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2024-03-14 12:19:00
2024-12-16 07:15:32
Superstar Kamal Haasan is currently spending his time in Chicago and is seen enjoying the "chilly weather." Kamal took to Instagram, where he shared a string of pictures of himself and the picturesque locale can be seen in the backdrop. The star is seen dressed in sharp winter wear such as an overcoat, a scarf and pants. In one picture, the acclaimed actor is seen standing on a bridge and posing for a picture. For the caption, he wrote: "Chicago also chills!" Taking to his comment section, actor Ranveer Singh dropped a crown emoji for the actor, who did not reveal as to why he is in Chicago. Kamal, who will next be seen in filmmaker Mani Ratnam's "Thug Life", in November had penned a lengthy note where he requested his fans to simply address him by his name. In a post on X, Haasan expressed his gratitude for the affectionate titles he has received, including "Ulaganayagan." However, he humbly declined to accept any such titles or prefixes, stating that he sees himself as a lifelong student of the art of cinema. The actor wrote, "The art of cinema transcends beyond any one individual and I am but a student of the craft, forever hoping to evolve, learn and grow. Cinema, like any other form of creative expression, belongs to all. It is the collaboration of countless artists, technicians, and audience who make it what it is - a true reflection of humanity's diverse, rich, and ever-evolving stories." The 'Chachi 420' actor added, "It is my humble belief that the artist must not be elevated above the art. I prefer to remain grounded, constantly aware of my imperfections and my duty to improve. Hence, after considerable reflection, I feel compelled to respectfully decline all such titles or prefixes." "I humbly request that all my fans, the media, members of film fraternity, party cadre, and fellow Indians, to here on after, refer to me simply as Kamal Haasan or Kamal or KH. Thank you again for your gestures of kindness over the years. Please know that this decision comes from a place of humility and a desire to remain true to my roots and purpose, to always be one among all of us, the lovers of this beautiful artform," Kamal concluded his note.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kamal-haasan-chills-in-chicago/articleshow/116332859.cms
2024-12-16T05:19:33Z
Nayanthara recently opened up about her experience working with Malayalam superstar Mohanlal during the filming of 'Vismayathumbathu', directed by Fazil. She recounted feeling frustrated and annoyed while trying to adapt to the demands of acting in a language she was not fluent in. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the Lady Superstar during the shoot, Nayanthara used to struggle with the Malayalam language. She recalled that on a particular day of the shoot, the director Fazil got frustrated with her performance. The actress said, "There was a day when Fazil sir got upset with me, and he was like, I really can’t take it; you’re not understanding." Poll Do you think actors should share their behind-the-scenes struggles? After watching her struggle veteran actor Mohanlal, attempting to help, repeatedly advised her to "emote from within," but this only annoyed her. The actress told him (Mohanlal), "Sir, I don't even know what I’m doing. I don’t even know what dialogue I’m saying. You’re telling me to come stand on this mark, shed a tear at this word, fall in love at that word. What are you asking me to emote from? I don’t have anything inside me. There is nothing inside me. There is only fear inside me." Mohanlal's response to her outburst was surprisingly light-hearted; he laughed it off and suggested that she take a break. Meanwhile, Fazil stepped away from the set, visibly upset with the situation. After two hours of reflection, he returned to reassure Nayanthara of his belief in her talent and encouraged her to take the rest of the day off to regroup. The film 'Vismayathumbathu', released in 2004, is a psychological thriller where Mohanlal plays a man with a sixth sense who interacts with spirits, while Nayanthara portrays a wandering spirit.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/nayanthara-recalls-struggles-on-the-vismayathumbathu-set-shares-her-outburst-with-mohanlal/articleshow/116334940.cms
2024-12-16T05:19:34Z
YOKOSUKA, Japan (Dec. 4, 2024) Cmdr. Steve Miller, right, assistant chief of staff for plans and engagements for Commander, Task Force 70, speaks to representatives of the Republic of Korea Navy’s Maritime Task Flotilla (MTF) 7 on the pier beside the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during the forces’ Composite Warfare Committee Meeting (CWCM), Dec. 4. These regular meetings between the two forces represent opportunities for the tactical-level commanders and staffs to exchange best practices, build relationships, improve interoperability and plan future exchanges. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Caroline H. Lui) This work, Task Force 70 joins Republic of Korea Navy Maritime Task Force Flotilla 7 for Composite Warfare Committee Meeting [Image 2 of 2], by PO1 Caroline Lui, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
https://www.dvidshub.net/image/8801813/task-force-70-joins-republic-korea-navy-maritime-task-force-flotilla-7-composite-warfare-committee-meeting
2024-12-16T05:19:36Z
LANG SON, Vietnam, Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Viettel Group officially inaugurated the Viettel Logistics Park, Vietnam’s first and most modern logistics park. Integrated Infrastructure Offering Comprehensive Logistics Services The Viettel Logistics Park spans 143.7 hectares with a total investment of nearly 3,300 billion VND. It can handle 1,500 vehicles daily, double the current capacity. Equipped with synchronized infrastructure, it is Vietnam’s first logistics center providing end-to-end logistics services for import-export operations, including customs clearance, quarantine, inspections, transshipment, warehousing, and cross-border transportation. The park’s data system is standardized and directly connected with customs systems in Vietnam and China, optimizing operations, reducing customs clearance time from 4-5 days to less than 24 hours, cutting customs costs by 30-40%, and increasing the efficiency of refrigerated containers for fruit transport from 2.5 trips/month to 4-5 trips/month. Adopting Modern Technologies in Line with Global Trends Built to the highest technological standards (IoT, 5G, AI, Big Data, and Digital Twins) and automation (Smart Lockers, drones, and autonomous vehicles), Viettel Logistics Park optimizes processes from warehousing to goods transportation and customs clearance, helping businesses reduce logistics costs by 40%. The park is also designed to meet the U.S. LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) standards, promoting sustainability and modernity. With over 3,300 trees, renewable energy systems, and a circular economy model, the park operates efficiently while contributing to environmental protection, creating a green and eco-friendly logistics ecosystem. Online Booking via the V-Gate App Viettel Post has developed the V-Gate application to facilitate online booking for businesses. The system integrates various satellite systems: Smart Gate transportation management, future logistics parks, smart warehouse management (WMS), and financial systems to enhance operational efficiency, transparency, and ensure smooth and accurate goods handling. Speech by Major General Tao Duc Thang, Chairman and General Director of Viettel Group At the inauguration, Major General Tao Duc Thang stated, “Viettel plans to complete a network of logistics centers nationwide, serving key economic areas under five directives: smart border gates, agricultural logistics centers, industrial zone logistics centers, supply chain infrastructure, and multimodal transport networks. These efforts aim to establish a smart, automated, multimodal logistics ecosystem, contributing to Vietnam becoming a major regional logistics hub, in line with Central Committee Resolution No. 13-NQ/TW emphasizing the role of logistics infrastructure in connecting and enhancing the economy.” View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/viettel-inaugurates-vietnams-first-and-most-modern-logistics-park-302332214.html SOURCE Viettel Group
https://www.aap.com.au/aapreleases/cision20241215ae80349/
2024-12-16T05:19:38Z
Actor Suriya is currently busy filming his next project, tentatively titled Suriya 45, directed by RJ Balaji. Now reports of his upcoming film suggest that the Tamil actor is set to work alongside Venky Atluri. As per a report by Young Matra, the 'Jai Bhim' actor is in talks to collaborate with Venky Atluri, known for directing the recent hit 'Lucky Baskhar' starring Dulquer Salmaan. Reports suggest that this potential project will be backed by a prominent Telugu production company, although discussions are still in the early stages. 'Suriya 45' marks RJ Balaji's first solo directorial venture with a leading actor. The film began production in November 2024, following a ceremonial launch at the Masani Amman Temple in Pollachi. It features Trisha Krishnan as the female lead, the pair will be seen together after nearly two decades. The film's cinematography is handled by G.K. Vishnu, known for his work on successful films like 'Jawan' and Mersal. Initially, AR Rahman was set to compose the music for 'Suriya 45', but he has since been replaced by Sai Abhyankkar. The storyline of 'Suriya 45' remains under wraps, but it is expected to be an action-packed entertainer. Suriya was last seen in 'Kanguva' which despite its initial hype turned out to be heavily struggling at the box office and now is released in the digital space. Speaking of Venky Atluri, the director's last 'Lucky Bhaskar' is a finance drama film, starring Dulquer which enjoyed an amazing run at the box office earning over Rs 107 crore globally. The movie is now available on the OTT and received a good reception.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/suriya-to-join-hands-with-lucky-bhaskar-director-venky-atluri-reports/articleshow/116336375.cms
2024-12-16T05:19:40Z
Dec 15, 2024 Draped in the opulence of Kanjivaram silk, she sparkles like the morning sun. The golden saree frames her elegance, a testament to timeless beauty and regal allure. Janhvi-Kapoor/-Instagram Every fold of her golden saree tells a story of heritage and grace. The Kanjivaram fabric enhances her charm, creating a vision of sophistication and poise. Janhvi-Kapoor/-Instagram Adorned in golden silk, she personifies grandeur. The intricate weave of the Kanjivaram saree reflects tradition, while her presence infuses it with contemporary elegance. Janhvi-Kapoor/-Instagram Shimmering in golden hues, her saree is a masterpiece of artistry. The luxurious Kanjivaram silk complements her aura, creating a look of unmatched grace and beauty. Janhvi-Kapoor/-Instagram The golden saree wraps her in the richness of tradition. Kanjivaram silk enhances her regal persona, blending heritage and modernity in a perfect symphony of elegance. Janhvi-Kapoor/-Instagram A golden Kanjivaram masterpiece embraces her with sophistication. Every detail of the saree highlights her radiant charm, making her a vision of tradition reimagined with contemporary allure. Janhvi-Kapoor/-Instagram The rich sheen of her golden saree captures the essence of elegance. Kanjivaram silk’s timeless allure pairs seamlessly with her graceful demeanour, creating an unforgettable visual statement. Janhvi-Kapoor/-Instagram Shining in the luxury of golden Kanjivaram silk, she embodies tradition with a modern twist. The saree’s intricate design and her poise create a captivating display of elegance. Janhvi-Kapoor/-Instagram Draped in the splendour of golden Kanjivaram silk, she radiates timeless beauty. The saree’s luxurious texture and rich heritage reflect her sophisticated taste and effortless grace. Janhvi-Kapoor/-Instagram Thanks For Reading! Read Next
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/web-stories/janhvi-kapoor-shines-in-golden-kanjivaram-silk-saree/photostory/116253432.cms
2024-12-16T05:19:46Z
- Southeast Asia’s burgeoning regional start-up economy and strong Internet penetration rate has made it crucial for universities to more effectively nurture digital-forward workforces. - The ASEAN University Network – University Innovation and Enterprise Network notes the need for creating regional platforms for start-ups in the region to better access funding, mentorship, knowledge transfer and commercialisation support. SINGAPORE, Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — With Southeast Asia’s start-up economy projected to reach a valuation of US$1 trillion next year, universities have a role working with each other and foster the growth of innovation and entrepreneurship in the digital space. This is the thrust of a white paper developed by Singapore Management University (SMU) and Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University, which outlines for the first time key trends in the region’s innovation space, as well as the increasingly critical role of universities in building regional start-up networks and nurturing entrepreneurial talent. Titled “Catalysing Growth: State of ASEAN University Innovation and Entrepreneurship Report 2024“, the white paper was produced by SMU’s Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IIE). “Universities are naturally positioned to champion I&E in here in Southeast Asia, as the region is home to one of the world’s youngest yet most rapidly urbanising consumer base, where almost 1 in every 2 people are estimated to be youths under age 30,” said Professor Lim Sun Sun, Vice-President for Partnerships and Engagement at SMU. She is also Professor of Communication & Technology at SMU’s College of Integrative Studies. Dr Ronnakorn Vaiyavuth from Chulalongkorn School of Integrated Innovation added, “What universities bring to the table is its network of resources to facilitate knowledge exchanges and interdisciplinary collaborations: producing local, digitally proficient graduates with an international, digitally agile mindset.” Both SMU and Chulalongkorn University are co-leaders of the ASEAN University Network – University Innovation and Enterprise Network (AUN-UIE), a consortium of 30 higher education institutions spearheading initiatives to drive regional innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E). The white paper was first launched at the SMU Bangkok Overseas Centre in July 2024. It noted that Southeast Asia, home to 726 million people, is driving a booming digital economy worth US$100 billion. With 70 million MSMEs employing 85% of the workforce, sectors like FinTech, set to reach $38 billion by 2025, thrive on the demands of this young, tech-savvy population. Universities must equip this demographic with the skills to fuel innovation and economic growth. Producing I&E-forward graduates for long-term sustainable growth Some of the most impactful start-up enterprises in Southeast Asia today were established shortly after their founders completed their tertiary education. These include Anthony Tan (Grab) of Singapore, Nadiem Makarim (Gojek) and Yada Piyajomkwan (Ajaib) of Indonesia. As the region’s workforce is projected to grow by 24 million by 2030, young workers must be better equipped to thrive in the start-up ecosystem. The white paper noted that universities have also reported increased involvement in helping student leaders realise their start-up ideas, primarily through incubation programmes and collaborations between academic, government, and private sector partners. Some examples of how the region’s universities nurture innovation and entrepreneurship include: 1. Mentorship and Industry Collaboration - Mentorship Platforms: Dedicated mentor platforms at SMU, allow startups to connect with seasoned entrepreneurs for tailored guidance. - Startup-Corporate Collaborations: Chulalongkorn University’s Innovation Hub (CU iHub) boasts a robust incubation programme. It also manages student clubs spanning various tech and entrepreneurship fields. CU iHub hosts the CHULA Deep Tech Demo Day to spotlight promising DeepTech startups and foster investor connections. 2. Educational Programmes and Talent Development - University Incubators: Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) in Indonesia has produced startups, connecting its students and researchers with technopreneurs for IP registration and management, apart from mentoring. - Global Exposure Initiatives: SMU IIE has nurtured hundreds of start-ups through its Business Innovations Generator (BIG) incubation programme, and organises the biennial university start-up competition, the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition, which draws top university start-up talent from across the globe. 3. Funding and Technology Commercialisation - Funding for Startups: Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Innovative Academy collaborates with the Asian Development Bank to fund student and staff-led startups, while Chulalongkorn University’s set up its Technology Center to commercialise university research. - Commercialisation of Deep Tech: Universiti Malaya Centre of Innovation and Enterprise (UMCIE) has an accelerator programme that provides participating startups with mentorship, classes and grants. Going forward, the AUN-UIE recognises that there is potential to build a regional university-led platform for nurturing entrepreneurs. These include having a centralised ASEAN Repository of Startup Data, a regional platform for tech commercialisation, funding, mentorship, knowledge transfer and commercialisation support. Said Prof Lim, “In a region with a diversity of cultures, languages, and regulatory environments, regional networks such as AUN-UIE can drive efforts for entrepreneurs, investors, and stakeholders to come together, share insights, and catalyse innovation.” Enclosure: - The white paper “Catalysing Growth: State of ASEAN University Innovation and Entrepreneurship Report 2024” can be downloaded here. About Singapore Management University (SMU) Established in 2000, Singapore Management University (SMU) is recognised for its disciplinary and multi-disciplinary research that address issues of global relevance, impacting business, government, and society. Its distinctive education, incorporating innovative experiential learning, aims to nurture global citizens, entrepreneurs and change agents. With more than 13,000 students, SMU offers a wide range of bachelors, masters and PhD degree programmes in the disciplinary areas associated with six of its eight schools – Accountancy, Business, Economics, Computing, Law and Social Sciences. Its seventh school, the SMU College of Integrative Studies, offers a bachelor’s degree programme in deep, integrative interdisciplinary education. The College of Graduate Research Studies, SMU’s eight school, enhances integration and interdisciplinarity across the various SMU postgraduate research programmes that will enable our students to gain a holistic learning experience and well-grounded approach to their research. SMU also offers a growing number of executive development and continuing education programmes. Through its city campus, SMU focuses on making meaningful impact on Singapore and beyond through its partnerships with industry, policymakers and academic institutions. https://www.smu.edu.sg/ About SMU Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Established in 2009, the Singapore Management University’s Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IIE) is a practice-oriented institution dedicated to nurturing changemakers and founders. IIE focuses on customising training programmes to develop a cohesive I&E community, especially through activities such as its marquee event: the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition. With its unique student venture capital fund and strong industry connections, SMU IIE stands at the forefront of innovation in Asia. To learn more about SMU and IIE, please visit www.iie.smu.edu.sg. About ASEAN University Network – University Innovation and Enterprise Network AUN-UIE The ASEAN University Network (AUN) was initially established in 1995 to strengthen and expand cooperation among leading universities within the ASEAN region. One of its thematic networks, formed to facilitate specialised areas of academic cooperation, is the AUN – University Innovation and Enterprise Network (AUN-UIE) that works to enhance the capacity of universities to produce graduates who embody and pursue innovation. AUN-UIE is co-led by Singapore Management University and Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University. For more information on AUN’s transformative work in the digitalisation of youth, please visit www.aunsec.org. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/asean-universities-are-key-in-fostering-the-growth-of-the-regions-start-up-sector–says-singapore-management-university-and-chulalongkorn-university-in-white-paper-302332260.html SOURCE Singapore Management University
https://www.aap.com.au/aapreleases/cision20241216ae80358/
2024-12-16T05:19:46Z
Bitcoin has surged more than 50% since the November 5 election that saw Trump elected along with many other pro-crypto candidates Photo: Reuters Bitcoin surged to a record high above $106,000 on Monday after President-elect Donald Trump suggested he plans to create a US bitcoin strategic reserve similar to its strategic oil reserve, stoking the enthusiasm of crypto bulls. Bitcoin, the world's biggest and best known cryptocurrency, hit a high of $106,533 and last traded up 3.2% to $104,462. Smaller crypto ether rose 1.5% to $3,965. "We're in blue sky territory here," said Tony Sycamore, an analyst at IG. "The next figure the market will be looking for is $110,000. The pullback that a lot of people were waiting for just didn't happen, because now we've got this news." Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Investor sentiment also got a lift from the inclusion of MicroStrategy into the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 index that will likely lead to more inflows for the software firm turned bitcoin buyer. Bitcoin and crypto have been catapulted into the spotlight as investors wager the incoming Trump administration will usher in a friendlier regulatory environment, boosting sentiment around the alternate currency. Bitcoin is up 192% for the year. "We're gonna do something great with crypto because we don't want China or anybody else - not just China but others are embracing it - and we want to be the head," Trump told CNBC late last week. When asked if he plans to build a crypto reserve similar to oil reserves, Trump said: "Yeah, I think so." Governments around the world held 2.2% of bitcoin's total supply as of July, according to data provider CoinGecko, with the US possessing nearly 200,000 bitcoins valued at more than $20 billion at current levels. China, UK, Bhutan and El Salvador are the other countries with significant amount of bitcoins, data site BitcoinTreasuries showed. Other countries have also been considering cryptocurrency strategic reserves. Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this month said the current US administration was undermining the role of the US dollar as the reserve currency in the global economy by using it for political purposes, forcing many countries to turn to alternative assets, including cryptocurrencies. "For example, bitcoin, who can prohibit it? No one," Putin said. There are skeptics though, with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell likening bitcoin to gold earlier this month. Analysts also point out that any such move will take time to implement. "I think we still need to be cautious on a BTC strategic reserve, and at least consider that this is not likely to happen anytime soon," said Chris Weston, head of research at Pepperstone. "Of course, any comment from Trump that offers an increased degree of hope that plans for a strategic reserve is evolving are an obvious a tailwind, but this would come with consequences which would need to be carefully considered and well telegraphed to market players." Bitcoin has surged more than 50% since the November 5 election that saw Trump elected along with many other pro-crypto candidates. The total value of the cryptocurrency market has almost doubled over the year so far to hit a record over $3.8 trillion, according to CoinGecko. Trump - who once labelled crypto a scam - embraced digital assets during his campaign, promising to make the US the "crypto capital of the planet." Trump this month named a White House czar for artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies, former PayPal executive David Sacks, a close friend of Trump adviser and megadonor Elon Musk. Trump also said he would nominate pro-crypto Washington attorney Paul Atkins to head the Securities and Exchange Commission. On Friday, exchange operator Nasdaq said MicroStrategy will be added to the Nasdaq-100 Index, with the change coming into effect before the market opens on December 23. MicroStrategy, an aggressive investor in the world's largest crypto asset, has seen its shares soar more than six-fold this year, taking its market value to almost $94 billion. It is now the largest corporate holder of the cryptocurrency. ALSO READ:
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/ml/business/cryptocurrency/bitcoin-surges-to-record-high-above-106000-on-hopes-of-a-us-strategic-reserve
2024-12-16T05:19:49Z
Dec 15, 2024 Harisha Jestin exudes an enchanting beauty that captivates the audience, making her a visual delight on screen. The beautiful actress's expressive, deep-set eyes speak volumes, adding depth to her performances and enhancing her natural charm. Harisha’s dazzling smile is one of her standout features, radiating positivity and effortlessly lighting up every frame she appears in. The pretty actress's glowing, flawless complexion further elevates her on-screen presence, making her look effortlessly stunning in every scene. Known for her impeccable sense of style, Harisha’s outfits and makeup in Soodhu Kavvum 2 highlight her elegance and grace. The young actress carries herself with poise and sophistication, reflecting an innate beauty that resonates with her fans. Harisha's adaptation to different looks and styles showcases her versatility. The film’s vibrant cinematography accentuates the emerging actress's striking features, enhancing her beauty in every frame. The adorable actress's charismatic screen presence adds to her allure, drawing attention even in ensemble scenes. Thanks For Reading! Read Next
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/web-stories/meet-soodhu-kavvum-2-actress-harisha-jestin/photostory/116176024.cms
2024-12-16T05:19:52Z
Dec 15, 2024 A global luminary graces the evening in a black gown, exuding an aura of timeless sophistication. Her unmatched elegance is a testament to her international charm and poise. Priyanka-Chopra/-Instagram Stepping into the spotlight, a star redefines glamour. Her black gown complements her confident stride, captivating every gaze and reminding all of her extraordinary journey to global acclaim. Priyanka-Chopra/-Instagram With every step, her ensemble whispers of understated luxury. The flowing black fabric highlights her impeccable taste, a reflection of her enduring presence on screens and red carpets worldwide. Priyanka-Chopra/-Instagram Draped in classic black, a cinematic icon enchants effortlessly. Her radiant smile and graceful demeanour breathe life into the room, leaving an indelible mark on hearts everywhere. Priyanka-Chopra/-Instagram The sleek black gown speaks volumes of her fashion finesse. A perfect blend of contemporary and classic, it mirrors the versatile artistry of a woman adored across continents. Priyanka-Chopra/-Instagram A vision of sophistication in black, she embodies charm and elegance. Her magnetic persona lights up the night, resonating with her fans from Mumbai to Manhattan. Priyanka-Chopra/-Instagram Clad in an enchanting black gown, her beauty transcends boundaries. The room is a stage, and she is the showstopper, her presence a masterclass in elegance. Priyanka-Chopra/-Instagram Her black ensemble is not just a dress but a statement of confidence. The world stops to admire as she graces another milestone moment in her remarkable journey. Priyanka-Chopra/-Instagram A black gown, a powerful stance, and a legacy that speaks louder than words. She dazzles, proving once again why she’s celebrated across the globe. Priyanka-Chopra/-Instagram Thanks For Reading! Read Next
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/web-stories/priyanka-chopra-wows-in-timeless-black-gown/photostory/116253605.cms
2024-12-16T05:19:54Z
China’s struggling economy will hit Australia’s company tax take in coming years, but the treasurer has high hopes the nation’s largest trading partner will overcome its malaise. The Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook, due on Wednesday, will show tax receipts have been revised downwards for the first time since 2020, largely as a result of lower export revenues to China. Treasury will downgrade mining exports by more than $100 billion over the four years to 2027/28 in the outlook to be released on Wednesday. This will lead to $8.5 billion in downward revisions to the budget bottom line over the four years to 2027/28, and is more than twice the cost of the federal government’s energy bill relief for households. The federal budget handed down in May forecast a $9.3 billion surplus for the 2024/25 financial year, followed by consecutive deficits. Higher deficits will result in higher interest payments for the government and constrain its ability to afford spending on major policies without increasing the tax base. Australia isn’t immune to the global headwinds weighing on the economy and the budget, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said. “The write-down in mining exports that you can expect to see on Wednesday is a reflection not just on prices but also on volumes,” he said. “Volumes are down largely because the Chinese economy is weaker.” But Dr Chalmers said he remained optimistic about China and Australia’s ability to benefit from the “stunning transformation” set for its economy in the decades ahead. ‘Their population is ageing, they’re making a huge play when it comes to AI and technology and automation and robotics,” he said. “We’re already seeing the middle-classing of their economy as their emphasis in the economy shifts from industries like construction to more consumer-focused industries. “We’ve been a big beneficiary of that and we’ll be a big beneficiary of it into the future as well.” The government has warned the budget bottom line will be further impacted by an extra $1.8 billion in compensation payments to veterans and to help clear the massive backlog. The budget faces further blowouts in other “unavoidable” costs in areas such as Medicare, early childhood education and natural disaster responses. Despite the bleak outlook, Dr Chalmers argued the budget is in better shape than when his Labor government took over, following nine years of coalition rule. The treasurer pointed to three pillars of the government’s economic plan – near-term cost-of-living relief such as energy price rebates, budget repair including two consecutive surpluses, and economic reforms like changes to the operations of the Reserve Bank of Australia. “In every budget we take into consideration the pressures as they evolve, and we try and do the best we can to advance our agenda on each of those three fronts,” Dr Chalmers said. Shadow treasurer Angus Taylor said the government should take responsibility for Australia’s economic downturn, rather than pinning the blame on China. “The first thing they should do is stop the reckless growth in spending,” he said. “Households are having to manage their budgets carefully but this government is not managing their budget and that means all Australians have to pay a higher price.”
https://www.aap.com.au/news/mining-export-slump-puts-federal-budget-in-the-doldrums/
2024-12-16T05:19:54Z
Fox News host Jesse Watters reflects on how President-elect Donald Trump is bringing people together to clean out the government on "Jesse Watters Primetime." JESSE WATTERS: This is the most real American Cabinet the country has ever seen. Elon Musk says we're about to experience the most dramatic transformation since the nation's founding. What a lucky time to be alive. Now, people have come into Washington before promising change and have gotten chewed up and spit out. Washington's very hard to change. The founders devised a system of government of checks and balances, so change is slow, but this time just feels different… MERRIAM-WEBSTER CHOOSES ‘AUTHENTIC’ AS THE 2023 WORD OF THE YEAR Some Democrats are starting to get DOGE-curious. Trump and Elon are finding a wellspring of unexpected cooperation from Democrats in the House. Democrats are even pitching ideas like, "How about we shrink Homeland Security?" Well, how about it? CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Another Democrat has been pitching the idea of moving all federal agencies out of D.C. and sending them all over the country. Trump loves that idea, and so do we. One Democrat admits there are "so many inefficiencies, so many layers of government" and wants to help. We've actually never witnessed this many Democrats get on board with streamlining government — ever. It's making bureaucrats really uncomfortable.
https://www.foxnews.com/media/jesse-watters-most-real-american-cabinet-country-has-ever-seen
2024-12-16T05:19:57Z
Stock Market Today: Nifty Opens at 24,734: Midcap and Smallcap Indices Show Positive Momentum By Lokmat English Desk | Published: December 16, 2024 10:11 AM2024-12-16T10:11:21+5:302024-12-16T10:12:02+5:30 The Indian stock market began the week on a bearish note, driven by selling pressure in banking stocks. The ... The Indian stock market began the week on a bearish note, driven by selling pressure in banking stocks. The Sensex dropped by 152 points to open at 81,953, while the National Stock Exchange's Nifty started at 24,734, down 34 points. Despite the overall decline, midcap and smallcap shares showed significant buying interest, with their indices trading in positive territory. During the trading session, 10 of the 30 Sensex stocks were in the green, while 20 were in the red. Among the gainers, ITC rose by 0.50%, Larsen & Toubro gained 0.42%, Reliance climbed 0.41%, UltraTech Cement advanced 0.28%, Tata Steel increased 0.20%, HCL Tech was up 0.13%, and Adani Ports added 0.05%. On the losing side, JSW Cement fell 0.76%, Tech Mahindra dropped 0.70%, Titan slid 0.76%, Kotak Mahindra Bank lost 0.57%, Axis Bank declined 0.47%, and TCS shed 0.45%. In sectoral performance, only real estate, media, and consumer durables showed gains. In contrast, sectors such as banking, IT, auto, pharma, FMCG, metals, energy, healthcare, and oil and gas witnessed declines. However, midcap and smallcap indices bucked the trend, demonstrating robust growth. The Nifty Midcap index rose by 243 points, while the Nifty Smallcap index climbed 118 points. This week is expected to be critical for the Indian stock market. Central banks from 18 countries, including the US Federal Reserve, are set to announce their interest rate decisions. A potential interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve is anticipated, with the announcement scheduled for December 18. Additionally, India's wholesale price inflation data is due to be released today, which could provide further cues for market direction. Open in app
https://www.lokmattimes.com/business/stock-market-today-nifty-opens-at-24734-midcap-and-smallcap-indices-show-positive-momentum-a510/
2024-12-16T05:19:57Z
Mitchells combine as Starc double-strike rocks India at the Gabba Cricket India limped to 22-3 at lunch in Brisbane, trailing the hosts by 423 runs MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Mitchell Starc took two wickets in six balls with the help of Mitchell Marsh, and Josh Hazlewood removed Virat Kohli as India's reply to Australia's first innings 445 got off to a dreadful start on day three of the third test on Monday. India limped to 22-3 at lunch in Brisbane, trailing the hosts by 423 runs. Starc struck with the second ball of the innings, Yashasvi Jaiswal flicking a shot off his pads to be out for four, with Marsh jogging across from square leg to take an easy catch. Big left-armer Starc then dismissed Shubman Gill for one as the number three drove at a full delivery to send a thick edge to Marsh, who leaped to his left in the gully to take a screamer of a catch. Kohli lasted only 16 balls for his three runs, nibbling at a Hazlewood delivery to be caught behind. Opener KL Rahul was 13 not out, having worn a painful blow on his wrist from Hazlewood's first ball of the morning. Number five Rishabh Pant was unable to take strike, with a rain-shower bringing lunch a few minutes early. Australia had earlier resumed on 405 for seven, losing their last three wickets for the addition of 40 runs. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey contributed a valuable 70 before becoming recalled paceman Akash Deep's first wicket of the innings. Jasprit Bumrah finished with 6-76, adding Starc to his haul after the tailender made a useful 18, while Mohammed Siraj bowled Nathan Lyon for two to finish with 2-97. India bowled Australia out for 445 in their first innings before lunch on day three of the third test in Brisbane on Monday. India captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to field at the Gabba. The five-test series is level at 1-1.
https://dunyanews.tv/en/Cricket/856839-mitchells-combine-as-starc-doublestrike-rocks-india-at-the-gabba
2024-12-16T05:19:57Z
D-SNAP Event provides relief to Lee County residents impacted by hurricanesCharlotte County Deputy killed in the line of duty NORTH FORT MYERS D-SNAP Event provides relief to Lee County residents impacted by hurricanes Sunday was the third and final day of the on-site D-SNAP event for Lee County residents. Charlotte County Deputy killed in the line of duty According to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, a Charlotte County deputy was shot and killed shortly after 3 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. U.S. 41 northbound bridge into Port Charlotte reopened According to the Punta Gorda Police Department, the northbound bridge of U.S. 41 into Port Charlotte is closed. FORT MYERS Crash on Daniels Parkway leaves 1 injured, FHP investigating The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash involving two vehicles that has left at least one person injured in Fort Myers. FORT MYERS Reckless driver arrested twice in 10 days in Fort Myers A Fort Myers man with a revoked license was arrested twice within 10 days for driving violations. WINK Neighborhood Watch: Deadly shooter, home invasion and drug trafficking This week’s segment of WINK Neighborhood Watch features deadly shootings, home invasions and drug trafficking. FORT MYERS Pedestrian dead after crash on McGregor Boulevard The Fort Myers Police Department is investigating a crash that left at least one person dead Saturday night. Sunday brings sun and clouds with chance for a stray shower The Weather Authority forecasts another seasonal day across Southwest Florida, with temperatures reaching the upper 70s to low 80s this afternoon. Family of Eagles: FGCU volleyball star graduates with Master’s Degree Saturday marked a special day for Florida Gulf Coast University as more than 1,800 students graduated. For one student-athlete, graduating from FGCU runs in the family. lehigh acres LCSO: Man shot by car owner protecting property The Lee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting in Lehigh Acres early Saturday morning. NORTH FORT MYERS Lee County residents wait hours for D-SNAP assistance The supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) is at the Lee Civic Center all weekend, ready to help southwest Florida. SOUTHWEST FLORIDA First eaglet hatches in famous SWFL eagle nest Welcome E24! The third eaglet from the nest of M15 and F23 has hatched according to the Southwest Florida eagle camera. Rock for Equality: SWFL non-profit hosts benefit concert for Palestine A Southwest Florida non-profit hosted a benefit concert on Friday night to help with humanitarian aid in Palestine. Warm, breezy Saturday with a few showers possible The Weather Authority is forecasting a breezy, warm weekend in store across Southwest Florida, with the chance of a few showers, particularly on Saturday. CAPE CORAL Active investigation underway in South Cape Coral Cape Coral police are investigating at a home on Southwest 49th Terrace in South Cape Coral early Saturday morning. NORTH FORT MYERS D-SNAP Event provides relief to Lee County residents impacted by hurricanes Sunday was the third and final day of the on-site D-SNAP event for Lee County residents. Charlotte County Deputy killed in the line of duty According to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, a Charlotte County deputy was shot and killed shortly after 3 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. U.S. 41 northbound bridge into Port Charlotte reopened According to the Punta Gorda Police Department, the northbound bridge of U.S. 41 into Port Charlotte is closed. FORT MYERS Crash on Daniels Parkway leaves 1 injured, FHP investigating The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash involving two vehicles that has left at least one person injured in Fort Myers. FORT MYERS Reckless driver arrested twice in 10 days in Fort Myers A Fort Myers man with a revoked license was arrested twice within 10 days for driving violations. WINK Neighborhood Watch: Deadly shooter, home invasion and drug trafficking This week’s segment of WINK Neighborhood Watch features deadly shootings, home invasions and drug trafficking. FORT MYERS Pedestrian dead after crash on McGregor Boulevard The Fort Myers Police Department is investigating a crash that left at least one person dead Saturday night. Sunday brings sun and clouds with chance for a stray shower The Weather Authority forecasts another seasonal day across Southwest Florida, with temperatures reaching the upper 70s to low 80s this afternoon. Family of Eagles: FGCU volleyball star graduates with Master’s Degree Saturday marked a special day for Florida Gulf Coast University as more than 1,800 students graduated. For one student-athlete, graduating from FGCU runs in the family. lehigh acres LCSO: Man shot by car owner protecting property The Lee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting in Lehigh Acres early Saturday morning. NORTH FORT MYERS Lee County residents wait hours for D-SNAP assistance The supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) is at the Lee Civic Center all weekend, ready to help southwest Florida. SOUTHWEST FLORIDA First eaglet hatches in famous SWFL eagle nest Welcome E24! The third eaglet from the nest of M15 and F23 has hatched according to the Southwest Florida eagle camera. Rock for Equality: SWFL non-profit hosts benefit concert for Palestine A Southwest Florida non-profit hosted a benefit concert on Friday night to help with humanitarian aid in Palestine. Warm, breezy Saturday with a few showers possible The Weather Authority is forecasting a breezy, warm weekend in store across Southwest Florida, with the chance of a few showers, particularly on Saturday. CAPE CORAL Active investigation underway in South Cape Coral Cape Coral police are investigating at a home on Southwest 49th Terrace in South Cape Coral early Saturday morning. According to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, a Charlotte County deputy was shot and killed shortly after 3 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. Authorities said Elio Diaz was shot and killed after a traffic stop in Charlotte County when Andrew Mosytn pulled out a rifle and opened fire on Diaz. The deputy eventually succumbed to his injuries. Deputies located Mosytn at a Popeyes on Kings Highway. Mostyn grabbed for a rifle, and deputies fatally shot him. In an X post on Sunday evening, Senator Rick Scott said that he is “Devastated to hear of the passing of a Charlotte County deputy tonight.” Sheriff Prummell addressed the media on Sunday evening regarding the shootings. This follows a large law enforcement presence in Charlotte County on Sunday afternoon. Stay tuned to WINKNews.com, WINK News App, streaming, and on-air for any new developments on this story.
https://winknews.com/2024/12/15/charlotte-county-deputy-dies-in-the-line-of-duty/
2024-12-16T05:19:57Z
The Sharjah Police confirmed the incident and advised the public not to spread rumours Multiple injuries were reported after a bus carrying construction workers overturned on Sunday in Khorfakkan. Taking to social media, the Sharjah Police confirmed the accident, but did not specify the casualties. Advising residents to not spread rumours, the police said in an Instagram story sometime after midnight: “In cooperation with all relevant authorities, we are dealing with an accident of a bus carrying workers in Khorfakkan. We will provide you with the developments later. We are calling on members of the public to obtain information from official sources only.” Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. According to social workers, the incident took place at a roundabout just before entering the city. “The men, who were all Indians, were workers of a company which has its headquarters in Ajman,” said Saleem, a social worker with Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC). “The men had travelled to Ajman on their day off to visit the company HQ and do some shopping for food items in that area. They were returning a little after 8pm,” he added. Saleem, who visited the workers admitted to Khorfakkan hospital, said that many of them were in a state of shock and unclear on the details. ALSO READ: Nasreen Abdulla is a Special Correspondent covering food, tech and human interest stories. When not challenged by deadlines, you’ll find her pulling off submissions on the jiu jitsu mats.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/ml/uae/uae-multiple-injuries-reported-after-bus-accident-in-khorfakkan
2024-12-16T05:19:57Z
* The increase in revenue demonstrates the growing popularity of the TNM Super League and the commitment of all stakeholders involved * SULOM remains dedicated to enhancing the fan experience by providing competitive and entertaining football at league games By Duncan Mlanjira The gate revenue from 240 games of the TNM Super League 2024 increased by 17.21% from MK915.7 million (MK915,726,999.01) to over MK1 trillion (MK1,073,280,460), announces the Super League of Malawi (SULOM). “This impressive achievement accentuates the continued passion and support from football fans across the league,” says the statement from SULOM. “The increase in revenue demonstrates the growing popularity of the TNM Super League and the commitment of all stakeholders involved. “SULOM remains dedicated to enhancing the fan experience by providing competitive and entertaining football at league games.” Meanwhile, from December 1 and going forward into the next season, all matches will be on 100% TNM Mpamba electronic ticketing, which was introduced before kick off of the TNM Super League 2024. It is an innovative step that aims to enhance convenience, streamline access, elevate the overall matchday experience for supporters and curb fraud around football arena. SULOM and the sponsors of the top flight Super League, TNM Plc emphasised at the official announcement of the new set up last month that this is to mark a significant transition from traditional paper tickets to digital access — aligning with modern technological advancements and catering to the evolving preferences of football enthusiasts. Both SULOM and TNM want the league to graduate from cash to strictly electronic entry payments at the gates. Apart from entry to matches and other events, the TNM Mpamba card can also be used for ATM withdraws and payment in shops through PoS machines. To get TNM Mpamba cards customers simply must use TNM Smart APP, under Services, select Khadi Mbambande or dial *444#, select 5, then follow menu prompts. After application, customers get their physical cards at a TNM shop of their choice. Alternatively, customers can access instant cards at all TNM shops, TNM Super League match venues or selected agents and dealers. “It is now time to entrench cashless innovation amongst football fans,” said SULOM’s marketing & commercialisation sub-committee chairperson, Chimwemwe Nyirenda when making the announcement, adding that as the league undergoes reforms, adoption of electronic payment was a big positive step towards transforming the game. “As the world embraces the era of digitalisation, e-ticketing will be a catalyst in Malawi as we work on reforming, reviving and rebranding our football. E-ticketing enables instant transfers to teams as opposed to the current system of bank deposits. “It also enables the teams to track their revenue through the e-ticketing portal,” Nyirenda said. TNM’s Mpamba General Manager, Christopher Sukasuka attested that e-ticketing innovation brings sanity and helps teams collect revenue conveniently as it offers convenience for all football stakeholders in the management of cash. “Football fans have an opportunity to purchase their tickets any time while on the other hand, league managers have total control of the match revenues,” he had said. Both SULOM and TNM maintain that apart from safeguarding of revenue, other advantages include real-time attendance tracking and prevention of fraudulent activities — therefore, e-ticketing offers a significant milestone in the evolution of football in Malawi, resonating with global standards of convenience and efficiency.
https://www.maraviexpress.com/gate-revenue-for-tnm-super-league-2024-increase-by-17-21-from-mk915-7-million-to-over-mk1-trillion/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gate-revenue-for-tnm-super-league-2024-increase-by-17-21-from-mk915-7-million-to-over-mk1-trillion
2024-12-16T05:19:57Z
As Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2- The Rule continues its rage at the box office across the globe, the action now moves to Ram Charan’s first release post the super success of RRR. Ram Charan is all set to release his film Game Changer directed by Shankar and co-starring Kiara Advani and SJ Suryah on the 10th of January. Allu Arjun Is Alpha Man Max: Rashmika Mandanna EXCLUSIVE On Pushpa 2’s Massive Success While the advance booking for the film is yet to open in India, the tickets have already gone on sale in the United States of America, and the film has taken a good start for itself selling nearly 750 tickets from over 100 locations and collecting more than US $ 22,000 ( Rs 19 lakh). When compared to the number of tickets that were sold by Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2 during its pre-release period, Ram Charan’s film lacks in a big way. Telugu Cinema has grown by leaps and bounds, thanks to films led by Prabhas like Baahubali series, Salaar: Part 1- Ceasefire and Kalki 2898 AD which ended up benefiting NTR Jr’S Devara Part 1 and Pushpa 2. When it comes to Game Changer, it has currently opened in less numbers of locations and has also received less shows. However, as the release day nears, more locations and more screens will be getting added to the mix. Game Changer is Shankar’s first release since the debacle of Indian 2, its sequel to 1997 superhit film Indian with Kamal Hassan. The film did decent numbers, but didn’t match up with the kind of money put into it. Based on its performance, it is being rumoured that Indian 3 would be a direct to OTT release, but things might change if Game Changer does well.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/box-office/ram-charans-game-changer-takes-a-good-start-of-rs-19-lakhs-for-usa-premiere/articleshow/116331730.cms
2024-12-16T05:20:01Z
Police in Austin, Texas, arrested nine suspects allegedly involved in four theft cases at Target, Kohl’s and Lowe’s this week as part of a shoplifting blitz operation near the Lakeline Mall as holiday shopping gets underway. In one case, four people were allegedly attempting to hide merchandise that was not paid for at Kohl’s inside an empty baby stroller. The suspects left the stroller behind when they were confronted by police outside the store but were quickly apprehended, the Austin Police Department said in a release. Police recovered around $1,100 in merchandise from the stroller and seized another $1,200 in stolen goods found in their vehicle. Melain Gomez, 20, Alexis Garza, 25, Jesus Jimenez-Gomez, 22, and Jessica Gomez, 23, were all charged with one count of engaging in organized criminal activity, a third-degree felony. In the second case, a "high-value repeat offender" identified as Javier Rios was arrested after he allegedly walked out of a Lowe’s in the area with a flatbed with an AC unit valued at $2,156 he allegedly didn’t pay for. Police also seized a $609 shower kit found inside his vehicle that he had allegedly stolen from another Lowe’s the same day. Rios was charged with theft and state jail felony. He also had two outstanding arrest warrants for larceny. "It definitely happens a lot more than people think," Molly McClanahan, assistant manager of clothing store Hemline Austin, told FOX 7 of shoplifting. "I think it happens a lot more at bigger stores where there is more space to kind of hide or more space to run." She said Hemline Austin limits the amount of items customers may try on in an attempt to prevent theft from dressing rooms. SAN FRANCISCO MINORS, AS YOUNG AS 12, CAUGHT ALLEGEDLY SHOPLIFTING OVER $84K OF MERCHANDISE: POLICE In the third case, police arrested a man and woman in the parking lot of a Target store after the man, a repeat offender identified as Donovan Clausen, 23, allegedly fled the store with $614 in stolen merchandise after he was confronted by store employees. He met up with a woman, Christina Shell, 44, at his car, and police say they found $1,050 in stolen jewelry and beauty items from Target and Kohl’s inside, as well as narcotics. Clausen was charged with one count of theft and one count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance. Shell was charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance. In the last case, another "high-value repeat offender" was caught after he allegedly fled in his vehicle with a woman. The man, Martin Morales, 54, had allegedly abandoned a cart full of unpaid items when he was confronted by Target employees as he left the store and fled to his car. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Morales was arrested for theft and state jail felony after he was stopped by police. Crystal Overby, who was allegedly driving the vehicle, had an active warrant for her arrest.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/texas-police-arrest-9-suspects-involved-4-cases-near-suburban-mall-shoplifting-blitz-operation
2024-12-16T05:20:03Z
An economics professor and a regional bank chief will have a say on Australians’ mortgage rates after the biggest shake-up to the operations of the Reserve Bank of Australia in decades. Australian National University professor Renee Fry-McKibbin and former Bendigo and Adelaide Bank boss Marnie Baker will make up the RBA’s new specialist rate-setting board alongside four continuing board members, Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced. The central bank’s board was split in two with its rate-setting powers assumed by the monetary policy board while a separate one will be responsible for the bank’s governance, bringing it in line with international counterparts. Dr Chalmers said Prof Fry-McKibbin was one of Australia’s finest economists and Ms Baker’s appointment added valuable financial sector experience to the board. “I don’t think any objective observer looking at the two new appointments to the monetary policy board, or indeed four new appointments to the governance board, would consider these people to be anything other than perfectly qualified people with the optimal blend of skills and experience,” he told reporters on Monday. The overhaul of the RBA comes after an independent review of the central bank’s operations criticised the current board’s decision-making and ability to hold the governor to account. Other measures recommended by the review have been implemented, including regular press conferences by the governor following rate decisions and reducing the annual number of board meetings from 11 to eight. Prof Fry-McKibbin formed part of the three-person review panel and has held leadership positions in the economic and social sciences community in Australia and the UK. Ms Baker, a former deputy chair of the Australian Banking Association, brings a deep understanding of the financial system and an important regional perspective, Dr Chalmers said. Shadow treasurer Angus Taylor accused the government of “sacking and stacking” the board, but refused to say the individual appointees he disagreed with. “With interest rates having risen 12 times over the last two-and-a-half years and stubborn core inflation eating away at Australians’ living standards, it was critical to maintain continuity on the Reserve Bank’s rate setting board by carrying over all existing appointees,” he said. Prof Fry-McKibbin has previously called for the government to transfer all six current external board members to the rate-setting board to maintain bipartisan support for the reforms. Former Business Council of Australia CEO Jennifer Westacott, ex-Telstra CEO David Thodey, business leader Danny Gilbert and banking executive Swati Dave are the new faces to join the governance board. All members of the current Reserve Bank board will continue to serve on either of the two boards. Carol Schwartz and Elana Rubin will join the governance board, while Alison Watkins, Ian Harper, Carolyn Hewson and Iain Ross will join the monetary policy board. Governor Michele Bullock, who formed part of the selection panel, said she was looking forward to working with Ms Baker and Prof Fry-McKibbin. “Their expertise and insights will be vital as we continue our efforts to bring inflation back to target,” Ms Bullock said. She remains chair of both boards. Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser will sit on both boards, while Treasury Secretary Steven Kennedy retains his position on the monetary policy board. RBA chief operating officer Susan Woods will join the governance board. The new board members will start in March, following the RBA’s next interest rate meeting in February.
https://www.aap.com.au/news/the-women-who-could-soon-influence-your-mortgage/
2024-12-16T05:20:02Z
D-SNAP Event provides relief to Lee County residents impacted by hurricanesCharlotte County Deputy killed in the line of duty NORTH FORT MYERS D-SNAP Event provides relief to Lee County residents impacted by hurricanes Sunday was the third and final day of the on-site D-SNAP event for Lee County residents. Charlotte County Deputy killed in the line of duty According to a post on X by Senator Rick Scott, a Charlotte County deputy has passed away on Sunday evening. U.S. 41 northbound bridge into Port Charlotte reopened According to the Punta Gorda Police Department, the northbound bridge of U.S. 41 into Port Charlotte is closed. FORT MYERS Crash on Daniels Parkway leaves 1 injured, FHP investigating The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash involving two vehicles that has left at least one person injured in Fort Myers. FORT MYERS Reckless driver arrested twice in 10 days in Fort Myers A Fort Myers man with a revoked license was arrested twice within 10 days for driving violations. WINK Neighborhood Watch: Deadly shooter, home invasion and drug trafficking This week’s segment of WINK Neighborhood Watch features deadly shootings, home invasions and drug trafficking. FORT MYERS Pedestrian dead after crash on McGregor Boulevard The Fort Myers Police Department is investigating a crash that left at least one person dead Saturday night. Sunday brings sun and clouds with chance for a stray shower The Weather Authority forecasts another seasonal day across Southwest Florida, with temperatures reaching the upper 70s to low 80s this afternoon. Family of Eagles: FGCU volleyball star graduates with Master’s Degree Saturday marked a special day for Florida Gulf Coast University as more than 1,800 students graduated. For one student-athlete, graduating from FGCU runs in the family. lehigh acres LCSO: Man shot by car owner protecting property The Lee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting in Lehigh Acres early Saturday morning. NORTH FORT MYERS Lee County residents wait hours for D-SNAP assistance The supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) is at the Lee Civic Center all weekend, ready to help southwest Florida. SOUTHWEST FLORIDA First eaglet hatches in famous SWFL eagle nest Welcome E24! The third eaglet from the nest of M15 and F23 has hatched according to the Southwest Florida eagle camera. Rock for Equality: SWFL non-profit hosts benefit concert for Palestine A Southwest Florida non-profit hosted a benefit concert on Friday night to help with humanitarian aid in Palestine. Warm, breezy Saturday with a few showers possible The Weather Authority is forecasting a breezy, warm weekend in store across Southwest Florida, with the chance of a few showers, particularly on Saturday. CAPE CORAL Active investigation underway in South Cape Coral Cape Coral police are investigating at a home on Southwest 49th Terrace in South Cape Coral early Saturday morning. NORTH FORT MYERS D-SNAP Event provides relief to Lee County residents impacted by hurricanes Sunday was the third and final day of the on-site D-SNAP event for Lee County residents. Charlotte County Deputy killed in the line of duty According to a post on X by Senator Rick Scott, a Charlotte County deputy has passed away on Sunday evening. U.S. 41 northbound bridge into Port Charlotte reopened According to the Punta Gorda Police Department, the northbound bridge of U.S. 41 into Port Charlotte is closed. FORT MYERS Crash on Daniels Parkway leaves 1 injured, FHP investigating The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash involving two vehicles that has left at least one person injured in Fort Myers. FORT MYERS Reckless driver arrested twice in 10 days in Fort Myers A Fort Myers man with a revoked license was arrested twice within 10 days for driving violations. WINK Neighborhood Watch: Deadly shooter, home invasion and drug trafficking This week’s segment of WINK Neighborhood Watch features deadly shootings, home invasions and drug trafficking. FORT MYERS Pedestrian dead after crash on McGregor Boulevard The Fort Myers Police Department is investigating a crash that left at least one person dead Saturday night. Sunday brings sun and clouds with chance for a stray shower The Weather Authority forecasts another seasonal day across Southwest Florida, with temperatures reaching the upper 70s to low 80s this afternoon. Family of Eagles: FGCU volleyball star graduates with Master’s Degree Saturday marked a special day for Florida Gulf Coast University as more than 1,800 students graduated. For one student-athlete, graduating from FGCU runs in the family. lehigh acres LCSO: Man shot by car owner protecting property The Lee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting in Lehigh Acres early Saturday morning. NORTH FORT MYERS Lee County residents wait hours for D-SNAP assistance The supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) is at the Lee Civic Center all weekend, ready to help southwest Florida. SOUTHWEST FLORIDA First eaglet hatches in famous SWFL eagle nest Welcome E24! The third eaglet from the nest of M15 and F23 has hatched according to the Southwest Florida eagle camera. Rock for Equality: SWFL non-profit hosts benefit concert for Palestine A Southwest Florida non-profit hosted a benefit concert on Friday night to help with humanitarian aid in Palestine. Warm, breezy Saturday with a few showers possible The Weather Authority is forecasting a breezy, warm weekend in store across Southwest Florida, with the chance of a few showers, particularly on Saturday. CAPE CORAL Active investigation underway in South Cape Coral Cape Coral police are investigating at a home on Southwest 49th Terrace in South Cape Coral early Saturday morning. Sunday was the third and final day of the on-site D-SNAP event for Lee County residents. D-SNAP stands for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Program, which offers a helping hand to our community for those impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton. WINK News reporter Paul Dolan was at the event all morning, finding out how many people are still recovering and need help. When you deeply need help persevering, sitting for hours in cars crowded together that are stretching for miles will feel like nothing. But don’t take it from us. We spoke with Rita Krzos and she said, “Words can’t even tell you how much, especially when you have four teenagers and you struggle, and you know, I’m afraid to lose my house, that I worked so hard for,” Rita said. For Rita and so many others who share her struggles, the on-site D-SNAP event gives her the help she needs. So, as she made her way toward the Lee County Civic Center parking lot, she remembered why she came. Unfortunately, each one of the people idling toward the event shared that need in common. “I have four children living just on social security, and everything is rising,” said Krzos. “It’s really hard, tapped out on all my credit cards and if I can get assistance for some more food, that would be greatly helpful.” Men, women, children, and families all shared two things in common: damage from hurricanes Helene and Milton and needing help. LCSO was guiding traffic, trying to keep cars moving. They told us they were expecting around 20,000 people at the D-SNAP event, bringing the sheer mass of people still overcoming the hurricanes into focus. The on-site D-SNAP event ended at 5 p.m. If you live in DeSoto County, an on-site D-SNAP event will be held for three days at the DeSoto County Fairgrounds beginning Monday at 7 a.m. For more information on the location of these events, click here.
https://winknews.com/2024/12/15/d-snap-event-provides-relief-to-lee-county-residents-impacted-by-hurricanes/
2024-12-16T05:20:04Z
'Kraven the Hunter' flops while 'Moana 2' tops the box office again Entertainment The weekend’s other major studio release was Warner Bros.’ animated “The Lord of the Rings CALIFORNIA (AP) – The Spider-Man spinoff “Kraven the Hunter” got off to a disastrous start in North American theaters this weekend. The movie starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson earned only $11 million, according to studio estimates Sunday, making it one of the worst openings for a Marvel-adjacent property. Its box office take was even less than the film “Madame Web.” The weekend’s other major studio release was Warner Bros.’ animated “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim,” which made $4.6 million. Made for about $30 million, the movie is set 183 years before the events of “The Lord of the Rings” films and was fast-tracked to ensure New Line did not lose the rights to Tolkien’s novels. Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens have been working on future live-action films for the franchise. Meanwhile, the top of the charts again belonged to “Moana 2" and “Wicked.” “Moana” added $26.6 million to its domestic total in its third weekend and $57.2 million internationally, bringing its global tally to $717 million. It’s now the fourth highest grossing film of the year, surpassing “Dune: Part Two.” “Wicked,” which is in its fourth weekend, brought in another $22.5 million to take second place. The Universal musical has made over $359 million domestically and over $500 million worldwide. “Gladiator II” also made $7.8 million, bringing its domestic total to $145.9 million in four weeks. “Kraven the Hunter” is the latest misfire from Sony in its attempt to mine the Spider-Man universe for spin-off franchises without the lucrative web slinger himself. “Kraven” joins “Madame Web” and “Morbius” in franchise additions that fell flat with both audiences and critics. The one exception on this rollercoaster journey has been the “Venom” trilogy, which has made over $1.8 billion worldwide. The R-rated “Kraven the Hunter” was directed by J.C. Chandor and faced a number of delays, partly due to the Hollywood strikes. It was shot nearly three years ago and originally slated to hit theaters in January 2023. The film cost a reported $110 million to produce and was co-financed by TSG. Internationally, it made $15 million, but its potential for longevity appears limited: It currently carries a 15% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes and got a C grade on CinemaScore from opening weekend audiences. “It’s not always a guarantee that you’ll be able to connect with audiences when you have a spinoff character,” said Paul Dergarabedian, the senior media analyst for Comscore. “General audiences seem to want to know exactly what they’re getting.” Several awards contenders opened in limited release over the weekend, including Paramount’s “September 5” about ABC’s coverage of the Munich Olympics hostage crisis. Amazon MGM and Orion’s “Nickel Boys,” based on Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer-winner about an abusive reform school in Florida, opened in two theaters in New York. It averaged $30,422 per screen and will be expanding to Los Angeles before going nationwide in the coming weeks. Some big hitters are on the way in the home stretch of the 2024 box office. “Mufasa” and “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” will hit in the coming weeks along with a bevy of arthouse and adult releases like “Babygirl,” “Nosferatu” and “A Complete Unknown.”
https://dunyanews.tv/en/Entertainment/856843-kraven-the-hunter-flops-while-moana-2-tops-the-box-office-
2024-12-16T05:20:04Z
US Garbage Truck Blast Video: Three Injured in CNG Vehicle Explosion in Illinois By Lokmat English Desk | Published: December 16, 2024 10:30 AM2024-12-16T10:30:16+5:302024-12-16T10:31:40+5:30 Two local police officers and one firefighter were injured after a garbage truck exploded in the US state of ... Two local police officers and one firefighter were injured after a garbage truck exploded in the US state of Illinois on Friday, December 13. The injured were admitted to a nearby hospital for treatment of their injuries. According to the media reports, the incident occurred on Friday afternoon near Arlington Heights in Illinois due to fire in the loaded garbage, the CNG-based truck blasted as a result two officers and a fire bridge personnel were received injuries. Garbage Truck Blast in Illinois 🚨#WATCH: Wild footage from a police body camera captured the moment a garbage truck exploded — R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) December 16, 2024 ⁰📌#ArlingtonHeights l #Illinois Watch wild footage of a burning garbage truck exploding in the Arlington Heights suburb of Illinois. The explosion caused a massive blast, sending… pic.twitter.com/qahjULfu7o The truck's debris spread across the area after the blast, leading to panic among the residents. The police released a video that went viral. The footage shows smoke coming out from a vehicle, and suddenly, within a millisecond, a blast took place in a garbage-picking truck near a house. Fire and debris from the exploded truck were seen flying in the air with a loud sound. Also Read | Gulf countries denounce Israeli decision to expand settlements in Golan Heights. It has also been reported that the blast was so great that car window panes of nearby vehicles and cars were shattered. Sections of roofs and facade plaster fell from nearby houses, and windows shattered in many buildings. Police said that the cause of the fire is under investigation. Open in app
https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/us-garbage-truck-blast-video-three-injured-in-cng-vehicle-explosion-in-illinois-a517/
2024-12-16T05:20:03Z
The interim leader made the announcement during a broadcast on state television Photo: AFP file Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who heads the caretaker government installed after an August revolution, said Monday that general elections would be held late next year or in early 2026. Pressure has been growing on Nobel Peace Prize winner Yunus — appointed the country's "chief adviser" after the student-led uprising that toppled ex-premier Sheikh Hasina in August — to set a date. The 84-year-old microfinance pioneer is leading a temporary administration to tackle what he has called the "extremely tough" challenge of restoring democratic institutions in the South Asian nation of some 170 million people. "Election dates could be fixed by the end of 2025 or the first half of 2026," he said in a broadcast on state television. Hasina, 77, fled by helicopter to neighbouring India as thousands of protesters stormed the prime minister's palace in Dhaka. Her government was also accused of politicising courts and the civil service, as well as staging lopsided elections, to dismantle democratic checks on its power. Hasina's 15-year rule saw widespread human rights abuses, including the mass detention and extrajudicial killings of her political opponents. Yunus has launched commissions to oversee a raft of reforms he says are needed, and setting an election date depends on what political parties agree. "Throughout, I have emphasised that reforms should take place first before the arrangements for an election," he said. "If the political parties agree to hold the election on an earlier date with minimum reforms, such as having a flawless voter list, the election could be held by the end of November," he added. But including the full list of electoral reforms would delay polls by a few months, he said. ALSO READ:
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/ml/world/asia/bangladesh-to-hold-elections-in-late-2025-or-early-2026-says-yunus
2024-12-16T05:20:04Z
* This is to ensure safety of learners and teachers in the districts in the path of the oncoming remnants of the cyclone * All schools should monitor the patterns in their localities and only resume classes on 18th December if deemed safe * District education officers are requested to ensure strict adherence to this notification by all schools and stakeholders By Duncan Mlanjira The Ministry of Education has announced the suspension of classes tomorrow for primary and secondary schools due to impending Cyclone CHIDO. The affected districts are in the path of the oncoming remnants of the cyclone, which are Machinga; Mangochi, Zomba, Phalombe, Mulanje. Thyolo, Chiradzulu, Nsanje, Chikwawa, Blantyre, Neno, Mwanza, Balaka, Ntcheu and Dedza. In a public statement, principal secretary for basic and secondary education, Rachel Chimbwete Phiri, says this is “to ensure safety of learners and teachers in these districts”. “All schools should monitor the patterns in their localities and only resume classes on 18th December, 2024 if deemed safe. District education officers are requested to ensure strict adherence to this notification by all schools and stakeholders.” She further instructed that students in boarding schools in these Divisions should remain in their schools and their management should exercise necessary caution to keep students safe during this time. Meanwhile, summary of the weather ahead from this evening through to tomorrow as forecast by the the Department of Climate Change & Meteorological Services, remnants of Tropical Cyclone CHIDO are forecast to bring strong winds and significant rainfall to southern and parts of central Malawi from this evening. The effects have the potential to lead to damage to infrastructure and flash flooding among other impacts while northern Malawi will receive localised thunderstorms with locally heavy rain due to the influence of unstable easterly air mass. From, Tuesday to Sunday, December 17-22, the public should expect “hot weather, isolated thunderstorms and locally heavy rain over Malawi due to the influence of unstable easterly air mass”. “Mpoto winds are also likely to blow over Lake Malawi and other lake water bodies until December 22. The Met Department further said weather during the past week had thunderstorms with locally heavy rain were experienced over many areas with reports of hail and damage caused by violent winds. Due to the expected remnants of Cyclone CHIDO, the public is reminded to inspect the strength of buildings and structures; unblock waterways and drainages, which is paramount and that flood prone and low-lying areas to be on high alert for possible flooding. “If flooding threat increases in your area, move to higher ground immediately and follow evacuation orders when issued,” says the update. “Stay away from rivers and streams as may rise rapidly and become dangerous during heavy rains. “Avoid travelling during stormy weather if possible, as driving in strong winds can be dangerous [and] avoid being outside during thunderstorms [as well as] seek shelter in a safe building keeping away from open areas, tall trees, and metal structures.
https://www.maraviexpress.com/ministry-of-education-suspends-classes-for-primary-and-secondary-schools-due-to-impending-cyclone-chido/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ministry-of-education-suspends-classes-for-primary-and-secondary-schools-due-to-impending-cyclone-chido
2024-12-16T05:20:05Z
Tollywood star Allu Arjun has been in the news following his recent arrest in connection with a tragic stampede that occurred during the premiere of his film 'Pushpa 2: The Rule'. After his release on bail, Allu Arjun was spotted driving to Chiranjeevi's residence with his wife, Sneha Reddy, and their daughter, Arha. Recently, in a video shared by Pinkvilla on social media, the 'Pushpa' actor with his wife and daughter appeared relaxed and cheerful, as they made their way to the megastar's home. Allu Arjun wore an orange sweatshirt, while Sneha looked lovely in a green salwar kurta, and little Arha was dressed adorably in pink. After spending a night in jail, Allu Arjun was released on bail on Saturday morning. His homecoming was marked by an emotional reunion with his family, and he was soon visited by many celebrities from the film industry who came to show their support. Among them was the legendary actor Chiranjeevi, whose wife was also seen embracing Allu Arjun in a touching moment captured on video. The Pushpa star was arrested in an incident that took place on December 4 at Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad, which led to the death of a 35-year-old woman named Revathi and left her young son critically injured. Allu Arjun expressed his condolences to Revathi's family and pledged support for them. In a press conference held at his residence, he said, "We're extremely sorry for the family and I will personally be there to support them in whatever way possible. It was purely accidental. I was inside a cinema theatre watching a film with my family and an accident happened outside. It’s purely of no direct connection to me. It’s purely accidental, purely unintentional. My love and sympathies are genuinely there with the family and I will be there to support them in whatever way possible." He has also faced criticism for the celebratory atmosphere surrounding his release, with some calling it insensitive given the circumstances.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/allu-arjun-seen-arriving-at-mega-star-chiranjeevis-residence-with-wife-sneha-and-daughter-arha/articleshow/116335070.cms
2024-12-16T05:20:07Z
Spice, Pinaca and co. Synthetic drugs on the rise in prisons Odorless, tasteless, invisible - new drugs are keeping the staff of domestic prisons on their toes. The Ministry of Justice wants to master this danger with some unconventional strategies. "Spice", "Pinaca" or also known as "zombie drugs" - this illegal substance is currently causing alarm in prisons. Only on Saturday, we reported on an inmate who lay dead in his cell - suspected drug overdose. "These are synthetic cannabinoids. These fall under the collective term 'new psychoactive substances' (NPS). They have nothing to do with cannabis, because the effect is completely different," explains Christian Fürbaß, who is responsible for the prison system/security and extremism prevention in the General Directorate of the Ministry of Justice. "The kick is quick and short" As a rule, these synthetic cannabinoids are smoked. "The high is quick and short, but it is intense. Instead of dampening you down, they give you a real boost. The addictive pressure is extremely high and users become agitated," says Fürbaß. Such substances are odorless, tasteless and invisible. And: they are very difficult to dose. "Many people believe that nothing and nobody gets in or out of our prisons - a misconception. We have visitors, for example, external trainers come for vocational training, there are laundries and kitchens that need to be catered for, and of course there are also deliveries of goods for the prison's internal operations. If the carpentry workshop needs wood or the metalworking shop needs metal, this is delivered to the respective prison. Graz-Karlau Prison alone has 21 work stores. In addition, there are exits that have to be carried out in the course of prison relaxations," explains Fürbaß, "these are all ways in which items can be smuggled." Drones as an aid Throwing substances over the prison walls is also still practiced. "There are now even isolated attempts to bring objects inside the prison walls using drones. Of course, this is more costly than a tennis ball slashed open and filled with drugs, but it happens." Various coping measures are in place to counter this danger. "In the prisons, there are daily prison room checks, searches for specific reasons and inter-agency focus campaigns. We are very well supported in this by the service dog squads of the state police directorates," emphasizes the expert. We are also continuing to develop, because this issue and the safety of staff and inmates is a constant concern for us. Oberstleutnant Christian Fürbaß Between 50 and 60 joint searches are carried out each year in all prisons in Austria. There was such a focus operation in Innsbruck prison on November 29. "Seven service dog handlers were deployed, some illegal substances were discovered - the operation was successful," says Fürbaß. "Sprayed on children's drawings" The security officers also identified weak points. "We know, for example, that synthetic cannabinoids are often sprayed on documents such as children's drawings or manipulated official mail. If we discover suspicious edges, put a drop of water on the paper and the structure changes as a result, this could be an indication," says the expert. The entire inmate mail has already been copied and the originals retained: "That was an insane amount of work. We now do this specifically in concrete suspicious situations." And as illegal substances can also be attached to textiles, incoming laundry items are washed before they are passed on to the detainees. "Officers will also be drone pilots in future" Modern technology also plays a major role here - "to identify addictive substances", explains Fürbaß. This includes strip tests such as urine tests. An ion mobility spectrometer is also currently being tested in Jakomini and Karlau police stations in Graz. In a pilot project with the University of Graz, this device is being used to create a database of ingredients. Sections of suspicious stationery or clothing are inserted, scanned and analyzed. "It quickly becomes clear what you're dealing with," says Fürbaß, emphasizing the benefits of this technology. This database should be fully completed by mid-January 2025 and contain dozens of substances. "Staff will also be drone pilots in future" The company is also going its own way with regard to drones: "We are planning to train our employees as drone pilots and then use them for perimeter protection on the outer borders of the prisons. That's currently underway." Illegal substances will always be an issue within prisons. Fürbass: "This area is continuing to develop. A few years ago, we were extremely busy with bath salts (methamphetamines), now it's NPSs and in a few years it will be something new again. But the fact is: we are also constantly evolving, because this issue and the safety of staff and inmates is a fundamental and constant concern for us." This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here. Kommentare Willkommen in unserer Community! Eingehende Beiträge werden geprüft und anschließend veröffentlicht. Bitte achten Sie auf Einhaltung unserer Netiquette und AGB. Für ausführliche Diskussionen steht Ihnen ebenso das krone.at-Forum zur Verfügung. Hier können Sie das Community-Team via unserer Melde- und Abhilfestelle kontaktieren. User-Beiträge geben nicht notwendigerweise die Meinung des Betreibers/der Redaktion bzw. von Krone Multimedia (KMM) wieder. In diesem Sinne distanziert sich die Redaktion/der Betreiber von den Inhalten in diesem Diskussionsforum. KMM behält sich insbesondere vor, gegen geltendes Recht verstoßende, den guten Sitten oder der Netiquette widersprechende bzw. dem Ansehen von KMM zuwiderlaufende Beiträge zu löschen, diesbezüglichen Schadenersatz gegenüber dem betreffenden User geltend zu machen, die Nutzer-Daten zu Zwecken der Rechtsverfolgung zu verwenden und strafrechtlich relevante Beiträge zur Anzeige zu bringen (siehe auch AGB). Hier können Sie das Community-Team via unserer Melde- und Abhilfestelle kontaktieren.
https://www.krone.at/3626546
2024-12-16T05:20:08Z
ABC agrees to give $15 million to Donald Trump's presidential library to settle defamation lawsuit Entertainment Neither verdict involved a finding of rape as defined under New York law. NEW YORK (AP) — ABC News has agreed to pay $15 million toward Donald Trump’s presidential library to settle a defamation lawsuit over anchor George Stephanopoulos’ inaccurate on-air assertion that the president-elect had been found civilly liable for raping writer E. Jean Carroll. As part of the settlement made public Saturday, ABC News posted an editor’s note to its website expressing regret over Stephanopoulos’ statements during a March 10 segment on his “This Week” program. The network will also pay $1 million in legal fees to the law firm of Trump’s attorney, Alejandro Brito. The settlement agreement describes ABC’s presidential library payment as a “charitable contribution,” with the money earmarked for a non-profit organization that is being established in connection with the yet-to-be built library. “We are pleased that the parties have reached an agreement to dismiss the lawsuit on the terms in the court filing,” ABC News spokesperson Jeannie Kedas said. A Trump spokesperson declined comment. The settlement agreement was signed Friday, the same day a Florida federal judge ordered Trump and Stephanopoulos to sit for separate depositions in the case next week. The settlement means that sworn testimony is no longer required. The agreement bore Trump’s bold, distinct signature and an electronic signature with the initials GRS in a space for Stephanopoulos’ name. Debra OConnell, the president of ABC News Group and Disney Entertainment Networks, also e-signed the agreement. ABC News must transfer the $15 million for Trump’s library to an escrow account that’s being managed by Brito’s law firm within 10 days, according to the agreement. The network must also pay Brito’s legal fees within 10 days. While sizeable, ABC’s contribution to Trump’s presidential library will likely cover just a fraction of the cost. Former President Barack Obama’s library in Chicago, for example, was estimated to cost $830 million as of 2021. Trump sued ABC and Stephanopoulos in federal court in Miami days after the network aired the segment, in which the longtime “Good Morning America” anchor and “This Week” host repeatedly misstated the verdicts in Carroll’s two civil lawsuits against Trump. During a live “This Week” interview with Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., Stephanopoulos wrongly claimed that Trump had been “found liable for rape” and “defaming the victim of that rape.”Neither verdict involved a finding of rape as defined under New York law. In the first of the lawsuits to go to trial, Trump was found liable last year of sexually abusing and defaming Carroll. A jury ordered him to pay her $5 million. In January, at a second trial in federal court in Manhattan, Trump was found liable on additional defamation claims and ordered to pay Carroll $83.3 million. Trump is appealing both verdicts. Trump sued ABC and Stephanopoulos in federal court in Miami days after the network aired the segment, in which the longtime “Good Morning America” anchor and “This Week” host repeatedly misstated the verdicts in Carroll’s two civil lawsuits against Trump. During a live “This Week” interview with Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., Stephanopoulos wrongly claimed that Trump had been “found liable for rape” and “defaming the victim of that rape.”Neither verdict involved a finding of rape as defined under New York law. In the first of the lawsuits to go to trial, Trump was found liable last year of sexually abusing and defaming Carroll. A jury ordered him to pay her $5 million. In January, at a second trial in federal court in Manhattan, Trump was found liable on additional defamation claims and ordered to pay Carroll $83.3 million. Trump is appealing both verdicts. Carroll, a former advice columnist, went public in a 2019 memoir with her allegation that Trump raped her in the mid-1990s at Bergdorf Goodman, a luxury Manhattan department store across the street from Trump Tower, after they crossed paths at an entrance.
https://dunyanews.tv/en/Entertainment/856846-abc-agrees-to-give-15-million-to-donald-trumps-presidential-librar
2024-12-16T05:20:10Z
MSRTC Boosts Electric Operations in Pune, Announces 134 New Buses in Two Months By Lokmat English Desk | Published: December 16, 2024 10:36 AM2024-12-16T10:36:29+5:302024-12-16T10:36:51+5:30 The Maharashtra State Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is shifting towards electric buses, reducing the number of diesel-powered buses in its ... The Maharashtra State Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is shifting towards electric buses, reducing the number of diesel-powered buses in its fleet. Currently, the Pune division operates 43 Shivneri and 27 Shivai buses. However, due to a decrease in budget allocations, the introduction of new buses has been limited. In response to growing demand for electric buses, the ST administration announced plans to roll out 134 new electric buses within the next two months. The ST Corporation is prioritizing the procurement of electric buses to curb pollution caused by traditional diesel-powered buses, also known as Lalpari. Thanks to various concessions, passenger numbers on ST buses have increased, leading to a rise in daily ridership. Electric buses, which are already operating on routes including Pune to Solapur, Kolhapur, Nashik, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, have received a positive response from passengers. The number of electric buses on these routes is expected to grow in the coming years, providing relief to passengers while expanding the fleet of environmentally friendly buses. Electric buses have received a positive response on the Solapur, Kolhapur, Nashik, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar routes. In addition, 134 new electric buses are set to be introduced in the Pune division soon, said Pramod Nehul, Controller of Departments for Pune Division.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/pune/msrtc-boosts-electric-operations-in-pune-announces-134-new-buses-in-two-months-a505/
2024-12-16T05:20:11Z
Anushka Shetty will be next seen as a powerful character on the big screen in her upcoming film 'Ghaati', directed by Krish Jagarlamudi. Anushka will be seen in a fierce role which has been the most talked about aspect of the already released poster. Recently, the makers announced the release date of the film. The makers took to social media to share that 'Ghaati' will hit theatres on April 18, 2025 and released an intense poster featuring Anushka. The makers on X (formerly Twitter) sharing the teaser wrote, "'The Queen', at her best, will reign at the box office #Ghaati GRAND RELEASE WORLDWIDE ON 18th APRIL, 2025 In Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada and Malayalam. 'The Queen' #AnushkaShetty" To celebrate Anushka's 43rd birthday, the first teaser for 'Ghaati' was unveiled by the makers. The teaser presents Anushka in a rugged rural setting, dressed in a sari and wielding a sickle. Her character is portrayed as a member of a tribal community, complete with silver anklets and tattooed feet. The teaser shows a gripping scene where she beheads an adversary, making her transformation from a victim to a formidable figure in the crime world. GHAATI Glimpse | 'The Queen' Anushka Shetty | Krish Jagarlamudi | UV Creations | First Frame Ents 'Ghaati' is described as a raw and intense crime drama set against the backdrop of India's valleys. It tells the story of a woman who evolves into a criminal mastermind within the illicit cannabis trade. This project will be Anushka's second collaboration with director Krish after their successful film 'Vedam'. Following her last appearance in 'Miss Shetty Mr Polishetty', where she played a strong-willed feminist determined to remain single, 'Ghaati' represents her bold return to more intense roles.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/anushka-shettys-intense-crime-drama-ghaati-to-release-on-this-date/articleshow/116339079.cms
2024-12-16T05:20:14Z
Woman accusing Jay-Z and Sean 'Diddy' Combs of sexual assault acknowledges inconsistencies Entertainment The woman had first sued Combs, alleging she was raped at an after-party LOS ANGELES (AP) – A woman who accused rappers Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs of sexually assaulting her when she was 13 at an awards show after-party has acknowledged certain inconsistencies in her story, while her lawyer said he will continue to vet her claims. The unnamed woman described being driven from Rochester, New York, to New York City for the MTV Video Music Awards in 2000 and then Combs’ limo driver offering her a ride to an after-party, NBC News reported on Friday. She claimed she spoke with musicians Benji Madden and his brother at the party, and her father picked her up after the alleged assault. But a representative of the Maddens confirmed to NBC that they were on tour in the Midwest during the VMAs, while her father said he doesn’t remember the drive home of more than five hours. The woman’s friend who reportedly drove her to the awards has since died, NBC reported. The woman had first sued Combs, alleging she was raped at an after-party, and then amended the lawsuit Sunday to include a new allegation that Jay-Z, whose legal name is Shawn Carter, also was at the party and participated in the sexual assault. Jay-Z said in a statement that the article proves Tony Buzbee, a personal injury lawyer in Houston, filed a false complaint against him for money and fame. “This incident didn’t happen and yet he filed it in court and doubled down in the press,” he said. “True Justice is coming. We fight FROM victory, not FOR victory. This was over before it began. This 1-800 lawyer doesn’t realize it yet, but, soon.” Buzbee told The Associated in an email that if someone raises a new issue which didn’t previously exist, his legal team’s job is to continue collecting facts and evidence. Jay-Z’s attorney, Alex Spiro, asked the court to dismiss the case, saying in a statement, “It is stunning that a lawyer would not only file such a serious complaint without proper vetting, but would make things worse by further peddling this false story in the press.”
https://dunyanews.tv/en/Entertainment/856851-woman-accusing-jayz-and-sean-diddy-combs-of-sexual-assault-ackn
2024-12-16T05:20:17Z
Paul Nicodemus AR Abhi, who made his directorial debut with Lucky Lakshman (2022) and is producing Fear, attributes his growth to his passion and persistence. “I hail from Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, but growing up across India due to my father’s transferable government job broadened my perspective,” he says. Abhi’s filmmaking journey began after graduation when he moved to Hyderabad. “The money from home wasn’t enough, so I worked customer service jobs to support myself but never gave up on my dream,” he shares. Balancing these jobs with assistant director (AD) stints was tough yet rewarding. “I left stable jobs to work on film sets, contributing as a writer for nearly ten films and as an AD for four,” he says. Reflecting on his first directorial project, Lucky Lakshman, Abhi shares, “The project was completed in just eight months. After COVID-19, while pitching stories to producers, my wife, Haritha Gogineni, suggested we make our own films. That’s how we began producing,” Abhi recalls. Abhi credits her with inspiring their latest project, Fear, which released on December 14. “She wanted her directorial debut to stand apart from commercial clichés, and I’m confident that the audience will love what they see on the screen. Her attention to camera angles, lighting, and technical details is remarkable, ensuring that every frame tells a story in a unique and engaging way,” he says. Talking about the film, Abhi explains, “Unlike typical horror or thriller films, it combines unique storytelling, seamless transitions, and emotional depth, offering a truly immersive experience. I’m confident that families will love it.” Praising the team’s collective efforts, he says, “The performances from the cast are exceptional, and music director Anup Rubens crafted an outstanding re-recording score. Our director of photography (DOP) has always believed in the screenplay’s award-winning potential. So far, the film has won 70 awards across 38 international film festivals, a testament to Haritha’s meticulous approach.”
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/fear-is-a-gripping-thriller-with-a-pertinent-message/articleshow/116331794.cms
2024-12-16T05:20:20Z
Nation observes 10th anniversary of APS Peshawar attack today Pakistan On December 16, 2014, 147 students and teachers were martyred in terrorists attack on the school ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The 10th anniversary of the deadly attack on Army Public School (APS) in Peshawar that claimed the lives of more than 140 people, 134 of them schoolchildren, is being observed across the country today (Monday). On December 16, 2014, six terrorists affiliated with the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) had stormed the APS and martyred 147 students and teachers. It was the deadliest attack in the country's history. The carnage prompted the government to declare an all-out war against the terrorist outfits. In the wake of the attack, military courts were set up for trying terrorists under amendments made to the Constitution and the Army Act. Pakistan army said that all six militants who were involved in the attack have been executed. The military courts, established soon after the attack, awarded death sentences to 310 militants and 56 of them have been executed so far, said a statement issued by the Pak Army. The mastermind of the APS massacre, Umar Mansour, alias Khalifa Mansour, alias Umar Naray, was killed in a drone strike in Afghanistan. Ten years on -- despite the counter-terrorism National Action Plan (NAP) that was chalked out days after the APS massacre and other security strategies -- educational institutions in Khyber Pakhtunkhawa remain a relatively easy target for militants. The massacre changed the perception of Pakistan against terrorism and people in the country raised voices for a uniformed action against all types of militancy. Following the attack, political parties and security departments formed a National Action Plan to stem extremism and terrorism. Later, Pakistani Parliament unanimously approved the formation of military courts for speedy trials of the hardcore terrorists. THE CARNAGE The terrorists began their attack in mid-morning when they entered the school compound by scaling a wall. At that time, more than 1,000 students, many of them were the children of military personnel, and staff were present in the school. They bombed their own vehicle to divert the attention of school guards. They entered the main assembly hall, where a large group of students was taking a lesson in first aid, and started shooting indiscriminately. The attackers, who were armed with automatic guns and hand grenades, then went to various classrooms, where they targeted teachers and older boys.
https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/856811-nation-observes-10th-anniversary-of-aps-peshawar-attack-today
2024-12-16T05:20:24Z
Actor Allu Arjun spent a night in jail before being granted interim bail on Saturday morning. Upon his release, he was welcomed home by his family in an which quickly turned into a celebration attended by numerous celebrities from the Telugu film industry. However, this display of support has drawn criticism online, with many calling it insensitive given the ongoing struggles of the victim's family. Some social media users expressed their discontent some pointed out that while Allu Arjun received an outpouring of support, he had not yet visited the family of the deceased woman, despite previously stating he would be there for them. Netizens have also accused the actor of attempting to gain sympathy from his arrest and showing insincere concern for the affected family. Following the incident, Allu Arjun announced a donation of Rs 25 lakh to support the grieving family, but many netizens believe this gesture is an attempt to absolve him of responsibility. The incident has raised questions about crowd management and safety protocols at public events, especially given the large turnout for Allu Arjun's premiere. The police have filed a case against him, his security team, and the theatre management for their roles in the unfortunate event. "We are extremely sorry for the family. I will personally be there to help them in whatever way possible. I was inside the theatre watching a movie with my family and the accident happened outside. It has no direct connection with me. It was purely accidental and unintentional," said Allu Arjun in a press meet after he was released. "I have been going to the same theatre for the last 20 years, and I have been to the same place more than 30 times. There has never been an accident like this before. I should reserve my comments because I don’t want to say anything that will tamper the case," he added. After spending a night in jail, Allu Arjun was granted interim bail for four weeks by the Telangana High Court. He was required to furnish a bond of Rs 50,000 and directed to cooperate with the ongoing investigation. The court hearing is scheduled for January 21, 2025. The police have registered a case against him, his security team, and the theatre management under sections 105 and 118(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), based on a complaint from the family of the deceased woman, Revathi. Allu Arjun was recently seen driving with his wife, Sneha Reddy, and their daughter to visit megastar Chiranjeevi at his residence.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/internet-slams-allu-arjuns-celebration-post-jail-as-victims-family-awaits-justice/articleshow/116332701.cms
2024-12-16T05:20:26Z
List of 47 Pakistanis rescued in boat tragedy released Pakistan The list is based on the interviews conducted by the Embassy of Pakistan in Athens ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Sunday released the list of 47 Pakistanis rescued after the boat capsizing incident in Greece.. The list is based on the interviews conducted by the Embassy of Pakistan in Athens and the information shared by the Greek Authorities. The names in the list included Umer Farooq, Muhammad Ahmad Shahzad, Mohsan Riaz, Talha, Raja Sajid, Raja Omar Nasir, Mehtab Rafaqat, Amir Habib, Muhammad Safdar, Nayyab Ahmed, Nadeem Ahmed, Umair Ahsan, Muhammad Bilal, Rahat Dilawar, Manzar Ali, Ahmed Mukhtar, Haroon Asghar, Muzamil Hussain, Jamshaid Ali, Jaffar Iqbal, Muhammad Majid, Muhammad Salman, Qasim Ali, Muhammad Abdullah, Osama Ali, Husnain Zafar Iqbal, Muhammad Hammad, Hassan Ali, Bilal Hussain, Sarmad Akbar, Usman Ahmad, Shoaib Mushtaq, Abdul Hanan, Ali Hamza, Fahad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Abdul Latif Rehman, Salman Khalid, Harmain Ali, Zain Ali, Usama Basharat, Mirza Kamran, Muhammad Waqas Syfyan Zulfiqar, Tahir Raza, Shahroz Ali and Shahzeel Ahmad.
https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/856820-list-of-47-pakistanis-rescued-in-boat-tragedy-released
2024-12-16T05:20:30Z
Telugu actor Allu Arjun, who was taken to Chanchalguda Central Jail in Telangana on Friday following a stampede at the premiere of his movie Pushpa 2, had a simple meal for dinner while in custody. A senior official from the Telangana prisons department shared that Allu Arjun was given a basic meal of rice and vegetable curry while in custody. The actor did not ask for any special treatment from the jail authorities. Allu Arjun was kept in a separate section of Chanchalguda Central Prison, along with other accused in the case, according to a senior prison official. He had a simple meal of rice and vegetable curry. As per court instructions, Allu Arjun was treated as a special class prisoner during his time in custody. This classification includes provisions like a cot, table, and chair for comfort. According to a senior official from the Telangana prisons department, Allu Arjun appeared normal during his time in custody and did not seem depressed. He was served rice and vegetable curry, as is typical during dinner time at 5:30 pm, with late admissions also being provided food. Following the court’s order, he was treated as a special class prisoner, with provisions like a cot, table, and chair. Allu Arjun's time in prison was short-lived. On Saturday, the Telangana High Court granted him interim bail, and he was released later that day. Allu Arjun was brought to the facility at 6:30 PM on Friday and released the following morning at 6:20 AM after the Telangana High Court granted him interim bail. In the tragic stampede incident, a 35-year-old woman lost her life, and her eight-year-old son was injured during a chaotic gathering of fans at the Sandhya Theatre in Hyderabad on December 4. The crowd had gathered in large numbers to catch a glimpse of Allu Arjun during the premiere of Pushpa 2: The Rule After the tragic stampede, the Hyderabad city police filed a case against Allu Arjun, his security team, and the theatre management. The case was registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Chikkadpally police station, based on a complaint lodged by the family of the woman who passed away in the incident.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/officials-reveal-pushpa-2-star-allu-arjun-ate-rice-and-vegetable-curry-for-dinner-in-jail-was-treated-as-a-special-class-prisoner/articleshow/116325673.cms
2024-12-16T05:20:33Z
Punjab Assembly session today: MPA's salaries to rise from PKR 100,000 to PKR 500,000 Pakistan A key item on the agenda is the proposed bill for increasing members' salaries LAHORE (Dunya News) - The 19th session of the Punjab Assembly is scheduled to convene today (Monday) at 2 PM under the chairmanship of Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan. The session will include answers to questions related to the Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control Department, along with responses to attention-seeking notices submitted by members. A key item on the agenda is the proposed bill for increasing members' salaries. If approved, the monthly salaries of Punjab Assembly members will rise from PKR 100,000 to PKR 500,000, effective January 1. The session will also feature the presentation of audit reports and discussions on public safety and law and order during general debates.
https://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/856849-punjab-assembly-session-today-mpas-salaries-to-rise-from-pkr-1000
2024-12-16T05:20:37Z
SS Rajamouli, renowned for his blockbuster films like 'RRR' and ' Baahubali', recently shared his hidden talent for dancing at his nephew Sri Simha's pre-wedding celebration. A video of the filmmaker dancing with his wife, Rama Rajamouli, to the popular track "Lunchkostava" from the film 'Amma Nanna O Tamila Ammai' has gone viral on social media. In the clip, SS Rajamouli and Rama are seen energetically matching steps on stage, much to the delight of the audience. The couple’s performance was seen with joy and enthusiasm. Fans quickly took to social media to express their admiration, with many praising Rajamouli as one of the best directors in Indian cinema and commenting on his impressive dance moves. Earlier, SS Rajamouli also delighted fans with his dance skills. Earlier this year, a video of him and Rama dancing to 'Andamaina Premarani' from 'Premikudu' also gained significant attention online. On the work front, SS Rajamouli is currently focused on his next major project with Mahesh Babu, tentatively titled 'SSMB29'. Reports indicate that filming for this ambitious movie is set to begin in January 2025. With speculation about potential cast members, including Priyanka Chopra. This grand project is rumoured to have a staggering budget of Rs 900-1000 crores. The film's script has been finalized after two years of development by Vijayendra Prasad, Rajamouli's father and a renowned screenwriter. Reports suggest that 'SSMB29' will be a globe-trotting adventure film, taking inspiration from the prominent American film series, 'Indiana Jones'. While the full cast and crew have yet to be confirmed, there are speculations that Mahesh Babu's character may be inspired by Lord Hanuman from Hindu mythology. Additionally, the film is expected to feature international talent both in front of and behind the camera.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/ss-rajamouli-and-wife-rama-rajamouli-dance-at-nephews-pre-wedding-bash/articleshow/116334509.cms
2024-12-16T05:20:39Z
The newlywed Naga Chaitanya has been the talk of the town in the last couple of months, after his engagement was announced with Sobhita Dhulipala. After their engagement in August, the couple got married on December 4th in a traditional Telugu ceremony. Throwback to the time when Naga Chaitanya shared a humorous revelation about his driving license journey. In a candid interview with Mashable, the actor shared that he had to attempt the driving test three times before finally obtaining his license. Despite his initial difficulties with the driving test, Naga Chaitanya has a passion for sports cars and has an impressive collection. He is known for his love of high-performance vehicles. He has an impressive collection of luxury cars. His latest addition is a stunning Porsche 911 GT3 RS, which he acquired for approximately Rs 3.50 crore. Earlier this year, he even took a test drive of the Kalki 2898 AD robo car, affectionately named 'Bujji,' designed for actor Prabhas. Naga expressed his astonishment after experiencing the futuristic vehicle, describing the ride as shocking and exhilarating. Naga Chaitanya after his marriage is enjoying this new chapter in his life while also focusing on his professional career. He has several upcoming projects that are generating buzz among fans. His next film, 'Thandel', is set to release on February 7, 2025. The movie has taken inspiration from a true story about fishermen from Srikakulam who find themselves caught in Pakistani waters and in jail. Sai Pallavi after her recent success with 'Amaran' will be seen as the female lead. Later, on his recent birthday, Naga Chaitanya is preparing for another mythological thriller directed by Karthik Varma Dandu. The film is tentatively titled, 'NC24'.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/throwback-to-the-time-when-naga-chaitanya-shared-he-took-three-attempts-to-acquire-his-driving-license/articleshow/116338571.cms
2024-12-16T05:20:45Z
Ram Charan starrer 'Game Changer', is expected to be one of the biggest releases of the beginning of the next year on 10th January. Directed by Shankar, the film is a political drama film. Now, actor Srikanth who plays a role in the film shared his experience working on the film and shared insights regarding its potential sequel. While chatting with Pinkvilla, Srikanth praised Shankar for creating a comfortable working environment from day one. He spoke fondly of the director's patience and approach, explaining that Shankar takes as many takes as necessary to ensure his vision of the film. Shankar understands how he wants his actors to perform, allowing them to follow his guidance closely. When asked about the possibility of a sequel to 'Game Changer', Srikanth clarified that he believes the film is intended to be a standalone project. He acknowledged that while Shankar's recent films may not have met all expectations, he has never failed as a director. Srikanth expressed optimism that 'Game Changer' would be a strong comeback for Shankar, as it contains all the commercial elements audiences enjoy, including political themes and unexpected twists. Additionally, Srikanth also spoke of Ram Charan's growth as an actor since they last worked together in 'Govindudu Andarivadele'. He shared, "Whatever he has been doing now are matured characters, be it 'Rangasthalam' or 'RRR'. Both his characters in ‘Game Changer’ are performance-oriented roles." In 'Game Changer', Charan portrays as an IAS officer who will be taking on the corrupt system. He will also be performing a dual role that is performance-oriented. The film also stars Kiara Advani as the female lead and also includes SJ Suryah, Anjali, Samuthirakani, Srikanth, Prakash Raj, Nassar, Jayaram and more.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/will-ram-charans-game-changer-have-a-sequel/articleshow/116339156.cms
2024-12-16T05:20:51Z
Suicide remains a pressing public health concern, one which reflects deeply the societal and mental health challenges. In India, the issue has escalated over the years, as evidenced by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data. Suicide rates rose from 9.9 per lakh population in 2017 to 12.4 per lakh in 2022. Further, when comparing data from two consecutive years, the results are alarming- The total number of suicides increased by 4.2% in 2022 compared to 2021, with 1,70,924 cases reported nationwide, up from 1,64,033. (The suicide rate, defined as the number of suicides per one lakh population) Trends noticed in the 2022 NCRB Data These trends, published in a paper titled, “The NCRB Suicide in India 2022 Report: Key Time Trends and Implications”, highlight the gravity of the situation. The study was published in the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine. Alcohol and Substance Use Suicides linked to alcohol and substance abuse have grown over the years, from 5.2% in 2017 to 6.8% in 2022. Student Suicides The rate of suicide among students has shown a troubling consistency. While the rate peaked at 8.2% in 2020, it remained worryingly high at 7.6% in 2022. Changing Methods of Suicide The means of suicide in India have shifted significantly. Suicides by hanging increased from 49.8% in 2017 to 58.2% in 2022, while suicides involving chemical poisoning declined from 27.5% to 25.4% over the same period, as per the NCRB data. Now, Let us take a look at the states with the highest suicide rates. Sikkim As of 2022, Sikkim has recorded the highest rate of suicide at 43.1%. Sikkim reported 293 suicide cases in 2022, 27 more than in 2021, an increase of 10.2 percent in the suicide rate, according to the report. Andaman and Nicobar Islands In the second position is the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with a suicide rate of 42.8%. As per the data, most of the suicides were because of illness. Puducherry The Union territory (UT) of Puducherry in South India had a suicide rate of about 29.7%. Kerala and Chhattisgarh Kerala and Chhattisgarh reported suicide rates of 28.5 and 28.25 per lakh population, respectively. Telangana and Tamil Nadu Telangana and Tamil Nadu recorded suicide rates of 26.3% and 25.9%, respectively. The majority of suicides among government servants were reported in Tamil Nadu, with 364 out of 2,166 suicides, followed by Maharashtra with 286 suicides and Karnataka with 169 suicides. Karnataka and Goa Karnataka and Goa reported suicide rates of 20.2 and 19.2 per lakh population, respectively. Maharashtra Maharashtra recorded a suicide rate of 18.1%. Together, five states accounted for 49.3% of the total suicides: Maharashtra (13.3%), Tamil Nadu (11.6%), Madhya Pradesh (9%), Karnataka (8%), and West Bengal (7.4%).
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/10-indian-states-with-maximum-suicide-rates/articleshow/116300971.cms
2024-12-16T05:20:57Z
© Brighteon.com All Rights Reserved. All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Brighteon is not responsible for comments and content uploaded by our users. © Brighteon.com All Rights Reserved. All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Brighteon is not responsible for comments and content uploaded by our users. © Brighteon.com All Rights Reserved. All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Brighteon is not responsible for comments and content uploaded by our users.
https://www.brighteon.com/channels/pullingfromthematrix/home
2024-12-16T05:20:57Z
Throughout human history, we have seen the rise and fall of many empires which have shaped civilizations, cultures, and the course of global events. At the center of each empire is the desire to expand it as much as one could, only a few managed to do so. Because expansion of territories almost always involves conflicts, wars, and conquest. However, they unified diverse peoples under a single rule, leaving behind legacies that continue to influence the modern world. Let us look at the largest empires in history. Persian Empire Spanning from the sixth century B.C. to the 20th century A.D., the Persian Empire is one of the largest empires in history, stretching from Europe’s Balkan Peninsula in the West to India’s Indus Valley in the East. It was founded by Cyrus the Great around 550 BC. Cyrus united a collection of semi-nomadic tribes into a powerful empire. The empire was also sometimes called the Achaemenid Empire. It became the hub of art, religion, science, art, and technology for over a century. The empire was conquered by Alexander the Great in 330 BC, ending its prosperous and stable period. Han Dynasty The Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) marked a crucial period in the history of China, reuniting the country after the civil war that followed the death of Qin Shihuangdi in 210 BCE. Lasting over 400 years, the Han dynasty established Confucianism as the official government orthodoxy, shaping the cultural and political framework of the empire. During this time, China expanded its influence into neighboring regions, including Vietnam and Korea, solidifying its position as a dominant power in East Asia. Umayyad Caliphate Considered among the largest empires, the Umayyad Caliphate was founded in 632 CE. The Umayyad Caliphate, the second of the four major Arab caliphates established after Muhammad's death, significantly expanded the Islamic state's territory. Their conquests brought the Caucasus, Transoxiana, Sindh, the Maghreb, and much of the Iberian Peninsula into the Muslim world. Mongol Empire The Mongol Empire was founded by Genghis Khan, in 1206 CE. And it continued to spread throughout the 13th and 14th centuries CE. Originating from a group of nomadic tribes in Central Asia, it eventually expanded at its peak to span from Central Asia to Central Europe and the Sea of Japan. Ottoman Empire The Ottoman Empire was one of the largest and longest-lasting empires in world history. At the peak of its success, i.e., the Islamic empire of Süleyman the Magnificent, the empire covered portions of three continents: Southeastern Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/5-lesser-known-and-largest-empires-in-world-history/articleshow/116301072.cms
2024-12-16T05:21:03Z
PHILADELPHIA - When you're playing against another good team, as the Steelers were on Sunday, taking care of the little things matters greatly – just as much or even more so than taking care of the big issues. Going into Sunday's game at Philadelphia, there was no mistaking that stopping Eagles running back Saquon Barkley was a major issue, perhaps the biggest one the Steelers have faced all season. The Steelers limited Barkley, the NFL's leading rusher who was on pace to break the single-season rushing record, to 65 yards on 19 carries. That 3.4 yards per carry was nearly half the 6.1 yards per attempt he entered this game with. But the Steelers hurt themselves on too many occasions with penalties and missed tackles on some of the other Philadelphia skill players. And the result was a 27-13 loss here at Lincoln Financial Field in which the Eagles held a 39:52-20:08 advantage in time of possession. The Eagles also had 401 total yards, compared to just 163 for the Steelers. They converted on 10 of 17 third downs, while the Steelers were just 3 of 10. They ran 77 offensive plays to just 41 for the Steelers. The defense did a good job overall in this game, limiting Philadelphia to 5.2 yards per play, well below its average of 5.8 for the season. And it did that by stopping Barkley. If his best run of the day – a 22-yarder on the Eagles' first touchdown drive – is taken out of the equation, he managed just 43 yards on his other 18 attempts, an average of 2.4 yards per carry. But while that was happening, his backup, Kenneth Gainwell had three big receptions for 40 yards, all of which resulted converted a third down into a first down. Game action photos from the Steelers' Week 15 game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field Meanwhile, overall, quarterback Jalen Hurts was 9 of 11 for 102 yards and a touchdown on third downs, turning eight of those completions into first downs. And the one he didn't convert left the Eagles with fourth-and-1, which he converted on a fourth-down QB sneak. The conversions weren't on big passing plays. The longest was a 21-yard completion late in the game. But they were enough to move the chains, often with a crossing pattern, quick out or pass to the flats on which the receiver used his speed to get to the sticks or juked a Pittsburgh defender to do so. The Steelers won the battle against Barkley defensively, but they lost the war overall. "There were several possession downs on defense where we had opportunities to tackle ball carriers in the flat, and we missed those tackles," said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. "And that produced extended drives, and thus points. That's life in our business. It's not anything mystical. It's very fundamental. We have to play disciplined. We have to secure the ball. We have to tackle. And we didn't do some of those fundamental things well enough tonight to secure victory." • The Steelers seem to have avoided a catastrophe in this game in terms of outside linebacker T.J. Watt. Watt went to the ground in the fourth quarter with the Steelers trailing 27-13, holding his ankle. After a moment, he hopped up and walked off the field slowly with team doctors and trainers. Watt said after the game he simply rolled his ankle and that an X-ray revealed no damage. I think that can be described as a low ankle at this juncture, but I'll have more information for you the next time we get together," said Tomlin. That will be tomorrow, as Tomlin will hold his weekly press conference at noon Monday because the Steelers have a short week upcoming against the Ravens next Saturday in Baltimore. Watt had a monster game in this one, keeping the Steelers in the game in the first half when he had a forced fumble and later two sacks on a series at the end of the half that got the ball back for the offense to set up a field goal that cut the score to 17-13. "He's the leader of the whole squad, so when he goes down, you hope for the best," said offensive tackle Broderick Jones. "Everybody is praying for him. Hopefully it's nothing too major and he can play next week. We'll see." • In the grand scheme of things, the Eagles basically did to the Steelers what Pittsburgh has been doing to its opponents this season. Trailing 20-13, the Steelers were on the move in the third quarter after Russell Wilson connected with Calvin Austin III for a 31-yard gain on a flea-flicker on their first offensive play of the second half. The Steelers then had Jaylen Warren pick up a first down on runs of 6 and 7 yards before Najee Harris mishandled a pitch from Wilson and the Eagles recovered the loose football at their own 26. The Steelers would not get the ball back for the rest of the third quarter. By the time they got the ball back, they trailed 27-13 and there was just over 14 minutes remaining in the game. The Steelers pushed the ball to midfield and got a 6-yard run by Cordarrelle Patterson that would have gone to the Philadelphia 43. But center Zach Frazier was called for tripping, pushing them back across their side of the field. On fourth-and-7 from the Philadelphia 46, they punted the ball back to the Eagles with 10:29 remaining in the game. And never touched the ball again, as the Eagles went from their own 2 to finish the game taking knees at the Pittsburgh 8. The Eagles ran 21 plays and would not let the Steelers get back on the field. They played good, complementary football in this game. The Steelers did not. • The Steelers had the ball for just 5:50 in the second half. Tough to mount a comeback when that's happening. But without top wide receiver George Pickens and defensive starters in defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi and safety DeShon Elliott, it was going to be tough sledding in this one. Then, cornerback Donte Jackson went out in the first half with a back issue, thinning the defense out a little more. The Steelers can still clinch the AFC North title next week with a win at Baltimore, a team against which they have won eight of the past nine meetings, including earlier this season, 18-16, at Acrisure Stadium. The hope is that they'll have a good number of those injured starters back. But you do have to be concerned that having the defense play 71 snaps on a short week could take its toll. The Steelers do, after all, have three games in the span of 11 days. • A pool report with referee Alan Eck was requested to explain how Darnell Washington and Austin were penalized for unnecessary roughness in the second quarter after a Harris screen play had gone to the Philadelphia 4. Washington had driven the player he was blocking through the end zone and the Eagles responded by running to the end zone. A scrum ensued and at least one Philadelphia player appeared to throw a punch. Eck said that was not the case and that Replay Assist in New York didn't see it, either. "Two Steelers were observed, No. 80 and No. 19, committing unsportsmanlike conduct after the play was over," Eck said in the pool report. "That's what it was. Two players, after the fact, unsportsmanlike conduct." Apparently, the 20 Eagles players who were there were on a trip with the Boy Scouts. "No punches were observed on the field," said Eck. "Since we had flags down, it gave New York an opportunity to review the play, as well. There was no video evidence of punched observed by the Philadelphia Eagles." It must be on the Zapruder tape. "If I see 20 Eagles surrounding my guy, I'm going to go and help my guy," said the 5-foot-9, 162-pound Austin. "But I guess, being the biggest guy out there, I'm going to get a flag thrown on me." Typically in those situations, there are offsetting flags and the teams play on. In this instance, two Steelers were penalized. No Eagles received a penalty. And instead of having the ball second-and-three from the 4, the Steelers were pushed back to the 19. Tomlin was asked if he got an explanation of the call. "Not a sufficient one," he said. Washington was over-exuberant in blocking his man all the way through the end zone. But to say the Eagles did nothing wrong defies logic. • While on the subject of defying logic, a penalty against defensive tackle Montravius Adams for hitting the long-snapper on a field goal attempt when he was blocked into said long-snapper also defies logic. And physics. Now, the Steelers stopped the Eagles after that and forced another field goal attempt – they made both kicks. But that allowed Philadelphia to run an additional five plays after Adams was called. "It was one of those calls where the refs made the call and we have to deal with it," Adams said with a smile. "I'm not saying it was a great call or a bad call. It was one of those ones where it's borderline." • All of that said, the Steelers didn't lose this game because of officiating or anything but their own sub-standard play. They had a rough day at the office against a good football team. But despite all of the things that affected them on this day, if they don't lose the Harris fumble, they very well might have won this game. They had seized the momentum back after the Eagles had jumped out to a 17-3 lead early in the second quarter. • Dale Lolley is co-host of "SNR Drive" on Steelers Nation Radio. Subscribe to the podcast here: Apple Podcast | iHeart Podcast Pittonline@iheartmedia.com "We were able to get a first down," said tight end Pat Freiermuth on what changed after falling behind 17-3. "We had five three-and-outs to start the game. We'll learn from it. We'll fix it and get better." The slow starts offensively have to change. The Eagles have a very good defense. It entered this game No. 1 in the NFL. And without Pickens, the Eagles loaded the box and dared the Steelers to throw the ball. They did so with very little success early, as Russell Wilson started the game just 2 of 8 for 8 yards. Meanwhile, the running game was doing nothing, as well, as the Steelers gained 5 yards on four first-quarter carries. "We got behind the sticks," said Austin. "The penalty I got knocked us out of a touchdown. Instead of getting 7, we got 3. Getting behind the sticks a lot, being in second-and-long, third-and-long, that's just going to be losing football that way. It's very frustrating because we know if we don't beat ourselves, it's a different game." • The Steelers did load up to stop Barkley. And they did so at the expense of leaving their cornerbacks on an island with wide receivers A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith. Both caught touchdown passes and finished with 100 yards receiving, Brown on eight catches, Smith on 10. The Steelers figured the Eagles might throw the ball more this week than they had. After all, Brown had complained last week that the Eagles weren't throwing the ball enough. And Hurts' 32 pass attempts were the first time he's been over 30 since a Sept. 29 loss to Tampa Bay. In some ways, it's a tip of the cap to what the Eagles expected from the Steelers. They knew they were going to have tough sledding in the running game. "I think a Mike Tomlin team is physical, disruptive, and tough," said Hurts. "That whole conference, that whole division, is tough. Playing against a Steelers team is always a tough challenge. It was definitely a test, a battle. They're coming after the ball and playing physical ball. It was a great opponent we played out there." • Lost in all of this is the fact that Chris Boswell made both of his field goal attempts in this game and now holds the Steelers' record with 38 made field goals in a season. And he's gotten there with just 41 overall attempts. • Buffalo's win at Detroit likely puts securing the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye out of reach of the Steelers. So, the next step now after locking up a playoff spot is securing a home playoff game. And they do that by winning in Baltimore next week. That will make focusing this week pretty easy. "It's awesome to be able to clinch it this early, but I wish we would have gotten the win to be able to celebrate," said Freiermuth. "But we want to do some stuff big in the postseason and hopefully clinch the division next weekend." To do that, they'll need to get back to the things that helped this team rattle off seven wins in eight games coming into this one. "We approached this game with the right mindset," said Austin. "But you can approach the game with the right mindset and if the details, execution and focus doesn't match your mindset, then it doesn't matter. In any win or loss, you've got to go back to the basics and clean up the little things and overemphasize things so they don't happen again."
https://www.steelers.com/news/10-thoughts-steelers-won-battle-with-barkley-but-lost
2024-12-16T05:21:03Z
Possession down issues: The Steelers lost to the Philadelphia Eagles, 27-13, at Lincoln Financial Field, but despite the loss clinched a playoff berth based on the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts losing on Sunday. The Dolphins lost to the Houston Texans, while the Colts lost to the Denver Broncos. There were no celebrations for earning a playoff spot, but instead a resolve to bounce back on Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens. "First, I want to compliment the Eagles on a hard-fought victory," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "But as I just told the team in there tonight, we didn't coach as well as we'd like, and we didn't play as well as we'd like. It's such a fine line at this level. "If you just look at this game, we had a penalty going in that forced us to settle for a field goal. We turned the ball over on the short field and got no points. There were several possessions downs on defense where we had opportunities to tackle ball carriers in the flat and we missed those tackles and that produced extended drives and those points. "And so, that's life in our business. It's not anything mystical. It's very fundamental. We've got to play disciplined. We've got to secure the ball. We've got to tackle. And we didn't do some of those fundamental things well enough tonight to secure victory. "Although it (stinks), we learn, and we proceed and move forward." Quarterback Russell Wilson completed only 14 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown, while Najee Harris had only six carries for 14 yards and a fumble that the Eagles recovered and converted into a touchdown, changing the momentum. "We started slow, but again, you got to give some credit to those guys," said Tomlin of the offense. "I wasn't necessarily overly concerned about the start. The starts are not going to define us. But again, I think largely when you look at the big picture, there's those fundamental things I outlined." While the Steelers offense wasn't able to get rolling, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 25 passes for 290 yards and two touchdowns. "I just thought that we didn't win enough possession downs," said Tomlin. "They possessed the ball. Like I mentioned, we didn't tackle well enough and that's life." From an injury standpoint, three players left the game and didn't return, including linebacker T.J. Watt, cornerback Donte Jackson and quarterback Justin Fields. "From a health standpoint, Justin Fields had an abdominal injury," said Tomlin. "Don't know the extent of that. On that slide he injured his abdominal. Donte Jackson had a back injury and wasn't able to return. T.J. had an ankle. I think that can be described as a low ankle at this juncture. But I'll have more information for you the next time we get together." Too many third-and-longs: There were a lot of storylines in Sunday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, but the one quarterback Russell Wilson kept pointing to after the game was the inability for the Steelers to be successful on first and second down. The Steelers faced third-and-long too many times, including multiple third-and-18 situations, a third-and-20 and a third-and-22. "In the first half, we had way too many third-and-longs," said Wilson. "It's hard to try to play winning football that way. "We weren't successful on first or second down. That's why we had so many third-and-longs. We've got to be successful on first and second down to get positive plays. "They did a good job. That's a good football team. We have to tip our hats to them. They played way better than us tonight. "It's unacceptable how we played. I think we've got to be sharper. We've just got to stay the course and know that obviously we got a big week coming up. We've got to respond, and we've got to get ready to go. And that's where our focus has to be." Staying the course and responding will be the key. The Steelers have another big test this week when they travel to Baltimore to take on the Ravens. The Steelers are 10-4, and one game ahead of the Ravens, 9-5, in the AFC North. "We'll have to determine how great we can be," said Wilson. "There's a lot more football left. I think we have the right guys. Any great team has to respond. You're going to have adversity. You're going to have ups and downs of the season. "I think the biggest thing is for us, when the games are in striking distance, we've got to tie it up. We've got to make plays. We got to find a way. And unfortunately, we didn't do that tonight. We can't flinch. We've got to get better, and we've got to be cleaner for this week going on the road." Wilson knows getting a playoff berth is a key for the team, but it's not the number one goal. Winning the division is the first step, and then the rest follows from there. And coming out with a strong showing in Baltimore will be a must. "This is a great thing for us and that's our expectation," said Wilson of making the playoffs. "But we want to win this division. That's our first goal, to win the division. "We have a lot of respect for this division, the teams, coaches and the players in this division. At the same time, we got to go take it. We got to go find a way on the road in Baltimore, which we know is going to be a great football game. "I think the biggest thing is it's just we have to do whatever it takes to win. And that's really all that matters, is finding ways to win, especially in high level competition." Plenty of football to play: Over the past few months, one of the things the Steelers have taken pride in is playing complementary football, with all three phases striking at the same time. In Sunday's loss to the Eagles, that just didn't happen. And it wasn't just one area where the struggles were. "I think we didn't get off the field enough on defense, offensive wise not enough points," said defensive tackle Cameron Heyward. "Missed plays for splash on all sides of the ball. I thought our special teams played well. Defense and offense below the line. "We've got to learn from it. We're not afforded a lot of time. We've got to have a memory like a goldfish. We've got to move on. Not to say we don't respect who we just played. The clock is ticking. Guys have got to get right. We've got to learn from our mistakes and move on." The team is able to move on with the knowledge that they secured a playoff berth, but just making the postseason isn't enough. They want more. "There's bigger fish to fry," said Heyward. "We're not just trying to squeeze into the playoffs. It's nice to know that we don't have to wait until Week 18 to figure out if we're in the playoffs or not. "We have a playoff team. We've known that before this game. We played a quality playoff opponent. We didn't have our best showing, but there's a lot of ball in front of us. But I'd like to get this thing going the right way." The Steelers will have the opportunity to do that on Saturday when they take on the Ravens on the road, a game that has major implications in the AFC North. "We've got AFC North championship ball in front of us," said Heyward. "We knew we were walking into some tough games ahead, but we're not afforded a lot of time to feel sorry for ourselves. "We have a chance to play an MVP caliber team with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. That team is really good. And with this quick turnaround, it's not circling the wagons. It's let's get it together because we've got to get going. Not a lot of time is afforded to us." Bringing you the action: For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.
https://www.steelers.com/news/from-the-press-room-steelers-at-eagles-x7706
2024-12-16T05:21:09Z
Mushrooms, often mistaken for plants due to their appearance, belong to a completely different category of life known as fungi. While they share some genetic similarities with humans, especially in their evolutionary history, mushrooms are neither plants nor animals. Fungi form their own kingdom, distinct from both plant and animal life. Unlike plants, which produce their own food through photosynthesis, mushrooms are heterotrophs that rely on decaying organic matter for sustenance. These fascinating organisms play a crucial role in ecosystems by breaking down dead material, recycling nutrients, and supporting plant life. Mushrooms are fungi, not plants or animals, with unique biological traits In biological taxonomy, living organisms are classified into five broad categories known as kingdoms: Animalia (animals), Plantae (plants), Fungi (fungi), Protista (single-celled organisms), and Monera (bacteria). Mushrooms, along with yeasts, molds, and rusts, belong to the Fungi kingdom, which is entirely separate from both the plant and animal kingdoms. While fungi share some similarities with plants and animals, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Despite belonging to different kingdoms, fungi and humans share a common evolutionary ancestor. Approximately 1.1 billion years ago, the ancestors of fungi and animals diverged from plants, creating separate evolutionary pathways. This ancient lineage means that, on a genetic level, humans and fungi are more closely related to each other than either is to plants. In fact, humans share about 50% of their DNA with fungi, underscoring their evolutionary connection. However, over time, fungi and animals have developed into vastly different organisms with distinct characteristics, behavior, and biology. How are mushrooms different from plants? One of the most important differences between mushrooms and plants is their method of obtaining food. Plants are autotrophs, which means they can produce their own food using sunlight through the process of photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose (a form of sugar that plants use as energy) and oxygen. Mushrooms, on the other hand, are heterotrophs, which means they cannot produce their own food. Instead, mushrooms rely on other organic matter for sustenance. Mushrooms play a crucial role as decomposers in nutrient cycling Mushrooms do not have the ability to photosynthesize because they lack chlorophyll, the green pigment that plants use to absorb sunlight. Instead, mushrooms obtain nutrients from decaying organic matter. This is where they play a vital role in ecosystems as decomposers. They break down dead plants, animals, and other organic materials, releasing essential nutrients back into the environment. This nutrient recycling process ensures that elements like carbon, nitrogen, and other vital minerals are returned to the soil, making them available for other organisms, including plants. Mushrooms use a unique method of absorbing nutrients. They release digestive enzymes into their surroundings, breaking down complex organic materials into simpler substances. The fungi then absorb these simpler nutrients through their hyphae—tiny, thread-like structures that extend from the mushroom’s body into the surrounding environment. These hyphae anchor the mushroom to substrates like soil, wood, or decaying plant matter, allowing it to absorb the nutrients it needs. Ecological importance of mushrooms Mushrooms are critical to maintaining the balance of ecosystems. As decomposers, they break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients that are essential for plant growth and supporting the entire food web. By feeding on decaying material, mushrooms also help control the buildup of waste in the environment, preventing it from harming other organisms. Without fungi, ecosystems would struggle to recycle nutrients, and life as we know it would not be possible. In addition to being decomposers, mushrooms have a symbiotic relationship with many plants. Some fungi form mutualistic associations with plants in a partnership called mycorrhizae. In this relationship, the fungus provides the plant with essential nutrients like phosphorus, while the plant supplies the fungus with sugars produced through photosynthesis. This mutually beneficial relationship strengthens the plant’s growth and helps fungi obtain the nutrients they need to thrive. Apart from their ecological importance, mushrooms are also a significant food source for humans. They are rich in vitamins B, C, and D, and are a good source of fiber, minerals, and protein. Because mushrooms are low in calories and high in nutrients, they are considered a healthy addition to various dishes. They are used in cuisines around the world, adding flavor, texture, and nutritional value. How do mushrooms' nutrient absorption differ from humans and animals? Despite sharing some genetic material with humans, mushrooms are biologically distinct from us. Humans and animals process food internally: we consume food, digest it in our bodies, and absorb the nutrients. Mushrooms, however, break down their food externally. The enzymes they release into the environment digest organic material before the nutrients are absorbed through their hyphae. This method of nutrient absorption sets fungi apart from both plants and animals. Mushrooms also lack a nervous system, digestive system, or the ability to move. Unlike animals, which actively seek food and engage in behaviors to find sustenance, mushrooms passively absorb nutrients from their environment. Their stationary existence and unique methods of nutrient acquisition define them as fundamentally different from animals. Mushrooms' role as decomposers highlighting unique place in ecosystems Mushrooms share some genetic similarities with both humans and plants, they are fundamentally different organisms. They belong to the kingdom Fungi, which is distinct from both the Plantae (plants) and Animalia (animals) kingdoms. Mushrooms are heterotrophs that rely on decomposing organic material for nourishment and play a crucial role in ecosystems by recycling nutrients. Their ability to break down dead matter and their mutualistic relationships with plants make them essential for maintaining the balance of life on Earth. Mushrooms’ fascinating biology and evolutionary history highlight the complexity and diversity of life forms on our planet. By understanding mushrooms and their role in nature, we gain a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living organisms, whether they are plants, animals, or fungi. Also Read | 10 plants with animal-like traits from carnivorous hunters to parasitic vampires
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/are-mushrooms-plants-or-animals-the-science-behind-their-ecological-importance-and-their-biological-traits/articleshow/116323750.cms
2024-12-16T05:21:09Z
The Cape cobra, or Naja nivea, is one of southern Africa’s most striking and dangerous snakes. Known for its highly potent venom, this species has earned its reputation as one of the most feared reptiles in the region. Beyond its deadly nature, the Cape cobra is an integral part of its ecosystem, demonstrating remarkable adaptability and ecological significance. Cape cobras: Physical characteristics and size Cape cobras are medium to large-sized snakes, with most adults measuring between 1.2 and 1.6 meters (4–5.2 feet) in length. Exceptionally large specimens can grow up to 2 meters (6.6 feet). Males are typically larger and more robust than females, a trait that may give them an advantage during the mating season. Their coloration is one of their most distinctive features, varying greatly depending on their habitat. The most common hues include golden yellow and brown, but some individuals are entirely dark brown or black, while others exhibit speckled patterns. This color variation not only enhances their striking appearance but also provides effective camouflage, helping them blend seamlessly into their environment. Cape cobras: Diet and feeding behavior The Cape cobra is an opportunistic predator with a broad and adaptable diet. Its primary prey includes rodents, which it hunts in farms and urban areas, as well as birds, lizards, frogs, and toads. This species is also known to prey on other snakes, including venomous species, showcasing its predatory dominance. Interestingly, the Cape cobra is one of the few snake species that will consume carrion, particularly road-killed snakes. This scavenging behavior sets it apart from many other snakes and underscores its adaptability. Its diverse diet allows it to thrive in varied environments, from arid scrublands to human-populated areas. Cape cobras: Venom potency and danger The Cape cobra’s venom is one of the most lethal neurotoxins in the snake world, comparable in potency to that of the infamous black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis). The venom acts by disrupting the victim’s nervous system, causing muscle paralysis and, eventually, respiratory failure. Without prompt medical intervention, such as administration of antivenom and mechanical ventilation, the bite can quickly become fatal. The speed at which the venom acts makes the Cape cobra particularly dangerous. In areas where the snake is prevalent, public awareness and access to antivenom are crucial to reducing fatalities. Cape cobras: Natural predators and threats Despite its deadly nature, the Cape cobra has a surprising number of predators. Adult snakes are hunted by formidable animals such as honey badgers, large grey mongooses, and secretary birds, the latter being known for their unique snake-hunting abilities. Juvenile cobras face an even greater array of predators, including meerkats, smaller mongoose species, raptors, herons, and crows. These predators play a critical role in controlling the population of Cape cobras and maintaining ecological balance. Cape cobras: Reproduction and lifecycle Cape cobras are oviparous, meaning they reproduce by laying eggs. Mating typically occurs during the summer months of November and December in the Western Cape. After mating, the female lays between 8 and 20 eggs in hidden locations such as termite mounds or abandoned burrows. The eggs take about 60 days to hatch, with the young emerging in late February or early March. Hatchlings are approximately 30 centimeters (12 inches) long and are fully venomous from birth. They are independent immediately after hatching but are highly vulnerable to predation during this stage of life. Cape Cobras: Habitat and distribution The Cape cobra is widely distributed across southern Africa, including the Western and Northern Cape, Free State, North West Province, Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Botswana, and southern Namibia. It thrives in a variety of habitats, such as dry savannas, rocky outcrops, scrublands, and farmlands. Remarkably adaptable, the Cape cobra can even be found in urban areas where there is sufficient food and cover. However, this proximity to human settlements often leads to dangerous encounters. Their ability to thrive in such diverse environments highlights their resilience and ecological importance. What to Do if Cape Cobras Bites? Encounters with Cape cobras can be life-threatening if a bite occurs. Immediate action is essential to prevent a fatality. If bitten: Stay calm to reduce the spread of venom. Immobilize the affected limb and keep it below heart level to slow circulation. Avoid applying a tourniquet or cutting the wound, as this can worsen the damage. Seek medical attention immediately, as antivenom and supportive care are vital. The Cape cobra’s venom is fast-acting, making prompt treatment the key to survival. Cape Cobras: Ecological role and conservation As both predator and prey, the Cape cobra plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of its ecosystem. By controlling populations of rodents and other small animals, it helps to regulate the food chain. At the same time, its role as prey for larger animals underscores its importance in the broader ecological web. While the Cape cobra’s adaptability ensures its survival in many environments, human activities such as habitat destruction and persecution pose threats to its population. Conservation efforts and education about coexistence are essential to ensuring the continued survival of this remarkable species. The Cape cobra is a fascinating yet formidable reptile. Its potent venom, adaptability, and ecological significance make it one of the most remarkable snakes in southern Africa. While encounters with humans can be dangerous, understanding their behavior and role in the environment is key to fostering coexistence and respect for this incredible creature. Public education on snake behavior and safety measures is critical in regions where Cape cobras are prevalent. Awareness campaigns can help reduce fear and promote coexistence by teaching people how to identify, avoid, and handle encounters responsibly. This approach not only protects humans but also aids in conserving this ecologically important and often misunderstood species. Also Read | Discover the most annoying animals in the world
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/cape-cobras-key-facts-about-physical-characteristics-venom-diet-and-more/articleshow/116148476.cms
2024-12-16T05:21:15Z
The Steelers have clinched a playoff berth for the 34th time in team history. The Steelers clinched the berth based on the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts losing on Sunday. The Dolphins lost to the Houston Texans, while the Colts lost to the Denver Broncos. The Steelers, who own a 36-27 all-time record in the postseason, are now ranked third overall in playoff berths in NFL history, breaking a tie with the New York Giants, who have 33 playoff berths. This is the 11th time under Coach Mike Tomlin that the Steelers have earned a playoff berth. He has led them to seven AFC North titles, three AFC Championship games and twice led them to a Super Bowl appearance, including winning Super Bowl XLIII. The Steelers, who are in first place in the AFC North, are 10-4 for the season after losing to the Philadelphia Eagles.
https://www.steelers.com/news/steelers-clinch-playoff-berth-x2434
2024-12-16T05:21:15Z
For many Indians, joining the Civil Services is more than just a career goal- it’s a chance to serve the nation and secure a prestigious government job. Every year, thousands of young aspirants leave the comfort of their homes and move to prepare for one of the most rigorous exams in the country. The lanes of Rajender Nagar and Mukherjee Nagar are filled with students who just have one ambition- to crack the Union Public Service Commission(UPSC) exams. In 2022 alone, approximately 11.5 lakh students applied for the Civil Services Examination, yet only 2,529 candidates were ultimately selected. This number is a stark reminder of the exam's rigor and competitiveness. The first Indian Civil Services exam was held in London in 1855, but no Indian went there to take the exam. For that matter, it was only 8 years later, that an Indian even qualified the exam to become a Civil Servant. Satyendranath Tagore, the elder brother of Rabindranath Tagore, was the first Indian to pass the ICS exam in 1863. He was assigned to the Bombay Presidency and worked there until 1897. The exam's syllabus was designed to favor European Classics, making it difficult for Indian candidates. However, this changed after India gained independence from British rule in 1947 when the Indian Civil Services (ICS) was renamed the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Since then, both the examination process and the nature of the question papers have undergone significant transformations, reflecting the evolving needs and aspirations of the nation. Here’s a glimpse into what the candidates faced in the very first Civil Services question paper. The question paper has been published on a website called ‘Indian Culture,’ which states that it sourced the material from the Central Secretariat Library. The paper came with the following general instructions: - It was to be attempted within 3 hours. - The total marks allotted were 150. - All questions were mandatory. - Each question carried equal marks. - Answers were required to be written as instructed. The paper consisted of a total of nine questions, many of which included subsections. The first question required aspirants to provide the full forms of various abbreviations such as BBC, DSO, and RIN. The second question, titled “What and where are the following?” asked candidates to identify and explain the location and nature of certain items. Similarly, the next question was about authors of well-renowned books. The fourth question required candidates to list five "principal agricultural products of India" and "principal industries of India." The fifth question asked them to name individuals holding key government and leadership positions. For example, it asked who was the current “Vice Chancellor of Delhi University” and “The Governor of Assam”. The sixth question was “What do you understand by the following”. It included terms like- ‘Hall Mark’, ‘Hansard’, and ‘Plimsoll Line’. The next question was on ‘short notes’ on the following topics- ‘Chindits’, ‘Chetniks’, ‘Viet Minh’, Comintern’, and ‘Stern Gang’. The next two questions were about ‘sports’ and the meaning of certain terms, respectively. In the 10th question, the candidates were expected to write a 100-word note about the United Nations. The 11th and the 12th questions were about choosing the correct alternative amongst the wrong ones and filling in the blanks respectively. The second-to-last question focused on revolutionary Indian leaders and their contributions, requiring aspirants to write short notes on them. Similarly, the final question asked candidates to write short notes on topics such as the Indian Constituent Assembly, the Arab League, and the Sargeant Report.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/civil-services-question-paper-from-1947this-is-what-the-candidates-were-asked-then/articleshow/116300997.cms
2024-12-16T05:21:21Z
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https://www.steelers.com/news/watch-steelers-extra-point-week-15-at-eagles
2024-12-16T05:21:21Z
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Unfilled potholes, uncollected trash, un-mowed grass and, most significantly, fewer police on the street are some of what Allentown says it’s contemplating unless Washington helps it plug a multimillion-dollar budget hole left by the coronavirus pandemic. Pennsylvania’s third-largest city, with a population of over 120,000, Allentown has largely fended for itself amid sharply falling tax revenue. It’s one of thousands of smaller cities and counties across the U.S. that were cut off from direct aid in the $2 trillion coronavirus relief package passed by Congress in late March. Local officials in those left-out places are now pleading for a massive cash infusion from the federal government to help them stave off financial calamity. ADVERTISEMEN“We represent the average city. If cities like Allentown begin to crumble, that’s how America crumbles,” said City Council member Ce-Ce Gerlach. “So something needs to be done. We need help.” The federal CARES Act sent $150 billion to states and the nation’s most populous cities and counties to help them pay for expenses related to the virus outbreak. But only 36 cities met the population threshold of 500,000 or more to qualify for the money. With the next round of aid stalled in Congress — and no guarantee of a federal bailout anytime soon — Allentown and other local governments are facing tough choices about what to cut and what to keep. Already, cities are dipping into reserves, canceling road projects, postponing routine maintenance, cutting parks and recreation programs, and furloughing staff. State and local governments have shed more than 1.5 million jobs since the beginning of March, the U.S. Labor Department reported last week. The National League of Cities says municipalities could be looking at $360 billion in red ink through 2022. “I am hearing from our members all across the country that every day that goes by, the situation is increasingly dire,” said Irma Esparza Diggs, the group’s chief lobbyist. That’s especially true in Pennsylvania, where cities and towns could see a 40% revenue shortfall — the most of any state, according to a League of Cities analysis. Allentown predicts a budget deficit of over $10 million, a number officials say could go higher if the economy doesn’t rebound quickly. Like other local governments, Allentown has already been paring back. The city furloughed as many as 87 people out of a work force of 783, and all city department chiefs were ordered to slice another 7% from their budgets, including for police, fire and emergency medical services. Tax hikes, for now, appear to be off the table. City leaders raised property taxes by 27% two years ago and say residents can’t bear another increase, especially in the middle of a pandemic and historic unemployment. “It wasn’t fair,” Mayor Ray O’Connell said of the lack of federal support. “The cities are the backbone, the heart of the state and the nation, and to get nothing … we’re scrambling.” A $3 trillion relief bill passed in May by the U.S. House, where Democrats have the majority, included nearly $1 trillion for state and local governments. It has no chance of passing in the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate, where prospects for future aid to states and cities remain uncertain. Allentown, a former industrial center about an hour north of Philadelphia, had been revitalizing its moribund downtown before the pandemic struck. State tax incentives contributed to development that included a new hockey arena, gleaming office buildings and upscale apartments. Yet Allentown remains a poor city, with over a quarter of its residents living in poverty, more than twice the rate of surrounding Lehigh County and Pennsylvania as a whole. The pandemic hit the city hard. About 2,300 people in Allentown have tested positive for the virus — an infection rate higher than Philadelphia’s — and 67 have died. The economy has suffered, too, with businesses deemed nonessential forced to close their doors for 2 1/2 months. Allentown’s main street was virtually devoid of pedestrians and auto traffic on a recent Friday afternoon, though some pandemic restrictions have since been lifted and retailers were allowed to reopen last Friday. “One of the things that’s most disheartening right now is we had a lot of really good momentum going,” said Santo Napoli, owner of assembly88, a men’s clothing store downtown. “You have all this great momentum and then, March, the sky falls with corona. “This is not a downtown Allentown problem,” Napoli added. “This is a Main Street everywhere problem.” Other virus impacts have been less visible than an empty downtown, but no less troubling. The city was forced to cancel a popular summer playground program that many parents lean on while they’re at work. A major homeless shelter lost nearly all its volunteer workforce because of virus restrictions. At Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley, an Allentown community group, executive director Hasshan Batts and his colleagues began buying up all the diapers they could find — 60,000 and counting — and have been going door to door to distribute them to families in need. “The city’s been limited in the role that they can play, because they didn’t get the support and resources from the federal government,” Batts said. “Our city was set up for failure by the lack of federal support.” Meanwhile, some of the region’s cultural institutions, shuttered for months and heavily reliant on ticket sales to stay afloat, are at risk of going under, according to the Cultural Coalition of Allentown, an umbrella group. The Alternative Gallery, a nonprofit arts organization located in an old cigar factory, is holding an online fundraiser “just to keep our doors open through September,” said Brandon Wunder, the founder and gallery director. He criticized the federal response as inadequate to the task. The pandemic “got politicized, which never should’ve happened. And because of that, it’s been a battle when we should’ve been working together,” he said. Some states are sharing the money they received from the earlier congressional relief package with local governments. Pennsylvania plans to distribute $625 million to counties that did not get direct aid from the federal government, including $33 million for Lehigh County, of which Allentown is the seat. A committee will decide how the money will be distributed, but it’s too soon to say whether Allentown will get a cut, or how much. In any case, there will be a lot of competition for the money. “When everybody holds their hand out, not everybody is going to get the amount of M&Ms they were hoping for,” said Lehigh County Executive Phil Armstrong, the county’s top elected official. “When you look at the needs, it’s probably going to be short.” Republicans in the U.S. Senate have said they want to see how the money they previously approved is being spent so they can get a better idea of the needs before negotiating another massive aid bill. The Allentown region, for instance, has received nearly $90 million in federal funding for hospitals, public transit, the airport and the Allentown School District. Republican Sen. Pat Toomey, who helped start an Allentown-area restaurant chain before his 1998 election to Congress, “believes we should take a pause on the massive spending bills and switch gears to helping states safely reopen their economies,” said a statement from his office. “Government spending can never be a substitute for a functioning economy.” Gerlach, the Allentown City Council member, said it’s already clear to him that the federal government needs to do more. “We’re on fire right now, literally,” said Gerlach, noting the violence that ravaged other cities following George Floyd’s death in Minnesota. “So the last thing we need is for midsize cities, the majority of the country, to not be able to sustain themselves and provide for the people.”
https://www.laurinburgexchange.com/news/37871/we-need-help-small-cities-face-fiscal-calamity-from-virus
2024-12-16T05:21:24Z
Mehndi or henna is often symbolic of joy, love, and new beginnings, especially when it comes to weddings. However, in the modern world, women are using it for a different purpose altogether. A trend by the name of Divorce Mehndi is growing! Mehndi has been a symbol of marriage celebration for decades. Its beautiful patterns signify love and happiness. But the Divorce Mehndi has a very different story to tell. It's not a celebration of a union, but the struggles and hardships that women face in their marriages and how they overcome them. One recent example is a video that went viral online. A woman shared a video of her Divorce Mehndi, which was a story of her marriage told by the illustrative designs on her hands. The bold words "Finally Divorced" were written with all sorts of symbols of struggle and her journey to freedom. Watch here: Her Mehndi was not only for show; it was telling a story. It reflected her pain and loneliness in the marriage, her mistreatment by in-laws, and the lack of support from her husband. All the details of the design were telling her story, finally ending with leaving and starting a new life. This art of Mehndi has touched so many hearts, telling how art can be beautifully and very meaningfully used to tell personal stories. The video quickly went viral and gathered millions of views. Many people praised the woman’s courage and creativity for sharing her story in such a unique way. “This is such a strong and inspiring way to tell your story,” one person commented. Another wrote, “It’s painful to see her struggles, but it’s also empowering to see her celebrate her freedom.” Other women shared their own experiences, saying they could relate to her pain. Some called this idea a movement, with one user writing, “Finally, Mehndi isn’t just about weddings- - it’s about real stories too.” Divorce Mehndi is much more than a trend; it's a means of empowerment of women as far as control over their stories is concerned. Mehndi was always connected with marriages and celebrations. However, with this trend, one gets to understand that Mehndi can be utilized to indicate freedom, strength, and fresh starts. It's a reminder that leaving the toxic relationship is not a failure but it's a courageous step for them. These women use this art to express themselves and celebrate courage and strength over evil.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/from-vows-to-freedom-this-womans-mehendi-speaks-of-her-failed-marriage/articleshow/116340289.cms
2024-12-16T05:21:27Z
T.J. WATT Outside Linebacker There was a recipe the Steelers were going to have to follow in order to leave Philadelphia with a victory, and one of the required ingredients was going to be a significant contribution from their outside linebackers. T.J. Watt certainly did his part. In a game that ended in a 27-13 loss that dopped the Steelers to 10-4, the outside linebackers combined for 17 tackles, including 3 tackles for loss, plus 3 sacks, 4 hits on the quarterback, and 1 forced fumble. Watt personally contributed 7 of the tackles, including 1 for loss, 2 of the sacks, and the forced fumble on the Eagles' first offensive possession that Beanie Bishop recovered. Watt is the Steelers Digest Player of the Week. Also considered were ILB Patrick Queen, who led the team with 11 tackles and had 1 hit on the quarterback; OLB Alex Highsmith, who had 8 tackles, including 2 for loss, and 1 sack; QB Russell Wilson, who completed 14-of-22 (63.6 percent) for 128 yards, with 1 touchdown, no interceptions, a rating of 94.5, while also rushing 4 times for 13 yards; WR Calvin Austin III, who caught 5 passes for 65 yards; TE Pat Freiermuth, who caught 3 passes for 22 yards, including a 9-yard touchdown; and PK Chris Boswell, who was 2-for-2 on field goals and now has converted 38-of-41 (92.7 percent) on the season.
https://www.steelers.com/news/watt-is-digest-player-of-the-week-x8182
2024-12-16T05:21:27Z
While our country has so much to be proud of, one issue that continues to trouble us is the safety of women. Sadly, India isn’t the safest place for women- - or, honestly, for anyone, no matter their gender. But the good news is that India has several laws and rights to protect and support women. These laws are there to help women stand up against injustice, stay safe, and live with dignity. It’s really important for every woman in India to know about these rights and how they can use them. Here, we’ve put together a list of the top 8 most important rights every woman in India should know. Let’s take a closer look and understand how these can help. Note: This list is based on the data presented by ‘herzindagi(dot)com’. Protection from StalkingStalking is a serious crime in India. When someone follows you, continuously contacts you, or attempts to track your online activities without your consent, they commit a crime under Section 354D of the IPC. This applies to physical as well as digital harassment. If you are being stalked, the law will allow you to report such an offender, and this can lead to legal repercussions, including imprisonment. Safe Workplace RightsThe Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, of 2013, guarantees that women have the right to work free from harassment. If harassed at work, you have the right to file your complaint with the Internal Complaints Committee of your employer within three months. The employer, under the law, has the duty to act in such a way as to protect you from further harassment and address the issue. Protection from Domestic ViolenceIf you're facing any kind of domestic abuse- - whether it's physical, emotional, or financial- - in your house, the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005) safeguards you. It covers both married women and women living with their families or with their partners in a relationship. It can provide you with protection orders, financial relief, and custody of children if required. Ban on DowryDowry Prohibition Act 1961 is the act by which it has been declared unlawful to give or take dowry in India. Dowry-related abuse is also covered under this law. Any demand or acceptance of dowry can attract serious punishment with a jail term. This law is made to put a stop to the dangerous practice of dowry, which leads to violence against women. Free Legal AidIn case you cannot afford a lawyer, the Legal Services Authorities Act (1987) ensures that you are provided with legal help. Under this act, women get free legal aid that entails free advice and representation in court. This support makes the situation of women, especially women in financial trouble, even more stable in legal matters. National Commission for Women (NCW)The NCW serves as a governing body to create and protect rights for the women of India. To help address women's matters, such as violence against them, inequality, discrimination, and issues of violation, the organization supports its users who need help or protection and works actively towards better legislation and lawmaking for safety and greater rights for women. Protection from Arrests and Interrogation at NightWomen should not be arrested and detained during the night and this is unless there is a special situation. In case you are arrested at night, a magistrate must certify your arrest. Also, women can be questioned by the police only when a female officer or a family member is present, to observe their privacy and dignity. Right to Privacy in Legal CasesThe Indian Penal Code protects the identity of a victim of sexual assault or harassment under Section 228A. Your name and personal details cannot be shared without your permission. This helps protect your privacy and prevent any shame or stigma, especially during legal proceedings.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/from-workplace-to-home-8-rights-every-indian-woman-should-know-about/articleshow/116336902.cms
2024-12-16T05:21:33Z
A disturbing video recently surfaced on Instagram, showing several cars losing control on the snow-covered roads near the Atal Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh. The Atal Tunnel, an engineering marvel, connects Manali to the Lahaul-Spiti Valley and holds the record as the world's longest highway tunnel above 10,000 feet. While it is celebrated for its architectural achievement, the surrounding region, especially during the winter months, can be extremely hazardous, as captured in these alarming videos. Mahindra Thar skids on icy Manali roads as driver leaps to safety In one particularly unsettling scene, a white Mahindra Thar can be seen sliding backward on a snow-covered stretch of road. The driver, realizing the imminent danger, leaps out of the moving vehicle in a desperate attempt to avoid a potentially fatal accident. The footage captures the driver landing dangerously close to the front wheel of the car, barely escaping disaster. The split-second decision to jump out of the vehicle was a life-saving move, and the driver was fortunate to avoid serious injury in this harrowing moment. The footage is part of a series of videos shared on social media, showing the treacherous roads of Manali, where vehicles are seen skidding uncontrollably on the icy terrain. The videos have gained widespread attention, with one particularly nerve-wracking moment showing a car skidding dangerously close to the edge of a steep gorge. The vehicle almost plunges into the gorge, a potentially catastrophic fall that is narrowly avoided. This scene has further emphasized the extreme risks faced by drivers in the region, especially during the harsh winter months when roads become slippery and hazardous. Impact of heavy snowfall in Himachal Pradesh On December 9, Manali and other parts of Himachal Pradesh received significant snowfall, transforming the region into a winter wonderland. However, this picturesque transformation also brought with it a host of challenges. The snow-covered roads have become a major cause of concern for travelers, with numerous reports of vehicles losing control. The combination of slippery conditions, narrow roads, and sharp turns has led to a series of accidents, with vehicles skidding off roads or colliding with obstacles. Tragic snow-related accident highlights the dangers of icy roads in Himachal Pradesh The dangers of the icy roads were tragically underscored earlier this month when a 49-year-old tourist from New Delhi, Bhishan Garg, lost his life in a snow-related accident. According to police reports, Garg's car was attempting to overtake other vehicles stuck in traffic when it lost control on an icy patch of road. The car collided with a parked tipper truck, killing Garg instantly and injuring three other passengers. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of driving in such hazardous conditions. The videos showing vehicles skidding and drivers narrowly avoiding disaster have gone viral on social media, drawing widespread attention to the dangers of driving on snow-covered roads in the Himalayas. With over 24 million views on Instagram, these clips have sparked discussions about road safety, especially in regions that experience extreme winter conditions. The footage serves as a visual warning for travelers, urging them to exercise extreme caution when navigating icy and snowy roads. Viral videos highlight the dangers of Himachal Pradesh's icy winter roads The viral videos have highlighted the urgent need for caution when traveling in the Himachal Pradesh region during the winter months. As snowfall increases, so does the risk of accidents, with vehicles losing control on slippery roads and snow-covered paths. Drivers must remain alert, adjust their driving speeds, and equip their vehicles with appropriate winter tires to ensure safety. Moreover, authorities and local governments must continue to improve road safety measures, including proper de-icing and snow clearing, to minimize the risk of accidents. In conclusion, while the beauty of the snow-covered landscapes in Himachal Pradesh is undeniable, it comes with significant dangers. The series of viral videos capturing these perilous road conditions serve as stark reminders of the risks involved in traveling in this picturesque yet hazardous region. Also Read | “Moment for life”: D Gukesh’s emotional moment with his mom during photo session after historic win, video goes viral
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/life-threatening-moment-driver-jumps-from-moving-car-to-escape-icy-road-danger-near-atal-tunnel-watch/articleshow/116323538.cms
2024-12-16T05:21:39Z
Life often unfolds in unpredictable ways, and some stories seem to leap straight from the pages of a novel or the frames of a Bollywood movie. Some stories have the power to captivate hearts and leave a lasting impression, blending the extraordinary with the deeply human. These tales often feature themes of separation, perseverance, and an eventual reunion that defies the odds. While such narratives are commonly seen in fiction, real life occasionally delivers equally compelling accounts that echo the drama of the silver screen. One such extraordinary tale comes from China, where a young man spent the first two decades of his life as an orphan, only to later discover that he belonged to a wealthy family. This incredible narrative, filled with resilience, love, and humility, has captivated people worldwide. Family’s 26-year search for Shi Qinshuai ends in an emotional reunion Shi Qinshuai’s life took a tragic turn when he was just three months old. In a cruel twist of fate, he was abducted from his family. His disappearance left his parents shattered and set them on a decades-long quest to find their son. According to the South China Morning Post, the family spared no effort or expense, reportedly spending over Rs 1 crore (£100,000) in their relentless search. For 26 years, the family clung to hope, navigating an emotional rollercoaster as they followed leads and endured dead ends. Finally, on December 1, their tireless efforts were rewarded. Shi was found, and the long-awaited reunion brought tears of joy, relief, and closure to the family’s harrowing journey. Shi Qinshuai rejects luxury and embraces simplicity after family reunion When Shi learned of his true origins, his world was turned upside down. Having grown up as an orphan, he was unaware of the life he could have led. His biological family’s wealth and social status were a stark contrast to the modest life he had known. The reunion was celebrated with fanfare, with Shi’s parents planning to bestow lavish gifts upon him, including multiple flats and a luxury car, to make up for the years they had lost. Despite the whirlwind of emotions and newfound privilege, Shi’s reaction was anything but typical. While many might have embraced the sudden influx of wealth, he surprised everyone by choosing a path of simplicity. Shi humbly requested just one flat where he and his wife could start afresh. He declined other extravagant gifts, citing a desire to maintain humility. “I don’t want my family to lose their grounding after experiencing so much affluence,” Shi explained, demonstrating maturity and self-awareness that resonated deeply with many observers. Shi Qinshuai’s humble choices spark mixed reactions and public debate Shi’s story sparked a wave of reactions online. Admirers lauded his grounded perspective, interpreting it as a testament to his strong values and resilience. His decision to reject excess in favor of simplicity struck a chord with those who value humility over material wealth. However, not everyone viewed his actions through rose-tinted glasses. Some skeptics questioned his motives, speculating that his rejection of luxury might be a strategy to attract sympathy or attention. Despite the mixed opinions, Shi has largely remained focused on building his life, undeterred by public scrutiny. Shi Qinshuai’s story of family, resilience, and the power of simplicity in the digital era Shi now earns a living through a live-streaming channel, where he shares moments from his life and interacts with followers. This modern occupation allows him to forge his own path while staying connected to a global audience. His journey is not only a testament to perseverance and family bonds but also a reflection of the values he holds dear. Shi Qinshuai’s story is more than just a sensational headline—it’s a poignant narrative about identity, love, and the power of perseverance. From the depths of despair as a kidnapped child to the highs of a heartfelt family reunion, his journey reminds us that even the most challenging circumstances can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Shi’s decision to embrace simplicity, despite the opulence surrounding him, has cemented his story as a source of inspiration and reflection. In a world often driven by materialism, his humility serves as a powerful reminder that true wealth lies in values, relationships, and the strength to remain grounded amidst life’s twists and turns. Also Read | “Life threatening moment”: Driver jumps from moving car to escape icy road danger near Atal Tunnel | Watch
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/man-reunites-with-rich-family-in-china-after-26-years-and-chooses-simplicity-over-luxury/articleshow/116333079.cms
2024-12-16T05:21:45Z
D Gukesh, an 18-year-old chess prodigy from India, has made history by winning the World Chess Championship, defeating the reigning champion, Ding Liren. This remarkable achievement not only makes Gukesh the youngest-ever World Chess Champion but also marks a significant milestone in Indian chess history, positioning him alongside legendary players like Viswanathan Anand. His victory has captured global attention and inspired a new generation of chess enthusiasts. Gukesh’s triumph showcases his exceptional skills, determination, and focus, making him a rising star in the world of chess with a bright future ahead. Gukesh makes history as India’s second chess world champion With his win, Gukesh has joined the elite list of chess world champions, becoming only the second player from India to achieve this title. He follows the legendary Viswanathan Anand, who was the first Indian to win the World Chess Championship. Anand’s success inspired countless young chess enthusiasts across India, and now, Gukesh’s triumph is setting the stage for the next generation of Indian chess prodigies. This achievement has brought immense pride to India and further cemented the country’s position on the global chess map. Gukesh's victory is especially significant as it highlights the growing talent pool of young chess players emerging from India. It serves as proof that India is becoming a powerhouse in the world of chess, with Gukesh leading the charge for a new era of success in the sport. Gukesh claims victory in thrilling World Chess Championship match The World Chess Championship match itself was nothing short of thrilling. Both players entered the final round with equal determination, and the tension was palpable. Ding Liren, the defending champion, played with the resolve to force a tie-breaker. However, a crucial mistake on Ding's part opened the door for Gukesh to seize the moment and claim victory. This pivotal moment in the game demonstrated not only Gukesh’s exceptional skills but also his ability to remain focused under pressure, making this win all the more impressive. The match’s emotional finale marked the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Gukesh’s tearful reaction upon winning reflected the magnitude of the achievement, as he became the youngest player in history to hold the title of World Chess Champion. Gukesh’s playful post goes viral after World Chess Championship victory In the aftermath of his victory, Gukesh took to Instagram to share a light-hearted post celebrating his achievement. Posing with a humorous sign that read, “I know I am pretty, but please do not touch me,” Gukesh showcased his playful side. The post quickly went viral, with over 200,000 likes, resonating with his fans and supporters around the world. His ability to combine humor with success only added to his charm, making him even more relatable to his growing fanbase. Fans responded with overwhelming admiration, with many applauding not only his chess skills but also his personality. One fan commented, “A champion with a sense of humor! You’ve made us proud, Gukesh!” Another fan noted, “What a brilliant win! You’re the future of Indian chess.” The positive reactions further reflect the respect and love Gukesh has garnered from his supporters. Gukesh’s emotional embrace with his father after World Chess Championship victory Perhaps one of the most emotional moments of the entire championship was when Gukesh, overcome with joy, rushed outside to embrace his father. The sight of a young champion celebrating with his father touched the hearts of many. It was a beautiful moment of father-son bonding that resonated deeply with fans and added a personal, emotional layer to his victory. The significance of this moment cannot be overstated, as it symbolized the culmination of not only Gukesh's personal journey but also the support and sacrifices made by his family along the way. Gukesh’s victory inspires global chess community and future success D Gukesh’s victory has made waves not only in India but across the global chess community. At just 18 years old, he has proven himself to be a formidable force in the world of chess. His record-breaking achievement is an inspiration to aspiring chess players around the world, especially those in India, where chess has become an increasingly popular sport. Looking ahead, Gukesh’s future in chess appears incredibly bright. He has already achieved more than many players do in a lifetime, but given his talent, determination, and humble attitude, there is no telling what more he will accomplish in the coming years. His victory is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and the spirit of competition, and it serves as a beacon of inspiration for young chess players worldwide. Also Read | Man reunites with rich family in China after 26 years and chooses simplicity over luxury
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/please-do-not-touch-me-gukeshs-viral-playful-post-adds-humor-to-his-historic-world-chess-championship-victory/articleshow/116335530.cms
2024-12-16T05:21:51Z
Renowned architect and urban designer Ranjit Sabikhi passed away on Sunday in Delhi at the age of 89. Known for being thoughtful about designing cities, Sabikhi spent over six decades making spaces beautiful and people-friendly. His works and ideas continue to inspire architects, city planners, and designers in the world. A move to Delhi and the start of a careerRanjit Sabikhi was born in Mumbai but later shifted to Delhi in the 1950s and started his career as an architect. In 1961, he started The Design Group with architect Ajoy Choudhury. According to the reports published by various online media, both of them focused on the creation of designs that were practical and aesthetically pleasing and met the needs of the people. Putting people first in designAs online media sources note, for Sabikhi, architecture was not just about buildings; it was about creating spaces that improve people's lives. In this context, one of his most famous projects Yamuna Apartments in Delhi-serves as an example, showing the design of houses that would work for people and would bring comfort with a sense of community. His work is said to be simple, and down-to-earth, yet his simplicity and practical approach meant he believed that good design for buildings was a visual but also made life more simple and easier for users in such buildings. Whether a hotel, an apartment complex, or an open-space Sabikhi created better user experiences. Important projects across IndiaAccording to the online resources, Sabikhi completed a diverse range of works during his career, many of which have served as important landmarks in cities in India. Some of his most important works are: - Oberoi Wildflower Hall in Shimla - Taj Bengal in Kolkata - ITDC Hotel in Varanasi - DLF Centre in Delhi Not just limited to hotels or offices, Sabikhi designed buildings such as the Syrian Christian Church in Hauz Khas and YMCA Staff Quarters, so a lot of buildings under his design served the needs of different people. Teaching the next generation of ArchitectsSabikhi was also a professor apart from his job as an architect. Sabikhi served New Delhi as a teaching assistant at the School of Planning and Architecture from 1959 through to 1975. The younger architects whom he helped form later became successful architects of India. Sabikhi played an important role in designing India's future urban architecture. He also shared his knowledge worldwide by visiting institutions such as Harvard University and Washington University to teach and criticize design ideas. His influence spread his ideas about urban planning and architecture around the world.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/ranjit-sabikhi-visionary-behind-delhis-yamuna-apartments-dies-at-89/articleshow/116334526.cms
2024-12-16T05:21:57Z
According to the latest reports presented by various online media sources, an ancient temple in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district has reopened after being shut for 46 years. The Bhasma Shankar temple, believed to be around 400–500 years old, saw its first aarti on Sunday morning, bringing joy to devotees after decades of silence. The temple came to light during a government- led anti-encroachment drive to clear illegal structures in the Khaggu Sarai area. As reported by online media sources, officials found the temple that had been hidden beneath the layers of encroachment for years. They also discovered an ancient well buried under a ramp that had been constructed over it. Watch here: Sub-Divisional Magistrate Vandana Misra said the drive was on reclaiming public land. Following the discovery of the temple, the authorities decided to restore it to its original structure and ensure it was properly preserved, as reported by various media sources. The temple had been abandoned since 1978 when communal riots broke out in the region. Once an important worship site for the Rastogi community, the temple gradually fell into neglect and was encroached upon. Located just a kilometer away from the Shahi Jama Masjid that recently witnessed unrest, this temple reopening has also received attention. According to the online sources, the site is protected with adequate security arrangements, including police deployment and CCTV cameras. Before the reopening, volunteers cleaned the temple thoroughly and made arrangements for electricity. As reported by media sources, Acharya Brahm Shukla, who performed the first prayers, shared the need for a permanent priest to take care of daily worship and the temple's maintenance. For now, volunteers have stepped up to manage the site. The reopening has brought happiness to many, especially those with memories of the temple from decades ago. District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya confirmed that the temple will be restored and handed back to the community. According to media sources, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has also been contacted to help preserve this historic site. Officials are determined to ensure its legacy is protected, and action will be taken against those who encroached on the property. The rediscovery and reopening of the Bhasma Shankar temple mark a new chapter for this centuries-old site. For locals and devotees, it's a chance to reconnect with their history and faith, while efforts continue to restore and protect this valuable piece of Sambhal's heritage.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/watch-after-46-years-this-sacred-temple-reopens-with-a-heartwarming-aarti/articleshow/116338384.cms
2024-12-16T05:22:03Z
St. John’s newest bouldering gym and cafe, The Cove, wants you to ‘get stoked!’ ‘Bouldering’ refers to rock climbing without ropes – but don’t worry, you don’t go as high, there are beginner-friendly routes, and the staff at The Cove will teach you how to fall safely. Pioneered by longtime members of the climbing community in Newfoundland, co-owners Joel Harvie, David Alacoque, Stephen Ryan and Bob Flynn have found great success since opening their doors in the summer of 2023. Bouldering: both addictive and aerobic Climbing seems to come to people entirely by chance, but once folks find it they’re absolutely hooked. Co-founder and operator Joel Harvie got a coupon for Walnuts – St. John’s only other climbing gym – on a bus back from a marble mountain trip in his early twenties, and after cashing in on it, “I was at Walnuts every day for a month until I had to take a rest day, climbing was just very, very addicting, I couldn’t help myself, I haven’t looked back since and now here we are.” Co-founder and operator Daniel Alacoque also found climbing around a similar age. After his friend pawned off their old climbing shoes on to him, Alacoque tried it out of curiosity and found himself quickly addicted to climbing as well. The Cove came to be when Harvie and Alacoque were both working at Walnuts. Heavily immersed in the local rock–climbing community, they identified a want for more in St. John’s, as they had both “done a fair bit of travel and had seen what climbing could be outside of Newfoundland.” “We were both working on this idea of a bouldering gym separately and we somehow figured each other out, sat down once for a conversation over a beer at Big Ben’s and I don’t think we ever turned around and thought about doing it without each other after that,” Harvie says, “we wanted to give back to the community who gave us so much.” Their visions for what a bouldering gym in St. John’s might look like seemed to align perfectly, and they began seriously working on the idea. Cardio and community at the “church” Since its grand opening, The Cove has seen an overwhelmingly positive response from patrons, achieving one of the co–founder’s main goals in its establishment: to grow the local climbing community. Joel Harvie recalled that at the beginning, their friends and existing members of the local climbing community were thrilled. Now, over half their client base is people who didn’t climb before The Cove, and people seem to love the place. Alacoque likened being immersed in the climbing community to church, saying that “from what we know growing up, the climbing community is a little bit like a church sometimes, you spend years in the community – you see people meet each other, get married, have kids, and they’re all continuously climbing whether it’s casually climbing in the same day or hanging out at community events and its really cool to see.” “Seeing the youth come up in our ‘church,’ in our community, and so many of them continuing to stay involved after their default programming as a youth athlete … watching them still hang around and integrate into the community of their own volition has been really cool,” Harvie added. As far as fitness goes, bouldering especially has a low barrier to entry. Harvie cites the accessibility factor as one of the main reasons for its spike in popularity over the last decade, “for bouldering you don’t need to do any kind of rope safety lesson which makes it more accessible to just try it out… if you imagine trying to organize every one of your workouts around somebody else, that’s brutal, so bouldering lets you just come in and do it on your own.” Climbing also has a sense of childlike whimsy about it – many St. John’s residents may recall attending a birthday party at Walnuts as a child – which makes it a great outlet for stress relief, all while staying active. “Climbing also is a very natural thing to do – you grow up climbing trees, and stop as an adult – you don’t have that sort of childlike movement and it’s very cathartic to use your four limbs to climb up a wall,” Alacoque says. Continued success of climbing on the rock In conversation with The Muse, Alacoque also spoke about his experience as one of the leading climbing coaches in the province. Climbing is a highly individualized sport, and he said it’s been extremely rewarding to work with individual climbers and see their progress. “Climbing is a good sport to coach the person rather than the team. If you coach a team of soccer, you’re focusing on the team, maybe some drills. You’re rarely challenging people and athletes one one-on-one, or encouraging the athlete to push their own limits individually. With climbing, all of the athletes, whether they’re youths or adults, they’re very individually focused. So if you are a person that is motivated to improve, climbing is a really good sport to push yourself,” says Daniel Alacoque. The Cove recently announced plans for expansion following their immense success. The future of climbing in Newfoundland looks bright, and any susceptible climbers are encouraged to try it out – especially as the season’s weather worsens and staying active gets more difficult.
https://themuse.ca/climbing-and-community-thrive-at-the-cove/
2024-12-16T05:22:06Z
Tune in LIVE as the Redskins take the podium following a 22-21 preseason victory over the Tennessee Titans. Head coach Mike Shanahan and select players will take the podium, watch live exclusively on Redskins.com . . Tune in LIVE as the Redskins take the podium following a 22-21 preseason victory over the Tennessee Titans. Head coach Mike Shanahan and select players will take the podium, watch live exclusively on Redskins.com . .
https://www.commanders.com/news/watch-postgame-press-conferences-live-10746467
2024-12-16T05:22:05Z
Not been keeping up with the thread but watched first ep of Black Doves today on a bit of a random dinner time pick and think it's gonna be binged later! As I've said before, the Full English is just the base upon which the Scots/Welsh/NI have improved upon. Sorry but the Full English is the worst of the British breakfasts. Just started watching Gomorrah again. I forgot how good it is. I've seen the majority of the big hitters over the last number of years, but for me this is out on its own. It's like the Van Dijk of TV shows. Really intense and addictive. I'm not even sure if it's that big of a show, most people I speak to about it have never heard of it.I read the book too, it's a bit chaotic the book. Great read all the same. I could only watch the first three episodes of season 5 and I tried twice. Up till then it was great. I watched The Immortal after season 4 instead. The soundtrack was great also. How you getting on with Bad Sisters S2? Enjoyed all of Black Doves. Bad Sisters isnt as good as series one, but still entertaining and very watchable. Enjoyed The Day of the Jackal. Keeps you on the edge of your seat. Agree some things could have been better explained, but overall a very good series. Has anyone watched that new Dexter prequel show on paramount+?
https://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=277896.msg19757859
2024-12-16T05:22:06Z
The tragic and immensely heartbreaking suicide of 34-year-old Bengaluru techie, Atul Subhash, has left many people shocked and asking questions. According to the reports presented by various online sources, on December 9, Atul ended his life, leaving behind a 24-page suicide note and a video. In these, he accused his wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family of harassment, extortion, and filing false cases against him. A troubled marriageAccording to the reports, Atul married Nikita in 2019 and had a son. However, their relationship deteriorated over the years, leading to significant disputes. According to Atul’s family, the problems worsened when Nikita and her family allegedly demanded large amounts of money. According to the reports, in his suicide note, Atul highlighted that Nikita and her family asked for ₹3 crore to settle legal disputes and another ₹30 lakh to let him meet his four-year-old son. Although Atul was paying ₹2 lakh every month for his son’s expenses, he said he was still not allowed to see his child. He felt his son was being used as a way to force him to pay more money. Poll Should harassment and extortion accusations be investigated? Dreadful claims of harassment and false casesAtul’s family filed a complaint accusing Nikita, her mother Nisha, her brother Anurag, and her uncle Sushil of harassing him. According to Atul, Nikita and her family filed several false cases against him, including allegations of domestic violence, dowry harassment, and even attempted murder. Atul wrote that during court hearings, Nikita mocked him and even told him to kill himself. He said this made him feel immensely helpless and pushed him to take this extreme step. Allegations of judicial corruptionAtul’s note didn’t just blame his wife and her family; it also accused the legal system of failing him. He wrote that a judge in Uttar Pradesh’s family court was biased and ignored his side of the story. According to various online media sources, he claimed that when he stood against the money demands in court, the judge disregarded him, saying, “She’s your wife; this is normal.” Atul also claimed that a court officer openly accepted bribes in front of the judge, further intensifying his frustration and immense restlessness. His final pleaAs per the sources, before taking his life, Atul recorded a video in which he spoke about the immense stress he was under due to the legal fights and harassment. Holding a sign that read, “Justice is Due,” Atul said he felt trapped and could no longer handle the pressure. In the video, he asked for custody of his son to be given to his parents and requested that his ashes not be immersed until justice was served. Atul was later found hanging in his Bengaluru apartment on December 9. Public outrage and the role of Nikita SinghaniaAtul’s death has visibly sparked anger on social media, with people calling for justice under hashtags like #JusticeForAtulSubhash and #MenToo. Many activists, MPs as well as lawyers have highlighted how laws meant to protect women are sometimes significantly misused, causing harm to men like Atul. Nikita, along with her mother, brother, and uncle, has been named in an FIR for provoking someone to commit suicide. The investigation into these allegations is in action. Accenture, where Subhash’s wife works, is facing significant backlash. Social media users are calling for her to be fired, with severalcperson expressing their sentiments on X (formerly known as Twitter). In response to the growing criticism, Accenture locked its official X account, restricting public access. Meanwhile, the company’s Indian account remained visible but inactive. Advocate Ashutosh Dubey, associated with the BJP, criticized Accenture’s response on X, stating, “So Accenture has locked its account in an attempt to avoid addressing the issue with Nikita Singhania. This isn’t just silence; it’s complicity.” What happens next?The case has drawn attention to the struggles men face in legal disputes, especially in such family matters. Atul’s family is demanding justice, not only against Nikita and her family but also from the legal system that they believe let him down. Bikas Kumar, Atul's brother, told reporters."My brother did everything for her. Whatever has happened was unfortunate. If he had ever discussed it with me or our father - we would have helped him get out of this situation...," He also said, "I want to request the government of India and the President - that justice must be done to my brother if he is with truth otherwise give me the proof to show that he is wrong. There should be a proper investigation against the judge who is named in my brother's suicide," Atul Subhash’s tragic death has raised pressing questions about the fairness of family disputes in India and the potential misuse of protective laws. His story, filled with allegations of harassment, extortion, and judicial bias, underscores the urgent need to address gender-neutral concerns in legal processes. The incident has reignited debates about the balance between protecting women’s rights and preventing misuse of laws against men, highlighting the vulnerabilities some men face in such situations. As investigations continue, Atul’s family and supporters are advocating for accountability from both Nikita’s family and the judicial system. His final plea for justice resonates as a call for reforms ensuring equitable treatment for all, irrespective of gender. Atul Subhash’s tragic story serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities and vulnerabilities within India’s legal and familial systems. His death has not only sparked a wave of public outrage but has also brought to light the urgent need for more comprehensive reforms to address the misuse of protective laws. Advocates for gender neutrality argue for balanced legislation that protects both men and women from harassment and exploitation in family disputes. The case continues to attract nationwide attention, urging society and lawmakers to consider the emotional and legal struggles faced by men in similar predicaments, demanding justice and systemic change. Atul Subhash’s tragic death also underscores the importance of mental health awareness and support during stressful legal and familial conflicts. While much focus has been on the legal and financial aspects of his case, his story highlights the need for better emotional and psychological support for individuals going through such intense personal battles. Many are now calling for greater access to counseling and mental health resources, as well as more proactive measures from both families and the legal system to identify and address emotional distress before it reaches a breaking point. Experts emphasize the importance of accessible counseling services and early intervention to prevent such heartbreaking outcomes. As public debates continue, this incident serves as a wake-up call to address the emotional and psychological toll of family disputes, ensuring no one feels so helpless again.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/who-is-atul-subhashs-wife/articleshow/116207285.cms
2024-12-16T05:22:09Z
The world bowed as 18-year-old Gukesh D defeated reigning champion Ding Liren of China, making history as the youngest-ever World Chess Champion. With his historic victory, Gukesh becomes the 18th Grandmaster and only the second Indian, after the legendary Viswanathan Anand, to claim the World Chess Championship title. The 18-year-old Gukesh defeated China’s Ding Liren 7.5-6.5 in the title match. The young man couldn’t control his tears as he realized that he had bagged the Championship. After his big win Gukesh said, "I was dreaming this moment for the last 10 years. I am happy that I realised the dream (and made it) into reality," He further added, "I got a bit emotional because I was not expecting to win. But then I got a chance to press on.” After 13 intense and unpredictable games, both competitors entered the showdown tied with 6.5 points each, knowing that only a victory—one point—could secure the coveted World Champion title. However, as the game dragged out into the fifth hour it seemed that the game was headed to a draw, but the reigning champion made a blunder, one that cost him the title. Credit: X/@chesscom Gukesh has long been described as an ambitious player, always focused on the ultimate goal—the World Champion title. A viral video from his childhood offers proof of this, where the 11-year-old, before becoming a Grandmaster, tells IM Sagar Shah of ChessBase India, "I want to become the youngest chess champion in the world." Speaking about Gukesh, his former coach and Grandmaster, Vishnu Prasanna, told the Indian Express that, unlike other students his age, Gukesh had always been "much more serious" about chess from the age of 11. He said that Gukesh had shown- “ an obsession about the game and to be No 1.” Who is Gukesh D? Gukesh Dommaraju or Gukesh D was born in Chennai, India on 29 May 2006. As per reports, his father is a surgeon whereas his mother is a microbiologist by profession. Gukesh began learning chess at the age of seven, which is relatively late compared to many prodigies. Credit: X/@DGukesh Gukesh was introduced to chess by his school, part of the Velammal group of schools in Chennai, which is also known for producing talents like Praggnanandhaa R. His first coach, Mr. Bhaskar, helped him become a FIDE-rated player within just six months of starting his chess journey. There was no stopping Gukesh then, two years later, under the coaching of Mr. Vijayanand, Gukesh, at the 2015 Asian School Chess Championships, won the under-9 section and also earned the candidate master (CM) title. At the Asian Youth Chess Championships, Gukesh claimed five gold medals, winning in the under-12 individual classical, rapid, and blitz categories, as well as the under-12 team rapid and blitz events. In the same year, he secured the under-12 title at the World Youth Chess Championships, finishing with an impressive 10/11 points. Credit: X/@DGukesh His next big break came in 2017, he earned the title of International Master in March 2017 at the 34th Cappelle-la-Grande Open. And this too at the young age of 12, which made him the second-youngest chess grandmaster in history. In 2023, Gukesh became the top-ranked Indian chess player, breaking Vishwanathan Anand’s 37 year long reign. With his eyes on the prize, Gukesh became the youngest ever winner of the Candidates, which made his path as one of the two contenders for the World Championship. After the 18-year-old D. Gukesh won the World Chess Championship, a video of his father's emotional reaction went viral. Dr. Rajinikanth, an ENT surgeon, was anxiously following the match on his mobile phone when he learned of his son's victory. Overcome with emotion, he rushed towards the hall and shared a heartfelt hug with Gukesh, celebrating the historic win together. This touching moment captured the hearts of many and quickly spread across social media. Gukesh D's historic victory as the youngest-ever World Chess Champion marks a new era for Indian chess. With unwavering determination and remarkable talent, the 18-year-old has achieved a dream he nurtured since childhood, inspiring millions and cementing his place among the game's legends.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/who-is-gukesh-d-his-educational-journey-and-why-is-he-trending/articleshow/116257793.cms
2024-12-16T05:22:15Z
One person is dead and two others are injured after a crash Sunday evening in Winthrop, Maine. Winthrop police tell NBC10 Boston affiliate News Center Maine that two vehicles were involved in a collision on Route 202 around 4:30 p.m. A preliminary investigation shows 28-year-old Justin Mason was heading west on Route 202, as another vehicle, driven by Mariah St. Laurent, was traveling east. Police tell News Center Maine that St. Laurent was slowing to make a left turn onto Royal Street when the crash occurred. Mason, of Monmouth, was pronounced dead at the scene, News Center Maine reports. His passenger was taken to Central Maine Medical Center with life-threatening injuries, police said. St. Laurent, 41, of Leeds, was taken to Maine General in Augusta with injuries that are not considered life-threatening. There was no word from police on what caused the crash. The Winthrop Police Department is investigating with assistance from Monmouth police and Maine State Police. Local The Kennebec-Somerset District Attorney's Office has also been notified, police told News Center Maine. Anyone with information about this crash is asked to contact Winthrop police at 207-377-7226.
https://www.necn.com/news/local/winthrop-maine-route-202-crash/3415814/
2024-12-16T05:22:17Z
Surely if you have 2 tickets in your account and you've been charged more than the value of 2 tickets then it's a fairly simple conversation with the TO to get a refund of the additional? You would think so wouldnt you, but this is the very efficient and infamous LFC ticket office you are dealing with. I have had this happen for every home cup game this season, all our 6 are taken in one lump and then a random adult price ticket is taken, I even cancelled my debit card and got a new one two weeks ago and still an additional random £19 adult ticket payment was taken for the Accrington game. I have spent hours on live chat and they cant figure out why its happened, last chat I had ended with them asking for my old debit card number and saying they will get back to me !!!
https://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=356983.msg19757861
2024-12-16T05:22:19Z
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ lopsided time of possession wasn’t just bad within the scope of their Sunday game against the Philadelphia Eagles, it was borderline historic for the franchise. The Steelers’ offensive identity entering the season was clear. They wanted to control the clock with a combination of their own rushing attack and an excellent defense. They’ve done a nice job with that identity this season but suffered a huge setback against the Eagles in Week 15. After winning (or tying) the time of possession (TOP) battle in all but two games this season, the Steelers suffered a lopsided defeat in this category. The Steelers possessed the ball for just 20:08. Their worst this season was 27:31 against the Dallas Cowboys, for comparison. The Steelers entered Week 15 with the best average TOP in the league at 32:29 per game. It will be interesting to see how far they fall down the list after their 27-13 loss in Philadelphia. According to Sports Reference, this is the sixth-worst TOP performance in Steelers history since the stat started being tracked in 1983. They haven’t had a performance this poor since 2003, when they only possessed the ball for 20:00. The worst TOP performance in team history at just 17:52 came in 1983 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Strangely enough, both of the Steelers’ games against the Bengals that season are on this dubious list, but they actually won one of them, 24-14, with just 19:46 TOP. When the Steelers are under 22:00 in TOP, they have a 3-13 record since 1983. One of their worst performances came in a 51-0 loss to the Cleveland Browns — yuck! How did things get so bad against the Eagles? There are a number of stats you can point to. For one, they allowed the Eagles to go 11-of-18 (61.1 percent) on third and fourth down. The defense couldn’t get off the field. The Eagles possessed the ball for 24:10 in the second half. They out-possessed the Steelers’ entire game in just the second half. I’ve never seen a drive breakdown quite like this in the second half, per ESPN’s play-by-play. That’s it. That’s the entire second half. Just five drives, and just 11 plays for the Steelers compared to a whopping 47 for the Eagles. One of the reasons the defense performed so poorly in those situations was the offense failing to hold up its end of the bargain. The Steelers were 3-of-10 (30 percent) on third down. The Eagles ran 77 total plays to the Steelers’ 41. The one chance the Steelers had to even up time of possession was winning the turnover battle. They got off to a promising start with two forced fumbles early on, but Najee Harris fumbled away a toss play to give up their one advantage in this game. How concerning is it for a team that prides itself on possessing the ball and avoiding self-inflicted wounds to have a game like this in mid-December just before the playoffs? That story is still to be written. The aforementioned 1983 Steelers were one and done in the playoffs.
https://steelersdepot.com/2024/12/clocking-out-steelers-have-worst-time-of-possession-in-over-20-years/
2024-12-16T05:22:21Z
Rodriguez Oscar page on Tribal Football: Dive into the behind-the-scenes football news about Rodriguez Oscar - breaking team news, trending soccer stories, transfer rumours & gossip, contract updates and more. In addition to Rodriguez Oscar news, you can follow updates on top football players (e.g. Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé) or the latest news from major football competitions (e.g. Premier League, LaLiga, UEFA Champions League) on TribalFootball.com.
https://www.tribalfootball.com/topic/rodriguez-oscar-98dc2174-44a3-4ce2-ab3b-351897fbe224
2024-12-16T05:22:21Z
Day after day, without fail, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, following a rhythm as old as time itself. But have you ever wondered why the sun behaves in such a predictable way? The answer lies in Earth's steady rotation, a phenomenon so precise it keeps our days in rhythm yet so ordinary we often take it for granted. Let us explore the mechanics behind this wonder. Earlier, ancient people used to believe that the sun’s movement proved that the sun revolved around the Earth. With the advent of modern astronomy, we've discovered that the Sun doesn't revolve around us. Instead, our planet orbits the Sun while also rotating on its axis. This motion creates the appearance of the Sun moving across the sky, forming the foundation for how we measure time. Earth would seem to rotate counterclockwise if viewed from above the celestial north. As a result of this, to an observer on the Earth's surface, the Sun appears to move westward at a rate of 15° per hour (or 15' per minute). The same is true for all celestial objects observed in the sky. However, an exception to this law is- Venus and Uranus. Venus rotates backward compared to its orbit around the Sun (a phenomenon known as retrograde motion). On the other hand, Uranus not only rotates in a westward direction (opposite to most planets) but its axis is tilted to such an extreme degree that it seems to be lying on its side about the Sun. While not a planet, Pluto also has a retrograde motion, which means that anyone standing on its surface would see the sunrise from the west and set in the east. The Earth travels at an average orbital speed of 107,200 km/h (66,600 mph), completing one full orbit around the Sun in about 365.256 days, known as a sidereal year. As a result, every four years, an extra day is added to the calendar, creating a Leap Year. Further due to its counterclockwise motion and its axial tilt, Earth experiences different seasons. When the North Pole is pointing towards the Sun, the northern hemisphere experiences summer, and the southern hemisphere experiences winter. And the vice versa happens when the South Pole is pointing towards the Sun. The amount of sunlight each pole receives, and the temperature variations across the globe, all are the results of Earth’s revolution around the sun.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/why-sun-rises-in-the-east-and-sets-in-the-west/articleshow/116301027.cms
2024-12-16T05:22:21Z
i have an issue with that and the Perreira no red card, but i'm surprised to see people having complaints about Robbo's red. i think somewhere between 99.9 and 100% of us would say it's a clear red card if it happened to us. robbo took him out as the last man Not how I saw it. Robertsons tackle came in just after Wilson had touched the ball and so the tackle didnt affect the pass. Its only red if its DOGSO. Wilson wasnt getting to his own touch and the ball went to Jimenez who then had a great chance. The referee played advantage (although he didnt appear to signal) and then when Jimenez missed the referee blew up. So how was it a red for DOGSO when Robertsons foul did not affect the immediate opportunity. Nothing that Robertson did affected the fact that Jimenez had a great chance but fluffed it. The advantage was played, there was an immediate and great chance for Fulham. If Robertson had not touched Wilson then the exact same outcome would have occurred. Ive only seen the foul from one angle and it looks like Wilson played the ball and then Robertson caught him (sorry if this is incorrect). So how is it a red? If Fulham had scored then would it have been a red? The fact that Jimenez missed doesnt make it DOGSO.
https://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=357032.msg19757857
2024-12-16T05:22:25Z
Skip to content Main Navigation Search Search for: Weather Investigations Videos Entertainment Politics Business Newsletters Live TV Trending Watch 24/7 streaming news Winter snow forecast Eat New England Remembering Lewiston Karen Read trial Expand 5 School Closings Sports Patriots, Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics and more
https://www.necn.com/news/sports/nfl/geno-smith-injures-knee-packers-seahawks-week-15-game/3415819/
2024-12-16T05:22:23Z
Federal Officials Will Deploy High-Tech System To New York After Drones Shut Down Airport, Governor Says By Jack Phillips of The Epoch Times New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that the federal government will send a “a state-of-the-art drone detection system” to her state after a number of drone sightings across New York and New Jersey in recent days. While she did not elaborate on the system that will be deployed, it “will support state and federal law enforcement in their investigations,” she said in a statement on the morning of Dec. 15. “I am grateful for the support, but we need more. Congress must pass a law that will give us the power to deal directly with the drones,” the governor wrote on social media platform X around the same time. She urged Congress to pass the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act that will give states “the authority and resources required to respond to circumstances like we face today.” It’s not clear whether the federal government sent a similar system to New Jersey, where most of the drone sightings have occurred, or in other states. Over the weekend, swarms of drones were spotted in other states along the East Coast, including Maryland. On Dec. 14, Hochul said that a drone sighting shut down Stewart International Airport, a small airport located in Orange County within the Hudson Valley. “Last night, the runways at Stewart Airfield were shut down for approximately one hour due to drone activity in the airspace,” the governor said in a statement. “This has gone too far.” Hochul then called on the federal government to provide assistance in dealing with the unmanned vehicles, adding that federal rules make it difficult for the state to deal with drones. “Extending these powers to New York State and our peers is essential,” the governor also said. “Until those powers are granted to state and local officials, the Biden administration must step in by directing additional federal law enforcement to New York and the surrounding region to ensure the safety of our critical infrastructure and our people.” Federal officials in the past week have stressed that there is no evidence the drones pose a security or public safety threat to the United States, while also asserting the drones are not being operated by a foreign adversary such as Iran or China. On the morning of Dec. 15, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas suggested in an ABC News interview that the drones also were not flying around sensitive military sites. Despite the assurances from federal officials, multiple elected officials have called on the government to shoot the drones down. “Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge,” President-elect Donald Trump wrote on social media over the weekend. “I don’t think so! Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down.” Continue reading at The Epoch Times
https://www.zerohedge.com/military/federal-officials-will-deploy-high-tech-system-new-york-after-drones-shut-down-airport
2024-12-16T05:22:26Z
The Philadelphia Eagles may be one of the few teams that can claim to be more physical than the Pittsburgh Steelers. Their offensive line is stellar, but against the Steelers’ defensive line, they were always going to have their hands full. The Steelers won their fair share of those battles, but the Eagles imposed their will on them to end the game. Their final drive bled basically the entire fourth quarter, spanning 21 plays. However, Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata revealed that did not feel as easy as it looked at the end of the Eagles’ 27-13 win. “That was tough,” Mailata said via the Eagles’ YouTube channel. “Moving the ball was tough. That was not an easy task. Stat wise, you see time of possession, 10:31, you’re like, ‘Oh, that’s pretty dominant.’ It didn’t feel like that. We had to earn every down. That was a great front and a great team that we played.” That’s nice for Mailata to say. His team did win the game, so he could’ve gloated if he wanted to. Instead, he showed respect. Although Mailata complimented the Steelers, it still has to hurt that they got worn down like that. They want to be the best, but the Eagles pushed them around to close out the game. That final drive was pure dominance from the Eagles. It isn’t often you’ll see something like that. They ran 21 plays, went 88 yards, and drained the final 10:29 off the clock. The Steelers had them pinned back in the shadow of their own end zone, but the Eagles fought their way out of it and didn’t give the ball back until QB Jalen Hurts handed it to an official after the final kneel down. Funny enough, that’s the kind of offense the Steelers want to have. Multiple times this year, they’ve imposed their will on an opponent to close out games. The Eagles just play that tough, physical style better than they do. Their offensive line is more experienced, and running back Saquon Barkley is an MVP candidate for a reason. Hopefully, the Steelers can learn from their mistakes against the Eagles. They’re about to face another powerful rushing offense in the Baltimore Ravens. They stopped them when the AFC North rivals met the first time this season, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be able to do it again. That game is going to have more weight than this loss to the Eagles, so no positive comments after the game will feel good if they lose to the Ravens.
https://steelersdepot.com/2024/12/great-team-we-played-despite-lopsided-numbers-eagles-credit-steelers-for-stout-defense/
2024-12-16T05:22:27Z
MAPUTO: Cyclone Chido slammed into Mozambique early Sunday, bringing gale-force winds and heavy rain after leaving a trail of death and destruction in France's Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte. The cyclone appeared to have intensified as it crossed the Mozambique Channel overnight to make landfall around 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of the northern city of Pemba, weather services said. "The cyclone is already affecting Pemba with a very strong intensity. We were monitoring the situation but there is no communication with Pemba since 7 am (0500 GMT)," National Institute of Meteorology director Aderito Aramuge told AFP. UNICEF said it was on the ground to help the people impacted by the storm, which had already caused some damage. "Many homes, schools and health facilities have been partially or completely destroyed and we are working closely with government to ensure continuity of essential basic services," it said in a statement. The storm was expected to bring thunderstorms and strong winds with gusts of up to 260 kilometres per hour to the Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces, the Mozambique weather service said. More than 250 millimetres (10 inches) of precipitation were expected in 24 hours, it added. Video images from Pemba showed heavy rain and trees bent by the wind. There were reports that some homes had been damaged by the storm. The cyclone killed at least 14 people in Mayotte, a security source told AFP Sunday in an updated provisional toll.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/weather/cyclone-chido-slams-into-mozambique/articleshow/116336053.cms
2024-12-16T05:22:28Z
Just watched Carry-on which is new to Netflix and starring Taron Egerton. It's not a biopic about Sid James but an action thriller. Egerton is an LAX airport TSA agent who gets caught up in a plot to sneak a package through security and onto a plane. It's very Die Hard, and that's a good thing. Very cat and mouse in the first hour as well.
https://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=77391.msg19757860
2024-12-16T05:22:32Z
The Democratic Party Changed While We Stayed In Place Authored by Josh Stylman via The Brownstone Institute, Let me start by saying I loathe politics. I’ve always been drawn to liberal ideas—individual freedom, protecting the vulnerable, questioning authority, and the fundamental belief that consenting adults should be free to live their lives however they choose as long as they’re not harming others. These aren’t political positions to me; they’re basic human principles. But the game of politics itself repulses me. What I’m about to share isn’t about politics; it’s about our shared reality and how we’ve lost touch with it. The Mindvirus What’s truly mind-numbing to me is how people don’t see what’s happening right in front of them. The media has devolved into nothing more than a propaganda mouthpiece for the establishment, programming people to react rather than think. I’ve experienced this firsthand: When I drew historical comparisons between vaccine mandates and 1933 Germany’s early authoritarian policies, I was instantly labeled an extremist and cancelled by my NYC community. Yet now, these same people casually call everyone at Trump’s MSG rally Nazis. The irony would be funny if it weren’t so tragic. My Liberal Foundation I still believe deeply in core liberal principles: - Genuine free speech, not the controlled corporate version we see today - Standing against establishment overreach - Opposing unchecked corporate power - Fighting against unnecessary wars - Complete bodily autonomy – your body, your choice, in ALL contexts - Defending individual rights consistently, not selectively These aren’t just political positions—they’re principles about human dignity and freedom. The Democratic Party’s Transformation The Democratic Party’s drift from these values didn’t happen overnight. Many of us, exhausted by Bush’s brutal wars, lies about weapons of mass destruction, and the Patriot Act’s assault on civil liberties, invested our hopes in Obama’s promise of change. But instead of the transformation we sought, we got what felt like Bush’s third and fourth terms. Under Obama, we watched as corporate influence grew stronger, not weaker. The Snowden revelations exposed massive surveillance programs. The housing crisis devastated ordinary Americans while Wall Street got bailouts. Rather than challenging institutional power, the Democratic establishment became increasingly entangled with it. The betrayal of liberal values became even clearer with Bernie Sanders. Like Trump, Bernie tapped into something real—a deep frustration with a system that had left ordinary Americans behind. Both men, from vastly different perspectives, recognized that working people were suffering while elites prospered. But the Democratic establishment couldn’t allow an actual progressive challenger. They used every trick in the book—from media manipulation to primary shenanigans—to block him from the nomination. Most disappointing was watching Bernie himself bend the knee to the same establishment he had railed against, leaving millions of supporters feeling betrayed and politically homeless. When Hillary Clinton emerged as the nominee, we were told rejecting her meant rejecting women’s leadership. But we weren’t rejecting female leadership—we were rejecting warmongering and corporate cronyism. What we needed was a leader embodying the feminine divine: qualities of compassion, understanding, nurturing wisdom, and the ability to truly listen. Instead, we got another hawk in the corporate establishment’s pocket. And when that failed, they doubled down on cynical identity politics with Harris. Today, the situation relating to Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. perfectly exemplifies how far the party has fallen. Here was a lifelong Democrat, a member of the party’s most popular family, who wanted to challenge these corrupting influences—and they wouldn’t even let him on the debate stage. I firmly believe that had they given him the opportunity, he could have united the country and beaten Trump. But that reveals the truth: this was never about beating Trump. It was about ensuring they maintained control by installing another establishment stooge who wouldn’t challenge their power structure. His departure from the party isn’t just about one candidate; it’s the culmination of a long betrayal of liberal principles. The Politics of Distraction vs. Real Issues Take abortion rights. This is an incredibly nuanced issue with deeply held convictions on all sides. I’ve spoken with several constitutional lawyers who’ve explained that overturning Roe was legally sound—not a political decision but a constitutional one about federal versus state authority. That makes it even more telling that Democrats, when they had a supermajority, chose not to codify these protections into federal law. Instead, they’ve kept this issue unresolved, using it as a reliable tool to drive voter turnout every four years. While abortion access matters deeply to many Americans, we’re facing multiple crises that threaten the very foundation of our republic: inflation is crushing working families while Wall Street posts record profits; government surveillance of citizens has reached dystopian levels; and our regulatory agencies—the FDA and CDC—have been completely captured by corporate interests, approving one toxic product after another while our children are being poisoned by processed foods, environmental toxins, and experimental drugs. The climate crisis (or what some see as deliberate geoengineering) threatens our very survival. Our border is in complete chaos—while we send billions to foreign conflicts most Americans barely understand. All this while our own infrastructure crumbles and our nation grows more divided than ever. The hypocrisy around women’s rights is particularly telling. The same party that claims to champion women’s bodily autonomy pushed for mandatory experimental medical interventions, despite documented evidence of mRNA vaccines affecting women’s reproductive cycles and fertility. These effects were known from early trials, yet raising concerns got you labeled as “anti-science.” Meanwhile, they’ve insisted that biological males have access to women’s spaces—including locker rooms, bathrooms, and sports competitions—prioritizing fashionable ideologies over women’s safety and fair competition. The Democrats permanently lost any moral authority on bodily autonomy the moment they advocated for mandatory medical procedures—yet they continue to lecture us about it without a hint of self-awareness. Liberal principles aren’t a Chinese menu where you get to pick and choose which freedoms matter. Take Kamala Harris—she literally campaigned on “My body, my choice” while simultaneously mandating experimental Covid shots for her own campaign staff. You can’t claim to champion bodily autonomy in one breath and deny it in the next based on political convenience. Either you believe in individual liberty and bodily autonomy, or you don’t. There’s no à la carte option when it comes to fundamental human rights. The Corporate-State Fusion What we’re seeing today aligns disturbingly well with Mussolini’s definition of fascism: the merger of state and corporate power. Look at Klaus Schwab’s World Economic Forum promoting “stakeholder capitalism,” where corporations and governments form partnerships to control various aspects of society. The WEF’s corporate membership reads like a who’s who of Democratic Party megadonors: BlackRock, which donated millions to Biden’s campaign while pushing ESG policies that benefit their bottom line; Pfizer, which poured over $10 million into Democratic coffers while securing massive government contracts; Google and Meta, which not only donate heavily but actively suppress information challenging Democratic narratives. This isn’t a coincidence; it’s coordination. These same companies shape policy that enriches them: BlackRock advises on financial policy while managing government assets, Pfizer helps write drug approval guidelines while selling mandatory vaccines, and Big Tech collaborates with federal agencies to control information flow. We saw this play out in real time: from day one of the Biden administration, they created backdoor channels into social media companies to censor Americans’ speech about Covid, the 2020 election, and other sensitive topics. This isn’t a theory—it’s documented fact. Every major policy decision seems to benefit these corporate partners: vaccine mandates, digital currency initiatives, censorship programs, climate policies—all funneling money and power to the same corporations that fund the Democratic machine. When corporations and government work together to control information and behavior, that’s precisely the corporate-state fusion that classical liberals once fought against. The Democratic Party has become the party of corporate fascism while claiming to fight against it. The Democratic Facade The current administration embodies everything wrong with our system. Look at Kamala Harris—she dropped out of the 2020 presidential race before any primary, polling below 1%. Biden then selected her solely because he limited his pool to black women—not because of her qualifications, but because of identity politics. Her record as Senator was abysmal—she sponsored zero significant legislation and missed 84% of votes during her brief tenure. Then as Vice President, her role as border czar has been an unprecedented disaster—one the administration now tries to pretend never happened. And here’s the ultimate irony: this is the party screaming loudest about “threats to democracy,” yet they literally installed Harris as their candidate when nobody voted for her—she dropped out before a single primary vote was cast due to dismal polling. They wouldn’t even let their own members participate in primary debates. They’re lecturing us about democracy while actively suppressing democratic processes within their own party. When they say “democracy is on the ballot,” what they really mean is their controlled version of democracy where they pick the candidates and we’re supposed to fall in line. Nobody voted for her, and honestly, nobody really likes her—they just hate Trump more. They could prop up a steaming pile of manure as a candidate, and people would vote for it just to vote against Trump. But here’s the real question: If Trump is truly the democracy-ending threat they claim, why didn’t democracy end during his first term? And if Harris is the solution to our problems, why hasn’t she fixed anything while in office? The Trump Enigma My view on Trump has evolved, though not in the way many might expect. I didn’t vote for him in 2016 or 2020. Growing up in this region, I knew him only as a second-generation real estate developer—Woody Guthrie had written those critical lyrics about his father, “Old Man Trump.” At the time, I thought Donald was just another entitled heir who happened to opportunistically tap into something real. But there’s so much more to this story. His connections to secret societies and the occult run surprisingly deep. His Trump Tower penthouse is essentially a Masonic temple, designed as a replica of Versailles with deliberate esoteric symbolism throughout. His mentor was a 33° Scottish Rite, and Roy Cohn’—master of blackmail and dark arts—shaped his early career. Most intriguingly, his uncle John Trump was the MIT scientist tasked with reviewing Nikola Tesla’s papers after his death—papers that allegedly contained world-changing technologies, from free energy to more exotic possibilities. I don’t know what it all means, but there’s clearly more to this story than the “orange man bad” narrative we’re fed. At this point, I see only three possibilities: - He’s playing his part in a grand political wrestling match (WWF style) - He’s a dueling bad guy (genuinely a thorn in the establishment’s side) - He’s actually the hero of this story (which would be the most hilarious plot twist imaginable from the vantage point of someone like me) The Path Forward Candidly, I don’t know and at this point, any of these seem plausible. What I do know is what the blue team represents—their actions have made that crystal clear. But Trump remains a bit of a mystery to me. I have a hard time believing any politician could be our savior—real change has always come from the bottom up, not the top down. But something interesting happened that gave me a glimmer of hope: RFK, Jr. jumping on board. The RFK, Jr. situation is fascinating. Here’s a Kennedy—essentially Democratic royalty—teaming up with Trump after being shut out by his own party. This isn’t just any political alliance. RFK, Jr.’s deep understanding of the administrative state, from public health institutions to regulatory agencies, combined with his proven track record of exposing corporate capture and fighting pharmaceutical corruption, makes this particularly intriguing. Maybe, just maybe, this alliance could protect our children from harmful policies and unnecessary wars? I struggle with what comes next because I understand the gravity of our situation. Our republic is incredibly fragile—more fragile than most people realize. The Founders knew this, warning us about the difficulty of maintaining a democratic republic. But I refuse to give up on dialogue, even when it feels hopeless. If people don’t see what’s happening by now—the censorship, the mandates, the war-mongering, what appears to be intentional schismogenesis (I wrote about this idea here)—will they ever? The powers that profit from our division; they’ve mastered the art of keeping us fighting each other so we don’t look up to see who’s really pulling the strings. These aren’t just political issues—they’re existential challenges that require reasonable people to discuss complex solutions. Your neighbor who voted differently isn’t your enemy—they likely want many of the same things you do: safety, prosperity, freedom, and a better future for their children. They might just have different ideas about how to get there. I know this is heavy stuff. You might disagree with everything I’ve said, and that’s okay. What’s not okay is letting these disagreements destroy our relationships and communities. The choice isn’t just about who we vote for—it’s about how we treat each other, how we discuss our differences, and whether we can find common ground in our shared humanity. The way forward isn’t through hatred or fear. It’s through understanding, open dialogue, and most importantly, love. We might be living through the death throes of the American experiment, or we might be witnessing its rebirth. Either way, we’re in this together, and our strength lies in our ability to work through these challenges as a community, as neighbors, and as friends. Let’s choose wisdom over reaction, understanding over judgment, and love over fear. Our future depends on it. Republished from the author’s Substack
https://www.zerohedge.com/political/democratic-party-changed-while-we-stayed-place
2024-12-16T05:22:32Z
Bringing you guys another video today. Here, we’re breaking down the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 27-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday evening. Though the Steelers still end the week clinching a playoff berth, we go through all that went wrong in this game. A poor offensive game plan, a worn-down defense that struggled to tackle, and second-half domination courtesy of the Eagles. As always, let us know your thoughts in the comments below. And thanks for listening. Attention: We know some users have had issues with their video skipping to another one about 30 seconds in. Roughly 25 seconds in, you will see a prompt on the screen that gives you the choice to “next” or “stay,” click the “stay” button to continue watching the current video. That will avoid being bumped to another video. **If you are having a hard time seeing the video, please check your adblock extension to allow Steelers Depot, or consider buying our ad-free version.
https://steelersdepot.com/2024/12/listen-steelers-vs-eagles-reaction/
2024-12-16T05:22:33Z
Week 15's Sunday Night Football ended in a comfortable one-sided affair. The Green Bay Packers went on the road and conquered the Seattle Seahawks 30-13 in a game the latter really never founded their footing in. Jordan Love and Josh Jacobs found their rhythm early and didn't let up, while Geno Smith struggled before leaving the action early with a knee injury, being replaced by Sam Howell. Seattle made it 23-13 in the fourth quarter and increased the pressure slightly on Love and Co., but a Howell interception eventually sealed the deal. The result moved Green Bay to 10-4 while Seattle dropped to 8-6 in a tight NFC West race. Let's analyze the prime time game further with three takeaways: Jordan Love and Josh Jacobs shine The Packers were led to victory by their two best offensive talents. Love stepped up with a clean game, throwing for 229 yards on 20 of 27 completions for two touchdowns and no picks while not taking a sack. Jacobs carried the rock 26 times for 94 yards and a touchdown, continuing his excellent first campaign with Green Bay. Romeo Doubs caught both of Love's touchdowns, including a ridiculous low snag that iced the game late in the fourth. “HOW DID DOUBS CATCH THAT?!” 😱 — Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) December 16, 2024 An INSANE grab in the back of the end zone. 📺 NBC & Peacock pic.twitter.com/PoalStVKPR Seattle won't go far with Geno Smith The Seahawks are in position to make the playoffs, whether that's as the NFC West winners or through the wild card. But they're still not that much different with Mike Macdonald as head coach, especially with Geno Smith under center. Prior to the knee injury, Smith completed 15 of 19 passes for 149 yards, no touchdowns and one pick while being sacked three times. Seattle did give Smith an extension after his play made them relevant in playoff conversations, but he's still not the team's long-term signal caller and a short playoff run, if at all with three weeks to go, is likely. Young Packers shine on defense The Packers have become known for deploying several top young prospects on offense, but don't forget about their underrated defense, too. Leading the way in the win was 23-year-old linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and 24-year-old defensive end Kingsley Enagbare. Cooper led the team with seven total tackles (six solo), one sack, two tackles for loss, two QB hits and two passes defended, on top of a 22-yard interception return on Howell. Enagbare had five solo tackles (second most for Green Bay) that included three tackles for loss, two sacks and two QB hits. The Packers indicated last season they're built for a deep playoff push. With young talents like this on both sides of the ball, they should be in the mix again.
https://www.necn.com/news/sports/nfl/packers-seahawks-score-sunday-night-football/3415751/
2024-12-16T05:22:32Z
NEW DELHI: Police arrested four gang members for kidnapping actor Mushtaq Mohammad Khan from Delhi airport and holding him captive in Uttar Pradesh's Bijnor, while demanding ransom. Officials revealed that the criminals had also planned to kidnap veteran actor Shakti Kapoor by inviting him to a purported event. Bijnor superintendent of police Abhishek Jha disclosed on Saturday that event manager Shivam Yadav lodged a complaint on December 9. The complaint said that on October 15, Lavi, also known as Rahul Saini, sent Rs 25,000 and an air ticket to Khan for a supposed event in Meerut. Upon his November 20 arrival at Delhi airport, a cab driver took Khan to a renowned 'shikanji' shop between Meerut and Delhi. Then, Khan was forced into another vehicle and more people joined. The police reported that the actor was then informed of his kidnapping and detained at Lavi's residence. "During his captivity, the kidnappers took Mushtaq Khan's bank account details and password. On the night of November 20, the accused consumed alcohol and slept. The following morning, Mushtaq Khan managed to escape and reached a mosque in Mohalla Chahshiri, where locals contacted his family and helped him return home." "On November 21, the kidnappers withdrew Rs 2.2 lakh from Mushtaq Khan's bank account while shopping in Meerut and Muzaffarnagar," the officer said. The arrested individuals are Sarthak Chaudhary, Sabiuddin, Azim, and Shashank. Police recovered Rs 1.04 lakh from them. Investigations revealed the gang's pattern of targeting film personalities by sending advance payments and air tickets under the pretence of events. The police discovered that Shakti Kapoor was offered Rs 5 lakh for a similar event, but the scheme failed due to high advance payment requirements. Authorities are investigating potential connections to other film star kidnappings. Police continue their search for remaining gang members, including Lavi. In a related incident, Arjun, involved in comedian Sunil Pal's kidnapping, sustained injuries during a police encounter in Meerut on Sunday. After his Saturday arrest, Arjun attempted to escape during a medical checkup at Lalkurti police station by seizing a sub-inspector's pistol. During his escape attempt, Arjun fired at the police team, who returned fire, resulting in his injury. Meerut senior superintendent of police Vipin Tada reported recovering an SUV Scorpio used in Sunil Pal's kidnapping, along with Rs 2.25 lakh and a mobile phone linked to the crime. "Arjun was immediately taken to the hospital in an injured condition. Police are now searching for his associates, as they believe the gang involved in the kidnapping is based in Bijnor. Authorities have also contacted the victim for further statements and are continuing their investigation into the case," the SSP said.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/actor-mushtaq-khans-kidnappers-also-planned-to-abduct-shakti-kapoor-up-cops/articleshow/116340269.cms
2024-12-16T05:22:34Z
Well, that sucked. Without three key starters against one of the best teams in the league, the Pittsburgh Steelers looked overmatched from the opening kickoff and had no real answers schematically or physically against the Philadelphia Eagles. That resulted in a frustrating 27-13 loss that dropped the Steelers to 10-4 on the season in a game that was marred by a number of questionable officiating calls that played a factor in the outcome. The Eagles nearly doubled the Steelers’ time of possession Sunday and held the Steelers to just 11 plays in the second half, resulting in a thorough beatdown in the Pennsylvania state championship game. Fortunately for the Steelers, it’s a short week. Let’s get to some grades and then we’re onto Baltimore. QB — C It was always going to be very tough against a great Eagles secondary without George Pickens, but it was even harder than anticipated on Sunday. Russell Wilson couldn’t do much of anything in the passing game and was under duress quite a bit. Wilson completed 14-of-22 passes for just 128 yards, though he did throw a touchdown pass to Pat Freiermuth that dragged the Steelers back into the game in the first half. It was a good ball to Freiermuth as Wilson threw with anticipation and fit it into a tight window. He also had a big 31-yard throw to Calvin Austin III on a flea-flicker that sparked the Steelers in the second half before a killer turnover. But for some of the good throws Wilson made, he took a bad sack late in the first half on a play in which he should have had an internal clock. Fortunately, Wilson did show off his wheels at times in the game, which was a positive sign. He scrambled for a big first down on a 3rd and 2 in the first half and later added an 8-yard run to help set up Freiermuth’s TD. Justin Fields played just one snap and gained 8 yards on a run, drawing a 15-yard penalty on Eagles S Reed Blankenship in the process for an unnecessary roughness. He exited the game after that with an abdominal injury, which is worth monitoring moving forward. RB — D The rushing numbers were rather ugly as the Eagles played a five-man front consistently and won the one-on-one matchups time and time again. It didn’t help matters at all that Najee Harris fumbled on a toss play, changing the game in the blink of an eye. Prior to the fumble, it looked like the Steelers were finding their footing offensively and were driving for a chance to tie the game. Along with the fumble, Harris had just six carries for 14 yards. He had just one reception for 7 yards, too, which came on the play in which Darnell Washington’s block on Darius Slay started a melee in the back of the end zone. Jaylen Warren didn’t do anything, either, finishing with four carries for 12 yards and one reception for four yards. The Steelers tried to get Cordarrelle Patterson involved, too, but he finished with just nine yards on two carries and one reception for -1 yards. Bad night. Time to regroup. WR — D+ It was nice to see Calvin Austin III take on a larger role and make some plays, but it’s never comforting when your No. 1 receiver in a game is Austin. No disrespect to him, either. He finished with five receptions for 65 yards, including a huge 31-yard gain on the flea-flicker from Wilson. It gave the Steelers a spark, but that spark died out quickly. Ben Skowronek made a big play in the second quarter, hauling in a 17-yard catch-and-run to give the Steelers their initial first down of the game, and Mike Williams had a 15-yard catch on one of just two targets. Puzzling usage for the de facto WR1 with Pickens out. Scotty Miller and Van Jefferson, after productive games in Week 14 against the Browns, had just three targets combined. TE — C+ A nice night in an awful game overall for Pat Freiermuth. He made a strong catch on his 9-yard touchdown from Wilson in the second quarter. Showing off his route-running chops and his strong hands after getting open, he wrestled the ball away from a defensive back for the score. He finished with three receptions for 22 yards on six targets. He did have a key drop on the final drive of the first half that threw the Steelers a bit out of whack. Darnell Washington had a great block on the Harris catch that resulted in the scuffle. He blocked through the whistle and dominated the matchup. He did what you’re taught to do. He threw Slay out of the club. But after that flag, Washington wasn’t himself as a blocker and didn’t have much of an impact. OL – C- Coming into the matchup, it was expected to be tough sledding in the run game due to the Eagles’ stout defensive front. But it wasn’t expected to be as bad as what the Steelers put on display in the run game. Pittsburgh managed just 3.3 yards per carry, gaining 56 yards on 17 carries. Harris and Warren were bottled up, and the most success the Steelers had on the ground was due to a Wilson scramble and a Fields designed run. The offensive line got whooped in the run game. Pass protection was slightly better, though Broderick Jones gave up an ugly sack late in the first half, and Dan Moore Jr. was called for holding in the first half as the Steelers couldn’t stay out of their own way. There was an awful tripping call made on rookie center Zach Frazier, too, which was a continuation of poor officiating all game. DL — C The goal was to stop the run first and foremost. Compared to what the Eagles have done throughout the season, the Steelers did pretty well bottling up Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts on the ground. Barkley rushed for just 65 yards on 19 carries, and Hurts had just 45 yards on 15 carries, though he did score a touchdown. Hurts had a big 27-yard run on a QB draw and Barkley had a 22-yard run, but outside of that the Steelers’ defensive line played strong against the run. Cameron Heyward had a solid game recording five tackles. He also drew an Eagles holding call in the red zone after landing his trademark long-arm bull rush. Dean Lowry flashed quite a few times in place of Larry Ogunjobi, creating some pressure when the Eagles were passing. He wasn’t all that noticeable against the run though. Montravius Adams returned from IR and had two tackles and a tackle for loss,while Keeanu Benton had four tackles and played well at times. Isaiahh Loudermilk seemingly played quite a few snaps, too. He finished with two tackles, though he didn’t generate much pass rush, which was disappointing. LB — C- I liked what I saw from the outside linebackers in this one as T.J. Watt had two sacks and forced an early fumble on Hurts on a run, giving the Steelers the football. He played pretty well in the matchup with Lane Johnson, finishing with seven tackles, two sacks, one tackle for loss and two quarterback hits. Hopefully his ankle injury is none too serious and he’s back on Saturday. Alex Highsmith was pretty solid, too, finishing with eight tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss and one quarterback hit. They were both very noticeable. So was Nick Herbig, who drew a holding penalty on Johnson in the loss. But inside, the linebackers were quite a mess. Patrick Queen had 11 tackles and had some good run fills, but he missed a handful of tackles, and in big spots, too. The missed tackles have been an issue all season, and on Sunday they were very apparent. Payton Wilson had six tackles and a pass breakup in the end zone that he nearly pulled down for an interception, which would have been a spectacular play. Elandon Roberts had four tackles. Those numbers look solid, but the Eagles went right after the inside linebackers in the passing game, taking advantage of some deficiencies there and doing so with great success. It started on the first play of the game as Roberts was beat in coverage for a 22-yard gain by TE Grant Calcaterra, and it never really slowed down. DB — D Missed tackles were a major concern, as were communication and simple coverage abilities. Leading up to the game there was plenty of talk about the Eagles’ struggles throwing the football. Then, Hurts proceeded to dice up the Steelers, throwing for 271 yards on 24-of-31 passing with two touchdowns. Minkah Fitzpatrick had a missed tackle in space on a big gain as did Donte Jackson on a highlight-reel play by RB Kenneth Gainwell. Communication was poor as DeVonta Smith was left wide open a couple of times on crossing routes, leading to big gains. Without DeShon Elliott at strong safety, the Steelers just felt sloppy defensively and had no answers for the Eagles’ passing game. Joey Porter Jr. had a decent bounce-back game as he was allowed to be more physical and held his own at times against A.J. Brown. But Brown still put up an 8/112/1 line, albeit not all on Porter. James Pierre replaced an injured Jackson and played well, making a huge open-field tackle to force a fourth down. He’s stepped up in moments for the Steelers. Special Teams — B+ It was nice to see Chris Boswell break his own record for made field goals in a season. He’s been Mr. Automatic all season, and that continued Sunday as he connected on FGs from 37 and 49 yards. Punter Corliss Waitman did a great job on the 49-yard field goal, catching a bad snap from Christian Kuntz and getting the ball down perfectly for Boswell to blast through the uprights. Underrated play by Waitman in the game. Waitman averaged 43.0 yards on five punts, with two of them downed inside the 20-yard line. Mark Robinson had a big hit on Cooper DeJean to force a fumble on Waitman’s second punt of the game, which was a great splash play for the Steelers. It looked like Connor Heyward drew a great penalty on Jalen Carter, too, who slapped Heyward in the head on a punt in the fourth quarter. But surprisingly officials deemed it after the punt, which replay showed clearly wasn’t the case. I thought Cordarrelle Patterson looked strong in kick returns, averaging 32.5 yards on two returns, including a 33-yarder. He looked more explosive than he has in recent weeks, which is a positive sign. Punt coverage outside of the forced fumble was a mess, though, as DeJean ripped off a 23-yard return. There was also a questionable personal-foul penalty on Montravius Adams on a Jake Elliott field goal. Adams was called for roughing the long snapper, though replay showed he might have been blocked into the long snapper after attacking the A-gap, which is legal.
https://steelersdepot.com/2024/12/positional-grades-steelers-vs-eagles-3/
2024-12-16T05:22:39Z
MUMBAI: Anant Ambani, son of industrialist Mukesh Ambani non-executive director of Reliance Industries paid a courtesy visit to Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath in Mumbai on Saturday. "Anant M. Ambani, Non-Executive Director of Reliance Industries Limited, paid a courtesy visit in Mumbai today (Saturday)," read the post by the UP Chief Minister. Anant Ambani gifted a golden shawl to CM Yogi. The chief minister also gave Ambani a logo of the 2025 Mahakumbh, to be held in Prayagraj. The Mahakumbh festival, held every 12 years is scheduled to begin on January 13 and conclude on February 26 next year. The UP CM had reached Mumbai earlier on Saturday to address the 'World Hindu Economic Forum (WHEF)' He had affirmed "full faith" that the forum will help in giving a new direction to the 'Hindu economy' and achieve a 'Atmanirbhar' and 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. The 'World Hindu Economic Forum' kickstarted on December 13 and will go on till today (December 15) at the Jio World Convention Center at BKC in Mumbai. According to the WHEF website, the forum was created to "bring together financially successful elements within Hindu society. "So that each group can share their business knowledge, expertise and resources with their fellow brethren to trigger the creation of surplus wealth and make society prosperous," said a statement by the Forum.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/anant-ambani-pays-courtesy-visit-to-up-cm-yogi-adityanath-in-mumbai/articleshow/116332476.cms
2024-12-16T05:22:40Z
Pam Parry, professor of mass media at Southeast Missouri State University, calls Thursday’s planned dedication of a long-delayed $150 million permanent tribute to President Dwight D. Eisenhower near Washington, D.C.’s National Air and Space Museum “wonderful.” Congress authorized the memorial in 1999 but construction has been put off for more than two decades due to design disputes between the architect and family members of the 34th president. Parry wrote a 2014 book, “Eisenhower: The Public Relations President,” and is working on a second — due out in 2021 — about Eisenhower’s advocacy and promotion of women to government jobs. Parry declined an invitation to attend this week’s dedication but said she will watch a livestream. “I didn’t feel I could go as a university instructor and risk exposure to the coronavirus,” said Parry, echoing a concern of Southeast administrators about travel to and from campus during the pandemic. “I tell kids Eisenhower was the original Batman, a heroic figure,” said Parry, who began teaching at Southeast in 2017. “(Eisenhower) fought real evil and he won,” said Parry, in a reference to Eisenhower’s service as supreme allied commander during World War II, including his crucial decision authorizing the successful D-Day invasion of Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944. “(Eisenhower) held the Allies together and literally helped defeat Hitler,” Parry said, noting he preferred to be called “general” rather than “president” even after leaving the Oval Office. “Eisenhower liked to be compared to George Washington,” said Parry, noting America’s first president, like Eisenhower, was a general before becoming commander-in-chief. At the time of Eisenhower’s 1953 accession to the White House, he was the oldest president ever elected and his age and cautious nature led some Americans to get the wrong idea about him, Parry said. “Some saw him as a grandfatherly guy who played too much golf,” she said. “That (assessment) could not be further from the truth,” she said, adding her view Eisenhower brought “unprecedented peace and prosperity” to the U.S. during the 1950s. Parry said Eisenhower was “complicated,” noting a man known for securing Allied victory in World War II warned in 1961 about what he termed “the military-industrial complex.” “He was obsessed with peace,” said Parry, opining that in a time in which statues — such as Cape Girardeau’s Confederate States of America memorial — are being taken down, Eisenhower’s life shines like a beacon. Eisenhower, she noted, desegregated the nation’s capital, building on the work of his predecessor, Missouri’s Harry Truman, who ordered desegregation of the military. “(Eisenhower’s) secret sauce was this: He was a genuinely good person who cared about people,” Parry said, saying Eisenhower testified before Congress in 1948 advocating for women to be permitted to serve in permanent military service. “Eisenhower was popular when he was elected and when he left office,” said Parry, adding she has made a dozen trips to do research at the Eisenhower Library in Abilene, Kansas, since 2009. “The more you study Ike, the more you see that while he was not perfect, he was a decent man. “We should erect memorials to people like this,” Parry said. Connect with the Southeast Missourian Newsroom: For corrections to this story or other insights for the editor, click here. To submit a letter to the editor, click here. To learn about the Southeast Missourian’s AI Policy, click here.
https://www.semissourian.com/news/southeast-prof-says-eisenhower-memorial-in-washington-long-overdue-2835159/
2024-12-16T05:22:40Z
Rahul's blip on tapasya during his speech in Lok Sabha had BJP's benches in splits on Saturday. Gandhi said tapasya means generating heat in the body. "There was a boy (Eklavya) who would do tapasya at 4am. Every day, he would pick up the bow and shoot arrows. And, for hours he undertook this tapasya. For years," he said. "Tapasya generates heat. I have heard this for the first time. Who is teaching him? He doesn't do his homework. Why is he defaming a pious word like tapasya saying it generates heat," BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad said.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/bjp-mps-mock-rahuls-tapasya-remark/articleshow/116327175.cms
2024-12-16T05:22:46Z
JAMMU: The Border Security Force Saturday night intercepted a Pakistani drone smuggling 495g narcotics into India, along the international border in Jammu’s Arnia belt. A BSF official said, “The relentless dedication and sharp vigil of Jammu BSF personnel once again defeated the nefarious designs of anti-national elements.”
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/bsf-intercepts-pakistan-drone-smuggling-narcotics-into-india/articleshow/116344016.cms
2024-12-16T05:22:52Z
NEW DELHI: In a move that will have far-reaching implications on managing solid waste across the country, the Centre has proposed new rules enlisting ways and means on how to manage such waste in both urban and rural areas. It also has provisions for empowering 'safai karamcharis' (cleanliness workers) in cities to levy fines/penalties on unsegregated waste and to refuse waste collection. The rules will come into force from October 1 next year. Apart from municipal bodies, the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2024, cover waste generation and management activities of hotels, malls, residential complexes, wholesale markets, govt institutions, PSUs, industrial units, schools, colleges, and universities among other bulk waste generators. The rules also make provisions for environmental compensation (penalty) based on the polluter pays principle on persons/entities who do not comply with their mandated tasks. "All hotels, restaurants, resident welfare, market associations, and gated communities and institutions with more than 5,000 sqm area shall, within one year from the date of notification of these rules and in partnership with the local body, ensure segregation of waste at source by the generators as prescribed in these rules, facilitate collection of segregated waste in separate streams, hand over recyclable material to either the authorised waste pickers or the authorised recyclers," said the draft rules, issued by the environment ministry on December 9. It said, "The bio-degradable waste shall be processed, treated, and disposed of through composting or bio-methanation within the premises as far as possible. The residual waste shall be given to the waste collectors or agency as directed by the local body." The rules, published on Saturday, enlist the duties of all waste generators in detail and also formulate guidelines on how to use it in economic activities, including the 'waste to energy' process and product manufacturing through circularity. Besides elaborating on the responsibilities of local bodies and central/state pollution watchdogs on managing municipal and industrial waste, the proposed rules also have detailed guidelines on managing agri-residue such as paddy stubble and other farm waste in rural areas. It will be the responsibility of gram panchayats to ensure that "there are no instances of burning of agriculture & horticulture waste and levy heavy penalty on persons involved in open burning of agriculture & horticulture waste." Under the rules, the gram panchayats will "facilitate the establishment of collection and storage" of agri-residue in its jurisdiction for its utilization. The gram panchayats will also have to file “annual returns” by June 30 every year regarding the agri-residue generated, agri-residue utilized in-situ, and agri-residue transported for ex-situ utilization within its jurisdiction on the centralised online portal. These provisions will be quite helpful in managing paddy stubble, particularly in Delhi-NCR, where the episodes of biomass burning substantially contribute to air pollution during every winter season. The draft rules seek to address the adverse effects of unmanaged solid waste; implement principles of circular economy; further strengthen monitoring, reporting, and enforcement of rules covering both urban and rural areas; promote bio-economy and improve the quality of the environment across the country. The ministry has, meanwhile, invited stakeholders and experts to share their objections, if any, on the draft rules within the next sixty days. Their views/suggestions will be considered before issuing the final rules in the gazette.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/centre-proposes-new-rules-to-manage-solid-waste-across-the-country-with-effect-from-october-1-next-year/articleshow/116343031.cms
2024-12-16T05:22:58Z
NEW DELHI: Lashing out at the BJP govt's handling of the crisis in Manipur, Congress MP Alfred Arthur accused PM Modi of evading accountability to the people of the state. "Why is it that till today, my PM, someone who this nation believes in, someone who I also wish to believe in... why is it that till date he is not answerable to the people of Manipur? Is it too much to ask? When half of those civilians who have elected you here today, the children and women from across communities have lost their lives, they cannot be victimised for a cause which this nation or state cannot handle. Is my nation so weak that we cannot protect the lives and properties of civilians in Manipur?" he asked. Arthur urged members of the governing party at the Centre to stand up for the people and deliver them justice.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/congress-mp-targets-pm-for-festering-manipur-crisis/articleshow/116325975.cms
2024-12-16T05:23:04Z
Strictly Come Dancing announces winner for 2024 series Victorious contestant emotionally dedicated their win ‘to anyone who was told they couldn’t do something’ Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference.Chris McCausland and his professional partner Dianne Buswell have been crowned the winners of Strictly Come Dancing’s 2024 series. The comedian, best known for appearing on Have I Got News For You and his titular ITV programme The Chris McCausland Show, has made Strictly history as the first blind contestant to win – and take part in – the competition. McCausland and Buswell competed against Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola, Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec, as well as JB Gill and his pro partner Lauren Oakley in a tear-jerking grand final, which aired on Saturday night. The stand-up comedian, 47, danced three routines during the live final: a couple’s choice to “Instant Karma! (We All Shine On)” by John Lennon, a show dance to “You Get What You Give” by New Radicals and a waltz to “You’ll Never Walk Alone” by Gerry and the Pacemakers. Once his win was announced by hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, McCausland broke down in tears and hugged his partner, Buswell, who also grew emotional. Speaking to Daly, McCausland admitted he thought he would have been the first person eliminated from the competition because he didn’t think he could dance. “We’ve lasted and lasted and Dianne has got so much out of me. She deserves this so much. Every day she’s just positivity and belief and she’s just one of the easiest people to be funny with than I’ve ever met.” He then joked: “Unless she changes her number, she’s stuck with me.” McCausland dedicated his dance to anybody who “got told or thought that they couldn’t do something”. “It shows that with opportunity, support and determination, that anything can happen,” he said. Buswell said: “This is not for me, this is me and you, Chris. We did this together. This is for both of us, we worked together. And we did it!” Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled McCausland is the first blind contestant to ever compete in the competition, and before he began training, he admitted that he and Buswell were “winging it” as they adapted teaching methods and training styles for McCausland. The comedian lost his sight when he was 22 due to a hereditary condition called retinitis pigmentosa. While appearing on Scared of the Dark, he spoke openly about his experience of going blind, saying that “when it started happening it was scary and embarrassing”. He added: “I got myself into bad situations because I didn’t want to ask for help. I will never be on a level playing field with everyone else.” McCausland, who is married and has an 11-year-old daughter, explained that he can “still see light and space” and has “an awareness of the space around me, not in terms of objects and things, but in terms of the room and whether there might be something in front of me.” In week one of the competition, the comedian admitted Buswell had kicked him in the face during rehearsal, adding they were figuring it out as they went along. Ahead of his Strictly appearance, he said he did not want to “bang viewers over the head” with his blindness, stating: “It’s great that there’s people coming through who are able to represent disability while also having the experience to do the job properly. There’s no point fast-tracking performers on to TV before they’re ready.” “My attitude has always been to represent by not banging you over the head,” he told The Independent in September. “I think the best way to represent a disability is to make people forget about it whenever possible. It’s always part of you.” “But if you can do a show where, say, 80 per cent of it isn’t about being blind, that makes it more impactful and funnier when you do talk about it. I believe in representation within the mainstream.” Catch up on everything that happened in the live final here. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments
https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/chris-mccausland-winner-strictly-2024-dianne-buswell-b2664855.html
2024-12-16T05:23:08Z
When it comes to women wielding spells, Path of Exile 2 is here to give players options. Two options, to be precise, with distinct Witch and Sorceress classes on offer. If you’re going the Sorceress path, here’s how to make the most of your elemental magic. Table of contents How to Build a Sorceress in PoE2 The Sorceress uses elemental spells in Path of Exile 2, and players will want to focus on finding an ideal combination that lets them deal damage without getting squished due to low defense and HP. Prioritize a solid rotation of spells that will help deal damage and take out enemies quickly to help make up for that low defense. It’s also a good idea to point some early Skill Points into Passives that increase spell damage. Keep in mind that you can equip both a staff and a wand, unlocking additional spells without spending Uncut Skill Gems. This can help you try out some different combos before you commit. Best Sorceress Skill Combinations As you level up and gain new abilities in Path of Exile 2, more options will be available to help you strengthen your Sorceress build. To that end, we’re offering some tips for early- and mid-game spell combos. Best Early Game Sorceress Skill Combo Early on, you’ll want to deal enough damage to survive – and keep your enemies at bay. I’ve had success with combining Flame Wall and Spark to deal damage at a distance and wall off large groups of enemies. Sparks deal extra damage when they go through the Flame Wall, so you can cull the forces as they approach. Similarly, Ice Nova can do well with slowing down foes, giving you time to dodge and deal damage. Best Mid-Game Sorceress Skill Combo As you level up and unlock stronger skills, the following skills rotation is ideal to maximize damage as a Path of Exile 2 Sorceress. Ice spells build up cold, slowing and even freezing enemies, while fire and lightning deal AOE damage. As you level up, you’ll also be able to unlock more Passives. In early to mid-game as a Path of Exile 2 Sorceress, put points into beefing up spell attack damage and increasing your mana. You can respec your skill points, but it will cost you, so choose wisely. Which Sorceress Ascendancy to Choose In Act II, players can unlock the Ascendancy sub-class feature by completing the Trial of the Sekhemas. At this point, you’re leaning into your late-game build by choosing which of the two currently available Sorceress Ascendancies to focus on. Here are the key traits and differences to help you choose, based on how you want to play. Stormweaver This Ascendancy lets players truly lean into lightning elemental spells, making electrical spells more powerful. Other elemental spells will also start doling out shock damage, making your Sorceress a master of AOE damage. This is a great choice for players who enjoy the elemental magic of the Sorceress class and who want to maintain a similar vibe at higher levels. Chronomancer If combat moves too fast for you, the Chronomancer Ascendancy will mix up the Sorceress playbook by letting you control time with spells like Time Freeze, Temporal Rift, etc. This is a great choice for players who want to get more into melee combat as a Sorceress, as slowing and stopping your enemies allows you to more safely get close. It can be trickier to play but rewarding once you get used to the change-up from dishing out elemental damage in earlier gameplay.
https://www.escapistmagazine.com/best-sorceress-builds-for-path-of-exile-2/
2024-12-16T05:23:08Z
JAMMU: Two drug peddlers — a man and his wife — were apprehended with 28 gms of heroin which was seized from them here on Sunday, a police official said. This is the fourth such case since June, three couples have been arrested in drug peddling cases. Police said, “A patrolling police party intercepted one Rahul Singh Jamwal and his wife Shagun Chandel at Channi Himmat as they were roaming in the area raising suspicion. The duo was frisked which led to the recovery of 28 gms of heroin from them.” An FIR was filed under relevant sections of the NDPS Act. Further probe is on.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/couple-held-with-heroin-in-jammu/articleshow/116343994.cms
2024-12-16T05:23:10Z
What to stream: MrBeast jumps to TV, Little Big Town's holiday special and Squid Game: Unleashed The griping Vatican-based movie thriller “Conclave” about picking a new pope and Stephanie Hsu starring in the dark comedy series “Laid” as a woman whose former lovers keep unexpectedly dying are some of this week’s new streaming entertainment releases Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference.The griping Vatican-based thriller “Conclave” about picking a new pope and Stephanie Hsu starring in the dark comedy “Laid” as a woman whose former lovers keep unexpectedly dying are some of the new television, films, music and games headed to a device near you. Also among the streaming offerings worth your time as selected by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists: Dwayne Johnson stars as Santa’s bodyguard in the movie “Red One,” internet star MrBeast hosts his own reality competition show on Prime Video called “Beast Games” and Little Big Town host a Christmas special on NBC. NEW MOVIES TO STREAM DEC. 16-22 – What goes on inside the Vatican before white smoke flows out of the Sistine Chapel? “Conclave” (streaming now on Peacock), about the election of a new pope, is a gripping thriller that imagines how the gathering of cardinals could go. The film, directed by Edward Berger and based on Robert Harris’ 2016 novel, stars Ralph Fiennes as the cardinal tasked with running the conclave. Nominated for six Golden Globes, “Conclave” is a major Oscar contender and one of the rare recent adult-oriented dramas to succeed at the box office. In her review, AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr called it “a deliriously fun watch in the way that tense, smart thrillers with an ensemble of great actors can be.” – It was easy to miss Clint Eastwood’s “Juror No. 2” in cinemas, but the 94-year-old’s latest arrives Friday, Dec. 20 on Max. And “Juror No. 2,” despite its small theatrical footprint, has been much praised by critics. In it, Nicholas Hoult plays a juror in a murder trial who’s struggling with a moral dilemma. – A sled-full of new Christmas movies arrive every year, with hopes of establishing themselves as a new holiday classic. Of them, “Red One” (now streaming on Prime Video) is distinguished by being the biggest, most garishly wrapped one yet. In the $250 million movie, Dwayne Johnson stars as the bodyguard for a more militaristic Kris Kringle (J.K. Simmons), who teams up with a deadbeat hacker (Chris Evans) to rescue Santa after he’s kidnapped. In my review, I wrote that “there is ample time during ‘Red One’ to ponder who, exactly, put a Marvel-ized Santa on their wish list.” – Mati Diop’s “Dahomey,” one of the year’s nonfiction highlights, is not to be missed. Diop, the French Senegalese director of “Atlantics,” documents the return of 26 art works seized by French troops during the 1890s from the African kingdom (now southern Benin). In the film, currently streaming on Mubi, Diop casts a wide and fantastic net in chronicling their voyage home, with a wide array of voices debating the ethics and meaning of reparations — including even those of the Dahomey treasures, themselves. — AP Film Writer Jake Coyle NEW MUSIC TO STREAM DEC. 16-22 — ’Twas the week before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. That is, until Monday, when “Little Big Town’s Christmas at the Opry” airs on NBC, available to stream on Peacock the following day! What says “happy holidays” more than some of country music’s modern greats bringing their twang from the famous Nashville stage to the family living room? A group of great guests, probably – and those include Dan + Shay, Kelsea Ballerini, Sheryl Crow, Kirk Franklin, Josh Groban, Kate Hudson and Orville Peck. — AP Music Writer Maria Sherman NEW SHOWS TO STREAM DEC. 16-22 — A new docuseries on Apple TV+ reveals the habits and behaviors of animals in the wild. Filmmakers spent three years tracking 77 unique species in 24 countries, and capturing everything from jumping spider courtship dances to a killifish in Trinidad breathing through its tail when out of the water. Hugh Bonneville narrates “The Secret Lives of Animals, " debuting Dec. Wednesday. — Stephanie Hsu stars in a new dark comedy for Peacock as Ruby, a woman whose former lovers keep unexpectedly dying in mysterious, outrageous ways. Ruby and her best friend AJ (Zosia Mamet, doing her wry observational bit) dig into the past to make sense of what’s happening and save lives. The process prompts Ruby to learn hard truths about herself. “Laid” is based on an Australian series. There are also a number of fun guest stars including Finneas O’Connell, Chloe Fineman and Josh Segarra. “Laid” premieres Thursday on Peacock. — Internet star MrBeast, (real name: Jimmy Donaldson) whose YouTube channel has more subscribers than any other — is now the host of his own reality competition show on Prime Video called “Beast Games.” Contestants wear tracksuits and compete in wild games for a $5 million prize. It’s like “Squid Game,” without the dying. “Beast Games” premieres Thursday on Prime Video. — Alicia Rancilio NEW VIDEO GAMES TO PLAY — Season 2 of “Squid Game” drops on Netflix the day after Christmas, but you and your family can get an early start if you’re already itching for a fight to the death. The streamer is inviting subscribers to download Squid Game: Unleashed, an online battle royale for up to 32 players. It includes familiar season 1 competitions like Glass Bridge and Red Light Green Light, as well as deadly new devices like buzzsaws, wrecking balls and lava pits. Last one to survive ... well, you don’t get any money but at least you don’t get squished. The contest begins Tuesday, Dec. 17, on iOS and Android. — Lou Kesten
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/ap-dwayne-johnson-stephanie-hsu-santa-vatican-b2664130.html
2024-12-16T05:23:14Z
Developed and published by Grinding Gear Games, Path of Exile 2 is follow-up to the popular action-RPG for folks looking for more games like Diablo. It’s not without its own set of issues, though. Here’s how to fix the freezing PC issues in Path of Exile 2. What to Do If Path of Exile 2 Is Freezing Your PC Some players have reported their PC getting completely frozen and needing a hard restart when playing Path of Exile 2, or when trying to load into a new area. There are a few methods to try to get around this issue as we wait for the developers to push out an official fix, as listed below: - Switching to Vulcan or Dx11 on startup. - Turn off V-Sync in the graphics settings. - Disabling Multithreading in the graphics settings. If these don’t work for you, Steam user svzanghi has also provided the following solution to resolve the freezing PC issues, though it is a bit of a hassle. Here’s the step-by-step process: - Launch the game. - Open the Task Manager on your PC and click on the Details button. - Right-click on the POE2.exe file, and select Set Affinity. - From here, uncheck the CPU 0 and CPU 1 boxes. While this won’t necessarily prevent your PC from freezing up while playing the game, you can at the very least open up your task manager to force quit Path of Exile 2 and launch it again. This will allow you to simply restart the game without having to completely reboot your PC, saving you a bit of time. The drawback, however, is that you have to repeat this process every time you launch the game, or you’ll need to reboot your PC again if you run into more freezing issues. And that’s how to fix Path of Exile 2‘s freezing PC issues for now. Be sure to search up The Escapist for more tips and information on the game, including the best Sorceress builds to check out.
https://www.escapistmagazine.com/how-to-fix-path-of-exile-2-freezing-pc-issues/
2024-12-16T05:23:14Z
A friendly cricket match between Parliamentarians was held at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on Sunday, featuring Rajya Sabha Chairman XI and Lok Sabha Speaker XI. The event, 'TB Mukt Bharat Awareness Cricket Match,' was aimed at raising awareness about tuberculosis. (ANI) BJP MP Anurag Thakur captained the Lok Sabha Speaker XI, while Union Minister Kiren Rijiju led the Rajya Sabha Chairman XI. As part of the TB Mukt Bharat campaign, the 20-over match brought together Members of Parliament from various political parties. (PTI) The match reinforced the Indian government’s commitment to a TB-free India by 2025. This follows Prime Minister Modi’s announcement during the "End TB Summit" and subsequent global initiatives aiming to reduce TB-related deaths and cases nationwide.(PTI) Union Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized the importance of physical fitness in serving the nation. The event tied into the ‘Fit India Movement’ and the goal of achieving a 'TB-Free India,' promoting health through sports and active participation.(PTI) BJP MP Manoj Tiwari stated that the aim of the friendly match was to send a message that, as MPs, they are not only lawmakers but also active participants in spreading awareness about TB. He emphasized that while the outcome of the match is secondary, defeating TB and ensuring the country's victory is the true goal.(PTI) AAP MP Raghav Chadha also participated in the initiative and said, "While elections may end, political animosity often lingers. However, initiatives like this foster teamwork, dilute hostility, and allow us to unite as a team of Bharat Mata to move the country forward." (X: @raghav_chadha) Speaker Om Birla, invited as the Chief Guest, not only attended but also showcased his agility and poise by batting on the field. (ANI) The event showcased unity among MPs from different political parties. It emphasized that, despite political differences, teamwork and collective effort are essential to addressing public health issues like tuberculosis and creating awareness across the nation.(ANI)
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/cricket-for-a-cause-parliamentarians-unite-in-a-friendly-match-for-tb-mukt-bharat-campaign/photostory/116338764.cms
2024-12-16T05:23:16Z
Sanjay Manjrekar questioned the role of the 'batting coach' in the Indian team after the top order once again collapsed on Day 3 of the third Test against Australia in Brisbane on Monday. The Indian team don't have a designated batting coach but Assistant Coach Abhishek Nayar is the one entrusted with sorting out the batter's techniques and working with them in the nets. Ryan ten Doeschate is the other assistant coach under Head Coach Gautam Gambhir while Morne Morkel is the bowling coach and T Dilip the fielding coach. India were reeling on 48/4 in their first innings on the rain-hit third day with all four batters -- Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant -- falling caught behind after playing away from the body against the Australian pacers. Except for the second innings of the first Test in Perth, the Indian batting unit has largely failed to live up to expectations. Jaiswal and Kohli, who both hit a century in Perth, have failed in the other four innings of the series. Jaiswal stroked 161 in the second innings in Perth but has managed just 28 runs in the other four innings of the series, including two ducks. Kohli ended his long wait for a century with an unbeaten 100 in Perth, but apart from that his score in the series read 5, 7, 11 and 3 as he continues to fall to loose shots outside the off-stump. Gill, who missed the Perth Test with injury, failed to capitalise on starts in Adelaide, as he made 31 and 28 and was dismissed for three in the first innings in Brisbane, attempting a loose drive off Mitchell Starc. Pant has shown intent with his aggressive batting approach but has scored just 97 runs in five innings so far. Opener K L Rahul has been the only standout player of the series for India with 147 runs in the first two Tests, and continued his form with another good start in the rain-hit Brisbane Test. 'I guess the time has come to scrutinise the role of a batting coach in the Indian team. Why major technical issues have remained unresolved for so long with certain Indian batters?' Manjrekar asked on X.
https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/whats-batting-coach-doing/20241216.htm
2024-12-16T05:23:17Z
NEW ORLEANS — NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Jayden Daniels' second game in the Superdome again came down to a play after a touchdown with no time left. Washington's rookie quarterback will remember more fondly how this one ended — even if the he wasn't entirely pleased about the Commanders nearly blowing a three-score lead in the second half. Daniels threw two first-half touchdown passes to Terry McLaurin, and Washington narrowly held off a rally by fellow rookie QB Spencer Rattler and the Saints, winning 20-19 on Sunday when New Orleans failed on a 2-point conversion. “It feels good to win by one point,” said Daniels, who lost his LSU debut on the same field in 2022 when Florida State blocked the Tigers' extra point attempt. “Life comes full circle.” Daniels, who won the Heisman Trophy last year with LSU, completed 25 of 31 passes for 226 yards in his return to Louisiana. He also ran for 66 yards, highlighted by a first-down scramble on third-and-14 to set up a third-quarter field goal by the recently signed Greg Joseph that put the Commanders (9-5) ahead 17-0. But Rattler relieved starting quarterback Jake Haener and nearly carried the Saints (5-9) to victory. After Joseph missed a 54-yard field goal with 1:55 to go, Rattler led a 56-yard drive and — after catching a break from officials who mistakenly stopped the clock — threw a 1-yard TD pass to Foster Moreau as time expired. Interim coach Darren Rizzi went for the win, but Rattler could not complete his pass to tightly covered tight end Juwan Johnson — and the Saints fell to 0-4 without quarterback Derek Carr, who was concussed and injured his left, non-throwing hand a week earlier. “Just a mixture of emotions because we walk off the field with a loss, but I don’t now if I’ve ever been more proud of the team,” Rizzi said, adding that he didn't regret, “whatsoever,” going for 2 at the end. “I don’t think the players regret it. They were all in favor of it,” Rizzi said. “I just thought it was the right thing.” Washington helped New Orleans stay in the game with what coach Dan Quinn called a “frustrating” combination of penalties (nine for 84 yards) and missed opportunities. “When you get those, you really put yourself in a bad spot,” Quinn said. “We have lots to clean up, but we’ve been in a lot of close games and been battle-hardened.” McLaurin had seven catches for 73 yards, but Daniels overthrew him while he was open deep down the middle in the fourth quarter. McLaurin later got his hands on, but could not reel in, a long pass down the sideline. Rattler passed for 135 yards and a touchdown after replacing Haener, a second-year pro who made his first career start. Haener completed just four of 10 passes for 49 yards and was intercepted. Rattler led all four of New Orleans' scoring drives, the first of which ended with receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. passing to running back Alvin Kamara for a 21-yard touchdown that made it 17-7. Field goals of 41 and 51 yards by Blake Grupe cut Washington's lead to 20-13. Daniels took eight sacks, although a couple of those came when he ran out of bounds for no gain. Washington opened the scoring on a play resembling sandlot football, with Daniels rolling left to elude defensive tackle Khalen Saunders, nearly falling down as he ducked away from defensive tackle Bryan Bresee, and then throwing over the outstretched arms of linebacker Pete Werner. McLaurin caught it while running across the end zone and held on while colliding hard with three players — teammate Brian Robinson Jr. and defenders Alontae Taylor and Kool-Aid McKinstry. “It was a hell of a play,” Saunders said, adding that Daniels is “one of them backyard football-type cats — and I say that with the utmost respect.” Curious clock stoppage As the Saints were trying to rush to the line of scrimmage after a first-down completion over the middle with 9 seconds left, the clock stopped for several seconds before starting up again. Rattler was able to spike the ball to stop the clock with 3 seconds remaining, and the Saints scored on the next play. “The covering official mistakenly stopped the clock,” referee Shawn Hochuli said. “The clock should not have stopped,” Hochuli continued, adding, “It is not a situation that is reviewable.” Injuries Commanders: TE Zach Ertz left with concussion symptoms after his one-handed catch across the middle in the second quarter gave Washington a first-and-goal at the 4, setting up McLaurin's second TD catch. ... C Tyler Biadasz was added to the injury report with an illness on Saturday and was ruled out shortly before kickoff. ... S Jeremy Chinn was hurt while assisting on a tackle in the fourth quarter. Saints: Kamara was checked for a groin injury in the fourth quarter and did not return. ... McKinstry was treated for pain in his shoulder and neck in the fourth quarter. Up next Commanders: Host Philadelphia next Sunday. Saints: Visit Green Bay on Monday, Dec. 23. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
https://www.wtkr.com/sports/daniels-passes-for-2-tds-and-commanders-outlast-saints-20-19-on-new-orleans-failed-2-point-try
2024-12-16T05:23:17Z
Former FBI informant will plead guilty to lying about phony bribery scheme involving the Bidens A former FBI informant is set to plead guilty to lying about a phony bribery scheme involving President Joe Biden and his son Hunter that became central to the Republican impeachment inquiry in Congress Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference.A former FBI informant is set to plead guilty on Monday to lying about a phony bribery scheme involving President Joe Biden and his son Hunter that became central to the Republican impeachment inquiry in Congress. Alexander Smirnov is expected to make the plea in Los Angeles to a felony charge in connection with the bogus story, along with a tax evasion charge stemming from a separate indictment accusing him of concealing millions of dollars of income, according to court papers. Smirnov has been behind bars since his arrest in February on charges that he told his FBI handler that executives from the Ukrainian energy company Burisma had paid President Biden and Hunter Biden $5 million each around 2015. Prosecutors and the defense have agreed to recommend a sentence of between four and six years in prison, according to the plea agreement. Smirnov had been an informant for more than a decade when he made the explosive allegations about the Bidens in June 2020, after “expressing bias” about Joe Biden as a presidential candidate, prosecutors said. But Smirnov had only routine business dealings with Burisma starting in 2017, according to court documents. An FBI field office investigated the allegations and recommended the case be closed in August 2020, according to charging documents. No evidence has emerged that Joe Biden acted corruptly or accepted bribes in his current role or previous office as vice president. While his identity wasn’t publicly known before the indictment, Smirnov’s claims played a major part in the Republican effort in Congress to investigate the president and his family, and helped spark a House impeachment inquiry into Biden. Before Smirnov's arrest, Republicans had demanded the FBI release the unredacted form documenting the unverified allegations, though they acknowledged they couldn’t confirm if they were true. During a September 2023 conversation with investigators, Smirnov also claimed the Russians likely had recordings of Hunter Biden because a hotel in Ukraine’s capital where he had stayed was “wired” and under their control — information he said was passed along to him by four high-level Russian officials. But Hunter Biden had never traveled to Ukraine, according to Smirnov's indictment. Smirnov claimed to have contacts with Russian intelligence-affiliated officials, and told authorities after his arrest earlier this year that “officials associated with Russian intelligence were involved in passing a story” about Hunter Biden. The case against Smirnov was brought by special counsel David Weiss, who also prosecuted Hunter Biden on gun and tax charges. Hunter Biden was supposed to be sentenced this month after being convicted at trial in the gun case and pleading guilty to federal charges in the tax case. But he was pardoned earlier this month by his father, who said he believed “raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice.”
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/ap-joe-biden-hunter-biden-fbi-burisma-b2664860.html
2024-12-16T05:23:20Z
Pokemon TCG Pocket is almost certainly the hit mobile game release of 2024, and things are only get better with new packs and cards to look forward to. Here’s when the Mythical Island pack will be released in Pokemon TCG Pocket. Table of contents When Does Mythical Island Release in Pokemon TCG Pocket? Pokemon TCG Pocket‘s new Mythical Island booster pack will be released on Dec. 17, at 1 a.m. Eastern Time, which is the game’s daily reset time. It’s worth noting that the Genetic Apex set packs will also be available alongside Mythical Island. This new booster pack is still part of the A1 collection, though it’s unclear whether you’ll be able to use your accrued Pack Points for it. Notable Cards in Mythical Island Mythical Island will bring over 80 new cards to Pokemon TCG Pocket, including Mew Ex. The base Mew card is already available in the game as a secret mission reward, but even though it’s rare, it’s still a pretty trash card in the current meta game. Mew Ex, however, looks very promising. Listed below are all of the cards we know about so far in the pack: Just the five cards above alone are pretty much enough to shake up the current meta game, and it’s definitely going to be exciting to see what new deck archetypes emerge from this pack. And that’s everything you need to know about the release date and time for Pokemon TCG Pocket‘s Mythical Island pack. Be sure to search up The Escapist for more tips and information on the game.
https://www.escapistmagazine.com/pokemon-tcg-pocket-mythical-island-release-date-time/
2024-12-16T05:23:21Z
NEW DELHI: Wrestler-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat on Sunday called for nationwide participation in the farmers' protest at the Khanauri border in Haryana. The Congress leader joined the protest at the border. While talking to news agency ANI, Phogat said there is an "emergency-like situation" in the country. "He (farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal) is risking his life for others. I urge the people of Punjab, Haryana and the whole country to participate in this protest," Phogat said. Phogat described the situation as akin to an emergency and called for the Prime Minister's direct involvement, saying, "There is an emergency-like situation in the country. The government will have to find a solution to this and PM Modi gives very big speeches, yesterday also he gave a speech in Parliament, but now something has to be done apart from giving speeches. We all need to come forward to show that we are united." Farmer leader Gurnam Singh Charuni, reiterated their unchanged demands and advocated for discussions between farmers and the central government. "The demands of the protest are the same. They (farmers) are protesting silently, but no one is listening to them. The government should call the farmers for talks and find a solution," he said. Earlier, Punjab director general of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav met farmer leaders at the Khanauri border and urged them to allow medical help for farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal. Dallewal has been on a fast-unto-death since November 26 as part of the protest against the Central government, demanding minimum support prices (MSP) for crops. Earlier, on December 13, the Supreme Court directed the Union government and Punjab to ensure medical aid for Dallewal. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan asked the authorities to engage in direct dialogue with him, saying, "his life is more precious than any agitation." The farmers have now completed 308 days of protest. Participants include people from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Protest sites near Delhi's borders have seen thousands of farmers staying in temporary arrangements. The farmers are pressing for 12 demands, including the implementation of MSP for crops, to be addressed by the central and state governments. Meanwhile, protesting farmers suspended their march to Delhi on Saturday after several of them were injured during clashes with Haryana security personnel, who used teargas shells and water cannons to block the protesting farmers' third attempt in under 10 days to cross the Punjab-Haryana border. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said that 17 farmers were injured in the incident. He questioned the actions of the authorities, asking, "How are 101 farmers a danger to the law and order and peace of the country? You are debating the Constitution (in Parliament). Which Constitution allows the use of force against farmers?" Regarding their next steps, he announced a tractor march in states outside Punjab on December 16, followed by a 'rail roko' protest in Punjab on December 18, from 12 noon to 3 pm.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/emergency-jaise-haalat-vinesh-phogat-appeals-for-nationwide-support-for-farmers-protest/articleshow/116336437.cms
2024-12-16T05:23:22Z
India Women's Titas Sadhu says being accustomed to conditions and bowling in right areas helped her grab three wickets to set up their 49-run win against the West Indies in the first T20I in Navi Mumbai. India outgunned the West Indies to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after fifties from Jemimah Rodrigues (73) and Smriti Mandhana took them to 195/4, their highest total against the Windies and third best overall. Having traversed nearly 7,300 kilometres from Perth to Mumbai, India Women's side had very little time to rest and prepare but they showed no sluggishness in the first game. "The fact that we landed here quite at the night time of India and we slept through the whole night properly, and so that kind of helped with the jet lag," Sadhu told media here on Sunday after taking 3/37 in the opening T20I. "I think DY Patil (Stadium's) is a very true wicket and whoever is able to bowl in the right areas, there is always something in the wicket that helps. The dew was there and it was a little difficult for us, but we managed quite well." "One of the best things was that we have had played in this ground before, and we are actually on the same time of the year, so we are a little bit more accustomed," she said. Titas continued, "We have knowledge about it, and that being the key, and so we knew there will still be some help from the wicket if we can actually bowl at the right areas and fortunately we did that." While India got back into the saddle quickly to record their ninth consecutive win, their skipper Harmanpreet Kaur did not take much part in their fielding innings after she had come out to bat for a while. When asked about Kaur's absence, Titas did not specify the issue, saying, "The medical team is looking after that, so probably she will be fine in some time." West Indies head coach Shane Deitz said there cannot be an excuse for this loss. "I don't know why we weren't ready from ball one. It's very disappointing. We have to debrief that quickly, train well tomorrow and come out and put a lot better performance in the next game," he said. "In India, we've been here about nine days to try to acclimatise, which we did. We had some great facilities. We had really good training sessions, that's why tonight's performance was a bit of a shock, a bit disappointing, because we actually put the work in to be ready for tonight," he added. The former South Australia first-class player said his coaching philosophy has been to bring back the Caribbean flair and Calypso style of play into this side. "We want to have a style of play which we've been trying to develop, that was (also) for the T20 World Cup. Obviously that was the focus over the last year, to get to that World Cup and play well. We did that and we worked on a style of play, how we want to attack cricket," he said. "A little Caribbean flair and Calypso style of play... we are trying to bring that back into the team, because that probably wasn't there previously. The data says that (and) that's what we're trying to do," Deitz added.
https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/why-was-harmanpreet-missing-during-indias-fielding/20241216.htm
2024-12-16T05:23:23Z
NORFOLK, Va. — NORFOLK, VA — Following a decisive victory last night, the Norfolk Admirals competed at Norfolk Scope for the final time this weekend against the Cincinnati Cyclones. With two goals from Sanghoon Shin, the Admirals secured a 3-2 victory, thereby sweeping the weekend series and extending their overall winning streak to ten games. Kristian Stead made his return in goal for his fifth start with the Admirals, delivering an impressive performance by recording 13 saves out of 15 shots faced during the team's victory. The opening period exhibited an unusual pace characterized by an escalation of hostilities, numerous turnovers, four goals scored, and inconsistent pressure at both ends of the rink. Cincinnati took the lead for the first time in this series through a goal scored by Kyle Bollers. Five minutes later, Justin Young equalized for the Admirals with a power play goal generated from a rebound, marking his third goal of the season. The Cyclones subsequently regained their advantage when Tristian Ashbrook capitalized on a rebound off Stead's pad to score, bringing the score to 2-1. However, this lead was short-lived, as Shin tied the game once again three minutes later. His launched an initial shot, retrieved his rebound, and successfully deposited the puck into the net for his fourth goal this year. The score remained 2-2 after the first period, with Norfolk holding a shooting advantage of 8-5. During the second period, both teams generated multiple opportunities to break the tie; however, the performance of the goaltenders proved to be pivotal, resulting in no changes to the score after 40 minutes of play. During the third period, a pivotal goal by Shin significantly impacted the outcome, propelling the Admirals to yet another victory. Shin's shot, executed during a power play, was a precise wrist shot that found the back of the net, marking his second goal of the afternoon and his fifth of the season. As the game progressed towards its conclusion, Stead exhibited exceptional composure, effectively thwarting any desperate attempts from the Cyclones. Consequently, the Admirals secured a 3-2 victory. With this win, the team currently occupies second place in the ECHL North Division, amassing a total of 35 points. Sentara Health Three Stars of the Game 1. NOR - S. Shin (2 goals, +1) 2. NOR - B. Zloty (2 assists) 3. NOR - C. Golder (2 assists) What’s Next Norfolk will return to the ice at the Norfolk Scope this weekend to face their divisional rivals, the Trois-Rivières Lions. The puck will drop for the contest on Friday at 7:05 PM.
https://www.wtkr.com/sports/shins-two-goals-propel-admirals-to-series-sweep-over-cyclones
2024-12-16T05:23:24Z
Milan's Via MonteNapoleone usurps New York's Fifth Avenue as world's most upscale shopping street Shoppers laden with bags from Fendi, Loewe, Prada and other designer labels clog the narrow sidewalks of Milan’s swankiest shopping street Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story. The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it. Your support makes all the difference.Shoppers laden with bags from Fendi, Loewe, Prada and other designer labels clog the narrow sidewalks of Milan’s swankiest shopping street, bringing joy to the purveyors of high-end luxury goods this, and every, holiday season. There’s even more to celebrate this year: a commercial real estate company has crowned Via MonteNapoleone as the world’s most expensive retail destination, displacing New York’s Fifth Avenue. The latest version of American firm Cushman & Wakefield’s annual global index, which ranks shopping areas based on the rent prices they command, is a sign of Via MonteNapoleone’s desirability as an address for luxury ready-to-wear, jewelry and even pastry brands. The average rent on the Milan street has surged to 20,000 euros per square meter ($2,047 per square foot), compared with 19,537 euros per square meter ($2,000 per square foot) on an 11-block stretch of upper Fifth Avenue. Via MonteNapoleone’s small size — just 350 meters (less than one-quarter mile) long — and walking distance to services and top cultural sites are among the street's key advantages, according to Guglielmo Miani, president of the MonteNapoleone District association. “Not everything can fit, which is a benefit’’ since the limited space makes the street even more exclusive and dynamic, said Miani, whose group also represents businesses on the intersecting side streets that together with Via MonteNapoleone form an area known as Milan’s Fashion Quadrilateral. The biggest brands on the street make 50 million euros to 100 million euros in annual sales, Miani said, which goes a long way to paying the rent. Tiffany & Co. is preparing to take up residence on Via Montenapoleone, and long-time tenant Fendi is expanding. The MonteNapoleone District says 11 million people visited the area this year through November, but there's no way to say how many were big spenders vs. window shoppers. The average shopper on Via MonteNapoleone spent 2,500 euros per purchase between August and November — the highest average receipt in the world, according to the tax-free shopping firm Global Blue. The street is a magnet for holiday shoppers who arrive in Maseratis, Porsches and even Ferraris, the sports car's limited trunk space notwithstanding. Lights twinkle overhead, boutique windows feature mannequins engaged in warm scenes of holiday fun, and passersby snap photos of expertly decorated cakes in pastry shop displays. A visitor from China, Chen Xinghan, waited for a taxi with a half-dozen shopping bags lined up next to him on the sidewalk. He said he paid half the price for a luxury Fendi coat that he purchased in Milan than he would have at home. “I got a lot,’’ Chen acknowledged. “It’s a fantastic place, a good place for shopping." A few store windows down, Franca Da Rold, who was visiting Milan from Belluno, an Italian city in the Dolomites mountain range, marveled at a chunky, meters-long knit scarf priced at 980 euros. "I could knit that in one hour, using 12-gauge knitting needles as thick as my fingers, and thick wool. Maximum two hours,’’ Da Rold said, but acknowledged the brand appeal. Despite upper Fifth Avenue getting bumped to the No. 2 spot on the Cushman & Wakefield list, the organization that serves as the Manhattan street's guardian and chief promoter had praise for MonteNapoleone’s achievement. “Milan’s investment in its public realm is paying off, which is a win for their shoppers, businesses and city as a whole,’’ Madelyn Wils, interim president of the Fifth Avenue Association, said. But she also expressed confidence that with new investments and a record year for sales on Fifth Avenue, “we’ll be back on top in no time.”
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/milan-ap-fendi-new-york-loewe-b2664862.html
2024-12-16T05:23:26Z