Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched 10,000 new multi-purpose Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) on Wednesday and asserted that the government will achieve its target of establishing 2 lakh such societies before the five-year timeline. Addressing the launch event, Shah said prosperity through cooperation cannot be achieved unless cooperatives function effectively at the panchayat level. "We have kept a target of setting up 2 lakh PACS in five years. I want to tell you that we will establish 2 lakh PACS before five years. In three months, we established 10,000 new PACS," the minister said. The initiative will be rolled out in two phases, with NABARD establishing 32,750 new M-PACS in the first phase, while NDDB will set up 56,500 dairy cooperatives and NFDB 6,000 fishery cooperatives. In the second phase, NABARD will create 45,000 M-PACS, NDDB will establish 46,000 dairy cooperatives and NFDB 5,500 fishery cooperatives. State governments will form about 25,000 new cooperatives, he added. Shah also released standard operating procedures (SOP) for the liquidation of defunct PACS, which will enable the setting up of new societies in 15,000 villages. Under current norms, a second PACS cannot be established in villages where one already exists unless declared defunct. The minister distributed registration certificates, micro ATMs and RuPay Kisan Credit Cards to the newly established cooperative societies. Shah also highlighted the importance of digitalisation in the sector, noting that the government has already computerised existing PACS and integrated them with 32 different initiatives. However, he stressed that technology alone is not enough. "We have computerised, given software and started different schemes. However, cooperatives cannot operate, if there is no trained manpower," he said, urging societies to utilise the new training module. So far, 11,695 PACS have registered under new model laws, he added. The minister also recalled the contribution made to the cooperative sector on the 100th birth anniversary of late former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He added that the 97th Amendment to the Constitution was brought during Vajpayee's regime to give a push to the cooperative sector. Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Minister of State for Cooperation Krishan Pal Gurjar, and senior government officials were present at the event.Home | Hyderabad | Telangana Government Deals Major Blow To Engineering Colleges Telangana government deals major blow to engineering colleges Government directs JNTU-Hyderabad not to give no objection certificate for deemed to university status, autonomous status, seats enhancement and courses merger, until further orders By Yuvraj Akula Published Date - 28 December 2024, 10:34 PM Hyderabad: In a major blow to private engineering colleges, the Telangana Congress government directed the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU)- Hyderabad not to issue no objection certificate (NoC) to colleges seeking merger of courses, starting new courses or additional seats, autonomous and deemed to be university status, until further orders. The government also asked the University Grants Commission (UGC) to withhold all autonomous status and deemed to be universities status conferred upon colleges in the State. According to senior official, six private engineering colleges sought NoC from the JNTU-Hyderabad for the deemed university status. However, the university has not extended approval. The move comes as the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) recently invited applications from the technical institutions for setting up new institutions and extension for approval for existing institutions and seats. The colleges require a NoC from the university to seek for new courses and seats, merger of courses, and additional intake besides autonomous and deemed to be university status from the regulatory bodies. For the last few years, the private engineering colleges have converted a large number of seats in core engineering programmes- Mechanical, Civil and Electrical – into CSE and allied programmes. The issue had become alarming that JNTU-Hyderabad wrote to AICTE seeking cancellation of 20,000 additional seats in CSE and allied programmes granted during the academic year 2024-25. The government move was aimed at maintaining status-quo and improving the quality of engineering education in the State, the senior official added. Follow Us : Tags AICTE Engineering Colleges JNTU-H No Objection Certificate Related News Editorial: Reforming the examination system Opinion: New PhD eligibility rule faces challenges UGC rolls out guidelines for introduction of skill-based courses and micro-credentials in higher educational institutions IIP Hyderabad organises first convocation ceremony
( MENAFN - GetNews) Bakersfield, CA - Smyle Dental Bakersfield , a leading dental practice in Bakersfield, California, is proud to offer comprehensive emergency dentistry services to patients in need of urgent dental care. With a team of experienced dentists and state-of-the-art facilities, Smyle Dental Bakersfield is well-equipped to handle a wide range of dental emergencies, providing timely and effective treatment to alleviate pain and restore oral health. Dental Emergencies Require Prompt Attention Dental emergencies can occur at any time, often causing severe discomfort and compromising a patient's overall well-being. From severe toothaches and broken teeth to lost fillings and crowns, these situations demand immediate attention from a skilled emergency dentist in Bakersfield. Smyle Dental Bakersfield understands the urgency of such cases and prioritizes emergency appointments to ensure patients receive the care they need without delay. "At Smyle Dental Bakersfield, we recognize the importance of prompt treatment in dental emergencies," says Dr. Houtan Hosseini DDS, the practice's lead dentist. "Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate and efficient care to help patients find relief and protect their oral health." Comprehensive Emergency Dentistry in Bakersfield Smyle Dental Bakersfield offers a full spectrum of emergency dental services, addressing various urgent dental needs. Their skilled dentists are experienced in diagnosing and treating a range of emergency cases, including severe toothaches, abscesses, broken or chipped teeth, lost fillings or crowns, and dental trauma. The practice employs advanced technology and techniques to provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatments, ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients. In addition to their expertise, the dentists at Smyle Dental Bakersfield prioritize patient comfort and well-being throughout the emergency treatment process. They take the time to listen to patients' concerns, explain treatment options, and provide compassionate care to help alleviate anxiety and discomfort. Importance of Seeking Emergency Dental Care in Bakersfield Neglecting dental emergencies can lead to more severe complications, such as the spread of infection, further damage to teeth and gums, and increased pain. By seeking prompt treatment from an emergency dentist in Bakersfield , patients can prevent these complications and protect their long-term oral health. Smyle Dental Bakersfield encourages individuals experiencing dental emergencies to contact their office immediately for guidance and to schedule an emergency appointment. The practice offers flexible scheduling and works diligently to accommodate emergency cases as quickly as possible. Trusted Emergency Dentist in Bakersfield, CA Smyle Dental Bakersfield has earned a reputation as a trusted emergency dentist in Bakersfield, CA, thanks to their commitment to quality care and patient satisfaction. The practice's experienced dentists, including Dr. David Zaghi DDS, a graduate of the USC School of Dentistry and member of the American Dental Association (ADA), California Dental Association (CDA), and San Gabriel Dental Society (SGVDS), are dedicated to staying at the forefront of dental innovations to provide the best possible care to their patients. About Smyle Dental Bakersfield Smyle Dental Bakersfield is a leading dental practice in Bakersfield, California, offering a wide range of general, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry services. With a team of skilled and compassionate dentists, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to patient-centered care, Smyle Dental Bakersfield is dedicated to helping patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health. The practice serves patients of all ages and prioritizes creating a warm, welcoming environment where individuals can receive the personalized care they deserve. MENAFN18122024003238003268ID1109009597 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.Oppo, one of the leading smartphone manufacturers, is gearing up to expand its popular Reno series in India. The company has officially announced that the Oppo Reno 13 series will be launched next month. With growing anticipation around its features and design, Oppo has already unveiled key details about the upcoming smartphones in the series. Here’s everything you need to know about the Oppo Reno 13 and Reno 13 Pro, including color options, design innovations, and more. The Oppo Reno 13 series will include two models: Oppo Reno 13 Oppo Reno 13 Pro Both smartphones are set to deliver premium features, appealing to users looking for a blend of style and performance. While the official launch date is yet to be disclosed, Oppo has confirmed the devices will be available in India starting next month. Oppo is known for offering unique and visually striking color options, and the Reno 13 series is no exception. Oppo Reno 13 Pro: Graphite Grey: A sleek, dark finish for a professional look. Mist Lavender: A subtle pastel hue, adding a touch of elegance. Oppo Reno 13: Ivory White: A timeless classic with a clean, minimalist vibe. Luminous Blue: A vibrant shade that shifts in light for a dynamic appearance. These colors are designed to appeal to diverse user preferences, ranging from subtle sophistication to bold and striking aesthetics. Oppo has placed a strong emphasis on the design of the Reno 13 series, blending matte and glossy finishes to create a premium appearance. The company has used grayscale exposure laser direct writing, a cutting-edge technique that enhances the interplay of light and shadow on the device’s surface. This innovative design feature allows the colors of the smartphones to shift dynamically when viewed from different angles, giving the devices a glossy and luxurious feel. The use of this advanced technology ensures that both the Reno 13 and Reno 13 Pro stand out in terms of aesthetics, making them a statement piece for users. While Oppo has not revealed all the specifications yet, the Reno series has historically been known for its strong focus on performance, camera quality, and user experience. Here are some expected highlights: The Oppo Reno series has consistently delivered devices that combine style with functionality, making it one of Oppo’s flagship smartphone lineups. With the Reno 13 series, Oppo aims to elevate the user experience by introducing innovative design elements and powerful features. By offering a premium design achieved through cutting-edge manufacturing techniques and providing a variety of color options, the Reno 13 series is set to appeal to a wide range of consumers in India. Additionally, the inclusion of high-performance features is likely to make these smartphones a strong contender in the mid-range and premium segments. Also Read | OPPO Reno 7 Series with Flat Design, Triple Cameras Launched The Oppo Reno 13 series is shaping up to be an exciting addition to Oppo’s smartphone portfolio. With its innovative design, premium color options, and expected high-performance features, the Reno 13 and Reno 13 Pro are likely to attract significant attention from Indian consumers. As the launch date approaches, stay tuned for more updates on specifications, pricing, and availability. The Oppo Reno 13 series is all set to redefine style and performance in the smartphone market, making it a must-watch launch next month.
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At least 460 fighters from the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces were killed in an ambush by the Sudanese army and allied joint forces in the state of North Darfur in western Sudan, according to a military communique. In the statement issued on Sunday, Joint Forces military spokesman Ahmed Mustafa said the army and its allied militias ambushed three RSF convoys north of the town of Malit on Saturday afternoon. "The fighting resulted in the death of more than 460 members of the (RSF) militia, including prominent commanders... notably Taha Mudalal, the nephew of militia leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (alias Hemedti)," Mustafa said in the statement. He also claimed that the army and joint forces destroyed more than a hundred RSF military vehicles and seized 60 others that were "in excellent condition." "We report that three convoys of the (RSF) militia have been completely wiped out, causing them heavy human and material losses, while security control in the liberated areas has been strengthened and secured," the statement added. Malit is about 60km north of Al Fasher, the capital of North Darfur and the only army stronghold in western Sudan. The FAR controls four of the five states that make up the Darfur region and has intensified its attacks on North Darfur, which is home to the army's main headquarters and several displacement camps that house tens of thousands of people. The war in Sudan began on April 15, 2023, and has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and made the country the site of the world's worst displacement crisis, with more than 14 million people forced to flee their homes, including more than three million who have fled to neighbouring countries. The Sudanese Armed Forces - under Abdel Fattah al-Burhan - and General Hemedti's RSF were part of the military government that seized power in 2021 and began a political process to return the country to a democratic path that included integrating the RSF into the regular army when tensions flared and all-out war broke out between the two. Several human rights organisations and countries such as the United States have accused both the army and the FAR of committing crimes against humanity and even ethnic cleansing during the war, which both sides have denied. The atrocities are reminiscent of the Darfur genocide when an estimated 200,000 people were killed between 2003 and 2005Just about everyone dreams about cars they wish they could own, and there’s no better time than the holidays to make a list of vehicles you’d love to have in your driveway. The car pros at Edmunds rounded up five of their favorite dream-worthy vehicles. But rather than just list the most outlandish and expensive exotics, they focused on highlighting models that are expensive but not so pricey that it’d be completely unrealistic for you to own one one day. The vehicles are ordered in ascending order of price and include destination fees. Off-road trucks look fantastic and are extremely capable. What truck enthusiast wouldn’t have one topping their wish list? The king of the hill for 2025 is the F-150 Raptor R. The regular Raptor is already impressive, and the R takes it to the next level with a bonkers 720-horsepower supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine, upgraded Fox dual-value shock absorbers, and massive 37-inch all-terrain tires. An R-specific grille and hood are also part of the R’s upgrades. Thankfully, the Raptor R isn’t all bark and bite. It also has plenty of features to make it a livable truck for daily driving. Standard features include leather upholstery, cooling front seats, a premium sound system, and a surround-view camera to help make this big truck easier to park. Starting Price: $112,825 Few sedans can match the Mercedes-Benz S-Class for opulence, luxury and prestige. This grand sedan showcases nearly every luxury, technology and performance innovation that Mercedes-Benz has concocted. Everything you touch inside is likely covered in leather, heated, or bathed in disco-worthy ambient light. A novel could be written about all of the S-Class’ luxury and comfort features, but one of the most notable is the E-Active Body Control system. It scans the road surface ahead and adjusts the suspension to deliver the best ride possible. The S-Class also boasts an extensive list of advanced safety features and has an augmented reality head-up display that projects images that appear to float in front of the car. For the ultimate S-Class, get the 791-horsepower AMG S 63 E Performance model. Starting Price: $118,900 Who needs a European exotic car when the Corvette ZR1 is just as capable? A sports car fanatic’s wish list wouldn’t be right without the ZR1. The new Corvette hit a record-setting top speed of 233 mph, making it the fastest car ever built by an American automaker and the fastest current production car priced under $1 million, according to Chevrolet. The top speed record was possible thanks to the ZR1’s turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 engine that cranks out a staggering 1,064 horsepower. Its carbon-fiber aero package kept it glued to the track by generating over 1,200 pounds of downforce at top speed. Chevrolet also says the ZR1 can accelerate through the quarter mile in less than 10 seconds. We expect the Corvette ZR1 to go on sale in early 2025. Estimated starting price: $150,000 Does your wish list include a big and powerful SUV? If it does, the Escalade-V should top it. The big Caddy roars like a muscle car thanks to its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that churns out 682 horsepower and helps it hit 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. The Escalade-V also boasts enormous 24-inch wheels and large Brembo brakes that help bring the three-ton SUV to a stop. But the Escalade-V isn’t only about brute power. It also has three rows of seating, plenty of cargo space and offers impressive tech like Super Cruise, a hands-free highway driving system, and an enormous 55-inch curved display that spans the dashboard. Starting Price: $161,990 What if we told you there was a car that could outpace almost anything on a drag strip, keep up with high-end sports cars on a racetrack, and be comfortable enough for daily errands? Well, if that sounds amazing, add the Air Sapphire to your dream list. The Air Sapphire is a high-performance electric luxury sedan made by Lucid, an electric vehicle startup. It’s one of the most powerful production cars in the world, producing an astonishing 1,234 horsepower from its three electric motors. Lucid says it has a top speed of 205 mph and can rocket to 60 mph in a mind-numbing 1.9 seconds. You can adjust the vehicle’s setting for exceptional track performance or simply provide a comfortable ride around town. Starting price: $250,500 Edmunds says Even if you can’t afford any of these vehicles, you can still picture one sitting in your driveway or imagine yourself cruising around town in it. And who knows, maybe holiday magic will give you the opportunity to own one in the future. ____ This story was provided to by the automotive website . is a contributor at Edmunds. Michael Cantu, The Associated Press
As AI rapidly transforms workplaces, employees are on edge. Roughly two years after ChatGPT's release sparked widespread interest in generative AI, it's becoming clear that most workers' jobs will fundamentally change — and some may disappear. An analysis by the International Monetary Fund published in January forecast that artificial intelligence would affect nearly 40% of jobs. But the impact of AI on employment is complex and far-reaching. Some roles may become obsolete; others may be augmented or even created by AI. Workers are simultaneously experiencing anxiety, doubt, and excitement . What new skills will I need to develop? How can I stay relevant? And importantly, is my organization prepared for this AI-driven future? Whether employees can trust their organization's leaders to navigate these opportunities is a pivotal question, said Brian Solis, the head of global innovation at ServiceNow, a cloud-based automation platform, and author of the book "Mindshift: Transform Leadership, Drive Innovation, and Reshape the Future . " He said that while many executives recognize AI's promise in increasing efficiency by automating repetitive tasks, they often fail to grasp the technology's profound potential . "Leaders talk about the new normal or the next normal, but then they natively snap back to business as usual," Solis said. "It's the leaders who explore and ask: 'What if? Who will unlock entirely new ways of working?'" Workers themselves have a responsibility to learn and grow, he added. They need to experiment with new technologies both in and outside work and challenge themselves to push beyond their comfort zones. "You need to literally rewire your brain," he said. "If you're waiting for someone to tell you what to do, you're on the wrong side of innovation." 'Workers need to be proactive' Despite the breathless headlines about AI changing everything about the way we work, the reality is more mundane. In a quarterly Gallup survey of American workers conducted in May, seven in 10 respondents said they never used AI in their jobs, and only one in 10 said they used it regularly. The survey used a random sample of 21,543 working adults. Among those who said they did use AI, the most common applications included generating ideas, consolidating information, and automating basic tasks. Still, investment in AI continues to surge. A report from IDC predicted that global spending would reach $632 billion by 2028, more than double what it is now, covering AI apps, infrastructure, and related services. Companies are investing in AI to avoid falling behind , said Mansour Javidan, an expert in digital transformation and the executive director of the Najafi Global Mindset Institute at Arizona State's Thunderbird School of Global Management. "There's a lot of hype driven by board expectations, and that's led to a herd mentality to move quickly," he said. "No CEO is going to look bad by investing in AI right now." Workers, meanwhile, are caught between uncertainty and anticipation. "There's a disconnect," Javidan said. "At the highest levels of the organization, there's a lot of excitement about AI. But among lower- and midlevel employees, there's a good deal of anxiety and ambiguity because there's no clear path." But "workers mustn't rely on senior executives and hope things will turn out rosy," he said. Javidan advises employees to seize development opportunities within their organizations and seek out online courses. Many top universities, including MIT and Stanford, provide free classes and workshops to help people build their skills. Grassroots and community-based learning groups, such as Women Defining AI , can be valuable resources. "Workers need to be proactive and educate themselves," he said. AI as a strategic collaborator Beyond formal training and coursework, getting comfortable with AI requires a fundamental mindset shift, experts say. "We were born with skills like curiosity, wonder, and imagination, but we often unlearned these in schools," Solis said. "The aim with AI should not be to generate expected answers or reinforce existing thinking but to challenge our conventions." Solis said he uses AI as a tool for perspective taking, asking it to generate responses from the personas of the Apple founder Steve Jobs and Walt Disney. This approach helps him identify blind spots, explore alternative viewpoints, and seek inspiration. "They're my personal coaches," he said. Molly Sands, the head of the teamwork lab at the software company Atlassian, which studies teamwork in the age of AI and distributed work, recommends viewing AI as a creative partner , not just a task-completion machine. "The people who are saving the most time and seeing the biggest benefits are those who see AI as a strategic collaborator," she said. This involves engaging with AI through dynamic, iterative conversations — much like working with a team of experts, she said. A new study by researchers at the MIT Sloan School of Management backed this up, finding that human-AI teams showed the most promise in creative tasks like generating content and imagery and translating software code. "A lot of people use it for one or two use cases, but the growth we're going to see in the next year or two is the people who think about it more ubiquitously," Sands said. "Agents will be a key driver of this." Her team at Atlassian, for example, has developed a custom agent designed to help employees write more clearly. Essentially, she said, workers "word-vomit" into the agent with information about their audience, context, and key details. The agent then offers up a tailored draft in the worker's voice. "Our workdays are consumed by writing emails, creating slide decks, and other routine tasks," Sands said. "If AI can take on some of this load — freeing us up for creative thinking and solving meaty problems — the better off we'll be." The value of soft skills Learning how to work with AI is imperative for most workers, but it's important to recognize that human skills remain essential . After all, said Hakan Ozcelik, a professor of management at California State University, Sacramento, the value of human workers lies in their cognitive, behavioral, and emotional abilities. "There are all sorts of skills that AI doesn't have yet, and maybe never will," he said. "Humans are inherently social beings, constantly interacting with customers, colleagues, competitors, and their physical environment," Ozcelik said. "These interpersonal skills are invaluable assets for any organization." While AI can process information and perform repetitive functions with speed and accuracy, it lacks the soft skills necessary for effective communication and strategic decision-making. A report by Cornerstone , a skills-development platform, said that while generative-AI-related job postings had risen 411% since 2023, the demand for soft skills such as leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence outpaced digital skills by 2.4 times in North America and 2.9 times in Europe. This is why Ozcelik advises employees to embark on what he calls "a process of professional soul-searching." Closely analyze your daily activities to determine your unique contributions and core competencies that cannot be outsourced, he said: "Dissect your work and look at what you offer your organization in a given day or a week." Also, identify areas where AI could offer assistance. For example, teachers may realize that while AI can handle grading for grammar and syntax, they should focus on evaluating students' ideas and nurturing creativity. Similarly, healthcare professionals can leverage AI for administrative tasks or data analysis while dedicating more quality time to patients. In an AI-driven world, the need for human skills will not change; instead, these skills will become even more vital as workers learn to collaborate effectively with technology, Ozcelik said. "It's about what you contribute and the value you bring," he said.Michigan, Ohio State fight broken up with police pepper spray after Wolverines stun Buckeyes 13-10Top 10 Best Water Conservation Companies in India 2025 | Leaders in Sustainability