NoneAhmedabad: It has been four years since the National Education Policy 2020 was approved by the Union cabinet, yet state universities have failed to completely implement it. The policy's core focus on student credit transfer remains largely unrealized, particularly affecting students moving between universities within the state. At a recent meeting, state education department officials and vice chancellors of the state's public universities addressed crucial aspects, including credit transfer mechanisms, multiple entry-exit options and swift policy implementation. The department issued directives to develop a comprehensive roadmap within three months. This new education policy, introduced after a 34-year gap, stresses key aspects such as opportunities, accountability, inclusive education and excellence. Despite its launch, implementation issues persist across various public universities. During the meeting, officials stressed immediate policy execution, with vice chancellors being asked to achieve 50% gross enrolment ratio in higher education by 2035. The department will also hold quarterly review meetings to monitor progress in the implementation of NEP 2020. It also ordered VCs to set up objectives and submit detailed implementation strategies at the next quarterly meeting. The policy's provisions for multiple entry-exit points remain largely theoretical, with most universities failing to establish practical systems. Other issues include insufficient internship arrangements. Universities were told to adopt modern technologies, including AI, and move away from traditional practices. Sources said that govt data reveals that while 8 lakh Indian students pursue education abroad annually, India attracts only 45,000 international students. The policy addresses this imbalance by inviting the world's top 100 universities to set up campuses in India. The VCs of state universities were also instructed to create and upload Academic Credit Bank data to DigiLocker. Currently, only a few institutions like GTU and Gujarat University have completed this requirement. Additionally, plans were discussed to integrate all universities into a unified platform like the Gujarat Common Admission Service (GCAS). Sources said that despite biannual meetings between the education department and university authorities, NEP implementation has not progressed as expected. Sources said that universities merely provide data without actual policy implementation.US added a strong 227,000 jobs in November in bounce-back from October slowdown WASHINGTON (AP) — America’s job market rebounded in November, adding 227,000 workers in a solid recovery from the previous month, when the effects of strikes and hurricanes had sharply diminished employers’ payrolls. Last month’s hiring growth was up considerably from a meager gain of 36,000 jobs in October. The government also revised up its estimate of job growth in September and October by a combined 56,000. Friday’s report also showed that the unemployment rate ticked up from 4.1% in October to a still-low 4.2%. The November data provided the latest evidence that the U.S. job market remains durable even though it has lost significant momentum from the 2021-2023 hiring boom, when the economy was rebounding from the pandemic recession. TikTok's future uncertain after appeals court rejects its bid to overturn possible US ban A federal appeals court panel on Friday unanimously upheld a law that could lead to a ban on TikTok in a few short months, handing a resounding defeat to the popular social media platform as it fights for its survival in the U.S. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the law - which requires TikTok to break ties with its China-based parent company ByteDance or be banned by mid-January - is constitutional, rebuffing TikTok’s challenge that the statute ran afoul of the First Amendment and unfairly targeted the platform. TikTok and ByteDance — another plaintiff in the lawsuit — are expected to appeal to the Supreme Court. Stock market today: Wall Street drifts around its records after a solid jobs report NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks are drifting around their records after data suggested the job market remains solid enough to keep the economy going, but not so strong that it raises immediate worries about inflation. The S&P 500 rose 0.2% Friday and was just above its all-time high set on Wednesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 108 points, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.7%. Expectations rose among traders that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates again at its next meeting in two weeks after the jobs report showed stronger hiring than expected but also an uptick in the unemployment rate. Killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO spotlights complex challenge companies face in protecting top brass NEW YORK (AP) — In an era when online anger and social tensions are increasingly directed at the businesses consumers count on, Meta last year spent $24.4 million to surround CEO Mark Zuckerberg with security. But the fatal shooting this week of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson while walking alone on a New York City sidewalk has put a spotlight on the widely varied approaches companies take to protect their leaders against threats. And experts say the task of evaluating threats against executives and taking action to protect them is getting more difficult. One of the primary worries are loners whose rantings online are fed by others who are like-minded. It’s up to corporate security analysts to decide what represents a real threat. Gunman's steps after killing UnitedHealthcare's CEO gives police new clues in hunt for the killer NEW YORK (AP) — Police hunting the gunman who killed the head of the largest U.S. health insurer are piecing together new surveillance video from across New York City and evidence left behind by the shooter. Three days after the ambush, the gunman’s whereabouts and identity are still unknown, as is the reason for the killing. A law enforcement official says police have obtained surveillance images of the suspect on the subway system and visiting local establishments. The official who was not authorized to discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. USDA orders nationwide testing of milk for bird flu to halt the virus The U.S. government has ordered testing of the nation’s milk supply for bird flu to better monitor the spread of the virus in dairy cows. The Agriculture Department on Friday said raw or unpasteurized milk from dairy farms and processors nationwide must be tested on request starting Dec. 16. Testing will begin in six states — California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon and Pennsylvania. The move is aimed at eliminating the virus, which has infected more than 700 dairy herds in 15 states. Words on ammo in CEO shooting echo common phrase on insurer tactics: Delay, deny, defend A message left at the scene of an insurance executive’s fatal shooting echoes a phrase commonly used to describe insurer tactics to avoid paying claims. The words “deny,” “defend” and “depose” were written on the ammunition used to kill UnitedHealthcare's CEO. That's according to two officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday. The words are similar to the phrase “delay, deny, defend.” That's how attorneys describe insurers denying services and payment, and the title of a 2010 book critical of the industry. Police haven’t officially commented on the words. But Thompson’s shooting and the messages on the ammunition have sparked outrage on social media and elsewhere, reflecting frustration Americans have over the cost and complexity of getting care. Michigan Democrats move to protect reproductive health data before GOP takes control of House LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Democrats in Michigan are pressing to pass reproductive health care legislation before the party loses its majority with the new legislative session next year. A bill to protect digital reproductive health data including data logged on menstrual cycle tracking apps is a Democratic priority as lawmakers meet this month. Democratic women and supporters of the legislation say they are acting with new urgency before President-elect Donald Trump takes office because they don't believe his campaign promise to leave abortion to the states. The rush is also a reaction to Republicans taking control of the state House in January. Democrats kept control of the state Senate in the November election. Japan's Nippon Steel sets sights on a growing overseas market in its bid to acquire US Steel KASHIMA, Japan (AP) — The signs at Nippon Steel read: “The world through steel,” underlining why Japan’s top steelmaker is pursuing its $15 billion bid to acquire U.S. Steel. Japan's domestic market isn't growing, so Nippon Steel has its eyes on India, Southeast Asia and the United States, where populations are still growing. Nippon Steel gave reporters a tour of one of its plants in Japan on Friday. The bid for U.S. Steet is opposed by President-elect Donald Trump, President Joe Biden and American steelworkers. If the deal goes through, U.S. Steel will keep its name and its headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but become subsidiary of Nippon Steel. China's ban on key high-tech materials could have broad impact on industries, economy BANGKOK (AP) — China has banned exports of key materials used for a wide range of products, including smartphones, electric vehicles, radar systems and CT scanners, swiping back at Washington after it expanded export controls to include dozens of Chinese companies that make equipment used to produce computer chips. Both sides say the controls are justified by national security concerns. Analysts say they could have a much wider impact on manufacturing in many industries and supply chains, depending on the ability of each side to compensate for loss of access to strategically important materials, equipment and components. Here's why this could be a tipping point in trade conflict between the two biggest economies.
NoneWARNING: This article contains graphic details of animal abuse which may be upsetting to some readers. A 40-year-old northern Ontario man is avoiding prison after pleading guilty to killing his dog earlier this year. Dax the dog was found dead in a wooded area of Sault Ste. Marie. Jason Howson of Sault Ste. Marie was sentenced Friday after admitting to hanging his dog , Dax, from a tree on May 23. The court heard that a man working on a roof heard "what sounded like a female scream two times from a forested area across from MacDonald Avenue," around 3:30 p.m. that day. A male wearing a grey hoodie, jeans and sunglasses was then seen running out of the wooded area and to a nearby apartment building. Police were called to the scene at 55 Black Road and after a short search, found a dead medium black lab with a muzzle, collar and leash tied to a fallen tree. Officers then went to the apartment building to where the suspect was seen fleeing and spoke to the superintendent and a neighbour. They were told two tenants had dogs matching the description of the deceased animal and police spoke to both. Court heard that Howson initially told police his dog had gone missing earlier that day, but later admitted to hanging the dog until it stopped breathing. He also explained he had tied the dog to a fallen tree until he could come back and bury it. Howson was in the same clothing the suspect had been described wearing when police spoke to him at his apartment. 'Problem' dog needed to be euthanized The court heard Howson had adopted the dog "knowing it had some problems" after seeing it on Facebook, hoping to be able to "fix" its behaviour with patience and love. Dax was a lab/Doberman mix. As part of the agreed statement of facts, the court heard the dog was vicious and could not be around people because it had bitten a few children and his girlfriend. Howson lost visitation of his children because of the dog and didn't have the money to have it euthanized. He reached out to a local rescue for help rehoming the dog but was told he would still be civilly responsible if the dog bit more people or caused damage. Dax, a black lab-doberman mix was found dead in a wooded area of Sault Ste. Marie on May 23, 2024. His owner pleaded guilty to hanging him. (Facebook/For Dax) Not being in a good financial position, that was too risky for him. The Crown confirmed when Howson inquired about euthanasia through the local humane society, he was told it would be about $400 and that there was a long waiting list. Being raised on a farm, he decided to take matters into his own hands. He had no history of animal abuse prior to the incident. A roadside memorial was created in memory of Dax by neighbours. Roadside memorial set up for Dax, a dog found dead in a wooded area of Sault Ste. Marie. (Facebook) Conditional sentence Because the Crown decided to pursue the case summarily, the maximum penalty for willfully causing death to an animal is two years less a day. "This was clearly a terrible act of violence. That is why a custodial sentence is appropriate," Justice JP Condon said. The judge accepted the joint submission by the Crown and defence asking for a six-month conditional sentence, a lifetime ban on owning animals and two years probation. Howson had no criminal record and Condon was satisfied he would not endanger the safety of the community. The first three months will be under house arrest with exceptions for medical emergencies or written approval from supervisor. For the remaining three months, he will be bound by a curfew and is ordered to remain in his home between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. each day. He is not allowed to consume alcohol or non-prescription drugs during the conditional sentence and is prohibited from having weapons during that time. Howson has also been directed to attend counselling, including for anger management. Consequences The court heard Howson has struggled mentally, professionally and socially because of his behaviour, but that he has acknowledged his wrongdoing and accepts responsibility. He lost his job due to the charge and has received online comments that the judge said constituted death threats, the pre-sentencing report said. "Two wrongs don't make a right. Comments have been detrimental to his mental health and don't bring the dog back," Condon said. "They are a consequence that will long outlast any sentence I impose." While Howson is not currently working, he faces jail time if he breaches his conditional sentence.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Clara Strack scored 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, Teonni Key had 16 points and 13 rebounds and No. 14 Kentucky defeated Arizona State 77-61 on Tuesday in the Music City Classic to remain unbeaten. Kentucky nearly had four players with double-doubles as Georgia Amoore added 20 points and nine rebounds and Amelia Hassett had eight points and nine rebounds for the Wildcats (6-0), who shot 42% and scored 13 points off 14 Arizona State turnovers. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.HUAWEI said that from next year its new smartphones and tablets will run on an operating system stripped of Google’s open-source Android technology. The company’s new flagship phone, the Mate 70, will debut HarmonyOS Next, the iteration of its operating system that does away with remnants of Android in favour of entirely indigenous tech. Announced at a live-streamed event on Tuesday, the new devices and software add to Huawei’s campaign to reclaim China’s premium tier from Apple and build an ecosystem without the involvement of major US tech providers. Available on Dec 4, the Mate 70 and its Pro variants are the followup to Huawei’s most significant device in years, the Mate 60. Last year’s edition, powered by a made-in-China processor, brought Huawei back into the smartphone industry limelight and signalled its ability to work around US trade curbs designed to cut it off from the most advanced chipmaking. HarmonyOS Next will still need another two to three months to improve its user experience, but the plan is to henceforth use it on upcoming gadgets, said Richard Yu, chairman of Huawei’s consumer business group. The Mate 70 series, priced from 5,499 yuan (S$1,023) for the 6.7-inch edition, will offer 40 per cent better performance than its predecessor, in part because of HarmonyOS Next, the executive said. Yu fell short of disclosing details of the processors that power the phones. Shenzhen-based Huawei is expected to use its latest in-house Kirin chip for the new product line, though its performance increase may be less significant than Qualcomm and MediaTek’s top-end offerings, according to a note by Bloomberg Intelligence analysts Charles Shum and Sean Chen. “That suggests the new Huawei phone may struggle to capture the attention of non-Huawei Android users,” they wrote. The rollout is a key part of Huawei’s relentless attempt to break free from years of US sanctions. The company now finds itself unable to advance from the 7 nm chipmaking process for its smartphone and artificial intelligence chips until at least 2026. That’s at a time when competitors like Apple are about to move to 2 nm technology for mainstream products, Bloomberg News reported. Despite Washington’s blacklisting and technical challenges, Huawei managed to grow sales over the past seven quarters, with the help of an expanding smartphone business. Its shipments recorded four consecutive quarters of at least double-digit growth in China as of September, according to research firm IDC. Huawei on Tuesday also announced a number of other products in its ecosystem, including a new tablet and a 23,999-yuan gold-plated smartwatch. Earlier in the fall, the company introduced the world’s first trifold phone, also powered by chips that were designed in-house. BLOOMBERG
DENVER (AP) — Travis Hunter made a pair of proclamations Thursday: He’s for sure entering the NFL draft after this season, but not until he sees Colorado all the way through the College Football Playoff — if the Buffaloes make it there. The first was already a given for the draft-eligible junior who plays both receiver and cornerback. The second is a risk-reward play for a projected high first-round pick who averages around 120 snaps a game. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
Khanewal leader commends Punjab govt’s sports facilities