Patch 15.1 ushers in the Noxus map, a massive boots overhaul based around Feats of Strength, Atakhan, a teleport rework, and a whole lot more as League of Legends steps into 2025. It’s been a long time since the League of Legends map saw a full makeover. Sure, it’s had some slight changes based around big esports events with some flags placed around the map and a few changes to how Baron looks, but nothing the likes of what the Noxus map is doing . A brand-new jungle monster in Atakhan, new turrets, some small map geometry changes, a new color, and even new music are coming to Summoner’s Rift to kick off 2025. Note: Some of these changes were previously listed under patch 14.24 due to being in the PBE build, but it’s since been made clear that they’re not coming until the new year. The release date for patch 15.1 is currently unknown. Here’s everything we know about League of Legends patch 15.1: LoL patch 15.1 early notes The Season of Noxus has arrived! With it comes a new look for Summoner’s Rift, but also a significant update to the way everything on the map functions. Atakhan, Bringer of Ruin spawns at 20 minutes on the side of the map that has seen the most kills/deaths by 14 minutes. If there are no kills, it’ll be based on the side that took the most damage. When he spawns, along with him will come an arena that adds map terrain. He also drops Blood Roses on the map that grant a permanent power buff and some XP for your entire team. There are also two variants of Atakhan, both of which have different movesets and buffs they grant upon being killed. Related: Ruinous Atakhan spawns in high-kill games where both teams are duking it out. Killing him grants bonus Bloody Petals to the team who gets the final hit on him and spawns more Roses in the area to collect additional Petals. Voracious Atakhan spawns in slower games with less kills and is a much bigger threat in the short-term. The buffs he grants reads as follows: False Life: For the next 180 seconds, the first time you would die, you instead go into Stasis for 5.5 seconds and teleport to your team’s spawn. Your would-be killer instead earns 1 Bloody Petal and 100 Gold Your team now permanently gain 40 bonus gold on champion takedown Keep in mind this is takedown and not kill. If your entire team participates in a kill, that’s 200 bonus gold across your team. Atakhan only spawns once per game, but more Blood Roses will spawn on the map over time, with them commonly spawning on the corpses of champions who die on the map. Spawn timers are shifting around a little with this update. Rift Herald will spawn at 16 minutes, Atakhan at 20, and Baron at 25 to give each objective some time to breathe on the map. Turret fortification decreased: 85% >>> 50% This is the damage reduction that turrets get from having plates up Nexus turrets now respawn a short time after they go down, preventing backdoors and allowing more late-game comebacks Feats of Strength is a set of 3 objectives: First blood, first tower, and first to kill 3 epic monsters. Getting 2 of these 3 feats will grant you some pretty substantial boot upgrades for purchase, with the stipulation that you have to already own 2 legendary items to pick up a pair. Here’s every upgrade and the boots they build off of: Recipe: Plated Steelcaps + 750g (total cost 1950g) 35 Armor 50 Movement Speed Reduces incoming damage from attacks by 12% Passive: Noxian Endurance After taking physical damage from a champion, gain (15-150 +5% max HP) shield for 4 seconds Base cooldown: 12 seconds Recipe: Mercury Treads + 750g (total cost 2050g) 30 Magic Resist 50 Movement Speed 30% Tenacity Passive: Noxian Persistence After taking magic damage from a champion, gain a (15-150 +5% max HP) shield for 4 seconds Base cooldown: 12 seconds Recipe: Ionian Boots of Lucidity + 750g (total cost 1650g) 25 Ability Haste 50 Movement Speed 10 Summoner Spell Haste Passive: Noxian Haste Empowering or protecting allies with abilities, dealing damage to enemy champions with abilities, or casting a Summoner Spell grants (10 Recipe: Berserker Greaves + 750g (total cost 1850g) 40% attack speed 50 movement speed Passive: Noxian Gait Attacks on hit grant (15% for melee/10% for ranged) Movement Speed on hit that decays over 2 seconds Recipe: Symbiotic Soles/Synchronized Souls + 750g (total cost 1650g) Will upgrade to Forever Forward even if the boots haven’t evolved yet Gain empowered recall Passive: Noxian Synchrony Gain 45 movement speed and 10% total Movement Speed out of combat Recipe: Sorcerer’s Shoes + 750g (total cost 1850g) 19 Base Magic Pen 10% Magic Pen 50 Movement Speed Recipe: Boost of Swiftness + 750g (total cost 1750g) 75 Movement Speed Reduce the effectiveness of slows by 25% Passive: Noxian Fervor Gain 5% total movement speed Base Stats Passive Movement Speed bonus gets enhanced from 4-72 to 6-108 if her team gets Feats of Strength buff Cost reduced: 1200 >>> 1100 Armor and MR reduced: 30 >>> 25 This item is new, but has since been buffed on the PBE, resulting in some changes that are now reflected below. Cost: 3050 >>> 2900 55 AP >>> 60 350 HP 10 Ability Haste Passive: Surge Dealing magic damage to champions grants 5% magic pen for 6 seconds (stacks up to 6 times) Build path: Haunting Guise + Fiendish Codex + 900 gold Level requirement increased: 9 >>> 12 Can now only purchase one copy of an elixir at once Elixir of Iron Tenacity reduced: 25% >>> 20% Elixir of Wrath AD reduced: 30 >>> 28-30 (levels 12-18) Base passive damage reduced: 80 >>> 70 Passive health damage scaling change: 12% item HP >>> 6% max HP Health increased: 350 >>> 400 Armor reduced: 60 >>> 25 Now has 25 MR Passive cooldown reduced: 5 seconds >>> 4 seconds Base damage reduced: 30-50 >>> 8-15 The HP scaling damage is unchanged with an increased tick rate, so the damage on this item isn’t as nerfed as it appears New Recipe: Aegis of the Legion + Giant’s Belt + 800g (final price unchanged) Movement speed completely removed Passive regen per second decreased: 5% max HP >>> 3% max HP Bonus HP passive threshold increased: 1500 >>> 2000 Passive cooldown increased: 6 seconds >>> 8 seconds Now grants 12% increased HP New recipe: Winged Moonplate >>> Giant’s Belt (final price unchanged) Nullifying Orb removed & replaced with Axiom Arcanist Your ultimate is more powerful. Scoring a takedown on an enemy champion reduces your ultimate’s current cooldown by 7% and increases its power by 12% (power is damage, healing, and shielding) Every single vision-based rune (Eyeball Collection, Ghost Poro, Zombie Ward) has been completely removed and replaced Sixth Sense Automatically sense a nearby untracked and unseen ward, tracking it for your team. Also reveals the ward for 10 seconds at level 11 Cooldown: 300 seconds (melee)/360 seconds (ranged) Grisly Mementos Collect 1 memento on champion takedown, up to 25 stacks Gain 4 trinket ability haste for each stack. In game modes where vision trinkets do not exist, gain 2 summoner spell haste instead Deep Ward Your wards in the enemy jungle are deep. Deep wards gain +1 extra health and (+30-45 seconds) increased duration (+30-120 seconds for trinket stealth wards) In other words, this is weaker for support item wards than trinket ones Conqueror DoT stack lock out timer reduced: 5 seconds >>> 4 seconds Teleport has been drastically changed Channel duration reduced: 4 seconds >>> 3 seconds Now dashes to the target location Max travel time for base is 5 seconds, reduced to 4 for unleashed Can target minions and wards without being unleashed Base Cooldown reduced: 360 seconds >>> 300 seconds Unleashed Cooldown reduced: 330-240 >>> 300-240 That’s everything we know about League of Legends patch 15.1’s Noxus changes! We’ll be sure to update as the LoL dev team releases more information about the full breadth of Season 2025.Middle East latest: Israeli strikes on Gaza hospital wound 3, Netanyahu vows 'iron fist' in Lebanon
Korean Americans living in Atlanta watched in shock Tuesday as South Korea came under emergency martial law for the first time in more than four decades. “Michin, michin,” a group of Korean immigrants in their 60s and 70s who were gathered at Korean Martyrs Catholic Church in Doraville repeated in Korean, shaking their heads. They could not think of any other word to describe the events unfolding thousands of miles away in Seoul, South Korea, other than the Korean word for “crazy” or “insane.” South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law Tuesday night in South Korea, accusing the opposition party of paralyzing the government with “pro-North Korean anti-state forces.” The president’s order sent troops and police to the National Assembly to secure the grounds and plunged the democratic nation and key U.S. ally into crisis. The announcement came after the opposition Democratic Party blocked Yoon’s government budget bill and submitted impeachment motions against members of his Cabinet. The National Assembly, which is controlled by the Democratic Party, voted to lift the martial law decree just hours later. “Martial law is aimed at eradicating pro-North Korean forces and to protect the constitutional order of freedom,” Yoon said in an emergency national address televised late Tuesday in South Korea, which is 14 hours ahead Atlanta. “The National Assembly, which should have been the foundation of free democracy, has become a monster that destroys it.” Georgia is home to more than 150,000 residents of Korean descent, according to the Consul General of Korea in Atlanta, and Korea is a vital trade partner with the Peach State. The overnight turmoil in Seoul brought back painful memories for immigrants in Georgia who still have loved ones in Korea. It was the first martial law declaration in South Korea since 1979, following the assassination of military dictator Park Chung-hee. The events of the 1979 martial law and military coup that ensued were most recently portrayed in South Korea’s highest grossing film of 2023, “12.12: The Day,” which won best picture at South Korea’s prestigious Blue Dragon Film Awards on Friday. Political turmoil and violence lives in the recent memory of older Koreans who lived through military dictatorships and the pro-democracy Gwangju Uprising in 1980 that is estimated to have killed about 200 civilians. Elizabeth Kim, 72, recalled working in Seoul in 1980 when she found out through her church that police had violently clashed with student demonstrators in Gwangju, about 200 miles south of Seoul, while they were protesting against the dictatorship of Chun Doo-hwan. “The government blocked any media from reporting on the protests, so I only found out through my church after a lot of it happened,” Kim said. Four decades later, Kim said she is dumbfounded that the Korean president would declare martial law for political reasons. “When I first heard about the martial law, I thought something big had happened with North Korea,” she said. “Using martial law like this in this day and age? This is ridiculous. Absolutely crazy.” Lance Lee, a partner with law firm Arnall Golden Gregory in Atlanta, said the unfolding situation in South Korea is “top of mind” for all Korean Americans worrying about their loved ones across the Pacific. The gravity of martial law and a constitutional crisis hits close to home for Lee, whose father fled the Korean Peninsula in 1954 amid the Korean War. His father, John Y. Lee , obtained his law degree at Yale University and became an adviser and translator for the U.S. military. Lance Lee said his father helped translate for Gen. Douglas MacArthur. “Martial law is not something that gets declared easily,” Lance Lee said. “It’s a very extreme situation.” Lee grew up splitting his time between the U.S. and South Korea, and practiced law in Seoul for more than 20 years before joining AGG in August . He said he was constantly following news updates Tuesday and hopes for “stability and peace” without further political unrest. “Irrespective of what’s right and what’s wrong, (political agendas) shouldn’t be something that impacts people and their daily well-being,” Lee said. “It kind of defeats the purpose of government if turmoil or pushing a certain agenda in order to benefit the public creates friction that actually harms the public.” The White House said the U.S. was “seriously concerned” by the events in Seoul and is monitoring the situation closely, according to The Associated Press. President Joe Biden’s administration was not notified in advance of the martial law announcement and was in contact with the South Korean government, according to a spokesperson for the National Security Council. The U.S. has about 30,000 U.S. troops , predominantly U.S. Army personnel, based in South Korea. The majority of troops are stationed at Camp Humphreys, the largest U.S. overseas military base, in the city of Pyeongtaek, approximately 40 miles south of Seoul. South Korea is one of Georgia’s most important international business partners, ranking as the Peach State’s top foreign investor for the past three years , according to the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Korean companies announced more than $10 billion in investments and 12,605 jobs across Georgia during the 2023 fiscal year . In recent years, multibillion-dollar Georgia projects were announced by Korean corporate giants Hyundai Motor Group, SK Group and Qcells. Earlier this year, Kia also expanded its automotive factory in West Point. Those businesses, which employ tens of thousands of Georgians, and immigration patterns have led to explosive growth among Georgia’s Korean American population.On October 22, a longstanding tradition at Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense took on new significance as President Prabowo Subianto handed the role of defense minister over to Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, a seasoned military leader and former colleague. The event was further elevated by the attendance of many prominent retired senior military officers, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and optimism. The gathering of these senior officers symbolized collective support for the direction in which Sjafrie is likely to take Indonesia’s defense policy – a direction aligned with Prabowo’s vision of modernizing the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) in response to both domestic and regional security demands. Sjafrie’s experience in defense policymaking extends beyond his military career, also including his tenure as secretary-general of the Ministry of Defense (2004-2009) and later as deputy minister under Purnomo Yusgiantoro (2010-2014). This period marked Indonesia’s efforts to rebuild its defense posture through the “Minimum Essential Forces” initiative – a long-term plan to strengthen defense capabilities and the domestic defense industry. It also marked a strategic shift in the country’s defense policy, from its previous focus on the domestic political realm to greater attention on regional and geopolitical dynamics, recognizing the military’s key role in global interactions. During this period, Sjafrie played a key role in refining defense procurement procedures that involved adjusting the balance of decision-making power between the ministry and the military branches. Additionally, his legacy includes the establishment of the Defense Industry Policy Committee, which aims to harmonize military procurement with the development of Indonesia’s defense industry, including policies on offsets and technology transfers. This background is crucial as Sjafrie steps into his new role, inheriting a legacy of strategic policy development. His appointment also coincides with a renewed focus on enhancing Indonesia’s defense capabilities, particularly in response to regional pressures like South China Sea tensions and the AUKUS pact, which heighten the need for a stable power balance between the U.S. and China. Beyond Procurement Indonesia’s greater role in geopolitical stage requires a strong defense posture, and Sjafrie will play a key role in advancing Prabowo’s vision. Therefore, it is essential that increased defense budgets translate not only into upgraded capabilities but also address internal challenges. Conversations with military officials and defense policy experts underscore several pressing challenges that need attention. Furthermore, force sustainment often lacks sufficient funding especially for maintenance, leading to decreased operational readiness for some critical systems. Currently, defense procurement heavily favors foreign manufacturers, relegating the domestic defense industry, including state-owned enterprises under the Defend ID holding company, to a supporting role for offset and technology transfer requirements. While modernization often necessitates foreign procurement, Sjafrie must ensure that these acquisitions bring meaningful benefits to the local industry through comprehensive offset agreements and technology transfers, fostering a self-sufficient and resilient defense industry. Sjafrie’s familiarity with these companies’ structural issues will be essential as he will need to lay out a sustainable defense procurement plan that will not only help state-owned defense companies such as PTDI, PAL, Pindad, LEN, and Dahana survive but also thrive. This will likely require balancing the expected quick outcomes in terms of defense capabilities with the more longer-term impact on the domestic defense industry. Structural reform Structural reform within the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) is another critical challenge – one that is often overlooked. With his strong political backing, Sjafrie is in a position to chart the future structure and size of the TNI, a proposal that past administrations have been reluctant to address due to its political sensitivity. The TNI, currently comprising 404,500 personnel, faces structural inefficiencies that Sjafrie will need to address. Over the years, the TNI has seen a growing number of high-ranking officers – often assigned to civilian roles – that has expanded its size without necessarily adding to its operational capacity. Defense analysts suggest that a leaner force could allow TNI to concentrate resources on training, equipment, and strategic readiness, creating a more agile and capable defense force. A former TNI Chief once suggested that 150,000 would be the ideal size for the Indonesian Army, which currently employs twice that number. Although opinions may vary on the exact figure, there is broad consensus on the need for a well-equipped, well-trained, and adequately compensated force – a goal that remains prohibitively expensive at its current size. Budget constraints, however, are an ever-present reality. While Prabowo is committed to defense, his strong emphasis on large-scale social programs means that defense budgets will remain tight, especially considering Indonesia’s economic realities in the uncertain global climate. In this context, Sjafrie is expected to craft strategic policies that focus on building Indonesia’s deterrence capabilities in critical areas and address the most pressing problems in order to maximize the impact of available resources. Another significant challenge for Sjafrie is gaining acceptance among civil society organizations, given his extensive military background, which includes deployments in conflict zones like the former East Timor and Aceh, as well as his involvement in Jakarta during the bloody unrest of 1998 as Indonesia transitioned to democracy. While history cannot be undone, Sjafrie would do well to follow in the footsteps of his former mentor, Juwono Sudarsono, who earned respect as a defense minister open to human rights issues and committed to reforming the security sector. In summary, as Sjafrie assumes his new role, he has the expertise and backing to make transformative changes. However, he faces considerable challenges in navigating budget constraints, a complex procurement process, and the balancing act between modernizing the military and supporting Indonesia’s defense industry. His job will not be easy, but if he chooses to embrace reforms that take Indonesia beyond the status quo, I am willing to give Sjafrie the benefit of the doubt.
BOOZE-fuelled yobs are bringing terror to a Scots council area - with a 13-year-old lad stabbed by a blade-wielding gang. Spooked locals claim lawless young teams are running riot in North Lanarkshire , where a schoolboy was knifed in Moodiesburn last week by a masked mob . 8 Chilling pics show youngsters posing with machetes, axes and other deadly weapons 8 Rival gangs have been posting armed taunts on social media 8 It is understood rival gangs from Cumbernauld, Moodiesburn, Chryston and Croy, in Lanarkshire, are embroiled in the feuds Credit: The Sun Glasgow 8 Cops have increased patrols and are working in schools to address the issue Credit: Alamy 8 It comes as a gang of armed thugs stabbed a teenage boy in Moodiesburn Credit: Google Maps It comes as chilling images from the areas show boozed-up rival young teams posing with a terrifying arsenal of weapons, including machetes and axes. Armed gangs have left frightened residents too scared to leave their homes at night — amid fears someone will be killed. Terrified townsfolk are urging cops to crack down on the booze-fuelled yobs who have flaunted their array of deadly weapons on social media . One chilling picture showed thugs — some in surgical gloves — lurking in an alley brandishing machetes, metal bars , a hammer and baton. MORE SCOTTISH CRIME EXCLUSIVES HITMAN HUNT Scotland's top cold case expert leading hunt for Alastair Wilson's murderer ISLAND SHOCK Skye locals refused killer’s gun bid as he was ‘too unstable to own weapon’ In another snap, 20 masked louts from the “Carbrain Fleeto” pose in an underpass with axes, knives and a spiked baseball bat. It is understood rival gangs from Cumbernauld, Moodiesburn, Chryston and Croy, in Lanarkshire , are embroiled in the feuds. On Friday night, masked yobs aged between 12 and 20 knifed a boy of 13 near shops in Moodiesburn. The lad was rushed to hospital following the savage attack on Friday — and police are still hunting the attackers. Most read in The Scottish Sun WARMING UP Scots set for 21C swing as temperature rise to bring an end to sub zero freeze SEARCH ENDS Missing traveler is found after month-long search that led to dad's suicide GET OUT I'm an ex-Gers star who was sacked after one game - I was surprised I got that long JUNGLE WINNINGS Coleen Rooney signs first big money deal after I’m A Celeb success Residents took to social media to call for tough action amid concerns of further violence . One wrote: “All I’ve seen on Facebook over the last week is about gangs of youths causing chaos in Cumbernauld and surrounding areas. Moment cops swoop on Glasgow man nicked during UK's 'biggest ever' drugs bust “I hope they’re all held accountable. The police really need to do something before a young kid’s life is taken. It is getting worse.” Another worried local suggested free bus travel made it easier for the gangs to reach rivals’ turf. They said: “They can hop on and off buses to different areas which brings its own problems. “The weapons being openly flaunted are terrifying. 8 MSP Sharon Dowey said police need more resources Credit: Alamy 8 Cumbernauld councillor Ann Ballinger said some residents have expressed concerns to her Credit: Facebook 8 Alex Cole-Hamilton said the situation must be "a living nightmare" for locals Credit: Alamy “Neds barely in their teens are arming themselves with axes and machetes. Where are their parents ? “Strong action is needed as people don’t feel safe at night.” Politicians in Cumbernauld last night admitted residents’ concerns about the yobs have grown. Councillor Ann Ballinger said: “People have told me they’re worried about walking on footpaths in the town centre, especially at night. “The police are working hard to deal with it.” "The police really need to do something before a young kid’s life is taken. It is getting worse." Cops have upped patrols and visited schools to gain information about the gangs. But there were calls for more resources for over-stretched officers. Tories’ shadow community safety minister Sharon Dowey said: “The SNP need to give our hardworking police the resources they need to crack down on those responsible and help keep communities safe.” Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton weighed in: “Anti-social behaviour is a blight on our society. “It can be a living nightmare for the communities affected by it. They will be praying for more police on their streets. Cops still probing knife attack BY HARRY WILLIAMSON COPS are continuing to investigate the stabbing of a 13-year-old schoolboy in Moodiesburn. Detectives have been scouring CCTV and going door-to-door in their relentless bid to bring the attackers to justice. They have urged anyone with information about what happened to call the police. Officers say a woman rushed to the aid of the young assault victim and took him home before he went to hospital. CID cops have urged the woman to come forward to help them with their probe. Detective Constable Craig Hartley of Coatbridge CID said: “Our investigation in this serious assault is ongoing. “We are reviewing CCTV footage and carrying out door-to-door enquiries to identify those responsible. "I would appeal to motorists who were in the area and have dash-cam footage to come forward, you may have captured something that can assist our enquiries. “We are keen to trace a woman who came to the aid of the victim. She took him home before he went to hospital for treatment. "It’s important that she comes forward to assist our investigation.” “The government must do much more. That involves both cracking down hard on criminality, but also investing in youth work and training opportunities to divert young people from destructive behaviour.” Campaigners warned that weapons-wielding thugs bring “real fear and concern” to communities. Will Linden, of the Scottish Violence Reduction Unit, added: “Whilst we recognise that the overwhelming majority do not get involved in violence, some young people do and sometimes with devastating consequences. "Neds barely in their teens are arming themselves with axes and machetes." “What is important is understanding the complex reasons behind weapon carrying — identifying why young people pick up a weapon in the first place and the specific risk factors.” Council chiefs in North Lanarkshire urged residents worried about attacks to contact cops. A spokesman said: “We are aware of reports of anti-social behaviour, and we have been working with the police to support their investigations. Our schools work hard to educate our pupils about the dangers of carrying weapons. “Anyone with information should contact the police.” Read more on the Scottish Sun SNOW JOKE Snow maps reveal the Scotland areas forecast to have a white Christmas OFF THE AIR 'Gutted to hear this', fans cry as BBC Scotland series axed after 19 years Last night, Inspector Barry Maguire said: “We have allocated visible patrols across Cumbernauld and Moodiesburn and our Community Policing Team are actively engaging with schools across Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and surrounding towns to gather as much information as we can to identify those involved. “Anyone concerned about anti-social behaviour is encouraged to contact police by calling 101 as promptly as possible.”
New Delhi [India], December 14 (ANI): The Indian Posts and Telecommunications Accounts and Finance Service (IP&TAFS) celebrated its 50th Foundation Day in New Delhi on Saturday, according to an official release from the Ministry of Communications. The event was attended by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar as chief guest and in the presence of Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, and other dignitaries. Also Read | Manipur: 2 Migrant Workers From Bihar Shot Dead by Gunmen in Kakching District. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has urged modern civil servants to be tech-savvy and act as facilitators of change, transcending traditional administrative boundaries. He outlined the importance of cross-departmental collaboration in an interconnected world, with the need to adopt artificial intelligence-powered audit systems while maintaining human oversight for critical decisions. The event was a celebration of the remarkable contributions made by IP & TAFS over the last five decades in shaping India's telecommunications and postal sectors. Also Read | Maharashtra Cabinet Expansion: BJP To Keep Home Ministry, Shiv Sena May Get Housing Ministry; NCP To Retain Previous Portfolios. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia in his remarks on the occasion, spoke about the three pillars: bringing stability to the telecom sector; empowerment of pensioners and the capabilities of the cadre in keeping up with tech developments, behind the success of the officers, the release said. He lauded them for their contribution in DoT's SAMPANN pension model, streamlining pension disbursement for over 5 lakh pensioners, and for the consolidation of Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN). He said the department's mission and principles of inclusivity, innovation and security is the kavach that we will hold for every citizen of Bharat. Manish Sinha, Member (Finance), Digital Communications Commission, Vandita Kaul, Secretary, Department of Posts, and other senior officials of the Ministry of Communications also graced the occasion. Indian Posts and Telecommunications Accounts and Finance Service (IP&TAFS) since its establishment in 1974, the IP & TAFS has been at the forefront of India's telecommunications and postal financial landscape. The service has been pivotal in managing spectrum auctions, generating revenue in the form of License Fees and Spectrum Usage Charges, which contribute nearly Rs 25,000 crores annually to the Government of India. A substantial portion of this revenue goes toward supporting the government's Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) through the Digital Bharat Nidhi, aimed at enhancing digital inclusion across India's urban and rural regions. The SARAS portal, an initiative by IP&TAFS, has transformed the process of revenue assurance, digitalizing and standardizing the assessment mechanisms, thus ensuring better accountability in the largest non-tax revenue to the government. The IP&TAFS also plays a crucial role in the pension management of the Department of Telecommunications, which includes overseeing the seamless disbursement of pensions to nearly 4.5 lakh retirees through the SAMPANN portal. This cloud-based platform, dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister, guarantees efficient, transparent, and dignified pension delivery. During the COVID-19 pandemic, IP&TAFS officers processed over 80,000 pension cases under VRS 2019, helping provide financial security to families during the challenging times. In addition to its work in the telecommunications sector, IP&TAFS officers manage the financial operations of the Department of Posts through 23 Postal Accounts Offices (PAOs). They play a critical role in ensuring the smooth and accountable delivery of postal services, particularly in a nation as vast and diverse as India. The cadre's robust internal audit function ensures operational integrity and financial governance across the postal system. In recent years, the cadre has led efforts to modernize and streamline postal services through innovative technological solutions, including the implementation of IT-based accounting systems, pension management tools, and refining revenue and expenditure practices. These initiatives have contributed significantly to the financial health of the Department of Posts and have improved service delivery across the country. The 50th Foundation Day marks a moment of reflection on the IP&TAFS's outstanding legacy and its future in a rapidly evolving digital era. The cadre's continued commitment to excellence in public service, financial governance, and nation-building stands as a testament to its enduring impact on India's telecom and postal sectors. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
NoneKanpur: A 17-year-old Dalit girl was found dead in a barely clad state in her house here in Shivrajpur, police said on Saturday. The girl was found bare-chested with the presence of “sex enhancement drugs” in her body, they said. An 18-year-old youth, detained for interrogation in connection with the murder, confessed he sexually assaulted the girl, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Vijendra Dwivedi said. According to him, the girl was alone at her house on Friday with her parents away for a wedding, the officer said. On Saturday morning, her sister-in-law, who lives in the adjacent house, went there to wake her up and found her dead, he said. The girl’s body was sent for a postmortem for more leads into the death, police said.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates , Dec. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Huawei debuts the all-new HUAWEI nova 13 Series during the Dubai HUAWEI Flagship Product Launch on December 12 . Pioneering the new Dynamic Plaid Texture Design, multi-focal portrait capabilities, AI-driven innovations, HUAWEI nova 13 Series ushers in a fresh wave of trends while embodying the creative spirit of the younger generation. Aesthetic design with a style of its own The HUAWEI nova 13 Series introduces a bold leap in design through the interplay of plaid patterns. Staying true to its fashion-forward, minimalist aesthetic, the HUAWEI nova 13 Series brings plaid from clothing and accessories into the world of handheld design, crafting a play of light and shadow. Featuring nano-level precision in the Dynamic Plaid Texture Design, it combines bold, tech-inspired sophistication with a modern touch. The pattern's shading shifts subtly with viewing angles, adding a dynamic visual appeal. The back cover is crafted with a unique upgraded Star Effect finishing, offering a silky satin-like texture that's irresistibly smooth and comfortable to hold. Launching with Loden Green as the flagship colourway, it embodies a lifestyle of ease, spontaneity, and individuality, breaking free from convention. This low-saturation, warm shade is understated yet lively, encouraging a return to self, inviting users to embrace life's realest moments. White and Black colourways are also available, bringing timeless colours that are bound to leave lasting impressions. As a defining fashion element of the nova Series, HUAWEI nova 13 Series elevates its signature Super Star Orbit Ring camera design with a sharper, more refined aesthetic for added sophistication. The 5D glass structure on the back panel enhances the tactile experience while visually minimising the camera's height, creating a sleek, seamless look. Portrait Powerhouse: Capture Every Moment Freely HUAWEI nova 13 Series debuts the AI Best Expression feature. Whether capturing moments with a single person or a group, this tool optimises each expression, scanning through burst shots to allow users to pick out their most natural and lovable expressions from multiple burst shots and adapt it to the best photo composition. AI Best Expression highlights your best self, perfectly capturing cherished moments to be treasured forever. For the first time, HUAWEI nova 13 Series brings support for multi-focal portrait capabilities [1] for both front and rear cameras, delivering portrait shots with a richly artistic atmosphere. HUAWEI nova 13 Pro introduces an upgraded 50 MP Adjustable Aperture Camera with a variable aperture range of F1.4 to F4.0. This intelligent aperture system can recognise scenes and adjust settings accordingly to help users capture stunning moments. Equipped with Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS), the camera improves light sensitivity for clearer results in low-light conditions. Additionally, the 3X Optical Zoom Telephoto Portrait Camera with OIS provides versatile zoom options, perfect for medium to long-distance portrait shots. This allows for detailed, sharp images while maintaining a clean and visually striking composition, whether capturing close-ups or scenic backgrounds. EMUI 14.2: Intelligent, Safe and Efficient Powered by EMUI 14.2, HUAWEI nova 13 Series brings fun, intelligent, safe and efficient device experience for users. With the enhanced, HUAWEI Themes, users can use Symbol Stickers to add cut-out images from your Gallery as stickers into a thematic background, allowing creativity to soar. Using emojis, users can use Emoji Stickers to create their own personalised backgrounds. The home screen also supports personalised Symbol Stickers, giving users a richer canvas for self-expression. Huawei has always considered cyber security and privacy protection as top priority, offering enhanced transparency and control over app permissions and device security status. Support for app tracking management and key control points during app installation and operation adds an extra layer of protection for users. Powerful 100 W HUAWEI SuperCharge Turbo HUAWEI nova 13 Series addresses power needs with the new 100 W HUAWEI SuperCharge Turbo with AI Precision Temperature Control for stable power output, resulting in HUAWEI nova 13 Pro being able to charge to 50% in just 9 minutes [2] , and the HUAWEI nova 13 reaching 50% in 10 minutes [3] , providing a smooth and convenient user experience. HUAWEI nova 13 Series houses a 5000mAh Large Battery [4] , while maintaining a sleek and lightweight body. All-New Dynamic True-Colour Display with 120Hz LTPO With the new Dynamic True-Colour Display, HUAWEI nova 13 Series comes with AI HDR [5] that combines HDR technology with AI algorithms to automatically recognise scenes, results in clearer details in both highlights and shadows, more vivid colours, and a bright, transparent visual experience that enhances the artistic appeal and viewing pleasure of each image. To ensure ease of viewing of display during dimly lit scenarios, HUAWEI nova 13 Series offers an advanced AI Eye Comfort Display [6] , enhancing the eye-care experience from multiple angles. By intelligently sensing ambient lighting, recognising image content, and controlling blue light levels, it ensures a more comfortable and strain-free viewing experience, adapting to the user's environment for optimal eye care. HUAWEI nova 13 Pro features a 120Hz LTPO Adaptive Display, offering smooth, power-efficient performance with dynamic refresh rate adjustments tailored to your needs. The Always-On Display (AOD) provides a quick glance at essential information, while Splash Touch & Touch Optimisation ensures smooth, accurate interaction, even on wet screens. [1] Multi-focal photography is achieved through the synergy of multiple cameras. Wide-angle portraits are best captured in Photo mode, while other focal lengths are recommended for use in Portrait mode. [2] The charging data comes from Huawei labs. When the temperature is 25±1°C and the relative humidity is 45%–80%, use the original HUAWEI SuperCharge charger and cable, enable Turbo mode, and the phone can be charged from 3% to 50% in 9 minutes. (During charging, the phone temperature increases slightly, which is normal.) Actual performance may vary depending on the product, usage habit, and environment. [3] The charging data comes from Huawei labs. When the temperature is 25±1°C and the relative humidity is 45%–80%, use the original HUAWEI SuperCharge charger and cable, enable Turbo mode, and the phone can be charged from 3% to 50% in 10 minutes. (During charging, the phone temperature increases slightly, which is normal.) Actual performance may vary depending on the product, usage habit, and environment. [4] 5000 mAh is the typical battery value. The rated battery value is 4900 mAh. [5] Different enhancement effects are applied to the photos in Gallery, depending on their dynamic range. [6] This product is not a medical device. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2581432/HUAWEI_nova_13_Series.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2581433/HUAWEI_nova_13_Series_1.jpgStock market today: Wall Street gets back to climbing, and the Nasdaq tops 20,000
The state of Ada right now, along with plans for the near future and even long-term, all got a little attention during a meeting Tuesday. Ada City Manager Tracy Roles was among those saying in a State of the City address Ada is going in a good direction. “The state of the city is strong,” Mayor Randy McFarlin said when introducing Roles. “We are strong because of our leadership and our partnerships.” Roles introduced department heads or representatives, with each giving a short verbal presentation about their areas of responsibility. “This is a year in review,” Roles said,” a chance for you to hear what the city of Ada has accomplished in 2024.” At the start of the meeting, Roles invited all present to share a moment of silence on behalf of two city workers, Public Works Director Jason Thompson and Police Captain Michael O’Connor, who both died in 2024. “I’ve had the distinct honor of serving as the city manager for the past seven months,” Roles said. “I can tell you over that time, I have met and have had the opportunity to work with some truly amazing people. These people sitting here today are hard workers, they’re dedicated, they’re professional servants. They take pride in serving this community.” Speaking at the meeting were Finance Director Carl Turner, Human Resources Director Jana Eldred, Information Technology Director Ben McFarlane, Safety and Compliance Director Jason Keck, Ada Fire Department Fire Chief Rob Johnson, Ada Police Chief Tracy Jackson, 911 Manager Danny Manuel, Community Development Director Staci Bungard, Public Works Director Branum Dempsey, Parks and Public Facilities Director Tommy Eaton, Engineering Director Shelly Williams and Assistant City Manager Angie Stout. The city of Ada will host a come-and-go meet-and-greet for three new staff members – Community Advancement Growth and Development Director Dean Costales, Public Works Director Branum Dempsy and Airport Manager Bailey Kennemer – from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday at the Ada Regional Airport terminal building. Watch for more information on projects discussed and specifics on the future of Ada in an upcoming edition of The Ada News. City of Ada officials hosted a “State of the City” meeting Tuesday at Irving Community Center. Ada City Manager Tracy Roles conducted the meeting during which he spoke about Ada’s current state, as well as plans for the near and far future. “The state of the City is strong,” Mayor Randy McFarlin said when introducing Roles. “We are strong because of our leadership and our partnerships.” Roles introduced department heads or representatives, with each giving a short verbal presentation about their areas of responsibility. “This is a year in review,” Roles said,” a chance for you to hear what the City of Ada has accomplished in 2024.” At the start of the meeting, Roles invited all present to share a moment of silence on behalf of two City workers, Public Works Director Jason Thompson and Police Captain Michael O’Connor, who both died in 2024. “I’ve had the distinct honor of serving as the City Manager for the past seven months,” Roles continued. “I can tell you over that time, I have met, and have had the opportunity to work with some truly amazing people. These people sitting here today are hard workers, they’re dedicated, they’re professional servants. They take pride in serving this community.” Speaking at the meeting were Finance Director Carl Turner, Human Resources Director Jana Eldred, Information Technology Director Ben McFarlane, Safety and Compliance Director Jason Keck, Ada Fire Department Fire Chief Rob Johnson, Ada Police Chief Tracy Jackson, 911 Manager Danny Manuel, Community Development Director Staci Bungard, Public Works Director Branum Dempsey, Parks and Public Facilities Director Tommy Eaton, Engineering Director Shelly Williams, and Assistant City Manager Angie Stout. The City of Ada will host a come-and-go meet-and-greet for their three new staff members, Community Advancement Growth & Development Director Dean Costales, Public Works Director Branum Dempsy, and Airport Manager Bailey Kennemer Monday, 2 to 4 p.m. at the Ada Regional Airport terminal building. Watch for more information on projects discussed and specifics on the future of Ada in an upcoming edition of The Ada News .
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s government early Wednesday lifted the martial law he imposed during a tense night of political drama in which troops surrounded parliament and lawmakers voted to reject military rule. Police and military personnel were seen leaving the grounds of parliament following the bipartisan vote, and the declaration was formally lifted around 4:30 a.m. during a Cabinet meeting. Yoon imposed martial law late Tuesday, vowing to eliminate “anti-state” forces as he struggles against an opposition that controls parliament and that he accuses of sympathizing with communist North Korea. Less than three hours later, parliament acted, with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik declaring that the martial law was “invalid” and that lawmakers “will protect democracy with the people.” The president’s surprising move harkened back to an era of authoritarian leaders that the country has not seen since the 1980s, and it was immediately denounced by the opposition and the leader of Yoon’s own party. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the liberal Democratic Party, which holds the majority in the 300-seat parliament, said the party’s lawmakers would remain in the Assembly’s main hall until Yoon formally lifted his order. Woo applauded how troops quickly left the Assembly after the vote. “Even with our unfortunate memories of military coups, our citizens have surely observed the events of today and saw the maturity of our military,” Woo said. While announcing his plan to lift martial law, Yoon continued to criticize parliament’s attempts to impeach key government officials and senior prosecutors and lawmakers’ “unscrupulous acts of legislative and budgetary manipulation that are paralyzing the functions of the state.” Jo Seung-lae, a Democratic lawmaker, claimed that security camera footage following Yoon’s declaration showed that troops moved in a way that suggested they were trying to arrest Lee, Woo and even Han Dong-hoon, the leader of Yoon’s People Power Party. Officials from Yoon’s office and the Defense Ministry did not respond to requests for comment early Wednesday. Seemingly hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the Assembly, waving banners and calling for Yoon’s impeachment. Some protesters scuffled with troops ahead of the lawmakers’ vote, but there were no immediate reports of injuries or major property damage. At least one window was broken as troops attempted to enter the Assembly building. One woman tried unsuccessfully to pull a rifle away from one of the soldiers, while shouting “Aren’t you embarrassed?” Under South Korea’s constitution, the president can declare martial law during “wartime, war-like situations or other comparable national emergency states” that require the use of military force to maintain peace and order. It was questionable whether South Korea is currently in such a state. When martial law is declared, “special measures” can be employed to restrict the freedom of press, freedom of assembly and other rights, as well as the power of courts. The constitution also states that the president must oblige when the National Assembly demands the lifting of martial law with a majority vote. Following Yoon’s announcement, South Korea’s military proclaimed that parliament and other political gatherings that could cause “social confusion” would be suspended, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency said. The military said anyone who violates the decree could be arrested without a warrant. In Washington, the White House said the U.S. was “seriously concerned” by the events in Seoul. A spokesperson for the National Security Council said President Joe Biden’s administration was not notified in advance of the martial law announcement and was in contact with the South Korean government. Speaking at an event with Japan’s ambassador to Washington, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, a longtime Asia diplomat, reiterated that the U.S.-South Korea alliance is “ironclad” and the U.S. would “stand by Korea in their time of uncertainty.” Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said there was no effect on the more than 27,000 U.S. service members based in South Korea. They are not confined to base or under any type of curfew, Ryder said. The South Korean military also said that the country’s striking doctors should return to work within 48 hours, Yonhap said. Thousands of doctors have been striking for months over government plans to expand the number of students at medical schools. Soon after the declaration, the parliament speaker called on his YouTube channel for all lawmakers to gather at the National Assembly. He urged military and law enforcement personnel to “remain calm and hold their positions. All 190 lawmakers who participated in the vote supported the lifting of martial law. Television footage showed soldiers who had been stationed at parliament leaving the site after the vote. Hours earlier, TV showed police officers blocking the entrance of the National Assembly and helmeted soldiers carrying rifles in front of the building. An Associated Press photographer saw at least three helicopters, likely from the military, that landed inside the Assembly grounds, while two or three helicopters circled above the site. The leader of Yoon’s conservative People Power Party called the decision to impose martial law “wrong” and vowed to “stop it with the people.” Lee, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election, said Yoon’s announcement was “illegal and unconstitutional.” Yoon said during a televised speech that martial law would help “rebuild and protect” the country from “falling into the depths of national ruin.” He said he would “eradicate pro-North Korean forces and protect the constitutional democratic order.” “I will eliminate anti-state forces as quickly as possible and normalize the country,” he said, while asking the people to believe in him and tolerate “some inconveniences.” Yoon — whose approval rating has dipped in recent months — has struggled to push his agenda against an opposition-controlled parliament since taking office in 2022. Yoon’s party has been locked in an impasse with the liberal opposition over next year’s budget bill. The opposition has also attempted to pass motions to impeach three top prosecutors, including the chief of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, in what the conservatives have called a vendetta against their criminal investigations of Lee, who has been seen as the favorite for the next presidential election in 2027 in opinion polls. During his televised announcement, Yoon also described the opposition as “shameless pro-North Korean anti-state forces who are plundering the freedom and happiness of our citizens,” but he did not elaborate. Yoon has taken a hard line on North Korea over its nuclear ambitions, departing from the policies of his liberal predecessor, Moon Jae-in, who pursued inter-Korean engagement. Yoon has also dismissed calls for independent investigations into scandals involving his wife and top officials, drawing quick, strong rebukes from his political rivals. Yoon’s move was the first declaration of martial law since the country’s democratization in 1987. The country’s last previous martial law was in October 1979, following the assassination of former military dictator Park Chung-hee. Sydney Seiler, Korean chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, argued that the move was symbolic for Yoon to express his frustration with the opposition-controlled parliament. “He has nothing to lose,” said Seiler, comparing Yoon’s move to the Hail Mary pass in American football, where he hoped for a slim chance of success. Now Yoon is likely to be impeached, a scenario that was also possible before he made the bold move, Seiler said. Natalia Slavney, research analyst at the Stimson Center’s 38 North website that focuses on Korean affairs, said Yoon’s imposition of martial law was “a serious backslide of democracy" that followed a “worrying trend of abuse” since he took office in 2022. South Korea “has a robust history of political pluralism and is no stranger to mass protests and swift impeachments,” Slavney said, citing the example of former President Park Geun-hye. Park, the country’s first female president, was ousted from office and imprisoned for bribery and other crimes in 2017 . Associated Press writers Hyung-jin Kim in Seoul, South Korea, and Matt Lee, Didi Tang and Tara Copp in Washington contributed to this report.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton implies Aboriginal flag should not be flown atop the Sydney Harbour BridgeJust because retirement planning involves some guesswork doesn’t mean it has to be a total mystery. Whether you’ve been saving since your first job or you’re getting a late start, you can leverage expert-recommended strategies to gauge your progress on the road to retirement. And if you’re not quite on track, don’t sweat it — the experts we spoke to offered actionable tips to help you close the gap. 5 ways to tell if you’re on track for retirement You might have a general idea of how much money you need to save for retirement . A few quick calculations can give you an estimate, but to truly appreciate where you stand, you’ll need to dive into the numbers. Here’s how to get started. 1. Use the Rule of 25 to get a ballpark number A good rule of thumb to estimate your retirement savings goal is the Rule of 25 . Simply multiply your desired annual retirement income by 25. The result is roughly how much you’ll need to save before hitting retirement. For example, if you plan to spend $50,000 a year, you’ll need about $1.25 million to make it a reality. The Rule of 25 is based on the idea that withdrawing 4% annually from your retirement savings should last you about 30 years. While it’s not an exact science by any means — health care costs and lifestyle changes can skew the numbers, for example — the Rule of 25 can be a good starting point to figure out how much you need to save. 2. Compare your savings to Fidelity guidelines Fidelity Investments, a behemoth in the retirement planning space, offers savings guidelines to help you determine if you’re on track . —By age 30: Save 1x your annual salary —By age 40: Save 3x your annual salary —By age 50: Save 6x your annual salary —By age 60: Save 8x your annual salary —By age 67: Save 10x your annual salary For example, if you earn $60,000 annually, you should aim for $600,000 in savings by age 67. But like the Rule of 25, Fidelity’s guidelines offer a 10,000-foot look at retirement goals, and they’re not customized to your situation. Maybe you earned a low salary in your 20s, but you’re working hard in your 30s to make up for it. Use these estimates as a benchmark — but don’t get discouraged if you’re lagging behind. 3. Use an online retirement calculator Now it’s time to zoom in a little. To get a clearer snapshot of your progress, use an online retirement calculator. These tools factor in your age, current savings, income and lifestyle goals to estimate whether you’re on track. You’ll get a more refined estimate without crunching the numbers yourself. Bankrate’s retirement calculator even lets you input different rates of return on your investments and accounts for estimated annual salary increases. 4. Map out your retirement budget Having a general savings goal is nice, but to avoid falling short in retirement, you’ll need more than a ballpark figure. Experts recommend creating a retirement budget to get an up-close-and-personal look at how much you’ll really need once you leave the workforce. First, estimate how much you’ll spend per month in retirement. While some costs will increase, like health care, others will likely decrease, like dining out and commuting. “Estimating expenses can be challenging for some people, so as a starting point, I often use your net take-home pay,” says Jeff DeLarme, a certified financial planner and president of DeLarme Wealth Management. For example, if you receive a direct deposit of $2,500 every two weeks from work, use $5,000 as your estimated monthly spending in retirement. “Assuming this was enough to pay the bills while working, we can use $5,000 a month as a starting budget to plan for,” says DeLarme. Next, map out your sources of income in retirement. Social Security is the largest income stream for most retirees, but don’t neglect other inflows, such as: —Workplace retirement accounts, like 401(k)s —Personal retirement accounts, like a traditional or Roth IRA —Pensions —Annuities —Selling your home or business —Rental income —Inheritance “If there’s a gap between your expected expenses and income, you’ll have a good idea of how much you need to save,” says Mike Hunsberger, a certified financial planner and owner of Next Mission Financial Planning. From there, you can adjust your savings and investment strategy accordingly. 5. Talk to a financial adviser For something as important (and complex) as retirement planning, it pays to speak with a professional. Financial advisers can analyze your savings, investments and retirement goals to create a personalized plan. Advisers use special planning software that account for more variables than an online calculator, giving you a much more precise, granular look at your financial life in retirement. Many financial advisers can also help you optimize your tax strategy, which can potentially save you thousands of dollars over time. Make sure the adviser you hire is a fiduciary , meaning they’re legally obligated to prioritize your interests over their own. A fiduciary won’t push investments to earn a commission or recommend products that aren’t aligned with your needs. A certified financial planner is one of the most well-recognized designations for fiduciaries. You can use Bankrate’s adviser matching tool to find a certified financial planner in your area in minutes. 5 ways to catch up on retirement savings Maybe you did the math and realized you’re not quite where you need to be. Don’t panic if you’re behind schedule. Here are five strategies experts recommend to help you catch up on your retirement savings . 1. Scale back your spending now and in retirement Cutting expenses now frees up more cash to invest in your retirement accounts. Evaluate your budget and identify areas where you can cut costs, like dining out, streaming subscriptions or shopping. Don’t rule out bigger lifestyle changes either, especially if retirement is rapidly approaching. Housing is the biggest monthly expense for most people. Getting creative here can help amplify the amount you can sock away, says Joseph Boughan, a certified financial planner and managing member at Parkmount Financial Partners. It can also reduce your expenses in retirement, so you may not need to save as much as before. “Downsizing can be a great way to cut expenses,” says Boughan. “This can even free up cash if you don’t end up needing all that money for a new home.” Moving somewhere with lower property taxes or income taxes can also help bring your retirement plan back in line. And if you’re a renter, making tough short-term decisions, like taking on a roommate or moving to a lower cost-of-living area, can free up hundreds of dollars a month for your retirement. “Everyone’s plan is unique, so exploring all the options is important,” Boughan says. Joe Conroy, a certified financial planner and owner of Harford Retirement Planners, recommends taking a “retirement test drive” as you near your target date. “Start to live on what income you think you can afford in retirement and stash all the extra income into savings and investments,” says Conroy. “If you can make it through each month, you’re ready for retirement. If you run short, then adjust your plan accordingly.” 2. Delay retirement by a year or two Working a little longer can be a game-changer for your retirement nest egg. Not only does it give you more time to save, it also gives your investments room to grow. “Working longer or even just part time for a few years early in retirement is one of the best ways to reduce the amount of money you need to save,” says Hunsberger. Postponing retirement can also boost your Social Security benefits . “You can claim as early as 62, but your benefits will be reduced significantly,” says Hunsberger. Meanwhile, each year you delay claiming Social Security benefits beyond your full retirement age , your monthly check will increase by 8%, though this benefit maxes out at age 70. So waiting can really pay off. 3. Save more It may seem obvious, but if you’re behind on retirement savings, you’ll need to boost your contributions as much as possible. Here are a few ways to make saving for retirement easier: —Increase your contribution rate: Allocate a larger portion of your paycheck to a workplace retirement plan. Even bumping up your contributions by 1% or 2% can make a huge difference down the road. —Take advantage of your employer match: Don’t leave free money on the table. Many employers will chip in between 3 and 5% depending on your plan, so make sure you’re contributing enough to take advantage of the benefit. —Use “unexpected” money to catch up: If you get a raise or bonus at work, funnel part of it directly into your 401(k). And if you get a refund at tax time, siphon some of it off to beef up your IRA. 4. Invest more aggressively If you’ve been investing in low-risk, low-return investments, you may not be keeping up with inflation, let alone growing your nest egg. Reallocating part of your portfolio to stocks or low-cost growth exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is one way to get your money working harder. Higher-risk investments like stocks carry more volatility but also offer higher potential returns. Work with a financial adviser or use a robo-adviser to strike the right balance between growth and your personal risk tolerance. 5. Take advantage of new retirement account catch-up contributions Contribution limits for 401(k) plans and IRAs are higher for people over 50. For 2025, employees aged 50 and up who participate in most 401(k) plans or the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan can save up to $31,000 annually, including a $7,500 catch-up contribution . But thanks to SECURE 2.0 , a sweeping retirement law, a new higher catch-up contribution limit of $11,250 applies for employees ages 60 to 63. So, if you’re in this age group, you can squirrel away a whopping $34,750 a year during the final stretch of your career. Of course, you’ll need a big salary (think six figures) in order to take full advantage of such massive contribution limits. But if you can afford it, these catch-up allowances can put your plan back on track, especially if you struggled to save much early in your career. Bottom line There’s no GPS to gauge your progress on the road to retirement. If you’ve veered off course or aren’t sure where to start, begin by getting a quick estimate of how much you’ll need before mapping out a retirement budget. And if you’re behind, don’t panic — adjusting your spending, boosting your contributions and speaking with a financial adviser can help you catch up. (Visit Bankrate online at bankrate.com .) ©2024 Bankrate.com . 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