kijiji 0 The concept of smart homes has taken the world by storm, and India is no exception. With advancements in technology and an increasing demand for convenience, the market for smart home devices has grown exponentially. In 2025, these devices are smarter, more intuitive, and deeply integrated with our daily lives, offering solutions for security, entertainment, energy management, and more. In this blog, we explore the top 10 best smart home devices in India, helping you choose the perfect additions to make your home smarter, safer, and more efficient. Why Smart Home Devices Are Essential in 2025 Smart home devices are no longer luxuries but necessities in modern living. These gadgets simplify everyday tasks, enhance home security, and provide greater control over your surroundings. By integrating technologies like AI, IoT, and voice assistants, they empower users to create personalized and connected living spaces. The Indian market has seen a surge in smart home adoption, driven by affordable devices, better internet connectivity, and the growing importance of home automation. Top 10 Smart Home Devices in India 2025 1. Amazon Echo Show 15 The Amazon Echo Show 15 is more than a smart speaker—it’s a central hub for your smart home. With a large touchscreen, it allows you to control connected devices, watch videos, check your schedule, and even monitor your smart cameras. Alexa integration makes it intuitive and user-friendly. 2. Google Nest Hub Max A perfect combination of a smart display and home hub, the Google Nest Hub Max offers seamless control of your smart devices. It comes with a built-in camera for video calls and advanced gesture control, making it a must-have for home automation. 3. Philips Hue Smart Lighting Lighting is a key component of any smart home, and Philips Hue leads the pack. These lights can be customized to match your mood or schedule, offering millions of color options and compatibility with major smart assistants. 4. Xiaomi Mi Smart Security Camera Affordable yet feature-rich, the Xiaomi Mi Smart Security Camera offers 360-degree coverage, night vision, and AI motion detection. It’s perfect for enhancing home security without breaking the bank. 5. Samsung SmartThings Hub Samsung’s SmartThings Hub is an all-in-one solution for connecting and controlling smart devices from different brands. Its user-friendly app and compatibility with a wide range of devices make it a top pick for building a connected home ecosystem. 6. Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Combining air purification with heating and cooling, the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool is a smart device that improves indoor air quality while keeping you comfortable. It comes with app control and real-time air quality monitoring. 7. Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P Keeping your home clean has never been easier with the Mi Robot Vacuum-Mop P. This smart cleaning device offers precision mapping, powerful suction, and mopping functionality, all controlled via a smartphone app. 8. August Smart Lock Pro Enhance your home’s security with the August Smart Lock Pro. This device allows you to lock and unlock your doors remotely, monitor activity, and integrate seamlessly with smart assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. 9. Wipro Smart Plug The Wipro Smart Plug is a cost-effective way to make your home smarter. It allows you to control appliances remotely, set schedules, and monitor energy consumption. This small but powerful device is perfect for automating everyday tasks. 10. Hikvision Video Doorbell The Hikvision Video Doorbell enhances your home’s security by providing real-time video feeds and two-way communication. Its motion detection and smartphone alerts ensure you never miss a visitor, even when you’re away. How to Choose the Right Smart Home Devices When investing in smart home devices, consider the following factors: 1. Compatibility Ensure the device is compatible with your existing ecosystem, whether it’s Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit. 2. Ease of Use Opt for devices with intuitive apps and easy setup processes to avoid frustration. 3. Security Features With connected devices, security is paramount. Look for features like end-to-end encryption and regular firmware updates. 4. Scalability Choose devices that can grow with your needs, allowing you to expand your smart home network over time. 5. Price vs. Features Evaluate the features offered against the price to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. Trends Shaping Smart Home Technology in 2025 The future of smart home devices lies in enhanced connectivity, personalization, and sustainability. Here are some key trends: 1. AI Integration Artificial intelligence is making smart devices more intuitive, enabling them to learn user preferences and automate tasks seamlessly. 2. Energy Efficiency With rising energy costs, devices that help monitor and reduce consumption are becoming increasingly popular. 3. Sustainability Eco-friendly smart devices made from sustainable materials are gaining traction as consumers become more environmentally conscious. 4. Interconnectivity Smart devices are now better at communicating with one another, creating unified ecosystems that work together effortlessly. 5. Health Monitoring Smart home devices are expanding into health monitoring, offering features like air quality analysis, sleep tracking, and fitness integration. The Future of Smart Homes in India India’s smart home market is set to grow rapidly in the coming years, driven by increasing awareness and the availability of affordable technology. Urban centers are leading this transformation, with homeowners embracing automation to enhance their quality of life. As more players enter the market, competition will drive innovation, resulting in devices that are more affordable, feature-rich, and accessible to the average consumer. Conclusion Smart home devices are transforming the way we live, offering unmatched convenience, efficiency, and security. The top 10 smart home devices listed above represent the best of what 2025 has to offer in India, catering to various needs and budgets. Whether you’re looking to enhance your home’s security, automate daily tasks, or simply enjoy a more connected living experience, these devices are worth considering. By embracing smart technology, you’re not just upgrading your home; you’re investing in a lifestyle that’s future-ready, sustainable, and tailored to your needs. Make the smart choice today and experience the wonders of a truly connected home!NEW YORK, Dec. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Match Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: MTCH) between May 2, 2023 and November 6, 2024, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”), of the important January 24, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action first filed by the Firm. SO WHAT: If you purchased Match Group securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Match Group class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=12766 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 24, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Match Group materially understated the challenges affecting Tinder and, as a result, understated the risk that Tinder’s monthly active user count would not recover by the time Match Group reported its financial results for the third quarter of 2024; and (2) as a result, defendants’ statements about Match Group’s business, operations and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Match Group class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=12766 call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. ------------------------------- Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com

Tweet Facebook Mail Would-be troublemakers are being warned of a massive police presence at Sydney's New Year's Eve party, with officers ready to crack down on bad behaviour. NSW Police said the biggest operation of the year was launching today ahead of celebrations across Sydney and the state. A particular focus will be the Sydney Harbour foreshore, where thousands are expected to gather for the annual holiday celebration and fireworks display. LIVE UPDATES: Injury rocks Aussie camp with Test set to explode  Crowds gather at Mrs Macquarie's Chair to watch the fireworks during New Year's Eve celebrations. (Getty) Police said officers from every area command and district around the state would be on duty, along with specialist officers including mounted police and riot police. Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said both uniformed and plain-clothed police would be on patrol. "We want everyone to enjoy their New Year's Eve celebrations in a safe and responsible way," McKenna said. READ MORE: Experts weigh in as questions remain over South Korea plane crash  Thousands are expected to attend Sydney's festivities. (Dion Georgopoulos) "People planning on coming to the city for free vantage points are urged to get in early to avoid missing out. "If a location becomes full, do not attend and find an alternative location. "We ask people to drink responsibly, know their limit and avoid starting 2025 in the back of a police truck." The public is encouraged to leave their car at home and use public transport as there will be major road closures and special event clearways in place throughout the CBD on New Year's Eve and into New Year's Day. READ MORE: Man charged after gunshot fired at NSW Central Coast unit  Foty Family employees load firework barges at Glebe Island. (Dominic Lorrimer) Police will be travelling on trains, light rail, metro, buses, and ferries, watching for criminal and anti-social behaviour, including anyone drinking alcohol. "It is illegal to drink alcohol on public transport," McKenna said. "Don't ruin a good night out for yourself or others with foolish behaviour that you will come to regret." People are also reminded that a licence is required to purchase or use fireworks, with heavy penalties for lawbreakers. Police will be highly visible around Sydney. (Dion Georgopoulos) Maritime police will also watch for illegal behaviour on the water. "The same drink-driving rules apply on the water as they do on our roads," McKenna said. "Boaters should make sure they have all the necessary safety and emergency equipment. "Specialist police will conduct drug and alcohol testing, as well as compliance checks on vessels, so please be smart and safe." Sun, celebration, sadness: Christmas in Australia and around the world View Gallery Transport for NSW coordinator-general Howard Collins encouraged people to make an early New Year's resolution to catch public transport to and from their December 31 celebrations and take the stress out of the evening. "As always we will have thousands of extra public transport services – that's extra trains, buses and light rails – but on top of all that, this year for the first time we have Sydney Metro online from Tallawong to Sydenham, with services running throughout the night," Collins said. "This is Transport's busiest two days of the year, operating round the clock for almost 48 hours to move Sydneysiders and visitors to and from New Year's celebrations, family events, shopping in the sales and all the other great things to do." DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP : Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play .Jimmy Carter dead at 100: Longest-living former US president passes away 40 years after serving in White House

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. (AP) — Ketron Shaw scored 30 points to lead Maryland Eastern Shore past Bryn Athyn 91-65 on Saturday. Shaw also contributed seven rebounds and six assists for the Hawks (2-11), who ended a seven-game slide with the win. Chris Flippin added 22 points and five rebounds. Evan Johnson had 14 points. Isaac Marshall and Jalen Cary both scored 15 to lead the Lions. Jalen Parker had 14 points, two steals and two blocks. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .The was rated as a strong one last spring, a bunch of potential game-changers. And now that the fantasy football season is all but complete, we can emphatically give the final conclusion. The kids are alright. Rookies splashed all over TV screens in the fantasy football finals, intent on delivering championships to managers who believed in youth over experience. as the early Sunday window closed, with 12 games in the books. Malik Nabers (7-171-2 good for 32.6 fantasy points) ranked as the WR2 for the week, Ladd McConkey (9-84-2 for 25.4 points) the WR7. Jalen McMillan (5-51-2 for 20.5 points), Brian Thomas Jr. (7-91-1 for 20.4 points) and Xavier Worthy (8-79-1 for 18.9 points) were all in a row, holding down the 10-11-12 spots, respectively. Heck, even Marvin Harrison Jr. (6-96-0) had a solid game from Saturday, while Keon Coleman (3-27-1) . Thomas and Nabers were college teammates at LSU (along with another super rookie, QB Jayden Daniels), and the Thomas vs. Nabers fantasy draft debate should be a fun one next year. Thomas has been remarkably productive and consistent this year despite mediocre quarterback play from Trevor Lawrence and Mac Jones (to be fair, the touchdown Thomas caught on Sunday ). The New York quarterback situation has held Nabers down at times, although Drew Lock had his good stuff in Sunday's upset of Indianapolis. The Giants are sure to draft a signature quarterback next year. Nabers and Thomas could push into Round 1 of 2025 drafts Nabers, of course, went . But it was Thomas who was the . Given what Thomas overcame this year, I give him the slight edge over Nabers in 2025, but it's a tiny difference. They might go back-to-back in a lot of leagues. For now, I figure they'll land somewhere around the Pick 12-13 turn, but I wouldn't be shocked if they become even pricier than that. Forget landing them in Round 3, that's not going to happen. McConkey will be a fantasy building block in Year 2 McConkey's was doubly stinging for the Patriots, who traded the pick that became McConkey to the Chargers back in April, then shortly after selected one of the rookie flops of the year, WR Ja'Lynn Polk. McConkey's true upside was likely shielded at Georgia, where he and TE Brock Bowers didn't get to play in weekly shootouts. Does McConkey have potential Cooper Kupp upside down the road? It sure seems like the rookie is constantly open. He feels like a perfect Round 3 pick next year. Worthy's stock on the rise The flow of Worthy's rookie season was similar to how the Chiefs handled Rashee Rice last year — soft-pedal things early, then turn it on late. Of course, Worthy and Rice play much different roles, but the cadence of their seasons was similar. I suspect Worthy probably lands around Round 5 in 2025 drafts. Bucs' offseason decisions will impact McMillan McMillan was slow to earn fantasy trust from managers, as he finally climbed over the 50% rostered tag late this week. But with two touchdowns Sunday, that gives him six spikes in his last four games, part of the reliable Tampa Bay carnival. It will be interesting to see how Tampa Bay handles Chris Godwin, a pending free agent, after the season. If Godwin doesn't return, McMillan probably makes sense around Rounds 5-6. With Godwin back, it's a trickier call. The Buccaneers might also lose OC Liam Coen, who's been brilliant with the play sheet. Harrison, you ask? I suspect Harrison is a third-round pick next year — a bet on the talent, even if you don't trust the infrastructure. Kyler Murray and Harrison never completely worked out the kinks. Two other non-quarterback rookies deserve a Week 17 nod as we complete this look-ahead. Bucky Irving, star in the making Bucky Irving grabbed the RB3 slot in championship week on the strength of 190 total yards against the Carolina sieve. He basically threw Rachaad White out of the way in the Tampa backfield — Irving collected 20 carries and 24 touches compared to six and seven, respectively, for White. I don't think White is a bad player but Irving sure looks like a special one. Sounds like Irving might be a second-round pick next year, no later than Round 3. Brock Bowers is the new TE1 Bowers, of course, rewrote all those rookie tight end rules that Sam LaPorta worked on a year ago. Bowers came on late in Sunday's win over the Saints, securing all of his targets for a solid 7-77-0 line. His touchdown count of four is a little light, but consider the limited quarterbacks he's been playing with. And let's also acknowledge on the all-time rookie TE yardage chart, albeit Bowers had the benefit of a thicker schedule. Kyle Pitts once challenged that Ditka yardage record, falling just short. Pitts has been a maddening fantasy player since, but Bowers looks like something that will last. Maybe the Raiders upgrade at QB, maybe not, but I don't think it matters. Bowers should be the first tight end selected next year, figuring that will be Round 2-3 in pretty much every league.

As the Nigeria Premier Football League board battles another case of violence among clubs in the Nigerian topflight, ABIODUN ADEWALE writes on the need to avoid foot-dragging while dealing with issues that should have no place in Nigerian football Another season and yet again, another case of violence in the Nigeria Premier Football League. It’s been over a week since a video showed Rivers United officials being assaulted during their visit to Nasarawa United for an NPFL match-day 18 game on Sunday, December 22, and it just begins to seem like something really happened at the Lafia City Stadium. The NPFL board called for an inquest into the matter on Saturday, December 28 – six days after the incident – and that further provoked the thought of enabling the barbarism on display in the said video, more than it suggested that the league body needed time to investigate or listen to both parties. In the video that was circulated by the former media officer of Rivers United and now Special Assistant to the Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Sammy Wejinya – who was the victim – he was rounded by several persons within the VIP stand of the stadium and visibly keeping his calm even while looking irritated until he was wrestled to the ground in the chaotic atmosphere. As kicks and blows flew at the stand, chairs were also pelted at the spot where Wejinya was standing and it appeared another person was getting hits from some irate fans in front of him. In between the two spots was the Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Chris Green, who was also confused as he turned around, not knowing whom to pacify or save before eventually wriggling out of the chaotic scene. Amid the pandemonium, there were motionless individuals within the VIP stand while some made frantic efforts to restrain some of the irate fans. What followed was a chronicle of woes by Wejinya, which was swiftly countered by Nasarawa United. According to Wejinya, that chaos began when he reacted to a missed chance by their team, Rivers United in the closing stages of the game – a gesture which presumably didn’t go down well with the hosts with the score locked at 1-1. “As I screamed and put my hands on my head at that missed opportunity by Rivers United, several Nasarawa United fans who were beside and behind me at the VIP stand of the stadium immediately asked me to shut my mouth. I was taken aback and moments later, these irate fans descended on me and gave me the beating of my life,” Wejinya wrote. “At that moment, I thought about my wife and two young daughters. “My life flashed before my eyes and I wondered if coming to the stadium to watch a football club I love (Rivers United FC) was worth my life. It was a sorry and scary sight. I pleaded with the fans and begged for my life but they wouldn’t listen.” The hosts had a response for every line in Wejinya’s statement, describing the incident as a “minor altercation.” “Our fans had been exemplary in their behaviour throughout the game, cheering and applauding our team all along,” Nasarawa United said in a statement sent to The PUNCH by the club’s media officer, Eche Amos. “Unfortunately, a minor altercation occurred between Sammy Wejinya who was seated in the midst of the stronghold of the local fans, as he was heard loudly cheering his side. Upon noticing the situation, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nasarawa State, and other key stakeholders, including the stadium security personnel, swiftly waded in to rescue the situation as normalcy eventually returned and Sammy Wejinya and the aforementioned members of Rivers State’s delegation were escorted out of the stadium,” the statement read in part. However, in a chat with The PUNCH, Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Chris Green, noted that the presence of Nasarawa State officials could not stop the fans from descending on Wejinya, the Rivers United general manager Okey Kpalukwu and himself until their attached security aides came to their rescue. “Help did not come from anywhere. The only thing that gave us respite was our security men that we normally travelled with. They shot teargas and a few of them scampered, that was when we were able to carry Sammy out of the place. We didn’t eventually know when the match ended,” Green told The PUNCH. “For us, we were treated for minor injuries but Sammy was admitted to our medical facility and had to go for further tests for his eyes and others. My driver also left with swollen hands because he was trying to pick up Sammy’s phone when it fell.” Regardless of who tried to portray their stories in the proper light between both parties, the scene in that video was barbaric and should no longer have a place in popular stands, let alone a VIP stand. Particularly, it raises questions about security and access to certain areas within the stadium. “I’m still in pains,” Wejinya told The PUNCH. “I have pains in my ribs and I can’t stretch or turn properly. Over 20 persons pounced on me. This happened in broad daylight and they are saying this is a slight disturbance. I could have been killed.” Although Nasarawa United said they provided 70 security personnel including 30 police officers, the ones on the sidelines were rather looking helpless while havoc was being wreaked in the VIP stand and objects were thrown onto the pitch as well. Related News NPFL: In-form 3SC beat Rangers in Enugu 3SC stun Rangers in Enugu, as Remo Stars regain NPFL leadership NPFL: Musa fit for Tornadoes clash With the NPFL inquest set to be held on January 10 in Abuja, the league body has said it is in a bid to safeguard the integrity of the league. “The NPFL is opening an inquest to establish facts, identify causes and determine action to take on the matter,” the league body said in a statement on Saturday. “Both clubs are required to submit detailed reports of the incidents on the match-day to include actions taken by officials of the clubs, security arrangements as well as other relevant information not later than January 5, 2025. “Representatives of the clubs are also to appear in person at the inquest, including individuals from both clubs responsible for disparaging write-ups in the media to provide further clarification on their statements. Also, match officials, Musibaudeen Ibrahim (referee), Ikenna Okerulu (first assistant referee) and Godfrey Mamman (match commissioner) are to appear in person to give an account of the events of the match. The match officials are expected to provide further clarification on their reports, and actions taken during the match.” Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL, Davison Owumi, further told The PUNCH that the procedure was delayed by the incoherence of reports on the incident. “We don’t take our verdicts from social media. We take our verdicts from the match officials, including the referee and match commissioner. If need be, we will get more evidence from other sources until we get an assemblage of the full reports. Since we have conflicting reports, we need to have the inquest,” Owumi said. “Once there is a delay in getting the necessary reports, we can’t just go out for the sake of being timely.” Without playing down the need for fairness on the part of the league body, condemning the act that was displayed in the video would have done more good than the silence before the inquest. Thankfully, there was no casualty but everything in the video, even without showing the state of the victims, suggested it could have been worse. Nasarawa United aren’t strangers to breaches of NPFL rules with one of their players and media director getting the stick under the defunct League Management Company in 2019 over an attack on a referee. One of their forwards in 2019, Paul Komolafe, was handed a one-year ban for assaulting match officials during a top-flight game against Plateau United just the team’s equipment manager, Aliyu Mohammed Hamzat, was been banned for life from all NPFL match venues and activities for the same offence. The North Central club were also asked to play their games behind closed doors for an indefinite period and given 10 days to pay a fine of N4.2m for breaches of league rules. In the last couple of seasons, similar offences in the NPFL have cost teams fines and three points deduction and this might be the season Nasarawa United will take the hit. This season alone, Plateau United and Bendel Insurance have been docked three points over the club’s supporters’ attack on match officials. In 2023, Wikki Tourists and Bayelsa United also served the same punishment with the former eventually relegated to the second tier. But in cases like this and many others that have happened in the past, how much succour can a three-point deduction from the erring team or financial compensation to the victims provide, if a life was lost? That is even if the fines and compensations were dutifully enforced. For instance, in 2022, a journalist Tobi Adepoju was beaten in Ibadan after a southwest derby game between 3SC and Remo Stars and the media officer of 3SC, Tosin Omojola, said audaciously on live radio that there would have been no repercussions if Adepoju was killed in the incident. It’s almost certain that Nasarawa United would be punished, but it remains to be seen how grave it would be. There are feelers that Rivers United fans might be gunning for a revenge in the reverse fixture against the Lafia-based side but Green says the club will do whatever it takes to prevent their fans from joining issues with any opponents while they await the verdict of the league body. “We try not to allow these things to get here (Port Harcourt). Our supporters were there and they tried to come to our rescue. Now you can imagine the orientation they will have. Theirs will just be about retaliation and it will take a lot of efforts from us to reeducate them against that,” Green told The PUNCH. “We have installed cameras around the stands at our stadium and we won’t allow our fans to go the way of their people. We should not live like barbarians. It’s inhuman and condemnable. “The general manager has filed our report and we are waiting to hear from the league body,” he said..Lakeland Industries: Fiscal Q3 Earnings Snapshot

Brock Purdy and Nick Bosa are not available for the San Francisco 49ers when they enter Green Bay with designs on finding their finishing kick on Sunday afternoon. Purdy is out with a right shoulder injury and won't leave the sideline at Lambeau Field, head coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday, when he also declared Bosa out and confirmed journeyman Brandon Allen would make his 10th career start at quarterback. "Outside of here people haven't seen a lot of Brandon. But it's his second year (with the 49ers)," Shanahan said. "Obviously guys want Brock up, but guys are excited to see Brandon play." Shanahan said the 49ers are "a little surprised" Purdy experienced tightness and discomfort in his shoulder after an MRI exam on Monday that showed no long-term cause for concern. "The way it responded this week, it's really up in the air for next week," Shanahan said of Purdy's long-term prognosis. Allen's last NFL start on the road was with the Bengals at the Ravens in 2020. Allen completed 6 of 21 passes for 48 yards with two interceptions. He finished with a passer rating of 0.0 in a 38--3 loss. "It's definitely an opportunity for me to go out and play well and put our guys in a good position to win the game," Allen said Friday. "And obviously we want Brock back and healthy and all that, but for time being, it is an opportunity for me." Purdy took the practice field Thursday with the intent to participate. His shoulder tightened significantly, and the 49ers ushered him off the field to meet with trainers. Purdy beat the Packers in the NFC divisional playoffs at San Francisco in January, but Allen is familiar to Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. LaFleur was an assistant coach with the Rams during Allen's two-year run in Los Angeles. Allen broke into the NFL in 2016 with the Jaguars and is 2-7 in nine career starts. He went 1-2 with the Broncos in 2019 and 1-5 in six starts over two years with the Bengals in 2020 and ‘21. A victory against the visiting 49ers on Sunday would bolster the Packers' playoff chances, send a conference rival below .500 and avenge a bitter playoff defeat. Those seemingly rank in no particular order for the Packers (8-3), although they don't shy from living at least partially in the past ahead of a Week 12 showdown. San Francisco eliminated Green Bay 24-21 in the NFC divisional playoffs last season, scoring 10 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. "That's what you've got to sit with all offseason, is going back, watching the game, trying to see what you could have done better," Packers quarterback Jordan Love said. "What you could have done differently in that game. ... Just knowing that's the team that knocked us out, we're definitely hungry for this game." Ditto for San Francisco. The 49ers fell to 5-5 after last week's 20-17 home loss to Seattle, done in by Geno Smith's 13-yard touchdown run with 12 seconds to play. Still only a game behind NFC West-leading Arizona, the reigning conference champion 49ers are just 1-3 in division play and can ill afford to lose more ground. A visit to AFC East leader Buffalo awaits after the trip to Green Bay. While they're dealing with plenty of not-so-good news on the injury front, the 49ers do anticipate the return of other contributors. Cornerback Charvarius Ward, who missed the past two games following the death of his 1-year-old daughter, practiced Wednesday. Tight end George Kittle also is eager to play after a nagging hamstring injury sidelined him against the Seahawks. "Very excited," Kittle said. "Can't pass up playing the Packers, so no, I will be out there for sure." Allen was a three-year starter at Arkansas but has been a journeyman backup since entering the NFL in 2016 as the 201st overall pick of the Jaguars. Shanahan and LaFleur have been fierce competitors since twice working together, first as low-level assistants with the Texans in 2008, then on the so-called "dream team" staff in Washington that also included Sean McVay, Mike McDaniel and Raheem Morris; and two seasons with the Falcons (2015, 2016) where LaFleur was quarterbacks coach and Shanahan called the plays. Shanahan scored the most recent win over LaFleur in January. Green Bay has won seven of the past eight regular-season meetings between the franchises. But the familiarity and shared-brain approach to offense that has the coaches completed each other's play calls has led to some tight games. The past three at Lambeau Field were all decided by three points. Green Bay, which hosts a home game on Thanksgiving next Thursday, is starting a run of three games in 12 days. They'll play back-to-back Thursday games. Their Week 14 game is at Detroit. That might make it good news for LaFleur that surprising contributors have emerged of late. Packers wideout Christian Watson had a career-best 150 receiving yards on only four catches during last week's 20-19 road win against the Chicago Bears. His diving 60-yard reception in the fourth quarter put the Packers in position for Love's go-ahead, 1-yard scoring run with 2:59 to play. Watson entered the game with eight catches for 83 yards over his previous three contests, but LaFleur assured Watson remains a "big part" of the attack. "He's a guy who's got every measurable known to man in terms of the size, the speed, and it's not like those were easy plays he was making," LaFleur said. "He was making tough, contested catches." San Francisco will aim to generate more pressure against Love than the Bears, who sacked him just once. The 49ers collected four sacks against the Seahawks, with Bosa and Leonard Floyd contributing 1.5 apiece. Recent regular-season history between the Packers and 49ers at Lambeau Field has favored Green Bay. The Packers have won seven of their past eight home games against the 49ers and are 22-11 versus San Francisco at home all-time. Green Bay leads the series 34-28-1. --Field Level MediaThe Top S&P 500 Stock of 2024 (So Far) Isn't Nvidia. Here's Where History Says the Soaring Stock Is Headed in 2025.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has advocated the adoption of development journalism for sustainable practices to defeat terrorists’ propaganda and security threats in the country. The CDS reiterated that the actions of the military in ensuring Nigeria’s national security accounts for only 30 per cent of the overall efforts required while the remaining 70 per cent for maintaining Nigeria’s peace and security rests on the socio-economic elements of the country. He said national security is too sensitive to rely solely on military strength but rather should be strengthened by Nigeria’s educated, healthy and socially cohesive population underpinned by development journalism. Gen. Musa said, “In the area of defence beats, development journalism seeks to promote public awareness and understanding of defence as well as security issues, while holding governments, the defence sector and other stakeholders accountable for their actions as well as informing decision-making by policymakers and defence officials. “The adoption of a development journalism approach allows for a more active collaboration with journalists and media organizations, enabling them to play a more effective role in promoting national cohesion and stability thereby advancing Nigeria’s national interest.” General Musa spoke at a one-day roundtable discussion on National Security for Defence Correspondents with the theme “National Security and National Interest: A Development Journalism Approach for the Defence Beat”, organised by the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) in the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja on Thursday. He said: “our national security cannot and should not solely be reliant on the strength of the Armed Forces of Nigeria rather it should be strengthened by Nigeria’s educated, healthy and socially cohesive population underpinned by development journalism. He continued, “the development journalism approach will not only require collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders, it will also focus on people centrism in the accomplishment of Nigeria’s national interest.” He said the approach thus resonates with his leadership concept, which is “to nurture a Professional Armed Forces of Nigeria that is People-Centric, Capable of Meeting its Constitutional Responsibilities in a Joint and Collaborative Environment. “Going forward, it is important we continue to frame the defence beat through a development journalism lens through various options available including the continuous prioritization of human security, adoption of investigative reporting on policy impact and the real-world implications as well as promoting dialogue, inclusivity and stakeholders’ engagement through available fora. “We will also need to advocate for sustainable practices through reporting on innovative practices in defence as well as using available data to tell the stories as evidence-based outcomes allows for a more informed public discourse.” “These options will engender trust and cooperation between the military, civil society and other stakeholders and enhance contextual understanding of local dynamics for enhanced social cohesion and effective collaboration,” the CDS added. The National Coordinator, NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, said journalists, especially those assigned to defence and security beats play pivotal role in shaping public perception and policy on critical issues of national security and interests. He said kournalists through reporting, analysis and storytelling, inform members of the public and have the power to influence strategies, people’s actions and reactions. “Having been in this military career for a while, I must attest to the fact that our defence and security correspondents have been an immense wealth of expertise and experience. Most of you have reported on the frontlines, analysed trends and followed the intricate network that sustained these threats to our national security and interests. “You have confronted not just the facts, but also the responsibility to report with accuracy, fairness and sensitivity in an environment that is often fraught with misinformation and heightened emotions,” Gen. Laka stated. He assured that the Center would continue to collaborate with the media and other critical stakeholders to achieve and sustain the destruction of terrorists’ propaganda. The Special Assistant to the President on Public Communication and Orientation, Sunday Dare, represented by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Tope Ajayi, called on journalists to put national interest first before duty. He said journalism is a documentation of history, hence the need to consider the impact of stories before putting them out. “You must love the place that you are in, You must love your country, and your country will thrive. If you put anything ahead of our country, then we’re not getting it right. Most times, we look at money and so we downgrade our country.... if your country goes down, you’re also going down with it. And without a stable country, you can’t be even there to practice. But if that’s one key area that we really need to look at, that we must love our country, it’s only when you love your country you can protect it,” he said. The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, represented by the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jibrin Baba-Ndace, said the war against insurgency cannot be won on the noozle of the gun but by winning the hearts of the people.

New Delhi, Dec 14 (PTI) The Aam Aadmi Party on Saturday introduced an Internet of Things (IoT)-based solution to address the issue of water pipeline leakages. The pilot project, launched in Delhi's Rajinder Nagar constituency, marks first such initiative in India, an official statement of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said. Also Read | Chirag Paswan Drops Big Hint, Says 'Ready To Fight Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 if LJPRV Decides'. This innovative project is set to revolutionise pipeline repairs in the city as the IoT technology enables sensors to detect the exact location of leaks, eliminating the need for widespread road digging, the statement added. Repairs can now be made through minimal excavation, ensuring quick resolutions with minimal disruption to public life, it reads. Also Read | Bihar Assembly Elections 2025: Tejashwi Yadav Says 'Will Implement Mai-Behan Maan Yojana if RJD Wins Upcoming Polls' (Watch Video). AAP MLA from Rajinder Nagar, Durgesh Pathak, said: "This project is a game-changer for the residents of Rajinder Nagar. It not only ensures water conservation but also eliminates the inconvenience caused by road digging and traffic disruptions. This is a step towards making Delhi a smart and citizen-friendly city." According to the statement, the IoT-based solution prevents water wastage, reduces repair time and costs, and improves traffic flow by avoiding unnecessary road closures. The initiative also addresses long-standing public grievances regarding frequent and poorly executed repair works, it added. The pilot project is currently operational in Rajinder Nagar, with plans for citywide implementation in the near future. This initiative is part of the AAP's broader vision to enhance Delhi's infrastructure and quality of life, it added. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

The state should “never offer death as a service”, the Justice Secretary has said, in a strongly worded intervention over the assisted dying Bill ahead of a historic Commons vote next week. In a letter to constituents, Shabana Mahmood said she was “profoundly concerned” by the legislation, not just for religious reasons but because it could create a “slippery slope towards death on demand”. Ms Mahmood has previously made clear she would vote against the Bill alongside Health Secretary Wes Streeting , who faced a backlash after suggesting the changes would cost the NHS more. But her letter to voters, first reported by the Observer, goes further, stating: “Sadly, recent scandals – such as Hillsborough, infected blood and the Post Office Horizon – have reminded us that the state and those acting on its behalf are not always benign. “I have always held the view that, for this reason, the state should serve a clear role. It should protect and preserve life, not take it away. The state should never offer death as a service.” She said “the greatest risk of all is the pressure the elderly, vulnerable, sick or disabled may place upon themselves”. The intervention appears to be at odds with guidance set out by Cabinet Secretary Simon Case last month that ministers should remain neutral on the issue and avoid taking part in public debate. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has declined to say whether he will back the Bill, arguing that he does not want to pressure MPs. Members will be given a free vote to act according to their personal beliefs, rather than in line with party policy. But prominent figures including former prime minister Gordon Brown have voiced opposition to the legislation. Ms Mahmood, Mr Streeting and Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson have said they will vote against the Bill while care minister Stephen Kinnock said he supports it. Proponents argue existing legislation fails to respect patient autonomy and discriminates financially between those who can afford to travel abroad to end their lives within the law and those who cannot. Leading barristers including former director of public prosecutions Sir Max Hill KC have spoken in favour of the Bill, saying it would offer better safeguards than the current system through a process involving two doctors and a judge. Labour MP Kim Leadbeater has described her Bill as the most “robust” in the world, with “three layers of scrutiny” in the form of a sign-off by two doctors and a High Court judge. It would also make coercion an offence with a possible punishment of 14 years in jail. The Bill, which covers England and Wales, states only terminally ill adults with under six months left to live and a settled wish to die would be eligible.The Latest: Former President Jimmy Carter is dead at age 100

Jimmy Carter: Many evolutions for a centenarian ‘citizen of the world’ST. LOUIS (AP) — Jason Zucker scored a tiebreaking power-play goal with 9:30 remaining and the Buffalo Sabres notched their third straight victory by beating the St. Louis Blues 4-2 on Sunday. Jiri Kulich extended Buffalo’s lead with a breakaway goal that went between Blues goalie Jordan Binnington’s legs with 3:41 to play. Tage Thompson had a goal and an assist against his former team as the Sabres won in St. Louis for just the second time in 12 years to sweep the season series. Zucker had a goal and an assist, and Jack Quinn had two assists for Buffalo. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 35 shots. Brayden Schenn and Nathan Walker scored for the Blues. Binnington had 12 saves. Buffalo scored on two of its first three shots, including its first of the game. Buffalo: After a 13-game losing streak (0-10-3), the Sabres have scored 17 goals while winning three straight. St. Louis: The Blues, who are tied for an NHL-low five power-play goals at home, went 0 for 4 with the man advantage. After Walker pulled the Blues even with 14:04 left in the game, rookie Zack Bolduc took a cross checking penalty midway through the third period that led to the decisive goal. The Sabres had scored on only six of 43 road power plays (14%) this season before going 2 for 3 on Sunday. Buffalo ranked 27th out of 32 NHL teams. The Blues play Chicago in the Winter Classic on Tuesday at Wrigley Field. Buffalo will play at Dallas on Tuesday night. AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

NoneReliance Industries Chairman, Mukesh Ambani, continues to remain the richest person in India, and across all of Asia, boasting a net worth of $94.8 billion, according to Forbes Real Time Billionaires List. Published: December 29, 2024 4:34 PM IST By Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest man, just got wealthier by Rs 20,230 in just five days as Reliance Industries emerged as one of the top gainers during the trade week, adding Rs 20,230.9 crore to its market capitalization (Mcap), which currently stands at Rs 16,52,235.07 crore. According to market data, six of India’s top-10 most valued firms together added Rs 86,847.88 crore in market valuation last week, with HDFC Bank and Reliance Industries emerging as the biggest gainers in line with an overall optimistic trend in equities. Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Bharti Airtel, ITC and Hindustan Unilever, emerged as winners, while the market valuation of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, State Bank of India and Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) eroded, the data showed/ Here are the top gainers and losers of the week: Gainers Losers Mukesh Ambani-led retained its coveted title as the most-valued domestic company, followed by TCS, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Bharti Airtel, Infosys, State Bank of India, ITC, LIC and Hindustan Unilever. Last week, the BSE benchmark climbed 657.48 points or 0.84 per cent, and the Nifty rose 225.9 points or 0.95 per cent. Mukesh Ambani net worth Meanwhile, following the strong showing at the market by Reliance Industries, its Chairman, Mukesh Ambani, continues to remain the richest person in India, and across all of Asia, boasting a net worth of $94.8 billion, according to Forbes Real Time Billionaires List. Mukesh Ambani is the 18th richest individual in the world, and the wealthiest in Asia, as per Forbes. For breaking news and live news updates, like us on or follow us on and . Read more on Latest on . TopicsFrom Washington to Disney, Lincoln man's autograph collection at UNL a window into history

“This isn’t just a road, it’s the path that saved our lives,” said 35-year-old Priya Kumari, a mother of three from the village of Tando Haider. She further shared, “During the floods, the road leading to our village was washed away. After the water receded, it left behind massive potholes. When my youngest child was born, I had to travel through that broken road to reach the hospital. By God’s grace, both my child and I survived what could have been a tragedy.” For Priya, those memories remain nothing short of a nightmare. The newly built road she referred to passes close to her village. It was a cool morning in the third week of November, around noon. Standing on the newly constructed smooth road connecting Tando Haider to Tando Kaisar, we had just left Priya’s home. Although traffic on this road was sparse compared to major cities, it was nothing less than a miracle for the nearby villagers who relied on it for their daily commutes. Muhammad Kareem from Bhando Sharif, riding a motorcycle with a friend, stopped when he saw us. Recalling the devastation of the 2022 floods, he said, “The floods destroyed everything in our village. We didn’t leave, but there was nothing left here. Water was everywhere, life came to a standstill. Our homes and fields were submerged.” The fear and pain were still evident on Kareem’s face. “We are farmers, with small pieces of land that sustain us. After a few months, the water receded, but the damaged roads made it almost impossible to reach the market,” he added. Kareem’s companion, Hidayatullah, a school teacher, shared his perspective: “It wasn’t just the market, traveling anywhere had become impossible. Teachers like us somehow managed to reach schools and colleges, but students, especially girls, couldn’t. Families, unwilling to endure the struggle of navigating broken roads and muddy potholes, simply stopped sending their children to school. Even when parents accompanied their daughters, the condition of the roads made it too difficult, so they were kept home too.” Kareem further explained that he owns just a few acres of land where he used to grow vegetables, providing a decent livelihood. “After the floodwaters receded, we resumed farming, but transporting our produce to the market became a huge challenge with the roads washed away,” he added. Farm to Market The road from Tando Haider to Tando Kaisar, which stretches for 10 kilometers in Hyderabad district, directly benefits a population of 28,000 from 10 villages: Tando Haider, Bhindo Shareef, Laal Hingoro, Hafeez Abro, Aleem Abro, Jhando Khoso, Tando Qaiser, Ali Murad Parhiyar, and Ilayas Parhiyar. This road is also connected to a 3-kilometer-long link road from Jhando Kaisar to Usman Shah in Hyderabad district. The surrounding area includes schools, colleges, and a basic health unit. So far, 143 such roads have been constructed, covering a total length of approximately 868.85 kilometers. These roads are known as “Farm to Market” roads. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Sindh, during the 2022 floods, the province received an unprecedented amount of rainfall. Sindh experienced 464% above-average rainfall from June to August 2022. This resulted in devastating flooding that displaced millions and caused widespread destruction. The total recorded rainfall in Sindh during this period was approximately 784 millimeters (mm), compared to the usual average of around 125 mm for the monsoon season. During the unprecedented rains, the road network spanning 8,463 kilometers across the province was completely destroyed. This devastation severely impacted transportation and access to essential services, leaving many villages isolated. Rebuilding these roads has been a crucial part of the Sindh government’s recovery efforts. Ghulam Asghar Kanasro, Project Director of the Sindh Flood Emergency Rehabilitation Project, explained, “Our goal is to restore the province’s infrastructure. Under this project, we have rebuilt a network of 143 roads covering 867 kilometers, benefiting 2.1 million people in 1,640 villages across 19 districts of Sindh. These roads are known as ‘Farm to Market’ roads.” Kanasro further emphasized, “These roads are not just infrastructure; they are an investment in our community’s future. By prioritizing quality and performance, we have created a project that will continue to benefit our community for years to come.” Solar-Powered Water Supply Solutions Province-Wide The 2022 floods caused extensive damage, including the destruction of all drinking water sources. In response, the Department of Planning and Development Sindh government, with the support of World Bank, intends to install 500 water plants in various areas, one of which has been installed in the village of Karo Kaho. It operates using solar panels and adheres to the best practices for water purification. This is also a long story, Shaheryar Ahmed Environment Specialist (SFERP) explained. “When we visited the Karo Kaho water supply scheme, we discovered that the solar system was faulty and of low capacity. A 45 kW solar pump was required for water supply, but its capacity was only 20 kW. Therefore, SFERP worked on improving the functionality of the solar system and increased its capacity by 25 kW. The current capacity is now 45 kW, and it is fully operational, as you observed during your visit. During the design phase of the water supply project, we consulted with men’s and women’s groups in the village to understand their issues and needs. These consultations allowed us to incorporate their feedback into the design and implementation process. During these discussions, the community requested the provision of a filtration plant for safe drinking water. In response, SFERP included this request in the design and installed an ultrafiltration system and a hypochlorinator to ensure the availability of safe and clean drinking water. Shaheryar further added, “The installation of hypo chlorinators is a critical element in water supply schemes, as they play a key role in ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water. By adding chlorine to the water, hypo chlorinators effectively eliminate harmful germs, including bacteria and viruses that can cause waterborne diseases.” Deputy Project Director Muhammad Aslam Laghari explained, “We started this project in June 2024 and Around 250 families and nearly 3,000 people are benefiting from this project. The stored water will be enough for the local population for 21 days.” Sana Siddique Social Safeguard and Resettlement Specialist , SFERP GoS provided additional details, that the community is very happy and satisfied with the water plant installed in Karo Kaho. Following this successful example, more 500 water schemes is being rehabilitated in Badin, Umerkot, Shaheed Benazirabad, Mirpur Khas, Sanghar, Jacobabad, Qamber Shahdadkot, Dadu, Jamshoro, Naushahro Feroze, and Khairpur, benefiting three million people. Rescue 1122 During floods or any other natural disaster, the top priority is to save human lives. To achieve this, the Rescue 1122 service has been activated across the province. The Sindh Emergency Rescue Service (SERS), also known as Rescue 1122, is operational in several districts of Sindh, including Karachi, Larkana, Thatta, Sujawal, Qambar-Shahdadkot, Badin, Sukkur, Shaheed Benazirabad and Hyderabad. To enhance emergency response capabilities, the Government of Sindh, with support from the World Bank’s Sindh Flood Emergency Rehabilitation Project, is expanding SERS to additional districts. This expansion includes Naushero Feroz, Qambar Shahdadkot, Ghotki, Badin, Jacobabad, Jamshoro, Tharparkar. Sana Siddiqui, stated: “In many areas, Rescue 1122 centers is fully operational, ensuring rapid response to emergencies and providing life-saving assistance to those in need during natural disasters.” In Hyderabad District, the 1122 Rescue Emergency Center is equipped with modern tools and trained staff. Emergency Officer Roshan Ali Mihar stated that the 1122 service was established in Hyderabad after the 2022 floods, with the aim of saving lives promptly. He mentioned that about 80 staff members are working in two shifts. “Whether it’s a road accident or any other emergency, our staff is trained to handle all situations,” he said. He further added, “We have four boats, one crane, four fire tenders, 20 divers, three ambulances, and one truck at our disposal.” Regarding this, Ghulam Asghar Kanasro commented, “The establishment of this center has significantly improved emergency response and rescue operations, ensuring that we can save lives even in the most challenging conditions. As a lead, I consistently emphasize the ‘Build Back Better’ approach, ensuring quality, durability, and timely completion. Last monsoon’s flood predictions underscored the urgency of these projects, enabling uninterrupted access to essential resources like clean water and enhancing rescue operations across Sindh”.

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