
Biden opens final White House holiday season with turkey pardons and first lady gets Christmas tree WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has kicked off his final holiday season at the White House, issuing the traditional reprieve to two turkeys who will bypass the Thanksgiving table to live out their days in Minnesota. The president welcomed 2,500 guests under sunny skies as he cracked jokes about the fates of “Peach” and “Blossom.” He also sounded wistful tones about the last weeks of his presidency. Separately, first lady Jill Biden received the delivery of the official White House Christmas tree. And the Bidens are traveling to New York later Monday for an early holiday celebration with members of the Coast Guard. Formula 1 expands grid to add General Motors' Cadillac brand and new American team for 2026 season LAS VEGAS (AP) — Formula 1 will expand the grid in 2026 to make room for an American team that is partnered with General Motors. The approval ends years of wrangling that launched a federal investigation into why Colorado-based Liberty Media, would not approve the team initially started by Michael Andretti, who has since stepped aside. The 11th team will be called Cadillac F1 and be run by new Andretti Global majority owners Dan Towriss and Mark Walter. The team will use Ferrari engines its first two years until GM has a Cadillac engine built for competition in time for the 2028 season. US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher is retiring from international soccer U.S. women’s national team goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher is retiring from international soccer. Naeher is on the team’s roster for a pair of upcoming matches in Europe but those will be her last after a full 11 years playing for the United States. Naeher was on the U.S. team that won the Women’s World Cup in 2019 and the gold medal at this year's Olympics in France. She’s the only U.S. goalkeeper to earn a shutout in both a World Cup and an Olympic final. Bah, humbug! Vandal smashes Ebenezer Scrooge's tombstone used in 'A Christmas Carol' movie LONDON (AP) — If life imitates art, a vandal in the English countryside may be haunted by The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Police in the town of Shrewsbury are investigating how a tombstone at the fictional grave of Ebenezer Scrooge was destroyed. The movie prop used in the 1984 adaption of Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol” had become a tourist attraction. The film starred George C. Scott as the cold-hearted curmudgeon who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve who show him what will become of his life if he doesn’t become a better person. West Mercia Police say the stone was vandalized in the past week. Megachurch founder T.D. Jakes suffers health incident during sermon at Dallas church DALLAS (AP) — The founder of Dallas-based megachurch The Potter's House, Bishop T.D. Jakes, was hospitalized after suffering what the church called a “slight health incident.” Jakes was speaking to churchgoers after he sat down and began trembling as several people gathered around him Sunday at the church. Jakes' daughter Sarah Jakes Roberts and her husband Touré Roberts said in a statement on social media late Sunday that Jakes was improving. The 67-year-old Jakes founded the non-denominational The Potter's House in 1996 and his website says it now has more than 30,000 members with campuses in Fort Worth and Frisco, Texas; and in Denver. At the crossroads of news and opinion, 'Morning Joe' hosts grapple with aftermath of Trump meeting The reaction of those who defended “Morning Joe” hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski for meeting with President-elect Trump sounds almost quaint in the days of opinionated journalism. Doesn't it makes sense, they said, for hosts of a political news show to meet with such an important figure? But given how “Morning Joe” has attacked Trump, its viewers felt insulted. Many reacted quickly by staying away. It all reflects the broader trend of opinion crowding out traditional journalist in today's marketplace, and the expectations that creates among consumers. By mid-week, the show's audience was less than two-thirds what it has typically been this year. Pilot dies in plane crash in remote woods of New York, puppy found alive WINDHAM, N.Y. (AP) — Authorities say a pilot and at least one dog he was transporting died when a small plane crashed in the snowy woods of the Catskill Mountains, though a puppy on the flight was found alive with two broken legs. The Greene County sheriff’s office says Seuk Kim of Springfield, Virginia, was flying from Maryland to Albany, New York, when the plane crashed at about 6:10 p.m. Sunday in a remote area. Officials believe the pilot died from the impact. The surviving dog was hospitalized, while a third dog was not located. The flight was connected with a not-for-profit group that transports rescue animals. Warren Buffett gives away another $1.1B and plans for distributing his $147B fortune after his death OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Investor Warren Buffett renewed his Thanksgiving tradition of giving by handing out more than $1.1 billion of Berkshire Hathaway stock to four of his family's foundations Monday, and he offered new details about who will be handing out the rest of his fortune after his death. Buffett has said previously that his three kids will distribute his remaining $147.4 billion fortune in the 10 years after his death, but now he has also designated successors for them because it’s possible that Buffett’s children could die before giving it all away. Buffett said he has no regrets about his decision to start giving away his fortune in 2006. Pop star Ed Sheeran apologizes to Man United boss Ruben Amorim for crashing interview MANCHESTER, England (AP) — British pop star Ed Sheeran has apologized to Ruben Amorim after inadvertently interrupting the new Manchester United head coach during a live television interview. Amorim was talking on Sky Sports after United’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich on Sunday when Sheeran walked up to embrace analyst Jamie Redknapp. The interview was paused before Redknapp told the pop star to “come and say hello in a minute.” Sheeran is a lifelong Ipswich fan and holds a minority stake in the club. He was pictured celebrating after Omari Hutchinson’s equalizing goal in the game at Portman Road. A desert oasis outside of Dubai draws a new caravan: A family of rodents from Argentina AL QUDRA LAKES, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A desert oasis hidden away in the dunes in the far reaches of skyscraper-studded Dubai has drawn a surprising new set of weary world travelers: a pack of Argentinian rodents. A number of Patagonian mara, a rabbit-like mammal with long legs, big ears and a body like a hoofed animal, now roam the grounds of Al Qudra Lakes, typically home to gazelle and other desert creatures of the United Arab Emirates. How they got there remains a mystery in the UAE, a country where exotic animals have ended up in the private homes and farms of the wealthy. But the pack appears to be thriving there and likely have survived several years already in a network of warrens among the dunes.The Growth of Organic Farming in India Organic farming in India has seen unprecedented growth over the last decade. With increased awareness of health and environmental sustainability, the demand for organic products has skyrocketed. Organic farming companies have risen to the occasion, adopting innovative farming techniques, maintaining eco-friendly practices, and ensuring the availability of chemical-free food products. In this article, we’ll delve into the top 10 organic farming companies in India for 2025 that are leading the sustainable agriculture movement. 1. Organic India Organic India is one of the pioneers in promoting organic farming and wellness. Known for its herbal teas, supplements, and organic products, the company sources its raw materials from certified organic farms across India. Why It Stands Out: Wide range of organic products, including herbal teas and health supplements. Empowerment of small farmers through sustainable practices. Commitment to fair trade and eco-conscious packaging. 2. Sresta Natural Bioproducts (24 Mantra Organic) Sresta Natural Bioproducts, under its popular brand 24 Mantra Organic, has become a household name for organic staples. Their range includes organic pulses, rice, spices, and more. Key Features: Presence in over 200 cities across India. Stringent quality checks to ensure 100% organic certification. Focus on reducing the carbon footprint of agricultural processes. 3. EcoFarms EcoFarms has been at the forefront of the organic farming movement in India, focusing on eco-friendly methods and biodiversity conservation. Their product range caters to both domestic and international markets. What Makes It Unique: Extensive product portfolio, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and spices. Practices that emphasize soil health and water conservation. Collaborations with global organizations for sustainable farming. 4. Nature Bio-Foods Nature Bio-Foods specializes in organic food exports and has set benchmarks in quality assurance and sustainability. They partner with thousands of farmers to ensure premium organic products. Highlights: A diverse range of organic grains, pulses, and oils. Advanced processing facilities to retain nutritional value. Strong international presence in over 25 countries. 5. Organic Tattva Organic Tattva focuses on providing high-quality organic food products at affordable prices. Their offerings range from staples to superfoods, making organic living accessible to everyone. Key Features: Certified organic products adhering to global standards. Transparent supply chain ensuring traceability. Innovative packaging for extended shelf life. 6. Farm2Kitchen Farm2Kitchen is a prominent player in delivering organic produce directly to consumers. With an emphasis on promoting local farmers, it bridges the gap between producers and buyers. Why It’s Popular: Farm-to-table approach for fresh and chemical-free produce. Support for small-scale farmers to adopt organic methods. Easy online ordering and doorstep delivery services. 7. Conscious Food Founded in 1990, Conscious Food is one of India’s oldest organic farming companies. It specializes in organic grains, spices, and oils, promoting a holistic lifestyle. Unique Aspects: Hand-processed and minimally packaged products. Focus on traditional farming methods. Extensive product range catering to health-conscious consumers. 8. Sanjeevani Organics Sanjeevani Organics is committed to promoting organic farming as a way of life. They work closely with Himalayan farmers to bring pure and high-quality products to market. Key Features: Specialty in Himalayan organic products like herbs and grains. Support for rural farmers through training and fair trade. Commitment to biodiversity conservation. 9. Organic Garden Organic Garden delivers fresh organic fruits and vegetables straight from farms to consumers. Their products are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, ensuring a healthy alternative. Highlights: Strict adherence to organic certification standards. Focus on fresh produce and seasonal offerings. Robust delivery network across urban areas. 10. Navdanya Founded by Dr. Vandana Shiva, Navdanya is more than an organic farming company—it’s a movement to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable agriculture. Why It’s Unique: Advocacy for seed sovereignty and farmer’s rights. Extensive network of organic seed banks. Training programs for farmers to adopt eco-friendly practices. Why Choose Organic Farming Companies? The organic farming companies listed above are redefining agriculture in India. Here are some reasons to support these companies: Health Benefits: Organic food is free from harmful chemicals, ensuring better health. Environmental Sustainability: These companies focus on reducing soil erosion, conserving water, and improving biodiversity. Empowering Farmers: Many of these companies work directly with farmers, ensuring fair wages and training. Future of Organic Farming in India With government initiatives like the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana and increasing consumer demand, organic farming is poised for significant growth in India. Companies are now leveraging technology for precision farming, efficient supply chains, and product traceability. By 2025, organic farming could contribute significantly to the agricultural GDP. Learn more about sustainable practices and support organic farming efforts globally by visiting IFOAM – Organics International . Conclusion The top 10 organic farming companies in India are playing a pivotal role in transforming agriculture into a sustainable and eco-friendly sector. From empowering farmers to delivering premium organic products, these organic farming companies embody the principles of health, sustainability , and innovation. Supporting them is not just a step toward better health but also a contribution to a greener planet.
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In the last year, with most Israelis focused on the post-Oct. 7 war in Gaza, settlement construction in the West Bank has ballooned alongside new roads and infrastructure, including a dramatic increase in the establishment of unauthorized settler outposts. In a new report, Israeli human rights groups describe what they say are significant structural and legal changes by the Israeli government, the most religious and right-wing in the nation’s history, that “alter the face of the West Bank.” The day after Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election, Israel’s hard-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, posted a comment on the social platform X that reflected the delight of the pro-settlement camp. Using the biblical terms for the occupied West Bank, he wrote, “2025 is the year of Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria.” Yisrael Medad, a spokesperson for an umbrella group of West Bank settlements, says he is encouraged by Mr. Trump’s victory, noting that in his first term as president, settlements were declared not to be a violation of international law, reversing longstanding U.S. policy. “The brave man is the one who seizes the opportunity, and that is what we have to do now and do the best we can,” says Mr. Medad. Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s hard-right finance minister, posted a comment on the social platform X the day after Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election that reflected the delight of the pro-settlement camp. Using the biblical terms for the occupied West Bank, he wrote, “2025 is the year of Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria.” Bitter responses followed from some Israelis, who berated him for not wishing instead for more consensus outcomes: the end of the multifront war that the country has been battling since coming under Hamas attack in October 2023, and the bringing home of the 101 hostages still held in Gaza – an ongoing national trauma. But the pro-settlement movement in Israel – including Mr. Smotrich, its main advocate in the government – is exulting at what it perceives as a possible green light from the incoming Trump Middle East team to pursue annexation of the West Bank, even without the support of the broader Israeli public. In constructing the current government coalition, the most religious and far-right in the country’s history, two years ago, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu granted Mr. Smotrich unprecedented power to oversee Israel’s settlement enterprise and civil administration in the West Bank. So much so that many experts say annexation of the part of the West Bank where most Jewish settlers live has already become a reality, sparking ire both regionally and internationally. For decades the existence and growth of settlements have been an obstacle to forging a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians. In the last year, with most Israelis’ focus on the post-Oct. 7 war in Gaza, settlement construction in the West Bank has ballooned alongside new roads and infrastructure, including a dramatic increase in the establishment of unauthorized settler outposts. In a new report, Israeli human rights groups describe what they say are significant structural and legal changes by the government that “alter the face of the West Bank and the structure of Israeli control there.” The government, the report says, is “methodically implementing a strategy designed to achieve the political vision of applying full Israeli sovereignty to the West Bank, while establishing a reality of Jewish supremacy and forcing the Palestinians living in the area into to the smallest possible geographical space.” Yael Berda, a legal scholar and professor of sociology at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, says the recent spike in settler violence is not haphazard, but fits into a plan to transfer Palestinian residents from what is known as “Area C,” the 60% of the West Bank that has both Jewish and Palestinian communities. “They are [de facto] annexing where there are Jews living, which is why the fight is so intense to get Palestinians who live there off the land,” says Dr. Berda, author of “The Bureaucracy of the Occupation in the West Bank.” Palestinians have long claimed all areas of the West Bank as part of their own future state, while settlers see the territory as their biblical birthright. For them, Palestinian statehood is not only a security threat, but also an anathema to historic Jewish claims. The violence in Area C, which has included deadly settler rampages, led the Biden administration to impose sanctions on a key settler group – a development that Israel’s right-wing is hoping a Trump White House will undo. According to Dr. Berda, the main goal of the government’s controversial judicial overhaul plan, which elicited months of massive pro-democracy demonstrations in Israel in the months before the Israel-Hamas war, was West Bank annexation. By weakening the Supreme Court and the state’s legal advisers, she argues, the government had hoped to stymie the very institutions that have served as the primary check on the settlement project. Under Finance Minister Smotrich, almost 6,000 acres of West Bank land have been declared state land and 50 new settler outposts have been established with organizational and funding support from the government, according to Hagit Ofran, who leads Peace Now’s Settlement Watch division. With these outposts, “Small groups of settlers take over huge amounts of land and on a daily basis kick out Palestinians from their land, not allowing them to go there with their flocks or cultivate their land,” says Ms. Ofran. “They are taking hill after hill, and the government puts $75 million into their development – something we had not seen before. ... What I suspect we will see under Trump is the expulsion of Palestinians will be even more organized.” The most recent example of one kind of rule for Jewish settlers and another for Palestinians in the West Bank is the decision last week by new Defense Minister Israel Katz to end administrative detention only for settlers – a step the Biden administration condemned. Administrative detention is a tool used by Israel to detain terror suspects without trial. In an act of brazenness Friday, Jewish settlers even attacked senior Israeli military officers, including a general in charge of the army’s command in the West Bank. Yisrael Medad, a spokesperson for The Yesha Council, an umbrella group of West Bank settlements, condemned violence of any kind carried out by settlers, saying its perpetrators were outside the movement’s mainstream. He says he is encouraged by Mr. Trump’s victory, noting that in his first term as president, settlements were declared not to be a violation of international law, reversing longstanding U.S. policy and opening the door to annexation. “The brave man is the one who seizes the opportunity, and that is what we have to do now and do the best we can,” says Mr. Medad. According to Eitay Mack, an Israeli human rights lawyer who has represented Palestinians in the West Bank, “If full annexation happens, there will no longer be a hybrid regime of democracy within the Green Line [the official borders of Israel] and authoritarianism in the West Bank – but just an authoritarian regime based on race.” Mr. Smotrich, who says there is no such thing as a Palestinian people, said following Trump’s election, “We will apply the sovereignty, together with our American friends.” Among those friends is Mike Huckabee, named by Mr. Trump as his pick for U.S. ambassador to Israel. The former Arkansas governor and evangelical minister has said he doesn’t view the West Bank as occupied land, nor the half-million settlers there as occupiers. Signaling the opportunity he sees in Mr. Trump’s return to power, Mr. Netanyahu has appointed Yechiel Leiter, a former settler leader and an advocate of annexation, as Israel’s ambassador to the United States.Michigan aims to cap lost season by beating Ohio State
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