Ex-Eagles running back Wendell Smallwood Jr. accused of defrauding COVID relief programs and IRS( MENAFN - IANS) New Delhi, Dec 25 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as the "architect of India's transition" and lauded his contributions towards Political stability, nation-building, and good governance on the occasion of Vajpayee's 100th birth anniversary. Born on December 15, 1994, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, Vajpayee, a poet and politician, served as the Prime Minister of India for three terms -- first for a term of 13 days in 1996, second, for a period of 13 months from 1998 to 1999, third, a full term from 1999 to 2004 -- becoming the first non-Congress Prime Minister to serve a full term in the office. He left an indelible mark on the country's political and social fabric. His birth anniversary is also celebrated as 'Good Governance Day' in India. In a heartfelt blog post, PM Modi described December 25 as a special day for the nation, marking the centenary of Vajpayee's birth. "Today, 25th December is a very special day for all of us. Our nation marks the 100th Jayanti of our beloved former Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji. He stands tall as a statesman who continues to inspire countless people," he wrote. Highlighting Vajpayee's pivotal role in shaping India's future, PM Modi wrote, "Our nation will always be grateful to Atal Ji for being the architect of India's transition into the 21st century. When he took oath as PM in 1998, our nation had passed through a period of political instability. In about nine years, we had seen four Lok Sabha elections." "The people of India were getting impatient and sceptical about governments being able to deliver. It was Atal Ji who turned this tide by providing stable and effective governance. Coming from humble roots, he realised the struggles of the common citizen and the transformative power of effective governance." PM Modi highlighted Vajpayee's achievements across sectors, stating, "His era marked a gigantic leap in the world of Information Technology, telecom, and communications. The NDA Government under Atal Ji made the first serious attempt to make technology accessible to the common citizens. Even today, most people recall the Golden Quadrilateral Project, which connected the length and breadth of India. Equally notable were the efforts to enhance local connectivity through initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. His government also laid the groundwork for the Delhi Metro, which stands as a world-class infrastructure project." Touching upon Vajpayee's contributions to social reforms, PM Modi said, "An initiative like the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan highlights how Atal Ji dreamt of building an India where modern education is accessible to people across the nation, particularly for the poor and marginalised sections. At the same time, his government presided over many economic reforms which set the stage for India's economic surge after decades of stagnation." PM Modi also cited the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests as an example of Vajpayee's resolute leadership. "On 11th May, India conducted the Pokhran tests, known as Operation Shakti. Any ordinary leader would have buckled under international pressure, but Atal Ji was made differently. India stood firm and resolute, conducting another set of tests on 13th May. This was a message to the world that India would no longer buckle under threats or pressure," he wrote. Despite facing international sanctions, Vajpayee articulated India's right to safeguard its sovereignty while advocating for world peace. PM Modi further noted, "Atal Ji presided over the creation of the NDA, redefining coalitions in Indian politics. He brought people together, making the NDA a force for development and national progress. His Parliamentary brilliance was evident throughout his political journey." Slamming the Congress, PM Modi remarked, "As Prime Minister, he blunted the criticisms of the Opposition with style and substance. Despite spending much of his career in Opposition, he carried no bitterness, even though the Congress stooped to calling him a traitor. He preferred to resign in 1996 rather than resort to horse-trading. In 1999, despite losing by one vote, he upheld integrity and returned with a resounding mandate." Recalling Vajpayee's commitment to democracy, PM Modi wrote, "He was deeply impacted by the martyrdom of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee and was a pillar of the anti-Emergency movement. He agreed to merge the Jan Sangh into the Janata Party in 1977, prioritising the Constitution over personal or party interests." The Prime Minister also praised Vajpayee's pride in Indian culture, citing his speech in Hindi at the United Nations as External Affairs Minister, which showcased his immense pride in India's heritage and identity. Calling Vajpayee's persona "magnetic," PM Modi wrote, "A prolific writer and poet, he used words to inspire, provoke thought, and offer solace. His poetry, reflective of his inner struggles and hopes for the nation, continues to resonate with people across generations." Concluding his tribute, the Prime Minister acknowledged Vajpayee's foundational contributions to the BJP and his unwavering dedication to ideology over power. "On his 100th Jayanti, let us rededicate ourselves to realising his ideals and fulfilling his vision for India. Atal Ji's unwavering belief in the potential of our nation continues to inspire us to aim higher and work harder," he wrote. MENAFN24122024000231011071ID1109028685 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
VANCOUVER - Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says the central bank is preparing for a future that looks more uncertain and more prone to shocks. In a speech to the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, he said Monday structural changes are underway in the world including demographic shifts, technological changes, decarbonization and a move away from globalization. “We need to use the pandemic experience to prepare for future crises,” Macklem said in a prepared text of his speech. To that end, Macklem says the Bank of Canada is working to learn what it can from how the economy reacted to the pandemic and in its aftermath. The Bank of Canada is conducting a review of the policy actions it took to restore financial stability and support the economy during the pandemic that it plans to publish along with an assessment of an independent panel of experts. Macklem said the spike in inflation in 2022 was a reminder that even though inflation was relatively low and stable for 30 years leading up to the pandemic, central banks cannot take public trust for granted. “All of a sudden, people couldn’t afford the things they need. And while inflation is low once again, many prices are still a lot higher than they were before the pandemic. So people feel ripped off. And that erodes public trust in our economic system,” he said in his speech. The Bank of Canada has cut its key policy interest rate five times this year including last week when it reduced the benchmark by a half a percentage point to 3.25 per cent. Macklem says the bank will be evaluating the need for further reductions in the policy rate one decision at a time and anticipates a more gradual approach to monetary policy if the economy evolves as expected. Statistics Canada reported last month that the annual inflation rate was two per cent in Ontario, hitting the Bank of Canada’s target. The speech by Macklem came ahead of the release of the November inflation report on Tuesday. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 16, 2024.Seahawks are optimistic again and set to battle Cardinals for the NFC West leadAustralia news LIVE: Social media ban for under 16s set to pass parliament; Trump cabinet picks targeted by bomb threats
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This week, the Miami Dolphins opened the 21-day window for Bradley Chubb to start practicing. The Dolphins then have 3 weeks to decide whether to activate Chubb on the roster or keep him out for the season. I think the Dolphins should not activate him and should shut him down for the season. I don’t see the upside in the Dolphins activating him and having. The Dolphins are all but mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. Don’t get me started on the playoff standings. I haven’t even looked at any scenarios or standings that could put the Dolphins in the playoffs. It would take a Christmas miracle for the Dolphins to make the playoffs. I know the Dolphins, for the most part, have an easy schedule. The only team that I feel they won’t beat is the Houston Texans because they are going to Houston, and they have a lot on the line besides a division title. Plus, the Dolphins haven’t beaten anyone that good and haven’t competed against good teams. I would have included the San Franscisco 49ers, but injuries to key players have plagued them, and they haven’t played well this year. The Dolphins don’t see that they are in denial about everything. Playing Chubb would be a huge risk for him to get reinjured. I know every player has that risk when they play, but he hurt himself playing in garbage time in a blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens and shouldn’t have been on the field, frankly. It cost him not only the final regular season and playoff game but also pretty much his 2024 season. Look, I knew the Dolphins would take a step back this year on defense because they lost players like Christian Wilkins , Andrew Van Ginkel , and Brandon Jones in free agency this year. They also had Chubb and Jaelan Phillips coming off season-ending injuries last year, so their seasons were going to be up in the air if they would be ready. The Dolphins signed many older free agents on one-year contracts and haven’t panned out. They drafted Chop Robinson with their top pick, and he has a bright future ahead of him, but the reality is that he’s a rookie, and to think he would give you double-digit sacks was unrealistic. Robinson has played well at times, but he hasn’t been a factor at other times, which can happen with rookies. Phillips made a remarkable recovery but unfortunately tore his ACL in the 4th game of the season. The pass rush has been nonexistent this season, and when you don’t have a pass, you open yourselves up to other weaknesses. The secondary has fallen off as well. The other thing is that it takes a good year to recover from a torn ACL, and Chubb has tore one before in his career. It’s probably best to have him continue to rehab and get ready for next year rather than play him in these meaningless games to end the season. I think the Dolphins pass rush will be better next year with the trio of Chubb, Phillips, and Robinson, assuming they are healthy and ready to go for the season. However, that’s next and the Dolphins just finish the season out and keep Chubb. I may be the only one who feels that way, but I feel that the risks are greater than the rewards with the way the season has gone. This article first appeared on Dolphins Talk and was syndicated with permission.
Call to exempt listed firms from tax on M&AsSeahawks are optimistic again and set to battle Cardinals for the NFC West lead SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks were struggling a week ago, coming off their bye having lost five of their last six games. That included a gut-punch overtime defeat at home against the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 3. Shane Lantz, The Associated Press Nov 21, 2024 3:50 PM Nov 21, 2024 4:05 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald walks on the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn) SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks were struggling a week ago, coming off their bye having lost five of their last six games. That included a gut-punch overtime defeat at home against the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 3. The outlook for the last-place Seahawks (5-5) was beginning to look grim. They suddenly have renewed optimism this week after an uplifting victory over the San Francisco 49ers that snapped a six-game losing streak against their arch-rival that dated to 2021. Seattle will play the first-place Arizona Cardinals (6-4) on Sunday for a share of the NFC West lead. How quickly things change in the NFL. “We’ve earned the opportunity to be fighting for the lead in the division going into the home stretch,” Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said. “So that’s the way we’re treating it. It’s very much like a playoff mindset for us at this point.” The win over the 49ers, which was capped by a 13-yard touchdown run by quarterback Geno Smith with 18 seconds left, put the Seahawks in a much better place mentally than they’d been in over the previous six weeks. They're hoping it's just the start of something even bigger. “It can just spark something that you’ve been looking for this whole year,” wide receiver DK Metcalf said. “I know we started off very hot with the first three games, but, you know, when adversity hit, it’s all about how you respond. I think we responded the right way, and it’s going to carry us throughout the rest of the season.” While the Seahawks are feeling better this week, the Cardinals have plenty of reason to feel optimistic, too. After starting the season 2-4, Arizona has won four straight to put itself in first place in the NFC West. The Cardinals have a defense that is making big strides under the leadership of veteran safety Budda Baker and a top-five running game behind the dual threat of running back James Conner, who has 697 yards rushing, and quarterback Kyler Murray, who seems to be hitting his stride in his sixth NFL season. Murray has 2,058 yards passing with 12 touchdowns, and has rushed for 371 yards and four scores. Second-year head coach Jonathan Gannon has been impressed with Murray’s improved decision-making as Murray has thrown just three interceptions through 10 games. “There’s times that he probably wants to try to thread it a little bit, but understands when to pick and choose his spots,” Gannon said. “I think he’s done a phenomenal job with that and there are a lot of times throughout the game where you could say we like to put it in the quarterback’s hands, and you trust him to make the right decision for that point in the game.” Reunited Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba will see a familiar face on the other sideline Sunday in rookie Marvin Harrison Jr., who was Smith-Njigba’s college teammate at Ohio State in 2021 and 2022. The pair each caught three touchdowns in the Buckeyes’ wild win over Utah in the 2022 Rose Bowl, with Smith-Njigba having 347 yards receiving on what was a 573-passing yard day for C.J. Stroud, now the quarterback of the Houston Texans. “Late his freshman year, he really just stood out,” Smith-Njigba said of Harrison. “You could just see the growth and kind of who he is becoming. ... He’s passed a lot of people’s expectations, of course, but I knew he was going to be elite later on freshman year.” MVP-level Murray Murray is coming off one of the best games of his career after completing 22 of 24 passes for 266 yards and a touchdown against the Jets two weeks ago. He also ran for 21 yards and two TDs. Murray currently ranks No. 3 in the NFL in quarterback rating behind Cincinnati's Joe Burrow and Baltimore's Lamar Jackson. That has put him in the MVP conversation, particularly since Arizona has won four straight games. “I don’t play the game for the validation of others," Murray said. "But as a player, of course, sometimes the recognition and the words being said feel good. But it doesn’t satisfy me.” Defensive improvement The most surprising part of Arizona’s four-game winning streak is the rapid improvement of the defense, which has allowed just 9 and 6 points, respectively, over the past two games. No touchdowns have been allowed – just five field goals. It’s just the second time over the past 30 years that the franchise has allowed 10 points or less over back-to-back games. Baker, a Bellevue native and former University of Washington football star, is the unquestioned leader of the bunch – he already has 100 tackles over 10 games - but the team also has a strong core of linebackers in Kyzir White, Mack Wilson and Zaven Collins. Metcalf and Baker have gone up against each other many times before, most famously when Metcalf ran Baker down on an interception return in 2020. “You really can’t prepare for a guy like that because his engine never stops,” Metcalf said. “He’s always going to be around the ball. He’s always going to affect the game with just his play effort and play style. ... Just got to try to minimize his playmaking ability as much as we can on offense.” ___ AP Sports Writer David Brandt in Phoenix, Arizona, contributed to this report. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Shane Lantz, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? 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NEW YORK (AP) — Angelina Jolie never expected to hit all the notes. But finding the breath of Maria Callas was enough to bring things out of Jolie that she didn’t even know were in her. “All of us, we really don’t realize where things land in our body over a lifetime of different experiences and where we hold it to protect ourselves,” Jolie said in a recent interview. “We hold it in our stomachs. We hold it in our chest. We breathe from a different place when we’re nervous or we’re sad. “The first few weeks were the hardest because my body had to open and I had to breathe again,” she adds. “And that was a discovery of how much I wasn’t.” In Pablo Larraín’s “Maria,” which Netflix released in theaters Wednesday before it begins streaming on Dec. 11, Jolie gives, if not the performance of her career, then certainly of her last decade. Beginning with 2010’s “In the Land of Blood and Honey,” Jolie has spent recent years directing films while prioritizing raising her six children. “So my choices for quite a few years were whatever was smart financially and short. I worked very little the last eight years,” says Jolie. “And I was kind of drained. I couldn’t for a while.” But her youngest kids are now 16. And for the first time in years, Jolie is back in the spotlight, in full movie-star mode. Her commanding performance in “Maria” seems assured of bringing Jolie her third Oscar nomination. (She won supporting actress in 2000 for “Girl, Interrupted.”) For an actress whose filmography might lack a signature movie, “Maria” may be Jolie's defining role. Jolie's oldest children, Maddox and Pax, worked on the set of the film. There, they saw a version of their mother they hadn't seen before. “They had certainly seen me sad in my life. But I don’t cry in front of my children like that,” Jolie says of the emotion Callas dredged up in her. “That was a moment in realizing they were going to be with me, side by side, in this process of really understanding the depth of some of the pain I carry.” Jolie, who met a reporter earlier this fall at the Carlyle Hotel, didn't speak in any detail of that pain. But it was hard not to sense some it had to do with her lengthy and ongoing divorce from Brad Pitt, with whom she had six children. Just prior to meeting, a judge allowed Pitt’s remaining claim against Jolie, over the French winery Château Miraval, to proceed. On Monday, a judge ruled that Pitt must disclose documents Jolie’s legal team have sought that they allege include “communications concerning abuse.” Pitt has denied ever being abusive. The result of the U.S. presidential election was also just days old, though Jolie — special envoy for the United Nations Refugee Agency from 2012 to 2022 – wasn’t inclined to talk politics. Asked about Donald Trump’s win , she responded, “Global storytelling is essential,” before adding: “That’s what I’m focusing on. Listening. Listening to the voices of people in my country and around the world.” Balancing such things — reports concerning her private life, questions that accompany someone of her fame — is a big reason why Jolie is so suited to the part of Callas. The film takes place during the American-born soprano’s final days. (She died of a heart attack at 53 in 1977.) Spending much of her time in her grand Paris apartment, Callas hasn’t sung publicly in years; she’s lost her voice. Imprisoned by the myth she’s created, Callas is redefining herself and her voice. An instructor tells her he wants to hear “Callas, not Maria." The movie, of course, is more concerned with Maria. It’s Larrain’s third portrait of 20th century female icon, following “Jackie” (with Natalie Portman as Jacqueline Kennedy) and “Spencer” (with Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana). As Callas, Jolie is wonderfully regal — a self-possessed diva who deliciously, in lines penned by screenwriter Steven Knight, spouts lines like: “I took liberties all my life and the world took liberties with me.” Asked if she identified with that line, Jolie answered, “Yeah, yeah.” Then she took a long pause. “I’m sure people will read a lot into this and there’s probably a lot I could say but don’t want to feed into,” Jolie eventually continues. “I know she was a public person because she loved her work. And I’m a public person because I love my work, not because I like being public. I think some people are more comfortable with a public life, and I’ve never been fully comfortable with it.” When Larraín first approached Jolie about the role, he screened “Spencer” for her. That film, like “Jackie” and “Maria,” eschews a biopic approach to instead intimately focus on a specific moment of crisis. Larraín was convinced Jolie was meant for the role. “I felt she could have that magnetism,” Larraín says. “The enigmatic diva that’s come to a point in her life where she has to take control of her life again. But the weight of her experience, of her music, of her singing, everything, is on her back. And she carries that. It’s someone who’s already loaded with a life that’s been intense.” “There’s a loneliness that we both share,” Jolie says. “That’s not necessarily a bad thing. I think people can be alone and lonely sometimes, and that can be part of who they are.” Larraín, the Chilean filmmaker, grew up in Santiago going to the opera, and he has long yearned to bring its full power and majesty to a movie. In Callas, he heard something that transfixed him. “I hear something near perfection, but at the same time, it’s something that’s about to be destroyed,” Larraín says. “So it’s as fragile and as strong as possible. It lives in both extremes. That’s why it’s so moving. I hear a voice that’s about to be broken, but it doesn’t.” In Callas’ less perfect moments singing in the film, Larraín fuses archival recordings of Callas with Jolie’s own voice. Some mix of the two runs throughout “Maria.” “Early in the process,” Jolie says, “I discovered that you can’t fake-sing opera.” Jolie has said she never sang before, not even karaoke. But the experience has left her with a newfound appreciation of opera and its healing properties. “I wonder if it’s something you lean into as you get older,” Jolie says. “Maybe your depth of pain is bigger, your depth of loss is bigger, and that sound in opera meets that, the enormity of it.” If Larraín’s approach to “Maria” is predicated on an unknowingness, he's inclined to say something similar about his star. “Because of media and social media, some people might think that they know a lot about Angelina,” he says. “Maria, I read nine biographies of her. I saw everything. I read every interview. I made this movie. But I don’t think I would be capable of telling you who she was us. So if there’s an element in common, it’s that. They carry an enormous amount of mystery. Even if you think that you know them, you don’t.” Whether “Maria” means more acting in the future for Jolie, she's not sure. “There's not a clear map,” she says. Besides, Jolie isn't quite ready to shake Callas. “When you play a real person, you feel at some point that they become your friend,” says Jolie. “Right now, it’s still a little personal. It’s funny, I’ll be at a premiere or I’ll walk into a room and someone will start blaring her music for fun, but I have this crazy internal sense memory of dropping to my knees and crying.”Watson and Loyola Chicago defeat South Florida 74-72
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CHICAGO (AP) — (AP) — Des Watson led Loyola Chicago with 14 points and sealed the victory with a 3-pointer with 32 seconds remaining as the Ramblers knocked off South Florida 74-72 on Saturday. Watson shot 3 for 15 (2 for 8 from 3-point range) and 6 of 8 from the free-throw line for the Ramblers (8-0). Kymany Houinsou scored 12 points while finishing 5 of 7 from the floor and added seven rebounds and five assists. Jalen Quinn had 12 points and shot 4 of 8 from the field and 4 of 4 from the free-throw line. The Ramblers extended their winning streak to eight games. The Bulls (5-4) were led by Jayden Reid, who recorded 23 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Kasen Jennings added 13 points for South Florida. Jamille Reynolds had 12 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. Justin Moore scored six points in the first half and Loyola Chicago went into the break trailing 38-35. Watson scored a team-high nine points for Loyola Chicago in the second half, including their game-winning shot in the final minute. NEXT UP Loyola Chicago next plays Sunday against San Francisco at home, and South Florida will visit Utah State on Saturday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .( MENAFN - Newsfile Corp) Vancouver, British Columbia and Johannesburg, South Africa--(Newsfile Corp. - November 27, 2024) - Platinum Group Metals Ltd. (TSX: PTM) (NYSE American: PLG) (" Platinum Group ", " PTM " or the " Company ") reports the Company's financial results for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, and provides an update and outlook. The Company is focused on advancing the Waterberg project located on the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Complex in South Africa (the " Waterberg Project "). The Waterberg Project is planned as a fully mechanised, shallow, decline access platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold (" 4E " or " PGM ") mine, including by-product copper and nickel production, and is projected to be one of the largest and lowest cost underground platinum group metals (" PGM " or " PGMs ") mines globally. The Company's near-term objectives are to advance the Waterberg Project to a development and construction decision including the arrangement of construction financing and concentrate offtake agreements. The Company is also advancing an initiative through Lion Battery Technologies Inc. (" Lion ") using platinum and palladium in lithium battery technologies in collaboration with Anglo American Platinum Limited (" Amplats ") and Florida International University (" FIU "). The Company has filed its audited consolidated financial statements (the " Financial Statements ") for the year ended August 31, 2024, Annual Information Form (" AIF "), and Management's Discussion and Analysis (" MD&A ") with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ ( ). The Company has also filed a Form 40-F annual report (" Form 40-F "), including the Financial Statements, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the " SEC ") on EDGAR ( ). Shareholders are encouraged to visit the Company's website at . Shareholders may receive a hard copy of the complete Financial Statements and MD&A from the Company free of charge upon request. All amounts herein are reported in United States dollars unless otherwise specified. The Company holds cash in Canadian dollars, United States dollars and South African Rand. Changes in exchange rates may create variances in the cash holdings or results reported. Project Ownership As of August 31, 2024, the Waterberg Project is owned by Waterberg JV Resources (Pty) Ltd. (" Waterberg JV Co ."), which is in turn owned by Platinum Group (37.19%), Mnombo Wethu Consultants Proprietary Limited (" Mnombo ") (26.0%), HJ Platinum Metals Company Ltd. (" HJM ") (21.95%) and Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd. (" Implats ") (14.86%). Platinum Group holds a further 12.97% indirect interest in Waterberg JV Co. through a 49.9% interest in Mnombo. HJM was established in 2023 by Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (" JOGMEC ") and Hanwa Co. Ltd. (" Hanwa ") as a special purpose company to hold and fund their aggregate future equity interests in the Waterberg Project. The combined Waterberg JV Co. ownership of JOGMEC (12.195%) and Hanwa (9.755%) were consolidated into a 21.95% interest for HJM going forward, with JOGMEC to fund 75% of future equity investments into HJM and Hanwa the remaining 25%. Recent Events On September 16, 2024, the Company reported positive results from an Independent Definitive Feasibility Study Update (the " Waterberg DFS Update ") for the Waterberg Project. The associated technical report entitled "Waterberg Definitive Feasibility Study Update, Bushveld Igneous Complex, Republic of South Africa", with an effective date of August 31, 2024, was filed on SEDAR+ on October 9, 2024 . The Waterberg DFS Update was prepared by independent qualified persons in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (" NI 43-101 ") and Subpart 229.1300 and Item 601(b)(96) of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's Regulation S-K (collectively, " S-K 1300 "). The Waterberg DFS Update is an update to the Waterberg Project's original Independent Definitive Feasibility Study published in September 2019 (the " 2019 DFS ") for a safe, large-scale, shallow, decline-accessible, mechanised, PGM mine. Key findings of the Waterberg DFS Update include: On April 3, 2024 , the directors and shareholders of Waterberg JV Co. unanimously approved a $1.35 million stage four budget (the " Stage Four Budget ") to allow the continuation of work programs underway while finalizing the Waterberg DFS Update. The Stage Four Budget, covering the period from March 2024 to approximately August 2024, was a subcomponent of a $21.0 million pre-construction work program (the " Work Program ") approved for the Waterberg Project by the directors and shareholders of Waterberg JV Co. on October 18, 2022. With regard to the Stage Four Budget, Implats advised that its 2023 group wide restriction on capital expenditures remained in effect and they could not fund their share of current cash calls. In the fourth fiscal quarter of 2024, Implats' interest was diluted by 0.087% to approximately 14.864%. Platinum Group has funded Implats shortfall and the Company's direct interest in Waterberg JV Co. has increased concurrently with Implats dilution. Implats stated they would consider the funding of subsequent cash calls as future circumstances allow. On December 20, 2023 , the Company announced a Cooperation Agreement (the " Cooperation Agreement ") with Ajlan & Bros Mining and Metals Co. (" Ajlan ") to study the establishment of a stand-alone PGM smelter (" PGM Smelter ") and base metal refinery (" BMR ") in Saudi Arabia. Ajlan is a subsidiary of Ajlan & Bros Holdings, one of the largest private sector diversified conglomerates in the Middle East. The Cooperation Agreement encompasses three phases: a global PGM concentrate market study (the " Market Study "), a Definitive Feasibility Study for the construction and operation of the PGM Smelter and BMR in Saudi Arabia (the " Smelter DFS "), and an option to form an incorporated 50:50 joint venture following the completion of the Smelter DFS. An initial trade-off study was completed in mid 2023 to first determine the viability of exporting PGM concentrate from South Africa to Saudi Arabia. The Market Study was completed subsequent to August 31, 2024 by a globally recognized consulting group specializing in PGEs and associated base metal by-products. Based on the analysis, the combination of concentrate from the Waterberg Project and end of life auto catalysts and petrochemical catalysts, sourced from the Gulf Region, could justify the scale required to construct a long term PGE smelting and refining complex in Saudi Arabia. Other sources of mined PGE concentrate from Southern Africa could be considered over the longer term. Sources beyond South Africa are considered to be too early stage, too low in PGE content and too far away to be transported economically. Ajlan and the Company are now considering the commissioning of the Smelter DFS. A key requirement would be to secure a long-term permit for the export of unrefined precious metals in concentrate from South Africa. Platinum Group has been working with the Government of South Africa to identify local beneficiation opportunities and to analyze the possible impact of exporting concentrate on the value chain. The Smelter DFS will assume the export of PGM concentrate from the Waterberg Project in South Africa to a port facility in Saudi Arabia and will encompass options related to infrastructure, location, technical specifications, capital, and operating costs. All expenses related to the Smelter DFS, expected to cost approximately US $4.0 million, are to be split on a 50:50 basis between Platinum Group and Ajlan, including certain costs already incurred by Platinum Group in previous independent beneficiation studies. On December 11, 2023 , the directors, and shareholders of Waterberg JV Co. unanimously approved a stage three budget of $1.65 million (the " Stage Three Budget ") for continued work on the Waterberg Project covering the period from September 2023 to approximately February 2024. In conjunction with its approval, Implats advised that due to a restriction on capital expenditure across their portfolio, it could not fund its 15% share of the Stage Three Budget. As a result, Implats' interest in Waterberg JV Co. was diluted to approximately 14.951% during the third fiscal quarter of 2024. Platinum Group elected to fund Implats' funding shortfall and the Company's direct interest in Waterberg JV Co. increased concurrently with Implats' dilution. On September 18, 2023 , the Company reported the closing of a non-brokered private placement of common shares at a price of $1.18 per common share. An aggregate of 2,118,645 common shares were subscribed for and issued to existing major beneficial shareholder, Hosken Consolidated Investments Limited (" HCI "), through its subsidiary Deepkloof Limited, resulting in gross proceeds to the Company of approximately $2.5 million (the " Private Placement "). Closing of the Private Placement allowed HCI to return to more than a 26% interest in the Company. Results For The Year Ended August 31, 2024 During the fiscal year August 31, 2024, the Company incurred a net loss of $4.58 million (August 31, 2023 – net loss of $5.66 million). General and administrative expenses during the period were lower at $3.42 million (August 31, 2023 - $3.89 million). Share based compensation was $1.36 million (August 31, 2023 - $1.98 million). The foreign exchange gain recognized in the current period was $4 thousand (August 31, 2023 - $0.25 million) due primarily to the U.S. Dollar increasing in value relative to the Canadian Dollar during the period. At August 31, 2024, finance income consisting of interest earned in the twelve month period amounted to $0.44 million (August 31, 2023 – $0.58 million). Basic and diluted loss per share for the year ended August 31, 2024, was $0.05 (August 31, 2023 - $0.06). Accounts receivable at August 31, 2024, totalled $0.23 million (August 31, 2023 - $0.22 million) while accounts payable and other liabilities amounted to $0.90 million (August 31, 2023 – $1.37 million). Accounts receivable was comprised primarily of value added taxes repayable to the Company in South Africa. Accounts payable consisted primarily of accruals and payables related to accounting costs, legal costs and project engineering and maintenance costs on the Waterberg Project. Total expenditures on the Waterberg Project, before partner reimbursements, for the year ended August 31, 2024, were approximately $3.0 million (August 31, 2023 – $4.9 million). At period end, $47.03 million (August 31, 2023 – $41.61 million) in accumulated net costs were capitalized to the Waterberg Project. Total expenditures on the property since inception to August 31, 2024, are approximately $89 million. For more information on mineral properties, see Note 4 of the Financial Statements. Outlook The Company's primary business objective is to advance the Waterberg Project to a development and construction decision. PTM is the operator of the Waterberg Project as directed by a technical committee comprised of representatives from joint venture partners Implats, Mnombo, and HJM. On October 18, 2022, Waterberg JV Co. approved in principle the Work Program, including proposed work on initial road access, water supply, essential site facilities, a first phase accommodation lodge, a site construction power supply from state utility Eskom and advancement of the Waterberg Social & Labour Plan. Work to prepare the Waterberg DFS Update, including updated mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates, was also approved and has been completed. Before a construction decision can be undertaken, arrangements will be required for Waterberg Project concentrate offtake or processing. The Company and Waterberg JV Co. are assessing commercial alternatives for mine development financing and concentrate offtake. In addition to the Company's investigation of smelting and base metal refining options in Saudi Arabia, the Company is also in discussion with several South African smelter operators, including Implats, with a view to negotiating formal concentrate offtake arrangements for the Waterberg Project. The Company continues to work closely with regional and local communities and their leadership on mine development plans to achieve optimal outcomes and best value to all stakeholders. As the world seeks to decarbonize and look for solutions to climate change, the adoption of battery electric vehicles is forecast to reduce the future demand for PGMs used in autocatalysis. The unique properties of PGMs as powerful catalysts are being applied to various technologies as possible solutions for more efficient energy generation and storage, which may create new demand for PGMs. The Company's battery technology initiative through Lion with partner Amplats represents one such new opportunity in the high-profile lithium battery research and innovation field. The investment in Lion creates a potential vertical integration with a broader industrial market development strategy to bring new technologies to market which use palladium and platinum. Research and development efforts by FIU on behalf of Lion continue. Technical results from Lion's research may have application to most lithium-ion and lithium-sulfur battery chemistries. For more detail, please see the Company's MD&A and AIF. Environmental, Social and Governance Platinum Group recently received its fourth annual Environmental, Social and Governance (" ESG ") disclosure report from Digbee Ltd. (" Digbee "), a United Kingdom based company that has developed an industry standard ESG disclosure framework for the mining sector providing a right-sized, future looking set of frameworks against which they can credibly disclose, track, compare and improve their ESG performance. For 2024, Platinum Group achieved an overall score of BBB with a range of CC to AAA based on the information provided. Digbee ESG has been developed in consultation with mining companies, ESG specialists and capital providers and is endorsed by leading financial institutions, producing mining companies and other industry stakeholders. Digbee's reporting framework is aligned with global standards, including the Equator Principles. For more details about the Company's 2024 Digbee ESG Report please refer to the Company's MD&A, Annual Information Form (" AIF ") and Annual Report on Form 40-F (" Form 40-F "). Regulatory The Company advises that its consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, included in the Company's Form 40-F, contain an audit report from its independent registered public accounting firm that includes a going concern emphasis of matter. The foregoing statement is required by Section 610(b) of the NYSE American Company Guide. As well as the discussions within this news release, the reader is encouraged to also see the Company's disclosure made under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's current AIF and Form 40-F. Qualified Person Rob van Egmond, P.Geo., a consultant geologist to the Company and a former employee, is an independent qualified person as defined in NI 43-101. Mr. van Egmond has reviewed, validated and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release and has previously visited the Waterberg Project site. About Platinum Group Metals Ltd. and the Waterberg Project Platinum Group Metals Ltd. is the operator of the Waterberg Project, a bulk underground palladium and platinum deposit located in South Africa. The Waterberg Project was discovered by Platinum Group and is being jointly developed with Implats, Mnombo, and HJM. On behalf of the Board of Platinum Group Metals Ltd. Frank R. Hallam President, CEO and Director For further information contact: Kris Begic, VP, Corporate Development Platinum Group Metals Ltd., Vancouver Tel: (604) 899-5450 / Toll Free: (866) 899-5450 Disclosure The TSX and the NYSE American have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this news release, which has been prepared by management. This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws and forward-looking statements within the meaning of U.S. securities laws (collectively "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "may", "plans", "would", "will", "could", "can", "postulate" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the success of the Company's objective to advance the Waterberg Project to a development and construction decision, the findings of the Waterberg DFS Update, the plan for and development of the Waterberg Project and the potential benefits and results thereof including that it is projected to become one of the largest and lowest cost underground PGM mines globally, financing and mine development of the Waterberg Project, potential commercial alternatives for mine development, obtaining concentrate offtake or processing, the size and cost of the Waterberg Project, the economic feasibility of establishing a new PGM smelter and BMR in Saudi Arabia, work with local communities, the ability of the Company to obtain all required permitting, surface access, and infrastructure servitudes, the effect of battery electric vehicles on the market for PGMs, the use of PGMs in solutions to climate change, and the Company's other future plans and expectations. Although the Company believes any forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations and assumptions in such statements will prove to be correct. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including rising global inflation and increased potential supply chain disruptions; international conflict and other geopolitical tensions and events; the Company's inability to generate sufficient cash flow or raise additional capital, and to comply with the terms of any new indebtedness; additional financing requirements; and any new indebtedness may be secured, which potentially could result in the loss of any assets pledged by the Company; the Company's history of losses and negative cash flow; the Company's ability to continue as a going concern; the Company's properties may not be brought into a state of commercial production; uncertainty of estimated production, development plans and cost estimates for the Waterberg Project as reported in the Waterberg DFS Update; discrepancies between actual and estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources, between actual and estimated development and operating costs, between actual and estimated metallurgical recoveries and between estimated and actual production; fluctuations in the relative values of the U.S. Dollar, the South African Rand and the Canadian Dollar; volatility in metals prices; the uncertainty of alternative funding sources for Waterberg JV Co.; the Company may become subject to the U.S. Investment Company Act; the failure of the Company or the other shareholders to fund their pro rata share of funding obligations for the Waterberg Project; any disputes or disagreements with the other shareholders of Waterberg JV Co. or Mnombo; the ability of the Company to retain its key management employees and skilled and experienced personnel; conflicts of interest; litigation or other administrative proceedings brought against the Company; actual or alleged breaches of governance processes or instances of fraud, bribery or corruption; exploration, development and mining risks and the inherently dangerous nature of the mining industry, and the risk of inadequate insurance or inability to obtain insurance to cover these risks and other risks and uncertainties; property and mineral title risks including defective title to mineral claims or property; changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada and South Africa; equipment shortages and the ability of the Company to acquire necessary access rights and infrastructure for its mineral properties; environmental regulations and the ability to obtain and maintain necessary permits, including environmental authorizations and water use licences; extreme competition in the mineral exploration industry; delays in obtaining, or a failure to obtain, permits necessary for current or future operations or failures to comply with the terms of such permits; risks of doing business in South Africa, including but not limited to, labour, economic and political instability and potential changes to and failures to comply with legislation; pandemics and other public health crises; the Company's common shares may be delisted from the NYSE American or the TSX if it cannot maintain compliance with the applicable listing requirements; and other risk factors described in the Company's most recent AIF and Form 40-F, other filings with the SEC and Canadian securities regulators, which may be viewed at and , respectively. Proposed changes in the mineral law in South Africa, if implemented as proposed, may have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and potential interest in projects. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether because of new information, future events or results or otherwise. The Waterberg DFS Update has been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and S-K 1300. The technical and scientific information contained in this news release has been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101, which differs from the standards adopted by the SEC. Accordingly, the technical and scientific information contained in this news release, including any estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources, may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by U.S. companies subject to the disclosure requirements of the SEC. To view the source version of this press release, please visit SOURCE: Platinum Group Metals Ltd. MENAFN27112024004218003983ID1108934110 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Suder scores 16 as Miami (Ohio) downs Mercer 75-72
Minnesota hunters registered 120,675 deer after the third weekend of the firearms deer season, up 6% from 2023, but down 4% from the five-year mean, or average, the Department of Natural Resources reported Tuesday, Nov. 26. Deer Season A opened Saturday, Nov. 9, and ended Nov. 17 in 200- and 300-series deer permit areas (DPAs) and continued through Nov. 24 in 100-series DPAs, which are mainly in the northern and northeastern part of the state. ADVERTISEMENT The Season B firearms deer season in 300-series DPAs opened Nov. 23 and continues through Sunday, Dec. 1. The firearms deer harvest by region after 16 days was as follows: According to Todd Froberg, big game program coordinator for the DNR at Whitewater Wildlife Management Area in Altura, Minnesota, the harvest really only increased in the Northwest, Northeast and Central regions during the rest of the 16-day season and then in the B season in the southeast part of the state. The 200-series DPAs only had the nine-day season, and there is only one DPA in the southwest region open during the ongoing B season, Froberg said. The cumulative harvest to date, which includes archery, firearm, early antlerless, youth and special hunts, was 153,390 deer, the DNR said. That’s up 3% from 2023, but down 6% from the five-year average and down 8% from the 10-year average. Cumulative tallies by region were as follows: In related deer hunting news, Minnesota archery hunters as of Tuesday had harvested 23,047 deer, Froberg said, up 12% from last year. Crossbows, which are legal for all archery hunters in Minnesota, are making up a greater percentage of the archery harvest, Froberg says. ADVERTISEMENT “Crossbows are making up 47% of (the) archery harvest,” he said. “For crossbow-specific harvest, we are up 24% compared to last year’s crossbow harvest. Vertical bow harvest is up 4% compared to last year’s vertical bow harvest.” Minnesota’s muzzleloader opens Saturday, Nov. 30, and continues through Sunday, Dec. 15. Archery season continues through Dec. 31. The DNR posts regular harvest updates, both statewide and by DPA, on its website at dnr.state.mn.us/mammals/deer/management/statistics.html.
PUNE: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is expected to delay the state-wide deworming campaign scheduled for December 4 due to shortage of albendazole tablets, officials said. The deworming campaign is slated to be conducted across 17 districts of Maharashtra on December 4 with a mop-up round scheduled on December 10. In Pune district, the district health officer and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) have already received the stock of medicines for the campaign. However, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has not yet received the stock of medicines. A senior officer from the health department on condition of anonymity said, “The PMC and PCMC were supposed to receive the drug supply from Mumbai. However, samples of the tablets in Mumbai failed to meet the required standards as per the laboratory reports. This has caused a statewide shortage of medicines and priority will be given to areas with tribal populations if the medicine stock is made available.” As part of the campaign, around 4.50 lakh children aged one to 19 years in Pune city, 1.50 lakh children in Pune Rural, and 1.70 lakh children in Pimpri-Chinchwad will be administered albendazole tablets, said officials. Dr Nina Borade, health chief of the PMC, said, “We have not received any stock of medicines due to some quality issue with the medicines in Mumbai. The health department is trying to source medicines from Telangana. We hope that the medicines will be received at the earliest. In case of failure to get the medicines on time, we will be forced to postpone the campaign for Pune city. However, all other arrangements have been made for the campaign and the department is prepared for the drive.” Dr Laxman Gophane, health chief of the PCMC, said that earlier, they were asked to get medicines from Mumbai but later, the health department asked them to collect medicines from Buldhana. “We have an eligible population of 1.70 lakh children in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area. A stock of 1.90 lakh tablets has been received by us and the campaign in Pimpri-Chinchwad will be held as per schedule,” he said. Dr Nagnath Yempalay said that for Pune Rural, a stock of 1.60 lakh tablets has been received by them from Buldhana. Similar to the PCMC, they too were supposed to get the medicines from Mumbai but the health department later changed the source of supply. Teachers, Anganwadi workers and ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activists) workers were trained to administer the tablets to children. “Besides, ASHA workers and other health staff will create awareness and mobilise children to be dewormed on that day,” he said.