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Drama and trauma haunt collegiate gridironCeltic 1-1 Club Brugge PLAYER RATINGS: Which defender shone on a tough night? Whose passback opened the scoring? Who called his team together for a pep talk?
The rising price of paying the national debt is a risk for Trump's promises on growth and inflation WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump has big plans for the economy. He also has big debt problem that'll be a hurdle to delivering on those plan. Trump has bold ambitions on tax cuts, tariffs and other programs. But high interest rates and the price of repaying the federal government’s existing debt could limit what he’s able to do. The federal debt stands at roughly $36 trillion, and the spike in inflation after the pandemic has pushed up the government’s borrowing costs such that debt service next year will easily exceed spending on national security. 'Wicked' and 'Gladiator' make gravity-defying theater debuts NEW YORK (AP) — “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” have debuted in theaters with a combined $270 million in ticket sales. Their worldwide performance breathed fresh life into global box office results that have struggled lately. Together the films turned the moviegoing weekend into one of the busiest of the year. Jon M. Chu’s lavish big-budget musical “Wicked,” starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, debuted with $114 million domestically and $164.2 million globally. Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II” is a sequel to his 2000 best picture-winning original and launched with $55.5 million in ticket sales. “Moana 2” is being released Wednesday, so it looks like Hollywood might be looking at historic sales over the Thanksgiving holiday. Trump's Republican Party is increasingly winning union voters. It's a shift seen in his labor pick WASHINGTON (AP) — Working-class voters helped Republicans make steady election gains this year and expanded a coalition that increasingly includes rank-and-file union members. It's a political shift spotlighting one of President-elect Donald Trump’s latest Cabinet picks: a GOP congresswoman, who has drawn labor support, to be his labor secretary. Oregon Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her bid for a second term this month, despite strong backing from union members. They're a key part of the Democratic base but are gravitating in the Trump era toward a Republican Party traditionally allied with business interests. Trump raced to pick many Cabinet posts. He took more time to settle on a treasury secretary WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump launched a blitz of picks for his Cabinet, but he took his time settling on billionaire investor Scott Bessent as his choice for treasury secretary. The Republican not only wanted someone who jibes with him, but an official who can execute his economic vision and look straight out of central casting while doing so. With his Yale University education and pedigree trading for Soros Fund Management before establishing his own funds, Bessent will be tasked with a delicate balancing act. Trump expects him to help reset the global trade order, enable trillions of dollars in tax cuts, ensure inflation stays in check, manage a ballooning national debt and still keep the financial markets confident. Trump chooses Bessent to be treasury secretary, Vought as budget chief, Chavez-DeRemer for Labor WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has chosen hedge fund manager Scott Bessent, an advocate for deficit reduction, to serve as his next treasury secretary. Bessent, 62, is founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management. He previously had worked on and off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. Trump also said he would nominate Russell Vought, 48, to lead the Office of Management and Budget, a position he held during Trump's first term. And Trump chose Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, an Oregon Republican, as his labor secretary, and Scott Turner, a former football player who worked in Trump’s first administration, as his housing secretary. Afraid of losing the US-Canada trade pact, Mexico alters its laws and removes Chinese parts MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico has been taking a bashing for allegedly serving as a conduit for Chinese parts and products into North America. Officials here are terrified that a re-elected Donald Trump or politically struggling Justin Trudeau could simply expel their country from the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement. Mexico's ruling Morena party is so afraid its has gone on a campaign to get companies to replace Chinese parts with locally made ones. And its legislators are consciously tweaking the wording of major laws to try to make them compatible with the trade pact's language. Mexico hopes the rules of the trade pact would prevent the U.S. or Canada from simply walking away. Australia withdraws a misinformation bill after critics compare it to censorship CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia’s government has withdrawn a bill that would give a media watchdog power to monitor digital platforms and require them to keep records about misinformation and disinformation on their networks. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said Sunday that the government was unable to drum up the support needed to pass the legislation. The opposition spokesman, David Coleman, said the bill “betrayed our democracy” and amounted to “censorship laws in Australia.” The bill would have granted the Australian Communications and Media Authority power over digital platforms by approving an enforceable code of conduct or standards for social media companies if self-regulation fell short. He'll be the last meatpacker in the Meatpacking District. Here's how NYC's gritty 'hood got chic NEW YORK (AP) — The last meatpackers in New York's Meatpacking District have agreed to end their leases early and make way for development on their city-owned lot. A third-generation meatpacker says he is ready to retire and he'll be proud to be there when the building closes. The closure date has not been set, but will mark the end of over a century of industrial life in the Meatpacking District. Starting in the 1970s, a new nightlife scene emerged as bars and nightclubs moved in. Today it's a hub for shopping, tourism, and recreation and only echoes of that grit remain. US budget airlines are struggling. Will pursuing premium passengers solve their problems? DALLAS (AP) — Delta and United Airlines have become the most profitable U.S. airlines by targeting premium customers while also winning a significant share of budget travelers. That is squeezing smaller low-fare carriers like Spirit Airlines, which filed for bankruptcy protection on Monday. Some travel industry experts think Spirit’s troubles indicate less-wealthy passengers will have fewer choices and higher prices. Other discount airlines are on better financial footing but also are lagging far behind the full-service airlines when it comes to recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Most industry experts think Frontier and other so-called ultra-low-cost carriers will fill the vacuum if Spirit shrinks, and that there's still plenty of competition to prevent prices from spiking. What to know about Scott Bessent, Trump's pick for treasury secretary WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has chosen money manager Scott Bessent, an advocate for deficit reduction and deregulation, to serve as his next treasury secretary. Bessent is a past supporter of Democrats who has become an enthusiastic supporter of Trump. He’s an advocate of cutting spending while extending the tax cuts approved by Congress in Trump’s first term. He has said tariffs imposed during a second Trump administration would be directed primarily at China.SEATTLE, Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sana Biotechnology, Inc. (NASDAQ: SANA), a company focused on changing the possible for patients through engineered cells, today announced that it will webcast its presentations at two investor conferences in December. The presentations will feature a business overview and update by Steve Harr, Sana’s President and Chief Executive Officer. The webcasts will be accessible on the Investor Relations page of Sana’s website at https://sana.com/ . A replay of each presentation will be available at the same location for 30 days following the conference. About Sana Biotechnology Sana Biotechnology, Inc. is focused on creating and delivering engineered cells as medicines for patients. We share a vision of repairing and controlling genes, replacing missing or damaged cells, and making our therapies broadly available to patients. We are a passionate group of people working together to create an enduring company that changes how the world treats disease. Sana has operations in Seattle, WA, Cambridge, MA, South San Francisco, CA, Bothell, WA and Rochester, NY. For more information about Sana Biotechnology, please visit https://sana.com/ . Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements about Sana Biotechnology, Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including those related to the Company’s vision; the Company’s participation at Citi’s 2024 Global Healthcare Conference and the 7th Annual Evercore ISI HealthCONx Conference; and the subject matter of the Company’s presentations at these conferences. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including, among others, statements regarding the Company’s strategy, expectations, cash runway and future financial condition, future operations, and prospects, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “design,” “due,” “estimate,” “expect,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “plan,” “positioned,” “potential,” “predict,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and other similar expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events and future trends, or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. The Company has based these forward-looking statements largely on its current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about future events and financial trends that it believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, you should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to vary materially, including, among others, the risks inherent in drug development such as those associated with the initiation, cost, timing, progress and results of the Company’s current and future research and development programs, preclinical and clinical trials, as well as economic, market and social disruptions. For a detailed discussion of the risk factors that could affect the Company’s actual results, please refer to the risk factors identified in the Company’s SEC reports, including but not limited to its Annual Report on Form 10-Q dated November 8, 2024. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason. Investor Relations & Media: Nicole Keith investor.relations@sana.com media@sana.com
(The Center Square) – Prosecutors introduced secretly recorded audio and video along with a troubled star witness at the public corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Former Chicago Alderman Daniel Solis returned to the Everett McKinley U.S. Courthouse Monday. Solis is facing one federal count of bribery under a deferred prosecution agreement. The ex-alderman began cooperating with federal investigators in 2016. Separately Monday, former Chicago Alderman Daniel Solis, former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and Madigan codefendant Michael McClain enter the federal court building in Chicago Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. U.S. government attorney Diane MacArthur first introduced a recording of Madigan and Solis nearly two years before the alderman started cooperating with the government. The recording involved a conversation with Chinese developer, See Wong, who wanted to build a hotel on a parcel of land in Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood. The land was owned by the state of Illinois at the time, but Solis said a zoning change would be required from the city in order for a hotel to be built. At Madigan’s request, Solis said he facilitated the meeting on Aug. 8, 2014, at Madigan’s law firm, Madigan and Getzendanner, about the land along Wentworth Avenue between Archer Avenue and Cermak Road. Madigan’s law partner, Bud Getzendanner, discussed how successful the firm had been in working with hotels to make sure they were not taxed more than necessary. ”A large component of your expense for hotels is real estate taxes,” Getzendanner said during the recorded meeting. Getzendanner said the firm charged 12.5% of the tax savings obtained. Madigan told Wong and an interpreter about the quality of service his firm provided. “We don’t take a second seat to anybody,” Madigan said. The developer then asked for a picture with Madigan and Solis. Solis told the group that Wong would benefit from working with Madigan. “If he works with the Speaker, he will get anything he needs for that hotel,” Solis said on the recording. Solis testified that he meant the city would provide the zoning change the developer needed from the city if the developer hired Madigan’s law firm. Solis said the zoning change was approved, but the proposed hotel was never built. MacArthur asked Solis about the bribery charge he is still facing, which Solis said involved the redevelopment of a property in Chicago from a restaurant to a residential building in 2015. Solis said two problems prevented the project from moving forward: labor unions’ perceived lack of representation in the development and residents' concerns in the ward. The former alderman admitted that he solicited a campaign contribution from the developer or from one or more of the developer’s vendors while the project’s zoning change was still under consideration. Solis said he believed the developer was on board and that he would be getting donations from the developers’ vendors. The zoning change was approved by the city council, Solis said. He testified he solicited and accepted campaign contributions from other developers who had matters pending before the city council’s zoning committee. Solis then testified about about a variety of things like massages that turned sexual, trips to Las Vegas, tickets to professional sporting events, no-paperwork six-figure loans he'd paid back. He even admitted to an extramarital affair he had with an interpreter. Solis said he was separated from his wife for about five years and their house went into foreclosure. He also confessed that he lied to a collection agency by saying he was out of work. MacArthur asked Solis about his sister, Patti Solis Doyle, who worked on campaigns for former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, former President Bill Clinton and former U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton, D-New York. Solis Doyle also managed Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign in 2008. Solis said his sister was involved in a hotel project in which the developer offered her $100,000. Solis said his sister offered to split the sum with her brother. As chairman of the city’s zoning committee, Solis said he told his sister he could not accept money regarding a hotel development. Solis said his sister told him there would be another way she could compensate him. The former alderman said he did receive funds from his sister for referring her to his friend Brian Hynes’ state vendor assistance program. Monday afternoon, Solis testified that FBI agents visited his home on June 1, 2016, and played audio and video recordings. After considering an attorney, Solis said he decided to cooperate with the FBI a few days later and agreed to let investigators tap his phone. Solis also said he told an attorney friend that he was cooperating with the FBI in regard to an investigation of an organization he was involved in. Solis said he made recordings for several investigations he was involved in as part of his deferred prosecution agreement. He began communicating with Madigan after receiving a voicemail message on June 12, 2017. Solis said he discussed the Chinatown land deal, his interest in getting a state board appointment, and referring clients to Madigan’s law firm while cooperating with the government from June 2016 to December 2017. Solis admitted that he was not really interested in a state board appointment, but he raised the issue with Madigan at the direction of law enforcement. Solis said he began communicating with Madigan codefendant Michael McClain about the Chinatown parcel in the fall of 2017. He said he had to continue to perform his duties as an alderman while cooperating with the FBI because of “the farce” that he was involved in. Solis discussed a 2017 redevelopment project that required a zoning change involving a Union West development in Chicago’s West Loop. MacArthur played a recording, dated June 12, 2017, of Madigan asking Solis about the development. During the call, Solis told the speaker he would try to arrange an introduction for Madigan with the developers. In a subsequent call, Solis promised to arrange a meeting and said, “I think these guys get it, the quid pro quo and how it works.” When MacArthur asked Solis why he said that, Solis said he didn’t know and said it was “dumb.” MacArthur asked Solis if he used the words “quid pro quo” at the direction of law enforcement. “No,” Solis said. Union West developer Andrew Cretal agreed to meet with Madigan and told Solis, “confidentially,” that his company was working with Goldman Sachs as an equity partner and that he would “circle back” with Solis. MacArthur played a recording of Madigan privately telling Solis not to use the words, “quid quo pro.” The conversation immediately preceded the meeting Cretal and the Union West group had at Madigan's and Getzendanner’s law office. During the meeting, Madigan repeated to Cretal’s group what he had said to See Wong. “We don’t take a second seat to anybody,” Madigan said. Solis said he met with Madigan again privately after the meeting with the intention of discussing the Chinatown parcel. Solis said he had been having frequent meetings about the land with potential developers. During the recording, Solis said that nothing could really happen until the state transferred the land. Connie Mixon, professor of Political Science and director of the Urban Studies Program at Elmhurst University, served as an expert witness at the corruption trial of longtime Chicago Democrat Ed Burke, who served on the city council from 1969 to 2023. A jury convicted Burke in December 2023 on 18 counts of racketeering, bribery, attempted extortion and conspiracy to commit extortion and using interstate commerce to facilitate an unlawful activity. Mixon said that Solis also testified as a cooperating witness during Burke’s trial. “It seemed as if, in the sentencing for the Burke trial, the judge did take a bit of exception to the fact that Solis, who also had potential criminal charges, was essentially getting away without any sort of repercussions,” Mixon told The Center Square. Mixon described Solis as a damaged witness. “He’s absolutely damaged, but as much as he’s damaged, you have the words on the wiretap. Having the defendants’ words played in the courtroom, they are really the witness against themselves when you have those wiretaps,” Mixon explained. Before the jury was seated Monday morning, prosecutors said they would provide the court with revised jury instructions by Dec. 3. Judge John Robert Blakey said he could deny admittance of new materials after that date if he deemed them to be untimely. Madigan and McClain are charged with 23 counts of bribery, racketeering and official misconduct. The trial is scheduled to resume Tuesday morning in Chicago.
C3.ai's stock price is surging due to Nvidia's strong third-quarter report, which beat Wall Street's expectations and provided better-than-anticipated forward guidance. As Nvidia is a leading provider of graphics processing units (GPUs) that power the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution, its performance is often viewed as a bellwether for the broader AI industry, including C3.ai. (Source: 'Nvidia's Q3 report is lifting C3.ai stock') Nvidia posted non-GAAP earnings per share of $0.81 on sales of $35.08 billion, topping the average analyst estimate's call for adjusted earnings of $0.75 on sales of $33.16 billion. The company's revenue was up 94% year over year, and adjusted earnings per share were up 103%. This strong performance lifted C3.ai's stock, as investors are responding positively to the overall demand outlook for the AI space. (Source: 'Nvidia's Q3 report is lifting C3.ai stock') C3.ai's revenue increased 21% year over year to $87.2 million in its last quarterly report. The company is guiding for sales to come in between $88.6 million and $93.6 million for the current quarter, representing growth of roughly 24.5% at the midpoint. This suggests that sales growth is poised to accelerate in the near term. (Source: 'What's next for C3.ai?') Yes, C3.ai has recently announced partnerships with Microsoft and Capgemini. The partnership with Microsoft aims to accelerate the adoption of enterprise AI applications, while the partnership with Capgemini targets AI solutions for various industries, including life sciences, energy, utilities, government, banking, and manufacturing. (Source: 'What's next for C3.ai?') No, C3.ai was not one of the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now, as identified by The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team. However, The Motley Fool does recommend C3.ai and has a position in the stock. (Source: 'Should you invest $1,000 in C3.ai right now?') C3.ai (NYSE: AI) stock is soaring in Thursday's trading. The company's share price was up 9.7% as of 2:30 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 index was up roughly 0.5%. C3.ai stock is seeing big gains on the heels of Nvidia 's third-quarter report yesterday. Nvidia is the leading provider of the graphics processing units (GPUs) that are powering the artificial intelligence ( AI ) revolution, and its performance is often viewed as a bellwether for the broader AI industry. Are You Missing The Morning Scoop? Breakfast News delivers it all in a quick, Foolish, and free daily newsletter. Sign Up For Free » Nvidia's Q3 report is lifting C3.ai stock After the market closed yesterday, Nvidia published results for the third quarter of its 2025 fiscal year, which ended Oct. 29. The AI leader posted sales and earnings performance for the quarter that beat Wall Street's expectations, and it also issued forward guidance that came in better than anticipated. Nvidia posted non-GAAP (adjusted) earnings per share of $0.81 on sales of $35.08 billion, topping the average analyst estimate's call for adjusted earnings of $0.75 on sales of $33.16 billion. The company's revenue was up 94% year over year, and adjusted earnings per share were up 103%. Meanwhile, the average analyst estimate had called for the business to report adjusted earnings per share of $0.75 on revenue of $33.16 billion. Nvidia expects revenue of roughly $37.5 billion for the current quarter. If the business were to hit that target, it would mean delivering annual sales growth of roughly 70%. While the company's sales growth is decelerating, the overall demand outlook for the AI space is very strong. That bodes well for C3.ai and other players, and investors are responding by bidding up the company's stock today. What's next for C3.ai? With its last quarterly report, C3.ai's revenue increased 21% year over year to $87.2 million. Meanwhile the business posted an adjusted loss per share of $0.05. Sales growth actually looks poised to accelerate in the near term. For the current quarter, the company is guiding for sales to come in between $88.6 million and $93.6 million -- good for growth of roughly 24.5% at the midpoint. Meanwhile, full-year sales are projected to come in between $370 million and $395 million. If the business were to hit the midpoint of that guidance range, it would mean delivering sales growth of approximately 23%. Along with some encouraging forward sales guidance, C3.ai has also been scoring some promising partnerships recently. The company recently announced that it's forged a new partnership with Microsoft to accelerate the adoption of enterprise AI applications, and it published a press release yesterday detailing a partnership with Capgemini targeting AI solutions for industries including life sciences, energy, utilities, government, banking, and manufacturing. Should you invest $1,000 in C3.ai right now? Before you buy stock in C3.ai, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now... and C3.ai wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $894,029 !* Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than quadrupled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of November 18, 2024 Keith Noonan has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Microsoft and Nvidia. The Motley Fool recommends C3.ai and recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy . Why C3.ai Stock Is Surging Today was originally published by The Motley Fool
Share Tweet Share Share Email As the tech world evolves, so too must the idea of what a tech expert looks like. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are changing how the world connects with technology, and it takes ingenuity and an adaptive mind to help shape this technology. In cognitive engineering, women are breaking gender barriers to bridge the connection between humans and machines. Merlin Balamurugan , Vice President at a leading banking organization, has proven her place in this field. Over the course of her 18-year career as a cognitive engineer, Balamurugan has made significant contributions to Digital Banking and AI Technologies. After becoming fascinated with machine learning, she dedicated herself to exploring the possibilities of this breakthrough technology. Her work has helped shape the future of cognitive engineering, AI, and the role of women in the tech world. Possibilities of AI and Machine Learning Balamurugan has always nurtured a deep-seated fascination with technology, mathematics, and statistics. This passion drove her to pursue a career in software engineering, where she could apply her interests in practical and meaningful ways. A pivotal moment in Balamurugan’s career came when she worked on a project that exposed her to AI and ML. This profound experience ignited her interest in the possibilities of these new technologies. “The potential of these technologies to revolutionize various aspects of our digital world, particularly in areas like security and fraud prevention, captivated me completely,” she explains. Inspired, Balamurugan pursued career opportunities in the tech world involving AI in the banking sector, and leveraging her expertise to develop AI solutions that transform banking operations. Application of AI in Digital Banking As Balamurugan developed her expertise in AI and ML, she explored its application in digital banking solutions. Her work across her 18-year career has made her an authority on the integration of AI into banking, particularly in areas that improve the customer experience while maintaining robust security and privacy standards. As a cognitive engineer, Balamurugan has designed personalized banking solutions powered by AI models. Her work focuses on the user, optimizing the connection between humans and machines while delivering a smooth customer experience. She has also made significant strides in developing ethical AI frameworks for banking, and her efforts have helped secure the responsible use of AI in finance. Contributions Through Scholarly Articles Balamurugan has advanced the field of cognitive engineering through her research and the publication of influential scholarly articles. Her article “Biometric Authentication: A Double-Edged Sword for Security?” takes a critical lens to the dual nature of biometric technology, providing a nuanced examination of its benefits and risks. This work has proved instrumental in informing security strategies across the industry. “Guardians at Risk: The Challenge of Adversarial Attacks on Authentication Systems and Artificial Intelligence” is another of Balamarugan’s papers that addresses the emerging challenges in today’s authentication systems. The research for this article sheds light on critical vulnerabilities in these systems and proposes solutions to fortifying defenses. When it comes to decentralized authentication, Balamurugan’s article “Federated Learning Frameworks for Secure and Decentralized Authentication” has introduced novel methodologies for improving privacy and security in distributed systems, emphasizing the importance of decentralized digital ecosystems. In further efforts to establish ethical models for AI systems, Balamurugan authored the article “The Impact of AI on Knowledge Work: A Framework for Assessing and Mitigating Job Displacement.” Achievements as a Leader in Tech Balamurugan’s contributions to tech and finance have been recognized through various awards, including being named the 2024 Platinum Winner at the Titan Awards in the Innovation in Banking Technology and earning the Fortune Leadership Award in the Technical Excellence category. She has taken on several leadership positions in her field and served as a judge for prestigious technology awards, including the Top 100 Technology Judge for the Claro Awards and the Global Recognition Awards for Banking Technology. She has also peer-reviewed 25 scholarly articles to date, presented at the International Conference on Mathematics, Statistics & Computers, and mentored junior engineers to help them develop the necessary skills to reach their career goals. All of these efforts have positioned her as a prominent female leader in the tech world. Overcoming the Challenges Women Face in Tech While Balamurugan has had an accomplished career as a cognitive engineer, her journey has not always been easy. As a woman in tech, she has faced many significant challenges. Her work has required her to balance her personal responsibilities with her professional aspirations while fighting to distinguish herself in a male-dominated industry. The unwavering support of Balamurugan’s family proved instrumental in helping her overcome any difficult period in her life. Reflecting on this, she expresses her gratitude for her family’s support, particularly her spouse. “Their understanding and encouragement allowed me to pursue my professional dreams without compromising my family responsibilities,” she affirms. Going through difficult times has helped Balamurugan form invaluable skills in effective time management and prioritization. She has learned to take advantage of every opportunity to meet her career goals while still making herself present for her family. These experiences have taught her empathy as a leader when working with others who might be facing similar difficulties in balancing their personal and professional lives. Overall, she believes that overcoming the barriers and challenges posed to women in tech has made her more determined and resilient. Future of Cognitive Engineering and Women in Tech Merlin Balamurugan plans to leverage her expertise as a cognitive engineer to develop meaningful innovations that expand human capabilities without compromising individual privacy. She envisions a future where women play an integral role and AI is integrated into daily operations, making complex processes more efficient and accessible. She is committed to mentoring the next generation of women in tech and works tirelessly to shape a more inclusive world. As technology continues to change how humans connect, cognitive engineers serve to create AI-powered solutions and interfaces. Merlin Balamurugan ’s accomplished career has provided insights and inspiration for all female tech experts looking to make their mark in these growing fields. Related Items: Merlin Balamurugan , technology Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Is it Legal to Use a Credit Card Generator? A Comprehensive Guide What is Minecraft? An Ultimate Guidance about the Use of Minecraft Lightweight vs. Rigidity: The Trade-offs of Road Bike Frames CommentsIt was the fourth time this season they had conceded four or more and the performance showed why they have the Premier League’s worst defence. When O’Neil and the players went over to acknowledge the visiting supporters there were boos for a run of two wins in 14 league matches. “Whatever the fans think of me, there is definitely no-none working harder than me and I will continue to do so until someone tells me not to,” said O’Neil, who is under increasing pressure with his side second bottom of the table. “I go over there to see them because I appreciate every one of the Wolves fans. They have given me unbelievable support since I arrived at the football club,” he said. “We managed to produce some unbelievable stuff last season with a team that was heavily tipped by most of the nation for relegation. We managed to enjoy it together. “Now it is tough. I was happy to go over there and look them right in the face and take any criticism they want to throw at me. “I accept responsibility for my part in that. Whatever criticism they want to throw at me will not change how I feel about them. “Everyone at this football club needs to do more. We will get back to be ready to fight again on Monday (another crucial game against West Ham, whose manager Julen Lopetegui’s tenure is hanging by a thread). “I will work with everything I have. I will back myself to get the most out of the group. I understand the drive for change (but) you never know how much of a percentage of supporters it is.” Veteran Ashley Young ended Everton’s 370-minute wait for a goal with a 10th-minute free-kick, his first league goal for more than two years, and on-loan Lyon midfielder Orel Mangala blasted home his first for the club to establish a 2-0 half-time lead. Two Craig Dawson own goals secured Everton’s biggest home league win since April 2019, but manager Sean Dyche insisted their issues up front were far from sorted. He said: “It’s our fifth clean sheet in the last eight so the consistency has been there in one degree, we just haven’t been scoring goals. That’s been the hardest thing to find consistently and we haven’t solved it yet. “Goals change everything, they change opinions. That’s what football is like.” The victory was hugely important in a month in which, having been hammered 4-0 at Manchester United, they face top-six sides Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest and undoubtedly eased some of the pressure on Dyche and his players. “I’ve told them how proud I am of them,” he added. “The challenges come thick and fast on and off the pitch and they just keep going. “It’s only a step and there are many more to go but it’s a good step and a positive step. “It’s a temporary moment in time because the next one is a big one (Saturday’s Merseyside derby).”
Julie Appleby | KFF Health News Unauthorized switching of Affordable Care Act plans appears to have tapered off in recent weeks based on an almost one-third drop in casework associated with consumer complaints, say federal regulators . The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which oversees the ACA, credits steps taken to thwart enrollment and switching problems that triggered more than 274,000 complaints this year through August. Now, the annual ACA open enrollment period that began Nov. 1 poses a real-world test: Will the changes curb fraud by rogue agents or brokerages without unduly slowing the process of enrolling or reducing the total number of sign-ups for 2025 coverage? “They really have this tightrope to walk,” said Sabrina Corlette, co-director of the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University. “The more you tighten it up to prevent fraud, the more barriers there are that could inhibit enrollment among those who need the coverage.” CMS said in July that some types of policy changes — those in which the agent is not “affiliated” with the existing plan — will face more requirements, such as a three-way call with the consumer, broker, and a healthcare.gov call center representative. In August, the agency barred two of about a dozen private sector online-enrollment platforms from connecting with healthcare.gov over concerns related to improper switching. And CMS has suspended 850 agents suspected of being involved in unauthorized plan-switching from accessing the ACA marketplace. Still, the clampdown could add complexity to enrollment and slow the process. For example, a consumer might have to wait in a queue for a three-way call, or scramble to find a new agent because the one they previously worked with had been suspended. Given that phone lines with healthcare.gov staff already get busy — especially during mid-December — agents and policy analysts advise consumers not to dally this year. “Hit the ground running,” said Ronnell Nolan, president and CEO of Health Agents for America, a professional organization for brokers. Meanwhile, reports are emerging that some rogue entities are already figuring out workarounds that could undermine some of the anti-fraud protections CMS put in place, Nolan said. “Bottom line is: Fraud and abuse is still happening,” Nolan said. Brokers assist the majority of people actively enrolling in ACA plans and are paid a monthly commission by insurers for their efforts. Consumers can compare plans or enroll themselves online through federal or state marketplace websites. They can also seek help from people called assisters or navigators — certified helpers who are not paid commissions. Under a “find local help” button on the federal and state ACA websites , consumers can search for nearby brokers or navigators. CMS says it has “ramped up support operations” at its healthcare.gov marketplace call centers, which are open 24/7, in anticipation of increased demand for three-way calls, and it expects “minimal wait times,” said Jeff Wu, deputy director for policy of the CMS Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight. Wu said those three-way calls are necessary only when an agent or a broker not already associated with a consumer’s enrollment wants to change that consumer’s enrollment or end that consumer’s coverage. It does not apply to people seeking coverage for the first time. Organizations paid by the government to offer navigator services have a dedicated phone line to the federal marketplace, and callers are not currently experiencing long waits, said Xonjenese Jacobs, director of Florida Covering Kids & Families, a program based at the University of South Florida that coordinates enrollment across the state through its Covering Florida navigator program. Navigators can assist with the three-way calls if a consumer’s situation requires it. “Because we have our quick line in, there’s no increased wait time,” Jacobs said. The problem of unauthorized switches has been around for a while but took off during last year’s open enrollment season. Brokers generally blamed much of the problem on the ease with which rogue agents can access ACA information in the federal marketplace, needing only a person’s name, date of birth, and state of residence. Though federal regulators have worked to tighten that access with the three-way call requirement, they stopped short of instituting what some agent groups say is needed: two-factor authentication, which could involve a code accessed by a consumer through a smartphone. Unauthorized switches can lead to a host of problems for consumers, from higher deductibles to landing in new networks that do not include their preferred physicians or hospitals. Some people have received tax bills when unauthorized policies came with premium credits for which they did not qualify. Unauthorized switches posed a political liability for the Biden administration, a blemish on two years of record ACA enrollment. The practice drew criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle; Democrats demanded more oversight and punishment of rogue agents, while Republicans said fraud attempts were fueled by Biden administration moves that allowed for more generous premium subsidies and special enrollment periods. The fate of those enhanced subsidies, which are set to expire, will be decided by Congress next year as the Trump administration takes power. But the premiums and subsidies that come with 2025 plans that people are enrolling in now will remain in effect for the entire year. The actions taken this year to thwart the unauthorized enrollments apply to the federal marketplace, used by 31 states . The remaining states and the District of Columbia run their own websites, with many having in place additional layers of security. Related Articles Health | Feds suspend ACA marketplace access to companies accused of falsely promising ‘cash cards’ Health | California infant dead, 10 sick in listeria outbreak tied to Yu Shang Food products Health | More foods are making us sick: What to know as foodborne outbreaks hit Health | Whooping cough cases in California six times higher than last year, report shows Health | At least 19 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall For its part, CMS says its efforts are working, pointing to the 30% drop in complaint casework. The agency also noted a 90% drop in the number of times an agent’s name was replaced by another’s, which it says indicates that it is tougher for rival agents to steal clients to gain the monthly commissions that insurers pay. Still, the move to suspend 850 agents has drawn pushback from agent groups that initially brought the problem to federal regulators’ attention. They say some of those accused were suspended before getting a chance to respond to the allegations. “There will be a certain number of agents and brokers who are going to be suspended without due process,” said Nolan, with the health agents’ group. She said that it has called for increased protections against unauthorized switching and that two-factor authentication, like that used in some state marketplaces or in the financial sector, would be more effective than what’s been done. “We now have to jump through so many hoops that I’m not sure we’re going to survive,” she said of agents in general. “They are just throwing things against the wall to see what sticks when they could just do two-factor.” The agency did not respond to questions asking for details about how the 850 agents suspended since July were selected, the states where they were located, or how many had their suspensions reversed after supplying additional information.
We Tested Out Leica’s New M11-D Camera—Here Are 3 Photos We Took With ItAround 20 people have been taken into custody following the alleged stone-pelting and clashes that erupted during a survey of a mosque in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal on Sunday morning, police said. The incident left three people dead and around two dozen others, including policemen and senior officials, injured. Officials said that those responsible for the violence will be charged under the National Security Act (NSA). As a precaution, internet services across the district have been suspended for a day. “We have taken 20 people into custody. The survey was conducted as per court orders, with adequate police deployment at the site. Some individuals made children stand in front and started pelting stones at the police. The police tried to control the situation and also appealed to anti-social elements to maintain peace. They also set some vehicles on fire. The police used anti-riot measures, including tear gas, to disperse the crowd,” Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Moradabad Range, Muniraj G told Sambhal Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishna Kumar Bishnoi said that additional police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order. He further said that the alleged firing, in which a police PRO was injured, was done by using a country-made weapon. “The situation is under control, and more forces have been deployed. Internet services have been suspended for a day...Some people started pelting stones at the police and the police also retaliated. They torched some vehicles and the police were targeted...Police dispersed the crowd...When DM and DIG were patrolling, two women pelted stones at them and firing was done through a country-made weapon and a PRO got shot in the foot,” SP Bishnoi said. “It is very unfortunate...An FIR has been filed under relevant sections, and strict action will be taken under the NSA. We are also investigating whether there was a conspiracy by examining the mobile phones of the people detained in connection with the violence,” the SP added. In view of the violence, the district administration issued a notice prohibiting citizens from buying or collecting stones, soda bottles, or any flammable or explosive materials on their roofs. The notice, issued by local SDM, warns that strict action will be taken against anyone found violating this order. Additionally, instructions were given to the Municipal Corporation to confiscate any construction material lying on roads immediately. The stone-pelting incident occurred when a team arrived at the Shahi Jama Masjid to conduct a fresh survey of the mosque. Locals, including those protesting the survey, allegedly pelted stones at survey team and security personnel. Moradabad Divisional Commissioner Aunjaneya Kumar Singh explained, “After the survey was completed, three groups started pelting stones from different directions. The mob also set vehicles on fire and opened fire. The police responded with tear gas and plastic bullets to control the situation.” “The police PRO was shot in the foot during the firing. The deputy collector’s foot was fractured. The Circle Officer (CO) was injured. A total of three people are confirmed dead in the firing. The situation is under control, and we are speaking to with their representatives,” he said. The deceased have been identified as Nayeem, a resident of Court Karvi; Bilal, a resident of Sarai Tareen, Sambhal; and Noman, a resident of Hayatnagar Sarai Tareen, he added. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered to investigate the incident. Officials said that an ASI team had arrived at the Shahi Jama Masjid to conduct a fresh survey of the structure. The survey of the mosque was being conducted peacefully in presence of police force, following court orders, when a mob gathered at the site and started pelting stones at the survey team and security personnel. “The survey was conducted between 7 am and 11 am, as per court directions. The process was initially peaceful with adequate police deployment. However, some people started stone-pelting, and the police dispersed them. Then, a larger mob of 2000-3000 people gathered and started stone-pelting again,” Divisional Commissioner Singh told earlier. The survey was part of a legal process following a petition filed by senior advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, who claimed the mosque was originally a temple. A similar survey was carried out on November 19 in the presence of the local police and members of the mosque’s management committee.
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 5 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international events CHECK OUT: Don't let unemployment hold you back. Start your digital marketing journey today. FCT, Abuja - Bishop David Abioye, the former vice president of Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), had his first crusade after retirement at the Velodrome of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. The programme with the theme, "Revive Us Again" took place on Saturday, November 23. Highlights of the first weekend of the programme have emerged in short videos. Bishop Abioye via his X handle (formerly known as Twitter) @BishopDOAbioye, commented about the programme. PAY ATTENTION : Standing out in social media world? Easy! "Mastering Storytelling for Social Media" workshop by Legit.ng. Join Us Live! “The Hour of Revival was a powerful reminder of the importance of worship, and the impact it can have on our lives. “We’re always blessed when we come together to seek God’s revival in our hearts and lives.” In another tweet, he wrote: “At the Hour of Revival, we prayed for rejuvenation and transformation. Read also What would have happened had Peter Obi won 2023 election, Abaribe explains It was a heartfelt time of seeking God's presence and power. “We believe God for a move that will transform our lives, our community, and our nation.” He added that: “Thank You, Jesus, for the rain of revival that began on Saturday. “We have cried unto You in prayers, and we’re confident that You have answered us.” Abioye announces "next chapter" after leaving Oyedepo's church Legit.ng earlier reported that Abioye said the wait is over as he is ready to announce the next chapter of his life and ministry. Abioye retired from the Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) in October 2024 due to the new age of retirement in the ministry. According to the statement, the next chapter will be disclosed on the David Abioye Channel on YouTube on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, by 6am. PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy! Source: Legit.ng
The UK and Qatar have launched a joint Artificial Intelligence (AI) research commission, seeking to establish a roadmap for UK-Qatar collaboration on AI that will benefit both countries, a statement from the British embassy in Doha said. The joint study will be led by Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), in partnership with Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU) in Qatar. The study is being led by Prof David Leslie, Professor of Ethics, Technology, and Society at QMUL’s Digital Environment Research Institute, and the director of Ethics and Responsible Innovation Research at the Alan Turing Institute. The project will build on the progress that both countries have made on AI, and identify and scope practical and ambitious ways for the countries to enhance their co-operation in this field in line with their AI and technology strategies. A range of areas will be explored across the spectrum of ecosystem development, policy and regulation, security, and international engagement. It been designed and developed as a collaboration between Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the AI Committee of the Ministry of Communications & Information Technology (MCIT), Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI), and the British embassy in Qatar. The announcement of the collaboration coincides with the state visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to the UK. The project is funded by the UK Government’s Gulf Strategy Fund, part of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s International Programme. Neerav Patel, British ambassador to Qatar, said: “The UK and Qatar have shown themselves to be innovators in the policy implementation of AI, including the need to build strong systems of ethics and governance. I’m delighted that such prestigious UK and Qatari institutions are involved in this important initiative. It reflects both countries’ desire to work together on the shared challenges the 21st century will bring.” Dr Mariam Khalid al-Hamar, Minister Plenipotentiary at the MoFA in Qatar, said: “This initiative marks a key opportunity to advance innovation through collaboration. As a global leader in dialogue and mediation, Qatar recognises the vital importance of collaboration in promoting diplomacy and resolving conflicts. By leveraging the transformative potential of AI, we have the opportunity to make meaningful progress in peacebuilding, improve decision-making processes, and tackle complex global issues with greater accuracy. Furthermore, embracing the idea of 'AI for All' ensures that the benefits of this technology reach every nation, empowering them to actively engage in the AI era. This vision reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and ensuring that technology serves as a tool for justice and progress for all.” Eman Alkuwari, digital Innovation director from Qatar’s MCIT, said: “This collaboration marks a significant step forward in Qatar's commitment to advancing AI as a transformative force for good. By partnering with the UK and leveraging the expertise of world-renowned institutions, we aim to unlock new opportunities for innovation, shape ethical frameworks, and contribute to global progress in AI. This initiative reflects our shared vision to harness the power of technology for the benefit of our societies and economies.” Prof Leslie said: “By leveraging the dynamic AI research and innovation ecosystems of both nations, this initiative promises to be a catalyst for ingenuity and commercial opportunity, fostering a new era of technological co-operation between two global leaders in the field.” Omar al-Ansari, secretary general of QRDI, said: “This initiative marks a key opportunity to advance innovation through strategic collaboration in AI. By leveraging Qatar and the UK’s significant investments in AI research, development & innovation, we are paving the way for funding transformative projects. This partnership will strengthen the ties between Qatar and the UK’s innovation ecosystems, fostering the exchange of expertise and driving impactful outcomes for both nations.” Prof Colin Bailey, president and principal of QMUL, said: “We are proud and honoured to be embarking on this collaboration with Hamad bin Khalifa University in Qatar. Queen Mary University has a long history of building strong, successful international collaborations, and of being at the forefront of emerging research and technology. This new partnership will allow both universities to combine their collective knowledge and strengths to ensure AI technology is used in the best, safest way possible.”-State-of-the-Art Facility Offering the Latest Treatments and a Wide Range of Services Inaugurated by Former Union Cabinet Minister Smriti Zubin Irani November 25 , 2024, Ajman : Former Union Cabinet Minister of India, Smriti Zubin Irani, visited Thumbay University Hospital at Thumbay Medicity in Al Jurf (Ajman) and inaugurated the Thumbay Institute of Aesthetics (TIA). The ceremony was hosted by Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder President of Thumbay Group, and attended by Mr. Akbar Moideen Thumbay, Vice President of the Healthcare Division of Thumbay Group. During her visit, Smriti Zubin Irani toured Thumbay University Hospital, where she experienced firsthand the innovative advancements in medical education, healthcare, and research that establish Thumbay Group as a leader in these fields. She also had the opportunity to explore the Thumbay Institute of Aesthetics, where state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology are employed to offer personalized aesthetic treatments. From advanced dermatology to rejuvenating cosmetic enhancements, the institute combines medical expertise with the latest technology, providing patients with a comprehensive and luxurious approach to aesthetics in a patient-centered environment. Speaking at the inauguration of the Thumbay Institute of Aesthetics, Smriti Zubin Irani expressed her admiration for Thumbay Group’s significant contributions to the healthcare sector in the UAE and beyond. She said, “I am impressed by the visionary approach of Dr. Thumbay Moideen and the commitment to excellence in both medical education and healthcare services. Thumbay Group’s facilities are truly state-of-the-art, and I am confident that the Thumbay Institute of Aesthetics will become a symbol for world-class aesthetic treatments, setting new benchmarks in the region.” Thumbay Institute of Aesthetics (TIA) is a premier destination for advanced aesthetic and dermatological care, where beauty meets cutting-edge medical science. As part of the renowned Thumbay Healthcare, the largest network of academic hospital in the region, TIA offers world-class treatments in a luxurious, patient-centered environment. With a focus on personalized care, TIA combines clinical expertise with state-of-the-art technology to deliver exceptional results. Committed to quality, safety, and innovation, TIA strives to redefine the standards of cosmetic care, making it the trusted choice for those seeking aesthetic excellence in the UAE and beyond. Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder President of Thumbay Group, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for her visit, saying, “We are deeply honored and thankful for the presence of Smriti Irani at the inauguration of the Thumbay Institute of Aesthetics. Her visit adds immense significance to this special occasion. We are grateful for her support as we continue to expand our offerings and enhance our commitment to excellence. Her encouragement and recognition of our vision further inspire us as we work towards setting new benchmarks in medical education and healthcare delivery in the region.” Meanwhile, Akbar Moideen Thumbay, Vice President of Thumbay Healthcare, emphasized, “The aesthetic beauty treatment market in Dubai is characterized by robust growth driven by several factors. The city’s cosmopolitan population, comprising both residents and tourists, exhibits a growing demand for cosmetic enhancements and anti-aging solutions. Moreover, Dubai’s reputation as a global fashion and lifestyle destination fuels the desire for aesthetic perfection among its inhabitants...The Thumbay Institute of Aesthetics is designed to be a center of excellence in the region. With our commitment to innovation, quality, and patient safety, we aim to redefine the standards of aesthetic care and provide our patients with exceptional experiences that enhance their confidence and well-being.” Related
Yankees slugger Aaron Judge wins his second AL MVP award after leading MLB with 58 home runsNEW YORK (AP) — Yankees slugger Aaron Judge wins his second AL MVP award after leading MLB with 58 home runs.
Photo: Contributed A new and weighty document has been drafted, deliberated and delivered to direct the elected officers of Nelson municipal government in their actions during and in accordance with municipal meetings and business. The 88-page document was adopted into a Code of Conduct — which Nelson city council officially adopted on Nov. 5 during its regular business meeting — after two substantive meetings on the matter, as well as a session with an external advisor. “It’s a pretty robust bylaw but it does set the expectations about how councillors behave in a council meeting, and also how they make decisions as a body,” said city director of corporate services, Sarah Winton, in speaking to council. The Code of Conduct for city council establishes a framework promoting ethical behavior, integrity, respect and accountability, enhancing council’s ability to govern effectively and maintain public trust. The current code clarifies expected behaviors and provides mechanisms for addressing conduct issues, said Coun. Leslie Payne. “This is something that is happening all throughout B.C and the country to some degree,” she said. “I think we have all seen the newspaper articles talking about the conduct at various levels of local government, and this is one of the mechanisms that will, hopefully, put a bit of a framework around the value and integrity of working together in local governance.” Informal resolution is the primary means of resolving concerns between council members, Winton explained, as it is more effective, faster, more collaborative and more efficient than a formal complaint and investigation process. When a formal complaint is submitted and an investigation warranted, a third- party investigator will lead that process and provide a report and recommendations to council. The code provides several options for remedies. The code “formalizes the complaint process, which the city has not had formalized up until now,” she pointed out. “This is the primary means of addressing any concerns.” The teeth behind the bark The Code of Conduct is intended to be self-enforcing, said Winton. “However, if not applied impartially, a code of conduct can potentially be weaponized by council members as a tool for personal or political gain,” she said in her report to council. “Accusations or investigations, if handled without fairness or transparency, could be misused to undermine, intimidate, or discredit fellow members rather than address genuine issues.” Consideration of procedural fairness, confidentiality and unbiased enforcement is essential to avoid misuse and ensure that the code fosters constructive relationships and good governance, she added. “The intention of council in enacting this code of conduct is not to stifle council members or to limit their ability to fully perform the governmental and advocacy functions that their position entails,” she said. Some of the key aspects of the code include sections on general conduct, interactions with staff, confidentiality, conflict of interest and a structured complaint process that includes options for individual, informal and formal resolution. The Code of Conduct will be available on the city’s website.
resumed on Sunday, 24 November, with some viewers noticing a particularly NSFW recurrence on display. In the Tangled Worlds episode, the breeding habits of both Bengal tigers and purple frogs were respectfully documented in the first 20 minutes. Always with a sense of amusement, fans reacting on social media site X (formerly Twitter) were quick to highlight the continuous coverage of animal intimacy. Narrating an expanse of the tiger's territory, Attenborough explained: "It's the dry season. Between the trees, meadows of elephant grass provide cover for the most intimate of behaviours. In the last 10 years, the number of tigers in Nepal has doubled. "There are so many here that remarkably, pairs are mating within just 100 metres of each other." The corresponding action finished with the striped predators going their separate ways, as males do not engage in any parental duties. Further along, deep in the forests of India's Kerala state, the programme featured the plight of the purple frog, which emerge once every 12 months from their underground lair to breed. "This female has a belly full of eggs and on her back a newly acquired male partner," said Attenborough. "He grips her spine, making deep indentations in her flesh. They have timed their emergence to coincide with the monsoon rains. Somehow in the darkness they must find a tree in which to lay their eggs and then get back underground before dawn." Writing on X, : "Crap [can] we even show tiger mating this early in the day? There's children watching, Dave!" "Lots of rumpy [pumpy] in this episode this week!" . mass maiting — Havelock🌴🌻🍺👨🍳🎬🍷🔪🏎🪴 (@ihnewman) The problem with wildlife shows like Is that they are just filled with copulation and Death !! — paul j harrison (@pauharri) Tigers. Yet another creature that Pumps and Dumps! — Eamonn, Journeyman Reviewer (@RealEnli) Tell ya kids it's a piggy back ride! — Eamonn, Journeyman Reviewer (@RealEnli) Meanwhile, cameras later captured a herd of Asian elephants easily dismantling electric fences to reach plantations full of food. Attenborough revealed that Malaysian farmers have begun to encourage the enormous creatures onto their land; "Here the elephants are welcome. When old trees are felled, the herd can provide a waste disposal service."
This detailed school assembly guide provides everything needed for a successful and engaging program. From the latest news highlights to motivational thoughts of the day and a thoughtfully crafted anchoring script, it ensures a seamless and impactful event that resonates with all participants. Mumbai: School assemblies play a vital role in the holistic development of students, offering a space to foster leadership skills, enhance self-confidence, and build a strong sense of unity within the school community. More than routine gatherings, these assemblies are opportunities for students to grow, collaborate, and find inspiration, making them an indispensable part of a thriving educational environment. Planning a successful school assembly requires careful consideration and creativity. By incorporating elements that educate, inspire, and entertain, educators can craft sessions that not only captivate but also leave a lasting positive impact on the students. Start by selecting a theme that resonates with the student’s interests or aligns with important current events, school values, or upcoming celebrations. A well-chosen theme provides direction and ensures that the assembly’s purpose is clear and meaningful. Opening the assembly with a warm and enthusiastic welcome sets a positive tone, encouraging students and staff to engage actively. Including a ‘Thought of the Day’ adds a reflective element to the assembly, sparking optimism and thoughtfulness. This can be followed by brief and relevant updates on school activities, achievements, or global events presented in a student-friendly manner. These updates keep the audience informed and connected to their community and the world beyond. Adding interactive or creative segments such as performances, role plays, or quizzes can further enliven the session, ensuring active participation. These activities also provide students with opportunities to showcase their talents and build confidence in public speaking and teamwork. As the assembly nears its conclusion, acknowledge everyone’s contributions, share key announcements, and close with a unifying gesture like the national anthem, a school pledge, or a motivational send-off. This helps foster a sense of pride and belonging among the students and staff. For a truly impactful assembly, each segment should be concise yet engaging, ensuring the audience remains attentive throughout. Creating an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and involved enhances the overall experience, making assemblies memorable and meaningful. With thoughtful planning and execution, school assemblies can transform into powerful platforms for personal growth, inspiration, and community building, leaving a profound impact on all participants. Thought for the Day for school assembly “The Constitution is the soul of India, and it is a light that will guide future generations.” – Dr BR Ambedkar (Quote for Constitution Day 2024) School assembly news headlines today Refer to the top school assembly headlines covering national, international, and sports news: National news for school assembly International news for school assembly Sports news for school assembly Constitution Day speech in English for students Good morning everyone, Today, we are here to celebrate Constitution Day, also known as Samvidhan Divas, which is observed every year on 26 November. This day marks the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1949 by the Constituent Assembly. It is a day to honour the values and principles that form the foundation of our democracy. The Indian Constitution, drafted under the leadership of Dr BR Ambedkar, is the longest-written constitution in the world. It contains provisions that ensure justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for all citizens of India. It is a guiding document that helps us understand our rights and responsibilities and ensures the smooth functioning of our nation. As students, it is important to understand the significance of the Constitution. It grants us fundamental rights like the right to freedom, equality, and education, which empower us to live with dignity. At the same time, it reminds us of our fundamental duties, such as respecting the national flag, protecting the environment, and promoting harmony among all citizens. On this day, let us pay tribute to the visionaries who worked tirelessly to frame this remarkable document. Let us also pledge to uphold its values and contribute to building a better and stronger India. Remember, as young citizens, we have the power to shape the future of our country by staying committed to these ideals. Thank you, and Jai Hind! Anchoring Script for School Assembly Here’s a fresh and engaging school assembly anchoring script that seamlessly blends all key elements: greetings, inspiration, news updates, motivational content, and an entertaining performance, ensuring a lively and impactful session. [Opening Remarks] Anchor 1: Good morning, everyone! A heartfelt welcome to our esteemed Principal, respected teachers, and dear friends. I’m [Anchor Name], and it’s an honour to lead today’s assembly. Let’s make this gathering a truly memorable one! Anchor 2: A warm good morning to all! It’s wonderful to see everyone here, ready to begin a day filled with enthusiasm and inspiration. Today’s assembly promises valuable insights and delightful moments, so let’s get started! [Thought for the Day] Anchor 1: To begin on a thoughtful note, let’s listen to today’s inspiring quote that will surely give us food for thought. [Quote is shared by a student.] Anchor 2: Thank you for sharing such a profound and meaningful thought. Let’s reflect on it throughout the day and apply its wisdom in our actions. [News and Announcements] Anchor 1: Up next, let’s catch up with the latest happenings in our school and beyond. Here are some updates to keep you informed. [Share current school news or events.] Anchor 2: A quick reminder to all participants of the upcoming Annual Day! Make sure you register for your events before the deadline this week and gear up for an incredible showcase of talent. [Motivational Speech] Anchor 1: Let’s now take a moment to energise our spirits with a motivational message. Each day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a difference. Anchor 2: Absolutely! Challenges shape us, and every small effort counts toward achieving our dreams. Let’s listen closely and carry this inspiration forward. [Special Performance] Anchor 1: And now, for the highlight of the day! [Name of the student or group] is here to present a wonderful [performance type, e.g., skit/song/dance]. Let’s give them a big round of applause as they take the stage! Anchor 2: Sit back, relax, and enjoy this captivating performance. Let’s show our appreciation with lots of cheer and support! [Closing Remarks] Anchor 1: What an amazing performance! A huge thank you to [student/group name] for sharing their creativity and talent with us. Anchor 2: Indeed, it was truly inspiring. As we conclude today’s assembly, let’s carry forward the positive energy and lessons we’ve gained today. Anchor 1: Let’s strive to do our best, help one another, and embrace each day with a spirit of collaboration and optimism. Anchor 2: Thank you, everyone, for your enthusiastic participation. Wishing you a fantastic day ahead, full of learning and success! Both: Goodbye, and have an incredible day! A well-structured assembly not only provides crucial updates but also has a lasting effect, leaving everyone motivated and energised. Click for more latest Events news . Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9. Chhaya Gupta, a lifestyle sub-editor specialising in fashion, food, relationships, travel, well-being, and spirituality, is a dedicated fashion enthusiast and avid traveller. With meticulous attention to detail, she stays abreast of the latest developments in major events across Indian cities and internationally. From life to style, she derives immense pleasure in covering a variety of subjects. With 1.5 years of experience, she has honed her skills while working at The Free Press Journal.Recently, a significant shift has occurred within the App Store’s utility category, where Phantom, a crypto wallet designed for decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), has surpassed Google Chrome to take the second spot in the United States’ rankings. Phantom’s ascent is not just a triumph for the application itself but also a clear indicator of the growing mainstream interest in Web3 technologies. As a non-custodial wallet, Phantom offers users full control over their keys, which resonates with the ethos of decentralization that is central to the crypto community. The wallet’s integration with the Solana ecosystem and its support for various networks and NFTs have contributed to its rising popularity. This remarkable achievement comes amidst a surge in decentralized applications (DApps) on the Solana blockchain, which has seen record fee generation. Protocols like Jito and Raydium have reported substantial fees, highlighting the vibrant activity within the Solana ecosystem. Phantom’s user-centric approach, including a fraud detection system and compatibility with Ledger hardware wallets, has undoubtedly played a role in its success. Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 16 (Feb 10 – May 3, 2025 ) opens registrations; register today for early bird discounts. Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations here. Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and i nvest in Africa’s finest startups here . Phantom distinguishes itself with a focus on security and user experience. It supports Solana-based tokens and provides a seamless interface for managing NFTs and DeFi applications. One of the key advantages of Phantom is its mobile and browser extension availability, offering convenience for users on-the-go. SolFlare , similar to Phantom, offers strong security and an intuitive design. It is also available as a mobile and browser extension wallet, targeting both beginner and intermediate users. When it comes to user interface, both Phantom and SolFlare provide a modern and intuitive design, while Sollet’s browser extension approach caters to a more advanced audience, including developers. In terms of token support, Phantom and SolFlare are limited to Solana-based tokens, whereas Sollet supports both Solana and Ethereum tokens. SolFlare’s integration with the Solrise Investment Platform and direct integration with Serum DEX are notable features that appeal to users looking for more than just a wallet. However, the journey has not been without challenges. Phantom recently navigated a technical hiccup with an iOS update that temporarily locked some users out of their wallets. The swift response and resolution of this issue underscore the wallet’s commitment to its user base. Phantom’s rise in the App Store is a testament to the potential of Web3 technologies to reshape the financial landscape. It signals a pivotal moment for decentralized technologies as they penetrate broader consumer markets, offering a glimpse into a future where digital asset management is accessible, secure, and in the hands of the user. As we witness this shift, it’s essential to recognize the implications for the broader tech industry. The success of Phantom and the increasing interest in DApps suggest a growing consumer demand for more control over personal data and finances, a trend that could redefine the role of traditional tech giants and financial institutions. The story of Phantom’s rise is not just about an app’s ranking but about the changing tides in technology and finance. It’s a narrative about innovation, user empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of a decentralized future. As we continue to monitor the evolution of the App Store and the crypto space, one thing is certain: the landscape is changing, and Phantom is at the forefront of this transformation.