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More than 200 Ontario communities don’t have family doctor accepting new patients: reportAmazon is doubling its investment in Anthropic to $8 billion in a deepened collaboration on artificial intelligence, the companies said Friday. The e-commerce and technology behemoth will remain a minority investor in Anthropic, having pumped an initial $4 billion into the artificial intelligence developer late last year and becoming its primary cloud computing provider. "The response from AWS customers who are developing generative AI applications powered by Anthropic in Amazon Bedrock has been remarkable," said Matt Garman, chief of AWS cloud computing division. "We'll keep pushing the boundaries of what customers can achieve with generative AI technologies." Amazon is investing the additional $4 billion in Anthropic as part of an expanded alliance that includes working together on "Trainium" hardware to optimize machine learning, according to the companies. "We're looking forward to working with Amazon to train and power our most advanced AI models using AWS Trainium, and helping to unlock the full potential of their technology," said Anthropic chief executive Dario Amodei. The announcement came just days after Britain's competition regulator cleared Google-parent Alphabet's investment in Anthropic, following a probe. The Competition and Markets Authority concluded that the big tech giant had not acquired "material influence" over Anthropic as a result of the deal, which was reported to have cost $2 billion. The British regulator is one of several global regulators concerned with reining in big tech companies and their partnerships with AI firms. In September, the CMA cleared Amazon's initial investment in Anthropic, saying it did not believe that "a relevant merger situation has been created." gc/mlm
On November 21, Parachinar was struck by a horrific massacre when a security convoy, authorised to protect over 700 civilians, came under a brutal attack. More than 100 people were killed, including over 20 women and more than 20 children, between the ages of six months to 13 years. Many civilians were abducted by terrorists. The atrocities left the region in shock. The convoy was traveling to Parachinar to ensure the safe return of citizens after the government- and local terrorists - had set up roadblocks since October 11 which paralysed movement in the area. Eyewitnesses and videos circulating on social media show the horrifying details of the atrocity. Terrorists fired extensively at the convoy and then targeted the bodies, shooting them in the head to ensure that all life had truly left them. Survivors, including children and women, were subjected to unimaginable brutality—many were killed with knives, and their bodies thrown into sewerage drains. Many others are missing. Despite the overwhelming evidence in the form of videos and pictures shared on social media platforms, the authorities have imposed a media and internet blackout across the district, effectively silencing coverage of the tragedy. Kurram's sectarian conflict since 2007 This barbaric act is not an individual incident. Since 2007, Parachinar has been trapped in a tragic cycle of sectarian violence. Terror groups such as the Lashkar-e Jangvi, Dae'sh, The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and other local militant groups have been carrying out comparable attacks over the past 17 years, killing over 3,000 people and injuring 5,000 more. The city of Parachinar has frequently found itself under siege, where it was either directly attacked or found access to help blocked. The militants would attack ambulances and destroy food supplies. For years, residents of Parachinar have suffered tremendous hardship. Families have lost their loved ones, children have grown up in fear, and mothers continue to mourn their sons and husbands. At least a generation of children growing up watching their fathers and uncles go to fight wars they never asked for, and wept when many of them never returned. Jaun Elia: An Enduring Legacy In Urdu Poetry Ten years after the flare up of violence proved to be especially bloody with multiple attacks. In January 2017, a crowded vegetable market became the site of a horrific terror attack, when a bomb went off killing over 50 people and injuring more than 100. Then in March 2017, 23 people had been killed when a car bomb blew up near an Imambargah, and 70 others were injured. In the aftermath of that blast, protests erupted in the region. But instead of addressing their grievances, the security forces fired on the demonstrators, claiming additional lives. Each attack added to the grief of a community already overwhelmed by loss, so much so that today there is no home in Parachinar without a martyr or a loved one who wasn't injured in the violence. Attacks against convoys are among the most horrific incidents in Parachinar's troubled history. Terrorists have long targetted convoys, slaughtering victims with knives, tearing apart bodies, burning passengers alive, and returning chopped heads to their families. Unable to retrieve the remains of their loved ones, several families felt forced to bury empty graves. Over time, these cruel deeds have been committed repeatedly, leaving the community permanently damaged. The region remains trapped in a brutal cycle of violence, yet media coverage has been limited, and government involvement in securing peace has been negligible. A long struggle for justice On November 8, residents of Parachinar had staged a peaceful march (Walk for Peace) for two days. Their demands included security, justice, and for the government to ensure they remain connected with the rest of the country. Despite facing decades of intermittent and bloody conflict, residents of this region chose to appeal for justice rather than resort to violence. The irony is clear. While this tragic incident took place, the mainstream media remained focused on political events such as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) impending 'final call' protest in the federal capital and the viral, indecent videos of different TikTokers. Pakistani media and news organisations have opted to cover petty issues for ratings and mostly ignored the tragedy, forcing the residents of Parachinar to mourn in isolation. Not Just A Number: Junaid Hafeez And His Lifelong Struggle Against The Odds The brutal murder in Parachinar provides an acute example of the region's chronic challenges of sectarianism, official disinterest, and extremist brutality Sectarianism and state negligence The state’s silence has been deafening. The government’s failure to secure Parachinar’s citizens and its alleged complicity in failing to tackle militant groups have fueled public outrage. The blocking of roads, the absence of effective security, and the lack of accountability for past incidents have left residents feeling abandoned by their country. Words of condemnation are insufficient to express the depth of loss in Parachinar. The brutal mass murder in Parachinar provides an acute example of the region's chronic challenges of sectarianism, official disinterest, and extremist brutality. Without accountability, this cycle of violence and sectarianism will continue to exist, putting more innocent lives in danger. It is serious that the state breaks its silence, addresses these systemic shortcomings, and prioritises the protection of every one of its citizens. Until then, the people of Parachinar remain trapped in a cycle of fear and violence, yearning for justice and peace. Development for peace As an urban planner, witnessing the difficulties in my hometown Parachinar strengthens my belief in the importance of peace and security and long-term sustainable development. Parachinar's geography, infrastructure, and connection with the rest of the country are important for its development, and the resilience of its people shows their desire for a prospering and peaceful city. No community, nor its people, can completely develop or prosper without a solid foundation of peace. Infrastructure and services are important, but they will only succeed in a conflict-free environment. The scenario in Parachinar currently highlights the need to include safety, unity in society, and involvement of the public in development plans and policies from the perspective of urban planning. Sustainable development includes more than simply constructing roads and buildings; it also requires a commitment to security, democratic governance, and the protection of human rights. Sindhi Comedy Pioneer Qadir Bux Mitho Faces Distress Amid Health Struggle Personal reflections and past experiences The Parachinar Valley was once known for its breathtaking beauty and rich cultural legacy. But of late it has become a symbol of dread and mourning. As a local who has witnessed these endless acts of violence since 2007, I can relate to the terrible toll it has taken on the people of Parachinar. My memories of Parachinar are extremely personal and terrifying, having witnessed my homeland bleed for nearly two decades. In 2007, when I was in the sixth grade studying at the local government school, the first waves of violence erupted. Schools suddenly shut down and all life came to a halt. It took nearly two years for the schools to reopen, but by then, the sounds of guns and rockets had grown so common that as children, we played outside even while missiles bombarded our village. When classes finally resumed, our teachers taught us how to react if a missile struck our school. We learned evacuation exercises in the following order: They instructed us to evacuate in an organised manner, with primary school children going first, followed by the middle and then upper grades. The exercises became a part of our daily routine, a sharp reminder of the vulnerability of life. However, the sense of normalcy was short-lived. Schools would often operate for a month, only to shut down for several months again as the violence escalated. Every trip felt like going to war. My family would bid farewell with prayers and tears, fearing they might not see me again. The journey from home to Peshawar or Islamabad was fraught with uncertainty One particular memory has stayed with me. When I was in the ninth grade, we were having a math exam and one of our greatest fears became reality - a missile struck our village mid-exam. It forced our teachers to evacuate us to a potato field nearly four to five kilometers away. Even after being evacuated, we sat on the ground and continued writing our papers. All the while the sounds of war kept growing closer, surrounding us. We completed our remaining exams in that field. As I grew older, the situation worsened. Roads leading to Parachinar became unsafe and were frequently closed. Visiting home became a perilous journey, undertaken only on Eid or other rare occasions. Every trip felt like going to war. My family would bid me farewell with prayers and tears, fearing they might not see me again. The journey from my home to Peshawar or Islamabad was always fraught with uncertainty. Families anxiously awaited updates until we reached our destinations in Peshawar or Islamabad, safe from the violence in the valley. From Diagnosis To Renewal: Finding Beauty In Struggle One of the most devastating incidents occurred in June 2017, when twin blasts on the 27th of Ramazan ripped through the valley. The bomb attack took place at RP Chowk just before the Iftar time as people prepared for Eid. As rescuers and bystanders rushed to help the victims of the first blast, a second blast occurred, resulting in over 100 deaths and 225 injuries. This tragedy was personal for me as I lost my cousin, Imtiaz Hussain — whom we called Zazi with affection and who worked at the AQH Hospital — who had rushed to help the injured after the first blast. He had rushed to save lives but ended up losing his own in the second blast. Parachinar’s story is one of resilience despite unimaginable suffering. Its people are tired of burying their loved ones and living in constant fear. Generations have grown up knowing nothing but violence, yet the people continue to demand peace and justice, refusing to retaliate with hatred. The region, rich in culture and history, has been left to suffer due to governmental negligence and insufficient efforts to bring lasting peace. Parachinar has been bleeding for over 17 years. Neglected by successive governments, the valley has witnessed countless dark episodes of terrorism, convoy attacks, land disputes, sectarian wars, and targeted blasts. Enough blood has been spilled. The people of Parachinar are tired of burying their loved ones. They deserve the right to live in safety, to dream of a future without fear, and to see an end to this cycle of violence. The time has come for the authorities to take some responsibility. It is also time for the authorities to prioritise development of Parachinar, from infrastructure, and education, to healthcare, and security to restore dignity and hope to the people of this valley. The government must ensure that the tragedies of the past are not repeated and that future generations can live in peace, free from the shadows of war and violence. The region needs urgent attention, with genuine efforts for peace, and justice for the lives lost. Trump's Victory: A Global Call For Change And Prioritising People Over Power
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Saturday said the BJP government’s decision to deny former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s family the right to perform his last rites at a befitting site for his memorial is a direct insult to his towering legacy and the Sikh community. “Refusing the family’s request and relegating a two-term Prime Minister to Nigambodh Ghat reeks of arrogance, bias, and a deliberate attempt to erase his immense contributions from public memory,” he said in a social media post. “Dr. Manmohan Singh’s leadership transformed India’s economy and lifted millions out of poverty. To disrespect a statesman of his stature is to disrespect India’s progress itself. The stain of dishonouring great leaders never fades from history!,” Mr. Stalin said. Published - December 28, 2024 11:18 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp RedditJalen Green’s Girlfriend Celebrates Her Son Kniko’s Birthday Along with Her SelfCare
DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Russian state news agencies are reporting that ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad has arrived in Moscow with his family and given asylum. The agencies, Tass and RIA, cited an unidentified Kremlin source. The Associated Press was not immediately able to verify the reports but has contacted the Kremlin for comment. RIA also cited an anonymous Kremlin source that Moscow had received guarantees from Syrian insurgents of the security of Russian military bases and diplomatic posts in Syria. The report did not give further details. Assad reportedly left Syria early Sunday. Syrians have been pouring into streets echoing with celebratory gunfire after a stunning rebel advance reached the capital, ending the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule . THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Syrians poured into streets echoing with celebratory gunfire on Sunday after a stunning rebel advance reached the capital, ending the Assad family's 50 years of iron rule but raising questions about the future of the country and the wider region. Joyful crowds gathered in squares in Damascus, waving the Syrian revolutionary flag in scenes that recalled the early days of the Arab Spring uprising, before a brutal crackdown and the rise of an insurgency plunged the country into a nearly 14-year civil war. Others gleefully ransacked the presidential palace and residence after President Bashar Assad and other top officials vanished, their whereabouts unknown. Russia, a close ally, said Assad left the country after negotiations with rebel groups and had given instructions to transfer power peacefully. Abu Mohammed al-Golani , a former al-Qaida commander who cut ties with the group years ago and says he embraces pluralism and religious tolerance, leads the biggest rebel faction and is poised to chart the country's future. In his first public appearance since fighters entered the Damascus suburbs Saturday, al-Golani visited the sprawling Umayyad Mosque and called Assad's fall “a victory to the Islamic nation.” Calling himself by his given name, Ahmad al-Sharaa, and not his nom de guerre, he told hundreds of people that Assad had made Syria “a farm for Iran’s greed.” The rebels face the daunting task of healing bitter divisions in a country ravaged by war and still split among armed factions. Turkey-backed opposition fighters are battling U.S.-allied Kurdish forces in the north, and the Islamic State group is still active in some remote areas. Syrian state television broadcast a rebel statement early Sunday saying Assad had been overthrown and all prisoners had been released. They called on people to preserve the institutions of “the free Syrian state.” The rebels later announced a curfew in Damascus from 4 p.m. to 5 a.m. The rebels said they freed people held at the notorious Saydnaya prison, where rights groups say thousands were tortured and killed . A video circulating online purported to show rebels breaking open cell doors and freeing dozens of female prisoners, many of whom appeared shocked. At least one small child was seen among them. “This happiness will not be completed until I can see my son out of prison and know where is he,” said one relative, Bassam Masr. "I have been searching for him for two hours. He has been detained for 13 years.” Rebel commander Anas Salkhadi later appeared on state TV and sought to reassure Syria's religious and ethnic minorities, saying: “Syria is for everyone, no exceptions. Syria is for Druze, Sunnis, Alawites, and all sects.” “We will not deal with people the way the Assad family did," he added. Damascus residents prayed in mosques and celebrated in squares, calling, “God is great.” People chanted anti-Assad slogans and honked car horns. Teenage boys picked up weapons apparently discarded by security forces and fired into the air. Revelers filled Umayyad Square, where the Defense Ministry is located. Some waved the three-starred Syrian flag that predates the Assad government and was adopted by the revolutionaries. Elsewhere, many parts of the capital were empty and shops were closed. Soldiers and police left their posts and fled, and looters broke into the Defense Ministry. Videos showed families wandering the presidential palace, some carrying stacks of plates and other household items. “It’s like a dream. I need someone to wake me up," said opposition fighter Abu Laith, adding the rebels were welcomed in Damascus with “love.” At the Justice Ministry, where rebels stood guard, Judge Khitam Haddad said they were protecting documents from the chaos. Outside, some residents sought information about relatives who disappeared under Assad. The rebels “have felt the pain of the people,” said one woman, giving only her first name, Heba. She worried about possible revenge killings by the rebels, many of whom appeared to be underage. Syria’s al-Watan newspaper, which was historically pro-government, wrote: “We are facing a new page for Syria. We thank God for not shedding more blood.” It added that media workers should not be blamed for publishing past government statements, saying it “only carried out the instructions.” A statement from the Alawite sect that has formed the core of Assad's base called on young Syrians to be “calm, rational and prudent and not to be dragged into what tears apart the unity of our country.” The rebels mainly come from the Sunni Muslim majority in Syria, which also has sizable Druze, Christian and Kurdish communities. In Qamishli in the northeast, a Kurdish man slapped a statue of the late leader Hafez Assad with his shoe. Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali said the government was ready to “extend its hand” to the opposition and turn its functions over to a transitional government. A video shared on Syrian opposition media showed armed men escorting him from his office and to the Four Seasons hotel on Sunday. Rami Abdurrahman of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told The Associated Press that Assad, 59, took a flight early Sunday from Damascus. A senior diplomat from the United Arab Emirates, which had sought to rehabilitate Assad's image and has welcomed high-profile exiles in recent years, declined to comment on his whereabouts. Anwar Gargash said Assad's destination at this point is a “footnote in history,” comparing it to the long exile of German Kaiser Wilhelm II after World War I. The rebel advances since Nov. 27 were the largest in recent years, and saw the cities of Aleppo, Hama and Homs fall within days as the Syrian army melted away. Russia, Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group, which provided crucial support to Assad throughout the uprising, abandoned him as they reeled from other conflicts. The end of Assad’s rule was a major blow to Iran and its allies, already weakened by conflict with Israel . Iran, which had strongly backed him throughout the civil war, said Syrians should decide their future “without destructive, coercive, foreign intervention.” The Iranian Embassy in Damascus was ransacked after apparently having been abandoned. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meanwhile said Israeli troops had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established in 1974, saying it was to protect Israeli residents after Syrian troops abandoned positions. Israel's military later warned residents of five southern Syria communities to stay home for their safety, and didn’t respond to questions. Israel captured the Golan in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied, and the Arab League on Sunday condemned what it called Israel’s efforts to take advantage of Assad’s downfall occupy more territory. The rebels are led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS , which has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the United States and the United Nations. Al-Golani, has sought to recast the group as a moderate and tolerant force. “Golani has made history and sparked hope among millions of Syrians," said Dareen Khalifa, a senior adviser with the International Crisis Group. "But he and the rebels now face a formidable challenge ahead.” The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, called Saturday for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” The Gulf nation of Qatar, a key regional mediator, hosted an emergency meeting of foreign ministers and top officials from eight countries with interests in Syria late Saturday. They included Iran, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Turkey. Majed al-Ansari, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, said they agreed on the need “to engage all parties on the ground," including the HTS, and that the main concern is “stability and safe transition.” Sewell reported from Beirut. Associated Press writers Bassem Mroue, Sarah El Deeb and Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut; Samar Kassaballi, Omar Sanadiki and Ghaith Alsayed in Damascus; Jon Gambrell in Manama, Bahrain; Josef Federman in Doha, Qatar; and Tia Goldenberg in Jerusalem, contributed.
None from the Adani Group side has been charged with any violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), or any conspiracy to obstruct justice, Gautam Adani said on Saturday. He was speaking at an award ceremony in Jaipur. This is the first time that the billionaire founder of the Adani Group has spoken since the US Department of Justice and the US SEC levied charges of bribery among others, on certain executives of the group, including him on November 21. “This is not the first time we have faced such challenges,” he said at the award function. “What I can tell you is that every attack makes us stronger and every obstacle becomes a stepping stone for a more resilient Adani Group,” he said. He added that there has been a lot of vested reporting around the incident, and consequently negativity, but the group remains committed to compliance processes. “As we work through the legal process, I want to re-confirm our absolute commitment to world class regulatory compliance,” Adani said. On Friday, Adani’s group chief financial officer Jugeshinder (Robbie) Singh also said that the Group will highlight certain facts related to charges by US authorities in the next 10 days. He also said that the group’s growth plans remain unaffected over the next decade. Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Web Development Master RESTful APIs with Python and Django REST Framework: Web API Development By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Microsoft Word Mastery: From Beginner to Expert By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Marketing Future of Marketing & Branding Masterclass By - Dr. David Aaker, Professor Emeritus at the Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley, Author | Speaker | Thought Leader | Branding Consultant View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Web Development Advanced Java Mastery: Object-Oriented Programming Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By - Study At Home, Quality Education Anytime, Anywhere View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Java 21 Essentials for Beginners: Build Strong Programming Foundations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Crypto & NFT Mastery: From Basics to Advanced By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Office Productivity Advanced Excel Course - Financial Calculations & Excel Made Easy By - Anirudh Saraf, Founder- Saraf A & Associates, Chartered Accountant View Program Finance AI and Generative AI for Finance By - Hariom Tatsat, Vice President- Quantitative Analytics at Barclays View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Intermediate C++ Skills: Master Pointers, Structures and File Stream By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development C++ Fundamentals for Absolute Beginners By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Leadership Business Storytelling Masterclass By - Ameen Haque, Founder of Storywallahs View Program Leadership Boosting Startup Revenue with 6 AI-Powered Sales Automation Techniques By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Strategy ESG and Business Sustainability Strategy By - Vipul Arora, Partner, ESG & Climate Solutions at Sattva Consulting Author I Speaker I Thought Leader View Program Gautam Adani, on Saturday, also said that while the group has seen its share of successes, challenges have been even larger, and have helped define the group instead of breaking it. “They have made us tougher and give us the unshakeable belief that after every fall, we will rise again, stronger, and more resilient than before,” he said. Early in 2023, US-based short seller Hindenburg alleged the Adani group of lapses in corporate governance . This move led to the group losing as much as $150 billion in market capitalization at one point, and the group also returned Rs 20,000 crore that it had raised from a follow-on public offer for its flagship firm Adani Enterprises . “This was not a typical financial strike; it was a double hit — targeting our financial stability and pulling us into a political controversy. But even in the face of such adversity, our commitment to our principles remained strong,” Adani said. Following the charges by US regulatory authorities last week, group firm Adani Green Energy has also withdrawn its $600 million bond offering. Shares of the group also saw a sharp correction following the charges, but have gained some ground since then. “I have come to accept that the roadblocks we face are the price of pioneering,” Adani said at the end of his address. “The more bold your dreams, the more the world will scrutinize you. But it is precisely in that scrutiny that you must find the courage to rise, to challenge the status quo, and to build a path where none exists,” he said. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Malayalam actress Pragya Nagra became the subject of major controversy after a private video allegedly featuring her went viral on social media platforms. The unfortunate news comes amidst a troubling trend in Pakistan, where popular social media figures have been targeted with digitally manipulated videos falsely depicting them in compromising positions. Pragya Nagra has now released a statement reacting to the MMS leak. Pragya Nagra’s S*x Video Leaked Online? Malayalam Actress Caught in MMS Scandal After Alleged Private Clip Goes Viral. Pragya Nagra Reacts to Her Leaked Intimate Videos Just hours after several intimate videos and pictures claiming to be of Pragya Nagra, the actress reacted to the same and denied the rumours and penned a long note expressing her discomfort regarding the controversy. Taking to her X (previously Twitter) handle, she wrote, "Still in denial, and still hoping that it’s just a bad dream that I will wake up from. Technology was meant to help us and not make our lives miserable. Can just pity the evil minds who misuse it to create such AI content and the people who help spread it!" Still in denial, and still hoping that it’s just a bad dream that I will wake up from. Technology was meant to help us and not make our lives miserable. Can just pity the evil minds who misuse it to create such AI content and the people who help spread it! Trying to stay strong... — Pragya Nagra (@PragyaNagra) December 7, 2024 Pragya shared that the recent incident has been really stressful, and she is trying to stay strong through it. The actress also expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the people who have shown support to her during this difficult period and prayed that no other woman should ever go through something similar." Who Is Pragya Nagra? Pragya Nagra is a South Indian actress who predominantly works in the Malayalam film industry. She was born into a Punjabi family on December 14, 1998, making her 27 years old. Pragya Nagra started her career with modelling and also featured in several ads before debuting as an actress. She made her acting debut opposite Jiiva in the 2022 Tamil film Varalaru Mukkiyam. Pragya later went on to star in many Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu movies. Mathira Private Video Controversy: Pakistani Influencer Claims MMS Leak Was AI-Generated, Says ‘I’m Bold, but I Know My Limits’. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pragya Nagra (@pragyanagra) Previously, alleged sensitive videos featuring Pakistani social media influencers, including Kanwal Aftwab, Minahil Malik, Mathira and Imsha Rehman, were leaked online training concerns about safety and privacy in this digitally advanced world. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 08, 2024 07:34 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com ).NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs was denied bail on Wednesday as he awaits a May sex trafficking trial by a judge who cited evidence showing him to be a serious risk of witness tampering and proof that he has violated regulations in jail. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian made the decision in a written ruling following a bail hearing last week, when lawyers for the hip-hop mogul argued that a $50 million bail package they proposed would be sufficient to ensure Combs doesn’t flee and doesn’t try to intimidate prospective trial witnesses. Two other judges previously had been persuaded by prosecutors’ arguments that the Bad Boy Records founder was a danger to the community if he is not behind bars. Lawyers did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment on the decision. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to for years, aided by associates and employees. An indictment alleges that he silenced victims through blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson and physical beatings. A federal appeals court judge last month denied Combs’ immediate release while a three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan considers his bail request. Prosecutors have insisted that no bail conditions would be sufficient to protect the public and prevent the “I’ll Be Missing You” singer from fleeing. They say that even in a federal lockup in Brooklyn, Combs has orchestrated social media campaigns designed to influence prospective jurors and tried to publicly leak materials he thinks can help his case. They say he also has contacted potential witnesses through third parties. Lawyers for Combs say any alleged sexual abuse described in the indictment occurred during consensual relations between adults and that new evidence refutes allegations that Combs used his to induce into drugged-up, elaborately produced sexual performances with male sex workers known as “Freak Offs.” Larry Neumeister, The Associated PressWith the new year coming in, there is also something else inching closer, and that is the shortfall of Social Security. As a fear that has been building up for decades, the Social Security and Medicare Boards of Trustees confirmed it this year when they released a report detailing the current and projected financial status of the two programs each year, and the outlook is not great. Considering this, it is not surprising that according to a Nationwide survey 84% of Americans aged 60 to 65 fear that their benefits will be cut. Another paralyzing fear this group of surveyed individuals have is inflation, which is a natural response to the impact it has had on their finances in the last few years. This is compounded by the fact that many seniors are dependent at least in some way on Social Security benefits, as for most it is a large part of their income, and for many the sole income they have. This dependence on assistance makes reports like the one that came out this year even scarier, as they do not paint a pretty picture. The shortfall of Social Security, a sure thing? Nothing is a sure thing in life, but the current state of the system is not promising. Social Security’s primary source of revenue is the money it collects in payroll taxes, which are supplemented by the money stored in the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund and the Disability Insurance (DI) Trust Fund to pay out the full extent of the benefits that the program sustains today. Since payroll taxes will keep coming in for the foreseeable future, a part of the program will be active for as long as this happens. The problem is that there are a lot more beneficiaries coming into the program than workers replacing them, especially at the contribution level of those leaving the workforce. This is where the Trust Funds come into play. For years now the Trust Funds have been making up the difference between the payroll taxes and the benefits paid out, but these are also running out of money and there is no plan in place to replenish them, with the consequence that program may have to cut benefits if no solutions are put in place. According to the report “The OASI Trust Fund will be able to pay 100 percent of total scheduled benefits until 2033, unchanged from last year’s report. At that time, the fund’s reserves will become depleted and continuing program income will be sufficient to pay 79 percent of scheduled benefits. The DI Trust Fund is projected to be able to pay 100 percent of total scheduled benefits through at least 2098, the last year of this report’s projection period. Last year’s report projected that the DI Trust Fund would be able to pay scheduled benefits through at least 2097, the last year of that report’s projection period. If the OASI Trust Fund and the DI Trust Fund projections are combined, the resulting projected fund (designated OASDI) would be able to pay 100 percent of total scheduled benefits until 2035, one year later than reported last year. At that time, the projected fund’s reserves will become depleted and continuing total fund income will be sufficient to pay 83 percent of scheduled benefits .” These numbers explain the panic that many Americans are going through, but this is not the first time the program has been under peril. Lawmakers have the power to change some of the funding strategies and policies that would shore up the program for generations to come, but no agreement has been reached yet, as both sides of the political aisle seem to be in conflict about how to save the program. While waiting for a solution may be tempting, the best course of action for future retirees is to make their retirement savings a priority by maxing out retirement plans, including catch-up contributions and squirreling away as much as possible in savings.
NoneIn latest news, U.S. president-elect Donald Trump has taken action to save TikTok from a law which would force a sale or ban of the social media platform by Jan. 19, 2025. He filed a brief on Dec. 27 asking the Supreme Court to block the law. Passed on Apr. 20, the bill called for parent company ByteDance to either divest of TikTok, or face a complete ban in the country. The brief acknowledged the "difficult tension between free-speech rights on one side, and foreign policy and national-security concerns on the other". In the light of these facts, Trump opposes banning TikTok in the U.S. "at this juncture", the brief said. However, as the deadline imposed for TikTok to either be sold or shut down falls on Jan. 19 — just a day before his inauguration — Trump requested a delay. This is so he can "resolve the issues through political means once he takes office". Intends to pursue "negotiated resolution" The brief called Trump "one of the most powerful, prolific, and influential users of social media in history" and said he is in a position to evaluate TikTok's importance as a medium for freedom of expression. It said: "Indeed, President Trump and his rival both used TikTok to connect with voters during the recent Presidential election campaign, with President Trump doing so much more effectively." He therefore hopes to pursue a "negotiated resolution" to save TikTok. This is in line with his earlier election promise that he was "gonna save TikTok", shortly after creating his own account on the social media platform. Notably, the brief took no position on the merits of the ongoing debate as to whether banning TikTok infringes on Americans' First Amendment rights, which include freedom of speech. On the same day, TikTok filed a brief attesting that the law is a violation of the First Amendment. Calling it "profoundly unconstitutional", the platform said that it is one of the nation's "most important venues for communication". "Shuttering the platform will silence the speech of petitioners and the more than 170 million monthly American users that communicate there about politics, arts, commerce, and other matters of public concern — as illustrated by the massive interest expressed during the recent presidential election," it said, adding: "The government has banned an extraordinary amount of speech; demands deference to unsubstantiated predictions a future risk will materialise; and gets facts wrong when it bothers to provide them." Previously wanted to ban TikTok During his tenure in 2020, Trump said he planned to ban TikTok, and cited national security concerns. “As far as TikTok is concerned we’re banning them from the United States,” he said in July 2020, calling the action a “severance”. Then-secretary of state Mike Pompeo said that the Trump administration was evaluating TikTok akin to Chinese state-backed tech companies Huawei and ZTE. He previously described both companies as "Trojan horses for Chinese intelligence". Subsequently, in April 2024, amid a backdrop of concerns from U.S. lawmakers about TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, and accusations that it handed over sensitive information to the Chinese government, the bill banning TikTok was passed. Top image from Donald Trump/Facebook and TikTok
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Small SUVs continued to sell well in Australia throughout 2024, and that meant there were plenty of them for us to review. or signup to continue reading As we continue recapping our 2024, we're compiling the highest-rated cars from across Australia's most popular new car segments into a list to show you what we liked best. We've done mid-sized SUVs and utes so far, which means small SUVs are now up to bat. For this list we've kept it to the sub-$45,000 segment on the VFACTS sales charts, as they're much more approachable for people wanting to simply get behind the wheel. Some of these models have been reviewed on multiple occasions this year, so we've only featured the variant that achieved the highest rating. Prices are based on each manufacturer's configurators for a Victorian postcode, which should provide a representative estimate of what the average Australian buyer will end up paying. Our top sub-$45,000 small SUV for 2024 was the , which senior contributor Matt Campbell awarded a score of 8.4. That score was for the base GX Hybrid, which we said offered exceptional value, space and efficiency underneath a barebones presentation. "Basic but brilliant" was the term used to sum up the Corolla Cross, and our rating reflects that. It achieved an excellent fuel efficiency of just 4.3L/100km during our test, and with top-notch safety and interior space ratings we deemed it to be properly fit for purpose. We didn't like how it's fitted with halogen daytime running lights instead of LEDs. That lead us to suggest the step up to the GXL for an extra $4000-odd was worth it, especially when you consider this base spec is already more than $40,000 drive-away. Still, we found it to be a well-considered small SUV that can comfortably get the job done in a no-frills manner. The received a facelift this year, and our all-encompassing review of the new two-model range by marketplace journalist Josh Nevett listed a score of 8.4. It was praised for its quality tech upgrades, while it also benefits from packing in big-car practicality into its small-car frame. Better yet, we said it was a great value proposition – especially given the base Select costs just $33,990 drive-away. We gave it high individual scores across the board, headlined by a fit-for-purpose rating of 9 and a safety rating of 8.9. The Kamiq also impressed with its low cost of ownership and fuel efficiency, the latter a product of its two quality engines; turbos with either three or four cylinders. A negative aspect was the Monte Carlo's "polarising" interior design, while we were disappointed that the base-spec Select misses out on adaptive cruise control. As is often a complaint with dual-clutch cars, we also found the Kamiq's DSG unit was clunky at low speed, though it did have solid performance once on the move. As reviewed by marketplace editor James Wong, the scored a respectable 8.2 in March this year. We liked the hybrid Qashqai's seemingly easy performance, something that comes as a result of Nissan's unique electric motor-internal combustion engine it has over other traditional hybrids. That gives it a more electric vehicle (EV) feel, though a normal engine can still be heard. That also contributes to its refined on-road characteristics, as it's mostly quiet at low speeds and generally very smooth. Nissan backs up those traits with an upmarket interior that punches above the Qashqai's paygrade. It wasn't all positive though. We don't like how the e-Power Qashqai is only available in one top-spec Ti variant, as it seems to push it out of the realm of a lot of hybrid buyers. It's also considerably more expensive than the non-hybrid equivalent. We also felt its ride could be somewhat firm on occasion, but none of that was enough to detract from an otherwise solid Toyota hybrid rival. We've published a handful of reviews for small SUV this year, but it was senior contributor Matt Campbell's review of the Style that scored the highest at 8.2. The Style is one rung up from the bottom of the T-Roc range, and we liked it for its easy driving characteristics and its well-laid out cabin. It's also a considerable improvement on the features list compared to the base CityLife without being too much more expensive. We felt it was nicely fit for purpose, and it scored highly on ride comfort and infotainment technology. Under the bonnet is a simple 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo sent to the front wheels only, with higher-performance options reserved for more expensive T-Rocs. On the other hand, we felt its eight-speed automatic transmission wasn't quite as sharp as Volkswagen's typical dual-clutch DSG, but that did mean its low-speed drivability was improved. Its second row also isn't terribly large as a result of the small SUV frame, and rough roads can induce a fair bit of cabin noise. Still, we found it to be a solid choice for crossover customers. Honda's smallest SUV entered 2024 off the back of a fresh redesign, and news editor William Stopford found its top-spec variant to be worthy of a score of 8.1 That variant is the e:HEV L, the one hybrid in the range. We liked how refined it appeared to be, and the Magic Seats in its second row proved to be practical in the real world. Its cabin is also well-appointed and spacious, while everything is practical and easy to operate in daily use. Even those coming to the HR-V for the first time will likely find it easy to get settled. It lost marks for its price and lack of a spare wheel, and we really couldn't get past the fact it's only a four-seater. There's enough space for a third seat on the second row, but the lack of a centre seatbelt means it can't legally be used as a seat. While the HR-V may not feel as premium as its ZR-V sibling, there's a lot that it does right to deserve a spot on this list. There were four other small SUVs that were also rated at 8.1, and we feel they deserve a mention too. The final spot on the list above could have easily been taken by the , though the Honda comes first alphabetically. You can read the review of that CX-30 . Our all-encompassing review of the could also sneak in, but because a later review of the specific variant scored 7.9 we decided to give it an honourable mention instead. The scored 8.1 too, but because that was also a broad review of a model we're yet to review in specifics it gets an honourable mention. Like, the new C-HR GR Sport, the outgoing scored 7.6. Finally is the , which scored 8.1 in its standalone review. We've given it an honourable mention because we're yet to get our hands on one to test at home in our usual manner. Content originally sourced from: Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. We care about the protection of your data. Read our . Advertisement