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2025-01-08   

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Pune: Their demands might appear to be unusual, but no one can fault their intentions. From crusading against wearing of helmets to demanding a ban on slippers near polling booths and dancing around streets and drawing attention to the need for building toilets for temple-goers, some independent candidates have grabbed eyeballs with their out-of-the-box ideas and indefatigable spirit. Sureshkumar Babulal Oswal, the anti-helmet crusader from Kasba Peth, transformed the busy intersections in his constituency into his personal soapbox. With an arsenal of grievances against traffic regulations , this former sales tax inspector, who took voluntary retirement in 2021, found his calling in fighting "the tyranny of traffic violation fines". "The authorities want us to wear helmets when they can't even provide roads without potholes. Citizens are fined heavily for parking in unpermitted areas when there is not enough space on roads for parking," said Oswal. Sachin Dhankude, an independent candidate from Kothrud whose election symbol is slipper, recently staged a protest against his own election symbol by trying to ban slippers at polling booths, all in an attempt to prove his point to the Election Commission to get rid of all symbols and keep candidates' names and photos on EVMS. "Symbols are so ingrained in public memory that they just press the button next to the symbol they recognise, instead of voting for a candidate who is worthy. It's a brand strategy by big political parties," said Dhankude, adding, "When I was forced to choose a symbol, I chose this because if you wear it on your feet, it's a slipper, but in your hand, it becomes a weapon," he said. Dhankude has participated in every election since 2012. Around 200 km from the city, Gurudas Kamble from Paranda took the footwear protest to new heights by formally requesting a chappal-free zone around polling booths. The election authorities, however, declined all these requests. In the grand theatre of Indian democracy, while political heavyweights dominate centre stage, it's the supporting cast of independent candidates who often steal the show with their peculiar campaigns and unwavering determination. While they might not win elections and lose their deposit, but they certainly win attention – and sometimes, that's exactly what they're after. Their campaigns, often bordering on the theatrical, add colour to the otherwise serious business of democracy. Dhankude said that independent candidates believe that fighting in elections isn't just about winning or losing — it's about raising voices and making statements. Sanjay Bhikaji Magade, an independent candidate from Kolhapur north, danced through the streets, spreading awareness about his manifesto for building public toilets for temple visitors and monthly stipends for transgenders to keep them away from begging. With his dynamic personality and signature style defined by a black hat and coat, Magade paid his election deposit of Rs 25,000 in denominations of Re one and Rs two, keeping the returning officers busy counting the coins all day. "At 65, I'm sure I'll become an MLA. I got 233 votes in 2022, and 4002 in 2024. That's what I call progress," Magade beamed. These candidates, often dismissed as electoral entertainers, believe that they serve a deeper purpose in our democracy. They use their candidature as a megaphone for issues that might otherwise go unheard. Whether it's Oswal's crusade against traffic regulations, Dhankude's symbolic protest against election symbols, or Magade's dance-based campaign for public amenities, each brings their unique flavour to the electoral feast. As another election season wraps up, these candidates will return to their regular lives. Their deposits might be forfeited, but their spirit will remain undefeated. After all, in the grand circus of democracy, sometimes the most important role is played by those who make citizens stop, think, and occasionally laugh, amidst the serious business of elections. (Additional inputs by Rahul Gayakwad)The rigid pavement apron component of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) upgrades currently being done, is at 38 per cent completion. And while the work pace has increased, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill has informed the contractor that there will be no extensions or tolerance for further delays. During a recent site visit to the CJIA, Edghill met with all contractors undertaking various projects at the airport. In the case of the replacement of the asphaltic concrete on the airport’s apron, with rigid pavement, this project is currently 38 per cent complete. Project Manager, Carissa Gooding provided the Minister with updates on the project. She explained that the contractor is holding 41 per cent of the project sum and that the pace of the project has increased. “We’re at 38 per cent... money expended to date is $292 million,” she said, further explaining that the contractor has 41 per cent of the project sum. She also explained that the contractor has increased the pace of the project. “They would have increased the resources that we would have indicated to them. Their work hours would have increased. And realistically, based on the revised work programme that we would have worked together on, by the end of March (2025) is when they’re going to be able to complete it... both sides.” However, Edghill made it clear that no further extension will be given for this project, which is being done by Avinash Contracting and Scrap Metal Inc. Avinash Contracting is already under pressure to get the Administrative Building of the airport completed. “There will be no extension beyond that... they have to increase the workforce and the same methodology, as your work programme. If you gotta get cement, double bars, and the rest of the materials on site. How many people you gotta get per day? How many slabs you gotta cast per day and the methodology showing,” the Minister said. He also brought to the contractor’s attention the scathing report provided by the airport itself on the project. Based on this report, it is clear that the airport was not happy with the pace of work and further, views the project as critical to the airport’s operation. “You have failed to deliver on your commitment. This project is critical to the airport’s operation, as it relates to the parking of aircraft and facilitating passenger movement to and from the aircraft. Any delay in completion disrupts these essential operations and hampers the airport’s efficiency,” he read. The contract for the airport expansion project was initially signed in 2011 under the administration of former President Bharrat Jagdeo, with China Harbour and Engineering Corporation (CHEC). The then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration acquired a US$138 million loan from the China Exim Bank and used US$12 million from the Consolidated Fund (taxpayers’ money) for the total project cost of US$150 million. However, upon assuming office in 2015, The project was downsized under the succeeding A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) administration. However, upon resumption of office in 2020, the PPP/C Government reverted to the old proposal and included some new amenities. As a matter of fact, after resuming office, the PPP/C Government inspected the then-ongoing works by CHEC at CJIA. This inspection had shown a deviation from the terms agreed upon in the initial fixed-price US$138 million contract. In light of this, the Public Works Ministry entered into a new agreement with the company for the further expansion of the CJIA as well as the completion of existing works. The agreement was pegged at US$9 million and it stated that CHEC would solely bear the costs for the new works to be executed. The works would go on to involve an extension of the Airport’s boarding corridor in order to accommodate two more passenger boarding bridges, providing the Airport with a total of six boarding bridges capable of facilitating larger Code D and Code E aircraft. It measures approximately 305 metres long and boarding bridges will arrive in July. In October 2024, the Government installed new e-gates at the CJIA, which will not only help to streamline the process for passengers traversing the facility but also enhance security checks to international standards. Additionally, work is being done on the commercial centre at the CJIA. Avinash Contracting is also constructing the Administrative Building for the airport and this component is 40 per cent complete.Zach Bryan rages at crowd as object is hurled at him onstage for second time in a weekTEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli soldiers raided a hospital in isolated northern Gaza after forcing all the patients and most of the doctors to leave, the Palestinian Health Ministry said Tuesday. The Israeli military confirmed its troops had entered the Indonesian Hospital in the town of Jabaliya as part of an operation searching for Hamas fighters. Winter is hitting the Gaza Strip and many of the nearly 2 million Palestinians displaced by the devastating 15-month war with Israel are struggling to protect themselves from the wind, cold and rain. In the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian city of Bethlehem was marking a somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of war in Gaza, with most festivities cancelled and crowds of tourists absent. Israel's bombardment and ground invasion in Gaza has killed over 45,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and civilians in its count. The war was sparked by Hamas’s attack on southern Israel in October 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and 250 taken hostage by Palestinian militants. Around 100 hostages are still being held in Gaza, although only two thirds are believed to still be alive. Here’s the latest: JERUSALEM — The Israeli negotiating team working on a ceasefire returned from Qatar to Israel on Tuesday, the prime minister’s office said, after what it called “a significant week” of talks. After months of deadlock, the U.S., Qatar and Egypt resumed their mediation efforts in recent weeks and reported greater willingness by the warring sides to reach a deal. According to Egyptian and Hamas officials, the proposed agreement would take place in phases and include a halt in fighting, an exchange of captive Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, and a surge in aid to the besieged Gaza Strip. Israel says Hamas is holding 100 hostages, over one-third of whom are believed to be dead. On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there was “some progress” in efforts to reach a deal, but added he did not know how long it would take. CAIRO — Israeli soldiers took control of a hospital in isolated northern Gaza after forcing all the patients and most of the doctors to leave, the Palestinian Health Ministry said Tuesday. Some of the patients had to walk to another hospital while others were driven by paramedics, according to Health Ministry spokesperson Zaher al-Wahidi. He did not specify how many patients had evacuated. The Israeli military confirmed its troops had entered the Indonesian Hospital in the town of Jabaliya as part of an operation searching for Hamas fighters. The army later said its soldiers had left the hospital. The military said it had assisted with evacuating the patients and had not ordered the hospital closed. However, al-Wahidi said only one doctor and maintenance person were left behind. The Indonesian Hospital is one of three hospitals left largely inaccessible in the northernmost part of Gaza because Israel has imposed a tight siege there since launching an offensive in early October. The Israeli army said Tuesday’s operation at the Indonesian Hospital came after militants carried out attacks from the hospital for the past month, including launching anti-tank missiles and planting explosive devices in the surrounding area. The Health Ministry accused Israel of “besieging and directly targeting” the three hospitals in northern Gaza. Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, said Israeli drones detonated explosives near the hospital and that 20 people were wounded, including five medical staff. The Israeli military declined to comment on the operation around the hospital. DAMASCUS — Scores of Syrian Christians protested in the capital Damascus on Tuesday, demanding greater protections for their religious minority after a Christmas tree was set on fire in the city of Hama a day earlier. Many of the insurgents who now rule Syria are jihadis, although Ahmad al-Sharaa, the leader of the main rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has renounced longtime ties to al-Qaida and spent years depicting himself as a champion of pluralism and tolerance. It remains unclear who set the Christmas tree on fire Monday, which was condemned by a representative of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham who visited the town and addressed the community. “This act was committed by people who are not Syrian, and they will be punished beyond your expectations," the HTS representative said in a video widely shared on social media. "The Christmas tree will be fully restored by this evening.” On Tuesday, protesters marched through the streets of Bab Touma in Damascus, shouting slogans against foreign fighters and carrying large wooden crosses. “We demand that Syria be for all Syrians. We want a voice in the future of our country,” said Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II of the Syriac Orthodox Church as he addressed the crowd in a church courtyard, assuring them of Christians’ rights in Syria. Since HTS led a swift offensive that overthrew President Bashar Assad earlier this month, Syria’s minority communities have been on edge, uncertain of how they will be treated under the emerging rebel-led government. “We are here to demand a democratic and free government for one people and one nation,” another protester said. “We stand united — Muslims and Christians. No to sectarianism.” DOHA — Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said that ceasefire negotiations to end the war in Gaza were ongoing in Doha in cooperation with Egyptian, Qatari, and American mediators. “We will not leave any door unopened in pursuit of reaching an agreement,” said Majid al-Ansari, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Tuesday. Al Ansari added that rumors the ceasefire would be reached before Christmas are “speculation.” The ceasefire negotiations come at a time when winter is hitting the Gaza Strip and many of the nearly 2 million Palestinians displaced by the devastating 15-month war with Israel are struggling to protect themselves from the wind, cold and rain. Families of the approximately 100 hostages who have been held for 445 days in Gaza are also worried their loved ones will not survive another winter. In a press conference, al-Ansari also called on the international community to lift sanctions on Syria as quickly as possible on Tuesday. “The reason was the crimes of the previous regime, and that regime, with all of its authority, is no longer in place, therefor the causes for these sanctions no longer exist today,” he said. DAMASCUS, Syria — American journalist Austin Tice is believed to be still alive, according to the head of an international aid group. Nizar Zakka, who runs the Hostage Aid Worldwide organization, said there has never been any proof that Tice, who has been missing since 2012, is dead. Zakka told reporters in Damascus on Tuesday that Tice was alive in January and being held by the authorities of ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad. He added that U.S. President Joe Biden said in August that Tice was alive. Zakka said he believes Tice was transferred between security agencies over the past 12 years, including in an area where Iranian-backed fighters were operating. Asked if it was possible Tice had been taken out of the country, Zakka said Assad most likely kept him in Syria as a potential bargaining chip. Biden said Dec. 8 that his administration believed Tice was alive and was committed to bringing him home, although he also acknowledged that “we have no direct evidence” of his status. TEL AVIV, Israel — Hannah Katzir, an Israeli woman who was taken hostage on Oct. 7, 2023, and freed in a brief ceasefire last year, has died. She was 78. The Hostages Families Forum, a group representing the families of people taken captive, confirmed the death Tuesday but did not disclose the cause. Her daughter, Carmit Palty Katzir, said in a statement that her mother’s “heart could not withstand the terrible suffering since Oct. 7.” Katzir’s husband, Rami, was killed during the attack by militants who raided their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz. Her son Elad was also kidnapped and his body was recovered in April by the Israeli military, who said he had been killed in captivity. She spent 49 days in captivity and was freed in late November 2023. Shortly after Katzir was freed, her daughter told Israeli media that she had been hospitalized with heart issues attributed to “difficult conditions and starvation” while she was held captive. TEL AVIV, Israel — Israel's military said the projectile was intercepted before crossing into Israeli territory, but it set off air raid sirens overnight in the country's populous central area, sending residents looking for cover. Israel’s rescue service Magen David Adom said a 60-year-old woman was seriously wounded after being hurt on her way to a protected space. There was no immediate comment from Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. It was the third time in a week that fire from Yemen set off sirens in Israel. On Saturday, a missile slammed into a playground in Tel Aviv, injuring 16, after Israel’s air defense system failed to intercept it. Earlier last week, Israeli jets struck Yemen’s rebel-held capital and a port city, killing nine. Israel said the strikes were in response to previous Houthi attacks.

There is no risk Sean "Diddy" Combs will act violently if he is released from jail, his defence lawyer said on Friday, in urging a judge to release the music mogul from the Brooklyn jail where he has been held for 10 weeks, ahead of his May 5, 2025 trial on sex-trafficking charges. Combs's lawyers this month proposed a $50-million US bail package backed by his $48-million US Florida mansion. It also called for Combs to be monitored around the clock by security personnel, subjected to home detention, and to have no contact with alleged victims or witnesses. Combs has been denied bail three times since his arrest, with multiple judges citing a risk he might tamper with witnesses. The rapper and producer pleaded not guilty on Sept. 17 to charges that he used his business empire, including his record label Bad Boy Entertainment, to sexually abuse people. New lawsuit accuses Sean (Diddy) Combs of drugging and raping 13-year-old girl New lawsuits accuse Sean (Diddy) Combs of sexual assault of 6 people, including a minor At a hearing before U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian in Manhattan, defence lawyer Marc Agnifilo disputed prosecutors' contention that a 2016 hotel surveillance video of Combs assaulting his then-girlfriend Casandra Ventura, the singer known as Cassie, showed there was a risk he would act violently if released. "There's a zero per cent chance of that happening," Agnifilo said. Combs apologized this year after CNN broadcast the video, showing him kicking, shoving and dragging Cassie in a hotel hallway. Agnifilo said he had never denied the incident, but said the video was not evidence of sex trafficking. "It's our defence to these charges that this was a toxic, loving 11-year relationship," Agnifilo told the court. Combs is awaiting trail on sex-trafficking charges. (Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images) Prosecutor says Combs 'cannot be trusted' Earlier, prosecutor Christine Slavik said Combs tried to bribe hotel staff to delete the surveillance footage — demonstrating he was committed to concealing his crimes by illegal means. Even from behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Center, Combs had communicated with his lawyers through unauthorized channels, and sought to run a social media campaign to sway potential jurors, Slavik said. "The defendant here has demonstrated that either he cannot or will not follow rules," Slavik said. "The defendant, simply put, cannot be trusted." Defence lawyer Alexandra Shapiro said Combs had a right to respond to news coverage of the case that could paint him unfavourably for potential jurors. Commotion What the Diddy allegations mean for the music industry FRONT BURNER The empire behind Diddy's sex trafficking and racketeering charges Upon being led into the hearing by members of the U.S. Marshals service, Combs, wearing a beige jail-issued outfit, blew kisses at his family seated in the second row of the courtroom's audience. Prosecutors said the abuse included having women take part in recorded sexual performances called "freak-offs" with male sex workers who were sometimes transported across state lines. Combs, 55, has denied wrongdoing, and his lawyers have argued the sexual activity described by prosecutors was consensual. Combs's lawyers questioned why jail was needed when federal prosecutors in Brooklyn last month allowed the pre-trial release on a $10-million US bond of former Abercrombie and Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries, who has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking. The U.S. attorney's office in Manhattan, which brought the charges against Combs, countered that Jeffries is 80 years old with no criminal history, whereas Combs has prior arrests. They also said federal agents recovered rifles with defaced serial numbers from Combs's residences. This week, Subramanian ordered prosecutors to destroy their copies of handwritten notes that Combs took in jail, pending a decision on whether they were subject to attorney-client privilege.Dana Hull | (TNS) Bloomberg News Jared Birchall, Elon Musk’s money manager and the head of his family office, is listed as the chief executive officer. Jehn Balajadia, a longtime Musk aide who has worked at SpaceX and the Boring Co., is named as an official contact. Related Articles National Politics | Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus National Politics | Biden vetoes once-bipartisan effort to add 66 federal judgeships, citing ‘hurried’ House action National Politics | A history of the Panama Canal — and why Trump can’t take it back on his own National Politics | President-elect Trump wants to again rename North America’s tallest peak National Politics | Inside the Gaetz ethics report, a trove of new details alleging payments for sex and drug use But they’re not connected to Musk’s new technology venture, or the political operation that’s endeared him to Donald Trump. Instead, they’re tied to the billionaire’s new Montessori school outside Bastrop, Texas, called Ad Astra, according to documents filed with state authorities and obtained via a Texas Public Information Act request. The world’s richest person oversees an overlapping empire of six companies — or seven, if you include his political action committee. Alongside rockets, electric cars, brain implants, social media and the next Trump administration, he is increasingly focused on education, spanning preschool to college. One part of his endeavor was revealed last year, when Bloomberg News reported that his foundation had set aside roughly $100 million to create a technology-focused primary and secondary school in Austin, with eventual plans for a university. An additional $137 million in cash and stock was allotted last year, according to the most recent tax filing for the Musk Foundation. Ad Astra is closer to fruition. The state documents show Texas authorities issued an initial permit last month, clearing the way for the center to operate with as many as 21 pupils. Ad Astra’s website says it’s “currently open to all children ages 3 to 9.” The school’s account on X includes job postings for an assistant teacher for preschool and kindergarten and an assistant teacher for students ages 6 to 9. To run the school, Ad Astra is partnering with a company that has experience with billionaires: Xplor Education, which developed Hala Kahiki Montessori school in Lanai, Hawaii, the island 98% owned by Oracle Corp. founder Larry Ellison. Ad Astra sits on a highway outside Bastrop, a bedroom community about 30 miles from Austin and part of a region that’s home to several of Musk’s businesses. On a visit during a recent weekday morning, there was a single Toyota Prius in the parking lot and no one answered the door at the white building with a gray metal roof. The school’s main entrance was blocked by a gate, and there was no sign of any children on the grounds. But what information there is about Ad Astra makes it sound like a fairly typical, if high-end, Montessori preschool. The proposed schedule includes “thematic, STEM-based activities and projects” as well as outdoor play and nap time. A sample snack calendar features carrots and hummus. While Birchall’s and Balajadia’s names appear in the application, it isn’t clear that they’ll have substantive roles at the school once it’s operational. Musk, Birchall and Balajadia didn’t respond to emailed questions. A phone call and email to the school went unanswered. Access to high quality, affordable childcare is a huge issue for working parents across the country, and tends to be an especially vexing problem in rural areas like Bastrop. Many families live in “childcare deserts” where there is either not a facility or there isn’t an available slot. Opening Ad Astra gives Musk a chance to showcase his vision for education, and his support for the hands-on learning and problem solving that are a hallmark of his industrial companies. His public comments about learning frequently overlap with cultural concerns popular among conservatives and the Make America Great Again crowd, often focusing on what he sees as young minds being indoctrinated by teachers spewing left-wing propaganda. He has railed against diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and in August posted that “a lot of schools are teaching white boys to hate themselves.” Musk’s educational interests dovetail with his new role as Trump’s “first buddy.” The billionaire has pitched a role for himself that he — and now the incoming Trump administration — call “DOGE,” or the Department of Government Efficiency. Though it’s not an actual department, DOGE now posts on X, the social media platform that Musk owns. “The Department of Education spent over $1 billion promoting DEI in America’s schools,” the account posted Dec. 12. Back in Texas, Bastrop is quickly becoming a key Musk point of interest. The Boring Co., his tunneling venture, is based in an unincorporated area there. Across the road, SpaceX produces Starlink satellites at a 500,000-square-foot (46,000-square-meter) facility. Nearby, X is constructing a building for trust and safety workers. Musk employees, as well as the general public, can grab snacks at the Boring Bodega, a convenience store housed within Musk’s Hyperloop Plaza, which also contains a bar, candy shop and hair salon. Ad Astra is just a five-minute drive away. It seems to have been designed with the children of Musk’s employees — if not Musk’s own offspring — in mind. Musk has fathered at least 12 children, six of them in the last five years. “Ad Astra’s mission is to foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in the next generation of problem solvers and builders,” reads the school’s website. A job posting on the website of the Montessori Institute of North Texas says “While their parents support the breakthroughs that expand the realm of human possibility, their children will grow into the next generation of innovators in a way that only authentic Montessori can provide.” The school has hired an executive director, according to documents Bloomberg obtained from Texas Health and Human Services. Ad Astra is located on 40 acres of land, according to the documents, which said a 4,000-square-foot house would be remodeled for the preschool. It isn’t uncommon for entrepreneurs to take an interest in education, according to Bill Gormley, a professor emeritus at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University who studies early childhood education. Charles Butt, the chairman of the Texas-based H-E-B grocery chain, has made public education a focus of his philanthropy. Along with other business and community leaders, Butt founded “Raise Your Hand Texas,” which advocates on school funding, teacher workforce and retention issues and fully funding pre-kindergarten. “Musk is not the only entrepreneur to recognize the value of preschool for Texas workers,” Gormley said. “A lot of politicians and business people get enthusiastic about education in general — and preschool in particular — because they salivate at the prospect of a better workforce.” Political Moves Musk spent much of October actively campaigning for Trump’s presidential effort, becoming the most prolific donor of the election cycle. He poured at least $274 million into political groups in 2024, including $238 million to America PAC, the political action committee he founded. While the vast majority of money raised by America PAC came from Musk himself, it also had support from other donors. Betsy DeVos, who served as education secretary in Trump’s first term, donated $250,000, federal filings show. The Department of Education is already in the new administration’s cross hairs. Trump campaigned on the idea of disbanding the department and dismantling diversity initiatives, and he has also taken aim at transgender rights. “Rather than indoctrinating young people with inappropriate racial, sexual, and political material, which is what we’re doing now, our schools must be totally refocused to prepare our children to succeed in the world of work,” Trump wrote in Agenda 47, his campaign platform. Musk has three children with the musician Grimes and three with Shivon Zilis, who in the past was actively involved at Neuralink, his brain machine interface company. All are under the age of five. Musk took X, his son with Grimes, with him on a recent trip to Capitol Hill. After his visit, he shared a graphic that showed the growth of administrators in America’s public schools since 2000. Tuition Costs Musk is a fan of hands-on education. During a Tesla earnings call in 2018, he talked about the need for more electricians as the electric-car maker scaled up the energy side of its business. On the Joe Rogan podcast in 2020, Musk said that “too many smart people go into finance and law.” “I have a lot of respect for people who work with their hands and we need electricians and plumbers and carpenters,” Musk said while campaigning for Trump in Pennsylvania in October. “That’s a lot more important than having incremental political science majors.” Ad Astra’s website says the cost of tuition will be initially subsidized, but in future years “tuition will be in line with local private schools that include an extended day program.” “I do think we need significant reform in education,” Musk said at a separate Trump campaign event. “The priority should be to teach kids skills that they will find useful later in life, and to leave any sort of social propaganda out of the classroom.” With assistance from Sophie Alexander and Kara Carlson. ©2024 Bloomberg News. Visit at bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Bengaluru News: A touching act by a tech professional from Bengaluru has gone viral on social media. Varun Peru, a resident of HSR Layout, created a detailed CV for his maid, Ritu and shared it on Twitter, capturing the hearts of many users. The story began when a Twitter user named Urvi asked for recommendations for a cook in the HSR area. She posted, "Hey chat, I am looking for a cook in HSR who can make me some nice simple homely food, please share if you have any leads?" In response, Varun enthusiastically recommended Ritu by sharing her CV. ALSO READ: Bengaluru News: 262 Families Struck By 'Mysterious' Disease, Lab Reports Point At Water Contamination; Probe On Ritu's CV showcased her culinary skills and dedication, detailing her expertise in preparing homely dishes such as Rajma-Chawal and Rasam Rice. It also mentioned her ability to maintain a clean and hygienic kitchen, along with her proficiency in both gas and induction cooking, making her adaptable to different kitchen setups. The objective stated in the CV was to "bring comfort and flavor to every meal by preparing simple, homely food that feels like it's straight from your kitchen." You should definitely consider Ritu Didi 👩‍🍳 HSR's MasterChef She's been amazing at her job—her simple, homely meals are the best! I even made a resume for her because she deserves the spotlight. 😎 Here's a bit about her: https://t.co/PkPDyTDHDg pic.twitter.com/t2aSNkGBGA ALSO READ: Bengaluru Weather: IMD Puts City On Yellow Alert, Heavy Rain In 8 Karnataka Districts From Dec 1-3 | Forecast Varun’s post quickly gained traction, with numerous users praising his thoughtful gesture. Comments ranged from appreciation for Ritu's hard work to admiration for the creative presentation of her skills. One user remarked, “This is what true appreciation for someone’s work looks like! Ritu didi deserves the world." Another commented, "Can hundred percent vouch for Ritu di, makes 10/10 chai too." Third one wrote, "Too good. Hopefully she lands the job", A fourth user added, "Very sweet and creative." Another added, “Love being on this platform solely because of such things, kudos.”

Science and Technology Daily: Promoting AI Governance Jointly

QNA ZURICH: The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has confirmed that the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 achieved record viewership rates worldwide and positive results in terms of sustainability. This came in a report published by FIFA in cooperation with the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Partnership (Qatar 2022) and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final Sustainability Report), which is the most comprehensive report in the history of the competition, detailing the expected results and comparing them with the sustainability strategy prepared for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The final report was prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative’s standards for sustainability reporting, and it reviews the achievements and challenges related to the 79 initiatives included in the strategy. “When organising our flagship competition, the world’s biggest single-sport event, we are fully aware of the enormous impact it has. With many years of preparation and a wide range of stakeholders involved, there is huge potential to make a positive difference and leave a significant legacy in the host country,” said FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström on the occasion of the report’s publication. “The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has benefited from these capabilities, witnessing many unprecedented achievements, especially in the field of sustainable event management, as FIFA, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC (Qatar 2022) and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy have raised the bar for sustainability standards in major sporting events, years before the tournament kicks off, which will continue to be a source of inspiration in the field of event sustainability management for many years to come,” he added. “The work that has been accomplished since we were awarded the hosting rights in 2010 has transformed Qatar as much as it has set a model for positive social, economic and environmental change, which other host countries can learn from and build on,” said Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy. “Through our work together, we have achieved our vision of harnessing the power of football to open the door to a world of amazing experiences, showcasing the beauty of our country and region to the world, and leaving a true legacy of sustainable development,” he added. Among the many achievements of the tournament, 11 key achievements reflect the success of FIFA, Qatar 2022, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy and relevant stakeholders in delivering the tournament’s intended outcomes, whether in the preparation, projects or legacy phases. These achievements span a number of areas such as environmental protection, human rights, workers’ welfare and accessibility, and were unprecedented in this tournament and featured best practices and programmes that will ensure the legacy of the 22nd edition of the FIFA World Cup will continue to be sustained over the years and eras. The Global Audience and Viewership Report also confirmed that five billion fans interacted with the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 across the globe, an unprecedented record that far exceeds previous editions. The figures - compiled by leading, world-renowned independent companies - confirm that the 2022 edition is the greatest in the tournament’s distinguished 94-year history. The total viewership for the final between France and Argentina was 1.42 billion, the highest ever, and the global average for individual matches in the first tournament to be held in the Middle East was 175 million, while Telemundo's coverage of the final was the most widely broadcasted in the history of U.S. media coverage of World Cup matches. FIFA’s social media channels also saw a strong following, with total engagement (811 million) up 448% on 2018, with 3.6 billion views of related videos during the tournament, representing a 202% increase. The report also shows an increase in the consumption of tournament-related content, reflecting the evolution of the broader media landscape, which includes terrestrial and satellite television broadcasting, digital/online broadcasting, social media platforms, and platforms owned and operated by FIFA. The report also includes tables and graphs that highlight the geographical distribution of content consumption. It is noteworthy that Asia and Oceania witnessed just over half of the total interactions (2.591 billion) with the events of the tournament held in Qatar in November and December 2022, while the second largest audience (945 million) was concentrated in Africa and the Middle East. At the country level, China led the interactions with no less than 1,161 billion interactions, ahead of India (745.7 million). The detailed report clearly explains the criteria used to define “engagement with tournament events” and details the methodology used to measure audiences, reflecting the evolving media landscape. The report also shows that consumption of digital content related to the FIFA World Cup is increasing significantly, while stressing that methods for measuring viewership must keep pace. Copy 30/11/2024 10NFL slaps Colts' Anthony Richardson with hefty fine for lowering helmet | Sporting News

If you're a pet parent, then you know the perils of not making it home on time to feed or care for the animals that rely on you. The guilt is insurmountable when you get stuck at work for an extra hour or traffic impedes you. So imagine if you were in a scenario where you couldn't get home at all, such as a medical emergency that lands you in the hospital for days. Who would be there to ensure your furry family is fed? That was the very thought Arsy Khodabandelou had when he was almost in a car accident, and that's why he developed Woof. The former senior manager at NBCUniversal Media came onto the "Shark Tank" stage hoping that the thought of starving puppies and kitties would tug at the heartstrings. Mark Cuban, Daymond John, Kevin O'Leary, Lori Greiner, and Robert Herjavec may have taken a minute to understand the concept behind Woof the pet safety app, but the dots did eventually connect as Khodabandelou shared his personal experience as a New York resident with a trio of dogs relying on him. Despite the potentially life-saving properties of his app and Khodabandelou desperately trying to get the sharks to see the value that any concerned pet parent might see, Woof faced a number of critiques in the tank. It didn't take long into the pitch for the sharks to go on the attack, albeit quite respectfully. Khodabandelou entered the tank enthusiastic about his "set-it and forget-it" concierge app, seeking $100,000 for 10% of the company. The pitch was clear: a subscription-based service for pet parents who fear for their four-legged children. According to the entrepreneur, a three-tier response initiates when a subscriber doesn't engage the app when their background timer ends before they get home. It starts with a call to the customer, then to an emergency contact, and then finally to local law enforcement for a wellness check. Despite the app's good-hearted nature, O'Leary jumped out of the gate, focusing on the money. "Have you sold any of this to anybody?" he inquired. Khodabandelou confirmed that sales were made and, later in the pitch, clarified that out of over 300 users, more than 100 were paid subscribers. Unfortunately, no matter how well Khodabandelou handled himself, even at one point eliciting a "That's impressive" from O'Leary, he couldn't quite reel in a shark. John was the first Shark out, citing concerns over the Woof name and potential copyright issues. Herjavec followed suit, not believing there would be a large enough audience that would need Woof's service, which is surprising considering he jumped at the less practical novelty G.O.A.T. Bluetooth Pet Speaker in "Shark Tank" Season 9 . Though the final sharks were positive about the idea, lack of scale ultimately led them to pull out, leaving Khodabandelou with no deal. The entrepreneur followed up his time on "Shark Tank" by trying to keep in the public eye, appearing on small podcasts like The Accidental Entrepreneur Podcast to talk about his March, 2023 "Shark Tank" appearance and Woof. During the interview, recorded the following month, Khodabandelou discussed the response he received after his episode aired, which included an outpouring of support from pet parents and other investors looking to score their own deal for Woof (none of whom he partnered with). There has also been activity since "Shark Tank" on the business' social media accounts and on its Google Play Store and Apple App Store pages. As of November 2024, the Woof app was last updated for Android devices on June 3, 2024, and Apple devices on July 21, 2024. The last significant update came with interface improvements in February 2024. There has also been a price increase, though what it was is unclear. The Apple and Google listings show the subscription fee as $4.99 per month, but Woof's website lists $4.12 monthly for both versions. Woof did not respond to an emailed inquiry from SlashGear for clarification on pricing and several other mysteries. On "Shark Tank," Khodabandelou said he was the only one working on Woof. Since "Shark Tank," there seems to have been some growth. According to Woof's LinkedIn page, by the third quarter of 2024, the company had at least six employees. Though the Woof social media hasn't been updated since Q2 2024, there is nothing that suggests the app has been shut down. In fact, Khodabandelou was featured in an October 2024 article in The New York Times , in which he and his fiance, Katie Muela, discussed finding a suitable New York City home for their two dogs, Hank and Odin. The article mentions Woof and even features updated information that must have come from the entrepreneur, which lends to the notion that Khodabandelou is still behind the wheel and working on the app. (In the story, he contradicts his "Shark Tank" pitch a little, stating the idea for Woof came to him while the pair hiked along Bear Mountain north of the city rather than after he almost got into a car accident.) While the last user review for the Woof app on Apple was in February 2024, the Google Play Store app shows reviews as recently as November 2024. Unfortunately, the latest review says, "The developer apparently has had problems implementing some of the basic functions of the app." According to that review, the user had been in touch with the developer regarding these fixes, but recent messages have gone unanswered. Since the signup feature is still available and the website is functional, though, it's safe to assume Woof is still in business. While Woof is operational, its future is questionable. Though there have been bug fixes as recently as the fourth quarter of 2024, engagement with the app's audience has all but stopped. Inactive social media accounts are a telling sign, especially when they used to post somewhat regularly. Even Khodabandelou's social media presence has been scarce, with his LinkedIn having been updated last three months ago. His last post about Woof was about a year ago, and his second most recent from 10 months ago was a job posting for Verse, where he serves as the sales team lead. It's difficult to say what's next for Woof when the company has remained rather tight-lipped about the app's future. Based on its low number of reviews (13 on Google and 44 on Apple), there appears to be a lack of an audience to help drive the app forward. It's possible that, along with no word from the company, using such a common word for the app's name may make it difficult for users to stumble on. With the right marketing push, though, there's still potential for Woof, as pet parents are not shy about using technology, such as pet trackers and smart collars , to keep their pets safe.

Immigration measures announced as part of Canada’s border response to president-elect Donald Trump’s 25 per cent tariff threat are starting to be implemented, beginning with a ban on what’s known as “flagpoling.” This is when someone who was in Canada on a temporary visa leaves for the U.S. then quickly re-enters Canada to access immigration services at a port of entry. The restriction on providing work and study permits to flagpolers takes effect today. Last week, Immigration Minister Marc Miller said that going forward temporary visa holders will have to apply online to extend their stay in Canada. The Canadian Border Services Agency processed more than 69,300 people who engaged in flagpoling in the 2023-2024 fiscal year. There are still rare exceptions where a person will be granted a work or study permit even though they meet the definition of flagpoling, including international truck drivers with a work permit, professionals under certain free trade agreements and American citizens. Miller first announced the plan to ban the practice on Dec. 17, alongside Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc who promised a border control package worth $1.3 billion. This includes removing the point value for having a job offer in Canada’s express entry immigration system. The stated goal of this change is to reduce and prevent immigration fraud. In a social media post, Miller said this will take effect in the spring and that it will be a temporary measure. A broader review of the express entry program is being conducted, and a future decision on the value of a job offer in that system will be made at that time. A labour market impact assessment, a key document required for an employer to hire a foreign worker, is currently worth 50 to 200 points in the express entry system. Applicants are not supposed to pay for these, but a black market has emerged where people are charging tens of thousands of dollars for these documents. Applications that are already in progress won’t be affected once this change takes effect. Miller also said the government is looking at ways to streamline Canada’s asylum system at that Dec. 17 press conference. This includes exploring options to “quickly deal with” illegitimate claims. The government’s broader border measures plan to respond to Trump’s 25 per cent tariff threat also includes enhanced aerial surveillance and drug detection efforts.

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