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fish amino acid fertilizer NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Clara Strack scored 25 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, Teonni Key added a double-double and No. 14 Kentucky pulled away from No. 19 Illinois 76-53 on Wednesday night to go unbeaten in the Music City Classic. The Wildcats had a 50-44 lead after three quarters but used an 18-0 run to blitz the Illini 26-9 in the fourth quarter. Kentucky went 11 of 22 in the fourth quarter when Dazia Lawrence scored 10 points. The Wildcats also forced the Illini into eight turnovers and turned those into 13 points. Illinois was 3 of 15. Lawrence finished with 15 points for the Wildcats (7-0) and Key had 12 points and 10 rebounds. Amelia Hassett added 10 points. Illinois scored the last seven points of the first quarter to lead 18-14 and Gretchen Dolan's layup pulled the Illini into a tie at 28 at halftime. Kentucky slowly built the lead to 10 late in the third quarter but a three-point play by Dolan helped cut the deficit to six entering the fourth. Adalia McKenzie scored 18 points for Illinois (6-1), which went 1 of 16 on 3-pointers and shot 27% overall. Makira Cook added 11 points and Kendall Bostic had 10 with 12 rebounds. Illinois plays at Canisius on Sunday and Kentucky goes to North Carolina on Thursday for the SEC/ACC Challenge. ——- Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketballThe Aloha State’s culinary scene is more enticing than ever, seasoned with a new sense of pride at the great bounty of produce and talent available. Chefs are experimenting in dynamic kitchens in Honolulu’s Chinatown and Ward Village neighbourhoods, while some of the best food and cocktails is enjoyed at hotels along Waikiki Beach’s golden miles. In 1991, a group of 12 chefs collaborated to start a food revolution in the islands. The Hawaii Regional Cuisine movement was born from deliciously diverse multicultural influences (the best of Polynesia, the US, Asia and beyond) and a passion for fresh, local ingredients, flavours and traditions. Many of those chefs, including Roy Yamaguchi and Peter Merriman, continue to change the game and impress palates to this day. Say cheers with a sunset cocktail at these world-class restaurants where a warm aloha welcome awaits. Eating House 1849 Waikiki Delicious food at International Market Place by a celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi’s lifelong passion for Hawaiian fusion cuisine began when the Tokyo-born chef was a kid, visiting his grandparents’ tavern in Maui. It must have made a big impression on little Roy, because today his popular restaurants - many named Roy’s - are found in prime Hawaiian locations and further afield. Eating House 1849 Waikiki, located on the third floor of International Market Place, offers a relaxed ambience, warm service and mouthwatering local flavours. The ‘Aloha Hour’ menu, served from 4pm, is one of the best deals in town. Order a couple of the US$10 specials, including BBQ baby back ribs, poutine fries and chicken skewers, and you probably won’t need dinner. International Market Place, 2330 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 924 1849. See royyamaguchi.com Fête Seasonal new American neighbourhood restaurant Fête’s founding chef and co-owner Robynne Maii brought honour to the Aloha State in 2022 when she was named the best chef in the US Northwest and Pacific region by the highly respected James Beard Foundation. It was the first time in nearly 20 years that a James Beard award had gone to Hawaii, and the first time ever that a woman of Hawaiian ancestry had won. Open since 2016 in Honolulu’s Chinatown, Fête is beloved by locals and food-obsessed tourists. The seasonal new American menu changes often, driven by local produce whenever possible. Order one of the specials, or go with a classic, such as the Korean fried chicken sandwich with kochujang sauce and Asian pear slaw. 2 North Hotel Street, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 369 1390. See fetehawaii.com Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck Credit: iStock Tasty takeaway on Oahu’s North Shore What started as a humble food truck more than 30 years ago has become one of the most popular spots on Oahu’s North Shore. Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck serves simple, satisfying plates of prawns at reasonable prices, a foolproof business plan if ever there was one. The signature dish, a dozen garlicky shrimp scampi served on two scoops of rice, will set you back $US15 ($23). There’s a hot and spicy version, and a mild lemon butter option, but the purists insist on the scampi, drizzled with caramelised chunks of garlic. Beloved by locals and visitors alike, Giovanni’s now has three permanent locations and many more imitators. 66-472 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa. Phone: +1 808 293 1839. See giovannisshrimptruck.com Marugame Udon Credit: iStock Ever-popular spot for udon noodles and tempura First-time visitors to Hawaii might be surprised by the volume and variety of outstanding Asian food available in Waikiki. Thanks to a large population of people originally from Japan, Korea, the Philippines and other parts of Asia, it’s easy to find delicious sushi, Korean barbecue and adobo. For the best udon noodles and tempura, join the line at Marugame Udon. Made to order to ensure freshness, the noodles are served in umami-rich broth and can be topped with pork, beef, tofu or curry. The menu also includes crowd favourites like tempura prawns, teriyaki bowls and chicken katsu. One hundred per cent worth the wait for a table. 2310 Kuhio Avenue, Suite 124, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 931 6000. See marugameudon.com House Without A Key Credit: Sunset Mai Tais, hula dancers and ukulele melodies Enjoy sunset from a ringside seat at House Without A Key, a beloved beachfront venue at the ritzy Halekulani hotel. Reserve an outdoor table from 6pm, when former Miss Hawaii winners elegantly perform traditional dances to the sweet sounds of Hawaiian music as the sun goes down. Feast your eyes on knockout views of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach, as satisfying as the delicious fresh seafood, brick-oven flatbreads and cocktails on the menu. Continue the fun at Lewers Lounge, Halekulani’s intimate speakeasy bar. There’s live jazz music Tuesday through Saturday, and signature cocktails named for jazz standards by the greats, including Chet Baker and Ella Fitzgerald. 2199 Kalia Road, Honolulu. Phone: +1 800 367 2343. See halekulani.com Steak Shack Credit: Inexpensive takeaway steak and chicken plates on the beach Dining in Hawaii can be a wallet-buster, as cheap eats – other than McDonald’s and convenience store sandwiches – are hard to come by. No surprise then to see a constant long line of hungry locals and tourists at the beachfront Steak Shack kiosk, located on Waikiki Beach, just to the west of Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort. Grilled steak and chicken plates come with two scoops of rice and organic greens, from US$11.85 ($18). You won’t find a better deal in Waikiki. 104/ 2161 Kalia Road, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 861 9966. See steakshackhawaii.com The Pig and the Lady Credit: Excellent pho and other Vietnamese dishes in Chinatown It’s worth taking an Uber from Waikiki to Chinatown for what many say is the most exciting restaurant in Honolulu. Owned and operated by a Vietnamese-American family, The Pig and the Lady’s menu zings with fresh Asian flavours. At lunchtime, it’s all about the specialty pho and hearty banh mi baguettes stuffed with slow-roasted beef brisket, roast pork belly, braised sardines or marinated tofu. In the evening, things are taken up a notch with seasonal specialties including scallop ceviche, snails in buttery puff pastry and lemongrass pork chop. The phenomenal twice-fried chicken wings, served with makrut leaves, pickled red onion, peanuts and ‘money sauce’, are a mainstay. A Brussels sprouts version keeps vegetarians coming back. 83 North King Street, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 585 8255. See thepigandthelady.com Paia Fish Market Credit: Just-caught seafood in a fun and informal setting You won’t get the side-eye if you arrive in thongs and a wet cozzie at Paia Fish Market. They’re used to surfers and swimmers coming in straight from the beach, hungry and dripping. Simply line up to take your pick of the day’s local catch, listed on a chalkboard (once it’s gone, it’s gone, crossed out in white chalk). Depending on what the fishermen have hauled in, the list might include mahi mahi, ono, snapper, salmon and ahi. Enjoy the fresh fish charbroiled on a burger, sautéed in garlic butter, on a soft taco or in creamy seafood pasta. First opened in Maui in 1989, there are now four locations, including one under the Laylow Hotel in Waikiki. 2299 Kuhio Avenue, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 200 0200. See paiafishmarket.com Morimoto Asia Waikiki Credit: Iron Chef Morimoto's flagship Hawaii restaurant Yes, chef! The place to go for delicious pan-Asian favourites including garlic prawns, pork gyoza, pad Thai and spicy tuna crispy rice. As you might expect from an Iron Chef, there are also surprises – an excellent duck Caesar salad, tuna pizza, kung pao cauliflower – to keep things interesting. The cocktail list also offers some unexpected twists, like duck fat-washed whisky, plus an impressive list of shochu, sake and Japanese beer. Located inside the luxe Alohilani Resort, chef Morimoto’s footprint includes Momosan, a more casual spot on the ground floor serving tasty ramen, bao buns and sushi rolls. 2490 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 922 0022. See morimotoasiawaikiki.com Duke's Waikiki Credit: Classic beachside bar/ restaurant for all-day dining and sunset drinks So you've just landed in Honolulu, you don't have a dinner reservation and you want to dive straight into the lei-wearing, aloha-greeting good times. Where to go? Duke's at Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort is always a solid choice, but especially so on Sunday afternoons when musicians jam at the Barefoot Bar and locals gather for a sunset sesh. Comfort food classics like pulled pork sandwiches, panko-crusted calamari and fish tacos pair well with ice-cold tap beers and tropical cocktails. The fairly priced breakfast and lunch buffet is a good option to satisfy big appetites, or to soothe morning-after woes. 2335 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 922 2268. See dukeswaikiki.com Roy's Hawaii Kai Credit: Neighbourhood family restaurant by Hawaii's most famous chef Roy Yamaguchi’s lifelong passion for Hawaiian fusion cuisine began when the Tokyo-born chef was a kid, visiting his grandparents’ tavern in Maui. It must have made a big impression on little Roy, because today his popular restaurants – many named Roy’s – are found in prime Hawaiian locations and further afield. At the always-busy original in Hawaii Kai (about a 30-minute drive from Waikiki Beach), guests have enjoyed views of Maunalua Bay for more than 25 years. Happy hour is a good time to visit for generous drink specials and pupus (small plates) like baby back pork ribs, fried brussels sprouts with balsamic, and pork belly with sambal. 6600 Kalanianaole Highway, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 396 7697. See royyamaguchi.com Merriman's Credit: Modern Hawaiian gastropub by acclaimed local chef Award-winning chef Peter Merriman knows how to satisfy the hungry masses. At Merriman’s, his Hawaiian gastropub at Ward Village (one block from Ala Moana Centre), family-friendly dishes include Kalua Pig quesadilla, fresh fish tacos and chicken pot pie. Nightly specials range from fresh lobster and oysters du jour to roasted rack of lamb and prime rib. Equally good for groups, solo diners or couples, there are also Merriman’s locations in Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Happy hour is the time to taste your way around the menu; plates typically range from $US6-10 ($9-15), while enjoying cocktails and wine specials for $US9 ($14). The famous mai tais with passionfruit foam are not to be missed. 1108 Auahi Street, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 215 0022. See merrimanshawaii.com Mariposa Hidden gem at Ala Moana Centre for high tea and New American eats This ain’t your grandma’s department store restaurant. Located inside Neiman Marcus at Ala Moana Centre, Mariposa is much more than a pitstop for refuelling between sales; it’s a popular dining destination for New American nosh, where advance reservations are recommended. On the back wall, an enormous mural of hula dancers on the beach sets the decor tone, while slow-twirling ceiling fans create a soft breeze and relaxed ambience. A new Sunset Lounge menu – lobster rolls, arancini, specialty cocktails – is the perfect way to wind down after retail therapy. Inside Neiman Marcus Honolulu, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu. Phone: +1 808 951 3420. See www.neimanmarcushawaii.com Alaia Credit: North Shore standout worth a daytrip for farm-fresh dishes Recently unveiled after major renovations, Turtle Bay Resort has a new glow and a new direction at flagship restaurant Alaia. Executive chef Lyle Kaku is championing the local food movement, sourcing much of the produce from on-property Kuilima Farm. That includes fresh-harvested corn, the hero of a creamy corn pudding served with roasted chicken, and a light and bright trio of beets in zingy citrus dressing. If you’re staying at the resort on Oahu’s North Shore, we recommend eating your way through the entire menu over several days. If you’ve headed up from Waikiki on a daytrip, you have some tough choices to make. Turtle Bay Resort, 57-091 Kamehameha Highway, Kahuku. Phone: +1 808 293 6020. See turtlebayresort.com Mama's Fish House Credit: Wildly popular seafood-focused Maui restaurant with Polynesian vibes Hot tip: book this restaurant before you book flights to Maui. Reservations are snapped up three-to-six months in advance, so popular is Mama’s fresh seafood. The menu changes daily, featuring the best of what has been caught that morning, each piece of fish arriving with a little note to tell you which fisherman caught it and where. Recurring star attractions include mahi-mahi curry with mango chutney and macadamia nuts, and Hawaiian Kanpachi stuffed with crab and lobster. This is elevated dining, Hawaii-style, with the price tag to match. If you decide to try your luck as a walk-in, be in line before they open at 11am. 799 Poho Place, Paia, Maui. Phone: +1 808 579 8488. See mamasfishhouse.com Beach House Restaurant Credit: Epic ocean views and fine dining in Kauai Planning a spectacular Hawaii destination wedding or milestone birthday celebration? We know just the venue. On the green island of Kauai (cheekily known as the holiday spot of choice for newlyweds and nearly-deads), Beach House has won dozens of awards. The scene is set with palm trees, ocean breezes, island paradise vibes and outstanding service. Produce for the Pacific Rim menu is sourced from local farms and fishermen where possible, landing on diners’ plates in fresh lobster fettuccine, seared ahi tuna steak and more. The cocktails are excellent, with an emphasis on tropical flavours like guava, mango and lilikoi. Try the Monkeypod Mai Tai, made with organic rum, fresh lime juice, mac-nut orgeat, orange curacao and honey-lilikoi foam. 5022 Lawai Road, Koloa, Kauai. Phone: +1 808 742 1424. See the-beach-house.com For great holiday deals for Hawaii, visit MyHawaii.com.au

Scotland’s islands, some of the most beautiful places in the world, are failing socially and economically. Evidence of the decline is falling and aging populations, reducing numbers of people in work and fewer young families. Businesses close as do rural schools. There is an increase in demand for healthcare which isn’t there. Once the downward spiral starts it is difficult to stop. The Scottish Government, despite its protestations, has most of the levers it needs to address the issue but it has failed to use them with anything like the required focus and determination. The UK Government needs to play its part too and quite possibly would if the SNP stopped trying to kick its head in. The first thing to do is diagnose the problems properly. The key issue is both social and economic. Urban areas provide a dynamic environment in which people have a choice of jobs and how they socialise which rural areas - despite their many charms - struggle to match. The second issue is practical, getting to our islands swiftly and reliably seems beyond us. Read more Depopulation in Scotland's Highlands and threat of new Clearances Highland depopulation: 'I know I'm part of the problem' The islands should have more power to manage themselves. Some individual islands may be too small (but not, for example, Arran) to self-govern but logical groups of islands should have more powers devolved to them to largely govern themselves. The Scottish Government will say the islands can’t possibly do this. The Scottish Government needs to get humble - it has failed to serve the islands well. All Governments hate devolving power. The “too small” issue can be dealt with by the islands procuring services from other councils and public bodies. The funding which is currently allocated to providing services to the islands needs to be transferred to them so that they have the money to back up their choices. CalMac and CMAL must be part of this transfer of power. The SNP Government’s failure to build ships competently is only part of the problem. Vested interests have created over-large and over-manned ships some with absurd dual fuel systems which ply on inadequate timetables to far from perfect terminals. CalMac, CMAL and their funding should be given lock stock and barrel over to the control of the islands they serve. Let them make the decisions and live by them, they cannot screw it up any more than the Scottish Government has. The Scottish Government needs, sometimes on its own but sometimes with the help of the UK Government, to act decisively in order to really change the potential of our islands. Energy is key to island prosperity (Image: free) First, let’s stop the political gesturing. Sticking Gaelic on police cars and road signs in areas of mainland Scotland where 99.9% of people don’t speak Gaelic is just nonsense. Get rid of it, spend the money saved on supporting Gaelic speakers in places where they actually live. Next, energy. For obvious reasons the Scottish islands don’t have natural gas supplied to them. When they are allowed to by the Scottish Government people in the islands tend to burn logs otherwise they use electricity which is expensive despite the Scottish Islands and their surrounding waters generating more than they use. Take the roughly 5 pence per kilowatt hour of environmental levies currently loaded on to electricity bills and put them onto gas prices which currently have virtually none. The net cost to consumers as a whole would be zero but, as well as encouraging the move to heat pumps, people in urban areas would tend to pay a bit more for energy and people in very rural areas would benefit. Perfect. When a developer gets permission to build a windfarm on or near a Scottish island they should be required to supply the islanders with electricity at half the normal price. Wind energy schemes are now so big the cost would hardly be noticeable. The key thing is to focus on moving economic activity to the Islands. The state has a pivotal role to play here. When the Scottish Government spends money or provides it to its many client organisations it should ask itself if the activity being funded could - and therefore should - be done in the islands. Civil servants will always say it’s too difficult, there are not the facilities or the people with the right skills. This is precisely the point, the infrastructure will be built and the people will come if the need and the jobs are there. Initially, it will cost more money but it won’t be long before increased economic activity will outweigh this cost. Finally, you have to do something radical to kick-start the process. After a bit growth would gather pace of its own accord. If jobs, schools, good transport and healthcare can be added to the existing sense of community, safety, space and beauty success is absolutely possible - but something is needed to shove the process along. Read more Kinlochleven community call for urgent help to halt decline 'The Scottish Government sees the Highlands as a cash cow' Tax is the key. Introduce a single flat income tax rate of 10 per cent for all those who live on the islands. By “live” I mean properly live - more than two-thirds of all days in the year - not just visit occasionally. Disposable income on the islands would immediately be boosted which would itself increase economic activity and create jobs. New people would arrive to take advantage of the perk and their spending power would add to the transformation. More houses would be built, more cafes, more shops, more electricians and plumbers, more teachers, more doctors. There is an upfront cost, no use pretending, but because some of the new arrivals would come from other parts of the UK and further afield rather than just Scotland the tax they would pay would be incremental to Scotland’s coffers. Not just the islands but all Scotland would win. With imagination and bravery it could be done. Guy Stenhouse is a notable figure in the Scottish financial sector. He has held various positions, including being the Managing Director of Noble Grossart, an independent merchant bank based in Edinburgh, until 2017Two PUNCH journalists, Olugbon Saheed and Segun Odunayo, have been nominated for the 2024 Journalists of the Year Award by the Africa Media Development Foundation. They are shortlisted for the photo and print categories, respectively. They are among the 11 finalists that made the list. The AMDF award which recognises outstanding journalism that has made a significant impact on development issues across Africa, covers various media categories — photo, print, online, television and radio journalism, according to a statement issued on Friday by the Executive Director, AMDF, Sekyen Dadik. “The finalists, chosen from a highly competitive pool of submissions, have demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication and commitment to reporting on critical issues that affect the continent,” the statement partly read. Finalists for the 2024 AMDF Journalist of the Year Award include: Photo Category: • Ayodele Isaac — The Nation Newspaper, Nigeria. • Olugbon Saheed — The Punch Newspaper, Nigeria. Print Category: Related News PUNCH journalists shine at Africa media awards Lagos policemen torture PUNCH journalists for covering #EndSARS protests PUNCH journalists shine at WAMECA awards • Nyima Sillah — The Voice Newspaper, Gambia. • Segun Odunayo — The Punch Newspaper, Nigeria. • Taiwo Alimi — The Nation Newspaper, Nigeria. Online Category: • Abdulraheed Hammad — The Cable, Nigeria. • Arinze Chizioke — Ripples Nigeria. • Kei Duku — One Citizen Newspaper, South Sudan. Television Category: • Adeyemi Adekunle — Lens Africa TV, Nigeria. • Chernor Mustapha — Apex Multi-Media Co-op, Sierra Leone. • Ibrahim Ismail — Trust TV, Nigeria. However, the statement noted that none of the entries in the radio category met the minimum required standard outlined in the call for entry. The winners and runners-up will be announced during the Africa Conference on Development Journalism, which will be held from December 4-5, 2024, in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The event will also bring together journalists, media professionals and stakeholders to discuss the role of journalism in driving development and social change in Africa. “We are incredibly proud of all the finalists and their contributions to journalism. Their work exemplifies the importance of holding powerful interests to account and shedding light on critical issues that impact our communities,” Dadik said.None

GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — Ryan Forrest's 30 points led N.C. A&T over North Carolina Central 85-72 on Saturday. Forrest shot 12 of 18 from the field, including 2 for 4 from 3-point range, and went 4 for 7 from the line for the Aggies (4-10). Landon Glasper scored 25 points while going 7 of 17 from the floor, including 5 for 12 from 3-point range, and 6 for 6 from the line. Jahnathan Lamothe went 3 of 7 from the field (1 for 4 from 3-point range) to finish with nine points, while adding eight rebounds. The Aggies stopped an eight-game skid with the win. Po'Boigh King finished with 21 points for the Eagles (6-10). Keishon Porter added 11 points and seven rebounds for North Carolina Central. Dionte Johnson also recorded 11 points. N.C. A&T took the lead with 1:28 remaining in the first half and never looked back. The score was 46-39 at halftime, with Glasper racking up 18 points. Forrest scored 18 points in the second half to help lead the way as N.C. A&T went on to secure a victory, outscoring North Carolina Central by six points in the second half. NEXT UP Up next for N.C. A&T is a matchup Thursday with Elon at home. North Carolina Central hosts Saint Andrews (NC) on Tuesday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

TravelSky Technology Limited (OTCMKTS:TSYHY) Short Interest Down 42.1% in DecemberA growing number of employers and politicians are taking the provision of menstrual leave more seriously than ever before. BENGALURU - Ms Francesca Cotta is prone to painful cramps, severe weakness and waves of emotional distress during her periods. The 29-year-old writer, who lives in Goa, would always have to take a day off when the pain became especially bad. This was despite none of her previous workplaces – start-ups and small magazines – offering paid leave for female employees suffering menstrual pain. “If I worked with a woman, I was more likely to say I was having my period. With a male boss, I would say ‘stomach ache’ and they would understand. I have been fortunate that I have never been denied a day off,” said Ms Cotta, who is now self-employed. Sometimes this was off the books, and at other times, she would use her normal leave allotment. “There are times I have blacked out due to a severe lack of energy. It’s not healthy for the organisational expectation to be that all women employees in pain must always suck it up,” she said. But like most Indian women, more often than not, she tolerated the pain on the job because of her own discomfort in bringing it up or worry about missing work deadlines. Changes, though, are afoot, with a growing number of employers and politicians taking the provision of menstrual leave more seriously than ever before. In the past four years, the idea of menstrual leave has gone from being a one-of-a-kind corporate policy by a food delivery app in Bengaluru to featuring prominently in the election manifestos of political parties during recent polls in western India’s Maharashtra state. As women voters become more politically significant and companies and governments want more women in the workforce, that taboo-laden, hush-hush “time of the month” has become a national subject today. Court petitions and parliamentary proposals for menstrual policies have been rejected but are bringing the issue to the forefront. Three state governments mandated menstrual leave in 2023 and two more are seriously considering it. Pandemic review Despite religious and cultural stigmas around menstruation in India, several corporations, big and small, are reviewing their human resource policies to offer time off or flexible work days for their women and transgender employees during menstruation. Since food delivery start-up Zomato first offered 10 days of paid period leave annually in 2020, other companies have also instituted such leave. These include rival food delivery app Swiggy, educational technology firm Byju’s, Malayalam newspaper Mathrubhumi, digital content company Culture Machine, data security company Seclore Technology and Indian electricals manufacturer Orient Electric. Much of this began during the pandemic, when “a lot of companies were generally thinking about employee welfare more than they ever had before, and work-life balance was taken more seriously”, said Ms Aparna Mittal, founder of the Delhi-based Samana Centre, a firm that consults on diversity, equity and inclusion. Menstrual leave allows employees to take time off work when period symptoms like cramps, nausea or dizziness become so painful or uncomfortable that they impede their ability to work. For women with conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), period pain can be debilitating. Non-profit Slam Out Loud, which runs art education programmes in schools in Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru and in villages, reworked its leave policy in 2023 after two women employees with endometriosis and PCOS talked about experiencing unbearable pain during their menstrual cycles. “Women should not have to use their sick or casual leave for their menstrual days, something all of us experience. They end up not having any leave left for vacations, festivals or actual sickness,” said Slam Out Loud’s co-founder, Ms Mridula Reddy, 30. The organisation now offers its 45 staff one day a month as optional menstrual leave. Mr Thomas Zacharias, 38, a chef who established The Locavore, a food-based storytelling and event company in Kochi, offers one or two days of menstrual leave every month to his 40 employees. He said that “changing deadlines to accommodate a colleague’s overall wellness does not make a big difference to productivity” and instead creates a healthy workplace with invested workers. Sure but slow uptake However, as only a fraction of organisations are forward-thinking on the matter, labour experts say governments should make policies to compel companies to offer such leave. Some experts said a government mandate could help end employers’ last-mile reluctance, especially in manufacturing, retail and sales sectors, which are conventionally lax in adopting labour-friendly practices. Japan has established menstrual leave as a labour right since 1947. Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Indonesia, South Korea and Zambia also have menstrual leave. The designs vary, with some offering three days off every year, an optional day a month, flexible arrangements like remote work, or longer breaks during the workday for a few days a month. In India, politicians who have dismissed it include former women and child development minister Smriti Irani, who asked in 2023: “Why should a woman’s menstrual cycle be known to her employer?” Four attempts by MPs in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022 to introduce menstrual benefit laws failed to even be approved for discussion in Parliament. In January, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition to make menstrual leave mandatory at the workplace, saying that it would “lead to women being shunned from the workforce”, although there is no evidence that this would happen. “In no instance has it ever been reported that a menstrual leave policy prevents employers from hiring women,” wrote sociologist Manjima Bhattacharjya, the author of Intimate Cities, in The Indian Express newspaper, making a case for menstrual policies because they create healthier, more equal workplaces. But even as the national government dithers, state governments are blazing the trail in mandating menstrual leave – in response to and in encouragement of women’s participation in the workforce, which has nearly doubled from 22 per cent in 2017 to 40.3 per cent in 2023. Odisha state in the east announced one day’s leave a month in November. In 2023, the southern state of Kerala granted a 2 per cent relaxation in attendance for menstrual issues to female students in all universities and institutions. Karnataka, also in the south, is finalising a policy under which women get six days of paid menstrual leave every year. The northern state of Bihar has given two days of menstrual leave since 1992, even though women made up a small portion of the working staff at the time. The law emerged from a set of demands made by striking public sector employees, among them women teachers, nurses and clerks, who asked for menstrual leave as well as toilets and creches. Mrs Sangita Kumar, 65, a retired government school teacher in Patna, said the right to take menstrual leave “gave me a lot of relief” through most of her three-decade-long career. “At first, we teachers called it ‘natural leave’ in the letter to the headmistress, and later settled on ‘special leave’. Given a little moment to rest, I became more productive when I returned to work,” said Mrs Kumar, who found it useful even during her menopause. To male colleagues “joking” about women being perpetually on leave, she would say “it’s government policy, it is legal”. She added: “Just like we women do on so many occasions, I ignored the taunts till they stopped.” An official in the Bihar government’s social welfare department told The Straits Times that the progressive legislation was “perhaps too ahead of its time”, because many professors initially felt “shy and awkward” to ask for menstrual leave. But “these days, it has become quite routine in government offices, with some women applying for it and others saying they don’t need it”, he said, under the condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media. Lingering euphemisms Without the backing of a law, companies that do offer menstrual leave often use workarounds to address the stigma or complaints about unfairness from some sections. This helps their female employees take the needed time off work without undue scrutiny. Many call it “wellness leave”, 12 to 15 days of paid days off in addition to sick and casual leave, which staff can also take to attend to mental health needs, said Ms Mittal of Samana Centre. They also have “manager sensitisation” training to “prevent supervisors from making comments or rolling their eyes”. A senior manager at technology company IBM said that while menstrual leave is “not categorised as such”, he has “the flexibility to grant unlimited casual leave in pockets of one day at a time” to his subordinates based on trust. “I have had multiple employees use that option when they’ve had particularly intense menstrual periods in a given month,” said the IBM manager, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media. Some employees tell him the reason openly while others use codes such as “feeling under the weather”. Though change is painstakingly slow, workplaces are heading in the right direction, both in offering period leave and finding ways to reduce the stigma for women. Two employees from a major public sector manufacturer that employs over 7,700 people told ST that since 2023, it has offered an option to work from home for two reasons: menstruation or caregiving. Employees select one option in the employee management system. “Initially, I didn’t want my (manager) to know when I was on my period, but after I worked from home a few times, I am over my embarrassment. So are the managers,” said an employee of the conglomerate who is in her 30s. “It’s no big deal now,” she added. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel nowOne in five young Spaniards spend more than two hours a day on TikTok and exceeds the recommended limits for the use of social media, which may lead to an increase in the likelihood of experiencing mental health problems. The proportion of girls whose use is above this risk threshold (24.37%) is considerably higher than that of boys (15.45%). These are the results of a study involving the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) and Pompeu Fabra University (UPF). The paper was published in the journal Humanities and Social Sciences Communications . While previous studies had examined the impact of social media on young people 's mental health in general terms, this research is pioneering in its analysis of the specific effects of TikTok on adolescents' digital well-being. TikTok differs from other social media networks such as Instagram, X and Facebook, primarily because it encourages a more passive consumption of videos, and less interaction between its users. It is also the most popular social network among young people all over the world, especially in Spain, which is the country where the highest percentage of teenagers use it. The study surveyed more than 1,000 young people between the ages of 12 and 18 from all over Spain, to find out how much time they spend on TikTok, and the types of content they view. The researchers also examined their self-perception of their digital well-being. Digital well-being is deemed to be the state of optimal balance between time spent online and cognitive and emotional well-being. This study measured three variables related to digital well-being: the young people's ability to set limits for the time they spent using the application; their ability to create social connections and community; and their capacity for emotional resilience. The authors of this research were Mireia Montaña, of the Learning, Media and Entertainment (GAME) research group, in the Faculty of Information and Communication Sciences at the UOC, with Mònika Jiménez, of the Communication, Advertising and Society (CAS) group in the Department of Communication, and Clara Virós, who both work at Pompeu Fabra University (UPF). More than half of the young people spend more than an hour a day on TikTok The research shows that more than half of the young people surveyed—53.19%—spend more than an hour a day on TikTok, 35.28% spend more than an hour and a half, and 20.22% spend more than two hours. Among girls, this latter percentage is significantly higher, at 24.37%. Several previous studies have found that using social media for more than two hours a day is associated with low self-esteem related to body image, a negative self-perception of mental health, and an increased risk of psychological distress and suicidal ideation. The time young people spend on TikTok stands in contrast to their self-perception of their level of digital well-being, which is generally positive. On a scale of 1 to 5, they rated their ability to set limits on their consumption time at 3.22; their emotional resilience to the content they viewed at 3.31, and their ability to generate social connections and community at 3.64. The more time spent, the less ability to set limits Jiménez said, "The more time young people spend on TikTok, the less they are able to set limits on the time they spend using the app." The young people who spent more than two hours a day on TikTok rated their ability to set limits at 2.93 out of 5, while those spending between half an hour and an hour on it rated it as 3.33. Those who spent between 11 minutes and half an hour were more able to set limits (3.47), as were those who spent less than 10 minutes (3.53). Persistence of traditional gender roles The research also reveals significant differences in the types of content consumed on TikTok by teenage boys and girls, as Montaña explained. "Boys are mainly interested in content about video games and professional sports, while girls tend to consume content related to beauty and fashion, highlighting a persistence of traditional gender roles in their digital consumption preferences." The young people surveyed rated the frequency with which they watch different categories of videos from 1 to 5, with 1 meaning never, and 5 meaning always. Apart from comedy and music videos , which are among the three most frequently watched categories by both sexes, the rest of the most content consumed differs between the genders. Among girls, the five most viewed content categories were: comedy (3.24), music (3.22), fashion (3.02), beauty (3) and dance, and people lip-syncing (2.88). For boys, they were comedy (3.50), video games (3.19), music (3.06), professional sports (3.01) and news related to influencers and streamers (2.92). Young people's digital well-being does not only involve parental control In view of the above, the study argues that measures to improve young people's digital well-being must not be limited to parental control of the application or digital disconnection. Educational programs with a gender perspective to foster healthy digital habits among young people and to provide their families with more support strategies to make this possible are also required. The study warns that measures involving indiscriminate restriction are not effective, and instead suggests that each young person should be encouraged to consume social media in moderation, in a way appropriate to their interests and needs. It also points out that regular audits of the algorithms used by media such as TikTok must be considered in order to prevent their potential addictive effects. More information: Clara Virós-Martín et al, Can't stop scrolling! Adolescents' patterns of TikTok use and digital well-being self-perception, Humanities and Social Sciences Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1057/s41599-024-03984-5

Clueless! John Legend and wife Chrissy Teigen show that not all Americans follow our beautiful game as she confuses 'underdog' Chelsea with Ipswich on Arsenal trip John Legend and Chrissy Teigen showed their lack of football knowledge Teigen confused Ipswich for Chelsea during an awkward interview LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off! New formation, some new faces, but the optimism has gone at Old Trafford By TARA ANSON-WALSH Published: 17:30 EST, 28 December 2024 | Updated: 17:31 EST, 28 December 2024 e-mail View comments With half of the clubs in the Premier League now owned by Americans, you would expect some form of understanding of the English game. After all, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have brought a large slice of Hollywood glamour to Wrexham. However, football fans tuning into Amazon Prime Video’s coverage of Arsenal v Ipswich on Friday night were treated to one of the worst examples of cluelessness from two members of American showbiz royalty. John Legend , the famous singer known for his hit All of Me, and his wife Chrissy Teigen were involved in an excruciating interview live on the streaming platform, with Teigen confusing Ipswich for Chelsea and claiming she was ‘rooting for the underdog’. Teigen, who made the trip to the Emirates with Legend and her children for their ‘first Premier League game ever’, had been posting on her social media throughout the day in a Chelsea shirt — albeit covered by an Ipswich scarf. After Arsenal’s narrow win, thanks to a Kai Havertz goal, the couple were invited on to the pitch to reflect on the match. John Legend and Chrissy Teigen showed their lack of football knowledge Teigen confused Ipswich for Chelsea and claimed that she was ‘rooting for the underdog’. Legend was honest enough to admit: ‘I don’t know the league very well, and my friends were like, well, Arsenal is going to win by like, you know, six goals. But it was a closer match than we expected.’ But the interview took a turn for the hilarious worse when Teigen was asked why she supports Chelsea. ‘Listen, I love an underdog,’ she said. ‘I love coming in and being surprised by how much a team can do and it was so much fun for us to root for them, because everyone was on Arsenal’s side.’ Legend quickly corrected her, saying, ‘She was rooting for Ipswich today’, but Teigen persisted, adding: ‘When you said Chelsea, I was like, is Chelsea Ipswich? I don’t know.’ Legend summed up the confusion when he said: ‘You had one Chelsea scarf on today. It was very confusing. Same colours basically. We’re clueless.’ Teigen shared a throwback picture of herself in a football kit, adding: ‘Does this look like the face of someone who doesn’t know soccer?’ The awkward exchange drew criticism on social media, with one user posting: ‘Think @primevideosport coverage has been really good tonight, but what was the point of talking to John Legend and his family?? She didn’t even know what team she was watching.’ Teigen later defended her football knowledge on Instagram, saying: ‘You know who the biggest k***s and t***s are? The people who don’t like soccer as much as I do.’ She also shared a throwback picture of herself in a football kit, adding: ‘Does this look like the face of someone who doesn’t know soccer?’ Arsenal Chrissy Teigen Ipswich Town John Legend Share or comment on this article: Clueless! John Legend and wife Chrissy Teigen show that not all Americans follow our beautiful game as she confuses 'underdog' Chelsea with Ipswich on Arsenal trip e-mail Add comment

Compressor Replacement Adsorber Market Outlook and Future Projections for 2030 12-28-2024 12:32 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Dhirtek Business Research and Consulting Compressor Replacement Adsorber Market The compressor replacement adsorber market represents a dynamic and continually evolving landscape, shaped by changing consumer demands and technological advancements. In this comprehensive report, we provide an in-depth exploration of the market, designed for a wide range of stakeholders including manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and investors. Our goal is to equip industry participants with essential insights that enable informed decision-making in an ever-changing market environment. This analysis not only examines the current state of the compressor replacement adsorber market but also forecasts its future trends. Scope and Purpose This report serves as an extensive resource, thoughtfully curated to deliver actionable intelligence to industry stakeholders. It covers critical elements such as market dynamics, competitive environments, growth opportunities, challenges, and regional differences. The insights provided go beyond mere descriptions, offering a valuable tool for stakeholders to refine their strategies and make informed choices in a competitive market. Request for Sample Report: https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/Compressor-Replacement-Adsorber-Market/request-for-sample-report Comprehensive Market Analysis We are committed to providing a thorough analysis that explores every aspect of market growth, including shifts in consumer preferences and technological innovations driving demand for compressor replacement adsorber products. We also address the challenges faced by the industry, such as economic uncertainties and intense competition, offering insights to help stakeholders navigate these complexities. Key Players in the Compressor Replacement Adsorber Market: Austin Cryogenics CryoSRV Oxford Instruments Trillium Clark Industries Ideal Vacuum Sinoscience Fullcryo TEMP Tech Strategic Guidance for the Future This report invites stakeholders to delve into a detailed examination of the competitive landscape. By profiling key players in the compressor replacement adsorber market and analyzing their strategies, we offer crucial insights to help industry participants make informed strategic decisions. Whether it's about outpacing competitors or learning from successful approaches, our analysis is designed to guide stakeholders toward success. Anticipated Insights Understanding the diverse segments within the compressor replacement adsorber market is critical to success. Our report breaks down segment sizes, potential growth trajectories, and key trends, offering actionable insights that allow stakeholders to develop targeted strategies and optimize resource allocation. The knowledge provided empowers stakeholders to navigate the complexities of the compressor replacement adsorber market with clarity and confidence. Balancing Market Forces and Strategic Impact This report delivers a comprehensive analysis of the factors shaping the compressor replacement adsorber market. By evaluating both the drivers of market growth and the obstacles that could impede it, stakeholders gain a holistic understanding of the market's dynamics. For manufacturers, this analysis helps align innovation efforts with consumer demands and regulatory trends, while investors and decision-makers gain a deeper understanding of economic risks and supply chain vulnerabilities, allowing them to make more informed strategic choices. Our goal is to provide stakeholders with the knowledge needed to confidently and successfully navigate the compressor replacement adsorber market. Competitive Landscape Our in-depth examination of the compressor replacement adsorber market's competitive landscape highlights key players, scrutinizing their strategies and impacts on the industry. By analyzing the approaches of major companies, stakeholders gain a valuable understanding of market dynamics and can leverage these insights to identify growth opportunities, innovate, and make informed strategic decisions. Market Segmentation The report begins with a detailed analysis of the unique characteristics defining each segment within the compressor replacement adsorber market. Segmentation can occur across various dimensions, including product types, customer demographics, or specific use cases. Understanding these differences allows stakeholders to tailor their strategies, products, and marketing efforts to meet the specific needs of each segment, enhancing competitive positioning and maximizing opportunities for success. Market Segments: Product Type: Molecular Sieve Adsorbers Activated Carbon Adsorbers Others Application: Aerospace Electronics and Semiconductors Scientific Research Others Market Size and Segment Growth Potential A crucial part of the report focuses on understanding the size and significance of each market segment. We provide quantitative data that illustrates the market share and contribution of each segment, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding resource allocation, strategic prioritization, and investment. This section offers insights into the growth potential of each segment, including factors driving future expansion, evolving consumer preferences, and technological adoption. Conclusion This report serves as a strategic guide for stakeholders in the compressor replacement adsorber market, offering comprehensive insights into market segmentation, competitive dynamics, and growth potential. By understanding the market's complexities and emerging opportunities, industry participants can make well-informed decisions that drive success and innovation in this rapidly evolving market. Other Reports Composite Chromatography Filler Market https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/Composite-Chromatography-Filler-Market Button Sound Book Market https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/Button-Sound-Book-Market Injection Molding Machinery Market https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/Injection-Molding-Machinery-Market Fructose Meter Market https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/Fructose-Meter-Market "Contact Us Dhirtek Business Research and Consulting Private Limited Contact No: +91 7580990088 Email Id: sales@dhirtekbusinessresearch.com" "About Us Dhirtek Business Research & Consulting Pvt Ltd is a global market research and consulting services provider headquartered in India. We offer our customers syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. Our objective is to enable our clientele to achieve transformational progress and help them to make better strategic business decisions and enhance their global presence. We serve numerous companies worldwide, mobilizing our seasoned workforce to help companies shape their development through proper channeling and execution. We offer our services to large enterprises, start-ups, non-profit organizations, universities, and government agencies. The renowned institutions of various countries and Fortune 500 businesses use our market research services to understand the business environment at the global, regional, and country levels. Our market research reports offer thousands of statistical information and analysis of various industries at a granular level." This release was published on openPR.The United States could be approaching another debt ceiling crisis, with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen signaling that extraordinary measures may be needed by mid-January to prevent a default. Yellen urged Congress to take decisive action to maintain the country's financial credibility. In legal news, Starbucks has faced a setback as a federal appeals court denied its challenge to a National Labor Relations Board ruling. The court found the company unlawfully dismissed baristas seeking union organization, affecting major corporations like Amazon and SpaceX. Cybersecurity alarms are ringing as another telecom company has been compromised by China's Salt Typhoon cyberespionage. Meanwhile, free-speech groups challenge the legality of a U.S. law targeting TikTok, presenting arguments to the Supreme Court. U.S. homelessness records an 18% rise amid economic challenges, highlighting urgent social issues. (With inputs from agencies.)

Nintendo Switch 2 in even more trouble after PlayStation bombshell

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Forrest's 30 lead N.C. A&T past North Carolina Central 85-72Shares of Surge Energy Inc. ( TSE:SGY – Get Free Report ) have earned an average rating of “Buy” from the four research firms that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a buy recommendation and one has issued a strong buy recommendation on the company. The average 1-year price objective among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is C$11.00. SGY has been the topic of several analyst reports. BMO Capital Markets reduced their price target on Surge Energy from C$11.00 to C$9.00 in a report on Friday, December 13th. National Bankshares boosted their target price on shares of Surge Energy from C$11.00 to C$11.25 in a report on Friday, September 27th. Canaccord Genuity Group cut their price target on shares of Surge Energy from C$11.00 to C$10.50 in a report on Tuesday, October 22nd. Cormark upgraded Surge Energy to a “moderate buy” rating in a report on Monday, September 23rd. Finally, Raymond James raised Surge Energy to a “moderate buy” rating in a research note on Thursday, October 17th. Read Our Latest Stock Report on SGY Insider Transactions at Surge Energy Surge Energy Trading Up 1.1 % Shares of SGY stock opened at C$5.54 on Friday. Surge Energy has a fifty-two week low of C$4.94 and a fifty-two week high of C$8.16. The firm has a market capitalization of C$555.77 million, a P/E ratio of 3.42, a PEG ratio of 0.59 and a beta of 2.54. The stock’s fifty day moving average is C$5.67 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$6.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 29.47, a quick ratio of 0.40 and a current ratio of 0.50. Surge Energy Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a monthly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 15th. Investors of record on Thursday, October 31st were paid a dividend of $0.0433 per share. This is a positive change from Surge Energy’s previous monthly dividend of $0.04. This represents a $0.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 9.38%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, October 31st. Surge Energy’s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 32.10%. About Surge Energy ( Get Free Report Surge Energy Inc explores, develops, and produces oil and gas in western Canada. Its principal properties are located in the areas of Sparky, Southeast Saskatchewan, Carbonates, Valhalla, and Shaunavon in Alberta and Saskatchewan. The company was formerly known as Zapata Energy Corporation and changed its name to Surge Energy Inc in June 2010. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Surge Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Surge Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .India Inc to boost hiring by at least 10% next year vs 2024, estimates CIEL HR

CHANGSHA, China , Dec. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Modern China's rural revitalization strategy is crafting a remarkable narrative of transformation across the countryside, while progressive opening-up policies encourage foreign visitors to delve deeper into the nation's heartland. On December 26th , VOC.com.cn premiered the second season of its acclaimed series, I Am in Rural China. The show follows Teona Kvartskhava, an international guest, as she explores the villages of Hunan Province , offering viewers a firsthand look at the dynamic implementation of comprehensive rural revitalization. This captivating series invites a global audience to witness the dawn of a new era in China's rural landscapes, showcasing the country's evolving countryside to viewers worldwide. Rice field came as the first surprise. Hunan is the largest rice grower and producer in China . Hunan provides the high-quality and tasty rice. Teona Kvartskhava, a foreigner hardly feeding on rice, was tempted to have plenty of it. In Qunle Village, Lixian County, Changde, she also experienced "Double Rush", which is a time-honored agricultural event in China . An event that used to call for the joint efforts of all family members, has now become much easier thanks to technology. Departing from Lixian County for the moment, Teona Kvartskhava embarked on an exciting trip of tastes in Rucheng, Chenzhou , Southern Hunan . Hunan people are keen and expert on peppery food and spicy taste dominates the Hunan cuisine. Hunan is also rich in varieties of peppers. Jingpo town, a well-known town where spicy food prevails. It is a producer of red cluster pepper, officially one of the hottest peppers in China . From the crowded market, to the red and yellow pepper planting base, and then to the modern processing pepper workshop, the small cluster pepper strung up all corners of the town, so that the original ordinary mountain town has become extraordinarily lively and affluent. Of course, the "star" of the countryside here is not only agriculture, but also culture, which has also blossomed in this ancient land. As the birthplace of papermaking, China has preserved a unique handmade papermaking technique, which is used to make some "special" papers. In Shanghong Village, Liuyang, Teona Kvartskhava was lucky to meet two Chinese masters, who showed her hands-on experiences of "Gushan Tribute Paper" and "Floral Paper". As the process progresses, the paper took shape in her hands, as if history and culture were meeting in front of her eyes, and became the "first paper" in Teona Kvartskhava's life. So,What's rural China like? It's about hospitable peasants, about various agricultural produce, about profound history and culture, about colorful intangible cultural heritage. It's like a book telling numerous absorbing stories. Hopefully Teona Kvartskhava'll be luckier to visit more villages for their unique interest and charm. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/my-date-with-rural-chinavoccomcn-unveils-season-two-of-i-am-in-rural-china-302339884.html SOURCE voc.com.cn

US President-elect Donald Trump has asked the US Supreme Court to delay an upcoming TikTok ban while he works on a “political resolution”. His lawyer filed a legal brief on Friday with the court that says Trump “opposes banning TikTok” and “seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office”. On 10 January, the court is due to hear arguments on a US law that requires TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, to sell the social media company to an American firm or face a ban come 19 January – a day before Trump takes office. US officials and lawmakers had accused ByteDance of being linked to the Chinese government – which the firm denies. Those allegations of an app that has 170 million users in the US led Congress to pass a bill in April, which President Joe Biden signed into law, that included the divest or ban requirement. TikTok and ByteDance have filed multiple legal challenges against the law, arguing that it threatens American free speech protections, with little success. With no potential buyer materialising so far, the companies’ final chance to derail the ban has been via the American high court. While the Supreme Court has previously declined to act on a request for an emergency injunction against the law, it agreed to allow TikTok, ByteDance and the US government to plead their cases on 10 January – just days before the ban is due to take effect. Trump had met with TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida last week. In his court filing on Friday, Trump said the case represents “an unprecedented, novel, and difficult tension between free-speech rights on one side, and foreign policy and national security concerns on the other”. While the filing said that Trump “takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute”, it added that pushing back the 19 January deadline would grant Trump “the opportunity to pursue a political resolution” to the matter without having to resort to the court. The US justice department has argued that alleged Chinese links to TikTok present a national security threat – and multiple state governments have raised concerns about the popular social media app. Nearly two dozen state attorneys general led by Montana’s Austin Knudsen have urged the Supreme Court to uphold the law compelling ByteDance and TikTok to divest or be banned. Earlier in December, a federal appeals court rejected an attempt to overturn the legislation, saying it was “the culmination of extensive, bipartisan action by the Congress and successive presidents.” Trump has publicly said he opposes the ban, despite supporting one in his first term as president. “I have a warm spot in my heart for TikTok, because I won youth by 34 points,” he claimed at a press conference earlier in December, although a majority of young voters backed his opponent, Kamala Harris. “There are those that say that TikTok has something to do with that,” he added. (BBC News) Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.