S&P/TSX composite rises Thursday, U.S. markets down ahead of jobs reportParade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. It's the time of the year to get comfy and cozy. And what better way to snuggle by a fire with a holiday movie on than with a fuzzy blanket and a new pair of slippers ? With Black Friday deals currently underway, it's the perfect time to buy yourself and your loved one a gift — especially one that is on-sale and looks exactly like Uggs — but for a much more affordable price. Target is selling these Alpine Swiss Emily Platform Slippers that are 20% off exclusively online, and they're available in colors black and tan (although there are a few sizes out of stock already, so you'll want to shop them fast). Sizes range from 5 to 11 — it's recommended that half sizes round up — while the shoe features a 2-inch tall platform that adds height in the most comfortable way. Alpine Swiss Emily Platform Slippers, $28 (was $35) at Target Courtesy of Target This new arrival features soft microsuede and faux fur that will shape to your feet over time for a customized and ultra-comfortable fit. They have a woven design around the ankle, similar to Ugg's viral Tasman slippers, that takes the shoe from casual to trendy. "The inside is super soft," one shopper wrote. Another claimed they are "very comfortable," and "gets lots of compliments on them." Plus the cost is nearly four times less than Uggs. Ugg Tasman Slipper, $110 at Ugg Courtesy of Ugg You've likely seen Ugg's popular Tasman's a time or two. This best-selling slipper is offered in women's, men's, and kids sizing along with real fur lined on the inside. The shoe has a slight platform — the only real difference from Target's is that the Ugg logo is stitched on the side. Other than that, you can hardly tell which one is which — aside from your credit card statement, of course. Hurry to shop this incredible slipper deal before they're gone!circus near me 。

By KENYA HUNTER, Associated Press ATLANTA (AP) — As she checked into a recent flight to Mexico for vacation, Teja Smith chuckled at the idea of joining another Women’s March on Washington . As a Black woman, she just couldn’t see herself helping to replicate the largest act of resistance against then-President Donald Trump’s first term in January 2017. Even in an election this year where Trump questioned his opponent’s race , held rallies featuring racist insults and falsely claimed Black migrants in Ohio were eating residents’ pets , he didn’t just win a second term. He became the first Republican in two decades to clinch the popular vote, although by a small margin. “It’s like the people have spoken and this is what America looks like,” said Smith, the Los Angeles-based founder of the advocacy social media agency, Get Social. “And there’s not too much more fighting that you’re going to be able to do without losing your own sanity.” After Trump was declared the winner over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris , many politically engaged Black women said they were so dismayed by the outcome that they were reassessing — but not completely abandoning — their enthusiasm for electoral politics and movement organizing. Black women often carry much of the work of getting out the vote in their communities. They had vigorously supported the historic candidacy of Harris, who would have been the first woman of Black and South Asian descent to win the presidency. Harris’ loss spurred a wave of Black women across social media resolving to prioritize themselves, before giving so much to a country that over and over has shown its indifference to their concerns. AP VoteCast , a survey of more than 120,000 voters, found that 6 in 10 Black women said the future of democracy in the United States was the single most important factor for their vote this year, a higher share than for other demographic groups. But now, with Trump set to return to office in two months, some Black women are renewing calls to emphasize rest, focus on mental health and become more selective about what fight they lend their organizing power to. “America is going to have to save herself,” said LaTosha Brown, the co-founder of the national voting rights group Black Voters Matter. She compared Black women’s presence in social justice movements as “core strategists and core organizers” to the North Star, known as the most consistent and dependable star in the galaxy because of its seemingly fixed position in the sky. People can rely on Black women to lead change, Brown said, but the next four years will look different. “That’s not a herculean task that’s for us. We don’t want that title. ... I have no goals to be a martyr for a nation that cares nothing about me,” she said. AP VoteCast paints a clear picture of Black women’s concerns. Black female voters were most likely to say that democracy was the single most important factor for their vote, compared to other motivators such as high prices or abortion. More than 7 in 10 Black female voters said they were “very concerned” that electing Trump would lead the nation toward authoritarianism, while only about 2 in 10 said this about Harris. About 9 in 10 Black female voters supported Harris in 2024, according to AP VoteCast, similar to the share that backed Democrat Joe Biden in 2020. Trump received support from more than half of white voters, who made up the vast majority of his coalition in both years. Like voters overall, Black women were most likely to say the economy and jobs were the most important issues facing the country, with about one-third saying that. But they were more likely than many other groups to say that abortion and racism were the top issues, and much less likely than other groups to say immigration was the top issue. Despite those concerns, which were well-voiced by Black women throughout the campaign, increased support from young men of color and white women helped expand Trump’s lead and secured his victory. Politically engaged Black women said they don’t plan to continue positioning themselves in the vertebrae of the “backbone” of America’s democracy. The growing movement prompting Black women to withdraw is a shift from history, where they are often present and at the forefront of political and social change. One of the earliest examples is the women’s suffrage movement that led to ratification in 1920 of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution , which gave women the right to vote. Black women, however, were prevented from voting for decades afterward because of Jim Crow-era literacy tests, poll taxes and laws that blocked the grandchildren of slaves from voting. Most Black women couldn’t vote until the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Black women were among the organizers and counted among the marchers brutalized on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Alabama, during the historic march in 1965 from Selma to Montgomery that preceded federal legislation. Decades later, Black women were prominent organizers of the Black Lives Matter movement in response to the deaths of Black Americans at the hands of police and vigilantes. In his 2024 campaign, Trump called for leveraging federal money to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs in government programs and discussions of race, gender or sexual orientation in schools. His rhetoric on immigration, including false claims that Black Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating cats and dogs, drove support for his plan to deport millions of people . Tenita Taylor, a Black resident of Atlanta who supported Trump this year, said she was initially excited about Harris’ candidacy. But after thinking about how high her grocery bills have been, she feels that voting for Trump in hopes of finally getting lower prices was a form of self-prioritization. “People say, ‘Well, that’s selfish, it was gonna be better for the greater good,”’ she said. “I’m a mother of five kids. ... The things that (Democrats) do either affect the rich or the poor.” Some of Trump’s plans affect people in Olivia Gordon’s immediate community, which is why she struggled to get behind the “Black women rest” wave. Gordon, a New York-based lawyer who supported the Party for Socialism and Liberation’s presidential nominee, Claudia de la Cruz, worries about who may be left behind if the 92% of Black women voters who backed Harris simply stopped advocating. “We’re talking millions of Black women here. If millions of Black women take a step back, it absolutely leaves holes, but for other Black women,” she said. “I think we sometimes are in the bubble of if it’s not in your immediate circle, maybe it doesn’t apply to you. And I truly implore people to understand that it does.” Nicole Lewis, an Alabama-based therapist who specializes in treating Black women’s stress, said she’s aware that Black women withdrawing from social impact movements could have a fallout. But she also hopes that it forces a reckoning for the nation to understand the consequences of not standing in solidarity with Black women. “It could impact things negatively because there isn’t that voice from the most empathetic group,” she said. “I also think it’s going to give other groups an opportunity to step up. ... My hope is that they do show up for themselves and everyone else.” Brown said a reckoning might be exactly what the country needs, but it’s a reckoning for everyone else. Black women, she said, did their job when they supported Harris in droves in hopes they could thwart the massive changes expected under Trump. “This ain’t our reckoning,” she said. “I don’t feel no guilt.” AP polling editor Amelia Thomson DeVeaux and Associated Press writer Linley Sanders in Washington contributed to this report. The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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Lynden Breen recorded a hat trick before leaving the game after an apparent leg injury, leading fifth-ranked Maine to a 6-0 win over RPI in a Hockey East game Saturday afternoon in Troy, New York. Breen also assisted on the opening goal by Charlie Russell midway through the first period. He made it 2-0 just 25 seconds into the second period, then scored twice in a span of 1:55 early in the third. Harrison Scott and Frank Djurasevic added power-play goals later in the third, and Albin Boija finished with 16 saves for his third shutout of the season as Maine improved to 9-2-2. RPI is 5-5-1. We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use . More information is found on our FAQs . You can modify your screen name here . Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve. Please sign into your Sun Journal account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe . Questions? Please see our FAQs . Your commenting screen name has been updated. Send questions/comments to the editors. « PreviousPhoenix Capital Group: Pioneering Investments for Main Street Investors in the Oil and Gas Industry

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Anas Sarwar has been named The Herald Scottish Politician of the Year in recognition of his work securing Scottish Labour’s stunning result at the General Election . The party returned 37 MPs, a huge jump on the one won in 2019. It is the second time Mr Sarwar has won the prize, after first taking the gong home in 2022. It was a unanimous choice for the independent judging panel, who praised the MSP for keeping his party disciplined and focused on winning. It is now the third year in a row Labour has won the main prize at the Scottish Politician Of The Year Awards in association with Scottish Power. READ MORE Scottish Politician Of The Year - winners revealed Bernard Ponsonby: The Herald's Politician of the Year is about real people Scottish Politician of the Year: Who has won in previous years? Mr Sarwar - who saw off competition from John Swinney and Kate Forbes - said: “It is truly an honour to have been named the Herald Scottish Politician of the Year for 2024. Whilst I may have received this award, the reality is that it is a team effort and I’m really lucky to have so many talents alongside me. “This year has been one of seismic change in our politics with the election of a UK Labour government, with Scotland at its heart, seeing us also win the election here in Scotland and return 37 Scottish Labour MPs. “Politics is first and foremost about service. “As we look ahead to the election in 2026, I am committed to working tirelessly with all who recognise the need for a new direction to deliver the public services, economy and standard of living Scots deserve.” (Image: Gordon Terris/NQ) Labour’s Ian Murray won in the Best Scot at Westminster category, with judges recognising his role in the party’s election victory and in making sure the party leadership took Scotland seriously. Also short-listed were SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn and Liberal Democrat chief whip Wendy Chamberlain. Both were nominated for the second year in a row. There was much debate on the judging panel over who should win Committee MSP of the Year Award. In the end, it went to Jackson Carlaw and the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee for their damning inquiry on the A9. They saw off stiff competition from the SNP’s Kenny Gibson, convener of Holyrood’s Finance and Public Administration Committee, and his party colleague Audrey Nicoll, the chair of the Criminal Justice Committee. Former first minister Humza Yousaf picked up the SNP’s first gong of the night, winning the Donald Dewar Debater of the Year Award supported by Aiir Networks. Judges thought his intervention on Gaza at the end of 2023 was one of the standout speeches of the parliamentary year. The Glasgow Pollok MSP could not make the ceremony but took to social media to thank The Herald. Thank you @heraldscotland Sorry I couldn't be there in person to collect it, I have my hands full tonight...! https://t.co/jfsGKiCHIs pic.twitter.com/bIdSsrNtHn — Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) November 21, 2024 Labour MP Kirsty McNeil won the One-to-Watch award in association with Scottish Power. Judges were impressed at the new Midlothian MP’s rapid ascent. She went from making her maiden speech to speaking from the despatch box for the first time as a Scotland Office minister within a matter of hours. There was little disagreement in the judging panel over who the Community MSP of the Year should be, with the Scottish Greens’ Ross Greer winning for his work opposing the Flamingo Land development on the shores of Loch Lomond. The Politics in Business award - supported by Big Partnership - was won by Kate Forbes. The judges were told that she had completely reset the Scottish Government’s relationship with industry. There was a feeling from businesses that the Deputy First Minister understood their importance in growing the economy. The Scottish Power Green Champion Award went to former Scottish Government minister Lorna Slater, who was praised for sticking to her principles and giving her ex-colleagues in St Andrew’s House a hard time over the environment. The Campaigner of the Year went to Linda, Stuart and Scott Allan for their work on prison reform and their campaign to get all children in Polmont Young Offenders Institute transferred to care. It was a tough choice for the judges. The Fornethy Survivors, a group of women who were victims of physical, mental and sexual abuse while attending Fornethy Residential School in Glasgow, were also on the shortlist. So too were the campaigners who saw Emma Caldwell’s killer brought to justice. Fiona Hennebry won the Local Politician Of The Year award. Judges were impressed by the Labour councillor’s charity work. She runs a community pantry and drop in cafe and group called Bags Full Of Love which provides backpacks for vulnerable young people filled with essential items. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Baroness Annabel Goldie. The former Scottish Tory leader played a central part in making Holyrood what it is, leaving in 2015 after 16 years, to dedicate herself to the House of Lords, where she has served in the government of four prime ministers. In her speech, she joked that a lifetime achievement award was for people "on their way to the crematorium." Baroness Goldie told the audience: "When I entered the Scottish Parliament in 1999 I had an overwhelming sense of privilege and obligation. The public had put me there, the taxpayer was keeping me there, and the deal was that I had to serve but I think that's something else in politics we always need to remember. "And I have to say that we've seen tonight some marvellous examples of really stellar political service in many of the undoubtedly discerning winners of awards this evening. "And I think I just want to say to to them and to the parties they represent, thank you. Thank you for being the real representation of what the public wants from its politicians. "And a plea, that if there's anyone in politics who's in it for self, to promote themselves in their own advancement, and most distastefully of all to, through some grotesque sense of entitlement, seek to grab every passing trimming and frill going past, then get them out. "Boot them out your party. They're no use to your party. They are are no use to the public, and there's certainly no use to the reputation of what should be an admired and respected vocation, and that is a privilege of political service. " (Image: Gordon Terris/NQ) Keith Anderson, CEO of ScottishPower, said: “Congratulations to all the worthy winners. Every one of them – and their fellow nominees – has shown their commitment to Scotland and its people through their amazing work. "It’s been an honour to be part of this event again and I look forward to seeing and hearing more from them as we work together to deliver Scotland’s green energy transition.” Hamish Fraser, Director, said: "Congratulations to The Herald and the events team for delivering yet another exceptional Scottish Politician of the Year Awards — truly one of the highlights of the Scottish political calendar. "I’d like to extend my warmest congratulations to the winner of the Donald Dewar Debater of the Year category, to the Politician of the Year, and to all the remarkable winners who were recognised last night. Their dedication and contributions to shaping Scotland’s future are truly inspiring."

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Rocket Lab Lands CHIPs Award, Successful Missions; SpaceX Launch On Deck - Investor's Business DailyFinding the perfect gift can be daunting. The only way to truly ensure you get it right would be to ask the recipient what they want, but that wouldn’t be much fun for either of you. Luckily, there’s another tactic to help you earn a “gift whisperer” reputation: seeking out unique, practical, game-changing gifts that will truly surprise and delight. But that’s about as easy as it sounds, which is to say it’s not easy at all. So, we’ve done the legwork for you. Start making your list with this compilation of some of the most innovative, functional and fun gifts of 2024. There’s something for every budget. A pepper grinder, really? Bear with me: The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. Available in three colors (Sangria Red, Midnight Black and Soft Cream), the rechargeable-battery unit grinds with a light touch rather than hand-tiring twists. That’s easier for everyone and especially helpful for those experiencing hand or wrist issues such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis. And it’s fun to use. The set includes a stackable storage tray and four pods that can be easily swapped as needed: The GT microplane grater for hard spices, nuts and chocolate; the MAX for large spices and dried herbs; the ProPlus for smaller and oily spices; and the Pepper Pod for, well, pepper. $110. To build a fire Campers and backyard firepit lovers who have experienced the heartbreak of wet wood will appreciate having a three-pack of Pull Start Fire on hand. Made of 89% recycled materials, including sanding dust, wax and flint, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling. Just loop the attached green string around a log, incorporate it into a wood stack, and pull the attached red string to ignite. Each windproof, rainproof block burns for 30 minutes. $29.99. The place for a ladle is on the pot The No Mess Utensil Set from Souper Cubes, a company known for its portioned, silicone freezer trays, lives up to its name. The utensils – a serving spoon and a ladle – have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot, keeping them upright so they won’t slip in. The design also eliminates the need for a spoon rest or, worse, placing dirty utensils on the kitchen counter or stovetop between stirs. A silicone coating in a choice of Aqua, Charcoal, Cranberry or Blueberry keeps handles cool to the touch. $24.99. Up your birdwatching with this feeder The FeatherSnap Wi-Fi smart bird feeder could turn anyone into an avid birdwatcher. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. An optional premium subscription ($59.99 annually or $6.99 monthly) includes unlimited photo and video storage, AI identification with species-specific details, and the opportunity to earn badges for logging new visitors. Turn on notifications to get alerts sent to your phone whenever there’s activity at the feeder. $179.99. Printing old-fashioned photos via Bluetooth Fujifilm’s Instax Mini Link 3 smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the 4.9-by-3.5-by-1.3-inch printer with Instax Mini instant film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. If you want to get fancy, you can adjust brightness, contrast and saturation, or apply filters, including 3D augmented-reality effects, via the free Instax Mini Link app. It can also make collages of up to six images, or animate photos to share on social media. Available in Rose Pink, Clay White and Sage Green. $99.95. Houseplants don’t get much easier than this The appropriately named easyplant is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. Select a pot color, size and plant (or get recommendations based on sunlight requirements, pet friendliness and other attributes) and fill the self-watering container’s built-in reservoir roughly once a month. Moisture will permeate the soil from the bottom as needed, eliminating the often-fatal consequences of over- or under-watering. It’s also a literal lifesaver come vacation time. $49-$259. Making your own (plant-based) milk If you’ve got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. The Nama M1 appliance both blends and strains ingredients, converting nuts, seeds, grains or oats into velvety-smooth milk in just one minute, with zero grit. And for zero waste, the pasty leftover pulp can be used in other recipes for added nutrients. The device also makes infused oils, flavored waters and soups. And, importantly, cleanup is easy. Available in white and black. $400. The perfect temperature for 350,000-plus wines For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the QelviQ personal sommelier uses “smart” technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. Unlike traditional wine refrigerators, this device doesn’t take up any floor space. It also doesn’t chill wine to just one or two temperatures based on its color. Instead – paired with the free QelviQ app – the tabletop chiller relies on a database of more than 350,000 wines to bring a bottle to its specific recommended serving temperature in as little as 20 minutes. It also suggests food-wine and wine-food pairings. Plus, the appliance serves as a great icebreaker to inspire dinnertime conversation. Available in Exciting Red, Dashing Black and Dreamy White. $495. Casting light on the grill after dark Grilling food after dark – and ascertaining its doneness – can prove challenging without outdoor lighting, and it’s nearly impossible to cook while holding a flashlight. But as is often the case, the simplest of solutions can make the biggest of impacts: Uncommon Good’s 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. After use, the lights can be removed and the utensils run through the dishwasher. $40.Kroger Reiterates Its Commitment to Lower Prices and Initiates New $7.5B Share Buyback Program

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The Government has to be honest and transparent and is obliged to disclose what was agreed with the IMF to the public The End of Mission statement issued by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) team that visited Colombo from 17 to 23 November states: “The new government’s commitment to the program objectives has enhanced confidence and ensures policy continuity.”... “The new government’s mandate will reinvigorate governance reforms addressing corruption risks, rebuilding economic confidence, and making growth more robust and inclusive.” This statement sparked a debate. Mixed sentiments were expressed. The Opposition parties and other critiques charged that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) and his National People’s Power (NPP) Government have deviated from their pre-election promise on the IMF agreement. Has the Government gone back on its own words by agreeing to move forward with IMF? This was the first straw thrown at the Opposition looking for something to hang on to after it was caught in a wave of flood (or is it a tsunami?). The second straw was thrown a few days later by the Speaker with his decision to drop the prefix – ‘Dr.’ – before Ranwala and resign. I am not a fan of IMF for several reasons. Firstly, Sri Lanka has sought IMF assistance on 16 occasions in the past. The country, rather than overcoming economic difficulties, ended up as an import-led indebted bankrupt economy. Secondly, the conditions laid down in the IMF agreement are neither popular nor people-friendly. They are being criticised for penalising ordinary citizens for sins committed by someone else. Thirdly, recipient Governments pay attention to satisfy IMF conditions to get eligible for the next tranche. They see only the carrot dangled by IMF before their eyes and fail to see beyond. The Governments and policymakers pay little attention to taking strategic moves. They go by numbers making the approach more arithmetic than strategic. Fourthly, in my opinion, IMF is looking at the symptoms rather than the causes. Budget deficit, foreign exchange crisis, Balance of Payment deficit and Debt crisis are symptoms of an underdeveloped economy. Lastly, Governments fail to explore other alternative exit strategies and engage in deeper negotiations before taking the option of IMF assistance and going for an easy path. However, the Sri Lankan Government has already entered into an international agreement with the IMF in 2023. President AKD has confirmed in his Policy Statement delivered on 21 November at the inauguration of the 10th Parliament that “Implementing agreements with IMF to stabilise the economy is accepted as a crucial step in moving forward with the International Monetary Fund (IMF)”. The IMF agreement is already history. Leaving the IMF program would make difficult for Sri Lanka to negotiate for debt sustainability. The possibility of amending the conditions once agreed upon is remote. The scenario is as such, concerns of mine or NPP or the Opposition or any other critique would have only an academic value. The question remaining is not leaving or staying with the IMF agreement but, how the country would deal with it for its best interest. EconomyNext in an article titled “Sri Lanka’s NPP manifesto reveals IMF renegotiation proposals” on 26 August 2024 (https://economynext.com/sri-lankas-npp-manifesto-reveals-imf-renegotiation-proposals-178061/) reported that “The leftist National People’s Power (NPP) in its election manifesto has revealed its approach to re-negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) if the party wins Sri Lanka’s upcoming presidential election.” It mentions five proposals made to renegotiate. It further reported, “Both the NPP and the main Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) have pledged to renegotiate Sri Lanka’s agreement with the IMF. However, President Ranil Wickremesinghe (RW) has said that the benchmarks, revenue and expenditure figures agreed to with the international lender cannot be changed.” No party has stated that once elected it would leave the IMF agreement. NPP and SJB stated of renegotiations of the conditions. RW stated the inability to change the conditions. NPP Government’s readiness to stay on with the IMF agreement is, therefore, not a deviation from its electoral mandate or a betrayal of the people’s rights as some point out. Senior Mission Chief for Sri Lanka Peter Breuer in March 2023 announcing approval for a 48-month Extended Fund facility of SDR 2.286 billion by IMF Executive Board Special Drawing Rights stated Sri Lanka has been facing a severe crisis as a result of past policy missteps and economic shocks. EFF arrangement prioritises five key pillars i.e. fiscal consolidation, restoration of public debt sustainability, restoration of price stability to foster an environment of investment and growth, safeguarding financial sector stability, structural reforms to address corruption vulnerabilities and enhanced growth. He has emphasised the importance of anti-corruption and governance reforms as a central pillar of EFF support program (https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2023/03/21/tr032123-transcript-of-sri-lanka-press-briefing). IMF, in September 2023, prepared the ‘Governance Diagnostic Assessment’ Report on Sri Lanka (file:///C:/Users/DELL/Downloads/002-article-A000-en%20(4).pdf). Sri Lanka had the honour of being the first country in Asia to undergo a governance diagnostic exercise by the IMF. Look at the areas dealt in the Report: Severity of Corruption, Anti-corruption, Prevention of Corruption, Investigation, Prosecution, and Sanctioning of Corruption, Transparency and participatory and Inclusive governance, Weaknesses in fiscal governance and public financial management, Budget credibility and coverage convergence, Governance and corruption vulnerabilities within tax policy, Governance Weaknesses and Corruption Vulnerabilities in Sri Lankan Revenue Administration, Governance Arrangement and Oversight, Accountability and Transparency, Recommendations on Financial Sector Oversight, Rule of Law, Foundations of the rule of law – stability of the legal framework, Functioning of the judiciary – case backlog, court processing. These areas and the five key pillars prioritised in EFF program are the causes for and the symptoms of the bankruptcy. They are the same concerns raised by NPP on its election platforms and in the Parliament. In this sense, NPP and the IMF were on the same wavelength on corruption, malpractices, financial indiscipline and policy missteps. On the other hand, the IMF option was not a choice of the NPP Government. Its hand and foot were already bound by the IMF agreement. It made it impossible for the NPP to do what it thinks best. The country is in a debt trap. It must have an exit strategy. There is no silver line in the vicinity. Deciding unilaterally to leave an international agreement is unethical and illegal in a civilised world. The country would lose its credibility among its peers and within the international community. It cannot run away from it however much it agrees or not. The only option left for the NPP Government is renegotiations. The third IMF Mission visited in this background and even before the new Cabinet was sworn in on 18 November. This left no space for the new Government to make even logistics and protocol arrangements for the Mission apart from serious negotiations. IMF has expressed that “The new government’s commitment to the program objectives has enhanced confidence and ensures policy continuity.” With this commitment, the Government has kicked the ball back to its courts. The Government cannot afford to please itself for reaching an agreement with the IMF and be complacent and fall into a slumber until the next review takes place while listening to the hosannas of policy makers, advisors and the Central Bank. They have already started taking the Government on the garden path. Read the following statement posted by the Treasury Secretary after Fitch upgraded Sri Lanka from default status. “This achievement is a testament to the tireless efforts of colleagues at the Ministry of Finance, Central Bank, Sri Lanka’s political leadership since April 2022, and our advisors Lazard and Clifford Chance who provided amazing support to enable this positive outcome”. One must read between the lines. Sri Lanka, a country that is struggling to repay what it had already borrowed on the advice of the same group is made eligible to borrow more. What advice and a consolation to a bankrupt country that is indebted up to the nose. The Government has to be honest and transparent and is obliged to disclose what was agreed with the IMF to the public. It has to carefully study the program objectives committed to and identify strategies to achieve them. The Government cannot rely on numbers and arithmetic solutions as done by previous regimes. This is a complex process. Adhering to the objectives is necessary but not sufficient. The Government has to go much beyond fulfilling the objectives agreed upon. It has to identify strategies to build up the repaying capacity of the country through the long-awaited and much talked industrialisation. The import-dependent economy must be turned around to be a tradable export-led economy. The IMF agreement is not an end by itself. It’s up to the Government to make it a means to an end. The Government has all the possibilities and liberty to design and adopt strategies to achieve the program objectives. For instance, the objective of Fiscal consolidation can be achieved by a combination of several different measures. The Government can cut many corners to prune down its expenditure; it can avoid duplication; introduce new taxes; expand the tax base; widen the tax net; eliminate or mitigate tax evasion. It’s the same with the State Owned Enterprises (SOEs). Privatisation under the guise of restructuring of SOEs is by no means the only strategy available. By improving the performance, introducing financial discipline and efficient management SOEs can be turned around to be efficient and effective. It is believed that SOEs could be turned into profit-making after privatisation. Why cannot they be made to profit-making while having ownership with the state? Privatisation would bring an immediate financial gain (Sale Price) to the government. The Government would be relieved of a financial burden. But, it is only a one-time shot. The gain would not continue. If SOEs can be kept under improved better management conditions, they will continue to generate revenue while serving the public. Experience shows that privatisation has not guaranteed the continuation of the operation of an SOE. Remember the fate of the production of textiles, sugar, paper, plywood, etc. after the privatisation? They were wiped off. There are allegations about the process of privatisation, too. Transparency, eligibility criteria, competence or business acumen were missing in the process. The entire operation was flawed. Different countries have taken different paths to achieve the objectives agreed upon with the IMF. Opposition Leader has stated “I want to ask the Government a simple question. Ghana could reject the first sovereign bond proposal and reach a better agreement...... I urge the Government to examine Ghana’s path.” The Government has to examine different options and alternative paths available, evaluate them and decide the most feasible one. The Government should not opt for easy paths as done in the past. Serious negotiations go beyond traveling in limousines, enjoying salubrious weather, tasting good food, accommodation in five-star hotels, sipping coffee, shaking hands and adding a bit of shopping. Meeting the objectives is one thing. But getting on the recovery path is another. A nation cannot keep IMF conditions on its shoulders and keep walking on a Wel Palama till 2048. We have been complaining about not having a strong Government and political consensus as a lacuna for our inability to win the confidence of donors and investors. The NPP Government has got both. 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Flightmares before Christmas: why December disruption is so painfulInterDigital Declares Regular Quarterly Cash DividendDemocrats in Pennsylvania had a horrible 2024 election. They say it's still a swing statePrime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, paid tribute to Dr. B R Ambedkar, the primary architect of the Indian Constitution, on his death anniversary. Modi acknowledged Ambedkar's relentless struggle for equality and human dignity, which continues to inspire future generations. Ambedkar, who hailed from a Dalit family, emerged as a significant political figure in India, championing the rights of the underprivileged and marginalized sectors of society. His efforts played a crucial role in shaping modern India's socio-political landscape. Expressing his respect on Mahaparinirvan Diwas, Modi described Dr. Ambedkar as a beacon of social justice. Reflecting on his visit to Chaitya Bhoomi earlier this year, the Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to Ambedkar's vision of equality and justice for all. (With inputs from agencies.)

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TEHRAN – The Iranian president has commended the Ministry of Intelligence for its pivotal role in protecting national security, emphasizing that external threats will not weaken Iran's resolve. Speaking during a ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of the ministry's establishment, Masoud Pezeshkian lauded the often-unseen efforts of its staff and leadership, highlighting their spiritual and moral dedication. "Unity among the people is the key to our strength," Pezeshkian stated. "When the public is aligned with national goals, no external power can destabilize us, and we can effectively address any challenges that come our way." "Foreign adversaries cannot bring us to our knees. We will continue to move forward with strength and determination," the president said.