Eyewitnesses described a scene of panic and chaos as thick smoke billowed out of the building, triggering the fire alarms and forcing staff to flee to safety. Many employees were seen rushing down stairwells and out of emergency exits, some carrying laptops and personal belongings as they evacuated the premises.Gisèle Benoit still gets goosebumps when she remembers the first time she saw a family of eastern wolves emerge from the forests of the Mauricie National Park, under the backdrop of a rising moon. It was 1984 and Benoit, then in her early 20s, had been using a horn to try to call a bull moose when she instead heard a long howl, followed by an adult wolf stepping out to a rocky shore accompanied by a half-grown youth and four pups. “I will never forget that,” she said of the magical moment. “It’s anchored in my heart forever.” It was only later that Benoit, an artist and documentary filmmaker, learned that the wolves she saw weren’t grey wolves but rather rare eastern wolves. The species, whose population is estimated at fewer than 1,000 mature adults, could soon be further protected by new measures that are raising hopes among conservationists that attitudes toward a once-feared and maligned animal are shifting. In July, the federal government upgraded the eastern wolf’s threat level from “status of special concern” to “threatened,” based on a 2015 report by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. That report found the population count may be as low as 236 mature individuals in its central Ontario and southern Quebec habitat. The eastern wolf is described as medium-sized canid with reddish-tawny fur that lives in family groups of a breeding pair and their offspring. Also known as the Algonquin wolf, it is largely restricted to existing protected areas, including Algonquin Park in Ontario. The federal Environment Department said in an email that development of a recovery strategy is underway, adding it would be “written in collaboration with provincial governments, federal departments responsible for the federal lands where the eastern wolf is found as well as First Nations groups and Indigenous organizations.” The order triggers protection for the species on federal lands and forces Ottawa to prepare a recovery plan. However, the fight for protection could be an uphill battle in Quebec, which does not even recognize the eastern wolf as a distinct species. A spokesperson for Quebec’s Environment Department said Quebec considers the eastern wolf a “genetic group” rather than its own species. “Recent study shows that the eastern wolf is a distinct entity, even if it comes from several crosses between the grey wolf and the coyote,” Daniel Labonté wrote in an email. “However, scientific knowledge does not demonstrate that this genetic grouping constitutes a species in its own right.” Labonté added that this lack of recognition was not a barrier to protecting the animal, since the law also allows for protection of subspecies or wildlife populations. In October, Quebec launched a program to collect samples to improve knowledge on the distribution of large canines, including the eastern wolf. The government said it is currently “impossible to assert that there is an established population” in Quebec due to low numbers — amounting to three per cent of analyzed samples — and the “strong hybridization that exists among large canids.” Véronique Armstrong, co-founder of a Quebec wildlife protection association, says she’s feeling positive about both the Canadian and Quebec governments’ attitudes. While wolves were once “stigmatized, even persecuted,” she said, “we seem to be heading in the direction of more protection.” Her group, the Association québécoise pour la protection et l’observation de la faune, has submitted a proposal for a conservation area to protect southern Quebec wolves that has already received signs of support from three of the regional municipalities that would be covered, she said. While it’s far from settled, she’s hopeful that the battle to protect wolves might be easier than for some other species, such as caribou, because the wolves are adaptable and can tolerate some human activity, including forestry. John Theberge, a retired professor of ecology and conservation biology from the University of Waterloo and a wolf researcher, spent several years along with his wife studying and radio-collaring eastern wolves around Algonquin Park. Back in the 1990s and 2000s, they faced a “huge political battle” to try to expand wolf protection outside park boundaries after realizing that the far-ranging animals were being hunted and trapped in large numbers once they left the protected lands. Conservationists, he said, faced resistance from powerful hunter and trapper lobbies opposed to protecting the animals but in the end succeeded in permanently closing the zones outside the park to hunting and trapping in 2004. Theberge says people who want to save wolves today still face some of that same opposition — especially when governments including Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia kill wolves to protect endangered caribou. But he believes the public support for protecting wolves has increased from when his career began in the 1960s, when they were treated with fear and suspicion. “Nobody wore T-shirts with wolves on them back then,” he said. Over the years, there have been questions about whether the eastern wolf may be a grey wolf subspecies or a coyote-wolf hybrid. But in the order protecting the wolves, the federal government says genetic analyses have resolved that debate, showing that it is a “distinct species.” Benoit, Theberge and Armstrong all believe that while it’s important to protect the eastern wolf from a genetic diversity perspective, there is value in protecting all wolves, regardless of their DNA. Wolves, they say, are an umbrella species, meaning that protecting them helps protect a variety of other species. They kill off weak and sick animals, ensuring strong populations. They’re also “highly developed, sentient social species, with a division of labour, and strong family alliances,” Theberge said. Benoit agrees. After years spent watching wolves, she has developed great respect for how they live in close-knit families, with older offspring helping raise new pups. “It’s extraordinary to see how their way of life is a little like humans’,” she said. Morgan Lowrie, The Canadian Press
New Delhi: Ratan Tata, known for his unmatched business acumen and forward-thinking approach, left an indelible mark not just as the chairman of Tata Group but also as a mentor and investor in India’s startup ecosystem. Born on December 28, 1937, Tata played a key role in shaping India’s entrepreneurial landscape. As we remember his legacy on what would have been his 87th birthday, here’s a look at 10 startups that thrived under his guidance and investments. 1. PaytmRatan Tata invested in Paytm in 2015, recognizing its potential in the digital payments space. His early support and advisory role helped the platform become a leader in financial services and a household name in India. 2. OlaTata personally invested in Ola in 2015, acquiring a minority stake in the ride-hailing company. Later, his venture capital firm, RNT Capital, participated in Ola’s funding round in 2017. 3. LenskartIn 2016, Tata backed Lenskart, an online-first eyewear retailer. His investment helped the brand expand into one of India’s leading eyewear platforms, offering innovative solutions to millions of customers. 4. CarDekhoRatan Tata’s belief in CarDekho’s potential led to his investment in 2015. The automobile marketplace achieved unicorn status in 2021. 5. Urban CompanyPreviously known as UrbanClap, Urban Company received Ratan Tata’s investment in 2015. His support helped it revolutionize local service offerings, making it a trusted app for home and beauty services. 6. SnapdealSnapdeal gained credibility and investor confidence after Tata’s investment in 2014. The e-commerce platform eventually achieved unicorn status and became a key player in India’s online retail space. 7. CurefitFitness and wellness platform Curefit attracted Tata’s attention in 2017 through RNT Capital. His investment enabled Curefit to scale its operations, eventually earning unicorn status in 2021. Also Read: Do You Know Which State/UT Has The Highest Monthly Expenditure? It's Not Delhi 8. UpstoxTata ventured into fintech with his investment in Upstox, an app-based stock trading platform, in 2016. By 2024, Upstox delivered an astonishing 23,000 per cent return on his stake. 9. Urban LadderIn 2014, Tata invested in Urban Ladder, an online furniture retailer. His support helped the company establish itself in the market before being acquired by Reliance Retail in 2020. 10. LybrateTata backed Lybrate, a telemedicine platform, in 2015 with an investment of Rs 64.8 crore. His support, along with other investors like Tiger Global, boosted the platform’s mission to make healthcare more accessible. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Industry, Business Economy and around the world.In conclusion, the "Assetto Corsa" series brand celebration on Steam was a fitting tribute to a truly exceptional franchise. From its humble beginnings to its status as a global phenomenon, the series has captivated audiences and set a new standard for racing simulation games. As a fan, I look forward to the future of the series and can't wait to see what exciting developments lie ahead. Cheers to "Assetto Corsa" and many more thrilling races to come!Alibaba Cloud, the cloud computing arm of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group, swiftly responded to the crisis, ensuring the safety of its staff and the preservation of its infrastructure. The company's prompt and coordinated efforts helped contain the fire and prevent any major disruptions to its services.
In light of these developments, it is crucial for the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs to enhance its internal controls and compliance mechanisms. By strengthening transparency, accountability, and integrity in its operations, the Ministry can rebuild public trust and ensure the effective implementation of policies and programs. Furthermore, efforts should be made to enhance the capacity of staff members, promote ethical conduct, and foster a culture of integrity within the Ministry.Skidding No. 10 Kansas hopes to get right vs. NC State
The announcement of Liu Shishi as the global brand ambassador for Celine comes at a time when the fashion industry is increasingly embracing diversity and representation. By collaborating with Liu Shishi, Celine reaffirms its commitment to celebrating individuality and embracing cultural diversity, while also recognizing the global impact of Chinese artists and influencers on the world stage.
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By ZEKE MILLER, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team on Tuesday signed an agreement to allow the Justice Department to conduct background checks on his nominees and appointees after a weeks-long delay. The step lets Trump transition aides and future administration staffers obtain security clearances before Inauguration Day to access classified information about ongoing government programs, an essential step for a smooth transiton of power. It also allows those nominees who are up for Senate confirmation to face the background checks lawmakers want before voting on them. Teams of investigators have been standing by to process clearances for Trump aides and advisers. “This agreement with the Department of Justice will ensure President Trump and his team are ready on Day 1 to begin enacting the America First Agenda that an overwhelming majority of our nation supported on Election Day,” said Susie Wiles, Trump’s designate to be White House chief of staff. The announcement comes a week after the Trump transition team signed an agreement with the Biden White House to allow transition staff to coordinate with the existing federal workforce before taking office on Jan. 20. The White House agreement was supposed to have been signed by Oct. 1, according to the Presidential Transition Act, and the Biden White House had issued both public and private appeals for Trump’s team to sign on. Security clearances are required to access classified information, including on ongoing operations and threats to the nation, and the Biden White House and outside experts have emphasized to Trump’s team the importance of having cleared personnel before Inauguration Day so they could be fully briefed and ready to run the government. Republican Senators have also insisted on FBI background checks for Trump’s nominees before they face confirmation votes, as has been standard practice for decades. Lawmakers have been particularly interested in seeing the findings of reviews into Trump’s designated nominee for defense secretary, former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, and for Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to be director of national intelligence. “That’s why it’s so important that we have an FBI background check, a committee review of extensive questions and questionnaires, and a public hearing,” said. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine on Monday. John Thune, the incoming Senate Republican leader, said the Trump team “understands there’s going to have to be a thorough vetting of all these nominees.” AP congressional correspondent Lisa Mascaro contributed.Bereavement leave is a crucial employee benefit that allows individuals to grieve the loss of a loved one without having to worry about work responsibilities. However, it appears that some leaders within Hai Di Lao have failed to recognize the importance of this time off and have instead chosen to belittle and mock employees who utilize it.
Both Russia and Ukraine have vehemently denied the accuracy of each other's casualty figures, further complicating the situation on the ground. The conflicting narratives from both sides have only added to the confusion and uncertainty surrounding the true extent of the human cost of the conflict.In conclusion, the Alibaba Cloud Computing data center fire serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and preparedness in ensuring the safety and reliability of critical infrastructure. By responding swiftly and effectively to the incident, Alibaba has demonstrated its commitment to safeguarding its operations and maintaining the trust of its customers in the face of unforeseen challenges.With both teams hungry for success and eager to advance to the next stage of the competition, the clash between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich promises to be a thrilling encounter. Can Real Madrid emerge victorious and take a step closer to European glory, or will Bayern Munich spring a surprise and upset the odds? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – football fans around the world are in for a treat as these two powerhouses collide in the UEFA Champions League.
Connected Rail Market Huge Growth in Future Scope 2024-2031Zheng Qunwen, with her powerful strokes and fierce determination, had a phenomenal season on the WTA tour, capturing the hearts of fans and pundits alike with her remarkable performances. From stunning upsets to awe-inspiring comebacks, Zheng demonstrated time and again that she was a force to be reckoned with in the world of women's tennis. Her relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering commitment to the game earned her a well-deserved spot among the top contenders for the prestigious Player of the Year award.
For fans of survival games, cooperative multiplayer, and post-apocalyptic settings, Eternal Skies Multiplayer offers a unique and thrilling gaming experience that is not to be missed. Whether you prefer to team up with friends to take on the wasteland together or go it alone against the dangers of the world, there is something for everyone in this expansive and immersive world.The road ahead is fraught with challenges and uncertainties, as we navigate the turbulent waters of political upheaval and institutional reform. The fate of our nation hangs in the balance, as we confront the harsh realities of power, privilege, and responsibility. Yet, in the midst of this chaos and turmoil, there lies an opportunity for renewal and redemption – a chance to rebuild our shattered faith in our leaders and institutions, and to forge a path towards a brighter and more equitable future for all.
T.J. Watt's Wife Stunned With Her Swimsuit Photo On Couple's BabymoonTitle: Beyond Solar and Wind Power, Energy Storage Industry Starts to Combat "Overwork Culture": Exploring Healthy Competition Pathway