SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Even when Penn State quarterback Drew Allar gets some praise, it's usually a backhanded compliment. They say he's a good game manager and stays within himself, or that he doesn't try to do too much. They mention he might not be flashy, but he gives the team a chance to win. And here's the thing about Penn State since Allar stepped under center: The Nittany Lions have won games. A lot of them. Sometimes that's hard to remember considering the lukewarm reception he often gets from fans. "I get it — we have a really passionate fan base and they're a huge part of our success," Allar said Sunday at College Football Playoff quarterfinals media day. "For us, we always want to go out there every drive and end with a touchdown, so when we don't do that, there's nobody more frustrated than us." The polarizing Allar is having a solid season by just about any standard, completing more than 68% of his passes for 3,021 yards, 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions while leading the sixth-seeded Nittany Lions to a 12-2 record and a spot in the Fiesta Bowl for Tuesday's game against No. 3 seed Boise State. People are also reading... But in a college football world filled with high-scoring, explosive offenses, Allar's no-frills performances often are the object of ire. The Penn State offense is a run-first bunch, led by the talented combo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. "If we had a nickel for every time there was a Monday morning quarterback saying some BS stuff, we'd all be pretty rich," offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki said. "I think part of being a quarterback, especially at Penn State but really anywhere, is how you respond to and manage criticism." The 20-year-old Allar has made strides in that department after a trying 2023 season that finished with a 10-3 record. He says that's largely because once fall camp started back in August, he logged off the social media platform X. Allar said negative online experiences wore on him last year, and his phone number was leaked a few times, which added to the stress. He finally realized that controlling outside narratives was impossible, so the best course of action was to eliminate a needless distraction. "I've been more mentally free, as much as that sounds crazy," Allar said. "I think that's been a huge difference for me this year." The biggest criticism of Allar — and really Penn State as a whole during the 11-year James Franklin era — is that he isn't capable of winning the big games. He's 0-2 against rival Ohio State and threw a late interception against Oregon in the Big Ten title game earlier this month, which sealed the Ducks' 45-37 victory. He wasn't great in the CFP's first round, either, completing just 13 of 22 passes for 127 yards as Penn State muscled past SMU 38-10 on a cold, blustery day to advance to the Fiesta Bowl. But the quarterback is confident a better performance — aided by a game that will be played in comfortable temperatures in a domed stadium — is coming. "For me, I just have to execute those (easy) throws early in the game and get our guys into rhythm," Allar said. "Get them involved early as much as I can and that allows us to stay on the field longer, call more plays and open up our offense more. That will help us a ton, building the momentum throughout the game." Allar might be a favorite punching bag for a section of the Penn State fan base, but that's not the case in his own locker room. Star tight end Tyler Warren praised his quarterback's ability to avoid sacks, saying that the 6-foot-5, 238-pounder brings a toughness that resonates with teammates. "He's a football player," Warren said. "He plays quarterback, but when you watch him play and the energy he brings and the way he runs the ball, he's just a football player and that fires up our offense." Now Allar and Penn State have a chance to silence critics who say that the Nittany Lions don't show up in big games. Not that he's worried about what other people think. "I think it's a skill at the end of the day — blocking out the outside noise," Allar said. "Focusing on you and the process and being honest with yourself, both good and bad." Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!
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MUNICH (AP) — Bayern Munich fans protested against Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi during the teams’ Champions League match on Tuesday. The supporters held up several banners making clear their opposition to the Qatari businessman during the first half of Bayern’s 1-0 win. One banner showed Al-Khelaifi’s face with a line over it, another accused him of being “plutocratic” with an expletive, and more banners read: “Minister, club owner, TV rights holder, UEFA ExCo member & ECA chairman all in one?” The 51-year-old Al-Khelaifi is unpopular among the Bayern fans for his influence on European soccer as chairman of the European Club Association, Qatar Sports Investments — the owner of PSG — and the Qatari state-owned BeIN media group. Bayern fans had long protested against their own club’s sponsorship deals with Qatar, which was accused of human rights abuses before it hosted the 2022 World Cup. The fans eventually got their way last year when Bayern’s long-running sponsorship deal with Qatar Airways was not renewed. The Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper reported at the time that the decision came from Qatar, whose emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, was unhappy with the Bayern fans’ constant criticism and the club’s failure to distance itself from their protests. Kim Min-jae’s first-half header was enough for Bayern’s victory, its seventh straight without conceding across all competitions. PSG forward Ousmane Dembelé was sent off early in the second half. Source: APNone‘I want to apologise’: Injury-plagued Saint leaves teammates in stitches with retirement speech
Makkah, a city that sees millions of visitors every year, quietly holds a piece of Hyderabad ’s history that often goes unnoticed. Nestled in the heart of this busy city is the Nizam’s Rubath, a legacy that dates back centuries. Established with the purpose of providing free accommodation for pilgrims traveling from the Deccan region, the Rubath has long been a symbol of Hyderabadi hospitality and philanthropy. Its origins, deeply rooted in the vision of the Nizams, reflect their commitment to supporting their people on this holy journey. The Rubath Nizam Hyderabad in Makkah traces its origins to the mid-19th century during the reign of Afzal-ud-Daula, Asaf Jah V. Recognizing the challenges faced by pilgrims journeying from Hyderabad and surrounding regions to Makkah, the Nizam decided to create a sanctuary for them. While there is no historical evidence to support the number, legend has it that Afzal-ud-Daula established 42 Rubath buildings in 1860 to provide instant relief to those who faced long journeys. Notably, at that time Saudi Arabia was undergoing a financial crisis, as the country had yet to discover the oil reserves that would later transform its economy. The government was struggling to provide adequate facilities to the influx of pilgrims arriving for Hajj. The Nizam’s Rubath proved to be an invaluable resource, offering refuge and much-needed comfort to not only Hyderabadis but visitors from Marathwada and Karnataka. To ensure easy access to the Kaaba, the Rubath was strategically established near the haram. Over time, the Rubath only grew in importance and became a significant symbol of Hyderabad’s connection to Makkah. The Nizam’s Rubath in Makkah today is a blend of tradition and modernity. It continues to be a cornerstone for pilgrims during the Hajj pilgrimage. However, with the expansion of Makkah’s Grand Mosque and urban development, the number of Rubath buildings has significantly decreased and relocated further from the mosque. Today, only three buildings remain with a total capacity of about 1,200 people. Due to the shortage of accommodation, every year a limited number of Hajj pilgrims are selected through a draw. While the property provides modern-day amenities like air conditioning, free WiFi, free laundry, and much more, visitors remain unsatisfied. Speaking to Siasat.com , a doctor from Hyderabad said, “I stayed in the Nizam’s Rubath in Ramadan this year and the management was subpar with issues like maintenance. Though the facilities are decent, they do not reflect the kind of standard one might expect from such an iconic institution.” Another challenge facing Nizam’s Rubath is the expansion of the hospitality industry in Makkah. Despite offering free or subsidized accommodation, Hyderabadi visitors are opting for private hotels that provide better proximity to the Haram, shuttle services, and buffet options, which the Rubath struggles to match. Additionally, online booking platforms have made it easier for pilgrims to secure accommodations tailored to their needs, further reducing reliance on the Rubath. For a young Ruqia Fatima, comfort is the most important when choosing a hotel. “It is fascinating to learn about the Rubath’s history but the practicality of choosing a hotel closer to the Kaaba with better services makes it more appealing which is why I did not opt for the Rubath for my Umrah trip. The lack of information and reviews about the Rubath online also influenced my choice,” she says. It is to be noted that, despite these trends, the Rubath continues to serve as a symbol of Hyderabad’s enduring legacy in Makkah, reflecting a tradition of hospitality that has spanned over a century.
Ange Postecoglou may be forced into starting some of his big-hitters in attack when Tottenham Hotspur face Roma in the Europa League on Thursday. The Spurs manager has used the cup competitions to hand opportunities to the likes of Wilson Odobert , Mikey Moore and Will Lankshear in attack, but all three will be absent when the Giallorossi travel to North London. Odobert remains out with a hamstring injury; a nasty virus will leave Moore out of contention, and Lankshear is serving a one-match suspension following his red card in the 3-2 loss to Galatasaray earlier this month. Brennan Johnson and Son Heung-min both started in Istanbul, and may be forced to do so again, with Richarlison also sidelined until the new year. Dominic Solanke scored off the bench against Gala, and would ideally be allowed a rest in midweek, and the return of Timo Werner could give Postecoglou that option, but Son may also be the one given the night off. While Spurs' backup options in attack are absent, it is their first-choice players who are missing at the back heading into this one, following the news that Guglielmo Vicario will be out for the foreseeable future after undergoing surgery on a broken ankle. That means Fraser Forster should start in Europe again, but will also be required to face Fulham at the weekend, behind Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies , who have replaced Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero . Romero is in contention to return from a toe injury at the weekend, but remains doubtful, while Van de Ven is not expected to be available until mid-December at the earliest. Rodrigo Bentancur should start as this is a rare opportunity for him to get some game time while he serves a seven-game domestic ban, and the two midfield positions either side of him are up for grabs. Lucas Bergvall should also get another run out in the team, while any one of Yves Bissouma , Pape Matar Sarr , Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison could also feature. Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup: Forster; Spence, Dragusin, Davies, Gray; Sarr, Bentancur, Bergvall; Johnson, Solanke, Werner Click here to see how Roma could line up for this Europa League clash.TORONTO, Nov. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rivalry Corp. (the “ ” or “ “) (TSXV: RVLY) (OTCQX: RVLCF) (FSE: 9VK), the leading sportsbook and iGaming operator for digital-first players, is pleased to announce that it has closed the initial tranche of a non-brokered private placement of 12,930,707 units of the Company (the “ “), at a price of $0.15 per Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $1.94 million (the “ “). The Company may complete one or more additional closings, for aggregate gross proceeds (together with the proceeds raised under the initial closing) of up to approximately USD$3 million. Unless otherwise noted, all dollar figures are quoted in Canadian dollars. “This initial tranche of our non-brokered private placement was primarily subscribed to by insiders, family and friends, and long-term shareholders,” said Steven Salz, Co-Founder and CEO of Rivalry. “This commitment and demonstration of support is deeply gratifying as we press ahead into a new chapter for the Company.” Each Unit is comprised of one (1) subordinate voting share in the capital of the Company (each, a “ “) and one-half of one (1/2) Subordinate Voting Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a “ “). Each Warrant is exercisable into one Subordinate Voting Share in the capital of the Company (each, a “ “) at a price of $0.25 per Warrant Share for a period of 12 months from the date hereof, subject to the Company’s right to accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants upon 30 days’ notice in the event that the closing price of the Subordinate Voting Shares is equal to or exceeds $0.50 on the TSX Venture Exchange (or such other recognized Canadian stock exchange as the Subordinate Voting Shares are primarily traded on) for a period of 10 consecutive trading days. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Offering for corporate development and general working capital purposes. The Subordinate Voting Shares and Warrants, and any securities issuable upon exercise thereof, are subject to a four-month statutory hold period, in accordance with applicable securities legislation. The Company has paid an aggregate of $14,953.74 in finder’s fees in connection with the closing of the first tranche of the Offering. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ “), or any applicable state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. 1,333,300 Units were issued to Steven Isenberg, a director of the Company and a “related party” (within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – (“ “)) and such issuance is considered a “related party transaction” for the purposes of MI 61-101. Such related party transaction is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value of the securities being issued to the related parties nor the consideration being paid by the related parties exceeded 25% of the Company’s market capitalization. The purchasers of the Units and the extent of such participation were not finalized until shortly prior to the completion of the Offering. Accordingly, it was not possible to publicly disclose details of the nature and extent of related party participation in the transactions contemplated hereby pursuant to a material change report filed at least 21 days prior to the completion of such transactions. Rivalry Corp. wholly owns and operates , a leading sport betting and media company offering fully regulated online wagering on esports, traditional sports, and casino for the digital generation. Based in Toronto, Rivalry operates a global team in more than 20 countries and growing. Rivalry Limited has held an Isle of Man license since 2018, considered one of the premier online gambling jurisdictions, as well as an internet gaming registration in Ontario, and is currently in the process of obtaining additional country licenses. With world class creative execution and brand positioning in online culture, a native crypto token, and demonstrated market leadership among digital-first users Rivalry is shaping the future of online gambling for a generation born on the internet. Steven Salz, Co-founder & CEO ss@rivalry.com 416-565-4713 investors@rivalry.com Cody Luongo, Head of Communications cody@rivalry.com 203-947-1936 This news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (“forward-looking statements”). All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “achieve”, “could”, “believe”, “plan”, “intend”, “objective”, “continuous”, “ongoing”, “estimate”, “outlook”, “expect”, “project” and similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes or that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management of the Company at the date the statements are made based on information then available to the Company. Various factors and assumptions are applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to and involve a number of known and unknown, variables, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, which may cause the Company’s actual performance and results to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include regulatory or political change such as changes in applicable laws and regulations; the ability to obtain and maintain required licenses; the esports and sports betting industry being a heavily regulated industry; the complex and evolving regulatory environment for the online gaming and online gambling industry; the success of esports and other betting products are not guaranteed; changes in public perception of the esports and online gambling industry; failure to retain or add customers; the Company having a limited operating history; negative cash flow from operations; operational risks; cybersecurity risks; reliance on management; reliance on third parties and third-party networks; exchange rate risks; risks related to cryptocurrency transactions; risk of intellectual property infringement or invalid claims; the effect of capital market conditions and other factors on capital availability; competition, including from more established or better financed competitors; and general economic, market and business conditions. For additional risks, please see the Company’s MD&A dated April 30, 2024 and other disclosure documents available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. No assurance can be given that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Source: Rivalry Corp.
TORONTO, Nov. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rivalry Corp. (the “ ” or “ “) (TSXV: RVLY) (OTCQX: RVLCF) (FSE: 9VK), the leading sportsbook and iGaming operator for digital-first players, is pleased to announce that it has closed the initial tranche of a non-brokered private placement of 12,930,707 units of the Company (the “ “), at a price of $0.15 per Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $1.94 million (the “ “). The Company may complete one or more additional closings, for aggregate gross proceeds (together with the proceeds raised under the initial closing) of up to approximately USD$3 million. Unless otherwise noted, all dollar figures are quoted in Canadian dollars. “This initial tranche of our non-brokered private placement was primarily subscribed to by insiders, family and friends, and long-term shareholders,” said Steven Salz, Co-Founder and CEO of Rivalry. “This commitment and demonstration of support is deeply gratifying as we press ahead into a new chapter for the Company.” Each Unit is comprised of one (1) subordinate voting share in the capital of the Company (each, a “ “) and one-half of one (1/2) Subordinate Voting Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a “ “). Each Warrant is exercisable into one Subordinate Voting Share in the capital of the Company (each, a “ “) at a price of $0.25 per Warrant Share for a period of 12 months from the date hereof, subject to the Company’s right to accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants upon 30 days’ notice in the event that the closing price of the Subordinate Voting Shares is equal to or exceeds $0.50 on the TSX Venture Exchange (or such other recognized Canadian stock exchange as the Subordinate Voting Shares are primarily traded on) for a period of 10 consecutive trading days. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Offering for corporate development and general working capital purposes. The Subordinate Voting Shares and Warrants, and any securities issuable upon exercise thereof, are subject to a four-month statutory hold period, in accordance with applicable securities legislation. The Company has paid an aggregate of $14,953.74 in finder’s fees in connection with the closing of the first tranche of the Offering. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ “), or any applicable state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. 1,333,300 Units were issued to Steven Isenberg, a director of the Company and a “related party” (within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – (“ “)) and such issuance is considered a “related party transaction” for the purposes of MI 61-101. Such related party transaction is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value of the securities being issued to the related parties nor the consideration being paid by the related parties exceeded 25% of the Company’s market capitalization. The purchasers of the Units and the extent of such participation were not finalized until shortly prior to the completion of the Offering. Accordingly, it was not possible to publicly disclose details of the nature and extent of related party participation in the transactions contemplated hereby pursuant to a material change report filed at least 21 days prior to the completion of such transactions. Rivalry Corp. wholly owns and operates , a leading sport betting and media company offering fully regulated online wagering on esports, traditional sports, and casino for the digital generation. Based in Toronto, Rivalry operates a global team in more than 20 countries and growing. Rivalry Limited has held an Isle of Man license since 2018, considered one of the premier online gambling jurisdictions, as well as an internet gaming registration in Ontario, and is currently in the process of obtaining additional country licenses. With world class creative execution and brand positioning in online culture, a native crypto token, and demonstrated market leadership among digital-first users Rivalry is shaping the future of online gambling for a generation born on the internet. Steven Salz, Co-founder & CEO ss@rivalry.com 416-565-4713 investors@rivalry.com Cody Luongo, Head of Communications cody@rivalry.com 203-947-1936 This news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (“forward-looking statements”). All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “achieve”, “could”, “believe”, “plan”, “intend”, “objective”, “continuous”, “ongoing”, “estimate”, “outlook”, “expect”, “project” and similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes or that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management of the Company at the date the statements are made based on information then available to the Company. Various factors and assumptions are applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to and involve a number of known and unknown, variables, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, which may cause the Company’s actual performance and results to differ materially from any projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include regulatory or political change such as changes in applicable laws and regulations; the ability to obtain and maintain required licenses; the esports and sports betting industry being a heavily regulated industry; the complex and evolving regulatory environment for the online gaming and online gambling industry; the success of esports and other betting products are not guaranteed; changes in public perception of the esports and online gambling industry; failure to retain or add customers; the Company having a limited operating history; negative cash flow from operations; operational risks; cybersecurity risks; reliance on management; reliance on third parties and third-party networks; exchange rate risks; risks related to cryptocurrency transactions; risk of intellectual property infringement or invalid claims; the effect of capital market conditions and other factors on capital availability; competition, including from more established or better financed competitors; and general economic, market and business conditions. For additional risks, please see the Company’s MD&A dated April 30, 2024 and other disclosure documents available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. No assurance can be given that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Source: Rivalry Corp.
Amazon is doubling its investment in Anthropic to $8 billion in a deepened collaboration on artificial intelligence, the companies said Friday. The e-commerce and technology behemoth will remain a minority investor in Anthropic, having pumped an initial $4 billion into the artificial intelligence developer late last year and becoming its primary cloud computing provider. "The response from AWS customers who are developing generative AI applications powered by Anthropic in Amazon Bedrock has been remarkable," said Matt Garman, chief of AWS cloud computing division. "We'll keep pushing the boundaries of what customers can achieve with generative AI technologies." Amazon is investing the additional $4 billion in Anthropic as part of an expanded alliance that includes working together on "Trainium" hardware to optimize machine learning, according to the companies. "We're looking forward to working with Amazon to train and power our most advanced AI models using AWS Trainium, and helping to unlock the full potential of their technology," said Anthropic chief executive Dario Amodei. The announcement came just days after Britain's competition regulator cleared Google-parent Alphabet's investment in Anthropic, following a probe. The Competition and Markets Authority concluded that the big tech giant had not acquired "material influence" over Anthropic as a result of the deal, which was reported to have cost $2 billion. The British regulator is one of several global regulators concerned with reining in big tech companies and their partnerships with AI firms. In September, the CMA cleared Amazon's initial investment in Anthropic, saying it did not believe that "a relevant merger situation has been created." gc/mlm10-man Barcelona concedes two late goals in draw at Celta Vigo
First Trust Capital Strength ETF (NASDAQ:FTCS) Shares Acquired by PNC Financial Services Group Inc.Elon Musk’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) company xAI, has raised $6 billion in its latest Series C funding round, according to a filing with the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission. The round saw participation from key investors including A16Z, Blackrock, Fidelity Management & Research Company, Kingdom Holdings, Lightspeed, MGX, Morgan Stanley, OIA, QIA, Sequoia Capital, Valor Equity Partners, and Vy Capital, amongst others. Strategic investors NVIDIA and AMD also participated and continue to support xAI in rapidly scaling our infrastructure. This latest funding brings xAI’s total capital raised to $12 billion, following a prior $6 billion secured in May this year. In a blog post, xAI announced that the funds secured earlier this year will be used to take its first products to the market, build advanced infrastructure, and accelerate the research and development of future technologies. Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 16 (Feb 10 – May 3, 2025 ) opens registrations; register today for early bird discounts. Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations here. Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and i nvest in Africa’s finest startups here . The company also announced plans to hire numerous roles of talented individuals to join a small team focused on making a meaningful impact on the future of humanity. Since the announcement of the Series B in May 2024, xAI has made significant technical progress and shipped a multitude of key initiatives including: With the recent Series C investments raised, xAI disclosed that the funds will be used to further accelerate its advanced infrastructure, ship groundbreaking products that will be used by billions of people, and accelerate the research and development of future technologies enabling the company’s mission to understand the true nature of the universe. Recently, the company launched a standalone iOS app for its chatbot, Grok, expanding its usage. The app which was previously exclusive to X (formerly Twitter) users, is now available in beta version in Australia and other select regions, offering advanced generative AI capabilities. Notably, xAI’s most powerful model yet, Grok 3, is currently training and the company is focused on launching innovative new consumer and enterprise products that will leverage the power of Grok, Colossus, and X to transform the way humans live, work, and play.PV Sindhu, the renowned champion of Olympic badminton, tied the knot with Venkata Datta Sai on the festive day of December 22, 2024. Their love story, which interestingly sparked mid-air during a flight, was jubilantly celebrated. Published: December 25, 2024 6:32 PM IST By Edited by Noteworthy Indian Olympian, PV Sindhu, renowned for bagging two Olympic medals, recently tied the knot with Venkata Datta Sai, a top-tier official at Posidex Technologies, located in Hyderabad. Their intimate wedding ceremony took place on December 22, 2024. Sindhu, who achieved silver medals during 2016’s Rio Olympics as well as Tokyo’s 2020 Games, holds the title of the most successful Indian badminton player. A couple of days post their matrimony, she took to social media sharing the joy of her nuptials, punctuated by a gallery of beautiful wedding pictures and a love-filled emoji. Furthermore, Sindhu delved into their blossoming love story in an interview that followed. According to a report by Vogue India, their love story started serendipitously on an airline flight in October 2022. “Everything changed when we reconnected on a flight,” PV Sindhu said. “That journey brought us closer, and it felt like the stars aligned. It was almost like love at first sight, and from that moment on, everything just felt right.” Sindhu revealed the personal elements and intimacy inherent in their engagement. “Our engagement was a deeply intimate affair, attended only by those closest to us,” Sindhu added. “It wasn’t about grandeur, but about celebrating this milestone with the people who truly matter. The moment was emotional, meaningful, and something we will cherish forever.” The star shuttler also revealed how she and Sai chalked the wedding. “Planning our wedding was a beautiful yet challenging journey,” reflects Sindhu. “Despite my demanding schedule as a professional athlete, I had a clear vision of what I wanted for our big day and planned every detail meticulously. Datta, on the other hand, made sure my dreams came to life by managing the execution seamlessly. Together, we ran a tight ship and ensured that every aspect of the wedding reflected our story and personalities.” For breaking news and live news updates, like us on or follow us on and . Read more on Latest on . Topics
Octave also added five rebounds for the Seawolves (4-8). Ben Wight shot 4 of 7 from the field and 3 for 3 from the line to add 11 points. CJ Luster II shot 3 for 8 (2 for 5 from 3-point range) and 3 of 3 from the free-throw line to finish with 11 points. Kellen Tynes led the way for the Black Bears (8-6) with 15 points, four assists, four steals and two blocks. Jaden Clayton added 15 points, four assists and three steals for Maine. AJ Lopez finished with 13 points and four assists. Stony Brook went into halftime leading Maine 34-30. Octave put up 10 points in the half. Octave led Stony Brook with 14 points in the second half as his team was outscored by two points over the final half but held on for the victory. Both teams next play Sunday. Stony Brook visits Albany (NY) and Maine plays Boston University at home. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Former Minister and senior BRS MLA T Harish Rao castigated the Congress government in Telangana over surge in crime rate at a disturbing rate of 22.5 per cent over last year. He pointed out a 28.94 per cent increase in rape cases, with 2,945 incidents recorded in a year averaging eight per day. He said kidnapping and abduction cases have shot up by 82 per cent, which is shameful. “Women’s safety and dignity are at high risk. Public safety under the Congress government is in shambles. This reflects a severe governance failure,” he said. Responding to the annual crime report of the Telangana police on Sunday, Harish Rao raised concern over the State’s deteriorating law and order, citing unresolved heinous crimes such as the murders of retired bank manager Gangareddy and his wife in Amberpet, and BRS leader Sridhar Reddy – both occurring months ago with no arrests till date. “Over 163 major cases remain unsolved, and financial frauds worth Rs 10 crore (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); lack recovery or detection,” he said. He noted that Telangana’s crime detection rate has dropped to a dismal 31 per cent, worse than Bihar’s 39 per cent. “The critical first week after a crime is wasted, leaving victims without justice, while criminal roam free. The police inaction is alarming,” he said. The senior BRS legislator stated that despite the expertise of Telangana police, the governance failure under Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, who also handles the Home Ministry, is evident. Instead of addressing public safety and justice, he said the Congress government is using police resources for political vendettas, stifling dissent, and harassing opposition voices on social media. For effective policing, Harish Rao suggested for release of the funds to the police department on time, strengthen the force, and focus on crime prevention and ensure swift justice. “Telangana deserves leadership that values safety over petty politics,” he asserted.The Biggest GPU Launch Yet! New NVIDIA Gaming Cards Set to Drop