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( MENAFN - IANS) Imphal, Dec 20 (IANS) A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Thursday between Uttar Pradesh and Manipur governments for the implementation of the 'Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat' programme, officials said. Officials said in Imphal that this MoU, which contains various activities, including Cultural Exchange Programmes, would come into force from the date of signing and would be valid for three years which may be renewed for another three years by mutual written consent of both the states. Manipur government's Commissioner (Art and Culture), M. Joy Singh, highlighted the state's traditional culture and their performance on various occasions and festivals. The artists from Manipur performed two cultural items -- Thougal Jagoi and Thang Ta. The MoU was signed at Gomti Nagar in Lucknow and it was arranged by Uttar Pradesh's Department of Tourism and Culture in a formal function attended by the State Culture and Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh. Yogendra Upadhyay, Uttar Pradesh Higher Education Minister, and senior officials of the two states were present at the MoU signing ceremony. "Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat" programme aims to enhance interaction and promote mutual understanding between people of different states and Union Territories (UT) through the concept of state/UT pairing. The states carry out activities to promote a sustained and structured cultural connection in the areas of language learning, culture, traditions and music, tourism and cuisine, sports and sharing of best practices. According to officials, the spirit of mutual understanding amid a shared history has enabled a special unity in diversity, which stands out as a tall flame of nationhood that needs to be nourished and cherished into the future. Time and technology have narrowed down distances in terms of connection and communication. In an era that facilitates mobility and outreach, it is important to establish cultural exchanges between people of different regions, as a means to further human bonding and a common approach to nation-building, the officials said. MENAFN19122024000231011071ID1109014446 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
It is a well-known fact there is a cartel of a few rice millers with regard to the purchase of paddy and sale of rice in the country. The whole blame for this development should rest solely on the previous dispensations. Those past governments created a situation where ample opportunities were made available to a few wealthy persons with close connections to some powerful politicians of the day, for purchasing paddy from the farmers at very low rates and later sell the milled rice to the consumers at exorbitant prices according to their whims and fancies. Those in authority turned a blind eye to this operation as they benefited from the rice millers. They weakened the state mechanism which had been introduced by the previous government for purchasing paddy and converting such stocks into rice and making available that rice to the people at affordable prices through CWE and the co-operative outlets. The previous governments deliberately sabotaged the operation of this mechanism to pave the way for a few politically and otherwise close rice millers to exploit the rice market in the absence of any competition. The Paddy Marketing Board was neglected by previous governments. Now this rice miller mafia has become a formidable force even the government cannot control. The moment the government steps in to remedy this situation, the rice miller mafia will go all out to thwart the government’s efforts at controlling the price of rice. These rice millers extend loans to the farmers at the commencement of paddy growing seasons and ensure that the latter sell their paddy only to them at the prices they fix. The indebted farmers have no alternative other than selling produce to those millers at very low prices stipulated by them. Now the PMB has neglected all its paddy stores and mills, and the government has no money to be released to the PMB for purchasing paddy. The vacuum created by non-involvement by the government in the purchase of paddy offered a golden opportunity to the rice millers to purchase paddy at the prices they desire. This is the sorry state of affairs now prevailing in the country. What would be the scenario if the government stepped in to solve this problem by using its power? It has neither money nor facilities for storing paddy and operational rice mills for milling the paddy. The rice miller mafia could ensure that there will be no rice in the market, at all. They can afford to do so. Therefore, I feel this is a very delicate issue that has to be handled diplomatically. The government should come to a compromise with the rice millers wherein the millers will be able to dispose of their stocks of rice in the market at a reasonable price in line with the expenses they have incurred in purchasing paddy. The government should be flexible in deciding the price of rice taking into consideration the expenses incurred in acquiring such stocks of paddy by the millers and persuade the millers to release the stocks of rice they now hold to the market at the revised prices. Retaining the current controlled price of rice will aggravate the situation. K. M. Suraweera Veyangoda
Economic zones to be set up to increase export of pink salt: minister LAHORE:Special economic zones would be established to increase the export of pink salt. Punjab Minister for Mines and Minerals Sher Ali Gorchani disclosed this during a meeting. The meeting was attended by Secretary for Mines and Minerals, Pervez Iqbal, DG Mines and Minerals, Mansoor Ahmad, MD PSIC, Sarah Umar, and other officials. He emphasised that the provincial government would request the federal government to impose a ban on the export of raw salt produced in Punjab. All resources would be utilised to enhance the export of pink salt. He mentioned that the draft of the Pink Rock Salt Policy 2024 would soon be presented to the chief minister for approval. In collaboration with the Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC), a processing zone for salt will be established within the salt range. The provincial minister also highlighted that in line with the CM’s vision, pink salt exporters would be equipped with modern technology. Protecting pink salt from wastage is a priority for the CM. In this regard, the planning, branding, marketing, and international certification of pink salt will be given special attention. He added land would be provided to exporters at discounted rates, and the Punjab government would bear the infrastructure costs. Discounted loans would be provided through the Bank of Punjab. The option of adopting a profit-sharing model was also considered. ‘Digital agriculture vital for farming’ Digital agriculture is the future of farming and utilising digital networks and social media for transferring agricultural information has become essential in today’s era. The agreement between the Punjab Agriculture Department and Ba-Khabar Kissan will prove to be a source of timely agricultural information for farmers. The agreement with FACE (Food Security and Agriculture Center of Excellence) will help in farmers’ capacity building, innovations, value chain, and enhance production. These views were expressed by Minister for Agriculture Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani while his address at an MoU signing ceremony held at Agriculture House here on Thursday. The ceremony was attended by Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Usama Khan Leghari and Secretary Agriculture Punjab Iftikhar Ali Sahoo. The event was attended by Ba-Khabar Kissan Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Khizar Alam Khan, Chief Operating officer FACE Hassan Akram, Marketing Head of FFC Athar Javed, Consultant for Punjab Agriculture Department Dr M Anjum Ali, Additional Secretary Task Force Agriculture M Shabbir Ahmad Khan, Director General Agriculture Extension Chaudhary Abdul Hameed, and Director General Agricultural Information Punjab Naveed Asmat Kahloon, along with other senior officials. On this occasion, the agriculture minister stated that he is confident these agreements will become milestones in the development of the agriculture sector. The Punjab Agriculture Department (Extension Wing) will fully support both companies in this regard. He also issued directives to appoint Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Usama Khan Leghari as the focal person for programmes under these agreements. He emphasised the need for swiftly disseminating information to farmers, considering the adverse effects of climate change and trends in diverse production. This will not only reduce production costs but also increase per-acre crop yield. Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani stated that farmers will be provided with information about pest alerts, weather updates, and optimal use of fertilisers and water through modern technology, including artificial intelligence.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Special counsel Jack Smith moved to abandon two criminal cases against Donald Trump on Monday, acknowledging that Trump’s return to the White House will preclude attempts to federally prosecute him for retaining classified documents or trying to overturn his 2020 election defeat. The decision was inevitable, since longstanding Justice Department policy says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. Yet it was still a momentous finale to an unprecedented chapter in political and law enforcement history, as federal officials attempted to hold accountable a former president while he was simultaneously running for another term.
NAHANT — This year, the Police Department will be going the extra mile to ensure there’s a toy under the tree for those in need, even if that means using a massive Humvee to make their yearly collections. In order to accommodate the increasing popularity of the event, the Police Department will be utilizing the Emergency Management Department’s heavy-duty transportation vehicle. This new decision was prompted by the overwhelming communal response to the toy drive in previous years. For example, in 2022, one of the cruisers was stuffed so full of toys that it had to be emptied out multiple times before it could make more collections. The following year, two additional cruisers had to be used. Gifts for children will be collected in the Humvee, which will be parked in front of the police station until Dec. 15. The Police Department requested that the gifts be new, unwrapped, and appropriate for ages 5 to 13. A few suggestions for gifts are Lego sets, board games, sketchbooks and sporting goods. Donations collected during the event will go to the Boys and Girls Club of Lynn, which serves more than 1,500 youth ages 5 to 18 within the surrounding communities, the press release added. “Nahant is a small town with a big heart, but we have been blown away by the incredible outpouring of support these last two years,” Chief Timothy Furlong said. “We feel that a great number of children in the area will have gifts to open during the holiday. We thank our residents for their generosity.”DENVER (AP) — Travis Hunter made a pair of proclamations Thursday: He’s for sure entering the NFL draft after this season, but not until he sees Colorado all the way through the College Football Playoff — if the Buffaloes make it there. The first was already a given for the draft-eligible junior who plays both receiver and cornerback. The second is a risk-reward play for a projected high first-round pick who averages around 120 snaps a game. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Boston Scientific catheters treating AFib with extreme cooling linked to 4 deaths: FDA alert
Market Alert: Actelis Networks Lands Expansion Orders for Washington DC Transportation Department Multi-Billion Dollar Partner 11-25-2024 11:16 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire TL;DR: Actelis Networks (NASDAQ: ASNS) has secured two new expansion orders from the Washington DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) in collaboration with M.C. Dean. This initiative reinforces Actelis' commitment to modernizing the city's traffic management infrastructure, utilizing its advanced hybrid-fiber solutions to enhance connectivity and optimize traffic flow in one of the nation's busiest urban environments. Actelis Networks (NASDAQ: ASNS) has announced the receipt of expansion orders from the Washington DC Department of Transportation (DDOT), marking a significant step in the ongoing modernization of the city's critical infrastructure. These new orders build on a previously announced $2.3 million project from May 2024, emphasizing Actelis' role as a trusted partner in enhancing transportation systems in the nation's capital. The collaboration with M.C. Dean, a prominent integrator specializing in advanced cyber-physical systems, is pivotal in delivering innovative solutions tailored to the challenges of traffic congestion in Washington DC-one of the most congested cities in the United States, according to a report from the Texas A&M Transportation Institute. With a growing population and heavy tourist traffic, effective management of roadways is essential for improving safety and efficiency. "Washington, DC's complex traffic environment necessitates innovative solutions for managing roadways," said Tuvia Barlev, Chairman and CEO of Actelis. "The backbone of effective traffic management systems is reliable, far-reaching network connectivity. Actelis enables DDOT to optimize traffic flow, improve safety, and enhance data collection using tools such as signal timing and traffic cameras." The recent expansion into DDOT's infrastructure comes at a time when Actelis is experiencing significant momentum within the industry. Earlier this year, the company achieved the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) certification for data cybersecurity, showcasing its commitment to providing secure and resilient networking solutions. Additionally, Actelis has been successful in securing major contracts, such as the order for the City of Napa's intelligent traffic management system, which further underscores its capabilities in enhancing urban connectivity. Most recently, the company reported a remarkable 200% growth in q3 revenues, reflecting strong demand for its innovative hybrid-fiber solutions across diverse sectors. Actelis' cyber-hardened hybrid-fiber networking technology stands out by providing fiber-grade performance while utilizing existing wiring, thus avoiding the lengthy and costly process of laying new cables. This capability allows for the rapid deployment of high-demand applications, such as data-intensive traffic monitoring systems and advanced traffic cameras, making a substantial impact on the city's ability to manage its complex traffic environment. Barlev further noted, "Washington, DC has now become a showcase for Actelis' hybrid fiber-copper technology and a model for how other cities can efficiently modernize their traffic management infrastructure. Our collaboration with M.C. Dean has proven that cities can save hundreds of thousands of dollars-or more-on construction costs while achieving the performance required to manage dense roadway systems." As Actelis continues to expand its footprint in the transportation sector, the company's innovative solutions position it well to address the growing need for advanced, secure connectivity in urban environments. The partnership with M.C. Dean not only showcases Actelis' technology but also serves as a model for other cities aiming to streamline their traffic management systems efficiently and sustainably. Quick Links, Read More >> * [ https://thefinanceherald.com/capitalizing-on-the-booming-demand-for-safer-roads-and-smarter-cars-cipias-role-in-reshaping-the-future/ ] * [ https://thefinanceherald.com/actelis-networks-results-surge-in-q3-2024-with-200-revenue-growth-and-rising-margins-fueling-optimism-for-the-future/ ] * [ https://venture-block.com/microsoft-unveils-game-changing-ai-recall-feature-for-enhanced-windows-11-experience/ ] Image: https://www.abnewswire.com/uploads/d2d61a84dcac890534609405dcd466f2.jpg This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as financial, investment or any form of professional advice, recommendation or endorsement. The article was written in collaboration with Global Markets News Network, a commercially operated IR digital brand compensated by the issuer (Actelis) to provide coverage of its news and developments, among other things. Readers are encouraged to read the full disclaimers and disclosures [ https://justpaste.it/ecto7/pdf ] document that the article is subject to https://justpaste.it/ecto7/pdf [ https://justpaste.it/ecto7/pdf ] . This article may include forward looking statements which cannot be guaranteed as discussed in the documentation. Media Contact Company Name: Global Markets News Network Contact Person: News Desk Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=market-alert-actelis-networks-lands-expansion-orders-for-washington-dc-transportation-department-multibillion-dollar-partner ] Country: United States Website: https://www.futuremarketsresearch.com/global-markets-news This release was published on openPR.Real Life Don't miss out on the headlines from Real Life. Followed categories will be added to My News. The current Miss Universe titleholder has been hit with a fresh wave of criticism after she appeared to lip-sync a racial slur in a video. Danish model Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, who won the 2024 beauty pageant earlier this month, has caused outrage after mouthing Jay-Z’s song, ‘Empire State of Mind’ – which includes the N-word in its lyrics. The 21-year-old filmed the 20-second TikTok clip on top of the Empire State Building in New York — but it quickly attracted criticism from social media users. “This is crazy,” one wrote, as another exclaimed: “I can’t believe I’m witnessing this in real time.” “Girl WHAT?!” raged another. Others called for Theilvig to lose her prestigious headpiece over the video. “They gonna take that crown,” one claimed. But many defended the reigning Miss Universe winner, claiming she’s “done nothing wrong”. “A white woman sings a song by a black man and gets called racist by the woke mob. She has nothing to apologise about,” one argued on X. “She was just lip synching, she's done nothing wrong and she does not mean to offend the feelings of snowflakes,” raged another. Another insisted: “Y’all are some haters she clearly was smiling.” The newly crowned Miss Universe is copping heat after appearing to lip-sync a racial slur. Picture: Instagram/victoriaakjaer Others argued English isn’t her first language, stating she may not understand the history of the word, which originated when African Americans were kept as slaves in some parts of the US. Once famously described as the “ filthiest, dirtiest, nastiest word in the English language ” by the prosecutor in the 1995 OJ Simpson murder trial, its use has been established to be derogatory, degrading, dehumanising as it was created to tormented generations of African-Americans who were stolen and forced into inhumane conditions. “It’s really tied into the idea that African people aren’t really human beings,” Kehinde Andrews, professor of black studies at Birmingham City University, told the BBC previously. “They were more like an animal than a human being, a beast of burden, could be bought and sold, could be thrown overboard ships and literally had no rights. “So when the N-word is used that’s essentially what it’s used for. So I would hope most people would understand why that is deeply offensive and problematic because it still is used in that context now.” Danish model Victoria Kjaer Theilvig won the 2024 title earlier this month. Picture: Instagram/victoriaakjaer She mouthed the words to a JayZ song while visiting Empire State Building that contained the N-word. Picture: Instagram/victoriaakjaer It has been described previously described as the ‘filthiest, dirtiest, nastiest word in the English language’. Picture: Instagram/victoriaakjaer Theilvig, who beat more than 120 other contestants to become the first Danish woman to take home the title, has not yet responded to the public backlash surrounding her video. The young model took part in the 73rd Miss Universe competition in Mexico City which followed the pageant’s revamped its guidelines , which were updated to promote “social inclusion” last year. These included removing the age limit and making it easier for women from non-traditional backgrounds to participate - a move which sparked massive backlash and even saw former Miss Universe winners resigning their titles in protest, the New York Post reported. Conservatives cheered Theilvig’s win victory after last year’s pageant saw a transgender woman from Portugal notch a top 20 ranking, while a 22-year-old became the first transgender Miss Netherlands. “Biological & objectively attractive women are allowed to win beauty pageants again,” Donald Trump Jr. tweeted. “WE ARE SO BACK!!!” The 2024 final was the first year in Miss Universe history that some countries were represented, including Belarus, Eritrea, Guinea, Macau, Maldives, Moldova and Uzbekistan. More Coverage UK goes wild for ‘best thing about Australia’ Rebekah Scanlan Huge update in monstrous rape case Chantelle Francis and AFP Originally published as Miss Universe in scandal over ‘filthiest, dirtiest, nastiest word in the English language’ More related stories Real Life ‘Accidental influencer’ we can’t get enough of A young Aussie who won millions of followers with her relatable approach to life has just won a huge award at a star-studded Sydney event. Read more Real Life ‘Hot’: Star spotted in bikini after shock split A Bali princess has been spotted cooling off in a bikini at Bondi Beach just days after announcing her second marriage was over. Read more
Australia Senate committee backs bill to ban social media for childrenRomania braces for parliamentary vote after far right's poll upsetMELVIN Odoom secretly attempted to get his crush Carol Vorderman's attention BEFORE going on I'm A Celebrity. According to colleagues at BBC Radio One, the DJ asked Producer Tom to help him win her over - with an impressive idea. Advertisement 2 Melvin Odoom has repeatedly tried to win over Carol Vorderman's heart Credit: Rex 2 Carol Vorderman is Melvin's celebrity crush Credit: carolvorders / Instagram Host Danni Diston exclusively told The Sun: "None of us knew about Melvin's crush on Carol, but apparently Producer Tom, who works at Radio One, did. "He helped Melvin DM Carol Vorderman in Welsh because obviously she's a Welsh queen." Danni added: "Whether or not she replied, I don't know. "I would like to see them go on a date. I think they'd be a cute couple. Advertisement READ MORE ON I'M A CELEB GIMME MOORE Jane Moore leaves I'm A Celeb fans in hysterics with swipe at Dean McCollough Disaster I'm a Celeb star reveals her house has been flooded in sad video "I know she's done the jungle already, but do you reckon she'd go back in and surprise him? I don't think she would, but it would be great." Last week Melvin admitted fancying his "dream woman" Carol - and even asked her out live on TV. He acted out his desired 'date' with Carol to campmates - after admitting he'd been too shy to say hello to the former TV presenter. Carol reacted to the bizarre moment Melvin did role play with Tulisa in camp, as he asked Carol out to a Thai restaurant. Advertisement Most read in I’m A Celebrity 2024 Exclusive JUNGLE RICHES I'm A Celeb star revealed as 'richest' name in camp & it's not Coleen Rooney no maur! Watch moment Maura Higgins screams she’s ‘going to die’ as she faces HUGE spider edit outrage Jane Moore's Loose Women co-stars furious over show edit MAURA IN COMMON I'm A Celeb's Barry's son breaks silence after his ex Maura meets his dad In a voicenote sent in to ITV2's Unpacked, Carol said: "Melvin, or should I say Jungle Man.. Melvin Vorderman... It sounds the same to me. "Right, question. Have you been spying on me because just last night I had a little Thai food. Carol Vorderman’s cringeworthy voice note to I’m A Celebrity’s Melvin as she calls him her ‘jungle man’ after he asks her out live on TV "I had pad Thai, quite a lot of it, with a little chicken satay on the side. "It was delicious, Jungle Man. Advertisement "Anyway keep doing what you're doing. You're doing a brilliant job. See you on the other side." Melvin hosts the mid-morning show on BBC Radio One alongside his pal Rickie Haywood-Williams and Charlie Hedges. How to vote for our Jane ITV is logging all votes online at itv.com/vote or you can download the I’m A Celebrity app on your phone. Every time Ant and Dec announce a new trial you can cast five votes. Jane would love you to use all of them to get her another Bushtucker challenge. Later this week, vote to SAVE Jane from eviction. They also host the famous Live Lounge together. From January, his colleague Danni is moving to a new slot on BBC Radio One with her co-host Sam MacGregor. Advertisement Read more on the Scottish Sun REY-LY EXCITING US pop superstar announces first Scots show in almost 10 years BALLSED UP Lorraine apologises on air for using phrase she 'didn't know' was a swear word Sam and Danni, who previously held the Weekend Breakfast slot, will now host an afternoon show that runs from Friday to Sunday, 1-4pm. I'm A Celebrity 2024 i'm A Celebrity is back for its 24th series, with a batch of famous faces living in the Aussie jungle. The Sun's Jake Penkethman takes a look at the stars on the show this year.. Coleen Rooney - Arguably the most famous name in the camp, the leading WAG, known for her marriage to Wayne Rooney , has made a grand return to TV as she looks to put the Wagatha Christie scandal behind her. The Sun revealed the mum-of-four had bagged an eye-watering deal worth over £1.5million to be on the show this year making her the highest-paid contestant ever. Tulisa - The popstar and former X Factor judge has made her triumphant TV comeback by signing up to this year's I'm A Celeb after shunning TV shows for many years. Known for being a member of the trio, N-Dubz, Tulisa became a household name back in 2011 when she signed on to replace Cheryl on ITV show The X Factor in a multi-million pound deal. Alan Halsall - The actor, known for playing the long-running role of Tyrone Dobbs on ITV soap opera Coronation Street, was originally signed up to head Down Under last year but an operation threw his scheduled appearance off-course. Now he has become the latest Corrie star to win over both the viewers and his fellow celebrities. Melvin Odoom - The Radio DJ has become a regular face on TV screens after rising to fame with presenting roles on Kiss FM, BBC Radio 1 and 4Music. Melvin has already been for a spin on the Strictly dancefloor and co-hosted The Xtra Factor with Rochelle Humes in 2015 but now he is facing up to his biggest challenge yet - the Aussie jungle . GK Barry - The UK's biggest social media personality, GK, whose real name is Grace Keeling, has transformed her TikTok stardom into a lucrative career. Aside from her popular social media channels, she hosts the weekly podcast, Saving Grace, and regularly appears on ITV talk show, Loose Women. She has even gone on to endorse popular brands such as PrettyLittleThing, KFC and Ann Summers. Dean McCullough - A rising star amongst this year's bunch of celebs , Dean first achieved notability through his radio appearances on Gaydio and BBC Radio 1. He was chosen to join the BBC station permanently in 2021 and has featured prominently ever since. He has enjoyed a crossover to ITV over the past year thanks to his guest slots on Big Brother spin-off show, Late & Live. Oti Mabuse - The pro dancer has signed up to her latest TV show after making her way through the biggest programmes on the box. She originally found fame on Strictly Come Dancing but has since branched out into the world of TV judging with appearances on former BBC show The Greatest Dancer as well as her current role on ITV's Dancing On Ice . Danny Jones - The McFly star was drafted into the programme last minute as a replacement for Tommy Fury. Danny is the second member of McFly to enter the jungle , after Dougie Poynter won the show in 2011. He is also considered a rising star on ITV as he's now one of the mentors on their Saturday night talent show, The Voice , along with bandmate Tom Fletcher. Jane Moore - The Loose Women star and The Sun columnist is braving the creepy crawlies this year. The star is ready for a new challenge - having recently split from her husband . It will be Jane's first foray into reality TV with the telly favourite having always said no to reality shows in the past. Barry McGuigan - Former pro boxer Barry is the latest fighting champ to head Down Under following in the footsteps of Tony Bellew and Amir Khan. It comes after a tough few years for Irish star Barry, who lost his daughter Danika to bowel cancer . He told The Late Late Show in 2021: "She was such an intrinsic part of the family that every day we ache." Maura Higgins - The Irish TV beauty first found fame on Love Island where she found a brief connection with dancer Curtis Pritchard . Since then, she has competed on Dancing On Ice as well as hosting the Irish version of the beauty contest, Glow Up. Since last year, she has been working on building up her career in the US by being the social media correspondent and host of Aftersun to accompany Love Island USA. She even guest hosted an episode of the spin-off, Love Island Games, in place of Maya Jama last year. Rev. Richard Coles - Former BBC radio host the Rev Richard Coles is a late arrival on I’m A Celebrity , and he's ready to spill the beans on his former employer. The former Communards and Strictly star , said the BBC did not know its a**e from its elbow last year. An insider said: "Rev Coles will have a variety of tales to tell from his wild days as a pop star in the Eighties, through to performing on Strictly and his later life as a man of the cloth."
Trump asks Supreme Court to delay TikTok ban so he can weigh in after he takes officeISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistani police Monday fired tear gas canisters at supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan to stop them from entering the capital, where they hoped to stage a sit-in to demand his release, officials said. The firing of tear gas came shortly after demonstrators — who traveled 150 kilometers (93 miles) from the restive northwest — began arriving and gathering near Islamabad. They defied a lockdown, previous tear gas and widespread arrests despite a ban on rallies in the city. The development came a day after the leadership of Khan’s party went ahead with the “long march” even as Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko arrived for a three-day visit. He was received at an airport near the capital by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday evening. Authorities said at least one police officer was killed and several officers and demonstrators were injured in clashes. The marchers appeared determined to enter Islamabad, where the lockdown, which has been in place for two days, has disrupted daily life. The government was in talks with Khan's party to avoid any further violence, officials said. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told reporters after midnight that the government is willing to allow Khan supporters to rally on the outskirts of Islamabad but he threatened extreme measures if they entered the city to protest. Khan, who has been in jail for over a year and faces more than 150 criminal cases, remains popular. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, or PTI, says the cases are politically motivated. A convoy of vehicles carrying protesters was expected to enter the capital Monday night. Security officials say they expect between 9,000 and 11,000 demonstrators, while the PTI says the number will be much higher. Video on social media showed Khan supporters donning gas masks and protective goggles. Travel between Islamabad and other cities has become nearly impossible. Ambulances and cars were seen turning back from areas along the key Grand Trunk Road highway in Punjab province, where shipping containers were used to block roads. Video circulating online showed some protesters operating heavy machinery to remove the containers. “We are determined, and we will reach Islamabad, though police are using tear gas to stop our march,” PTI senior leader Kamran Bangash told The Associated Press. “We will overcome all hurdles one by one, and our supporters are removing shipping containers from roads." Bangash also said Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, who was recently released on bail in a graft case, will lead the march along with Ali Amin Gandapur , the chief minister in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where Khan’s party remains in power. Earlier, almost 50 kilometers (30 miles) from Islamabad, Bibi, wearing a white head-to-toe burqa, addressed protesters while sitting in a truck, urging them to remain determined to achieve their goal and free Khan. She then chanted, “God is great” and left. Khan’s main political opponent, Sharif, heads the current government. Sharif’s spokesperson, Attaullah Tarar, said on Sunday that whenever any high-profile foreign delegation comes to Pakistan, the PTI “begins the politics of long marches and onslaught on Islamabad to harm the economy.” Some economists say protests cause billions of rupees in damages to the country's fragile economy. Protesters on Sunday night burned trees as police fired tear gas to disperse the crowds. Khan supporters retaliated by using slingshots and pelting security personnel with rocks. In a bid to foil the protest, police have arrested more than 4,000 Khan supporters since Friday and suspended mobile and internet services “in areas with security concerns,” which the PTI said affected its call on social media for a protest. On Thursday, a court prohibited rallies in the capital and Naqvi said anyone violating the ban would be arrested. Authorities say only courts can order the release of Khan, who was ousted in 2022 through a no-confidence vote in Parliament. He has been imprisoned since his first conviction in a graft case, in August 2023. Khan has been sentenced in several cases. His convictions were later overturned on appeal but he cannot be freed due to other pending cases against him. Associated Press writers Riaz Khan in Peshawar, Pakistan, and Asim Tanveer in Multan, Pakistan, contributed to this report.Melvin Odoom’s secret attempt to win over Carol Vorderman BEFORE I’m A Celebrity revealed
OJ Awa-Ibraheem expands luxury business frontiers
CRANFORD, N.J. , Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Citius Oncology, Inc. ("Citius Oncology" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: CTOR), a specialty biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel targeted oncology therapies, today reported business and financial results for the fiscal full year ended September 30, 2024 . Fiscal Full Year 2024 Business Highlights and Subsequent Developments Financial Highlights "Reflecting on 2024, Citius Oncology has achieved pivotal milestones that underscore our commitment to advancing cancer therapeutics," stated Leonard Mazur , Chairman and CEO of Citius Oncology. "The FDA's approval of LYMPHIR for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma marks a significant advancement in providing new options for patients battling this challenging disease. It is the only targeted systemic therapy approved for CTCL patients since 2018 and the only therapy with a mechanism of action that targets the IL-2 receptor. Additionally, the successful merger forming Citius Oncology, now trading on Nasdaq under the ticker CTOR, strengthens our position in the oncology sector. We expect it to facilitate greater access to capital to fund LYMPHIR's launch and the Company's future growth. With a Phase I investigator-initiated clinical trial combining LYMPHIR with pembrolizumab demonstrating promising preliminary results, indicating potential for enhanced treatment efficacy in recurrent solid tumors, and preliminary results expected from a second investigator trial with CAR-T therapies in 2025, we remain excited about the potential of LYMPHIR as a combination immunotherapy." "These accomplishments reflect the dedication of our team and the trust of our investors. As we look ahead, we remain steadfast in our mission to develop innovative therapies that improve the lives of cancer patients worldwide," added Mazur. FULL YEAR 2024 FINANCIAL RESULTS: Research and Development (R&D) Expenses R&D expenses were $4.9 million for the full year ended September 30, 2024 , compared to $4.2 million for the full year ended September 30, 2023 . The increase reflects development activities completed for the resubmission of the Biologics License Application of LYMPHIR in January 2024 , which were associated with the complete response letter remediation. General and Administrative (G&A) Expenses G&A expenses were $8.1 million for the full year ended September 30, 2024 , compared to $5.9 million for the full year ended September 30, 2023 . The increase was primarily due to costs associated with pre-commercial and commercial launch activities of LYMPHIR including market research, marketing, distribution and drug product reimbursement from health plans and payers. Stock-based Compensation Expense For the full year ended September 30, 2024 , stock-based compensation expense was $7.5 million as compared to $2.0 million for the prior year. The primary reason for the $5.5 million increase was due to the amounts being realized over 12 months in the year ended September 30, 2024 , as compared to three months post-plan adoption in the year ended September 30, 2023 . Net loss Net loss was $21.1 million , or ($0.31) per share for the year ended September 30, 2024 , compared to a net loss of $12.7 million , or ($0.19) per share for the year ended September 30, 2023 . The $8.5 million increase in net loss was primarily due to the increase in our operating expenses. About Citius Oncology, Inc. Citius Oncology specialty is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing novel targeted oncology therapies. In August 2024 , its primary asset, LYMPHIR, was approved by the FDA for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory CTCL who had had at least one prior systemic therapy. Management estimates the initial market for LYMPHIR currently exceeds $400 million , is growing, and is underserved by existing therapies. Robust intellectual property protections that span orphan drug designation, complex technology, trade secrets and pending patents for immuno-oncology use as a combination therapy with checkpoint inhibitors would further support Citius Oncology's competitive positioning. Citius Oncology is a publicly traded subsidiary of Citius Pharmaceuticals. For more information, please visit www.citiusonc.com Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements are made based on our expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting Citius Oncology. You can identify these statements by the fact that they use words such as "will," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "plan," "should," and "may" and other words and terms of similar meaning or use of future dates. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could negatively affect our business, operating results, financial condition and stock price. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated, and, unless noted otherwise, that apply to Citius Oncology are: our ability to raise additional money to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months as a going concern; our ability to commercialize LYMPHIR and any of our other product candidates that may be approved by the FDA; the estimated markets for our product candidates and the acceptance thereof by any market; the ability of our product candidates to impact the quality of life of our target patient populations; our dependence on third-party suppliers; our ability to procure cGMP commercial-scale supply; risks related to research using our assets but conducted by third parties; our ability to obtain, perform under and maintain financing and strategic agreements and relationships; uncertainties relating to preclinical and clinical testing; market and other conditions; risks related to our growth strategy; patent and intellectual property matters; our ability to identify, acquire, close and integrate product candidates and companies successfully and on a timely basis; government regulation; competition; as well as other risks described in our Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") filings. These risks have been and may be further impacted by any future public health risks. Accordingly, these forward-looking statements do not constitute guarantees of future performance, and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Risks regarding our business are described in detail in our SEC filings which are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov , including in Citius Oncology's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2024 , filed with the SEC on December 27, 2024 , as updated by our subsequent filings with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and we expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law. Investor Contact: Ilanit Allen ir@citiuspharma.com 908-967-6677 x113 Media Contact: STiR-communications Greg Salsburg Greg@STiR-communications.com -- Financial Tables Follow – CITIUS ONCOLOGY, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 AND 2023 2024 2023 Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 112 $ — Inventory 8,268,766 — Prepaid expenses 2,700,000 7,734,895 Total Current Assets 10,968,878 7,734,895 Other Assets: In-process research and development 73,400,000 40,000,000 Total Other Assets 73,400,000 40,000,000 Total Assets $ 84,368,878 $ 47,734,895 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 3,711,622 $ 1,289,045 License payable 28,400,000 — Accrued expenses — 259,071 Due to related party 588,806 19,499,119 Total Current Liabilities 32,700,429 21,047,235 Deferred tax liability 1,728,000 1,152,000 Note payable to related party 3,800,111 — Total Liabilities 38,228,540 22,199,235 Stockholders' Equity: Preferred stock - $0.0001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized: no shares issued and outstanding — — Common stock - $0.0001 par value; 100,000,000; 71,552,402 and 67,500,000 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively 7,155 6,750 Additional paid-in capital 85,411,771 43,658,750 Accumulated deficit (39,278,587) (18,129,840) Total Stockholders' Equity 46,140,339 25,535,660 Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $ 84,368,878 $ 47,734,895 CITIUS ONCOLOGY, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 AND 2023 2024 2023 Revenues $ — $ — Operating Expenses: Research and development 4,925,001 4,240,451 General and administrative 8,148,929 5,915,290 Stock-based compensation – general and administrative 7,498,817 1,965,500 Total Operating Expenses 20,572,747 12,121,241 Loss before Income Taxes (20,572,747) (12,121,241) Income tax expense 576,000 576,000 Net Loss $ (21,148,747) $ (12,697,241) Net Loss Per Share – Basic and Diluted $ (0.31) $ (0.19) Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding – Basic and Diluted 68,053,607 67,500,000 CITIUS ONCOLOGY, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 AND 2023 2024 2023 Cash Flows From Operating Activities: Net loss $ (21,148,747) $ (12,697,241) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: Stock-based compensation expense 7,498,817 1,965,500 Deferred income tax expense 576,000 576,000 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Inventory (2,133,871) - Prepaid expenses (1,100,000) (5,044,713) Accounts payable 2,422,577 1,196,734 Accrued expenses (259,071) (801,754) Due to related party 14,270,648 14,805,474 Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities 126,353 - Cash Flows From Investing Activities: License payment (5,000,000) - Net Cash Used In Investing Activities (5,000,000) - Cash Flows From Financing Activities: Cash contributed by parent 3,827,944 - Merger, net (2,754,296) - Proceeds from issuance of note payable to related party 3,800,111 - Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities 4,873,759 - Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents 112 - Cash and Cash Equivalents – Beginning of Year - - Cash and Cash Equivalents – End of Year $ 112 $ - Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information and Non-cash Activities: IPR&D Milestones included in License Payable $ 28,400,000 $Israel has agreed to a ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon that will take effect at 4 a.m. Wednesday. Moments after U.S. President Joe Biden announced the ceasefire deal , which Israel's Cabinet approved late Tuesday, an Israeli airstrike slammed into the Lebanese capital. Residents of Beirut and its southern suburbs have endured the most intense day of Israeli strikes since the war began nearly 14 months ago, as Israel's nationwide onslaught of bombings signaled it aims to keep pummeling Hezbollah before the ceasefire is set to take hold. At least 42 people have been killed by Israeli strikes across Lebanon on Tuesday, according to local authorities. Hezbollah also fired rockets into Israel on Tuesday, triggering air raid sirens in the country’s north. An Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire would mark the first major step toward ending the regionwide unrest triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. But it does not address the devastating war in Gaza. Hezbollah began attacking Israel a day after Hamas’ attack. The fighting in Lebanon escalated into all-out war in September with massive Israeli airstrikes across the country and an Israeli ground invasion of the south. In Gaza, more than 44,000 people have been killed and more than 104,000 wounded in the nearly 14-month war between Israel and Hamas, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. ___ Here's the Latest: PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday said a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah marked a “new page” for Lebanon and called on its leaders to elect a president “without delay.” In a video message on X, Macron said restoring Lebanon’s sovereignty depends on ending the presidential vacuum. “It is the responsibility of Lebanese authorities and all those in senior political roles,” he said. BEIRUT — Ahmad Khateeb, a musician and artist who performs in a renowned theater in Beirut’s Hamra neighborhood, fled to the city’s seaside promenade with seven members of his family after the Israeli army issued evacuation warnings for four targets in central Beirut, including one close to his area. “This is the first time this area in Ras Beirut, Hamra, has received such a threat. This neighborhood has historically been a refuge for everyone,” Khateeb told The Associated Press. Outside the American University of Beirut Medical Center in Hamra, dozens of people sought refuge, hoping the hospital would not be targeted. Among them was Rima Abdkhaluk, who sat on a sidewalk with a backpack at her side. “I was at home having lunch when I received a call from (relatives) in Syria telling me they were about to hit Hamra,” she said. She quickly packed her belongings and left with her mother. She convinced the hospital’s staff to allow her mother inside while she waited outside on a piece of cardboard. Israeli jets struck Beirut’s Mar Elias neighborhood as Abdkhaluk was speaking to The Associated Press. She held her hands tightly together and prayed. “I just need to see where they hit,” she started saying frantically. Asked about the expected ceasefire, Abdkhaluk was skeptical. “I don’t believe it. Israel can’t be trusted.” BEIRUT — The Health Ministry in Lebanon says 18 more people have been killed by Israeli airstrikes across the country, bringing the total death toll on Tuesday to at least 42 people. Eleven people were killed by Israeli bombing in eastern Lebanon, four were killed by strikes on border crossings between northern Lebanon and Syria, and three people were killed in southern Lebanon, the Health Ministry said early Wednesday. In the hours before a ceasefire with Hezbollah was to take effect, Israel launched its most intense wave of strikes on the capital Beirut and its southern suburbs since the start of the conflict. Strikes have targeted what Israel said were Hezbollah-related targets in several other parts of the country as well. Israel’s military issued a record number of evacuation warnings in Beirut, sending people fleeing from their homes. Hezbollah also fired rockets into Israel on Tuesday, triggering air raid sirens across the country’s north. UNITED NATIONS – The United Nations chief welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah, and hopes it can end the violence and suffering of people in both countries, the U.N. spokesman says. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Israel and Hezbollah to swiftly implement all commitments under the agreement, and take immediate steps toward fully implementing the 2006 U.N. Security Council resolution that ended the last Israel-Hezbollah war, spokesman Stephane Dujarric said late Tuesday. Resolution 1701 called for the deployment of Lebanese forces throughout the south, which borders Israel and is now mainly controlled by Hezbollah, and it calls for all armed groups including Hezbollah to be disarmed. Neither has happened in the past 17 years. Dujarric said U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and the U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon “both stand ready to support the implementation of this agreement, in line with their respective mandates.” WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump’s senior national security team was briefed by the Biden administration as negotiations unfolded, according to the senior U.S. official. The official, who spoke to reporters on the condition of anonymity in a White House-organized call, added that the incoming Trump administration officials were not directly involved in the talks, but that it was important that the incoming administration knew “what we were negotiating and what the commitments were.” The official said “all fire will stop from all parties” at 4 a.m. local time. The next step would be what the official described as a “phased withdrawal” by the Israeli military. As the Israelis pull back, Lebanese national forces will occupy the territories. The process is slated to finish within 60 days. Lebanese forces is supposed to patrol the area and remove Hezbollah weaponry and infrastructure there. “Hezbollah is incredibly weak at this moment, both militarily and politically,” the official said. “And this is the opportunity for Lebanon to re-establish its sovereignty over its territory.” The official said the ceasefire agreement will strengthen what’s known as the “tripartite mechanism” by including the United States and France. The goal is to address violations of the ceasefire without a return to hostilities. UNITED NATIONS – The top U.N. envoy for Lebanon welcomed the ceasefire announcement and urged Israel and Hezbollah militants to take concrete actions to fully implement the 2006 agreement that ended their last war. U.N. Special Coordinator Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert said the agreement “marks the starting point of a critical process” that must see both sides fully implement U.N. Security Council resolution 1701. It called for the deployment of Lebanese armed forces in the south bordering Israel and the disarmament of all armed groups including Hezbollah – neither of which has happened in the past 17 years. “Nothing less than the full and unwavering commitment of both parties is required,” Hennis-Plasschaert said. “Neither side can afford another period of disingenuous implementation under the guise of ostensible calm.” She commended the parties for “seizing the opportunity to close this devastating chapter,” stressing that “Now is the time to deliver, through concrete actions, to consolidate today’s achievement.” UNITED NATIONS — Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is calling for urgent international intervention to stop what he described as “an ongoing genocidal war” in Gaza. Abbas heads the Palestinian Authority which has limited self-rule in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, but not Gaza, which has been controlled by Hamas. The U.S. and others want a reinvigorated Palestinian Authority to run Gaza when the war ends. In a speech on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Abbas accused Israel of repeating what happened to the Palestinians in 1948 and 1967 – displacing them and seizing their land and resources. Abbas demanded to know how long the world will remain silent and refuse to compel Israel to abide by international law. The speech to U.N. member nations was read by Palestinian U.N. ambassador Riyad Mansour. “The only way to halt the halt the dangerous escalation we are witnessing in the region, and maintain regional and international stability, security and peace, is to resolve the question of Palestine,” Abbas' speech said. This must be done in accordance with U.N. Security Council resolutions which call for a two-state solution, he said. BEIRUT -- Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal between Israel and Hezbollah, describing it as a crucial step toward stability, the return of displaced people to their homes and regional calm. Mikati made these comments in a statement issued just after U.S. President Joe announced the truce deal. Mikati said he discussed the ceasefire agreement with Biden by phone earlier Tuesday. The prime minister reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to implementing U.N. resolution 1701, strengthening the Lebanese army’s presence in the south, and cooperating with the U.N. peacekeeping force. He also called on Israel to fully comply with the ceasefire and withdraw from southern Lebanon in accordance the U.N. resolution. JERUSALEM — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security Cabinet has approved a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah, clearing the way for the truce to take effect. Netanyahu’s office said the plan was approved by a 10-1 margin. The late-night vote came shortly before President Joe Biden was expected to announced details of the deal in Washington. Earlier, Netanyahu defended the ceasefire, saying Israel has inflicted heavy damage on Hezbollah and could now focus its efforts on Hamas militants in Gaza and his top security concern, Iran. Netanyahu vowed to strike Hezbollah hard if it violates the expected deal. WASHINGTON — Rep. Mike Waltz, President-elect Donald Trump’s designate to be national security adviser, credited Trump’s victory with helping bring the parties together toward a ceasefire in Lebanon. “Everyone is coming to the table because of President Trump,” he said in a post on X on Tuesday. “His resounding victory sent a clear message to the rest of the world that chaos won’t be tolerated. I’m glad to see concrete steps towards deescalation in the Middle East.” He added: “But let’s be clear: The Iran Regime is the root cause of the chaos & terror that has been unleashed across the region. We will not tolerate the status quo of their support for terrorism.” BEIRUT — Israeli jets targeted a building in a bustling commercial area of Beirut for the first time since the start of the 13-month war between Hezbollah and Israel. The strike on Hamra is around 400 meters (yards) from the country’s central bank. A separate strike hit the Mar Elias neighborhood in the country’s capital Tuesday. There was no immediate word on casualties from either strike, part of the biggest wave of attacks on the capital since the war started. Residents in central Beirut were seen fleeing after the Israeli army issued evacuation warnings for four targets in the city. Meanwhile, the Israeli army carried out airstrikes on at least 30 targets in Beirut’s southern suburbs Tuesday, including two strikes in the Jnah neighborhood near the Kuwaiti Embassy. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that 13 people were injured in the strikes on the southern suburbs. BEIRUT — Hezbollah has said it accepts the ceasefire proposal with Israel, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday that it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state.” of Lebanon, he said. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” Among the issues that may remain is an Israeli demand to reserve the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations under the emerging deal. The deal seeks to push Hezbollah and Israeli troops out of southern Lebanon. JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that he would recommend his Cabinet adopt a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement with Lebanon’s Hezbollah, as Israeli warplanes struck across Lebanon, killing at least 23 people. The Israeli military also issued a flurry of evacuation warnings — a sign it was aiming to inflict punishment on Hezbollah down to the final moments before any ceasefire takes hold. For the first time in the conflict, Israeli ground troops reached parts of Lebanon’s Litani River, a focal point of the emerging deal. In a televised statement, Netanyahu said he would present the ceasefire to Cabinet ministers later on Tuesday, setting the stage for an end to nearly 14 months of fighting. Netanyahu said the vote was expected later Tuesday. It was not immediately clear when the ceasefire would go into effect, and the exact terms of the deal were not released. The deal does not affect Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, which shows no signs of ending. BEIRUT — Lebanon’s state media said Israeli strikes on Tuesday killed at least 10 people in Baalbek province the country’s east. At least three people were killed in the southern city of Tyre when Israel bombed a Palestinian refugee camp, said Mohammed Bikai, a representative of the Fatah group in the area. He said several more people were missing and at least three children were among the wounded. He said the sites struck inside the camp were “completely civilian places” and included a kitchen that was being used to cook food for displaced people. JERUSALEM — Dozens of Israeli protesters took to a major highway in Tel Aviv on Tuesday evening to call for the return of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, as the country awaited news of a potential ceasefire in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah. Protesters chanted “We are all hostages,” and “Deal now!” waving signs with faces of some of the roughly 100 hostages believed to be still held in Gaza, at least a third of whom are thought to be dead. Most of the other hostages Hamas captured in the Oct. 7, 2023 attack were released during a ceasefire last year. The prospect of a ceasefire deal in Lebanon has raised desperation among the relatives of captives still held in Gaza, who once hoped that the release of hostages from Gaza would be included. Instead of a comprehensive deal, the ceasefire on the table is instead narrowly confined to Lebanon. Dozens of Israelis were also demonstrating against the expected cease-fire, gathering outside Israel’s military headquarters in central Tel Aviv. One of the protesters, Yair Ansbacher, says the deal is merely a return to the failed 2006 U.N. resolution that was meant to uproot Hezbollah from the area. “Of course that didn’t happen,” he says. “This agreement is not worth the paper it is written on.” FIUGGI, Italy — Foreign ministers from the world’s industrialized countries said Tuesday they strongly supported an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah and insisted that Israel comply with international law in its ongoing military operations in the region. At the end of their two-day summit, the ministers didn’t refer directly to the International Criminal Court and its recent arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister over crimes against humanity . Italy had put the ICC warrants on the official meeting agenda, even though the G7 was split on the issue. The U.S., Israel’s closest ally, isn’t a signatory to the court and has called the warrants “outrageous.” However, the EU’s chief diplomat Josep Borrell said all the other G7 countries were signatories and therefore obliged to respect the warrants. In the end, the final statement adopted by the ministers said Israel, in exercising its right to defend itself, “must fully comply with its obligations under international law in all circumstances, including international humanitarian law.” And it said all G7 members — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States – “reiterate our commitment to international humanitarian law and will comply with our respective obligations.” It stressed that “there can be no equivalence between the terrorist group Hamas and the State of Israel.” The ICC warrants say there's reason to believe Netanyahu used “starvation as a method of warfare” by restricting humanitarian aid and intentionally targeted civilians in Israel’s campaign against Hamas in Gaza — charges Israeli officials deny. BEIRUT — An Israeli strike on Tuesday levelled a residential building in the central Beirut district of Basta — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near the city’s downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded in Beirut, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. It was not immediately clear if anyone in particular was targeted, though Israel says its airstrikes target Hezbollah officials and assets. The Israeli military spokesman issued a flurry of evacuation warnings for many areas, including areas in Beirut that have not been targeted throughout the war, like the capital’s commercial Hamra district, where many people displaced by the war have been staying. The warnings, coupled with fear that Israel was ratcheting up attacks in Lebanon during the final hours before a ceasefire is reached, sparked panic and sent residents fleeing in their cars to safer areas. In areas close to Hamra, families including women and children were seen running away toward the Mediterranean Sea’s beaches carrying their belongings. Traffic was completely gridlocked as people tried to get away, honking their car horns as Israeli drones buzzed loudly overhead. The Israeli military also issued warnings for 20 more buildings in Beirut’s suburbs to evacuate before they too were struck — a sign it was aiming to inflict punishment on Hezbollah in the final moments before any ceasefire takes hold. TEL AVIV, Israel — The independent civilian commission of inquiry into the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel has found Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly responsible for the failures leading up to the attack, alongside former defense ministers, the army chief and the heads of the security services. The civil commission presented its findings today after a four-month probe in which it heard some 120 witnesses. It was set up by relatives of victims of the Hamas attack, in response to the absence of any state probe. The commission determined that the Israeli government, its army and security services “failed in their primary mission of protecting the citizens of Israel.” It said Netanyahu was responsible for ignoring “repeated warnings” ahead of Oct. 7, 2023 for what it described as his appeasing approach over the years toward Hamas, and for “undermining all decision-making centers, including the cabinet and the National Security Council, in a way that prevented any serious discussion” on security issues. The commission further determined that the military and defense leaders bear blame for ignoring warnings from within the army, and for reducing the army’s presence along the Gaza border while relying excessively on technological means. On the day of the Hamas attack, the report says, the army’s response was both slow and lacking. The civil commission called for the immediate establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the Oct. 7 attack. Netanyahu has opposed launching a state commission of inquiry, arguing that such an investigation should begin only once the war is over. JERUSALEM -- The Israeli military says its ground troops have reached parts of Lebanon’s Litani River — a focal point of the emerging ceasefire. In a statement Tuesday, the army said it had reached the Wadi Slouqi area in southern Lebanon and clashed with Hezbollah forces. Under a proposed ceasefire, Hezbollah would be required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is some 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the Israeli border. The military says the clashes with Hezbollah took place on the eastern end of the Litani, just a few kilometers (miles) from the border. It is one of the deepest places Israeli forces have reached in a nearly two-month ground operation. The military says soldiers destroyed rocket launchers and missiles and engaged in “close-quarters combat” with Hezbollah forces. The announcement came hours before Israel’s security Cabinet is expected to approve a ceasefire that would end nearly 14 months of fighting. BEIRUT — Israeli jets Tuesday struck at least six buildings in Beirut’s southern suburbs Tuesday, including one that slammed near the country’s only airport. Large plumes of smoke could be seen around the airport near the Mediterranean coast, which has continued to function despite its location beside the densely populated suburbs where many of Hezbollah’s operations are based. The strikes come hours before Israel’s cabinet was scheduled to meet to discuss a proposal to end the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The proposal calls for an initial two-month ceasefire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from Lebanon and Hezbollah would end its armed presence along the southern border south of the Litani River. There were no immediate reports of casualties from Tuesday’s airstrikes. FIUGGI, Italy — EU top diplomat Josep Borrell, whose term ends Dec. 1, said he proposed to the G7 and Arab ministers who joined in talks on Monday that the U.N. Security Council take up a resolution specifically demanding humanitarian assistance reach Palestinians in Gaza, saying deliveries have been completely impeded. “The two-state solution will come later. Everything will come later. But we are talking about weeks or days,” for desperate Palestinians, he said. “Hunger has been used as an arm against people who are completely abandoned.” It was a reference to the main accusation levelled by the International Criminal Court in its arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister. Borrell said the signatories to the court, including six of the seven G7 members, are obliged under international law to respect and implement the court’s decisions. Host Italy put the ICC warrants on the G7 agenda at the last minute, but there was no consensus on the wording of how the G7 would respond given the U.S., Israel’s closest ally, has called the warrants “outrageous.” Italy, too, has said it respects the court but expressed concern that the warrants were politically motivated and ill-advised given Netanyahu is necessary for any deal to end the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. “Like it or not, the International Criminal Court is a court as powerful as any national court,” Borrell said. “And if the Europeans don’t support International Criminal Court then there would not be any hope for justice,” he said. Borrell, whose term ends Dec. 1, said he proposed to the G7 and Arab ministers who joined in talks on Monday that the U.N. Security Council take up a resolution specifically demanding humanitarian assistance reach Palestinians in Gaza, saying deliveries have been completely impeded. “The two-state solution will come later. Everything will come later. But we are talking about weeks or days,” for desperate Palestinians, he said. “Hunger has been used as an arm against people who are completely abandoned.” It was a reference to the main accusation levelled by the International Criminal Court in its arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister. Borrell said the signatories to the court, including six of the seven G7 members, are obliged under international law to respect and implement the court’s decisions. Host Italy put the ICC warrants on the G7 agenda at the last minute, but there was no consensus on the wording of how the G7 would respond given the U.S., Israel’s closest ally, has called the warrants “outrageous.” Italy, too, has said it respects the court but expressed concern that the warrants were politically motivated and ill-advised given Netanyahu is necessary for any deal to end the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. “Like it or not, the International Criminal Court is a court as powerful as any national court,” Borrell said. “And if the Europeans don’t support International Criminal Court then there would not be any hope for justice,” he said. (edited)
‘FOX NFL Sunday’ co-hosts Michael Strahan and Terry Bradshaw are at odds over whether or not the Kansas City Chiefs can accomplish the historic Super Bowl three-peat . On Sunday, the Chiefs secured yet another nail-biting victory in a season rife with them - narrowly defeating the Carolina Panthers , 30-27, on a game-winning field goal with time expiring. The contest marked Kansas City’s fifth walk-off and eighth one-score win this year - tying an NFL record for the most by a team through the first 11 games of a season. Discussing the outcome of the game on air, Bradshaw admitted that he was quite surprised by how close the final score ended up being. “I was shocked by that score,” he began. “Carolina, ever since they brought Bryce Young ... back to starting he has played outstanding. He was outstanding today against Kansas City. Russell Wilson gamble pays off handsomely for Sean Payton as Bo Nix makes Rookie of the Year case Key Detroit Lions duo injury updates before Thanksgiving game vs Chicago Bears “They had this game tied up at 27, but once again, with three touchdown passes you knew Mahomes was going to bring them back, and that's exactly what he did.” Despite the fact that the Chiefs only managed to squeak out a win rather than blowing out the 3-8 Panthers, Bradshaw asserted that Kansas City still remains a heavy favorite to win Super Bowl LIX. “How long do they continue doing this and winning [like] this, and will it finally let them down when it counts most? I doubt it. I just don't think that's going to happen. This football team knows how to win,” he said. Yet Strahan pushed back on Bradshaw’s assertion, speculating that the way in which Kansas City has won this year might take a toll on the Chiefs down the stretch. “You can know how to win, but you can't keep squeaking by week after week. I think it wears the players down,” Strahan argued. Follow us on X for the best and latest in sports news Bradshaw conceded that the Panthers game was a classic trap game for the Chiefs, adding: “But when you play Carolina, you cannot tell me that Kansas City didn't look at Carolina on the schedule and go, ‘Mhm, Carolina really?’” Yet Strahan clapped back, “But they've been looking at every team like that, they've been squeaking by every team this way.” Although the Chiefs actively boast the best record in the NFL at 10-1, quarterback Patrick Mahomes admitted that he’d like to see Kansas City start winning games by a more comfortable margin. "You want to have some blowouts,'' he told reporters following Sunday’s win. "You want be a little calmer in the fourth quarter. I've always said it can be a good thing as you get to the playoffs and later in the season, just knowing that you've been in those moments before and knowing how to kind of attack it. But I would love to win a game [before] the very last play.'' Want to watch more live sports? Peacock has your favorite sports, shows, and more all in one place. Peacock offers plans starting at $7.99 so you can stream live sports like NFL, Premier League, and Big Ten Football.Dayle Haddon, an actor, activist and trailblazing former Sports Illustrated model who pushed back against age discrimination by re-entering the fashion industry as a widow, has died from what authorities believe was carbon monoxide poisoning. Authorities found Haddon, 76, dead in a second-floor bedroom on Friday morning after emergency dispatchers were notified about a person unconscious at the house in Solebury Township, Pennsylvania. A 76-year-old man police later identified as Walter J Blucas, of Erie, was hospitalised in critical condition. Responders detected a high level of carbon monoxide in the property and township police said on Saturday that investigators determined that “a faulty flue and exhaust pipe on a gas heating system caused the carbon monoxide leak”. Two medics were taken to a hospital for carbon monoxide exposure and a police officer was treated at the scene. As a model, Haddon appeared on the covers of Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Elle and Esquire in the 1970s and 1980s, as well as the 1973 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. She also appeared in about two dozen films from the 1970s to 1990s, according to IMDb, including 1994’s Bullets Over Broadway, starring John Cusack. Haddon left modelling after giving birth to her daughter, Ryan, in the mid-1970s, but then had to re-enter the workforce after her husband’s 1991 death. This time, she found the modelling industry far less friendly: “They said to me, ‘At 38, you’re not viable,'” Haddon told The New York Times in 2003. Working a menial job at an advertising agency, Haddon began reaching out to cosmetic companies, telling them there was a growing market to sell beauty products to aging baby boomers. She eventually landed a contract with Clairol, followed by Estee Lauder and then L’Oreal, for which she promoted the company’s anti-aging products for more than a decade. She also hosted beauty segments for CBS’s The Early Show. “I kept modelling, but in a different way,” she told The Times, “I became a spokesperson for my age.” In 2008, Haddon founded WomenOne, an organisation aimed at advancing educational opportunities for girls and women in marginalised communities, including Rwanda, Haiti and Jordan. Haddon was born in Toronto and began modelling as a teenager to pay for ballet classes – she began her career with the Canadian ballet company, Les Grands Ballet Canadiens, according to her website. Haddon’s daughter, Ryan, said in a social media post that her mother was “everyone’s greatest champion. An inspiration to many”. “A pure heart. A rich inner life. Touching so many lives. A life well lived. Rest in Light, Mom,” she said.MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australia’s House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill that would , leaving it to the Senate to finalize the world-first law. The major parties backed the bill that would make platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram liable for fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) for systemic failures to prevent young children from holding accounts. The legislation was passed with 102 votes in favor to 13 against. If the bill becomes law this week, the platforms would have one year to work out how to implement the age restrictions before the penalties are enforced. Opposition lawmaker Dan Tehan told Parliament the government had agreed to accept amendments in the Senate that would bolster privacy protections. Platforms would not be allowed to compel users to provide government-issued identity documents including passports or driver’s licenses. The platforms also could not demand digital identification through a government system. “Will it be perfect? No. But is any law perfect? No, it’s not. But if it helps, even if it helps in just the smallest of ways, it will make a huge difference to people’s lives,” Tehan told Parliament. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the Senate would debate the bill later Wednesday. The major parties’ support all but guarantees the legislation will be passed by the Senate where no party holds a majority of seats. Lawmakers who were not aligned with either the government or the opposition were most critical of the legislation during debate on Tuesday and Wednesday. Criticisms include that the legislation had been rushed through Parliament without adequate scrutiny, would not work, would create privacy risks for users of all ages and would take away parents’ authority to decide what’s best for their children. Critics also argue the ban would isolate children, deprive them of positive aspects of social media, drive children to the dark web, make children too young for social media reluctant to report harms they encountered and take away incentives for platforms to make online spaces safer. Independent lawmaker Zoe Daniel said the legislation would “make zero difference to the harms that are inherent to social media.” “The true object of this legislation is not to make social media safe by design, but to make parents and voters feel like the government is doing something about it,” Daniel told Parliament. “There is a reason why the government parades this legislation as world-leading, that’s because no other country wants to do it,” she added. T had asked for the vote on legislation to be delayed until at least June next year when a government-commissioned of age assurance technologies made its report on how the ban could been enforced. Rod Mcguirk, The Associated Press
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