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MACON, Ga. (AP) — Myles Redding returned an interception 25 yards for a first-quarter touchdown and Whitt Newbauer threw a four-yard touchdown pass to start the fourth quarter as No. 7-seeded Mercer beat No. 10 Rhode Island 17—10 on Saturday. Mercer advances to the FCS semifinals for the first time and will face No. 2 North Dakota State, which beat No. 15 Abilene Christian 51-31. Redding swooped in front of Hunter Helms' intended receiver for his seventh interception of the season with 3:33 left in the first quarter, tying him with teammate TJ Moore for the most in the nation. Rhode Island got a 17-yard field goal from Ty Groff as time expired in the first half and took the lead late in the third quarter when Helms connected with Marquis Buchanan on a 56-yard touchdown for a 10-7 lead. Senior Dwayne McGee set up two fourth-quarter scores for the Bears, slashing through the right side for a 33-yard gain to give Mercer a first-and-goal at the Rhode Island 10. On third-and-goal from the 4, Newbauer found Adjatay Dabbs for the go-ahead touchdown. After the Bears twice forced the Rams to punt in their own half of the field, McGee ran 40 yards on first down to give Mercer a first down at the Rhode Island 25, setting up a 24-yard Reice Griffith field goal for the game's final score. McGee finished with 114 yards on 21 carries and CJ Miller added 81 yards on 10 carries for Mercer (11-2), which remained unbeaten in seven home games. Helms finished 22 of 33 passing for 266 yards and Buchanan caught 11 passes for 119 yards to lead Rhode Island (11-3), but the Rams managed just 46 yards on 26 carries on the ground. — Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballThrow anything just anything you can think of on a body-on-frame SUV, and it will gladly accept it. They are tough, capable, nigh-indestructible — you can haul your family in their spacious cabins while towing a huge boat. Off-road shenanigans are no issue, too. Sure, this may all be an exaggeration, but no crossover-SUV currently available can do all those things. With their unibody construction, crossovers are better on paved roads, and perhaps comfier inside, but good luck towing or off-roading. Fortunately, there are quite a few body-on-frame SUVs remaining on the market today. Equipped with more tech than ever before, powerful engines, and luxurious amenities, these SUVs can be the only vehicle you'd ever need. And in this piece, we'll have a closer look at all these competent machines, putting their strengths and weaknesses under the microscope. So, from huge family haulers to off-road beasts, here are the 12 best body-on-frame SUVs you can buy today! If you have a big family, or just need something big to carry lots of stuff while also towing a trailer, Chevy's body-on-frame SUVs should be on your shortlist. With three seating rows, the Tahoe and Suburban have enough space to accommodate your family comfortably. The Suburban is more spacious, with a longer wheelbase and body, and offers more cargo space, but it's also massive, and a pain to park in tight spaces. However, you don't buy an expensive SUV just to make your family more comfortable. For the 2025 model year, the Tahoe and Suburban add tech that should make things more enjoyable for you, too. Notably, all trims now come with a standard 17.7-inch screen in the middle, angled toward the driver, and an 11-inch digital instrument display. You can even add two displays for your kids in the second row to keep them entertained. Perhaps the best part about these trucks is the engine options. Gas options include a 5.3-liter V8 producing 355 hp, and a 6.2-liter V8 that makes 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. If you want less frequent gas station visits, the 3.0-liter inline-six Duramax turbodiesel has 305 hp on tap and a massive 495 lb-ft of torque, while sipping fuel at 28 mpg highway (Tahoe). All engines are mated to a 10-speed auto and available with RWD or AWD. Because the Tahoe and Suburban share the chassis with the 1500 Silverado, they are also champs for towing, with up to 8,400-pound capacity. If Chevy's offerings piqued your interest, but left you wanting bit more panache, the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL might be just what you are looking for. Sure, they are essentially a Tahoe/Suburban underneath, sharing the ladder chassis, engines, and suspension components. However, the interior of GMC's trucks is more luxurious, particularly in the Denali and Denali Ultimate trims . When we drove the Yukon and Yukon XL last year, we found that the cabins have some of the finest features and materials in the industry. You'll get to enjoy 16-way adjustable front seats dressed in perforated leather with heating/cooling and memory functions. Heated steering wheel. Heated rear seats. Tri-zone automatic climate control. Open-pore wood trim on the dashboard, accompanied by soft-touch materials. It's truly exquisite inside, and combines well with the massive space on offer. Once you hit the road, the Yukon/Yukon XL will pamper you with a smooth ride, particularly if you opt for the air suspension. The engines are refined, too, including the diesel, further intensifying the opulent atmosphere inside. Unfortunately, you will be paying a huge premium to enjoy all niceties inside, with the more luxurious trims entering six-figure territory. The Cadillac Escalade sits on the same platform as the Tahoe, Suburban, and Yukon, but amps up luxury to a whole new level. To show its commitment to the premium class, the Escalade drops the turbodiesel or the smaller V8 engine of its cousins. Instead, the base motor is the 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp, paired to a 10-speed auto. However, you also have the option of a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the Escalade V-Series , which produces bonkers 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. 0-60: 4.7 seconds. However, another feature will excite the young at heart — the possibility of movie nights in your Escalade SUV. With a combined real estate of 55 inches, the Escalade has a larger screen area than many people's homes. Not only that, but Cadillac opted for OLED displays, which have inky blacks, outstanding contrast, and excellent colors. Of course, you can add screens for the rear-seat passengers as well. The tech bonanza doesn't stop there; the Escalade can also be equipped with an augmented-reality navigation system, and an AKG-developed sound system with up to 40 speakers. Meanwhile, you can cool your drinks in the optional console refrigerator and enjoy the seat massage feature. The 126-color ambient lighting should create a nice atmosphere, too. To minimize the obvious safety issue of having that many distractions, Cadillac offers the semi-autonomous Super Cruise feature as standard on the Escalade, though you will need to pay for a subscription to it after three years. Ford's answer to GM's slew of large SUVs is the Expedition, which has been refreshed for the 2025 model year. Now equipped with a split liftgate and tailgate, Ford's three-row SUV is more practical, and that especially true of its extended Max variants. As expected, there is a lot of interior space in both variants, both for passengers and cargo. A big selling point of the latest Expedition is the class-leading towing capacity of 9,600 pounds, which enters truck territory. Ford also played the hi-tech card with the latest Expedition. A huge, portrait-oriented 15.5-inch screen is available, as well as dual-headrest rear-seat entertainment screens. Ford's Blue Cruise feature is similar to GM's Super Cruise, allowing you to take your hands off the steering wheel on select highways. You won't be getting a V8 with Ford's offering, though. Instead, the Blue Oval equipped the Expedition with a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6, producing 400 hp as standard, or 440 hp in the high output version. A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard on both, though you can choose between RWD and AWD. Overall, the Expedition is quick, with the more powerful engine hitting the 60-mph mark in an astonishing 4.9 seconds. Unfortunately, the chassis isn't tuned for handling, making Ford's large SUV a bit cumbersome to drive. That said, the passengers will enjoy a cosseting ride, which is what counts for a vehicle like the Expedition, anyway. Toyota's latest take on the full-size SUV made us wonder why people are buying these gargantuan machines in the first place. The 2024 Sequoia is a big SUV , but it isn't as spacious as its rivals. Sure, there is a lot of space inside, but we expected more from the Sequoia, especially for third-row passengers and cargo. However, the Sequoia will put a huge grin on your face. Everything about Toyota's largest body-on-frame offering is about having fun. As standard, you are getting a 3.4-liter turbocharged engine in hybrid configuration, good for 437 hp and mammoth 437 hp of torque, which brings Toyota's SUV to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. It feels even quicker in real life, thanks to the torque surge from the electric motor. Unlike "regular" Toyota hybrids, the Sequoia isn't equipped with a CVT, but a 10-speed auto. That's great, but the fuel economy is not. The Sequoia is rated at 22-mph highway, same as the non-hybrid, 440-hp Ford Expedition. But again, Toyota's large SUV returns more smiles per gallon when you deviate from the paved road, particularly if you opt for the TRD Pro or TRD Off-Road trims. These versions are genuinely capable over rough terrain, with features such as a locking rear differential and 9 inches of ground clearance. You'll also be grateful for the Multi-Terrain Monitor, which displays various camera angles on the 14-inch infotainment screen to help you spot dangerous obstacles when off-roading. The launch of the latest GX80 might've gone unnoticed, but it's one of Infiniti's best vehicles at the moment. Utilizing a completely new platform, the full-size SUV is modernized throughout, which also meant replacing the aging V8 with a new twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 producing 450 hp and potent 516 lb-ft of torque. That's quite a bit more powerful than the V8, though don't expect big fuel economy improvements. Still, the 2025 Infiniti GX80 brings other big improvements that warrant a trip to the Japanese brand's dealerships. Its handsome design is elegant and utilitarian at the same time, and its interior is exquisitely crafted. Materials, fit and finish are top notch, and like in most rivals, technology takes center stage. Two 14.3-inch screens dominate the upper dashboard, with an additional 9.0-inch display that controls the tri-zone automatic climate control below. Everything is powered by Google's automotive software, meaning you get apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant as standard. The QX80 is spacious across all three rows, and there is space for cargo, too. With a towing capacity of up to 8,500 pounds, Infiniti's latest full-size SUV is also big on utility. Furthermore, all passengers will enjoy a quiet ride — surprising given the boxy shape of the QX80. Still, in our first drive, we found the ride to be comfortable overall, but not as indulgent as some of its rivals. If you want a luxurious Japanese SUV, but you are more of an off-road type, the Lexus GX550 is one of the best options out there. Utilizing the same platform as the latest Land Cruiser and 4Runner, the Lexus GX is a serious SUV with excellent off-road capability . That's particularly true for the off-road-oriented Overtrail models, which add an electronically controlled locking rear differential, and adaptive suspension. For 2025, Toyota further emphasized the rock-crawling capabilities of the truck by adding a 1-inch suspension lift on the Overtrail and Overtrail+ trims. But the GX is not all about traversing the most challenging terrains — it's good on the road, too. The new 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 with 349 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque makes an easy work of the heavy GX, and pulls strongly from just 2,000 rpm. We also found that it's confident in the corners, with the adaptive dampers in the Overtrail model keeping things nice and flat. It's quiet and comfortable over bumps, too. You won't be getting as much space inside as in most rivals, though. The GX550 has a cramped third row, which is even absent on the Overtrail trims. Still, the interior materials are of a nice quality, and you get the customary big-screen experience with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.0-inch infotainment that also houses the climate control functions. Want the off-road capability of the GX550, but do you find it too expensive? You can get essentially the same vehicle with a Toyota badge for almost $10,000 less. Kind of. While the GX550 gets a twin-turbo V6, the Land Cruiser comes exclusively with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid. It still makes a healthy 326 hp, though it gets to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds — much slower than its Lexus counterpart. Even so, we found that the latest Land Cruiser is better than the badge , thanks to its genuine off-road talents. Equipped with full-time 4WD, two-speed transfer case, Torsen limited-slip center diff, locking rear diff, and an 8-inch ground clearance as standard, the Land Cruiser can traverse challenging terrain with ease. To help you find the right drivetrain combination, the Land Cruiser comes with the Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) system, which has predefined Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, Rock, and Deep Snow options, along with Crawl Control and Downhill Assist Control. On the road, the Land Cruiser is a bit less dynamic than the GX550, with noticeable body roll. Still, thanks to the torque surge from the electric motors, the hybrid powertrain feels quick enough in urban scenarios. Inside, the Land Cruiser takes a more utilitarian approach, but not in a negative way. The climate controls are physical, with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen taking care of other functions. Unfortunately, though, there is no third-row option. Toyota's latest 4Runner utilizes the same platform as the Land Cruiser, but further emphasizes off-roading, with higher road clearance and better approach and departure angles. Off-road-oriented trims on the 4Runner like the Trailhunter and TRD Pro also get better suspension components. The 4Runner comes with rear-wheel drive as standard, with an optional part-time 4WD system. This system should be manually engaged, making it something you switch on when you decide to go off-road. For comparison, the Land Cruiser's full-time 4WD system takes care of everything, and can be used on paved roads, at speed. Diving deeper into the 2025 Toyota 4Runner specs and price , it becomes evident that this is Toyota's entry-level off-road option. It starts at more than $15,000 less than the Land Cruiser, but also comes equipped with a regular 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 278 hp. Still, the hybridized version from the Land Cruiser is also available. Both powertrain options are exclusively paired with an eight-speed automatic. Curiously, you also have the option of a third seating row on the 4Runner, although it's 5 inches lower and has a smaller cabin than the Land Cruiser. Old school. That's how Jeep has approached its more popular model for decades now, which unfortunately has made it a bit cumbersome to drive on paved roads. The Wrangler has a recirculating ball-type steering design, which is the opposite of responsive on the road, and a solid front axle that impairs stability. However, Wrangler customers already know about these compromises. They also know that these old-fashioned mechanical systems work tremendously well on challenging terrains, like rock-crawling. There, the steering comes alive, and the front axle offers unmatched articulation. You can also equip the Wrangler with front and rear locking differentials and suspension lift to make it even more capable. Basically, it's the top off-roader among body-on-frame SUVs. You can go crazy with customizations, too. Want to remove the doors to have a better view? No problem. Want a 470-hp 6.4-liter V8 to satisfy your racing dreams? Jeep has got you covered. There is even the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4XE plug-in hybrid for environmentally conscious folks, equipped with a special four-speed transfer case that allows mud bogging in complete silence. With 375 hp on tap, it's quick, too, and provides 21 miles of electric-only range. Oh, and let's not forget the less practical, but infinitely cooler convertible models, also available in two-door and four-door variations. The Wrangler is rad, but if you want something more modern, the Ford Bronco goes beyond nostalgia to deliver a more successful mix of on-road and off-road performance. Although it looks retro on the outside, this SUV is decidedly more modern under the skin. It still utilizes a body-on-frame chassis, but it also has an independent front axle, which makes it much more playful on the road. Heck, there is even a seven-speed manual option on the turbocharged four-cylinder to keep you engaged in the twisties. Still, the twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 is the engine we'd go for, as it provides quite a but more oomph. The base version makes 330 hp, but in the Raptor it makes 418 hp; paired with the standard 10-speed automatic, the Bronco Raptor reaches 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. Ford doesn't offer hybrid powertrains on the Bronco, though. It's a shame, as even the 300-hp four-banger is rated at only 18 mpg combined. If you are cool with the gas mileage, the Bronco offers some amazing off-road skills. The affordable Badlands model, for instance, comes with front stabilizer bar disconnect and electronic-locking front and rear differentials, enough to get you over most obstacles. Still, you can make the Bronco even more capable with the Sasquatch package (standard on more expensive trims), which comes with 17-inch beadlock wheels, massive 35-inch all-terrain tires, and Bilstein dampers. If you want an old-school body-on-frame SUV, but without the cheap-feeling interiors of the Wrangler and Bronco, you might need to save some cash. Merc's latest 2025 G-Class wraps long-overdue updates with an eye-watering base price of $148,520 for the G550. And that model doesn't even come with a V8; instead, it gets a 3.0-liter inline-six with a 48V mild-hybrid assist that produces 443 hp, with an optional all-electric variant producing 579 hp. A 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 is still available in the AMG G 63, where it produces 577 hp. Inside, the G-Class is more luxurious than any SUV on this list, with lavish options that can take you close to Maybach territory. It's spacious, too, and comes with the brand's latest infotainment system that features two 12.3-inch screens on the dashboard. You can also spoil rear passengers with two 11.6-inch entertainment screens. All these luxury bits are accompanied by a more civilized ride on paved roads and tighter handling, thanks to the new front independent suspension. Even so, the 2025 G-Class remains as one of the most capable off-roaders out there, and comes standard with front, center, and rear locking differentials, low-range gear, and an old-fashioned solid rear axle.
Ceenik Exports (India) Ltd is scheduled to trade ex-dividend next week on December 13, according to BSE. Some of the major companies have announced various corporate actions, including stock splits , bonus issues and extraordinary general meetings (EGM), according to BSE data. The day when the equity share price adjusts to show the next dividend payout is known as the ex-dividend date. When the stock becomes ex-dividend, it does not carry the value of its next dividend payment from that day forward. Dividends are payable to all the shareholders whose names appear on the company's list by the end of the record date. Ceenik Exports (India) Ltd: The company declared a final dividend of ₹ 1. A stock split is a corporate action that occurs when a company issues additional shares to shareholders to boost liquidity. The total number of shares issued is increased by a specified ratio based on the shares held previously. Achyut Healthcare Ltd will undergo a stock split from ₹ 10 to ₹ 1. Shares will trade ex-split on Tuesday, December 10. Shradha AI Technologies Ltd will undergo a stock split from ₹ 5 to ₹ 2. Shares will trade ex-split on Tuesday, December 10. Exxaro Tiles Ltd will undergo a stock split from ₹ 10 to ₹ 1. Shares will trade ex-split on Friday, December 13. A bonus issue is a corporate action where additional shares are given to existing shareholders. A company may decide to distribute additional shares as an alternative to dividends. Achyut Healthcare Ltd: Bonus issue in the ratio of 4:10 on Tuesday, December 10. Other corporate actions The other corporate actions for next week include the right issue of equity shares and an extraordinary general meeting (EGM). The right issue of equity shares is when a company offers its current shareholders at a discounted price to raise additional capital. The following stocks will declare the right issue of equity shares next week. Quasar India Ltd: Right issue of equity shares on Wednesday, December 11. Avonmore Capital & Management Services Limited: Right issue of equity shares on Thursday, December 12. Companies convene an Extraordinary general meeting (EGM) to address matters of immediate attention. Sabrimala Industries India Ltd: EGM on Monday, December 9. Abhijit Trading Company Ltd: EGM on Tuesday, December 10. Golkonda Aluminium Extrusions Ltd: EGM on Thursday, December 12.
Standing in the middle of a vast, sun-drenched desert, surrounded by towering windmills, yet shivering in the cold, reflects our country’s energy predicament. Blessed with abundant renewable resources, Pakistan continues to suffer through energy crises. Load shedding, or planned power outages, has become a common occurrence, incapacitating industries and disrupting daily lives. With a heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels, the country struggles with price fluctuations and supply disruptions. According to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority’s (NEPRA) 2022 yearly report , Pakistan’s total installed power generation capacity is 43,775 MW, and 59 percent of energy comes from thermal energy sources (fossil fuels). The overdependence on fossil fuels has caused numerous challenges: high costs, energy insecurity and environmental degradation. The country’s energy crisis is further exacerbated by outdated infrastructure and insufficient natural gas supplies. The solution lies in embracing renewable energy sources rather than clinging to the false vestiges of fossil fuels. Pakistan’s energy crisis can be addressed through the multifarious solutions of renewable energy, taking a page out of the books of Morocco, Brazil and India, all of whom have successfully leveraged multiple renewable sources to reform their energy landscapes, promoting economic growth. Pakistan has an abundance of natural resources which can be harnessed: wind, solar, hydro and biomass. Pakistan is ideally situated to harness solar energy with an average of over 300 sunny days per year. The country has a noteworthy solar energy flair, estimated at around 2.9 million MW. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) , the country receives solar radiation equivalent to 1,700-2,300 kWh/m2 annually, surpassing global averages. This vast potential, paired with increasing energy demands and environmental concerns, has led to the prominence of solar power development, the World Bank confirming this potential. The Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) of Pakistan, a promoter of renewable energy, has set aspiring targets for solar generation, aiming to achieve 30 percent of the country’s power from renewable sources by 2030. Yet, solar energy’s contribution to the country’s national grid remains negligible. Morocco’s Noor Solar Complex offers a prime example of how leveraging international funding and public-private partnerships can unlatch a country’s solar prospects. According to the World Bank , this is the world’s largest concentrated solar power plant and has not only boosted Morocco’s energy production but has also spurred economic growth by creating jobs. Furthermore, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) , Pakistan’s coastal regions and wind corridors, particularly in Sindh and Balochistan, are capable of generating 50,000 MW of electricity annually. The Jhimpir Wind Corridor alone could meet a major portion of the country’s demand, as the wind corridor has a gross wind power capacity of 50,000 MW. Currently, it provides over 70 percent of Pakistan’s total wind power generation . Additionally, there are over 20 operational wind farms in the JWC, with more in the development phase. The average speed is over 7 meters per second, making it an ideal location for wind power generation. Pakistan’s total electricity demand is around 30,000 MW . With the potential to generate 50,000 MW, the JWC alone could, theoretically, exceed this demand. A case in point is Denmark’s remarkable journey in wind energy, which serves as a riveting model for Pakistan. In 2019, wind power contributed a sizable 47 percent of Denmark’s electricity supply, a testament to decades of strategic policy-making, technological innovation, and unwavering commitment to renewable energy. The country implemented policies like feed-in tariffs and tax incentives to encourage investment and development. Vestas, a Danish company, has a become global leader in manufacturing turbine technology. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that Denmark has the highest share of wind power in its electricity mix among OECD countries. Moreover, the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) data shows Denmark’s impressive contribution to global wind power capacity and its leadership in wind turbine manufacturing. A paper by The University of Leeds on Agricultural Waste Biomass Energy Potential In Pakistan , reports that agriculture alone contributes over 20 percent to Pakistan’s GDP, generating ample biomass waste. This waste could be converted into biogas and bioenergy, providing sustainable energy sources while addressing waste management issues. However, the country has made negligible progress in harnessing this resource. One noteworthy initiative is Pakistan Environment Trust (PET)’s BioVentures project , which promises to reduce emissions and improve AQI by making use of biomass energy. The project Net Zero Pakistan initiative (NZP), focuses on sustainability and aims to establish a national-level supply chain, while Zarea , Pakistan’s largest B2B commodities platform, plays a central role in connecting industries with high-quality biomass products. Zarea provides access to locally sourced biomass materials like bagasse, rice husk, and corn cobs helping businesses transition to greener, more cost-effective energy sources. However, as Pakistan’s biomass generation is low, in terms of global standards, the amount of waste produced can be easily repurposed, Brazil is an example of successful biomass integration, as, according to a report, Implementation of Bioenergy in Brazil 2021 Update by the IEA, biomass contributes approximately 8.4 percent to the total energy supply. In 2022, Pakistan’s hydropower generation reached an astounding 34.58 billion kilowatt hours , demonstrating the substantial contribution of this renewable energy source to the country’s energy production. The hydropower capacity stood at 10.83 million kilowatts , adorning the existing infrastructure’s capacity to tackle water resources for energy production. Moreover, the total potential for hydropower in Pakistan is estimated to be around 60,000 megawatts , stipulating valuable room for growth and development in this sector which have been halted by issues such as inefficiencies, political delays and a lack of funding. China’s Three Gorges Dam is a prime example of the potential of large-scale hydroelectric projects. It produces 22,500 MW of power, significantly contributing to China’s energy. Its installed capacity of 22,500 MW illustrates the ability of hydropower to meet energy demands sustainably, producing 101.6 TWh in 2018. The construction cost of this project was $31.765 billion, a testament to the investment required for such infrastructure, but its contribution to total energy supply justifies the cost and the challenges associated with acquiring such a budget. Pakistan’s move to renewable energy sources has been fraught with obstacles: political instability, infrastructural deficiencies and financial constraints, with the high public debt-to-GDP ratio, reaching 73.5 percent in FY22 limiting the government’s ability to allocate sufficient funds towards the promotion of sustainable energy without highlighting it’s debt. With the debt-to-GDP ratio increasing, the reliance on borrowing makes it impossible to set aside funds for such projects. Short-term gains and personal interests have further affected Pakistan’s policymaking, with fossil fuel lobbies hindering the progress of renewable energy initiatives, as such was evident in 2021 when the government moved to shelve these projects in favour of coal power plants. The decision was driven by political pressure which argued that coal was a more reliable, immediate solution. This not only delayed renewable energy projects, but also exacerbated environmental concerns and the financial burden of importing said fossil fuels. Outdated grid infrastructures pose significant challenges to the efficient integration of renewable energy sources. A case in point is the NTDC-Jhimpir Battery Energy Storage System , a 20,000 kW project in Sindh, which sheds light on the nascent stage of energy storage solutions in the country and how a lack of smart grids worsens these issues. The absence of transmission lines coupled with a lack of smart grids hampers progress, as chronic under-investment has left many areas underserved, with a majority of the population lacking reliable access to electricity, highlighting the importance of modernisation and targetted investments needed to harness the full potential of these resources. Countries such as Morocco serve as examples of how international funding can be secured for renewable energy projects, with schemes like carbon trading and green bonds attracting institutions such as the World Bank, ADB and UNDP. Reformation of rules is also necessary, as India’s National Solar Mission shows how incentives, information and consistency promote renewable energy expansion. By enacting tax incentives and subsidies, Pakistan can improve its relationship with private investors and grid infrastructure. Supporting decentralised energy solutions like microgrids and rooftop solar panels, as done in Germany’s Energiewende policy, can integrate renewable energy within the country, making it easier to access in remote areas. Renewable energy projects could aid economic growth, creating jobs in manufacturing, installation and maintenance, while reducing dependency on imported fossil fuels and reducing environmental degradation. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) , solar PV creates twice as many jobs per MW compared to fossil fuels. Iceland generates 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources, which keeps it at a strategic advantage. Then, if policies are devised clearly, it can position Pakistan as an attractive destination for green investors. India’s renewable energy sector attracted $11 billion in 2022 , which denotes that the country has the potential of a well-regulated market. In addition to all of this, the cost of renewable energy technologies, especially wind and solar, has drastically decreased. By switching to these sources, electricity costs can be reduced, relieving financial strain on businesses and households. Pakistan stands at a crossroads, facing the dual crises of energy scarcity and environmental degradation. The shift to renewable energy is not just a choice but an imperative for sustainable development. The time for half-measures has long passed. The question still stands as to whether the state will rise to the challenge or let the opportunity slip away, leaving future generations to pay the price. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );
In a world where negativity and criticism often overshadow positivity, Zhao Lusi's act of compassion serves as a beacon of hope and strength. Her actions remind us that in times of darkness, a simple act of kindness can make a world of difference in someone's life. By standing up for her fans and spreading warmth and support, Zhao Lusi has not only shown her true character but also inspired others to follow in her footsteps.In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the incident of sheltering a female master’s graduate and allegations of holding a banquet underscores the importance of truth-seeking and objective reporting. As responsible members of society, we must prioritize accuracy, integrity, and empathy in our quest for understanding and justice. Let us strive to uncover the truth behind the headlines and ensure that all individuals are treated with fairness and respect in the pursuit of transparency and accountability.
The Onion's rejected purchase of Infowars in an auction bid supported by families of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting dealt them a new setback Wednesday and clouded the future of Alex Jones' conspiracy theory platform, which is now poised to remain in his control for at least the near future. What's next for Infowars and Sandy Hook families' long-sought efforts to hold Jones accountable over calling one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history a hoax was unclear, after a federal judge in Houston late Tuesday rejected The Onion's winning bid for the site . U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez in Houston said he did not want another auction but offered no roadmap over how to proceed. One possibility includes ultimately allowing Sandy Hook families — who comprise most of Jones' creditors — to return to state courts in Connecticut and Texas to collect on the nearly $1.5 billion in defamation and emotional distress lawsuit judgments that Jones was ordered to pay them. “Our hope is that when this process ends, and it will end, and it will end sooner rather than later, is that all assets that Alex Jones has available are paid to the families, and that includes Infowars, and that as a result of that process Alex Jones is deprived of the ownership and control of the platform that he’s used to hurt so many people,” Christopher Mattei, an attorney for the Sandy Hook families, said in a phone interview Wednesday. The families, meanwhile, were preparing the mark the 12th anniversary of the Dec. 14 shooting. Why was The Onion bid rejected? The sale of Infowars is part of Jones’ personal bankruptcy case , which he filed in late 2022 after he was ordered to pay the $1.5 billion. Jones was sued for repeatedly saying on his show that the 2012 massacre of 20 first graders and six educators was staged by crisis actors to spur more gun control. Lopez said there was a lack of transparency in the bidding process and too much confusion about The Onion's bid. He also said the amount of money offered in the only two bids was too low and there needed to be more effort to try to raise as much money possible from the selling of Infowars' assets. The Onion's parent company, Global Tetrahedron, submitted a $1.75 million cash offer with plans to kick Jones out and relaunch Infowars in January as a parody . The bid also included a deal with many of the Sandy Hook families for them to forgo $750,000 of their auction proceeds and give it to other creditors. Lopez called it a complex arrangement that led to different interpretations of the bid's actual value as well as last-minute changes to a proposed sale order. The other bidder was First United American Companies, which runs a website in Jones’ name that sells nutritional supplements and planned to let Jones stay on the Infowars platforms. It offered $3.5 million in cash and later, with Jones, alleged fraud and collusion in the bidding process. Lopez rejected the allegations, saying that while mistakes were made there was no wrongdoing. Christopher Murray, the trustee who oversaw the auction, said he picked The Onion and its deal with the Sandy Hook families because it would have provided more money to Jones' other creditors. What happens next? The next steps remained unclear Wednesday. The judge directed Murray to come up with a new plan to move forward. Murray and representatives of The Onion did not immediately return messages seeking comment. The judge said there was a possibility there could be a trial in 2025 to settle Jones' bankruptcy. He said Murray could try to sell the equity in Infowars' parent company. He also said Murray could abandon the efforts, which could allow the Sandy Hook families to return to the state courts where they won their lawsuits against Jones and begin collection proceedings against him. The judge said he wanted to hear back from Murray and others involved in the bankruptcy within 30 days on a plan to move forward. Mattei, who represented the Sandy Hook families in the Connecticut lawsuit, said everyone is waiting to see what plan the trustee comes up with. Jones, meanwhile, continued to allege fraud and collusion on his show Wednesday and threatened legal action over what he called an attempted “rigged auction.” On the social media platform X, he called the judge's ruling a “Major Victory For Freedom Of The Press & Due Process." “I don’t want to have to go after these people, lawsuit-wise, but we have to because if you don’t then you’re aiding and abetting and they do it to other people. They made some big mistakes," he said. Sandy Hook families to mark shooting anniversary It's a solemn and heartbreaking week for relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. The 12th anniversary is Saturday, and some of the victims' relatives were traveling to Washington, D.C., to attend the annual National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence on Wednesday evening. The families usually mark the anniversary out of the public eye. Many of the families said their lawsuits against Jones bought back the unbearable pain of losing their loved ones, as well as the trauma of being harassed and threatened by believers of Jones' hoax conspiracy. Relatives said they have been confronted in public by hoax believers and received death and rape threats. Robbie Parker, whose 6-year-old daughter Emilie was killed, testified at the Connecticut lawsuit trial in 2022 that the decade of abuse his family suffered made them move across the country to Washington state, and even there he was accosted in person. The families have not received any money from Jones since winning the trials. Jones has been appealing the $1.5 billion in judgments, and has since conceded that the shooting did happen. Last week, a Connecticut appeals court upheld most of the judgment in that state but reduced it by $150 million. Associated Press writer Juan A. Lozano in Houston contributed to this report.
'Dozens of people' being investigated over Horizon Post Office scandal, police chief revealsAs the final point was replayed on the big screen, the audience rose to their feet in a standing ovation, paying tribute to the legendary player who had defied the odds and emerged victorious against a much younger opponent. Haoshuai's triumph was a testament to the timeless appeal of table tennis and the enduring spirit of competition that transcends age and experience.
Ten years after the Lindt Cafe siege sent shock waves around the nation, the man at the helm of the landmark investigation into the tragedy has delivered a stark warning for Australians. or signup to continue reading "People have this idea that the terrorist threat has gone away," former NSW coroner Michael Barnes says. "I think at any stage, something like that could occur again." Mr Barnes led the inquest into the December 2014 siege, in which terrorist Man Haron Monis took 18 people hostage inside Sydney's Martin Place for 16 hours. Monis fatally shot cafe manager Tori Johnson, while barrister Katrina Dawson was killed by stray police bullet fragments in the dying moments of the siege. Now head of the powerful NSW Crime Commission, Mr Barnes delivered a series of findings and recommendations as a result of his 18-month inquest into the tragedy. Central to this, he declared NSW police did not act quickly enough, the gunman should not have been allowed out on bail at the time of the siege, calls for help from the hostages went unanswered and families of victims were treated insensitively. Although Mr Barnes remains wary of a laissez-faire attitude towards domestic terror threats, he believes lessons have been learned from the siege. "Police are much better placed now to deal with those issues," he says. "It was a learning experience for NSW but also police around the country." One of the major findings from the inquest was police missed the chance to storm the cafe after Monis fired the first shot, an opportunity, if taken, might have saved Mr Johnson and Ms Dawson's lives. After wrapped up in 2016, then NSW police commissioner Mick Fuller conceded police should have gone in earlier. "I give this assurance to everyone ... we won't wait 17 hours again," he promised at the time. One year on from the deadly siege, Australia's largest police force adopted a shoot-now strategy for terrorist situations, replacing its controversial contain-and-negotiate procedure which the inquest found cost valuable time. At the time of the siege, police were also required to make individual decisions about when to use deadly force. "People under incredible stress and in very great danger themselves are perhaps not best placed to make those decisions," Mr Barnes says. "So we thought putting that a bit higher up the hierarchy was justified." NSW laws have now been changed to adhere to the recommendation. Police resourcing was another concern identified at the Barnes inquest. With their specially equipped truck off the road, negotiators worked out of a four-wheel drive before being moved to a cramped room inside a Leagues' Club. The building had no whiteboards or live feed, there was only one landline and the primary negotiator had never handled a hostage situation before. Key demands by Monis - including securing media coverage, organising a meeting with the prime minister and being given an Islamic State flag - were delayed in reaching top commanders and none were ever granted. "The idea there that you can't make concessions to a terrorist, I think that did hinder some of the way (police) acted on the day," Mr Barnes offers. "No concessions doesn't mean you can't engage, doesn't mean you can't give them anything that they might want if that's going to de-escalate the situation." Negotiation training policies have also since been updated. The inquest additionally unveiled stark information about how prosecutors and other sworn officers dealt with Monis in the weeks and months preceding the attack. The lone gunman, who was fatally shot during the siege, was out on bail in 2014 after being charged with being an accessory to murder and more than 40 counts of sexual and indecent assault. The families of some victims have expressed disbelief that Monis was allowed in the community while facing such serious matters. Police preferred the sexual assault charges against him via a court attendance notice while he was at large instead of arresting him. Mr Barnes found this made it more difficult for prosecutors to argue that he should be taken into custody. However, the inquest found prosecutors submitted "inadequate" oral oppositions to Monis' request for bail and no written submissions. The families of the siege victims, who suffered through hours of torment, were also left in the dark for much of the ordeal. Mr Barnes found they were gathered together in a hostage room too close to the cafe and were able to hear explosions and gunshots. "They then didn't hear anything officially for a number of hours and they were all kept in a large space and could see individual hostages who had been released reunited with their family members," he says. "The remaining families diminished in number until it became obvious that there weren't any more hostages." In the aftermath of the siege, a sea of flowers formed on Martin Place, paying tribute to the traumatised hostages and the two fatally wounded victims. Ten years on, little remains there to remember the events of December 15. The cafe has been transformed into a Dan Murphy's wine cellar, with the central tasting table adorned with flowers in memory of the event. A permanent exhibition is embedded into the concrete in Martin place, with small flowers set into the pavement behind glass frames. The NSW government will mark the 10-year anniversary of the tragedy throughout this week, with commemorative displays and flower laying from Tuesday. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. 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DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement AdvertisementMeanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump's recent remarks on the matter have been dismissed as "meaningless" by analysts and officials within the diplomatic community. Trump, known for his unconventional approach to foreign policy and strained relations with traditional allies, had previously expressed skepticism towards NATO and questioned the alliance's relevance in the modern world.
Daily Post Nigeria NNL: Sarduana disappointed with Saraki FC defeat to Kun Khalifat Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport Sport NNL: Sarduana disappointed with Saraki FC defeat to Kun Khalifat Published on December 7, 2024 By Taiwo Adesanya Head coach of Abubakar Bukola Saraki FC, Ahmed Sardauna, has expressed disappointment with the outcome of their Nigeria National League, NNL, matchday one clash with Kun Khalifa. The Ilorin-based club fell 1-0 to Kun Khalifat FC at the Awka City Stadium on Saturday. Sarduana said that his team was unlucky to lose the game. “We were the better side, we were just not lucky enough to get a decent result,” Sardauna stated in a post-match interview. “We will come back home and correct those lapses and wait for our visitors (Abakiliki FC) next week.” Related Topics: Kun Khalifat NNL Saraki FC Sarduana Don't Miss EPL: ‘We started badly’ – Amorim on Man Utd’s 3-2 loss to Nottingham Forest You may like NNL: Babangida remains modest despite Kada Warriors winning start NNL: ABS coach, Sarduana targets positive start to new season Six NNL week-one matches to be transmitted live NNL: Kada Warriors ready for maiden campaign NNL: Edel FC appoint Ndah new head coach NNL reschedules Basira FC, Yobe Desert matchday one clash Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media LtdIn his new role, White Jingting will not only showcase the latest offerings from Salomon's outdoor fashion collection but also bring his own unique twist to the brand's signature pieces. His innate sense of style and trendsetting abilities make him the ideal candidate to lead the way in redefining outdoor fashion and setting new trends in the industry.
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