77730 jili
The Congress Working Committee (CWC), which met in Belagavi, Karnataka, on Thursday, urged the NDA regime to use its upcoming budget to provide income support to the poor and tax relief to middle classes. ET Year-end Special Reads Corporate Kalesh: Top family disputes of India Inc in 2024 The world of business lost these eminent people in 2024 Fast, faster, fastest: How 2024 put more speed into your shopping The CWC’s extended session, held in Belagavi to mark the centenary of the party’s session chaired by Mahatma Gandhi at the same place, adopted two resolutions. While one was on Gandhi, the other was on a range of pressing political issues. The CWC, chaired by AICC president Mallikarjuna Kharge and attended by Rahul Gandhi, noted that the GST had become an absurdity. "The CWC reiterates its demand for a GST 2.0 that will be a truly good and simple tax -- both on paper and in practice." The party noted with concern what it called tax terrorism on industry, trade and commerce while calling for effort to end the tax terrorism. The Mod regime's economic policies, the resolution said, were designed to enrich only a few of the PM's favourite business groups. "Oligopolies in the economy are growing. While more and more Indians have a stake in capital markets, the integrity of regulators has been called into serious question. Private investment, which must drive faster economic growth, is still extremely sluggish and mass consumption is stagnating.” The working committee resolution demanded a socio-economic caste census at the earliest. The 50% ceiling on reservations for SC/STs and OBCs must be increased to further enhance the benefits accrued to the three traditionally disadvantaged groups in the society. Reservations must be based on social, economic or educational backwardness determined through appropriate means, the resolution said. Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrows Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program The party also demanded a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) and its fixation at 50% of the comprehensive cost of cultivation. The party sought adequate funding for the MGNREGA programme along with an increase in its wage to Rs 400 per day. The Congress has decided to launch a year-long nationwide public outreach campaign called the Samvidhan Bachao Rashtriya Padyatra from January 26,2025 to January 26, 2026. The party would hold its forthcoming session in Gujarat in April 2025. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )JK has most productive Forests of India: ISFRUN human rights watchdog opens investigation into Venezuela presidential election
The crash happened at 10.45am in crowded downtown Delray Beach, multiple news outlets reported. The Brightline train was stopped on the tracks, its front destroyed, about a block away from the Delray Beach fire rescue truck, its ladder ripped off and strewn in the grass several yards away, The Sun-Sentinel newspaper reported. The Delray Beach Fire Rescue said in a social media post that three Delray Beach firefighters were in stable condition at a hospital. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue took 12 people from the train to the hospital with minor injuries. Emmanuel Amaral rushed to the scene on his golf cart after hearing a loud crash and screeching train brakes from where he was having breakfast a couple of blocks away. He saw firefighters climbing out of the window of their damaged truck and pulling injured colleagues away from the tracks. One of their helmets came to rest several hundred feet away from the crash. “The front of that train is completely smashed, and there was even some of the parts to the fire truck stuck in the front of the train, but it split the car right in half. It split the fire truck right in half, and the debris was everywhere,” Mr Amaral said. Brightline officials did not immediately comment on the crash. A spokesperson for the National Transportation Safety Board said it was still gathering information about the crash and had not decided yet whether it will investigate. The NTSB is already investigating two crashes involving Brightline’s high-speed trains that killed three people early this year at the same crossing along the railroad’s route between Miami and Orlando. More than 100 people have died after being hit by trains since Brightline began operations in July 2017 – giving the railroad the worst death rate in the United States. But most of those deaths have been either suicides, pedestrians who tried to run across the tracks ahead of a train or drivers who went around crossing gates instead of waiting for a train to pass. Brightline has not been found to be at fault in those previous deaths.
Amtrak temporarily suspends Northeast Corridor service days before holidayMumbai Metro 3: The Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) is set to launch a extension of the Metro 3 network by March 2025, enhancing connectivity across Mumbai. This new phase will extend services to Acharya Atre Chowk station in Worli and includes six essential stations: Dharavi, Shitladevi, Dadar, Siddhivinayak, Worli and Acharya Atre Chowk. These stations are located in vital urban areas that host educational institutions, religious sites, corporate offices and busy commercial districts. The extension aims to improve public transport access in these densely populated regions, providing a crucial upgrade to Mumbai’s transit infrastructure. ALSO READ: Mumbai Accident: 4-Year-Old Dies After Being Hit By Speeding SUV, Teen Driver Arrested Mumbai Metro 3 Phase 2: Project Progress And Timeline The Free Press Journal report quoted, S K Gupta, the director of projects at MMRC, who announced that the 9.7 km section is on track to open by March 2025. He confirmed that track-laying and the Overhead Catenary System (OHE) have been completed and work on architectural and signalling installations is nearing completion. Trial runs are already underway, with trains operating in both directions at Acharya Atre Chowk to collect data for software updates, as reported by the Times of India. To ensure a timely launch, MMRC plans to submit an application for final approval to the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS). The process is anticipated to be swift since the rolling stock received clearance during the Phase I trials for the Aarey-JVLR-BKC section. Additionally, MMRC is finalising operational plans, including train deployment and service schedules for the upcoming extension. Mumbai Metro 3 The first phase of Metro 3 commenced operations on October 5, 2024 and is currently serving around 22,000 passengers daily. The new extension is expected to significantly increase this number as it reaches more heavily populated areas. ALSO READ: Lakhnadon-Raipur Expressway: MP To Get Six-Lane Greenfield Route, Reduce Travel Time By 3 Hours | Details In related news, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced in the Legislative Council that the next segment, connecting BKC to Colaba, is expected to open by May 2025. Metro 3 features a 33.5-kilometre underground corridor along the Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ route, including 27 stations—26 underground and one at grade. This project represents a major advancement in modernising Mumbai's public transport system and alleviating traffic congestion in the city.
Texas angler on a different level with record 69 ShareLunker entriesDonald Hand Jr. scores 29 with 10 rebounds, Boston College beats Fairleigh Dickinson 78-70
USAP Stock Alert: Halper Sadeh LLC Is Investigating Whether the Sale of Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc. Is Fair to ShareholdersNFL will consider replay assist for facemask penalties and other plays
THE Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the University of the Philippines-Mindanao (UP-Mindanao) to establish a medical school, with SPMC serving as its base hospital. Dr. Ricardo Audan, SPMC Medical Center Chief, shared the news during the Kapehan sa Dabaw on December 16, 2024, at SM City Davao. He confirmed that the medical school is set to open by August or October 2024. The MOA was signed on November 13, 2024, by UP Mindanao Chancellor Lyre Anne Murao and witnessed by UP Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Leo Cubillan, as well as SPMC Chief Training Officer Dr. Maria Elinore Alba-Concha. The initiative follows UP President Angelo Jimenez's April 2023 announcement about establishing Mindanao's first medical school. The new medical school will complement a hospital being built at the UP Mindanao Mintal campus, located on a 3.28-hectare plot. Jimenez noted that the School of Medicine at UP Mindanao aims to address the region’s low doctor-to-population ratio. Although improvements have been made, Davao City’s Health Office reported in 2022 that there is still one doctor for every 50,000 people in some health districts—far lower than Metro Manila's 1:15,300 ratio. The new medical school will offer a full range of courses, similar to other major universities in Mindanao. UP-Mindanao’s Mintal campus also offers various undergraduate programs in Biology, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Food Technology, Agribusiness Economics, Anthropology, and Communication Arts. RGP
More trouble for Kejriwal? Vigilance dept seeks PWD report on Flag Staff expensesShare Tweet Share Share Email Financial security becomes increasingly important as individuals enter their senior years. Aging often comes with unique challenges, such as reduced income, rising healthcare costs, and the need for long-term care. However, there are many tools and strategies available to help seniors achieve financial stability. This article explores effective solutions to secure financial well-being during the golden years . Understanding the Financial Challenges of Aging Before diving into solutions, it’s essential to understand the common financial obstacles seniors face. These include: Reduced Income: Retirement often means living on a fixed income from pensions, Social Security, or retirement savings. Increased Healthcare Costs: Aging is often accompanied by medical expenses, including medications, treatments, and possibly long-term care. Longevity Risk: With increased life expectancy, many seniors risk outliving their savings. Inflation: The rising cost of goods and services can erode purchasing power over time. Unexpected Expenses: Emergencies, home repairs, or health crises can significantly strain finances. Being aware of these challenges is the first step toward finding effective financial solutions. Creating a Comprehensive Budget A well-planned budget is the cornerstone of financial security for seniors. It helps track income, expenses, and savings. Here’s how to create an effective budget: Assess Income Sources Identify all sources of income, including: Social Security benefits Pension payments Investment income Annuities Part-time employment (if applicable) Track Expenses Categorize expenses into fixed (e.g., rent or mortgage, utilities) and variable (e.g., groceries, entertainment). This helps prioritize spending and identify areas for cost-cutting. Plan for Emergencies Allocate a portion of income to an emergency fund. Experts recommend having at least three to six months’ worth of expenses saved. This buffer can help cover unexpected costs without jeopardizing other financial goals. Leveraging Government Programs Government programs provide vital support to seniors. Some key programs include: Social Security Benefits Social Security remains a primary income source for many retirees. Seniors can maximize benefits by delaying claims until full retirement age or later, if possible. Understanding the nuances of Social Security, such as spousal and survivor benefits, can also help maximize income. Medicare and Medicaid These programs help cover healthcare costs. While Medicare is available to most seniors, Medicaid offers additional support for low-income individuals needing long-term care. Supplemental plans like Medicare Advantage or Medigap can further reduce out-of-pocket costs. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) SNAP provides food assistance, helping seniors afford nutritious meals without compromising other essential expenses. Local social service offices can assist with applications and eligibility requirements. Exploring Investment Options Investments can play a crucial role in maintaining financial security during retirement. However, seniors should adopt a conservative approach to reduce risk. Diversify Your Portfolio A well-diversified portfolio minimizes risk while ensuring steady returns. Consider a mix of: Bonds: Low-risk and reliable income sources. Dividend-paying stocks: Provide regular income. Mutual funds: Offer diversification and professional management. Real estate investment trusts (REITs): Provide income from property investments without direct ownership. Utilize Annuities Annuities provide guaranteed income for life or a specified period. They are particularly useful for seniors concerned about outliving their savings. Options like immediate, deferred, and fixed annuities can be tailored to individual needs. Safe Withdrawal Rate Adopting a safe withdrawal rate, such as the 4% rule, ensures that retirees do not deplete their savings too quickly. Adjusting withdrawals based on market performance adds an extra layer of security. Long-Term Care Planning Planning for long-term care is critical to avoid financial strain. Options include: Long-Term Care Insurance This insurance helps cover costs associated with assisted living, nursing homes, or in-home care. Purchasing a policy earlier in life reduces premiums and increases coverage options. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) HSAs allow individuals to save for healthcare expenses tax-free. Seniors can use these funds to pay for medical needs during retirement. Contributions made during working years can grow significantly over time. Reverse Mortgages A reverse mortgage enables seniors to convert home equity into cash while continuing to live in their homes. This option suits those with significant home equity but limited liquid assets. However, it’s essential to understand the terms and risks involved . Debt Management Strategies Managing debt is essential for financial stability. Seniors should prioritize paying off high-interest debts, such as credit card balances, to free up income for essential needs. Consolidate Debt Debt consolidation simplifies repayment by combining multiple debts into a single, lower-interest loan. This approach reduces monthly payments and overall interest costs. Seek Professional Guidance Financial advisors can provide tailored strategies to manage and reduce debt effectively. Nonprofit credit counseling agencies also offer free or low-cost services. Embracing Technology for Financial Management Technology offers seniors innovative ways to manage finances. Digital tools and apps simplify budgeting, bill payments, and investments. Budgeting Apps Apps like Mint and YNAB (You Need A Budget) help seniors track expenses, set financial goals, and monitor spending habits. These tools provide real-time insights into financial health. Online Banking Most banks offer online platforms for easy access to account balances, bill payments, and transaction histories. Features like automated payments and fraud alerts enhance security and convenience. Robo-Advisors Robo-advisors provide automated investment management, making investing accessible and affordable for seniors. They use algorithms to recommend portfolios based on risk tolerance and financial goals. The Importance of Estate Planning Estate planning ensures that seniors’ assets are distributed according to their wishes. Key components include: Drafting a Will A will outlines how assets should be distributed after death. Without one, state laws determine asset distribution, which may not align with personal preferences. Establishing a Trust Trusts provide greater control over asset distribution and can reduce estate taxes. They also protect assets from probate, ensuring a smoother transfer to beneficiaries. Designating Power of Attorney A power of attorney authorizes a trusted individual to make financial or medical decisions on behalf of the senior if they become incapacitated. Advance directives, like living wills, further clarify healthcare preferences. Community Resources and Support Local communities often provide resources to help seniors manage finances. Examples include: Senior centers offering financial literacy workshops. Nonprofits providing free or low-cost financial counseling. Local banks with programs tailored to senior citizens. Community groups that connect seniors with trusted advisors and support networks. Maintaining a Frugal Lifestyle Adopting a frugal lifestyle can stretch retirement savings further. Simple tips include: Shopping during sales or using coupons. Downsizing to a smaller home. Using public transportation instead of owning a car. Cooking at home rather than dining out. Staying Informed and Proactive Financial security requires staying informed about changes in policies, market conditions, and available resources. Regularly reviewing and adjusting financial plans ensures alignment with current needs and goals. Education, whether through online resources or workshops, empowers seniors to make informed decisions. Conclusion Achieving financial security in aging is possible with the right tools and strategies. By budgeting, leveraging government programs, exploring investment options, and planning for long-term care, seniors can navigate their financial future confidently. Additionally, embracing technology, reducing debt, and seeking professional guidance further enhance financial well-being. With proactive planning and informed decisions , the golden years can truly be a time of peace and financial stability. Related Items: Financial Security in Aging , Medicare and Medicaid , Patriarchal & Senior Financial Solutions Share Tweet Share Share Email CommentsPost sports betting writer Dylan Svoboda is in his first season in the NFL Bettor’s Guide. Detroit Lions (-6.5) over CHICAGO BEARS The Lions are suddenly in a must-win scenario with the No. 1 seed in the NFC on the line. After the loss to the Bills last week, Detroit can’t afford a loss to the lowly Bears, who have lost eight straight. Good news for Dan Campbell & Co. The Bears appear to be imploding after a dreadful “Monday Night Football” loss to the Vikings. The Bears kept it close in their last matchup in Detroit, but that was a wonky, short-week Thanksgiving game that I’m not putting much stock in. It won’t be as close this week. This is the perfect bounce-back spot for the Lions. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-4) over DALLAS COWBOYS Coming off an impressive 40-17 win over the Chargers, the Buccaneers need a win to keep control of the NFC South. Baker Mayfield is playing some of the best football of his career, and the Cowboys may be a little overvalued after recent wins over the Giants and Panthers. Tampa Bay is a different animal. Betting on the NFL? The Bucs have been a strong 4-2 against the spread as a favorite and 9-5 overall. With the playoffs to play for, bet on a relatively stress-free win for the NFC South hopefuls. LAST WEEK: 0-2: Steelers (L), Panthers (L) SEASON: 4-10. Why Trust New York Post Betting Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports. He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA.
High school recruiting isn't the only way to build a winner in the transfer portal era
Mumbai, Dec 26 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar, and several other leaders in the state on Thursday condoled the death of former prime minister Manmohan Singh, saying the country has lost a great scholar, statesman and economist. Singh, 92, died in Delhi on Thursday night. "With the demise of former PM Manmohan Singh, we have lost a great scholar, economist and statesman. His contributions to Indian economic reforms, serving the nation as PM for ten years, will be remembered forever," CM Fadnavis said on X. Sharad Pawar termed Singh a great economist, visionary reformer and a global statesman. "Deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Dr Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India. Our nation has lost one of its greatest economists, a visionary reformist, and a global statesman," said Pawar, who was agriculture minister in Singh's cabinet. "His departure is an unbearable loss. He was a godly soul who embodied humility, forbearance, tolerance, and compassion. As the architect of India's economic reforms, his legacy will forever inspire generations to come. May his soul rest in eternal peace," Pawar added. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said Singh's vision became a turning point in the country's economic development. "Deeply saddened by the news of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh ji's demise. A gentleman to the core, his vision became a turning point in our country's economic development. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in this difficult time," Ajit Pawar posted on X. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray said he was deeply saddened. "My brief meeting with him, at his residence, made an everlasting impression on me, of how PMs can be truly humble, graceful and dignified, despite the very many achievements marked out against their name and tenure," Thackeray said. "For someone like me, born in the 90s, the opening up of India to the world and vice versa, was like growing up in a decade where each day was new, and the world was brought closer to home, thanks to him," said Aaditya. "Probably one of those people in India, who have had a huge impact on our lives, and the country at large. He truly put our nation on a world stage. As he said about himself while taking on all the unfounded criticism, "history would be kinder", we as Indians truly believe, that the present too will be kinder to his statesman like legacy, as we all bid him a sorrowful goodbye," the Sena (UBT) leader added. Such true gentlemen are rare in politics, even rarer when they reach the pinnacle of national politics, Thackeray wrote. NCP leader Praful Patel described Singh as a man of few words but remarkable action. "His visionary economic policies reshaped the destiny of millions and set India on a path of growth and stability. I had the honor and privilege of working as a minister during his tenure and witnessed his intellect, humility, and dedication to the nation. As Finance Minister and later as Prime Minister, he transformed India's economic landscape and left an enduring legacy of progress and reform," he said. India has lost a true statesman, a scholar par excellence, and a compassionate leader, Patel added. Senior Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat said Singh's contribution in the creation of a strong India which is competing with the world is immense. "Criticism against Manmohan Singh was politically motivated, but history will take note of him positively. He took courageous decisions like Aadhaar identity card for every citizen, direct benefit transfer, right to food, right to information legislations," he said. Former Congress leader Ashok Chavan said Singh provided several financial initiatives to the state when he was chief minister. "I will never forget the assistance given to infrastructure upliftment of Nanded for the Guru Da Gaddi celebrations," Chavan added. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)
Azerbaijani and US officials believe a Russian surface-to-air missile caused the deadly crash of an Azerbaijani passenger jet, media reports and a US official said Thursday, as the Kremlin cautioned against "hypotheses" over the disaster. The Azerbaijan Airlines jet crashed near the Kazakh city of Aktau, an oil and gas hub, on Wednesday after going off course for undetermined reasons. Thirty-eight of the 67 people on board died. The Embraer 190 aircraft was supposed to fly northwest from the Azerbaijani capital Baku to the city of Grozny in Chechnya, southern Russia, but instead diverted far off course across the Caspian Sea. An investigation is underway, with pro-government Azerbaijani website Caliber citing unnamed officials as saying they believed a Russian missile fired from a Pantsir-S air defence system downed the plane. The claim was also reported by The New York Times, broadcaster Euronews and the Turkish news agency Anadolu. Some aviation and military experts said the plane might have been accidentally shot by Russian air defence systems because it was flying in an area where Ukrainian drone activity had been reported. A former expert at France's BEA air accident investigation agency said there appeared to be "a lot of shrapnel" damage on the wreckage. Speaking on condition of anonymity, he said the damage was "reminiscent" of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, which was downed with a surface-to-air missile by Russia-backed rebels over eastern Ukraine in 2014. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: "It would be wrong to make any hypotheses before the investigation's conclusions." Euronews cited Azerbaijani government sources as saying that "shrapnel hit the passengers and cabin crew as it exploded next to the aircraft mid-flight". A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, also said early indications suggested a Russian anti-aircraft system struck the plane. Kazakhstan news agency Kazinform cited a regional prosecutor as saying that two black-box flight recorders had been recovered. Azerbaijan Airlines initially said the plane flew through a flock of birds, before withdrawing the statement. Kazakh officials said 38 people had been killed and there were 29 survivors, including three children. Jalil Aliyev, the father of flight attendant Hokume Aliyeva, told AFP that this was supposed to have been her last flight before starting a job as a lawyer for the airline. "Why did her young life have to end so tragically?" the man said in a trembling voice before hanging up the phone. Eleven of the injured are in intensive care, the Kazakh health ministry said. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev declared Thursday a day of mourning and cancelled a planned visit to Russia for an informal summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), a grouping of former Soviet nations. "I extend my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the crash... and wish a speedy recovery to the injured," Aliyev said in a social media post Wednesday. The Flight Radar website showed the plane deviating from its normal route, crossing the Caspian Sea and then circling over the area where it eventually crashed near Aktau, on the eastern shore of the sea. Kazakhstan said the plane was carrying 37 Azerbaijani passengers, six Kazakhs, three Kyrgyz and 16 Russians. A Kazakh woman told the local branch of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) she was near where the plane crashed and rushed to the site to help survivors. "They were covered in blood. They were crying. They were calling for help," said the woman, who gave her name as Elmira. She said they saved some teenagers. "I'll never forget their look, full of pain and despair," said Elmira. "A girl pleaded: 'Save my mother, my mother is back there'." Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with Aliyev and "expressed his condolences in connection with the crash", Peskov told a news conference. bur/rlp/js