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Every year on Christmas Eve, nine reindeer pull Santa’s sleigh through the sky so he can deliver presents to children throughout the world. Their names are Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph. In the popular song and film about Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer is male, and the film implies the other reindeer are also male. But viral posts claim all of Santa’s reindeer are actually female because male reindeer lose their antlers in the winter. Some people online also claim real reindeer can have red noses like Rudolph, too. So is there more fact than fiction behind the legend of Santa’s sleigh team? Here are 3 VERIFIED facts about the real animals that inspired our favorite fictional reindeer. THE SOURCES U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) The San Diego Zoo Craig Roberts , agricultural zoologist University of Alaska Fairbanks U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 2012 study published in the BMJ online journal The Orlando Science Center Article published by Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens Article published by the University of Alaska Fairbanks The Buffalo Zoo WHAT WE FOUND 1. Are all of Santa’s reindeer female? THE ANSWER Sign up for the VERIFY Fast Facts newsletter here . There isn’t a clear-cut answer to this question. Santa’s reindeer could be female or castrated males. Unlike most other deer species, both male and female reindeer grow antlers every year, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and San Diego Zoo . Reindeer also shed their antlers every year, but the timing differs between males and females, our sources say. Male reindeer usually drop their antlers in the late fall and don’t regrow them until the following spring. Pregnant female reindeer, on the other hand, keep their antlers through winter until their calves are born in the spring, the FDA and San Diego Zoo say. Non-pregnant female reindeer lose their antlers in the winter, according to the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service . But castration can impact when male reindeer lose their antlers. Craig Roberts, an agricultural zoologist and professor of social psychology at the University of Stirling in Scotland, says castrated males “ have antler cycles similar to those of females .” All of this means Santa’s reindeer could be female or castrated males, since they usually keep their antlers during Christmastime. 2. Can real reindeer have red noses? THE ANSWER There’s truth behind the legend of Rudolph’s red nose. Some real reindeer noses can turn a reddish color due to an adaptation that helps them survive in cold climates. A 2012 study examined the noses of two reindeer and five humans. It concluded the reindeer had a 25% higher density of blood vessels in their noses compared to humans. This helps reindeer keep their noses warm, allowing them to heat up incoming cold air before they breathe it in, according to the Orlando Science Center . The extra blood vessels also mean their noses can turn a reddish color. “Exposure to extreme cold or exercise increases blood flow, and with so many extra blood vessels in their noses, they can turn a light rosy color,” the Orlando Science Center says. 3. Do reindeer make clicking sounds? THE ANSWER A popular Christmas song called “Up on the Housetop” says Santa’s reindeer go “click, click, click.” Real reindeer that aren’t out delivering presents actually make clicking sounds, too. But that clicking doesn’t come from their hooves hitting the ground. The clicking sound happens when a reindeer’s tendons snap over bones in their feet when they walk, according to an article published by Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences . Both OSU and the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens say biologists think the clicking sounds helps members of a reindeer herd stay together, especially in snowstorms where they cannot see each other.Brighton were booed off after their winless run was stretched to six Premier League games by a frustrating goalless draw against away-day strugglers Brentford. Albion dominated for large periods on a foggy evening at the Amex Stadium and hit the woodwork inside four minutes through Julio Enciso. Bees goalkeeper Mark Flekken also made a string of important saves before being forced off injured in the 36th minute, albeit his replacement Hakon Valdimarsson was rarely tested on his Premier League debut. Brentford, who remain without a top-flight away win this term, had an early Yoane Wissa finish ruled out for offside following VAR intervention but barely threatened, despite an improved second-half showing. The Seagulls remain 10th ahead of Monday’s trip to Aston Villa, with Thomas Frank’s visitors a position and two points below moving towards their New Year’s Day showdown with Arsenal. Brighton have plummeted from second place to mid-table amid a poor run of form which has increased scrutiny on head coach Fabian Hurzeler. Seagulls chief executive Paul Barber called for perspective from fans in his programme notes after revealing he revealed emails “full of doom and gloom” following the recent 3-1 home defeat to rivals Crystal Palace. Enciso, one of two players recalled by Hurzeler following Saturday’s 1-1 draw at West Ham, almost gave Albion a dream start. A poor pass from Bees goalkeeper Flekken was intercepted by Carlos Baleba and, following a neat layoff from Joao Pedro, Paraguay forward Enciso curled against the right post. Brentford arrived in Sussex with the worst away record in the division, having previously taken a solitary point from 24 available this term. Flekken saved well from Baleba and then collected a tame header from the unmarked Enciso before the away side thought they had snatched a 13th-minute lead. After being slipped in by Mads Roerslev at the end of a swift counter-attack, Wissa thumped high into the net beyond Seagulls keeper Bart Verbruggen only to be ruled marginally offside. Flekken made further saves from Brajan Gruda and Matt O’Riley before hurting himself keeping out a deflected Kaoru Mitoma cross and being replaced by 23-year-old Iceland international Valdimarsson. Brentford remained on the back foot and, aside from Wissa’s disallowed effort, offered little going forward in a one-sided opening period which somehow ended level. Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke produced a crucial block to deny Wissa as the west London club began the second half brightly before Christian Norgaard’s ambitious effort deflected wide amid groans from increasingly restless home fans. Hurzeler responded with a triple change, introducing Yasin Ayari, Simon Adingra and Yankuba Minteh in place of O’Riley, Gruda and Mitoma. Albion forward Pedro then escaped punishment in the 76th minute after swinging an arm at Bees substitute Yehor Yarmoliuk without making contact before defender Ben Mee became the second visiting player to depart injured. The introduction of Solly March in the 88th minute for his first appearance since suffering a serious knee injury in October last year briefly lifted the mood on the terraces. But, following a frantic five minutes of added time, some Seagulls supporters vented their displeasure at full-time as their club’s wait for victory goes on.IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: Lyon, Boland revive Pakistan's 1961 feat vs Team India A gritty partnership of over 50 runs for the final wicket between Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland left India exasperated as Australia extended their lead to over 300 runs on day four of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. In a day packed with enthralling Test cricket, India bowlers had removed Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins during the final session, raising hopes of starting their chase before stumps. However, Lyon and Boland stood firm, frustrating the Indian bowlers with a resilient stand at the iconic MCG. Their partnership not only defied India but also turned the tide of the match. This marked just the second instance in Test history where a 10th-wicket pair batted for over 50 balls in both innings. The first instance occurred in 1961, when Pakistan’s Afaq Hussain and Haseeb Ahsan faced England in Lahore, lasting 9.2 overs in the first innings and 18.1 overs in the second. Lyon and Boland batted for 8.3 overs in the first innings and a pivotal 17.4 overs in the second. Drama unfolded late in the day when Lyon was caught in the slip cordon by Jasprit Bumrah during the last over. However, replays confirmed it was a no-ball, keeping the partnership intact. Earlier, India seemed on the verge of wrapping up the innings when Ravindra Jadeja bowled a superb delivery, pitching on off stump and turning away to edge Pat Cummins’s bat, dismissing him for a determined 41 off 90 balls. But with the bowlers tiring and the ball softening, Lyon and Boland capitalized on the opportunity to mount a defiant stand. India’s desperation showed as Siraj dropped a caught-and-bowled chance off Lyon and later lost their final review on an unsuccessful lbw appeal. Boland’s cut off Siraj brought up Australia’s 300, while Lyon showcased an array of strokes, including sweeps, lofted shots, and edges that kept the scoreboard ticking. In the day’s final moments, KL Rahul’s tumbling leg-assisted catch off Lyon was overturned due to Bumrah overstepping. Lyon then edged the last ball for a boundary, bringing up the 50-run partnership and closing out a remarkable day of Test cricket on a high for Australia. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: Rohit Sharma draws flak over angered reactions to Yashasvi India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal had a terrible day on the field on Sunday as he dropped three crucial catches of the Australian batters, prompting angered reactions from his skipper Rohit Sharma. After having dropped Usman Khawaja on 2 at leg-gully in the morning session, Jaiswal dropped Marnus Labuschagn on 46 at third slip in the second session off Akash Deep. At the stroke of Tea, the 21-year-old then dropped a catch of Pat Cummins off Ravindra Jadeja at silly-point. Of all the three chances, the second dropped catch in particular, saw emotions getting better of Rohit with the skipper seen shouting and throwing his arms around angrily. The animated Rohit reactions to the dropped chances didn't go down well with the commentators with the likes of Mike Hussey suggesting that such things aren't expected from skipper. “I've got to be honest, I don't like that reaction from the Indian skipper. I appreciate he's emotional, and he desperately wants wickets, but you're the one who has to send the message of calm and support. No one means to drop a catch. “He's gonna feel bad enough as it is for putting a catch down, especially someone like Marnus Labuschagne; it happens quickly, it's in, it's out. You don't need to see that as a young player,” Hussey said on Fox Cricket. Australia's women's skipper Alyssa Healy also said that the team needs to be gentle with Jaiswal as he will be key in India's fourth innings chase. “Particularly when you need him to walk out and open the batting alongside you, to make some runs and try and win a Test match for your country," she said. Former Australia coach Darren Lehmann also wasn't impressed with Rohit and Virat Kohli's reaction to dropped catches. He however liked Rishabh Pant's gesture which saw him putting arm around Jaiswal, lifting his spirits. "Rishabh Pant did well. He actually gave him a pat on the back and said 'just hang in there, we all drop them'. What he doesn't need is the captain Rohit Sharma and (Virat) Kohli throwing their arms about. The poor kid," Lehmann said on ABC Radio. Former Victoria wicketkeeper Darren Berry also called out for support to Jaiswal from senior after the dropped catches. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: Melbourne Weather Report With the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) heading into its decisive Day 5, cricket enthusiasts are keenly watching the weather, hoping it doesn’t interfere with this gripping clash. India need a miraculous turnaround to chase a challenging target as Australia, leading by 333 runs at stumps on Day 4, aim to seal the game. According to the forecast by AccuWeather, Melbourne is expected to offer favourable playing conditions on Monday, with only minimal chances of rain disruption throughout the day. MELBOURNE DAY 5 WEATHER: MORNING CONDITIONS The day will begin with partly sunny skies. Temperatures are predicted to hover around 25°C under direct sun. While a wind from the south-southwest at 9 km/h will keep conditions pleasant, occasional gusts reaching up to 24 km/h could slightly assist bowlers. With a 3% probability of rainfall, the morning session is expected to proceed uninterrupted. Cloud cover will be significant at 86%, offering mild respite to the players. IND VS AUS WEATHER FORECAST: AFTERNOON CONDITIONS As the day progresses, the temperature is expected to rise to 27°C. Breezy conditions will prevail, with wind speeds escalating to 22 km/h and gusts peaking at 37 km/h from the south. Despite total cloud cover at 100%, rain remains unlikely, with just a 4% chance of precipitation. Humidity levels ranging between 47% and 57% will not significantly impact the game, while visibility remains excellent at 10 km. Overall, Day 5 is set to provide uninterrupted play, giving both teams a fair chance to fight for a result. With Australia aiming to build on their lead and India looking to stage a remarkable chase, fans can expect an intense day of Test cricket under largely cooperative weather conditions at the MCG. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: Gavaskar clarifies context of 'stupid' remark Legendary Sunil Gavaskar on Saturday angrily expressed his disapproval of Rishabh Pant's shot selection during a critical moment on the third day of the Boxing Day Test. A fuming Gavaskar had slammed Pant for his ramp shot that got him out, labelling it as 'stupid'. For Gavaskar the Pant shot was driven by ego rather than strategic thinking. "When I see somebody as talented as Rishabh Pant play that shot, I had no problem with the first shot he played and missed. The reason I got upset was that ego took over for the next ball," Gavaskar told ABC Sport. Gavaskar elaborated on why he found Pant's shot selection particularly frustrating, suggesting Pant was trying to assert dominance rather than playing to the situation. "I've just been hit in the midriff for attempting a similar shot. I'm going to show the bowler who's the boss. Test cricket is not easy. When he got out, they had two fielders in the deep, and this is a big ground. It's not easy to hit sixes. You've got the fielders in catching positions over there—deep square leg and deep fine leg. But he got caught at third man with the edge." Gavaskar acknowledged Pant's talent and past performances but questioned the need for such a risky shot at that stage of the game. "I've seen him play some fabulous innings. But here in Australia, I get the impression that he thinks that's the only way he's going to score runs. Here he's stepping down the pitch, lofting the ball, and getting a boundary. That's not the way he has scored runs in the past. He has played those shots which have been outrageously good," Gavaskar said. Gavaskar highlighted Pant's ability to score runs through conventional cricketing shots, suggesting he should rely on his established strengths rather than attempting high-risk strokes. "I've seen him play the cover drive along the ground very well, the square pull shot he plays so well, the flick off the pads—everything he's got. So, to take a little bit of a risk at that stage was a bit much," said Gavaskar. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: Bumrah denied a fifer despite KL Rahul's lucky catch An exhilarating fourth day's play of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne on Sunday was topped off with a dramatic last over that saw India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah being denied a fifer despite an unusual and lucky catch taken by teammate KL Rahul. With the last wicket stand of Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland frustrating India with an unbeaten stand of 55, Bumrah came in to bowl the last over of the day. He even got Lyon to edge one to Rahul in the slips but unluckily overstepped to hand the Australia no.10 a lifeline. The incident took place on the fourth ball of the last over of the day when Bumrah got one to straighten from length as Lyon, rooted to his crease, tried to defend it but edged it to third slip. Rahul, who was stationed at third slip, initially fumbled and lost the ball but then used his legs to clutch on to it as India began to celebrate the end of the Australian innings. However, in a late twist, the Indian team was then told by the umpire that Bumrah had over-stepped and the no ball meant that Lyon got a lucky lifeline. Seeing the hand being raised by the umpire for a no-ball, Bumrah and the team were seemingly disappointed. Adding salt to injury, Lyon then collected a couple of runs off the fifth ball and the final ball then flew past the third slip for a boundary after a Lyon poke as Australia ended the day at 228 for 9, taking their overall lead to 333 at stumps. At the close of play, Lyon was at 41 not out and no.11 Scott Boland had scored 10 as India failed to take the final wicket. In the second innings, Bumrah has four wickets wickets to his name while Mohammed Siraj picked up three after Australia took a healthy 105-run first innings lead. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: 'Bounce has got inconsistent' Marnus Labuschagne, Australia's top scorer, believes India faces a challenging chase due to the pitch's inconsistent bounce. Deliveries bowled from a back-of-a-length are arriving at stump height, creating difficulties for batsmen. Australia finished day four at 228 for 9 in their second innings, leading India by 333 runs. Contributions from the lower order, including Pat Cummins (41), Nathan Lyon (41 batting), and Scott Boland (10 batting), significantly boosted Australia's lead. Labuschagne's 70 was the highest individual score for the Australian team. Labuschagne discussed the pitch conditions anticipated for day five. “I think from the first innings, there was some movement, obviously. It was hard work in that first probably, especially the first 40 to 50 overs. But as the game's gone on, the bounce has got less and more inconsistent. So we're just getting more balls hitting the stumps. More balls are skidding through.” He observed that while the lateral movement remains consistent, the inconsistent bounce poses a significant challenge. “The seam movement's probably been the same. But just the amount of bounce is significantly lower. So that makes for pretty tricky batting there. Because more balls are hitting the stumps from a shorter length.” Labuschagne remained tight-lipped about Australia's declaration plans for the fifth morning. “Glad you think that I know if we're going to declare or not,” he chuckled. He confirmed that day four unfolded as per Australia's expectations. “We obviously had the perfect outcome for us. And they probably... we looked like having a bowl tonight and putting them under pressure. But, you know, the way the wicket played and the way India bowled and came out and put us under pressure in that first 40 to 50 overs, you know, declaration wasn't an option for us.” Labuschagne acknowledged the resilience displayed by the lower order. “The lower order deserves a lot of credit for how they managed that last part. I mean, I felt like we were probably ahead of the game just the whole way.” IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: Starc assures he's '100% fit' Australia maintained their grip on the fourth Test against India with a resilient batting display on the fourth day, despite several dramatic moments and strategic questions about their decisions. Resuming their second innings at 135 for six after tea, the visitors pushed their lead to a commanding 333 runs, closing at 228 for nine in 82 overs. The standout performer of the day was captain Pat Cummins, whose gritty 41 off 90 balls proved crucial in frustrating the Indian bowlers. Australia's tail-enders followed his lead, with the last-wicket pair of Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland adding an unbeaten 55 runs. Marnus Labuschagne, who top-scored with a valiant 70 off 139 balls, earlier held the innings together before falling shortly after tea. However, Australia’s decision to bat deep into the final session, rather than declare with a sizeable lead, raised eyebrows. Pacer Mitchell Starc, when asked about the team’s strategy, deflected the question with a wry response: "You'll have to ask Pat Cummins... you will have to ask the brains trust." Starc, who was dismissed in dramatic fashion, became the victim of a sharp run-out orchestrated by Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant. Attempting a second run, Starc was left stranded as Cummins hesitated. Pant’s direct hit brought an end to Starc’s brief innings of 5 runs off 13 deliveries. Despite speculation about a potential back issue, Starc dismissed concerns regarding his fitness. Speaking after the day's play, he assured, "I am 100%... My pace is still up in the low 140s, so I’m not concerned. If I need to bowl 20 overs tomorrow, I will." Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah entered the record books during the day, taking 4/56 to complete 200 Test wickets in an illustrious career so far. Bumrah’s fiery spell, coupled with Mohammed Siraj's 3/66, gave India some hope, but the task ahead remains monumental. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: 'Some people doubted me' - Nitish Reddy Nitish Reddy's brilliant century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has silenced critics who doubted his ability to excel in Test cricket. The 21-year-old, with 293 runs in six innings at an average of over 58, has shown he belongs at the highest level. His knock of 114 runs was pivotal to India's first-innings total of 369, showcasing his resilience and skill on one of the grandest stages in cricket. After the fourth day's play, Reddy spoke candidly about the skepticism surrounding his selection. "Some people doubted me, saying a youngster from the IPL can't perform in such a big series," he said. "I just want to prove them wrong. I want people to know I'm here to give 100% for the Indian team." Reddy emphasised that his success has been years in the making. Dismissing the idea that his achievements came overnight, he explained, "For you guys, it might seem like one or two months, but for me, it's about the last two to three years. I've worked hard on my batting and bowling during that time." Ahead of the 2024 IPL, Reddy took extra measures to elevate his game, including hiring side-arm throwdown experts to practice against deliveries at speeds of up to 145 km/h. "After my first IPL season, I realized the areas I needed to improve in my batting. During the off-season, I worked extensively, and those efforts are paying off now," he said. Reddy also spoke emotionally about his father, Mutyalu, who made significant sacrifices for his cricketing career. "My father resigned from his central government job to support me. He was the first person who believed in me and has always been there—taking me to practice, to the gym. I'm so grateful to have a father like him," he said, dedicating his century to his father. A longtime admirer of Virat Kohli, Reddy cherished the standing ovation he received from the former Indian captain. "When Kohli scored a century in Perth, I was at the non-striker's end. Now, I scored a century, and he appreciated me. He told me I got the team back in the game. That's the best moment for me," Reddy said, beaming. Team India faces a challenging final day, with the opposition still holding one wicket. Reddy remains optimistic, promising a strong comeback. "First, we need to take their last wicket. Then, we'll rectify our mistakes from the first innings," he said confidently. Nitish Reddy's performance has not only proven his critics wrong but also signaled the arrival of a promising new star in Indian cricket. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: 'Jasprit Bumrah is like a genie' The fourth day of the Boxing Day Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy witnessed a captivating battle between bat and ball at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj delivered standout performances as India fought to contain a resilient Australian side, which extended its lead to 333 runs by stumps. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, speaking on Star Sports, heaped praise on the Indian seamers. Manjrekar even compared Bumrah's genius to legendary bowlers like Malcolm Marshall and Curtly Ambrose. "There's just no weakness this man has. It's almost like he is this genie that Indian cricket have brought as a gift and you make a wish and you get it. And it's always Bumrah providing it, be it T20 cricket World Cup or 50 over World Cup, or it's a match like this, crucial game on a page where a lot of the bowlers struggle to get anything out of it. He was getting lateral movement," Manjrekar said. "He's cleaned up Alex Carey, as if, he's a number 10, 11 batter. He just had two balls in that spell left. You knew he wasn't going to bowl more than two balls, and he nailed Alex Carey there as well. And when you look at the average, I mean, this is unbelievable. We talk about Curtly Ambrose. I had the privilege of playing against Malcolm Marshall. Now those are great names, and an average of under 20 after 200 wickets is just mind-boggling stuff from Jasprit Bumrah." Manjrekar also lauded Mohammed Siraj for rising to the occasion. "The fact of the matter is Mohammed Siraj realised that he had to put in his best show. So what he did basically was just ran in with a lot more energy, just put in a lot more effort. And sometimes that's all you need. And it was evident when we saw the speed gun, he was four or five kilometers quicker," he noted. "There were a couple of balls over that were touching 140. In the first innings, it was maybe 134, 135. So sometimes it's just about bending your back and forget about all the other issues. And that's what he did. And he was desperate for success. And sometimes when you push against the wall, and we've seen that with Mohammed Siraj, he comes up with the goods." Jasprit Bumrah's 4/56—including his 200th Test wicket—was the highlight of the day. He dismantled Australia's middle order with clinical precision, removing Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Alex Carey in quick succession. Mohammed Siraj, with figures of 3/66, also played a crucial role in triggering a dramatic Australian collapse after lunch. His dismissal of Steve Smith for 13 set the tone for a spell that saw Australia plummet to 91/6. Despite these setbacks, Australia showed grit, with contributions from Pat Cummins (41) and an unbeaten 55-run partnership between Nathan Lyon (41 not out) and Scott Boland (10 not out). IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: Mohammed Siraj's perfect support act! When a fast bowler's own countrymen — whether captain, teammates or former cricketers in the same cricketing ecosystem — challenge their ego, it can be a deliberate or incidental act that spurs them to perform better. Fast bowlers often have a fierce competitive streak. Challenges from their countrymen can push them to raise their game and prove their superiority. Facing criticism or challenges at home helps bowlers build the mental toughness required for the intense scrutiny and high-pressure situations of international cricket. On Friday, legendary Sunil Gavaskar, delivering a harshly critical assessment, had called for the removal of Mohammed Siraj from the Indian squad. With 13 wickets in seven innings and a lack of aggression with the new ball, Siraj, a key component in the 2021 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series victory, had fallen short in the current series, adding to Jasprit Bumrah's workload. According to Gavaskar, the right-arm quick should be informed that he is being dropped rather than rested. "I think Siraj, perhaps, needs a little bit of a break. In the sense, I am not saying a break, he needs to be told that he is left out of the team for non-performance. There has to be a situation where you can't beat around the bush. "You need to be brutally upfront and say 'look, your performance has not been up to scratch, and therefore you are being dropped.' When you start talking about 'rest,' players get wrong ideas. They feel they don't need to up their game," Gavaskar had told Star Sports on Friday after the second day's play. With an average of 4.07 runs per over, Siraj led the unwelcome list of frontline pacers who have given the most runs in the series. In the ongoing Boxing Day Test, Siraj was completely out of sorts after conceding 122 runs in 23 overs without taking any wickets in Australia first innings. Probably that was the reason that India captain Rohit Sharma called up Akash Deep to share the new ball with Bumrah in the Aussie second innings on Day 4. Being denied the new ball and a keeper standing upto the stumps are the two biggest factors that can rub off a pacer's ego. These situations strike at the core of a pacer's pride and role in the team, potentially fueling their competitive fire or exposing weaknesses. Both situations put a pacer in a vulnerable position, testing their mental resilience and ability to bounce back. They challenge the bowler to prove their worth and reclaim their authority, which can either inspire growth or create friction, depending on how they are handled. These challenges, though difficult, often separate great fast bowlers from the rest, highlighting their ability to rise above setbacks and continue delivering under pressure. When a captain targets their own fast bowler's ego, it can be a tactical move designed to motivate them, ignite their competitive fire, or bring out their best performance. Fast bowlers often thrive on adrenaline and emotion. A captain's calculated criticism or challenge can act as a spark to drive the bowler to prove a point and perform with extra intensity. A social media video also showed skipper Rohit asking Siraj to step up. "Don't sit back and hide behind Bumrah, I need you to stand up and get the job done as well." This is where Siraj responded brilliantly on Day 4 when Bumrah needed support from the other end. Akash Deep bowled well in tandem with Bumrah but was unlucky to get a wicket. Siraj replaced Bumrah in the attack after 10 overs and bowled with usual aggression but with improved line and length, creating more chances and troubling Aussie opener Usman Khawaja in particular. And Siraj’s changed approach brought him a reward when he castled Khawaja with a full delivery that moved just enough to beat the inside edge and hit the top of off-stump. In the eight over of the second session, a pumped up Siraj got the prized wicket of first innings centurion Steve Smith by inducing a false shot from the former Aussie captain and having him caught behind by Rishabh Pant. This was the fourth instance that Siraj had dismissed Smith in 15 innings and that opened the gates for India as Bumrah then went on a rampage as he picked up the wickets of Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey in quick succession. Marnus Labuschagne batted brilliantly to weather the Bumrah storm whose deliveries missed the Aussie bat’s edge umpteen times. Going by stats, Bumrah bowled 60 balls to Labuschagne in the second innings and missed the outside edge 11 times. The Aussie edged 3 times scoring 24 runs off those 60 deliveries. But it was Siraj who got Labuschagne on the first delivery of a new spell by trapping the Aussie plumb in front with a back of a length delivery that jagged back sharply from outside off. Labuschagne was caught in the crease as he looked to block but missed to get struck on the back leg and as the third umpire went with the on-field umpire’s decision to give it out, a pumped up Siraj let the emotions flow. With a bruised ego, Siraj stepped up and bowled a superb spell either side of lunch where he accounted for Khawaja and Smith and later came up with the crucial scalp of Labuschagne. Cricket is as much a mental game as it is physical. By challenging a fast bowler, a captain can test their mental toughness and ability to handle pressure, which is critical in high-stakes scenarios and when done correctly, it can be a powerful tool to bring the best out of a fast bowler. With the high-stakes Border-Gavaskar Trophy still up for grabs, Siraj proved his captain right on Day 4 at the MCG. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: Bumrah's brilliance, last-wicket stand for Australia keep MCG Test finely poised Jasprit Bumrah's fiery spell and a record-breaking milestone gave India hope on Day 4 of the Boxing Day Test, but Australia's lower-order resistance ensured they remained in control. Despite Bumrah's 4-56 and Mohammed Siraj's resurgence, Australia reached 228/9 at stumps, leading by 333 runs, setting up a thrilling final day. Bumrah sliced through Australia's middle order, claiming his 200th Test wicket and becoming the bowler with the best average in Test history for those with 200 or more wickets. However, his efforts were countered by Marnus Labuschagne's gritty 70 and Pat Cummins' vital 41, along with a frustrating last-wicket stand of 55 between Nathan Lyon (41 not out) and Scott Boland (10 not out). Yashasvi Jaiswal had a challenging day, dropping three crucial catches, including Labuschagne on 46 and Cummins before his dismissal. These misses proved costly as Australia extended their lead on a pitch showing variable bounce. With all four results still possible, here's how Day 4 unfolded: Bumrah's record-breaking show: A historic milestone Jasprit Bumrah was once again the standout bowler for India, claiming his 200th Test wicket and solidifying his place in history. With the dismissal of Travis Head, Bumrah reached the remarkable milestone in just his 44th Test, making him the fastest Indian pacer to achieve this feat. Bumrah also set a new record for the best average among bowlers with 200 or more Test wickets, surpassing the legendary Joel Garner. He finished the day with 4-56, taking his tally for the series to 29 wickets and becoming India's most successful pacer in a Test series on Australian soil. Siraj back among wickets as India fight back After a wicketless first innings, Mohammed Siraj returned to form, taking key wickets in Australia's second innings. Siraj was the first change bowler, coming in after Akash Deep and Bumrah. Siraj quickly removed Usman Khawaja for 21, and then bowled brilliantly to dismiss Steve Smith. With the assistance of Virat Kohli, who advised Siraj to bowl wide of the crease, the pacer outfoxed Smith with a wide half-volley that the Aussie batter edged to Rishabh Pant. Siraj finished the day with impressive figures of 3-66, including the vital wicket of Marnus Labuschagne (70). Jaiswal's drop catches add pressure on India's chances Yashasvi Jaiswal endured a tough day in the field, dropping three critical catches. The first came early in the day when he dropped Usman Khawaja at leg gully. His next miscue was a relatively easy chance off Labuschagne's bat at gully when he was on 46. Jaiswal's third drop came just before tea when he let go of Cummins. The frustration was palpable in the Indian camp, with captain Rohit Sharma visibly upset. The missed chances allowed Australia to build a bigger lead, making India's task tougher. Labuschagne and Cummins stand gives Australia vital respite After India's early breakthroughs, Labuschagne and captain Cummins combined for a vital partnership of 57 runs. This stand brought some stability to Australia's innings, allowing them to recover from 91-6 to 148-7. Labuschagne, who top-scored with 70, and Cummins, with 41, frustrated India's bowlers and pushed the Australian lead past 250 runs, a vital cushion for the home team heading into the final session. Last-wicket stand frustrates India as Australia extend lead to 333 Despite India's best efforts to wrap up Australia's innings, Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland had other plans. Their unbroken 55-run partnership frustrated the Indian bowlers, with Lyon making 41 off 54 balls. This stand took Australia's lead to a formidable 333 runs, leaving India with a daunting task ahead on Day 5. With the last-wicket pair showing resilience, India's hopes of a quick end to Australia's innings faded, and the game remained delicately poised heading into the final day. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: Hello and welcome! Hello and welcome to the Live coverage of Day 5 of the fourth Test match between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. A resilient 51-run partnership for the final wicket between Nathan Lyon (41*) and Scott Boland (10*) left India frustrated as Australia stretched its lead to 333 runs, finishing at 228/9 in 82 overs at stumps on day four of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. India appeared poised to begin their chase before stumps after removing Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins in the final session. However, Lyon and Boland defied India’s attack for 110 balls, much to the dismay of the 43,867 fans present. Their gritty stand ensured Australia maintained control heading into the final day. The big question now is whether Australia will continue batting on day five or declare overnight, challenging India to achieve the highest-ever successful chase at the MCG. The session began with Mohammed Siraj striking with his first delivery, trapping Labuschagne lbw with a sharp ball that jagged off the pitch. Labuschagne reviewed the decision, but ball-tracking showed the ball clipping the bails on umpire’s call, ending his knock of 70. Soon after, Starc was run-out attempting a risky second run, with Rishabh Pant swiftly removing a glove to complete the dismissal at the non-striker's end. Australia seemed on the brink of being bowled out when Ravindra Jadeja produced a beauty, pitching on off-stump and turning away to find Pat Cummins’s edge, dismissing him for a hard-fought 41 off 90 balls. But as the Indian bowlers began to tire and the ball softened, Lyon and Boland capitalized, showcasing remarkable resistance. India's desperation showed when Siraj dropped a caught-and-bowled chance off Lyon, who later survived an lbw appeal, burning India’s final review. Boland cut Siraj for a boundary to bring up Australia’s 300, while Lyon mixed sweeps, lofted shots, and edges to keep the scoreboard ticking. Drama unfolded in the final over when KL Rahul claimed a tumbling catch off Lyon from Jasprit Bumrah’s delivery. However, replays revealed a no-ball, adding to India’s woes. Lyon then edged the last ball for a boundary, taking the partnership to 50 runs and capping an enthralling day of Test cricket. Match Statistics Sam Konstas Usman Khawaja Marnus Labuschagne Yashasvi Jaiswal Rohit Sharma (C) KL Rahul Top Stories Right Now
Asian markets experienced a slight downturn on Monday as U.S. Treasury yields soared, challenging Wall Street's equity valuations and strengthening the U.S. dollar. With the New Year holiday ahead, trading volumes were subdued. Noteworthy in the week's limited data schedule are China's upcoming factory PMI figures and Friday's U.S. ISM survey. Elsewhere, South Korean stocks continued to struggle amid political uncertainty, while Wall Street saw a sell-off despite notable year-to-date gains for key indices. The rising bond yields, President-elect Trump's fiscal policies, and steadiness of the dollar further added to the complexity of the market landscape. (With inputs from agencies.)
CHECK OUT: Don't let unemployment hold you back. Start your digital marketing journey today. Hedge fund manager Scott Bessent is a credible, safe choice for US Treasury secretary -- and one that is likely positive for markets -- observers said Saturday following President-elect Donald Trump's highly anticipated nomination. His selection came after competition for the top economic job spilled into the open last weekend, with the world's richest man Elon Musk throwing his support instead behind Trump's transition team co-chair Howard Lutnick. Lutnick has since been named commerce secretary to lead Trump's tariff and trade agenda, and Bessent's nomination days later appears to be uncontroversial for now. "Scott Bessent is a credible, mainstream pick for Treasury Secretary," said Jason Furman, a professor at Harvard University and former top White House economic adviser. "I could see previous administrations as having chosen him," Furman, a former chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, told AFP. But a key difference is that Bessent, 62, has had to adopt and defend views on topics like tariffs, in a way "he never would have in pursuit of the job for a previous Republican administration." Read also Budget, debt: Trump's Treasury chief faces urgent challenges PAY ATTENTION: Legit.ng Needs Your Help! Take our Survey Now and See Improvements at LEGIT.NG Tomorrow Tariffs are a key part of Trump's economic agenda, with the Republican president-elect vowing sweeping duties on allies and adversaries alike. In an opinion piece published earlier this month on Fox News, Bessent defended the potential use of tariffs as a means to raise revenue for the government, protect strategic US industries and negotiate with trading partners. He would be one of the first openly gay Cabinet officials if confirmed by the Senate, and the first at the helm of the Treasury Department. 'Adult in the room' Jens Nordvig, chief executive of data and analytics firm Exante Data who has worked with Bessent, drew a contrast between his demeanor and that of other Trump supporters. While some Trump allies have a tendency towards "general sweeping statements," Bessent is an "analytical thinker, and he communicates accordingly," Nordvig told AFP. He counts Bessent among his early clients. "I would expect his messaging to be very focused, to get his key points across, without any unnecessary flamboyance or gusto," Nordvig added of the Wall Street veteran. Read also Trump names hedge fund manager Scott Bessent as Treasury chief Calling Bessent a "safe choice," Brookings senior fellow in economic studies David Wessel told AFP: "He will be an adult in the room for the Trump administration." Besides Bessent, others seen as top contenders for Treasury chief in recent days included former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh, Apollo Global Management chief executive Marc Rowan, and Tennessee Senator Bill Hagerty. Market relief? It remains to be seen if Bessent will be a big influence "moderating some of the administration's more aggressive trade policy" or simply be a spokesman, Wessel said. He does not have much experience in dealing with Congress either, and this would be important next year as the Trump administration works to raise the debt ceiling and effort a tax bill to deliver on his economic promises. Bessent would also have to grapple with the country's debt burden, with debt borrowed at much lower interest rates previously and Trump's plans estimated to add trillions over time. Read also Top US securities regulator to exit, clearing way for Trump pick In an open letter published Saturday, Nordvig called for "thoughtful leadership" at the Treasury, saying a realistic approach to tax cuts and bond issuance was needed. He also sounded a hopeful note, saying Bessent would work to reduce extreme risks for markets. Krishna Guha, vice chairman of Evercore ISI, believes Bessent's nomination "will be well received by financial markets," given his deep understanding of markets and macro conditions. Guha also warned of the risk of bond yields spiking and "pushing up mortgage rates and tanking the housing market, while also causing stocks to sell off." In his past administration, Trump has viewed the stock market as a gauge of his success. PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy! Source: AFPNuvo Group Enters into Agreement for Sale of Pregnancy Support BusinessTEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent successful surgery Sunday to have his prostate removed, hospital officials said, a procedure that came as he manages multiple crises including the war in Gaza and his trial for alleged corruption . Netanyahu, who has had a series of health issues in recent years, has gone to great lengths to bolster a public image of himself as a healthy, energetic leader. During his trial this month, he boasted about working 18-hour days, accompanied by a cigar. But as Israel's longest-serving leader, such a grueling workload over a total of 17 years in power could take a toll on his well-being. Netanyahu, 75, is among older world leaders including U.S. President Joe Biden, 82 , President-elect Donald Trump, 78 , Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva , 79, and Pope Francis , 88, who have come under scrutiny for their age and health issues. Netanyahu's latest condition is common in older men, but the procedure has had some fallout. The judges overseeing his trial accepted a request from his lawyer on Sunday to call off three days of testimony scheduled this week. The lawyer, Amit Hadad, had argued that Netanyahu would be fully sedated for the procedure and hospitalized for “a number of days.” Jerusalem's Hadassah Medical Center announced late Sunday that the procedure had been “completed successfully.” Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally, served as acting prime minister during the operation. Netanyahu is expected to remain hospitalized for several days. With so much at stake, Netanyahu’s health in wartime is a concern for both Israelis and the wider world. A turbulent time in the region As Israel’s leader, Netanyahu is at the center of major global events that are shifting the Middle East . With the dizzying pace of the past 14 months, being incapacitated for even a few hours can be risky. Netanyahu will be in the hospital at a time when international mediators are pushing Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and as fighting between Israel and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels intensifies . Prostate issues are common and in many cases easily treatable. Still, the procedure puts a dent in Netanyahu’s image of vigor at a time when he would want to project strength more than ever, both to an Israeli audience navigating constant threats as well as to Israel’s enemies looking to expose its weaknesses. Previous health issues, including a heart condition Netanyahu insists he is in excellent health. His office releases footage of him touring war zones in full protective gear flanked by military officers, or meeting with defense officials on windswept hilltops in youthful dark shades and puffer jackets. But that image was shattered last year when Netanyahu’s doctors revealed that he had a heart condition , a problem that he had apparently long known about but concealed from the public. A week after a fainting spell, Netanyahu was fitted with a pacemaker to control his heartbeat. Only then did staff at the Sheba Medical Center reveal that Netanyahu has for years experienced a condition that can cause irregular heartbeats. The revelation came as Netanyahu was dealing with massive anti-government protests. The news about a chronic heart problem stoked further anger and distrust during extreme political polarization in Israel. Last year, Netanyahu was rushed to the hospital for what doctors said likely was dehydration . He stayed overnight, prompting his weekly Cabinet meeting to be delayed. Earlier this year, Netanyahu underwent hernia surgery , during which he was under full anesthesia and unconscious. Levin served as acting prime minister during the operation. Recovery can be quick According to Netanyahu’s office, the Israeli leader was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection on Wednesday stemming from a benign enlargement of his prostate. The infection was treated successfully with antibiotics, but doctors said the surgery was needed in any case. Complications from prostate enlargement are common in men in their 70s and 80s, Dr. Shay Golan, head of the oncology urology service at Israel’s Rabin Medical Center, told Israeli Army Radio. Golan spoke in general terms and was not involved in Netanyahu’s care or treatment. He said an enlarged prostate can block proper emptying of the bladder, leading to a build-up of urine that can lead to an infection or other complications. After medicinal treatment, doctors can recommend a procedure to remove the prostate to prevent future blockages, Golan said. In Netanyahu’s case, because the prostate is not cancerous, Golan said doctors were likely performing an endoscopic surgery, carried out by inserting small instruments into a body cavity, rather than making surgical cuts in the abdomen to reach the prostate. The procedure lasts about an hour, Golan said, and recovery is quick. He said that aside from catheter use for one to three days after the procedure, patients can return to normal activity without significant limitations. ___ AP correspondent Isaac Scharf contributed reporting. Tia Goldenberg, The Associated Press
Australia's House of Representatives passes bill that would ban young children from social mediaTyler Herro scores 27 before ejection in Heat's 104-100 win over RocketsCONOR MCGREGOR has appeared to suggest a shock showdown with Logan Paul has been FINALISED. The Notorious revealed earlier this month that he was in preliminary talks over an exhibition boxing match with the YouTube sensation. And the 36-year-old has suggested the fight - which is set to be financed by Indian billionaire Anant Ambani - is on the brink of being announced. Veteran MMA journalist Emmett Glenn reported on Sunday that McGregor is now gearing up to face the social media sensation in a Mumbai melee next year. Glenn also reveale d both men are set to earn a whopping £200MILLION ($250m) each for the South Asian slugfest. The crossover clash is said to be set to take place at the Wankhede Stadium and will be part of the country's "Visit India ' tourism campaign. And McGregor seemingly confirmed Glenn's report by quoting his post on X with a Indian flag and a love-heart emoji . Casual and hardcore fight fans were quick to comment on the seemingly done deal, with one saying: "$250M each for an exhibition fight? "That's more than most world title fights pay!" Another said: " Money talks, $250M is crazy for each." BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER S And another said: "I'm tired of these gimick fights. Dude is scared to go back into the UFC." One remarked: "Holy s**t that will be wild! $250 mil each??" Another chimed in: "Lots of money for a boring fight." YouTube phenom Paul added even more fuel to the fire by liking an Instagram post citing the report. It was revealed last week that neither the UFC nor the WWE, who McGregor and Paul are respectively contracted to, have been approached about the bout. Both entities, however, are under the TKO Group Banner - meaning the possible punch-up would be incredible easy to make. Former two-division champion McGregor hasn't fought since breaking his left leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021. His next outing be his first since being found civilly liable for assaulting Nikita Hand at a Dublin Hotel in December 2018. The Irishman - who was accused of "raping and battering" Ms Hand - has vowed to appeal the verdict of last month's civil trial at Dublin 's High Court . THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.. The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video . Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball .
Jetliner skids off runway and bursts into flames while landing in South Korea, killing 179LONDON -- need no reminders of the class of , but when the forward produced a blood-twisting shimmy while registering an assist for 's goal in their at , the 32-year-old gave his employers a nudge that basically said, "Can you really do without me?" And just for good measure, did the same when he scored with a deflected shot from 25 yards on 55 minutes to put Arne Slot's side four goals clear of the Hammers and erase any doubt that the leaders would end 2024 with an eight-point edge at the top of the table. This was the easiest of wins for Liverpool against a lacklustre West Ham side -- a win that extended their unbeaten run to 23 games in all competitions -- but it was also a day when Salah, Alexander-Arnold and the majestic underlined just how important they still are to the club. Salah, who scored Liverpool's third of the night and created 's goal, and Alexander-Arnold grabbed the spotlight with their contributions to the scoreline, but Van Dijk's marshalling of the Liverpool defence was just as important, especially in the early stages when West Ham showed signs of life and threatened to score themselves. But by the middle of this week, Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk will be free to speak to non-English clubs about a free agent move at the end of the season when their existing Anfield contracts expire. The Egyptian spoke postmatch Sunday, saying he's "far away" from being able to give good contract news, less than 72 hours before he can talk to those other clubs. "The only thing on my mind is I want Liverpool to win the league, and I want to be part of that," Salah said. "I will do my best for the team to win the trophy. There is a few other teams catching up with us and we need to stay focused and humble and go again. "I am just trying to enjoy the game," he said. "At the end of the day I came here for the result, and I wanted to do something in the game, but I am almost hungry for more." The uncertainty over Liverpool's modern-day legends has hovered over the club since the start of this season, with fans hanging on every update, however insignificant, to give an indication as to whether the three will extend their contracts. Despite the doubts over Salah, Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool have been unfazed and shown no hint of being distracted by the "will they stay/will they leave" saga. But things could now get messy, and how Liverpool deal with the speculation in the months ahead is perhaps the one issue that could derail their title bid. That seems an unlikely prospect right now. Slot and his players have been head-and-shoulders above the rest so far this season -- Liverpool also sit three points clear of the chasing pack in the -- and they brushed West Ham aside without needing to get out of second gear. But off-field noise can become a distraction, especially if it coincides with a run of indifferent results. Salah has already put his future at the front and centre of the debate twice this season with strategically timed comments, while recent days have seen reports in Spain offering the strongest hints yet that are hot on Alexander-Arnold's tail. Van Dijk has kept a low profile, as have Liverpool as a club, but sources have told ESPN that each negotiation is more complex than merely thrashing out a salary and contract length. With bonuses, image rights and agent fees to also discuss, contract talks can, and do, take months. But once clubs begin to contact the players -- if they haven't already -- then minds will naturally be diverted to thoughts of life in a new city, a new country and new colours. If Real offer to make Alexander-Arnold their new right-back, will he not allow his focus to shift to thoughts of wearing the iconic all-white kit at the Bernabéu? And if Liverpool successfully wrap a deal with one of the three, how will the other two react? Will they shrug their shoulders or demand parity with -- or more than -- their teammate? These are all issues Liverpool will face in the weeks and months ahead and there are huge financial stakes at play with each star, in terms of the salary the team might be forced to pay or the money it must find for a replacement. But Alexander-Arnold's goal, Van Dijk's dominance of the defence and Salah's goal and assist showed just why Liverpool need all three to stay. Salah is arguably the best player in the world at the moment and he is top of the Premier League in goals (17) and assists (13). We have begun to take for granted just how many goals he scores and creates. His assist for Gakpo, who doubled Liverpool's lead after had scored their opener, was one of those moments that you generally associate with only a peak . Having received the ball from Diaz, Salah wriggled between two defenders and changed his body shape in the same movement before teeing up Gakpo. That move alone showed why he is unique and crucial to Liverpool. But so are Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold, and while the picture is rosy as Liverpool end 2024, there might be trouble ahead in 2025 if their big three become a distraction.EJ Farmer scores 16 as Youngstown State defeats Detroit Mercy 73-64US President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to demand control of the Panama Canal be returned to Washington, complaining of “unfair” treatment of American ships and hinting at China’s growing influence. Here are five things to know about the waterway connecting the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. – Panamanian operated – The 80-kilometer (50-mile) interoceanic waterway is operated by the Panama Canal Authority, an autonomous public entity. The Central American nation’s constitution describes the canal as an “inalienable heritage of the Panamanian nation” that is open to vessels “of all nations.” The United States is its main user, accounting for 74 percent of cargo, followed by China with 21 percent. Panama’s government sets the price of tolls based on canal needs and international demand. Rates depends on a vessel’s cargo capacity. “The canal has no direct or indirect control from China, nor the European Union, nor the United States or any other power,” Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino said Sunday as he dismissed Trump’s threat. All vessels, including warships and submarines, are given a Panama Canal pilot. – National history – Panama’s independence from Colombia in 1903 is linked to the canal. Following the failure of French count Ferdinand de Lesseps to open a channel through the isthmus, the United States promoted the separation of the province of Panama and signed a treaty with the nascent country that ceded land and water in perpetuity to build it. After 10 years of construction and an investment of $380 million, the canal was inaugurated on August 15, 1914 with the transit of the steamer Ancon. Some 25,000 deaths from disease and accidents were recorded during its construction. The canal “is part of our history” and “an irreversible achievement,” Mulino said. – American enclave – Washington’s establishment of a “Canal Zone” — an enclave with its own military bases, police and justice system — gave rise to decades of demands by Panamanians to reunify the country and take control of the waterway. In 1977, Panamanian nationalist leader Omar Torrijos and US president Jimmy Carter signed treaties that allowed the canal to be transferred to Panama on December 31, 1999. “Any attempt to reverse this historic achievement not only dishonors our struggle, but is also an insult to the memory of those who made it possible,” former president Martin Torrijos, the general’s son, wrote on social media. Under the treaties, supported by more than 40 countries, the canal is deemed neutral and any ship can pass through. The only conditions are that ships must comply with safety regulations and military vessels from countries at war must not pass through at the same time. – System of locks – Unlike Egypt’s Suez Canal, the Panama Canal operates using freshwater stored in two reservoirs. A drought led to a reduction in the number of transits in 2023, but the situation has since normalized. The canal, which has a system of locks to raise and lower vessels, transformed global shipping. Crafts can travel between the two oceans in about eight hours without having to sail all the way around Cape Horn, the southern tip of the Americas. The canal allows a ship to shave 20,300 kilometers off a journey from New York to San Francisco. – Cash cow – Five percent of world maritime trade passes through the canal, which connects more than 1,900 ports in 170 countries. By the early 21st century, it had become too small, so it was expanded between 2009 and 2016. Today, the canal can accommodate ships up to 366 meters long and 49 meters wide (1,200 feet by 161 feet) — equivalent to almost four football pitches. It generates six percent of Panama’s national economic output and since 2000 has pumped more than $28 billion into state coffers. More than 11,200 ships transited the canal in the last fiscal year carrying 423 million tons of cargo. With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.
PM looks to ‘brighter future’ at Christmas and ‘wishes for peace in Middle East’Saskatchewan NDP motion to scrap gas tax fails in legislature
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