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ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has vowed to take decisive action against “future instances of violent protests and disruptive sit-ins.” He underscored that the government would no longer tolerate activities that jeopardise the nation’s economy and stability. Addressing the federal cabinet on Wednesday, the prime minister emphasised a zero-tolerance policy toward those inciting violence. While refraining from explicitly naming Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), he implicitly criticised the party for orchestrating recent demonstrations in the federal capital, which caused widespread disruption. He insisted that such incidents necessitate a more stringent approach to prevent their recurrence. Sharif drew attention to the economic fallout as the protests took place. He spoke about how life in Islamabad and Rawalpindi was paralysed, leaving businesses shuttered and daily wage earners unable to make ends meet. “The turmoil disrupted supply chains, forced factory closures, and left patients in urgent need of medical care stranded due to blocked roads.” The prime minister also highlighted the broader economic ramifications, noting a sharp decline in the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSE), which plummeted by 4,000 points in a single day after reaching a record high of 99,000 points. “These agitators have become adversaries of Pakistan’s progress,” he stated. “Their actions repeatedly derail our economy. Stability fosters business growth and investment, and we must safeguard these principles at all costs.” Sharif also condemned the PTI for disruptive tactics, which he described as a harmful precedent in Pakistan’s political history, citing the 2014 sit-in; a 126-day-long protest that delayed the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping, stalling major projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He also referenced protests during key diplomatic events, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Islamabad, which alarmed foreign dignitaries and tarnished Pakistan’s global image. Even Saudi officials, the prime minister noted, expressed concerns about the instability stemming from political agitation. “This culture of chaos and anarchy is unacceptable,” Sharif said. “No responsible political party in our history has ever stooped to such levels. The PTI’s actions have damaged our international relationships and economic stability, for the sake of personal interests.” The prime minister extended gratitude to law enforcement agencies, including the Islamabad, Punjab, and Sindh police, as well as the Rangers, for their effective handling of recent protests. He singled out the Chief of Army Staff for his crucial support in maintaining order. While affirming the constitutional right to peaceful protest, Shehbaz Sharif stressed that no one has the right to disrupt public life or destroy national assets. He lauded the coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies in dispersing violent demonstrators, restoring calm, and safeguarding citizens. However, he criticised the provincial government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) for neglecting its responsibilities. He accused the KP government of focusing on instigating violence in the federal capital rather than addressing rising insurgency and lawlessness in the province. “While the people of KP suffered from increasing insecurity, their government was busy orchestrating provocations against the federation,” he remarked. Sharif reiterated the need for exemplary punishment for individuals involved in violent incidents, including the May 9 riots. He argued that a lack of accountability emboldened perpetrators, leading to repeated disruptions. “If the culprits of the May 9 riots had faced appropriate punishment, we wouldn’t be witnessing this chaos today,” he said. “The cycle of unrest must end for Pakistan’s future.” Highlighting his government’s efforts to stabilise the economy, which he described as being on a path to recovery despite numerous challenges, Sharif credited the coalition government’s difficult yet necessary decisions for averting a potential default. “Inflation is easing, and we are seeing the fruits of bold, collaborative actions,” he noted, praising coalition partners for prioritising national interests over political considerations. “In the last eight months, we have made significant strides toward economic stabilisation. These achievements are the result of teamwork and determination, not miracles.” “It pains them to see the country stabilising and moving forward,” he added, alleging that the opposition was disheartened by Pakistan’s economic recovery. “It hurts them that Pakistan is stabilising and moving forward,” he said. The prime minister also criticised what he described as PTI’s self-serving political strategies, accusing its leadership of prioritising personal ambitions over national welfare. He claimed that the party’s actions had strained relations with friendly nations and tarnished Pakistan’s reputation. “This is not politics; it is chaos of the worst kind,” Sharif stated. “There is no place for such behavior in a civilised democracy.” He added that PTI’s leadership blatantly disregarded directives from the Islamabad High Court, undermining constitutional norms in their quest for power. In his concluding remarks, the prime minister declared his government’s commitment to ensuring such disruptions do not recur. He emphasised that the administration would take all necessary steps to uphold peace and stability, which are essential for Pakistan’s progress. “We will not allow the country’s stability to be jeopardised, not on our watch or anyone else’s,” he said. “The government’s priority is to focus on building a stronger, more resilient Pakistan, and we will take every step to safeguard this mission.” The prime minister assured the nation that his administration remains dedicated to fostering economic growth, strengthening international relations, and ensuring law and order. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );
European stocks bounced around Monday while US equities shook off early weakness to push higher as investors waited to see if a so-called Santa Claus rally sweeps over the market. Global stock markets had a tumultuous time last week, spiraling lower after the US Federal Reserve signaled fewer interest rate cuts than had been expected for 2025. But it ended on a positive note as traders welcomed below-forecast US inflation data that raised hopes about the health of the world's biggest economy. That helped Asian markets move higher on Monday, but the positive trend faltered in Europe and stumbled initially in the United States. "Another up leg in US yields not only put pressure on stock indices but also drove the greenback higher," said IG analyst Axel Rudolph. But after a sluggish start, US stocks rose progressively in a quiet session with analysts pointing to low pre-holiday trading volumes. "Stocks didn't really have any direction in the morning, then we got this tech rally that just sort of drifted higher all day," said Steve Sosnick of Interactive Brokers. Analysts view elevated Treasury bond yields as a threat to year-end gains in an historically strong period of the calendar. Known as a Santa Claus rally, there are various explanations for the phenomenon including seasonal optimism and end-of-year tax considerations. But there remains some trepidation among investors as Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House, pledging to cut taxes, slash regulations and impose tariffs on imports, which some economists warn could reignite inflation. "The initial response to the US election was positive as investors focused on the obvious tailwinds to profitability: lower corporate tax rates and less regulation," said Ronald Temple, chief market strategist at Lazard. "However, I expect much more dispersion within the equity market when the reality of a much-less-friendly trade environment sets in." In Europe, the FTSE 100 moved higher as the pound slid following data that showed that the UK economy stagnated in the third quarter, revised down from initial estimates of 0.1 percent growth. Official data out of Spain on Monday showed that the Spanish economy grew 0.8 percent in the third quarter as domestic consumption and exports increased, comfortably outstripping the European Union average. In company news, shares in crisis-hit German auto giant Volkswagen lost more than three percent on the back of news Friday that it plans to axe 35,000 jobs by 2030 in a drastic cost-cutting plan. Shares in Japanese auto giant Honda rose over three percent after it announced Monday an agreement to launch merger talks with struggling compatriot Nissan that could create the world's third largest automaker. New York - Dow: UP 0.2 percent at 42,906.95 (close) New York - S&P 500: UP 0.7 percent at 5,974.89 (close) New York - Nasdaq Composite: UP 1.0 percent at 19,764.89 (close) London - FTSE 100: UP 0.2 percent at 8,102.72 (close) Paris - CAC 40: FLAT at 7,272.32 (close) Frankfurt - DAX: DOWN 0.2 percent at 19,848.77 (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: UP 1.2 percent at 39,161.34 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng Index: UP 0.8 percent at 19,883.13 (close) Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 0.5 percent at 3,351.26 (close) Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.0408 from $1.0430 on Friday Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2531 from $1.2570 Dollar/yen: UP at 157.14 yen from 156.31 yen Euro/pound: UP at 83.03 pence from 82.97 pence West Texas Intermediate: DOWN 0.3 percent at $69.24 per barrel Brent North Sea Crude: DOWN 0.4 percent at $72.63 per barrel burs-jmb/jgc
NoneATLANTA (AP) — Already reeling from their November defeats, Democrats now are grappling with President Joe Biden’s pardoning of his son for federal crimes, with some calling the move misguided and unwise after the party spent years slamming Donald Trump as a threat to democracy who disregarded the law. The president pardoned Hunter Biden late Sunday evening, reversing his previous pledges with a grant of clemency that covers more than a decade of any federal crimes his son might have committed. The 82-year-old president said in a statement that his son’s prosecution on charges of tax evasion and falsifying a federal weapons purchase form were politically motivated. “He believes in the justice system, but he also believes that politics infected the process and led to a miscarriage of justice,” said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who along with Biden and other White House officials insisted for months that Hunter Biden would not get a pardon . That explanation did not satisfy some Democrats, angry that Biden’s reversal could make it harder to take on Trump , who has argued that multiple indictments and one conviction against him were a matter of Biden and Democrats turning the justice system against him. “This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later Presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation,” Colorado Gov. Jared Polis wrote of Biden on the social media platform X. “When you become President, your role is Pater familias of the nation,” the governor continued, a reference to the president invoking fatherhood in explaining his decision. “Hunter brought the legal trouble he faced on himself, and one can sympathize with his struggles while also acknowledging that no one is above the law, not a President and not a President’s son.” Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., said on X: “This wasn’t a politically motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies and was convicted by a jury of his peers.” Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet said Biden “put personal interest ahead of duty” with a decision that “further erodes Americans’ faith that the justice system is fair and equal for all.” Michigan Sen. Gary Peters said the pardon was “an improper use of power” that erodes faith in government and “emboldens others to bend justice to suit their interests.” Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., called the pardon “understandable” if viewed only as the “action of a loving father.” But Biden's status as “our nation's Chief Executive," the senator said, rendered the move “unwise.” Certainly, the president has Democratic defenders who note Trump’s use of presidential power to pardon a slew of his convicted aides, associates and friends, several for activities tied to Trump’s campaign and first administration. “Trump pardoned Roger Stone, Steve Bannon, Michael Flynn and Paul Manafort, as well as his son-in-law’s father, Charles Kushner — who he just appointed US ambassador to France,” wrote prominent Democratic fundraiser Jon Cooper on X. Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison said there “is no standard for Donald Trump, and the highest standard for Democrats and Joe Biden.” Harrison pointed to Trump's apparent plans to oust FBI Director Christopher Wray and replace him with loyalist Kash Patel and suggested the GOP's pursuit of Hunter Biden would not have ended without clemency. “Most people will see that Joe Biden did what was right,” Harrison said. First lady Jill Biden said Monday from the White House, “Of course I support the pardon of my son.” Democrats already are facing the prospects of a Republican trifecta in Washington, with voters returning Trump to the White House and giving the GOP control of the House and Senate. Part of their argument against Trump and Republican leaders is expected to be that the president-elect is violating norms with his talk of taking retribution against his enemies. Before beating Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump faced his own legal troubles, including two cases that stemmed from his efforts to overturn his defeat to Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election. Those cases, including Trump’s sentencing after being convicted on New York state business fraud charges, have either been dismissed or indefinitely delayed since Trump’s victory on Nov. 5, forcing Democrats to recalibrate their approach to the president-elect. In June, President Biden firmly ruled out a pardon or commutation for his son, telling reporters as his son faced trial in the Delaware gun case: “I abide by the jury decision. I will do that and I will not pardon him.” As recently as Nov. 8, days after Trump’s victory, Jean-Pierre ruled out a pardon or clemency for the younger Biden, saying: “We’ve been asked that question multiple times. Our answer stands, which is no.” The president’s about-face came weeks before Hunter Biden was set to receive his punishment after his trial conviction in the gun case and guilty plea on tax charges. It capped a long-running legal saga for the younger Biden, who disclosed he was under federal investigation in December 2020 — a month after his father’s 2020 victory. The sweeping pardon covers not just the gun and tax offenses against the younger Biden, but also any other “offenses against the United States which he has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014, through December 1, 2024.” Hunter Biden was convicted in June in Delaware federal court of three felonies for purchasing a gun in 2018 when , prosecutors said, he lied on a federal form by claiming he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs. He had been set to stand trial in September in a California case accusing him of failing to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes. But he agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanor and felony charges in a surprise move hours after jury selection was set to begin. In his statement Sunday, the president argued that such offenses typically are not prosecuted with the same vigor as was directed against Hunter Biden. “The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election,” Biden said in his statement. “No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter’s cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son. ... I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision.” Associated Press journalists Will Weissert aboard Air Force One and Darlene Superville, Mary Claire Jalonick and Michael Tackett in Washington contributed to this report. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. 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Some Democrats are frustrated over Joe Biden reversing course and pardoning his son Hunter
USC QB Miller Moss enters transfer portal after losing starting job to Jayden MaiavaCicero-North Syracuse's Owen Ellis returns a 30-yard punt for a touchdown in Section III's 26-0 win over Section IV on Sunday in the Big 44 Ernie Davis/Floyd Little All-Star Classic at Nottingham High School. Photo provided by Rocco Carbone Kevin L. Smith | ksmith@syracuse.com Four different players scored for the Section III all-star squad in its 26-0 win over the Section IV all-star team on Sunday in the annual Big 44 Ernie Davis/Floyd Little Classic at Nottingham High School. Before the game, Deborah Little — the widow of Syracuse University football legend Floyd Little — provided a speech to Section III’s all-stars and assisted with the coin toss. MORE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL CBA football overwhelms Elmira in quest for Class AA state supremacy: ‘We handled our business’ (47 photos) ‘Just didn’t happen tonight’ for Indian River football against No. 1 Maine-Endwell in Class B regional (39 photos) Whitesboro football returns to state semis with goal-to-go stand in final minute: ‘That’s what we do’ (37 photos) Frankfort-Schuyler cruises past Holley for return to 8-man football final four (55 photos) Dolgeville football breaks through to 1st state semis in 22 years: ‘We’ve finally got it’ (22 photos)
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Japan Commits $5.1 Million to Support Climate-Affected Farmers in ZimbabweThe TOI Entertainment Desk is a dynamic and dedicated team of journalists, working tirelessly to bring the pulse of the entertainment world straight to the readers of The Times of India. No red carpet goes unrolled, no stage goes dark - our team spans the globe, bringing you the latest scoops and insider insights from Bollywood to Hollywood, and every entertainment hotspot in between. We don't just report; we tell tales of stardom and stories untold. Whether it's the rise of a new sensation or the seasoned journey of an industry veteran, the TOI Entertainment Desk is your front-row seat to the fascinating narratives that shape the entertainment landscape. Beyond the breaking news, we present a celebration of culture. We explore the intersections of entertainment with society, politics, and everyday life. Read More 10 best Fried Chicken dishes from around the world Rashmika Mandanna exudes regal elegance in a gorgeous green satin saree Sobhita Dhulipala's ethereal elegance Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala's pre-wedding pictures Kajal Aggarwal exudes timeless beauty in stunning black ensemble This high-protein Tofu Rice is perfect for a healthy winter dinner Janhvi Kapoor is a breath of fresh air with her effortless charm Best Kashmiri suits to choose this bridal season 9 nuts to eat daily for hair growth in winters
Injection Moldings Market Size to be Worth USD 394.3 Billion by 2030, with a Projected CAGR of 5.2%
Waltham, Mass., Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nano Dimension Ltd. (Nasdaq: NNDM) (“Nano Dimension” or the “Company”), a supplier of Additive Manufacturing solutions, today shared its response to a December 20, 2024 lawsuit filed by Desktop Metal, Inc. (NYSE: DM) (“Desktop Metal”) against the Company in the Delaware Court of Chancery alleging Nano Dimension has failed to use its reasonable best efforts to obtain regulatory approval in connection with the merger agreement between the parties dated July 2, 2024 (the “Merger Agreement”). The Company believes the lawsuit is without merit and inconsistent with the terms of the Merger Agreement, particularly with respect to the Company’s right to work through the review process that is under way with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States ("CFIUS"). The Company believes the lawsuit is nothing more than an effort by Desktop Metal to prevent the Company from exercising its rights under the Merger Agreement and to impose deadlines and obligations that are inconsistent with that agreement. The Company intends to vigorously defend itself and preserve its rights under the Merger Agreement. About Nano Dimension Ltd. Nano Dimension (Nasdaq: NNDM) offers a variety of Digital Manufacturing technologies serving customers across vertical target markets such as aerospace and defense, advanced automotive, high-tech industrial, specialty medical technology, and R&D and academia. With its suite of digital manufacturing technologies, Nano Dimension is enabling its customers with prototyping and high-mix-low-volume production, along with IP security, design-for-manufacturing capabilities, and more sustainable means of fabrication. For more information, please visit https://www.nano-di.com/ Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For example, Nano is using forward-looking statements in this press release when it discusses (i) its beliefs regarding the merits of the lawsuit filed by Desktop Metal, (ii) its beliefs regarding the lawsuit with respect to Nano’s rights under the Merger Agreement and (iii) its intention to vigorously defend itself against the lawsuit and preserve its rights under the Merger Agreement. Such forward-looking statements include statements regarding Nano’s future intentions, strategic plan, events or developments that Nano intends, expects, projects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Such statements are based on management’s beliefs and assumptions made based on information currently available to management. When used in this communication, the words “outlook,” “guidance,” “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “should,” “estimates,” “may,” “will,” “intends,” “projects,” “could,” “would,” “estimate,” “potential,” “continue,” “plan,” “target,” or the negative of these words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause the Company’s actual results and performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, we caution you that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, assumptions, estimates and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Because such statements deal with future events and are based on the current expectations of Nano, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Factors and risks that may cause Nano’s actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, (i) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the proposed transaction; (ii) the satisfaction of the closing conditions of the proposed transaction; and (iii) other risks related to the completion of the proposed transaction and actions related thereto. Except as otherwise required by law, Nano undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. References and links to websites have been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such websites is not incorporated by reference into this communication. Nano is not responsible for the contents of third-party websites. Nano Dimension Contacts Investors: Julien Lederman, VP Corporate Development | ir@nano-di.com Media: Kal Goldberg / Bryan Locke / Kelsey Markovich | NanoDimension@fgsglobal.com
WINDSOR, N.S., Ont. — A Nova Scotia support agency for homeless people is holding a memorial service on Dec. 11 for a man found dead last week at the site of an ice fishing tent where he lived in Windsor, N.S. Leslie Porter, director of the Windsor-West Hants Caremongers, says the man in his early 50s was a regular at a warming centre her group operates, adding that her community located 55 kilometres northwest of Halifax doesn't have services, including addictions treatment, that could have helped him. Connie Pollock, a volunteer at Caremongers and a friend of the man, identified him as William (Billy) Walsh and says that prior to becoming homeless he was a welder and — as a younger man — an avid motocross racer. Pollock says Walsh was one week away from being placed in an affordable housing unit in Yarmouth, N.S., when he died. Had he lived in a "physically safer place," she said, "it would have made the world of difference to him." “He was so excited to be able to move into an apartment and to reinvent himself." In recent years, he had become receptive to receiving care, Pollock says, but services in Windsor are lacking. Porter said, “If we had a facility in our area for mental health and addictions counselling, we believe he may have been someone who could have been helped." RCMP have confirmed that a man died Nov. 26 in the community and, while the death was not considered suspicious, an autopsy to determine the cause of death is being conducted by the medical examiner's office. “He was a good citizen . ... and when COVID hit he lost his shop, he lost his apartment, he lost his dignity and ended up on the streets ... and he just turned to social services for assistance a few months ago,” Pollock said. Nova Scotia announced on Oct. 11, 2023, it was investing $7.5 million for a village of Pallet shelters — self-contained units to be used as temporary housing. Pallet shelters have been installed in Halifax and Kentville, N.S., but Pollock and Porter said these aren't available yet in their community. There are almost 530 shelter beds across the province, with about 400 of them in the Halifax Regional Municipality. Kimm Kent, director of Peer Outreach Support Services and Education in Windsor, said, "we need supported housing ... the reality is nobody should be having to sleep outside and not everybody can manage an apartment by themselves." Alyse Hand, a spokeswoman for the Department of Community Services, said in an email that the province is working with municipalities and non-profit support groups to help homeless people. "Our focus is on creating long-term, sustainable housing supports and solutions that meet people where they are," she wrote. In Windsor, she said, the province is working with the Portal Youth Outreach association, which operates six units of supportive housing, and the West Hants Family Resource Centre, where the province funds one full-time housing support worker. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 2, 2024. — Story by Michael Tutton in Halifax. The Canadian Press