The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) was specifically intended to address some of the greatest unresolved questions in cosmology. These include all of the major questions scientists have been pondering since the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) took its deepest views of the Universe: the Hubble Tension, how the first stars and galaxies came together, how planetary systems formed, and when the first black holes appeared. In particular, Hubble spotted something very interesting in 2003 when observing a star almost as old as the Universe itself. Orbiting this ancient star was a massive planet whose very existence contradicted accepted models of planet formation since stars in the early Universe did not have time to produce enough heavy elements for planets to form. Thanks to recent observations by the JWST, an international team of scientists announced that they may have solved this conundrum. By observing stars in the Small Magellanic Cloud (LMC), which lacks large amounts of heavy elements, they found stars with planet-forming disks that are longer-lived than those seen around young stars in our Milky Way galaxy. The study was led by Guido De Marchi, an astronomer at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, Netherlands. He was joined by researchers from the INAF Osservatorio Astronomico di Roma, the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), Gemini Observatory/NSF NOIRLab, the UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UK ATC), the Institute for Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh, the Leiden Observatory, the European Space Agency (ESA), NASA's Ames Research Center, and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The paper detailing their findings appeared on December 16th in The Astrophysical Journal. James Webb Space Telescope image of NGC 346, a massive star cluster in the Small Magellanic Cloud. Credit: NASA/ESA/CSA/STScI/Olivia C. Jones (UK ATC)/Guido De Marchi (ESTEC)/Margaret Meixner (USRA) According to accepted cosmological models, the first... https://www.facebook.com/Storiesbywilliams-205745679447998/?ref=hlFor a running back, the thousand-yard season is the gold standard of performance. Last year in the FBS 45 backs achieved it, the year before, 39. So far in 2024, 20 backs have hit the thousand mark, including Oregon's Jordan James. James' tough running was a vital part of the Ducks 16-13 road victory over Wisconsin. In the fourth quarter he bounced a counter play outside for an 11-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 13-13. In their game-winning field goal drive that started at the 6:49 mark from the Home 43, James took the ball for 9, 12, three and three yards down to the Wisconsin 16. The heavy dose of James set up a keeper by Dillon Gabriel, down to the Badger 6. Three plays later, Atticus "Automaticus" Sappington drilled a 24-yard field goal to make it 16-13. For the game, the 5-10, 210-pound junior pounded out 121 yards on 25 carries, giving him 1,067 on the year. His longest run from scrimmage on that brisk night in Camp Randall was just 14 yards-- a lot of tough running went into reaching the century mark. After the game reporters asked him how he felt about reaching 1000, the 29th player in program history to do so. “It means a lot,” James said. “I want to thank my offensive line; that's not possible without those guys and what they do up front.” It's a me, me, me world. Every day we read stories of athletes declaring "I'm him," or striking the pose for an award or a viral social media moment. It was nice to hear a football player remember that it's a team game, and nothing he does is possible without the big guys who pave the way. The current Oregon offensive line is among the semi-finalists for the Joe Moore Award, the top honor given to o-line units across the country. In the last three seasons the Quack Attack has featured a thousand-yard rusher in each. 2024, James, 1067. 2023, Bucky Irving, 1180. 2022, Irving, 1058. Over that same period the Duck o-line has given up 22 sacks in 3 SEASONS. Washington's o-line has allowed 24 this year, 14th in the Big Ten.
49ers’ Shanahan expects Jake Moody to be his kicker into the futureIn an era where digital engagement is paramount, the integration of professional photo booth rentals at corporate events in Jacksonville is proving to be more than just a trend. These booths, equipped with advanced technology and customizable features, have the potential to elevate brand visibility, facilitate networking, and inject a dose of fun into any corporate gathering. As we explore the various benefits and considerations associated with these rentals, you may find yourself contemplating the transformative impact of such a seemingly simple addition to your next corporate event. Professional photo booths, a powerful tool in the domain of event photography, are much more than simple boxes with cameras. Their evolution is a fascinating journey through photo booth history, with roots dating back to the early 20th century when they were used for creating passport photos. Over time, the application of photo booths expanded to include entertainment purposes, transforming them from functional apparatuses to an engaging event attraction. The modern professional photo booth is a blend of traditional photography and cutting-edge technology. Digital cameras have replaced film, resulting in high-resolution photos and instant prints. User-friendly interfaces allow guests to have fun while capturing memories, often with customizable features like green screens and augmented reality filters. The sophistication of photo booth technology is also evident in its connectivity features. Most professional photo booths now offer social media integration, allowing users to instantly share their photos online. Furthermore, the booths can be remotely managed, ensuring the seamless operation during events. Understanding professional photo booths is essential to appreciating their role in event photography. They encapsulate the progression of photographic technology and chronicle the evolution of social interaction at events, making them a significant component of the event industry. Engaging guests at an event and creating memorable branding opportunities are two primary benefits of renting a professional photo booth. With the interactive nature of photo booths, event attendees are encouraged to participate, thereby heightening their engagement. In addition, customized graphics on photo booth prints offer a unique marketing tool, directly promoting brand recognition in a memorable way. A host’s foremost objective often revolves around engaging guests and creating a memorable experience. In the domain of corporate events, this can be accomplished through strategic event networking and the incorporation of interactive entertainment. Professional photo booth rentals in Jacksonville offer a unique solution that enhances event engagement effectively. With a photo booth, guests are encouraged to interact with one another, fostering an environment conducive to networking. When people congregate for a fun, shared experience, conversations and connections naturally follow. In addition, photo booths are an excellent source of interactive entertainment. The experience of posing for photos, experimenting with props, and anticipating the printed results generates excitement and keeps guests entertained throughout the event. Moreover, the digital capabilities of modern photo booths offer additional engagement opportunities. For example, services like corporate event photo booths in Jacksonville, FL provide customizable options and instant social media sharing, allowing guests to extend their engagement beyond the physical bounds of the event. This creates a buzz that not only maintains interest during the event but also leaves a lasting impression long after. Why limit branding efforts to banners and brochures when photo booth rentals in Jacksonville can offer more engaging and memorable opportunities? As part of your all-encompassing branding strategy, photo booths infuse an element of fun that not only enhances the overall experience but also creates a lasting impression. Photo booths can be customized to reflect your brand’s image, logo, and key messages, effectively transforming them into interactive branding platforms. As event attendees have their photos taken, they interact with your branding in a unique and personal way, amplifying the exposure and enhancing recall. These unique experiences, coupled with branded props or backdrops, are shared widely on social media by attendees, extending the reach of your brand beyond the event itself. These shared images fundamentally serve as personalized endorsements, adding authenticity to your brand’s image, a critical factor in today’s digital marketing landscape. Moreover, photo booth images offer a tangible take-away for attendees, serving as a constant reminder of your brand long after the event has concluded. This continuous exposure reinforces your brand’s message, making photo booth rentals an invaluable tool in modern branding strategies. At its core, photo booths are not just a source of entertainment; they are an innovative branding powerhouse. Customizing your photo booth experience can transform an ordinary event into an unforgettable occasion. When planning a corporate event in Jacksonville, it’s important to take into account how a professional photo booth rental can work in tandem with your event’s theme, location, and guest list. One of the ways to enhance your photo booth experience is through custom props. From branded items reflecting your company’s logo or products to novelty items that correlate with your event’s theme, custom props can add a fun and engaging element to your photo booth. They not only provide a unique way for guests to interact but also serve as memorable keepsakes. Similarly, themed backdrops can greatly elevate your photo booth experience. With a professional photo booth rental, you have the opportunity to select from a range of high-quality, themed backdrops. This can range from corporate and polished to fun and festive. The backdrop sets the mood, creates a cohesive aesthetic and guarantees your photos are visually appealing. Given the prevalence of social media in today’s digital age, integrating this feature into your professional photo booth rental can greatly amplify your event’s reach and engagement. Social media integration allows attendees to instantly share their photos on various platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. This not only enhances user engagement but also promotes your event in real-time, expanding its visibility beyond the physical location. Furthermore, these features can be tailored to suit your event’s theme or branding. For instance, custom hashtags can be automatically embedded into each photo before it’s posted online, fundamentally turning each shared photo into a mini advertisement for your event. This increases your event’s social media footprint, potentially attracting more attendees or clients in the future. Also, the integration of social media allows for data analytics. You can track the number of posts, likes, shares, and comments, providing valuable insights into audience preferences and engagement levels. This data can be instrumental in refining your future marketing strategies. The quality of photo prints is a critical consideration in professional photo booth rentals. Key factors influencing this include high-resolution photo output, the durability of print materials, and the use of advanced printing technology. Each of these elements contributes to the overall quality and consumer satisfaction with the printed photos. While many might underestimate the importance of high-resolution photo output, it is an essential aspect that sets professional photo booth rentals apart from amateur setups. High resolution images are not merely a luxury, but a necessity in preserving the vividness and creativity of the captured moments. These details can make the difference between a delightful keepsake and a forgettable printout. A professional photo booth rental company in Jacksonville understands this significance, investing in top-tier equipment that produces high-quality prints. The output is not just about the number of pixels. It is about the precision, color accuracy, and sharpness that these pixels deliver in the final print. A high-resolution photo output translates to clearer, more detailed images. This means that every smile, every expression, and every color in your corporate event photos will be captured with high fidelity. The print quality is, consequently, superior, making every photo a masterpiece worthy of framing. Moreover, high resolution images are perfect for large format prints, ensuring that even when the photos are enlarged, they maintain their quality and do not become pixelated or blurred. This makes them ideal for showcasing at business premises, exhibitions, or trade shows. Hence, opting for a professional photo booth rental with high-resolution photo output is a prudent choice for any corporate event. Guaranteeing longevity and preserving memories, durable print materials are another essential aspect of professional photo booth rentals. The quality of these materials directly affects the lifespan of the printed photographs, emphasizing the importance of print longevity. In the domain of professional photo booth rentals for corporate events, service providers often utilize durable materials known for their resilience and longevity. These materials not only withstand the test of time but also resist environmental factors such as light, humidity, and temperature variations that can degrade photo quality over time. The use of high-grade, durable materials guarantees that the printed photographs retain their originality and vibrancy for years. This assures that the memories captured during the event remain fresh and vivid, reinforcing the value of the occasion. Moreover, these materials also contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal of the printed photos. They provide a professional finish that enhances the visual impact of the images, guaranteeing that they serve as a fitting representation of the corporate event. Consistently at the forefront of a professional photo booth rental’s success is the application of advanced printing technology. This technology is intricately woven into the fabric of a successful corporate event, providing high-quality photos that serve as tangible memories of the occasion. Advanced printing technology utilizes the latest photo technology and printing innovations to deliver crisp, vibrant images. The precision of these technologies guarantees that every detail is captured, from the smallest facial expression to the intricate designs of event decor. With this technology, photos are not just printed, they are crafted with a level of detail and precision that only professional equipment can achieve. Moreover, advanced printing technology offers quick printing times, guaranteeing that guests do not have to wait for long to receive their photos. This efficiency is vital in a corporate event setting, where time is of the essence, and maintaining a smooth flow is paramount. Professional photo booth rentals in Jacksonville understand the importance of this technology and incorporate it into their services. By doing so, they provide an unrivaled level of quality and service, setting them apart in the competitive event industry. The application of advanced printing technology, consequently, is not just an option, but a necessity in the domain of professional photo booth rentals. One cannot underestimate the power of a photo booth in transforming a mundane corporate event into an engaging and interactive experience. Photo booths not only offer a fun diversion but also a unique way to foster team bonding. By stepping out of their formal roles and into the friendly environment of a photo booth, employees can interact with one another in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. This can result in not only increased employee satisfaction but also in stronger interpersonal relationships among team members. Furthermore, the photos taken serve as tangible mementos of the event often shared and displayed in the workplace long after the event has passed. They serve as a constant reminder of the positive, shared experiences among team members, further reinforcing the team bonding and collaboration initiated at the event. Moreover, photo booths can be tailored to align with the theme or purpose of the corporate event, offering a range of props and backgrounds to suit the occasion. This further enhances the level of engagement, making the photo booth an entertaining and memorable part of the event. Consequently, photo booths are an excellent tool for enhancing engagement and interaction at corporate events. How do you select the right photo booth provider for your corporate event? Several important factors come into play. To begin with, assess the variety of photo booth types offered by potential providers. From traditional enclosed booths to open-air setups, and mirror booths to green screen options, the provider’s inventory should cater to your specific needs and aesthetic preferences. Next, examine the rental packages they offer. These should be thorough, covering not only the photo booth itself but also essential add-ons such as props, backdrops, custom print layouts, and digital sharing capabilities. A reliable provider will offer a range of packages, allowing you to find one that aligns with your event’s scale and budget. Additionally, consider the provider’s reputation and experience. Look for testimonials and reviews from previous clients to gauge their professionalism and reliability. An experienced provider will be able to handle unexpected challenges and guarantee smooth operation throughout your event. Lastly, communication and customer service are essential. Your provider should be responsive, accommodating, and willing to work closely with you to tailor their services to your event’s unique needs. Remember, a successful corporate event hinges on your ability to choose a photo booth provider that fulfills your requirements and exceeds your expectations. Understanding the cost implications is a critical step in the process of renting a photo booth for your corporate event. Budget planning involves considering several factors, including the rental package you choose, the event duration, and any potential hidden fees. Rental packages typically include the booth, attendant, props, and digital copies of the photos. However, additional features like custom backdrops, social media sharing, or branded photo strips may incur extra charges. It is crucial to clearly understand what is included in your chosen package and what is not. The event duration also affects the cost. Most companies offer packages based on hours, with potential overtime charges if your event runs longer than expected. Be sure to clarify this in the service agreement. Setup costs are another consideration. Some companies include this in the rental price, while others charge separately. Look for any hidden fees, such as travel expenses or costs for additional prints, which can add up. Typically, professional photo booth rentals include liability coverage and equipment protection insurance. This guarantees any accidental damage or injury during the event is covered, providing peace of mind to the party renting the equipment. The setup duration for a professional photo booth typically takes approximately 60-90 minutes, while the dismantle time is generally around 45-60 minutes, dependent on the specific equipment and location logistics involved. Our photo booths typically require access to a standard 110V outlet. Ensuring proper power sources is essential as equipment specifications dictate this need for peak performance. An uninterrupted power supply enhances the booth’s efficient operation at events. Yes, we provide a variety of props suitable for different photo styles. Additionally, we offer prop customization to align with your event’s theme, ensuring a unique and engaging photo booth experience for your attendees. Post-event ordering is a simple process. Additional prints can be easily obtained through our online portal. Numerous print options are available to suit your preferences, ensuring that your memorable moments are captured beautifully.
MIAMI — Two wealthy Miami Beach brothers accused of raping a woman while she was pinned down in a high-rise condo were granted bail by a Miami-Dade circuit judge on Friday — but they’re not going to be released because they face separate federal sex-trafficking charges along with a third brother, who is already in U.S. custody. Twin brothers Oren and Alon Alexander, 37, obtained a $3 million bond and a $2 million bond, respectively, that are secured by their father’s home in Bal Harbour — bail packages that were approved by Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Lody Jean on Friday. The twin brothers, who were in court Friday morning, entered not guilty pleas through their attorney. Oren was wearing a red jail jumpsuit, designated for high-profile inmates, and Alon was in a suicide-prevention vest. Both Oren and Alon Alexander will now be transferred to federal custody to face a separate sex-trafficking conspiracy case. The twins, along with their older brother, Tal Alexander — who have made fortunes as real estate brokers in Miami Beach and New York City — were arrested Wednesday in their Miami Beach homes by local police and FBI agents. The arrests are connected to the state attorney’s sexual battery cases in Miami and the federal sex-trafficking case in Manhattan. The arrests culminated parallel criminal investigations into allegations of rape and sex-trafficking against the once-superstar luxury real estate brokers and their older brother, Tal, 38, who is in federal custody in Miami awaiting a detention hearing on Friday afternoon. Federal prosecutors plan to ask a Miami magistrate judge to detain Tal, who is only charged in the FBI-led sex-trafficking investigation. On Thursday, Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Mindy Glazer called the twin brothers’ alleged rape of a woman identified as “M.W.” at a Collins Avenue condo on New Year’s Eve in 2016 a “dangerous crime” that required her to hold them until their detention hearing on Friday. She also issued stay-away orders, ordering them to make no contact with M.W. The brothers’ Miami defense attorney, Joel Denaro, put together the bond package. Additionally, Glazer granted Oren Alexander two $25,000 bonds with house arrest on two other sexual battery charges while also issuing stay-away orders regarding two other alleged rape victims identified as “M.G.” and “S.M.” During the morning hearing on Thursday, Oren blurted out that his wife is nine months pregnant and that he wants to be with her when she delivers their baby, saying “I would like to be able go to the hospital if my wife’s in labor.” Whether he’s granted that opportunity will depend on Friday’s detention hearing. Oren’s arraignment on the three sexual battery charges is scheduled for Monday. Three alleged rapes in Miami Beach Locally, Oren Alexander has been charged with rape in three separate incidents. The first alleged incident was during a 2016 New Year’s Eve gathering at a Collins Avenue condo in Miami Beach. The victim said, according to the arrest report, Alon Alexander invited her to the condo saying they were having a party. The two knew each other from New York City. When she arrived, Alon introduced her to Oren and Ohad Fisherman, their friend. (The State Attorney’s Office had erroneously identified Fisherman as their cousin.) Alon led her into a bedroom and Oren and Fisherman followed. There, the arrest report says, she was pinned by Fisherman while the Alexander twins argued over who would assault her first. She claims she was raped by Oren, before Alon raped her as his brother watched. On Friday, Fisherman’s defense lawyer, Jeffrey Sloman, and Miami-Dade prosecutor Natalie Snyder reached an agreement to quash his arrest warrant so he can surrender to state authorities on Wednesday . Sloman told Judge Jean that Fisherman is returning on Tuesday to Miami from Japan, where he and his wife have been on their honeymoon. Lody approved the arrangement and scheduled Fisherman’s arraignment for Wednesday. In the state case, Oren Alexander is also accused of rape on Oct. 20, 2017. The victim said she met Oren and a friend for dinner, followed by an evening at a real-estate event in Hallandale Beach and later drinks at a bar. She had one drink before leaving with Oren and agreeing to go to the Collins Avenue condo for a drink. At the condo, the woman drank a glass of wine and put on a pair of virtual reality goggles. She alleges Oren undressed her without consent, moved her to his bedroom and sexually assaulted her while she had the glasses on. A few weeks later, the woman met with Oren to discuss her concerns, according to the report. When she wouldn’t allow him to kiss her, the woman he began to masturbate and ejaculated on her stomach. She said Oren texted her later with a threat to “ruin” her if she mentioned anything about the incident. Another woman claimed Oren raped her in 2021. The arrest form says the two met for dinner and then took a boat to his Miami Beach home. He then took her phone, saying no pictures permitted. Then, she said, a tour of his home led her to a sitting area near the bedroom. He got aggressive. As she tried to get away, the woman said Oren ripped her dress. When the woman realized the doors were locked remotely, she said Oren Alexander mounted and assaulted her, before ejaculating on her stomach. The friend of the Alexander brothers, Fisherman, is also facing a sexual battery charge accusing him of pinning down the first victim, M.W., while Alon and Oren Alexander allegedly raped her. Drugged, raped ‘dozens of victims,’ feds say Ultimately, the three Alexander brothers are expected to be transferred to Manhattan, where a three-count sex-trafficking indictment was filed in federal court for the Southern District of New York, the same court where rap mogul Diddy was recently indicted in a similar case. Federally, Oren, Alon and Tal Alexander have been charged with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking between 2010 and 2021 in Manhattan, Miami and elsewhere. Tal is also charged with sex trafficking two victims by force, fraud or coercion in July 2011 and September 2016 in Manhattan and elsewhere. Tal’s two brothers are charged along with him regarding the 2016 allegation. If convicted, the brothers face up to life in prison. The federal indictment unsealed in Manhattan Wednesday morning tells a story of serial sexual predators. The Alexander brothers “worked together and with others ... to repeatedly and violently drug, sexually assault, and rape dozens of victims,” reads the indictment. “At times, the Alexander brothers arranged for these sexual assaults well in advance, using the promise of luxury, experiences, travel and accommodations to lure and entice women to locations where they were then forcibly raped or sexually assaulted, sometimes by multiple men, including one or more of the Alexander brothers.” Since the early summer filing of the civil suits, an attorney representing two of the women told the Miami Herald an additional 40 women — including a dozen from the Miami area — have come forward with allegations against one or more of the brothers. Some of the alleged incidents happened decades ago, when the brothers attended Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School near Aventura. A woman spoke to the Herald earlier this year and recounted how she was about 15 and a student at Miami Country Day School when she managed to escape as the brothers were pinning her down with her arms and legs apart. The New York attorney representing some of the women told the Miami Herald in September that more lawsuits should be expected. Precipitous fall for real estate superstars Even before Wednesday’s arrests, the lawsuits and national media scrutiny had been costly for Oren and Tal Alexander, who stepped away from Official, the boutique New York City-based real estate firm they founded about three years ago. Alon continued to work for Kent Security, a private security firm built by his father Shlomi Alexander, which offers crisis management, guards and video technology. It’s been a precipitous fall for the trio. Tal and Oren’s high-end real estate deals in Miami, Aspen and Manhattan are legendary. They got a jump-start in the business from their father, who also dabbled in the sale of high-end luxury properties. ©2024 Miami Herald. Visit at miamiherald.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.AP News Summary at 1:24 p.m. EST
Atmos Energy Co. (NYSE:ATO) Given Consensus Rating of “Moderate Buy” by AnalystsWhat a year it’s been for the music business. With 2024 drawing to a swift close, Billboard put together a series of year-end stories running down the biggest developments in the worlds of record labels, publishing companies, live music, music law, radio, AI and sustainability over the past 12 months. And we certainly weren’t lacking for content. In technology news, the debate over AI companies’ scraping of copyrighted music to feed their algorithms became increasingly heated and even spawned multiple lawsuits. Speaking of legal action, the Mechanical Licensing Collective’s lawsuit against Spotify over its bundling practice made a big splash around mid-year, while on the live front, a Department of Justice lawsuit that aimed to break up Live Nation and Ticketmaster dropped the same month. Waves were also made with major restructures at both Universal and Warner Music Groups, while the year’s country music explosion saw coastal labels increasingly wanting in on the action happening in Nashville. On the deal-making front, the cycle of blockbuster catalog sales continued, while major deals for companies like Believe, Hipgnosis, BMI and Concord made headline news. Meanwhile, radio continued to struggle with waves of layoffs and downsizing (not to mention a bankruptcy filing), and no less a superstar than Drake took unprecedented legal action against his own label over a culture-defining diss-track war. And in a story that exploded into public consciousness last year but has only continued to pick up steam over the past 12 months, a hip-hop superstar from an earlier era suffered a stunning downfall amid a seemingly unending raft of horrifying accusations. See below for links to all of our year-end content.
NEW DELHI -- India’s former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic reform program and a landmark nuclear deal with the United States, has died. He was 92. Singh was admitted to New Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences late Thursday after his health deteriorated due to a “sudden loss of consciousness at home,” the hospital said in a statement. “Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home. He was brought to the Medical Emergency” at 8:06 p.m., the hospital said, but “despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9:51 PM.” Singh was being treated for “age-related medical conditions,” the statement said. A mild-mannered technocrat, Singh became one of India’s longest-serving prime ministers for 10 years and leader of the Congress Party in the Parliament's Upper House, earning a reputation as a man of great personal integrity. He was chosen to fill the role in 2004 by Sonia Gandhi, the widow of assassinated Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. But his sterling image was tainted by allegations of corruption against his ministers. Singh was reelected in 2009, but his second term as prime minister was clouded by financial scandals and corruption charges over the organization of the 2010 Commonwealth Games. This led to the Congress Party’s crushing defeat in the 2014 national election by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party under the leadership of Narendra Modi. Singh adopted a low profile after relinquishing the post of prime minister. Prime Minister Modi, who succeeded Singh in 2014, called him one of India’s “most distinguished leaders” who rose from humble origins and left “a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years.” “As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives,” Modi said in a post on social platform X. He called Singh’s interventions in Parliament as a lawmaker “insightful” and said “his wisdom and humility were always visible.” Rahul Gandhi, from the same party as Singh and the opposition leader in the lower house of the Indian Parliament, said Singh’s “deep understanding of economics inspired the nation” and that he “led India with immense wisdom and integrity.” “I have lost a mentor and guide. Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the utmost pride,” Gandhi wrote on X. Born on Sept. 26, 1932, in a village in the Punjab province of undivided India, Singh’s brilliant academic career took him to Cambridge University in Britain, where he earned a degree in economics in 1957. He then got his doctorate in economics from Nuffield College at Oxford University in 1962. Singh taught at Panjab University and the prestigious Delhi School of Economics before joining the Indian government in 1971 as economic advisor in the Commerce Ministry. In 1982, he became chief economic adviser to the Finance Ministry. He also served as deputy chair of the Planning Commission and governor of the Reserve Bank of India. As finance minister, Singh in 1991 instituted reforms that opened up the economy and moved India away from a socialist-patterned economy and toward a capitalist model in the face of a huge balance of payments deficit, skirting a potential economic crisis. His accolades include the 1987 Padma Vibhushan Award, India’s second-highest civilian honor; the Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Centenary Award of the Indian Science Congress in 1995; and the Asia Money Award for Finance Minister of the Year in 1993 and 1994. Singh was a member of India’s Upper House of Parliament and was leader of the opposition from 1998 to 2004 before he was named prime minister. He was the first Sikh to hold the country’s top post and made a public apology in Parliament for the 1984 Sikh Massacre in which some 3,000 Sikhs were killed after then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by Sikh bodyguards. Under Singh, India adopted a Right to Information Act in 2005 to promote accountability and transparency from government officials and bureaucrats. He was also instrumental in implementing a welfare scheme that guaranteed at least 100 paid workdays for Indian rural citizens. The coalition government he headed for a decade brought together politicians and parties with differing ideologies that were rivals in the country’s various states. In a move hailed as one of his biggest achievements apart from economic reforms, Singh ended India’s nuclear isolation by signing a deal with the U.S. that gave India access to American nuclear technology. But the deal hit his government adversely, with Communist allies withdrawing support and criticism of the agreement growing within India in 2008 when it was finalized. Singh adopted a pragmatic foreign policy approach, pursuing a peace process with nuclear rival and neighbor Pakistan. But his efforts suffered a major setback after Pakistani militants carried out a massive gun and bomb attack in Mumbai in November 2008. He also tried to end the border dispute with China, brokering a deal to reopen the Nathu La pass into Tibet, which had been closed for more than 40 years. His 1965 book, “India’s Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth,” dealt with India’s inward-oriented trade policy. Singh is survived by his wife Gursharan Kaur and three daughters. ____ Associated Press Writer Sheikh Saaliq in New Delhi contributed to this report.India News Today Live Updates on December 4, 2024 : E-auction of sick business assets on dedicated platform may become compulsoryScaling Securely: 11 Strategies for Managing Cyber Risks During Business Growth
Carter hits 5 3s, scores 23 to help LSU beat Mississippi Valley State 110-45
NoneGREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — Matthew Downing threw for two touchdowns and ran for another to lead Elon to a 31-21 season-ending win over North Carolina A&T on Saturday. The game was tied at 7 in the second quarter when the Phoenix turned a fumble recovery into a field goal. That started a string of four-straight scoring possessions. Downing was 16 of 21 for 203 yards. Chandler Brayboy had 12 receptions for 118 yards with a score. Rushawn Baker ran for 106 yards for the Phoenix (6-6, 5-3 Coastal Athletic Association). Julian Bumper also had a 10-yard rushing touchdown on his only carry and Jamarien Dalton had a 30-yard receiving touchdown on his only catch. Freshman Cortez Lane returned a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown for the Aggies (1-11, 0-8), who lost their 11th straight. Justin Fomby threw for 190 yards and a touchdown pass to Daniel Cole and Shimique Blizzard ran for 87 yards and a TD. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football . Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25
BOSTON , Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The China Fund, Inc. (NYSE: CHN) (the "Fund") announced today that the Fund's annual stockholder meeting (the "Meeting") will be scheduled for Thursday, March 13, 2025 , via a virtual forum at 11:00 a.m. ET . Stockholders of record as of January 15, 2025 will be entitled to notice of, and to attend and vote at, the Meeting. The notice for the Meeting will be mailed to shareholders on or about February 10, 2025 . The Fund is a closed-end management investment company with the objective of seeking long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in equity securities (i) of companies for which the principal securities trading market is in the People's Republic of China (" China "), or (ii) of companies for which the principal securities trading market is outside of China , or constituting direct equity investments in companies organized outside of China , that in both cases derive at least 50% of their revenues from goods and services sold or produced, or have at least 50% of their assets, in China . While the Fund is permitted to invest in direct equity investments of companies organized in China , it presently holds no such investments. Shares of the Fund are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "CHN". The Fund's investment manager is Matthews International Capital Management, LLC. For further information regarding the Fund and the Fund's holdings, please call (888)-CHN-CALL (246-2255) or visit the Fund's website at www.chinafundinc.com . View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-china-fund-inc-announces-date-of-annual-meeting-of-stockholders-302331705.html SOURCE The China Fund, Inc.Drones, planes or UFOs? Americans abuzz over mysterious New Jersey sightings
AI boom surged ASX tech in November