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Ukraine must be in strong position for negotiations, Starmer to sayKosovo arrested several suspects Saturday after an explosion at a key canal feeding two of its main power plants, while neighbouring Serbia rejected accusations of staging the blast. The explosion Friday near the town of Zubin Potok, which sits in an ethnic Serb-dominated area in Kosovo's troubled north, damaged a canal that supplies water to hundreds of thousands of people and cooling systems at two coal-fired power plants that generate most of Kosovo's electricity. As security forces swarmed the area around the canal, whose concrete walls were left with a gaping hole gushing water, Prime Minister Albin Kurti visited the site and announced authorities had arrested several people. Law enforcement "carried out searches" and "collected testimony and evidence, and the criminals and terrorists will have to face justice and the law," he said. The arrests follow a security meeting late Friday, when Kurti pointed the finger at Serbia. "The attack was carried out by professionals. We believe it comes from gangs directed by Serbia," he told a press conference, without providing evidence. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic hit back Saturday, denying the "irresponsible" and "baseless accusations". "Such unfounded claims are aimed to tarnish Serbia's reputation, as well as to undermine efforts to promote peace and stability in the region," he said in a statement to AFP. Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric had earlier suggested on X that the Kosovar "regime" could itself be behind the blast, calling for an international investigation. The main political party representing Serbs in Kosovo, Serb List, also condemned the attack "in the strongest possible terms". AFP journalists at the scene saw water leaking heavily from one side of the reinforced canal, which runs from the Serb-majority north of Kosovo to the capital, Pristina. However, electricity supplies to consumers were running smoothly on Saturday morning, with authorities having found an alternative method to cool the plants, said Kosovo's Economy Minister Artane Rizvanolli. Repair work was ongoing, authorities said, while Kurti confirmed workers had managed to restore water flows to 25 percent capacity. The United States strongly condemned the "attack on critical infrastructure in Kosovo", the US embassy in Pristina said in a statement on Facebook. "We are monitoring the situation closely... and have offered our full support to the government of Kosovo to ensure that those responsible for this criminal attack are identified and held accountable." Turkey's foreign ministry also condemned the attack, adding: "We call on all parties to exercise restraint to avoid escalation in the region." The NATO-led KFOR peacekeeping mission for Kosovo joined the calls for restraint. "It is important that facts are established and that those responsible are held accountable and brought to justice," it said in a statement. The force is providing security in the surrounding area and has offered logistical, explosives removal and engineering support to the Kosovo authorities, it added. The European Union's ambassador to Kosovo, Aivo Orav, joined the international condemnation, saying on X: "The incident needs to be investigated and those responsible brought to justice." Animosity between ethnic Albanian-majority Kosovo and Serbia has persisted since the end of the war between Serbian forces and ethnic Albanian insurgents in the late 1990s. Kosovo declared independence in 2008, a move that Serbia has refused to acknowledge. Kurti's government has for months sought to dismantle a parallel system of social services and political offices backed by Belgrade to serve Kosovo's Serbs. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on Saturday denounced "the act of sabotage on the critical water supply infrastructure in the Iber-Lepenc Canal" in comments on X, calling it "a serious crime that endangers the lives of Kosovo's citizens and undermines the process of normalizing relations in our region." Friday's attack came after a series of violent incidents in northern Kosovo, including the hurling of hand grenades at a municipal building and a police station earlier this week. ih/ach/giv/jhb/sbk
Genpact Signs Strategic Collaboration Agreement with AWS to Accelerate AI AdoptionArticle content VICTORIA — The B.C. Conservatives got ahead of the New Democrats this week in meeting with seven industry associations over concerns about economic growth and private sector employment. The Business Council of B.C., B.C. Chamber of Commerce and five other industry associations raised those issues in an open letter to the government on Oct. 30. They flagged the loss of manufacturing jobs, the lag in private sector employment and affordability. The New Democrats, continuing a slow-motion approach to their postelection agenda, have yet to set up a meeting with the seven or release a formal response to the letter. Nine Conservatives, led by Gavin Dew, MLA for Kelowna-Mission and the party’s critic on jobs, economic development and innovation, met with the business organizations on Tuesday. “I think it’s quite notable we’ve made the effort to put together nine critics to go and meet with those folks and establish a relationship and get down to work on our approach to supporting private sector job growth,” Dew told Rob Shaw of the Orca online newspaper. “It’s equally notable the NDP has not responded, and is totally silent, as to any indication of how they intend to shift direction.” Not every NDP minister has been slow off the mark on economic matters. On Tuesday, I was on a panel at the First Nations Energy Summit, put on by Clean Energy B.C. The room was buzzing over the previous day’s presentation by Adrian Dix, the new minister of energy and climate solutions in the NDP government. Though two other ministers were in attendance, Dix got the most attention for his emphasis on building clean energy projects in partnership with First Nations. One of the organizers told me he’d lost count of the number of times Dix emphasized the need for “urgency.” In that regard, B.C. Hydro is expected to announce by mid-month the successful respondents to this year’s call for independent power projects. The hard part is getting them built in expedited fashion. But I gather Dix acknowledged as much Monday. If every minister in government were as on top of his files as Dix, the New Democrats would be living up to the premier’s postelection promise to “hit the ground running.” Back to the Conservatives and their meeting with the industry group. “Throughout the meeting, Dew and his fellow critics emphasized their commitment to working collaboratively with industry leaders to develop a comprehensive recovery plan,” according to the Opposition news release. “Discussions also highlighted the province’s growing fiscal challenges, including a projected $9 billion deficit for 2024-25, the largest in B.C.’s history.” No mention there of the corresponding lapse in the Conservative election platform. After declaring that “B.C. is drowning in a sea of red ink,” the Conservatives said it was their intention to top up the sea with another $2.3 billion in spending. Only after winning a second term of government (which presumes a lot) would the Conservatives “return the budget to balance.” In the meeting with business leaders this week, “the Conservative economic team reaffirmed its commitment to an inclusive and collaborative approach, ensuring that all voices are heard in the development of policies that drive long-term prosperity and job creation,” according to the news release. Speaking of inclusivity, the Conservatives have not been in any evident rush to address lingering concerns about Brent Chapman, their winning candidate and MLA for Surrey South. Chapman was dogged during the campaign over some deeply offensive social media posts he’d made against the Muslim and Palestinian communities. He apologized, but also ducked media questions, a practice that has continued to this day. One of his few interviews since the election was with Tom Zillich of the Surrey Now-Leader. “Chapman initially agreed to a phone interview, but later asked that questions be emailed, due to his busy schedule,” according to the Nov. 15 posting in the Now-Leader. Zillich asked Chapman if he had “reached out to Muslim groups” over his posts on social media. In writing, Chapman pretty much ducked the question: “I was fortunate to have Muslim people in Surrey South vote for me. Some told me that they voted for me in the hope that I would get SOGI out of schools, recriminalize hard drugs, bring safety back to our streets, help people experiencing homelessness, and bring down the cost of living. “I intend to honour their support, the support of the rest of my voters and work hard for all the people of Surrey South.” Last week, several advocates in the Muslim community told the Tyee that Chapman has yet to respond to their invitations to meet with them. Reporter Jen St. Denis also wrote that “Chapman did not respond to the Tyee’s request for an interview for this story.” Conservative leader John Rustad appointed Chapman critic for transit and ICBC. Both are major portfolios given persistent concerns over funding for rapid transit and the fallout from “no fault” auto insurance. Opposition critics are sometimes referred to as members of a “shadow cabinet.” If Chapman continues to avoid the overdue reckoning with the Muslim community, he risks making his post all but invisible.
The Darnold-Jefferson connection is thriving for the surging Vikings3 Stocks to Watch as China Tightens Control Over Antimony Exports (MILIF, PPTA, UAMY) 12-06-2024 12:08 AM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire The U.S.-China trade conflict has reached a new level of intensity, with Beijing banning exports of critical minerals like gallium, germanium, and antimony to the United States. These materials, essential for advanced technologies and military applications, are now being leveraged as geopolitical tools in an escalating economic confrontation. Antimony in particular has drawn significant attention. This often-overlooked mineral plays a critical role in the defense sector, powering ammunition, infrared missile systems, and advanced batteries. Historically, antimony proved vital in World War II, hardening lead for bullets and enabling the production of tungsten steel. Today, it remains indispensable for national security and technological innovation. The stakes are high: China controls nearly 50% of global antimony mining and 80% of its production. With Beijing tightening exports, the United States faces a precarious reliance on foreign sources. This disruption is already rippling through supply chains, with antimony prices surging over 200% this year. For defense contractors like Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), the implications are profound. As the largest defense contractor globally, Lockheed relies on stable access to advanced materials for key programs, including the F-35 fighter jet and missile defense systems. The current situation underscores the urgent need to diversify supply chains and reduce dependency on adversarial nations. Amid this crisis, several companies are stepping up efforts to secure alternative sources of antimony and other critical minerals. Let's examine a few key players addressing this challenge. Military Metals Corp. (OTCQB: MILIF) (CSE: MILI) Military Metals Corp. is emerging as a promising force in the critical minerals sector, strategically positioned to capitalize on the growing global demand for antimony, copper, and gold. Based in British Columbia, the company focuses on acquiring and developing mineral-rich properties in stable jurisdictions across Europe and North America. With recent acquisitions, a stronger leadership team, and a portfolio of high-potential projects, Military Metals is poised to make a significant impact on the critical minerals market. A notable development in late 2024 was the appointment of Mark Saxon to Military's Board of Directors. Saxon's 30 years of experience in exploration geology and leadership roles in Canadian and Australian public companies brings valuable technical and operational expertise to the team. CEO Scott Eldridge expressed enthusiasm for Saxon's addition, citing his track record with high-profile discoveries and his expertise in critical metals supply chains. Saxon's involvement with projects like the Sunday Creek antimony-gold discovery further strengthens Military's capacity to advance its asset base. The company also made a bold move in November with the acquisition of three brownfield mineral projects in Slovakia: Trojarova, Tienesgrund, and Medvedi. These properties, rich in antimony and gold, align with Military Metals' focus on critical resources essential for the defense, energy, and advanced manufacturing industries. Trojarova, the flagship project, features extensive historical exploration, including over 14,000 meters of drilling and substantial underground development. While past resource estimates were classified using the Soviet-era Russian system, they indicate strong potential for antimony and gold mineralization. Military Metals intends to modernize these estimates under NI 43-101 standards to validate the project's true value. Tienesgrund, another antimony-gold property in Slovakia, has a long history of mining activity dating back to the Middle Ages. Reports from the Soviet era document significant antimony grades alongside gold, with promising exploration upside confirmed by limited modern sampling. Military Metals is preparing to unlock the full potential of this underexplored property, which stretches over 13 square kilometers. In North America, the company has expanded its presence with the Last Chance antimony-gold property in Nevada. Located near Kinross' Round Mountain gold mine, Last Chance benefits from a mineralized system surrounded by favorable geology. Military Metals recently completed additional claim staking to secure control over this prospective area, with exploration plans set to begin in 2025. These acquisitions come at a pivotal moment for the antimony market. China's export restrictions, which escalated into a full ban on December 3, 2024, have sent antimony prices soaring by 228% this year alone. As the West grapples with supply chain disruptions for critical minerals, Military Metals' portfolio positions it as a reliable future supplier of antimony, a material vital to military applications, energy storage, and advanced manufacturing. Eldridge emphasized the company's role in addressing the West's dependency on adversarial nations for essential resources, underscoring the urgency of developing secure domestic supplies. With its seasoned leadership, well-timed acquisitions, and a focus on high-demand minerals, Military Metals Corp. is making strides toward becoming a key player in the critical minerals sector. As global tensions and supply chain pressures reshape resource markets, the company offers investors a compelling opportunity to gain exposure to a rapidly evolving and strategically vital industry. Perpetua Resources Corp. (Nasdaq: PPTA) is advancing the Stibnite Gold Project in central Idaho, a critical initiative focused on the exploration, site restoration, and redevelopment of gold-antimony-silver deposits. The Stibnite Gold Project is one of the highest-grade open-pit gold deposits in the U.S., and uniquely, it's the only domestic source of mined antimony capable of meeting U.S. defense requirements for small arms, munitions, and missile systems. Perpetua is committed to a modern, sustainable mining approach, with plans to restore an abandoned mine site and produce both gold and antimony, vital for national security. To further this mission, the company has secured a $59.2 million Technology Investment Agreement under the Defense Production Act. This funding is intended to support the construction readiness and permitting of the project, which is expected to play a key role in strengthening U.S. defense and energy infrastructure. The project will be powered by one of the lowest carbon emissions grids in the U.S., aligning with Perpetua's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments. Additionally, a portion of the antimony produced will be supplied to Ambri, a U.S.-based company developing liquid metal batteries essential for the low-carbon energy transition. In terms of regulatory progress, Perpetua Resources reached a significant milestone in 2024 with the U.S. Forest Service publishing the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and issuing a Draft Record of Decision (DROD) for the Stibnite Gold Project. These approvals have moved the project closer to its final Record of Decision (ROD), which is expected by the end of 2024, subject to a 45-day resolution period. The company is also advancing engineering work and securing ancillary permits to ensure smooth progress toward construction. Financially, Perpetua recently raised $35 million through a public offering of 3.4 million common shares. The proceeds will be used for long-lead time materials, detailed engineering, and general corporate purposes, further positioning the Stibnite Gold Project for future success. With its focus on responsible mining, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, Perpetua Resources aims to contribute to both U.S. national security and the clean energy transition while revitalizing a historic mining site. United States Antimony Corporation (NYSE: UAMY) is a key player in processing critical minerals in North America, specializing in antimony products vital for defense, technology, and industrial applications. The company's operations span the U.S. and Mexico, producing antimony oxide, metal, and trisulfide. These materials are used in flame retardants, ammunition primers, batteries, and other high-demand sectors. In addition to antimony, USAC processes zeolite in Idaho and recovers precious metals at its Montana facilities, diversifying its product portfolio to support environmental, agricultural, and industrial needs. USAC recently expanded its presence in Alaska's Tok region, securing 24 additional mining claims covering 3,840 acres. This brings its total holdings in the state to 14,880 acres, positioning the company in an area known for rich antimony and multi-metal deposits. The expansion aligns with USAC's strategy to develop domestic sources of critical minerals, reducing reliance on imports and ensuring a steady supply for U.S. industries. The Tok claims offer not only stibnite-an essential antimony ore-but also access to historically significant gold, silver, and copper deposits. In its third-quarter results for 2024, USAC highlighted substantial operational improvements. The company achieved greater efficiency at its Bear River Zeolite facility and invested in key growth initiatives, including enhanced mining capabilities and expanded mineral processing operations. As the only North American antimony smelter, USAC is actively working to increase its production capacity while continuing its focus on integrating upstream and downstream operations. This strategic approach underlines USAC's commitment to securing critical mineral supplies for military and civilian industries, solidifying its role as a cornerstone in U.S. efforts to strengthen supply chain resilience. The company's integrated business model and expansion initiatives position it to address growing demand effectively while supporting national priorities. Disclaimers: RazorPitch Inc. "RazorPitch" is not operated by a licensed broker, a dealer, or a registered investment adviser. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investment advice. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides investors a safe harbor in regard to forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, goals, assumptions, or future events or performances are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations, estimates, and projections at the time the statements are made that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those presently anticipated. Forward-looking statements in this action may be identified through the use of words such as projects, foresee, expects, will, anticipates, estimates, believes, understands, or that by statements indicating certain actions & quote; may, could, or might occur. Understand there is no guarantee past performance will be indicative of future results. Investing in micro-cap and growth securities is highly speculative and carries an extremely high degree of risk. It is possible that an investor's investment may be lost or impaired due to the speculative nature of the companies profiled. RazorPitch has been retained and compensated by Military Metals Corp. to assist in the production and distribution of this content. RazorPitch is responsible for the production and distribution of this content. It should be expressly understood that under no circumstances does any information published herein represent a recommendation to buy or sell a security. This content is for informational purposes only; you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. 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Media Contact Company Name: RazorPitch Contact Person: Mark McKelvie Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=3-stocks-to-watch-as-china-tightens-control-over-antimony-exports-milif-ppta-uamy ] City: NAPLES State: Florida Country: United States Website: https://razorpitch.com/ This release was published on openPR.
Penticton vaccine discrimination complaint against B.C. Union dismissedNoneThe Prime Minister insisted the UK will back Ukraine “for as long as it takes” as he made a speech at the Lord Mayor’s Banquet in London, but for the first time acknowledged the conflict could move towards a negotiated end. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has in recent weeks suggested he is open to a possible ceasefire with Vladimir Putin’s Russia. Kyiv and its European allies meanwhile fear the advent of Donald Trump’s return to the White House could result in American aid being halted. President-elect Trump has said he would prefer to move towards a peace deal, and has claimed he could end the conflict on “day one” of his time in power. As he attempts to strike up a good relationship with the incoming president, Sir Keir revealed he had told Mr Trump the UK “will invest more deeply than ever in this transatlantic bond with our American friends in the years to come”. In his speech at London’s Guildhall, the Prime Minister said there is “no question it is right we support Ukraine”, as the UK’s aid to Kyiv is “deeply in our self-interest”. Allowing Russia to win the war would mean “other autocrats would believe they can follow Putin’s example,” he warned. Sir Keir added: “So we must continue to back Ukraine and do what it takes to support their self-defence for as long as it takes. “To put Ukraine in the strongest possible position for negotiations so they can secure a just and lasting peace on their terms that guarantees their security, independence, and right to choose their own future.” Mr Zelensky told Sky News over the weekend he would be open to speaking with Mr Putin, but branded the Russian president a “terrorist”. He also suggested Ukrainian territory under his control should be taken under the “Nato umbrella” to try to stop the “hot stage” of the war with Russia. In a banquet speech focused on foreign affairs, the Prime Minister said it was “plain wrong” to suggest the UK must choose between its allies, adding: “I reject it utterly. “(Clement) Attlee did not choose between allies. (Winston) Churchill did not choose. “The national interest demands that we work with both.” Sir Keir said the UK and the US were “intertwined” when it came to commerce, technology and security. The Prime Minister added: “That’s why, when President Trump graciously hosted me for dinner in Trump Tower, I told him that we will invest more deeply than ever in this transatlantic bond with our American friends in the years to come.” He also repeated his commitment to “rebuild our ties with Europe” and insisted he was right to try to build closer links with China. “It is remarkable that until I met President Xi last month there had been no face-to-face meeting between British and Chinese leaders for six years,” the Prime Minister said. “We can’t simply look the other way. We need to engage. To co-operate, to compete and to challenge on growth, on security concerns, on climate as well as addressing our differences in a full and frank way on issues like Hong Kong, human rights, and sanctions on our parliamentarians,” he added. The Prime Minister said he wants Britain’s role in the world to be that of “a constant and responsible actor in turbulent times”. He added: “To be the soundest ally and to be determined, always, in everything we do. “Every exchange we have with other nations, every agreement we enter into to deliver for the British people and show, beyond doubt, that Britain is back.” Ahead of Sir Keir’s speech, Lord Mayor Alastair King urged the Prime Minister and his Government to loosen regulations on the City of London to help it maintain its competitive edge. In an echo of Sir Keir’s commitment to drive the UK’s economic growth, the Lord Mayor said: “The idealist will dream of growth, but the pragmatist understands that our most effective machinery to drive growth is here in the City, in the hands of some of the brightest and most committed people that you will find anywhere in the world.”
Today inour Daily Dose of Social Media , we review the most significant activities and Entertainment from ATP and WTA players. Aryna Sabalenka updated her fans on her off-season as she resumed training for the 2025 season, while Barbora Krejcikova combined charity work with one of her passions: building Legos. Meanwhile, Venus Williams and Maria Sharapova were among the stars at the British Fashion Awards, and Liam Broady joined the debate surrounding a footballer who refused to wear the rainbow captain's armband in support of the LGBTQ+ community with a sharp remark. Sabalenkafocused on 2025: Shares insights from off-season training ArynaSabalenka updates fans on her off-season as she resumes training after hervacation. The World No. 1 shared an Instagram Reel showcasing her return to thecourts in Dubai, where she’s already preparing for the 2025 season. TheBelarusian faces a tough start to the year, defending 2,300 points in Januaryalone, including her Australian Open title, while continuing a fierce battlewith Iga Swiatek for the top ranking. However,the three-time Grand Slam champion appears to be the favourite at the start ofthe year and is gearing up to prove it on the court. Sabalenka shared glimpsesof her routine, both in the gym and on the tennis court, as well as moments offthe court, including meals and time spent with loved ones. You can watch theBelarusian’s video via the following link. Una publicación compartida de Aryna Sabalenka (@arynasabalenka) MariaSharapova and Venus Williams dazzle at British Fashion Awards MariaSharapova and Venus Williams attended the British Fashion Awards on Monday,December 2nd. Both Grand Slam champions continue to make appearances in thefashion world, and this time it was at one of the most prestigious fashionevents in the UK. Williams appeared in a black dress, while Sharapova chose anoff-white coat and skirt look. “BritishFashion Awards ✨ In Moncler X Jill Sander. Honoredto have presented Remo Ruffini the Trailbazer Award,” captioned Sharapova onher Instagram account. “Watching the Moncler team thoughtfully and creativelynavigate the fashion world from the board room to the Genius experiences hasbeen such a gift. Congratulations on this recognition!” Una publicación compartida de Maria Sharapova (@mariasharapova) Una publicación compartida de Venus Williams (@venuswilliams) Ash Barty’s son charms in latest Wimbledon-themed post Ashleigh Barty is enjoying life off the court nearly two years after her retirement, buttennis remains a part of her life. She recently shared an adorable photo of herson Hayden dressed in Wimbledon attire, the tournament where Barty claimed thetitle in 2021 by defeating Karolina Pliskova in the final. The formerAustralian tennis star retired in March 2022 at the age of 25 to prioritise herfamily life. In July2023, Barty announced the birth of her son Hayden with her husband, GarryKissick. In a recent photo, she joyfully shared a glimpse of her son, nownearly 18 months old, walking around in an All England Club shirt."Wimbledon outfits make me smile like that too, Mate ," the three-time Grand Slamchampion wrote. The post received responses from several of her formercolleagues, including former World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka , who commented,"Cutie ." Una publicación compartida de Ash Barty (@ashbarty) headln AlexanderZverev is already looking forward to the United Cup with Germany, where he willteam up with Laura Siegemund to kick off the 2025 season. Zverev will onceagain represent Germany in an international competition after missing the DavisCup Finals the Davis Cup Finals, which he decided to skip to take a break aftercompeting in the ATP Finals and the ATP Finals and finish a busy season. “First weekof the Year, obviously we’re all getting ready for Australian Open and we allwant to be in Australia and play against the best players in the world. Andthat’s what United Cup brings. Playing for your nation is obviously extremelyspecial and I have the best memories from this year.” Zverev led theEuropeans to the 2024 title alongside former world No. 1 Angelique Kerber, whenthey beat Hubert Hurkacz and Iga Swiatek's Poland in the final. “Representingyour country is always quite special and we have a lot of fun with the team,and tennis unites between male and female it is a great sign for sport,” SaschaZverev added. “We’re a fun team to support. We have great male and femaleplayers. Last year, obviously with Angie Kerber, we had an Australian Open champion as well. And I think is always fun and entertaining to watch Germany" Una publicación compartida de United Cup (@unitedcuptennis) Krejcikovaenjoys Legos at charity event in Czech Republic BarboraKrejcikova enjoys putting Legos together and participated in a recent charityevent in the Czech Republic. During her run to the Wimbledon title mid-year,the 29-year-old revealed her love for Legos, which she enjoys putting togetherin her spare time. Shortly afterwards she received an exclusive set themedaround her All England Club win, with the Wimbledon trophy and a racquet madeof Lego, as a gift from the company. In themidst of the holiday preparations, Krejcikova was featured in thegift-gathering campaign in her home country and was seen putting togetherChristmas Legos. “This weekend I participated in a charity event@legoczsk_official called Build To Give, where I built 5 hearts. For everyheart built and shared with the hashtag #BuildToGive on social media, LEGO willdonate one kit to a child who might not have gotten their hands on one,” sheposted. Una publicación compartida por Barbora Krejčíková (@bkrejcikova) Liam Broadymocks Ipswich captain’s LGBTQ+ stance Liam Broadyentered the fray over footballer refusing to wear rainbow jersey in support ofthe LGBTIQ+ community. The former Brit No. 1 criticized the Ipswich Town captain for refusing to wear the jersey on 'religious grounds'. The PremierLeague is conducting a campaign of inclusion against homophobia and Sam Morsywas the only captain among the 20 teams who did not wear the jersey andreceived support from his club. The newshas generated reactions beyond football and Liam Broady took part in the issue.For the former Wimbledon junior champion, it doesn't make much sense thatsomeone refuses to wear the jersey for religious reasons and yet has no problemwith wearing betting brand logos. “Interesting religion where you feel okay toadvertise gambling but can’t wear LGBTQ+ charity band to promote equality andacceptance? What’s the reverse of virtue signalling? ” Interesting religion where you feel okay to advertise gambling but can’t wear LGBTQ+ charity band to promote equality and acceptance? What’s the reverse of virtue signalling? https://t.co/MstaFRzE8n This article first appeared on TennisUpToDate.com and was syndicated with permission.
Tarleton St. 61, Hofstra 59
Bill Clinton, the former US president who has faced a series of health issues over the years, was admitted to hospital Monday in Washington after developing a fever, his office said. "President Clinton was admitted to Georgetown University Medical Center this afternoon for testing and observation after developing a fever," the 78-year-old's deputy chief of staff Angel Urena said on social media platform X, adding Clinton "remains in good spirits." Clinton was previously hospitalized for five nights in October 2021 due to a blood infection. In 2004, at age 58, he underwent a quadruple bypass operation after doctors found signs of extensive heart disease. He had stents implanted in his coronary artery six years later. The health scare motivated him to make lifestyle changes, including adopting a vegetarian diet, and he has since spoken publicly about his efforts. Clinton's health last made headlines in November 2022 when he tested positive for Covid-19. He said at the time that his symptoms were "mild" and he was "grateful to be vaccinated and boosted." Clinton, who led the United States for two presidential terms from 1993-2001, is the second-youngest living US president, after 63-year-old Barack Obama. He was born mere months after fellow former US president George W. Bush and President-elect Donald Trump. Though his prosperous time in office was marred by scandals, he has enjoyed a second life in the two decades after his presidency, which has seen him venture into numerous diplomatic and humanitarian causes. bur-jgc/aha
Andhra Pradesh: Pawan Kalyan seizes ship smuggling PDS rice to Africa from Kakinada, warns of national security risksOkta shares pop 18% on earnings beat, strong guidance
There are many unexpected places Tony Armstrong’s career has taken him since his stratospheric rise from News Breakfast sports host to double Logie winner (most popular new talent and most popular presenter) and then Gold Logie nominee in just four short years, but none so unexpected as Eat the Invaders . The six-part documentary finds him in the avant-garde surroundings of Tasmania’s Mona Museum, trying to eat his way out of Australia’s invasive species problem. It’s not so much “lions and tigers and bears ... oh my!” and more “rabbits, cane toads, carp, camels and cats and ... oh, deer.” Tony Armstrong, Kirsha Kaechele and Vince Trim. Credit: ABC TV “I ate camel testicle,” he says over Zoom from his holiday spot on the NSW North Coast. “I don’t know if that made the cut because we all went ‘blurrrrrgh’. So, with all due respect to camels, no thank you, but I can say I’ll try anything once. So I keep that unblemished record of fearlessness intact.” That fearlessness even extended to eating feral cats in the remote Indigenous community of Kiwirrkurra in Western Australia, where the felines are traditionally hunted – and then eaten – to protect the local bilby population. “I ate and loved it,” says Armstrong. “It was honestly so nice. I know I sound like a freak saying that, but It was the way that we hunted the cat as well, out with the ladies in the Western Desert. They were looking after their totems and they were protecting their lands. “We talk about ethical eating, and I don’t think it gets more ethical than that. And then we cooked it in the dirt – wrapped in foil – and it tasted like the yummiest rotisserie chicken I’ve ever had. Tony Armstrong filming Eat The Invaders. Credit: ABC TV “We’re not telling people to kill your cat and eat it. It’s more [making cat owners think], ‘I need to maybe change my habits as a cat owner.’ Don’t let your cat out. If they get out, they are a killing machine, and that’s what we want people to get.” As well as hunting with the women of Kiwirrkurra, Armstrong joins others on the front line of feral pest eradication, observing how rabbits, camels and deer are caught, as well as cane toads (the only animal he wasn’t allowed to eat) and carp, aka “dumpster dolphins”. He also consults invasion biologists professors Andrew Lowe and Phill Cassey about the ethical implications of creating a market for eating the animals before returning to Mona to dine with artist Kirsha Kaechele, whose surrealist art book Eat the Problem inspired the show, and high-profile guests to sample dishes featuring the pest created by Mona head chef Vince Trim. It’s a wild idea – quite literally – especially when you consider invasive species have a devastating effect on Australia’s biodiversity, damaging native soils, plants and animals. Feral cats, for example, are believed to kill more than 1.5 billion native mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs each year. Wild rabbits, meanwhile, which started as a population of just 13 when they were first introduced by grazier Thomas Austin in 1859 in Victoria, are now thought to number more than 200 million. Sounds fishy? Tony Armstrong in Eat The Invaders. Credit: ABC TV However, the idea that we simply eat our way out of the problem hasn’t come without criticism. When Kaechele’s book, with its complementary exhibition, was published in 2019, it was labelled “little more than an exquisitely designed elitist spectacle” that failed to “to take into consideration the complex realities this proposition entails”, by University of Tasmania lecturer Dr Svenja Kratz in a piece written for The Conversation. In December, the Invasive Species Council also criticised the documentary without having seen it, saying it was “well-intentioned” but a “fantasy” and “could make matters worse”. “The show, by showcasing these animals as food, risks making their presence more desirable – creating a dangerous paradox that could lead to the further spread of some species. We have particular concerns about the show promoting carp, camels and deer,” wrote Carol Booth, a policy analyst for the council, in an opinion piece for The Sydney Morning Herald. Armstrong, however, says Eat the Invaders isn’t as straightforward about promoting the consumption of invasive pests – it’s more about creatively tackling a challenging problem. Tony Armstrong with other 2024 Good Logie nominees. Credit: Jessica Hromas “Hopefully, when they [the Invasive Species Council] do watch it, if they do watch it, they can see that we’re not being flippant,” says Armstrong. “This isn’t necessarily in response to them; it’s just general, but the show isn’t actually a cooking show. “It’s a show about ways of thinking. We use this sort of punk rock, almost shocking title and shocking premise as a way to then get people to think about the ways in which they might own their cats, the ways in which the food [we eat on the show] impacts biodiversity. Eating our way out of the problem is just our way of being at the front of the jungle, cutting through the shrubs so that behind it, there are different ways of thinking.” In a weird way, Eat the Invaders dovetails neatly into Armstrong’s other Australiana projects on the ABC, particularly Great Australian Stuff and Tony Armstrong’s Extra-Ordinary Things . He also has another documentary in the works, End Game , about racism in Australian sport, which will air in 2025. It’s been quite the rise, considering he has only been on the ABC since 2020, when he joined as a sports producer and presenter, before being elevated to the N ews Breakfast sports presenting role in 2021. It’s also something Armstrong is still getting his head around. He left News Breakfast in October to recalibrate after three years of brutally early starts. Loading “It’s like, ‘What the f--- is going on,’” he says, laughing, of his rapid rise. “I’ve definitely got impostor syndrome, that’s for sure. But, I guess, timing is everything. People got a decade’s worth of News Breakfast in like 18 months [during COVID], so they saw way more of me than they would have. So I think that’s got a lot to do with it [his popularity and visibility]; everyone was stuck at home watching the ABC, and I was the part of the news that wasn’t COVID. I was kind of like, ‘Oh my god, yes, we could talk about sport. We don’t have to talk about [case] numbers.’ So I put a lot of what’s happened down to timing and taking the opportunity when it came.” Does he have any advice for News Breakfast ’s new full-time host, James Glenday, and new full-time sports presenter, Catherine Murphy? “They know this because I say it to anyone who asks,” says Armstrong. “Care heaps about it. Care heaps about your effort, and then as soon as you’ve done it, you can’t worry about what anyone else thinks. Because you don’t get to choose how people react to what you’re doing and if you make a mistake on it, honestly, it’s not the end of the world. Guess what? You’ll be on air tomorrow, and everyone will have forgotten. “I think that’s the thing. It’s the most daunting when you’re going in, you’re like, ‘Shit. This is a huge audience. What if I say a name wrong?’ And then you realise, if you’re trying your best, you’re allowed to make mistakes, right?” Eat the Invaders premieres on Tuesday, January 7, at 8.30pm on the ABC. Find the next TV, streaming series and movies to add to your must-sees. Get The Watchlist delivered every Thursday . Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. License this article ABC Documentaries Green Guide Louise Rugendyke is national TV editor, editor of S in The Sun-Herald and M in the Sunday Age, senior culture writer Connect via Twitter or email . Most Viewed in Culture LoadingOleksandr Usyk retained his WBA, WBC and WBO heavyweight titles with a in their rematch this past Saturday in Riyadh to cement his place as the best heavyweight in the world, and for Uncrowned, our inaugural No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in boxing today. Usyk is just one of three male fighters to become a two-division undisputed champion in the four-belt era, alongside Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue. So it should come as little surprise that these three elite, undefeated fighters dominate the top spots in Uncrowned's pound-for-pound lists. In November, in another major rematch on the women's side of the sport, Katie Taylor went up 2-0 in her rivalry with Amanda Serrano. Although she won a unanimous decision on the scorecards, with all three judges awarding her the fight by a single point, . There has long been a two-horse race for the No. 1 pound-for-pound spot in women's boxing, pitting the Irishwoman Taylor against American champion Claressa Shields. While Shields has been more dominant in her wins, Taylor owns the superior résumé. Uncrowned's panel of boxing experts — Keith Idec, Elliot Worsell, Darshan Desai and Kel Dansby — have ranked both the men’s and women’s pound-for-pound best, one through 10, using a weighted points system to determine the final rankings. (Being voted No. 1 equals 10 points, No. 2 equals nine points, down to No. 10 equaling one point.) So here's Uncrowned's inaugural pound-for-pound rankings for boxing! After scoring seven wins over five big-name British heavyweights, Usyk has implausibly become a fan favorite across the pond in the U.K. The Ukrainian is the epitome of fighting "anywhere at any time." He has boxed in world title fights in seven different countries, mostly against the fighters from those countries. For many, Usyk has completed boxing. After capturing undisputed titles at cruiserweight and heavyweight and taking out every major challenge along the way, there is little left to do in the sport for Usyk. But should he continue, his biggest test could come against the IBF cruiserweight champion, Jai Opetaia. Terence Crawford is your favorite fighter's favorite fighter. , over himself. "Bud" managed to clean out super lightweight without too much adversity then dove into 147 pounds as a feared fighter. Boxing politics prevented Crawford from proving himself as the best welterweight in the world for several years, but when he finally did land his long-awaited superfight with Errol Spence Jr., he showed exactly why he was avoided for so long. A fight initially thought to be a 50-50 match on paper became a total mismatch in reality. Crawford pummeled Spence for a ninth-round TKO win. Recently, the Omaha native edged Israil Madrimov to become a four-division champion and is now aiming for a lucrative bout with Saul "Canelo" Alvarez up at super middleweight. Naoya Inoue began getting the recognition he truly deserved from the boxing community outside of Japan when he outboxed and knocked out Stephen Fulton in Tokyo in July 2023. Inoue followed that up with a stoppage win over Marlon Tapales to fully unify a second weight division in a mere five months with just two fights. Inoue had a more routine 2024, defending his belts twice, and is . Mandatory defenses against Murodjon Akhmadaliev and David Rey Picasso likely await him later in 2025. Beterbiev edged a controversial decision over Dmitry Bivol in October to become the undisputed light heavyweight champion. Some boxing fans, including Turki Alalshikh, were dissatisfied with the result, so an immediate rematch was made for Feb. 22 in Riyadh. Beterbiev, 39, has picked up the 175-pound titles one by one and will likely look for a move up to cruiserweight to become a two-division champion should he emerge victorious in February. A fight between Beterbiev and the consensus No. 1 cruiserweight, Jai Opetaia, would be a sensational matchup for late 2025. And there's a chance that by the time it happens, it could be for all four cruiserweight belts — meaning a win would see Beterbiev join the top three in this list as two-division undisputed champions. Jesse Rodriguez stepped in to face Carlos Cuadras on five days' notice for his first world title. It was a two-division jump for "Bam," but his trainer, Robert Garcia, had no doubt his charge was up to the test. Rodriguez impressed to capture the WBC super flyweight crown and has never looked back. The 24-year-old has taken out three of the four kings at super flyweight and is now chasing undisputed status at 115 pounds. Saul Alvarez has been the sport's biggest commercial star for almost a decade. The Mexican faced the best opponents boxing had to offer across many divisions until his May 2022 defeat to Dmitry Bivol. Since then, it does seem as if available to him, such as David Benavidez or Crawford. Alvarez's latest bout against Edgar Berlanga was an underwhelming choice of opponent for the majority of boxing fans. Nevertheless, the event was a monetary success due to the Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry and Alvarez's hardcore fanbase. "Canelo" could choose to continue taking similarly straightforward contests for the remainder of his career if they come with a sufficient financial reward. Bivol held the WBA light heavyweight crown for seven years until falling short to Beterbiev in their undisputed title fight in October. During his reign, Bivol made 12 successful defenses, which included an upset win over "Canelo" in 2022. Due to the closeness of Bivol's fight with Beterbiev, he still appears in pound-for-pound lists and is even ranked ahead of Beterbiev in a few of them, with some pundits insistent that he should still be considered the man at light heavyweight. Junto Nakatani is perhaps in the position Inoue was among the wider boxing community before Inoue's win over Fulton. As an undefeated three-division champion, but one based in the lower weights and away from the Western community, Nakatani is still building a fan base in the US. He needs a breakout moment, and that could come against his Japanese counterpart. A mega all-Japan showdown between Inoue and Nakatani is tentatively being planned for the spring of 2026, per Inoue's promoter Hideyuki Ohashi. Davis, 30, claimed in early December that he will be because boxing "is trash, garbage." "Tank" is one of the biggest attractions in US boxing, but he doesn't have a résumé that warrants the fan base. Despite being at world level for eight years, his best win is Ryan Garcia, who has never won a world title, and that fight came with a weight stipulation that somewhat devalues the victory. In fairness to Davis, he in the second half of 2024, but the matchup didn't materialize because Lomachenko decided not to return to the ring until 2025. If 2025 is Davis' final year in the sport, boxing fans need to see him finally share the ring with the high-level competition that his talent merits. A three-division world champion, Stevenson, 27, is crying out for the big fights at 135 pounds. He recently joined Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing to further that cause and will make his debut for the promotional company on against Floyd Schofield. With Turki Alalshikh watching closely from ringside, an impressive performance on that super-card is vital in helping Stevenson secure the unification fights he's been calling for. Alalshikh's wallet has helped break down the cross-promotional barriers boxing fans are used to seeing get in the way of big fights, and he could be instrumental in securing a bout for Stevenson with the likes of "Tank" Davis, Lomachenko, or Devin Haney. Claressa Shields is a five-division world champion and one of just two female boxers, alongside Katie Taylor, to have held undisputed titles at two weight divisions. Shields is currently campaigning at heavyweight, which is home to just 19 active and registered fighters. She won undisputed gold at middleweight, where there are only 37 active participants, and at super welterweight, which has 63 registered boxers. With just 100 fighters in the two divisions she's won undisputed in, it's understandable why the two-time Olympic champion has struggled to find big-name dance partners. Regardless, she has beaten every contender put in front of her, and that's all that we can ask of any pugilist. Taylor has by far the best résumé in women's boxing with wins over Amanda Serrano, Delfine Persoon and Chantelle Cameron. The Irishwoman is nearing the end of her pro career and has just one or two bouts left, which we selfishly hope are trilogies against Serrano and Cameron in 2025. Puerto Rico's Serrano was left disappointed, again, not to get the nod in her rematch with Taylor last month. Despite being a seven-division champion, she has fallen short in her two biggest challenges against Taylor, but could have a chance to put it right in what would be a highly-anticipated trilogy in the spring of 2025, for which . Should the Taylor-Serrano trilogy not materialize, the WBC made it clear that Chantelle Cameron would be next in line for Taylor's WBC championship. Cameron and Taylor shared one win apiece in their two bouts in Ireland last year. Cameron has worked her way back to another shot at the championship, winning two bouts in 2024 after losing her belts to Taylor in their November 2023 rematch. Natasha Jonas had a stellar 2024, edging Mikaela Mayer in a Fight of the Year contender and then winning a convincing decision over Ivana Habazin to unify two welterweight straps. She faces WBA champion Lauren Price in an all-Britain unification contest on March 8 atop an all-women's card in London. Should Jonas emerge victorious, a rematch with Mayer for all four 147-pound belts would be likely. Gabriel Fundora impressively stopped Gabriela Alaniz to unify the flyweight division in November in Las Vegas. At just 22, she is the youngest undisputed champion of the four-belt era, and she could well be the face of women's boxing in the years to come. Alycia Baumgardner announced herself to the pugilist community when she knocked out Terri Harper on her feet to win the WBC super featherweight title in November 2021. Baumgardner eventually became the undisputed champion at 130 pounds, beating Mikaela Mayer, but her career was halted for some time after failing an anti-doping test in the lead-up to her title defense against Christina Linardatou. The American has boxed once since, against Delfine Persoon in a fight that was declared a no contest. The WBC has already ordered an immediate rematch between Baumgardner and Persoon. Mayer has been on the wrong end of two disputed decisions. In 2022, she was considered unlucky not to get her hand raised after 10 brilliant rounds with Baumgardner, and earlier this year, she came away second-best again in the eyes of the judges against Jonas. The rub of the green finally favored Mayer in September, though, when she edged Sandy Ryan to win the WBO welterweight title. Mayer-Ryan, alongside Taylor-Serrano 2, are the frontrunners for the women's fights of the year, and hopefully, we can see them both again in 2025. Savannah Marshall was the biggest threat to Shields' dominance at the higher weight classes. She had power that was rarely seen in women's boxing. But when the two did collide, Shields displayed her greatness, dominating the first half of their match. Marshall managed to tighten things up over the final five rounds, but she still came up short. Marshall rebounded to win the undisputed super middleweight titles in her fight after and has since transitioned to MMA, chasing a rematch with Shields in the PFL. Her next appearance, however, is expected to be a boxing match, likely on the Jonas-Price undercard. Dina Thorslund has secured world titles in two weight classes: Bantamweight and super bantamweight. Since unifying in 2023, she has made three successful defenses of her bantamweight crown. Promoter Lou DiBella is organizing a bantamweight tournament, which could feature all three belt holders in the weight class and would provide Thorslund the path to undisputed. MEN Terence Crawford Oleksandr Usyk Naoya Inoue Artur Beterbiev Dmitry Bivol Jesse Rodriguez Saul Alvarez Gervonta Davis Tyson Fury Junto Nakatani WOMEN Claressa Shields Katie Taylor Amanda Serrano Chantelle Cameron Savannah Marshall Natasha Jonas Mikaela Mayer Sandy Ryan Gabriela Fundora Alycia Baumgardner MEN Oleksandr Usyk Terence Crawford Naoya Inoue Artur Beterbiev Dmitry Bivol Saul Alvarez Junto Nakatani Jesse Rodriguez Gervonta Davis Shakur Stevenson WOMEN Claressa Shields Katie Taylor Gabriela Fundora Dina Thorslund Amanda Serrano Yokasta Valle Chantelle Cameron Alycia Baumgardner Natasha Jonas Delfine Persoon MEN Oleksandr Usyk Naoya Inoue Terence Crawford Artur Beterbiev Jesse Rodriguez Dmitry Bivol Saul Alvarez Shakur Stevenson Devin Haney Gervonta Davis WOMEN Katie Taylor Claressa Shields Amanda Serrano Chantelle Cameron Alycia Baumgardner Natasha Jonas Ellie Scotney Gabriela Fundora Yokasta Valle Mikaela Mayer MEN Oleksandr Usyk Naoya Inoue Terence Crawford Jesse Rodriguez Artur Beterbiev Saul Alvarez Junto Nakatani Teofimo Lopez Shakur Stevenson Gervonta Davis WOMEN Claressa Shields Katie Taylor Amanda Serrano Natasha Jonas Gabriela Fundora Chantelle Cameron Alycia Baumgardner Mikaela Mayer Savannah Marshall Skye Nicolson
The holiday season is the perfect excuse to indulge – and not just in festive feasts or lavish parties. Whether you’re rewarding yourself for conquering another whirlwind year or picking out the ultimate gift for your loved one, few things match the thoughtfulness of a beautifully crafted watch. More than a practical accessory, it’s a statement of style, symbol of time well spent, and sometimes, even an heirloom in the making. Ranging from playful designs and sporty stunners to high-tech marvels and polished classics, this gift guide features 15 standout timepieces to suit every personality and budget. With prices starting below S$200, these watches perfectly combine style and sentiment. After all, there’s no better way to celebrate the season of giving than with a gift that ticks all the right boxes. WATCHES UNDER S$200 1. Anne Klein (AK-5176CHGB), S$128 Looking for the perfect gift that combines sophistication and versatility at a great price? This vintage-style bracelet watch is a great choice. Featuring a gorgeous 25mm oval stainless-steel case and Roman numeral dial, this watch effortlessly balances vintage charm with modern sophistication. Dressed in a chic gold-tone finish, it transitions seamlessly from the office to a fancy dinner and drinks after, making it the ultimate accessory for the woman who appreciates understated refinement and a touch of individuality. Available at BHG Bugis, OG People’s Park and Clout9.com.sg. 2. Timex Standard x Peanuts Christmas, S$185 Charming and nostalgic, this is the ideal gift for Peanuts fans or anyone who loves their style with a side of whimsy. The versatile 40mm Timex Standard watch is updated with a playful holiday spin. Housed within its silver-tone stainless steel case is Snoopy, everyone’s favourite beagle, front and centre on the dial. And because it’s Timex, practicality is part of the package. The quick-release blue leather strap lets you refresh your look in seconds, while the brand’s signature Indiglo night light allows you to tell the time in the dark with the push of a button. It’s water-resistant for everyday adventures (just skip the poolside dives), making it as functional as it is fun. Available at Timex . 3. Adidas Originals Project Thr e e, S$188 A cool mix of streetwear-inspired edge and everyday ease, this watch is set to elevate anyone’s wrist game. Dressed in candyfloss-pink, this model’s 42mm eco-ceramic case and bio-resin strap offer durability and comfort, while its tough mineral glass and reliable Timex quartz movement ensure it can keep up with any lifestyle. Boasting Adidas Originals’ unmistakable retro vibe, this watch is the choice for someone who dares to be different. Available at Clout9.com.sg. WATCHES UNDER S$500 1. Swatch Neon Party To The Max, S$220 Whether it’s a gift for someone with a huge personality or a trendsetter who adores colour, this timepiece makes for the perfect wrist candy for the festive season. Fun and unapologetically audacious – just like the holidays should be – this oversized 47mm scene-stealer is inspired by the iconic 90’s Swatch Chrono. Brimming with vibrant energy, it features a multi-coloured dial with a minute track, tachymeter scale and glow-in-the-dark pink and blue hands, all protected by eco-friendly bio-sourced glass. The transparent matte blue bio-sourced case, accented with a matching bezel, bright orange details and multi-coloured pushers, brings serious retro vibes with a modern twist. A matte black strap with blue highlights – also made entirely from bio-sourced materials – ties it all together. Available at Swatch . 2. Humism Kato 39mm, US$441/S$592 Inspired by the 1950s kinetic art movement, this six-year-old Singaporean watch brand transforms time into dynamic art with its moving dial designs. A play on concentric circles, the 48 petals on the dial here shift constantly, creating a hypnotic pattern that culminates in a stunning visual crescendo of a blooming flower. Housed in a surgical steel case, the watch is driven by a Seiko (SII) NH35A Automatic movement and comes with an Italian full-grain leather strap. Beyond the artistic allure of its watches, Humism is a design studio with a social heart, donating 2 per cent of its web-store sales to Mercy Relief, which supports disaster response across Asia. So if you’re looking for a watch as meaningful as it is mesmerising, this is it. Available at Humism . 3. Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (Bluetooth, 40mm), S$448 Looking for something for a fitness lover, tech enthusiast, or someone who’s ready to start 2025 with their best foot forward? Then the all-new Galaxy Watch 7 is perfect because nothing says “I care” like its perfect blend of style and innovation. Equipped with Samsung’s latest cutting-edge 3nm processor, this smartwatch delivers lightning-fast performance, from tracking over 100 workouts to checking weather updates, all while optimising battery life for all-day use. Its upgraded BioActive Sensor with 13 LEDs offers next-level precision in monitoring heart rate, body composition and even menstrual cycle tracking. For adventurers, the dual-frequency GPS offers the most accurate location tracking yet, guiding you effortlessly even in dense urban jungles. With best-in-class sleep analysis powered by AI – including snoring detection, sleep scoring and personalised tips – it helps build better nightly habits. Housed in a durable aluminium case with sapphire glass and also available in green, this watch promises to keep on giving through Christmas and beyond. Available at Samsung . WATCHES UNDER S$1,000 1. Boldr Safari Silver Fox, US$603/S$809 Here’s a cool watch for style connoisseurs. Its standout Superkuro Musou black dial absorbs light to create a strikingly deep and mysterious void that mirrors the elegance and enigma of the elusive silver fox. With no logo or indices, the dial’s stark, minimalist design lets its rich black finish take centre stage, symbolising unexplored depths and hidden adventures. Made from sandblasted stainless steel, the 40mm unisex watch is rugged yet sophisticated. With 200m water resistance, a screw-down crown, and durable quick-release FKM rubber strap, it’s ready for any journey. Custom hands with Japan Super-LumiNova and double-sided AR-coated sapphire glass ensure excellent visibility in low light and durability. Adding to its charm, an exhibition caseback reveals the reliable SII NH38A automatic movement and artwork of a silver fox – a nod to the time-only watch’s namesake. Available at Boldr . 2. Vesuviate Attivo-Duplex, US$545/S$732 This Christmas, surprise the frequent traveller in your life with a timepiece by Vesuviate – a Singaporean microbrand that blends style and functionality in its watches. As the name suggests, the Vesuviate Attivo-Duplex features a unique dual-movement design powered by two Peacock SL-7020 Gilt automatic calibres. Arranged in an easy-to-read diagonal layout, it allows the wearer to track two time zones simultaneously, making it perfect for those on the go. Offered in six colours, the watch boasts a distinctive 39mm by 46.2mm squarish case shape, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and hardened stainless steel construction for durability. Available at Vesuviate . 3. Seiko Prospex Speedtimer SSC951P1, S$963.60 This limited edition is a great gift for the sporty, capturing the dynamic energy of basketball with its unexpected vibrant copper dial featuring a sunray-brushed finish and black sub-dials. The sub-dial at six o’clock not only tracks constant seconds, but also serves as a power reserve indicator, ensuring you’re always in control. Powered by Seiko’s proprietary V192 solar-powered quartz chronograph movement, this timepiece promises eco-friendly precision for up to six months on a full charge. The 39mm stainless steel case is durable and water-resistant to 100m, while the curved sapphire crystal ensures scratch resistance for any adventure. With just 1,000 pieces produced, the watch is distributed exclusively through the Thong Sia Group for Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia and Brunei, at Seiko Boutiques and selected authorised retailers. Available at Seiko boutique . WATCHES UNDER S$2,000 1. G-Shock Master of G Mudmaster GWG-B1000EC-1A, S$1,149 This is the essential tool watch for the hardcore adventurer who thrives on pushing boundaries. A high-end evolution of the Mudman series, the solar-powered timepiece combines rugged durability with cutting-edge tech. The model boasts an array of functions like Barometer and Altimeter displays, while its Bluetooth functionality unlocks features like mission logs, alarms and a location indicator to guide its wearer through uncharted terrain with ease. Made from carbon fibre-reinforced resin and forged metal, the commanding 58.7mm by 52.1mm Mudmaster is built to withstand the harshest elements with resistance to shock, vibration and mud. Available at G-Shock . 2. Tissot Chemin des Tourelles Powermatic 80 42mm, S$1,200 Named after the street that leads to the home of Tissot in the Swiss mountains, this handsome 42mm timepiece combines classic aesthetics with modern innovation. Its silver sunray dial features faceted baton hour markers that play with light in the subtlest, most refined way. Powered by the state-of-the-art Nivachron Powermatic 80 movement, it offers a generous 80-hour power reserve. With a see-through caseback and quick-release interchangeable bracelet, this heirloom-worthy timepiece is versatile yet sophisticated. Available at Tissot . 3. Zelos Watches Nova 37mm Teal, US$899/S$1,206 This striking watch makes for a perfect choice for anyone who appreciates the exquisite art of watchmaking. The timepiece’s polished stainless steel case frames a captivating fume teal dial, brought to life with a sunburst CNC guilloche pattern that reflects light beautifully. The watch pairs effortlessly with any outfit, whether it’s a sharp suit or weekend denim. Its black Horween leather strap adds a touch of vintage charm, while its 50m water resistance ensures it’s practical as well. Available at Zelos . WATCHES UNDER S$3,000 1. Gucci G-Timeless, S$2,300 The fashion-savvy will love how this 29mm timepiece oozes sophistication with its perfect mix of elegant minimalism and contemporary Italian flair. Flaunting an easy-to-wear polished stainless steel case with a grooved bezel, this quartz model catches attention with its sunray dial in metallic pink. Adding visual interest and subtle brilliance are two diamonds set at 9 and 3 o’clock, alongside the fashion house’s iconic interlocking “G” logo and Gucci lettering. Available at Gucci . 2. Tag Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph, S$2,700 Rev up the excitement this Christmas with this high-octane timepiece inspired by the world of motorsport. Designed for thrill-seekers, who crave speed and precision, this quartz-movement chronograph blends rugged performance with bold design. Its striking blue dial with a tachymeter scale is teamed with a vibrant orange rubber strap that’s set to make a statement on or off the track. Crafted from robust steel and topped with scratch-proof sapphire crystal, this online-exclusive model is ready to handle the demands of life in the fast lane. Available at Tag Heuer . 3. Tudor 1926, S$2,850 A gift like this classic timepiece is one that never goes out of style. Paying tribute to the year the brand was founded by Rolex creator Hans Wilsdorf, this iconic unisex line is renowned for its sophisticated and resolutely timeless looks. Presented on a brown leather strap, the 39mm stainless steel watch flaunts a domed dial with a delicately embossed design, which lends a vintage charm to it. Subtle details like numeral appliques, arrow-shaped hour markers and sword-shaped hands create a captivating play of light. Powered by the reliable Calibre T601 self-winding movement and water resistant to 100m, the Tudor 1926 also comes with a five-year international guarantee. Available at Tudor .