United Bank for Africa, through its Corporate Social Responsibility Arm, the UBA Foundation, on Monday, held its annual Garden Light-Up ceremony to kick-start the festive season. The dazzling ceremony, held at the United Bank for Africa (UBA) head office in Lagos, brought together staff, customers, and well-wishers in a heart-warming display of joy, gratitude, and unity. The Garden Light-Up, an annual tradition, represents UBA and its Foundation’s commitment to spreading cheer and fostering a sense of community during this special time of year. With festive decorations, brilliant lights, fireworks and lively music, the event serves as a beacon of hope and celebration, setting the tone for the season of giving. Speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, emphasised the bank’s dedication towards creating memorable experiences and its appreciation for the efforts of staff and customers throughout the year. He reiterated that the annual Lighting ceremony is a symbol of hope for the coming year, the future and all the goodness it will bring into people’s lives. He said, “As we approach Christmas, a time of love, we remember the spirit of giving and community. I would like to express gratitude to each and every one of you. We are happy and grateful for all your sacrifices and contributions, especially during what has been a difficult year. “I am particularly grateful to the board of UBA, led by our own Chairman, Tony Elumelu. I would also like to thank the entire executive management team – including Our ED/CEOs from America, and all our management team. We appreciate the work they have done so far.” Alawuba explained that as the bank celebrates seventy-five years, it will continue to build a heritage that will last. “This ceremony is a reflection of our belief in the importance of family, unity, and giving back to the communities we serve. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones, and we look forward to an even brighter future, I therefore encourage each of you: when you go home, touch your neighbour’s life. By spreading kindness and light,” he stated. The lighting ceremony was well-attended by UBA staff members and customers who were entertained with Christmas carols by the UBA Customer Fulfilment Centre’s choir. It ended with a guided tour around the UBA Foundation gardens on the Lagos Marina and fireworks.esports squad names 。

Eddie Howe unhappy with three key refereeing calls in Newcastle draw with LiverpoolMAUREEN CALLAHAN: The odious ghouls at MSNBC have just desecrated Laken Riley's grave... and proven why Trump deserved to winFacebook Messenger Twitter Whatsapp Email The U.S. Department of Commerce has selected GlobalFoundries to receive up to $1.5 billion in direct funding under the CHIPS Incentives Program’s Funding Opportunity for Commercial Fabrication Facilities intended to bolster the semiconductor supply chain by supporting multiple of the company’s sites across the northeast U.S. The National Institute of Standards and Technology said Wednesday the CHIPS investment is intended to boost U.S. competitiveness in the semiconductor industry by enhancing GF’s manufacturing facilities in New York and Vermont. CHIPS Investment Meant to Boost Production, Employment Rate The $1.5 billion fund will be included in GF’s planned $13 billion investment over the next 10 years or so for the modernization of the company’s existing sites in New York and Vermont. In addition, GF will build a new facility in New York. These facilities manufacture current-generation chips utilized for critical industries such as automotive, smart mobile, aerospace, defense and communications semiconductor technologies. Aside from strengthening the nation’s supply chain resilience, the investment is expected to generate around 9,000 construction and 1,000 manufacturing jobs. It will also support the Upstate New York Investing in America Workforce Hub, which aims to train New Yorkers for jobs in the semiconductor supply chain. “By investing in GF’s domestic manufacturing capabilities, we are helping to secure a stable domestic supply of chips that are found in everything from home electronics to advanced weapons systems,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo . Thomas Caulfield , president and CEO of GF, stated, “GF’s essential chips are at the core of U.S. economic, supply chain and national security. We greatly appreciate the support and funding from both the U.S. government and the states of New York and Vermont, which we will use to ensure our customers have the American-made chips they need to succeed and win.”

Israeli air strikes on Yemen airport ‘were metres from WHO chief’Johnson scores 20, Tennessee Tech beats Presbyterian 90-75

Ruling elites in both Pakistan and India have been ignoring the saner elements of Kashmiri society and resorting to sledgehammer tactics to stifle them. The recent crackdown in Pakistan's Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) clearly indicates that the authorities do not want to tolerate any dissenting voice or protest against the policy of the state. This is the second recent crackdown against protests in AJK. Just a few months ago, the authorities tried to use force against those who struggled for the restoration of subsidies. The situation in Indian held Kashmir is not rosy either, where democratic forces have been put behind bars while fanatical elements were extended support by the Indian state. Secular Kashmiri nationalist leaders claim that during the recent elections in the disputed territory, New Delhi released a few former militants to contest the state assembly elections. They assert that the move was to undermine the political popularity of the National Conference, but despite all machinations of the BJP-led government, Farooq Abdullah's party managed to secure a majority in the state assembly. It seems that their victory did not go down well with those sitting in the power corridors of the Indian capital. The recent resolution of Indian-held Kashmir’s assembly clearly indicates as to why the Indian ruling elite is so uncomfortable with nationalist secular political parties. The resolution demanded of the BJP-led government to restore the special status of Jammu and Kashmir that had been granted to the disputed territory through the article A370 of the Indian constitution. While many in Pakistan only point their finger towards India, accusing New Delhi of adding to the woes of Kashmiri people, some Kashmiri leaders believe that Islamabad is also responsible for the plight of Kashmiri people The resolution, passed in the first week of the current month, sought a dialogue for “restoration of special status and constitutional guarantees” to the Union Territory and urged that “constitutional mechanisms” be worked out for the same. The resolution was passed by a voice vote, with all parties barring the BJP supporting it. Moved by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, the resolution said: “This Legislative Assembly reaffirms the importance of the special status and constitutional guarantees, which safeguarded the identity, culture, and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and expresses concern over their unilateral removal. This Assembly calls upon the government of India to initiate dialogue with elected representatives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir for restoration of special status, constitutional guarantees and to work out constitutional mechanisms for restoring these provisions.” Religious Minority Voices Demand Enhanced Representation In Elections The abrogation of the article had even alienated those Kashmiri leaders who wanted greater autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir within the framework of the Indian constitution. It created an impression that the Modi-led government is hatching machinations to alter the demography of the region besides lending credence to the claims of Kashmiri militant groups that New Delhi only understands the might of guns. It is encouraging to see that all Indian parties except the BJP threw their support behind the resolution. This indicates that most of the parties are amenable to the idea of seeking a peaceful and democratic resolution of the Kashmir dispute that is said to have been a cause of at least three conflicts between the two arch rivals of South Asia. The dispute has also been used to fan anti-Muslims feelings in India while in Pakistan it was exploited by extremist forces who attempted to tear down the social fabric of the society in the name of Kashmir Jihad. It is not only the National Conference or Srinagar-based parties that believe the restoration could create conducive environment for talks between New Delhi and Islamabad, but Kashmiri parties on the other side of the border also assert that the possible reversal of the August 2019’s decision could greatly help normalise ties between Pakistan and India besides allaying the apprehensions of the Kashmiri people towards BJP’s intention. While many in Pakistan only point their finger towards India, accusing New Delhi of adding to the woes of Kashmiri people, some Kashmiri leaders believe that Islamabad is also responsible for the plight of Kashmiri people. United Kashmir People’s National Party chairman Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri from Azad Jammu &Kashmir asks what rights Kashmiri people have in what he calls Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. “A number of Kashmiri leaders cannot contest elections in AJK without submitting an affidavit stating they believe in affiliation of the disputed territory with Pakistan.” Afrasiab Khattak Joins Chorus Of Voices Challenging 26th Constitutional Amendment Kashmiri leaders also bemoan the sledgehammer tactics that the Pakistan state is employing in AJK in a bid to control the region. Recently it undertook a number of measures to curb protests in the Pakistani side of Kashmir. The state is also coming hard on those who actively participate in the subsidy movement. Dr Tauqeer Gilani, President of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front in AJK, had to flee the country after a concocted case of blasphemy was registered against him and fanatics in the region staged protests to intimidate Gilani, who was active during the subsidy movement. It is time that both Pakistan and India listen to the Kashmiri political parties who have been seeking a peaceful solution to the inveterate dispute. Any effort to undermine JKLF and other nationalist parties on either side of the border will only strengthen the position of militant outfits whose attacks have created a spectre of nuclear war between the two South Asian rivals in the past. New Delhi will have to engage Yasin Malik and other Kashmiri leaders in talks while Islamabad must abolish the condition of affiliation paving a way for all parties that want to contest elections in the AJK. It is better to listen to saner voices of Kashmiri society before extremists start exploiting the issue again in the two countries. The environment of dialogues and respect for democratic norms might create conditions in the future for the leaderships of two arch rivals to sit together and hammer out an amicable resolution. The sooner the two states understand it the better it will be for Kashmiris and the region.

There's not many moral victories in the NFL, but one team that should consider itself satisfied with recent progress is the Carolina Panthers . Specifically, 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young is beginning to look like a respectable NFL quarterback. Bryce Young SHEESH 📺: #CARvsPHI on FOX 📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/t2kW0MnfRx Young, who was benched early on in the season, has been a different player since returning to the Panthers' lineup. On Sunday he threw for 191 yards and a touchdown, and made some impressive plays (notably the one above). The Panthers have lost their past three contests, but they've all been one-possession games against teams currently in playoff positions. Two have been against teams -- the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12 and the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday -- that are considered Super Bowl contenders. At 3-10, the Panthers aren't going to make the playoffs this season, but a considerable improvement next year could be in the cards if Young continues to progress . He's passed for at least one touchdown in every game since he was inserted back into the starting lineup, and has thrown only four interceptions. Young, who early on in the season was written off as a failed draft pick, has been able to turn the narrative around to the point that it seems likely the Panthers will give him at least one more year to prove himself. It only goes to show that developing a franchise QB requires patience.

Coherent Holds An Nvidia-Like Gain. AI Is Just One Reason Why.

No. 7 Tennessee extends its season-opening winning streak to 7 games in 78-35 win over UT MartinNigerian govt debunks fake ambassadorial nominees list, clarifies no appointments yetLike many other vital workflows, accounting has evolved with technology over the last several decades. It’s transitioned from manual bookkeeping to rudimentary software to robust desktop applications and finally to cloud-native software as a service. However, while this evolution has naturally made the profession more efficient, some believe that these platforms have started to sacrifice quality in the name of convenience. According to tech entrepreneur and software engineer Gregory Gevorkyan , modern web applications have lost their magic: They’ve become more bloated, slower, and even break if you don’t have an uninterrupted internet connection. Instead of relying on clunky web apps that take several seconds to load, Gevorkyan believes that native desktop apps had it right all along — and with Modernbanc , his next-gen accounting platform, he’s aiming to bring more efficient and user-friendly workflows back into the spotlight. Learn more about how Gevorkyan is balancing emerging technology with common-sense software development. The Challenges of Legacy Accounting Software and an Overreliance on Cloud Computing Accounting as an industry hasn’t exactly kept up with modern technology. Even today, many of the world’s biggest banks still use decades-old systems like FIS, Infosys Finacle, and Temenos T24. While these solutions were cutting-edge tech in their own age, many of them were built 40 years ago and lack support for modern features — not to mention they struggle with complex transactions and increased volumes of data, both of which are all too common in modern business. Meanwhile, technology has propelled the creation of robust accounting software to meet the needs of today’s businesses. Some platforms utilize robotic process automation (RPA) to automate busy work such as invoice and order management, freeing up the precious time of overworked accountants. Other offerings use specialized analytics tools to enhance workflows like auditing, allowing businesses to identify anomalies, trends, and fraud much more efficiently. But today, many of these offerings are only available as cloud software, which Gregory considers a step backward. After all, what’s the point of using cutting-edge technology if it’s reliant on bandwidth and latency? Not only are these connection-reliant web apps limited in performance and accessibility, but their purported convenience often falls flat the instant your internet connection falters. And when finance professionals are spending more money on the cloud than ever before and not seeing significant benefits, something must change. That’s why Gevorkyan believes that building offline-first software is the safer and more performant way to address the challenges of legacy financial systems. Innovating Accounting Software with Modernbanc While contributing to the building of Royal Bank of Scotland’s next-gen online bank , Gregory Gevorkyan became intimately familiar with the weaknesses of legacy banking systems and the shortcomings of cloud-first offerings. These insights are what inspired him to create Modernbanc, an accounting system that is as easy to use as a spreadsheet, allowing users to build reports with live data in seconds. The software offers tools for recording bank balances, making financial reports, and managing assets, compiling them all into an intuitive spreadsheet layout. It also seamlessly integrates with business bank accounts and transactions, with support for over 12,000 financial institutions. This drastically reduces the manual labor accountants are ordinarily faced with, giving them more time to focus on strategic financial planning. Prioritizing an offline-first approach, Modernbanc allows users to build reports regardless of whether they have a connection at the moment (letting them automatically sync when a connection is established), using an app that works seamlessly even without the internet. Rather than depending on clunky web extensions and separate offline spreadsheets, Modernbanc ensures reliable performance regardless of whether the user is connected — marrying the convenience of the cloud with the performance Gevorkyan believes should be the standard for all robust business software. Solving the Efficiency Problem in Accounting As half the industry is relying on outdated software and the other half is counting on unreliable cloud applications, Gevorkyan built Modernbanc with a seamless and streamlined interface in mind, one that is purpose-built for reliability and efficiency. One of the primary ways Modernbanc achieves this is with a simple and straightforward user flow, allowing users to record a payment just by adding a row. Custom reports can be generated in seconds using live data or provided templates, while transactions are automatically categorized and reconciled. Thanks to these simple yet effective features, not only is Modernbanc intuitive to use, but it also avoids the performance bottlenecks that other offerings face when they prioritize flashy features over functionality. And by turning away from the traditional web-app approach of the last 20 years of accounting software, Modernbanc guarantees fast and responsive performance — regardless of connectivity. Building the Future of Accounting Software Accounting software is overdue for a revamp, being one of the few mission-critical applications that haven’t seen much improvement in over 30 years. By offering high performance, a clean UX, responsive offline functionality, and real-time data synchronization, Gregory Gevorkyan is building a new vision for modern accounting with Modernbanc.For more information, check out Modernbanc online .