Today is the Quaid’s 148th birth anniversary History has a way of speaking softly to nations through the legacies of their great leaders. For Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah— the revered Quaid-e-Azam— remains the bedrock of its creation, a towering figure whose vision birthed a nation of promise, purpose, and unity. He was not merely a politician but a statesman whose ideas transcended his time, offering a blueprint for a just and equitable society. As Pakistan prepares to mark the Quaid’s birthday on December 25, the commemoration invites deep reflection. It compels us to revisit his ideals, examine the journey Pakistan has undertaken since its inception, and ask: How far has Pakistan strayed from the principles the Quaid envisioned? Why does the nation today seem adrift from its foundational purpose, burdened by crises that challenge its very fabric? The Quaid’s struggle was not just for a piece of land but for a state that embodied justice, equality, and democracy. Ayesha Jalal, in her monumental work The Sole Spokesperson , underscores that Jinnah fought to secure a homeland where Muslims could live free from discrimination, yet with full guarantees of equality for minorities. His defining speech of August 11, 1947, articulated his vision with remarkable clarity: “You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques, or to any other place of worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion, caste, or creed—that has nothing to do with the business of the state.” This statement, profound in its simplicity, offered a vision of a Pakistan where religious tolerance and unity would form the bedrock of society. Yet, more than 75 years later, the Pakistan of today stands in stark contrast. Religious intolerance, sectarian violence, and the marginalization of minorities have become defining features of the national landscape. The Hindu and Christian communities, in particular, face systemic discrimination and violence, often relegated to second-class citizenship. The desecration of temples and attacks on churches serve as stark reminders of how far the state has veered from Jinnah’s ideals of inclusivity and coexistence. These failings are not merely ideological; they are moral betrayals that erode the very unity the Quaid struggled for during the Pakistan Movement. The Quaid was an unrelenting champion of democracy, believing in the power of institutions and the rule of law. Stanley Wolpert, in Jinnah of Pakistan , portrays him as a leader who epitomized discipline, integrity, and political accountability. He stood steadfast against colonial oppression and communal disunity, uniting Muslims under the singular vision of a Pakistan that would serve as a beacon of hope. However, decades later, Pakistan’s political system is plagued by dysfunction. Successive regimes— both civilian and military— have eroded institutions, prioritized personal power over national progress, and undermined democratic norms. The result is a deeply polarized political environment, where dynastic politics and corruption scandals dominate headlines, paralyzing effective governance. The Quaid’s prescient warning against corruption rings truer than ever. He once declared: “Corruption and bribery are poison and need to be put down with an iron hand.” Yet, Pakistan consistently ranks among the most corrupt countries globally, as noted by Transparency International. Instead of fostering a system that serves the people, Pakistan’s political elite has exploited state resources for personal gain, leaving the masses disillusioned and impoverished. This political instability, perpetuated by vested interests, obstructs meaningful progress and diverts attention from the nation’s core priorities— education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. The absence of unity— a cornerstone of the Quaid’s philosophy— further exacerbates the crisis. Ethnic and provincial divides fracture the nation. The unrest in Balochistan, demands for greater autonomy in Sindh, and the grievances of Pashtun communities underscore the neglect of Jinnah’s vision of unity and inclusivity. The Baloch people, despite living atop vast natural resources, endure extreme poverty and systemic marginalization. Their legitimate demands for justice, development, and representation remain unaddressed, highlighting the glaring disparities between Jinnah’s vision and today’s realities. Jinnah envisioned a Pakistan built on economic independence and self-sufficiency. Fatima Jinnah, in her memoir My Brother , recounts how deeply the Quaid was concerned about the economic plight of ordinary people. His dream was for a welfare state where resources would uplift the marginalized and every citizen would enjoy dignity. Yet, modern Pakistan is mired in economic mismanagement, foreign debt, and widening inequality. The recent economic crises— characterized by soaring inflation, energy shortages, and unemployment— reflect a systemic failure to align with the Quaid’s aspirations. Today, Pakistan remains heavily reliant on foreign loans from the IMF and other financial institutions. Jaswant Singh, in Jinnah: Pakistan, Independence, and Partition ,” emphasizes that Jinnah’s insistence on economic sovereignty was rooted in his understanding that a dependent nation could never truly be free. However, successive governments have mortgaged the nation’s future for short-term relief, plunging Pakistan into crippling debt. This economic mismanagement has decimated the middle class, pushed millions below the poverty line, and created an elite class that remains insulated from the struggles of ordinary citizens. The Quaid’s emphasis on education as a cornerstone of national progress was unwavering. He famously stated, “Without education, it is complete darkness, and with education, it is light.” Yet, Pakistan’s education sector faces a crisis of staggering proportions. The literacy rate remains alarmingly low, with millions of children out of school, particularly in rural areas. Female education, in particular, suffers due to cultural and systemic barriers that prevent girls from accessing classrooms. According to UNESCO, Pakistan has one of the world’s highest numbers of out-of-school children—a damning indictment of the state’s misplaced priorities. Jinnah’s vision for education extended beyond mere literacy. He saw it as a means to empower citizens, foster critical thinking, and drive national progress. Today, however, the absence of investment in education has stifled Pakistan’s potential for innovation and global competitiveness. Instead of nurturing a nation of thinkers and reformers, Pakistan’s outdated curricula and rote learning methods perpetuate mediocrity, failing to equip its youth to meet contemporary challenges. The Quaid’s foreign policy ideals were anchored in peaceful coexistence, non-alignment, and dignity. He envisioned Pakistan as a respected member of the global community, free from external dependencies. Yet, modern Pakistan finds itself entangled in geopolitical rivalries, often dictated by economic desperation rather than strategic foresight. The country’s internal struggles— ranging from terrorism to governance failures— have tarnished its international image and weakened its diplomatic standing. Ishtiaq Ahmed, in Jinnah: His Successes, Failures, and Role in History , critiques how Pakistan’s inability to resolve its internal contradictions has undermined its global position. Instead of embodying the Quaid’s vision as a progressive leader of the Muslim world, Pakistan struggles to command respect on the international stage, weighed down by unfulfilled promises and unaddressed challenges. While the present may seem grim, the Quaids ideals remain a beacon for those committed to steering Pakistan back on course. Civil society, youth movements, and marginalized communities continue to champion justice, equality, and progress. The resilience of Pakistan’s people— whether seen in the bravery of women breaking societal barriers or the sacrifices of soldiers defending the nation— reflects an enduring spirit to reclaim the Quaid’s dream. To truly honor him, Pakistan must embark on a collective effort to bridge the chasm between his vision and today’s reality. Political leaders must prioritize national interest over personal gain. Education must become a national imperative, and economic policies must focus on uplifting the marginalized rather than enriching the elite. Above all, the nation must rekindle the unity and purpose that defined its creation. From the Quaid to now, Pakistan has strayed far from the path he envisioned. Yet, his dream remains alive— a powerful reminder of what this nation was meant to be. As we celebrate his birthday, let us ask ourselves: How long will we remain adrift? The struggle is far from over, but Jinnah’s words still guide us: “With faith, discipline, and selfless devotion to duty, there is nothing worthwhile that you cannot achieve.” The choice is ours: either continue on a path of disarray or rise to reclaim the vision of the Quaid—a Pakistan of justice, unity, and progress. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );
One day, when actor and comedian Rosie O'Donnell was in her 50s, her body ached and her arms felt sore, but she pushed through the pain, not realizing she was having a massive heart attack. She had surgery to put in a stent that saved her life. Shortly after her 2012 heart attack, O'Donnell shared her experience on her blog. During her 2015 television standup special, she spoke about how the experience changed her life. The segment included a heart attack acronym the comedian coined: HEPPP (hot, exhausted, pain, pale, puke). O'Donnell's candidness about her heart attack helped spread awareness about how it can present differently in women. She's one of countless celebrities over the years who have opened up about their health conditions, including breast cancer, HIV, depression, heart disease and stroke. When celebrities reveal and discuss their health issues, the impact can be far-reaching. It not only helps to educate the public, but it also can reduce stigma and inspire others. "Health disclosures by celebrities do matter, and we know this from decades of research across a lot of different health conditions and public figures," said Dr. Jessica Gall Myrick, a professor of health communication at Pennsylvania State University in University Park. "They absolutely do influence people." Some of the earliest celebrity health disclosures happened in the 1970s and 1980s with U.S. presidents and first ladies. When first lady Betty Ford was diagnosed with breast cancer just weeks after Gerald Ford became president in 1974, she spoke openly about her diagnosis, inviting photographers into the White House and helping make talk of cancer less taboo. In 1987, first lady Nancy Reagan used her breast cancer diagnosis as a chance to advocate for women to get mammograms. Her disclosure came two years after President Ronald Reagan's colon cancer diagnosis, about which the couple was equally as vocal. "Individuals throughout the country have been calling cancer physicians and information services in record numbers," the Los Angeles Times reported after Nancy Reagan's widely publicized surgery. The public showed a similar interest years earlier following Betty Ford's mastectomy. Another major milestone in celebrity health disclosures came in 1991, when 32-year-old NBA superstar Earvin "Magic" Johnson revealed he had tested positive for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. "Life is going to go on for me, and I'm going to be a happy man," Johnson assured fans during a news conference. He immediately retired, only to return to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996. His disclosure, along with his work as an advocate for safe sex, helped shatter stigmas around HIV and AIDS. Calls to testing centers increased significantly in the days and weeks after Johnson's announcement. "That celebrity disclosure really helped people see there was a wider susceptibly to HIV," Gall Myrick said. "People were more likely to say, 'I need to think about my own risks.' It was very powerful." When it comes to heart and stroke health, President Dwight Eisenhower helped make heart attacks less frightening and mysterious. During a news conference in 1955, millions of Americans learned from the president's doctors about his heart condition, his treatment, and concrete steps they could take to reduce their own heart attack risk. Other notable figures have shared their health experiences over the years. Soap opera legend Susan Lucci , who was diagnosed with heart disease in 2018, has advocated for women's heart health. Basketball great Kareem Abdul Jabbar talks about his irregular heartbeat, known as atrial fibrillation, and advocates for regular health screenings. Lawyer, author and television personality Star Jones continues to speak about heart disease risk after having lifesaving heart surgery in 2010. Longtime TV and radio personality Dick Clark brought stroke and aphasia into the national spotlight when he returned to hosting "New Year's Rockin' Eve" in Times Square just a year after his 2004 stroke and continued until his death in 2012. And actor and comedian Jamie Foxx recently revealed he had a stroke last year. "Celebrity disclosures represent teachable moments," said Dr. Seth M. Noar, director of the Communicating for Health Impact Lab at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. "Searches for different health conditions often spike in the wake of these types of announcements. They cause people to think about these health issues, learn more about them, and in some cases change their behaviors." Celebrities have also highlighted the importance of CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator, or AED, to restore a person's heartbeat if they experience cardiac arrest. Interest in CPR and AEDs spiked in 2023 after Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest during an NFL game broadcast on national TV. Views of the American Heart Association's hands-only CPR pages jumped more than 600% in the days following Hamlin's cardiac arrest. Three months later, around 3 million people had watched the AHA's CPR video. Family members of celebrities who have died from a heart issue have also spread awareness. After actor John Ritter died of an undiagnosed aortic dissection in 2003, his wife, actor Amy Yasbeck, started the Ritter Foundation to raise awareness about the condition and help others avoid a misdiagnosis. A literature review published in Systematic Reviews in 2017 found that people are conditioned to react positively to celebrity advice. Research also has found that people often follow advice from celebrities who match how they perceive – or how they want to perceive – themselves. The most effective celebrity disclosures are frequently the ones that tell a compelling story and include clear steps people can take to apply lessons the celebrity learned to their own health situation, Gall Myrick said. "People are more likely to take action when they feel confident and capable." Research has shown that celebrity disclosures often impact calls to hotlines and page views on health-related websites, and they can spark behavioral and even policy changes. Anecdotally, Gall Myrick said, people ask their doctor more questions about health conditions and request medical screenings. Celebrities can have a big impact because people tend to have parasocial relationships with them, Gall Myrick said. These are one-sided relationships in which a person feels an emotional connection with another person, often a celebrity. People may feel as if they know the basketball player they've watched on the court for years, or the Hollywood actor they've followed, she said. They want to comfort them after a health disclosure. Social media has only increased this feeling of familiarity, as celebrities regularly share mundane – but fascinating – details of their daily lives, like what they eat for breakfast, their favorite socks, or the meditation they do before bed. "We spend a lifetime being exposed to celebrities through the media, and over time, you get to know these public figures," Gall Myrick said. "Some feel like friendships." A study published in the journal Science Communication in 2020 compared reactions to actor Tom Hanks, who had COVID-19 early in the pandemic, and an average person with COVID-19. Researchers found that participants identified more with Hanks when it came to estimating their own susceptibility to COVID-19. The participants also felt more emotional about the virus that causes COVID-19 when thinking about it in relation to Hanks versus an average person. When a celebrity reveals a health condition, it's a surprise that may feel personal, especially if they are well-liked and the health issue is dramatic and sudden. "We feel like we know them, and the emotional response is what can then push people out of their routine," Gall Myrick said. Noar said a celebrity health story is often a more interesting and powerful way to learn about a health condition than just the facts, which can feel overwhelming. People are drawn to the slew of media coverage that typically follows a celebrity disclosure, he said. "Some of these high-visibility public figures' stories are now woven into some of these illnesses," Noar said. For example, Angelina Jolie is often linked to the BRCA1 gene mutation after the actor shared she had a preventive double mastectomy because of her elevated breast cancer risk and had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed because of her increased risk for ovarian cancer. "It's a narrative, a story that humanizes the condition in a way that very informational communication really doesn't," Noar said. "People remember it, and it can potentially be a touch point." After a disclosure, patients may bring up a celebrity's story during a doctor's appointment and connect it to their own care. Today's multiplatform digital culture only amplifies celebrity messages. "You're seeing everyday people react to these events, and that can have a ripple effect too," Gall Myrick said. "We know from research that seeing messages more than once can be impactful. Often it's not just one billboard or one commercial that impacts behavior; it's the drip drip drip over time." Still, there's a cautionary tale to be told around the impact of celebrity health news, especially if the celebrity has died. An unclear cause of death may lead to speculation. Gall Myrick said that guesswork could potentially end up hurting rather than helping if patients were to act on misinformation or a lack of information. "Maybe the death was atypical or it needs more context," she said. "That's where advocacy groups and public health organizations come in. They need to be prepared for announcements or disclosures about celebrity deaths, and to fill in some of those gaps." American Heart Association News covers heart and brain health. Not all views expressed in this story reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved. Sign up here to get the latest health & fitness updates in your inbox every week!Canada announces new border funding after Trump tariff threatSANTA ANA, Calif., Dec. 13, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In a groundbreaking move for the property management and inspection industry, DrBalcony ( drbalcony.com ) introduces its cutting-edge app, a pioneering digital platform designed to revolutionize the balcony inspection process. This innovative tool empowers homeowners, property managers, and Homeowner Associations (HOAs) with a streamlined, intuitive experience, eliminating inefficiencies and redefining how inspections are managed. With a user-friendly interface and advanced features, the DrBalcony App transforms what was once a complex, time-consuming process into one that is seamless and efficient. Users can now obtain instant quotes, create and manage projects, and schedule inspections—all with just a few taps on their devices. “At DrBalcony, we are passionate about reimagining property management through technology,” said Greg, VP of Sales of DrBalcony. “The app reflects our dedication to simplifying inspections while upholding safety and compliance standards. With over 2,500 inspections completed, we’re proud to offer a solution that sets a new benchmark for convenience and reliability.” FEATURES THAT SET THE DRBALCONY APP APART Instant Quotes: Receive transparent, accurate pricing for inspections without waiting days for a response. Project Management Made Simple: Track, manage, and oversee your inspection projects effortlessly from start to finish. Hassle-Free Scheduling: Book inspections at a time that works best for you—no back-and-forth emails or phone calls required. The DrBalcony App is tailored to meet the specific needs of California property owners, offering features designed to ensure the integrity of balcony structures while making compliance with state laws like SB 721 and SB 326 more accessible than ever. Learn more: https://drbalcony.com/services/ A SOLUTION BACKED BY REAL RESULTS “For years, the balcony inspection process has been frustrating and inefficient,” shared Omid, CEO of DrBalcony. “This app eliminates unnecessary complications. From instant quotes to straightforward scheduling, it’s a game-changer.” DOWNLOAD THE DRBALCONY APP TODAY The DrBalcony App is now available for download and marks a significant leap forward in property management. By addressing common pain points in the inspection process, DrBalcony ensures peace of mind for property owners, engineers, and HOAs, all while maintaining safety and compliance with California’s strict balcony safety regulations . About DrBalcony: DrBalcony leverages innovative technology to enhance balcony inspection, focusing on efficiency, safety, and customer-centric solutions. With a mission to simplify the complex, DrBalcony has become a trusted name in the balcony inspection industry, ensuring compliance and safety standards are met with ease. Learn more: https://drbalcony.com/ . Your property’s safety has never been simpler—download the DrBalcony App today! NEWS SOURCE: DrBalcony Keywords: Real Estate, DrBalcony, Balcony Inspections, home inspection, safety, app, solution, service, SB 326, SB 721, SANTA ANA, Calif. This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (DrBalcony) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire . Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P122836 APDF15TBLLI To view the original version, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/drbalcony-app-redefines-balcony-inspections-with-unparalleled-efficiency/ © 2024 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.
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Company's first ultra-low power AI module will be commercially available for wearables and various other battery-powered on-device AI applications starting Q1 2025 SANTA CLARA, Calif. , Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ambient Scientific, The AI Processor Company, announced today its first coin cell battery powered AI module, named the Sparsh-board, targeted for a variety of on-device AI applications such as human activity recognition, voice control, acoustic event detection and more capable of running on a coin cell battery for months of always-on AI operation. Equipped with motion sensors, a digital microphone, BLE module and several other components, the Sparsh module is an extremely powerful and versatile module to enable rapid prototyping of a vast array of battery-powered AI applications. "While traditional MCUs force an undesirable tradeoff between AI performance and power consumption, our ultra-low power AI processor GPX10 ushers a paradigm shift with our groundbreaking analog in-memory computing technology," said GP Singh, Founder and CEO of Ambient Scientific. Product makers can now enable highly accurate and diverse AI applications without compromising on AI performance, battery life, form factor, flexibility and more. Ambient Scientific's exhaustive software stack makes the development of AI applications easier than ever before with support for industry standard AI frameworks such as Tensorflow and keras and a continuously evolving homegrown compiler, capable of supporting essentially all the major types of neural networks. With various sample AI applications and algorithms included, developers can get begin developing AI applications within minutes of downloading our AmbiSense SDK . Current applications being worked on cut across industries, including predictive maintenance, AI-enabled medical devices, wearables, voice controlled toys and more. With increasing demand from product makers, enthusiasts, students and researchers alike, Ambient Scientific plans to launch several reference designs for battery-powered AI applications and similar form factor modules to enable rapid prototyping and fulfill its mission to make AI computing efficient, accessible and affordable for all. Meet Ambient Scientific at CES 2025 Ambient Scientific is excited to unveil its Sparsh AI module at CES 2025 with live demostrations of AI applications running on coin cell batteries such as Fall Detection, voice recognition and more. To explore potential synergies, attendees can schedule meetings CES 2025 with Ambient Scientific at. To learn more about Ambient Scientific, visit our booth at CES 2025 or download our press kit . About Ambient Scientific Ambient Scientific is a fabless semiconductor company pioneering AI hardware and software design to create next-generation low-power processors for edge and on-device AI applications. With a team comprised of Ex-Sun Microsystems, Intel, Broadcom and Google professionals, Ambient Scientific is committed to bringing the power of AI to all, through cutting edge hardware and software products. To learn more about its products, visit www.ambientscientific.ai and follow Ambient Scientific on LinkedIn . Click here for more details about our booth at: https://ces25.mapyourshow.com/8_0/exhibitor/exhibitor-details.cfm?exhid=0013A00001egpuFQAQ . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ambient-scientific-unveils-first-ever-ai-module-powered-by-a-coin-cell-battery-302332996.html SOURCE Ambient Scientific, Inc.
KUWAIT: Underscoring its belief in the importance of investing in the human capital and increasing employees’ efficiency, National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) hosted a Masterclass titled “Leading in an Age of Uncertainty” by Prof. Jill W Paine, faculty member of IE Business School, IE University, which was attended by employees from different departments. In the Masterclass, Paine shared with participants practical strategies that leaders can utilize to enhance engagement and productivity within work teams during periods of change and uncertainty, and the importance of organizational change as a pivotal factor in any global organization. The Masterclass addressed how leaders can enable organizational change and motivate the team, especially in an increasingly dynamic environment, through practical experiences using various techniques such as analysis, group discussions, simulations, and exercises. It also highlighted the radical shifts in business models due to the changing environment as a result of fast-paced technological development and changes in consumer behavior, in addition to the geopolitical tensions and the climate crisis, and organizations’ plans to adapt to all these changes at all levels. Paine shared insights on effective change leadership to motivate employees. The class also included interactive discussions to encourage employees to exchange ideas and experiences on how to apply the concepts presented in the work environment. These Masterclasses reflect NBK’s dedication to developing the capabilities of its employees, which helps improve organizational performance and create a positive work environment that fosters innovation and development. Speaking on this, Najla Al-Sager, Head of Talent Management and Learning, Group Human Resources at National Bank of Kuwait, said, “We firmly believe that investing in our employees is a key strategic pillar to achieve sustainable growth and maintain our excellence and leadership. Therefore, we are always striving to provide the best training opportunities in innovative ways to meet the changing market dynamics, thus building an agile and dynamic workforce that can meet the challenges in the future.” “All programs and courses delivered to employees are designed within an integrated training plan developed according to methodological and scientific standards to meet the needs of all relevant departments, in cooperation with prominent banking experts and reputable international training agencies,” she noted. “NBK enjoys a unique work environment offering distinguished training and development programs to employees to help them build a thriving and sustainable career. We harness all our capabilities to develop employees and always seek to unlock their creativity and innovation, which positively reflects on their performance, and help maintain our leadership position, both locally and regionally,” she added. Jill earned a PhD and master’s degree in Social-Organizational Psychology from Columbia University, a bachelor’s degree (magna cum laude) in English literature from the University of Colorado, Boulder in the US and has also obtained a GPCL from Harvard Business School. She has extensive experience including working as a Visiting Scholar, University of Maryland, Robert H. Smith School of Business, and a Teaching Assistant for courses including Organizational Change, Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management, Columbia University. Professor Paine has more than 23 years of experience working with firms in multiple industries including legal and financial services, technology, manufacturing and public relations. Her partners, clients and former employers include Pfizer, General Electric, Schroders, Omnicom Media Group, Bryan Cave, LLP and venture-backed technology start-ups. Founded in 1973, IE Business School is considered one of the leading and top ranked business schools in the world according to international magazines and newspapers including Forbes, The Economist, Financial Times and Bloomberg.Luke Williams feels Swansea ‘lost grip’ on game despite sealing victory at Derby
Bestow Named a Top 100 Financial Technology Company of 2024Authored by Victor Davis Hanson via American Greatness, Never in U.S. history has a president-elect been welcomed as the real president before his January 20 inauguration. And never has the incumbent president so willingly surrendered his last two months in office and all but abdicated—to the relief of his nation and the rest of the world. One reason so many are welcoming Trump’s return is the universally desperate hope that his election spelled an end to a collective madness at home and its ripples abroad during the last four years. And why not? Nations overseas had never quite witnessed anything like the lethal August 2021 American flight from Afghanistan. That utter humiliation and impotence of the U.S. military likely signaled to Russia there would be no consequences if it invaded Ukraine—and it did; to Iran that it could now unleash Hamas and Hezbollah on Israel—and it did; and to China that it could daily threaten Taiwan and send a spy balloon across the United States with impunity—and it did. The result was the current global chaos perhaps not seen since the late 1930s when a confused United States was similarly a bystander to the rise of bellicose regimes and wars. The Biden administration shrugged that the Red Sea, the Black Sea, the South China Sea, the Straits of Hormuz, and the Eastern Mediterranean Sea all became dangerous to the U.S. Navy and unsafe to world shipping. A disparate group of nuclear and near-nuclear powers—Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran—are either at war with Western allies or threatening war with them. Their confidence was predicated on the assumption that the U.S. after 2020 was engaged in a Maoist-like cultural revolution that warred on its own security, energy, military, universities, and social unity—and would continue with a second Biden term. The Biden-era cultural revolution has done great damage to the United States. The U.S. border was systematically and deliberately destroyed to allow some 10-12 million illegal entrants to pour into the U.S. without legality or background checks. Never has an outgoing administration spitefully sold taxpayer-purchased border wall material for pennies on the dollar—rather than see it used for the purposes for which it was purchased. Never had the U.S. experienced such an immigrant surge. And never had more than 50 million, and over 15 percent of the resident American population been foreign-born. Why did Biden and Alejandro Mayorkas erase the border? What madness and hate drove them to dismantle federal immigration law? Was it sheer nihilism? Or a desperate but calculated effort to alter American demography for political purposes? For four years, the public, elected officials, and pundits have all warned that Joe Biden was dangerously cognitively challenged and indeed completely unfit to fulfill the duties of the presidency. A long-suffering nation winced as Biden slurred his words, spoke in unintelligible sound bites, stood frozen and mute, screamed at and libeled half the country, tripped, fell, wandered aimlessly, became bewildered, and more or less proved a global embarrassment. All knew Biden was not able to run the country; yet none knew exactly who was actually in charge of America in his stead. The Obamas? Leftists like Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, the Squad, Jill Biden, and the Biden staff? Our allies worried that the usually resilient American president was now all but demented. Our enemies enjoyed these leaderless years of opportunity. And the left serially misled the public that the decrepit Biden, whom they feared in private was senile, was “dynamic,” “energic,” and “fit as a fiddle.” Never has a president so deserved to be removed by the 25th Amendment or through impeachment and conviction. And never has even his inner circle finally but silently agreed as they left office, the very enablers who had done their political best to mask his dementia for four long years. Never has the justice system, from local to state to national jurisdictions, so systematically and coordinately, sought to bankrupt, render inert, and jail an ex-president and current presidential candidate. Rarely have the FBI, the CIA, the IRS, the Department of Justice, and the Pentagon become weaponized and so flagrantly and with impunity broken the law, abandoned their mission statements, and served political agendas rather than the American people. Not since the J. Edgar Hoover era has the FBI hierarchy serially lied under oath, stonewalled Congress, forged a court affidavit, or partnered with the media to suppress the news. Has the FBI ever raided an ex-president’s home, spied on parents at school board meetings, monitored Catholics, or tried to terrify and harass pro-life activists? Never has a presidential family so brazenly profited by selling its influence to foreign interests. Never has it used the powers of the FBI and DOJ to cover up its crimes and to ensure the family filial bagman would be for years exempted by the DOJ and later pardoned by the president himself, the father of the family miscreant and privy to the family syndicate’s illegal activities. Seldom has a president and his administration sought to fuel a veritable cultural revolution to change the fabric of the nation by institutionalizing a third, transexual gender, violating civil rights law, and systematically admitting, hiring, and promoting Americans on the basis of their race and gender. Never since the Civil War era had local and state insurrectionist governments established 600 nullification zones, in which they vowed to break federal law and consider it null and void within their jurisdictions. Never have rioters looted, burned, killed, assaulted, and occupied large swaths of cities for over 120 days, and largely with impunity. Never had the U.S. Treasury borrowed so much money so quickly and owed $37 in national debt—and been so intent on borrowing continuously nearly $2 trillion a year in annual deficits. Never has a political party sought to systematically violate long-standing traditions, customs, and often the law itself to destroy a political opponent: hiring a foreign national to spread smears among the media and bureaucracies, impeaching a president twice, trying an ex-president in the Senate, seeking to remove a presidential candidate from 16 state ballots, using five different judicial jurisdictions to try an ex-president, and serially so defaming a candidate and ex-president as a dictator, fascist, and Nazi to create a climate that encouraged two near-miss assassination attempts on him. In sum, for the last four years, the world has watched aghast as the United States lost its collective mind and became a radical Jacobin revolutionary society. So why is there not a sense of almost ecstatic relief, not just among conservatives but even among Democrats, that the years of darkness and madness are ending? The global public believes that the United States will again become lawful, have a secure border, return as a beacon of free-market economics, protect its allies, deter its enemies, win over its neutrals, return to the rule of law, restore the professionalism and prestige of its government agencies, check predatory nations abroad with a new deterrent military, and prepare to lead the world in energy production, exploration of space, and scientific and technology development. Summed up, the welcomed counterrevolution is one of restoration—to dream again that nothing is impossible, and the dreary age of stasis, envy, cynicism, and nihilism is ending, replaced again by a world without limits. No one knows quite what is ahead, but all know that it is at least better already than the current nightmare.
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A man accused of setting a woman on fire inside a New York City subway train and then watching her die after she was engulfed in flames has made an initial court appearance and will remain in custody. Sebastian Zapeta, 33, who federal immigration officials said is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the US illegally, was arraigned in Brooklyn criminal court. He appeared briefly before a judge and wore a white jumpsuit over a weathered black hooded sweatshirt. He did not speak. He will remain jailed ahead of his next court date on Friday. The apparently random attack occurred on Sunday morning on a stationary F train at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn. Police said on Tuesday that identification of the victim was still “pending at this time”. Authorities say Zapeta approached the woman, who was sitting motionless in the train car and may have been sleeping, and used a lighter to set her clothing on fire. The woman quickly became engulfed in flames, while the suspect then sat at a bench on the subway platform and watched, according to police. Video posted to social media appeared to show the woman standing inside the train ablaze as some people look on from the platform, and at least one officer walks by. NYPD chief of transit Joseph Gulotta said that several officers had responded to the fire and one stayed to keep the crime scene “the way it’s supposed to be” while the others went to get fire extinguishers and transit workers. They were eventually able to douse the fire, but “unfortunately, it was too late”, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said — the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. During Zapeta’s court hearing on Tuesday, Assistant District Attorney Ari Rottenberg said Zapeta at one point fanned the flames on the woman using his shirt. He said a 911 call from a subway rider helped identify Zapeta. Mr Rottenberg added that under interrogation Zapeta claimed he did not know what happened, noting that he consumes alcohol. But he alleged that Zapeta identified himself to interrogators in images related to the attack. Zapeta was taken into custody on Sunday afternoon while riding a train on the same subway line after police got a tip from some teenagers who recognised him from images circulated by the police. A Brooklyn address for Zapeta released by police matches a shelter that provides housing and substance abuse support. The shelter did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Federal immigration officials said Zapeta had been previously deported in 2018 but at some point reentered the US illegally. The crime — and the graphic video of it that ricocheted across social media — deepened a growing sense of unease among some New Yorkers about the safety of the subway system in a city where many residents take the subway multiple times each day.Slack’s AI agents promise to reshape productivity with contextual powerMumbai: Citizens Allege Proposed Multi-Level Robotic Parking Tower Project Near Matunga Station Aimed At Benefiting Builder
Middle East latest: Israel agrees to a ceasefire with Hezbollah in LebanonWorkspace solutions provider IndiQube Spaces has filed the draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with capital markets regulator Sebi to raise Rs 850 crore through an initial public offering ( IPO ). IndiQube, backed by the prominent venture capital firm WestBridge Capital, is planning an IPO that includes a fresh equity sale of Rs 750 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of Rs 100 crore. The company proposes to utilise the net proceeds of the fresh issue to fund capital expenditure for the establishment of new centres, repayment of debt and general corporate purposes. IndiQube Spaces, incorporated in 2015, manages a portfolio of 103 centres across 13 cities, covering 7.76 million square feet of area under management (AUM) in the super built-up area with a total seating capacity of 172,451 as of June 2024. It has a balanced portfolio of global capability centres (GCCs) and Indian enterprises as part of its clientele. IndiQube’s clients include GCCs, Indian corporates, unicorns as well as startups across sectors like Myntra, upGrad, Zerodha, No Broker, Redbus, Juspay, Perfios, Moglix, Ninjacart, Siemens, Narayana Health to name a few. Stock Trading Algo Trading Made Easy By - Vivek Gadodia, Partner at Dravyaniti Consulting and RBT Algo Systems View Program Stock Trading Stock Investing Made Easy: Beginner's Stock Market Investment Course By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Stock Trading Market 103: Mastering Trends with RMI and Techno-Funda Insights By - Rohit Srivastava, Founder- Indiacharts.com View Program Stock Trading ROC Made Easy: Master Course for ROC Stock Indicator By - Souradeep Dey, Equity and Commodity Trader, Trainer View Program Stock Trading Renko Chart Patterns Made Easy By - Kaushik Akiwatkar, Derivative Trader and Investor View Program Stock Trading Candlesticks Made Easy: Candlestick Pattern Course By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Stock Trading Derivative Analytics Made Easy By - Vivek Bajaj, Co Founder- Stockedge and Elearnmarkets View Program Stock Trading Futures Trading Made Easy: Future & Options Trading Course By - Anirudh Saraf, Founder- Saraf A & Associates, Chartered Accountant View Program Stock Trading A2Z of Stock Trading - Online Stock Trading Course By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program IndiQube Grow is the company’s core offering, representing a comprehensive workplace solution, for plug-and-play workspaces incorporating interiors, technology, facility management and value-added services. It has also developed four additional verticals, namely IndiQube Bespoke, IndiQube One, MiQube and IndiQube Cornerstone to service specialised client requirements. The company reported a total income of Rs 868 crore in FY24 as against Rs 601 crore in the previous fiscal. Flexible workspaces are becoming an integral part of the commercial office market. The rise of hybrid work models, prudence in the use of capital, the need for flexibility, workspace planning, and a shift in work culture are among the factors fuelling the demand for flexible workspaces. According to a CBRE report, the flexible workspace stock in India currently stands over 79 million sq.ft. of which Tier 1 cities account for over 72 million sq.ft. The Tier 1 stock is estimated to grow to approximately 124 Mn sq. ft. by the end of CY2027. ICICI Securities and JM Financial are the book-running lead managers to the offer. (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel )