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MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) — Uruguayans on Sunday voted in the second round of the country's presidential election , with the conservative governing party and a left-leaning coalition locked in a close runoff following level-headed campaigns widely seen as emblematic of the country's strong democracy. As polls closed Sunday evening, turnout stood at 89.4% — around the same as during the first round last month in which the two moderate coalitions both failed to win an outright majority. Voting in Uruguay is compulsory. Depending on how tight the vote turns out to be, electoral officials may not call the race for days — as happened in the contentious 2019 runoff that brought center-right President Luis Lacalle Pou to office and ended 15 years of rule by Uruguay’s left-leaning Broad Front by a razor-thin margin. Álvaro Delgado, the incumbent party’s candidate who won nearly 27% in the first round of voting on Oct. 27, has campaigned under the slogan “re-elect a good government." Other conservative parties that make up the government coalition — in particular, the Colorado Party that came in third place last month — notched 20% of the vote collectively, enough to give Delgado an edge over his challenger. Yamandú Orsi from the Broad Front, who took 44% of the vote in the general election, is promising to forge a “new left” in Uruguay that draws on the memory of stability and economic growth under his Broad Front coalition, which presided over pioneering social reforms that won widespread international acclaim from 2005-2020, including the legalization of abortion, same-sex marriage and sale of marijuana . With inflation easing and the economy expected to expand by some 3.2% this year, according to the International Monetary Fund, surveys show that Uruguayans remain largely satisfied with the administration of Lacalle Pou, who constitutionally cannot run for a second consecutive term. But persistent complaints about sluggish growth, stagnant wages and an upsurge in violent crime could just as easily add the small South American nation to a long list of places this year where frustrated voters have punished incumbents in elections around the world. With most polls showing a virtual tie between Delgado and Orsi, analysts say the vote may hinge on a small group of undecided voters — roughly 10% of registered voters in the nation of 3.4 million people. “Neither candidate convinced me and I feel that there are many in my same situation,” said Vanesa Gelezoglo, 31, in the capital, Montevideo, adding she would make up her mind at “the last minute.” Analysts say the candidates’ lackluster campaigns and broad consensus on key issues have generated extraordinary indecision and apathy in an election dominated by discussions about social spending and concerns over income inequality but largely free of the anti-establishment rage that has vaulted populist outsiders to power in neighboring Argentina and the United States. “The question of whether Frente Amplio (the Broad Front) raises taxes is not an existential question, unlike what we saw in the U.S. with Trump and Kamala framing each other as threats to democracy," said Nicolás Saldías, a Latin America and Caribbean senior analyst for the London-based Economist Intelligence Unit. “That doesn't exist in Uruguay.” Both candidates are also appealing to voter angst over the current government's struggle to stem the rise in violent crime that has shaken a nation long regarded as one of the region’s safest, with Delgado promising tough-on-crime policies and Orsi advocating a more community-oriented approach. Delgado, 55, a rural veterinarian with a long career in the National Party, served most recently as Secretary of the Presidency for Lacalle Pou and promises to pursue his predecessor’s pro-business policies. He would continue pushing for a trade deal with China that has raised hackles in Mercosur, an alliance of South American countries promoting regional commerce. "We have to give the government coalition a chance to consolidate its proposals,” said Ramiro Pérez, a street vendor voting for Delgado on Sunday. Orsi, 57, a former history teacher and two-time mayor from a working-class background, is widely seen as the political heir to former President José “Pepe” Mujica , an ex-Marxist guerilla who became a global icon for helping transform Uruguay into one of the region's most socially liberal and environmentally sustainable nations. “He's my candidate, not only for my sake but also for my children's,” Yeny Varone, a nurse at a polling station, said of Orsi. “In the future they'll have better working conditions, health and salaries.” Mujica, now 89 and recovering from esophageal cancer , turned up at his local polling station before balloting even began, praising Orsi's humility and Uruguay’s famous stability. “This is no small feat,” he said of Uruguay's “citizenry that respects formal institutions.” Orsi planned no dramatic changes, and, despite his call for a revitalized left-wing, his platform continues the Broad Front's traditional mix of market-friendly policies and welfare programs. He proposes tax incentives to lure investment and social security reforms that would lower the retirement age but fall short of a radical overhaul sought by Uruguay's unions. The contentious plebiscite on whether to boost pension payouts failed to pass in October, with Uruguayans rejecting generous pensions in favor of fiscal constraint. Both candidates pledged full cooperation with each other if elected. “I want (Orsi) to know that my idea is to form a government of national unity,” Delgado told reporters after casting his vote in the capital's upscale Pocitos neighborhood. He said that if he won, he and Orsi would chat on Monday over some yerba mate, the traditional herbal drink beloved by Uruguayans. Orsi described Sunday's democratic exercise as “an incredible experience" as he voted in Canelones, the sprawling town of beaches and cattle ranches just north of Montevideo where he served as mayor for a decade. “The essence of politics is agreements,” he said. “You never end up completely satisfied.” ___ Associated Press writer Isabel DeBre in Villa Tunari, Bolivia, contributed to this report. Nayara Batschke, The Associated Press

Australia withdraws misinformation bill after critics compare it to censorship

Published 18:17 IST, December 25th 2024 Honda and Nissan have recently announced merger plans. As global car manufacturers are shifting towards EVs. Here's everything you need to know about it: Honda and Nissan Merger: Honda and Nissan has recently announced merger plans, and it is one the most discussed topics in the automotive market. This alliance is a significant move in the global automotive industry as it will be the third largest automotive companies by sales volume. A combined company of Honda and Nissan is likely to create a $54 billion company that is likely to have an annual output of 7.4 million vehicles. As global car manufacturers are shifting towards EVs, this merger comes amid the changing landscape for ICE vehicles and a surging competition from Chinese automaker like BYD, and Tesla in the Chinese and US automotive market. According to a Reuter’s report, Honda and Nissan has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) recently. Further, Mitsubishi Motors is also expected to join the integration talks. Let us deep dive further and see more details of this upcoming merger between Honda and Nissan: Also Read: Nissan, Honda Announce Merger Plan, Creating World's Third-Largest Automaker First, the Market Capitalisation of Honda and Nissan: Before going ahead and discussing more details of the merger, let us have a look at the market capitalisation of these two companies. Honda has a market capitalisation of more than $40 billion, while Nissan has an about $10 billion. Why is Honda-Nissan Merger taking place? Nissan has been financially struggling in recent times. Earlier partnerships with Renault and Mitsubishi did not help in falling sales of vehicles. With the rising competition and shift towards electrified and plug-in hybrid vehicles, the sales of Honda Cars have also recorded a dip. However, Nissan eyes this merger as a potential help from Honda. Recently, as per a report from Reuters, Nissan announced a plan to cut 9,000 jobs and 20 per cent of its global production capacity after its sales plunged in its key China and US markets. Further, Honda had also stated about the worse-than-expected earnings result due to falling sales in China. What are the Challanges Faced by Honda and Nissan Earlier? Since there is a global shift towards electric mobility and buyers are shifting towards EVs and plug-in hybrid vehicles the major challenge of Honda and Nissan is the intense competition faced from the Chinese EV automakers in the Chinese and US markets Earlier Nissan had faced financial difficulties, and ought to stablise its operations post the merger. What will be the key area of developments after Honda and Nissan merger? Nissan has invested in the development of battery electric vehicles heavily. 15 Years ago, the company had launched the Leaf, which was the first EV from Nissan. As a part of this merger, Honda is likely to utilise the Nissan’s resources for the development of its EVs. As per Reuters, Honda will supply hybrid vehicles to Nissan as part of the plan. The two Japanese auto manufacturers has developed a strategic partnership in March 2024 to cooperate in the development of electric vehicles. This possible merger is likely to bring down the costs of development of EVs and other technologies, which can further result in bringing more competitive product. When will Honda and Nissan Finalise Integration Talks? According to Reuters report, Honda and Nissan aim to finalise the integration talks by June 2025. If it becomes successful, there will be a joint holding company that will list its shares while Honda and Nissan each will go private in August 2026. Potential developments in the EV industry: With this Honda and Nissan merger, there will be major technological advancements taking place in the EV industry, and development of new models, that are likely to compete against the major EV players like BYD, Tesla, and more. Honda and Nissan Merger: Impact on the Indian Automotive Market That said, with the announcement of the two major Japanese automotive manufacturers, it is still unclear what impact will be there from this merger in the Indian automotive market. Updated 18:17 IST, December 25th 2024

Smokers have been urged to kick the habit in the new year after new analysis shows how much of their lives are lost by each cigarette smoked. Men lose 17 minutes of life with every cigarette they smoke while a woman’s life is cut short by 22 minutes with each cigarette, experts have estimated. This is more than previous estimates, which suggest that each cigarette shortens a smoker’s life by 11 minutes. The new estimates, which suggest that each cigarette leads to 20 minutes loss of live on average across both genders, are based on more up-to-date figures from long-term studies tracking the health of the population. Researchers from University College London said that the harm caused by smoking is “cumulative” and the sooner a person stops smoking, and the more cigarettes they avoid smoking, the longer they live. The new analysis, commissioned by the Department for Health and Social Care, suggests that if a 10-cigarettes-a-day smoker quits on January 1, then by January 8 they could “prevent loss of a full day of life”. By February 20, their lives could be extended by a whole week. And if their quitting is successful until August 5, they will likely live for a whole month longer than if they had continued to smoke. The authors added: “Studies suggest that smokers typically lose about the same number of healthy years as they do total years of life. Make 2025 the year you quit smoking for good. There’s lots of free support available to help you. Find out more 🔽 https://t.co/J0ehnoRM1D pic.twitter.com/LQpUp6HJBm — WHH 🏥 (@WHHNHS) December 27, 2024 “Thus smoking primarily eats into the relatively healthy middle years rather than shortening the period at the end of life, which is often marked by chronic illness or disability. “So a 60-year-old smoker will typically have the health profile of a 70-year-old non-smoker.” The analysis, to be published in the Journal of Addiction, concludes: “We estimate that on average, smokers in Britain who do not quit lose approximately 20 minutes of life expectancy for each cigarette they smoke. “This is time that would likely be spent in relatively good health. “Stopping smoking at every age is beneficial but the sooner smokers get off this escalator of death the longer and healthier they can expect their lives to be.” Dr Sarah Jackson, principal research fellow from the UCL Alcohol and Tobacco Research Group, said: “It is vital that people understand just how harmful smoking is and how much quitting can improve their health and life expectancy. “The evidence suggests people lose, on average, around 20 minutes of life for each cigarette they smoke. “The sooner a person stops smoking, the longer they live. “Quitting at any age substantially improves health and the benefits start almost immediately. “It’s never too late to make a positive change for your health and there are a range of effective products and treatments that can help smokers quit for good.” There are so many reasons to quit smoking this New Year – for your health, for more money, and for your family. Make a fresh quit for 2025 – find tips and support at https://t.co/GyLk65o8kS or https://t.co/iW6WLxTL00 pic.twitter.com/KxPZ5N378y — North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust (@NTeesHpoolNHSFT) December 27, 2024 Health officials have said that smokers can find advice, support and resources with the NHS Quit Smoking app, as well as the online Personal Quit Plan. Public health minister Andrew Gwynne said: “Smoking is an expensive and deadly habit and these findings reveal the shocking reality of this addiction, highlighting how important it is to quit. “The new year offers a perfect chance for smokers to make a new resolution and take that step.” Commenting on the paper, Professor Sanjay Agrawal, special adviser on tobacco at the Royal College of Physicians, said: “Every cigarette smoked costs precious minutes of life, and the cumulative impact is devastating, not only for individuals but also for our healthcare system and economy. “This research is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address cigarette smoking as the leading preventable cause of death and disease in the UK.”Citizenship ceremony plan had potential to ‘damage community relations in NI’3 US senators urge Biden administration to protect immigrants before Trump takes office

Director Christopher Nolan is one of the finest directors we have in Hollywood today and for good reason. The British-American director has given us some of the best movies in recent memory including the likes of Interstellar, Inception, Memento , and more recently movies like Tenet and Oppenheimer . So when Universal studios announced an all-new film from the director, we were excited. Also Read: Joaquin Phoenix was offered to play Joker in Christopher Nolan's 'The Dark Knight'; Here's why he rejected it In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the studio’s official handle shared that the director is all set to make a new movie based on ancient Greek poet Homer’s epic poem ‘Odyssey’. The movie will be shot completely in IMAX and is set for a July 2026 release according to the studio. Christopher Nolan’s next film ‘The Odyssey’ is a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new IMAX film technology. The film brings Homer’s foundational saga to IMAX film screens for the first time and opens in theaters everywhere on July 17, 2026.— Universal Pictures (@UniversalPics) December 23, 2024 The studio also shared that the movie will be an ‘epic action film’. Safe to say, we are excited. However, what exactly is 'The Odyssey' anyway? Don’t worry, we got you covered. Odyssey is one of two epic poems attributed to ancient Greek poet Homer, the other being Iliad . While Iliad is based on the Trojan War, Odyssey details Greek hero King Odysseus’s journey back home to Ithaca after the ten year Trojan War. The poem recounts the various perils the king faced on his journey. Like Iliad, Odyssey too is divided into 24 books. The poem is regarded as one of the oldest known pieces of literature and has previously been adapted into several works in the media including 1954’s Ulysses with actor Kirk Douglas. There was also a movie called O Brother, Where Art Thou? released in the year 2000. Most recently, Italian director Uberto Pasolini released a film titled The Return (2024) starring actor Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche. The Return is said to be based on the final sections of Homer’s magnum opus. So, what else do we know? According to several reports in the media, Nolan has casted an ensemble of actors for the film including Matt Damon, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Tom Holland as well as Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron and even Zendaya. While Robert Pattinson, Matt Damon and Anne Hathaway have all previously worked with the director in projects like Interstellar and Tenet , it’ll be the first time we see Tom Holland and Zendaya work with Nolan. Christopher Nolan’s next film is an adaption of ‘THE ODYSSEY’ • Described as a mythic action epic that follows the tale of Odysseus & his 10-year journey home after the Trojan War • Starring Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Matt Damon, Lupita Nyong’o and Robert Pattinson pic.twitter.com/5ugTNJlCxY — DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) December 23, 2024 There's not a lot of other information available about the roles these actors will play or other members of the cast, but it’s safe to assume that we’re getting a movie unlike anything else we’ve seen from Christopher Nolan before. As it is, the director has previously directed movies that dealt with science fiction and/or action, The Odyssey will be Nolan’s maiden voyage into mythological films, and that alone is reason enough to be excited. As far as the shooting goes, reports suggest it’ll begin sometime next year. Nolan is also set to write the movie and will co-produce it alongside producer and wife Emma Thomas under their production house Syncopy Inc. With a stellar cast and epic storyline and the classic Christopher Nolan touch, the movie shows a lot of promise and we are excited, to say the least. For now, we’ll just have to wait and see how it all unfolds. Also Read: Christopher Nolan's next film titled 'The Odyssey'; Here's when it will release

Palantir Technologies ( PLTR 2.09% ) stock was in red-hot form in 2024 as investors showed increasing interest in this software platforms specialist thanks to strong demand for the company's artificial intelligence (AI)-focused offerings, which led to nice accelerations in its top- and bottom-line growth. As of this writing, the stock is up an eye-popping 380% this year, and now trades at an extremely rich valuation. With a price-to-sales ratio of 75 and a trailing earnings multiple of 412, Palantir is not an ideal candidate for investors looking to buy an artificial intelligence (AI) stock at a reasonable valuation. Of course, the forward earnings multiple of 217 indicates that the company's bottom line is expected to improve remarkably in the coming year, but that rich valuation also means that any signs of weakness in Palantir's growth story could send the stock spiraling downward. There is a good chance that Palantir can sustain its impressive growth in the long run considering the lucrative AI software platforms market that it is serving, but it's still a risky investment. Those looking for a more reasonably priced company that's trying to capitalize on this opportunity might want to consider C3.ai ( AI 0.70% ) . Its stock notched more modest gains of 23% in 2024 and has been in the news for the wrong reasons of late . But it's also trading at significantly cheaper valuations than Palantir and is tapping a similar addressable market. As such, now would be a good time to ask if C3.ai can follow in its bigger peer's footsteps and deliver eye-popping gains to investors. Plenty of room for growth in AI software According to market research firm IDC, the AI software platforms market generated $28 billion in revenue in 2023. The firm forecasts that this market could be worth a whopping $153 billion by 2028, which means that there is room for more than one company to thrive in this space. Both Palantir and C3.ai are thus far just scratching the surface of a massive opportunity. Palantir's revenue over its past four reported quarters was $2.65 billion. C3.ai, on the other hand, generated $325 million. More importantly, both companies saw upticks in their growth rates since the beginning of 2023. PLTR Revenue (TTM) data by YCharts. What's more, both companies reported almost identical growth rates in their latest quarters. While Palantir's revenue increased 30% year over year to $726 million in the third quarter of 2024 to $726 million, C3.ai's top line jumped 29% year over year to $94 million in its fiscal 2025 second quarter, which ended on Oct. 31. Both also increased their full-year revenue guidance as the demand for their generative AI software solutions increased among both commercial and government customers. It is worth noting that Palantir initially made its name by supplying software platforms and analytics solutions to U.S. government agencies, but it has lately been focusing on winning more commercial customers in the enterprise AI software space. A similar story is unfolding at C3.ai. The company has "entered into new and expanded agreements with the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Marine Corps, the Defense Logistics Agency, and the Chief Digital Artificial Intelligence Office, among others," CEO Tom Siebel said the latest earnings conference call . Meanwhile, C3.ai has partnered with major cloud service providers such as Microsoft , Amazon , and Google to ensure a broader reach for the 100-plus enterprise AI applications that it offers. The company also offers an enterprise AI application development platform that allows customers to build their own solutions, apart from industry-specific solutions that help customers integrate generative AI into their operations. The company, in short, seems to be positioning itself to make the most of the huge addressable opportunity in the AI software market. But will that be enough for it to succeed to the degree that Palantir has? Strong growth is in the cards for both companies C3.ai is currently a much smaller company than Palantir. However, its top-line growth was almost the same as Palantir's last quarter, and both companies have enjoyed an uptick in their growth in the past couple of years. In addition, both companies expect to report a 25% increase in their top lines in the current fiscal year. Palantir's revenue is expected to land at $2.79 billion in 2024, while Palantir is expected to clock $388 million in revenue in the current fiscal year. Analysts anticipate robust double-digit percentage growth over the next couple of years as well. PLTR Revenue Estimates for Next Fiscal Year data by YCharts. Even better, analysts have increased their growth expectations from both companies. That's not surprising considering the size of the markets they serve, and there is a good chance that their growth prospects could continue improving as the adoption of generative AI software increases. So, even though C3.ai is expected to remain a smaller company than Palantir over the next couple of years, its solid growth and end-market opportunities make it an ideal alternative for anyone looking to benefit from the growth of the AI software market at a reasonable valuation. After all, C3.ai's sales multiple of 13 is less than a fifth of its bigger counterpart, even as their growth rates are almost equal. That's why investors looking for the next Palantir would do well to keep C3.ai on their watch lists or buy it now, as its improving growth profile could lead to healthy share price gains.

FREDERICTON - Some nasty weather is headed toward parts of the Maritimes over the next few days, bringing with it a mix of freezing rain, rain and snow. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * FREDERICTON - Some nasty weather is headed toward parts of the Maritimes over the next few days, bringing with it a mix of freezing rain, rain and snow. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? FREDERICTON – Some nasty weather is headed toward parts of the Maritimes over the next few days, bringing with it a mix of freezing rain, rain and snow. Environment Canada says Fredericton could see freezing rain Sunday, followed by rain and a mix of rain and snow late on New Year’s Day. The forecast for Charlottetown includes periods of freezing drizzle for Sunday and then rain until the end of the year, with temperatures going up to 8 C. Halifax is also expected to see periods of drizzle and rain through New Year’s Day with the mercury set to reach 8 C on New Year’s Eve. Donald Wright, a professor of political science at the University of New Brunswick and a contributor to Yale Climate Connections at Yale University, says the Maritimes – like the rest of Canada – are not immune from a warming climate. He says long-term weather patterns in New Brunswick are changing due to global heating caused by the burning of fossil fuels. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 28, 2024. Advertisement

Lawmakers Plot to Force Health Insurers to Sell Off Pharmacies - The Wall Street Journal

THE bid to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure to 2030 has gained traction within some factions of his ruling Zanu PF party. Provinces like Harare, Mashonaland East, and Masvingo have issued calls for constitutional amendments to facilitate this extension, citing the need for Mnangagwa to complete his Vision 2030 agenda of industrialising and modernising Zimbabwe. While proponents of the move argue that it is necessary to fulfil the country’s developmental aspirations, the push to amend both the national constitution and the Zanu PF constitution to allow this extension raises several legal, ethical, and political concerns. The primary reason why extending President Mnangagwa’s term to 2030 is problematic lies in the foundational principles of Zimbabwe’s Constitution. Zimbabwe’s current constitution, adopted in 2013, enshrines a set of democratic principles aimed at ensuring stability, accountability, and the regular transfer of power. The Constitution, in its current form, sets a clear limit of two terms for the presidency, with each term lasting five years. Extending this term through amendments would violate the very democratic framework that the Constitution seeks to uphold. In addition, the Constitution is meant to represent the will of the people. When it was enacted, Zimbabweans voted overwhelmingly in favour of the current limits on presidential terms. Allowing amendments to alter these limits, particularly when the government is already in its second term, would undermine the principles of representative democracy and people’s sovereignty. Rather than empowering the citizens of Zimbabwe, such an amendment would serve the interests of a small political elite, further entrenching the status quo and limiting democratic accountability. At the heart of the push for extending Mnangagwa’s presidency is an ethical dilemma: the consolidation of power at the expense of democratic values and the nurturing of future leadership. While Mnangagwa may argue that his leadership is essential for the completion of Vision 2030, the centralization of political power in one individual for an extended period risks stifling the development of new political voices and leadership within the country. Extending the presidential term beyond the constitutional limits diminishes the opportunity for political renewal, which is a fundamental aspect of democratic governance. It sends the wrong message to young Zimbabweans about the nature of power and leadership—reinforcing the idea that leadership must come from a single source, rather than fostering a competitive political environment where new leadership can emerge. A strong democracy thrives on diversity of leadership, ideas, and policies, and President Mnangagwa’s extended tenure could potentially undermine this ideal. While the push to extend Mnangagwa’s term has gained momentum in some quarters of Zanu PF, the party itself is not monolithic in its views. Senior figures like the party’s Secretary for Legal Affairs, Patrick Chinamasa, have expressed caution about the potential legal implications of altering the Constitution. This reflects the underlying divisions within the ruling party regarding the issue. Some party members argue that the amendment of the constitution could alienate potential successors and lead to infighting within Zanu PF. The centralization of power in one individual creates a vacuum, where different factions within the party may struggle for influence and control, often at the expense of national unity. This situation could lead to even greater political instability, a risk that many Zimbabweans cannot afford given the country’s already fragile political environment. Furthermore, the call for constitutional amendments to extend the term of a sitting president sends a signal that Zimbabwe’s ruling elite are not willing to let go of power voluntarily, irrespective of the democratic process. The public’s view of the ruling party, already tainted by years of political unrest and economic hardship, could sour even further if such amendments are passed. The perception of political leaders as self-interested power brokers rather than servants of the people will be solidified, and it will be difficult to win back public trust. Extending Mnangagwa’s presidency through constitutional amendments would also have serious international implications. Zimbabwe has made several commitments on the global stage regarding human rights, governance, and the rule of law. Among these is the commitment to abide by international conventions that support democratic governance and peaceful transitions of power. Extending the presidency without proper constitutional amendments could further isolate Zimbabwe from international partners who might view the move as undemocratic. In the past, Zimbabwe has faced sanctions from Western nations and other international bodies, and a move to extend Mnangagwa’s term could trigger additional sanctions or further isolate Zimbabwe diplomatically. These consequences could hinder the country’s efforts to engage with international financial institutions and attract foreign investment—essential components for economic recovery and growth. Amending the Constitution to allow for an extended presidential term will not be a straightforward process. The country’s constitution mandates that any amendment to presidential term limits requires a national referendum. This means that it is not enough for Zanu PF to pass an internal resolution or even to gain a majority in Parliament. The issue must be put to the people for approval, ensuring that the public has the final say on any constitutional changes that would affect their democratic rights. Even if Zanu PF is able to navigate the legal hurdles associated with a constitutional amendment, the path forward is fraught with potential legal challenges. Opposition parties and civil society organizations are likely to mount vigorous legal and political campaigns against any move to alter term limits. This could lead to prolonged court battles that would further delay the resolution of the country’s pressing economic and political challenges. A key part of any successful democratic system is effective succession planning. Zimbabwe has struggled with political transitions in the past, and extending Mnangagwa’s term could delay the necessary conversations around governance reform and succession planning. By ensuring that political power is not concentrated in the hands of one individual for too long, a country encourages the development of future leaders who can take the reins and continue national progress. A healthy political system encourages competition and a diversity of leadership. Zimbabwe has young and capable leaders within both the ruling party and opposition who could drive the country’s development in the future. By extending Mnangagwa’s term, the party risks undermining the very systems that would allow for the emergence of new leadership, and it could trap the country in a cycle of outdated political norms. The move to amend Zimbabwe’s Constitution to extend President Mnangagwa’s term to 2030 is not only legally problematic but also ethically questionable. The call for constitutional amendments to extend a sitting president’s time in office contradicts the democratic principles enshrined in the country’s Constitution and sets a dangerous precedent for future leadership in Zimbabwe. While some may argue that extending the president’s tenure is necessary to complete ongoing projects and reforms, this position overlooks the broader consequences for democracy, governance, and political stability. The hurdles President Mnangagwa faces—both legal and political—make it clear that this is not a sustainable or advisable course of action. Zimbabwe deserves a future where leadership transitions are peaceful, democratic, and in line with the will of the people. Instead of pushing for an extension of his own term, President Mnangagwa should prioritize creating a political system that fosters new leadership and ensures that the country’s development goals are pursued in a way that benefits all Zimbabweans.Special teams miscues prove costly for Bears in overtime loss to VikingsWho Is Joe Burrow’s New Lady Heard on 911 Call About the Burglary at the Cincinnati Bengals Quarterback’s Home?

Aaron Rodgers suggests a 'curse' might be the reason for the Jets' losing waysShoppers have been left scratching their heads after spotting Easter eggs on supermarket shelves before New Year’s Eve. With Easter Sunday not until April 20 next year, customers took to social media to express their confusion after finding chocolate eggs and hot cross buns already for sale in shops including Morrisons, Tesco and Asda. One user, @Jingle1991, shared a snap of Malteser Bunnies in Sainsbury’s on Christmas Eve, quipping: "Jesus hasn’t even been born yet." Meanwhile, Gary Evans posted a picture of Creme Eggs on display in Morrisons in Margate on Boxing Day. The 66-year-old told the PA news agency, "I just think it's crazy that everything is so superficial and meaninglessly commercial... (there’s) something quite frantic about it." On Friday evening, Joseph Robinson spotted Easter confectionery, including Cadbury Mini Eggs and themed Kit-Kat and Kinder Surprise products, at his local Morrisons. The 35-year-old admin support worker told PA: "It’s funny, as they’ve not even managed to shift the Christmas chocolates off the shelves yet and they’re already stocking for Easter." Read more: Essex couple 'frustrated' after being forced to prolong Christmas trip due to fog Read more: Car smashes through level crossing causing train delays during Essex police chase He added: "I wish that Supermarkets weren’t so blatantly consumerist-driven and would actually allow customers and staff a time to decompress during the Christmas period." When asked if he was tempted to make a purchase, Mr Robinson said: "As a vegan it holds no appeal to me!" Mike Chalmers, a committed Christian, expressed some contentment upon encountering an Easter promotion titled "Celebrate this Easter with Cadbury." The 44-year-old remarked, "Christmas and Easter are the two centre points of the Christian good news story, so it’s no bad thing to see the connections," and added, "It’s about more than shapes of chocolate, though! " On the other hand, marketing expert Andrew Wallis was taken aback to find Easter eggs on sale at the Co-op. Yet, he acknowledged this as indicative of corporate proactivity, saying: "It made me reflect on how big brands are always thinking ahead and planning early," the 54-year-old told PA: "My message to retailers would be: while planning ahead is important, it’s also essential to be mindful of consumer sentiment. " He further suggested: "Some might feel it’s too early for seasonal products like this but others might see it as a sign of forward-thinking. Striking the right balance is key to keeping customers happy."Head coach Jim Harbaugh secured a $1 million playoff bonus on Saturday after the Los Angeles Chargers clinched a wild-card spot with a 40-7 victory over the New England Patriots, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter: It will be their first playoff appearance since 2022, when they lost 31-30 in the wild-card round to the Jacksonville Jaguars, after missing the postseason last year. This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis. For more from Bleacher Report on this topic and from around the sports world, check out our B/R app , homepage and social feeds—including Twitter , Instagram , Facebook and TikTok .

CHICAGO (AP) — Cairo Santos had a field goal blocked — again. DeAndre Carter muffed a punt in the second half. And those were just the special teams mistakes for the struggling Chicago Bears. Santos' blocked field goal and Carter's turnover were part of another sloppy performance for Chicago in its fifth consecutive loss. The pair of miscues helped set up two of Minnesota's three touchdowns in a 30-27 overtime victory . The Bears (4-7) closed out a miserable three-game homestand after they won their first three games of the season at Soldier Field. They were in position to beat Green Bay last weekend before Santos' 46-yard field goal attempt was blocked on the final play of the Packers' 20-19 win . “It’s tough. ... When things just aren’t going your way, you gotta put your head down and just keep going to work,” tight end Cole Kmet said. “It’s not easy to do but that’s kind of where we’re at.” Chicago and Minnesota were tied at 7 when Caleb Williams threw incomplete on third-and-4 at the Vikings 30 early in the second quarter. Bears coach Matt Eberflus sent Santos out for a 48-yard attempt, but it was knocked down by defensive lineman Jerry Tillery. “I think it was the penetration with the trajectory of the ball,” Santos said. “Had the ball started 3 or 4 inches to the right of both those guys' hands, I think it still goes in through the uprights.” Brian Asamoah returned the blocked kick 22 yards to set the Vikings up with good field position. Sam Darnold then capped a six-play, 53-yard drive with a 5-yard TD pass to Jalen Nailor for a 14-7 lead with 6:29 left in the first half. It was the third blocked field goal for Santos this year, the most for Chicago in a single season since it also had three blocked in 2012. Santos also had a 43-yard try blocked in the fourth quarter of a 35-16 victory over Jacksonville on Oct. 13. The Bears became the first NFL team to allow three blocked field goals in a season since the Browns and Ravens each had three blocked in 2022. Story continues below video “Whenever that happens two games in a row we’ve got to make sure we take a hard look in terms of the protection, the technique and who we have in there,” Eberflus said. “So it's going to be a big thing to look at.” Chicago trailed 17-10 when it forced a Minnesota punt midway through the third quarter. Carter warned his teammates to get out of the way, but it hit the ground and bounced off the inside of his right leg before it was recovered by Bo Richter at the Bears 15. The Vikings turned the mental error into Aaron Jones' 2-yard touchdown run and a 24-10 lead. “Gotta get out of the way of the ball. That’s on me,” Carter said. “I let the team down today. Game shouldn’t have been in the situation it was in. I felt bad for the guys.” Santos and Carter both played a role in a late rally for Chicago. Carter had a 55-yard kickoff return, and Santos got an onside kick to work before making a tying 48-yarder on the final play of regulation. But the Bears stalled on the first possession of overtime, and Darnold drove the Vikings downfield to set up Parker Romo's winning 29-yard field goal. “We're losing in the most unreal situations,” Bears receiver DJ Moore said. “Now it's like the luck's got to go in our favor at some point.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson used teammates’ urine to ward off injuries during NFL careerNone