James E DeVries , Executive Vice President at Nordson NDSN , reported an insider buy on December 23, according to a new SEC filing. What Happened: DeVries's recent purchase of 1,642 shares of Nordson, disclosed in a Form 4 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday, reflects confidence in the company's potential. The total transaction value is $344,376. At Tuesday morning, Nordson shares are up by 0.11%, trading at $209.53. About Nordson Nordson manufactures equipment (including pumps, valves, dispensers, applicators, filters, and pelletizers) used for dispensing adhesives, coatings, sealants, and other materials. The firm serves a diverse range of end markets including packaging, medical, electronics, and industrial. Nordson's business is organized into three segments: industrial precision solutions, medical and fluid solutions, and advanced technology solutions. The company generated approximately $2.7 billion in revenue in its fiscal 2024. Financial Insights: Nordson Revenue Growth: Nordson's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has been noteworthy. As of 31 October, 2024, the company achieved a revenue growth rate of approximately 12.53% . This indicates a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the company achieved a growth rate higher than the average among peers in Industrials sector. Key Insights into Profitability Metrics: Gross Margin: The company maintains a high gross margin of 54.11% , indicating strong cost management and profitability compared to its peers. Earnings per Share (EPS): Nordson's EPS is significantly higher than the industry average. The company demonstrates a robust bottom-line performance with a current EPS of 2.14 . Debt Management: Nordson's debt-to-equity ratio stands notably higher than the industry average, reaching 0.75 . This indicates a heavier reliance on borrowed funds, raising concerns about financial leverage. Valuation Metrics: A Closer Look Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: With a lower-than-average P/E ratio of 25.81 , the stock indicates an attractive valuation, potentially presenting a buying opportunity. Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: With a higher-than-average P/S ratio of 4.48 , Nordson's stock is perceived as being overvalued in the market, particularly in relation to sales performance. EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation & Amortization): Nordson's EV/EBITDA ratio stands at 17.44 , surpassing industry benchmarks. This places the company in a position with a higher-than-average market valuation. Market Capitalization Analysis: The company exhibits a lower market capitalization profile, positioning itself below industry averages. This suggests a smaller scale relative to peers. Now trade stocks online commission free with Charles Schwab, a trusted and complete investment firm. The Importance of Insider Transactions It's important to note that insider transactions alone should not dictate investment decisions, but they can provide valuable insights. When discussing legal matters, the term "insider" refers to any officer, director, or beneficial owner holding more than ten percent of a company's equity securities, as stipulated in Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This includes executives in the c-suite and significant hedge funds. Such insiders are required to report their transactions through a Form 4 filing, which must be completed within two business days of the transaction. A new purchase by a company insider is a indication that they anticipate the stock will rise. On the other hand, insider sells may not necessarily indicate a bearish view and can be motivated by various factors. Transaction Codes To Focus On When dissecting transactions, the focal point for investors is often those occurring in the open market, meticulously detailed in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 denotes a purchase, while S signifies a sale. Transaction code C indicates the conversion of an option, and transaction code A denotes a grant, award, or other acquisition of securities from the company. Check Out The Full List Of Nordson's Insider Trades. Insider Buying Alert: Profit from C-Suite Moves Benzinga Edge reveals every insider trade in real-time. Don't miss the next big stock move driven by insider confidence. Unlock this ultimate sentiment indicator now. Click here for access . This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Johnson 0-1 0-0 0, Lampkin 7-13 3-3 17, Deck 5-7 2-3 13, Hardaway 3-5 2-4 9, Wooten 9-13 3-6 23, Talley 3-5 0-0 7, Brackens 0-0 0-0 0, Brannon 0-0 0-0 0, McGrew 0-2 0-0 0, Moore 0-1 0-0 0, Price 0-1 0-0 0, Totals 27-48 10-16 69 Augmon 1-2 0-0 2, McFarland 0-1 0-0 0, Blair 4-12 7-7 18, Cooke 2-8 1-2 5, Love 6-16 6-6 19, Bostock 0-4 0-0 0, Chevalier 1-2 0-0 2, Merchant 3-11 1-4 7, Totals 17-56 15-19 53 3-Point Goals_North Texas 5-13 (Deck 1-2, Hardaway 1-2, Wooten 2-5, Talley 1-1, McGrew 0-2, Price 0-1), Houston 4-20 (Blair 3-6, Cooke 0-2, Love 1-6, Bostock 0-2, Chevalier 0-1, Merchant 0-3). Assists_North Texas 17 (Hardaway 5), Houston 3 (Love 2). Fouled Out_None. Rebounds_North Texas 38 (Lampkin 10), Houston 26 (Love 8). Total Fouls_North Texas 18, Houston 18. Technical Fouls_None. A_864.Tiziana Life Sciences: Awaiting Data Of Foralumab For Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
The meeting with Collins was closely watched as she is seen as more likely than most of her Republican Senate colleagues to vote against some of Trump’s Cabinet picks.NATCHITOCHES, La. (AP) — Chris Mubiru had 13 points to lead Northwestern State to a 71-58 victory over North Alabama on Sunday. Mubiru finished 5 of 6 from the field for the Demons (3-4). Jerald Colonel scored 12 points and added six rebounds. Landyn Jumawan had 12 points with two 3-pointers. Jacari Lane finished with 14 points to lead the Lions (4-3). Will Soucie added 13 points and Canin Jefferson scored nine. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by and data from . The Associated PressSeibert misses an extra point late as the Commanders lose their 3rd in a row, 34-26 to the Cowboys
FILE PHOTO: Feb 29, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (TE11) talks to the media during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders was taken to a hospital to be evaluated for a concussion following an injury late in the first half of Sunday's home game against the Kansas City Chiefs. As Sanders was tackled near the sideline after a 10-yard reception, he was flipped upside down and landed directly on the top of his helmet. After receiving attention from the team's medical staff, he was strapped to a backboard and taken off the field on a cart with 40 seconds remaining in the half. On the CBS broadcast following halftime, Panthers head coach Dave Canales said Sanders had movement in all his extremities, while extreme precaution was taken because of back tightness. CBS later reported he had a concussion. The 21-year-old rookie out of Texas had a team-leading three receptions for the Panthers at the half for 49 yards. In 11 games this season, Sanders has 29 receptions for 302 yards and a touchdown. Sanders was a fourth-round selection in the NFL draft in April. --Field Level Media REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel now
Beyond evangelicals, Trump and his allies courted smaller faith groups, from the Amish to ChabadRúben Amorim has said he expects to have the final say on Manchester United transfers despite being handed the title of head coach at Old Trafford rather than manager. Amorim arrived from Sporting CP as part of a revamped structure at the club, which includes sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox. Editor's Picks Rúben Amorim at Man United: Predicting his team, formation, transfers 1d Gabriele Marcotti, Mark Ogden Amorim vows to return Man United glory years 5h Rob Dawson Ipswich-Man United: Time, how to watch, stats, team news 8h ESPN A source has told ESPN that while Amorim will have a voice in recruitment decisions, he will have less influence that predecessor Erik ten Hag and the process will be led by Ashworth and Wilcox . Speaking at his first United news conference on Friday, Amorim insisted it is vital that he signs off any additions and departures. "Everybody has to work together and for that we have to improve the process of recruitment, the data, the profile of players we want," Amorim said. "But I have to have a strong position on that because I am the coach. I know how to play, so I think it's all together but the final word should be the manager. "Not just because it's your right but your responsibility. Because, in the end, the result is to me, so I think it's all together to improve the process of recruitment. "I have a great responsibility when we choose players because this is something that should be done this way. I'm the manager, the head coach, so I have to choose the players." Amorim smiled throughout his first meeting with the media since accepting United's offer and looked relaxed ahead of his first game against Ipswich Town on Sunday. He said that he has "belief" in the players he's inherited despite the team sitting 13th in the Premier League table. However, he accepted that maybe the players have lost belief in themselves after a difficult start to the season under Ten Hag. "That's for sure but this is normal in every team," he said. "When you don't win games, you start to be suspicious of the way of playing. You can understand when they walk to the game or the warm up, you can feel if they are confident or not, so that is a normal thing. "I think I have to help them to feel that. It will take time but they are ready to cope with the demands of the Premier League because they have proved that. "You can see even this year and last year sometimes they have a bad first half and then in the second half without any tactical change, they will turn up and change things. They have to find the mindset to play this way through all the game."
Stephen A. Smith rips Giants execs for Daniel Jones coverage complaintsSaquon Barkley on pace to set Eagles rushing record against Panthers, eyes Dickerson's NFL record PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Saquon Barkley wanted to be a student in team history before he had a chance to make some with the Eagles. Dan Gelston, The Associated Press Dec 5, 2024 2:41 PM Dec 5, 2024 3:05 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, left, avoids a tackle by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Tre'Davious White while scoring a touchdown run during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass) PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Saquon Barkley wanted to be a student in team history before he had a chance to make some with the Eagles. The running back who had just signed with Philadelphia for $26 million guaranteed took a deep dive on some of the franchise’s greats out of the backfield. He learned about Wilbert Montgomery. Brushed up on LeSean McCoy. Barkley then put them in his sights — and this week against Carolina, he could become the top single-season rusher in Eagles history. Get past those two Eagles Hall of Famers and the target narrows: McCoy has a chance to break Eric Dickerson's NFL single-season rushing mark of 2,105 yards, set in 1984. “That's your goal,” Barkley said. “You want to come in here, you want to leave a legacy on a place, on a franchise.” Here's where things stand with Barkley in his pursuit of records: — Barkley has an NFL-best 1,499 yards rushing through 12 games, an average of 124.9 yards per game. At that pace and with one more game to play than Dickerson, he would surpass the NFL mark that's stood for 40 years. — Barkley needs to run for 108 yards against the Panthers to break McCoy's Eagles record of 1,607 yards set in 2013. Montgomery ran for 1,512 yards in 1978. “I'm aware of the things I can accomplish,” Barkley said. “The way I accomplish that is sticking to the script.” The Eagles (10-2) have won eight straight to take control of the NFC East and remain in the hunt for the No. 1 seed in the conference. Barkley — with a little help from Jalen Hurts — has largely led the way and moved into MVP consideration. The former New York Giant also ranks third in the league with 11 rushing touchdowns. It's reasonable to expect Barkley to pile on the yards against Carolina (3-9). The Panthers are 32nd in the league against the run and just allowed Tampa Bay's Bucky Irving to run for a career-high 152 yards last week (he had never broken 100). “It’s incredible what he is doing. The record has stood up for a while. I mean 17 games or 14 games, it’s ridiculous,” Panthers defensive lineman Shy Tuttle said. “It’s a record that has been held for a long time and whoever breaks it, Saquon or someone else, it’s an incredible achievement.” Barkley leads the NFL with four rushing touchdowns of 25-plus yards this season and tied Montgomery for the most 100-yards games in an Eagles season with eight. “You get to see the player on Sundays. We get to see the person every other day during the week,” offensive coordinator Kellen Moore said. “He’s special. At the end of the day, he’s a special teammate, special person. The way he connects with everyone, rallies everyone together. He’s one of the best.” Putting last week behind him Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard is eager to get back on the field and put last week behind him. Carolina’s leading rusher had a costly fumble in overtime last Sunday against Tampa Bay as the Panthers were driving for a potential game-winning field goal, resulting in a 26-23 loss to division rival Tampa Bay. A dejected Hubbard remained on the bench for several minutes after the loss. “You definitely use it as motivation,” Hubbard said. “I have come a long way and I know what it’s like to play great football. That was a big mistake on my end, but I don’t just lose all of the work I have put in because of that one mistake.” Get down, Young man Bryce Young is beginning to show he can be a factor with his legs, scoring on a 10-yard run last week against the Buccaneers. However, Young still receives plenty of good-natured ribbing from his teammates when it comes to his sliding ability, which the QB has previously admitted is limited because he wasn’t much of a baseball player. “He definitely has to work on his slide,” Hubbard said. “He has been making people miss so he hasn’t had to slide like that a lot. I mean I’m not trying to hate on my dog’s slide but it’s just a work in progress. He will be all right.” Oh, those Philly fans Panthers guard Robert Hunt said it’s always interesting playing in Philadelphia because of the team’s passionate fan base. Last year, while Hunt was playing for the Dolphins, he said an Eagles fan attempted to board the Miami team bus. “They have some characters there — some people who don’t really give a damn,” Hunt said. “He was trying to trash-talk us. But he was confident and that is what makes them them.” Hunt said the fan never made it on the bus. “Aw hell no, we would have stomped that boy,” Hunt said with a laugh. “He tried. He was talking his noise. Good for him. I don’t want to say you want a fan base like that, but you want a fan base that cares about the team.” ___ AP Sports Writer Steve Reed in Charlotte, North Carolina, contributed to this report. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL Dan Gelston, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Football (NFL) Giants will try to snap a 7-game losing streak when they host the Saints Dec 5, 2024 3:29 PM Rookie Bucky Irving relishes opportunity to help Buccaneers any way he can against skidding Raiders Dec 5, 2024 3:29 PM The Titans have issues to fix and hope to keep slim playoff hopes alive when they host the Jags Dec 5, 2024 3:20 PMSAN DIEGO , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BSD Builders, Inc. today announced it has received seismic certification from California's OSHPD/HCAi for its state-of-the-art Microgrid Solutions. Developed in partnership with 2G Energy Inc., the BSD Special Seismically Certified (SSC) Microgrid product is set to revolutionize energy resilience and efficiency for all types of buildings. The BSD SSC Microgrid system, consisting of a cogeneration power plant and fuel storage, was initially designed to support California skilled nursing facilities' compliance with California Assembly Bill 2511, which California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law on September 29, 2022 . This bill requires these facilities to have an alternative power source to protect resident health and safety for at least 96 hours during any type of power outage. This microgrid power solution is a self-contained electrical system that can operate independently from the main power grid. With the seismic certification, it is now available for any type of building that needs uninterruptable power. "At BSD Builders, we're passionate about creating solutions that make a difference in people's lives. We have developed a proprietary solution that not only meets but exceeds California's stringent seismic requirements while providing a reliable and efficient source of power, especially during unexpected power loss or natural disasters," said Jeff Blair , CEO of BSD Builders, Inc. "This solution offers long-term benefits not only by lowering utility costs, it can also help to improve the stability of the regional electric grid and reduce carbon emissions." Key features of the BSD SSC Microgrid Solution include: Continuous Parallel Operation and Island Mode : The system is capable of operating continuously in parallel with utility power, as well as in island mode, providing seamless energy transition and reliability. Reduced Utility Costs: The system can reduce utility costs by managing electrical peak demand, preventing spikes that lead to higher charges, and promoting more efficient energy use. Fuel Versatility : The microgrid can be fueled by various energy sources, including hydrogen, natural gas, compressed natural gas, LNG, biogas, renewable natural gas, propane, and syngas, offering unparalleled flexibility and sustainability. Thermal Energy Recovery : The system includes thermal energy recovery, which provides hot water for the facility and enhances overall energy efficiency. Designed for Natural Disasters: The system is seismically certified (California OSHPD/HCAi OSP-0826) and rated for hurricane wind loads up to 150 mph. "2G Energy is proud to partner with BSD on the BSD SSC Microgrid System designing it for a wide range of applications, providing a reliable and cost-effective energy solution for skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, data centers, pharmaceutical labs, research facilities, cold storage units, data centers, and more," stated Darren Jamison , Managing Director of 2G Energy North America. "The design utilizes proprietary technologies to offer clients reduced utility costs and increased reliability. It is designed for continuous parallel operation with the utility as well as stand-alone island mode," concluded Jamison. For more information about the BSD SSC Microgrid System or to schedule a consultation, please visit bsdbuilders.com. About BSD Builders, Inc . - BSD Builders, Inc. is a leading general contractor specializing in the healthcare industry. Focusing on exceeding industry standards and delivering exceptional value to clients, BSD Builders, Inc. continues to set the benchmark for excellence in the construction and energy sectors. About 2G Energy – 2G Energy is a globally recognized leader in the development and production of combined heat and power (CHP) systems. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, 2G Energy provides cutting-edge solutions that optimize energy efficiency and environmental performance. SOURCE BSD Builders, Inc.
Percentages: FG .327, FT .889. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Chief Executive Officer Of Photronics Makes $212K SaleWhen Star Trek first aired in 1966, the idea of a communicator - a handheld device enabling instant communication - was science fiction. Smartphones today make Captain Kirk's communicator look primitive, offering capabilities far beyond what SF imagined. They're not just communication tools today, they're cameras, wallets, health trackers and entertainment hubs. We have entered the Star Trek future. 2024 has been another giant leap in proving that the future is arriving faster than we ever imagined. Consider the world around us. Drones are increasingly being used for agricultural surveys, medical supply deliveries and even disaster management. They have even taken over Indian weddings, buzzing like overzealous relatives to capture cinematic shots worthy of a Bollywood blockbuster. Electric 2-wheelers and e-rickshaws dominate streets. Security cameras are not just for offices and public spaces, they are now common in individual homes. Autonomous vehicles are being tested. I once joked that not even god could navigate India's chaotic roads. But it looks like algorithms have managed to bribe traffic gods. Delivery robots and robot waiters are making appearances, while EVs are gaining traction. Affordable smart devices powered by voice assistants manage lights, fans and even water pumps. Fitness-tracking wearables have become popular. And virtual reality devices are creating new entertainment experiences. Over 50% of retail transactions are now digital, with UPI processing billions of monthly payments. Even small vendors and roadside stalls accept money through QR codes. I won't forget the cheeky panhandler who whipped out a QR code and quipped, 'Arey bhai, no cash? No problem!' Home delivery services have revolutionised convenience, ensuring food and groceries reach doorsteps within minutes. What's most remarkable is the sheer pace of this transformation. Technological progress builds exponentially, with each innovation accelerating the next. Widespread adoption of smartphones, for example, has given rise to industries like digital payments, ecommerce and telemedicine . Initiatives like ' Digital India ' and 'Make in India' have further fuelled this exponential growth. Entrepreneurship Building Your Winning Startup Team: Key Strategies for Success By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Advanced Java Mastery: Object-Oriented Programming Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Finance: Finance Beginner Course By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By - Neil Patel, Co-Founder and Author at Neil Patel Digital Digital Marketing Guru View Program Marketing Future of Marketing & Branding Masterclass By - Dr. David Aaker, Professor Emeritus at the Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley, Author | Speaker | Thought Leader | Branding Consultant View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Entrepreneurship Crafting a Powerful Startup Value Proposition By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Design Canva Magic Write: Ideas to Stunning Slides in No Time By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development C++ Fundamentals for Absolute Beginners By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Tally Prime & GST Accounting: Complete Guide By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Office Productivity Advanced Excel Course - Financial Calculations & Excel Made Easy By - Anirudh Saraf, Founder- Saraf A & Associates, Chartered Accountant View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Leadership Business Storytelling Masterclass By - Ameen Haque, Founder of Storywallahs View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Web Development JavaScript Essentials: Unlock AI-Driven Insights with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Technologies like quantum computing, AI and advancements in biotech are set to revolutionise healthcare, education and manufacturing. These breakthroughs, ranging from AI-driven diagnostics to precision gene-editing tools, promise to redefine industries, solve complex problems and unlock innovative solutions, paving the way for transformative growth and unprecedented opportunities. The possibilities are breathtaking. Autonomous vehicles could reduce traffic congestion and road accidents, especially in densely populated cities. AI-driven diagnostics will make comprehensive healthcare accessible to even the most remote areas - and affordable to the poor. RE projects are fighting climate change while paving the way for energy independence and sustainable growth. Advances in gene editing could eliminate diseases, while entrepreneurs like Elon Musk are working on taking humanity to the heavens. There is, however, a trilemma we face as tech advances: Does this innovation have the potential to benefit everyone equally? What are the risks and unintended consequences? Does it promote autonomy or dependency? These three questions are relevant to technologies like autonomous vehicles, AI-powered diagnostics, promising greater access to healthcare but with potential bias risks, and digital payment systems, transforming convenience, yet raising concerns about inclusivity and security. The choices we make in answering these questions will determine whether the tech we create becomes a force for good or takes down a dark path. The risks are real. Drones, while helpful in delivering life-saving supplies, can be - and, indeed, have been - weaponised or used for invasive surveillance. AI's promise of personalisation can easily turn into manipulation or reinforce biases encoded into its algorithms. The digital divide remains a critical issue. Addressing these challenges will require innovation, regulation and a commitment to ensuring inclusivity. Yet, optimism is warranted. Covid accelerated the adoption of telemedicine and online education, showing how quickly societies can adapt when faced with challenges. In cities and villages alike, the democratisation of information through smartphones and internet connectivity has created opportunities that were unimaginable just a decade ago. Aadhaar demonstrates how digital infra can transform governance and enable financial inclusion for millions. These advancements are opportunities to boldly go where no one has gone before - toward a future that is more just, sustainable and prosperous for all. But achieving this will require vigilance, humility and a steadfast commitment to our shared humanity. Each of us, as citizens and innovators, holds the power to shape a future - whether by learning, building or championing tech that uplifts and unites. Technology must be an enabler, not a divider. As we step into 2025, let us continue to harness the transformative power of technology, working together to build a future where progress uplifts everyone and innovation knows no boundaries. The writer is CEO, Vionix Biosciences
Sorry, Gavin. This time you’re going to have to settle for the bronze.
Newly-crowned Grand Slam of Darts champion Luke Littler continued his red-hot form with a stunning six-leg blitz of world No 4 Rob Cross in the first round of the Players Championship Finals in Minehead. The 17-year-old was in imperious form to dispatch Cross 6-0 in just over 15 minutes. He ensured he was virtually unplayable, averaging 112.73 to begin his campaign - the second highest in the tournament's history. Littler will be joined in round two by defending world champion Luke Humphries who cruised past Gabriel Clemens with a 6-2 win. However many big names will not feature in the next round after a raft of shocks on Friday saw household names including Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price, Stephen Bunting and Chris Dobey knocked out. Trending Van Gerwen in particular languishes in a calendar year without a televised title for just the second time since 2012. The star of the night undoubtedly was once again Littler, for whom there is long way to go as the format is relentless, with multiple matches to negotiate on the Saturday and Sunday. Also See: Stream the Darts and more with NOW World Darts Championship: Latest news Ally Pally sold out after record interest Darts in 2024: Key dates and big events However has shown little sign of slowing down after winning his 10th title of his debut year on the PDC Tour and a third major title of the year, surely setting a marker to be considered one of the favourites for next month's World Championships, live on Sky Sports. Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? Watch every match exclusively live from December 15-January 3 on Sky Sports' dedicated darts channel. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW .
Santa Claus has no need to worry about recent mystery drone sightings over New Jersey, a US Air Force general said Tuesday, as an annual tradition of "tracking" Saint Nick swung into action. General Gregory Guillot's reassurances came as the joint US-Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) reported that Santa and his reindeer were making stops in Russia and Iran after visiting countries further east including Japan, North Korea and Indonesia. Santa's journey this year comes after weeks of mysterious sightings of alleged drones in the US state of New Jersey, sparking worldwide curiosity even as many of the reported incidents were debunked. "Of course we are concerned about drones and anything else in the air," NORAD commander Guillot told Fox News. "But I don't foresee any difficulty at all with drones for Santa this year." NORAD's Santa tracker dates to 1955, when a Colorado newspaper advertisement printed a phone number to connect children with Santa -- but mistakenly directed them to the hotline for the joint military nerve center. The director of operations at the time, Colonel Harry Shoup, answered the phone and quickly realized the child calling had the wrong number. "But (he) didn't want to upset him. So he started talking to the young child and passed along information" on Santa's location, Canadian Air Force Major-General William Radiff, NORAD's current director of operations, told AFP on Tuesday. "And then afterwards, he talked to the rest of the staff there and said, 'please, we're going to get phone calls today... Let's start doing this.'" More from this section The interest has gone global. Last year NORAD's modernized Santa tracker website noradsanta.org -- which includes a 3D map displaying Santa's movements in real time and a ticker showing how many presents have been delivered -- had 20.6 million visits, and more than 400,000 calls were made to the toll-free number, according to Radiff. "We get calls from all across the world and they really want to know where Santa is," he said. When not spreading holiday cheer, NORAD conducts aerospace and maritime control and warning operations -- including monitoring for missile launches from North Korea, something perhaps on Santa's mind as he guided his reindeer-hauled sleigh over Pyongyang. Radiff, embracing the Christmas spirit, said NORAD's infrared-capable satellites could monitor Santa's progress in part because "Rudolph's nose gives off the same signature, so we use that to track him around the world." NORAD "always does a fantastic job helping us keep tabs on Santa's navigational heading and bearing in the skies above," astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second person to ever walk on the Moon, said on social media. Last Christmas, US President Joe Biden joined in the fun at NORAD, taking calls from children. As of midday Tuesday US time, some 2.5 billion presents had been delivered, according to NORAD. bur/nro