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These engagements reaffirm the commitment to deepening the partnership between our two nations
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake meets Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Pic/X
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday and held talks on strengthening economic cooperation between the two nations. Dissanayake said that they discussed strengthening Indo-Sri Lanka economic cooperation, enhancing investment opportunities and fostering regional security.
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In a post on X, Dissanayake said, "During my official visit to India, I had the privilege of engaging in productive discussions with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and National Security Advisor Shri Ajit Doval. Our conversations focused on strengthening Indo-Sri Lanka economic cooperation, enhancing investment opportunities, fostering regional security, and advancing key sectors such as tourism and energy. These engagements reaffirm the commitment to deepening the partnership between our two nations."
Earlier on Sunday, Dissanayake also met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Jaishankar, during his meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sunday, highlighted the island nation's prominent role in India's Neighborhood First policy and SAGAR Outlook.
He further affirmed confidence that President Dissanayake's talks with Prime Minister Modi today will lead to greater cooperation between New Delhi and Colombo. "Pleased to call on President Anura Kumara Disanayake at the start of his first State Visit to India. Sri Lanka is key to both India's Neighborhood First policy and SAGAR Outlook. Confident that the talks with PM Narendra Modi tomorrow will lead to greater trust and deeper cooperation," the EAM stated in a post on X.
Dissanayake said he held "fruitful discussions on the matters of mutual interest" during his meetings with EAM Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Earlier in the day, the Sri Lankan President was received by Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan in Delhi. This is the first bilateral visit of Dissanayake to India after assuming office in September.
The Sri Lankan President is on a day State visit to India from December 15 to December 17. Dissanayake will meet President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
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https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/sri-lankan-president-dissanayake-meets-finance-minister-sitharaman-to-discuss-economic-cooperation-23447514
| 2024-12-16T05:42:07Z
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The Western Bulldogs have locked away Sam Darcy until at least 2029, keeping the emerging AFL superstar away from rivals next year.
Due to come out of contract at the end of next season, the 21-year-old has penned a new four-year deal.
After injuries and illness derailed his first two seasons, Darcy had a breakout 2024 kicking 38 goals in 21 games.
The son of Bulldogs great Luke, he shapes as the future of the club's forward line.
"It was a really easy decision for me in the end," Darcy said.
"This club means so much to me – I've got a rich family history here.
"I grew up supporting the Bulldogs and I am very grateful to be living out my dreams at Whitten Oval.
"I'm really confident in the direction we're heading and love coming into work every day with the boys as we continue to try and improve."
Sam Power, who is the Bulldogs' acting football boss after Chris Grant's recent resignation, was delighted Darcy was staying long-term.
"Only three seasons into his career, Sam has shown plenty of exciting qualities as he navigates the early parts of his journey," Power said.
"Having continuity this season allowed Sam to display his aerial capabilities, becoming one of the most challenging forwards to defend in the game, while maintaining his elite competitive edge every time he steps onto the field.
"He's an important part of the club's future with plenty of growth still remaining in his game."
Captain Marcus Bontempelli, as well as fellow star midfielders Ed Richards and Adam Treloar are also out of contract at the end of next season.
But it would take something dramatic for the key trio not to re-sign with the Bulldogs.
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https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/afl/western-bulldogs-lock-away-young-gun-darcy-until-2029-c-17101253
| 2024-12-16T05:42:10Z
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Archana Puran Singh's foray into the world of YouTube was met with immediate success. The actress, who has appeared in over 100 Bollywood films and is a regular fixture on
The Kapil Sharma Show, launched her YouTube channel with the goal of sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of her life and providing personal updates. Within hours of the launch, her channel went viral, gaining thousands of views as fans rushed to engage with her content. Singh, known for her candid and humorous personality, was eager to interact with her audience through vlogs, which included appearances by her family and friends.
Her channel’s success was short-lived, however, as it was hacked in the early hours of December 14, disrupting her plans for future content. The hacking incident has not only affected her ability to engage with fans but has also drawn attention to the vulnerabilities that creators face in the digital age.
Archana Puran Singh's YouTube channel hacked
Reports indicate that the attack on Archana Puran Singh's YouTube channel occurred at around 2 AM on December 14, shortly after the channel had gained significant traction. The hackers deleted all of the channel's content, wiping out the videos that had quickly garnered thousands of views. This breach marks a troubling development in the ongoing issue of cybersecurity, particularly for celebrities and public figures who often have large, vulnerable online followings.
Upon discovering the hack, Singh shared a message with her followers on Instagram. In the video, she expressed both her disappointment and gratitude, thanking fans for their overwhelming support. "My YouTube channel went viral in just a few hours. Thank you for ALL the love you have shown me and my fam. I love you all!" Singh said. She reassured her fans, stating that the channel should be restored "in a day or two," and promised to keep them updated on the progress.
Efforts to restore the Archana’s channel
Singh's team is currently working in collaboration with YouTube’s support team and cybersecurity experts to restore the channel and recover the deleted content. In addition to restoring the videos, there is a concerted effort to secure the account and prevent future hacking incidents. Cybersecurity experts are likely advising Singh’s team on improving security protocols, which may include strengthening password protection, enabling two-factor authentication, and monitoring the account for suspicious activity.
This breach also highlights the broader issue of online security for content creators, especially those with large followings. Celebrities, influencers, and public figures are increasingly targeted by hackers who seek to exploit their online presence for malicious purposes. Singh’s experience serves as a reminder of the need for heightened vigilance in managing digital platforms, particularly as social media and video-sharing platforms continue to grow in popularity.
Archana Puran Singh's positive outlook and commitment to fans
Despite the challenges posed by the hacking incident, Singh remains optimistic about her YouTube plans. She assured her followers that her efforts to reconnect with them will not be deterred by this setback. In her Instagram video, she expressed confidence that the channel would be up and running again soon, stating, “Fingers crossed. Will keep you all updated. See you SOON on YOUTUBE.”
Singh's family, including her husband Parmeet Sethi and son Ayushmaan Sethi, have also been involved in the content creation for the channel, sharing their personal lives with fans. Their participation has contributed to the channel's early success, as viewers were eager to see a more intimate side of the actress’s life.
Also read | Airtel recharge plans | Jio recharge plans | BSNL recharge plans
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/social/i-am-very-sad-and-very-happy-at-the-same-time-archana-puran-singhs-youtube-channel-hacked-within-hours-of-launch/articleshow/116341340.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:42:11Z
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Alexis Lafreniere News: Deals helper in loss
Lafreniere registered an assist, two shots on goal and two hits in Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Blues.
Lafreniere snapped a three-game point drought with the helper on a Will Cuylle goal in the third period. They flanked Filip Chytil on the Rangers' listed top line, and Lafreniere led all Rangers forwards with 19:13 of ice time amid the team's significant roster shuffle sans Artemi Panarin (upper body). Lafreniere hasn't fully avoided the team's struggles, but he has looked pretty good this year with 21 points, 66 shots on net and 42 hits over 30 contests, though he also has a minus-13 rating. The winger is on pace for roughly the same point total he had last year (57 in 82 regular-season games).
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https://www.rotowire.com/hockey/headlines/alexis-lafreniere-news-deals-helper-in-loss-544087
| 2024-12-16T05:42:13Z
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Taxi operators urged to ensure safety on the roads
Drivers, especially those in passenger service vehicles, have been urged to ensure the safety of road users by managing their speed this festive season. So far, road accidents have already claimed more than 3,000 lives this year, and over 50% of those accidents are due to overspeeding. This was during a workshop organized for the leaders of the different driver networks in Mukono on road safety.
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https://www.ntv.co.ug/ug/news/national/taxi-operators-urged-to-ensure-safety-on-the-roads-4858188
| 2024-12-16T05:42:13Z
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Teens equipped with skills to grab job opportunities
Experts agree that Data is the future. But how do we innovate around it to solve the problems that we face on a daily? That was the question to be answered at the refectory digital skills showcase held at the national ice hub in Kampala. Also during this skills showcase, experts advised the government to remodel ICT circulars to move with the technology and innovation tides.
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https://www.ntv.co.ug/ug/news/national/teens-equipped-with-skills-to-grab-job-opportunities-4858202
| 2024-12-16T05:42:14Z
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Taiwan receives first batch of US-made Abrams tanks
TAIPEI: Taiwan has received 38 advanced Abrams battle tanks from the United States, the defence ministry said on Monday (Dec 16), as the island boosts its military capabilities against a potential Chinese attack.
Washington has long been Taipei's most important ally and biggest arms supplier – angering Beijing, which claims Taiwan as part of its own territory.
The M1A2 tanks – the first batch of 108 ordered in 2019 – arrived in Taiwan late on Sunday and were transferred to an army training base in Hsinchu, south of the capital Taipei, the defence ministry said.
Abrams tanks, which are among the heaviest in the world, are a mainstay of the US military.
The M1A2s are the first new tanks to be delivered to Taiwan in 30 years, the semi-official Central News Agency said.
Taiwan's current tank force consists of around 1,000 Taiwan-made CM 11 Brave Tiger and US-made M60A3 tanks, technology that is increasingly obsolete.
The government previously allocated the equivalent of more than US$1.2 billion for the 108 Abrams.
Taiwan faces the constant threat of an invasion by China, which has refused to rule out using force to bring the self-ruled island under its control.
While it has a homegrown defence industry and has been upgrading its equipment, Taiwan relies heavily on US arms sales to bolster its security capabilities.
Taiwan requested the state-of-the-art M1A2 tanks in 2019. The rest of the order is expected to be delivered in 2025 and 2026, an army official told AFP.
While US arms supplies to Taiwan are enshrined into law, a massive backlog caused by COVID-19 supply chain disruptions and US weapons shipments to Ukraine and Israel have slowed deliveries to Taiwan.
The backlog now exceeds US$21 billion, according to Washington think tank Cato Institute.
Taiwan would be massively outgunned in terms of troop numbers and firepower in any war with China and in recent years has increased spending on its military.
Taipei allocated a record US$19 billion for 2024 and next year's budget is set to hit a new high, as it seeks to bolster a more agile defence approach.
China has increased military pressure on Taiwan in recent years, regularly deploying fighter jets and warships around the island.
Taiwanese authorities said last week that China had held its biggest maritime drills in years, with around 90 ships deployed from near the southern islands of Japan to the South China Sea.
The vessels simulated attacks on foreign ships and practised blockading sea routes, a Taiwan security official said previously.
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https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/taiwan-receives-first-batch-us-made-abrams-tanks-china-military-4808771?cid=cna_flip_070214
| 2024-12-16T05:42:15Z
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Syria is riven by partisan and sectarian infighting that led in part to rise of the Islamic State militant group in the first place
Foreign delegates attend the meeting of the Arab Contact Group on Syria, in Jordan. Pic/AFP
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has wrapped up perhaps his last Middle East as America’s top diplomat, with the aim of preventing Syria from spiralling out of control after the sudden ouster of President Bashar Assad. Blinken held meetings Jordan, Turkey and Iraq with the aim of trying to shape the future of post-Assad Syria by forging consensus among regional partners and allies whose interests often diverge.
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A new Syria
Blinken left Washington just three days after Assad fled for Russia, a longtime ally. Blinken said his goal was to convince countries in the Mideast and elsewhere that they should commit to backing the US view of how Syria should be run after decades of Assad family rule. To that end, he said he had secured the backing of the 12 foreign ministers from the Arab League, Turkey and top officials from the European Union and United Nations who held an emergency meeting in the Jordanian port city of Aqaba.
Stability to deter IS group
Syria is riven by partisan and sectarian infighting that led in part to rise of the Islamic State militant group in the first place. Turkey, Syria’s neighbour to the north, is deeply suspicious of Syrian and Iraqi Kurds. Turkey deems them terrorists, although some of those Kurds have proved to be key American partners in the fight to destroy IS. The US helped broker an agreement between the Turks and one of those Kurdish groups, the Syrian Defense Forces, after Assad’s departure.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
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https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/what-to-know-about-us-push-for-stability-23447420
| 2024-12-16T05:42:15Z
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Fremantle ruckman Sean Darcy has received high praise for transforming his body since the end of last season with his teammates admitting they couldn’t believe they were looking at the same person after seeing photos.
Darcy had knee surgery at the end of last season as the club searched for a way to keep him on the field for longer. The Doig medallist managed only 12 games in 2024 after playing 15 matches the previous season.
Often criticised for carrying excess weight, Darcy shed several kilos last season in an attempt to stay healthy but has taken his commitment to another level during the summer.
Teammate Nathan O’Driscoll said everyone had noticed the difference.
“It’s been unreal. We were talking about it the other day. In a couple of photos, you couldn’t even notice it was him because he’s slimmed down so much,” O’Driscoll said.
“It’s a credit to him. He’s putting in the hard yakkas. He’s coming in every day and putting in the work. It’s tough in rehab and losing weight is actually harder than what people think. He’s been putting in the work. Hopefully he can build on that and be right for round one.”
Darcy took a significant step in his recovery when he joined teammates for ball work early in Monday’s training session. They were low intensity drills which didn’t put any stress on his body, but O’Driscoll said the ruckman would have relished any chance to do something football related.
“It’s been frustrating for him. You can tell,” O’Driscoll said.
“Sometimes you are going to be down and have slumps but when he’s out and around the boys, he’s got his head held high. You could see out there today how happy he was.”
The Dockers have invested a lot of money in their ruck department with Darcy contracted until the end of 2030 and Luke Jackson signed up until the end of 2029.
O’Driscoll and Darcy spent a lot of time together in rehab last season, given the midfielder also had a serious knee injury. He said Darcy’s workrate was inspiring.
“It is. He was a big driver for me when I was in there as well because we had similar injuries - we’d both hurt our knees,” O’Driscoll said.
“He was always pushing me to get in there and do extra crossies (cross training). It’s pretty good to see a leader like that doing what he’s doing.”
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https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/fremantle-dockers/fremantle-dockers-ruckman-sean-darcy-stuns-teammates-with-how-much-weight-he-has-lost-during-afl-pre-season-c-17100380
| 2024-12-16T05:42:16Z
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The AI-powered notification feature has come under fire for falsely reporting that
Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the murder of healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, had committed suicide. The inaccurate alert reportedly had the headline "Luigi Mangione shoots himself" and was attributed to the BBC. However, in reality, Mangione remains in custody in Pennsylvania, US and is awaiting extradition to New York. The media outlet, whose name was falsely linked to the headline, has raised concerns with Apple. In a report, the broadcaster also shared a screenshot of the AI-generated alert.
In a statement in the report, a spokesperson for the broadcaster said: “BBC News is the most trusted news media in the world. It is essential to us that our audiences can trust any information or journalism published in our name, and that includes notifications.”
However, Apple has declined to comment. This is also not the first instance of the
Apple Intelligence notification feature summarising other news stories inaccurately. The report added Apple’s AI also misrepresented news about Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. Apart from this, headlines of other publishers also reportedly had their headlines misrepresented Apple's new AI technology.
Apple AI-powered notification summary feature on iPhones
Apple claims that these AI-powered notification summaries can help users minimise interruptions from continuous notifications and focus on prioritising more important alerts.
This feature is available on select devices running iOS 18.1 or later, including all iPhone 16 models, the 15 Pro, and the 15 Pro Max. It is also supported on certain iPads and Macs.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/apple-intelligences-gets-headline-on-high-profile-us-murder-wrong-bbc-complains/articleshow/116335166.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:42:17Z
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Brayden Schenn News: Generates assist in win
Schenn notched an assist, two hits and two blocked shots in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Rangers.
Schenn has four points over seven outings in December. He hasn't found the same kind of success as the Blues' other top-six forwards, but he's still offering depth scoring with a physical edge. The 33-year-old center is up to 16 points, 63 shots on net, 76 hits, 29 blocked shots and a minus-7 rating through 32 contests this season.
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https://www.rotowire.com/hockey/headlines/brayden-schenn-news-generates-assist-in-win-544081
| 2024-12-16T05:42:19Z
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Youth are being urged to embrace technical skills
Youth have been argued to embrace technical skills if they are to survive in this challenging era of unemployment. This call was made during the graduation ceremony at SOS Children Center Wakiso and at Hope International Technical Institute when over 300 youths were being awarded certificates of completion in Vocational skills in different disciplines. They have trained in the fields of Tailoring, Mechanical Engineering, and Plumbing among others, and have been given Start up kits to enable them to start up their own life.
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https://www.ntv.co.ug/ug/news/national/youth-are-being-urged-to-embrace-technical-skills-4858180
| 2024-12-16T05:42:20Z
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Elon Musk, the multi-billionaire entrepreneur and CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter), has recently made headlines, not for his technological innovations but for his escapades in the gaming world. Musk, who boasts an impressive track record in competitive video games, faced a surprising setback when he was kicked off the Path of Exile 2 server for alleged cheating. This incident follows his widely publicized claim of dominating Diablo 4, another popular game. The controversy has sparked debates among gamers and raised questions about Musk's gaming strategies and his plans to disrupt the gaming industry.
Elon Musk among the top 20 players in Diablo 4
In a November interview with Joe Rogan, Elon Musk revealed that he had achieved global recognition as one of the top 20 players in Diablo 4, a massively popular action role-playing game with over six million players worldwide. Musk’s impressive accomplishment involved completing the game’s challenging level 150 Pit in less than two minutes—a feat that stunned many in the gaming community.
Interestingly, Musk is one of only two Americans to secure a spot in the game’s elite leaderboard, which is predominantly dominated by Asian players. His success drew attention to his exceptional gaming skills, with fans and critics alike speculating about the secret behind his success.
Elon Musk kicked out from Path of Exile 2 for 'cheating'
Following his achievements in Diablo 4, Musk shifted his focus to Path of Exile 2, another action role-playing game with a massive global following. However, his journey in this game took an unexpected turn when he was accused of cheating.
In a post shared on X, Musk revealed that he had been disconnected from the game server due to "performing too many actions too fast." A screenshot accompanying his post displayed a message from the game alerting him to the disconnection.
Despite the accusation, Musk firmly denied any wrongdoing, humorously stating that he wasn’t even using macros—a software tool that automates repetitive tasks in games. He attributed his disconnection to his ability to perform a high number of actions per minute, joking, “The penalty for too many clicks/sec is you get executed immediately!”
Reactions from gaming community
Musk’s claim sparked a mix of humor and debate among gamers. While some sided with Musk, questioning the game’s mechanics, others pointed out the importance of anti-cheating measures in maintaining fair play. A user responded to Musk’s post with humor, stating, “They give us like 10+ active skills and don’t expect us to hit the buttons?!”
The incident highlights the challenges game developers face in balancing anti-cheat mechanisms with the needs of highly skilled players. Musk’s disconnection from Path of Exile 2 has become a trending topic, with gamers debating whether the action was justified or an overreaction to Musk’s rapid gameplay style.
Elon Musk’s plans to Revolutionise the gaming industry
Adding to the intrigue, Musk announced his intention to disrupt the gaming industry through his AI-focused company, xAI. In a post on X, he criticized the current state of the gaming sector, claiming that "too many game studios are owned by massive corporations" that prioritize profits over innovation. Musk revealed plans to launch an AI-powered game studio under xAI, with the ambitious goal of “making games great again.”
While details about the studio’s projects remain scarce, Musk’s track record suggests that his entry into the gaming industry could bring innovative changes. His emphasis on AI-powered tools raises the possibility of games with enhanced realism, dynamic storytelling, and player engagement.
Musk’s growing influence in the gaming world
Elon Musk’s involvement in the gaming world has brought attention to his skills, controversies, and vision for the industry’s future. From achieving global recognition in Diablo 4 to facing accusations in Path of Exile 2, Musk continues to captivate audiences both inside and outside the gaming community.
As his plans to launch an AI-powered game studio take shape, the industry eagerly awaits to see whether Musk’s disruptive ideas will redefine gaming or simply add another layer of complexity to his multifaceted persona. For now, his gaming adventures serve as yet another reminder of his ability to make waves in unexpected arenas.
Also read | Airtel recharge plans | Jio recharge plans | BSNL recharge plans
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/elon-musk-kicked-out-from-path-of-exile-2-for-cheating-weeks-after-becoming-top-player-says-was-not-even-/articleshow/116340991.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:42:23Z
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Five city cricketers have been selected for the 16-member squad to represent the Maharashtra state schools team at the U-19 nationals to be held in Rajasthan next month.
Representation pic
Five city cricketers have been selected for the 16-member squad to represent the Maharashtra state schools team at the U-19 nationals to be held in Rajasthan next month. Opening batter Aryan Deshmukh, wicketkeeper-batsman Yash Jadhav, left-arm spinner Chirag Modak and all-rounder Siddhant Roy (all from Maharshi Dayanand College, Parel) and off-spin bowling all-rounder Atharva Mayure (Ramniranjan Jhunjhunwala College, Ghatkopar) were rewarded for their performances during the state-level selection trials held at Hinganghat in Wardha on Thursday and Friday.
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https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/five-city-cricketers-in-maha-u19-squad-23447479
| 2024-12-16T05:42:22Z
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England skipper Stokes injures hamstring again in Hamilton
England captain Ben Stokes suffered a left hamstring injury during the third test against New Zealand in Hamilton on Monday and will not field again for the remainder of the match, the team said.
Stokes, who pulled up clutching his thigh while bowling and left the field immediately for treatment, missed four tests after tearing the same hamstring during The Hundred in August.
The team said a call on whether the all-rounder would bat in England's second innings at Seddon Park would be made after "further assessment".
England have already won the three-match series after thumping victories in the first two tests and are assured of having to chase down a world record target to sweep the series.
Stokes bowled 24 overs in New Zealand's first innings and was two balls into his 13th over of the second when he suffered the injury - a much heavier workload than he undertook in the first two tests.
The 33-year-old also pulled up mid-over while bowling in the series opener in Christchurch and handed the ball to Gus Atkinson, although on that occasion he did stay on the field.
He said after the match that he had stopped bowling because he had not wanted to push his body unnecessarily with the test all but won.
England next play in the longest format in a one-off test against Zimbabwe in May before a five-match home series against India in July and August followed by the Ashes series in Australia at the end of the year.
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https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/england-skipper-stokes-injures-hamstring-again-hamilton-4808751?cid=cna_flip_070214
| 2024-12-16T05:42:25Z
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Brett Berard News: Pots goal Sunday
Berard scored a goal on five shots and added four hits in Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Blues.
The goal was Berard's first point in four games since he returned from an upper-body injury. The 22-year-old winger played alongside Mika Zibanejad and Jimmy Vesey amid a massive lineup shuffle by head coach Peter Laviolette, though the trio accounted for three of the four lowest ice-time totals among the Rangers' forwards. Regardless of future changes, Berard is likely to spend most of his time in the bottom six. He has three points, 17 shots on net, 14 hits and a minus-3 rating over his first eight NHL appearances.
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https://www.rotowire.com/hockey/headlines/brett-berard-news-pots-goal-sunday-544086
| 2024-12-16T05:42:25Z
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Kampala Queens draw, drop to fourth
Kampala Queens Women's Football Club and She Maroons Women's Football Club played out a goalless draw in one of the Finance Trust Women's Super League games today in Luzira. The draw dropped the Queens of Soccer from second to fourth position with 20 points, just two behind table leaders Kawempe and Amus College, who are tied at 21 points. As for She Maroons, they remain in sixth place with 14 points after 11 games, still within reach of a top-four finish but needing more consistency in their performances to climb higher up the table.
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https://www.ntv.co.ug/ug/news/sports/kampala-queens-draw-drop-to-fourth-4858828
| 2024-12-16T05:42:27Z
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During a recent visit to Apple's headquarters in London, King Charles expressed his admiration for a newly released Apple Intelligence feature. The British monarch was particularly impressed by the Image Wand tool, which transforms rough sketches into detailed images using advanced AI technology.
While touring Apple's Battersea office, King Charles interacted with young artists and students who demonstrated the capabilities of the Image Wand. "Oh god. It's not fair really. Fantastic," he exclaimed, visibly amazed by the tool's ability to bring simple sketches to life.
Apple CEO Tim Cook, who welcomed King Charles during his visit, highlighted the company's commitment to supporting educational programs through The King's Trust. Cook also shared a short video of the interaction on social media, expressing gratitude for the King's visit and support.
The Image Wand feature is part of Apple's ongoing efforts to integrate AI technology into its products, offering users innovative ways to enhance their creative work. This visit underscores Apple's dedication to fostering creativity and education in the U.K., building on a history of more than 40 years in the country.
King Charles III visited Apple’s Battersea office in London to meet
Apple employees, members of the British creative community, and students who have learned vital new skills like coding from educational programs supported by Apple and UK-based nonprofit The King’s Trust.
“We were honored to welcome His Majesty King Charles to Apple Battersea — our home in the U.K. — and we’re proud to support The King’s Trust in its vital work educating and empowering young people,” said Cook.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/kings-charles-on-apple-intelligence-feature-oh-god-its-not-/articleshow/116335259.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:42:29Z
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Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke shared seven wickets as NZ bowled out England for 143 in a session and a half to take a 205-run first innings lead.
Representation pic
New Zealand showed off its presumptive new ball attack as it took control of the third test against England on the second day on Sunday.
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Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke shared seven wickets as NZ bowled out England for 143 in a session and a half to take a 205-run first innings lead.
O’Rourke then had to bat for the second time in the day as nightwatchman when Will Young was out for 60 within 20 minutes of the close. He couldn’t last to stumps at which New Zealand were 136-3.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
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https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/henry-orourke-put-nz-on-top-against-england-23447481
| 2024-12-16T05:42:29Z
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Connor Murphy News: Deposits empty-netter in victory
Murphy scored his first goal of the season in Sunday's 5-3 win over the Islanders.
Murphy scored an unassisted empty-net goal at 19:49 of the final frame to seal the victory for Chicago. The marker was Murphy's first since Jan. 11 of the 2023-24 campaign. The right-shot blueliner is second in scoring on the back end for Chicago, and he's at one goal, 10 helpers, 32 PIM, 32 shots on net and a plus-1 rating through 31 appearances. Murphy is on track to surpass his career-high 19 points that he produced during the 2019-20 campaign.
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https://www.rotowire.com/hockey/headlines/connor-murphy-news-deposits-empty-netter-in-victory-544077
| 2024-12-16T05:42:31Z
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Ndiwalana clinches gold at target Archery club event
Hamza Ndiwalana registered 402 points to clinch gold at the end-of-year Target Archery Club shooting event held at Pearl School in Nsambya. Shane Ainembabazi finished second with 354 points, while Shiloh Ayebare placed third. In the junior category, Myra Genesis Luya emerged as the champion with 150 points. The event aimed to shape archers who will be vying for spots on the national team next year.
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https://www.ntv.co.ug/ug/news/sports/ndiwalana-clinches-gold-at-target-archery-club-event-4858830
| 2024-12-16T05:42:33Z
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She Cranes asked to up their game given the overwhelming improvement
Netball Uganda president Jocelyn Ucanda says the She Cranes should up their game given the overwhelming improvement and competition from low-ranked countries in Africa. This after Uganda drew with Zimbabwe who are 13th in ranking at the Netball Africa Cup before losing their final to arch-rivals South Africa at the Africa Netball Cup that ended yesterday in Namibia. During the competition, Ugandan center player Margret Baagala was named the best center player of the tournament.
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https://www.ntv.co.ug/ug/news/sports/she-cranes-asked-to-up-their-game-given-the-overwhelming-improvement--4858230
| 2024-12-16T05:42:34Z
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From Google's quantum computing breakthrough to OpenAI's text-to-video tool and Apple's intelligent new features. Samsung and Google are challenging
Apple in the mixed-reality space, Spotify is bidding farewell to its Car Thing device, and the gaming world celebrated PlayStation's Astro Bot as Game of the Year. All this and more in our weekly round up of tech news
Suchir Balaji, OpenAI whistleblower, found dead at his apartment
Suchir Balaji, a 26-year-old Indian American researcher who spent four years at OpenAI, who had recently left the company and raised significant concerns about its practices, was found dead in his San Francisco apartment.
Read what he has to say about OpenAI, and AI, in his last post before he died.
Google’s says its new chip cracked quantum computing’s ‘30-year challenge’
Google unveiled Willow, quantum chip that chip demonstrates two key achievements in quantum computing: exponential error reduction as the number of qubits increases (a 30-year challenge in quantum error correction) and the ability to complete a computation in under five minutes that would take a classical supercomputer 10 septillion years. With 105 qubits and improved performance metrics, Willow represents a major step towards developing a useful, large-scale quantum computer that could potentially revolutionize fields like AI, medicine, energy, and scientific discovery by solving complex problems beyond the capabilities of classical computers. Read more.
OpenAI finally brings its Sora text-to-video AI tool
OpenAI has launched Sora, its AI video generation model, which is now available to paid ChatGPT subscribers. Sora can generate videos up to 20 seconds long in 1080p resolution, using a diffusion model with a transformer architecture. The platform allows users to create videos from text prompts, upload and remix existing content, and offers features like a storyboard interface. To address potential misuse, OpenAI has implemented safety measures including watermarking, metadata standards, and restrictions on generating harmful content. Currently, the service is limited to ChatGPT Plus and Pro subscribers, with varying usage limits based on the subscription tier.
Apple releases Image Playground and more new Apple Intelligence features
Apple has announced the expansion of Apple Intelligence introducing several new features like Image Playground for creating unique images, Genmoji for personalized emojis, enhanced Writing Tools, and seamless ChatGPT integration. The update brings visual intelligence capabilities to iPhone 16 devices, allows users to create and customize images and emojis, and offers more flexible writing tools.
iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, macOS 15.2, and more software updates released for Apple devices
Apple has released the iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 with new Apple Intelligence features, including Image Playground, Genmoji and more. Asides that, watchOS 10.2 and tvOS 18.2, were also being released.
Gemini 2.0 arrives with Agents
Google has introduced Gemini 2.0, a new AI model focused on creating more agentic and interactive AI experiences. The release includes Gemini 2.0 Flash, an experimental model with enhanced multimodal capabilities that can generate images, audio, and text while natively using tools like Google Search. The company is showcasing several research prototypes, including Project Astra (a universal AI assistant), Project Mariner (a browser-based agent), and Jules (a code development agent). The model is currently available to developers and select users, with plans to expand its integration into Google products in early 2025.
Redmi Note 14 series launches in India
Xiaomi has launched three Redmi Note 14 series smartphones in India: the Redmi Note 14 5G, Note 14 Pro, and Note 14 Pro+. The Note 14 5G starts at Rs. 18,999, featuring a 6.67-inch OLED display, Dimensity 7025-Ultra chip, and 5110mAh battery. The Note 14 Pro (priced from Rs. 24,999) comes with a Dimensity 7300-Ultra processor and 5500mAh battery, while the Note 14 Pro+ (starting at Rs. 30,999) boasts a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip, 6200mAh battery with 90W charging, and a unique 50MP 2.5X telephoto camera. All three phones run Android 14 with HyperOS, offer multiple RAM/storage configurations, and come with AI-enhanced features and IP-rated water resistance.
Swiggy launches Scenes, as it takes on Zomato’s
Swiggy has launched 'Scenes', a new feature in its app for purchasing tickets to restaurant-hosted events, initially introduced in Bengaluru. This move directly challenges Zomato's District platform, focusing exclusively on live dining and entertainment experiences like New Year's Eve parties and music performances.
Google and Samsung announces their Apple Vision Pro rival
Google and Samsung are collaborating on Project Moohan, an Android XR mixed-reality headset set to launch next year as a direct competitor to Apple's Vision Pro. Running on a custom Android platform and powered by Gemini AI, the headset promises immersive spatial computing experiences with multimodal interactions like voice commands and hand gestures. Designed to be more sophisticated than Google's previous attempts in virtual/augmented reality, Project Moohan will feature state-of-the-art displays, passthrough capabilities, and be powered by a Qualcomm chip.
Spotify Car Thing is finally dead
Spotify has officially discontinued its Car Thing streaming device, with all units disabled as of December 9, 2024. Launched in February 2022 to improve music control in cars without built-in infotainment systems, the device was discontinued less than a year after its release due to low demand and supply chain issues. Customers who purchased the $90 device have until January 14, 2025, to contact customer service and provide proof of purchase for a refund. Spotify recommends users reset the device to factory settings and dispose of it according to local electronic waste guidelines.
PlayStation’s Astro Bot wins Game of the Year
At The Game Awards 2024, PlayStation's Astro Bot, developed by Team Asobi, won Game of the Year, along with three additional awards: Best Family Game, Best Game Direction, and Best Action/Adventure Game. The critically acclaimed PlayStation 5 exclusive platformer, which has a 95/100 rating on OpenCritic, beat out strong competitors like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Black Myth: Wukong. Studio head Nicolas Doucet accepted the awards, praising his team and acknowledging the game's roots in classic platformer design.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/openai-whistleblower-suchir-balaji-found-dead-googles-quantum-breakthrough-apples-new-ai-features-and-more-top-tech-news-of-the-week/articleshow/116334654.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:42:35Z
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Filip Chytil News: Manages assist in loss
Chytil logged an assist and four hits in Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Blues.
Chytil has three points over his last five games. He was listed on the top line Sunday and ranked second among the Rangers' centers with 19:06 of ice time, one second less than Vincent Trocheck. Head coach Peter Laviolette had to get creative with Artemi Panarin (upper body) out Sunday, but Chytil has played well enough to get a longer look in the top six. He has 12 points, 49 shots on net, nine hits and a plus-9 rating over 23 appearances -- don't expect his physicality from Sunday to become the norm.
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https://www.rotowire.com/hockey/headlines/filip-chytil-news-manages-assist-in-loss-544088
| 2024-12-16T05:42:38Z
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Former skipper Steve returns to form with first century in 18 months while middle-order batter Travis continues to trouble Rohit & Co with back-to-back tons as Oz post 405-7 on Day Two
Travis Head are ecstatic after their respective century efforts yesterday. Pics/Getty Images
Familiar heroes from both sides made their presence felt, but while Jasprit Bumrah plugged away almost single-handedly, Travis Head was supported by a welcome return to form for Steve Smith at the Gabba on Sunday. Consequently, Australia dominated Day Two of the third Test, pulling away after a tricky opening session to flay a tiring attack. Scoring at more than 5.5 runs an over in the extended final session, Australia ended the day on 405-7, a commanding tally especially considering that they were asked to bat first by Rohit Sharma.
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Overnight 28 without loss, Australia were well served by their top three — Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne both negotiated more than 50 deliveries while Khawaja’s opening partner, Nathan McSweeney, survived 49 — after which Head went into overdrive. Bumrah, who had bowled 11 overs by the time Head arrived in a blaze of boundaries, accounted for Khawaja and McSweeney in his first spell of the morning and Nitish Kumar Reddy gave the visitors the bonus wicket of Labuschagne, smartly caught at second slip by Virat Kohli, but once the ball got older, Head cashed in like he often does when he wears his aggressive avatar.
No reward for b’day boy Akash Deep
Akash Deep, playing his first Test in Australia, was outstanding in the morning, going past Smith’s outside edge times without number. On another day, he might have walked away with a five-fer but on his 28th birthday, there was little reward for great skill as lady luck smiled benevolently on Smith, without a Test century for 24 innings and 18 months.
As Head customarily got on the bike and sped away — India must be sick and tired of his sight — Smith gradually found his bearings. From 75-3, the two batted through the second session unseparated. India were forced to use Mohammed Siraj sparingly after he briefly left the field in the morning session with what bowling coach Morne Morkel said was cramps, and after tea, Smith matched Head stroke for stroke as his confidence returned with time spent in the middle and the free-flowing shot-maker in him resurfaced.
Also Read: It’s T20 time once again!
India leaked runs through Nitish and left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja, Rohit struggling to put a lid on the scoring as runs came on both sides of the wicket and boundaries flowed freely. To make matters worse, he shelled Head off Nitish at a wide slip when the left-hander managed only a leading edge to a flick on 113.
Five-wicket haul for Bumrah
Smith, who too accelerated like Head after getting to his fifty, laid out ominous signs for the rest of his series with his 33rd century until Bumrah, with the second new ball, had him caught by Rohit to end an alliance of 241. One brought two, and three, with Mitchell Marsh falling cheaply and Head finally edging a thrash through to Pant to give the Indian ace his second five-fer in his series and his 12th overall.
At 327-6, Australia were ripe for the taking, but Alex Carey and skipper Pat Cummins counter-punched with a half-century stand, making the most of dropping Indian shoulders and drooping spirits to take their team to a strong position from where, weather permitting, they will make a concerted push for a 2-1 advantage.
Brief scores
Australia 405-7 (T Head 152, S Smith 101, A Carey 45*; J Bumrah 5-72) v India
Also Read: Steve Smith's quirky dressing room moment is the newest viral sensation; See pic
Lucky to survive Bumrah’s brilliant spells: Head
Travis Head is delighted to have notched up another hundred against India, but the Australian left-hander conceded that he was immensely fortunate to survive a fine spell from Jasprit Bumrah on the second of the third Test. Head’s 152 was his third hundred against India in his last six innings, firing the Aussies to a commanding 405-7 alongside centurion Steve Smith (101). “Jasprit comes on, I was a bit lucky with a few good spells. He goes for the base of the stumps early. I think it’s about reacting. He has a good bouncer. He’s got brilliant wicket-taking balls,” Head told the host broadcaster. “For me, it is about being positive against him. It doesn’t mean that I need to score runs against him, but more about being proactive with my forward defence,” he added.
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https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/ind-vs-aus-3rd-test-smith-adds-to-indias-headache-23447467
| 2024-12-16T05:42:37Z
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of modern life, shaping industries and redefining how humans interact with technology. However, as the capabilities of AI grow, so do concerns about its potential dangers. What if AI surpasses human intelligence and seizes control? Could humanity’s dependency on technology lead to unforeseen consequences? These questions have long fueled cinematic narratives that depict AI as both a marvel and a menace. From dystopian futures to ethical dilemmas, movies have explored the chilling reality of AI's potential to challenge humanity. Here are ten films that delve into the dark side of artificial intelligence, offering thought-provoking insights and stark warnings.
10 films that show the dark reality of AI
Blade Runner (1982)
The world depicted in Blade Runner (1982) revolves around "replicants"—humanoid robots designed to be almost indistinguishable from humans. When one of these replicants responds violently to the fictional Voigt-Kampff Test, it highlights the potentially alarming limitations of modern AI and machine learning systems.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
One of the most iconic AI films of all time, 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), introduces the HAL 9000 computer with its distinctive glowing red eye. The moment when HAL hesitates to obey a command adds depth to its character, symbolizing the emergence of artificial intelligence.
The Matrix (1999)
The Matrix (1999) envisions a dystopian future where humanity is enslaved and used as an energy source by intelligent machines. The Wachowskis boldly raise critical questions about the potential consequences of unchecked technological advancement.
The Terminator (1984)
Even after 40 years, Skynet remains a prominent reference in discussions about AI. In The Terminator, the AI defense network rebels against humanity, unleashing a nuclear apocalypse and creating a dystopian future where machines relentlessly hunt the surviving humans across time.
Ex Machina (2014)
Alex Garland offers a thought-provoking exploration of AI in Ex Machina (2014). On the surface, it tells the story of Ava—a robot determined to be seen as human and willing to go to any lengths to achieve it. Beneath that, the film delves into deeper themes, examining the interplay between AI, divinity, and human ego.
I Am Mother (2019)
The 2019 Netflix sci-fi thriller I Am Mother centers on a sentient humanoid robot tasked with raising a young woman from an embryo in an underground bunker. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that not everything is as it seems, with the film delving into themes of morality and humanity in the aftermath of a cataclysmic event.
Ghost in the Shell (1995)
The 1995 Japanese animated film Ghost in the Shell moves away from the typical sci-fi theme of "AI becoming smart enough to rebel against its creators." Instead, its central concern is how AI manipulates data and impacts the real-life individuals who depend on it, ultimately shaping society.
M3GAN (2022)
Who’s the true villain in M3GAN (2022)? Is it the AI doll that gains self-awareness and turns hostile toward anyone who threatens her bond with her human companion? Or is it the eight-year-old child whose unchecked emotions power the murderous, dancing robot? It's a chilling thought!
Her (2013)
One of the most nuanced explorations of human-AI relationships in film is found in Her (2013). Joaquin Phoenix’s character falls in love with his AI virtual assistant, Samantha, who eventually merges with thousands of other AIs for an upgrade, leaving him behind. It’s a heartbreaking twist!
The Creator (2023)
In his 2023 film The Creator, Gareth Edwards doesn't depict AI as the sole antagonist. Instead, humans are portrayed as cold and violent, while the AI seeks a peaceful life in harmony with nature. It raises the question: Did AI assist Edwards in writing this?
Also read | Airtel recharge plans | Jio recharge plans | BSNL recharge plans
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/popular-10-movies-that-portray-the-dark-reality-of-ai/articleshow/116338523.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:42:41Z
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Uganda cubs and Tanzania U-17 draw 1-1 in AFCON qualifiers
Uganda's U-17 football team, the Uganda Cubs, and Tanzania's U-17 team played to a 1-1 draw in their opening fixture of the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) – CECAFA qualifiers, which kicked off today at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo in Kampala. Saleh Ally scored for Tanzania in the 37th minute, before Isma Magala equalized for Uganda in the 67th minute. Uganda is in Group A, alongside Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Burundi.
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https://www.ntv.co.ug/ug/news/sports/uganda-cubs-and-tanzania-u-17-draw-1-1-in-afcon-qualifiers-4858822
| 2024-12-16T05:42:41Z
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Ilya Samsonov News: Picks up win Sunday
Samsonov stopped 20 of 22 shots in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Wild.
Samsonov has won four of his last five outings, allowing a total of 15 goals in that span. The 27-year-old allowed both goals to Kirill Kaprizov in Sunday's contest, but the Golden Knights supported him with two goals by Victor Olofsson and one from Shea Theodore. Samsonov is up to 7-3-1 with a 3.06 GAA and an .897 save percentage through 11 starts. Adin Hill remains Vegas' top goalie, but Samsonov has been generally steady enough in the backup role. The team has just three more games before the holiday break, so it's unclear if Samsonov will get a start in that span.
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https://www.rotowire.com/hockey/headlines/ilya-samsonov-news-picks-up-win-sunday-544089
| 2024-12-16T05:42:44Z
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Left-arm spinner Sonam delivered her best international bowling figures of 4-6, helping India restrict the arch-rivals to just 67-7 in 20 overs.
Representation pic
Riding on a brilliant four-wicket haul by 17-year-old spinner Sonam Yadav and an entertaining batting by G Kamilini, India thrashed Pakistan by nine wickets in a Group A match of the U-19 Women’s T20 Asia Cup here on Sunday.
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Left-arm spinner Sonam delivered her best international bowling figures of 4-6, helping India restrict the arch-rivals to just 67-7 in 20 overs. The total was then overhauled in 7.5 overs, with Kamilini playing a stroke-filled, unbeaten knock of 44 runs off just 29 deliveries.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
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https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/india-beat-pak-in-u19-womens-t20-asia-cup-23447480
| 2024-12-16T05:42:44Z
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Why Nestle’s case could be more than just a tax row between India & Switzerland
- TNN & AgenciesUpdated: Dec 15, 2024, 16:19 IST IST
The Swiss FMCG major Is at the centre of a dispute that led to the European country nixing India’s Most-Favoured-Nation status. Here’s how the cookie crumbled
Earlier this week, the Swiss government suspended the Most-Favoured-Nation status (MFN) clause in the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between India and Switzerland, potentially impacting Swiss investments in India and leading to higher taxes on Indian companies operating in the European nation.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/toi-plus/business-economy/why-nestles-case-could-be-more-than-just-a-tax-row-between-india-switzerland/articleshow/116336283.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:42:47Z
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China’s economy logs a lackluster performance in November as retail sales slow
BANGKOK (AP) — China’s economy logged a mixed performance in November, the monthly government update said Monday, with retail sales slowing as consumers held back on spending on non-essentials like cosmetics, alcohol and clothing.
Officials said the economy was generally stable with positive signs including a slight improvement in the property sector.
“However, we must also see that the external environment is more complicated, domestic demand is insufficient, some enterprises are facing difficulties in production and operation, and the foundation for the sustained recovery of the economy still needs to be consolidated,” Fu Linghui, a spokesperson for the National Bureau of Statistics told reporters.
The report came days after top leaders ended an annual planning meeting that produced no major new policy initiatives as Beijing braces for potential tariff hikes once U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
Retail sales rose 3% from a year earlier, down from a 4.8% increase in October and from the 3.5% annual rate in January-November.
Factory output rose 5.4%, nearly flat compared with the previous month, while investment in fixed assets like factories slowed.
Overall, property prices fell and home sales also declined in most cities, the report said, as China endures a downturn in its real estate market after regulators cracked down on excessive borrowing by developers that plunged the whole industry into crisis.
The disruptions to jobs and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic have further weighed on the world’s second-largest economy.
A closer look at the numbers released Monday showed sharp increases in some categories of consumer spending last month, especially appliances and vehicles that are subject to government rebates as part of a cash-for-clunkers and other programs meant to get people to replace older appliances and cars with newer ones.
The report said auto sales rose 6.6% in November over a year earlier, but have fallen 0.7% year-on-year so far this year. Sales of appliances jumped more than 22%, and have climbed 9.6% so far this year.
However, sales of cosmetics, alcohol and other beverages, jewelry and clothing all fell in November.
Chinese leaders pledged to take a more proactive approach in pepping up the economy after their two-day planning meeting last week, but gave no details on stimulus measures.
Fu told reporters the government expects the economy to meet the target for about 5% annual growth this year.
Markets in China had climbed on renewed hopes for a stronger dose of stimulus to help the counter weak consumer spending that has kept the economy growing this year at a rate slightly slower than the government’s official target of about 5%.
On Monday, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index fell 0.6% while the Shanghai Composite index was little changed. The Hang Seng property index fell 1.2%.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.whec.com/business/chinas-economy-logs-a-lackluster-performance-in-november-as-retail-sales-slow/
| 2024-12-16T05:42:49Z
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Astar helps those in need
Middletown. The company recently performed two installations free of charge.
Last month’s snowstorm was no match for workers from Astar Heating and Air Conditioning as they performed two installations free of charge for those in need.
On Friday, Nov. 22, Astar put in a new boiler at ADAPT of the Hudson Valley’s residential location in Westtown and a new furnace, air conditioning, and indoor air quality installation at a woman’s home in Middletown. The two installations would have cost approximately $14,000 each.
“Service Titan, the folks who support our software, was doing a program to support the trades and paid for us to do a couple of installations for customers,” said Astar operations manager Jeremy Dunitz. “We chose ADAPT of the Hudson Valley and a woman who had just moved into a new home when her heating system failed. ADAPT does great work and we have always done what we can to support our community members.”
ADAPT of the Hudson Valley, a non-profit supporting people with disabilities in Rockland, Orange and Sullivan counties, provides residential and community support.
“The boiler in Westtown was old and needed to be replaced and Astar did the residents there a great service,” said Richard Lavin, ADAPT’s Director of Facility Services. “In fact, that same day, the Friday before Thanksgiving when we had the snow, we lost heat at our offices in Middletown and Astar responded immediately and got our heat back, which was pretty important that day. Their customer service is great and they have always kept us informed while diagnosing and installing.”
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https://www.thephoto-news.com/news/business/astar-helps-those-in-need-BX3981416
| 2024-12-16T05:42:49Z
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Jack Eichel News: Provides two assists in win
Eichel notched two assists, including one on the power play, in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Wild.
Eichel has picked up a goal and five helpers over his last five contests. The center also has two power-play points in that span -- he went 10 games without contributing on the power play from Nov. 17 to Dec. 4. For the season, the 28-year-old has excelled as the Golden Knights' top forward, racking up nine goals, 33 assists, 90 shots on net, 22 blocked shots and a plus-11 rating through 31 appearances.
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https://www.rotowire.com/hockey/headlines/jack-eichel-news-provides-two-assists-in-win-544092
| 2024-12-16T05:42:50Z
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Earlier, vice-captain Mandhana scored 54 (33b, 7x4, 2x6) and local girl Jemimah Rodrigues smashed 73 (35b, 9x4, 2x6)
Jemimah Rodrigues
In the absence of Shafali Verma, India’s new opening pair of Smriti Mandhana and Uma Chetry gave the hosts a bright start to the T20I series after being sent in to bat by the West Indies at DY Patil Stadium on Sunday.
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India posted a formidable 195-4. The visitors ended up with 146-7, losing by 49 runs. Earlier, vice-captain Mandhana scored 54 (33b, 7x4, 2x6) and local girl Jemimah Rodrigues smashed 73 (35b, 9x4, 2x6).
The Indian openers benefitted by some poor bowling by the Windies right from the start when right-arm medium-pacer Chinelle Henry erred in line and sent down wides down the leg side to left-hander Mandhana from over the wicket. The duo raised 50 in the Powerplay overs.
Brief scores
India Women 195-4 (J Rodrigues 73, S Mandhana 54; K Ramharack 2-18) beat WI Women 146-7 (D Dottin 52; T Sadhu 3-37) by 49 runs
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https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/india-beat-wi-after-jemi-smriti-smash-half-tons-in-sizeable-1954-23447476
| 2024-12-16T05:42:51Z
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Meet Arjun, the only Indian ahead of Gukesh
- Sunny Baski
- TNN Dec 15, 2024, 14:21 IST IST
He discovered chess by accident at 7, became a grandmaster at 14, and now, at 21, is only the second Indian after Vishy Anand to cross 2800 on the Fide Elo ratings
Arjun Erigaisi had been playing chess since when he was 7. But things were getting a little tough. How do you go around the world taking part in tournaments and still keep up with the rest of your class? Something had to give. Would it be chess? Or school?
His father, a neurosurgeon, and his mother, a homemaker, knew how passionate Erigaisi was about chess. They knew he was winning tournaments. So, they worked out a deal: if Erigaisi managed to become a grandmaster by the time he was in Class 10, he could forget about studies, else, he would have to prioritise academics. In the end, Erigaisi did one better, becoming a grandmaster when he was in class 9, a 14-year-old.
His father, a neurosurgeon, and his mother, a homemaker, knew how passionate Erigaisi was about chess. They knew he was winning tournaments. So, they worked out a deal: if Erigaisi managed to become a grandmaster by the time he was in Class 10, he could forget about studies, else, he would have to prioritise academics. In the end, Erigaisi did one better, becoming a grandmaster when he was in class 9, a 14-year-old.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/toi-plus/sports/meet-arjun-the-only-indian-ahead-of-gukesh/articleshow/116334887.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:42:55Z
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Milan’s Via MonteNapoleone usurps New York’s Fifth Avenue as world’s most upscale shopping street
MILAN (AP) — 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.”
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.whec.com/business/milans-via-montenapoleone-usurps-new-yorks-fifth-avenue-as-worlds-most-upscale-shopping-street/
| 2024-12-16T05:42:55Z
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Orange County Legislature passes 2025 budget
Goshen. The county tax rate is $2.142, which is lower than last year’s rate of $2.304.
The Orange County Legislature adopted the 2025 budget in the amount of $987,762,005 with a vote of 19-0 on December 5. Legislators Mike Anagnostakis and Laurie Tautel were not present for the vote.
“Once again, the Legislature has adopted my budget with minimal adjustments,” Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus said. “I appreciate that, year after year, the Legislature has voted in favor of my budget with zero opposition. This is verification that the Legislative body working together with my administration are getting the job done right for the taxpayers of Orange County. This show of confidence also strengthens our position with entities such as S & P, who provides our bond rating. I am grateful for the cooperative relationship that I have with the Legislature, and I am eager to continue our positive forward momentum for Orange County.”
Orange County Legislature Chairwoman Katie Bonelli stated, “The 2025 budget will benefit our residents, as it lowers taxes while being fiscally responsible and delivering essential services. The Legislature will continue to work with the county executive to maintain the positive direction of Orange County’s finances.”
The county tax rate is $2.142, which is lower than last year’s rate of $2.304. Orange County says the tax rate remains its lowest since the 1960s. In addition, the tax levy also went down and stands at $120,638,634.
2025 budget highlights:
• The county tax rate will drop for the ninth consecutive year and remains within the New York State tax cap mandate.
• The county’s property tax rate has gone down since 2015, and property values have increased 89% during that same time.
• The county will budget $7 million in 2025 for hotel occupancy tax.
• The county generated $309 million in sales tax in 2024 and is projected to generate $412.3 million in 2025.
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https://www.thephoto-news.com/news/local-news/orange-county-legislature-passes-2025-budget-CX3981316
| 2024-12-16T05:42:55Z
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Jake Neighbours News: Produces helper in win
Neighbours notched an assist, two blocked shots and a plus-2 rating in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Rangers.
Neighbours has two goals and three assists over his last six outings as he continues to produce in a top-line role. The 22-year-old winger has avoided a multi-game drought for over a month -- his last one was a two-game dry spell from Nov. 9-12. He's now at 10 goals, seven assists, 63 shots on net, 79 hits, 22 blocked shots, 26 PIM and a minus-5 rating over 32 appearances. Neighbours may not have the most scoring upside, but the steady offense and his physical play make him a solid depth option in fantasy.
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https://www.rotowire.com/hockey/headlines/jake-neighbours-news-produces-helper-in-win-544082
| 2024-12-16T05:42:56Z
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Sneha Wagh, who was last seen in TV show Neerja, a year ago, is currently seen playing the lead in Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya. The actress, who did not act for the past one year, shared how she explored her spiritual side visiting temples across India and then staying at Vrindavan for around 4-5 months. She said, "I am very spiritual at heart and in the past year, I got a chance to explore the temples of India. I visited Dwarka, Rameshwaram, Jagannath Puri, Jyotirlingas of our country and finally extended my stay at Vrindavan for 4 months."
Ask her why she spent four months in Vrindavan and the
Veera actress said, "I was travelling solo to all these temples across the country. When I visited Vrindavan, I fell in love with the city and Lord Krishna's temples. I enjoyed myself meditating and visiting the temple for mangla aarti early morning at 4.30 am. The entire day was spent in bhakti and spiritually rejuvenating myself. It was a time well spent for my soul and body. I learnt a lot about myself, life and how you react to life's situations while I was in Vrindavan when I met spiritual leaders. It was an experience to watch how people in the city greeted each other without any filters and always say, 'Radhey Radhey didi.' This simplicity motivated me to extend my stay in Vrindavan."
Sneha, who returned to Mumbai after celebrating her birthday on October 4 in Vrindavan, shared further, "I used to have big wishlists and wanted many things a year ago. But, after my spiritual journey in the past few months, I have understood that happiness is a choice you make. Everything in life is governed by destiny. I am single and very happy with myself now. I am happy with the way my life is going. I am not saying I want to renounce this life and turn towards spirituality because one can do both at the same time. I have learnt many things and I am glad that I took this solo trip in the past one year."
Actress Sneha Wagh on how she doesn’t mind being typecast as a mother in Indian television
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/after-travelling-solo-for-many-months-i-learnt-that-happiness-is-a-choice-you-make-sneha-wagh/articleshow/116336112.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:43:01Z
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7 foreign tourists hospitalized in Fiji after drinking cocktails at a resort bar
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Seven foreign tourists were hospitalized in Fiji after drinking cocktails at a resort bar, Fijian authorities said on Monday.
The cause of their illness was not known and officials said it was too soon to know if tainted alcohol was involved.
Those who became ill at the five-star Warwick resort near the town of Sigatoka on Saturday included Australians and an American, according to local news reports. They were hospitalized with nausea, vomiting and neurological symptoms, said Jemesa Tudravu, a Fiji Health Ministry spokesperson.
Two people remained in the hospital, conscious and in stable condition, Fiji’s Tourism Minister Viliame R. Gavoka told reporters on Monday. One person was discharged on Sunday and four others on Monday.
David Sandoe, an Australian man who said his daughter and granddaughter were hospitalized, told Sky News Australia that his relatives had been released from the hospital and were due to fly home on Monday night.
Local news outlets reported on Sunday that the cause of the foreigners’ illness was suspected alcohol poisoning, similar to a case in Laos in November in which six tourists — including two Australian teenagers — died after consuming tainted drinks.
But Tudravu said no cause had been identified in the Fiji episode. Police have ordered toxicology tests and are awaiting results — which are expected to take three or four days — Gavoka said.
The bar was full of customers on Saturday night and many had ordered piña coladas, the drink consumed by those who became ill, said the official.
Gavoka said no other reports of similar illness were recorded at the resort or across Fiji, a South Pacific island nation of 930,000 people.
“The resort management has assured us that they have not engaged in practices such as substituting ingredients or altering the quality of drinks served to guests,” Gavoka said. The hotel, located on the picturesque Coral Coast of the largest island, Viti Levu, has operated for many years and “holds a strong reputation,” he added.
“This is the only reported case of its kind that we’ve experienced in recent memory, and certainly nothing like this has been experienced this year,” Gavoka said.
Australia’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that officials are providing consular assistance to two Australian families in Fiji.
The ministry did not comment on the cause of the Australians’ illness, but its website advising tourists was updated on Monday to caution travelers about “potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks.”
A spokesperson for the resort, Savaira Molaucake, said staff were “conducting a thorough investigation” of the incident and were working closely with authorities.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.whec.com/health/7-foreign-tourists-hospitalized-in-fiji-after-drinking-cocktails-at-a-resort-bar/
| 2024-12-16T05:43:01Z
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Gill was sent back when Marsh pulled off a brilliant catch in the slip cordon off the bowling of Starc after the India number three played away from the body
Mitchell Starc reacts to Yashasvi Jaiswal during the second Test in Adelaide (Pic: AFP)
Left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc struck twice and Josh Hazlewood once to leave India reeling at 22 for three at lunch after Australia racked up 445 in their first innings on day three of the third Test on Monday.
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Starc removed Yashasvi Jaiswal in the second ball of the India innings and then dismissed Shubman Gill before Hazlewood accounted for the wicket of Virat Kohli as the visitors stared down the barrel of another poor outing with the bat after their failures in Adelaide.
Jaiswal was out caught by Mitchell Marsh at short midwicket while he tried to clip a Starc half-volley off his pads.
Gill was sent back when Marsh pulled off a brilliant catch in the slip cordon off the bowling of Starc after the India number three played away from the body.
Kohli was dismissed in what has now become a familiar scene as he once again chased a length delivery outside off before nicking it to Alex Carey.
Earlier, Jasprit Bumrah (6/76) did the heavy lifting as Australia added 40 runs to their overnight score of 405 for seven.
Carey played a fine innings of 70 before becoming the last man to get out.
Also Read: Smith adds to India's 'Head'-ache in Brisbane
With two slips and a gully, Bumrah started the proceedings with a 21-over-old ball and began with a maiden.
Batting on 45 overnight, Carey swept a Ravindra Jadeja delivery for a boundary towards fine-leg to reach his half-century off just 53 balls.
Bumrah came back to bowl another maiden over before Mitchell Starc decided to get down on one knee to slog sweep Jadeja for a six over square leg.
For someone who is known for keeping one end tight with his accurate bowling, Jadeja was going at five runs an over, and the seasoned left-arm spinner's profligacy put additional burden on a strained pace attack.
The surface at Gabba offered a bit of turn and bounce but Jadeja was guilty of bowling too straight to the left-handers.
Showing intent to score his runs quickly, Starc hit Bumrah over mid-wicket for a boundary, but four balls later, the Indian pace spearhead induced a faint edge from the blade of the left-arm fast bowler and it went through to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant.
It was Bumrah's sixth wicket of the innings, 18th of the series and 50th on Australian shores.
A passing shower interrupted the proceedings for a brief while and once play resumed, Mohammed Siraj bowled Nathan Lyon after he played down the wrong line.
Akas Deep, who failed to enter his name in the wicket's column despite troubling the likes of centurions Travis Head and Steve Smith on the second day, was finally rewarded for his toil as he had Carey caught in the deep to signal the end of Australian first innings.
(With agency inputs)
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https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/india-staring-down-the-barrel-as-australia-strike-thrice-23447538
| 2024-12-16T05:43:01Z
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Jesper Wallstedt News: Tastes defeat in first start
Wallstedt gave up three goals on 27 shots in Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Golden Knights.
Victor Olofsson tallied twice and Shea Theodore had the other goal to send Wallstedt to the loss in his NHL season debut. He was called up after Saturday's game versus the Flyers because Filip Gustavsson (lower body) is dealing with an injury. Wallstedt is one of the best goalie prospects, but he has struggled at the AHL level this year, so he likely still needs more development time, which he should get once Gustavsson is back to 100 percent.
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https://www.rotowire.com/hockey/headlines/jesper-wallstedt-news-tastes-defeat-in-first-start-544096
| 2024-12-16T05:43:03Z
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wrestling / News
Gabe Kidd Challenges Tomohiro Ishii For NJPW Battle In The Valley
December 15, 2024 | Posted by
Gabe Kidd is looking to defend the NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship against Tomohiro Ishii, issuing a challenge for Battle In The Valley. Kidd retained his title against Ryohei Oiwa at Strong Style Evolved on Sunday and after the match, he cut a promo saying he would retire Kenny Omega at Wrestle Dynasty before running down the AEW roster. Kidd then challenged Ishii to a title match at the January 11th show:
🇺🇸Strong Style Evolved 2024🏖️
STRONG無差別級選手権試合‼️
🆚 @njpw_ryoheioiwa × @GabeKidd0115
視聴＆登録⏩https://t.co/9iZJzPgCfN#NJPW #njpwworld #njSSE pic.twitter.com/4s9m8i8Uwz
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) December 16, 2024
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https://411mania.com/wrestling/gabe-kidd-challenges-tomohiro-ishii-njpw-battle-in-the-valley/
| 2024-12-16T05:43:05Z
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On December 14,
Ankita Lokhande and Vicky Jain celebrated their third wedding anniversary, marking the occasion with heartfelt posts on social media. The couple expressed their love, joy, and gratitude for their journey together, sharing cozy pictures that radiated warmth and happiness.
Ankita took to Instagram to post a video capturing their first picture together, reminiscing about how destiny brought them closer. The Pavitra Rishta actress shared how she instantly felt a connection with Vicky when they first met at a club and knew he was the one she wanted to marry. Vicky also opened up about his feelings, revealing that Ankita had always occupied a special place in his heart, leaving no room for anyone else.
In a heartfelt caption, Ankita wrote, "They say matches are made in heaven; well, then I think no matter how cheesy it gets, heaven really wrote our love story. You know that feeling of meeting someone for the first time and feeling at home? I guess the universe was kind to us because that’s how we felt—at home—with each other."
She added, "It’s been three years, and still, it feels like it happened yesterday. We’re soulmates, lovers, and moreover, best friends! Happy third wedding anniversary to us. I know there are so many more moments to come and cherish together. But today, let’s celebrate nothing but love."
In another post, the couple shared heartwarming winter-themed pictures, writing, "What more could we ask for when we get married? Togetherness for as long as possible, a fun-spirited partnership, and a 'live and let live' approach. That's a commitment we promise to uphold, and we vow to never let our love fade."
Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai Star Rishabh Jaiswal Reviews Bigg Boss 18: Praises Digvijay’s Strategy
Ankita and Vicky tied the knot on December 14, 2021, in Mumbai. Despite facing challenges during Bigg Boss 17, their bond emerged stronger. The couple was later seen together in a music video and the cooking-based reality show Laughter Chefs.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/ankita-lokhande-and-vicky-jain-share-warm-and-cozy-pictures-on-their-third-wedding-anniversary-write-we-vow-to-never-let-our-love-fade/articleshow/116334231.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:43:07Z
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2024 was big for bitcoin. States could see a crypto policy blitz in 2025 in spite of the risks
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The new year will usher in the bitcoin-friendly administration of President-elect Donald Trump and an expanding lobbying effort in statehouses that, together, could push states to become more open to crypto and for public pension funds and treasuries to buy into it.
Proponents of the uniquely volatile commodity argue it is a valuable hedge against inflation, similar to gold.
Many bitcoin enthusiasts and investors are quick to criticize government-backed currencies as prone to devaluation and say increased government buy-in will stabilize bitcoin’s future price swings, give it more legitimacy and further boost an already rising price.
But the risks are significant. Critics say a crypto investment is highly speculative, with so much unknown about projecting its future returns, and warn that investors should be prepared to lose money.
Only a couple public pension funds have invested in cryptocurrency and a new U.S. Government Accountability Office study on 401(k) plan investments in crypto, issued in recent days, warned it has “uniquely high volatility” and that it found no standard approach for projecting the future returns of crypto.
It has already been a landmark year for crypto, with bitcoin hitting $100,000, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approving the first exchange-traded funds that hold bitcoin and crypto enthusiasts being cheered by Trump’s promise to make the United States the “bitcoin superpower” of the world.
More legislation on crypto could be coming
Lawmakers in more states can expect to see bills in 2025 to make them crypto-friendly as analysts say crypto is becoming a powerful lobby, bitcoin miners build new installations and venture capitalists underwrite a growing tech sector that caters to cryptocurrencies.
Meanwhile, a new crypto-friendly federal government under Trump and Congress could consider legislation from Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyoming, to create a federal bitcoin reserve on which states can piggyback.
A bill introduced last month in Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives sought to authorize the state’s treasurer and public pension funds to invest in bitcoin. It went nowhere before the legislative session ended, but it caused a stir.
“I had a friend who is a rep down the road text me, ‘Oh my god, I’m getting so many emails and phone calls to my office,’ more than he ever did about any other bill,” said the measure’s sponsor, Republican Mike Cabell.
Cabell — a bitcoin enthusiast who lost his reelection bid — expects his bill to be reintroduced by a colleague. And leaders of bitcoin advocacy group Satoshi Action say they expect bills based on their model bill to be introduced in at least 10 other states next year.
But what about public pension funds?
Keith Brainard, research director for the National Association of State Retirement Administrators, said he doesn’t expect many public pension fund investment professionals, who oversee nearly $6 trillion in assets, to invest in crypto.
Pension fund professionals take risks they deem to be appropriate, but bitcoin investing has a short track record, might only fit into a niche asset class and may not fit the risk-to-reward profile they seek.
“There might be a bit of dabbling in bitcoin,” Brainard said. “But it’s difficult to envision a scenario in which pension funds right now are willing to make a commitment.”
In Louisiana, Treasurer John Fleming helped make the state the first to introduce a system by which people can pay a government agency in cryptocurrencies.
Fleming said he’s not trying to promote cryptocurrency, but rather sees the step as a recognition that government must innovate and be flexible in helping people make financial transactions with the state. He said he would never invest his money, or the state’s, in crypto.
Fleming recalled meeting with a bitcoin lobbyist recently and came away unconvinced that bitcoin makes for a good investment.
“My concern is that at some point it’ll stop growing and then people will want to cash in,” Fleming said. “And when they do, it could tank the value of a bitcoin.”
In Pennsylvania, Treasury Department officials said they have the authority to decide for themselves if cryptocurrencies meet the agency’s investment standards under state law and don’t need new legislation.
Still, a highly volatile asset is ill-suited to the agency’s need for predictability, considering it writes millions of checks a year. The overwhelming majority of the roughly $60 billion it invests at any given time is in short-term, conservative investments designed for an investment period of months, officials there said.
Pension boards, which invest on a 30-year time horizon, may already hold small investments in companies involved in mining, trading and storing cryptocurrencies. But they have been slow to embrace bitcoin.
That could change, said Mark Palmer, managing director and a senior research analyst at The Benchmark Company in New York.
Pension boards got investment tools they like this year when the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approved the first exchange-traded funds that hold bitcoin and, in October, approved listings of options on those funds, Palmer said.
Many “are likely in the process of getting up to speed on what it means to invest in bitcoin and kicking the tires, so to speak, and that’s a process that typically takes a while at the institutional level,” Palmer said.
Several major asset managers like BlackRock, Invesco and Fidelity have bitcoin ETFs.
Some states already are investing in crypto
In May, the State of Wisconsin Investment Board became the first state to invest when it bought $160 million worth of shares in two ETFs, or about 0.1% of its assets. It later scaled back that investment to $104 million in one ETF, as of Sept. 30. A spokesperson declined to discuss it.
Michigan’s state investment board later reported about $18 million in bitcoin ETF purchases while a candidate for New Jersey governor, Steven Fulop, said that if elected he would push the state’s pension fund to invest in crypto.
Fulop, the Democratic mayor of Jersey City, just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, has been preparing for months to buy bitcoin ETF shares for up to 2% of the city’s $250 million employee pension fund.
“We were ahead of the curve,” Fulop said. “And I think that’s what you’re eventually going to see is this is widely accepted, with regard to exposure in all pension funds, some sort of exposure.”
___
Follow Marc Levy on X at: https://x.com/timelywriter.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.whec.com/national-world/2024-was-big-for-bitcoin-states-could-see-a-crypto-policy-blitz-in-2025-in-spite-of-the-risks/
| 2024-12-16T05:43:07Z
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Joel Hofer News: Fends off Rangers
Hofer stopped 26 of 28 shots in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Rangers.
Hofer picked up his fourth straight win. He had a shutout going until the middle of the third period, when he allowed both goals in a span of 1:19, but the Rangers couldn't find the equalizer. Hofer improved to 7-3-0 overall with a 2.83 GAA and a .905 save percentage through 10 starts. The Blues look to be getting the 24-year-old a start in one of every three games, so he'll likely play during the team's upcoming road back-to-back with games against the Lightning on Thursday and the Panthers on Friday.
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https://www.rotowire.com/hockey/headlines/joel-hofer-news-fends-off-rangers-544076
| 2024-12-16T05:43:09Z
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“Since 2021 when they changed the Kookaburra ball, batting has definitely got more difficult, particularly at the same time wickets got greener as well. So it’s kind of like a perfect storm coming together,” Smith said
Steve Smith. File Pic
Steve Smith on Sunday said the last three years have been the most challenging of his career, thanks to Kookaburra changing their ball in 2020 by adding extra lacquer on a reinforced seam.
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“Since 2021 when they changed the Kookaburra ball, batting has definitely got more difficult, particularly at the same time wickets got greener as well. So it’s kind of like a perfect storm coming together,” Smith said.
Also Read: Smith adds to India's 'Head'-ache in Brisbane
He said the challenge lies in playing out the first 30-35 overs when the ball moves around a lot and with world-class bowlers such as Jasprit Bumrah operating, the job gets even more difficult for the batters.
“The last three years have probably been the hardest that I’ve experienced in my career. Batting-wise, in terms of the amount of movement that’s been generated,” he added.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
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https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/last-three-years-have-been-the-hardest-in-my-career-steve-23447468
| 2024-12-16T05:43:08Z
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The latest Bigg Boss 18 promo has sent shockwaves across fans, hinting at a highly emotional confrontation involving Vivian Dsena and his wife, Nouran Aly. The much-anticipated episode will see Nouran expressing her displeasure over Vivian’s growing bond with fellow contestant Karan Veer Mehra, sparking tension and drama.
In the promo, Nouran makes a surprise appearance during an interaction segment. Things took an unexpected turn when Nouran addressed Vivian’s camaraderie with Karan. “You having a soft corner for him boils my blood,” she said, visibly upset.
Moreover, Nouran talks to him about his gameplay in the show reminding how he once promised her to put his step forward all the time but rather he seems lost. She even hints how nobody in the house is her true friend.
The promo also hints at other housemates reacting to the tense exchange. While some looked on in silence, others seemed to empathize with Vivian’s predicament, acknowledging the challenges of maintaining relationships both inside and outside the house.
Fans of the show are eagerly awaiting the full episode to understand the depth of Nouran’s concerns and how Vivian addresses the situation. The incident has already sparked debates online, with viewers taking sides. Some believe Nouran’s reaction is justified, while others argue that friendships in the Bigg Boss house are often misunderstood by the outside world.
As the drama unfolds, this confrontation is likely to impact not only Vivian’s game but also his bond with Karan Veer Mehra. With emotions running high and personal relationships being tested, the upcoming episode promises to be one of the most gripping yet in Bigg Boss 18.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/bigg-boss-18-vivian-dsenas-wife-nouran-questions-him-over-his-bond-with-karan-veer-mehra-says-you-having-a-soft-corner-for-him-boils-my-blood/articleshow/116325268.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:43:13Z
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As schools cut back on bus service, parents are turning to rideshare apps
CHICAGO (AP) — Ismael El-Amin was driving his daughter to school when a chance encounter gave him an idea for a new way to carpool.
On the way across Chicago, El-Amin’s daughter spotted a classmate riding with her own dad as they drove to their selective public school on the city’s North Side. For 40 minutes, they rode along the same congested highway.
“They’re waving to each other in the back. I’m looking at the dad. The dad’s looking at me. And I was like, parents can definitely be a resource to parents,” said El-Amin, who went on to found Piggyback Network, a service parents can use to book rides for their children.
Reliance on school buses has been waning for years as districts struggle to find drivers and more students attend schools far outside their neighborhoods. As responsibility for transportation shifts to families, the question of how to replace the traditional yellow bus has become an urgent problem for some, and a spark for innovation.
State and local governments decide how widely to offer school bus service. Lately, more have been cutting back. Only about 28% of U.S. students take a school bus, according to a Federal Highway Administration survey concluded early last year. That’s down from about 36% in 2017.
Chicago Public Schools, the nation’s fourth-largest district, has significantly curbed bus service in recent years. It still offers rides for disabled and homeless students, in line with a federal mandate, but most families are on their own. Only 17,000 of the district’s 325,000 students are eligible for school bus rides.
Last week, the school system launched a pilot program allowing some students who attend out-of-neighborhood magnet or selective-enrollment schools to catch a bus at a nearby school’s “hub stop.” It aims to start with rides for about 1,000 students by the end of the school year.
It’s not enough to make up for the lost service, said Erin Rose Schubert, a volunteer for the CPS Parents for Buses advocacy group.
“The people who had the money and the privilege were able to figure out other situations like rearranging their work schedules or public transportation,” she said. “People who didn’t, some had to pull their kids out of school.”
On Piggyback Network, parents can book a ride for their student online with another parent traveling the same direction. Rides cost roughly 80 cents per mile and the drivers are compensated with credits to use for their own kids’ rides.
“It’s an opportunity for kids to not be late to school,” 15-year-old Takia Phillips said on a recent PiggyBack ride with El-Amin as the driver.
The company has arranged a few hundred rides in its first year operating in Chicago, and El-Amin has been contacting drivers for possible expansion to Virginia, North Carolina and Texas. It is one of several startups that have been filling the void.
Unlike Piggyback Network, which connects parents, HopSkipDrive contracts directly with school districts to assist students without reliable transportation. The company launched a decade ago in Los Angeles with three mothers trying to coordinate school carpools and now supports some 600 school districts in 13 states.
Regulations keep it from operating in some states, including Kentucky, where a group of Louisville students has been lobbying on its behalf to change that.
After the district halted bus service to most traditional and magnet schools, the student group known as The Real Young Prodigys wrote a hip-hop song titled “Where My Bus At?” The song’s music video went viral on YouTube with lyrics such as, “I’m a good kid. I stay in class, too. Teachers want me to succeed, but I can’t get to school.”
“Those bus driver shortages are not really going away,” HopSkipDrive CEO Joanna McFarland said. “This is a structural change in the industry we need to get serious about addressing.”
HopSkipDrive has been a welcome option for Reinya Gibson’s son, Jerren Samuel, who attends a small high school in Oakland, California. She said the school takes care to accommodate his needs as a student with autism, but the district lined up the transportation because there is no bus from their home in San Leandro.
“Growing up, people used to talk about kids in the short yellow buses. They were associated with a physical disability, and they were teased or made fun of,” Gibson said. “Nobody knows this is support for Jerren because he can’t take public transportation.”
Encouragement from his mother helped Jerren overcame his fear about riding with a stranger to school.
“I felt really independent getting in that car,” he said.
Companies catering to kids claim to screen drivers more extensively, checking their fingerprints and requiring them to have childcare or parenting experience. Drivers and children are often given passwords that must match, and parents can track a child’s whereabouts in real time through the apps.
Kango, a competitor to HopSkipDrive in California and Arizona, started as a free carpooling app similar to the PiggyBack Network and now contracts with school districts. Drivers are paid more than they would typically get for Uber or Lyft, but there are often more requirements such as walking some students with disabilities into school, Kango CEO Sara Schaer said.
“This is not just a curbside-to-curbside, three-minute situation,” Schaer said. “You are responsible for getting that kid to and from school. That’s not the same as transporting an adult or DoorDashing somebody’s lunch or dinner.”
In Chicago, some families that have used Piggyback said they have seen few alternatives.
Concerned about the city’s rising crime rate, retired police officer Sabrina Beck never considered letting her son take the subway to Whitney Young High School. Since she was driving him anyway, she volunteered through PiggyBack also to drive a freshman who had qualified for the selective magnet school but had no way to get there.
“To have the opportunity to go and then to miss it because you don’t have the transportation, that is so detrimental,” Beck said. “Options like this are extremely important.”
After the bus route that took her two kids to elementary school was canceled, Jazmine Dillard and other Chicago parents thought they had convinced the school to move up the opening bell from 8:45 a.m. to 8:15 a.m., a more manageable time for her schedule. After that plan was scrapped because the buses were needed elsewhere at that time, Dillard turned to PiggyBack Network.
“We had to kind of pivot and find a way to make it to work on time as well as get them to school on time,” she said.
___
The Associated Press’ education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.whec.com/national-world/as-schools-cut-back-on-bus-service-parents-are-turning-to-rideshare-apps/
| 2024-12-16T05:43:13Z
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Jonathan Quick News: Gives up three goals in loss
Quick stopped 21 of 24 shots in Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Blues.
All three goals allowed came in the first two periods. Quick was steady in the third, but the Rangers' comeback effort fell short. The 38-year-old has lost in three of his last five outings (four starts), allowing 18 goals on 124 shots in that span. It's been tough sledding for the Rangers lately with just one win over their last five games, which came against a Sabres team in an even deeper rut. Quick is now 5-3-0 with a 2.47 GAA and a .915 save percentage through 10 appearances, but he's been trending in the wrong direction. It's likely Igor Shesterkin gets a chance to start Tuesday versus the lowly Predators.
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https://www.rotowire.com/hockey/headlines/jonathan-quick-news-gives-up-three-goals-in-loss-544084
| 2024-12-16T05:43:15Z
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Earlier, India had bowled out Australia for 445 in their first innings
KL Rahul (Pic: AFP)
Play resumed after heavy showers forced the players indoors in the second session of the third day's play in the third Test between India and Australia on Monday.
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India were struggling at 27 for three when the covers had come on and the players headed back to the dressing room.
Earlier, just as Josh Hazlewood induced a nick from Virat Kohli to account for the veteran batter for the second time this series, the heavens opened up leading to an interruption and forcing an early lunch.
Earlier, India had bowled out Australia for 445 in their first innings. The start of play on day three and India's innings were also slightly delayed due to rain.
Rain had marred the opening day as well with less than 15 overs of play possible.
As the rain came down from the sky covered with dark clouds, both sides had to take Lunch, with India reduced to 22/3, trailing by 423 runs, with KL Rahul unbeaten with a score of 13(24).
In a start-stop session utterly dominated by Australia, Indian players were once again asked to reflect on their flaws as the impending doom of defeat started to linger in Brisbane.
It was A-Lister Jasprit Bumrah who paved the way for India by removing Mitchell Starc in the opening hour. Starc looked deadly the moment he smoked the ball into the stand with a picture-perfect slog-sweep off Ravindra Jadeja.
Also Read: India staring down the barrel as Australia strike thrice
Bumrah sensed the threat radiating from the Starc and forced out an edge from the southpaw in the next over. Starc's feet were stuck on the ground as he made an attempt to push the ball away.
A loose waft from the Australian was enough to pick up a nick as the ball travelled into the safe gloves of Rishabh Pant.
With Alex Carey on the field, Nathan Lyon resisted the temptation to go after the Indian attack, as rain made its presence felt at irregular intervals.
With the tempo of the day set, Mohammed Siraj broke the shackles and managed to breach past Lyon's defence to hit the middle stump.
With just a wicket left, Carey decided to charge at Akash Deep but ended up mistiming his shot, forcing Australia to wrap up its inning on 445.
In reply, Indian batters continued to live through the nightmares inflicted in Adelaide, with Starc being the driving force of the Australian pace attack.
His first victim of the day was Yashasvi Jaiswal, a player he has developed a rivalry with since the Perth Test. The young Indian southpaw managed to avoid a golden duck by edging the ball to the boundary, but Starc retaliated by swinging the ball and using the scrambled seam delivery to its effective use.
He picked up Jaiswal's wicket on his second ball of the match after the Indian chipped it away straight into Mitchell Marsh's hands. Shubman Gill (1) was next to return cheaply after he edged it away to Marsh, who took a flight and snaffled it with both hands.
Kohli (3) soon joined the company of the duo after being tempted by Hazlewood to chase the outside off delivery and edge it away towards the wicketkeeper.
This marked the final action of the session as KL Rahul, who looked the most settled out there, returned to the dressing room.
The five-match series is locked at 1-1.
(With agency inputs)
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https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/play-resumes-after-rain-interruption-in-brisbane-23447570
| 2024-12-16T05:43:16Z
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Aditi Sharma, who has been captivating audiences with her portrayal in Apollena, recently shared her thoughts on how the show mirrors her personal beliefs. Speaking about her character's journey, she said, "In the show, my grandmother constantly reminds me about marriage, but I believe becoming independent should be a priority. Marriage can happen along the way, but a girl must first stand on her own feet. Independence is the foundation of confidence and self-worth, and no one should compromise on that."
Aditi’s character in Apollena faces immense pressure from her family to conform to societal expectations and settle down, with her grandmother and relatives emphasizing the importance of marriage. However, her father stands as her only pillar of support, encouraging her to pursue her dreams of becoming an astronaut. Drawing parallels between her character and real life, Aditi added, "I can relate to this so much. Just like my character, I’ve seen how women are often burdened by societal expectations, especially when it comes to marriage. But having someone who believes in you, like my character’s father in the show, can make all the difference. It’s a reminder that we need more people to support women’s aspirations."
Elaborating on the impact of the role, she shared, "Playing this character has reinforced my belief that independence is key. The way my character navigates family pressures and stays true to her dreams is something I truly admire. It’s not easy to fight against norms, but it’s so important to prioritize your goals before anything else, including marriage."
Aditi also emphasized the empowering message of Apollena, saying, "The show is about more than space exploration—it’s about defying expectations and standing up for what you believe in. My character’s father’s quiet but unwavering support symbolizes how crucial it is for families to encourage women to dream big. It’s not about rejecting marriage but understanding that it’s a choice, not a compulsion."
With Apollena, Aditi Sharma not only portrays a powerful story on-screen but also ignites conversations about the importance of independence and self-reliance. Through her inspiring words and performance, she reminds women everywhere that becoming independent is the first step toward building a life on their own terms.
EXCLUSIVE: Aditi Sharma Discusses Apollena, Her Role, Karan Veer Mehra; Sandeep Baswana Opens Up On Live-In Relationship With Ashlesha & Fatherly Role
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/exclusive-apollena-fame-aditi-sharma-on-prioritizing-dreams-living-your-dream-is-first-marriage-can-follow/articleshow/116329231.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:43:19Z
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Former FBI informant will plead guilty to lying about phony bribery scheme involving the Bidens
WASHINGTON (AP) — 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.”
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.whec.com/national-world/former-fbi-informant-will-plead-guilty-to-lying-about-phony-bribery-scheme-involving-the-bidens/
| 2024-12-16T05:43:19Z
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Jordan Kyrou News: Extends goal, point streaks
Kyrou scored a goal on three shots in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Rangers.
Kyrou scored for the fourth game in a row, and his point streak is up to five contests dating back to Dec. 7 versus the Oilers. The 26-year-old winger continues to lead the Blues in goals with 13 over 32 appearances. He's added 14 assists, 92 shots on net, 21 hits and a plus-4 rating. Kyrou can sustain this level of offense, and he still has some room to grow on the power play this year, but he typically won't add much of a physical element.
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https://www.rotowire.com/hockey/headlines/jordan-kyrou-news-extends-goal-point-streaks-544080
| 2024-12-16T05:43:21Z
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India were struggling at 27 for three when the covers came on and the players headed back to the dressing room
Rain had marred the opening day as well with less than 15 overs of play possible (PIc: @bcci/X)
Heavy showers interrupted the proceedings in the second session of the third day's play in the third Test between India and Australia on Monday.
ADVERTISEMENT
India were struggling at 27 for three when the covers came on and the players headed back to the dressing room.
Earlier, just as Josh Hazlewood induced a nick from Virat Kohli to account for the veteran batter for the second time this series, the heavens opened up leading to an interruption and forcing an early lunch.
Earlier, India had bowled out Australia for 445 in their first innings. The start of play on day three and India's innings were also slightly delayed due to rain. Rain had marred the opening day as well with less than 15 overs of play possible.
As the rain came down from the sky covered with dark clouds, both sides had to take Lunch, with India reduced to 22/3, trailing by 423 runs, with KL Rahul unbeaten with a score of 13(24).
In a start-stop session utterly dominated by Australia, Indian players were once again asked to reflect on their flaws as the impending doom of defeat started to linger in Brisbane.
It was A-Lister Jasprit Bumrah who paved the way for India by removing Mitchell Starc in the opening hour. Starc looked deadly the moment he smoked the ball into the stand with a picture-perfect slog-sweep off Ravindra Jadeja.
Bumrah sensed the threat radiating from the Starc and forced out an edge from the southpaw in the next over. Starc's feet were stuck on the ground as he made an attempt to push the ball away.
Also Read: India staring down the barrel as Australia strike thrice
A loose waft from the Australian was enough to pick up a nick as the ball travelled into the safe gloves of Rishabh Pant.
With Alex Carey on the field, Nathan Lyon resisted the temptation to go after the Indian attack, as rain made its presence felt at irregular intervals.
With the tempo of the day set, Mohammed Siraj broke the shackles and managed to breach past Lyon's defence to hit the middle stump.
With just a wicket left, Carey decided to charge at Akash Deep but ended up mistiming his shot, forcing Australia to wrap up its inning on 445.
In reply, Indian batters continued to live through the nightmares inflicted in Adelaide, with Starc being the driving force of the Australian pace attack.
His first victim of the day was Yashasvi Jaiswal, a player he has developed a rivalry with since the Perth Test. The young Indian southpaw managed to avoid a golden duck by edging the ball to the boundary, but Starc retaliated by swinging the ball and using the scrambled seam delivery to its effective use.
He picked up Jaiswal's wicket on his second ball of the match after the Indian chipped it away straight into Mitchell Marsh's hands. Shubman Gill (1) was next to return cheaply after he edged it away to Marsh, who took a flight and snaffled it with both hands.
Virat Kohli (3) soon joined the company of the duo after being tempted by Hazlewood to chase the outside off delivery and edge it away towards the wicketkeeper.
This marked the final action of the session as KL Rahul, who looked the most settled out there, returned to the dressing room.
The five-match series is locked at 1-1.
(With agency inputs)
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https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/rain-stops-play-once-again-with-india-reeling-at-27-3-23447550
| 2024-12-16T05:43:23Z
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Aditi Mistry who entered the house as a wildcard contestant got evicted in a short span of time. Bigg Boss gave them a week's time to make bonds and housemates chose Edin and Yamini over Aditi. Now, in an exclusive conversation with Times Of India TV, Aditi gets candid about her unfair eviction, bond with Rajat and Karan Veer and more.
My journey was short but quite memorable. I had an amazing experience in the Bigg Boss house. Definitely, I couldn't make good bonds, I was still forming them but then I got evicted too soon. Though I had thought that I would go ahead in the house. So I feel it was a totally unfair eviction and I am little bit sad about it.
Rajat, even when I had spoken before entering the house I had mentioned that it would be a make-or-break situation with Rajat. My bond with him was getting gradually stronger and the twist came and the other wildcard contestant (Edin) kept calling him brother and he prioritized her and didn't speak to me for days so I had felt bad too.
We were given a week's time to make a bond but on the fourth day itself, they chose to keep eviction. That is why I feel it was completely unfair. I thought I'd get some time but that didn't happen. Being a wildcard, the situation inside the house was totally different. As soon as we entered, they were taking me as a competitor and nobody was ready to include us in their already formed groups. Additionally, I even got demoralised because all of them were flipping every day, it was difficult to trust anyone inside the house.
I was only trying to form a bond but when the task was announced, I was shocked to see those who didn't even talk to Edin were choosing her and they saved her and Yamini. Wherein, I was being nice to everyone and approaching them.
I see Rajat and I think looking at the game, I don't want to support him but I feel Karan Veer will be at the top. The way people are showering love over him and if he sustains this same love for another 50 days then surely he would be in the top 2 with Rajat.
Karan had been inactive for the past 5-6 weeks and then when we entered suddenly we saw a new side of Karan in the house. Nobody likes him in the house apart from his group which is Shilpa ji, Chum and Digvijay. But when I came outside, I saw how much the fans loved him. Though, I didn't like his behaviour inside the house. We didn't talk much inside the house, I had joked about something and he took it seriously. I found him a bit selfish.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/exclusive-bigg-boss-18s-aditi-mistry-reveals-why-she-thinks-karan-veer-mehra-isnt-deserving-but-shall-reach-the-top-2-nobody-likes-him-inside-the-house-but-people-are-showering-love-on-him/photostory/116341097.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:43:25Z
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Germany’s Scholz faces a confidence vote. It’s expected to lead to an election in February
BERLIN (AP) — Chancellor Olaf Scholz faces a confidence vote in the German parliament on Monday that he’s expected to lose, paving the way for the European Union’s most populous member and biggest economy to hold an early election in February.
Scholz’s notoriously rancorous three-party government collapsed on Nov. 6 when the chancellor fired his finance minister in a long-running dispute over how to revitalize Germany’s stagnant economy, and the minister’s pro-business party quit the coalition. That left the remaining two center-left partners without a majority in parliament.
Leaders of several major parties then agreed that a parliamentary election should be held on Feb. 23, seven months earlier than originally planned. Post-World War II Germany’s constitution doesn’t allow parliament’s lower house, or Bundestag, to dissolve itself — so a confidence vote is needed to set in motion the early election.
What is likely to happen?
Scholz’s Social Democrats hold 207 seats in the Bundestag and are expected to vote for the chancellor. Their remaining coalition partners, the environmentalist Greens, have 117 and plan to abstain. That should mean Scholz gets nowhere near the majority of 367 in the 733-seat chamber needed to win the confidence vote.
If Scholz loses, it will up to up to President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to decide whether to dissolve the Bundestag. Steinmeier, who said last month that “this country needs stable majorities and a government that is capable of acting,” has 21 days to make that decision. Once parliament is dissolved, the election must be held within 60 days.
In practice, the campaign is already well underway.
Who is in the race?
As he formally requested the confidence vote on Wednesday, Scholz said that voters will “decide in the election how we answer the big questions that we face.”
Those, he said, include whether Germany decides to “invest strongly in our future,” secure jobs and modernize its industry, keep pension levels stable and “come closer to a just peace in Ukraine without Germany being drawn into the war.” Germany has become Ukraine’s biggest military supplier in Europe, but Scholz also has refused to supply long-range Taurus cruise missiles over concerns of escalating the war with Russia.
Center-right challenger Friedrich Merz on Saturday predicted “one of the hardest election campaigns” in modern German history, as Scholz’s Social Democrats “have their backs to the wall.” He said that it’s crucial to make the economy more competitive, because “the competitiveness of our economy is the precondition for everything else.”
Polls show Scholz’s party trailing behind Merz’s main opposition Union bloc. Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, whose Greens are further back, is also bidding for the top job.
The far-right Alternative for Germany, which is polling strongly, has nominated Alice Weidel as its candidate for chancellor but has no chance of taking the job because other parties refuse to work with it.
Confidence votes are rare in Germany, a country of 83 million people that prizes stability. This is only the sixth time in its postwar history that a chancellor has called one.
The last was in 2005, when then-Chancellor Gerhard Schröder engineered an early election that was narrowly won by center-right challenger Angela Merkel.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.whec.com/national-world/germanys-scholz-faces-a-confidence-vote-its-expected-to-lead-to-an-election-in-february/
| 2024-12-16T05:43:25Z
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Kirill Kaprizov News: Two goals in Sunday's loss
Kaprizov scored twice on six shots in Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Golden Knights.
Kaprizov struck early in the first period and tied the game at 2-2 late in the second, but Vegas was one goal better. Kaprizov now has a share of the league lead in goals with 22, tied with Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl. Kaprizov has surged lately with nine goals and four helpers over his last 10 contests. Overall, the star winger is up to 47 points, 105 shots on net and a plus-23 rating over 30 appearances.
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https://www.rotowire.com/hockey/headlines/kirill-kaprizov-news-two-goals-in-sundays-loss-544097
| 2024-12-16T05:43:28Z
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Season 2 of The Great Indian Kapil Show delivered unforgettable moments, blending comedy, emotions, and nostalgia. From Krushna Abhishek and Govinda’s emotional reconciliation to Navjot Singh Sidhu’s much-anticipated return, the season kept audiences entertained. Iconic guest appearances, hilarious skits, and heartfelt reunions made it a season to remember, leaving fans eagerly awaiting what’s next.
Bollywood legend Govinda and his nephew Krushna Abhishek shared a heartwarming reunion on The Great Indian Kapil Show after seven years of estrangement. "This is more than a show for us; it's family," Krushna said emotionally. Their appearance alongside Shakti Kapoor and Chunky Panday was a memorable moment, symbolizing healing and reconciliation after their public fallout. Govinda reminisced about his close bond with Krushna’s mother, recalling how she played a motherly role in his life. He shared, “After my mother, we were fortunate to have my elder sister, who was like a second mother to us.” Krushna added emotionally, "I was born because of her prayers at Vaishno Devi.” Their reunion resonated deeply with fans, offering a touching reminder of family bonds overcoming challenges.
Navjot Singh Sidhu made a grand return to The Great Indian Kapil Show after a five-year hiatus. His wife, Navjot, joined him, along with cricketer Harbhajan Singh and his wife, Geeta Basra. Sidhu’s comeback added an element of nostalgia and excitement for long-time fans of the show. Adding a humorous twist, Sunil Grover, dressed as Sidhu, kept the audience entertained with his spot-on impersonation, playfully teasing Archana Puran Singh. Sidhu’s return revived fond memories, blending humour with heartfelt moments, making his comeback a major highlight of the season.
Legendary actress Rekha enchanted audiences with her timeless charm and candid reflections on love. When Kapil Sharma asked her perspective on love, she replied, "If it’s true love, once is enough. How many times and how many people can one love?" Her philosophical response earned thunderous applause. She added, "I love everything—my work, my friends, nature—but most importantly, I love myself." Rekha’s wisdom-filled responses and graceful presence left an enduring impact, celebrating self-love and inner strength in the most enchanting way.
The Sinha family made a grand appearance, with Shatrughan and Poonam Sinha joining newlyweds Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal. Kapil humorously reminded Sonakshi of her earlier wish to get married, which she shared during Heeramandi promotions. Sonakshi playfully quipped, “Any girl wishing for marriage here must first accept Kapil as a brother!” The family showcased a fun dynamic, sharing laughter, stories, and lighthearted banter, creating unforgettable moments steeped in love, humour, and togetherness.
Kapil Sharma welcomed business tycoon Narayana Murthy and his wife Sudha Murthy on the show. Kapil humorously admitted struggling to pronounce "entrepreneur," lightening the mood. Murthy, however, praised Kapil’s entrepreneurial skills, saying, “You are an extraordinary entrepreneur. Entrepreneurship is about creating innovative ideas and building an audience. You’ve achieved that remarkably.” His thoughtful acknowledgement showcased the respect Kapil has earned beyond comedy, highlighting his journey as a successful entertainment entrepreneur.
Bollywood’s iconic sisters Kareena and Karisma Kapoor lit up the stage with fun banter and inside stories. When Kapil teased Kareena about knowing all the industry gossip, she playfully responded, “I get to know; I don’t call and ask for it.” Karisma backed her up, saying, “There are only two people who know everything—Kareena and Ranbir Kapoor.” Karisma added with a laugh, “Even when I try to impress her with news, she already knows it.” Their charming camaraderie added sparkle to the show, delighting fans.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/from-krushna-abhishek-govindas-emotional-reunion-to-navjot-singh-sidhus-comeback-major-moments-from-the-great-indian-kapil-show-season-2/photostory/116339488.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:43:31Z
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ICC warned Head and Siraj was fined 20 per cent of his match fee, but what has irked Gavaskar is the holier than thou attitude of some former Australian players.
Sunil Gavaskar
Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar has called out the double standards of the Australian cricket pundits for their criticism of Mohammed Siraj’s aggressive send-off to Travis Head in the day-night Test in Adelaide. Siraj and Head were at loggerheads after the Indian pacer got the Australian centurion bowled and gave him a send-off. While Head said that Siraj’s reaction was uncalled for, the Indian pacer on his part countered that the southpaw never said “well bowled” which he claimed to have told the media.
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ICC warned Head and Siraj was fined 20 per cent of his match fee, but what has irked Gavaskar is the holier than thou attitude of some former Australian players. “Siraj is getting the stick from all the “saints” in Australian cricket who, of course, were known for their impeccable behaviour on the field. It may have incensed Australian fans that Siraj’s fiery send-off was directed at Head, who scored a magnificent century and was also the local boy,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for Sydney Morning Herald.
Also Read: Smith adds to India's 'Head'-ache in Brisbane
Gavaskar took a dig at the double standards about how the same people support boorish behaviour from their own. “But the same people will cheer if an Aussie quick gives a similar send-off to an English batter during next summer’s Ashes. “There were some suggestions in the media that the Australians should get back to being the mongrels they once were. So, do mongrels simply purr, or do they bark, too?”
10 balls cost CA 1 million AUD loss
Cricket Australia is set to lose AUD 1 million (approx R5.4 crore) in gate receipts after being forced to hand out complete a refund on tickets sold for the rain-hit Day One of the Gabba Test here. Only 13.2 overs were possible due to heavy downpour on Saturday. As per CA rules, if a minimum of 15 overs is bowled during the day fans are not eligible for a full refund.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
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https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/siraj-is-getting-stick-from-saints-of-australian-cricket-23447477
| 2024-12-16T05:43:30Z
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Survivors seek a reckoning as FBI investigates child sex abuse in little-known Christian sect
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Nearly every detail about the religious group Lisa Webb’s family belonged to was hidden from the outside world. Its followers met in homes rather than churches. Its leadership structure was hard to discern, its finances opaque. It didn’t even have an official name.
But for decades, no secret was as closely guarded as the identities of the sexual predators inside the group known as the “Two by Twos.”
Now a growing number of public allegations from around the world have prompted a broad investigation by the FBI and placed an uncomfortable spotlight on the long-quiet Christian sect. Survivors say the group’s leaders protected child-abusing ministers by pressuring victims to forgive, ignoring legal reporting requirements and by transferring abusers to new locations to live with unsuspecting families.
Ministry leaders have publicly condemned the abuse but several declined to answer questions from The Associated Press.
For Webb, who was sexually abused by one of the group’s ministers as a child, the attention has brought an unexpected sense of “strength in numbers.”
“There are so many who are frustrated and disheartened,” said Webb. “But there’s also camaraderie in that, and support.”
A website, a hotline and social media pages established by victims have documented allegations against more than 900 abusers, with survivors in more than 30 countries and cases continuing to emerge. In the past year, news stories and a Hulu documentary have focused on the sect’s predator preachers and the leaders who enabled them.
While perpetrators have been sentenced to prison in isolated cases, the sect has largely avoided legal repercussions, protected by its decentralized structure, hidden finances and state laws that limit the timeline for criminal charges.
The secret sect’s origin story
The sect, also known to its members as “The Way” or “The Truth,” was founded in Ireland in 1897 by William Irvine, who railed against the existence of churches. The only way to spread Christianity, he argued, was to do as Jesus instructed in the Book of Matthew: to send apostles out to live among those they sought to convert.
The sect grew as volunteer preachers — known as workers — went “two by two” to live in the family homes of followers for days or weeks at a time. Sect historians say there were up to a few million members just a few decades ago, but current estimates put the figure at 75,000 to 85,000 worldwide.
Unlike the Boy Scouts or the Catholic Church, which have paid out billions to sex abuse victims, the sect’s aversion to property leaves it without apparent assets that might be used to pay settlements, legal experts say.
Workers are supposed to shun worldly possessions, relying on followers for food, shelter and transportation. But that also ensures abusive workers have access to potential victims.
Webb was abused by a preacher who stayed with her family in Michigan when she was 11. The man, Peter Mousseau, was convicted much later — after he expressed an interest in visiting her in 2008 and she decided to pursue charges. A regional overseer to whom she previously reported the abuse was later convicted for failing to report abuse allegations against another local worker.
“You have this mindset that they are angels in your home. They can do no wrong, so you don’t have any kind of wall up,” she said. “It was just the perfect storm created, the perfect recipe for this kind of behavior.”
Abusers live among their victims
Sheri Autrey had just turned 14 when a 28-year-old worker moved into her family’s home in Visalia, California, for two months.
He began abusing her immediately, sneaking to her room at night and taking her for daytime drives. He turned up the radio whenever the Hall & Oates song “Maneater” came on, singing: “Watch out boy, she’ll chew you up.”
When Autrey revealed the abuse to her mother a few years later, her mom reported it to the sect’s regional overseer, who was in charge of all the workers in the area.
The overseer refused to warn other families. Instead, he sent the worker back to Autrey’s home to apologize.
Autrey, raised to be meek, erupted. Her family took her to the district attorney’s office but declined to put her through a prosecution.
“I would have to explain, explicitly, what happened,” Autrey said. “And I was in no way prepared for that.”
Decades later, Autrey was at a baseball game when “Maneater” came on. She had to walk around the stadium to calm herself down, and she resolved to send a letter about the abuse to hundreds of sect members.
“I wanted anyone else who was a victim to know she is not the only one,” Autrey said. “She needs to know there is help.”
Many more cases of abuse
One worker from Peru, Americo Quispe, was sent to Garland, Texas, in the early 2000s after facing allegations of inappropriate behavior in his home country. He soon found new victims, some of whose families went to police. He returned to Peru before he could be arrested.
Quispe was later convicted of molestation in Peru and sentenced to 30 years. He has never faced the charges in Texas.
Another worker, Ruben Mata, abused dozens of boys, among them 10-year-old Douglas Patterson, who was lured away from his family during a sect convention in the early 1990s. Patterson said he kept quiet about it because he feared his family would leave the sect — and thus be barred from eternal salvation — if he told.
Mata was eventually convicted in 2006 in a separate sex abuse case. He died in a California prison.
Members told to keep abuse reports quiet
A few months before Mata’s trial, the Saskatchewan, Canada, overseer, Dale Shultz, sent two letters to colleagues.
One was to be shown to any concerned members. It acknowledged Mata was a pedophile and that workers had been alerted to his abuse at least three times. The sect only notified authorities after Mata resigned, according to the letter.
The second was for staff. It said no copies should be made of the first letter.
“The purpose of the letter is to help those who have concerns, not to advertise a kingdom problem to those who either do not know about it or are not having a problem with it,” Shultz wrote.
In another case, a regional overseer for Arizona, Ed Alexander, wrote a letter to a child-molesting elder in 2005 observing that “we love our people very much and don’t want to report their misdeeds.”
The letter suggested the sect could fulfill its mandatory abuse-reporting obligations by recommending offenders get professional counseling, because then the counselors — rather than sect leaders — would be obligated to make the reports to police.
“They believe that child sexual assault is just a sin. Like, you’re a sinner, they are a sinner, it’s all just sin,” said Eileen Dickey, one of the man’s victims. She reported the abuse to sect leaders because she was worried other children would be targeted.
“I was told never to talk about it,” she said.
Alexander would not speak with The Associated Press: “Unfortunately, the media coverage has been so negative and one-sided that I am going to have to decline an interview,” he texted.
Former minister recounts culture of downplaying misdeeds
Jared Snyder spent more than two decades as an itinerant minister before becoming disillusioned and quitting. No one told him directly about abuse, Snyder said, but he occasionally heard rumors.
The sect’s culture — which makes gossip taboo and places tremendous pressure on members to be merciful — meant that misdeeds big or small were downplayed, he said.
“One overseer just explicitly told me, ‘The less you know, the better off you are,’” he said.
As a worker, Snyder received no paychecks, retirement benefits or health insurance benefits, and he was discouraged from using banks. But he was never without spending money: Followers regularly offer cash to the workers, and Snyder said he frequently had thousands of dollars in his pockets.
Most of that money would get spent on building materials, food or other supplies at regional conventions, Snyder said.
The case that exposed the sect to more scrutiny
In June 2022, a regional overseer named Dean Bruer died in an Oregon motel room. Bruer, 67, had served in at least 22 states and territories and seven countries since 1976, according to a timeline compiled by Pam Walton, a former member who has used historical records and photographs to track the movements of predatory preachers.
Nine months after Bruer died, Doyle Smith, the overseer for Idaho and Oregon, wrote a letter to members. Evidence left on Bruer’s phone and laptop showed he had raped and abused multiple underage victims, Smith wrote.
“Dean was a sexual predator,” Smith wrote. “We never respect or defend such totally inappropriate behavior among us. There is a very united consensus among us that the only thing to do is to be transparent with all of you for obvious reasons, though this is very difficult.”
That transparency did not extend to dealings with local police. It was only after Autrey, another abuse survivor, and private investigator Cynthia Liles — all former sect members — pressured Smith that he turned Bruer’s laptop over to detectives, Autrey told the AP.
By then, the computer had been tampered with, according to records from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon. The web browser search history was cleared. Bruer’s Apple ID had been changed and files transferred out of his DropBox account. Bruer’s phone was never provided to police, and the “Find My iPhone” feature had been disabled.
“What web browsing history was present on the laptop that someone didn’t want anyone else knowing about?” Detective Jeffrey Burlew wrote in a police report. Unable to find any evidence of a crime within its jurisdiction, the office closed the investigation.
Smith did not respond to phone messages from the AP.
Survivors and law enforcement dig deeper
Though Autrey and others had long sought reforms in the sect, Bruer’s death proved to be a catalyst. Autrey, Liles and another survivor launched a hotline, website and Facebook pages for survivors.
In February, the FBI’s field office in Omaha, Nebraska, announced an investigation.
The outcry prompted some sect leaders to condemn the abuse and to ask consultants for advice on how to better protect members. But at least some regional overseers have ultimately declined to adopt recommended child abuse prevention policies — saying the only true code of conduct is the New Testament.
And some leaders still warn members against criticizing the sect.
At an August convention in Duncan, British Columbia, a worker helping to lead the event did not mention the abuse scandal directly but told members to lay aside “evil speakings.”
“It’s more easy to be critical than to be correct,” preached Robert Doecke, a worker from Australia. “If you feed on problems, it will only make more problems. But if you focus on the Lord, it will lead to solutions.”
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.whec.com/national-world/survivors-seek-a-reckoning-as-fbi-investigates-child-sex-abuse-in-little-known-christian-sect/
| 2024-12-16T05:43:31Z
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| 2024-12-16T05:43:33Z
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Mark Stone News: Contributes assist in win
Stone logged an assist in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Wild.
Stone has three assists over four outings since he returned from a lower-body injury. His helper Sunday was his first even-strength point in that span. The 32-year-old winger is up to six goals, 18 helpers, 32 shots on net and a plus-7 rating through 17 appearances in a top-line role.
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https://www.rotowire.com/hockey/headlines/mark-stone-news-contributes-assist-in-win-544093
| 2024-12-16T05:43:34Z
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In 2024, several notable television actors faced high-profile breakups, capturing the attention of fans and media alike. These separations highlight the challenges of maintaining relationships in the spotlight, where personal struggles often become public narratives. As beloved couples part ways, their stories serve as a reminder that love can be complicated, even for celebrities.
Dalljiet Kaur and Nikhil Patel's relationship came to an end less than a year after their marriage in March 2023. The couple, who appeared to be in love, shocked fans with their split. Their breakup was marked by both removing each other from their social media profiles, signaling a definitive end to their public relationship.
Pavitra Punia and Eijaz Khan, who captured audiences with their romance on reality television, faced significant challenges that ultimately led to their breakup in 2024. Despite their strong connection and shared experiences, the couple struggled to navigate the pressures of fame and public scrutiny. Their separation serves as a reminder that even relationships that seem perfect from the outside can face difficulties behind closed doors.
Jashwant and Akriti announced their separation in 2024, adding another chapter to the ongoing narrative of celebrity breakups. While specific details regarding the reasons for their split remain limited, it highlights the challenges that many couples face in maintaining relationships under public scrutiny. The couple had garnered attention for their chemistry on-screen and off, making their breakup surprising for fans.
Digvijay and Unnati decided to end their relationship in 2024, joining the list of high-profile splits this year. The couple's breakup has drawn attention due to their previous popularity as a pair in the television industry. While details surrounding their separation are not widely discussed, it underscores the complexities of maintaining love amidst public scrutiny and expectations.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/from-pavitra-punia-eijaz-khan-to-digvijay-unnati-2024s-shocking-splits/photostory/116320291.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:43:37Z
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Takeaways from AP’s reporting on a child sex abuse crisis inside a secretive Christian sect
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — For decades, a little-known Christian sect has dealt with its abusive ministers and spiritual elders mostly in secret, shunning legal action in favor of urging victims to forgive the predators in their midst.
Forgiveness, however, was far from a cure: The abusers were often sent to live with other unsuspecting families, where they had easy access to new victims.
Now a grassroots effort by survivors has exposed the depth of the scandal — documenting allegations against more than 900 abusers in 30 countries, with cases continuing to emerge — and thrust the nameless sect into the public eye. The FBI has also launched an investigation into the group, sometimes called the “Two by Twos.”
The Associated Press interviewed more than a dozen current and former members, workers and experts, and reviewed letters, court documents and other records supporting the allegations. Several sect leaders and ministers either declined interview requests or did not respond to messages.
Here are some takeaways from the AP’s reporting.
The core doctrine of the sect put kids at high risk
Child sex abuse is a significant problem within many religious institutions: Insurance data company Advisen lists child sexual abuse as the second most frequent insurance loss for religious organizations, after wage-related claims. But survivors say the tenets of the Two by Twos place kids at particularly high risk.
The sect believes its volunteer ministers, called “workers,” should live among followers and rely on them for food, housing and other needs.
Many survivors told the AP they were abused by preachers staying in their homes. In some cases, the abuse was revealed and the offending worker was asked to leave the ministry. Frequently, however, regional leaders called “overseers” simply transferred the worker to a new region without warning other members.
Former sect member Pam Walton uses photos from annual sect conventions, reports from members and other records to track the movements of workers and overseers with abuse allegations.
“I don’t think people were understanding the magnitude that these men and women traveled,” Walton said.
One abusive overseer, Dean Bruer, served in at least 22 states and territories and seven countries from the time he joined the ministry in 1976 until his death in 2022.
A culture of ‘mercy’ enabled abusers
Former worker Jared Snyder says bringing up someone’s past sins is considered taboo because that person “has already been forgiven by God.” As a result, members and workers alike often would only talk euphemistically about problems, Snyder said, and even major misdeeds were frequently downplayed.
“There is an underlying fear of being judged as a person who has a ‘bad spirit’ if you are not merciful enough,” Snyder says.
Some sect leaders cautioned against digging into allegations. One overseer told Snyder, “The less you know, the better off you are,” he said.
Sect leaders sometimes ignored legal reporting requirements
Some U.S. states have laws that require spiritual leaders, teachers and others in positions of authority to report child abuse allegations to authorities. Letters and other documents show some overseers tried to skirt those laws.
Ed Alexander, a regional overseer for Arizona, wrote a letter to a child-molesting elder urging him to seek professional counseling. That way, Alexander claimed, the sect would not have to report the man’s crime and instead the counselor could take on reporting responsibility.
Alexander declined to comment.
Survivors often faced dead ends in their search for justice
As a teen, Sheri Autrey felt unprepared to describe the intimate details of her abuse to a jury, so her parents declined to put her through the criminal prosecution process. When Autrey tried to press charges as an adult, it was too late — under California state law, too many years had passed since the crime.
Autrey tried to find an attorney to sue the sect, but no one would take the case. Legal experts say the sect’s aversion to property leaves it without any apparent assets that could be used to pay a legal settlement.
Left without legal options, many survivors joined grassroots efforts to support each other. One organization, Advocates for the Truth, created a 24-hour confidential hotline for survivors, investigated and tracked allegations, and connected victims with therapeutic resources and funding.
Facebook pages and online chat rooms have also given survivors a place to compare stories, discuss faith and share suggestions for reform.
A grand jury began looking into the sect last year, and in February the FBI asked people with information to come forward. Agents have interviewed multiple survivors and sect leaders over the last several months.
Change within the sect is slow — and limited
Some sect leaders have condemned the abuse and asked consultants for advice on how to better protect members. Others have rejected recommended child abuse prevention policies outright, or implemented scaled-down versions with fewer safeguards.
Still, the pressure doesn’t seem likely to let up anytime soon. Former sect member and survivor Lisa Webb says advocating for other survivors has been her therapy.
“I’m not trying to take away your salvation or attack your faith, but how can we keep our kids safe? You can respect the faith, respect the religion, but still not be naive,” Webb said. “Just the fact that the conversation is out there now means we’ve already improved the safety. … There’s a rallying behind survivors.”
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.whec.com/national-world/takeaways-from-aps-reporting-on-a-child-sex-abuse-crisis-inside-a-secretive-christian-sect/
| 2024-12-16T05:43:37Z
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Youngster Suryansh Shedge smashes 15-ball 36 not out after Suryakumar Yadav (48) and Ajinkya Rahane (37) lay foundation for five-wkt win over MP
Man of the tournament Ajinkya Rahane, the Mumbai skipper. PIC/PTI
Mumbai leaned on their collective batting strength to subdue a spirited Madhya Pradesh by five wickets to clinch the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy here on Sunday. Mumbai were stretched on more than one occasion during the chase of 175, a target MP built around skipper Rajat Patidar’s fluent unbeaten 81, on a slightly tacky pitch, but eventually they reached 180 for five in 17.5 overs.
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This was Mumbai’s second SMAT title after winning it for the first time in 2022, while MP’s wait for a maiden trophy prolonged to another season. After a brief period of lull, Suryakumar Yadav (48, 35b, 4x4, 3x6) reactivated his run-making ways and added 52 runs for the third wicket with Ajinkya Rahane (37, 30b, 4x4).
Suryakumar and Suryansh Shedge
It helped Mumbai to recover from the early dismissals of Prithvi Shaw and skipper Shreyas Iyer, both of them falling to rather causal shots. Just when it seemed that the two veteran batters would carry Mumbai home, Rahane slashed Venkatesh Iyer straight into the hands of Rahul Batham at deep. Suryakumar followed soon, top-edging off-spinner Shivam Shukla to Avesh Khan at short fine leg.
Also Read: Smith adds to India's 'Head'-ache in Brisbane
At 129 for five in 14.4 overs, Mumbai needed 46 runs but any worries were soon eased by the big-hitting Suryansh Shedge (36 not out, 15b, 3x4, 3x6) and Atharva Ankolekar (16 not out, 6b, 2x6) who knocked off the remaining runs without much fuss in a little over three overs. Earlier, Patidar shone brightly while hammering his fifth fifty of this tournament.MP had made a rather sedate beginning to their innings after losing openers Arpit Gaud (3) and Harsh Gawli (2).
Brief scores
Madhya Pradesh 174-8 in 20 overs (R Patidar 81*; R Dias 2-32, S Thakur 2-41) lost to Mumbai 180-5 in 17.5 overs (S Yadav 48, A Rahane 37, S Shedge 36*; T Singh 2-34) by five wickets
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
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https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/smat-t20-mumbai-emerge-t20-champions-again-23447472
| 2024-12-16T05:43:37Z
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Mats Zuccarello News: Adds pair of helpers
Zuccarello recorded two assists in Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Golden Knights.
Zuccarello has three helpers over two games since he returned from a lower-body injury. He's immediately regained his top-line role and spot on the first power-play unit, and he's had no issues with rust after a 13-game absence. The 37-year-old winger is at six goals, 11 helpers, 30 shots on net and a plus-7 rating through 18 appearances, serving as a strong playmaker who should play a big part in the Wild's success on offense.
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https://www.rotowire.com/hockey/headlines/mats-zuccarello-news-adds-pair-of-helpers-544098
| 2024-12-16T05:43:40Z
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Anita Hassanandani, who is currently seen playing the antagonist in Prateek Sharma's Suman Indori shares her fashion goals and why enjoys wearing something that's trendy and comfortable. She said, "I like to enjoy what I wear to parties or when I meet friends. The most important part about a piece of clothing should be comfort. I should feel beautiful and comfortable when I pick up an outfit for any occasion."
The actress, who has to wear saris in her shows, shares how she enjoys wearing them even offscreen. A woman definitely looks her best when she wears a sari. And after wearing sari in literally every show I am quite comfortable wearing it. Most women are making style statements in a sari specially when the fabric is soft, light and easy."
The Yeh Hai Mohabbatein actress, who has recently also entered in the garments business, said, "I am passionate about styling and fashion and what better than styling clothes as an alternative profession. I am happy that my dream has finally come true."
In an earlier interview with BT, the actress shared how she has never pushed herself to do films. "Honestly, I didn't get great work after I did Kuch Toh Hai. I did meet people but nothing interesting happened. I admit that I had poor social skills, and I was not always out there meeting people and telling them how ambitious I was. On the other hand TV gave me that settling feeling and I enjoyed it. I am still doing South films and I feel the setup is very professional and enjoy the culture. Films start on time and do not get stalled and definitely they have upped their game even better in the past few years. I don't blame anyone but somehow I got a bit comfortable doing TV at that time and that's why I never pushed myself very hard."
Mom-to-be Anita Hassanandani is all smiles as she poses with her hubby Rohit Reddy
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/i-feel-most-beautiful-and-comfortable-when-i-wear-a-sari-anita-hassanandani/articleshow/116336400.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:43:43Z
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Zakir Hussain, one of India’s most accomplished classical musicians, dies at 73
NEW DELHI (AP) — Zakir Hussain, one of India’s most accomplished classical musicians who defied genres and introduced tabla to global audiences, died on Sunday. He was 73.
The Indian classical music icon died from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease, at a hospital in San Francisco, his family said in a statement.
“His prolific work as a teacher, mentor and educator has left an indelible mark on countless musicians. He hoped to inspire the next generation to go further. He leaves behind an unparalleled legacy as a cultural ambassador and one of the greatest musicians of all time,” the statement read.
Hussain was the most recognizable exponent of tabla, a pair of hand drums that is the main percussion instrument in Indian classical music.
Considered the greatest tabla player of his generation, Hussain had a career that spanned six decades in which he collaborated with the likes of singer-songwriter George Harrison, jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd, drummer Mickey Hart and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
The son of legendary tabla artist Alla Rakha, Hussain was born in 1951 in Mumbai and was taught how to play the instrument by his father at the age of 7. A child prodigy, he was touring by age 12 and performing alongside India’s classical music legends during his teens.
In an interview that was shared widely on social media in India, Hussain says his father welcomed him into the world after he was born by speaking tabla rhythms into his ears.
“I was brought home, handed over to my dad in his arms. The tradition was that the father is supposed to recite a prayer in the baby’s ear … So he takes me in his arms, puts his lips to my ear and recites the tabla rhythms into my ears,” Hussain says in the interview, verbally imitating the rhythmic pattern of the instrument.
Both Alla Rakha and Hussain were given the honorific “Ustad,” an Urdu word that means master.
In 1973, Hussain formed the Indian jazz fusion band “Shakti” with jazz guitarist John McLaughlin. The band played acoustic fusion music that combined Indian music with elements of jazz, introducing a new sound to Western audiences.
In 2024, Hussain became the first musician from India to win three Grammy awards in the same year.
Hussain’s “Shakti” won Best Global Music Album, and his collaboration with Edgar Meyer, Béla Fleck and flutist Rakesh Chaurasia won Best Global Music Performance and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. He had earlier won a Grammy in 2009.
In 2023, Hussain received the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award.
Hussain is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.whec.com/national-world/zakir-hussain-one-of-indias-most-accomplished-classical-musicians-dies-at-73/
| 2024-12-16T05:43:43Z
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Jasprit Bumrah continued his domination of Australian cricket, reaching a significant milestone of 50 Test wickets Down Under.
The Indian speedster's relentless pace and accuracy have made him a nightmare for Australian batters.
Bumrah continued to redefine the art of fast bowling with yet another sensational spell in red-ball cricket. His ascendancy in the longest format of cricket looks as if it is straight out of a fairytale book.
When the rest of the Indian seamers looked out of their depth, Bumrah inspired the team with a brilliant six-wicket haul, bringing an end to Australia's inning at 445.
With the second new ball, Bumrah stood levels apart from the rest of his compatriots. With his blistering pace, he showed Mitchell Marsh (5) and Travis Head (152) the way back to the dressing room in a single over on Day 2.
After returning with figures of 6/76, Bumrah has now chalked up 50 Test wickets in Australia in a mere 10 matches, with a highly impressive average of 17.82.
On Day 3, he paved the way for India by removing Mitchell Starc in the opening hour. With the tempo of the day set, Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep cleared the tail end to wrap up Australia's inning on 445.
Notably, when the rest of the bowling unit was pummelled by the Australian batters and heavily leaked runs, Bumrah was still a force to be reckoned with. He maintained his economical nature by conceding runs at a mere rate of 2.70, the lowest among the Indian bowlers.
Bumrah's masterclass wasn't just confined to the opening hours of Monday. The 31-year-old was a walking nightmare for the Australian openers, Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney.
Throughout the three Tests, the Australian openers have struggled to churn out runs while dealing with the imposing threat from Bumrah.
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https://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/unstoppable-bumrah-50-test-wickets-in-australia-and-counting/20241216.htm
| 2024-12-16T05:43:45Z
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Hazlewood’s delivery, predictably wide outside off, had Kohli once again failing to adjust his footwork
Virat Kohli (Pic: AFP)
Virat Kohli’s ongoing battle with deliveries outside the off-stump continues to haunt him, and the Gabba Test was no exception.
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Josh Hazlewood repeatedly targeted that familiar off-stump line, and Kohli fell for a paltry 3. The 36-year-old played a wide delivery right into his body, only to edge it straight to Alex Carey, who didn’t even need to break a sweat in securing the catch. This dismissal came at a time when India was already teetering, having lost Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill.
Even a school child will understand that the same mistake should not be repeated.
— Crick Forecast (@crickforecast) December 16, 2024
Meanwhile Virat Kohli after 15 years of international cricket !! How ??#INDvsAUS #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/8ydBJkgPNg
India desperately needed their star batsman to steady the ship, but Kohli’s overwhelming urge to chase every delivery outside off-stump led to yet another self-inflicted wound.
Hazlewood’s delivery, predictably wide outside off, had Kohli once again failing to adjust his footwork. Instead of leaving it, he reached for it, conveniently handing Australia a vital wicket. Naturally, the Aussies erupted in celebration, knowing they had just removed one of India’s key players.
Also Read: India staring down the barrel as Australia strike thrice
Meanwhile, fans have been having a field day on social media, unleashing brutal trolling, and questioning why Kohli continues to chase deliveries outside the off-stump that seem to have his number every time. His struggle against these deliveries is glaringly evident, and fans are left scratching their heads, wondering if Kohli ever plans to learn from this recurring nightmare.
Virat Kohli is as reliable as a batter as any number eleven. Losing wickets to the deliveries on the off where shot should not be attempted. Terrible tactics. Stubbornness that can be fixed only by playing in the domestic circuit, but he's too arrogant to do that.
— Tushar Gupta (@Tushar15_) December 16, 2024
Dear Virat Kohli, Why can’t you simply LEAVE that delivery? Poori duniya bol bol ke thak gayi hai, aapko sunai nahi de raha?@imVkohli
— Sushant Mehta (@SushantNMehta) December 16, 2024
pic.twitter.com/D5tPbPqCyV
The problem with Virat Kohli is that he thinks he is bigger than the game. Hence repeating the same mistakes.
— UmdarTamker (@UmdarTamker) December 16, 2024
Instead God Sachin Tendulkar's 241 innings demonstrated his control and respect for the game.
Virat's downfall has started..!!
Virat Kohli can never be close to Sachin pic.twitter.com/kcKUknyRFZ
— Div🦁 (@div_yumm) December 16, 2024
India now finds itself under immense pressure, as Australia stands poised to dictate the terms, having already posted a colossal 445 in their first innings, thanks to dazzling centuries from Travis Head and Steve Smith.
Also Read: Play resumes after rain interruption in Brisbane
In reply, India’s top order crumbled early, with Jaiswal and Gill departing quickly, followed by Kohli and Rishabh Pant to set the stage for a ruthless Australian attack to put India firmly on the back foot.
Despite evident efforts during net sessions to rectify the issue ahead of the Brisbane Test, Kohli’s inability to adapt in match situations has become a recurring concern. His dismissal in Brisbane is part of a series of similar errors, prompting former cricketers to raise alarms about the consistency of one of India's most reliable batters.
Speaking to Star Sports, Sanjay Bangar pointed out that while Kohli’s recent dismissals have often been due to exceptional bowling, his latest mistake was entirely avoidable. Hazlewood’s delivery, which was pitched fuller and well outside off stump, enticed Kohli into a loose drive, leading to a catch to Australia’s wicketkeeper, Alex Carey.
Also Read: IN PHOTOS: Virat Kohli’s persistent off-stump flop show draws sharp criticism
Offering advice to Kohli, Sunil Gavaskar reflected on Sachin Tendulkar's unforgettable 241 in the 2003-04 Sydney Test, where Tendulkar deliberately avoided his signature cover drive and concentrated primarily on leg-side strokes. Gavaskar suggested Kohli should adopt a similar approach and temporarily disregard playing shots on the off-side.
Meanwhile, Sanjay Manjrekar commented on the persistence of certain technical flaws among players, seemingly referring to Kohli, who once again succumbed to a wide delivery outside the off stump and made an early return to the pavilion. "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," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
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https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/virat-kohli-unyielding-off-stump-failures-spark-public-outcry-23447587
| 2024-12-16T05:43:44Z
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Diane Richardson and her coaching staff believed they scouted No. 15 West Virginia well.
Executing the plan was another issue altogether.
After Richardson’s Temple women’s basketball team hit just three field goals in the second quarter, the Owls’ hopes of upsetting the Mountaineers looked slim.
Those hopes were then completely dashed during a second half West Virginia controlled, as the Owls shot just 24% from the field en route to a 68-46 loss at the Liacouras Center Sunday afternoon.
“It was a tough game against a very tough team,” Richardson said. “We did some things well according to the scout, like keeping them under their average and keeping some of the players under their average, but then we didn’t shoot the ball very well. I think that was our Achilles’ heel today against a tough team that’s hard to respond to.”
Guard Tiarra East led Temple (5-4) with 15 points but shot just 3-for-13 from the field in the process. Forward Jaleesa Molina had her best game of the season, totaling seven points, seven rebounds and three steals in the loss.
It was a defensive battle through the first quarter, with neither team shooting above 31% in the period. West Virginia (10-1) was able to find the edge through three point shooting, hitting four shots from beyond the arc and leading 16-13.
The Mountaineers carried their play into the second quarter, limiting the Owls’ opportunities with strong defense and finding ways to score inside. A West Virginia full-court press made it difficult for Temple to get into their plays early in the shot clock, along with a 2-3 zone defense.
As a result, the Owls were held to just three field goals in the second quarter with nearly six minutes in between the first and second made shot. The 3-for-17 shooting mark in the second quarter was a tough obstacle for Temple to overcome.
Meanwhile, West Virginia was held somewhat in check and scored just 15 points, led by guard Jordan Harrison’s five, and held a 31-21 lead at halftime. Had Temple shot even somewhat better during that stretch, it could have been a closer ballgame at the break.
“I think we didn’t execute our offense today,” Richardson said. “And when you don’t you take these quick shots and the shots don’t fall. We’ve got to be more cognizant of executing and running our offense to know where our shots are going to be and being confident with those shots.”
Temple’s offense started to pick up in the third quarter, as East hit a pair of threes, but West Virginia didn’t back down.The Mountaineers shot 50% from the field in the third quarter, led by Kyah Watson, who scored nine points of her 15 points in the third.
From there West Virginia controlled the pace of the matchup, continuing to force misses and never letting Temple get any momentum to get back into the game. Five players reached double-figures for the Mountaineers, led by Watson’s 15. JJ Quinerly came into the matchup averaging 19 points but was held to 11 points alongside Harrison.
“They don’t get too high or too low,” Richardson said of West Virginia. “They were on top of things. We would score and they didn’t panic and would go ahead and score, because that’s what they do. We just had to make sure we didn’t get down on ourselves.”
The Owls now take a road trip to the west coast for the final games of nonconference play at the Raising The B.A.R. Invitational, starting with a matchup against Xavier on Dec. 21 at 11 p.m. A game against either Cal or Fordham will await the Owls the following day.
Watch Sunday's postgame press conference here.
Front page photo by Zamani Feelings.
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https://temple.rivals.com/news/offensive-struggles-cost-owls-in-loss-to-no-15-west-virginia
| 2024-12-16T05:43:45Z
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Pavel Buchnevich News: Buries goal Sunday
Buchnevich scored a goal on three shots, added three hits and went plus-2 in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Rangers.
Buchnevich opened the scoring in the first period against his former team. He's gotten on the scoresheet in each of his last nine games, putting up three goals and six assists in that span, though he also missed two contests due to a lower-body injury. Buchnevich is clicking in a top-six role, and he's up to eight goals, 21 points, 61 shots on net, 24 hits and a plus-1 rating through 30 appearances this season.
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https://www.rotowire.com/hockey/headlines/pavel-buchnevich-news-buries-goal-sunday-544079
| 2024-12-16T05:43:47Z
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SC to consider listing plea against proposed 'Dharam Sansad' in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad.
- Country:
- India
SC to consider listing plea against proposed 'Dharam Sansad' in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/Newsalert/3195410-sc-to-consider-listing-plea-against-proposed-dharam-sansad-in-uttar-pradeshs-ghaziabad
| 2024-12-16T05:43:45Z
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Pratik Sehajpal was the runner-up in Bigg Boss 15, but the show gave him a lot of fame with many feeling that he should have been the winner. Post BB, he was seen in music videos and acted in the TV show Naagin 6 last year.
Does he feel that he hasn’t got enough opportunities to prove himself as an actor? He replies, “I don’t want to prove anything to anyone. The idea is to be consistent, passionate and work hard. I am dedicated to my work and I believe that eventually, things will come to me. I am here to stay and will keep working towards my craft. There are things in the pipeline.”
He further adds, “I’m spiritual and optimistic. I believe it’s all a part of the journey. And everything I’m supposed to learn, I am learning. If one wants something, one has to keep going and not give up.”
Pratik admits that his stint on
Bigg Boss helped him in his career, but he still has a long way to go. He says, “You get recognition on Big Boss, but after all that fame and attention, one can’t just sit around and hope for good work to come your way. Why would someone cast you as an actor without having seen your acting skills? I’m here for the long run and believe in preparing myself well for it. I’m working on my craft and I’m sure that good projects will come my way.”
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/if-one-wants-something-one-has-to-keep-going-and-not-give-up-pratik-sehajpal/articleshow/116316488.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:43:49Z
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Josh Allen bolsters MVP case against Lions
QB1 for the Buffalo Bills, Josh Allen, continues to ride his hot streak of out-of-this-world play, and did it in the national spotlight against what many would consider the hottest and best team in the NFL.
Despite the crazy stat line from Allen, the Bills quarterback downplayed his performance.
“Too many plays we left out there,” Allen said. “I know, to nitpick a game like that when you score 48, sounds kind of dumb, but, still feel like we left some out there.”
Allen passed for 362 yards and a pair of touchdowns, adding 68 more rushing yards with two more rushing TDs, following up last week’s six-touchdown game.
In the last three weeks, Allen has been sacked zero times, hasn’t fumbled, hasn’t thrown an interception, while scoring 15 total touchdowns, and has had just one negative play – which was the kneel down to end Sunday’s game. Safe to say, Allen’s teammates are still in disbelief.
“He’s flipping the ball to guys, making plays with his feet, I’m yelling in my head to slide, but he’s running guys over. It’s so much fun to play with that dude. It’s really a privilege. I hope I get to play with him as long as I possibly can,” said Bills tight end Dawson Knox.
“I’m his biggest fan. I told him that mid-game. I said, Josh, I’m your biggest fan, bro,” said left tackle Dion Dawkins. “I’m honored to be his left tackle. I’m honored to be the best for him.”
Part of what made Allen’s day so special was his ability to create outside of the pocket. Allen ran for nearly 70 yards, but was also a threat to throw the ball downfield when breaking contain. In the first half, Allen found Ty Johnson when escaping from pressure to convert on a third down and later in the second quarter, completed a 64-yard pass to Keon Coleman when scrambling to his right.
“We work on it, scramble drills got to be one of our best plays,” Allen said. “And our receivers know that. And they’re just finding ways to get open when the play breaks down a little bit and trying to extend plays when it’s not there. We’ve had some success on it.”
Allen is now tied with Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow with 37 total touchdowns and has seven turnovers, the least out of that group. Jackson has eight turnovers and Burrow, 12.
With three weeks left to play in the regular season, Josh Allen is the odds-on favorite to win his first MVP.
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https://www.whec.com/sports-news/josh-allen-bolsters-mvp-case-against-lions/
| 2024-12-16T05:43:50Z
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View Don Otto's photos from Temple's loss to Villanova here.
Temple trailed early and often in a loss to Villanova in the Big 5 Classic third-place game at the Wells Fargo Center.
Tiarra East's 26 points and some balanced scoring and solid defense helped the Owls beat Villanova, 76-62 Friday night.
St. Joe's Prep wideout Ramier Hardy and quarterback Camren Boykin were among the players who signed Wednesday.
Listen to Temple's new football coach as he spoke with reporters Tuesday in a breakout session after his introduction.
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https://temple.rivals.com/news/recruiting-notebook-boykin-signs-white-set-to-visit
| 2024-12-16T05:43:52Z
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Simran was a member of the Mumbai and India E title-winning teams in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy and Challenger Trophy respectively
Simran Shaikh
Mumbai batter Simran Shaikh Simran, earlier with UP Warriorz, emerged the costliest uncapped India player after she was acquired by Gujarat Giants (GG) for R1.9 crore in the Women’s Premier League Player Auction in Bangalore on Sunday. Simran was a member of the Mumbai and India E title-winning teams in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy and Challenger Trophy respectively.
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“I never imagined that a WPL team would buy me for such a huge amount. I am very happy that GG gave me a chance to play for them. I was just expecting that a team would take me for my base price of Rs 10 lakh,” a pleasantly surprised Simran told mid-day from Ahmedabad, where she is playing the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy. “I was watching the WPL auction with my teammates on television and everyone was excited when my name appeared. They prayed for me. And when GG took me, it was celebration time with everyone congratulating me.
Also Read: Spotlight on Nandini Kashyap, G Kamalini in WPL mini-auction
“I know my responsibility increases manifold now and I will give my best to win games in the WPL. I spoke with my parents and I want to do something for my family with this amount,” remarked Dharavi resident Simran. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians (MI) shelled out Rs 1.6 crore after a fierce bidding war with Delhi Capitals to get G Kamalini. The hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batter hit 44 not out in India’s nine-wicket win over Pakistan in the ongoing U-19 Asia Cup. Hailing from Madurai, Kamalini, 16, trains at the CSK Academy in Chennai.
With inputs from IANS
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https://www.mid-day.com/sports/cricket/article/wpl-auction-simran-stunned-by-rs-19-cr-deal-from-gujarat-23447471
| 2024-12-16T05:43:51Z
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Pavel Dorofeyev News: Plucks apple in win
Dorofeyev logged an assist and three shots on goal in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Wild.
Dorofeyev's offense had turned cold recently -- his assist snapped a six-game drought. The 24-year-old winger remains in a second-line role, but he's been under 15 minutes of ice time in three straight contests. He's produced 18 points, 93 shots on net and a minus-4 rating through 31 outings, putting him on track for a career year, but his production has been goal-heavy, so he may be prone to some slumps when he doesn't have his shot right.
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https://www.rotowire.com/hockey/headlines/pavel-dorofeyev-news-plucks-apple-in-win-544095
| 2024-12-16T05:43:53Z
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Robert Thomas News: Earns two points in Sunday's win
Thomas scored a goal on two shots, dished an assist and went plus-2 in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Rangers.
Thomas has a seven-game point streak spanning all of December. He has four multi-point efforts in that span, racking up a total of four goals and nine assists. The 25-year-old center is up to six goals, 23 points, 39 shots on net, 19 blocked shots and a plus-6 rating over 20 appearances. While he still has a pass-first mentality, fantasy managers should have no problem finding room for a point-per-game center in their lineups.
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https://www.rotowire.com/hockey/headlines/robert-thomas-news-earns-two-points-in-sundays-win-544078
| 2024-12-16T05:43:53Z
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Kunal Karan Kapoor, who was last seen in TV show Udaariyaan, shares how he is passionate about photography and loves to travel and pursue his passion. Sharing how he loves travelling to Goa, Kunal said, "I enjoy travelling and even today whenever I get a chance, I hop off to Goa and spend hours just doing nothing in the lap of nature. Goa has that beautiful vibe. You can only hear the birds chirping and the train going at a distance in south Goa. I enjoy clicking pictures in the beautiful green surroundings and enjoy the sunsets, which is impossible in Mumbai because you are hearing only traffic noise."
Kunal reveals how he enjoys pursuing his hobby. He said, "Photography is a hobby I disovered most during the last 5 years. Whenever I travel, I discover a new city and meet people. I click pictures on my trips and they give me a lot of happiness. My ideal vacation is an unplanned vacation. I have lost count of the number of countries I have travelled in the past few years. The longest trip, I remember, lasted for 55 days. I travelled to three continents and lived in 17 hotels - Europe, South East Asia and Middle East."
Kunal shares further, "I feel it is important to be happy with whatever you do, whether it is travelling solo or with a bunch of people. And when I am not working, I prefer to travel or click pictures. It makes me happy."
Kunal Karan Kapoor denies dating Sriti Jha
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/kunal-karan-kapoor-whenever-i-get-a-chance-i-hop-off-to-goa-and-enjoy-doing-nothing-in-the-lap-of-nature/articleshow/116337506.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:43:55Z
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Indian Stock Markets Inch Cautiously Ahead of Key US Fed Meeting
Indian stock markets opened the week on a cautious note, as both indices saw marginal declines. The US Federal Reserve's meeting is in focus, with markets anticipating a 25 basis points rate cut. Sectoral indices showed mixed trends, while experts predict a potential year-end rally.
- Country:
- India
Indian stock markets commenced the week cautiously on Monday, with both main indices experiencing slight declines during the opening session. Anticipation surrounds the US Federal Reserve meeting beginning Tuesday, where a 25 basis points rate cut is expected by market analysts worldwide. The Nifty 50 index began at 24,753.40 points, marking a decline of 14.90 points or 0.06 percent, while the BSE Sensex opened with a dip of 132.81 points or 0.16 percent to stand at 82,000.31 points.
Market experts emphasize the significance of the Fed rate cut, expected this week, and predict a consolidation phase, with optimism for a year-end rally gaining momentum. Banking and Market Expert Ajay Bagga told ANI that the current week will be heavily influenced by the US Fed's final FOMC meeting of the year, with a 25 basis points rate cut almost certain. The Fed's commentary will be scrutinized for future rate cut trends, while January 2025 will spotlight President Trump's policies. Following a week of consolidation, Indian markets displayed a sharp intraday bounce on Friday, and steady action is expected given the focus on Fed policy this week.
Sectoral indices such as Nifty FMCG, Nifty Media, Nifty Metal, Nifty Pharma, Nifty PSU Bank, and Nifty Realty witnessed gains, while sectors including Nifty Bank and Nifty Auto declined. In the Nifty 50, 19 shares gained against 30 losers, with top performers being ITC, Cipla, L&T, Reliance, and Adani Enterprises; BPCL, JSW Steel, and Tech Mahindra were top losers.
Akshay Chinchalkar, Head of Research at Axis Securities, noted the critical market support levels and highlighted seasonal patterns supporting a bullish outlook. Over the last decade, the Nifty has risen 80% of the time in the second half of December. In other Asian markets, a mixed trend was observed; the Nikkei 225 index, Taiwan Weighted index, and South Korea's KOSPI index saw slight gains, while the Hang Seng index and Jakarta Composite fell at the report's filing time.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/business/3195351-indian-stock-markets-inch-cautiously-ahead-of-key-us-fed-meeting
| 2024-12-16T05:43:55Z
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With point guard Lynn Greer III making his Temple debut and assistant coach Chris Clark back on the bench, the Owls cruised to a 60-42 win at Hofstra Sunday afternoon.
Temple (6-4) played its first nine games without Greer and Clark, both of whom were suspended due to unrelated NCAA rules violations. Greer, a St. Joe’s transfer and the son of former Temple star and current Owls chief of staff Lynn Greer, collected nine points, five rebounds, an assist and a steal in 17 minutes off the bench. He scored Temple’s last five points of the game on a three-point play and a turnaround jumper.
Hofstra (8-4) played Sunday without two starters - point guard and leading scorer and distributor Cruz Davis and fourth-leading scorer Jaquan Sanders – and struggled mightily all day offensively, shooting just 25% (14 of 56) overall and 17.2% (5 of 29) from three-point range.
Temple, which came into Sunday’s game tied for 191st in the country in rebounds per game and 292nd in rebounding margin, outrebounded Hofstra by 54-39 and swiped 16 offensive rebounds that led to 12 second-chance points. The Owls’ 54 rebounds were the program’s highest regular-season total in 16 seasons.
Additionally, Hofstra's 42 points were the fewest by a Temple opponent in four seasons.
Jamal Mashburn Jr. led Temple in scoring with 12 points on an afternoon when the Owls also shot poorly, going 31.3% from the floor (20 of 64) and 25% (4 of 16) from three. It was just the second sub-20-point scoring game of the season for Mashburn, who shot 4 of 14 from the floor and 0-for-3 from beyond the arc.
Point guard Quante Berry, Temple’s only other double-figure scorer, played a solid 21 minutes off the bench, scoring 10 points on 4 of 6 shooting, including 2-for-3 from three, to go with five rebounds. Starters Zion Stanford, Steve Settle and Babatunde Durodola scored seven points apiece and combined to shoot 6 of 27 from the field. Freshman guard Aiden Tobiason logged his second consecutive start and scored his only three points of the game on a three-point play in the second half.
After falling behind early by 6-0 inside the game’s first 64 seconds, Temple used a 15-2 run, capped by an Elijah Gray three-pointer, to take control of a game they never trailed again. The Owls closed out the first half with what was then their largest lead of the afternoon on a turnaround jumper by Mashburn that gave Temple a 33-20 lead at halftime. The three-point play from Tobiason, which came at the 8:58 mark of the second half, gave the Owls their largest lead of the afternoon at 50-30.
Hofstra guard Jean Aranguren scored a game-high 16 points but shot just 4 of 15 from the floor and 1 of 6 from three in the process. He also grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds and was one of four Hofstra players to block three shots.
Temple guard Shane Dezonie, who has been nursing a wrist injury, went scoreless in six minutes of action and missed a pair of first-half free throws. Guard Jameel Brown, who remains out of the lineup due to personal reasons, was with the Owls on the bench Sunday but was not in uniform.
Temple will move on to its second test in an important, three-game stretch before Christmas when it hosts an 8-2 Davidson team Wednesday at the Liacouars Center.
Front page photo courtesy of Temple Athletics.
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https://temple.rivals.com/news/temple-cruises-to-60-42-win-at-hofstra
| 2024-12-16T05:43:58Z
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Legendary Gunner Sol Campbell tells mid-day what Londoners must do to avoid dropping points towards business end of English Premier League; Mikel’s men held 0-0 by 15th-placed Everton
Everton’s James Tarkowski (second from left) defends a shot from Arsenal’s Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Martinelli during their English Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium in London on Saturday
In the recent past, Arsenal have come very close to winning the English Premier League title. However, somehow, towards the business end of the competition, they tend to lose crucial points against lower-ranked teams and the trophy eventually slips out of their hands.
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On Saturday, the Gunners, currently sitting third in the EPL points table, played out one such frustrating draw (0-0) against 15th-placed Everton. Arsenal enjoyed 76 per cent possession against Everton and had as many as 13 shots on goal. League leaders Liverpool were also held (2-2) by Fulham, meaning this draw will hurt Arsenal more as they could have reduced the current six-point gap between them and the leaders. Arsenal legend Sol Campbell puts it down to a crucial on-field position that’s missing for the Gunners, who finished second in the last two EPL seasons.
Sol Campbel in Kolkata on Sunday. Pics/Getty Images, PTI
“When I look at the season before last, it was the Villa game [Aston Villa beat Arsenal 2-1 at Villa Park in February 20210] because after that we didn’t lose a game. Then, in the last season too there were some unwanted draws. I feel Arsenal need a centre-forward badly,” Campbell, who was part of the famed Invincibles that won the 2003-04 EPL title unbeaten, told mid-day over the phone from Kolkata, where was the brand ambassador of Sunday’s Tata Steel World 25k run.
Campbell played alongside Arsenal’s greatest striker, Thierry Henry, who scored a whopping 228 goals in 377 matches for the club across competitions. Henry had this uncanny ability to pull the opposition defence towards him and, according to Campbell, this is exactly what manager Mikel Arteta’s current outfit are lacking. “Arsenal need a main centre-forward badly. Even though everyone seems to be okay with goals coming in from all over the place, I feel, a main centre-foward will start easing the pressure on all the other players, who are either scoring or chipping in with crucial contributions.
A main centre-forward will attract more [opposition] players to him and that, in-turn, frees up space for others. So, in the end, two or three players have now become free and that’s the difference between unlocking tight games. That’s why I feel a main centre-forward will be a good addition and that will be the reason they perform better and hopefully, win the league,” added Campbell, 50, who began his club career with Tottenham before two famous stints at Arsenal alongside a glittering international career with England.
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https://www.mid-day.com/sports/football/article/premier-league-artetas-arsenal-badly-need-a-centre-forward-23447462
| 2024-12-16T05:43:58Z
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Shea Theodore News: Collects two points in win
Theodore scored a goal on three shots, added a power-play assist and blocked three shots in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Wild.
Theodore has four multi-point efforts over his last five games, earning three goals and five assists in that span. The 29-year-old was involved in the Golden Knights' first two goals in this contest. The defenseman now has four goals, 26 points, 59 shots on net, 39 blocked shots and a minus-1 rating through 30 outings overall. Theodore probably can't sustain this level of offense all season, but he should continue to be productive as long as he's seeing top on the top power-play unit.
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https://www.rotowire.com/hockey/headlines/shea-theodore-news-collects-two-points-in-win-544091
| 2024-12-16T05:44:00Z
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Reyaansh Vir Chadha, last seen in Nath, has stepped into the lead role in Shaitani Rasmein. Interestingly, this marks his fourth consecutive show, after Dil Diyaan Gallaan, Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, and Nath, which he has joined midway. However, he sees this as an opportunity rather than a challenge. He explains, “Television audiences resonate with characters and not actors. For me, it’s about bringing conviction to the role. I’ve always focused on connecting with the character, not being overshadowed by when or how I enter the storyline. I am a detached person by nature. My purpose is clear — work comes first.”
Shaitani Rasmein marks Reyaansh’s return to TV after a seven-month hiatus. During this break, he dedicated time to theatre workshops to refine his craft. “As an artiste, it’s essential to keep evolving. I felt stagnant and wanted to hone my skills. Theatre has always intrigued me, and this gap gave me the chance to immerse myself in it,” he concludes.
Manav Gohil on wearing uniform & playing a cop: I feel powerful when I wear this uniform
The actor, who has been part of several TV shows, including Maat Pitaah Ke Charnon Mein Swarg, Nadaan Parindey Ghar Aaja, Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, Prem Bandhan, and Aggar Tum Na Hote, made his Bollywood debut with Khichdi 2: Mission Paanthukistan. He portrayed the character of Wazir and was seen opposite Flora Saini in the film, which also starred Anang Desai, Supriya Pathak, Vandana Pathak, and Rajeev Mehta. Last year in November, in a chat with us, while talking about attempting comedy in his film debut, he had told us, “The debut has been exciting because the character is an integral part of the narrative, and the storyline would seem incomplete without it. I think comedy is a challenging genre to crack, but when the script is well-written, it makes it easy for an actor to perform. The trick is not to try too hard because when you do that, your jokes can fall flat.”
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/reyaansh-vir-chadha-i-focus-on-connecting-with-the-character-not-on-when-or-how-i-enter-the-storyline/articleshow/116342359.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:44:01Z
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wrestling / TV Reports
Leighty’s WWE Main Event Review 11.27.24
-Peacock decided to upload the last three episodes of this show as I guess we will no longer be on a two week delay. For these next three I will still just review the two matches and with next week’s episode I will go back covering the entire show. Let’s get to it!
-My review of Saturday Night’s Main Event from this past weekend can be found here.
-Announce Team: Blake Howard and Byron Saxton
-Taped: Desert Diamond Arena, Glendale, AZ
Dakota Kai vs. Ivy Nile
-Nile misses a clothesline and gets knocked down with a shoulder tackle. Kai sends Nile into the buckle in one corner and then another. Hip-toss followed by a dropkick. She tries another hip-toss, but Nile drops her with a clothesline. Nice! Nile lays in the boots in the corner and gets a running kick in the corner for two. Vertical Suplex as Nile shows off her power. Another one, but Kai shifts her weight and gets a small package for two. Nile runs her down with another clothesline and then works a knee submission. Smart as Kai has a history of knee injuries. Kai off the ropes and she catches Nile with a throw. She ducks a clothesline and hits one of her own and then another. Dropkick from Dakota followed by a running boot in the corner and then another to a downed Ivy for two. Nile slides off her back and snaps off a German Suplex for two. They start to trade blows and Kai sweeps the leg. Kai with a Scorpion kick and then a sunset flip Backstabber gets the pin at 5:06.
Winner: Dakota Kai via pin at 5:06
-Just a solid 5 minute match between these two. Kai seems to be in line for more of a push and has is just back from injury, so it makes sense why she got there win here. **1/4
Lyra Valkyria vs. Zoey Stark (w/ PFC)
-They trade arm locks to start and Lyra switches to a leg lock. She transitions into an ankle lock, but Zoey powers her into the corner. Lyra back with a reverse Boston Crab and then she pulls back on the arms for good measure. She stomps the calfs, but gets caught in the corner. Stark floats over and he knee seems to buckle so Lyra sweeps the leg. Zoey bails to the floor, but Lyra hits a dropkick through the ropes as we take a break at 2:11.
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-Back at 4:08 with Lyra getting a roll-up for two. Backslide for two! Stark runs her down with a clothesline and celebrates with a home run swing to boos from the crowd. Springboard dropkick gets two! Zoey throws some knees, but hesitates as she yells at the crowd and Lyra gets a suplex. They start trading blows as they fight to their feet. Lyra wins the exchange and follows with a clothesline and then another. She snaps off a head scissors and a kick for a two count. Lyra misses a charge in the corner which lets Zoey catch her with a superkick. Lyra with a cartwheel to escape a throw and she hits a spin kick. Lyra knocks Shayna and Sonya off the apron, but that lets Zoey hit Z-360 for the win at 7:55.
Winner: Zoey Stark via pin at 7:55
-Solid match that ends Lyra’s undefeated Main Event streak. She was somewhat protected by the PFC interference. PFC needs to win some matches every now and then and this was one of them. **3/4
-Thanks for reading!
-Thanks for reading!
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Victor Olofsson News: Scores twice in Sunday's win
Olofsson scored two goals, including one on the power play, and fired five shots on net in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Wild.
Olofsson has four goals over his last three games. The 29-year-old winger is up to seven tallies (four on the power play), two assists, 27 shots on net and an even plus-minus rating through 11 appearances. Olofsson may be considered for a move to the top line after Ivan Barbashev (upper body) was injured in Sunday's contest.
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“The penalty seemed very clear to me. Sometimes we have to suffer and, in this respect, we suffered,” said Ancelotti after the match
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti during the 3-3 away draw v Rayo Vallecano in the Spanish League on Saturday. Pic/Getty Images
Real Madrid fought back from 0-2 down to tie 3-3 against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday at the Estadio de Vallecas. Carlo Ancelotti though was frustrated over a controversial penalty call when Vinicius Jr was brought down. The controversy unfolded in the 75th minute, with the score 3-3, when Vini Jr was brought down inside the area by Mumin, but referee Martinez Munuera did not award a penalty. “The penalty seemed very clear to me. Sometimes we have to suffer and, in this respect, we suffered,” said Ancelotti after the match.
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“Vini Jr didn’t start because he had played 90 minutes in the Champions League and after his injury, we wanted him to play in the second half, where there was a bit less intensity. Vini did well, he played well and had chances to score. He played a good game,” he added.
Rayo struck early as it took only four minutes for Unai Lopez to score. They extended the lead to 2-0 from a corner by Isi Palazon in the 36th minute and headed in by Abdul Mumin. Valverde unleashed a long-range effort three minutes later, which pulled one back for the visitors. Jude Bellingham then popped up to score his sixth consecutive La Liga goal with a beautiful header on the brink of half-time to tie the game. Real Madrid’s Rodrygo then scored in the 56th minute but the lead lasted just eight minutes when Isi scored an equaliser.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
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The late actor
Sidharth Shukla continues to hold a special place in the hearts of his family, friends, and countless fans. On his birth anniversary, December 12, Sidharth’s mother, Rita Maa, celebrated her beloved son’s memory with love and cherished moments that resonated deeply with everyone.
In an emotional tribute, unseen pictures surfaced on social media, capturing a heartfelt moment of Rita Maa cutting a cake to honor her son’s birthday. The images were shared by close family friends, bringing warmth and nostalgia to Sidharth’s fans, who have always admired the bond he shared with his mother. They can be seen holding his Bigg Boss 13 trophy and his photos.
Rita Maa’s quiet celebration was a beautiful reminder of a mother’s unbreakable love and the lasting impact of Sidharth’s life. His presence continues to shine brightly in the hearts of his family, friends, and admirers.
Sidharth Shukla, known for his magnetic screen presence and remarkable performances, rose to fame through television hits like Balika Vadhu and Dil Se Dil Tak. However, his career reached unprecedented heights after winning Bigg Boss 13, earning him a massive fan following. His journey from a model to a celebrated actor was marked by dedication, resilience, and an ever-growing fanbase.
The actor's sudden passing in 2021 left a void in the entertainment industry, but his legacy endures through his memorable performances and the profound impact he had on his audience. His fans frequently share tributes, keeping his spirit alive through fan art, videos, and heartfelt messages.
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As Rita Maa celebrated Sidharth's birth anniversary, the heartfelt gesture resonated with fans worldwide, reinforcing that true legends never fade; they live on through the love they inspire.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/rita-maa-celebrates-son-sidharth-shuklas-birth-anniversary-relatives-pose-with-the-late-actors-bigg-boss-13-trophy/articleshow/116332365.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:44:08Z
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Chinese Stocks Dip Amid Weak Consumer Spending
Chinese stocks experienced a downturn on Monday due to weaker-than-expected consumer spending. The CSI300 and Hang Seng indices were among those affected as investors hoped for additional policy measures from Beijing to support economic growth despite disappointing recent lending data and retail sales figures.
Chinese stocks took a downward turn on Monday following data that highlighted unexpected frailty in consumer spending. Investors are now pinning their hopes on increased policy intervention from Beijing to bolster lackluster growth figures.
The blue-chip CSI300 index fell by 0.37%, compounding a 1% dip from last week, while the Shanghai Composite index saw a slight increase of 0.1%, closing at 3,395.11 points. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index declined by 0.57%, settling at 19,856.91.
Retail sales in China recorded mere 3.3% growth last month, starkly contrasting with economists' predictions of a 4.6% rise, indicating stimulus measures have yet to take effect. The Nomura research firm anticipates a possible policy shift, suggesting a reserve requirement ratio cut by the People's Bank of China before the year's end.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/business/3195357-chinese-stocks-dip-amid-weak-consumer-spending
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Will Cuylle News: Scores in Sunday's loss
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The absence of Artemi Panarin (upper body) prompted wholesale changes to the Rangers' lines. Cuylle played alongside Filip Chytil and Alexis Lafreniere on what was listed as the top line, though Cuylle's 15:08 of ice time was largely in line with what he's seen on the third line all year. The 22-year-old has three points over his last five games, and he's up to 11 goals, 12 assists, 55 shots on net, 120 hits and a plus-11 rating through 30 appearances. He's been good regardless of role, and he needs just two goals to match his total from last year -- he's already reset his career high in points.
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https://www.rotowire.com/hockey/headlines/will-cuylle-news-scores-in-sundays-loss-544085
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Sneha Namanandi, widely recognized for her portrayal of Shivina in Bade Acche Lagte Hain, has steadily carved a niche for herself in the entertainment industry. Known for her versatility and empathetic approach to acting, she shared insights on what it takes to transition from one character to another.
“Moving on from one character to another can be both liberating and challenging,” Sneha explains. “Each character leaves a part of itself with me, and some are harder to let go of than others. However, I see it as part of the process.” For Sneha, this process involves a delicate balance between personal and professional boundaries. “Personal life can definitely impact your professional life, but I’ve always tried to maintain that thin line. I never take my personal problems to the set,” she says, emphasizing the importance of professionalism.
Sneha believes that bringing freshness to every role is essential. “Each character is a blank canvas. I focus on its unique traits, emotions, and challenges. Observing people around me and collaborating with my co-stars and directors ensures that my performance feels genuine,” she says. This approach, she believes, keeps her craft authentic and helps her grow as an artist.
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Reflecting on her experience as Shivina, Sneha reveals that the character’s lighthearted and fun vibe resonated with her own personality. “I’m generally a chill, easygoing person, so that came naturally to me. On the other hand, serious roles require deeper emotional connections, sometimes drawing on past memories to evoke the right feelings.”
For Sneha, the journey of discovery with every new project is what keeps her motivated. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to adapt to diverse roles make her a name to watch in the industry.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/sneha-namanandi-on-keeping-her-performances-fresh-says-every-character-is-a-blank-canvas/articleshow/116339893.cms
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The 21-year-old, who won the Telangana International Challenge last month and finished as runner-up at the Sri Lanka International Challenge in February, triumphed 21-18, 21-16 over Tharun, a runner-up at the Senior National Championship.
Rithvik Sanjeevi Satish Kumar
India’s Rithvik Sanjeevi Satish Kumar capped off an impressive week by claiming his maiden BWF Super 100 title after defeating compatriot Tharun Mannepalli in the men’s singles final at the Odisha Masters here on Sunday.
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The 21-year-old, who won the Telangana International Challenge last month and finished as runner-up at the Sri Lanka International Challenge in February, triumphed 21-18, 21-16 over Tharun, a runner-up at the Senior National Championship.
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This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
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William Karlsson News: Offers helper
Karlsson produced an assist and five shots on goal in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Wild.
Karlsson set up Victor Olofsson's game-winning tally in the third period. The 31-year-old Karlsson has been a bit quiet with just three points over his last nine outings. For the season, the center is up to five goals, eight assists, 51 shots on net, 21 blocked shots and a plus-5 rating through 22 appearances.
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https://www.rotowire.com/hockey/headlines/william-karlsson-news-offers-helper-544094
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Tragedy in Kurla: BEST Electric Bus Accident Raises Safety Concerns
A tragic accident involving a BEST electric bus in Mumbai's Kurla area has left eight dead and 42 injured. A committee investigates the cause, focusing on potential human error and training deficiencies. Driver Sanjay More is in custody. Victims' families receive compensation while the investigation continues.
- Country:
- India
The death toll from the tragic BEST electric bus accident in Mumbai's Kurla has risen to eight, according to civic officials. The unfortunate incident resulted in seven immediate fatalities and left 42 injured when the bus ploughed into a crowded area on December 9.
The deceased, identified as Fazlu Rehman, succumbed to injuries at Sion Hospital. Authorities have taken driver Sanjay More into custody for reckless driving, as investigations point towards human error and inadequate training for automatic transmission buses.
BEST has established a five-member committee to delve into the accident's causes, chaired by Transport Chief Manager Ramesh Madavi. The transport body has pledged to provide compensation to the victims' families and cover the injured's medical expenses as investigations unfold.
(With inputs from agencies.)
- READ MORE ON:
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- fatalities
- compensation
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- training
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https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/business/3195374-tragedy-in-kurla-best-electric-bus-accident-raises-safety-concerns
| 2024-12-16T05:44:15Z
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2024 was big for bitcoin. States could see a crypto policy blitz in 2025 in spite of the risks
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The new year will usher in the bitcoin-friendly administration of President-elect Donald Trump and an expanding lobbying effort in statehouses that, together, could push states to become more open to crypto and for public pension funds and treasuries to buy into it.
Proponents of the uniquely volatile commodity argue it is a valuable hedge against inflation, similar to gold.
Many bitcoin enthusiasts and investors are quick to criticize government-backed currencies as prone to devaluation and say increased government buy-in will stabilize bitcoin’s future price swings, give it more legitimacy and further boost an already rising price.
But the risks are significant. Critics say a crypto investment is highly speculative, with so much unknown about projecting its future returns, and warn that investors should be prepared to lose money.
Only a couple public pension funds have invested in cryptocurrency and a new U.S. Government Accountability Office study on 401(k) plan investments in crypto, issued in recent days, warned it has “uniquely high volatility” and that it found no standard approach for projecting the future returns of crypto.
It has already been a landmark year for crypto, with bitcoin hitting $100,000, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approving the first exchange-traded funds that hold bitcoin and crypto enthusiasts being cheered by Trump’s promise to make the United States the “bitcoin superpower” of the world.
More legislation on crypto could be coming
Lawmakers in more states can expect to see bills in 2025 to make them crypto-friendly as analysts say crypto is becoming a powerful lobby, bitcoin miners build new installations and venture capitalists underwrite a growing tech sector that caters to cryptocurrencies.
Meanwhile, a new crypto-friendly federal government under Trump and Congress could consider legislation from Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyoming, to create a federal bitcoin reserve on which states can piggyback.
A bill introduced last month in Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives sought to authorize the state’s treasurer and public pension funds to invest in bitcoin. It went nowhere before the legislative session ended, but it caused a stir.
“I had a friend who is a rep down the road text me, ‘Oh my god, I’m getting so many emails and phone calls to my office,’ more than he ever did about any other bill,” said the measure’s sponsor, Republican Mike Cabell.
Cabell — a bitcoin enthusiast who lost his reelection bid — expects his bill to be reintroduced by a colleague. And leaders of bitcoin advocacy group Satoshi Action say they expect bills based on their model bill to be introduced in at least 10 other states next year.
But what about public pension funds?
Keith Brainard, research director for the National Association of State Retirement Administrators, said he doesn’t expect many public pension fund investment professionals, who oversee nearly $6 trillion in assets, to invest in crypto.
Pension fund professionals take risks they deem to be appropriate, but bitcoin investing has a short track record, might only fit into a niche asset class and may not fit the risk-to-reward profile they seek.
“There might be a bit of dabbling in bitcoin,” Brainard said. “But it’s difficult to envision a scenario in which pension funds right now are willing to make a commitment.”
In Louisiana, Treasurer John Fleming helped make the state the first to introduce a system by which people can pay a government agency in cryptocurrencies.
Fleming said he’s not trying to promote cryptocurrency, but rather sees the step as a recognition that government must innovate and be flexible in helping people make financial transactions with the state. He said he would never invest his money, or the state’s, in crypto.
Fleming recalled meeting with a bitcoin lobbyist recently and came away unconvinced that bitcoin makes for a good investment.
“My concern is that at some point it’ll stop growing and then people will want to cash in,” Fleming said. “And when they do, it could tank the value of a bitcoin.”
In Pennsylvania, Treasury Department officials said they have the authority to decide for themselves if cryptocurrencies meet the agency’s investment standards under state law and don’t need new legislation.
Still, a highly volatile asset is ill-suited to the agency’s need for predictability, considering it writes millions of checks a year. The overwhelming majority of the roughly $60 billion it invests at any given time is in short-term, conservative investments designed for an investment period of months, officials there said.
Pension boards, which invest on a 30-year time horizon, may already hold small investments in companies involved in mining, trading and storing cryptocurrencies. But they have been slow to embrace bitcoin.
That could change, said Mark Palmer, managing director and a senior research analyst at The Benchmark Company in New York.
Pension boards got investment tools they like this year when the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approved the first exchange-traded funds that hold bitcoin and, in October, approved listings of options on those funds, Palmer said.
Many “are likely in the process of getting up to speed on what it means to invest in bitcoin and kicking the tires, so to speak, and that’s a process that typically takes a while at the institutional level,” Palmer said.
Several major asset managers like BlackRock, Invesco and Fidelity have bitcoin ETFs.
Some states already are investing in crypto
In May, the State of Wisconsin Investment Board became the first state to invest when it bought $160 million worth of shares in two ETFs, or about 0.1% of its assets. It later scaled back that investment to $104 million in one ETF, as of Sept. 30. A spokesperson declined to discuss it.
Michigan’s state investment board later reported about $18 million in bitcoin ETF purchases while a candidate for New Jersey governor, Steven Fulop, said that if elected he would push the state’s pension fund to invest in crypto.
Fulop, the Democratic mayor of Jersey City, just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, has been preparing for months to buy bitcoin ETF shares for up to 2% of the city’s $250 million employee pension fund.
“We were ahead of the curve,” Fulop said. “And I think that’s what you’re eventually going to see is this is widely accepted, with regard to exposure in all pension funds, some sort of exposure.”
___
Follow Marc Levy on X at: https://x.com/timelywriter.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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https://www.kaaltv.com/news/business-news/2024-was-big-for-bitcoin-states-could-see-a-crypto-policy-blitz-in-2025-in-spite-of-the-risks/
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Jheel Mehta, fondly remembered for playing Sonu Bhide in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, celebrated her 27th birthday with a fun-filled pyjama-themed party. With her wedding just around the corner, the actress-turned-makeup artist decided to take a break from wedding shopping and enjoy a laid-back celebration with her closest friends.
Jheel shared delightful pictures from the celebration on social media, captioning them, "When you’re turning 27, a #BrideToBe, and tired of shopping for wedding events, the only answer is to have a #PyjamaParty on your birthday!" The cozy gathering featured her girl gang playing games, cutting a themed cake, and enjoying heartfelt moments together.
Looking effortlessly chic in comfy pyjamas, Jheel radiated joy and warmth throughout the celebration. Her close friends joined in the spirit, sporting matching nightwear and sharing laughter-filled memories. The intimate celebration perfectly reflected her fun-loving and vibrant personality.
Beyond her personal milestones, Jheel Mehta has built an impressive career as a professional makeup artist and content creator. After her departure from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, where she portrayed Sonu Bhide for over four years, Jheel chose to pursue her passion for makeup and creative storytelling.
Her engaging social media presence keeps her followers updated on her life’s special moments and professional pursuits. With her wedding to fiancé Aditya Dube approaching, fans eagerly await more glimpses into her upcoming celebrations.
Jheel’s birthday bash, filled with warmth, laughter, and heartfelt joy, proved that sometimes, the best parties are the ones where comfort and love take center stage.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/hindi/taarak-mehta-fame-jheel-mehta-shares-pictures-from-her-pyajama-theme-birthday-party-write-bride-to-be-is-tired-of-wedding-shopping/articleshow/116336846.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:44:20Z
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How do I convince him that this is worth fighting for? I still believe we can work on this.
Illustration/Uday Mohite
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https://www.mid-day.com/timepass/dr-love/article/i-dont-want-to-end-things-23447402
| 2024-12-16T05:44:20Z
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