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Naomi Baker/Getty Images
Trabzonspor are planning to increase their efforts to bring Southampton striker Paul Onuachu back to Turkey when the January transfer window swings open for business.
Saints are struggling in the Premier League and Onuachu is claimed to be keen to move on in the new year.
Even though Southampton brought in a good mix of experienced and young players in the summer, they are sitting at the bottom of the league table.
The winter transfer window is set to open soon and January could be pivotal for Russell Martin’s side to make some tweaks to their squad.
Onuachu is a player who was heavily linked with a move away from Saints in the summer and with January inching closer, he could leave the Premier League side next month.
Trabzonspor could not do a deal for him in the summer and now, ahead of January, Besiktas are keen.
According to Turkish outlet Gunebakis, Trabzonspor are planning to make another attempt for the Premier League star next month.
They are keen to reach an agreement with Southampton and then push through the deal.
Onuachu has been pressurising Southampton to let him move on from Saints and now it remains to be seen if the Nigerian will finally get his desired move to Turkey.
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https://insidefutbol.com/2024/12/15/club-plotting-fresh-push-for-southampton-star-in-january/667768/
| 2024-12-16T05:05:58Z
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3 Hard Takeaways from Broncos' 31-13 Comeback Win Over Colts
The Denver Broncos orchestrated a wild comeback to defeat the Indianapolis Colts 31-13. With their backs against the wall, it took several explosive plays to make all the difference for the Broncos.
The Broncos started slowly, but the special teams unit and the never-say-die defense refused to yield, ultimately capitalizing on the massive gift Colts running back Jonathan Tayler handed them on a silver platter.
Had Taylor simply held onto the ball for a millisecond longer as he crossed the Broncos goal line, just maybe the Colts would have capitalized on that momentum. Alas for Indy, his boneheaded fumble flipped the script entirely.
What did we learn from the Broncos' ninth win of the season? Let's get into Week 15's key takeaways.
Bonitto Storming the DPoY Sweepstakes
Another game-changing return for a touchdown must push Nik Bonitto's case for Defensive Player of the Year. Time spent as a safety in high school has now paid dividends in consecutive weeks for Bonitto, who's become one serious weapon for Vance Joseph's unit.
Without Bonitto's momentum-shifting effort on his 50-yard fumble returned for a touchdown, the second-half feeding frenzy the Broncos defense embarked on would never have happened. Indeed, the second-half defense was a totally different animal than the sluggish-looking group that appeared to be a little rusty in the first half after coming off the bye.
For as exciting as Bonitto's instinctive play was, Joseph and company absolutely cannot come to rely on the prodigious pass rusher pulling rabbits out of the hat on a weekly basis. Instead, playing a full 60 minutes of intense defensive football has to be the goal for the group as the Broncos move down the stretch.
Mims is Truly Marvelous
Over recent weeks, explosive wideout Marvin Mims Jr. has been increasingly incorporated into the offensive game plan of head coach Sean Payton. However, on Sunday, the jump-start Mims provided on a very timely 60-yard punt return made a huge difference in the dynamic of the game.
By providing a major flip in terms of field position, Mims set the table for Bo Nix to get his feet back beneath him when he cashed in on a short touchdown pass to tight end Nate Adkins. Once the Broncos were plugged back into the main power supply by their Pro Bowl returner, they lit up like a Christmas tree, and it was all she wrote for the Colts.
Moving forward, opposing teams will be much more wary about kicking the ball to Mims, but it was a lesson the Colts learned far too late to save their season.
Nix's Trio of Picks Unsustainable
It's possible the wheels finally fell off of Nix's Offensive Rookie of the Year wagon. Three interceptions in the box score will stick out to the voters far more than how the Broncos' rookie ultimately kept his composure and balanced the books by throwing for a triplet of touchdowns.
Of course, Nix and the Broncos did manage to bounce back and get to 9-5 on the season and leapfrog the Los Angeles Chargers in the playoff seeding ahead of this coming Thursday night's AFC West tilt. If Nix were to throw three picks in that one, Justin Herbert would make the Broncos pay.
Payton will probably be thankful that some rookie errors by Nix were covered over this time around, not only by his three passing scores but also via Mims' explosive returns and the defense's predatory takeaways. Early jitters haven't reared their heads for Nix since he navigated his way through the first two weeks of the season, but against the Colts, the outstanding rookie appeared to be pressing a little too hard at times.
Once the dust settles, we can expect the film review between Payton and his young quarterback will be intensive on a short-week turnaround to iron out the issues. Nix finished 22-of-30 for 130 yards and three touchdowns, with those three picks. He also led Denver in rushing with 23 yards on eight attempts.
Payton is savvy enough to get back to the grind and work things out. This isn't the time for chaotic overreactions.
Nix will be just fine. But that level of ball insecurity is unsustainable.
Follow Denver Broncos On SI/Mile High Huddle on X and Facebook and subscribe on YouTube for daily Broncos live-stream podcasts!
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https://www.si.com/nfl/broncos/news/broncos-takeaways-colts-comeback-bo-nix
| 2024-12-16T05:05:58Z
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OpenAI has introduced a new feature known as ‘Projects’ during the ongoing ‘shipmas’ event, making it easier for users to manage and organize their interactions with ChatGPT. This addition is part of a series of enhancements aimed at boosting user experience and functionality.
Introduction of ChatGPT Projects
On the seventh day of its festive ‘shipmas’ initiative, OpenAI revealed the Projects feature. This tool is designed to help users better organize the various tasks and discussions they have with ChatGPT. Positioned conveniently on the left sidebar, Projects allows users to customize aspects such as the project title and the color of the project icon.
Enhancing Interaction with Customization Options
With Projects, users have the ability to add specific files and directives that tailor how ChatGPT responds within the confines of a project. It’s also possible to incorporate past chat logs into new projects, ensuring continuity and ease of access to previous interactions.
Setting Up a New Project
To start a new project, users simply need to open ChatGPT, click the ‘+’ symbol next to the Project label on the upper right side of the interface, name their project, and then select the “Create Project” button. OpenAI has integrated the GPT-40 model into this feature, though the default model settings remain fixed.
Availability Across User Tiers
Initially, Projects is available to Plus, Pro, and Teams subscribers. OpenAI plans to extend this feature to Enterprise and Education users early next year and aims to make it accessible to free users as promptly as feasible.
Broader Implications and Future Prospects
This feature is part of a broader rollout under OpenAI’s 12-day ‘shipmas’ event, which has already seen several significant releases. These include the introduction of the text-to-video AI model Sora, the innovative Canvas feature, and a ChatGPT Pro subscription priced at INR 16,440 per month.
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https://www.pc-tablet.co.in/openai-launches-chatgpt-projects-to-enhance-organizational-capabilities/52195/
| 2024-12-16T05:05:57Z
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South Korea's constitutional court kicked off proceedings on Monday over the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has been suspended from office over his failed bid to impose martial law.
Yoon was removed by South Korea's parliament on Saturday over his short-lived attempt to suspend civilian rule, which plunged the country into its worst political turmoil in years.
The Constitutional Court has around six months to determine whether to uphold the impeachment.
Fresh elections must be held within two months if he is removed. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is serving as interim leader in Yoon's stead.
The court formally began proceedings at 10 a.m. on Monday, a spokesman told AFP.
A separate investigation into Yoon and his inner circle over the December 3 martial law declaration has rumbled on as the turmoil deepened.
Yoon remains under a travel ban while the probe is underway.
The prosecution said in a news release on Sunday they had summoned Yoon for questioning over the insurrection and abuse of power allegations "but he refused to comply".
They said they would issue a "second summons", with Yonhap news agency reporting that could come on Monday.
The concurrent probe by a joint police, anti-corruption office and defense ministry team is also asking Yoon appear for questioning, Yonhap said.
They reportedly accuse Yoon of being the "ringleader" of the martial law bid.
Vast protests against Yoon, with smaller rallies supporting him, have rocked the South Korean capital since his martial law decree.
Demonstrators in both camps have vowed to keep up the pressure as the Constitutional Court mulls Yoon's fate.
Police arrested both the current and former heads of the Defense Intelligence Command on Sunday in connection to the insurrection allegations, Yonhap reported.
Prosecutors said they were also seeking an arrest warrant for the head of the Army Special Warfare Command Kwak Jong-keun, according to Yonhap.
Kwak is accused of sending special forces troops to parliament during the martial law bid, sparking a dramatic confrontation between soldiers and parliamentary staff.
The head of Yoon's ruling People Power Party (PPP), who has not been linked to the martial law bid and expressed support for impeachment, resigned on Monday.
"I sincerely apologize to all the people who have suffered due to the emergency martial law incident," Han Dong-hoon told a news conference in Seoul.
In declaring martial law, Yoon vowed to "eliminate anti-state elements" and suggested the country's electoral system was vulnerable to outside interference.
Han Dong-hoon condemned on Monday "extremists such as election fraud conspiracy theorists" and warned "there will be no future for conservatism" if the party entertained those views.
"I wish for the well-being of our country," he said.
North Korea weighs in
The South Korean government has meanwhile sought to project an air of business as usual.
Acting president Han Duck-soo held a call on Sunday with U.S. President Joe Biden, who underscored the strength of bilateral ties.
Han Duck-soo has also ordered the military to "enhance vigilance" against North Korea, with which the South technically remains at war.
North Korean state media decried Yoon as a "ringleader of rebellion" on Monday, its first reaction to his impeachment.
The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Yoon had attempted to shift responsibility for the "foolish emergency martial law declaration" onto opposition parties.
"The investigation into puppet Yoon Suk Yeol, the ringleader of the rebellion, and his accomplices is under way," KCNA said.
"The puppet Constitutional Court will finally decide" on whether to remove Yoon, it said.
North Korean state media often refers to the South's leaders and institutions as being a "puppet" of Seoul's treaty ally, the United States.
KCNA has described the South as being "in chaos" over the martial law order.
Relations between the two Koreas have been at one of their lowest points in years, with the North launching a flurry of ballistic missiles in violation of U.N. sanctions.
© 2024 AFP
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https://japantoday.com/category/world/north-korea-state-media-slams-south%27s-yoon-as-%27ringleader-of-rebellion%27
| 2024-12-16T05:05:58Z
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Pune, December 7, 2024 – Narrative proudly unveiled its latest venture, Golden Circle, Pune’s most exclusive members-only lounge, this past Saturday. With an intimate gathering of over 120 guests, the evening marked the beginning of a refined nightlife experience curated for the select few.
Situated on the first floor of Narrative, Koregaon Park Annexe, Golden Circle is more than just a lounge—it’s an indulgent, private sanctuary crafted for only 200 handpicked members. Designed as an unparalleled escape, Golden Circle promises to deliver an elevated experience through personalized concierge services, curated culinary delights, bespoke cocktails, and an exquisite selection of music.
“We’re redefining exclusivity in Pune. Golden Circle is a haven for those seeking a sophisticated escape from the ordinary,” says
Narendra Thakur the man behind Narrative. “With only 200 memberships available, the focus is on providing impeccable service, luxurious amenities, and an unmatched environment for dining, socializing, and entertainment.”
(L-R: Rohit Gurjar, Prasham D, Narendra Thakur, Gaurav Deshmukh, Himanshu Chandak)
“In today’s fast-paced world, a personalized concierge service is the need of the hour. At Golden Circle, we are focused on offering a seamless and tailored experience to our members, ensuring they have access to the finest in dining, cocktails, and entertainment without compromise. It’s about creating moments that are effortless, exclusive, and truly memorable.”
— Himanshu, Founder Totes Event and Curator for Golden Circle.
Golden Circle Highlights: • Personalized Concierge: Members will enjoy tailor-made experiences with seamless attention to detail.
• Culinary and Cocktail Excellence: Gourmet food and artisanal cocktails curated exclusively for members.
• Curated Music Nights: Featuring handpicked artists and genres, from deep house to Afro beats, ensuring a sensory escape.
Last Saturday's grand launch event saw Golden Circle come alive with music, elegance, and camaraderie. Guests were treated to an evening of curated entertainment and first-hand access to the luxe offerings of the space.
Located in the heart of Koregaon Park, Golden Circle is set to become the epitome of exclusivity and luxury in Pune’s social circuit. For inquiries on membership and access, reach out at +91 911220376.
About Narrative:Narrative is Pune’s leading nightlife destination, offering premium experiences across events, dining, and entertainment. With Golden Circle, Narrative takes its vision a step further by creating a refined, members-only lounge for the city’s elite.
Media Contact:Golden Circle Team
Phone: +91 9112220376
Venue: Golden Circle, First Floor, Narrative, Koregaon Park Annexe, Mundhwa, Pune, Maharashtra 411001
This launch was curated by Narrative in association with Totes Events and sponsored by Patron Tequila and Carlsberg Smooth.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/narrative-launches-golden-circlepunes-premier-members-only-lounge/articleshow/116339512.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:05:58Z
|
SCOTT SIMON, HOST:
A new study finds physical activity isn't just good for our bodies. It can also boost our moods. NPR's Allison Aubrey reports on what researchers found when they evaluated the link between daily exercise and memory.
ALLISON AUBREY, BYLINE: There's no doubt that exercise is good for your heart, your muscles and your bones. Regular physical activity can also reduce the risk of cognitive decline. The latest study included men and women aged 50 up to 83 years old who agreed to wear fitness trackers and to complete a bunch of cognitive tests, including memory tests. Here is study author Mikaela Bloomberg, a senior research fellow at University College London.
MIKAELA BLOOMBERG: We saw that more physical activity was associated with better next-day memory performance.
AUBREY: And getting good sleep seemed to add to the improvement. The participants were a pretty healthy bunch without any cognitive problems and got about an hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day.
BLOOMBERG: That's pretty substantial for this age group, certainly, so - and moderate physical activity can be something like brisk walking, but it's still a lot of time spent being physically active.
AUBREY: Daily exercise did not boost scores on all tests. For example, it didn't change results on attention tests. But it did help boost scores on tests designed to measure how well people remember everyday events.
BLOOMBERG: One of the tests for episodic memory is - it's a picture recall test, and in that test, participants are - they're just shown a picture and then asked whether they've seen it previously after a delay.
AUBREY: On days when participants got more than their usual amount of exercise, their scores improved the following day.
BLOOMBERG: We're a bit surprised that we could see this clear improvement.
AUBREY: And while the changes were relatively minor, equivalent to about a 2- to 5% boost, the findings from the small study add to the evidence that a daily exercise habit can have a lot of different benefits. Dr. Jonathan Rosand is professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and the founder of the Global Brain Care Coalition.
JONATHAN ROSAND: I do think that this study provides evidence in support of physical activity improving your brain performance, if you will, the next day.
AUBREY: Not everyone can get an hour of physical activity every day, but getting as much as you can as often as you can, even if it's just walking or moving your body, has its benefits. The CDC points to research that finds cognitive decline is nearly twice as common in people who are inactive. And Dr. Rosand says other research shows exercise can help reduce the risk of stroke and dementia.
ROSAND: There's no question that continuing a pattern of physical activity that fits into your lifestyle over time will protect your brain health.
AUBREY: All the more reason to be as physically active as you can be.
Allison Aubrey, NPR News.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC) Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.kdll.org/2024-12-14/more-evidence-that-exercise-can-have-beneficial-effects-on-cognitive-performance
| 2024-12-16T05:05:59Z
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Wolverhampton Wanderers have sacked coach Gary O’Neil following their 2-1 defeat at home to Ipswich Town on Saturday.
Wolves’ fourth consecutive league defeat also ended in ugly scenes, with players scuffling as they were dragged down the tunnel to the dressing rooms. It was the second time in less than a week that a Wolves defeat ended with players losing control, after similar scenes followed Monday’s loss away to West Ham.
“We’re very grateful to Gary for all of his effort, dedication and hard work during his time at the club, and we wish him and his team the best of luck for the future,” said Wolves chairman Jeff Shi just four days after giving the coach his public backing.
O’Neil replaced Julen Lopetegui as coach last season and guided Wolves to a creditable 14th place after appearing they could challenge for Europe for part of the campaign.
However, the club lost key players this summer, with Pedro Neto and Max Kilman joining Chelsea and West Ham, and they are currently second from bottom of the Premier League with just nine points and 11 defeats in 16 matches.
Ipswich had only won one game all season before Saturday’s win at Molineux, which saw them climb above their rivals in the classification.
Speaking after Saturday’s loss, O’Neil insisted that the squad “need me to get them to a place where they are ready to go.”
“I’m not interested in my own position – I know the work I do every day, and I know the situation we’re in … People can point the finger at me, but some of the responsibilities have to land on the players in those moments. When we get in good positions, and we spoon the ball off the pitch – I can’t help them with that.”
“That’s the same message for the players, you need to do more to compete at this level, or you’ll get replaced. That’s how the business works,” he said. ■
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https://famagusta-gazette.com/wolverhampton-wanderers-have-sacked-coach-gary-oneil/
| 2024-12-16T05:05:59Z
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Latest Grant DuBose injury updates after terrifying moment against Texans
By Randy Gurzi
The Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins are facing off in Week 15 but the game took a backseat to a scary situation on Sunday.
Miami wide receiver Grant DuBose attempted to catch a pass from Tua Tagovailoa but couldn't haul it in. That was in large part due to a hit from Calen Bullock, which resulted in DuBose being unable to get up.
The game was paused for more than 10 minutes as medical professionals were on the field trying to safely get the wideout off the turf. The updates were minimal but they did have to remove his jersey and it appeared he had oxygen as he was being carted off.
DuBose's arms were also strapped down, as pointed out by Kevin Harlan during the broadcast, which prevented him from giving the thumbs up.
Bullock was flagged for unnecessary roughness on the play, giving the Dolphins 15 yards and a fresh set of downs. They wound up scoring on the drive, making it a 20-12 contest.
It's a tough look for the Texans, who were involved in a nasty hit two weeks ago when Azeez Al-Shaair hit Trevor Lawrence late.
Grant DuBose update
He was taken to a nearby hospital with a head injury according to the broadcast and was still receiving treatment prior to the ambulance leaving.
This was his first game since September after being put on the IR with a shoulder injury.
UPDATE: Aaron WIlson reports that DuBose is in stable condition but will remain in the hospital overnight.
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https://torotimes.com/latest-grant-dubose-injury-updates-after-terrifying-moment-against-texans
| 2024-12-16T05:06:00Z
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This new 3D printing technology could make housing construction faster and more efficient
BOD3 3D construction printer has been used in Indonesia, Angola, and Bahrain
- Streamlined 3D printing process reduces downtime for multiple buildings
- Eco-friendly construction using 99% locally sourced materials
- Modular design allows customization for diverse project needs
As global demand for housing and infrastructure grows, traditional construction methods often struggle to keep pace. However, the rise of 3D printing technology is set to transform the sector by enabling faster, more cost-effective, and eco-friendly building processes.
COBOD International, which has over 80 3D construction printing operations worldwide, says it has taken a significant leap forward with the launch of its BOD3 3D Construction Printer.
The company says BOD3 is its most advanced 3D construction printer to date, being designed to print with real concrete, and also introducing features which promise to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline the construction of low-rise buildings across various settings.
A new benchmark in 3D construction printing
The BOD3 has already been deployed globally, with operational units in countries such as Indonesia, Angola, and Bahrain, with these early implementations reducing downtime between projects and speeding up construction times, meaning the printer can handle high-volume construction projects.
BOD3 comes with an advanced, extendable ground-based track system which allows the printer to operate continuously along the Y-axis, meaning it can print multiple buildings one after another without the need for reinstallation, reducing setup time and making the printer highly efficient for large-scale construction sites where multiple structures need to be erected.
This new model comes with a modular design, allowing it to be customized to the specific needs of different construction projects. The BOD3 comes equipped with an operational stand that allows operators to control and monitor the 3D printer and its supplementary equipment through a single, integrated system. It also has a Universal X-Carriage for the integration of additional tools such as those for insulation, painting, and sanding.
This printer also comes with an Advanced House Management System (AHMS) which minimizes the need for manual labour by ensuring a smooth material flow via secured hoses, enhancing the overall efficiency of the construction process.
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According to the company, BOD3 can print with 99% locally sourced materials, reducing the need for transporting expensive and environmentally costly resources. In partnership with Cemex, COBOD has also developed the D.fab solution, which allows traditional concrete to be adapted for 3D printing. This reduces the amount of binder required, making the construction process faster and eco-friendly.
"The global housing crisis demands a more efficient construction solution that is faster, more efficient, and scalable. The BOD3 is our answer to this challenge. Drawing on years of research and expertise, we’ve designed the BOD3 with innovative features, making it our most cost-effective and efficient model yet for multiple low-rise buildings," said Henrik Lund-Nielsen, Founder and General Manager of COBOD.
"Its design supports high-volume, linear production of houses, enabling mass production without compromising quality. The fact that six units have already been sold before its official launch speaks volumes about the BOD3’s market demand and the trust our customers place in our technology.”
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Efosa has been writing about technology for over 7 years, initially driven by curiosity but now fueled by a strong passion for the field. He holds both a Master's and a PhD in sciences, which provided him with a solid foundation in analytical thinking. Efosa developed a keen interest in technology policy, specifically exploring the intersection of privacy, security, and politics. His research delves into how technological advancements influence regulatory frameworks and societal norms, particularly concerning data protection and cybersecurity. Upon joining TechRadar Pro, in addition to privacy and technology policy, he is also focused on B2B security products. Efosa can be contacted at this email: udinmwenefosa@gmail.com
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https://www.techradar.com/pro/New-3D-printing-technology-makes-housing-construction-faster-and-more-efficient
| 2024-12-16T05:06:01Z
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Harare-Based Doctor Convicted Of Cyberbullying A Colleague
A Harare-based doctor, Lenon Gwaunza, has been convicted of cyberbullying after sending an email to a colleague, Dr. Andrew Mataruse, in which he labelled him an unqualified neurologist, reported ZimLive.
Gwaunza was convicted following a trial presided over by Magistrate Batsiraishe Zishiri. He has been remanded out of custody and is awaiting sentencing on December 20.
Gwaunza apologized for his actions, saying he did not intend to bully Mataruse. The state successfully demonstrated that Gwaunza’s email, which was copied to other doctors, falsely claimed Mataruse was not a qualified clinical neurologist. The message stated:
I was volunteering at Pari and I have from immediate effect relinquished that role, so I will be unable to supervise Dr. Mushawarima.
Secondly, Dr. Mushawarima is a fully fledged neurologist who doesn’t need to be supervised by myself or by Dr. Mataruse who isn’t a clinically-trained neurologist.
However, council feels it’s in Dr. Mushawarima’s interest that he is supervised by someone who has never seen the entrance of a neurology training centre.
Please, by all means, go ahead. I will not be involved in that circus.
Mataruse has many post-graduate qualifications including MMed Medicine(UZ), Fellow College of Physicians (Eastern Central Southern Africa College of Physicians), Master of Science in Clinical Neurology (University College London), Specialist Certificate in Clinical neurology (Royal College of Physicians) and Fellow of the European Board Neurology.
Mataruse supervised Gwaunza during his senior registrar year in 2020, a role assigned by the Medical and Dental Profession Council of Zimbabwe.
In her ruling, the magistrate noted that Gwaunza did not dispute making the false statement about Mataruse’s qualifications.
The court emphasized that Gwaunza was aware of Mataruse’s qualifications due to their supervisory relationship and stated that only the council could determine a practitioner’s training and registration status.
In mitigation, Gwaunza argue that he is serving the community by engaging in volunteer specialist work at Mpilo Hospital and imprisonment would hinder his ability to serve the community.
More: Pindula News
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https://www.pindula.co.zw/2024/12/16/harare-based-doctor-convicted-of-cyberbullying-a-colleague/
| 2024-12-16T05:06:01Z
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📚 A Bookish Chat with 'Ring of Rosin' Nancy Golden & Book Giveaway! | Author Interview | #AuthorInterview #Fantasy #bookgiveaway #win
Nancy Golden wears a lot of different hats – She is a wife and mom, author, engineer, professor, horsewoman, and small business owner. She is also the founder of a writing group – the Carrollton League of Writers. Nancy lives in a suburb of Dallas, Texas and she loves to ride bicycles and horses. She is a member of the National Space Society, and she has been a Trekkie for as long as she can remember. Nancy Golden Books provides a great reader experience with well-crafted writing that will brighten your day.
Website ➜ nancygoldenbooks.com
Twitter ➜ https://www.twitter.com/ncgolden1
Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564426002283
Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/ncgolden1
Goodreads ➜ https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216235312-ring-of-rosin
Can you tell us what your book, Ring of Rosin, is about?
Ring of Rosin is the second book in the Dynamis Novels and continues the story of young King Rugal.
From an ancient Tolan legend:
Many, many years ago, a wondrous bird flew into the mountains of Tolan. In its claws, it bore a giant stone, a stone of fire. The bird dropped the stone somewhere in the mountains, where it shattered. The one who finds its fragments shall have power beyond belief.
The Ring of Rosin has unexpectedly disappeared. Join King Rugal on his quest to recover the ring symbolizing his right to rule, forged from the stone of fire. A mysterious companion joins the young monarch on a perilous journey. Rugal’s shadowy ally leads him to the nomadic Kargoliths, who are locked in an ongoing dispute with the neighboring kingdom of Tolan. As destinies intertwine amidst the clashing cultures, the fates of Elayas, Tolan, and the Kargoliths hang in the balance.
Will the Ring of Rosin’s power on the Day of Questioning help Rugal defeat the foreign threat to Elayas, or will it be used to destroy him?
Can you tell us a little about your main character and supporting characters?
Rugal is the main character of Ring of Rosin and the reigning king of Elayas. Rugal has the ability (the supernatural power called dynamis) to change into more than one animal form. He is the son of Jackal and Mura and he is also betrothed to Lissa, the daughter of Ethiod Stargazer. Tonar is an artist residing in Cargoa and he is Rugal’s closest friend. Johan of Sharvindar is a mysterious emissary of King Handerbin of Tolan. Hamideh, King Handerbin’s son, is next in line to become king of Tolan. Rugal, Tonar, and Johan embark on a journey together to regain the Ring of Rosin.
Your book is set in several neighboring countries. Can you tell us why you chose this location in particular?
Ring of Rosin is set in the kingdom of Elayas, the kingdom of Tolan, and the unsettled territory in-between the two kingdoms, covering a variety of geographical regions. I didn’t choose the locations – I followed the story as it unfolded.
How long did it take you to write your book?
The first draft of the first book in the Dynamis Novels was written in 1986. Last year I took the draft from so long ago, and worked it into what became the final manuscript of Sword of Fate. Interestingly, I had also written the first three chapter of Ring of Rosin back then. While it has evolved into a very different book from what I envisioned so long ago, the inspiration from those first three chapters is intact and drives the plot line. Once I started work on Ring of Rosin, it moved rapidly and I completed the final version six months after I returned to those three chapters. Ring of Rosin officially launched on September 2, 2024.
What has been the most pivotal point of your writing life?
I am not sure if I can pinpoint a pivotal point in my writing life, but rather, being faithful to my calling to write, even when seasons of life caused long interruptions. I have been blessed with many exciting moments. For those familiar with Kirkus reviews – Getting a positive review and recommendation to “Get It” for my science fiction novel, Alien Neighbors, from Kirkus was an important milestone for me. Most recently, our local Barnes & Noble is carrying Sword of Fate (Book 1 of the Dynamis Novels) and Ring of Rosin (Book 2 of the Dynamis Novels) and their invitation to do an in-store author signing event has been very affirming - truly a dream come true.
What kind of advice would you give to up-and-coming authors?
My advice to up-and-coming authors is simple. Keep writing. You will need to spend an inordinate amount of time on administrative stuff, marketing, and researching. It is easy to let those things take over. Make sure you are still making writing a priority.
Many, many years ago, a wondrous bird flew into the mountains of Tolan. In its claws, it bore a giant stone, a stone of fire. The bird dropped the stone somewhere in the mountains, where it shattered. The one who finds its fragments shall have power beyond belief.
The Ring of Rosin has unexpectedly disappeared. Join King Rugal on his quest to recover the ring symbolizing his right to rule, forged from the stone of fire. A mysterious companion joins the young monarch on a perilous journey. Rugal’s shadowy ally leads him to the nomadic Kargoliths, who are locked in an ongoing dispute with the neighboring kingdom of Tolan. As destinies intertwine amidst the clashing cultures, the fates of Elayas, Tolan, and the Kargoliths hang in the balance.
Will the Ring of Rosin’s power on the Day of Questioning help Rugal defeat the foreign threat to Elayas, or will it be used to destroy him?
Follow King Rugal as he faces the greatest threat to his reign since his coronation. An exciting adventure of valor and unlikely friendships the whole family can enjoy!
Ring of Rosin is available at Amazon.
Giveaway!!
Nancy Golden is giving away one autographed copy of Sword of Fate and one autographed copy of Ring of Rosen (also included is a mini poster of each book)!
Terms & Conditions:
- By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
- Two winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive either an autographed copy of Sword of Fate or an autographed copy of Ring of Rosen
- This giveaway starts September 26 and ends March 26.
- Winner will be contacted via email on March 27.
- Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!
ENTER TO WIN!
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http://thewriterslife.blogspot.com/2024/12/bookish-chat-with-ring-of-rosin-nancy.html
| 2024-12-16T05:06:02Z
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Bitcoin has surged more than 50% since the November 5 election that saw Trump elected along with many other pro-crypto candidates
Photo: Reuters
Bitcoin surged to a record high above $106,000 on Monday after President-elect Donald Trump suggested he plans to create a US bitcoin strategic reserve similar to its strategic oil reserve, stoking the enthusiasm of crypto bulls.
Bitcoin, the world's biggest and best known cryptocurrency, hit a high of $106,533 and last traded up 3.2% to $104,462. Smaller crypto ether rose 1.5% to $3,965.
"We're in blue sky territory here," said Tony Sycamore, an analyst at IG. "The next figure the market will be looking for is $110,000. The pullback that a lot of people were waiting for just didn't happen, because now we've got this news."
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Investor sentiment also got a lift from the inclusion of MicroStrategy into the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 index that will likely lead to more inflows for the software firm turned bitcoin buyer.
Bitcoin and crypto have been catapulted into the spotlight as investors wager the incoming Trump administration will usher in a friendlier regulatory environment, boosting sentiment around the alternate currency. Bitcoin is up 192% for the year.
"We're gonna do something great with crypto because we don't want China or anybody else - not just China but others are embracing it - and we want to be the head," Trump told CNBC late last week.
When asked if he plans to build a crypto reserve similar to oil reserves, Trump said: "Yeah, I think so."
Governments around the world held 2.2% of bitcoin's total supply as of July, according to data provider CoinGecko, with the US possessing nearly 200,000 bitcoins valued at more than $20 billion at current levels.
China, UK, Bhutan and El Salvador are the other countries with significant amount of bitcoins, data site BitcoinTreasuries showed.
Other countries have also been considering cryptocurrency strategic reserves.
Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this month said the current US administration was undermining the role of the US dollar as the reserve currency in the global economy by using it for political purposes, forcing many countries to turn to alternative assets, including cryptocurrencies.
"For example, bitcoin, who can prohibit it? No one," Putin said.
There are skeptics though, with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell likening bitcoin to gold earlier this month. Analysts also point out that any such move will take time to implement.
"I think we still need to be cautious on a BTC strategic reserve, and at least consider that this is not likely to happen anytime soon," said Chris Weston, head of research at Pepperstone.
"Of course, any comment from Trump that offers an increased degree of hope that plans for a strategic reserve is evolving are an obvious a tailwind, but this would come with consequences which would need to be carefully considered and well telegraphed to market players."
Bitcoin has surged more than 50% since the November 5 election that saw Trump elected along with many other pro-crypto candidates. The total value of the cryptocurrency market has almost doubled over the year so far to hit a record over $3.8 trillion, according to CoinGecko.
Trump - who once labelled crypto a scam - embraced digital assets during his campaign, promising to make the US the "crypto capital of the planet."
Trump this month named a White House czar for artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies, former PayPal executive David Sacks, a close friend of Trump adviser and megadonor Elon Musk.
Trump also said he would nominate pro-crypto Washington attorney Paul Atkins to head the Securities and Exchange Commission.
On Friday, exchange operator Nasdaq said MicroStrategy will be added to the Nasdaq-100 Index, with the change coming into effect before the market opens on December 23.
MicroStrategy, an aggressive investor in the world's largest crypto asset, has seen its shares soar more than six-fold this year, taking its market value to almost $94 billion. It is now the largest corporate holder of the cryptocurrency.
ALSO READ:
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https://www.khaleejtimes.com/ta/business/cryptocurrency/bitcoin-surges-to-record-high-above-106000-on-hopes-of-a-us-strategic-reserve
| 2024-12-16T05:06:01Z
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SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
Two important food holidays are meeting up this year. December 25 is both Christmas and also the first night of Hanukkah.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
DETROW: Well, we did not want to miss the opportunity to explore the potential for a feast for all. And to help us imagine what to prepare, we have called on Sarah Lohman, who's a food historian and writer. Sarah has put together a menu for us, and my only regret here is that this is a remote interview and I cannot eat it all right now. So that being said, welcome to ALL THINGS CONSIDERED, Sarah.
SARAH LOHMAN: Hi, Scott. Thank you.
DETROW: When you first realized the alignment here, what was your first thought?
LOHMAN: OK, first thought was, of course, fry everything.
DETROW: Yeah.
LOHMAN: I mean, maybe it's obvious, maybe it's my first thought, but I was like, let's fry things that have never been fried before. Let's make it the Iowa State Fair up in here.
DETROW: (Laughter).
LOHMAN: OK, so the fun part of this project for me was I got to reach out to my community. And I started talking to my friend Leah Koenig, who is the author of the recent cookbook "Portico," which is about Roman Jewish culture. And she pointed out to me that latke, the traditional Hanukkah fried potato pancake - they really aren't that old in terms of Judaism. The practice originates with German Jews in the late 18th century. So that's like a drop in the bucket of the multiple-thousand-year history. So that's when I said, OK, well, is there another direction we can go here?
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
DETROW: So you have put together a menu. And before we go into it, tell me...
LOHMAN: Feast.
DETROW: A feast - important correction.
LOHMAN: (Laughter) I think.
DETROW: Tell me what you ended up organizing it around. What were the central thoughts? What were you trying to bring together?
LOHMAN: Well, I also happen to know a lot of people who are Christian or specifically Catholic and Jewish from populations around the world. And I think particularly in America, we can get sort of lost the idea of Christian as being a majority faith here, whereas in most of the world, it is a minority faith. And so I decided to put together a multicourse menu that looks at regions that have traditional, historical Christian and Jewish populations and look at where their food intersects and differentiates. I really believe that, like, cooking can be an act of learning; eating can be an act of education. And so I wanted to use this moment, this party, this feast, this festival to make space for the understanding of the long histories of these faiths throughout the world.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
DETROW: That being said, let's get going. Tell us what the first course is.
LOHMAN: OK, so for the first course, we're going to go to China, which does have a historical Jewish population. No one's quite sure when they came, but they came into the area around Kaifeng, which is in Henan, which - not Hunan, Henan, which is a northern Chinese province. And it's difficult to trace dishes from Jewish ancestry there. There's maybe only about 1,000 Kaifeng Jews today. But one we know of is a Kaifeng noodle-blanketed carp. And it's a whole fish that's wok fried, and it's served with a sauce made from vinegar, rice wine, ginger and scallions. And then you top it with crispy fried noodles.
But if you're not up for frying a whole fish, which not everybody is, I would recommend ordering in some Henanese cuisine. Soup dumplings, or xiaolongbao, are from the Henan area. But don't get the pork ones. Get ones made with lamb or chicken and vegetables, or you could also order in some hui mian (ph), which are wide wheat noodles. I should note in this whole menu, I decided to avoid pork, shellfish, and I didn't serve meat and dairy so that anyone can come to your house for this party of any religious background and be able to eat the food.
DETROW: All right, so walk me through the last main dish.
LOHMAN: OK, so last main dish, we're going to go to Ethiopia. And I think, you know, this might be - sound like a simple answer, but the national dish of Ethiopia is dora wat, which is a chicken stew, and it's dark meat chicken, slow cooked with hard boiled eggs, garlic ginger, onions, tomato, and you finish the top with a sprinkle of black cardamom. So I also love the connections, the spice connections and flavor connections made through these dishes. Now, dora wat is sort of the Coptic Christian name for it, but it's also known as sanbat wat in Ethiopian Jewish communities. And sanbat means Shabbat. So a lot of these two aren't necessarily Hanukkah dishes. Actually, the Ethiopian Jews didn't traditionally celebrate Hanukkah in Ethiopia. But now over 100,000 Ethiopian Jews have moved to Israel and another thousand are here in America too. So they've moved in the cultures that celebrate Hanukkah. And definitely, you should make it with injera, too.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
DETROW: So assuming there's any room left at all after all of these dishes so far, I know you've put a lot of thought into a very important holiday item, and that is desserts.
LOHMAN: Oh, my gosh, of course. I mean, but there is always room for dessert.
DETROW: (Laughter).
LOHMAN: So I've got two ideas here. One is cassola, which is from my original person who gave me this idea, Leah Koenig. It's a cheesecake that was created by Roman Jews, and it actually descends from this idea of pancake-making on Hanukkah. Hanukkah, you know, oil, things that are fried and things that are dairy are sort of traditional Hanukkah foods. Cassola was originally made on stove tops, like a really thick pancake. Now it's baked, and now it's actually crossed over that it's a favorite served by Roman Catholics on Christmas. So it's a ricotta cheesecake made with cinnamon, vanilla and raisins.
Now, for some people, having dairy after meat is OK, but for some people, it's not. So if you want to stick to a menu that's kosher friendly, I'd also recommend bolo menino. Bolo menino is named after the Christ child, and it's a cake made in Macao, which is governed somewhat by China, but not totally, so they have more religious freedom. And many people there are also Portuguese descendants, as well. So this is a cake made with crumbled cookies, coconut and pine nuts that is always served on Christmas in Macao.
DETROW: You know, I think a lot of people listening might be taking notes and thinking, I want to do this. And I think there might be a lot of people listening who are thinking, like, oh, my gosh, this sounds so overwhelming.
LOHMAN: (Laughter).
DETROW: What do you say to somebody who, like, loves the idea, but when it comes to, especially, like, a multicourse meal, just kind of gets intimidated?
LOHMAN: You know, there is always a potluck. There's always divvying this up. Or, you know, hey, if you love throwing a party like me, make the whole thing. But if not, just make the one dish that appeals to you. I think that food is always better with a story. And I love the idea of using this December 25 to reflect on these cultures throughout the world. And sometimes they're often difficult stories, too.
DETROW: Yeah. You know, we're talking about learning about different cultures, as this menus together. But, you know, I think for a lot of people, a holiday is also about kind of leaning into your heritage - right? - your family story - right? - in terms of food.
LOHMAN: Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. And I think that we can't forget that many of these cultures that I talked about today also exist within America. These communities are here. And I think for all of us during this holiday season, this is often a time where we connect to our own ancestry. I'm sure that there are people listening right now thinking about the recipes that they're going to make that have been passed down through their families and that really are labors of love that make this feel like a special and important time of year.
DETROW: Absolutely.
LOHMAN: It's religion, but it's celebration, it's family, it's ancestry, too.
DETROW: And all of this is kind of very American, right? Like, you've put together a meal that touches on a dozen different countries and cultures.
LOHMAN: Yeah, but they can all be found here, absolutely.
DETROW: Yeah.
LOHMAN: And to me, I think that that's the most powerful and beautiful thing about America, our diversity. We can be a little hard to govern sometime. We're an unruly lot. But just how many different people become American too, I think that's really the most wonderful thing about living here and celebrating the holidays here.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
DETROW: That is food historian Sarah Lohman. Her most recent book is just out in paper, "Endangered Eating: America's Vanishing Foods." Thank you so much for taking up the challenge and crafting a Christmas Hanukkah feast for us.
LOHMAN: Oh, my gosh, my pleasure. Now the real challenge is I'm going to have to sit down and make all of this.
DETROW: I think there's no question now. Thank you.
LOHMAN: Thank you.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC) Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.wunc.org/2024-12-15/what-to-cook-on-hanumas-chrismukah
| 2024-12-16T05:06:03Z
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Payton Defends Decision to Keep Broncos CB Pat Surtain II in Colts Game
Late in the fourth quarter of the Denver Broncos' romping 31-13 win over the Indianapolis Colts, star cornerback Patrick Surtain II exited with an ankle injury. Surtain suffered the injury earlier in the quarter after intercepting Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, but the Broncos' medical staff green-lit his return.
After making a tough stop to get the Colts off the field not long after his big interception, Surtain aggravated the ankle injury. With the Broncos up against a short-week turnaround, scheduled next to take on the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football, head coach Sean Payton is facing blowback for the team's decision to let Surtain back in the game amid the team's multi-score lead over the Colts.
At the podium following the final gun, Payton addressed that burning question.
“Anything we do relative to a player’s injury is always if the medical staff feels like he can go back in and he’s healthy enough," Payton said. "There is never any, ‘Well we don’t need him now.’ It is just strictly, is he healthy enough to play? If he’s not, he won’t. If he is, he will play. I think that is the only way you can approach things like that.”
Payton didn't address Surtain's prognosis or Week 16 outlook. The Broncos head coach is notoriously tight-lipped about discussing injuries, and it's likely we won't know what Surtain's availability in L.A. will be until Wednesday — perhaps even gameday.
Surtain is a force, no doubt, and the Broncos defense operates on a different level when he's on the field. When he suffered his concussion on the first defensive play vs. the Chargers earlier this season, the Broncos defense played like it was shell-shocked to suddenly be without its shut-down corner and captain.
Along with the interception, Surtain had two pass break-ups vs. the Colts, giving him 11 on the season. He became the first player in Broncos history to record at least 10 passes defensed in each of his first four season within the NFL. His 47 career pass break-ups rank as the second-most by a Bronco in his first four NFL seasons.
Adding insult to injury, fellow starting cornerback Riley Moss isn't expected back for the Chargers game. If that holds true, the Broncos might be forced to contend with Justin Herbert with nickel Ja'Quan McMillian, rookie Kris Abrams-Draine, Damarri Mathis, and Levi Wallace, the last of whom was a healthy scratch vs. the Colts.
The silver lining is the emergence of Abrams-Draine. Drafted in the fifth round this past spring, he saw the first defensive snaps of his rookie season in Week 13 in relief of the beleaguered (and benched) Wallace, and started his first NFL game vs. the Colts.
Abrams-Draine acquitted himself well on Sunday with two pass break-ups and three tackles (two solo). The Broncos only additional saving grace, in the event of another Surtain absence, is the Chargers' lack of receiving weapons outside of Ladd McConkey.
We'll be closely monitoring Surtain's status as this short week marches on.
Follow Denver Broncos On SI/Mile High Huddle on X and Facebook and subscribe on YouTube for daily Broncos live-stream podcasts!
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https://www.si.com/nfl/broncos/news/sean-payton-defends-pat-surtain-decision-colts-injury
| 2024-12-16T05:06:04Z
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PUNE: A city-based Hospital hosted a heartwarming felicitation ceremony to honor the brave patients and selfless donors of its Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) program. With 52 successful transplants conducted in just three years, the hospital celebrated this achievement by launching its expanded BMT unit, unveiling its patient support group activity, and recognizing the vital contributions of partnering NGOs.
The event spotlighted patients and donors whose courage and generosity have transformed lives. Of the 52 transplants, 60% were for children, including patients as young as two years old. The hospital's commitment to affordability was underscored by the fact that 12 transplants were performed free of cost, thanks to funding from esteemed organizations.
Dr. Rajendra Patankar, CEO, Jupiter Hospital, Pune shared, “This celebration honors not just the patients and donors but the collaborative spirit of everyone involved. Our expanded unit and support initiatives symbolize our commitment to making advanced care accessible to all.” The expanded BMT unit now offers double the capacity, increasing from two to four beds, along with state-of-the-art digitalized services.
Dr. Sweta Lunkad, Consultant Hematoncologist & BMT physician states that " "With 52 successful transplants, Jupiter Hospital's new Bone Marrow Transplant Unit enhances our capacity for exceptional care. Proudly providing comprehensive services from diagnosis to cure" To further enhance patient care, the hospital also launched its ‘Nav Chaitanya’ support group. Designed to assist BMT patients and their families, the group provides crucial information, resources, and emotional support during the recovery journey.
Dr. Liza Bulsara, Consultant Hematoncologist & BMT physician remarked, "This is a great initiative that truly reflects the spirit of hope and collaboration. It’s heartening to see lives being transformed and care reaching those who need it the most."
The ceremony included inspiring stories from patients and donors, highlighting the resilience, compassion, and hope that define the success of the BMT program.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/pune-hospital-celebrates-bmt-heroes-honoring-patients-donors-and-advancing-care-with-new-milestones/articleshow/116341826.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:06:04Z
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SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
What is a nickel worth? Five cents? What about hundreds of dollars? This year, the United States Mint and the U.S. Federal Reserve are shortchanging the five-cent piece. Usually minting over 1 billion nickels a year, in 2024, the U.S. has produced fewer than 70 million of the coins. And that has made them, for some Americans, pretty collectible.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
ERIC MILLER: The United States Mint is about to make everyone watching this video, a lot of money. And if you don't know about this, you're about to miss out on one of the biggest opportunities in a very long time.
DETROW: That is a video featuring Eric Miller, the owner of a few coinage channels online and the ambassador to the coin grading and auction shop PCGS. And right now, he is pretty obsessed with the nickel.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
MILLER: The picture I'm showing behind me are new 2024 Nickels. Now, normally, new coins like this would need an error to sell for more money but not these.
DETROW: Miller often takes to social media and videos with images of coins and cash floating behind him as he checks your change. Joining me now to discuss the low mintage of 2024 nickels is Eric Miller. Welcome to ALL THINGS CONSIDERED.
MILLER: Thanks for having me.
DETROW: Before we talk nickels, at this moment, when I can go weeks at a time without interacting with coins or cash, like, what is the draw for you? What makes you into this?
MILLER: Well, this is actually the perfect example, is finding things like this. I mean, the last time something like this happened was probably, like, the West Point quarter, which was 2019, 2020. Everybody around the world was looking for that. I have videos on that on the coin channel with millions of views. And it was like three $20 bills. And a normal person wouldn't check for that. After seeing those videos, it made you pretty interested when you can turn a regular coin into a lot more money or currency.
DETROW: Like you said in those clips that we heard, usually when a coin is worth a lot of money, it's because something went wrong, right? It's rare for a particular reason. What's another example of that historically, like some sort of fluke that made a coin really, really hotly valued?
MILLER: This is the biggest one, and a lot of people know about this. In 1943, they made steel pennies. It was the only year they made steel pennies. Accidentally, they made a few coppers from 1943, which - that was never supposed to happen. It was all done accidentally. A 1943 that's made out of copper is two- to three-hundred-thousand dollars, and there's multiple sold auctions to prove it. And it's actually also the exact opposite because for 1943, they - like I said, they only made steel. So when you find a steel penny from 1944, which they also did by accident - the mint - those coins sell for, you know, again, $100,000. Even the worst-conditioned ones were 10 grand, 15 grand. I mean, it would usually be a penny...
DETROW: Yeah.
MILLER: ...Or a wheat penny or a steel penny with a little extra collector value, but that, like, life-changing money because of a mistake.
DETROW: So let's talk about nickels. What is going on with the 2024 nickels? Why are they so valuable? - because there hasn't been a mistake here, right? Like, what's going on?
MILLER: Usually nickels - or at least the past five or six years - they, Philadelphia and Denver - the mintages are usually around 700 million for each mint. So like you said in the beginning, around, like, over a billion minted. I'm not sure why, but for the new 2024 nickels, they minted, like, 30 million. And that's a gigantic difference from 700 million, and they're selling for a lot of money.
DETROW: But I guess it's still 30 million. It's not like there's, like, 200 of these out there. It's like, it's still a lot. It's just way less than before.
MILLER: It's true. Thirty million is still a lot, but, you know, when you compare it to 700 million, which is why people don't usually look through nickels - it's not the first thing they do if they're treasure hunting or something. But that big of a difference - I mean, that's over 90%, and it made them explode on the market. I mean, I actually made a video this morning about this. I went to the bank earlier. I tried - actually tried to get some 2024 nickels because they're going crazy. One sealed roll of nickels, if it's, like, just a regular 2024 roll - they're selling for $100. And if you look at the face value of a nickel roll, it's $2.
DETROW: If somebody who's not a pro like you finds some 2024 nickels over the next week or so, what's the first step? What do you do if you think I want to...
MILLER: Yeah.
DETROW: ...Make some cash on this?
MILLER: If you want to just be quick and be happy with the five bucks per coin, I mean, you can just sell them on eBay. I mean, people are buying them all the time. If you find a full roll, I wouldn't even - I don't even know if I would open it. If both ends has a 2024 uncirculated coin, they both say 2024, I mean, $100 for a roll that has a face value of $2 - really, it's pretty amazing.
DETROW: I think we're going to go end this interview and go look for some nickels.
MILLER: You should. The Mint doesn't have - usually have opportunities like that unless you really are experienced at looking for errors. That's usually what my videos are about.
DETROW: Yeah.
MILLER: And I've had people find errors after I posted videos. And it's not even just coins. There's currency that's valuable, too, like dollars and, you know, every denomination. But just to pick up a year and say, I found one, and it's worth more money - it doesn't usually happen.
DETROW: That's Eric Miller, CEO of the Coin Talk on TikTok and ambassador to the coin grading and auction site PCGS. Eric, thanks so much for talking to us.
MILLER: No problem. Thanks for having me. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.kdll.org/2024-12-14/nickels-minted-this-year-could-be-worth-a-lot-more-than-you-think
| 2024-12-16T05:06:05Z
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The Realme brand is set to expand its mid-range lineup with the introduction of the Realme 14x 5G in the Indian market. Slated for release on December 18, this smartphone is anticipated to be one of the most affordable options featuring a substantial 6000mAh battery and an IP69 rating. Here’s a detailed look at what the Realme 14x 5G has to offer, from its design and performance capabilities to its pricing and availability.
Launch Date and Design Highlights
The Realme 14x 5G has sparked considerable interest on social media with its modern flat-frame design and eye-catching diamond-cut gradient back panel. This model also boasts a rectangular camera module and will be available in three vibrant colors, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
Variants and Storage Options
Available in multiple configurations, the Realme 14x 5G will offer models with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB of storage, catering to those seeking efficient multitasking and substantial storage capacity.
Display and Durability
Featuring a 6.67-inch HD+ IPS LCD screen, the Realme 14x 5G promises an immersive viewing experience, ideal for streaming videos and gaming. The smartphone’s durability is enhanced by its IP69 rating, making it a standout choice for resistance against water and dust, especially in challenging environments.
Battery and Features
The 6000mAh battery of the Realme 14x 5G ensures extended usage times, which is a significant advantage for users who engage in heavy multitasking. Additionally, the power button is integrated with a fingerprint scanner, offering added security and convenience.
Price and Availability
The Realme 14x 5G is expected to be priced under Rs 15,000, positioning it as potentially the world’s most affordable IP69-rated smartphone. It will be available through Realme’s official website and Flipkart starting December 18.
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https://www.pc-tablet.co.in/realme-14x-5g-to-launch-with-6000mah-battery-under-rs-15000-launching-on-december-18/52215/
| 2024-12-16T05:06:04Z
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Texans add bodyguard for C.J. Stroud in latest NFL Mock Draft
By Randy Gurzi
It's no secret that the Houston Texans need to do a better job protecting C.J. Stroud. The 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year has struggled in recent weeks but it's hard to put all of the blame on him with the pressure he's been under.
The interior has been a sore spot throughout the season, with Kenyon Green standing out as a major problem at left guard. That's why it's not surprising to see OL as the primary focal point in just about every 2025 NFL Mock Draft.
That was the case for Colton Edwards of FanSided, who has the Texans going for an offensive lineman — but he's not targeting a guard. Instead, he has them taking offensive tackle Josh Simmons from Ohio State.
"Simmons lands on a needy offensive line team with the Houston Texans. Before his injury, Simmons was looking like one of the top tackles in the draft and still is. Simmons has good body control and a high motor to finish." — Edwards, FanSided
Simmons is an intriguing prospect who excels as a pass protector. He's also experienced at both right tackle and left tackle. After starting on the right side during Stroud's final season at OSU, Simmons spent the past two years as the blindside protector for the Buckeyes.
While Houston needs a guard more than a tackle, they already showed they're willing to move players around. It was reported ahead of their Week 15 showdown with Miami that Tytus Howard was moving from right tackle to left guard. Simmons could potentially take Howard's spot and move him to guard. He could also be the heir to Laremy Tunsil. Whatever they decide, adding a talented lineman who gives them options would be a win.
At this point in the draft, it would also be an interesting move for Houston. Simmons is often labeled a top-15 player but he's been sliding down draft boards since a knee injury prematurely ended his senior campaign.
With the Texans dealing with a multitude of injuries over the past couple of seasons, it would be interesting to see if they would pull the trigger on Simmons, or look for help elsewhere. If they did land him — and he proved to be healthy — it would be a huge help for Stroud, who needs all the protection he can get.
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https://torotimes.com/texans-add-bodyguard-for-c-j-stroud-in-latest-nfl-mock-draft
| 2024-12-16T05:06:06Z
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PUNE: Engineering students of Vishwakarma University (VU) have developed and deployed delivery drone 'Shatbal' that can carry 25kg and is being used to help farmers on their fields.
On a pilot basis, the drone is being used by farmers in the Pune district for spraying fertilisers on their fields and efficiently transporting seeds and other farming materials.
The students plan to scale the carrying capacity to 100kgs and expand its usage to the healthcare sector, where medicines can be transported during emergencies and in inaccessible remote areas.
The engineering department at the university leverages technology to address pressing social challenges through an academically rigorous approach. Dean of science and technology at VU, Kailas Patil, said, "Our methodology emphasises the identification of unmet social needs and the application of state-of-the-art technology to develop solutions that are contextually appropriate, affordable, and accessible, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions."
'Shatbal' boasts an in-house-developed hyper-secure network security and communication protocol, ensuring resistance against denial-of-service (DoS) and man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks.
One of the final-year students working on the project, Atharva Talathi, said, "Its advanced processor seamlessly integrates sensors with the operating system, making it a powerful solution for secure and efficient delivery."
VU vice-chancellor Siddharth Jabade said, "Our efforts prioritise technology interventions that are designed for sustainability, utilising and enhancing locally available skills for both operation and maintenance."
The engineering department uses processes that are inclusive and participatory, placing end-users-especially those from rural and marginalised communities-at the core of technology development and deployment.
Head of the engineering science department at VU, Maya Kurulekar, said, "Shatbal is an essential tool for modern farming...Its advanced GPS and precision spraying technology ensure optimal coverage, reducing labour and resource wastage."
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/pune-vishwakarma-university-students-innovate-in-agriculture-with-high-capacity-delivery-drone/articleshow/116339976.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:06:11Z
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Trump Names Grenell Ambassador for Special Missions
President-elect Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he has selected Richard Grenell to be his presidential envoy for special missions. The new position will have a focus on contentious areas of geopolitics.
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Trump was expected to take Grenell, a vociferous campaign surrogate, into the administration. In a Thursday post on Truth Social, the president-elect referred to Grenell as a “fabulous person,” stating that “he will be someplace high up.”
Grenell served in the first Trump administration in a variety of roles, including as ambassador to Germany, as the acting director of national intelligence, and as a presidential envoy in negotiations between Serbia and Kosovo.
Earlier in the transition process, Grenell was considered for the role of secretary of state. He allegedly turned down the position of director of national intelligence.
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https://www.theamericanconservative.com/trump-names-grenell-ambassador-for-special-missions/
| 2024-12-16T05:06:11Z
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The Sharjah Police confirmed the incident and advised the public not to spread rumours
Multiple injuries were reported on Monday after a bus carrying construction workers was involved in an accident in Khorfakkan.
Taking to social media, the Sharjah Police confirmed the accident, but did not specify the casualties.
Advising residents to not spread rumours, the police said in an Instagram story sometime after midnight: “In cooperation with all relevant authorities, we are dealing with an accident of a bus carrying workers in Khorfakkan. We will provide you with the developments later. We are calling on members of the public to obtain information from official sources only.”
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
According to social workers, the incident took place at a roundabout just before entering the city.
“The men, who were all Indians, were workers of a company which has its headquarters in Ajman,” said Saleem, a social worker with Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC). “The men had travelled to Ajman on their day off to visit the company HQ and do some shopping for food items in that area. They were returning a little after 8pm,” he added.
Saleem, who visited the workers admitted to Khorfakkan hospital, said that many of them were in a state of shock and unclear on the details.
ALSO READ:
Nasreen Abdulla is a Special Correspondent covering food, tech and human interest stories. When not challenged by deadlines, you’ll find her pulling off submissions on the jiu jitsu mats.
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https://www.khaleejtimes.com/ta/uae/uae-multiple-injuries-reported-after-bus-accident-in-khorfakkan
| 2024-12-16T05:06:09Z
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SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
It is officially award season for films and TV and also for video games.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: (As Astro Bot, singing) I am Astro Bot. I am Astro Bot.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
DETROW: PlayStation's "Astro Bot," inspired by the iconic "Mario Bros.," won game of the year at The Game Awards on Thursday. It's about a cute robot rescuing other robots in a colorful galaxy. But if you're not into running or jumping, or you want something much more casual to enjoy with your family, there are a lot more games to explore. NPR has put together an interactive list of our favorite 80 games from 2024 to help you find your next favorite. NPR gaming lead James Mastromarino edited the list and joins me now. Hey, James.
JAMES MASTROMARINO, BYLINE: Hey, Scott.
DETROW: So we're coming up on the holidays. A lot of people are gonna have some downtime with family. Perfect time for gaming - where should you start?
MASTROMARINO: Well, "Astro Bot" is a pretty great place to start. The trick is that you have to have a PlayStation 5. And this game is not only for that expensive piece of hardware. It's also a celebration of the hardware itself. Like, your spaceship is basically a giant PlayStation 5 that you run around this galaxy with. But it is just such a delight. You know, games can be many things. It can be trying, emotional, meditative, scary. This is just pure fun.
The other thing about it, though, that's a little bit of a letdown is only one player can play at a time. So if you're looking for something that multiple people can get into, there's "Super Mario Party Jamboree," which is, like, this chaotic digital board game that Nintendo puts out year after year. This latest iteration, "Jamboree," is pretty decent. And then there's also "LEGO Horizon Adventures," which is actually really good with two players. My little 8-year-old nephew and I just played the heck out of it over Thanksgiving.
DETROW: We're talking about big companies, big franchises here, but it's been a big year for independent games - right? - games that put nowhere near the budget into some of their competitors and get really overperformed and were being rewarded.
MASTROMARINO: Yeah, so the big darling of the year is called "Balatro." It was basically made by one person. But it blew up. It was nominated for five game awards and won three of them, even in this incredibly crowded field. And a lot of the appeal comes from the fact that it's basically, like, a single-player poker game. You assemble poker hands and combine them with special effects to get these outrageous cash payouts. And Short Wave host Regina Barber wrote about it on our list, and I talked to her about its appeal.
REGINA BARBER, BYLINE: Having these small missions, you know, and you have these cards that have cute faces on them 'cause you need these joker wild cards to, like, make your poker hand better and better - it is very, for me - I mean, I'm a big "Legend Of Zelda" fan. I like cute games. I like gambling just a little. So it just, like, hits all of those things. And you are going to think it's not that interesting, but just stick with it for 5 minutes, and you'll be hooked.
DETROW: Speaking of "Zelda," what about really epic adventures, those types of games where you dive into? What are some good places to look?
MASTROMARINO: Well, there is a "Zelda" game that fits that bill called "Echoes Of Wisdom," where...
DETROW: Yeah.
MASTROMARINO: ...You actually play as Zelda for the first time in a mainline Nintendo game, so that was exciting. It's been a bonkers year for these, like, long role-playing games, you know, essentially, like, the "War And Peace" of video games, things that you can sink into and...
DETROW: Yeah.
MASTROMARINO: ...Play for, like, 80 hours at a time. My favorite is "Metaphor: ReFantazio," which is this game about a scrappy group of rebels that are trying to unmask the man who assassinated the king and also basically win, like, an election. So it's a kind of wild premise with an even wilder design. But it's...
DETROW: What a bunch of sentences you just said.
MASTROMARINO: Well, for the medieval art fans in the audience, a lot of the monster design is based on Hieronymus Bosch...
DETROW: Oh, cool.
MASTROMARINO: ...The painter of - yeah - The Garden of Earthly Delights. So just, like, this insane stuff. But it's a game that's about democracy and dragons and fairies. And while it is extremely long - we're talking, like, 80 hours - it is just a blast.
DETROW: Any other role-playing games to mention?
MASTROMARINO: Well, "Final Fantasy VII Rebirth" came out this year. It's sort of a sequel and sort of a remake to the beloved 1997 game. And then there's also "Elden Ring: Shadow Of The Erdtree," a follow-up to that 2022 hit. And finally, I really love "Another Crab's Treasure," which is as difficult as, like, an Elden ring sort of game, but it's got this really cutesy "Spongebob" sort of aesthetic. You're literally a hermit crab who's sort of zooming on the ocean floor, taking on, like, lobsters many times your size.
DETROW: When we do lists like this, I love how many directions that they go. Can you tell me about some of the real boundary-pushing games in our collection?
MASTROMARINO: Yeah, I wanted to end on this one called "Caves Of Qud," but that's Q-U-D. And it is this absolutely insane, like, deep simulation. So it's, like, set in, like, this bizarre kind of science-fiction premise where there are, like, sentient trees and fungi and mutants just walking around. But it does have a story that you'll kind of pilot your little adventurer through. And I spoke to Becky Brown, an audio engineer who works at NPR about what drew her to the game.
BECKY BROWN, BYLINE: The fact that this game looks like a spreadsheet, the fact that you can be this flying, slime-spitting, multiple arms, like, creature that also has a force bubble that you can initiate - the fact that if you are a mutant, you can then get more mutations later. You know, at certain levels, you can decide, like, OK, time to get a new one. What am I going to get? I guess I have a scorpion tail now. OK, let's figure out how to use this in combat. Like, it's a game that's all about essentially accumulating survival strategies and hoping that they're all going to keep working for you.
DETROW: I see the appeal.
MASTROMARINO: Yeah, and it's one of many experimental games that are on this list, but it's been in the works for a really long time and has just a really fascinating approach to game design.
DETROW: That's NPR gaming lead James Mastromarino. I do want to say to you that all of these games sound interesting, but my family has a holiday tradition of playing a decadesold version of "Wii Bowling" that we are going to stick to.
MASTROMARINO: (Laughter).
DETROW: So there's room for that, too.
MASTROMARINO: Absolutely.
DETROW: Hundred pin - thanks so much for talking.
MASTROMARINO: Thanks, Scott.
(SOUNDBITE OF LUIS CLEMENTE'S "MAIN THEME") Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.kdll.org/2024-12-14/nprs-video-game-recommendations-for-2024
| 2024-12-16T05:06:11Z
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Samsung has taken a significant step in the extended reality (XR) market with the unveiling of its new Moohan XR headset. This launch coincides with Google’s introduction of the Android XR operating system, tailored for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) devices. As Samsung gears up to release this innovative wearable, it positions itself as a direct competitor to industry giants like Apple and Meta.
Launch and Compatibility
The Moohan XR headset, aptly named after the Korean word for “infinity,” is set to operate on the freshly introduced Android XR platform. This new system from Google integrates enhanced functionalities for AR, VR, and artificial intelligence (AI). Although the exact launch date and pricing details remain under wraps, anticipation builds as it will be the first device to debut with Android XR.
Advanced Features and Specifications
Samsung’s Moohan XR headset promises cutting-edge display technology and passthrough capabilities, which are essential for a seamless mixed reality experience. It supports multi-modal input, ensuring a versatile and user-friendly interface. The headset is poised to include unique features like gesture-based ‘Circle to Search’, media viewing on a large virtual display via Google TV and Google Photos, and web browsing with Google Chrome. Innovations such as live text translation and immersive Google Maps views are also expected to enhance the user experience.
Strategic Partnerships and Development
The journey towards developing the Moohan XR headset began publicly at Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked 2023 event with the reveal of the Galaxy S23 series. During this event, Samsung highlighted its collaboration with tech giants Google and Qualcomm, setting the stage for its entry into the XR headset market. This strategic move underscores Samsung’s commitment to expanding its presence in the wearable technology space, directly challenging competitors like the Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3.
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https://www.pc-tablet.co.in/samsung-introduces-moohan-xr-headset-to-rival-apple-vision-pro/52199/
| 2024-12-16T05:06:12Z
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Texans offensive superstar injured during Week 15 game vs. Dolphins
By Randy Gurzi
The Houston Texans are hosting the Miami Dolphins in Week 15 and took a 10-3 lead early midway through the second quarter when Nico Collins hauled in a touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud.
As good as that play was, not everything has been great for the Houston offense. In fact, they were dealt a devastating blow when Joe Mixon went down to the turf in pain in the first half.
MORE: Texans add bodyguard for C.J. Stroud in latest NFL Mock Draft
Mixon, who was hurt on a hip drop tackle early in the season, again seemed to be a victim of the illegal hit. Unfortunately, this one was missed by the refs.
The good news for the Texans is that Mixon didn't have to head to the medical tent. He did limp off the field but was able to walk off on his own power.
He didn't return during that drive, however, but stayed on the bench. Dare Ogunbowale replaced him at running back and was in the game as the Texans scored the first touchdown.
Houston can lock up playoff spot this weekend
The Texans can secure a playoff spot this weekend if they can defeat Miami. They'll need the Indianapolis Colts to lose to the Denver Broncos for that to happen.
If Denver wins, Houston can still punch their ticket with just two more wins during the final four games of the year. That would give them their second consecutive AFC South title.
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https://torotimes.com/texans-offensive-superstar-injured-during-week-15-game-vs-dolphins
| 2024-12-16T05:06:12Z
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Patrick Mahomes Addresses Availability For Texans-Chiefs After Recent Injury
The Kansas City Chiefs, once again, came away victorious as they are now 13-1 on the season -- with their lone loss coming to the Detroit Lions. However, late in the game, Patrick Mahomes was sidelined after a hard hit with backup quarterback Carson Wentz entering the game for him.
For the Houston Texans, that is certainly something to keep an eye on as they've got an upcoming matchup against the Chiefs next weekend. While they've locked up the AFC South, they'll still want a big win over the Chiefs to carry momentum into the playoffs with the season winding down.
The Texans also have to prove they can beat a team like the Chiefs, as they'll have to face them or a similar contending team in their pursuit of a Super Bowl appearance.
Will Mahomes be able to play, though? He addressed his availability on Sunday following his injury.
"It's hard to say right now,'' Mahomes said. "You still [have the] adrenaline rolling and usually it's kind of the day after when you kind of get a good sense of it. I feel like I could have finished the game in different circumstances, but I thought the smart decision ... was to put Carson Wentz in.
"... You just do what you have to do to get back, and I think that's the most important thing. And now we just get back to the rehab part, the treatment part, and try to get ourselves ready on a short week against a good football team."
The Texans will prepare for Mahomes to be on the field, and the duo of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter -- who were phenomenal in a win over the Miami Dolphins -- will be crucial at providing pressure into the backfield regardless of who is under center.
READ MORE: Texans Clinch AFC South After Colts Loss
Stick with TexansGameday for more coverage of the Houston Texans throughout the season.
Follow Kade on Twitter.
More Houston Texans News
• Dolphins WR Grant DuBose Suffers Head Injury Against Texans
• Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes May Miss Texans Game
• Will Anderson Jr's Strip Sack on Tua Tagovailoa Sparks Texans’ Momentum Over Dolphins
• Texans TE Undergoes Emergency Surgery Before Dolphins Game
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https://www.si.com/nfl/texans/news/patrick-mahomes-addresses-availability-for-houston-texans-kansas-city-chiefs-after-recent-injury
| 2024-12-16T05:06:16Z
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PUNE: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday ordered an inquiry into the Hingoli's govt hospital incident after videos of women patients resting on mattresses spread on the floor during winter surfaced.
The purported videos are from the hospital in Balapur village where 43 women who underwent family planning surgeries did not get to rest on hospital beds.
When Fadnavis was asked about the Hingoli incident during his visit to Pune on Saturday, he said, "I have ordered the health department to carry out a detailed inquiry of the incident."
The opposition targeted the state for not being able to provide basic facilities to patients in govt hospitals. Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar said, " The health department is completely out of order while people in govt are busy discussing ministers' portfolios. We will take up the issue in the upcoming winter session and demand that the govt hospital officials be punished."
Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut said, "For the last month, govt has not been able to expand the cabinet, and the state has no health minister. Hence, the health system is crippled."
Shiv Sena MLA from Hingoli district Santosh Bangar claimed that no patient faced any inconvenience at the govt hospital. Interacting with reporters after visiting the hospital, Bangar said, "There was a family planning camp. Since there was a shortage of beds, the women who underwent the surgeries were provided mattresses. The room where they were housed was clean. Some opposition members are politicising the issue. There was no negligence on the part of the health department."
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/video-of-women-resting-on-mattresses-on-hosp-floor-after-surgery-surfaces-cm-orders-probe/articleshow/116325642.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:06:17Z
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Team India is currently reeling at 27/3 on Day 3 of the third Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy match against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane.
The Aussies had posted 445/10 in the first innings courtesy of twin centuries from Steven Smith and Travis Head. Despite Jasprit Bumrah's 6/76 and his second five-wicket haul in the series, the other Indian bowlers failed to make an impact.
Bet as you watch the thrilling India vs Australia Test cricket action here!
Coming into bat in the second innings, India batters Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill were dismissed cheaply by ace speedster Mitchell Starc.
Virat Kohli on the other hand, survived a couple of close calls early on before succumbing to the temptation of chasing the ball outside the off stump, and consequently finding the edge off Josh Hazlewood's bowling.
The match at Brisbane is currently paused due to rain at the ground. Check the forecast for the remaining days of the Gabba Test.
MORE: Cheteshwar Pujara anticipates Australia's plan to enforce follow-on
How did fans react after Virat Kohli's outside-off dismissal at the Gabba Test in Brisbane?
Speaking during the rain-break, Australian commentator and former cricketer Mark Nicholas, likened Kohli's temptation to instinctively play (his weakness) the balls outside off-stump like a moth being drawn to a flame.
Bet on India vs Australia Tests and other cricket matches here!
The India star has repeatedly been trapped by the Aussies in the series, who have been targetting the same area, which has worked well so far, and Hazlewood executed the plan to perfection, this time around.
Here is how social media reacted to the Indian batter's dismissal:
Former Australia pacer Damien Fleming wondered how a batter could be fall to the same trap repeatedly, noting that this was the 11th time that Hazlewood dismissed Kohli in head-to-head meetings.
11th time Big Hoff has dismissed Kohli.🎯
— Damien Fleming (@bowlologist) December 16, 2024
Who falls for the 4th time this series driving at a wide corridor delivery#HoffHallwayOfHesitation#AusVind https://t.co/paHDKnW0kQ
MORE: Isha Guha apologizes for controversial ‘Primate’ remark on Jasprit Bumrah
Sorry guys but had to post this.
— Inside out (@INSIDDE_OUT) December 16, 2024
Virat Kohli and getting out to off stump ball- A match made in heaven.#INDvsAUS #AUSvIND #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/CJfhsiTUTv
This is abysmal batting, you know your weakness yet you go for it without getting your eye in for 30-40 balls!
— Adi (@aaditea_) December 16, 2024
No acceptance & change in approach for those 5th stump line.. Virat Kohli we expected better from you#INDvsAUS
Place your bets on the India vs Australia Test and other cricket matches here!
This is abysmal batting, you know your weakness yet you go for it without getting your eye in for 30-40 balls!
— Adi (@aaditea_) December 16, 2024
No acceptance & change in approach for those 5th stump line.. Virat Kohli we expected better from you#INDvsAUS
Resistance is V/I.
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) December 16, 2024
Virat has to really get the intent to drive lower to get resistance high and get more runs.
The patterns are too troublesome. It's too wide. And the issue is now too long for it to not be too addressed urgently.#AUSvIND
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https://www.sportingnews.com/au/cricket/news/fans-react-virat-kohli-perishes-outside-stump-ball/ca4b31e7fb7e5b613f52a36a
| 2024-12-16T05:06:17Z
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SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
It has been a historic week in Syria, the first week in a half-century that the Assad family did not rule the country. As rebels took hold of Damascus and Bashar al-Assad fled to Russia, thousands of political prisoners were released into freedom, and Syrian people were dancing in the streets.
(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: Whoo (ph).
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
DETROW: Morning Edition host Leila Fadel is in Damascus, and she joins us on the line now. Hey, Leila.
LEILA FADEL, BYLINE: Hi.
DETROW: What's Damascus like? Let's just start there.
FADEL: I mean, it's actually really hard to describe. It's this place of extreme happiness - people for the first time having a taste of freedom, being able to tell their own children what they really think - because this was a country where people said the walls had ears. They were afraid even to speak freely at home in case something was said at school, for example...
DETROW: Yeah.
FADEL: ...And that would put them in prison - any type of criticism of the Assad regime - and now people can speak freely. They can chant. They can dance in the streets to songs that curse the Assad family. And I want to talk to you about Friday prayers at this historic Ummayed Mosque in the old city where there's the Saladin tomb. And people just thronged inside, some who could never pray there because of security reasons, scared that they would be taken. And it was just thousands of people trying to get into the prayer room. And we got ourselves in. We're sitting among these thousands of people praying. And at the end of their first Friday prayer on what they're calling the Day of Victory, the crowd burst into cheers.
(CHEERING)
FADEL: It still gives me chills. I've never heard anything like that. But within this happiness, there is grief because so many - thousands and thousands and thousands of people - disappeared during this 14-year civil war that started as peaceful demonstrations, was met with violence and turned into civil war. And so they're searching for their loved one that're missing, that went to prison, and they don't know where they are. Some are finding bodies. Some are finding nothing. And the really lucky ones are finding their people broken but alive. And so those searches continue for so much of the city. And it's also a city that's holding its breath about what may come next because the new authorities are unknown to them.
DETROW: Right. And let's turn to that because so much emotion is being let out, but there are a lot of questions about the future. With Assad now gone...
FADEL: Yeah.
DETROW: ...Who's in charge?
FADEL: Yeah. I mean, the opposition, which is now the de facto government, is being led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, an Islamist group that was once linked to al-Qaida but broke ties years ago and have sort of rebranded. And now they've gone from ragtag fighters born in a brutal war against Assad's regime to the de facto government. And now they're working on governing, securing the city. They've got checkpoints looking for weapons among civilians because so many of the military bases just opened up, and people took weapons. They're - they've got a transitional government for three months, and they say they want to focus on Syria and rebuilding and they want to be welcomed into the global community.
DETROW: Have you met and talked to anyone from HTS during your time in Syria?
FADEL: Yeah, I mean, I've talked to a lot of the rebel fighters. And I don't even know should - if we call them rebels anymore because they're really the de facto authorities, and they're at these checkpoints all through the city. I was at the Air Force Intelligence building in Damascus, and I met this young rebel who goes by Abu Mustafa. He's from Idlib, which is in northwest Syria, and he was a child - he was 11 years old when the uprising began against former President Bashar al-Assad's repressive government. And I just want you to hear what he says.
ABU MUSTAFA: (Non-English language spoken).
FADEL: So right there, he's telling me he was 11 when it started, and three years later, he took up weapons without the permission of his parents, he ran away from home because he says he had to defend his family, his land, that air strikes were destroying his city, killing his people. And so he decided he needed to fight. And so this young man, who's only 24 years old, was fashioned under this kind of brutality. And today, these young people, many of who had really never been to Damascus, are now in charge of securing the capital city.
DETROW: I mean, Leila, that just gets to the fact that this has been going on for so long now. The initial beginning of the end of the Assad regime began in Arab Spring more than a decade ago. That is something you covered so closely.
FADEL: Yeah.
DETROW: You look at so many other countries that changed leadership in very different ways during that period of time. You know, Assad dug in and stay in power. But you saw the different directions that those new governments went. It was a lot of struggle. What do you think that says about what could come next for Syria?
FADEL: I mean, there hasn't been one true success story out of this wave of uprisings at that time in 2011. Libya - they got freedom, lived with repression but turned into chaos, and now are a divided state with all these militias. You look at Iraq, invaded and occupied by the U.S. and then had its own uprising and, again, is still struggling. There's been internal fighting among the Syrian opposition. It isn't united, and if you look across the country, that continues. There are issues with the security vacuum. Do foreign fighters, do ISIS, take advantage of this moment? Are there counterrevolutionary forces? So a lot could go wrong, but Syrians hope that they are the exception, that a lot could go right.
DETROW: That is Morning Edition host Leila Fadel talking to us from Damascus. Leila, thanks so much for your reporting.
FADEL: Thank you.
Copyright © 2024 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR's programming is the audio record.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.kdll.org/2024-12-14/one-week-into-post-assad-rule-in-syria-a-view-from-damascus
| 2024-12-16T05:06:17Z
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South Korea's top court begins Yoon impeachment review
December 16, 2024South Korea's Constitutional Court said on Monday that it was holding its first meeting on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment case that same day, with all six of its judges participating.
After parliament voted for the investigation on Saturday, it falls to the court to decide whether to remove Yoon from office or reinstate him.
Yoon is being investigated following his short-lived attempted imposition of martial law on December 3.
Lawmakers voted this down within a matter of hours, even as military personnel tried to enter the National Assembly.
Yoon's presidential powers are suspended pending the verdict.
The court has up to six months to reach a decision but past cases in 2016 and 2004 were resolved much more quickly.
If Yoon is dismissed, an election would have to follow within 60 days.
Yoon wanted for questioning on Wednesday
A joint investigative team involving police, an anti-corruption agency and the Defense Ministry said it plans to ask Yoon's office that the president appear for questioning on Wednesday, as they expand a probe into whether his failed attempt to suspend parliamentary activity amounted to rebellion.
It's not clear whether the president will grant the request for an interview, with him and his office uncooperative with investigators in several related incidents so far.
Yoon has defended his martial law decree as a necessary act of governance against the main liberal opposition Democratic Party, calling its members "anti-state forces" bogging down his policy agenda. He has struggled to pass a budget and other legislation given the opposition's strength in parliament.
Hundreds of thousands of people, both supporters and opponents of the president, took to the streets of Seoul over the weekend amid the impeachment vote in the National Assembly.
Opposition leader calls for swift hearing
Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung urged the Constitutional Court to reach a resolution swiftly and recommended a special council for cooperation between the government and parliament.
Lee lost the March 2022 presidential election by less than 1 percentage point of the popular vote.
Yoon's conservative People Power Party (PPP) however criticized this proposal, saying it was an inappropriate attempted power grab from the opposition.
PPP leader quits, in sign of rift over Yoon's move
The PPP has been divided by Yoon's December 3 mobilization of the military, with some members supporting the move and others opposing it.
This became yet more visible on Monday, when party leader Han Dong-hun announced his resignation in Seoul.
Han had publicly backed the bid to impeach Yoon, despite criticism from some party allies, but said he had no regrets.
"If martial law had not been lifted that night, a bloody incident could have erupted that morning between the citizens who would have taken to the streets and our young soldiers," Han told a news conference.
What happened on December 3?
In a surprise late-night TV address soon before midnight, Yoon became the first South Korean president in more than four decades to declare martial law.
The move harkened back to a period of authoritarian leaders not seen in South Korea since the 1980s.
Soldiers were dispatched to parliament to try to shut it down.
But within hours, parliamentarians voted unanimously to rescind martial law again, albeit with only around 60% of them present.
Soldiers and police subsequently withdrew again after this vote.
No major violence occurred.
Foreign allies, not least the US, expressed relief and also surprise in the aftermath, praising the resilience of Seoul's democratic institutions.
msh/sri (AFP, AP, Reuters)
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https://www.dw.com/en/south-koreas-top-court-begins-yoon-impeachment-review/a-71063589?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-xml-atom
| 2024-12-16T05:06:17Z
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The interim leader made the announcement during a broadcast on state television
Photo: AFP file
Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who heads the caretaker government installed after an August revolution, said Monday that general elections would be held late next year or in early 2026.
Pressure has been growing on Nobel Peace Prize winner Yunus — appointed the country's "chief adviser" after the student-led uprising that toppled ex-premier Sheikh Hasina in August — to set a date.
The 84-year-old microfinance pioneer is leading a temporary administration to tackle what he has called the "extremely tough" challenge of restoring democratic institutions in the South Asian nation of some 170 million people.
"Election dates could be fixed by the end of 2025 or the first half of 2026," he said in a broadcast on state television.
Hasina, 77, fled by helicopter to neighbouring India as thousands of protesters stormed the prime minister's palace in Dhaka.
Her government was also accused of politicising courts and the civil service, as well as staging lopsided elections, to dismantle democratic checks on its power.
Hasina's 15-year rule saw widespread human rights abuses, including the mass detention and extrajudicial killings of her political opponents.
Yunus has launched commissions to oversee a raft of reforms he says are needed, and setting an election date depends on what political parties agree.
"Throughout, I have emphasised that reforms should take place first before the arrangements for an election," he said.
"If the political parties agree to hold the election on an earlier date with minimum reforms, such as having a flawless voter list, the election could be held by the end of November," he added.
But including the full list of electoral reforms would delay polls by a few months, he said.
ALSO READ:
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https://www.khaleejtimes.com/ta/world/asia/bangladesh-to-hold-elections-in-late-2025-or-early-2026-says-yunus
| 2024-12-16T05:06:17Z
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Texans rookie Calen Bullock speaks on hit that sent Grant DuBose to hospital
By Randy Gurzi
The Houston Texans win over the Miami Dolphins had a scary moment in it when safety Calen Bullock hit Grant DuBose over the middle of the field. The hit drew a flag for unnecessary roughness as DuBose was unable to get up.
Both teams huddled in prayer as the medical staff worked on him for roughly 10 minutes. The announce crew mentioned the EKG machine and oxygen were brought. In addition, DuBose's jersey was cut off by the medics.
In the end, he was carted off and eventually taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation. Thankfully, Aaron Wilson reported that he's in stable condition but will remain overnight. He added that Miami head coach Mike McDaniel said there was "positive feedback with head and neck imaging."
READ MORE: Updated NFL Playoff picture after Texans beat Dolphins in Week 15
After the game, Bullock was asked about the hit. He said that he was praying for DuBose and his family while adding that he never had any intention of hurting anyone.
The Houston rookie was also asked about a potential punishment, or even suspension, from the league. That's a fair question, especially after the Texans lost Azeez Al-Shaair to a three-game suspension for a late hit in Week 13. Al-Shaair was ejected for a hit on Jacksonville QB Trevor Lawrence.
Bullock's hit didn't draw the same ire across social media since it was truly a 'bang-bang' play. It's easy to believe the rookie wasn't trying to injure anyone and it would be surprising to see a suspension.
Having said that, he did hit DuBose high and the NFL is trying to eliminate that from the game. For that reason, a fine is likely in the cards for Bullock.
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https://torotimes.com/texans-rookie-calen-bullock-speaks-on-hit-that-sent-grant-dubose-to-hospital
| 2024-12-16T05:06:19Z
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After spending time using the Shidu S617 Voice Amplifier, I can confidently say that this compact yet powerful device is an excellent tool for individuals who need to project their voice clearly and effectively. Whether you’re a teacher addressing a classroom, a tour guide leading a group, or a coach motivating a team, the S617 stands out as a reliable and versatile solution for voice amplification. Priced at Rs. 1249, it offers incredible value for its features. Here’s my in-depth review based on my experience with the device.
What’s In the Box?
Shidu has thoughtfully included several accessories in the package, ensuring you have everything you need to get started. The box contains:
- 1 Voice Amplifier
- 1 Wired Microphone
- 1 Type-C Charging Cable
- 1 Strap
- 5 Sponges for the microphone
Design and Build Quality: Compact and Lightweight
One of the first things I noticed about the Shidu S617 is its compact size and lightweight build. Measuring just 10.1 x 8.75 x 5.0 cm and weighing only 205 grams, it’s incredibly portable. The device is thoughtfully designed to ensure ease of use. With the included rear clip, you can conveniently attach it to your belt or pocket. Alternatively, the provided strap allows you to hang it around your neck, ensuring you can carry it comfortably wherever you go.
Despite its small size, the device feels sturdy and durable. The build quality ensures that it can withstand daily use in various environments, from classrooms to outdoor settings. The minimalist design and thoughtful ergonomics make it user-friendly for all age groups.
Performance: Loud and Clear Output
The performance of the Shidu S617 is where it truly shines. It features a built-in 4Ω 5W 3-inch speaker that delivers a clear and loud output of up to 16W, making it suitable for addressing small to medium-sized groups. The device offers a frequency response range of 80Hz to 18kHz, ensuring that your voice sounds natural and crisp.
During my testing, I found the sound quality to be excellent, with no noticeable distortion even at higher volumes. The clarity of the output makes it ideal for use in noisy environments, such as outdoor events or bustling classrooms.
Battery Life: Long-lasting and Reliable
One of the standout features of the Shidu S617 is its long battery life. It is powered by a 3.7V, 1800mAh rechargeable lithium battery, which provides 10-12 hours of amplification and 6-10 hours of music playback on a single charge. The battery fully charges in about 3-4 hours via the included Type-C charging cable, which is a welcome upgrade for fast and convenient charging.
I found the battery life to be more than sufficient for an entire day’s use, whether I was using it continuously for teaching or intermittently during events. This long-lasting battery makes it a reliable companion, especially in situations where access to charging is limited.
Bluetooth 5.0 and AUX Input: Enhanced Versatility
The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.0 support is another feature that adds to the versatility of the Shidu S617. I was able to pair it with my smartphone seamlessly and use it as a portable speaker to play music or prerecorded audio. The Bluetooth connection was stable and had a decent range, making it convenient to use in larger spaces.
For those who prefer wired connections, the device also supports AUX input, allowing you to connect it to multiple devices, such as laptops or MP3 players. This flexibility makes the S617 more than just a voice amplifier—it doubles as a versatile audio playback device.
Wired Microphone: Practical and Effective
The Shidu S617 comes with a wired microphone that has a flexible design, allowing you to position it close to your mouth for optimal sound pickup. The microphone performed admirably, capturing my voice clearly without any static or interference. The wired connection also ensures consistent performance without the risk of signal loss.
The microphone’s ergonomic design and adjustable arm make it comfortable to wear for extended periods. Whether you’re moving around a classroom or addressing an audience, the microphone stays securely in place.
Unique Features: One-Key Mute and Stable Performance
The one-key mute function is a simple yet invaluable feature. It allows you to instantly mute the device with the press of a button, which I found incredibly useful during breaks in speeches or when transitioning between activities. This feature adds a layer of professionalism and control, especially in formal settings like conferences or training sessions.
Another notable aspect of the Shidu S617 is its stable performance. Throughout my use, the device consistently delivered reliable amplification without any glitches. It’s well-suited for various scenarios, including teaching, training, yoga classes, speeches, and even outdoor events.
Practical Usage Scenarios: A Multi-Purpose Device
The versatility of the Shidu S617 makes it suitable for a wide range of applications. Here are some scenarios where I found it particularly useful:
- Teaching: The device effortlessly projects your voice across the room, ensuring that every student can hear you clearly without straining your voice.
- Tour Guiding: The lightweight design and portability make it ideal for tour guides who need to address groups while on the move.
- Fitness Training: Whether you’re conducting a yoga class or leading a workout session, the S617 ensures your instructions are heard over background noise.
- Public Speaking: For speeches and presentations, the S617 delivers clear and impactful audio, making it easier to engage with your audience.
- Music Playback: When paired with a smartphone via Bluetooth, the device doubles as a compact speaker, making it great for playing music or audio clips during sessions.
These accessories enhance the overall user experience and provide added convenience. The inclusion of a Type-C charging cable is particularly noteworthy, as it aligns with modern charging standards and ensures faster charging times.
Limitations: Areas for Improvement
While the Shidu S617 performs exceptionally well in most areas, there are a few minor limitations worth noting:
- No Wireless Microphone: Although the wired microphone delivers excellent performance, the addition of a wireless microphone option would have been a nice touch for greater mobility.
- Limited Bass Response: While the sound quality is clear, the bass response is somewhat limited due to the small size of the speaker. This might not be a concern for voice amplification but is noticeable when playing music.
Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Voice Amplification
Overall, the Shidu S617 Voice Amplifier is a well-rounded device that excels in portability, performance, and versatility. Its compact design, long battery life, and Bluetooth connectivity make it a valuable tool for anyone who needs reliable voice amplification.
Whether you’re a teacher, trainer, or public speaker, the Shidu S617 offers a practical and effective solution that ensures your voice is heard loud and clear. While it could benefit from a few additional features, such as a wireless microphone, these are minor trade-offs for a device that performs so well in its primary function.
For its price and feature set, the Shidu S617 is a solid investment that delivers excellent value. If you’re looking for a dependable voice amplifier that’s easy to use and packed with useful features, the S617 is a fantastic choice.
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https://www.pc-tablet.co.in/shidu-s617-voice-amplifier-review-a-reliable-companion-for-amplifying-your-voice/51949/
| 2024-12-16T05:06:19Z
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Trump Will Remake D.C.’s Culture in His Image
This time, there’s no Resistance to lock Republicans out of polite society.
The last time Donald Trump won the presidency, there was a lot crowing in Washington’s beau monde about how the new administration would upend the city’s social life. D.C. has never been a particularly friendly town, but in 2016, its residents decided to take a harder stand than usual. The capital’s hostesses linked arms against any top Trump officials seeking invitations to their homes. The region’s restaurateurs, though expected to serve everyone, vowed to make a night on the town for Republicans as unpleasant as possible. And those in chattering classes remarked with much glee that at no point in the city’s recent history had the place been so socially divided.
The result was that, rather than integrate into Washington life, as staffers and officials from every other presidential administration have, Trump’s coterie was forced to build its own parallel society. Soon, largely undeveloped neighborhoods—Navy Yard and the Wharf prominent among them—became hot spots for young staffers. And no wonder. Those places fit well with Zoomer taste: new construction, rooftop pools, parking everywhere. Meanwhile, more senior officials colonized Kalorama, on the grounds that it was just like Georgetown, but even more insulated from the hateful public eye.
Eight years later, the situation is pretty much the same. D.C. exists as two parallel societies stuck within the bounds of late 2016. On one side, the greater part of the city is trapped in an Obama-nostalgia doom loop: Le Diplomate still dominates the scene on Fourteenth Street. The establishments of Dupont Circle are still celebrating Obergefell vs. Hodges as if the decision were just handed down last week. And, in Shaw, you can still find the odd “Chicago” bar, a tribute to the 2008 Obama campaigners who have long since left the neighborhood.
The Trump version of D.C. is no more vital. Those shiny buildings on the river are still obliviously humming along, worlds unto themselves. Mission in Navy Yard is still a hot bar with a certain sort of person, despite, or because of, its vulgarity. Shelly’s Back Room over by the White House has lost none of its luster, in large part because it is one of the only places in the capital that allows the public to smoke inside. The only major change in this world’s social setting from the first Trump presidency is a loss: the Trump International Hotel, which closed down shortly after the president’s inglorious departure in 2021. I can’t say I regret it: Every time I visited in those four years—whether for a gala, dinner, or some other evening event—I was always struck by how hollow, cavernous that main hall was.
How did the city get stuck in 2016 for so long? Typically, each president makes a mark on Washington’s local culture that survives his tenure, usually in the neighborhoods where his staffers settle. Bill Clinton brought in the crew that made Adams Morgan a hip area. George W. Bush oversaw the revival of Georgetown and Glover Park. And Barack Obama’s team gentrified the historically black neighborhoods around U Street. (Obama himself liked D.C. so much that he still lives here.) Trump, as I have said, built his own fantasy version of the city.
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But something funny happened when Joe Biden took office in 2021. Rather than making his own mark on the city, here, as in so many other things, Biden was like a ghost, and the D.C. continued to function as if he were never here at all.
There are a few possible explanations for the cultural hole. The first is the fact that Biden was elected and took office during a pandemic. He famously campaigned out of his home in Delaware—where he spent much of his presidency anyway—and did not arrive in D.C. with an army of staffers looking for places to live. The second is related to the first: Hardly anyone in the federal government goes into the office anymore, meaning that there is little incentive to form a distinctively Bidenesque after-hours culture. And the third reason is the hazy temporality that surrounds all things Biden. No one was ever going to stick around for him.
Now that Trump is back for round two, everything will change. Once again, the city will renew itself. There is no stopping it now. There is no Resistance to lock the Trump administration out of polite society. For better or worse, Trump will remake Washington, D.C. in his image.
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https://www.theamericanconservative.com/trump-will-remake-d-c-s-culture-in-his-image/
| 2024-12-16T05:06:21Z
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RAIPUR: Union minister
Amit Shah attended the closing ceremony of Bastar Olympics in Jagdalpur, that witnessed phase-wise participation by 1.65 lakh people of all age-groups from seven districts of Bastar division that included 318 former Naxals, victims of Naxalviolence and IED blasts.
“Today is the historic event of Bastar Olympics for which I congratulate to chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai and home minister Vijay Sharma for imagining its possibility, organizing it and bringing it to the ground. Bastar Olympics isn’t limited to its 1.65 lakh participants and children, it’s going to be an identity for overall Bastar and its seven districts,” Shah said addressing to participants and people present at Jagdalpur’s Indira Priyadarshini Stadium.
He added, “Our Bastar is changing might be right, but I assure you that in 2026 Olympics, I will come and say, Bastar has changed and the beginning of its change was from Olympics. The positive energy of this game will prevent lakhs of youths from going to wrong direction. It will connect the tribal youths to the construction process of new Bharat and become a medium for benefit of lakhs of tribal families and villages. It will serve as a foundation stone of hope towards peace, security and development.”
I specially extend my wishes to the ‘toli of surrendered Naxals’ who participated in Bastar Olympics and to the divyangs who lost their limbs in IED blasts, Shah said.
“Home minister Sharma came to me with the rehabilitation policy for Naxals and upon comparison with other states’ policies, I can say with pride that Chhattisgarh has the best and most attractive surrender policy in the country. It’s Sai’s commitment to introduce the state’s and Centre’s schemes in all the villages and he’s making it sure by launching Niyad Nellanar yojana to make villages like heaven,” Shah added.
There was a time when there was no electricity, roads, drinking water in Bastar and there was femine here with schools burnt and medical shops, hospitals closed, Shah said adding that he extends best wishes to CM and HM for changing the villages within a year’s time, union home minister said.
“Govt of India has been there in past ten years but for five years in Chhattisgarh, we got no support from state, but now we formed the govt here and the campaign against Naxalism has intensified. I appeal by brothers who have been misled and they have joined Naxal ranks, to give up arms, join the mainstream and contribute in development of the nation,” he said.
Shah recounted the achievements and milestones set by Modi govt through various schemes and projects, that have also reached Bastar.
“I would like to tell this to the youths, mothers, sisters of Bastar that I have stayed at Chitrakote (waterfalls) and Ma Danteshwari has given this place a beauty more than Kashmir and once Naxalsim ends, it will see more tourists than Kashmir. Govt of India is making a project to promote tourism, dairy project cooperative, etc, besides, in coming days, the process of procurement of tendu leaves will also improve so that justice is done to tribal tendu leaves collectors and Naxals are not financially benefitted with it. Bastat has huge potential and possibilities,” Shah said.
The event was organized under the banner of ‘Karsai Ta Bastar, Barsaye Ta Bastar’ written in tribal Gondi dialect which in Hindi means ‘Khelega Bastar, Toh BadegaBastar’ and in English, ‘Bastar will progress by playing’.
Chhattisgarh deputy CM Vijay Sharma said, "BastarOlympics is a call to the youth to find their place in the world of sports and it was organized with the intention that the youth of Bastar should not turn to 'red terror’.”
Shah is in Chhattisgarh for a two-day visit and on December 16, he will be visiting Amar Vatika in Jagdalpur to meet and interact with the families of jawans and victims killed in Naxal violence. Shah will also hold review meeting on security in Raipur in the evening.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/raipur/amit-shah-hails-bastar-olympics-says-its-the-beginning-of-change/articleshow/116340496.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:06:23Z
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With the India vs Australia five-match Test series ongoing, the battle between Australia’s pace sensation Josh Hazlewood and India’s star batter Virat Kohli has been much-anticipated among fans and pundits.
Their confrontations across formats in the past have always added extra intrigue to matches between the two cricketing giants and is crucial for both the teams in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
BET NOW: Bet here on the IND vs AUS Test series and win cash bonuses
Hazlewood and Kohli have faced each other multiple times, with each player having moments of dominance, but how does Hazlewood fare statistically against Kohli ?
Let’s break down their head-to-head record across different formats and see how many times Hazlewood has managed to dismiss Kohli.
What is Josh Hazlewood’s Test record against Virat Kohli?
Hazlewood has faced off against Virat Kohli in the longest format of the game over multiple series. He has dismissed Kohli five times in 367 balls, with the Former Indian captain managing to score 173 runs at an average of 34.6.
MORE: Have Australia lost a Test after scoring 400+ in the first innings?
Here’s the breakdown of Hazlewood’s Test numbers against Kohli:
MORE: 'Drawn like moth to flame' - Kohli perishes to the outside off-stump ball again
How has Hazlewood fared against Kohli in ODIs?
In One-Day Internationals, Hazlewood has again had the upper hand over Virat Kohli, dismissing him five times in 98 balls.
Bet on India vs Australia Tests and other cricket matches here!
Here’s a closer look at their ODI head-to-head record:
What is Hazlewood’s record against Kohli in T20Is?
In T20 Internationals, Hazlewood has faced Kohli on fewer occasions but has still managed to get him out once.
Here’s the breakdown of Hazlewood vs Kohli in T20Is:
Place your bets on the India vs Australia Test and other cricket matches here!
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https://www.sportingnews.com/au/cricket/news/hazlewood-record-against-virat-kohli-times-dismissed-india-batter/4f1ef33fcae616aaa00b5d67
| 2024-12-16T05:06:23Z
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BOKARO: A Home Guard jawan caused panic in City Centre's market area near Sector 4 police station by threatening people with a knife.
When Vikram Kumar, a Sector 9 resident, attempted to stop him from verbally abusing pedestrians, the jawan attacked him, causing a shoulder wound.
Upon learning of the incident, Vikram's friends and associates arrived at the scene and assaulted the Home Guard in retaliation. The situation intensified as onlookers gathered, but a police patrol unit arrived promptly to diffuse the tension and restore order.
DSP City Alok Ranjan acknowledged that the timely intervention of the patrolling officers prevented the situation from deteriorating further. "The injured Vikram Kumar received medical attention at Sadar Hospital, whilst the Home Guard, who serves at Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL), was taken to BGH for treatment of injuries sustained during the altercation," said Ranjan.
Police have initiated an investigation and are examining CCTV recordings from the surrounding area to collect additional evidence about the incident, he added.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/home-guard-jawan-wields-knife-in-bokaro-injures-one/articleshow/116332540.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:06:23Z
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SCOTT SIMON, HOST:
In January 2021, the world tragically lost the experimental pop musician Sophie, who died after an accidental fall. Later that same year, music producers Massima Bell and Dust Reid began to craft an album in her honor, inspired by her artistry and to celebrate the community of which she was a part.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "IS IT COLD IN THE WATER?")
MOSES SUMNEY: (Singing) In the water...
SIMON: Here's Massima Bell.
MASSIMA BELL: Dust I really wanted to create something that honored these brilliant people who do happen to be trans.
SIMON: The album "Transa" features over a hundred artists and 46 tracks, and it blends music, poetry and spoken word.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "VI. JUST LAST NIGHT (ACCEPTANCE)")
EILEEN MYLES: Everyone was just walking backwards into the room.
SIMON: Eileen Myles is one of "Transa's" contributors, with three poems throughout the album. "Just Last Night" is the only one they performed themselves. Massima Bell and Eileen Myles joined us to talk about the album.
MYLES: When Dust was showing me the early version of the potential record, they were all instrumentals at that point. And the piece itself was just very seductive and very - it had this, like, singularity to it. To me, it invited a certain shape of writing.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "VI. JUST LAST NIGHT (ACCEPTANCE)")
MYLES: My eyes are closing. Yeah, let your eyes close.
So I felt like I sort of got in there and danced with it.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "VI. JUST LAST NIGHT (ACCEPTANCE)")
MYLES: It's a closet. It's a rehab. It's a homeless shelter.
I'm used to hearing my own voice, but I have to say it's almost more fun with the other cuts to hear somebody's interpretation of lyrics that I wrote.
SIMON: Well, let's take advantage of that. You had the opportunity to write a poem called "Under The Shadow Of Another Moon" for the actress Hunter Schafer.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "III. UNDER THE SHADOW OF ANOTHER MOON (DARK KNIGHT)")
HUNTER SCHAFER: Before, on an awfully other planet, we spoke.
SIMON: And what's it like to hear your words delivered by a big star?
MYLES: It's interesting to hear them. Sort of like it's running through another body. It's running through another voice. But I love their interpretation.
SIMON: There's so many examples on this album of, you know, collaboration across generations, genres, gender identities.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "EVER NEW")
BEVERLY GLENN-COPELAND: (Singing) Welcome the child whose hand I hold.
SAM SMITH: (Singing) Welcome to you, both young and old. We are ever new.
BEVERLY GLENN-COPELAND AND SAM SMITH: (Singing) We are ever new.
SIMON: There's the song "Ever New" that features Sam Smith, who, I believe, is in their early 30s, and then Beverly Glenn-Copeland, who was 80. What was that like? How did you create these pairings?
BELL: From the onset of making "Transa," we really wanted to honor these musicians who we feel kind of haven't gotten the due that they deserve. And Beverly Glenn-Copeland is a musician whose work has always felt like such a respite for me and such a kind of vision of belonging that I think is sometimes rare for trans people to experience, and I'm really grateful that Sam Smith really connected with that song.
MYLES: Having things by artists from different points in their lives, their careers, to me, is the definition of a good party.
BELL: (Laughter).
MYLES: You know, when I first got to New York in the '70s, parties were all ages. We were the young people, there were the older people, and that was our definition of New York. And that's changed over time. And it's - I think it's culturally wrong, and I think it's so important to work against that, which is one of the really cool things about this record.
SIMON: Eileen, may I ask? I gather you identify as nonbinary and began to use gender-neutral pronouns later in life.
MYLES: Yeah, I do identify as trans. And so I've gone through the lesbian, the dyke, the butch, the queer. They're all good terms. But today, trans seems to hold everything, which I find very exciting, and pronouns are so rich, you know, and they is so rich.
SIMON: The great Sade - British jazz singer - wrote, I gather, her first song in six years for this album, "Young Lion."
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "YOUNG LION")
SADE: (Singing) Young man, it's been so heavy for you.
SIMON: Dedicated to her son.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "YOUNG LION")
SADE: (Singing) You must have felt so alone. The anguish and pain. I should have known.
SIMON: It's a very moving song.
BELL: It absolutely is. I mean, I'm always in tears when I listen to that song because I think it is something that I haven't heard in the world before. I haven't heard, like, a mother apologizing in that way for not knowing the truth of her child and just being really open and willing to make an apology like that.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "YOUNG LION")
SADE: (Singing) See how far you've come.
BELL: I've heard already many personal experiences from trans people who've connected with their parents that it's, like, sort of opened these moments to have conversation and dialogue and make apologies.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "YOUNG LION")
SADE: (Singing) Shine like a sun, young gun. So run down the mountains.
SIMON: This album's coming out as their court case is underway. The Supreme Court heard arguments on transgender care for minors last week and this week declined to hear a case on gender support plans in schools. Does that make it all the more important to have this album out from your point of view?
BELL: For me, as a trans person, this project is a love letter to all the people in my life. I think it definitely couldn't have come at a more needed time. I'm originally from a state that has put into law anti-trans legislation - Iowa - and I have seen firsthand the dangers and perils of that kind of legislation. And, you know, we didn't set out to make this project in the current climate. We started this project at the beginning of 2021. Yeah, it absolutely has felt like we need to have these kind of both, like, public stands of support for trans people, but also just these kind of beautiful messages that can sort of make trans people feel that there is love and support for them out there.
SIMON: And Eileen Myles, from your point of view, can music be an antidote to that?
MYLES: We carry music everywhere. We drive with it, we walk with it, we hear it after it's stopped playing. So I think music changes minds.
SIMON: Massima Bell, "Transa" producer, and the poet Eileen Myles. "Transa" is out now. Thank you both very much for being with us.
MYLES: Thank you.
BELL: Thank you for having us.
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "YOUNG LION")
SADE: (Singing) So close your eyes (arms open wide) and feel the light. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.kdll.org/2024-12-14/over-100-artists-came-together-to-create-the-46-song-collective-album-transa
| 2024-12-16T05:06:23Z
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Updated NFL Playoff picture after Texans beat Dolphins in Week 15
By Ryan Heckman
Week 15 saw plenty of NFL action take place with playoff implications on the line. One of the bigger games happened to be between the Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins, with the latter trying not to have their postseason hopes completely gashed before their eyes.
At one point, in the third quarter, the Texans led by a score of 20-6 over the Dolphins and things looked bleak. Then, Miami was able to put a scoring drive together with plenty of time left in the game, making it 20-12. When the Dolphins saw kicker Jason Sanders miss the extra point, though, it added an extra potential roadblock in any comeback attempt.
The Texans had no problem shutting the door on Miami, though, as cornerback Derek Stingley had one of the best games of his career and helped the defense stand tall. Stingley finished with five tackles (three solo), two tackles for loss, two pass breakups and two key, timely interceptions off Tua Tagovailoa.
Stingley's big day allowed the Texans to keep this one away from Miami and improve to 9-5, bringing them one step closer to winning the AFC South.
Speaking of a potential division crown, where do things stand in the playoff race after the Texans' win? Let's check in on current playoff positioning.
Current AFC Playoff standings after the Texans survive in Week 15 vs. Miami
1. Kansas City Chiefs (13-1)
2. Buffalo Bills (11-3)
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-4)
4. Houston Texans (9-5)
5. Baltimore Ravens (9-5)
6. Denver Broncos (9-5)
7. L.A. Chargers (8-6)
8. Indianapolis Colts (6-8)
9. Miami Dolphins (6-8)
10. Cincinnati Bengals (6-8)
*All other teams have been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention
Thanks to the Colts losing big time to the Broncos, Houston officially won the division with three weeks to spare.
Not only did the Texans clinch the AFC South, but they got a little bit of help from the Pittsburgh Steelers, who lost to the Philadelphia Eagles and dropped to 10-4. Now, the Texans have a legitimate shot to jump up to the no. 3 seed, should Pittsburgh continue helping them.
Houston will finish the season by traveling to take on the Kansas City Chiefs, hosting the Baltimore Ravens and finally a road matchup with the Tennessee Titans. One thing to keep in mind for Week 16? Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has a high-ankle sprain and his status is to be determined.
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https://torotimes.com/updated-nfl-playoff-picture-after-texans-beat-dolphins-week-15-01jf64eavxmc
| 2024-12-16T05:06:25Z
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Bitcoin has surged more than 50% since the November 5 election that saw Trump elected along with many other pro-crypto candidates
Photo: Reuters
Bitcoin surged to a record high above $106,000 on Monday after President-elect Donald Trump suggested he plans to create a US bitcoin strategic reserve similar to its strategic oil reserve, stoking the enthusiasm of crypto bulls.
Bitcoin, the world's biggest and best known cryptocurrency, hit a high of $106,533 and last traded up 3.2% to $104,462. Smaller crypto ether rose 1.5% to $3,965.
"We're in blue sky territory here," said Tony Sycamore, an analyst at IG. "The next figure the market will be looking for is $110,000. The pullback that a lot of people were waiting for just didn't happen, because now we've got this news."
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Investor sentiment also got a lift from the inclusion of MicroStrategy into the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 index that will likely lead to more inflows for the software firm turned bitcoin buyer.
Bitcoin and crypto have been catapulted into the spotlight as investors wager the incoming Trump administration will usher in a friendlier regulatory environment, boosting sentiment around the alternate currency. Bitcoin is up 192% for the year.
"We're gonna do something great with crypto because we don't want China or anybody else - not just China but others are embracing it - and we want to be the head," Trump told CNBC late last week.
When asked if he plans to build a crypto reserve similar to oil reserves, Trump said: "Yeah, I think so."
Governments around the world held 2.2% of bitcoin's total supply as of July, according to data provider CoinGecko, with the US possessing nearly 200,000 bitcoins valued at more than $20 billion at current levels.
China, UK, Bhutan and El Salvador are the other countries with significant amount of bitcoins, data site BitcoinTreasuries showed.
Other countries have also been considering cryptocurrency strategic reserves.
Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this month said the current US administration was undermining the role of the US dollar as the reserve currency in the global economy by using it for political purposes, forcing many countries to turn to alternative assets, including cryptocurrencies.
"For example, bitcoin, who can prohibit it? No one," Putin said.
There are skeptics though, with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell likening bitcoin to gold earlier this month. Analysts also point out that any such move will take time to implement.
"I think we still need to be cautious on a BTC strategic reserve, and at least consider that this is not likely to happen anytime soon," said Chris Weston, head of research at Pepperstone.
"Of course, any comment from Trump that offers an increased degree of hope that plans for a strategic reserve is evolving are an obvious a tailwind, but this would come with consequences which would need to be carefully considered and well telegraphed to market players."
Bitcoin has surged more than 50% since the November 5 election that saw Trump elected along with many other pro-crypto candidates. The total value of the cryptocurrency market has almost doubled over the year so far to hit a record over $3.8 trillion, according to CoinGecko.
Trump - who once labelled crypto a scam - embraced digital assets during his campaign, promising to make the US the "crypto capital of the planet."
Trump this month named a White House czar for artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies, former PayPal executive David Sacks, a close friend of Trump adviser and megadonor Elon Musk.
Trump also said he would nominate pro-crypto Washington attorney Paul Atkins to head the Securities and Exchange Commission.
On Friday, exchange operator Nasdaq said MicroStrategy will be added to the Nasdaq-100 Index, with the change coming into effect before the market opens on December 23.
MicroStrategy, an aggressive investor in the world's largest crypto asset, has seen its shares soar more than six-fold this year, taking its market value to almost $94 billion. It is now the largest corporate holder of the cryptocurrency.
ALSO READ:
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https://www.khaleejtimes.com/hi/business/cryptocurrency/bitcoin-surges-to-record-high-above-106000-on-hopes-of-a-us-strategic-reserve
| 2024-12-16T05:06:25Z
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The introduction of an 80% charging limit on Google Pixel phones with the Android 15 update was designed to prolong battery lifespan by mitigating degradation. However, users have observed that their devices sometimes exceed this threshold, charging up to 100%. This behavior, rather than being a flaw, serves a critical function in maintaining the battery’s accuracy and health.
Battery Health and Charging Limits
Limiting the charging capacity to 80% is a common practice among the top Android phones aimed at preserving battery health. Over time, batteries naturally degrade, and by setting a charge cap, the degradation process can be slowed, albeit not halted entirely. The option to set this limit became available to Pixel users with the recent Android 15 update, providing them with a tool to potentially extend their device’s battery life.
Why Pixels Sometimes Charge Beyond 80%
Contrary to concerns, the Pixels occasionally charging beyond the designated 80% is not due to a malfunction. This is a necessary step to recalibrate the battery’s estimated capacity. Essentially, the battery percentage displayed is not an exact measure but rather a calculated estimate that can deviate from the actual charge level. This discrepancy makes recalibrations crucial for ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of the battery management system.
Understanding Battery Capacity Measurements Battery health indicators rely on several methods to estimate the remaining charge:
- Voltage Measurement: This method gauges the battery’s voltage to determine its charge level. While helpful, it’s not entirely precise due to the non-linear drop in voltage as the battery discharges and other influencing factors like temperature and device load.
- Fuel Gauge Chips and Coulomb Counting: These chips provide a more accurate measure by tracking the charge flowing in and out of the battery. Manufactured by companies like Texas Instruments and Analog Devices, these chips are integral to smartphones’ battery management systems. Despite their accuracy, these chips require periodic recalibration to correct small drift errors that accumulate over time, which underscores the necessity of allowing the battery to charge fully occasionally.
The Necessity of Recalibration
Batteries are often misunderstood as static entities with unchanging capacities. In reality, a battery’s capacity can fluctuate based on several factors, including temperature and load. Regular recalibrations adjust for these variations, ensuring that the phone’s battery indicator remains as accurate as possible and preventing the device from shutting down prematurely.
The occasional override of the 80% charging cap by Google Pixel devices is a deliberate feature to recalibrate the battery’s capacity estimation. This recalibration is essential for maintaining both the accuracy of the battery percentage indicator and the overall health of the battery itself. Understanding these mechanisms allows users to better appreciate the complexities of modern smartphone battery management.
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https://www.pc-tablet.co.in/understanding-why-google-pixel-phones-may-exceed-the-80-charging-limit/52245/
| 2024-12-16T05:06:26Z
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Former England pacer and current Fox Cricket commentator, Isha Guha, found herself amidst controversy after making an unintended remark about India’s fast-bowling ace, Jasprit Bumrah, during Day 2 of the Gabba Test in Brisbane.
Responding to widespread criticism, Guha issued a heartfelt apology and clarified her intentions, emphasizing her respect for Bumrah and his accomplishments.
BET NOW: Bet here on the IND vs AUS Test series and win cash bonuses
What was the controversy?
While commenting on Bumrah’s pivotal role in India’s Test campaign, Guha referred to him as the “MVP - Most Valuable Primate.”
The comment sparked backlash on social media, with fans drawing parallels to the infamous "Monkey-gate" controversy from 2008. Many found the term offensive, leading to an uproar.
Guha’s remark, made while praising Bumrah’s importance to the Indian team, was part of a broader discussion about his impact in the ongoing series.
However, the unintended choice of words overshadowed her appreciation, forcing her to address the issue publicly.
MORE: What is India's record after opting to bowl first in Tests in Australia?
How did Isha Guha clarify and apologise to Jasprit Bumrah?
Before the start of play on Day 3, Guha made an on-air apology, expressing regret over her choice of words. She acknowledged that the term could be misinterpreted and clarified that her intentions were only to highlight Bumrah’s greatness.
Bet as you watch the thrilling India vs Australia Test cricket action here!
"Yesterday in commentary I used a word that can be interpreted in a number of different ways. I'd like to apologise for any offence caused. I set myself really high standards when it comes to empathy and respect of others." said Guha.
She further elaborated that she admires Bumrah immensely and intended her words to celebrate his achievements.
"If you listen to the full transcript I only meant the highest praise for one of India's greatest players. And someone that I admire greatly. I'm an advocate for equality and someone who has spent their career thinking about inclusion and understanding in the game," she added.
Guha went beyond just apologizing, emphasizing her commitment to inclusivity and respect within the game. Being of South Asian heritage herself, she explained that her words were not meant to hurt or malign.
"I was trying to frame the enormity of his achievement and I've chosen the wrong word. And for that I am deeply sorry. As someone who is also of south Asian heritage I hope people would recognise there was no other intention or malice there, and I hope this hasn't overshadowed what has been a great Test match so far - and I look forward to seeing how it progresses," Guha concluded.
Bet as you watch the thrilling India vs Australia Test cricket action here!
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https://www.sportingnews.com/au/cricket/news/jasprit-bumrah-isha-guha-clarifies-primate-comment-india-backlash/309cd22b06472f4db8273c63
| 2024-12-16T05:06:29Z
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RANCHI: To strengthen and improve the efficiency of state-run ambulance services in Jharkhand, health minister Irfan Ansari announced that they are exploring plans to set up dedicated zone-wise call centres.
On Saturday, Ansari met with chief minister Hemant Soren, who is on tour in Santhal Parganas. In a statement, Ansari said, "Following our discussion with the CM over improving the health sector, mainly to address the shortage and problems related to ambulance services, we are exploring plans to establish call centres by splitting the state into four zones. Each zone will take care of the concerns of that particular region," he said, adding that the plan is still at a very nascent stage and modalities are still to be fine-tuned.
The health dept will also increase its fleet of ambulances to cater to the growing needs.
"I have asked my department's secretary to prepare detailed plans in this regard. Healthcare services should be so robust that no patient suffers due to the unavailability of ambulances and can be accessed with one call," he said.
In another development, the minister, who is also an MLA from Jamtara, informed that efforts are on to establish a medical college and hospital in Mejhia, in his home constituency.
"A special team from the health department has been set up to study its feasibility and prepare an action plan for this project," he said, adding that the departmental team on Saturday inspected the site.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/jharkhand-govt-mulls-zone-wise-call-centres-to-enhance-ambulance-services/articleshow/116334129.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:06:29Z
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SCOTT SIMON, HOST:
Republicans like cutting taxes. They did it when Ronald Reagan was in office and again under George W. Bush. Donald Trump prioritized tax cuts when he was last in the White House, and he has promised more of them. Lawmakers will likely try to avoid ballooning the already large federal debt. However, NPR's Scott Horsley joins us. Scott, thanks so much for being with us.
SCOTT HORSLEY, BYLINE: Good to be with you.
SIMON: President-elect Trump promised to extend tax cuts he passed during his first term in office during this last campaign. Likely to get his way?
HORSLEY: He's likely to get at least some of what he promised. You know, right now the individual tax cuts that Trump pushed through back in 2017 are set to expire at the end of next year. So if Congress does nothing, a lot of people would see their taxes go up in 2026. Now, congressional Republicans don't want to let that happen, but extending all those cuts would reduce the government's revenues by more than $4 trillion over the next decade. And Joseph Rosenberg, who's with the Tax Policy Center, says even in Washington, that's enough to give lawmakers some heartburn.
JOSEPH ROSENBERG: They're really going to have to figure out if that's a price tag they're willing to swallow or if they need to scale back or find offsets for those tax cuts.
HORSLEY: Lawmakers could try to offset the $4 trillion by lowering spending or raising revenue elsewhere. They could also scale back the tax cuts by making them temporary. That's what they did in 2017, and that's why the cuts are now set to expire and why we're having this conversation.
SIMON: And in 2017, the Trump administration said the tax cuts would pay for themselves 'cause they would foster greater economic growth. Did that happen?
HORSLEY: Not even close. And that's one reason that the government was running nearly a trillion-dollar annual deficit even before the pandemic. Erica York is a senior economist at the Tax Foundation, which generally advocates lower taxes, but she concedes extending these individual tax cuts is not going to turbocharge economic growth.
ERICA YORK: We are talking about letting people keep more of their money, boosting their after-tax income, but it's not, like, a tax cut that's targeted at brand-new investment or a tax cut that has, like, a really large bang for the buck.
HORSLEY: In fact, congressional forecasters said a couple of weeks ago whether these tax cuts get extended or not won't make a big difference to the overall economy.
SIMON: What do you think lawmakers might do to try and help balance the cost?
HORSLEY: Well, they could roll back some of the green energy tax breaks that were added under the Biden administration. That might save up to a trillion dollars over a decade. They could also try to trim other federal spending, although Trump has already taken the biggest government programs off the table - Social Security and Medicare. The president-elect has also suggested he could use money from tariffs to replace some of the lost tax revenue. But Joseph Rosenberg notes that's putting money into people's left pocket only to take it out of their right.
ROSENBERG: There's pretty universal agreement that the main effect of tariffs is to increase prices on U.S. consumers. So that is going to further strain American households that, you know, are already struggling to buy food and other necessities.
SIMON: Scott, who benefits from the tax cuts in the end?
HORSLEY: You know, lots of people benefited from the 2017 tax cuts. The lion's share went to the wealthy, but working people saved money as well. For working families, though, those savings could be erased by the higher costs of Trump's tariffs.
SIMON: NPR's Scott Horsley. Thanks so much.
HORSLEY: You're welcome. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.kdll.org/2024-12-14/president-elect-trump-promised-to-extend-tax-cuts-but-how-will-the-government-make-up-a-4-trillion-loss-of-revenue
| 2024-12-16T05:06:29Z
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Who are the announcers and referees for Texans vs. Dolphins today?
By Randy Gurzi
The Houston Texans come out of their bye week ready for a four-game stretch to close out the season. Not everything has gone their way but at 8-5, they've put themselves in an excellent position to win the AFC South.
Houston needs to win two games or one with the Indianapolis Colts losing one, to lock up the division for the second year in a row. Their first chance to start reeling off those wins is Sunday as they host the Miami Dolphins in Week 15.
READ MORE: Recent struggles for Texans QB C.J. Stroud has former draft bust closing the gap
The game is going to be seen locally but the majority of the nation will watch the Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns. With this being one of the less televised games, let's see what crew CBS has assigned to the game.
Announcers for Texans vs. Dolphins
- Lead Play-by-Play Announcer: Kevin Harlan
- Color Commentators: Trent Green
- Sideline Reporter: Melanie Collins
Former NFL quarterback Trent Green will be on the call with Kevin Harlan. It's not a bad group by any means, even if they're not the station's No. 1 group.
Referees for Texans vs. Dolphins
Head Referee: Alex Kemp
This weekend, Alex Kemp will be the head referee as the Texans host the Dolphins. Kemp has been in the NFL since 2014 and was promoted to referee in 2018.
Here's a look at his full crew:
Umpire: Mike Morton
Down Judge: Robert Richeson
Line Judge: Rusty Baynes
Field Judge: Sean Petty
Side Judge: Lo van Pham
Back Judge: Scott Helverson
The resposinbities for each position can be found on the NFL Operations website.
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https://torotimes.com/who-are-the-announcers-and-referees-for-texans-vs-dolphins-today
| 2024-12-16T05:06:31Z
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SCOTT SIMON, HOST:
Leo Fife is sick, slightly cranky, an elderly man and much esteemed documentary filmmaker, when he decides to tell all about himself for a film made by a couple of his former students.
(SOUNDBITE OF FILM, "OH, CANADA")
RICHARD GERE: (As Leo Fife) I forget where I agreed to do this. Tell me why I agreed to do this.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: (As character) Mr. Fife agreed to make the interview because he's famous for something to do with cinema...
GERE: (As Leo Fife) Ah.
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR: (As character) ...And famous people have to make interviews.
SIMON: And Leo Fife says there's some kind - maybe more than one kind - of deceit at the center of his life and professional success as he winds through a tumble of recollections that may or may not be what he wants to say. "Oh, Canada" is the new film, starring Richard Gere, along with Uma Thurman and Jacob Elordi. It is directed by Paul Schrader. And Richard Gere, who has been one of the major stars of American film for five decades, joins us now. Mr. Gere, thanks so much.
GERE: Oh, my God, five decades. God, I am an old dog, aren't I?
SIMON: No. Neither old, nor dog. You have experience. That's how I prefer to put it. Nice to meet you. Thank you very much.
GERE: I've been around the block, Scott, and I assume you have too. So we got two old dogs that have been around the block.
SIMON: This film reunites you with Paul Schrader, with whom you worked on "American Gigolo" in 1980. It was your breakout hit. What was it like to work together again?
GERE: Well, talking about old dogs, you know (laughter), the two of us - that was 45 years ago. At this point, we kind of have our way of doing things. And it fell together very quickly. You know, Paul wrote a really beautiful script, and it touched me. And it was obviously coming from an emotional place for him, 'cause he was very close to Russell Banks, who wrote the book. And my father had just passed away a few months before Paul called me about this script. My dad was almost 101, and so I was in a kind of a raw state and trying to make sense of my dad's passing when, you know, we got together and decided to make this movie.
SIMON: I have read that your performance was inspired by your father in his later years. Would that be a good way to put it?
GERE: Well, I think, you know, in terms of his mental process and his physicality, yeah. I mean, I was kind of teaching people on the set - or how you deal with someone who's in a wheelchair or uses a walker and how you sit them on a toilet, the kind of patience it requires. That was fairly easy. My dad lived with me, so I was around his physicality a lot. But the mental state was what interested me more.
SIMON: Yeah.
GERE: And my dad was extremely alert up to the end. But his placement of time - it was no longer linear. Everything was kind of contrapuntal and expressionistic. Occasionally, he would get details that the rest of us in the family knew quite well - he would get them mixed up. They made emotional sense, but they didn't make literal sense. And I wanted to bring that kind of loosening of a very strict reality to this character.
(SOUNDBITE OF FILM, "OH, CANADA ")
UMA THURMAN: (As Emma) He confabulates, like he's dreaming. It's wrong to be doing this. Most of what he's saying is either misremembered or half invented. It's wrong to be filming this.
SIMON: Leo says at one point, I can't tell the truth unless that camera's on.
GERE: Yeah, he says that many times in this. I don't know if he can tell the truth anyway. It's one thing we question, I think, as the movie goes along. He has an emotional truth, I believe, that he's sharing. But I'm not sure if it's literal. But he's a movie guy. You know, he kind of stumbled into moviemaking. It was kind of an accident. And the truth is, there's an added element of responsibility when the camera is turning. We do expect a higher level of honesty and truth - whatever that is - between action and cut. And the way Leonard articulates it in here, he's really accepted this offer to make this documentary film - his last interview - as long as his wife is there.
SIMON: Yeah.
GERE: So to him, the film itself is irrelevant. He needs the camera, and he needs his wife. And he says whatever they do with this footage later, I don't really care.
SIMON: How much fun is making a film for you, after 50 years?
GERE: Yeah, I still love it. I love the mechanics of it. I love the metaphysics of it, of making realities and somehow communicating emotional, psychological truths in a two-hour format. I still get off on that, and I still love working with people, and I'm very careful about who I work with. And we almost always have a great time. We solve a scene or two every day when we film. And it's a creative and collective voyage we go on with the camera, with design, obviously with the writing, with the directing. You know, we all work together to solve this mystery of telling stories.
SIMON: And if I may, what's special about Paul working with...
GERE: Well, talk about curmudgeons. I mean, Paul is (laughter) - Paul is his own creature. He is kind of the ultimate movie guy, and he's very bright and extremely verbal, although on the set, you know, we didn't talk at all, really. When we started shooting, you know, we'd shoot, and I'd say, Paul, you want to do anything else? You want to try anything? He said, no, that's good. Let's move on. So that was about it. Best directors don't say anything anyhow.
You know, Robert Altman, we made a film together, "Dr. T & The Women." I came to the set from another job I was doing, and I was watching him shoot a scene with kids. And they were just terrific. And afterwards, I said, Bob, how did you do that? These kids are incredible. And he said, Richard, it's really very simple. Just don't tell them what to do. And I think that's true with actors, as well. You don't want to tell them what to do. You want to create the frame and a sense of confidence that that mysterious thing of life presents itself.
SIMON: Richard Gere - he stars in Paul Schrader's new film, "Oh, Canada," in theaters now. Thank you so much for being with us.
GERE: Thanks, Scott. I enjoyed it. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.kdll.org/2024-12-14/richard-gere-stars-in-paul-schraders-new-film-oh-canada
| 2024-12-16T05:06:32Z
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Vivo announced the global launch of the X200 and X200 Pro, its newest additions to the flagship X series. These models signify a major advancement in smartphone technology, featuring enhanced telephoto capabilities developed in collaboration with ZEISS, robust performance across various metrics, and an elegantly refined design.
Advanced Imaging Technology
The X200 series sets new standards in smartphone photography, integrating significant hardware and software upgrades. The collaboration with ZEISS has led to the development of the Vivo ZEISS Co-engineered Imaging System, which enables versatile and sophisticated photographic capabilities.
The X200 Pro is equipped with a trio of cameras: a 50 MP ZEISS True Color Main Camera, a 200 MP ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera, and a 50 MP Ultra Wide-Angle Camera. The X200 model features a similar setup with slightly different specifications, ensuring high-quality imaging across both devices.
Telephoto and Video Enhancements
The X200 Pro excels in telephoto photography, supported by the innovative vivo × Sony LYT-818 Sensor and its 200 MP resolution. This allows for detailed captures in various lighting conditions, promoting features like Telephoto HyperZoom and Telephoto Nightscapes among others.
Additionally, both models in the X200 series offer enhanced video capabilities, including 4K HDR Cinematic Portrait Video, ensuring users can record high-quality footage in any lighting.
Peak Hardware Performance
Both the X200 and X200 Pro are powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400, a flagship platform that ensures optimal performance and energy efficiency. The inclusion of the V3+ Imaging Chip enhances imaging processing capabilities, particularly for capturing cinematic quality videos.
Battery and Display Innovations
The series boasts significant improvements in its battery technology, utilizing 3rd-Gen Silicon Anode Technology and Semi-Solid Battery designs. The X200 Pro features a 6000 mAh battery, while the X200 includes a 5800 mAh battery, both supporting 90W FlashCharge, with the Pro model also offering 30W Wireless FlashCharge.
In terms of display, the X200 series screens are designed to deliver vivid colors and exceptional clarity, featuring up to 4500 nits brightness and UltraMotion Dynamic Frame Rate technology.
Software and User Interface
The new Funtouch OS 15 enhances user interaction with its visually refreshed design and performance optimizations, ensuring a smooth and responsive experience. The OS integrates seamlessly with Google Gemini for AI-driven productivity and creativity tools.
Design and Mobile Photography Awards
Reflecting Vivo’s commitment to elegance, the X200 series features an Equal-Depth Quad Curved Eye Protection Display, providing a stunning visual and ergonomic experience. Alongside the device launch, Vivo has also initiated the 2025 VISION+ Mobile PhotoAwards, encouraging creative expression through mobile photography.
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https://www.pc-tablet.co.in/vivo-x200-series-unveils-advanced-user-experience-with-state-of-the-art-technology/52211/
| 2024-12-16T05:06:34Z
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Despite the Eagles coming into Week 15 sitting at 11-2, there were a lot of negative storylines surrounding the squad.
Jalen Hurts and Philadelphia's passing game had struggled ab it over the past few weeks, and wide receiver A.J. Brown was at the center of talks about how the team could rejuvenate its air attack. That's exactly what the Eagles did on Sunday, as Hurts and Brown played key roles in a 27-13 win over the Steelers.
With the victory, Philadelphia improved to 12-2, staying alive in the race for the NFC's No. 1 seed. After the victory, Hurts and Brown each hinted at how they ended any criticism with their performance.
Here's what the Eagles' quarterback and wide receiver said following their win over Pittsburgh, plus a look at Hurts and Browns' numbers on Sunday.
MORE: How the Eagles' win over the Steelers impacted the AFC, NFC playoff races
Jalen Hurts postgame interview after win over Steelers
After the Eagles' scraped by the Panthers in Week 14 with some clear disconnects in their passing game, talks surrounding Hurts' passing ability and how the team can get Brown more involved heated up.
Hurts, certainly aware of the narratives and criticism surrounding the team despite its success, entered his postgame press conference on Sunday with a simple message: "So, that's what y'all wanted to see, huh?"
Jalen Hurts on the win vs. Pittsburgh 😅 pic.twitter.com/wR2HSH4p8B
— NFL (@NFL) December 16, 2024
Hurts found Brown for a touchdown pass in the first quarter against the Steelers, putting the talks of issues between the quarterback and receiver to rest.
F is for friends who do stuff together.
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 15, 2024
U is for U and Me.
N is for anywhere and anytime at all.@jalenhurts | @1kalwaysopen_ | #ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/0eBWoVCrdH
A.J. Brown says Eagles 'shut everyone up' with Week 15 win
Brown also had a brief chirp to reporters postgame about the Eagles' stars ending the talks of their passing game struggles.
After Brown scored his touchdown in the first quarter, he linked up with Hurts for a celebratory dance:
This TD celly from Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown 🔥 pic.twitter.com/TN2CRihTqJ
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 15, 2024
Postgame, Brown said the dance was the duo's moment to "tell everybody to shut up."
#Eagles WR A.J. Brown on his celebratory dance with Jalen Hurts after a TD catch: “That was our moment to tell everybody to shut up.” pic.twitter.com/FM6esnWZJO
— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) December 16, 2024
A.J. Brown stats vs. Steelers
- Targets: 11
- Receptions: 8
- Receiving yards: 110
- AVG: 13.8
- TDs: 1
Hurts certainly made it a point to feed Brown on Sunday, as the receiver's 11 targets were a season high and his most since Week 1.
Week 15 also marked Brown's fifth 100-yard receiving game of the season, and he caught his first touchdown pass since Week 12.
Jalen Hurts stats vs. Steelers
- Completions-attempts: 25-32
- Passing yards: 290
- Passing TDs: 2
- INTs: 0
- Rating: 125.3
- Carries: 15
- Rushing yards: 45
- Rush TDs: 1
Hurts had one of his most complete performances of the season against Pittsburgh, making an impact both in the air and on the ground.
His 290 passing yards were his most since Week 3 vs. New Orleans (311). Hurts also hasn't thrown an interception since Week 10, and he's now registered at least one rushing touchdown in 10 of the Eagles' 14 games.
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https://www.sportingnews.com/au/nfl/philadelphia-eagles/news/jalen-hurts-aj-brown-postgame-interviews-eagles-win-steelers/dbaad9e36cebe8547356232b
| 2024-12-16T05:06:35Z
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The Sharjah Police confirmed the incident and advised the public not to spread rumours
Multiple injuries were reported on Monday after a bus carrying construction workers was involved in an accident in Khorfakkan.
Taking to social media, the Sharjah Police confirmed the accident, but did not specify the casualties.
Advising residents to not spread rumours, the police said in an Instagram story sometime after midnight: “In cooperation with all relevant authorities, we are dealing with an accident of a bus carrying workers in Khorfakkan. We will provide you with the developments later. We are calling on members of the public to obtain information from official sources only.”
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According to social workers, the incident took place at a roundabout just before entering the city.
“The men, who were all Indians, were workers of a company which has its headquarters in Ajman,” said Saleem, a social worker with Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC). “The men had travelled to Ajman on their day off to visit the company HQ and do some shopping for food items in that area. They were returning a little after 8pm,” he added.
Saleem, who visited the workers admitted to Khorfakkan hospital, said that many of them were in a state of shock and unclear on the details.
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Nasreen Abdulla is a Special Correspondent covering food, tech and human interest stories. When not challenged by deadlines, you’ll find her pulling off submissions on the jiu jitsu mats.
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https://www.khaleejtimes.com/hi/uae/uae-multiple-injuries-reported-after-bus-accident-in-khorfakkan
| 2024-12-16T05:06:33Z
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VARANASI: Somak Bhattacharyya, a distinguished faculty member of the Electronics Department at IIT (BHU), Varanasi, was awarded the prestigious ‘Outstanding Volunteer Award for 2024’ by the IEEE Microwave Theory and Technology Society (MTT-S) Region-10, encompassing India and Sri Lanka.
According to the IIT (BHU) spokesperson, this esteemed recognition highlights Bhattacharyya's exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication to advancing microwave theory and technology in the region. The award was formally presented to him on December 12 during the Chapter Chairs meeting at the IEEE Microwaves, Antennas, and Propagation Conference (MAPCON) held at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of notable dignitaries, including IEEE MTT-S President Prof. Maurizio Bozzi from the University of Pavia and President-Elect Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Other distinguished attendees included Prof. Chinmoy Saha, MTT-S Region 10 Coordinator, Prof. Branislav M. Notaroš, Prof. Christopher Fumeaux, Prof. Yahia Antar, Prof. Jaleel Akhtar, Prof. Debatosh Guha, Prof. Jawad Siddiqui, and Ajay Poddar, who presented the award to Bhattacharyya.
Bhattacharyya’s efforts significantly advanced innovation, education, and collaboration within the field of microwave technology. As the faculty advisor of the IEEE MTT-S Student Branch Chapter (SBC) at IIT (BHU), he was pivotal in guiding the chapter to achieve outstanding milestones. Under his mentorship, the chapter received the Outstanding Chapter Award in 2022 from both IEEE MTT-S and the IEEE Uttar Pradesh Section.
Beyond his advisory role, Bhattacharyya actively contributes to the global MTT-S community. He serves as a member of the society’s Technical Program Committee, shaping the future of research and development in microwave technologies. His expertise is further recognised through his inclusion in the MTT-S Speakers Bureau (SB) Program, which highlights his influence and authority in the field.
This accolade is a testament to Bhattacharyya’s relentless commitment to fostering academic excellence, driving innovation, and nurturing collaboration within the microwave technology domain. His contributions not only elevated the stature of IIT (BHU) but also strengthened the region's position in the global microwave technology community.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/iit-bhu-faculty-honoured-with-the-ieee-mtt-s-outstanding-volunteer-award-for-2024/articleshow/116336288.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:06:35Z
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SCOTT SIMON, HOST:
I look forward all week to saying, and now it's time for sports.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
SIMON: Bill Belichick heads back to school. Juan Soto heads across town. Howard Bryant of Meadowlark Media joins us now. Howard, thanks so much for being with us.
HOWARD BRYANT: Good morning, Scott. You've got such a good sports voice. You should be a broadcaster.
SIMON: Nah, nah, there's no future in that...
BRYANT: (Laughter).
SIMON: ...As we both know. In any event, Bill Belichick - maybe the greatest coach in NFL history - is now a college coach - UNC, Tar Heels. I guess he's going to get $10 million, but there is a mixed bag in history of pro coaches who take over college programs, isn't there?
BRYANT: This is a really interesting call right here. Number one, you've got Bill Belichick going to a basketball school. The University of North Carolina is not known for its football...
SIMON: Yeah.
BRYANT: ...Even though he did - although, the greatest - maybe the greatest player of all time, Lawrence Taylor, did go there. But still, the bottom line is it was a very interesting call. But you look at it - Belichick's 72 years old, and he wants back in. I think this is what he knows. Bill Belichick is a football genius. This is the thing that he has done his whole life. And I think leaving New England the way he left, I think everybody assumed that there was going to be an NFL coaching job out there immediately - there wasn't. And I think that this was as much as - as good as he is on TV and as revered as he is in terms of his football knowledge, clearly he wants to be back in there. And then there's something else here, Scott, too, which - I know, once again, you don't have to qualify when you're Bill Belichick, and, you know, you've got six Super Bowls. But he's coached 11 seasons without Tom Brady - before Brady, after Brady and the one season...
SIMON: Wow.
BRYANT: ...And then in the one season where Brady was injured and missed the entire season outside of one play against Kansas City. He's had 8 losing seasons of those 11. And so I wonder if there's a piece of him that also wants to try this and to say, hey, you know, I've got a second act or a third act - however many acts you want to say Belichick has. But yes, but there's also a comp. If we go back and look at Bill Walsh, the great 49ers head coach, he went back to college, coached at Stanford and had a great first year, and then was 17 and 17 overall. So can you go home again? Do you have a second act? It'll be all very interesting to see what he does. And also in the new NIL world, it'll be...
SIMON: Right.
BRYANT: ...Interesting to also see how Bill Belichick deals with the fact that college players may have more power than some of the pro players that he controlled for all those years.
SIMON: To baseball - Juan Soto signed a 15-year deal worth at least $765 million with not the New York Yankees, not the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the New York Mets, who undoubtedly would have met it. What do you think - why do you think Juan Soto found the Mets' offer more appealing?
BRYANT: Do you think he's going to take the subway, a bus?
SIMON: (Laughter).
BRYANT: Is he going to get bus fare...
SIMON: I'm sure to save - yes.
BRYANT: ...Seven-hundred and sixty-five million?
SIMON: Sure. Everybody has to save a little cash these days. Yeah.
BRYANT: Well, I think that Juan Soto was going to go to the highest bidder. The Mets were by far the highest bidder. They were going to be the highest bidder. They'd been talking about Juan Soto going to the Mets even when he was still with the Yankees during the season. Everyone knew this was going to happen and just didn't know what the dollar amount was going to be and if the Yankees were still going to be the Yankees and top all offers. But I think the one thing that does come out of this as well from a Yankee standpoint is that, you know, George Steinbrenner has been dead since 2010, and this is not the same organization. They're not the spend-all George - King George, of the - you know, of the 1980s, or even the 1990s, 2000s. It's a different organization. The family business is still baseball, but they're more conservative, even though they did offer 760 million. But Juan Soto went to the highest bidder. I think he wanted to be in the National League as well. And I think that you look at in 2002, Scott Simon, the Boston Red Sox sold for 700 million, and now individual players are getting that much.
SIMON: Oh, my word. Howard Bryant of Meadowlark Media. Thanks so much, Howard. Talk to you soon, my friend.
BRYANT: My pleasure, Scott. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.kdll.org/2024-12-14/saturday-sports-belichick-to-coach-unc-juan-soto-joins-mets-college-football-playoffs-begin
| 2024-12-16T05:06:38Z
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The Seahawks' success in recent seasons has revolved around Geno Smith, but as the team took on the Packers in Week 15, its starting quarterback went down with an injury.
Smith left the Seahawks' Sunday night contest against Green Bay in the third quarter following a hit to his lower legs.
As Sam Howell stepped in under center for Seattle, Smith was ruled "questionable" to return by Seattle with a knee injury, but after going to the locker room, he came out and remained on the bench, grimacing and shaking his head in discomfort. Smith didn't return to the game.
Here are the latest updates on Smith after he left Sunday's matchup against the Packers.
NFL HQ: Live NFL scores | Updated NFL standings | Full NFL schedule
Geno Smith injury update vs. Packers
Around the midway point of the third quarter, Seattle trailed Green Bay 20-3, looking to get back in the game. Smith dropped back to make a pass, but he quickly faced pressure on a first down.
As two Packers defenders converged on him, LB Edgerrin Cooper got to Smith first, reaching his legs on a diving tackle attempt and appearing to grab at Smith's right ankle.
Smith left for the sidelines after the play, with Howell subbing in.
Geno Smith went down with what looks to be a lower leg injury after this play. He was able to walk off of the field with help from trainers. pic.twitter.com/0Hgv7YK4WK
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) December 16, 2024
MORE: Will Seahawks re-sign Geno Smith?
Soon after, Smith went back to Seattle's locker room. The team ruled him "questionable" to return with a knee injury, but that marked the end of his night.
NBC sideline reporter Melissa Stark reported that after Smith returned to the sideline, he tried to jog in place, but he quickly found a spot on the bench, where he grimaced in pain. At one point, he could be seen shaking his head in discomfort.
Geno Smith isn’t okay… he has been grimacing on the sideline for the last 5 minutes 😬 pic.twitter.com/AsBLLB7EtH
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) December 16, 2024
After the game, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said Smith's injury "looks like it's OK" structurally, but the quarterback will get tests done on Monday.
Mike Macdonald said of Geno Smith’s knee: “Structurally, it looks like it’s OK.” Said Smith will get tests done tomorrow. Unclear now whether or not he’ll have to miss time. pic.twitter.com/YhGTBpaguV
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) December 16, 2024
It remains to be seen if Smith will miss further time. With Seattle still in contention to win the NFC West, his health could become a significant storyline ahead of next week's game vs. Minnesota.
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https://www.sportingnews.com/au/nfl/seattle-seahawks/news/geno-smith-injury-update-seahawks-qb-packers-knee/fbf54721f126ecc2a9623f4e
| 2024-12-16T05:06:41Z
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VARANASI: Operation Dronagiri kick-off meeting in Varanasi, a landmark initiative aimed at transforming agriculture and transport through cutting-edge geospatial data solutions, achieved a significant milestone with the successful conclusion of its kick-off meeting on Saturday. The event, chaired by Srikant Sastri, Chairman of the Geospatial Data Promotion and Development Council (GDPDC), brought together key stakeholders to chart the path forward for the on-ground implementation of the project.
The meeting received strong support from the district magistrate S. Rajalingam and the director of the Uttar Pradesh Geospatial Directorate (UP GD), D.N. Pathak. It was attended by representatives from district administration, state-level departments, Department of Science and Technology – Geospatial Innovation Cell (GIC), Survey of India (SOI) U.P. Geospatial Directorate, corporate partners, and the SOI-GDPDC Secretariat.
The Geospatial Data-sharing Interface (GDI) Platform, a cornerstone of Operation Dronagiri, made significant progress, now hosting over 300 datasets from more than 19 providers, with over 50 additional datasets in the pipeline. Recent additions include high-resolution drone imagery provided by IdeaForge, offering a Ground Sampling Distance (GSD) of 5 cm.
Corporate partners such as ITC, HDFC Bank, SBI General, LCB Fertilisers, DeHaat, Satsure, Cropin, Delhivery, and Bentley are playing significant roles in operationalising these capabilities in Varanasi and have actively participated. The initiative aims to leverage geospatial data to enhance logistics and agricultural productivity, benefiting local farmers and businesses.
The event aimed to introduce the objectives and transformative potential of Operation Dronagiri, highlighting the advanced capabilities of the GDI platform. Key discussions focused on the operational implementation of use cases in agriculture and transport, emphasising the integration of geospatial solutions to address sector-specific challenges.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to identify the support required from local Varanasi departments to ensure seamless execution on the ground. Additionally, participants reviewed the availability of datasets from state departments in agriculture and transport, exploring their onboarding onto the GDI platform to further enhance
data-driven decision-making and sectoral impact.
The collaboration among district administration officers, state departments, and corporate partners underscores a shared commitment to utilising geospatial data for impactful, cross-sectoral use cases. With enhanced data availability and advanced analytics, Operation Dronagiri aims to optimise logistics operations, improve farm advisory services, farm lending, and farm insurance use cases, and improve infrastructure with the utility of digital twin. The outcomes of this meeting pave the way for actionable solutions that will transform agriculture, transport, and other sectors, making Varanasi a model for geospatial-led development in India.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/launching-the-future-of-agriculture-and-transport-operation-dronagiris-inaugural-meeting-in-varanasi-/articleshow/116336450.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:06:41Z
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WhatsApp, the globally acclaimed messaging platform, has introduced a series of innovative updates aimed at enriching the voice and video calling experience for its vast user base. These updates are designed to make interactions both enjoyable and versatile, affirming WhatsApp’s commitment to staying at the forefront of communication technology.
Selective Group Calling
One of the notable enhancements is the ability to make selective group calls. Users within a group chat can now initiate calls to specific members without including the entire group. This feature provides flexibility and privacy, catering to the user’s preference for smaller, more focused conversations.
Interactive Video Call Effects
Video calls have also received a fun upgrade. Users can now enhance their calls with various interactive effects, reminiscent of features found on platforms like Snapchat. These effects, along with the ability to change backgrounds during calls, add a layer of personalization and fun, making every call unique.
Simplified Desktop Calling
Additionally, WhatsApp has streamlined the process of making calls via desktop. Desktop calling is now more accessible with options to easily start a call, generate a call link, or dial a number directly from the computer interface. This improvement is particularly beneficial for users who prefer or need to make calls from their PCs, blending convenience with functionality.
Broader Technological Horizons
In related developments, India is set to welcome new technological advancements with the anticipated launch of Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink. This move, supported by recent governmental announcements regarding satellite internet operations, is expected to expand internet accessibility across the nation.
WhatsApp’s latest updates significantly enhance the user experience by introducing selective group calling, interactive video call effects, and improved desktop calling functionalities. These features not only enrich the way users communicate daily but also underscore WhatsApp’s commitment to innovation and user satisfaction. As the platform continues to evolve, it remains a vital tool in the digital communication landscape, constantly adapting to meet the needs and preferences of its billions of users worldwide.
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https://www.pc-tablet.co.in/whatsapp-enhances-communication-new-calling-features-for-an-improved-user-experience/52219/
| 2024-12-16T05:06:41Z
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The interim leader made the announcement during a broadcast on state television
Photo: AFP file
Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus, who heads the caretaker government installed after an August revolution, said Monday that general elections would be held late next year or in early 2026.
Pressure has been growing on Nobel Peace Prize winner Yunus — appointed the country's "chief adviser" after the student-led uprising that toppled ex-premier Sheikh Hasina in August — to set a date.
The 84-year-old microfinance pioneer is leading a temporary administration to tackle what he has called the "extremely tough" challenge of restoring democratic institutions in the South Asian nation of some 170 million people.
"Election dates could be fixed by the end of 2025 or the first half of 2026," he said in a broadcast on state television.
Hasina, 77, fled by helicopter to neighbouring India as thousands of protesters stormed the prime minister's palace in Dhaka.
Her government was also accused of politicising courts and the civil service, as well as staging lopsided elections, to dismantle democratic checks on its power.
Hasina's 15-year rule saw widespread human rights abuses, including the mass detention and extrajudicial killings of her political opponents.
Yunus has launched commissions to oversee a raft of reforms he says are needed, and setting an election date depends on what political parties agree.
"Throughout, I have emphasised that reforms should take place first before the arrangements for an election," he said.
"If the political parties agree to hold the election on an earlier date with minimum reforms, such as having a flawless voter list, the election could be held by the end of November," he added.
But including the full list of electoral reforms would delay polls by a few months, he said.
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https://www.khaleejtimes.com/hi/world/asia/bangladesh-to-hold-elections-in-late-2025-or-early-2026-says-yunus
| 2024-12-16T05:06:41Z
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VARANASI: For the first time in the Purvanchal region, deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery was performed by a team of doctors at the Sir Sunderlal Hospital, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University. This significant milestone marks a new era in advanced neurological care at the institution.
The surgery was performed by the doctors of the departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery under the able guidance of the IMS Director Prof SN Shankhwar and Medical Superintendent Prof KK Gupta. Prof Deepika Joshi and Dr Anand Kumar from the department of Neurology, Dr Nityanand Pandey from the department of Neurosurgery, Dr Naren Naik, consultant neurosurgeon from Global Hospitals Mumbai, and Prof RK Dubey from Anaesthesia, along with the Medtronics India team, were involved in the procedure, which lasted for almost 7-8 hours.
Other faculty from Neurology who were part of the team include Prof VN Mishra, Prof RN Chaurasia, Prof Abhishek Pathak (HOD), Dr Varun Kumar Singh, and senior residents Dr Janki Makani and Dr Arpan Mitra.
Prof Shankhwar said that DBS is an established US FDA-approved safe neurosurgical procedure for patients with advanced disease in whom medical treatment fails to provide adequate symptom control and good quality of life, or in whom medical therapy induces severe side effects such as dyskinesias.
DBS is a surgical procedure in which the neurosurgeon implants a medical device called a neurostimulator to send electrical signals to specific areas of the brain. This technology has proven highly effective in treating a range of neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor and dystonia.
“We are also delighted to announce that the procedure was done under
Ayushman Bharat Yojana, under which expenditures were taken care of. BHU remains committed to providing cutting-edge neurological care and improving the quality of life for patients with neurological disorders. This successful DBS surgery is a testament to the institution’s dedication to innovation and patient care,” he said.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/pioneering-deep-brain-stimulation-surgery-for-parkinsons-disease-conducted-at-bhus-sir-sunderlal-hospital-/articleshow/116335560.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:06:43Z
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SCOTT SIMON, HOST:
The world is on fire, in the assessment of the International Rescue Committee in their annual watch list of areas around the globe that are in crisis. The IRC says that more than 300 million people need humanitarian assistance. David Miliband is president and CEO of the IRC. Of course, also the former British foreign secretary. And he joins us from New York. Mr. Miliband, thanks so much for being with us.
DAVID MILIBAND: Yeah, good to be with you again, Scott.
SIMON: Let's begin with the countries that your assessment says face the greatest needs. And you begin with Sudan.
MILIBAND: Yes. The watch list of the 20 countries at greatest risk of humanitarian catastrophe in the year ahead is topped by Sudan. It's a country that has 30 million people in humanitarian need. That means they depend on international aid organizations like the International Rescue Committee to survive. As you've covered on your show, there's a civil war in Sudan. It started about 21 months ago. It pits not just domestic fighters against each other - different factions of the previous governing coalition - but they're backed by regional powers. So the arms supply is huge.
And the refugee flows into very poor countries next door - South Sudan and Chad - is growing by the day. There's now 1 1/2 to 2 million refugees in the neighboring states. It's a war at the moment without any clear end. And it's a symbol of how the world is out of balance because hard power, military might, is overrunning diplomacy. It's exacerbated by the climate crisis. And civilians, rather than soldiers, are bearing the brunt of the fighting.
SIMON: What other areas would you like us to pay attention to this year?
MILIBAND: Well, the top five of our watch list is, first of all, Sudan, then Gaza and the West Bank together, then Myanmar, then Syria and then South Sudan. And so let me just say a word about the Syrian case because it's interesting. For the last four or five years, people have said to us, why is Syria still on your list?
We never took Syria off the list, but we never believed that the war was over. Commentators said President Assad has won, the conflict is finished. We said, no, 16 million people were still in humanitarian need, and the events in Syria have shown just how brittle was the situation and have proven that unmet humanitarian need is eventually a source of political instability.
And, of course, you've got refugees from Lebanon and Jordan or even from Germany thinking about going home and, in some cases, going home. So you've got tumult in Syria with all of the questions that arise when a state collapses, and when armed opposition groups take over, and when words about respecting the diversity of Syria need to be turned into action.
SIMON: One of the many statistics in this report that just stop a reader - 77.9 million people needed humanitarian assistance in 2015. That number has grown to over 300 million today. What are some of the reasons for that staggering increase?
MILIBAND: The staggering figures that you reflect on are really important to understand. The biggest driver has been conflict. It's a striking fact that in the world today if you're born in a stable state, a stable country, your chances of being in poverty are falling. But in fragile and conflict states, they've been rising. Since the early 2000s, there's been an over 80% increase in extreme poverty in conflict-ridden states. That conflict is exacerbated by the climate crisis.
In the Central Sahel region of Africa, the average rise in temperature has been over 50% greater than the global average rise in temperature. And we're seeing more and more extreme weather events. If you're living in one of these countries, you're more likely to be a victim of an extreme weather event than if you're elsewhere, and you've got less resilience, less investment in adaptation to help you get through it.
SIMON: David, I know you travel. Is there a scene? Is there a person or group of people that particularly stay with you?
MILIBAND: The most recent visit I did was to southern Mexico. I was meeting people who were coming across the border from Guatemala to Mexico. They came mainly from Latin America, and I just can't get out of my mind a Venezuelan woman. She was called Paola (ph). She was a political dissident in Venezuela eight years ago. And she said to me, for seven years, I'd forgotten and lost sight of the fact that migrants are allowed to have dreams, too. Refugees can have dreams. And she's now participating in a livelihood program that we ran, and she's now got a part time job.
That sticks in my mind, and I think it's important to offer that because it would be obvious for me to say, yes, I've got the image of a starving child. But we've got to focus not just on the suffering, which is intense, but it's doubly frustrating, it's doubly wrong. Because in many cases, we know what needs to be done about it, and that's the challenge that we're laying down in this report. It's not just a planning report for the International Rescue Committee. It's a call to action for the wider world.
SIMON: David Miliband from the International Rescue Committee. Thanks so much for being with us.
MILIBAND: Thanks so much, Scott.
(SOUNDBITE OF CODY NASH SONG, "KIDS (FEAT. ROB VIKTUM)") Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.kdll.org/2024-12-14/the-international-rescue-committee-warns-the-world-is-on-fire
| 2024-12-16T05:06:44Z
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College Football Hall of Famer quarterback Joe Theismann gave two free cars to U.S. military veterans Friday to celebrate Saturday's 125th Army-Navy Game.
Theismann, who played against both Army and Navy multiple times during his decorated career at Notre Dame, showed up at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., Friday to deliver the gifts.
Fellow former Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III joined Theismann, and the duo handed over the keys of two retrofitted vehicles to local active-duty military families.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Theismann presented a 2024 Chevy Malibu to Navy Seaman Matthew Walker and his family, while Griffin gave a 2023 Chevy Equinox to Army Specialist Caleb Dooley and his family.
The gifts were part of the Recycled Rides campaign in partnership with USAA.
JD VANCE CONFIRMS DANIEL PENNY WILL ATTEND ARMY-NAVY GAME AFTER ACQUITTAL IN SUBWAY CHOKEHOLD TRIAL
Theismann told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview how "special" the giveaway is to him as someone who has great admiration for military members, especially on the eve of a historic anniversary for the Army-Navy game.
"The service members will have transportation which they sorely need," Theismann said.
Theismann says the Army-Navy matchup is his favorite game this year.
"It's a competitive rivalry, it always has been," Theismann said. "When we played the academy, there's never any quit, we managed to run up some scores and put some numbers up, but it didn't matter to the academy. They were there fighting from kickoff to the end of the game."
No. 19 Army (11-1) won the American Athletic Conference championship with a 35-14 victory against Tulane Dec. 6. Navy (8-3) started 6-0 this season.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
This year's Army-Navy game will also feature in-person appearances by President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance.
Vance also announced in a post on X that Marine veteran Daniel Penny will be joining him and Trump in their suite at the game. Penny has recently drawn national attention after being acquitted for manslaughter for protecting New York City subway riders from Jordan Neely.
This will also mark Trump’s fifth time attending the Army-Navy game. He first attended in 2016 and appeared three times during his first presidency.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
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https://www.foxnews.com/sports/nfl-legend-joe-theismann-gives-free-cars-service-members-army-navy-game
| 2024-12-16T05:06:47Z
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The start of the 2025 NRL season is now a touch over two months away, which means a new game of SuperCoach is also looming on the horizon.
The Sporting News has compiled a comprehensive guide on how to play NRL SuperCoach in 2025.
NOTE: All instructions are based on The Daily Telegraph's NRL SuperCoach game.
2025 PREDICTED TEAM LISTS : Broncos | Raiders | Bulldogs | Dolphins | Sharks | Titans | Sea Eagles | Storm | Knights | Cowboys | Eels | Panthers | Rabbitohs | Dragons | Roosters | Warriors | Tigers
When does NRL SuperCoach 2025 start?
The SuperCoach competition coincides with the start of the NRL season, with the meeting between Canberra and New Zealand on Sunday, March 2nd in Las Vegas ushering in a brand-new campaign.
The two variations of the game revolve around the Classic version, where each person is given an identical salary cap in which to build their squad, and the Draft version that doesn’t adhere to the cap and instead focuses on unique player selections.
The SuperCoach game will open to the general public in January with players able to make their selections and change their teams as much as they want right up until the cut-off for Round 1.
SuperCoach Plus subscribers will have access to the game in mid-December to get a jump on their competition.
How to play NRL SuperCoach Classic
Once you’ve registered on the website, you’re faced with the first big decision of the game, coming up with a team name.
You also get to choose your experience level; beginner, intermediate or expert which will better align you to other players in public leagues that you can choose to enter with your team.
When this has been done, you will be taken through to the ‘My Team’ portal where the fun really begins- picking a 26-man squad.
You will need to build a roster within the assigned salary cap with a range of players slotted into the seven positions within the game, as well as populating your bench.
NOTE: Select players have dual position status which gives you the freedom to select them across a maximum of two different positions.
There will be four opportunities for positions to be amended to align with an individual’s actual positioning within the NRL. These four positional updates will occur before Round 1, 6, 12 and 18.
For a player to be handed an extra position within the game, they must start in a position three times for this to translate in SuperCoach.
How to join a league
Upon registering for SuperCoach, you'll automatically be added to a public league. However, you can also create/join a private league as well, via the 'Leagues' page.
Joining a private league requires a code, which the league administrator was provided upon creating it.
Most are head-to-head leagues, where each week you will play another SuperCoach player and attempt to outscore them with your team for competition points as you try to finish on top of the ladder.
How to score points in NRL SuperCoach
What is the salary cap for NRL SuperCoach 2025?
Last year’s $11.65 million cap has increased to $11.80 million to mirror the actual rise in the NRL.
Only 17 players will accumulate points each week, but it is important to make wise selections with your remaining nine players who will provide backup and ideally earn cash from the reserves.
What changes have been made for NRL SuperCoach in 2025?
There has been one major change made for the 2025 NRL SuperCoach season with a 'Flex' player introduced that will alter the way the game is played.
The Flex player will act as an 18th man for SuperCoach players with squads increasing from 25 to 26 players in a roster and 18 players being picked each week as opposed to 17.
This will essentially reduce the chance of a player impacting upon a weekly total score due to an early injury with scores made up of the best scoring 17 of your 18 on-field players.
NRL SuperCoach 2025 Classic: Tips and strategies
- Cheap rookies should be your bread and butter: Stack your bench with cheap 'Cash Cows' who will earn you money while your big names notch the big scores. You only have to play 18 of your 26 players each week, meaning that the rookies can make cash even if they don’t score massively. If you choose wisely, you can then upgrade your cheapies with gun players in the future to improve your squad.
- Do your research on big names: Try not to get caught selecting a player purely on the basis of their popularity. Superstar status on-field doesn't always equate to SuperCoach value. You will need a healthy mix of superstars of the game, rookies and everything in between.
- Don’t burn your trades too early: Every trade is crucial, so make sure to not make rash changes early on as they will be needed around the Origin period and then heading into the business end of the campaign.
- Monitor breakevens: This is the most useful method in which to predict price changes within the market and make money with your team.
What are breakevens in NRL SuperCoach?
A breakeven is the number that determines how a player’s value fluctuates. It is the approximate score the player has to reach for his price not to fall in value.
For example, if a player’s breakeven is 65 and they score 50, their price will come down. If a player has a breakeven of 40 and they score 60, their price will rise.
They must play a minimum of three games, and each breakeven is determined on a three-round rolling average.
What is the prize for winning NRL SuperCoach?
A $50,000 first prize jackpot was on offer for the SuperCoach player who finished on top of the pile at the end of the home-and-away season in 2024.
Second spot in the overall standings netted $5,000, while those who finished in third to 10th each picked up $1,000.
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https://www.sportingnews.com/au/rugby-league/news/nrl-supercoach-2025-guide-how-play-score-points-strategies/29ea8d30554668e45b08ee98
| 2024-12-16T05:06:47Z
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Here are the latest redeem codes for Garena Free Fire so that you can enjoy exclusive rewards only for today 16 December 2024.
Garena Free Fire is one of the hottest battle royale game on the market, and its popularity has skyrocketed in India, especially in the wake of Pubg Mobile India’s absence.
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
Players are jumping at the chance to form their own strategies and make their mark on the virtual battlefield.
And with the help of Free Fire redeem codes, they can gain access to exclusive rewards such as diamond hacks, royale vouchers, and more.
All you have to do is copy and paste the code onto the official Free Fire redemption website, and you can unlock a world of rewards.
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
Act fast, though, as these codes are only valid for today (today) and reach their maximum redemption limit quickly.
So don’t wait – get your Free Fire redeem codes today and unlock your full potential!
Free Fire Redeem Code for Today 16 December, 2024 :
- FFW4FST9FQY2 – Bunny Warrior Bundle
- FTY7FGN4XKHC – Legendary Frostfire Polar Bundle
- VY2KFXT9FQNC – Golden Grace Shotgun
- FFPSTXV5FRDM – Pushpa Emote – Hargiz Jhukega Nahi Plus Gloo Wall – Fire Hai Main
- FXK2NDY5QSMX – Yellow Poker MP40 Flashing Spade
- FFPSYKMXTP2H – Pushpa Bundle + Glue Wall Skin
- FY9MFW7KFSNN – Cobra Bundle
- FW2KQX9MFFPS – Pushpa Voice Pack
- XF4SWKCH6KY4 – LOL Emote
- YFW2Y7NQFV9S – Cobra MP40 Skin + 1450 Tokens
- GXFT7YNWTQSZ – EVO UMP Gun Skin + 2170 Tokens
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https://nenow.in/free-fire/garena-free-fire-max-redeem-codes-for-december-16-2024.html
| 2024-12-16T05:06:47Z
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Xiaomi is gearing up to introduce a new addition to its Redmi Note 14 series, the Redmi Note 14 4G. This model is expected to be the most affordable option within the lineup, offering substantial improvements in performance compared to the Redmi Note 13 4G. Insights from 91mobiles, along with analysts Paras Guglani and Sudhanshu Ambhore, have provided early details about this device, which is set to make its mark less than a year after its predecessor’s announcement.
Enhanced Battery and Charging Capabilities
The upcoming Redmi Note 14 4G is rumored to feature a robust 5,500 mAh battery, which represents a 10% increase over the previous model. However, it will maintain the same 33 W wired charging capability, which might extend the charging time compared to the Redmi Note 13 4G.
Display and Durability Upgrades
In terms of display and durability, Xiaomi plans to upgrade from Corning Gorilla Glass 3 to Gorilla Glass 5, enhancing the device’s resistance to drops. The smartphone is expected to retain the 6.67-inch and 1080p AMOLED display, boasting a 120 Hz refresh rate and an in-display fingerprint scanner for added security and smoother user interaction.
Performance Enhancements
Under the hood, the Redmi Note 14 4G will be powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 Ultra chipset, which is anticipated to deliver over 30% faster performance than its predecessor. Xiaomi plans to offer this model in two variants: one with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, and another with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage.
Release and Availability
While the release date for the Redmi Note 14 4G remains uncertain, Xiaomi’s strategy to roll out such promising upgrades in its budget smartphone segment continues to capture the interest of its target market.
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 4G is poised to be a significant upgrade over its predecessor, offering budget-conscious consumers improved features without compromising on cost. With enhancements in battery life, charging capabilities, display quality, and overall performance, this model is set to deliver exceptional value. As Xiaomi continues to innovate within its Redmi series, the anticipation for the Redmi Note 14 4G reflects the brand’s commitment to providing affordable yet powerful smartphones. This upcoming release is sure to attract attention from both current Xiaomi fans and potential new customers looking for a reliable, feature-packed device.
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https://www.pc-tablet.co.in/xiaomi-to-refresh-redmi-note-14-series-with-new-budget-4g-smartphone-release/52223/
| 2024-12-16T05:06:48Z
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VARANASI: In a joint action by the Jalalpur and Newadhiya police, three inter-district thieves were arrested following an encounter in which one of them, Raju Banvasi, suffered a bullet injury in the leg in Jaunpur district on Sunday early morning.
Jaunpur SP Ajay Pal Sharma said that Inspector Jalalpur Ghananand Tripathi and his team were on night patrol in the Mahrev market area when SO Newadhiya Amit Kumar Pandey also arrived there upon receiving information regarding the gathering of criminals near the Purev canal bridge. The joint team of cops raided the Purev culvert, where they noticed three individuals sitting under a tree.
Upon seeing the police, they tried to escape by opening fire on the police team. The police also retaliated in a similar manner in self-defence, during which one, identified as Raju Banvasi, suffered bullet injuries in the leg. The cops also arrested his two other accomplices, Ashok Banwasi and Bansilal, and rushed Banvasi to the district hospital.
The police recovered a country-made pistol, a live cartridge, cash amounting to Rs 30,000, and burglary tools from them. Many cases of theft were lodged against Raju and Banshi with the police. They confessed to their involvement in many theft cases.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/varanasi/uttar-pradesh-3-inter-district-thieves-arrested-after-encounter-in-jaunpur-1-injured/articleshow/116336198.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:06:49Z
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SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
The film "Nickel Boys" tells the story of two teens trying to survive at a racist Florida reform school. It's based on Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize-winning 2019 novel. But critic Bob Mondello says filmaker RaMell Ross makes the tale his own with an unorthodox arthouse approach.
BOB MONDELLO, HOST:
In most films, you get to know characters...
(SOUNDBITE OF FILM, "NICKEL BOYS")
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #1: (As character) Elwood.
MONDELLO: ...By seeing them. In "Nickel Boys," you get to know the main character by seeing what he sees. Filmmaker RaMell Ross' camera gives you not his leading character's face, but his point of view, starting with shots of an orange hanging on a branch seen from underneath.
(SOUNDBITE OF FILM, "NICKEL BOYS")
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #1: (As character) C'mon, it's me, El.
MONDELLO: We're in Tallahassee, Florida, and Elwood, the boy lying on the ground looking up, is a smart, curious kid.
(SOUNDBITE OF FILM, "NICKEL BOYS")
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #1: (As character) He's out back, looking like he fell out.
MONDELLO: It's 1962, so this is the segregated South where Elwood is expected to step off the sidewalk and into the street if a white person is walking near him. But all around, Elwood sees evidence that the world is changing. Images on TV screens at an electronic store of Martin Luther King Jr. - when Elwood stops to watch, we catch a glimpse of him reflected in the windowpane.
(SOUNDBITE OF FILM, "NICKEL BOYS")
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR: (As himself) It will not be long because truth crushed to earth will rise again.
MONDELLO: Elwood's world will change as he grows. When he's 16, a teacher tells him about a nearby college that's opened up courses to high-achieving high school students. And Elwood, played by Ethan Herisse, leaps at the opportunity, only to find he's leapt into an abyss. Hitchhiking to school on his first day, he accepts a ride in a flashy turquoise Impala...
(SOUNDBITE OF FILM, "NICKEL BOYS")
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #2: (As character) Keep your eyes down.
ETHAN HERISSE: (As Elwood) OK, OK.
MONDELLO: ...Only discovering when it's pulled over that it was stolen.
(SOUNDBITE OF FILM, "NICKEL BOYS")
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #2: (As character) Don't look back.
HERISSE: (As Elwood) What do you mean?
MONDELLO: Unjustly charged as an accomplice in the theft, he's sent not to college, but to Nickel Academy, a segregated reform school based on Florida's notoriously brutal Dozier School for Boys. At Nickel, Black kids who ask questions always suffer and sometimes disappear.
(SOUNDBITE OF FILM, "NICKEL BOYS")
UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #3: (As character) You mess up, and we have a place for you, and you will not like it.
MONDELLO: We're about a half hour in at this point, and we still haven't seen Elwood's face, except in reflections - that electronic store windowpane, the curved side of his Nana's stainless steel iron as it glides across her ironing board. We've seen him, in other words, when he sees him. Then at Nickel, he meets a boy named Turner, played by Brandon Wilson, and finally, someone else sees him. And when the filmmaker gives Turner his own point of view, we do, too.
There's a history here of Hollywood not seeing Black characters through their own eyes. With his point-of-view approach, filmmaker Ross isn't doing something no one's done before, but it's been done so seldom in commercial movies that it feels revelatory in "Nickel Boys" to have the camera tell us things in an expressionist way. In the beginning, an optimistic Elwood is always looking up, so the camera is, too. As Turner shows him how to avoid the brutality at Nickel, he and the camera mostly look down. But Elwood's also finding his voice.
(SOUNDBITE OF FILM, "NICKEL BOYS")
HERISSE: (As Elwood) It's not like the old days. We can stand up for ourselves.
BRANDON WILSON: (As Turner) And it barely works out there. What do you think it's going to do in here?
HERISSE: (As Elwood) You say that 'cause you got no one out there sticking up for you.
MONDELLO: Nana does try to stick up for Elwood, and actress Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor makes the effort heartbreaking.
(SOUNDBITE OF FILM, "NICKEL BOYS")
AUNJANUE ELLIS-TAYLOR: (As Hattie) I let you down.
HERISSE: (As Elwood) I'm OK, Nana.
ELLIS-TAYLOR: (As Hattie) El, I let you down.
HERISSE: (As Elwood) No. No, I'm OK.
MONDELLO: He's not, and you see that not in his visage, but in hers. There's more to Ross' film than arthouse technique. He's mining history, righting film industry wrongs and asking the audience to work a little. For moviegoers who've been taught to read emotions in onscreen faces - and that's everyone - "Nickel Boys" will feel crazily disoriented. It also proves stunningly effective at letting its audience walk a mile in a character's shoes. I'm Bob Mondello.
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC) Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.kdll.org/2024-12-14/the-nickel-boys-film-adaptation-is-stunningly-effective
| 2024-12-16T05:06:50Z
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SCOTT SIMON, HOST:
The attorney general of Texas is suing a New York doctor for prescribing abortion pills to a woman near Dallas. It is one of the first legal challenges to shield laws in the U.S. meant to protect physicians after Roe v. Wade was overturned. NPR's Elissa Nadworny, who covers reproductive rights joins us. Elissa, thanks so much for being with us.
ELISSA NADWORNY, BYLINE: Good morning.
SIMON: What does the lawsuit say?
NADWORNY: So the lawsuit accuses a New York doctor of violating Texas law by providing the two drugs used in an abortion to a pregnant patient living in the state. And the suit says this 20-year-old woman who received the pills ended up in a hospital with complications. There aren't any criminal charges involved. It's a civil suit. But it seeks up to $250,000 and aims to stop the doctor from continuing to provide abortion medications to patients in Texas. In a statement, Ken Paxton, the Texas AG, said, quote, "in Texas, we treasure the health and lives of the mothers and babies, and this is why out-of-state doctors may not illegally and dangerously prescribe abortion-inducing drugs to Texas residents."
SIMON: The patient in question received pills under a shield law. Tell us more about that shield law.
NADWORNY: So at least eight Democrat-controlled states have enacted these shield laws, like the one in New York. They give abortion providers some protection from criminal prosecution, civil claims, extradition, things like that. But the laws have yet to be tested. So this case essentially pits a state with a near-total abortion ban against the state with laws that not just protect abortion rights, but specifically protect doctors in the state from prescribing pills to people in other states through telehealth. So Texas is essentially trying to test what the state of New York is going to do with respect to defending the actions of this doctor who was providing legal care in the state of New York.
SIMON: And, Elissa, what is New York's position?
NADWORNY: Well, the New York attorney general released a statement saying that New York will, quote, "protect our providers from unjust attempts to punish them for doing their job." The governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, who signed the state shield law said in a statement she will do everything in her power to enforce the laws of New York state. David Cohen, a law professor at Drexel University who helped craft that New York law, talked to me yesterday. Here's his take on the legal wrangling between the states.
DAVID COHEN: The courts of Texas are going to try and force the doctor in New York to participate in the lawsuit, and they don't have jurisdiction over her, so they have to get the New York courts to try and cooperate. And the New York courts are not going to cooperate.
NADWORNY: And yet despite that, anti-abortion groups are already celebrating the legal challenge.
SIMON: And, Elissa, what do we know about the doctor in this case?
NADWORNY: So the New York doctor is one of the founders of an organization called Abortion Coalition for Telemedicine. They help pass shield laws and offer support for providers doing telehealth abortions. In a statement, they said that the Texas attorney general was, quote, "prioritizing his anti-abortion agenda over the health and well-being of women." Now, Scott, it's worth noting that telehealth has made it much easier for people to access abortion medication. Like, even after the Supreme Court's Stop decision, which struck down Roe v. Wade, the number of abortions in the U.S. has gone up. About a fifth are now via telehealth. And then you break that down further, medication sent by shield law providers now accounts for as many as 12,000 prescriptions a month.
SIMON: And how could this case potentially affect women in getting access to abortion medication?
NADWORNY: Well, you know, long-term worry for abortion rights supporters is that this case ends up in federal court, and it has the possibility of making it harder for women in states with bans to get abortion pills by mail. But for now, nothing changes. I talked to Angel Foster about this. She runs the Massachusetts Medication Abortion Access Project. They call it The MAP to be more discreet. They operate under Massachusetts shield law. They have four OB-GYN that prescribe abortion medication to people, no matter which state they live in.
ANGEL FOSTER: We knew it was coming. Obviously, it's disappointing, and it's a little scary. And it's not unexpected.
NADWORNY: She says the only impact to her organization is that they're going to talk to their lawyers more. Just yesterday, they mailed about 150 pills to people all across the country. The largest number went to Texas, and they predict they'll end up sending about 3,000 pills to people mainly in states with bans this month alone.
SIMON: NPR's Elissa Nadworny. Thanks so much.
NADWORNY: You bet. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.kdll.org/2024-12-14/the-texas-attorney-general-is-suing-a-new-york-doctor-for-prescribing-abortion-pills
| 2024-12-16T05:06:52Z
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Nick Kyrgios says he only has 18 months of professional tennis left in his body as doubts persist over his playing level at the Australian Open.
The 29-year-old, who has only played one professional match since October 2022, returns from wrist and knee injuries at the World Tennis League in Abu Dhabi on December 19.
Kyrgios will then play at the Brisbane International, commencing on December 28, in preparation for January's Australian Open - which will be his first major since US Open 2022.
However, the Australian has admitted that he is still struggling with his body and revealed he believes his professional career will end in 2026 on the Nothing Major podcast featuring ex-USA stars John Isner and Jack Sock.
KYRGIOS NEWS:
- Nick Kyrgios wants to rename John Cain Arena ahead of Australian Open
- How unranked Nick Kyrgios qualified for the Australian Open main draw
- Nick Kyrgios compared to Djokovic, Nadal and Federer by Andy Roddick
“Every time I play tennis now, I got to do an hour-and-a-half treatment after, like my wrist,” Kyrgios said.
“I lose feeling in my fingers sometimes. It’s tingling, so I’m definitely on the back end.
“I couldn’t see myself playing for another, max, a year-and-a-half, probably.”
The revelation about Kyrgios' body recovery and possible retirement time frame makes it hard to see the Wimbledon 2022 finalist challenge at the Australian Open, which begins January 12.
However, Aussie tennis legend Pat Rafter believes Kyrgios is capable of going deep into the second week at Melbourne Park.
"When I say I have no expectations, I mean I wouldn't be surprised at all if he made it to the quarterfinals or semifinals, but I wouldn't be surprised either if he lost in the first round," Rafter said earlier this month.
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https://www.sportingnews.com/au/tennis/news/nick-kyrgios-sets-retirement-date-doubts-australian-open/5c964fe64efd7c8b3a979d32
| 2024-12-16T05:06:53Z
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Horoscope Today | 16 December 2024: If you are interested in astrology, take a look into your horoscope for today (16 December 2024).
A horoscope reveals the unique destiny of each individual, offering insight into the paths they will take in life.
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
We have listed the horoscope for the day (16 December 2024) without missing any signs.
Here is the horoscope for 16 December 2024:
Aries
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
Reconnecting with an old friend could uplift your spirits and energize you. While you might immerse yourself in a world of fantasy, it’s crucial to remember the challenges of the real world. Finding solace in family and social interactions is likely, and there’s a possibility of spending time with them. An encounter with an old friend is also on the cards.
Gemini
Confidence and making sound decisions will attract good fortune your way. Quality time with your spouse is in the cards, fostering heartfelt communication. Employees may face an extra workload, leading to a hectic day. Your positive actions are poised to yield fruitful outcomes today.
Cancer
Financially, a new project will yield you with some good profit. An encounter with an acquaintance is in sight. This old friend might amaze you with pleasant news. Avoid entering into agreement and if you cannot avoid then read all the clauses of the contract very carefully. Professional life will be stable.
Leo
It’s high time to take some decisions related with your career. Take up activities that give you the pleasure. You might have to deal with some health issues today. Also, financial crisis is likely to add to your tensions today, so, keep a check on your pocket as you are likely to incur some unwanted expenditures.
Virgo
Expect a busy day for those employed in organizations. Embrace challenging activities to stimulate personal growth. Be cautious, as there’s a likelihood of feeling short-tempered today, so maintaining calmness is advised. Health conditions are likely to be favourable. On the legal front, justice appears to be on its way.
Libra
Schedule an outing with family and friends to take a break from your busy routine. The conclusion of a job or a relationship may be approaching, but it’s important to remember that everything happens for a reason. Embrace the changes in your life with a positive attitude, and you may witness some fruitful outcomes.
Scorpio
This is an opportune period for business expansion, but remain vigilant as there’s a possibility of someone leaking crucial business data to a rival company. Partners may encounter differences, but allowing time for resolution can lead to improvement. Consider the potential acquisition of a new asset. Positive news from your boss could be on the horizon.
Sagittarius
This period is marked by tension and stressful events, particularly reflecting instability in personal life. The hard work invested in the past will yield remarkable outcomes today. Pay attention to the health of children, as they may be susceptible to illnesses. While financial stability is currently felt, it’s advisable to practice thriftiness instead of indulging in leisure activities, as this sense of security may not last long.
Capricorn
Prepare for a major life transformation. Students can expect positive career news. Stick to your plans and have faith; outcomes will exceed expectations. Health remains stable, but financial support may be needed.
Aquarius
Business ventures may yield significant profits, paving the way for expansion decisions. Employees might face workplace challenges, but your self-confidence and positive attitude will guide you through. Expect improvements in health and wealth conditions.
Pisces
Success is imminent with continued hard work and determination. Enjoy feelings of ecstasy and heightened confidence. Consider major financial changes to avoid future losses. Approach kids with gentleness.
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https://nenow.in/lifestyle/horoscope-today-16-december-2024-astrological-predictions.html
| 2024-12-16T05:06:54Z
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VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu said that Lord Sri Venkateswara will bless all those helping others and taking part in the wellbeing of society. He said that developmental activities initiated by Meil group in Gudlavalleru village is a model to spread it across the state as part of his P4-vision.
Naidu visited Sri Bhusametha Venkateswara Swamy temple in Dokiparru Maha Kshetram of Gudlavalleru Mandal of Krishna district on Saturday and offered special poojas. CM Chandrababu Naidu was accorded a rousing reception by the founding trustees of the temple PV Krishna Reddy and Sudha when he reached the special helipad constructed in the village by chopper.
Amidst chanting of mantras by vedic scholars, the chief minister reached the temple. The chief minister was amused after seeing the temple architecture and enquired about the features behind the various sculptural designs inscribed on the temple structure. Founding trustee Krishna Reddy and vedic scholars explained various pujas and sevas offered in the temple to the devotees.
Chief minister Naidu offered special pujas in the sanctum sanctorum of Sri Venkateswara Swamy. Vedic scholars blessed chief minister Chandrababu Naidu in the temple mandapam. The trustees of the temple, PV Krishna Reddy and Sudha Reddy couple, presented teerdha prasadam to the chief minister. The Krishna Reddy couple introduced their family members to the chief minister.
Naidu patted Krishna Reddy couple for construction of Lord Sri Venkateswara swamy temple on such a grand note by following agama sastra and rich heritage. He said that he had visited the temple along with then vice-president Venkaiah Naidu in the past and there was visible difference in the overall development of the temple and also the surroundings. He appreciated the temple trustees for maintaining the serenity while strictly following the agama sastras. He said that it was heartening to see that all the sevas offered in Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala are being offered in Dokiparru temple.
Chief minister Naidu showered praises on Krishna Reddy couple for their commitment to develop the village with various developmental activities. Speaking to the media, Naidu said that he floated the P4 concept for overall development of the state with the people, public and private partnership in which the role of private industrialists and philanthropists had to play a big role in uplift of the poor. He wanted the industrialists and affluent in society to come forward in the fight of the state govt to eradicate poverty.
“We have released a vision document for 2047. We are working to make India number one economy in the world and AP number one in the country by 2047,” said Naidu. Interestingly, the chief minister obliged the requests of the priests and temple staff to take pictures with him. Chief minister Chandrababu was accompanied by MEIL director Ch Subbaiah and other officials.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/dokiparru-development-is-a-model-for-spreading-p4-concept-andhra-pradesh-cm-nara-chandrababu-naidu/articleshow/116332580.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:06:56Z
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SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
President Joe Biden announced a record-shattering act of clemency this week, commuting sentences for nearly 1,500 people and pardoning 39 others. Between that and his choice to pardon his son, Hunter Biden, Biden has faced backlash in the final weeks of his presidency. But as far as pardons are concerned, the president has indicated there's more to come.
As other news outlets have reported, the administration is weighing whether to issue preemptive pardons to some of Donald Trump's perceived enemies before Trump returns to the White House next month. My next guest believes that she could be one of those targets. Sarah Isgur is a legal analyst and a former Justice Department spokesperson under President Trump. Her recent New York Times op-ed is titled "I Don't Want A Pardon From Biden. None Of Us Should." Welcome.
SARAH ISGUR: Thanks for having me.
DETROW: So before we talk more broadly, I want to remind folks why you think you might be in the mix of this conversation to begin with, which - you know, not the most comfortable place to be, but here we are. You mentioned that Kash Patel, who's, of course, the pick to run the FBI, named you, as well as 59 other people, as, quote, "members of the executive deep state" in a book published last year. Why do you think you're on that list?
ISGUR: I actually don't really know, is the truth. There's many of us who were involved at the Department of Justice as Trump political appointees in the Russia investigation headed up by special counsel Robert Mueller. But then there's also many people who were involved in that investigation who aren't on the list. You know, Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are considered members of the deep state in his book, but then he defines the deep state as members of the executive branch who try to undermine the president that they serve. But, you know, Joe Biden isn't a member of the deep state under that definition. He's just a political opponent.
DETROW: Right. So let's broaden out because regardless of that list itself, Trump has talked about a lot of specific people who oppose him politically. Former Congresswoman Liz Cheney is a recent example, and many others, who has said that they should be in jail or has said, I will use the Justice Department to go after my political opponents in one way or another. Over and over again, you are arguing nobody in that position should want to be preemptively pardoned. Why are you making that case?
ISGUR: Because these are the very same group of people who assured the Supreme Court and various other federal courts and state courts across the country last year that our justice system had all of these safeguards in place - and so then when the shoe's on the other foot and we're the ones who might be caught up in that justice system, now we're saying we don't trust the justice system? That's ridiculous. We should prove that we mean what we said.
DETROW: I want to ask about something else that you wrote about in that op ed. You make the case that the Hunter Biden pardon fits into the conversation when it comes to trust in the justice system, when it comes to political prosecutions, when it comes to how much the system is viewed as fair. Why?
ISGUR: Well, I mean, frankly, I think that for a lot of people, they only saw Donald Trump undermining the rule of law in the last election. But absolutely, Joe Biden was doing the same thing. During the campaign season, he was professing to trust the system and the rule of law and the Justice Department, his own Justice Department. What could be more damaging than someone in his position saying that he can't even trust the rule of law, even after he had said that he could. Only after it became politically less important did he admit that he didn't have trust in the system. I think that is far more damaging to the rule of law.
DETROW: Than trying to overturn an election?
ISGUR: Well, I'm putting that in a separate category, I guess.
DETROW: Sure, OK.
ISGUR: I'm referring more to, you know, Donald Trump chanting lock her up at rallies in 2016.
DETROW: Got it.
ISGUR: And then he had four years and never brought charges against Hillary Clinton. Neither side has done a lot here to encourage faith from Americans in their system, again, one that's been handed down to us over 200 years. It's easy to tear down institutions. It's very hard to build them up.
DETROW: Let me end with this then because I think there's going to be a lot more pardon news in the coming weeks, in terms of the final weeks of the Biden administration, and the immediate hours, as Trump has promised, of the Trump administration. He's promising to pardon some set of the people convicted of crimes for January 6. What, to you, is the best way to think about the pardon process? What, to you, would be the path forward for how presidents use it given how much trust has been hurt in the Justice Department and our rule of law over the last few years?
ISGUR: The pardon power was supposed to be used as an act of grace, if you will, and the idea that presidents are now using it for political hay to help their political allies or their own family members or donors is gross, frankly. I think it undermines people's faith in the system. It builds up this idea of there's two sets of rules, one for the elites and one for everyone else. And those who actually have worked in the government have dedicated their lives to public service. This is the public service that's now required of you. Don't take the pardon. Actually show what the system is meant to be.
DETROW: Sarah Isgur is a senior editor at The Dispatch and a former Trump Justice Department spokesperson. Thanks so much for talking to us.
ISGUR: Thank you. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.kdll.org/2024-12-14/this-former-trump-official-doesnt-want-a-pardon-from-president-biden
| 2024-12-16T05:06:58Z
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VISAKHAPATNAM: More than 700 inter-state cannabis smugglers and drug dealers, involved in cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act-1985 in parts of Andhra Pradesh, have been absconding for over six to ten years. The AP police have called for enhanced inter-state coordination with neighboring states (Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala, and others) to apprehend these absconding individuals.
Stung by criticism that major players in the ganja trade have been going scot-free while smaller offenders (tribal youth and part-time drug peddlers) are being targeted by enforcement officials, the AP police have initiated efforts to apprehend the inter-state kingpins involved in the ganja trade.
According to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) report from 2019 to 2023, enforcement officials seized 5.22 lakh kg of cannabis, registered 6,687 cases under the NDPS Act, and arrested 17,341 persons in Andhra Pradesh.
Key Points:
- 27 special teams formed to apprehend absconding accused in the ganja trade.
- Preventive Detention (PD) Act invoked against 148 ganja smugglers.
- 14 strategically located checkposts established to prevent ganja transportation.
- Special NDPS beats deployed in 34 hotspots, using advanced technology and sniffer dogs to deter criminal activities.
- Intensified crackdown on repeat offenders in the ganja trade.
- Popular cannabis varieties in India include Idukki Gold, Mysore Mango, Sheelavathi, and Malana Cream.
- Large quantities of weed seized nationwide originate from remote pockets along the AOB and Odisha.
- Sheelavathi cannabis is cultivated in over 20,000 acres in AOB and Odisha.
- Sheelavathi cannabis sells for Rs. 1 to Rs. 1.2 lakh per kg, depending on purity.
Speaking to TOI, Inspector General of Police and head of the Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE), A. Ravi Krishna, said the ganja trade in parts of Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district and five districts in Odisha is controlled by a few kingpins. "We have decided to coordinate with neighboring states for intelligence sharing and effective communication among police officers in border districts to apprehend the absconding inter-state ganja smugglers," he added.
Among the over 700 absconding inter-state drug peddlers, the majority hail from Odisha, followed by Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Delhi. These absconding smugglers play a vital role in the illegal trade and the financing of cannabis cultivation.
"We have formed district-level special teams to coordinate with neighboring state police to track the movement of the absconding smugglers and nab them," Ravi Krishna added.
Deputy Inspector General of Visakhapatnam Range, Gopinath Jatti, stated that some inter-state ganja smugglers have amassed crores in illegal assets by engaging in the cannabis trade and financing cannabis cultivation in the Andhra-Odisha Border (AOB) region. The AP police are seeking support from other states to investigate properties acquired through the cannabis trade and assets concealed in various forms. "We will apprehend some of the inter-state kingpins involved in the trade in the coming days," he added.
Unless the police apprehend the kingpins (inter-state smugglers and drug dealers), curtailing the ganja menace in the tribal pockets along the AOB will remain exceedingly challenging. Most ganja cases culminate in the arrest of a few individuals, while comprehensive inter-state police investigations to apprehend the masterminds behind this illicit trade remain notably absent, expressed leaders and activists from tribal organizations and leftist parties.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/andhra-pradesh-police-intensify-crackdown-on-inter-state-cannabis-smugglers/articleshow/116337214.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:07:02Z
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Guwahati: Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passed away at a hospital in San Francisco at the age of 73, his family announced on Monday.
The music legend passed away due to complications arising from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the family said in a statement.
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
He had been hospitalised for the past two weeks and was later moved to the ICU after his condition worsened.
Regarded as the greatest tabla player of his generation, Hussain is survived by his wife Antonia Minnecola, and his daughters Anisa Qureshi and Isabella Qureshi.
Also Read: Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain critical, says family
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
Hussain, born on March 9, 1951, is the son of the legendary tabla maestro Ustad Allah Rakha.
“He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come,” the statement added.
Hussain, a five-time Grammy winner, won three more awards earlier this year at the 66th Grammy Awards.
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https://nenow.in/national/ustad-zakir-hussain-passes-away-at-73.html
| 2024-12-16T05:07:01Z
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AIBE 19 Admit Card 2024 Released: The much-awaited AIBE 19 admit card 2024 has officially been released by the Bar Council of India (BCI) on December 15, 2024. Candidates preparing for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE 19) can now access and download their hall tickets from the official website: allindiabarexamination.com. The examination, a crucial step for law graduates to practice in India, is scheduled to take place on December 22, 2024.
However, with a potential clash between the AIBE 19 and the UPPSC Combined State / Upper Subordinate Services Examination, candidates are advised to stay updated in case of any changes to the exam date.
Key Information About the AIBE 19 Admit CardThe AIBE 19 admit card is an essential document for every candidate. Not only does it grant access to the exam hall, but it also includes critical details like your roll number, exam center, and the timing of the examination. Candidates should carefully verify all the information mentioned on the admit card. If there are any discrepancies, it is important to get in touch with the concerned authorities immediately.
How to Download the AIBE 19 Admit Card
If you’ve registered for the AIBE 19 exam, follow these simple steps to download your admit card:
1. Visit the Official AIBE Website: Go to allindiabarexamination.com.
2. Login to Your Account: Use your registered login ID and password to enter the candidate portal.
3. Download the Admit Card: Once logged in, look for the 'Admit Card' section and click the download link.
4. Print Your Admit Card: After downloading, take a printout of your admit card to carry with you on exam day.
Important Documents to Carry on Exam DayOn the exam day, candidates must carry:
• A printed copy of the AIBE 19 admit card.
• A valid photo ID: You can use an Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, or driver’s license as identification.
Without these documents, you will not be allowed to appear for the exam.
Direct link to download the AIBE 19 Admit Card 2024
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/aibe-19-admit-card-2024-released-download-now-and-check-exam-details/articleshow/116332669.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:07:04Z
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This week's show was recorded at Carnegie Hall with host Peter Sagal, judge and scorekeeper Bill Kurtis, Not My Job guest Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and panelists Mo Rocca, Joyelle Nicole Johnson, and Paula Poundstone. Click the audio link above to hear the whole show.
Who's Bill This Time
A Wanted Man; The Labor of Love; Unclaimed Presents
Panel Questions
Conceal and Carry On
Bluff The Listener
Our panelists tell three stories about Bruce Springsteen in the news this week, only one of which is true
Not My Job: Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson gets quizzed on the Supremes
Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson plays our game called, "Supreme Court, Meet The Supremes" Three questions about Diana Ross.
Panel Questions
From Lunchables to Supperables; A Frosty Warning; Granny Versus The Scammers
Limericks
Bill Kurtis reads three news-related limericks: Matrimony Marathons; Suffering Succulents; Hello My Name is Princeton Yale Jr.
Lightning Fill In The Blank
All the news we couldn't fit anywhere else
Predictions
Our panelists predict, after unclaimed mail, what will be the next innovation in gift giving
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.kdll.org/2024-12-14/wait-wait-for-december-14-2024-live-at-carnegie-hall-with-justice-ketanji-brown-jackson
| 2024-12-16T05:07:04Z
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Guwahati: Hundreds of people on Sunday gathered at the gate of Parong village in Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, protesting against the proposed deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to conduct a study for preparing the pre-feasibility report of the 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project.
The protestors voiced their opposition to the government, highlighting socio-environmental issues such as displacement, the loss of ancestral lands and threats to biodiversity.
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
They alleged that the government had infringed upon the people’s rights, calling for the immediate withdrawal of security forces and a halt to the project.
Also Read: Manipur CM Biren Singh condemns brutal killing of Bihar teens
The protesters were primarily from the villages of Parong, Riew, Geku and Sitang in Siang and Upper Siang districts.
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
The Arunachal Pradesh government had set December 15 as the date for deployment of the security forces.
Besides the central forces, the Arunachal Pradesh government will reportedly deploy state armed police forces for the pre-feasibility report of the project.
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https://nenow.in/north-east-news/arunachal-pradesh/arunachal-protest-in-siang-over-capf-deployment-for-dam-project.html
| 2024-12-16T05:07:08Z
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| 2024-12-16T05:07:10Z
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| 2024-12-16T05:07:10Z
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AIBE 19 Admit Card 2024: The Bar Council of India (BCI) is set to release the admit cards for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE 19) 2024 on December 15, 2024. Candidates who have registered for the examination can download their hall tickets through the official website at allindiabarexamination.com. The exam, which is a mandatory requirement for law graduates seeking to practice in India, will be held on December 22, 2024.
Key Details About AIBE 19 Admit CardThe AIBE 19 admit card is an essential document for all candidates appearing for the exam. It contains important information such as the candidate's name, roll number, exam centre details, and the timing of the examination. Candidates must ensure that the details on their admit card are correct. In case of any discrepancies, they should immediately contact the authorities for rectification.
To download the admit card, candidates need to visit the official AIBE website and follow the steps mentioned below:
Steps to Download AIBE 19 Admit Card1. Visit the Official Website: Go to allindiabarexamination.com.
2. Login: Use your registered ID and password to log in to the candidate portal.
3. Download Admit Card: After logging in, navigate to the "Admit Card" section and click on the download link.
4. Take a Printout: Once the admit card is displayed, download and take a printout for examination day.
It is mandatory for candidates to carry the AIBE 19 admit card along with a valid photo ID such as an Aadhar card, PAN card, voter ID, or a driving licence to the exam centre. Candidates who fail to present these documents will not be allowed to appear for the exam.
AIBE 19 Exam Date and TimingsThe AIBE 19 exam will be conducted on December 22, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The examination will consist of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering 19 different subjects. Candidates will receive 1 mark for each correct answer, and there will be no negative marking for incorrect answers.
AIBE 19 Exam Likely to be Postponed Due to Date ClashThere have been concerns regarding the AIBE 19 exam date, as it coincides with the UPPSC Combined State / Upper Subordinate Services Examination 2024, both scheduled for December 22, 2024. The Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh has urged the Bar Council of India (BCI) to reconsider the exam schedule due to this overlap.
Given the potential difficulties for candidates who have registered for both exams, there is a possibility that the AIBE 19 exam could be postponed. While no official announcement has been made yet, candidates are advised to stay informed and regularly check the official AIBE website for any updates on the situation.
If the exam is postponed, the BCI will likely issue a revised schedule in due course.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/aibe-19-admit-card-2024-to-be-released-soon-at-allindiabarexamination-com-check-steps-to-download/articleshow/116330798.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:07:10Z
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SCOTT SIMON, HOST:
It's been a week since the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was toppled by a coalition of rebels that includes some with ties to groups like al-Qaida and ISIS. Ron Elving joins us. Ron, thanks for being with us.
RON ELVING, BYLINE: Good to be with you, Scott.
SIMON: The U.S. carried out some strikes in Syria after the fall of the regime, hitting what were described as ISIS targets. Any indication of how the Trump administration will respond to events there?
ELVING: I think we have to know more about who will be the incoming Trump administration. Will it be Marco Rubio at state, Pete Hegseth at defense, Mike Waltz as national security adviser? As the saying goes, personnel is policy. We do know, of course, that ultimately, the Trump administration and its policy will be Trump. And last week, he was on Truth Social saying Syria was, quote, "a mess," wasn't our fight, and we should stay out. Let it play out.
He said some similar things in his first term, but his secretary of state then and national security adviser then turned him around a bit. He did do some airstrikes then. And now with Assad gone, the situation is far more volatile. And the new boss in Damascus is a group the U.S. has long considered to be terrorist. So if Syria becomes the new base of jihad on the doorstep of Israel, can the U.S. just let it play out?
SIMON: New York Times put out an analysis this week showing the immigration surge at the beginning of the Biden administration was the largest in U.S. history. Now, that surge has been dramatically lower in 2024 as President Biden tightened the rules, but can we now see some of the possible political effects of that surge?
ELVING: Oh, yes, the government numbers themselves are not really the news here. They are released on a monthly basis, but this new analysis by The Times says the cumulative total during the first phases was that much greater in absolute numbers, not necessarily relative to the entire United States population, say in the 1850s or the early 1900s. But then, in a sense, these numbers just confirm what a lot of voters have been telling us in interviews for years now and with their votes last month.
They see immigration as out of control. They believe it's affecting their wages and making them feel less safe in their neighborhoods. And while there is some nativism in all of that, there's also rational self-interest. We see the pushback even among Hispanic voters in South Texas and elsewhere. We see it in working-class voters with various backgrounds. So yeah, inflation was the Trump campaign's best ally this fall, but immigration was not far behind.
SIMON: If mass deportations come about, will there be reactions in Congress, or what will those reactions be?
ELVING: In the first term, Trump tried various ways to stop immigration at the southern border. These came to include family separation, the incarceration of children. Those were not popular, and the wall that Trump wanted did not get the funding it needed in Congress. Now, some of the same people responsible for those policies in the first term seem to be back in the picture for the second. So it's possible we would see a turnaround in the politics of this issue once again down the road. It's surely easier to say mass deportation as a campaign applause line than to bring it off and make it a popular policy.
SIMON: Ron, the White House, on Thursday, announced President Biden's commuting the prison sentences for nearly 1,500 people, pardoning 39 others - the largest act of clemency in a single day in modern presidential history. Some of those pardons are quite controversial - a judge in Pennsylvania who was convicted of taking kickbacks for sending children to detention centers and a former Dixon, Illinois, official convicted of stealing $54 million from her city, the largest municipal fraud in U.S. history. What are the political repercussions of all these pardons?
ELVING: The surge in pardons and commutations is a curious coda to the Biden term, Scott. The average American might feel some sympathy for many of these cases - maybe the vast majority of the minor offenses, well in the past. But, you know, the attention is going to go to the egregious cases, such as the ones you just mentioned. Sure, they might have been a long time ago, and the guilty have done much penance since. But one wonders whether Biden and his team are trying to create some new context around the whole idea of pardon, generosity in government, perhaps in the aftermath of Biden's pardoning his son, Hunter.
The absolute power to pardon harks back to medieval times, and Alexander Hamilton fought to have it in the Constitution. He saw it as a benign tool in the hands of a benevolent chief executive such as George Washington. But over the generations since then, it's been tainted with clemency for family members and political donors and cronies. Does it still make sense in our time, or are we now finally seeing the case made for reform?
SIMON: NPR's Ron Elving, thanks so much.
ELVING: Thank you, Scott. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.kdll.org/2024-12-14/week-in-politics-president-bidens-recent-foreign-affairs-at-home-and-abroad
| 2024-12-16T05:07:11Z
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SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
After 11 days of political limbo in South Korea, the Parliament has voted to impeach the president. President Yoon Suk Yeol attempted to invoke martial law earlier this month, sparking mass protests. And now President Yoon has been suspended from power, but his fate as South Korea's leader is still unclear.
Joining us for a look at what could happen is Victor Cha. He's the former director for Asian affairs at the National Security Council under President George W. Bush. And these days, he's a professor of government at Georgetown University. Welcome to the show.
VICTOR CHA: Thank you, Scott.
DETROW: So I want to start by getting your reaction to this development.
CHA: Well, we saw it coming. I mean, the previous week, they had tried to impeach him after he had declared martial law and failed. This time, they were successful. The roots of this go all the way back to last spring where President Yoon's party lost the midterm election, and the legislature has since blocked everything that he's tried to do, including the budget. There's also investigations into his wife. The government is investigating the opposition party leader. All of this was a powder keg waiting to explode, and it happened with the martial law declaration.
DETROW: Yeah.
CHA: But now he's been impeached, and we have to see the next steps going forward.
DETROW: And we should remind listeners that impeachment works a little differently in South Korea than the U.S. Can you just broadly walk us through the next few steps here?
CHA: Sure. So the most important thing for the listeners is that he's been impeached by the National Assembly, the National Legislature. And now the Constitutional Court has basically about six months to decide whether the impeachment motion is constitutional. So their ruling will determine whether he is really impeached, whether President Yoon is really impeached. In the meantime, the prime minister becomes the acting president and governs the affairs of state.
DETROW: And that stays that way until the court rules in, even if it's months down the line.
CHA: That's right. That's right.
DETROW: I mean, let's zoom out and talk big picture. South Korea, a key U.S. ally - this has been an unstable stretch for South Korea. I guess you could argue that's the case for the U.S., as well. But what could this particular development mean, do you think, for the U.S.-Korean Alliance?
CHA: Well, a couple of things. I mean, the first is that, as we all know, President Trump will start in office on January 21, and there will be no South Korean leader. Of course, there will be the prime minister who's the acting president, but there's very little likelihood that he would be the next president of South Korea. Meanwhile, leaders from - as we've seen, leaders from Canada, from Japan, from other places, will all be trying to meet with Trump to try to get on a steady footing from the start. And so South Korea is going to be at a big disadvantage.
In addition to that, there are many things that President Yoon did on foreign policy that were greatly admired in the world. They may not have been appreciated at home, but they were admired around the world. Things like joining the United States in the Chips (ph) 4 Alliance with regard to semiconductor export controls, investing tens of billions of dollars in the United States for the development of electric vehicle batteries, being on the global stage at the G7 summit, being a - participating in the NATO summit. South Korea was a - is a big supporter of the war in defense of Ukraine, in some cases giving more humanitarian and economic support than NATO countries.
DETROW: Yeah.
CHA: So all of these things could be at jeopardy with this next election and a new president.
DETROW: I mean, this was such a shocking development, going back to that martial law declaration and then quickly backing down in what's come next. But I'm curious, this crisis - I'm wondering how you think it fits or maybe doesn't fit into these broader global trends we've seen this year, whether that comes to wildly unpopular incumbents in institutions or democratic backsliding.
CHA: Well, I think there certainly was a concern about democratic backsliding in Korea. There was a period of time when, after the first impeachment vote, the president said that - the president's party said that they were going to take control of the affair's estate with the prime minister. That was extraconstitutional. So there's certainly concerns about democratic backsliding there.
And in the broader scheme of things, this is another democracy that has a very weak or dysfunctional leadership, unfortunately. We see it in the case in Japan. We have a new prime minister but a divided legislature. You know, we see it in France. We see it in a number of other countries. And this is against a backdrop of autocracies that are all getting together - right? - China, Russia, Iran, North Korea - so it's a very disturbing picture on the global stage.
DETROW: That is Victor Cha, professor of government at Georgetown University and the former director for Asian affairs at the National Security Council. Thanks so much for talking to us.
CHA: Thank you, Scott. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.kdll.org/2024-12-14/what-does-the-impeachment-of-south-koreas-president-mean-for-the-country-and-its-allies
| 2024-12-16T05:07:12Z
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Assam TET Admit Card 2024: The Directorate of Secondary Education (DSE), Assam, has officially released the admit cards for the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) 2024. Candidates who have registered for the exam can now download their hall tickets from the official website, madhyamik.assam.gov.in. The admit cards became available from December 15, 2024, starting at 11:00 AM.
Exam Date and DetailsThe Assam TET 2024 is scheduled to take place on December 29, 2024. The examination will be conducted in offline mode, and candidates must carry their admit cards to gain entry to the examination centre. The admit card will also contain essential details such as exam timing, venue, and instructions for the candidates. It is important for candidates to carefully review all information mentioned on the hall ticket to avoid any discrepancies.
How to Download Assam TET Admit Card
Candidates can follow these simple steps to download the admit card:
Step 1: Visit the official website of DSE Assam: madhyamik.assam.gov.in
Step 2: Find and click on the "Assam TET Admit Card 2024" link.
Step 3: Enter your application number and password.
Step 4: Download and take a printout of the admit card.
Important Documents to CarryIn addition to the admit card, candidates are required to bring a valid photo ID proof. Acceptable ID proofs include:
• Aadhaar card
• PAN card
• Voter ID card
• Driving license
Candidates from PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) categories should also carry a certificate issued by the Competent Authority for verification.
For further updates or clarifications, candidates are encouraged to regularly check the official website of the Directorate of Secondary Education, Assam. Ensure that all required documents are in place and that you adhere to the exam instructions carefully.
Direct link to download the Assam TET Admit Card 2024
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/assam-tet-admit-card-2024-released-at-madhyamik-assam-gov-in-direct-link/articleshow/116333036.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:07:16Z
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Guwahati: The Manipur government on Sunday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each to the next of kin of two teenagers from Bihar who were shot dead by unidentified assailants in the state’s Kakching district on Saturday evening.
In a social media post, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh condemned the brutal killing of the two youths, terming it an act of terrorism.
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“I strongly condemn the brutal killing of young brothers, Sunalal Kumar (18) and Dasharat Kumar (17), from Bihar in Kakching district, Manipur. This act of terrorism is a direct assault on our values, and my deepest condolences go out to their grieving families,” Singh said in a post on X.
CM Singh said that the incident could be part of a larger conspiracy to destabilise Manipur.
“In this crucial juncture, we cannot ignore the possibility that this horrific crime is part of a larger conspiracy to destabilize our state and push it further towards chaos. We must stand together against these destructive forces and ensure that they do not succeed in creating fear and insecurity,” he added.
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
Also Read: Ustad Zakir Hussain passes away at 73
While stating that an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh would be provided to each bereaved family, Singh said that every possible effort is being made to identify, apprehend and prosecute those responsible.
“An ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh will be provided to each bereaved family, and every possible effort is underway to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible. If required, the case will be transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to ensure a fair and thorough inquiry,” he further said.
The duo was returning to their rented house at Kakching Bazar on bicycles when they were shot and injured by unidentified armed men.
Upon receiving information, a team from the Kakching police station reached the spot and rushed the injured persons to hospital. However, they succumbed to their injuries on the way to the hospital.
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https://nenow.in/north-east-news/manipur/manipur-cm-biren-singh-condemns-brutal-killing-of-bihar-teens.html
| 2024-12-16T05:07:15Z
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(SOUNDBITE OF CYMBAL CLANGING)
SCOTT SIMON, HOST:
Wow. That's a Zildjian cymbal. Drummers across the globe know that name. It's emblazoned on them all. What's less known is that the Zildjian family has been making their famous cymbals with a secret process for more than 400 years. That's almost as long as BJ Leiderman has done our theme music. Member station WBUR's Andrea Shea got inside their factory in Norwell, Massachusetts to find out more about the world's oldest cymbal company.
(SOUNDBITE OF FACTORY MACHINES RUNNING)
ANDREA SHEA, BYLINE: Even here in Massachusetts, a lot of people have no idea an industrial factory outside of Boston casts, blasts, rolls, hammers, buffs and tests at least a million Zildjian cymbals each year.
JOE MITCHELL: There's a lot of mystique and a lot of history at this facility.
SHEA: Director of Operations, Joe Mitchell, is one of the few privy to a Zildjian process that's been shrouded in mystery since the height of the Ottoman Empire.
(SOUNDBITE OF MACHINES RUNNING)
MITCHELL: So behind this door is where we have our foundry. This is where we melt our metals and where we pour our castings. I'll show you what the castings look like but obviously, we can't go beyond this point.
SHEA: The castings look like rough-hewn metal pancakes, but they possess the secret to the Zildjian sound.
(SOUNDBITE OF METAL DING)
SHEA: The company's proprietary alloy was alchemized 13 generations ago in Constantinople - now Istanbul - by Debbie Zildjian's ancestor, Avedis I.
DEBBIE ZILDJIAN: He was actually trying to make gold. And what he ended up making was a combination of copper and tin. The mixing of those metals produced a very loud, resonant, beautiful sound.
(SOUNDBITE OF MARCHING BAND MUSIC)
SHEA: The Ottoman Sultan summoned the metalsmith to his palace in 1618 to make cymbals for military bands. They were also used in churches and by belly dancers. Jump to the 1700s, and Debbie Zildjian says European composers, including Mozart and Haydn, added cymbals to their symphonies.
(SOUNDBITE OF HAYDN'S "MILITARY SYMPHONY IN G, H.I NO. 100")
ZILDJIAN: So that's how the reputation grew.
SHEA: But Debbie says Zildjian became synonymous with cymbals after her grandfather, Avedis III, an ethnic Armenian emigrated to the U.S. in 1909. Two decades later, he relocated the business to Massachusetts with his uncle. At the time, jazz was exploding. So Avedis III went to New York City to develop new sounds with drumming pioneers. Then things really took off for Zildjian with a little help from the Beatles' 1964 appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show."
(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "I WANT TO HOLD YOUR HAND")
THE BEATLES: (Singing) When I say that somethin' I want to hold your hand. I want to hold your hand.
ZILDJIAN: Everybody wanted to become a musician. Everyone wanted to play. And it was in a matter of months that we were totally backordered because Ringo was a huge celebrity. So that catapulted our business into the modern era.
SHEA: Now Debbie and her sister, Craigie, who's president and executive chair, are carrying on the family business' legacy. Drummers across all genres have embraced Zildjian cymbals, from Lars Ulrich of Metallica to Grammy award-winning jazz drummer Terri Lyne Carrington.
(SOUNDBITE OF DRUMMING)
TERRI LYNE CARRINGTON: I normally play about six cymbals plus hi-hats. They're the sound that I've been playing my whole life because most jazz drummers play Zildjian cymbals.
SHEA: Carrington is a Zildjian artist, which means she exclusively endorses and plays the company's symbols. She says they helped her forge her musical identity.
CARRINGTON: Your cymbals are your signature. So whenever you play, you're generally recognized by your cymbal sound and your touch and your cymbal patterns, at least in jazz.
(SOUNDBITE OF TERRI LYNE CARRINGTON, ET AL.'S "WIND FLOWER")
SHEA: Carrington's drum kit is like a painter's palette. Each symbol's color guides her to the next stroke. She visited the Zildjian factory not too long ago.
CARRINGTON: I mean, I don't know the secret sauce, but to make a piece of metal sound so pretty and become this beautiful instrument that's a part of every kind of music that you hear is pretty remarkable.
(SOUNDBITE OF FACTORY MACHINES RUNNING)
SHEA: The Zildjian factory has evolved to keep up with demand for its 600 models of cymbals sold in more than 100 countries. Today, machines hammer the alloy instruments, but their forms are still finessed by skilled craftsmen. And every cymbal has to pass a human ear test. That's Eric Duncan's job.
(SOUNDBITE OF CYMBALS)
ERIC DUNCAN: We test anywhere from 1,000 to 4,000 cymbals a day, depending on how busy we are.
SHEA: Each approved cymbal gets stamped with the family name. They call it the Zildjian kiss.
(SOUNDBITE OF MACHINE STAMPING)
SHEA: Debbie Zildjian loves sharing her family's storied history. But as a keeper of their closely guarded 400-year-old alloy, she confirms...
ZILDJIAN: The secret part will remain a secret.
SHEA: For NPR News, I'm Andrea Shea.
(SOUNDBITE OF TERRI LYNE CARRINGTON, ET AL.'S "UPLIFTED HEART") Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.
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https://www.kdll.org/2024-12-14/zildjian-brand-cymbals-are-everywhere-but-how-theyre-made-is-a-400-year-secret
| 2024-12-16T05:07:18Z
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Bihar Police ASI Steno Recruitment 2024: The Bihar Police Subordinate Services Commission (BPSSC) has announced the much-awaited recruitment for 305 Steno Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) positions. The notification, published on 14th December 2024, opens up exciting career opportunities for eligible candidates. Interested individuals can apply online from 17th December 2024 until 17th January 2025 through the official BPSSC website.
Key Details of Bihar Police Steno ASI Recruitment 2024The recruitment is aimed at filling 305 vacancies for the post of Steno Assistant Sub-Inspector, with a competitive pay scale of Rs 29,200 – Rs 92,300 (Level 5). The application process is entirely online, and applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria regarding education, age, and physical fitness.
Bihar Police ASI Steno Recruitment 2024: Eligibility CriteriaTo apply for the Steno ASI role, candidates must have passed Intermediate (10+2) or equivalent from a recognised board, along with a government-recognised diploma in computer operation. The age limit is as follows:
General (Male): 18-25 years
BC/EBC (Male): 18-27 years
BC/EBC (Female): 18-28 years
SC/ST (Male/Female): 18-30 years
Age relaxation is provided as per government rules.
Bihar Police ASI Steno Recruitment 2024: Selection ProcessThe selection will be based on two stages: a written test and a skill test. The written test consists of two papers:
Paper I: General Hindi (100 marks)
Paper II: General Knowledge and Reasoning (200 marks)
The skill test will include a Shorthand Test (80 WPM in Hindi) and a Typing Test (minimum 30 WPM in Hindi). Final selection will be based on the performance in both the written and skill tests.
Bihar Police ASI Steno Recruitment 2024: Application FeeThe application fee varies by category:
General/OBC/EWS: Rs 700
SC/ST/Backward Classes: Rs 400
Bihar Police ASI Steno Recruitment 2024: How to ApplyCandidates can apply online by visiting the official BPSSC website bpssc.bihar.gov.in. The online registration process will require a valid mobile number and email ID. Applicants must fill out the application form, upload the necessary documents, pay the fee, and submit the form.
The recruitment offers a promising opportunity for those aspiring to serve in the Bihar Police, and interested candidates are advised to apply before the deadline of 17th January 2025.
Read the official notice here
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/bihar-police-asi-steno-recruitment-2024-notification-released-check-key-dates-and-other-details-here/articleshow/116331802.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:07:22Z
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The Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on education systems around the world, and Karnataka was no exception. A recent report from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) revealed alarming findings regarding the state's private schools overcharging students, exacerbating the challenges faced by already struggling families. With over Rs 345 crore collected in excess fees during the 2020-21 academic year, the situation highlights not only a financial crisis but also deep-rooted issues in the state's educational framework. Let's explore the crisis's impact on families and students, analyse the government and regulatory failures, and examine proposals for reform that could transform this crisis into an opportunity for long-term improvement.
Impact on Families: A Financial Strain Like Never BeforeThe pandemic left many families grappling with financial hardships. According to a report by NGOs working in Bengaluru, over 140 children in just three wards dropped out of school because their parents could no longer afford to pay fees. This wasn’t an isolated incident. Nationally, the dropout rate surged as families struggled with lost livelihoods, unstable incomes, and soaring educational costs. In Karnataka, more than 71,000 students have dropped out of school over the past six years, with an alarming 18,461 children leaving the system in 2022-23 alone.
The data from Samagra Shikshana Karnataka highlights that a staggering 13,267 children in the age group of 6-14, who fall under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, dropped out of school. These are children legally entitled to free education, yet the pandemic-induced financial strain led to widespread exclusion. Families from marginalised communities – Dalits, OBCs, and migrant groups – bore the brunt of this crisis. The report notes that around 25% of parents in private schools failed to pay fees during the pandemic, contributing significantly to dropout rates. A study from Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College in Kalaburagi found that these financial constraints were particularly severe in urban slums, where parents often prioritised survival over education.
These findings are mirrored in larger studies, such as one conducted by Azim Premji University, which analysed the impact of school closures on 16,067 children across 1,137 schools in Karnataka. The study confirmed severe learning losses, noting that many children who dropped out may never return to school, exacerbating the gap in educational equity.
Government and Regulatory FailuresWhile the pandemic undeniably posed unprecedented challenges, the CAG's findings highlight critical gaps in Karnataka's education system that were further exposed during the crisis. The CAG’s report specifically criticised the state's School Education and Literacy Department for its failure to regulate private school fee collections effectively. Private unaided schools in Karnataka were found to have overcharged students to the tune of Rs 345.80 crore during the 2020-21 academic year, despite clear court directives to the contrary.
The state's lack of a proper mechanism to monitor fee collection and a glaring absence of a regulatory framework for online schools contributed to these oversights. The report also noted that the government failed to adequately oversee the growing disparities in education quality during the pandemic, with online learning largely inaccessible to children from poor and marginalised communities. This regulatory failure further deepened existing inequalities, with children in urban slums and rural areas falling further behind.
Government data from the Ministry of Education paints a bleak picture of the broader trend. Karnataka's dropout rate in 2020-21 stood at 14.6%, well above the national average of 12.6%. As seen in Kalaburagi district, where only 15.85% of enrolled students were attending school by March 2021, it’s clear that the state's education system is still struggling to recover from the shock of the pandemic.
Reform Proposals: Turning the TideGiven the severity of the crisis, the Karnataka government has begun to take steps to address the persistent issues of dropout rates and educational inequity. One of the key reforms is the new State Education Policy (SEP), which aims to overhaul the education system and improve retention rates, particularly for children from vulnerable backgrounds.
Focus on Early Intervention and Retention Strategies: One of the central proposals of the SEP is the introduction of early warning systems to identify students at risk of dropping out. These systems would enable educators to intervene at the earliest stages, providing targeted support before students disengage completely. To support these efforts, awareness campaigns would be launched, particularly in marginalised communities where dropout rates are highest.
Support for Vulnerable Populations: The SEP also focuses on integrating out-of-school children back into mainstream education through special training programmes. This is especially important for migrant children and those from marginalised groups, many of whom were disproportionately affected by the pandemic. Additionally, the policy includes provisions for counselling services to address the psychological challenges faced by students in the post-pandemic era, ensuring that emotional and mental health are not sidelined in the drive for educational recovery.
Improvement in Infrastructure: Inadequate school facilities were another barrier to education during the pandemic. The SEP seeks to improve infrastructure in schools, particularly in rural areas, ensuring that schools are better equipped to handle both in-person and hybrid learning models. This includes enhancing digital infrastructure, which is vital to avoid the digital divide that left many students unable to access online learning during the lockdown.
Monitoring and Accountability: The SEP emphasises data-driven approaches to track dropout rates and assess the effectiveness of interventions. By conducting regular surveys and assessments, the government aims to improve transparency and accountability, ensuring that schools and districts are held responsible for educational outcomes.
Teacher Training and Development: To ensure that educators are equipped to address the needs of diverse learners, the SEP proposes continuous professional development. This will help teachers effectively manage classrooms, adapt to different learning styles, and engage students more effectively, particularly those who may have fallen behind due to the pandemic.
Future Prospects: A Long Road AheadKarnataka’s education system, like that of many other states, is at a crossroads. The findings of the CAG report serve as a wake-up call, shedding light on long-standing systemic issues that have been exacerbated by the pandemic. However, they also present an opportunity for meaningful reform. The proposals in the new State Education Policy, if implemented effectively, could lead to a more equitable and resilient education system.
However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Addressing the deep-rooted issues of dropout rates, financial exclusion, and infrastructural deficiencies will require sustained efforts and substantial investment. The state will need to ensure that its reforms are inclusive, reaching those most affected by the crisis, and that regulatory bodies are empowered to hold private schools accountable.
As Karnataka looks to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, it must seize this moment to create an education system that is not only resilient in the face of future crises but also equitable and accessible to all children, regardless of their socio-economic background.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/from-crisis-to-opportunity-can-karnataka-reform-its-education-system-after-cag-exposes-rs-345-crore-fee-overcharge-during-covid-19/articleshow/116334810.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:07:24Z
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The emergency call comes in just before midnight. In the driver's seat of a battered Toyota Hilux pickup truck, 29-year-old Chamunolwa Jimayi chats briefly with the caller. He hangs up the phone and shouts to his two colleagues in the back to hold on tight, then shoots off at high speed through the city center, careening around the traffic.
Jimayi's job is not your regular 9-to-5. He's a member of a three-man Elephant Response Team fighting to keep the peace amid a worsening and at times deadly conflict between humans and the world's largest land animal. His hometown of Livingstone, Zambia, lies on the edge of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and has long witnessed incidents of human-wildlife conflict. But the combination of recent urban expansion and successive poor rainy seasons has led to a dramatic escalation.
"Sometimes we get more than 30 calls in a day," says Jimayi, who receives only a stipend of around $140 a month. "The game park is almost completely dry. So the elephants are just coming into the community to feed. We've been receiving a huge number."
As he drives, signs of elephant incursions are visible all around: cinderblock walls with gaping holes, splintered mango, acacia and mopane trees, freshly deposited piles of dung. Strings of old beer cans and potato chip packets, designed to scare away elephants, adorn the walls of roadside homes.
With his favorite reggae playlist straining the vehicle's dust-choked sound system, Jimayi heads for the suburb of Linda, where he's learned that a pair of elephants are wreaking havoc in a residential area. Tensions there are high after a string of deaths caused by elephants. If the community responds with aggression, the situation could become volatile, putting both people and elephants in danger.
"They're friendly animals. They don't come to harm anyone," says Jimayi, who has a deep appreciation and respect for elephants. "But not everyone understands what I see in them. The community is really scared of these animals. And some are angry. People have lost their loved ones. Our goal is to keep the community and the elephants safe."
By the time Jimayi and his colleagues arrive at the scene, one of the elephants has disappeared back into the bush. He finds the other walking along a residential street and maneuvers the truck to try and cut it off.
A brief standoff ensues as Jimayi and the elephant size each other up, neither willing to back down. "Easy boy, back you go," he shouts through the open window. A few moments later, the elephant starts to run. Revving his engine, Jimayi pursues it through the streets of Linda, turning this way and that to channel it away from the settlement until eventually it ducks beneath a footbridge and disappears into the darkness in the direction of the national park.
The Elephant Response Team gets going
This has been Jimayi's life since 2019 when the Elephant Response Team was launched by a small Livingstone-based nonprofit, the Conservation and Tourism Society, in response to what was already, long before the drought began, a growing problem of human-wildlife conflict. With a total budget of barely $40,000 per year, CATS also helps search the national park for snares set by bushmeat poachers and carries out an extensive conservation education program designed primarily to teach people how to stay safe around elephants. The advice includes tips such as: always stay at least 300 feet from an elephant, never confront them and don't expect to outrun them: elephants can hit 28 mph.
They also teach residents about the different forms of elephant deterrents available to protect their homes and gardens, like reflector fences and "chili bricks" — a potent mix of elephant dung, used engine oil and fresh chili peppers that produces a noxious smoke when burned.
The Elephant Response Team is based in Dambwa South, a neighborhood of single-story brick homes set in a maze of dusty streets on the edge of the National Park and one of the areas worst affected by human-wildlife conflict. Every evening through the long months of the dry season – typically between May and October -- children gather along the park perimeter to watch the daily exodus of wildlife crossing into town in search of food.
Crocodiles hunt for prey in sewage ponds, hippos lumber past industrial buildings, and zebras and buffalo graze contentedly by the roadside, seemingly oblivious to their human audience. From about 7 p.m. onward, elephants take over the streets.
The park was once ringed by a fence but maintaining it has proved a challenge. Either it succumbs to elephant damage or is looted by residents looking to make a few dollars from the scrap metal. What remains are lines of empty fence poles and, here and there, a section of mangled wire flattened by the passage of animals. Park authorities say they are currently building a new one, with additional electric fencing in some areas, but Dominic Chiinda, director of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, admits that a fence is unlikely to prove a lasting solution.
Since 1990, Zambia's population has nearly tripled from 7.68 million to over 21 million. In that time, Dambwa South has sprawled outward to the point where, today, the outermost houses lie no more than 16 feet from the boundary of the national park.
"When we were growing up, there were no houses here," says Jimayi, as he warms his hands over a campfire at the team's base in Dambwa South. "This whole place was just full of trees. The elephants know this used to be their land."
Tough life for the locals
For the residents of the homes nearest the park perimeter, life has become a daily struggle.
"This was the only house we could find," says Janet Sikabonga, 36, who recently moved to the area with her husband and four children. "We didn't know there would be elephants here. We thought they would be inside the national park."
The previous night, Sikabonga had watched through her window as four elephants entered her front yard, destroying her water tap and her clothes line. Over the past few weeks, elephants had also destroyed her guava tree and her vegetable patch, prompting the family to abandon efforts to grow their own food. They no longer venture outside after dark.
"I don't know what to do," says Sikabonga, whose family relies on the money her husband earns doing odd-jobs for a Livingstone hotel, and who lacks the means to move again. "They destroy everything. Last night I was so scared I didn't even sleep".
Most incidents of human-wildlife conflict don't result in physical injury, but deaths still occur on a regular basis. So far this year, the DNPW has reported 10 people killed by elephants in the town. One evening in August, 91-year-old tobacco trader Luka Chiyesu was on his way back from the market, following the same route he'd taken every day for years, when he encountered a herd of elephants.
"I found my father's body just lying there in the bush," recalls his son, also called Luka, as he sits on a plastic chair in the yard of his home in the Nakatindi neighborhood. "He died on the spot."
Luka Jr, who grew up around elephants, always held them in great esteem, seeing them as "the mother of all animals." Now, he feels conflicted.
"We used to live peacefully. Nobody was ever attacked by elephants," he says. "Things have changed a lot. When they see us, they see an enemy. When we see them, we see an enemy. That day, if I had a gun, I'd have shot two or three."
The death of Luka Chiyesu triggered anger in the community not only toward elephants but also toward the Department of National Parks and Wildlife over their perceived failure to protect communities living near the national park. After the old man's death, it took hours for a DNPW vehicle to arrive on the scene. When one eventually turned up, an angry mob stoned it. None of those spoken to by NPR said they were aware of the Department carrying out elephant patrols in the area.
"They don't care about the people anymore -- they only care about the animals," said Luka Jr, echoing a widely held perception in the town. "They say this is a corridor of elephants. They say it's a wildlife area."
Dominic Chiinda said the department does have a vehicle assigned to elephant patrols in Livingstone but that more are needed to effectively cover such a large area. He also said many of the "unfortunate incidents" of deaths and injuries caused by elephants were "self-inflicted," alleging that some of the victims may have been drunk, and that villagers were planting their crops too close to elephant corridors. Chiinda said the department was trying to teach people about elephant safety, as well as distributing fireworks to affected communities to help them scare off elephants. They're also providing supplementary food for wildlife in the National park.
Livingstone sits within the Kavango Zambezi Conservation Area (KAZA), the world's largest terrestrial conservation area, which is home to more than half of Africa's savannah elephants and more than 2 million people. Spanning five countries, it contains a kaleidoscope of protected areas connected by so-called wildlife corridors that allow animals to move between one national park or reserve and another along traditional migration routes.
The pachyderm puzzle
The approach has helped to sustain elephant numbers in the KAZA at a time when, elsewhere on the continent, they are in decline. Yet for people living in the corridors, the regular passage of elephants poses numerous challenges.
"This is a village, not a national park," complained David Mweetwa, a 35-year-old schoolteacher in the village of Simoonga, a few miles from Livingstone, whose sister was killed by an elephant in April. "The authorities should put up a wire to prevent animals coming in. If they did that, it would save lives."
Another fraught issue is that of compensation. There's currently no government policy in place to provide assistance for the victims of elephant attacks or damage, yet such events can be ruinous for those involved. Many rely heavily on their vegetable patches or fruit trees. And in the case of a death, funeral costs are a heavy burden.
Namukolo Kabuki was a successful market trader until her son was killed by an elephant in Linda last year. To pay for the funeral, she had to sell her entire stock of plastic kitchenware, charcoal and goats. A year later, she still hasn't been able to raise the capital to restart her business.
Dominic Chiinda of the DNPW said the department is currently reviewing legislation to introduce a system of compensation by the start of the next dry season, yet he acknowledged that implementing it will be complicated.
"Every night, families are losing their fruit trees, their gardens, their fences," said Brighton Manongo, a farmer and community leader in Dambwa South, who once lost 1,000 heads of cabbage to elephants in a single incident. "Who would you even compensate? There'd be a claim every day. And you can't buy back a life."
In human-wildlife conflict hotspots across Southern Africa, several organizations have put in place measures to try to protect people from elephant raids. These include building "beehive fences", planting fields of chilli as a "buffer crop" and the practice of "cluster fencing" -- when groups of farmers with adjacent fields cooperate to build a fence around their properties.
"There's a lot of optimism that humans and elephants will be able to co-exist in close proximity," said Chris Thouless, director of the Kenya-based conservation organisation, the Elephant Crisis Fund. "But there hasn't been enough discussion about precisely what we mean when we talk about coexistence. The mitigation measures are good up to a certain point, but none of them is a silver bullet if the underlying issues are still there."
Burning chili bricks
With the human population increasing across the region, Thouless believes we must adopt a "triaged approach" to addressing human-elephant conflict: accepting that in some areas, where the population density of people and elephants has reached a certain threshold, efforts toward mitigation may be unsustainable. In these instances, he says, separation may be the only solution.
Thouless believes we should focus instead on areas where some form of long-term coexistence may be achievable.
In Livingstone, Manongo does his best to mitigate the danger. After the loss of his cabbage harvest, he abandoned growing vegetables in favor of keeping fish and goats. And every night he burns chilli bricks in the four corners of his yard. Yet the bricks only last a few hours; new ones must be lit throughout the night. Three days earlier, Manongo had failed to get out of bed to light the next round of chilli bricks. In the morning he woke to find a section of his fence destroyed.
"If you make a mistake, you're going to suffer damage," he said. "We're on the frontline here".
Part of the hostility toward elephants stems from the fact that few people in communities like Dambwa South see any tangible benefit from the wildlife tourism they bring. To address this, Manongo runs a series of urban elephant safari tours to bring in tourist dollars – the fee is $50 per person -- and to demonstrate the advantages of living with elephants.
The tour guides preach "co-existence," but it's an uneasy balance. As soon as the tourists have wrapped up their elephant viewing, the Elephant Response Team is sent in to herd the animals back to the park before they can cause any damage.
"Here, coexistence would mean keeping the elephants on one side of a fence and the humans on the other," Manongo acknowledges.
As the night wears on, the members of the Elephant Response Team continue with a mix of patrols and callouts. From time to time they come across people walking alone in the darkness and stop to give them a ride. They spot one man, who appears to be inebriated, staggering along a road directly toward a herd of buffalo grazing near a conference center. Elephants are also nearby.
"Life is precious," admonishes Jimayi, as the team drop the man safely at his destination. "If you want to get drunk, do it at home."
At one point, the team are confronted with a breeding herd of over 40 elephants. They attempt to corral them back toward the park. Jimayi skillfully maneuvers the vehicle back and forth through dense bush, clattering over shrubs and tree stumps, issuing a stream of orders and pleas to the herd through the open window. They say they think the strategy works.
But no sooner do some of the elephants start to head back toward the park than others break off in the opposite direction. At the same time, other groups of elephants are being reported elsewhere in the town.
"As soon as we try to park the car we get a call --Come to Linda, then come to Nakatindi, then come somewhere else," says Gift Ngandu, at 21, the youngest member of the team. "It goes on like that all night."
The work is exhausting, and by the end of the dry season, when food in the park is scarcest and human-wildlife conflict peaks, the volunteers are getting by on barely two or three hours of sleep a night. CATS has repeatedly attempted to hire a second driver to give Jimayi a break, but none of the candidates have returned after their trial shift.
"They feel the job is risky," says Jimayi. "And that you could be killed by an animal at any time. But if I thought like that I don't think I'd be able to work. The key is to understand the elephants."
A Toyota serves as sheepdog
Elephants are not inherently aggressive animals, says Chris Thouless, who first began studying human-elephant conflict in the early 1990s. Yet certain factors can make them more so. The team members know to look out for secretions on the sides of the faces of bull elephants, a sign that they may be in musth -- a testosterone-fueled state that can make them more likely to act aggressively. They are wary of getting between a mother and her calf -- and keep a close eye on any elephants that appear to be sick or wounded.
"Elephants are like people," said Thouless. "They can be aggressive when threatened, but they're peaceful when they feel comfortable."
"You need to be able to see what mood they're in and be able to tell a real charge from a mock charge," says Gift Ngandu. "You need to understand their behavior. If you talk to them politely they're very friendly. You need to show them that you're not here to harm them."
When the team members approach an elephant, they start gently, doing their best to coax and nudge the animal out of harm's way. They talk to the elephants, gently revving their engine and using their spotlight to convey the message that it's time to leave.
Some of the elephants now recognize the team and depart of their own accord, knowing that if they don't, they're likely to be chased away with more forceful measures, Ngandu says.
When the elephants stand their ground, the team up the ante, bringing their vehicle in close, often within feet of the herd, shouting instructions and revving hard on the engine. Turning this way and that to round up stragglers and keep the animals moving in the right direction, they deploy their ageing Toyota as a farmer might a sheepdog.
Shortly before dawn, the team conduct their last routine patrol of the night, rounding up the few elephants left in the town and ushering them back toward the national park, while the residents of Dambwa South emerge to assess the night's damage. Once a safe distance from the nearest houses, Jimayi switches off the engine. For a while, the team sits together in the truck, watching in companionable silence as the lumbering giants disappear, one by one, into the trees.
"I feel so privileged to be able to do this job," says Jimayi. "When I see an elephant, I see an animal that's gentle, peaceful and intelligent. I hope that one day we can learn to live together."
Tommy Trenchard is an independent photojournalist based in Cape Town, South Africa. He has previously contributed photos and stories to NPR on the Mozambique cyclone of 2019, Indonesian death rituals and illegal miners in abandoned South African diamond mines.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.kdll.org/npr-news/2024-12-08/photos-when-hungry-elephants-and-people-clash-in-a-village
| 2024-12-16T05:07:24Z
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In recent years, the UK has implemented significant changes to its immigration policies, especially those affecting non-EU students. These changes, which include stricter student visa rules, limitations on bringing dependents, and more restrictive post-study work opportunities, are reshaping the future of migration to the UK. As non-EU nationals—particularly those from India, Nigeria, and Pakistan—make up a larger share of UK immigration, the effects of these new policies are being felt across the education sector and labour market.
Overview of Recent Policy Changes and Their IntentionsThe UK government, particularly under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, introduced a series of immigration reforms aimed at curbing overall migration and reducing the number of dependents accompanying international students. Some of the key policy changes include:
Student Visa Restrictions: In January 2024, the UK government imposed stricter rules on international students, preventing them from bringing dependents unless they are enrolled in specific postgraduate courses in STEM fields. This policy change significantly affects students from countries like India, where bringing dependents was a major factor in choosing the UK as a study destination.
Changes to Post-Study Work Visas: The UK also introduced tougher regulations for students transitioning from study visas to work visas, particularly limiting options for those wishing to remain in the UK after completing their degrees. While the post-study work visa was previously available for up to two years, its tightening has raised concerns among international students hoping to gain employment experience in the UK.
The aim of these reforms is to address concerns over the impact of high immigration levels on public services and housing, while also prioritizing high-skilled workers over international students. However, these changes have had significant ripple effects on various sectors, including higher education and key industries that depend on international talent.
Profile of Non-EU Student Migration Trends (Statistics and Key Countries)The overall trend in UK immigration has shifted in favour of non-EU nationals, particularly students, as migration from EU countries has declined post-Brexit. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 1.2 million people migrated to the UK in the year leading up to June 2024. Of these, a remarkable 86% were non-EU nationals, with a significant proportion coming for work, study, or asylum.
Among the top countries contributing to this rise in non-EU migration are:
India: India is by far the largest contributor to the influx of international students, with 142,848 student visas issued in 2023—an impressive 54% increase from the previous year. India accounts for the majority of non-EU student migration, especially as its students have historically been drawn to the UK for higher education. However, recent policy changes, particularly restrictions on dependents and post-study work opportunities, are already affecting future trends.
Nigeria: Nigeria follows closely, with around 120,000 migrants arriving in the UK, many of whom are students seeking higher education opportunities. Nigerian students, along with those from other African nations, have been a growing presence in UK universities.
Pakistan and China: Pakistan (101,000) and China (78,000) also contribute substantial numbers of international students, particularly in fields like engineering, technology, and business.
These countries, along with many others, make up the bulk of non-EU migration to the UK. However, with the implementation of tighter rules, the flow of students may begin to slow down, especially from countries like India, which accounted for the largest share of student visas before the new regulations.
Impact on UK Higher Education and Employment SectorsThe UK’s higher education sector, which has long depended on international students, especially those from non-EU countries, is now facing challenges as the policy landscape shifts.
University Enrollments: The tightening of student visa rules has already been felt in UK universities. Platforms like Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) and Enroly reported a 3% drop in enrollments for the upcoming academic year, while CAS issuance (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) for Indian students specifically dropped by 32.55%. These declines signal a significant shift as students look to alternative study destinations, particularly those with more lenient visa policies, such as Canada or Australia.
Financial Impact on Universities: UK universities, which have come to rely on international students for tuition revenue, are facing potential financial strain as international enrollments slow. Universities outside London, in particular, may see greater financial repercussions as they rely on international students to sustain their operations and diversify their student bodies.
Skilled Labour and Employment: The restrictions on post-study work opportunities for international students have a direct impact on the UK labor market. Previously, many graduates transitioned from their studies to work in industries that face skill shortages, such as healthcare, engineering, and technology. With reduced opportunities to remain in the UK, these skilled graduates may opt to work in other countries with more favorable immigration policies, leading to potential labor shortages in critical sectors.
The UK’s economy and workforce are thus facing a dilemma: while the country needs skilled workers to sustain its global competitiveness, the new restrictions on student visas and post-study work rights may slow the flow of this talent, forcing industries to reconsider their reliance on international graduates.
Challenges and Opportunities for Non-EU Students Under New RulesThe changes to UK student visa policies present both challenges and opportunities for non-EU nationals, especially those from countries like India, Nigeria, and Pakistan.
Challenges with Dependents: The most immediate challenge for students is the restriction on bringing dependents, a significant factor for many students when choosing where to study. For Indian students, in particular, this change has led to frustration and uncertainty, as many had hoped to bring their families with them. The new rules will likely push some students to consider alternative study destinations that offer more lenient family visa policies.
Work Opportunities Post-Graduation: The restrictions on post-study work visas, combined with the difficulty of switching from student visas to work visas, have left many students uncertain about their future in the UK after graduation. As these graduates seek to gain work experience and contribute to the economy, the UK’s tightening regulations may push them toward other countries like Canada, which offer more robust pathways for skilled graduates.
However, there are also opportunities for students who adapt to these new rules. Some students may still find ways to take advantage of specific visa pathways for STEM graduates or explore alternative routes to permanent residency through employer sponsorship.
Future Implications: Social, Economic, and Political RepercussionsThe long-term implications of these immigration reforms will have significant consequences on both the UK’s economy and its social fabric.
Economic Growth and Innovation: Reducing the number of international students and skilled migrants could stifle innovation, particularly in sectors like technology, healthcare, and research. The UK has historically relied on non-EU talent to fill gaps in its workforce and drive economic growth. With fewer students and skilled workers entering the UK, this could lead to slower economic recovery post-pandemic and missed opportunities for growth in key industries.
Global Education Competitiveness: As other countries such as Canada and Australia ease their immigration rules for students and skilled workers, the UK may lose its position as a top global destination for higher education. This shift could have long-term repercussions for the country’s academic institutions, which depend on international student revenue and the global reputation of their programs.
Political and Social Backlash: Domestically, these changes could generate political backlash, especially in university towns and regions that rely on the influx of international students. Socially, the UK could also lose some of its cultural diversity and global appeal if fewer international students choose to study there. This might also influence public opinion on immigration and shift the discourse around the benefits of a diverse, globally connected workforce.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/non-eu-student-migration-in-the-uk-the-impact-of-new-policies-on-education-and-employment/articleshow/116331310.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:07:30Z
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Updated December 14, 2024 at 07:50 AM ET
Syria-Lebanon border to DAMASCUS, Syria – The road to Damascus tells the story of a new Syria emerging from 54 years of authoritarian rule by one family – the Assads.
At the border crossing between Lebanon and Syria, 57-year-old Hassan Sweileh paces back and forth wondering if he should return to the country he fled from during the civil war.
He wants to go back to search for his son, who was snatched by regime forces 12 years ago. He doesn't know why he was detained. He's only certain that he disappeared into Syria's prison system known for torture and executions.
But going back is complicated. He'd lose his refugee status in Lebanon and the home he once had in Aleppo was destroyed during the war. Returning would mean he'd have to start his life all over again. "They'll take my papers, but I need to find out about my son," he says. "I might die of hunger, but maybe I'll just sleep on the streets there."
As one father contemplated a return to Syria, two sisters packed their bags and quickly got out.
Sisters Aseel, 26, and Aya, 23 – both engineering students – filled their pink and purple roller bags with books and holiday decorations for Christmas. They asked NPR to only use their first names because they're not yet sure what their Christian faith may mean under Syria's new authorities.
They're elated to see Bashar al-Assad's oppressive regime gone, but are afraid of what may replace him.
"I'm afraid there won't be respect for all the sects, the minorities, and religions in Syria," Aseel said. "We don't know what kind of oppression there will be."
Assel and Aya plan to wait and see what happens to Syria from the outside.
They are among thousands of others who are waiting in long lines on the Syrian side of the border, who also want to wait and see what exactly will replace Assad's long rule.
But the road into Syria is relatively empty and signs of the revolution are instantly visible.
On the Syrian side of the border, there's no passport control. Military posts are abandoned, scorched trucks and tanks dot the highway heading into Damascus and military uniforms from Assad's soldiers are strewn along the way. Posters of Assad have been torn down or defaced.
Checkpoints are now mostly run by armed rebels, like Samer Muntashef from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS. They are the new authorities in Damascus and were once linked to the Islamic State and Al Qaeda, but eventually broke ties and rebranded as a more moderate group.
Today they say what many Syrians may want to hear – that they will lead a peaceful transition of power and that Syrians, no matter their religion or ethnicity, will be protected under their rule.
At one checkpoint just a few miles into Syria, rebels stop cars and confiscate weapons and illicit items from civilians. On this day, they've collected grenades, bullets, the magazine of a rifle, and a bag of Captagon pills, a powerful amphetamine-type drug that was banned from many countries in the 1980s. The Syrian regime produced and trafficked it to fund its civil war and its survival, essentially turning Syria into a narco state.
Remnants of the past are scattered all around them – hundreds of military ID cards of soldiers who served under Assad's regime are on the ground. Many of the rebels at this checkpoint say they're not interested in seeking revenge; they would rather see Assad's soldiers go to court for serving the regime throughout the 13-year civil war that killed more than half a million people, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
But Syrians have already started sharing videos of what they say are apparent revenge killings of top Assad loyalists. NPR has not independently confirmed what's in the videos.
In one, a mob watches as a man is hanged in city dominated by Assad's Alawite sect, showing how anger toward the regime runs deep across Syria's religious lines. In another, a man in uniform is shot in the street.
In Damascus there's a certain calm to the city now. It's almost as if people here are holding their their breath. In a place where people have long said the walls had ears, they're beginning to speak freely and are sharing how they really felt about Assad all these years. An era of oppression is gone.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.kdll.org/npr-news/2024-12-12/on-the-road-to-damascus-from-lebanon-syrians-express-hope-and-worry-of-whats-next
| 2024-12-16T05:07:31Z
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NEW YORK — ABC News has agreed to pay $15 million toward Donald Trump's presidential library to settle a lawsuit over anchor George Stephanopoulos' inaccurate on-air assertion that the president-elect had been found civilly liable for raping writer E. Jean Carroll.
According to settlement documents made public Saturday, ABC will also post a note on its website expressing regret over the claim in a March 10 segment on Stephanopoulos' This Week program and pay $1 million in legal fees to Trump's lawyer.
In a statement, ABC News said: "We are pleased that the parties have reached an agreement to dismiss the lawsuit on the terms in the court filing."
Trump sued Stephanopoulos and ABC for defamation days after the anchor claimed during an interview with Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., that Trump had been "found liable for rape," which misstated the verdicts in Carroll's two lawsuits against him.
Last year, Trump was found liable for sexually assaulting and defaming Carroll and was ordered to pay her $5 million. In January, he was found liable on additional defamation claims and ordered to pay Carroll $83.3 million. Trump is appealing both verdicts.
Neither verdict involved a finding of rape as defined under New York law.
The judge in both cases, Lewis Kaplan, has said that the jury's conclusion was that Carroll had failed to prove that Trump raped her "within the narrow, technical meaning of a particular section of the New York Penal Law."
Kaplan noted that the definition of rape was "far narrower" than how rape is defined in common modern parlance, in some dictionaries, in some federal and state criminal statutes and elsewhere.
The judge said the verdict did not mean that Carroll "failed to prove that Mr. Trump 'raped' her as many people commonly understand the word 'rape.' Indeed ... the jury found that Mr. Trump in fact did exactly that."
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.kdll.org/npr-news/2024-12-14/abc-agrees-to-give-15-million-to-trumps-presidential-library-to-settle-lawsuit
| 2024-12-16T05:07:32Z
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NEW DELHI: The University of Chicago recently marked the 10th anniversary of its Center in Delhi, a milestone celebrating a decade of impactful collaborations across a wide spectrum of disciplines, including liberal arts, medicine, and science. The anniversary highlighted the Center's role as a hub for research, education, and partnerships that address global challenges.
During its 10th anniversary celebrations, the Center in Delhi hosted a series of events culminating in a year-long focus on “Ideas to Impact.” This initiative aims to further UChicago’s commitment to leveraging its resources to tackle pressing global issues. A key highlight of the celebration was the India launch of the University’s Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth, which balances the urgency of climate action with the need for sustainable economic progress.
Speaking about this milestone, Supratik Guha, Faculty Director of the UChicago Center in Delhi and a professor at the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, reflected, “As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the University of Chicago Center in Delhi, we reflect on a decade of impactful collaborations that have advanced critical areas such as the liberal arts, social policy, economics, medicine, and, more recently, science and technology. This milestone is not merely a celebration of past achievements but a springboard for the future.”
Established in 2014, the UChicago Center in Delhi serves as a home for collaboration between the University’s scholars and their Indian counterparts. It fosters research and teaching under three broad umbrellas: business, economics, law, and policy; science, energy, medicine, and public health; and culture, society, religion, and the arts. Leni Chaudhuri, Executive Director of the Center, remarked, “Since its inception, the UChicago Center in Delhi has been a catalyst for innovation and change. We’ve undertaken groundbreaking research, nurtured talented students, and built strong partnerships with leading institutions.”
The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth, launched earlier this year on October 30 in Chicago and inaugurated in India during the anniversary events, exemplifies UChicago’s commitment to global engagement. The Institute focuses on cutting-edge research in climate economics, sustainable energy technologies, and climate systems engineering. By partnering with Indian researchers, policymakers, and industries, the Institute aims to deliver actionable insights and innovative solutions.
Guha noted the Institute’s potential to influence data-driven policymaking in India. While he emphasized that AI's role in sustainability remains nascent, he remarked on its potential: “AI has to prove itself in sustainability. This is what we’ll find out in the next ten years. It’s not a done deal.”
Over the past decade, the University of Chicago has undertaken over two dozen projects in India, working with government and industry partners across eleven states, according to an official statement. From improving electricity markets and developing real-time water pollution sensors to helping farmers with advanced weather forecasting and aiding in the creation of emissions markets, UChicago has made a significant policy and technological impact. Much of this work has been led by EPIC India, which is set to play a crucial role in the new Institute.
Reflecting on these efforts, Guha shared an anecdote highlighting the cultural and practical differences in problem-solving between Indian and U.S. students. He recounted how bright Indian researchers spent considerable time improvising field equipment with makeshift solutions rather than designing durable tools. “This sort of mentality where the work relies on - let’s just tie something together and get it going, is helpful in the short term but not sustainable in the long term,” he explained. He emphasised the importance of moving beyond the ‘Jugaad’ mindset to foster innovation and long-term efficiency.
The sustainability sector in India is poised for growth, with increasing investments from both government and industry. Guha sees this as an opportunity for the rise of “green jobs” in areas like clean energy and emissions management. He also highlighted India’s growing research investments, noting a significant increase in funding compared to two decades ago. However, he acknowledged a gap in research intensity when compared to countries like the U.S. and China, while expressing optimism about India’s trajectory.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/university-of-chicago-center-in-delhi-sets-ambitious-goals-for-future-as-institute-for-climate-and-sustainable-growth-launches-in-india/articleshow/116311476.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:07:36Z
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A prominent attorney who once served as a Manhattan chief assistant district attorney will represent Luigi Mangione as he faces murder charges in New York for the shooting death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Karen Friedman Agnifilo is currently working at Agnifilo Intrater, which specializes in "complex and sensitive criminal matters," according to its website.
The law group confirmed on Saturday that Mangione retained Friedman Agnifilo, adding that she "will not be making any statements at this time."
Mangione, 26, is scheduled to appear in a preliminary hearing in Pennsylvania on Dec. 23 regarding charges related to a 3D-printed gun and fake ID. He is currently being held without bail. Earlier this week, Mangione contested extradition to New York, where he faces murder charges. An online fundraiser made to help with Mangione's legal fees has so far raised over $97,000.
Friedman Agnifilo worked as a prosecutor for much of her career before she went into private practice in 2021.
For seven years, she was the second-in-command at the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. She worked under Cyrus Vance Jr. — who was known for going after former film producer Harvey Weinstein, as well as President-elect Donald Trump.
At the Manhattan DA's office, Friedman Agnifilo prosecuted violent crime cases, including those that had "a mental health component," according to her law firm bio. She also served as the acting district attorney when Vance was out of the jurisdiction.
Two other attorneys from Agnifilo Intrater are representing Sean "Diddy" Combs in the criminal case against him, where he was charged with sex trafficking and racketeering.
UnitedHealth Group CEO speaks out
The killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO on Dec. 4 sent shockwaves across the country. It also brought issues around health care access in the U.S. into sharp focus, with widespread anger directed at health insurance companies on social media.
On Friday, Andrew Witty, the CEO of UnitedHealth Group, the parent company of UnitedHealthcare, said he agreed that the health care system is flawed.
"We know the health system does not work as well as it should, and we understand people's frustrations with it," he wrote in an op-ed published in The New York Times.
"We understand and share the desire to build a health care system that works better for everyone," he added.
Witty added that Thompson was among those who "tried their best for those they serve." He wrote, "When a colleague proposed a new idea to Brian, he would always ask, 'Would you want this for your own family?' If not, end of discussion."
The UnitedHealth Group CEO ended the op-ed asserting that Thompson was dedicated to building a more affordable, transparent and compassionate health care — adding that it was those characteristics that he and others in UnitedHealth Group will emulate.
The op-ed received over 2,400 comments before the comments section was closed. Many of the responses were of readers unconvinced by Witty's statements.
Among the top recommended comments came from Ralph from Naples, Fla., who wrote, "I have read this twice, and in essence it says nothing. What is he proposing to change or improve?"
Another top comment came from Phil from London: "What happened to Mr Thompson was tragic, but to describe him as someone 'who was working to make health care better for everyone' is just patently false. He was working to maximize profits for the company's shareholders, that is the *sole* responsibility of a CEO and it continues to be the main reason why healthcare in the US is completely broken."
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.kdll.org/npr-news/2024-12-14/luigi-mangione-retains-high-profile-former-prosecutor-as-defense-lawyer
| 2024-12-16T05:07:38Z
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The United States is on the brink of a transformative shift in how lawyers are licensed, with more than half of U.S. jurisdictions opting to adopt the NextGen Bar Exam by its debut in July 2026. Designed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE), this revamped exam aims to focus on practical legal skills rather than rote memorization, marking the first major redesign in 25 years. But as the legal community prepares for this seismic change, critical questions arise: Will this new format create a fairer pathway for underrepresented groups? Or will it introduce new challenges for aspiring lawyers?
Unlike its predecessor, the Uniform Bar Exam, it is designed to better reflect the practical skills and knowledge newly licensed attorneys need. The exam will test nine legal subjects, including constitutional law, criminal law, and civil procedure, along with seven foundational skills such as legal writing, negotiation, and client counseling. Developed after a comprehensive nationwide practice analysis involving over 2,500 participants from 70 law schools, it aims to create practice-ready lawyers. This revamped structure will replace the current system entirely by February 2028.
Several states, including Oregon, have already announced plans to adopt the NextGen Bar Exam, aligning with its emphasis on balancing litigation and transactional legal practice. Early research shows wide participation, with 94 law schools across 43 jurisdictions involved in the test development process. The exam will feature diverse question formats, including integrated scenarios and performance tasks, and will be administered over one and a half days, reducing the current two-day structure. For states and institutions, this shift is seen as a necessary update to align legal education with the evolving demands of the profession.
What is the NextGen Bar Exam?The NextGen Bar Exam represents a significant departure from the traditional model, prioritising practical legal skills over theoretical knowledge. The current bar exam, which spans 12 hours over two days, consists of three distinct components: the Multistate Bar Exam, Multistate Essay Exam, and Multistate Performance Test. The redesigned test will consolidate these into a nine-hour, computer-based format.
Unlike its predecessor, the NextGen exam will test competencies in areas such as legal research, writing, and problem-solving—skills directly applicable to real-world legal practice. By moving away from memorisation-heavy components, the NCBE aims to create a more streamlined and modern assessment process.
Accessibility and Equity: Progress or Peril?One of the primary goals of the NextGen Bar Exam is to address long-standing accessibility issues within the legal profession. Traditional bar exams, with their reliance on memorisation, have been criticised for favouring those with access to expensive test preparation courses, disproportionately disadvantaging candidates from minority and low-income backgrounds.
The NextGen format’s emphasis on practical skills could reduce these barriers by making the test more reflective of day-to-day legal work. However, critics caution that underrepresented groups may still face inequities in preparation resources, particularly as law schools and bar prep providers adapt to the new format. Without adequate support, the shift may inadvertently perpetuate existing disparities.
Memorisation vs. Practical Skills: A Fairer Test?The current bar exam's heavy focus on memorising statutes and legal principles often alienates non-traditional candidates, such as first-generation law students or those from diverse educational backgrounds. Advocates for the NextGen exam argue that it offers a more equitable measure of an aspiring lawyer’s abilities by evaluating skills essential for practice, such as drafting motions or counselling clients.
By testing practical competencies, the NextGen exam aligns more closely with real-world legal scenarios. This shift could not only level the playing field but also better prepare future lawyers for the challenges of the profession. However, some argue that the reduced focus on theoretical knowledge may disadvantage candidates who excel in academic legal study.
Long-Term Impact on Diversity in the Legal ProfessionThe NextGen Bar Exam has the potential to significantly reshape the demographics of the U.S. legal profession. By focusing on practical skills, it could open doors for candidates who historically struggled with the memorisation-based format. This shift might encourage greater participation from underrepresented groups, fostering a more inclusive legal community.
However, the new format could also introduce different barriers. For example, law schools and legal organisations will need to ensure equitable access to preparation resources, such as simulations or mock exams, which may be expensive. Law firms and hiring bodies will also need to adapt, recognising the value of skills-based assessment in evaluating new talent.
A New Era or a New Set of Challenges?The adoption of the NextGen Bar Exam by 29 jurisdictions—including Florida, Illinois, and Colorado—signals a willingness to modernise the legal licensing process. While its focus on practical skills holds promise for creating a more inclusive pathway to the profession, the exam's success will depend on how well law schools, candidates, and the legal community adapt to these changes.
As the countdown to July 2026 begins, the legal profession must grapple with a fundamental question: Will the NextGen Bar Exam truly dismantle barriers, or will it merely shift them to new arenas? The answer will shape the future of law and its accessibility to diverse talent for decades to come.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/us-bar-exam-overhaul-will-the-nextgen-test-create-more-equitable-pathways-for-aspiring-lawyers/articleshow/116337109.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:07:42Z
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RISHIKESH: A girl was not allowed to enter her classroom in a school here without removing a tilak from her forehead, prompting her parents and Hindu outfits to stage a protest, following which the principal had to offer an apology. Director General of School Education Jharna Kamthan has also asked the chief education officer of Tehri Garhwal district in Uttarakhand to investigate the matter.
The Class-8 student was asked by her teacher on Wednesday to remove the tilak from her forehead, saying it was not allowed in the school.
The girl obeyed her teacher and attended the class but told her parents about it later.
Her parents, along with Hindu outfits, reached the school on Thursday to protest.
"The teacher should not have forced the girl to remove the tilak. Wearing a tilak is a Hindu tradition. How can a Hindu be stopped from wearing it?" Rajiv Bhatnagar, president of one of the Hindu groups that were part of the protest, said.
The matter was resolved after the principal of the school apologised to the girl's parents and the protesting Hindu groups, including the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal and Rashtriya Hindu Shakti Sangathan.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/uttarakhand-school-apologises-after-girl-forced-to-remove-tilak/articleshow/116330508.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:07:44Z
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You might not think anyone would want a "gladiator experience." All those heavy shields and stifling steel helmets. And, of course, the spear wounds and … goring.
But the authorities that oversee Rome's Colosseum have signed an agreement with Airbnb, the short-term rental platform, to offer 16 people a "gladiatorial experience" next year inside the 2,000-year-old UNESCO heritage site.
"Those brave enough to rise to the challenge will follow in the footsteps once traversed by victorious fighters," says the Airbnb website, "suit up in historically accurate armor, and put their skills to the test to determine their fate in battle."
Personally, when in Rome, I'd prefer a plate of Cacio E Pepe.
A number of prominent Romans have denounced the deal, which also promotes the film "Gladiator II."
"We cannot turn one of the most important monuments in the world into a theme park," Massimiliano Smeriglio, a former member of European Parliament, posted last month on Instagram.
Local politician Enzo Foschi said, "We are not in Disneyland, we are in Rome. Every now and then someone seems to forget it."
But Alexander Mariotti, a historian of gladiators, who was a consultant for Sir Ridley Scott's new film, says we should also remember that Rome's Colosseum wasn't built as a cathedral. It's always been a stage.
"The Colosseum was always a site for the greatest spectacles and most outrageous shows," he told us.
It would be flooded to recreate naval battles. It would stage combat between lions and tigers, and hungry animals hunting human fighters. It was also Rome's mainstage for public executions, including reenactments of torture scenes from Greek and Roman myths.
"I agree that we shouldn't turn the Colosseum into a theme park," Alexander Mariotti told us. "But it's always been an arena for drama!"
Airbnb say their 16 faux gladiators will be offered "grapes, pomegranates, almonds and walnuts" as refreshments. What does a gladiator have to do to get some Spaghetti Carbonara?
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.kdll.org/npr-news/2024-12-14/opinion-airbnb-will-recreate-gladiator-drama-in-the-colosseum
| 2024-12-16T05:07:45Z
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IIM CAT 2024 Results: The eagerly awaited results for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2024, conducted by IIM Calcutta, are expected to be released soon. As per past trends, the results will likely be available by December 20, 2024. Candidates can check their results on the official website, iimcat.ac.in, once they are announced. Although no official confirmation has been made, aspirants are advised to stay updated by regularly visiting the website.
CAT 2024 Exam OverviewThe CAT 2024 exam was held on November 24, 2024, with approximately 2.39 lakh candidates appearing for the test at various exam centres across the country. The provisional answer keys were released on December 3, 2024, with a window for submitting objections until December 5, 2024.
Expected CAT 2024 Result DateThe official notification had earlier mentioned that the CAT results are expected to be released by mid-January 2025. However, based on historical trends, it is anticipated that the results will be out between December 18 and 20, 2024. The following table illustrates the result release trends for the past few years:
Details on the ScorecardOnce the results are released, candidates can download their scorecards from the official website. The scorecard will contain the following details:
• Registration number/user ID
• Candidate’s name, category, and gender
• Date of birth
• Exam date and time
• Contact details (email and phone number)
• CAT scaled score (overall)
• CAT section-wise score
• CAT percentile score (overall and section-wise)
• CAT score validity
In case of discrepancies, candidates must immediately contact the concerned authorities for rectification.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/when-will-cat-2024-results-be-announced-check-the-expected-date-and-key-information/articleshow/116335305.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:07:50Z
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HONOLULU — Bob Fernandez, a 100-year-old survivor of the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, died shortly after deteriorating health prompted him to skip a trip to Hawaii to attend last week's remembrance ceremony marking the 83rd anniversary of the attack.
Fernandez died peacefully at the Lodi, California, home of his nephew, Joe Guthrie, on Wednesday. Guthrie's daughter, Halie Torrrell, was holding his hand when he took his last breath. Fernandez suffered a stroke about a month ago that caused him to slow down but Guthrie said doctors attributed his condition to age.
"It was his time," Guthrie said.
Fernandez was a 17-year-old sailor on board the USS Curtiss during the Dec. 7, 1941, attack that propelled the U.S. into World War II. A mess cook, he was waiting tables and bringing sailors morning coffee and food when they heard an alarm sound. Through a porthole, Fernandez saw a plane fly by with the red ball insignia known to be painted on Japanese aircraft.
He rushed down three decks to a magazine room where he and other sailors waited for someone to unlock a door storing shells so they could pass them to the ship's guns. He has told interviewers over the years that some of his fellow sailors were praying and crying as they heard gunfire above.
"I felt kind of scared because I didn't know what the hell was going on," Fernandez told The Associated Press in an interview weeks before his death.
Fernandez's ship, the Curtiss, lost 21 men and nearly 60 of its sailors were injured. The bombing killed more than 2,300 U.S. servicemen. Nearly half, or 1,177, were sailors and Marines on board the USS Arizona, which sank during the battle.
"We lost a lot of good people, you know. They didn't do nothing," Fernandez said. "But we never know what's going to happen in a war."
Fernandez had been planning to return to Pearl Harbor last week to attend an annual commemoration hosted by the Navy and the National Park Service but became too weak to make the trip, Guthrie said.
He was "so proud" of his six years in the Navy, all of it aboard the USS Curtiss, Guthrie said. Most of his casual clothes, like hats and shirts, were related to his service.
"It was just completely ingrained in him," his nephew said.
Fernandez worked as a forklift driver at a cannery in San Leandro, California, after the war. His wife of 65 years, Mary Fernandez, died in 2014.
He enjoyed music and dancing, and until recently attended weekly music performances at a local park and a restaurant. He helped neighbors in his trailer park take care of their yards until he moved in with Guthrie last year.
"I'd do yard work and split firewood and he'd swing the axe a little bit," Guthrie said. "We'd call it his physical therapy."
Fernandez's advice for living a long life included stopping eating once you're full and marching up stairs. He said it was OK to take a nap, but do something like laundry or wash dishes before going to bed. He recommended being kind to everyone.
Guthrie said he thinks Fernandez would want to be remembered for bringing people joy.
"He would rake people's yards if they couldn't do it. He would paint a fence. He would help somebody," Guthrie said. "He would give people money if they needed something. He was so generous and such a kind person. He made friends everywhere."
Fernandez is survived by his oldest son, Robert J. Fernandez, a granddaughter and several great-grandchildren.
There are 16 known survivors of Pearl Harbor that are still alive, according to a list maintained by Kathleen Farley, the California state chair of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors. All of them are at least 100 years old.
Fernandez's death would have brought the number to 15 but Farley recently learned of an additional survivor.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.kdll.org/npr-news/2024-12-14/pearl-harbor-survivor-dies-at-100
| 2024-12-16T05:07:51Z
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Aamir Khan is ready for his next act
By Thomas Page, CNN
London, UK (CNN) — In the depths of Covid, Aamir Khan tried walking away from it all. Acting, filmmaking; the business that made him a household name to millions in India and beyond. No more.
The Bollywood megastar, one of India’s highest paid actors, was locked down in 2020 and feeling introspective. “I’d spent all my adult life in this magical world of cinema. And I was so lost in stories and characters and that whole journey that I realized I had not been there for my family,” Khan told CNN during a recent visit to London.
“It was a major moment for me,” he said. “My three kids, two of them already adults, and I pretty much missed their childhoods. All of that really made me feel horrible about myself and how I’d conducted my life.”
“I’m quite an extreme person,” he added, “so I was like, ‘OK, ‘I’m done with films now.’”
Khan still had half a film left to shoot, which had been halted by the pandemic. He told no one of his plans beyond his family, which begs the question: if he kept it secret, did he really retire? “I did,” he insisted. “I used to go to work with my daughter — she runs a nonprofit company working in mental health … Really, I was having a great time.”
Eventually his kids had a quiet word (“We can’t spend 24 hours a day with you, you need to get a life of your own,” as the actor tells it) pushing him back into the arms of Bollywood. And until recently, the rest of the world was none the wiser.
So, though you might not have missed him, Aamir Khan has returned — only this time he’s making sure he’s home for supper.
Khan is busy promoting “Lost Ladies” (“Laapataa Ladies”), which he produced. Directed by Kiran Rao, who is also Khan’s ex-wife, it tells the story of two veiled brides who accidentally go home with the wrong grooms as they travel back from their respective weddings. The light satire, playing on Netflix, is India’s official submission to the Academy Awards and BAFTAs.
The movie features Nitanshi Goel and Pratibha Ranta as brides Phool and Jaya — one young and somewhat naïve, the other ambitious and independent. Phool becomes separated from husband Deepak (Sparsh Shrivastava). He in turn is distraught to learn the other bride Jaya has used the mix-up to flee her own husband, a sinister character who may have killed his first wife, and who refuses to let his second wife further her education.
“The film organically spoke to so many issues that girls go through thanks to deeply entrenched patriarchy and gender roles and the lack of freedoms that women experience in so many parts of the world,” said director Rao.
Khan brought the script to Rao, who set about injecting some laughs. “Humor is one thing that both of us really wanted to bring into the film. It really softens you, and (for) people who otherwise may not be of your point of view, it makes it easier for them to get it,” Khan said. (Using cinema to sway hearts and minds is a subject which Khan returns to often.)
Khan and Rao met on the set of Oscar-nominee “Lagaan” (2001) and were married for 15 years, divorcing in 2021. Clearly still on good terms, theirs is a collaboration that has endured. “I think it starts with the fact that we both really enjoy each other’s minds,” said Rao.
They’re presenting a united front in the lead up to the Oscars, where they hope to break a notable winless streak for the movie-mad nation. India has never been recognized for Best International Feature Film (previously Best Foreign Language Film), and only won its first Academy Award in 2023, when “RRR” walked away with Best Original Song.
Khan is lending considerable clout to the campaign, marking a rare occasion he enters awards season mode. The actor is known for steering clear of such endeavors at home (“You’ll have to come to one of the Indian awards to understand that better,” he quipped) and admits he doesn’t “usually take awards that seriously.” But the Oscars offer something different: “It really opens up many windows for your film … I think as creative people, we really want more and more people to experience what we’ve done.”
The elephant in the room is that more than one film from the subcontinent is eyeing up awards this season. Cannes Grand Prix-winner “All We Imagine as Light” by independent film director Payal Kapadia had been viewed as the lead candidate for Best International Film at the Oscars by some members of the Hollywood commentariat, only for the Film Federation of India (FFI) to choose otherwise. The ensuing bruhaha was only fueled by reported comments from the jury head that Kapadia’s felt like a “European film taking place in India, not an Indian film taking place in India.” But that film can always be submitted for other categories, and not all awards operate by the same submission rules as the Academy.
“It’s a really interesting and exciting moment in Indian cinema when we see two women (making) films that speak about women’s journeys and struggles,” commented Rao. “In fact, both films actually address sisterhood and solidarity among women — and I think that really deserves celebration.”
“There’s much more space for all of us, rather than to pit anyone against the other,” she added.
Three Khans, one screen
Khan’s brief hiatus has prompted new priorities. The actor says he wants to produce more in the next decade, becoming “a platform for young talent.” That doesn’t mean nurturing the next generation of stars, he clarifies. After more than 40 years in the game , he’s still not sure what stardom is.
“We can’t place our finger on it,” said the actor. “Why do people love me and Salman (Khan) and Shah Rukh (Khan)? Why not someone else? What’s is that we have? I have no idea.”
The trio known as the Three Khans have dominated Bollywood for 30 years. And Aamir has an update: the three are finally ready to share a screen.
“Last year we were sitting together and I said, ‘Listen, before we all retire, we have to do one film together otherwise audiences will be really upset with us,’” Khan shared.
“All three of us are looking forward to that,” he added. “All three of us have the responsibility of looking out for this one script that all of us can star in. I’m hoping it happens sometime soon.”
If it does, the movie would be a once-in-a-generation event for Hindi cinema, and a boost for Khan. While Salman and Shah Rukh starred in 2023 action hits “Pathaan” and “Tiger 3,” Aamir’s latest, 2022’s big-budget “Forrest Gump” remake “Laal Singh Chaddha” faltered with audiences, and the actor hasn’t had a hit since 2016 sensation “Dangal” — the first non-English language film to earn more than $300 million at the global box office. (Not that a hit couldn’t necessarily come sooner — Khan has half a dozen films in various stages of production.)
Khan has weathered rough patches before. After his 1988 breakthrough “Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak” “I had a string of flops,” he recalled. “I was being called a one film wonder — and rightly so, I was doing awful work.”
In retrospect, those flops — eight or nine of them, he estimates — were the learning curve he needed. “I realized the hard way that filmmaking is one person’s vision, and that one person is the director,” he explained. “Which director you work with will really determine where your film ends up.”
“I told myself that unless the script, the director and the producer are something I have complete trust in, I’m not going to do a film ever again — even if that means the end of my career. And my career almost ended as a result of that,” he added.
Yes, Khan agrees a movie star can grab a film by the scruff of its neck, “But why would you want to do that?” he said, looking bemused.
“I don’t want to be in a film that’s not appreciated … Also, I don’t like people praising me more than the film. When I’m in a film and someone says, ‘Oh, you were fantastic,’ and he doesn’t talk about the film, I’m like, ‘So the film didn’t work for him.’ For me, the film is most important. I come in much later.”
A leading man under the spotlight
When Khan speaks, people listen. This fact has become a double-edged sword for the actor. Leveraging his leading man status to advocate for various social causes has come with inevitable detractors.
“It’s a tough one,” Khan said, of the responsibilities of using his voice. “I’ve been learning that sometimes you need to speak, and sometimes you don’t.”
The actor says he tries to stay away from the “cacophony” of social media, “where almost anything that you say could be offensive to somebody.”
“Experience has taught me that it’s much better to communicate through a film,” Khan added. “What I want to convey, I can convey through my stories.”
What message to place inside the empathy machine of cinema has become a thorny issue in India. The power of Hindi cinema to sway public opinion has been in the spotlight, with some arguing Bollywood has “veered toward the right” during the rule of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Though their directors have denied it was their intention, popular films like “The Kerala Story” (2023) and “The Kashmir Files” (2022) have been criticized for perceived Islamophobia.
Khan, a Muslim, who has played Hindus and Sikhs on screen, is a prominent avatar for a religiously pluralistic India.
It was recently the 25th anniversary of “Sarfarosh” (1999) a beloved crime thriller which put the subject in the spotlight. Khan played Ajay, a Hindu police assistant commissioner in Mumbai charged with uncovering a gun-running operation designed to provoke civil unrest in India. Assisting him is steadfast officer Salim, played by Mukesh Rishi, whose allegiances are doubted because of his Muslim faith. Their fractious relationship comes to a head when Salim confronts Ajay, telling him, “Don’t you ever tell any Salim that this country isn’t his.”
“It is still very relevant,” Khan reflected. “I thought ‘Sarfarosh’ was a really lovely script, and I think it was saying such important things — and saying it with so much love and sincerity that it really connected across the board in India.”
“You want society to be inclusive. You don’t want any one section of society to feel insecure or worried, irrespective of where you are in the world, irrespective of which culture you’re talking about,” he added.
Khan is a great believer that what happens in the movie theater doesn’t stay in the movie theater. “Creative people, their fundamental responsibility is to entertain,” he said, “but I don’t think that it ends there for me.”
“You can also provoke (an audience). You can make them think. You can shed light on certain things,” he added. “It’s the creative people in society — the poets, the writers, the performing artists, dancers, painters — who really build the social fabric of any society. What I am today is largely a result of the effects of songs, paintings, poems, books, stories, films. All of that has affected me in some way or the other, and it’s made me who I am.”
It’s a message anyone in the arts can get behind, including, he’ll hope, the Academy. Could “Lost Ladies” go all the way? Competition is stiff, but rule out a good awards season narrative at your peril. However, as Khan has come to appreciate, there’s more to life than awards and films.
“It’s been an interesting journey these last three years, where I’ve come full circle. But now I’m in a much happier space — and I’m glad I didn’t quit.”
“Lost Ladies” (“Laapataa Ladies”) is available to stream on Netflix.
The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.
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https://krdo.com/news/2024/12/15/aamir-khan-is-ready-for-his-next-act/
| 2024-12-16T05:07:50Z
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The woman who accused Jay-Z and Sean "Diddy" Combs of raping her when she was 13 years old shared new details about her recollection of the night of the alleged assault.
In an interview with NBC News, the woman — now a 38-year-old mother who lives in Alabama — said she had stayed quiet for 24 years because she felt no one would have believed her.
"Even if somebody found out, who was gonna believe me? I mean, it was to the word of two celebrities against mine," she said.
NBC said in the report the woman, who is referred to in court documents as "Jane Doe," declined to be identified.
Among the new details, the Alabama woman claimed that during the alleged assault, Jay-Z — whose real name is Shawn Carter — placed his hand over her mouth and told her to stop when she resisted.
The woman told the outlet that she acknowledged there are some inconsistencies in her account but firmly maintained that she was attacked.
In a statement to NPR, Carter denied the allegations of assault, saying the complaint was filed in "pursuit of money and fame." He added, "This incident didn't happen and yet he filed it in court and doubled down in the press. True Justice is coming. We fight FROM victory, not FOR victory. This was over before it began. This 1-800 lawyer doesn't realize it yet, but, soon."
Combs has denied all accusations against him. His legal team told NPR on Saturday that now, a plaintiff of Buzbee's has been "exposed" of falsely claiming to be a victim. "This is the beginning of the end of this shameful money grab," Combs' attorneys said in a shared statement.
The lawsuit against Combs, filed by Texas attorney Tony Buzbee in October in New York, was refiled on Sunday to include Carter.
Several lawsuits alleging physical assault, rape and other misconduct have been filed against Combs since his arrest on charges of racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. But the Alabama woman's decision to refile her lawsuit to include Carter was a major development — as he is the only other high-profile defendant named in the case alongside Combs.
The night of the assault, with new alleged details
The Alabama woman alleged the assault took place in 2000 at an MTV Video Music Awards after-party, according to the lawsuit and her interview with NBC.
At the time, she was 13 and living in Rochester, N.Y. She dreamed of attending the VMAs so she snuck out of her house and a friend agreed to drive her to Radio City Music Hall in New York City, the woman told NBC.
But without a ticket, she said she stayed outside where crowds watched the awards show on a jumbotron. The woman looked for a way to gain entry either to the VMAs or an after-party. That was how she met a limousine driver who claimed to work for Combs. According to the suit, the driver offered to take her to an "after-party."
"The driver told her that Combs liked younger girls and said she 'fit what Diddy was looking for,' " the suit said.
The driver picked up the 13-year-old later that night and dropped her off at a large white house, where she was met by two men who asked her to a sign a document before going inside, the suit alleges. According to the suit, the woman said she now believes that document was a non-disclosure agreement, adding that she never received a copy.
The lawsuit says the residence was filled with celebrities. "I'm talking to, like, Fred Durst, Benji Madden, about his tattoo, because, you know, about his tattoo that's 'The Last Supper,' because I have a religious background, so it was just something to talk about," she told NBC.
Durst's and Madden's teams did not immediately respond to NPR's request for comment, but Madden's representative told NBC News that the musician did not attend the VMAs because he was on tour with his band Good Charlotte in the Midwest at the time.
The woman told NBC News that later in the night, she took a drink that was being served by the waitresses. After a few sips, she began to feel lightheaded and looked for a room to lie down.
Soon after, the suit alleged that Combs, Carter and an unnamed woman entered the room. The suit accused Carter of raping her first, followed by Combs, while the woman watched.
"Jay-Z comes over, holds me down. I start trying to push away. He puts his hand over my mouth, tells me to stop it, to cut the s***, and then he rapes me like he had me overpowered," she told NBC News.
According to the suit, the woman fought back and eventually fled the house. She later found a gas station and used their phone to call her father, who came to pick her up.
"I was upset, and the person at the gas station could tell that I was obviously upset, and she let me use the phone. I called my dad because he was the only person I trust at that time. I told him I messed up and I needed a ride home," she said in the NBC interview.
NBC News identified some inconsistencies in her account of the night of the assault. In addition to the discrepancy about meeting Madden at the after-party, NBC said the woman's father did not recall picking her up. NBC could also not determine whether an after-party occurred at any location matching her description.
When asked about the inconsistencies, the woman told NBC News, " I have made some mistakes." She added, "Honestly, what is the clearest is what happened to me."
Her attorney, Tony Buzbee, said in a statement to NPR: "Our client remains fiercely adamant that what she has stated is true, to the best of her memory," adding that she also agreed to submit to a polygraph.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.kdll.org/npr-news/2024-12-14/woman-who-accuses-jay-z-of-raping-her-at-13-shares-new-details-about-alleged-assault
| 2024-12-16T05:07:52Z
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Dec 14, 2024
In this Web Story, explore 10 common grammatical mistakes even experts make, from subject-verb agreement to misplaced modifiers. Learn how to avoid these errors and improve your writing with clear, concise examples.
Image Source: Getty
Incorrect: The team of experts is working hard. Correct: The team of experts are working hard. Subject-verb agreement depends on whether the subject is collective or individual. In this case, "team" is singular, but "experts" suggests plural.
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Incorrect: Walking down the street, a beautiful house caught my eye. Correct: Walking down the street, I saw a beautiful house. Dangling modifiers incorrectly link actions to the wrong subjects, causing confusion about who or what is doing the action.
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Incorrect: I love to read, I also enjoy writing. Correct: I love to read; I also enjoy writing. A comma splice occurs when two independent clauses are joined by a comma. A semicolon or conjunction should be used instead.
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Incorrect: I went to the store I bought milk and bread. Correct: I went to the store. I bought milk and bread. Run-on sentences happen when two independent clauses are improperly connected without punctuation or conjunctions.
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Incorrect: I saw a dog wearing a red collar walking down the street. Correct: I saw a dog walking down the street wearing a red collar. Misplaced modifiers can confuse meaning by placing descriptive phrases in the wrong part of the sentence.
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Incorrect: Everyone should bring their own lunch. Correct: Everyone should bring his or her own lunch. Pronouns must agree in number and gender with their antecedents. "Everyone" is singular, so the correct pronoun is "his or her."
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Incorrect: Their going to the store. Correct: They're going to the store. Homonyms are words that sound the same but have different meanings. "Their" indicates possession, while "they're" means "they are."
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Incorrect: She very quickly ran to the store. Correct: She ran quickly to the store. Excessive adverbs weaken sentences. "Very" is unnecessary when "quickly" already conveys the intended meaning.
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Incorrect: The cat's toy is broken. (meaning multiple cats) Correct: The cats' toy is broken. Apostrophes show possession. For plural nouns, place the apostrophe after the "s" to indicate ownership by multiple subjects.
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Incorrect: Because I was tired. Correct: Because I was tired, I went to bed early. A sentence fragment lacks a complete thought. It requires both a subject and a predicate to form a grammatically correct sentence.
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Thanks For Reading!
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/web-stories/10-common-grammatical-mistakes-even-experts-often-make/photostory/116317511.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:07:56Z
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Dec 14, 2024
Discover 10 engaging apps that transform learning into fun! From coding to languages, these educational tools cater to every child's unique interests, making learning an adventure.
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This app offers a comprehensive curriculum for young learners, covering subjects like math, reading, science, and social studies. It features engaging activities, games, and videos that make learning fun and interactive.
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While primarily known for language learning, Duolingo also offers math and music courses. The app's gamified approach makes learning enjoyable and helps children develop essential skills.
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This app provides a wide range of activities for early learners, including reading, math, science, art, and music. It features a personalized learning path and rewards system to keep children motivated.
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This app offers a vast library of children's books, covering various genres and reading levels. It's a great way to encourage a love of reading and expand vocabulary.
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This app offers a collection of creative and open-ended games that stimulate imagination and problem-solving skills. Children can explore different worlds, create stories, and experiment with various activities.
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This app combines physical and digital play, using a reflective surface and physical objects to interact with games on a tablet. It offers a variety of educational games that develop math, language, and coding skills.
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This app provides animated educational videos on a wide range of topics, from science and history to math and arts. It's a great way to introduce new concepts and spark curiosity.
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This app features games based on popular PBS Kids shows, such as Sesame Street and Curious George. The games are designed to teach important skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and literacy.
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This app introduces children to coding concepts in a fun and creative way. They can create their own stories, games, and animations by snapping together blocks of code.
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This app offers a variety of educational content, including articles, videos, and quizzes on animals, science, history, and geography. It's a great way to explore the world and learn about different cultures.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/web-stories/10-educational-apps-to-boost-your-childs-learning-and-development/photostory/116316490.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:08:03Z
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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump announced Saturday that he's picked longtime foreign policy adviser Richard Grenell to serve as an envoy for special missions, tasking him with helping the incoming administration deal with some of the toughest foreign policy challenges.
Grenell served as ambassador to Germany during Trump's first administration, special presidential envoy for Serbia and Kosovo peace negotiations, and did a stint as acting director of national intelligence.
He was also a contender to serve as secretary of state, but Trump opted to nominate Florida Sen. Marco Rubio.
"Ric will work in some of the hottest spots around the World, including Venezuela and North Korea," Trump said in a posting on his social media platform, Truth Social, announcing the appointment.
Grenell during Trump's first term developed a reputation for employing a sometimes contentious approach to diplomacy that rankled allies and the foreign policy establishment in Washington. But his style was appreciated by the president-elect who sees value in blunt talk with allies.
Grenell remained close to Trump after he left office in 2021, serving at times as a key adviser on foreign policy.
He was in the room when Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in September. Grenell has advocated for a peace deal that would preserve Ukraine's territory while still allowing for "autonomous regions" where Russia could remain in control.
He's also advised against expanding NATO to include Ukraine, saying — as Trump has — that the alliance shouldn't grow until current members meet the alliance's defense spending targets. Members of the transatlantic alliance have committed for years to spending 2% of their GDP on defense, but several countries still fall short of the target.
He was an early supporter of Trump's 2024 campaign and held multiple events for the Republican nominee focused on economics and national security.
Speaking at the Republican National Convention, Grenell echoed Trump's mantra that "it's time to put America first" on the global stage and argued that China and Russia saw President Joe Biden's administration as weak.
Trump raised concerns among some allies during the 2024 campaign when he said he would not defend NATO members that failed to meet defense spending targets, and warned he would "encourage" Russia "to do whatever the hell they want" to alliance countries that he considered "delinquent."
Grenell has downplayed Trump's criticisms of NATO and said the only talk of leaving the alliance altogether "was really from the media."
"What we're saying is, don't come to the wedding without a gift," Grenell said.
Grenell was part of the Trump campaign's outreach to Arab American voters in Michigan, where the president-elect made gains with a traditionally Democratic constituency despite his history of banning immigration from several majority-Muslim countries. Grenell orchestrated pro-Trump events with Arab American voters, including a May meeting held in Troy, Michigan.
A U.S. spokesman at the United Nations during the George W. Bush administration, Grenell, like many other Republicans, has his own history of criticizing Trump before embracing him.
Once an adviser to GOP moderates like 2012 presidential nominee Mitt Romney and a supporter of gay marriage, Grenell, who is openly gay, deleted social media posts blasting Trump as "reckless" and "dangerous" once the former reality TV star became the Republican nominee in 2016.
Trump also announced Saturday that he's appointing Devin Nunes, the chief executive officer of the president-elect's Truth Social platform, to head a presidential advisory board that will keep tabs on the U.S. intelligence community.
Nunes will continue leading Trump Media & Technology Group. Trump is the company's largest shareholder.
The former California lawmaker chaired the House Intelligence Committee and was one of Trump's closest allies in Congress during the president-elect's first term.
Copyright 2024 NPR
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https://www.kdll.org/npr-news/2024-12-15/trump-appoints-foreign-policy-adviser-richard-grenell-as-special-missions-envoy
| 2024-12-16T05:08:06Z
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Coach Mike Macdonald said after Sunday's 30-13 loss to the Packers that Smith will undergo additional testing on his knee injury Monday, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic reports.
Smith didn't return after suffering the injury in the third quarter, as Sam Howell played the remainder of the game. Macdonald added that Smith's knee looks okay structurally, but the results of additional tests will determine whether Smith will need to miss additional time. Seattle's next game falls on Sunday in Week 16 against the Vikings.
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https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/seahawks-geno-smith-set-for-tests-on-knee-monday/
| 2024-12-16T05:08:06Z
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Dec 15, 2024
In this Web Story, explore 10 powerful Sanskrit shlokas that can help students boost focus, enhance learning, and achieve success. Discover ancient wisdom to inspire discipline, mental strength, and academic excellence in your studies.
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"ॐ ऎकं सद्विप्राः बहुधा वदन्ति।" "Om, truth is one, though the sages call it by different names." This shloka encourages students to seek knowledge from all sources and understand the unity in diversity of wisdom.
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"ध्यायेनात्मनि पश्यन्ति" "Through meditation, one sees the true Self." This reminds students that deep focus and concentration lead to self-awareness and clarity.
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"मनसिजं दुःखं सर्वं भवति ||" "All suffering is born in the mind." This shloka teaches that mental resilience and positive thinking can overcome obstacles in learning.
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"आत्मा दीपो भव।" "Be a light unto yourself." Encouraging students to rely on their own abilities and inner strength for success.
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"तस्मिन्स्थिते जगतं सर्वं" "When one focuses their mind on the Divine, the entire world becomes focused." This emphasizes the importance of single-pointed focus in achieving academic goals.
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"कालोऽयं सर्वविनाशनः" "Time is the destroyer of all things." A reminder for students to value time and utilize it wisely in their studies.
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"शान्ताकारं भुजगशयनं पद्मनाभं सुरेशं" "He who is peaceful, whose sleep is untroubled, who is the ultimate reality." A calming mantra to invoke peace during stressful times.
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"सर्वं ज्ञानं तस्य लभ्यते य: पुन: विद्या" "All knowledge is gained by those who seek the path of wisdom." This encourages students to pursue wisdom, which is the true source of knowledge.
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"संगच्छध्वं संवदध्वं" "Move together, speak together." A call for unity and discipline in work, reminding students to collaborate for greater success.
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"न हि देहभृता शक्यं त्यक्तुं कर्माण्यशेषतः" "No one can give up work completely while still in the body." This teaches students the importance of persistence and continuing effort towards their goals.
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/web-stories/10-sanskrit-shlokas-every-student-should-know-for-success-and-focus/photostory/116336240.cms
| 2024-12-16T05:08:06Z
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