The Transportation Security Administration has some reminders for those heading to airports during the holidays. “People seem to forget some of the more common and routine steps that they need to take when packing for a flight or when they are going through a checkpoint, perhaps because they’re focused on being at their destination and not focusing on what needs to happen before getting there,” said TSA officer Christopher Kirchein of John F. Kennedy International Airport. “Travelers sometimes ignore the advice that we give them,” said TeaNeisha Barker, a TSA uniformed adviser. “We are providing guidance so that they get through the checkpoint as simply and conveniently as possible. Not every airport has the same technology, so listen to the guidance we are offering.” “Passengers forget that knives and other weapons are not allowed through our checkpoints. It’s shocking to see so many people with knives,” said TSA officer Aisha Hicks of Philadelphia International Airport. “Weapons of any kind are prohibited through a TSA checkpoint.” TSA officers shared this list of the common things that travelers forget and should remember when coming to a security checkpoint. Ten things that travelers need to remember when preparing to go through the security screening process: • Remember that you cannot bring bottles of water, energy drinks, juice, coffee, soda or any filled insulated reusable container through a security checkpoint. However, they can finish their beverage and bring the empty bottle or container with them. • Remember to bring your ID to the checkpoint. • Remember when TSA officers remind you to remove everything from your pockets that it does not only mean metallic items such as keys and mobile phones, but it means everything, including non-metallic items such as tissues, lip balm, breath mints, etc. • Remember that you cannot bring a firearm through a checkpoint. Instead, pack your unloaded firearm in a locked hard-sided case and declare it at your airline check-in counter and the airline will ensure it is transported in the belly of the plane where nobody has access to it. • Remember that you need to remove your shoes when getting screened and then end up barefoot on the floor. It’s probably a good idea to wear socks. • Remember that children 12 and under are allowed to travel through a TSA PreCheck screening lane with a parent who has TSA PreCheck on their boarding pass. In addition, don’t forget that children up to the age of 18 can also come into the TSA PreCheck lane with their parent if they are on the same airline reservation as their parent. • Remember that passengers that appear 12 and under or 75 and older do not need to remove their shoes and light jacket. • Remember, if you are putting a lock on your luggage, make sure it is a TSA compatible lock so that if TSA officers need to open your luggage, they can unlock it and relock it. If the lock is not TSA compliant, TSA officers who need to open your luggage will cut off the lock, rendering it useless. • Remember that you can bring medications through a security checkpoint, even liquid medication. Just let the TSA officer know that you have liquid medication with you so it can be screened separately. • Remember to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license sooner rather than later because REAL ID goes into effect on May 7.Trump pledges 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, more on China too
Here's some gift ideas for the outdoorsmen -- and women -- on your list
I didn’t expect to say either of these things to you when 2024 began: the new Call of Duty single-player campaign is a blast. And you can play it for $1 . A week before the release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 , Microsoft removed the ability to try 1-month of Game Pass for $1. However, the option has returned with a tweak: $1 now buys you 14 days and appears to be exclusive to PC. On console, you can get a month for $9.99, which remains comparably reasonable for a new Call of Duty campaign. Which means, you can now play the entirety of the Black Ops 6 campaign this weekend for pocket change. And trust me: you should. I’m not a Call of Duty zealot. Despite an early obsession, beginning with Call of Duty 2 on the Xbox 360, my fandom disintegrated around Black Ops 2 in 2012. And though I’ve played nearly every campaign, I haven’t enjoyed that time since Infinite Warfare . That was eight years ago. So when I say Black Ops 6 campaign is a treat, I am doing so with the context of the full franchise. Good and bad. I wouldn’t say this campaign’s a return to form. Instead, its creators cleverly reimagine other great gaming franchises through the lens of COD. Each mission riffs on a sub-genre of first-person shooters, from an open-world map à la Far Cry to a science laboratory that echoes the works of Arkane Studios and the late Irrational Games. Holding together the disparate stages? An abandoned mansion hub, where characters chat about their bizarro alternate Cold War history while the player is free to solve little puzzles and unlock perks and buffs to carry into the next mission. Taken holistically, the Black Ops 6 campaign is like a Mission: Impossible movie, but instead of setpieces set in iconic international locales, they’re dropped into a syllabus for FPS 101. And if you don’t like it? I have 25 other games for you . Action Gaming News Shopping Call of Duty: Black Ops 6GETTING HIGH ON BOOKS The Tanggew: Community Library, Eco-Cultural Learning, and Resource Center recently facilitated book donations to the Sangguniang Kabataan of Barangay Ambasing in Sagada, Mountain Province, in time for the opening of a reading center in the upland village. —Photo from Tanggew Facebook page MANILA, Philippines — Libraries have played a pivotal role in shaping communities and civilizations, serving as gateways to acquiring knowledge and as cultural hubs that connect the past and present, ensuring that history and learning are passed down to future generations. But, reality check: according to a 2023 research report by the National Library of the Philippines (NLP), the total number of public libraries in the Philippines makes up only 3 percent of the ideal as prescribed by law. Most of these libraries are managed by the offices of the heads of local government units (LGUs), while other libraries are managed by various national and local government offices such as the National Library of the Philippines, Public Information Office, and local Tourism and Cultural Affairs agencies. A few more libraries in the country are under the management of civil society organizations or private or nonprofit organizations. The report also highlighted that while many libraries fall under the supervision of LGUs, they often lack the necessary resources and support to sustain the library’s operations. The NLP said there may be a need to clarify the role of public libraries in local government plans to help improve their sustainability and effectiveness in serving local communities. READ: The library’s place in a democracy Another study, the National Book Development Board 2023 Readership Survey, found that only 18 percent of the surveyed adults and 12 percent of the surveyed children were aware of public libraries within their cities or municipalities. Of these, only 51 percent of adults and 60 percent of children reported having visited these libraries. We talked to four such libraries—two public and two independent ones—to learn about the common challenges they face, how they work to help shape and empower their communities, and how these avenues for public learning can continue to play a role in national education, literacy, and community-building. As the highly urbanized home to a wide array of government offices, vocational schools, and educational institutions, including the main campuses of the University of the Philippines-Diliman and Ateneo de Manila University, and also among the wealthiest cities in the country, Quezon City has taken the right course of maintaining and supporting an active library for its residents. With around 32 branch libraries spread across the districts of Quezon City, including its main hub in City Hall, the Quezon City Public Library provides various activities for its many visitors. The main library continues to find ways to foster literacy and learning, such as conducting reading tutorials for students. Mariza Chico, the officer in charge of the Quezon City Public Library, said over 699 beneficiaries have benefited from program, which this year finally saw a standardized model for tutorials. “Public libraries serve as a source of credible information and a free force in developing literacy in communities,” said Chico. “As a center of information, public libraries not only provide equitable access to library materials, but also programs and activities that elevate the literacy level of people belonging to a particular community, especially those who are underserved.” Chico, who became officer in charge in 2020, recounted how even during the pandemic, the library was able to keep its community alive through the efforts of its staff and by providing online services such as tutorials and digital resources. PASSION FOR CULTURE, LETTERS IN LA UNION The Alfredo F. Tadiar Library, once the residence of the Tadiar family (left, top photo), now stands as a testament to its rich history, offering a space for various community activities and cultural events. —Photos from Alfredo F. Tadiar Library Facebook and Instagram accounts Developing a digitized library is ongoing, said Chico, to enable the institution to adapt to the fast-changing technological environment and to bring the benefits of the library’s resources to many more constituents. Visit QC Public Library FB page, email [email protected] , or visit Gate 3 City Hall Compound, Diliman, Quezon City, 1100 Metro Manila. Located in Tutuban Center Mall in Tondo, Manila, is the Sentro ng Karunungan Library, one of the affiliated public libraries of the National Library of the Philippines. On the mall’s third floor, past the shops and restaurants down below, the library is a quaint, quiet space with tables and desks for private reading and discussion, shelves of books and periodicals, and a coffee nook for visitors who would like to stay a little longer. After moving to its current location from an old facility in Tayuman, the library now focuses on providing a space for relaxation and learning for all sorts of visitors, from children with special needs to out-of-school youth. The library also offers digital literacy classes for senior citizens. Darwin Besorio, who started working at the library in 2018 and currently serves as the librarian in charge, wants Sentro to become the go-to review center for students and a sanctuary of other learning resources aside from books. CATCHING UP ON TECH The main Quezon City Public Library near City Hall is currently taking steps to become a rich source of both printed and digitized materials. —Erin Alcala “Students, out-of-school youth, senior citizens, children, and even informal settlers, they can all come to the library,” said Besorio, who recalled the challenging times they had promoting the library. The staff handed out flyers and visited schools to spread the word, and these days harness social media to continue to make the library present in the minds of readers and visitors. “I’m fighting for the library,” said Besorio. “For whatever it can give back to the community.” Visit Sentro ng Karunungan Library FB page, email [email protected] , call 0966-2640944, or visit 3F, TMX, Prime Block, Tutuban Center Mall, Tondo, Recto Avenue, Manila. The Tanggew: Community Library, Eco-Cultural Learning, and Resource Center was born out of countless cups of coffee and spirited discussions among a group of passionate individuals committed to making a difference in their community. Established in 2019 in Northern Sagada, Mountain Province, this community library was created to serve as a vibrant hub for learning, cultural exchange, and community empowerment. With 46 community volunteers, ranging from children to adults, Tanggew promotes collaboration and knowledge-sharing through various activities such as the Read Aloud Program and the establishment of community book pantries. Alma Toyoken, chair of Tanggew, said the initiative is focused on reviving the spirit of volunteerism in an era dominated by capitalism. At the heart of this vision is a deep commitment for the well-being of the communities in Northern Sagada and other indigenous communities of Mountain Province. RICH BREW FOR THE MIND A cup of coffee can make a good book even better. At Sentro ng Karunungan Library, visitors can take their pick among various blends in sachets. —Erin Alcala Tanggew is temporarily housed in one of the oldest homes in Barangay Bangaan, Sagada. The library’s resources are supported by partnerships with organizations like Library Hub Philippines and with local community members. Aside from using books as resources, Tanggew is looking to develop the concept of a human library, where older Sagada residents are treated as “living books” or oral historians who can share their firsthand knowledge of the region’s culture, history, and traditions. Visit Tanggew Community Library FB page, call 0915 -0282225, or visit House No. 189, Barangay Bangaan, Sagada, Mountain Province. To honor Alfredo F. Tadiar, a lawyer, educator, and a pioneer in alternative dispute resolution in the Philippines, his daughter, Neferti Tadiar, converted their family home into a library as a lasting tribute to her father’s legacy and commitment to education. Founded in 2017, the Alfredo F. Tadiar Library (AFTL) is an independent research and resource center in San Fernando, La Union. When it first opened, Neferti said the response was overwhelming, particularly from young creative individuals who expressed their longing for this type of space in the area. “I didn’t know there was that demand [for the library], that young people were looking for this,” she said. Neferti, also an educator, now serves as director of the AFTL. Like Tanggew, AFTL is supported by a dedicated group of volunteers. They organize regular community discussions and events, helping foster a vibrant, collaborative environment. AFTL also regularly hosts book launches, art exhibitions, and public forums, offering a platform for local artists and writers to share their work and engage with the community. SHELF LIFE (From left) Inside the Tanggew: Community Library, Eco-Cultural Learning, and Resource Center; Quezon City Public Library; and Sentro ng Karunungan Library. —Photos from Tanggew: Community Library, Eco-cultural Library, Learning and Resource Center facebook page and Erin Alcala The library’s strong social media engagement has helped it attract a diverse range of visitors, from locals and seasonal tourists to international guests. Its well-curated collection includes an extensive Filipiniana collection, making it a valuable resource for researchers and scholars. Said Neferti: “Libraries change people and empower people, because they give information [that allows] them to decide for themselves and to learn their own histories.” Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . Visit Alfredo F. Tadiar Library FB page, email [email protected] , call (072)888 0795, or visit 1 F. Ortega Highway, San Fernando, La Union, Philippines.
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HOUSTON (AP) — The Astros welcomed first baseman Christian Walker to the team Monday, in one of two moves that almost certainly marks the end of Alex Bregman’s time in Houston. Walker signed a $60 million, three-year contract that will pay him $20 million annually just more than a week after the Astros acquired infielder Isaac Paredes from Cubs in the trade that sent outfielder Kyle Tucker to Chicago . “The way I view it right now is Paredes is going to play third base and Walker is going to play first base,” general manager Dana Brown said Monday. “And Bregman’s still a free agent.” The Astros had hoped to re-sign Bregman, the team’s third baseman for the last nine seasons, but Brown said the negotiations stalled. “I thought we made a really competitive offer, showing that we wanted him back,” he said. “But we had to pursue other options. We couldn’t just sit there. We locked in Paredes early in that trade, knowing that he could play third or first and then when the opportunity to add another bat came up we just jumped on it.” The addition of a first baseman was a priority this offseason for the Astros after they released struggling first baseman José Abreu less than halfway through a $58.5 million, three-year contract. “We knew we had to get better at first base,” Brown said. “We pursued (Walker) and we’re excited to have him because we know that we’re going to have a really good first baseman that can defend and also hit the ball on the seats from time to time.” Walked was attracted by the sustained success of the Astros, who won their first two World Series titles in 2017 and '22. “I’ve been watching this team for a while now, and that edge, the energy, the expectation, you can tell that they’re going out there with a standard,” he said. “And I’m very excited to be a part of it.” Walker is looking forward playing on an infield with star second baseman Jose Altuve. He’s fascinated by the success and consistency Altuve has had over his 14-year career. “I get a chance to learn from Jose Altuve,” Walker said. “Nothing really gets better than that.” Brown was asked what he would tell fans disappointed to see the Astros lose another star after George Springer and Carlos Correa left as free agents in recent years. “I would just tell the fans that look, we are very focused on remaining competitive,” he said. “We’re very focused on winning division and going back to the World Series, and I think with these additions that we have the ability to do that. So, I feel strongly that we’re going to be picked to win the division first off. And if our pitching holds up, which I feel strongly about, as well, I think we’ll get deep into the postseason.” The Astros won the AL West for a fourth straight year this season before being swept by the Tigers in an AL Wild Card Series. Walker, who turns 34 during the opening week of the season, hit .251 with 26 homers, 84 RBIs, 55 walks and 133 strikeouts this year. That was down from 2023, when he batted .258 with 33 homers and 103 RBIs as the Diamondbacks reached the World Series. Walker played in 130 games this year, down from 157 in 2023 and 160 in 2022. He was sidelined between July 29 and Sept. 3 by a strained left oblique. He spent the last eight seasons with the Diamondbacks, where he hit 146 homers with 442 RBIs and a .251 batting average. He didn’t secure a full-time job in the big leagues until 2019. He’s provided consistent power over the past six seasons and has grown into an elite defensive first baseman, winning Gold Gloves in each of the past three seasons. Walker played college ball at South Carolina and was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2012. He made his big league debut with the Orioles in 2014 but couldn’t stick in the majors and was claimed off waivers by Atlanta, Cincinnati and Arizona in a five-week span. Walker’s contract has a limited no-trade provision allowing him to block deals to six teams without his consent. He would earn $200,000 for winning an MVP, $175,000 for second, $150,000 for third, $125,000 for fourth and $100,000 for fifth. Walker also would get $100,000 for World Series MVP, $50,000 for League Championship Series MVP and $75,000 apiece for making the All-Star Game or winning a Gold Glove or Silver Slugger Award. Infielder Grae Kessinger was designated for assignment to open a roster spot. AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlbNoneIf the thought of a cranberry vodka slush or frozen hot chocolate raises your holiday spirits high, then Walmart might have exactly what you want to see underneath your Christmas tree . The Ninja SLUSHi 3-in-1 Professional Frozen Drink Maker is back in stock at Walmart, and it doesn’t come with the typical $300 price tag that you’ll see on the Ninja website (or at retailers like Kohl’s and Target, when it’s actually in stock). This Walmart-exclusive special edition SLUSHi is marked down from $300 to $249, for a total $51 savings, and you can’t find it anywhere else. Shop Walmart’s full Black Friday sale now. With Ninja’s proprietary RapidChill Technology, you can turn your favorite cold drinks into frosty delights in just 15 minutes. The machine works by swirling liquids around a chilling cylinder and adjusting the temperature and texture to get a perfect, smooth consistency without any ice. The 72-ounce version is perfect for smaller kitchens, but also just as suitable for people who can appreciate a frozen bevvy once in a while, but don’t need to have everything they’re drinking on the frozen side. Instead of the larger 88-ounce iteration that has five presets — Slush, Spiked Slush, Milkshake, Frappé and Frozen Juice — this one just has the Slush, Spiked Slush and Milkshake. So, if you’re not a frozen ‘snow salt chococcino’ connoisseur or a fan of icy juices, then you definitely don’t need to have the bigger slush machine. You can still everything from cranberry orange slushies to candy cane mocha iced martinis and even gingerbread milkshakes or fizzy and frozen pomegranate champagne floats. Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a cozy night in during the busy holiday season, your Ninja SLUSHi will be the biggest conversation piece in your kitchen. I say this, too, because it has been a major hit in mine ever since I got it in August. I can’t wait to make some “toasted elves” (think: amaretto, coffee liquor, vodka and chocolate syrup) when we’re putting up our tree in the next few weeks! Shop the Ninja SLUSHi 72 oz. 3-Programs Professional Frozen Drink Maker for $249 at Walmart here. And keep these other Ninja deals in mind, as well. The Best Black Friday Deals in 2024 Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com . Danielle Halibey can be reached at dhalibey@njadvancemedia.com . Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips .
Swaffar: Three things to watch in USD's season-finale against NDSUAustralia needs reliable, affordable sources of low-emission electricity generation to power our economy and people through the 21st century and beyond. All three factors — reliability, affordability and sustainability — are essential. In 2024, no serious person doubts the existential need for the world to pivot away from fossil fuels towards more environmentally-friendly sources of electricity generation. That debate has been done. The climate wars are over, at least in the mainstream. Yet discussion of energy policy in Australia is still beholden to ideology. And there’s one word in this space which sets elements of the Left on edge more than any other. Nuclear. Mere mention of the word sends Labor members into hysterics. Since Peter Dutton announced the Coalition’s policy to transition seven existing coal-fired power stations around the country to nuclear power plants, they’ve lined up to pour scorn. Jake Dietsch “Fantasy”, a “scam”, “economic madness” or the “dumbest policy ever put forward by a major party” are among the invective. The Greens are even more hyperbolic. Leader Adam Bandt invoked Chernobyl and Fukushima as he declared nuclear a “threat to people’s safety” on X. On Friday, the Coalition released costings which they say show going nuclear would cost $260 billion less than Labor’s renewable-heavy energy road map. Anthony Albanese said that was a “fiction”, and that Australians would be lumped with far higher electricity bills under Mr Dutton’s “nuclear nightmare”. He and Energy Minister Chris Bowen are now framing their opposition to nuclear as chiefly economic. Mr Bowen said the assumptions underwriting the modelling contained “fatal errors” which ignored reality. The truth is Labor’s hardline anti-nuclear stance is based on ideology and feeling, not facts. Once upon a time, that fear of nuclear was justified. Now, technology has come a long way, but Labor’s attitudes remain rooted in the Seventies. The Coalition too is guilty of energy fanaticism, having fostered climate scepticism throughout much of the previous two decades. Jessica Page But while our politicians are energy zealots, Australians are largely agnostic about how they get their power — provided it fulfils those three essential factors. A Resolve poll conducted in June found 62 per cent of respondents were supportive of or open to nuclear power as part of Australia’s energy mix. That shows that the debate is there for the taking for whichever side can mount the most convincing argument. Labor’s case hasn’t been helped by early summer blackouts in NSW, which have made people mindful of the need for “always-on” sources of electricity generation, not dependent on the weather. Whether voters will accept the Coalition’s offering, which depends on economic modelling decades into the future — always sketchy at best — is unclear. But whichever way Australians land, they’ll expect decisions to be made on facts, not feelings.
Met Office 'committed to learning lessons' of Storm Bert after criticismDaily Post Nigeria Stop the illegalities in Kogi – Aggrieved aspirant urges PDP NWC Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport News Stop the illegalities in Kogi – Aggrieved aspirant urges PDP NWC Published on November 23, 2024 By John Akinfehinwa An aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP in the 31st August 2024 Kogi State Congress has Muhammed Sani Gambo has called on the National Working Committee of the party to stop the alleged illegalities going on in the state by the Enemona Anyebe led Executive. Speaking at a Press Conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ) Secretariat in Lokoja, Hon Gambo described Anyebe as a man desperate for the total fall of PDP in Kogi State. The aggrieved aspirant during the press conference called for the arrest of Anyebe if he keeps parading himself as Chairman of the opposition party. Gambo called on the National Working Committee of the party to immediately swear him in as the State Chairman warning that what happened in Zamfara, Plateau might repeat itself in the State if the party failed to obey court order. His words “This Press Conference has become very necessary towards salvaging our party from the imminent collapse and the landmines the illegality and impunity that the purported Chairmanship of Hon. Enemona Anyebe is about to cause to the PDP. “Let me quickly State that his purporting to be the Chairman of Kogi PDP is not only criminal, it has made the PDP a laughing stock amongst comity of civilized people in Nigeria. This must not be allowed to happen because the imminent breakdown of law and order may also be inherent if he is allowed to continue to assume what he is not. “The crude manner jointly masterminded by Enemona Anyebe and his sponsors to take over, through military style the leadership of PDP in Kogi State leaves much to be desired. “This is even more worrisome that Kogites, Nigerians and the world looks up to the PDP at this moment to salvage Nigeria from the precipice of outright destruction. Unfortunately, it is surprising that these haters of democracy are trying to undermine the will of the PDP members in Kogi State. “The need for the principle of fairness, justice and equity, to reflect in our conduct and activities particularly as an opposition Political Party must not be compromised. We are a Country and people guided by the rule of law and the time to call a spade-as spade, no matter whose ox is gored is now in Kogi State”. “We would recall that the last PDP State Congress in Kogi State was free, fair, and the outcome well accepted by all the contestants except for one position, the office of the State Chairman, where a court order barred Hon. Enemona Anyebe, the person parading himself as Chairman now from contesting and presenting himself for screening. “The Party was asked not to screen him, all because of the court order and ruling that was yet to be vacated before the Congress and as we speak. We are however worried that Hon. Enemona Anyebe, the purported State Chairman who was suspended by the Party, first by his Local Government Executives, affirmed by the State Executives in 2019 and again by his Wards Executives in 2024, all on account of anti-party, affirmed by a court ruling that supported the various Suspension, now presides over the affairs of our Party in the State. “We are all aware also that it was from the Ward Executives that the usurper Chairman was dragged to the Court. We therefore wonder how Hon. Enemona Anyebe could have become the State Party Chairman when the nomination form that was sold to him to Contest as Chairman was withdrawn by the COURT ORDER via Suit No. HC/OKP/54M/2024 of the Kogi State High Court. “We are also aware that Hon. Enemona approached a Kogi State High Court with prayers to vacate the COURT ORDER via Motion Nos. HCL/372M/2024 and HCL/379M/2024 respectively. But his appeals were dismissed. “That Hon. Enemona Anyebe was declared the winner of an election he was not a participant, but was quickly sworn in 9.00a.m. Sunday morning, following a Saturday election he was not supposed to have contested by the strength of an order of a court of competent jurisdiction is another wonder of the world that will go down into the Guinness books of record”. Related Topics: kogi NWC PDP Don't Miss Ifeanyi Ubah’s Burial: Igbos fight not deep skinned, we above pettiness – Chidoka You may like Off-cycle elections: PDP faces uphill battle ahead 2027 polls Destabilising PDP part of our duty – APC chieftain Wike, G5 governors want to destroy PDP – Rep member ugochinyere Irredeemable doom awaits PDP – Ugochinyere warns Again, PDP postpones NEC meeting Rivers crisis: Leave Fubara alone, nobody is bigger than PDP – Bode George to Wike Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media LtdNo. 25 Illinois rebounds in big way, blasts UMES 87-40
Australia needs reliable, affordable sources of low-emission electricity generation to power our economy and people through the 21st century and beyond. All three factors — reliability, affordability and sustainability — are essential. In 2024, no serious person doubts the existential need for the world to pivot away from fossil fuels towards more environmentally-friendly sources of electricity generation. That debate has been done. The climate wars are over, at least in the mainstream. Yet discussion of energy policy in Australia is still beholden to ideology. And there’s one word in this space which sets elements of the Left on edge more than any other. Nuclear. Mere mention of the word sends Labor members into hysterics. Since Peter Dutton announced the Coalition’s policy to transition seven existing coal-fired power stations around the country to nuclear power plants, they’ve lined up to pour scorn. Jake Dietsch “Fantasy”, a “scam”, “economic madness” or the “dumbest policy ever put forward by a major party” are among the invective. The Greens are even more hyperbolic. Leader Adam Bandt invoked Chernobyl and Fukushima as he declared nuclear a “threat to people’s safety” on X. On Friday, the Coalition released costings which they say show going nuclear would cost $260 billion less than Labor’s renewable-heavy energy road map. Anthony Albanese said that was a “fiction”, and that Australians would be lumped with far higher electricity bills under Mr Dutton’s “nuclear nightmare”. He and Energy Minister Chris Bowen are now framing their opposition to nuclear as chiefly economic. Mr Bowen said the assumptions underwriting the modelling contained “fatal errors” which ignored reality. The truth is Labor’s hardline anti-nuclear stance is based on ideology and feeling, not facts. Once upon a time, that fear of nuclear was justified. Now, technology has come a long way, but Labor’s attitudes remain rooted in the Seventies. The Coalition too is guilty of energy fanaticism, having fostered climate scepticism throughout much of the previous two decades. Jessica Page But while our politicians are energy zealots, Australians are largely agnostic about how they get their power — provided it fulfils those three essential factors. A Resolve poll conducted in June found 62 per cent of respondents were supportive of or open to nuclear power as part of Australia’s energy mix. That shows that the debate is there for the taking for whichever side can mount the most convincing argument. Labor’s case hasn’t been helped by early summer blackouts in NSW, which have made people mindful of the need for “always-on” sources of electricity generation, not dependent on the weather. Whether voters will accept the Coalition’s offering, which depends on economic modelling decades into the future — always sketchy at best — is unclear. But whichever way Australians land, they’ll expect decisions to be made on facts, not feelings.
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As the BJP-led NDA is all set for a convincing win in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, analysts predict an assertive spill-over impact on the Indian stock market when the trade resumes on Monday. Political stability, connected with a continuance of pro-business policies, makes it possible to switch the investor strategy from ‘defensive’ to ‘aggressive’. It shifts focus to the infrastructure and banking sectors, given the successful implementation of projects. The BJP-led alliance’s victory may boost investor sentiment, according to Palka Arora Chopra, Director of Master Capital Services. “Political stability in Maharashtra will boost confidence, especially in infrastructure and manufacturing sectors . They are aligned with the growth-driven policies of the BJP,” she said. This alignment is expected to trigger investments in urban development and real estate. Market analysts believe this could spur the risk of a pullback rally in Maharashtra election-adjusted stock market activity. Santosh Meena, Head of Research at Swastika Investmart, noted the positive reaction to election predictions last Friday. The clear mandate for NDA in Maharashtra may further strengthen the market sentiment. Investors are expecting fast movement in infrastructure projects, which would benefit key sectors such as construction and banking. Maharashtra elections impact on Indian stock market will be positive, says experts A change in investment strategies is also awaited. Mahesh M. Ojha, AVP-Research at Hensex Securities, pointed out that with the aftermath of election results, investors would possibly move from FMCG and pharma stocks to railways, infrastructure, and finance sectors. “This strategic change reflects confidence in long-term economic growth under a stable government,” he added. Avinash Gorakshkar, Head of Research at Profitmart Securities, said: “BJP policies are in full swing at both state and central levels.” Infrastructure-related companies will see higher credit demand, which will lead to more interest in banking stocks. Such news can make markets even more optimistic. The markets prepare to respond to the Maharashtra elections’ impact on stock market trends. Hence, Nifty’s performance will be closely monitored. Analysts predict key resistance levels at 24,550, with banking and infrastructure stocks likely to lead the charge. Monday’s trading session could set the tone for a robust market rally, underpinned by political clarity and investor optimism. Also, see: Gold Prices Drop to Lowest: Should You Invest in Gold in India Now?