Tanvir for recalibration of proposed GST on Kashmiri handicraft products SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Sunday expressed concern regarding the proposed increase in Goods and Services Tax (GST) on traditional Kashmiri products, saying the move has raised alarm within the textile and apparel industry in Kashmir. Calling on the Government of India to reconsider its GST strategy in order to safeguard the industry and the livelihoods it sustains, Party Chief Spokesperson and MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq emphasized that these products serve as the backbone of Kashmir’s economy and cultural heritage. “The increase in GST rates will place a heavy burden on local artisans and traders, jeopardizing their livelihoods and reducing the attractiveness of Kashmiri products in the global market. It is alarming to propose higher taxes during a period of economic instability characterized by inflation and stagnant growth,” he said. Tanvir criticised the proposed hike, stating that it reflects a lack of understanding of Kashmir’s economic realities. He emphasised the importance of balancing revenue needs with social equity for the workforce, warning of severe consequences if this balance is not maintained. Tanvir urged the government to reconsider the hike in order to protect the interests of the Kashmir handicrafts industry.
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ABILENE, Texas (AP) — Sam Hicks scored on a 53-yard run in the fourth quarter and finished with 171 yards on the ground to lead Abilene Christian to a 24-0 victory over Northern Arizona on Saturday in the first round of the FCS playoffs. The Wildcats (9-4), ranked No. 15 in the FCS coaches poll and seeded 15th, qualified for the playoffs for the first time and will travel to play No. 2 seed and nine-time champion North Dakota State (10-2) on Saturday at the Fargo Dome. The Bison had a first-round bye. Abilene Christian grabbed a 7-0 lead on its second possession when Carson Haggard connected with Trey Cleveland for a 37-yard touchdown that capped a 10-play 97-yard drive. Northern Arizona (8-5), ranked 17th but unseeded for the playoffs after winning five straight to get in, picked off Haggard on the Wildcats' next two possessions but could not turn them into points. NAU went for it on fourth-and-goal at the 1-yard line with 9:30 left before halftime, but Jordan Mukes tackled Ty Pennington for a 4-yard loss. That led to a 46-yard field goal by Ritse Vaes and a 10-0 lead at halftime. The score remained the same until Hicks' big run with 10:16 left to play. Haggard passed 6 yards to Blayne Taylor for the final score with 2:16 to go. Haggard completed 23 of 29 passes for 244 yards with three interceptions. Abilene Christian's defense allowed at least 20 points in every game during the regular season and yielded at least 30 six times. The Wildcats lost their season opener to FBS member Texas Tech 52-51 in overtime. Abilene Christian's last shutout came in a 56-0 victory over Lamar on Sept. 25, 2021. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up . AP college football: and The Associated Press
The Jashn-e-Urdu event held on Sunday 24 November at Whitlam Leisure Centre, Liverpool, brought together a vibrant celebration of the Urdu language, heritage, and culture. Organised with passion and creativity, this event served as a platform to unite the community while highlighting the beauty of Urdu through various engaging activities and performances. PakOZ and the Young Innovators team proudly showcased their dedication to youth empowerment and cultural preservation at their dedicated stall. Here’s what made their presence a standout: Allama Iqbal’s Poetry: A beautiful display of youth-designed interpretations of Allama Iqbal’s timeless verses. Inspiring Books: A curated collection of books that celebrated Urdu literature and inspired visitors to delve deeper into the language’s rich history. Fun Activities and Games: Visitors of all ages were delighted with interactive games and activities that kept the atmosphere lively and engaging. Adding a modern flair to the event, Imran and Nazir from PAKAUSSIE Traders brought their sophisticated tech gadgets and practical imported items to the marketplace. Their diverse range of products attracted tech enthusiasts and added a unique dimension to the cultural celebration. Jashn-e-Urdu wasn’t just an event—it was an experience. The day featured a mix of entertainment, education, and celebration: Mesmerizing Qawwali Performances: The Australian Qawwal Party captivated the audience with soulful renditions, leaving everyone enchanted. Inspiring Talks: Esteemed guest speakers delivered thought-provoking speeches about the significance of Urdu in today’s world. Student Performances: Young talents took the stage, showcasing their skills and passion for the language. Cultural Stalls: Beautifully designed clothing and traditional jewellery stalls added a touch of elegance and charm to the event. Awards and Recognitions: Talented individuals and contributors to the community were celebrated for their achievements, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. Jashn-e-Urdu was more than an event; it was a celebration of the Urdu language’s essence and its enduring legacy. From the soulful music to the vibrant marketplace, every moment reflected the richness of Urdu culture and brought the community closer together.
NoneBrock Purdy will miss Sunday's game for the 49ers with a shoulder injuryTweet Facebook Mail Donald Trump has pushed Russian leader Vladimir Putin to act to reach an immediate cease-fire with Ukraine, describing it as part of his active efforts as US president-elect to end the war despite being weeks from taking office. "Zelensky and Ukraine would like to make a deal," Trump wrote on social media, referring to Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In a television interview that aired Sunday, Trump also said he would be open to reducing military aid to Ukraine and pulling the United States out of NATO. Those are two threats that have alarmed Ukraine, NATO allies and many in the US national security community. READ MORE: Syrian government falls, ending 50 years of iron rule by one family French President Emmanuel Macron, centre, poses with US President-elect Donald Trump, left, and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Elysee Palace. (AP) Asked on NBC's "Meet the Press" if he were actively working to end the nearly three-year-old Ukraine war, Trump said, "I am." He refused to say if he had spoken to Putin since winning the election in November. "I don't want to say anything about that, because I don't want to do anything that could impede the negotiation," Trump said. Trump's call for an immediate cease-fire went beyond the public policy stands taken by both the Biden administration and Ukraine and drew a cautious response from Zelenskyy. It also marked Trump's wading unusually deeply into efforts before his inauguration on January 20, 2025, to resolve one of the major global crises facing the lame-duck Biden administration. Trump made his proposal after a weekend meeting in Paris with French and Ukrainian leaders in Paris, where many world leaders gathered to celebrate the restoration of Notre Dame cathedral after a devastating fire. Of his advisers that traveled with him, none appeared to have expertise on Ukraine. READ MORE: FBI offers $50k reward in hunt for the gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Ukraine reacted to Trump's call for a ceasefire with caution. (AP) Kyiv would like to close a deal and "stop the madness," Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. "There should be an immediate ceasefire and negotiations should begin." "I know Vladimir well. This is his time to act. China can help. The World is waiting!" Trump added. He was referring to mediation efforts by China that many in the West have seen as favouring Russia. Zelenskyy described his discussions Saturday with Trump, brought together by French President Emmanuel Macron, as "constructive" but has given no further details. In a post Sunday on the Telegram messaging app, Zelenskyy cautioned that Ukraine needs a "just and robust peace, that Russians will not destroy within a few years." READ MORE: Suspected underground explosion rocks busy Gold Coast street There are fears a ceasefire would favour Vladimir Putin. (AP) "When we talk about an effective peace with Russia, we must talk first of all about effective peace guarantees. Ukrainians want peace more than anyone else. Russia brought war to our land," Zelenskyy said. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to Trump's post by repeating Moscow's longstanding message that it is open to talks with Ukraine. Peskov referenced a decree by Zelenskyy from October 2022 that formally declared the prospect of any talks "impossible" as long as Putin was Russia's leader. That decree came after Putin proclaimed four occupied regions of Ukraine to be part of Russia, in what Kyiv and the West said was a clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty. Trump's former national security adviser, retired Lieutenant General HR McMaster, warned there was no such thing as a quick fix to ending Russia's war with Ukraine. "What I'm worried about is this kind of flawed idea that Putin can be placated, right, that Putin will come to some kind of a deal," McMaster told "Fox News Sunday." US President Joe Biden has pushed aid for Ukraine. (Alex Wong/Getty Images) "I think it's really important for President Trump to adhere to his instinct in this connection ... peace through strength," McMaster said, adding, "How about give them what they need to defend themselves, and then saying to Putin, 'You're going to lose this war?'" While Trump has said before that he would like to see a quick cease-fire in Ukraine, his proposal Sunday was framed as a direct appeal to Russia. The quick responses from Ukraine and Russia demonstrated the seriousness with which they regarded the idea from the incoming American president. Both Trump and the Biden administration officials have pointed to Russia's disengagement in Syria, where the Russian military largely moved out of the way in recent days as Syrian rebels overthrew the country's Russian-allied president, as evidence of the way the Ukraine was has sapped Russia's resources. The Biden administration and other supporters of Ukraine have made a point of not being seen to press Ukraine for an immediate truce. Ukraine's allies fear a quick deal would be largely on the terms of its more powerful neighbor, potentially forcing damaging concessions on Ukraine and allowing Russia to resume the war again once it has built back up its military strength. Ukraine defenders 'bending but not breaking' in fierce fighting View Gallery For most of the war, Kyiv's official position has been to call for a full withdrawal of Russian troops from internationally recognised Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, as a condition for peace talks. Moscow, too, has demanded heavy concessions from Ukraine as a condition for even beginning talks. Trump portrays himself as up to making fast deals to resolve conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East that have frustrated many of the Biden administration's own mediation efforts. There is no prohibition on incoming officials or nominees meeting with foreign officials, and it is common and fine for them to do so — unless those meetings are designed to subvert or otherwise affect current US policy. The Logan Act bars private citizens from trying to intervene in "disputes or controversies" between the United States and foreign powers without government approval. But the 1799 statute has produced just two criminal cases, none since the 1850s and neither resulting in a criminal conviction. In the NBC interview that was taped Friday, Trump renewed his warning to NATO allies that he did not see continued US participation in the Western military alliance as a given during his second term. Trump has long complained that European and the Canadian governments in the mutual-defence bloc are freeloading on military spending by the US, by far the most powerful partner in NATO. NATO and its member governments say a majority of countries in the bloc are now hitting voluntary targets for military spending, due in part to pressure from Trump in his first term. Asked whether he would consider the possibility of pulling out of NATO, Trump indicated that was an open question. "If they're paying their bills, and if I think they're treating us fairly, the answer is absolutely I'd stay with NATO," he said. But if not, he was asked if he would consider pulling the US out of the alliance. Trump responded, "Absolutely. Yeah, absolutely." Trump expressed the same openness when asked if Ukraine should brace for possible cuts in US aid after Trump moves into the White House. "Possibly," he said. US arms and other military support are vital to Ukraine's efforts to fend off invading Russian forces, and Democratic President Joe Biden has been surging assistance to Ukraine ahead of leaving office. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Saturday announced nearly US$1 billion ($1.57 billion) more in longer-term weapons support to Ukraine. DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP : Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play .Sundry Photography Good value is hard to find in today’s markets, and many investors, including myself are growing increasingly jittery on sky-high valuations. For that reason, investing in “growth at a reasonable price,” especially in stocks that haven’t yet ridden a big momentum bump this Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of OKTA either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
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Your mattress may look clean on the surface but lurking within those layers could be an unsettling amount of dust, dust mites, dead skin cells and allergens. A top quality mattress vacuum can help combat this, but can be expensive. The good news is that the Jimmy JV35 Anti-allergen Mattress Vacuum is 30% off right now, meaning that you can maintain your mattress for less. If you've invested in one of the best mattresses of the year, it's important to protect it against invisible inhabitants and remove them effectively. The Jimmy JV35 Anti-allergen Mattress Vacuum comes with the hygienic combination of UV light sterilization and powerful suction it has been designed specifically to deep clean where standard vacuums just can’t reach. Today's 30% deal brings the price down to $125 (it was $179.99.) It comes with 30 days of returns and free shipping included. So, let’s take a look at why this handheld mattress vacuum is a must-buy before Christmas. Do you need to vacuum your mattress? We recommend regular mattress vacuuming to ensure your mattress is kept clean and allergen free. Over time, mattresses accumulate dead skin, dust mites, sweat, sebum and other allergens — even if you have one of the best mattress protectors on. So regular vacuuming ensures that you remove all those nasties and maintain a hygienic sleep environment. We would recommend you get into a routine when it comes to vacuuming your mattress , doing it each time you change your sheets to ensure you always have clean, fresh bed to sleep on.
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US effort to curb China's and Russia's access to advanced computer chips 'inadequate,' report findsWASHINGTON — State Rep. Brian Harrison, a Republican, said Friday he plans to meet with top University of Texas System officials after they announced a plan to provide free tuition and waived fees to students whose families make $100,000 or less. While many elected officials have praised the initiative , Harrison criticized it as an “abuse of power” that makes Texas higher education “more socialist than California.” Harrison said Friday he’s unswayed by statements from the system and supporters who say the move will be funded from university endowments, not taxpayers. Harrison compared such statements to someone saying they’re removing water from the shallow side of a pool, not the deep end. It’s all the same water. “Money is fungible, so that doesn’t satisfy me in the slightest,” Harrison said. The new initiative is an expansion of the Promise Plus Program, a needs-based financial aid initiative, and comes amid widespread concerns about the effect of inflation and college costs on families. Gov. Greg Abbott recently prohibited Texas colleges and universities from raising tuition for the next two years. UT System Chancellor James B. Milliken hailed the expansion as a “game changer” that will make “enormous, real difference” to improve college access for all Texans. Not everyone is a fan. Harrison and like-minded House colleagues have compared it to President Joe Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan that drew intense blowback from conservatives and was largely struck down by the courts . They also said such a consequential change in policy should come from the elected lawmakers serving in the Legislature. “There must be consequences,” Harrison said on X . “UT’s budget must be cut, and bureaucrats should be fired.” He led 10 Republican lawmakers, most of them incoming freshmen, in a letter to the regents demanding answers to a litany of questions, including the price tag of the expansion and the source of that money. “What specific statutory authority did the regents rely on to make a decision this consequential, which will have direct financial consequences for our constituents, many of whom are already struggling to put gas in their tanks and food on their tables?” the lawmakers wrote. UT System spokesman Paul Corliss has said the program is not funded through taxes or any kind of public subsidy. “Rather it is funded through existing UT System endowments,” Corliss said. Rep. Donna Howard, a Democrat, hammered that point in a response to Harrison on social media. “There are no tax dollars involved,” Howard said on X . “Higher Ed institutions are already helping families afford college. This expands philanthropic endowments and helps meet affordability goals of (Abbott and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board).” Harrison and his colleagues will have to contend with many members of the public embracing a plan that already is encouraging young people to adjust their higher education aspirations. Frank Whitefeather, a high school senior, stayed up until 2:30 a.m. Friday working on his college application essay. He was freshly motivated after the announcement that students whose families make less than $100,000 annually will get free tuition and waived fees at the University of Texas, Austin and other schools in the UT System. “I wouldn’t be in debt,” said Whitefeather, 17. “I wouldn’t have to have student loans.” Whitefeather, who attends Dallas ISD’s Sunset High School, thinks the UT news also could change many of his peers’ lives. It’s already changing his plans. Whitefeather hopes to study engineering and be his own boss one day. Texas A&M and UT Austin were his top two choices, but the free tuition announcement has pushed UT ahead. Harrison said the university system is being contradictory by simultaneously saying it has enough money to offer tuition-free education, but also that a tuition freeze could leave it cash strapped and require more funding from the Legislature. “I guarantee you they’re going to be requesting more tax money from the Legislature next session,” he said. ©2024 The Dallas Morning News. Visit dallasnews.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Giants face challenge in hosting Ravens, trying to end 8-game skidISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said Pakistan stood united with the global community in reaffirming its firm commitment to strengthening the national HIV response and ensuring that no one was left behind. The theme, “Take the Rights Path : My health, My right,” reminds us that the journey to eliminate AIDS as a public health threat begins with a firm commitment to human rights, the prime minister said in a message in connection with World AIDS Day 2024. He said upholding the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights and promoting the inclusion of all communities were essential for eradicating AIDS as a public health threat. Global Fund approves $285m grant to fight HIV/AIDS, TB & malaria “Healthcare is a fundamental right. Through our collective efforts, we will ensure that all our citizens enjoy this fundamental right in an equitable manner. By working together, we will continue to strengthen our health systems and expand access to essential services for our citizens,” the prime minister added. He highlighted that HIV/ AIDS remained a health challenge and a significant socio-economic issue that threatened livelihoods, disrupts families, and deepens inequalities. He said gaps in testing and treatment coverage call for deep introspection, a call to reach the most vulnerable, making strategies to be truly responsive to those at risk, and ensuring that our policies evolve to meet the shifting dynamics of the epidemic. “Despite our collective efforts, the HIV epidemic in Pakistan continues to grow, underscoring the need for bold, innovative, and sustainable interventions. It is only through the strategy rooted in equality and inclusion that we can halt the spread of HIV. Strong political will, and effective leadership and enhanced financial commitments are essential to implementing a rights-based national HIV strategy,” he remarked. PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the urgent challenges that needed our attention were eliminating spread of HIV/AIDS through needle sharing among people who inject drugs, safe blood transfusion, and eliminating mother-to-child HIV transmission.
CNN's Van Jones admits Democrats are 'relieved' after Kamala's humiliating 'brat to flat' loss