's earlier tenure with CWI cemented his legacy as a game-changer for West Indies cricket. As managing director and CEO of ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, he delivered one of the most complex and successful multi-nation sporting events in the Caribbean's history. His leadership resulted in the construction of ten state-of-the-art stadiums, the introduction of groundbreaking fan experiences such as The Mound party stand at Sabina Park, and the implementation of development programs like the Shell Cricket Academy and Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket. Under his guidance, the tournament achieved record-breaking revenues and global viewership, enhancing the Caribbean's reputation as a world-class cricketing destination. Expressing his enthusiasm for the role, Dehring said: “West Indies cricket has always held a special place in my heart. As a unifying force and a symbol of pride for our region, I am honored to return to an organization that holds great significance to our people. Together with the CWI team and stakeholders, I am committed to driving innovation, fostering talent, and reigniting the passion for West Indies cricket, both at home and globally.” Dehring will officially begin his tenure on February 1, 2025. He will be based at Cricket West Indies' headquarters at the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) in Antigua, where he will lead the organization's strategic vision and operational objectives. The post Chris Dehring appointed CEO, Cricket West Indies appeared first on Caribbean News Global . MENAFN16122024000232011072ID1108999968 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Knicks vs. Pelicans Injury Report Today – December 1

Seoul, Dec 22, 2024- Kia, South Korea’s second-biggest carmaker by sales, said on Sunday it will launch the compact SUV “Syros” in India next year to boost sales. Kia, the maker of K5 sedans and Sorento SUVs, unveiled the new model for the first time in India on Sunday. The Syros SUV will be released in two trims, one with a 1.0-liter gasoline turbocharged engine and the other with a 1.5-litre diesel engine, the company said in a press release. Starting with sales in India, Kia plans to introduce the compact car in the Asia-Pacific region, Latin America and the Middle East, it said, reports Yonhap news agency. The new model is equipped with safety features such as the front collision avoidance, lane-keeping assistance, surround view monitor and driver awareness warning systems. The company didn’t provide the vehicle’s price. Meanwhile, Kia India has announced up to 2 per cent price hike across its entire lineup, effective from January 1, “primarily due to rising commodity prices and escalating supply chain-related costs”. “At Kia, we are committed to delivering exceptional, technologically advanced vehicles of the highest quality to our valued customers. However, due to the persistent rise in commodity prices, unfavourable exchange rates, and increased input costs, a necessary price adjustment has become unavoidable,” said Hardeep Singh Brar, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Kia India. Despite these challenges, Kia is absorbing a significant portion of the cost increase, minimizing the financial impact on our customers, so they can continue enjoying their favourite Kia vehicles without major dent on their pockets, he added. Kia has sold 1.6 million units in India and overseas markets combined to date. Its best-selling innovation, Seltos, has surpassed 670,000-unit sales, followed by Sonet with over 480,000 units, Carens with 214,400 units and Carnival with over 15,000 units.(Agency)

Daily Post Nigeria Israel seizes Golan heights buffer zone amid Syrian power shift Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport News Israel seizes Golan heights buffer zone amid Syrian power shift Published on December 8, 2024 By Chris Johnson Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the Israel Defense Forces, IDF, have seized control of the demilitarised buffer zone in the Golan Heights. The move follows the collapse of the 1974 disengagement agreement between Israel and Syria after rebel forces took over Damascus and ousted President Bashar al-Assad. Netanyahu stated that the IDF had entered the buffer zone and surrounding commanding positions, declaring the action necessary to prevent hostile forces from gaining a foothold near Israel’s borders. “We will not allow any hostile force to establish itself on our border,” he said. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Syrian government troops abandoned positions in Quneitra province, part of which lies within the buffer zone, on Saturday. The following day, the IDF instructed residents of five Syrian villages inside the zone to remain indoors until further notice. The Golan Heights, a strategically significant plateau about 60 km southwest of Damascus, has been under Israeli control since the Six-Day War in 1967. Israel unilaterally annexed the area in 1981, a move widely unrecognised except by the United States in 2019. The buffer zone seizure follows the dramatic fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Rebel forces led by the Islamist coalition Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, HTS, captured Damascus early Sunday, declaring Syria “free” on state television. Assad, who ruled Syria for 13 years after succeeding his father, has reportedly fled to an undisclosed location. Netanyahu called the fall of the Assad regime a “historic day” but warned of potential dangers. “The collapse of tyranny in Damascus offers great opportunity but is fraught with significant risks,” he said. He credited Israeli strikes against Iran and Hezbollah as contributing to the regime’s downfall. Netanyahu described the IDF’s occupation of Syrian positions in the buffer zone as a temporary measure until a suitable arrangement is reached. He expressed hope for peaceful relations with the new Syrian leadership but affirmed Israel’s readiness to act defensively if necessary. “If we can establish neighbourly relations and peaceful relations with the new forces emerging in Syria, that’s our desire. But if we do not, we will do whatever it takes to defend the State of Israel and the border of Israel,” Netanyahu said. Israel remains cautious about Syria’s future, particularly concerning the potential proliferation of Assad’s alleged chemical weapons arsenal. The leader of the Syrian rebellion, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, has familial roots in the Golan Heights, where thousands of Israeli settlers and Druze Syrians currently reside. Related Topics: Golan Israel Syrian Don't Miss Syrian Prime Minister Ghazi Al-Jalali escorted by rebels to hand over power You may like Israel accuses Hezbollah of ceasefire breach, fires on Southern Lebanon Israel to appeal ICC arrest warrant for PM Netanyahu, ex-defense chief Israel agrees to ceasefire with Hezbollah Hezbollah fires rocket barrages into Israel following deadly Beirut strikes ICC’s warrant for Israeli PM outrageous – US President backs Israel ‘Israel under Netanyahu different from that of King David in the Holy Bible’ – Fani-Kayode Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd

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ABILENE, Texas (AP) — Sam Hicks scored on a 53-yard run in the fourth quarter and finished with 171 yards on the ground to lead Abilene Christian to a 24-0 victory over Northern Arizona on Saturday in the first round of the FCS playoffs. The Wildcats (9-4), ranked No. 15 in the FCS coaches poll and seeded 15th, qualified for the playoffs for the first time and will travel to play No. 2 seed and nine-time champion North Dakota State (10-2) on Saturday at the Fargo Dome. The Bison had a first-round bye. Abilene Christian grabbed a 7-0 lead on its second possession when Carson Haggard connected with Trey Cleveland for a 37-yard touchdown that capped a 10-play 97-yard drive. Northern Arizona (8-5), ranked 17th but unseeded for the playoffs after winning five straight to get in, picked off Haggard on the Wildcats' next two possessions but could not turn them into points. NAU went for it on fourth-and-goal at the 1-yard line with 9:30 left before halftime, but Jordan Mukes tackled Ty Pennington for a 4-yard loss. That led to a 46-yard field goal by Ritse Vaes and a 10-0 lead at halftime. The score remained the same until Hicks' big run with 10:16 left to play. Haggard passed 6 yards to Blayne Taylor for the final score with 2:16 to go. Haggard completed 23 of 29 passes for 244 yards with three interceptions. Abilene Christian's defense allowed at least 20 points in every game during the regular season and yielded at least 30 six times. The Wildcats lost their season opener to FBS member Texas Tech 52-51 in overtime. Abilene Christian's last shutout came in a 56-0 victory over Lamar on Sept. 25, 2021. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballFootball: Fairview’s title hopes fall short in the semis