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Tomas Soucek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka combined to burst Newcastle’ s bubble as West Ham handed under-pressure boss Julen Lopetegui breathing space with a priceless Premier League away win. Soucek headed the Hammers into a first-half lead in front of a largely stunned crowd at St James’ Park before Wan-Bissaka’s first goal for the club ended the Magpies’ three-game winning run in all competitions with a 2-0 defeat which prevented them from climbing into the top six. Eddie Howe ’s men were culpable for both goals, but also guilty of not using the wealth of possession they enjoyed effectively enough on a night when chances went begging. By contrast, the visitors were lethal on the break and produced the most fluent passages of play to leave Tyneside more than satisfied with a job well done. The visitors took a 10th-minute lead when Soucek was left criminally unmarked by Lloyd Kelly, deputising for the suspended Dan Burn, to power home a header from Emerson Palmieri’s corner. Joe Willock whipped a shot just wide of Lukasz Fabianski’s left post but, with PSG loanee Carlos Soler linking well with Lucas Paqueta in the centre of midfield and Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville taking a direct approach from the flanks, the Hammers were a constant threat on the counter. Sean Longstaff headed straight at Fabianski from Anthony Gordon’s floated 29th-minute cross and Lewis Hall sent a skidding shot just past the upright as the hosts responded. Fabianski blocked Gordon’s 36th-minute shot from point-blank range after defender Jean-Clair Todibo had failed to deal adequately with Longstaff’s low cross, and Alexander Isak, who had earlier seen a good finish ruled out for offside, blasted off target after controlling Bruno Guimaraes’ cross on his chest, although he may again have gone marginally too soon. Nick Pope had to pluck Bowen’s dipping snapshot from under his crossbar deep into added time, but the first half ended with the visitors a goal to the good. Harvey Barnes, who scored twice inside the final seven minutes in Newcastle’s 4-3 comeback win in the corresponding fixture last season, replaced Willock at the break and helped his side lay siege to the West Ham goal in an early flurry. Gordon’s 51st-minute prod sailed just the wrong side of the far post with Fabianski beaten, but Wan-Bissaka enjoyed better fortune two minutes later when he ran on to Bowen’s pass inside and steered a shot across Pope and in off the upright. The hosts were in disarray at the back and it took a series of blocks and Pope’s saves from Soucek and Soler to preserve their hopes of a fightback. Substitute Sandro Tonali sent Tino Livramento away down the right to cross for Isak, but the misfiring Sweden international was unable to direct his header at goal, and Callum Wilson’s penalty appeals, to his astonishment, were waved away on his first appearance of the season following a clumsy challenge by fellow substitute Konstantinos Mavropanos.
The “12 Days of OpenAI” has given us several new updates to ChatGPT , but today’s announcement felt like an entirely different gift completely. Today, OpenAI introduced a new feature allowing users to access ChatGPT via phone calls and text messages. By dialing 1-800-CHATGPT (1-800-242-8478), U.S. users can engage in voice conversations with the AI, receiving up to 15 minutes of free access per month. Additionally, global users can interact with ChatGPT through WhatsApp . The team demonstrated that 1-800-CHATGPT works on any phone and even brought out an old school rotary phone to convince us. But if you're wondering why you might need to call ChatGPT, like I was, the team gave a demo explaining the purpose. Perhaps you’re driving by a landmark you don’t recognize or need to translate from Spanish to English and don’t have an interpreter with you. Now, you can pick up your phone and call the chatbot for answers. But even more than that, the introduction of phone-based access to ChatGPT signifies a shift towards more user-friendly AI interactions, catering to individuals who may prefer traditional communication methods over web-based platforms. From grandparents to users with disabilities, OpenAI is ensuring that everyone has access to OpenAI. This move is expected to enhance user engagement and broaden the demographic reach of AI technology. By offering multiple avenues for interaction, including phone calls, text messages, and integrations with existing platforms, OpenAI is positioning ChatGPT as a versatile tool for everyday use. For instance, Apple has incorporated ChatGPT into its devices with the latest iOS update, enabling Siri to utilize the chatbot’s capabilities for user queries on photos, documents, and creating written content. Looking ahead This development is part of OpenAI's goal of making AI more approachable by integrating it into familiar communication channels. The phone service utilizes OpenAI's Realtime API, while the WhatsApp functionality employs GPT-4o mini through the WhatsApp API. The members of the OpenAI team stated that calls to 1-800-CHATGPT will not be used to train large language models, addressing potential privacy concerns. As AI continues to expand and evolve, initiatives like these from OpenAI are crucial in bridging the gap between advanced technology and everyday users, ensuring that the benefits of AI are widely accessible and easily integrated into daily life. There are just two more days left of the ’12 Days of OpenAI’ so it will be exciting to see what else the team has in store for us. More from Tom's GuideNEW YORK (AP) — The Buffalo Sabres can carry the good cheer of ending the longest losing streak in the NHL this season into their holiday break. Buffalo routed the New York Islanders 7-1 on Monday night, scoring twice in the first, three times in the second and twice more in the third to snap a 13-game (0-10-3) month of futility. After the win, there was palpable relief heading into the break as the Sabres are off until Saturday, when they host the Chicago Blackhawks. Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin had four assists, the most by a defenseman this season. He stressed that achieving victory is satisfying for the moment, but only a step in a long process ahead. “We battled for a long time and finally it went our way,’’ said Dahlin, the first Buffalo defenseman with four assists in a game since February 2008. “Now, it’s up to us to keep this thing going.” The Sabres last won at San Jose, 4-2, on Nov. 23. What followed was a vexing run in which they dropped six one-goal games and were outscored 53-28. The low point was a 5-4 loss to Colorado on Dec. 3 in which Buffalo became the 90th team in NHL history to squander a four-or-more goal lead. Buffalo is last in the Eastern Conference with 28 points. Against the Islanders and following a hard-fought 3-1 loss at Boston on Saturday, the Sabres were solid from start to finish in scoring seven goals for the first time this season. They were so dominant, that boos rained down on the host Islanders at UBS Arena. “It was huge to score some goals, and it was good to have a complete game,’’ said forward Jason Zucker, who scored Buffalo’s third goal. “It’s really hard not to overthink when you’ve lost that many in a row, so I give our guys credit. It was fun to get that win going into the break." The Sabres started their season 4-7-1, then won seven of nine games before the skid began. That led to renewed angst in Buffalo because the Sabres haven't reached the playoffs since 2011. Buffalo coach Lindy Ruff, who returned to the team last summer, was supportive during his squad's month of frustration. The 64-year-old Ruff previously coached the Sabres from 1997-2013 and has seen virtually everything in his long coaching career. He was succinct in praising his club after their dedicated road effort. “We denied a lot of plays in our end. It was a determined game,’’ Ruff said. “The bench had a lot of life. It’s a weight off our shoulders.” Tage Thompson, who leads the Sabres with 17 goals, said Monday's win proved that focused hard work is the way forward for his team. "Tonight we said shift after shift we're going to do the right things and let the chips fall when there they may," he said.
On Boxing Day at around 6:40 p.m., a structure fire summoned emergency responders to Elliott Road in the Municipality of Bayham. A garage was fully involved by the time responders arrived, with heat from the detached building compromising the residence next to it. Crews worked to bring down the flames and keep the fire from spreading. The garage and everything inside was completely destroyed, and some damage was done to the residence exterior, with some smoke damage inside. Damages are estimated to be roughly $125,000. The owner was home at the time and called for help when he saw the flames. He received some slight heat exposure to his face, but did not need serious treatment. The fire is under investigation, but does not seem suspicious in nature. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks Here Are All The Best Amazon Boxing Day Deals You Can Find On Beauty Products In Canada These Walking Pads Will Help You Get 10,000 Steps Every Day (And They're On Sale In The Name Of Boxing Day) 10 Family Calendars And Planners That'll Help You Keep Track Of Everything In The New Year Home If You're Headed Somewhere Warm On Vacation, Don't Forget To Pack These 16 Things Our Guide To The Best Snow Shovels In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) 14 Of The Best Home Security Devices You Can Find Online Right Now (And They've Got The Reviews To Prove It) Gifts The Clock Is Ticking — Shop These 25 Last-Minute Amazon Prime Gifts Now If You Have An Amazon Prime Account, These 70+ Crowd-Pleasing Gifts Will Still Arrive Before Christmas If You Have An Amazon Prime Account, These 50 Brilliant Stocking Stuffers Will Still Arrive Before Christmas Beauty 20 Products Your Dry, Dehydrated Skin Will Thank You For Ordering 14 Hydrating Face Masks That’ll Save Your Skin This December 12 Budget-Friendly Products To Add To Your Winter Skincare Routine Deals 11 Bestselling Coffee Makers And Espresso Machines You Can Get On Sale Right Now Don’t Walk, Run! These LEGO Kits Are On Sale For Boxing Day 2024 The Waterpik Advanced Water Flosser Will Make Cleaning Your Teeth So Much Easier — And It's 41% Off For Boxing Day London Top Stories Garage fire causes $125,000 in damages near Tillsonburg Carjacking suspects impersonated police, left victim stranded on 401 on Christmas Day: OPP Wortley Village business pillar to rise again as 'homage to what it was' Proposed Agri-science centre gets new name and new potential home Port Elgin, Ont. woman named Canada's Favourite Crossing Guard Police warn of dangers of ice after someone falls through SIU investigating after arrested suspect hospitalized Sarnia police respond to Christmas Day stabbing, robbery CTVNews.ca Top Stories Trudeau, Carney push back over Trump's ongoing 51st state comments Two senior members of the federal cabinet were in Florida Friday pushing Canada's new border plan with Donald Trump's transition team, a day after Trudeau himself appeared to finally push back at the president-elect over his social media posts about turning Canada into the 51st state. Calgary Boxing Day crash victim identified, mother and sister still in hospital A nine-year-old girl has died in hospital after the vehicle she was in was struck by a driver in a stolen vehicle fleeing from police. Missing dog returned to family home and rang the doorbell After a nearly weeklong search, Athena, a four-year-old German Shepherd and Husky mix, found her way home to her Florida family in time for Christmas Eve and even rang the doorbell. Five southern Ont. hunters fined $37K for moose hunt offences in northern Ont. A multi-year moose hunting investigation resulted in five people being convicted of moose hunting offences and fined a total of $37,000, plus $9,250 in victim surcharges. Gerry Butts says Trudeau less likely to remain leader since Freeland quit A former chief adviser and close friend to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he doesn't think Trudeau will stay on to lead the Liberals in the next election. B.C. man charged with dangerous driving after elderly Good Samaritan killed in crash A man is facing multiple charges of dangerous driving following a collision that led to the death of an 80-year-old Good Samaritan on Vancouver Island, B.C. Halifax Thunderbirds player Tyson Bell suspended, cited for assault in Colorado The Halifax Thunderbirds has suspended player Tyson Bell following an alleged assault in Colorado. 'Nobody should have to go through that': N.B. family grieving father, daughter killed in crash A New Brunswick family is grieving the loss of a father and daughter in a crash. Whooping cough is on the rise in the States. What's happening in Canada? Canadian health officials say they're seeing spikes in whooping cough cases in parts of the country as the U.S. deals with case numbers not seen in more than a decade. Kitchener Fire rips through former Peter Hay Knife Company building in Cambridge Emergency responders were called to a fire in Cambridge on Thursday as flames ripped through the building that formerly belonged to the Peter Hay Knife Company. Guelph Police looking for man as part of fraud investigation Police in Guelph have released several photos in an attempt to identify a man connected to a fraud investigation. Sawed-off shotgun and three knives seized during Cambridge arrest Two people from Thunder Bay are facing drug trafficking and weapons charges after they were arrested in Cambridge. Barrie Shoppers hit Boxing Week sales as retailers push for post-holiday profits Retailers extend Boxing Day sales into Boxing Week and beyond to clear inventory and boost post-holiday profits. Are your bins still at the curb? Here are the changes to curbside collection Curbside collection is delayed by one day this week due to the holidays. Dino-sized family event in Barrie supports a good cause Families in Barrie can take a step back in time over the holidays, exploring a prehistoric world filled with inflatable fun and life-sized dinosaurs. Windsor Vehicle flipped on its roof in west Windsor collision It was a wild scene earlier this afternoon in the city's west side - just before 1 p.m. surveillance video showed a van plowing into the side of another van, sending the struck vehicle onto its roof. Essex residents get second chance for holiday garbage pickup after calendar misprint Essex residents in the town’s north end will see garbage trucks return Monday, December 30 after a calendar misprint caused confusion about holiday trash collection. Carjacking suspects impersonated police, left victim stranded on 401 on Christmas Day: OPP On Dec. 25 at 9:00 p.m., police received a call to the eastbound lanes of the 401 near the 65 km marker. There the victim was stopped by three people in two suspect vehicles, one with flashing red and blue lights in the windshield. Northern Ontario Five southern Ont. hunters fined $37K for moose hunt offences in northern Ont. A multi-year moose hunting investigation resulted in five people being convicted of moose hunting offences and fined a total of $37,000, plus $9,250 in victim surcharges. Gerry Butts says Trudeau less likely to remain leader since Freeland quit A former chief adviser and close friend to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he doesn't think Trudeau will stay on to lead the Liberals in the next election. Five-vehicle crash closes Hwy. 11 in New Liskeard A collision involving five vehicles closed Highway 11 in both directions Friday morning between Golf Course Drive in New Liskeard and Highway 66 in Kenogami. Sault Ste. Marie Man shot by officer after firing at police car near Thunder Bay: SIU Ontario's Special Investigations Unit is probing a shooting near Thunder Bay in which a man was shot and wounded by a police officer on Boxing Day. Alleged impaired driver crashes into police cruiser on Boxing Day While on general patrol in northwestern Ontario on Boxing Day, an Ontario Provincial Police officer’s vehicle was struck. Five southern Ont. hunters fined $37K for moose hunt offences in northern Ont. A multi-year moose hunting investigation resulted in five people being convicted of moose hunting offences and fined a total of $37,000, plus $9,250 in victim surcharges. Ottawa FREEZING RAIN WARNING | Freezing rain expected in Ottawa Saturday morning ahead of warm spell After some cold days and nights this past week, warmer weather is on the way. Police watchdog investigating after officer shot crowd control gun at Ottawa man Ontario’s police watchdog is investigating after an Ottawa police officer shot a crowd control gun at a man, 43, Tuesday in Nepean. Seeking solutions to the troubles facing downtown Ottawa Rideau Street was once the heart of the capital's shopping district. For decades, people came from all over the region to shop, but with changing habits and the recent revolution in online shopping, many no longer head downtown to find that special item. Toronto Pedestrian taken to the hospital after being struck by TTC bus driver at Islington Station A female pedestrian was taken to the hospital after being hit by the driver of a TTC bus on Friday afternoon, say paramedics. 1 arrested, one outstanding after armed robbery at Ancaster cannabis dispensary Police in Hamilton are looking for a man wanted in connection with an armed robbery at a cannabis dispensary in Ancaster. Toronto will see temps above-zero as New Year's Eve approaches, says Environment Canada The final few days of 2024 will be mild in Toronto, Environment Canada says. Montreal Montreal SPCA at full capacity amid spike in pet surrenders The holiday season is typically a slow period for the Montreal SPCA, but this year is different. The animal shelter says the tough economic climate has taken a toll on its operation, leaving it at full capacity. Tugboats, crews try to refloat ship stuck in St. Lawrence River near Montreal A team of tugboats is being deployed to refloat a ship that has been stuck in the St. Lawrence River northeast of Montreal since Christmas Eve. Avian flu cases are concerning Quebec health officials Avian flu is raising red flags across several provinces, including in Quebec. While it poses a low risk to humans right now, experts are concerned that could change. Atlantic One dead in two-vehicle collision in Sackville, N.B. One person has died following a two-vehicle collision in Sackville, N.B., Friday. 'Nobody should have to go through that': N.B. family grieving father, daughter killed in crash A New Brunswick family is grieving the loss of a father and daughter in a crash. Man found dead inside tent in Dartmouth, police investigating Halifax Regional Police is investigating a sudden death in Dartmouth, N.S. Winnipeg Downtown Winnipeg a hub for research, baking and milling at Cereals Canada High above on the tenth floor of a downtown Winnipeg office space, baking bread is a normal routine. Man found dead after skid steer falls through ice: Manitoba RCMP A 58-year-old man is dead after a skid steer fell through the ice on a Manitoba pond on Christmas Eve. Winnipeg police arrest fifth person in drug trafficking investigation; sixth suspect still at large The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) has made a fifth arrest in a drug trafficking investigation but is still searching for a sixth suspect. Calgary Calgary Boxing Day crash victim identified, mother and sister still in hospital A nine-year-old girl has died in hospital after the vehicle she was in was struck by a driver in a stolen vehicle fleeing from police. Calgary woman killed in Saskatchewan highway crash A 25-year-old woman from Calgary was killed in a crash on Highway 7, west of Rosetown, Saskatchewan on Christmas Eve. Albertans watching closely as Ottawa tries to talk down Trump tariffs Alberta's politicians and business community will have eyes on Florida this weekend, following a federal government outreach trip. Edmonton Premier Smith proud of Alberta's 'major transformation' of health care in 2024 Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says transforming the province's health-care system defined her government in 2024. Cell phone scam costs Edmontonians $600K: EPS Edmonton police are warning residents about a cell phone scam that has so far defrauded victims of more than $600,000. 2 teens hospitalized in Christmas Day fire Two teens were hospitalized after a fire broke out at an apartment building in west Edmonton Christmas Day. Regina 'Something that connected us all': For 53 years, Sask. family celebrates holidays with street hockey game For over 50 years, Stephen Lentzos and his family have celebrated Christmas Day with a street hockey game. Regina police launch homicide investigation after injured man dies at scene Regina police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a man found gravely injured Thursday evening. Travel not recommended for parts of Saskatchewan under risk of freezing rain Travel advisories are in effect for parts of south and central Saskatchewan on Friday, with icy roadways and the risk of freezing rain making for dangerous driving conditions. Saskatoon Calgary woman killed in Saskatchewan highway crash A 25-year-old woman from Calgary was killed in a crash on Highway 7, west of Rosetown, Saskatchewan on Christmas Eve. Travel not recommended for parts of Saskatchewan under risk of freezing rain Travel advisories are in effect for parts of south and central Saskatchewan on Friday, with icy roadways and the risk of freezing rain making for dangerous driving conditions. Raised in Sask. after his family fled Hungary, this man spent decades spying on communists for the RCMP As a Communist Party member in Calgary in the early 1940s, Frank Hadesbeck performed clerical work at the party office, printed leaflets and sold books. Vancouver B.C. man who flipped 14 homes in four years is fined $2M for tax evasion A serial property flipper in British Columbia has been convicted of tax evasion and fined more than $2 million for failing to report nearly $7.5 million in earnings. B.C. court orders fraudster who owes $36.7M to pay from retirement funds The British Columbia Securities Commission says a man behind one of the province's largest investment frauds has been ordered by the B.C. Supreme Court to use two retirement accounts to pay off a multimillion-dollar fine. 2nd earthquake in 3 days reported off Vancouver Island coast A 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck off Vancouver Island's west coast early Friday morning, less than 48 hours after a 4.8-magnitude quake in roughly the same location on Christmas Day. Vancouver Island 2nd earthquake in 3 days reported off Vancouver Island coast A 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck off Vancouver Island's west coast early Friday morning, less than 48 hours after a 4.8-magnitude quake in roughly the same location on Christmas Day. B.C. team building 100 beaver 'starter homes' in the name of wetland preservation More than 70 manmade beaver dams have been installed in Interior waterways since the B.C. Wildlife Federation project launched last year with the goal of building 100 dams by the end of 2025. B.C. man charged with dangerous driving after elderly Good Samaritan killed in crash A man is facing multiple charges of dangerous driving following a collision that led to the death of an 80-year-old Good Samaritan on Vancouver Island, B.C. Stay ConnectedProtected personal information of more than 1 million people — including about 4,700 Social Security numbers — was accessed from Illinois Department of Human Services files in April, the agency confirmed last week. State agencies are required under the Illinois Personal Information Protection Act to notify the news media of certain reportable breaches of security. In a statement, the Illinois Department of Human Services said it experienced a privacy breach on April 25 when a phishing campaign was used to access a number of employee accounts and the files associated with the accounts. Phishing involves sending seemingly legitimate requests for personal or sensitive information such as passwords or account numbers. IDHS said the files that were accessed included Social Security numbers for 4,704 people. In addition, public assistance account information was accessed for more than 1.1 million people. While that information did not include Social Security numbers, it did have names, public assistance account numbers and some combination of addresses, birthdate, Illinois State Board of Education Student Information System identification numbers and cellphone numbers. People are also reading... "Upon learning of the phishing incident, IDHS worked in partnership with the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology to investigate the extent of the breach and to determine which individuals were included," according to the statement. "This was an in-depth forensic analysis, followed by a manual review of all compromised files to determine the nature of the breach. IDHS continues to train its employees on how to avoid and report phishing attempts." Written notices were sent to those whose Social Security numbers were involved and whose current address was on file. Those notices provide details about available actions, including credit monitoring. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.
The Nigerian Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) has called for the standardisation of traditional medicines and its teaching in schools. Its Director-General, Prof. Martins Emeje, said this during a media parley organised to induct members of the media as ‘Journalists for Traditional Medicines’. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the virtual media parley was themed, “The Media as Natural Medicine Ambassadors’’. Emeje said 80 per cent of traditional medicines were highly effective in addressing health challenges, without pronounced side effects. He noted that allopathic medicine and its composition were being taught in Nigerian schools, stressing that the same pride of place should be accorded traditional medicines. The D-G discredited some claims that traditional medicines do not have dosage, adding that they were already applying nanotechnology to their composition. “We are in an era where we are applying nanotechnology to traditional medicine and we shall be reinforcing our research and development models. “The same way you enrol in school to learn pharmacy, we can as well learn traditional medicines in school, and it does not necessarily need to be taught by a professor with degrees,” he said. Emeje emphasised that Nigerians should be proud of their roots, adding that traditional medicines were sustained in the past, hence the need for it to be standardised. He recalled that the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), recently accredited NNMDA as the awarding body for National Skills Qualification in Traditional Medicine in the country. Emeje added that NBTE was already training its staff on quality assessment and implementing a curriculum as criteria to be qualified as a traditional medicine practitioner in Nigeria. “We will be having traditional medicine database development, training of traditional medicine practitioners, training and documentation of Nigeria’s biodiversity and tackling antimicrobial resistance. “We are going to work with religious medicine practitioners and native medicine practitioners at all levels in order to enhance their practice. “There must be standardisation of natural medicine across the board, and we have to develop standards with stakeholders, and we are not going to copy any country’s style,’’ he said. The D-G said it was time to save the country from the siege of importation that was weakening its economy and ensure Nigerian traditional medicines got its security. Emeje also emphasised the need to prioritise research, science, technology and innovation which were the drivers of development in countries. He called on the media to monitor and evaluate the agency, to ensure it remained focused on its mandate toward boosting the relevance of traditional medicines.
Hyderabad: K Jamuna (38) and P Padma (40) are both sisters who migrated to Hyderabad from Munagala several years ago. Both have one thing in common. Their husbands had deserted them long ago, and they are hardworking Dalit single women. Refusing to be victimised, they have been working odd jobs in Hyderabad to earn a living and feed their children. For several months Jamuna has been running a tea stall and Padma has been selling coconuts on a footpath close to Moosarambagh bus stop. During the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation’s (GHMC) special drive to clear footpaths recently, their stalls (encroachments) were shut down. They don’t have a shelter in their native village in Suryapet district, as their brothers have been claiming ownership of their parents’ property. In Hyderabad, it is a struggle for survival, with Jamuna suffering heavy loss due to theft, when both her commercial cylinders and heavy utensils were stolen during the night by an unknown person and Padma becoming a victim of policy enforcement. They both live in small rented rooms close to where they were running their micro businesses. Mohd Ismail (45), an auto driver from Zeba Bagh, Asif Nagar, has 40% locomotor disability due to spinal fusion performed on his lower back (a rod inserted to support his spine). He pays Rs 300 per day for his rented auto rickshaw and feeds his family of five (including two daughters and a son) with whatever he earns. All these three individuals are connected with a single dream- to have their own house. While Padma and Jamuna applied for the Indiramma Illu housing scheme during the ‘Praja Palana’ special drive held to enroll beneficiaries of various state government schemes after Congress came to power; Ismail lost hope after applying for the 2BHK scheme in 2016 and 2018. “Both times the officials came to my house, and enquired about our socio-economic condition, but I couldn’t get a 2BHK allotment. Having lost hope, I didn’t apply for the Indiramma Illu scheme,” he tells Siasat.com . There are lakhs of people who share their plight, which has been reflected in the number of applications received for houses during the Praja Palana drive- 80.54 lakh prospective beneficiaries, which explains the seriousness of the housing crisis among the people living below the poverty line. According to revenue and housing minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, during the BRS government, 1,52,000 2BHK houses were supposed to be built, among which 63,000 houses were constructed and given to the beneficiaries. Among the rest, 36,000 houses were built, but beneficiaries were not identified. There were around 52,000 houses among which even tenders were called for 40,000-odd houses, but works had not started, and for the rest of the 12,000-odd houses, no tenders were called. While this was the performance of the BRS government, on coming to power after the 2023 assembly elections, the Congress government announced the Indiramma Illu scheme for the poor as part of its six guarantees. The scheme envisions giving Rs 5 lakh per house to beneficiaries owning land and also intends to build Indiramma housing colonies in villages and mandals for those who didn’t own any land. The major difference between the earlier 2BHK scheme and the Indiramma Illu scheme is that in the latter, the beneficiaries are given money by the government in four phases, during the four stages of the construction of houses. The beneficiaries have the liberty to model their houses as per their wishes, but the minimum extent of land for Indiramma Illu is 400 sq ft area, with a kitchen and bathroom/toilet made mandatory. The Indiramma Illu mobile App that was launched on December 5 holds the key to the identification of beneficiaries. As of December 23, out of 80.54 lakh applications, the information of 32 lakh beneficiaries has been recorded in the Indiramma Illu app. The housing minister told the media that by the first week of January, all the applications will be registered, after which scrutiny of the applications will happen. Among the 32 lakh applications surveyed, 9,19,676 applications were of those having house sites, 1,22,438 were of those having RCC (concrete reinforced cement) constructions, 2,17,096 having asbestos roofs, 41,971 have either plastic or tarpaulin roofs, and 2,17,096 have a tiled roof. The state government plans 4 step check process to ensure that only the poorest of the poor beneficiaries are selected for the first phase of the project, which is to build 4.5 lakh houses in one year, and a total of 20 lakh houses in 4 years. The state government plans to construct 500 houses in each mandal headquarters, for which 474 sites have been identified. Construction works in mandal headquarters began in Adilabad, Bhadradri-Kothagudem, Mahabubabad, Asifabad, Khammam, Nagarkurnool, Nizamabad, and Vikarabad districts. The Indiramma Illu committees will hold gram sabhas in villages and ward sabhas in the municipalities/municipal corporations, and determine who will be the beneficiaries under the first phase. The Mandal Parishad Development Officer (MPDO)/ Municipal Commissioner will conduct a random check of 5% of the data captured in the mobile app. A district-level officer appointed by the district collector would be the third layer of checking the beneficiaries, and finally, a 360-degree system check will be done using artificial intelligence (AI). The housing corporation plans to open a website where prospective beneficiaries can lodge complaints regarding any aspect of the scheme, and soon a toll-free number will be launched for the same purpose. The BRS government had shut down Telangana State Housing Corporation Ltd during its second term and deputed all the engineers in the department in other departments. After assuming power, the Congress government reopened the department and brought together the same engineers, to work on its flagship Indiramma Illu project. On Tuesday, December 24, Srinivas Reddy held an orientation meeting with the housing officials and gave promotion orders to some of them who were promoted by the state government. The state government also deputed an executive engineer as project officer for the project in each district, to oversee its implementation. Srinivas Reddy has made it amply clear to the housing officials to ensure that there is no scope for any corruption in the identification of the beneficiaries. He even went on to say that there would be zero tolerance if any official deviated from his direction of identifying the “poorest of the poor” beneficiaries under the scheme. He said that single women, widows, persons with disabilities, and those living in huts needed to be top priority. He asked the officials to first construct Indiramma Illu model houses near MPDO offices in every Mandal by the end of January. Now, the issue remains as to what the state government plans to do with the 2BHK houses left incompletely constructed during the BRS government. Though there is no final decision taken on that subject. Ponguleti stressed the need to involve the beneficiaries in the completion of those houses, by removing the contractor system. He divided the 2BHK houses into three categories- the ones that are ready but beneficiaries haven’t been finalised, the ones that are nearing completion but beneficiaries haven’t been finalised, and the ones which were still in the early stages of construction, but contractors have deserted them midway. To finish the houses in the first category, the state government released Rs 196.46 crore on November 25, to provide all basic amenities that were not provided previously. However, according to officials, tenders were called for these works only in 7 districts out of 31 districts for which these works were intended. In the second category of houses left incomplete, Ponguleti asked the officials to finalise the beneficiaries and allot them houses so that they could be paid the residual amount of the work yet to be completed, which the beneficiaries could complete. “If we involve the beneficiaries the amount will not be misused, and they will add some more money to complete it if it falls short” he told the officials. However, the complication here is with the multi-storeyed dignity housing (2BHK) complexes built during the BRS government, especially those where slabs have been laid but walls and other fixtures weren’t completed, and those buildings where foundations were laid but slabs weren’t constructed. The state government is deliberating the option of first convincing the earlier contractors to complete them and claim the bills, which the minister assured, would be paid between the 5th and 7th of every month. If the contractors are not ready to go ahead, the second option of letting the beneficiaries construct the walls, windows, and other fixtures is being considered. However, the total construction amount would have to be within Rs 5 lakh per unit limit, and there is no scope for further escalation of cost, which has clearly been communicated by the minister to the officials. One challenge here would be to empower the beneficiaries in G+9 2bhk dignity houses in GHMC areas, where 108 houses are supposed to be built in a single tower. Some officials are suggesting forming a committee of those beneficiaries, and releasing the residual funds to them directly; so that they can source the raw materials locally, which would also be cost-effective for them. In smaller municipalities, a 2BHK tower would have 25 houses, in a medium municipality it would be 50 houses in a tower, and in areas like GHMC, it would be over 100 houses in a tower. The minister has asked the officials to come up with a report with their suggestions about how the incomplete constructions could be completed and handed over to the beneficiaries who have been waiting for years. Ponguleti also announced that the state government was planning to construct housing colonies in four directions of the city, with houses to be constructed on a sprawling 100 acres in each of those colonies. In these housing colonies, Indiramma houses will be constructed for low-income, medium-income, and high-income groups, and they will be sold at a set price to those interested in owning them- on a no-loss-no-profit basis. On the question of what happened to the Gruha Jyothi scheme that was launched by the BRS government just before the 2023 Assembly elections where the beneficiaries were to be given Rs 3 lakh per house if they owned land, he alleged that only 600-700 houses given under Gruha Jyothi, that too to those wearing “pink shirts” (BRS party leaders). “We have no problem in giving houses to those wearing pink shirts, but they will have to fall under the poorest of the poor category,” he added. The successful completion of the Indiramma Illu project and 2BHK houses would be the major deliverables of the Congress government in 2025 and for the poorest of the poor like Padma, Jamuna, Ismail, and lakhs of deserving beneficiaries like them, this Congress’ guarantee is the last glimmer of hope to live a life of dignity.Entrepreneur Dilip Singh: Lessons from the Journey of Building Startups and Inspiring the FutureYaluyun Group to List on the New York NASDAQ: The New Generation of Consulting Capital Leading the Future 12-27-2024 10:44 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: Press Release Agency In the wave of the globalized economy, Chinese enterprises are stepping onto the world stage at an unprecedented speed and scale. Among them, Yaluyun Group, as a leading player in the new generation of consulting capital, is about to land on the NASDAQ capital market in the spotlight. This not only marks an important milestone in its corporate development but also represents a magnificent appearance of Chinese enterprises on the international capital market. Since its establishment, Yaluyun Group has been committed to building a globalized and diversified consulting service platform with the core concept of "driving development through innovation and leading the future with services". The group's business covers multiple fields such as real estate, capital operation, operation management consulting, and human resources services. Relying on its profound industry accumulation, outstanding professional capabilities, and forward-looking market insights, it has rapidly grown into a well-known comprehensive service enterprise in the industry. In the real estate field, Yaluyun Group has successfully created a series of landmark buildings and high-quality residential projects by virtue of its precise market positioning, efficient project management, and excellent customer service. The group not only pays attention to the economic benefits of projects but also attaches great importance to their social value and environmental sustainability, striving to achieve harmonious coexistence between humans and nature while promoting urban development. Through continuous exploration and practice, Yaluyun has established a good brand image in the real estate market and won high recognition from a wide range of customers and both inside and outside the industry. Capital operation is another core business segment of Yaluyun Group. The group has an elite team composed of senior financial experts, investment advisors, and legal advisors. With rich experience in the capital market and a keen market sense, it provides clients with a full range of capital operation services, from strategic planning, financing design to mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, and listing guidance. Especially in helping enterprises expand overseas markets, Yaluyun, relying on its deep international resource network and professional service capabilities, has successfully assisted many enterprises in achieving cross-border mergers and acquisitions and overseas listings, providing strong support for Chinese enterprises to go global. To help clients operate smoothly in overseas markets, Yaluyun Group provides comprehensive operation management consulting and human resources services. In terms of operation management, the group has a professional consulting team that can provide all-round consulting services, including financial management, tax planning, supply chain management, and marketing strategy formulation, according to the actual needs of clients. Through scientific analysis and precise strategy formulation, it helps clients optimize their operation processes, improve management efficiency, and reduce cost risks. Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/12/5b91a839a750e8b092a2ee3c8c678a79.jpg In terms of human resources, Yaluyun Group also performs excellently. The group has extensive recruitment channels and a professional recruitment team, which can quickly match suitable talents according to client needs. In addition, the group also provides human resources management services such as employee training and performance appraisal. By building a complete talent development system, it helps clients build efficient and stable teams, providing a solid talent guarantee for the sustainable development of enterprises. Regarding the future development of Yaluyun Group, Mr. Hui Yubo, the chairman, said, "We have always been committed to providing enterprises with refined and professional comprehensive business services and are dedicated to becoming long-term partners trusted by clients. Listing on the NASDAQ is an important node in the development history of Yaluyun Group and a brand-new starting point for us to step onto the international stage and achieve higher-quality development. In the future, we will continue to adhere to the business philosophy of innovation and pragmatism, deepen business expansion, improve service quality, and create brilliance together with our clients." Image: https://www.globalnewslines.com/uploads/2024/12/8e72958e74c6ec247b9a8d03f1a9f529.jpg In the future, Yaluyun Group will seize the opportunities of globalization, further expand the international market, and deepen cooperation and exchanges with enterprises from various countries. Meanwhile, the group will continue to increase investment in research and development, promote technological innovation and service upgrading, and provide clients with more intelligent and personalized service experiences. In terms of capital operation, Yaluyun will continue to give play to its professional advantages in the financial field, help more Chinese enterprises go global, and achieve the optimal allocation of global resources and win-win development. The listing of Yaluyun Group on the NASDAQ is not only a display of corporate strength but also a wonderful appearance of Chinese enterprises on the international stage. We look forward to Yaluyun Group continuing to write a glorious chapter belonging to Chinese enterprises at this new starting point. Media Contact Company Name: Global News Online Contact Person: Media Relations Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=yaluyun-group-to-list-on-the-new-york-nasdaq-the-new-generation-of-consulting-capital-leading-the-future ] City: NY Country: United States Website: http://www.globalnewsonline.info This release was published on openPR.