Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS), James Paul, has called attention to pressing issues in the agricultural sector that emerged during this Christmas season, particularly the shortages in key fruits and vegetables. While the sector demonstrated resilience in meeting many demands, Paul warned that these shortfalls underscored the need for strategic planning and better resource management to secure the nation’s food supply in the future. Paul attributed the crop shortfalls to adverse weather conditions, which disrupted yields and impacted the availability of some holiday staples. “Potatoes are one of the crops everyone looks forward to at Christmas , but our production this year was not as abundant as expected due to the weather. It’s unfortunate but the weather played a major role in limiting what was available,” he explained. He added that while production was ongoing, some crops were delayed from reaching the market. He expressed optimism that these challenges would ease with more favourable conditions. The shortages prompted Paul to stress the importance of better planning to prevent similar issues in the future. “We’ve seen these shortfalls with certain crops this year and even earlier issues with chicken supplies, which were eventually resolved. It’s clear that we need a structured plan of action to address these recurring problems,” Paul said. Reflecting on the poultry sector, he pointed out its significant turnaround as an example of what could be achieved with effective coordination. “Despite concerns earlier this year, consumers experienced no difficulty acquiring poultry during the Christmas season. The sector met market demands and supermarket shelves remained well stocked,” he said. Paul credited this success to collaborative efforts within the industry but cautioned against complacency. The BAS head also highlighted a larger concern regarding Barbados’ agricultural future: the loss of farming land to non-agricultural use. He described the reduction in arable land as the most pressing issue threatening the country’s food security. “We’re seeing increasing amounts of agricultural land going out of production, being repurposed for development. This is the biggest threat to our ability to maintain food security,” he warned. He criticised the over-reliance on technology as a solution to agricultural challenges. “There’s a fallacy that technology alone can solve all of our problems. Technology has its limits and suggesting otherwise gives a misleading impression. What we need is a serious review of our land-use policies to ensure that agriculture remains a priority,” he said. In addressing the shortages of fruits and vegetables, Paul proposed strategies that included greater climate resilience, improved land management and forward planning. He stressed that these measures must be implemented proactively to avoid the repeat of such issues during next year’s Christmas season. When asked about further interventions in the poultry sector, Paul dismissed the idea of extensive Government involvement. He argued that the sector, as part of the private industry, must take responsibility for its own organisation and management. “Government can provide support, but it is incumbent upon the sector itself to ensure it meets not only its own objectives, but also the country’s objectives for a stable food supply. What we need is responsible management within the industry.” Despite the challenges, Paul praised the resilience of Barbadian farmers and their ability to adapt to difficult circumstances. He noted that with better weather, production would likely pick up in the coming months, reducing the strain felt during the holiday season. As Barbados moves into the new year, Paul called for greater investment in the agricultural sector, coupled with policies that prioritised food security. He reiterated the need to protect agricultural lands and to enhance the efficiency of local farming practices. (CLM) Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.Kashmir valley is reeling under severe cold with the arrival of 40 day long Chillaikalaan . The temperature has plummeted to a record low this year, breaking three decade record. According to experts the continuous dry spell this year with low precipitation has compounded the problem and has led to drop in temperature. The global climatic changing pattern is also attributed to the unprecedented drop in temperature during winter and increase in average temperature during summer. Weather experts have also attributed the intense cold wave in Kashmir to the La Niña effect, which leads to harsher winters and increased precipitation. During the phenomenon, the surface temperatures of the Pacific Ocean cool, disrupting atmospheric circulation patterns and resulting in extreme weather conditions worldwide. With the severe cold around, the people of the valley are subjected to immense hardships. With the advent of technology when every thing in our homes is dependent on electricity, the frequent power outages have added to the hardships of the public. The patients who require oxygen supply regularly at home suffer very badly in the absence of regular power supply. At a time when people of the valley are already facing many difficulties, the electricity scenario in the valley is worsening particularly during this harsh winter season which has added to the woes of the public. The installation of smart metres and the hike in electricity dues has evoked public criticism. Majority of the population particularly in the rural areas are facing frequent power cuts. As the demand of the electricity increases in the winter season with the usage of heating electric gadgets, it becomes the responsibility of the government to improve the electricity supply and upgrade the allied infrastructure so that the hardships of people are minimised to some extent. The Power Development Department must stick to the electricity schedule particularly during the peak hours when electricity is most needed. At the same time it becomes the responsibility of the public to make judicious use of electricity so that the problem of load shedding is reduced. Over the years there has been a significant improvement in the power infrastructure and augmentation of receiving stations and transformers to meet the public demand under different schemes, but at the same there are still many far flung areas where electricity infrastructure is very poor. People should also avoid the over usage of electric heating gadgets which consume more electricity. People should co-operate with the Power Development Department in order to streamline power mechanism. During the winter season, particularly in the Chillaikallaan, the government should purchase the additional electricity as the demand increases during this period. Let the government act positively and take effective measures and provide uninterrupted power supply to the people in this harsh winter.Azerbaijani and US officials believe a Russian surface-to-air missile caused the deadly crash of an Azerbaijani passenger jet, media reports and a US official said Thursday, as the Kremlin cautioned against "hypotheses" over the disaster. The Azerbaijan Airlines jet crashed near the Kazakh city of Aktau, an oil and gas hub, on Wednesday after going off course for undetermined reasons. Thirty-eight of the 67 people on board died. The Embraer 190 aircraft was supposed to fly northwest from the Azerbaijani capital Baku to the city of Grozny in Chechnya, southern Russia, but instead diverted far off course across the Caspian Sea. An investigation is underway, with pro-government Azerbaijani website Caliber citing unnamed officials as saying they believed a Russian missile fired from a Pantsir-S air defence system downed the plane. The claim was also reported by The New York Times, broadcaster Euronews and the Turkish news agency Anadolu. Some aviation and military experts said the plane might have been accidentally shot by Russian air defence systems because it was flying in an area where Ukrainian drone activity had been reported. A former expert at France's BEA air accident investigation agency said there appeared to be "a lot of shrapnel" damage on the wreckage. Speaking on condition of anonymity, he said the damage was "reminiscent" of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, which was downed with a surface-to-air missile by Russia-backed rebels over eastern Ukraine in 2014. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters: "It would be wrong to make any hypotheses before the investigation's conclusions." Euronews cited Azerbaijani government sources as saying that "shrapnel hit the passengers and cabin crew as it exploded next to the aircraft mid-flight". A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, also said early indications suggested a Russian anti-aircraft system struck the plane. Kazakhstan news agency Kazinform cited a regional prosecutor as saying that two black-box flight recorders had been recovered. Azerbaijan Airlines initially said the plane flew through a flock of birds, before withdrawing the statement. Kazakh officials said 38 people had been killed and there were 29 survivors, including three children. Jalil Aliyev, the father of flight attendant Hokume Aliyeva, told AFP that this was supposed to have been her last flight before starting a job as a lawyer for the airline. "Why did her young life have to end so tragically?" the man said in a trembling voice before hanging up the phone. Eleven of the injured are in intensive care, the Kazakh health ministry said. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev declared Thursday a day of mourning and cancelled a planned visit to Russia for an informal summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), a grouping of former Soviet nations. "I extend my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the crash... and wish a speedy recovery to the injured," Aliyev said in a social media post Wednesday. The Flight Radar website showed the plane deviating from its normal route, crossing the Caspian Sea and then circling over the area where it eventually crashed near Aktau, on the eastern shore of the sea. Kazakhstan said the plane was carrying 37 Azerbaijani passengers, six Kazakhs, three Kyrgyz and 16 Russians. A Kazakh woman told the local branch of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) she was near where the plane crashed and rushed to the site to help survivors. "They were covered in blood. They were crying. They were calling for help," said the woman, who gave her name as Elmira. She said they saved some teenagers. "I'll never forget their look, full of pain and despair," said Elmira. "A girl pleaded: 'Save my mother, my mother is back there'." Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with Aliyev and "expressed his condolences in connection with the crash", Peskov told a news conference. bur/rlp/jsNone
Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. At least 19 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 19 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat this week after Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, which can cause life-threatening infections. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City. Top football recruit Bryce Underwood changes commitment to Michigan instead of LSU, AP source says ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Top football recruit Bryce Underwood has flipped to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the recruit’s plans to join the Wolverines. Underwood pinned a post on his Instagram account, showing a post in which On3.com reported that he has committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-3 quarterback played at Belleville High School about 15 miles east of Michigan's campus, and told LSU nearly a year ago he intended to enroll there. Emperor penguin released at sea 20 days after waddling onto Australian beach MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia has been released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach. The adult male was found on Nov. 1 on sand dunes in temperate southwest Australia about 2,200 miles north of the Antarctic coast. He was released Wednesday from a boat that traveled several hours from Western Australia state's most southerly city of Albany. His caregiver Carol Biddulph wasn't sure at first if the penguin would live. She said a mirror was important to his rehabilitation because they provide a sense of company. Biddulph said: “They’re social birds and he stands next to the mirror most of the time.”
Powell: Fed's independence from politics is vital to its interest rate decisions WASHINGTON (AP) — Chair Jerome Powell said the Federal Reserve’s ability to set interest rates free of political interference is necessary for it to make decisions to serve “all Americans” rather than a political party or political outcome. Speaking at the New York Times’ DealBook summit, Powell addressed a question about President-elect Donald Trump’s numerous public criticisms of the Fed and of Powell himself. During the election campaign, Trump had insisted that as president, he should have a “say” in the Fed’s interest rate policies. Despite Trump’s comments, the Fed chair said he was confident of widespread support in Congress for maintaining the central bank’s independence. UnitedHealthcare CEO kept a low public profile. Then he was shot to death in New York NEW YORK (AP) — Brian Thompson led one of the biggest health insurers in the US but was unknown to the millions of people his decisions affected. The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare's chief executive on a midtown Manhattan sidewalk early Wednesday swiftly became a mystery that riveted the nation. Police say it was a targeted killing. Thompson was 50. He had run health care giant UnitedHealth Group Inc.'s insurance business since 2021. It provides health coverage for more than 49 million Americans. He had worked at the company for 20 years. The business run by Thompson brought in $281 billion in revenue last year. Thompson's $10.2 million annual compensation package made him one of the company’s highest-paid executives. Trump nominates cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins as SEC chair President-elect Donald Trump says he intends to nominate cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins to chair the Securities and Exchange Commission. Atkins is the CEO of Patomak Partners and a former SEC commissioner. Trump calls Atkins a “proven leader for common sense regulations.” In the years since leaving the SEC, Atkins has made the case against too much market regulation. The SEC oversees U.S. securities markets and investments. If confirmed next year by the new Republican-led Senate, Atkins would replace Gary Gensler, who's been leading the U.S. government’s crackdown on the crypto industry. Atkins was widely considered the most conservative SEC member during his tenure and known to have a strong free-market bent. Australia is banning social media for people under 16. Could this work elsewhere — or even there? It is an ambitious social experiment of our moment in history. Experts say it could accomplish something that parents, schools and other governments have attempted with varying degrees of success — keeping kids off social media until they turn 16. Australia’s new law was approved by its Parliament last week. It's an attempt to swim against many tides of modern life — formidable forces like technology, marketing, globalization and, of course, the iron will of a teenager. The ban won’t go into effect for another year. But how will Australia be able to enforce it? That’s not clear, nor will it be easy. White House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaign WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official says at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations have been impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. Deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger offered the new details Wednesday about the breadth of the sprawling Chinese hacking campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Neuberger divulged the scope of the hack a day after the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued guidance intended to help root out the hackers and prevent similar cyberespionage in the future. White House officials cautioned that a number of telecommunication firms and countries impacted could still grow. District of Columbia says Amazon secretly stopped fast deliveries to 2 predominantly Black ZIP codes The District of Columbia is alleging in a lawsuit that Amazon secretly stopped providing its fastest delivery service to residents of two predominantly Black neighborhoods in the city. The district says the online retailer still charged residents of two ZIP codes millions of dollars for a service that provides speedy deliveries. The complaint filed on Wednesday in District of Columbia Superior Court revolves around Amazon’s Prime membership service. The lawsuit alleges Amazon in mid-2022 imposed what it called a delivery “exclusion” on the two low-income ZIP codes. An Amazon spokesperson says the company made the change based on concerns about driver safety. The spokesperson says claims that Amazon's business practices are discriminatory are “categorically false.” Biden says 'Africa is the future' as he pledges millions more on the last day of Angola visit LOBITO, Angola (AP) — President Joe Biden has pledged another $600 million for an ambitious multi-country rail project in Africa as one of the final foreign policy moves of his administration. He told African leaders Wednesday that the resource-rich continent of more than 1.4 billion people had been “left behind for much too long. But not anymore. Africa is the future.” Biden used the third and final day of his visit to Angola to showcase the Lobito Corridor railway. The U.S. and allies are investing heavily to refurbish train lines in Zambia, Congo and Angola in a region rich in critical minerals to counter China's influence. The end of an Eras tour approaches, marking a bittersweet moment for Taylor Swift fans NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The global phenomenon that is Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is coming to an end after the popstar performed more than 150 shows across five continents over nearly two years. Since launching the tour in 2023, Swift has shattered sales and attendance records. It's even created such an economic boom that the Federal Reserve took note. But for many who attended the concerts, and the millions more who eagerly watched on their screens, the tour also became a beacon of joy. It's become a chance not only to appreciate Swift’s expansive music career, but also celebrate the yearslong journey fans have taken with her. US senators grill officials from 5 airlines over fees for seats and checked bags A U.S. Senate subcommittee is taking aim at airlines and their growing use of fees for things like early boarding and better seats. Members of the Senate Permanent on Investigations say airlines have raised billions of dollars by imposing fees that are getting hard to understand and even harder to avoid paying. The senators and the Biden administration call them “junk fees,” and they say the extra charges are making travel less affordable. Some senators expressed frustration during a hearing on Wednesday hearing when airline executives couldn't explain how they set various fees. Airlines say fees let consumers pay for things they want, like more legroom, and avoid paying for things they don't want. OpenAI's Sam Altman 'not that worried' about rival Elon Musk's influence in the Trump administration OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is locked in a legal dispute with rival Elon Musk. But he says he is not that worried about Musk’s influence in the incoming Trump administration. Altman told a New York Times conference Wednesday that he may turn out to be wrong but he believes strongly that Musk will do the right thing and won't use his political power to hurt competitors. Musk was an early OpenAI investor and board member. He sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year alleging that it betrayed its founding aims of benefiting the public good rather than pursuing profits.
NoneJudge denies Musk $56 billion Tesla compensation packageThe United Kingdom reportedly will consider a comprehensive regulatory framework for the cryptocurrency sector in early 2025. The Labour Party, which came to power in July, will draft rules that will include stablecoins and staking services, Bloomberg reported Thursday (Nov. 21). “Doing everything in a single phase is simpler, and it just makes more sense,” Economic Secretary to the Treasury Tulip Siddiq said Thursday at a conference, according to the report. Siddiq said at the conference that, as part of the government’s plans, stablecoins would no longer be considered under the country’s existing payments services regulation, and staking services would have their current legal uncertainty removed, per the report. The U.K. is working to keep up with the United States and Europe in the crypto sector at a time when U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is wooing crypto businesses and when the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation is about to be implemented, according to the report. The need for clear regulatory frameworks is one of the most pressing issues facing the crypto and blockchain space, PYMNTS reported in July. Regulatory clarity is crucial for the mainstream adoption and growth of cryptocurrencies. In the U.S., the Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory bodies are working on frameworks for cryptocurrencies, but there is still uncertainty. The EU’s MiCA regulation is a step toward a more unified regulatory approach. The EU’s implementation of MiCA’s provision for stablecoins put the EU at the forefront of crypto regulation , PYMNTS reported in July. Having stricter disclosure requirements, regular audits of crypto firms and more robust capital reserve requirements will help build trust and transparency across the marketplace. In the U.S., bitcoin and the global cryptocurrency market rose to record highs after the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election, with traders expecting the crypto sector to benefit from Trump’s support of cryptocurrency . Bitcoin rose more than 40% after the election. This week saw media reports that Trump’s social media company is considering buying crypto trading firm Bakkt and that Trump was meeting privately with Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong to discuss the incoming administration’s personnel appointments.
FACT FOCUS: Vermont ruling does not say schools can vaccinate children without parental consent8 memorable viral moments of 2024 that ruled the internetNew Delhi: A seven-day nationwide mourning has been declared following the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Singh, 92, breathed his last at Delhi's AIIMS. All government programs scheduled for tomorrow has been cancelled. The Cabinet will meet at 11 a.m. tomorrow. Dr. Manmohan Singh’s last rites will be conducted with full state honors. However, the stock markets will remain open. The former PM was admitted to AIIMS, New Delhi, after his health deteriorated on Thursday evening. He was brought to the hospital at 8:06 PM due to age-related medical issues, AIIMS stated in an official statement. "With profound grief, we inform the demise of the former Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh, aged 92. He was being treated for age-related medical conditions and had a sudden loss of consciousness at home on 26 December 2024. Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home. He was brought to the Medical Emergency at AIIMS, New Delhi at 8:06 PM. Despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9:51 PM. Kimalade," the hospital said in a statement. The mortal remains of Dr Manmohan Singh will be shifted tonight. The President, Vice President, and Prime Minister are scheduled to pay their last respects tomorrow morning. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Markets, Business Economy and around the world.
The NBA on Saturday suspended three players for their roles in an on-court clash during Friday's game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns. Dallas forward Naji Marshall was suspended for four games and Suns center Jusuf Nurkic for three while Mavericks forward P.J Washington will sit out one game. The incident came with 9:02 remaining in the third quarter when Nurkic committed on offensive foul on Dallas's Daniel Gifford. "Marshall and Nurkic then engaged in an on-court altercation. Nurkic escalated it by swinging his arm and striking Marshall on top of his head. Marshall responded by throwing a punch that connected with Nurkic's face," the NBA said in a statement. "As the officials and other players attempted to diffuse the situation, Washington further escalated the altercation by shoving Nurkic to the floor. For their roles, Marshall, Nurkic and Washington were assessed technical fouls and ejected from the game," the league added. Marshall late confronted Nurkic near the locker rooms, in a "hostile manner" according to the NBA. The NBA said the players will not be paid during their suspension periods. sev/bb
Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away
Premier League leaders Liverpool ruthlessly exploited another slip by their title rivals to move seven points clear with a match in hand after a 3-1 win over Leicester. Chelsea’s surprise defeat at home to Fulham earlier in the day had been an unexpected gift for Arne Slot’s side and they drove home their advantage by outclassing the struggling Foxes. Having overcome the early setback of conceding to Jordan Ayew, with even the travelling fans expressing their surprise they were winning away after taking just five points on the road this season, the home team had too much quality. That was personified by the excellent Cody Gakpo, whose eighth goal in his last 14 appearances produced the equaliser in first-half added time with the Netherlands international unlucky to have a second ruled out for offside by VAR. Further goals from Curtis Jones and Mohamed Salah, with his 19th of the season, stretched Liverpool’s unbeaten run to 22 matches. For Leicester, who had slipped into the bottom three after Wolves’ win over Manchester United, it is now one win from the last 10 in the league and Ruud van Nistelrooy has plenty of work to do, although he was not helped here by the absence of leading scorer Jamie Vardy through injury. It looked liked Liverpool meant business from the off with Salah’s volley from Gakpo’s far-post cross just being kept out by Jakub Stolarczyk, making his league debut after former Liverpool goalkeeper Danny Ward was omitted from the squad having struggled in the defeat to Wolves. But if the hosts thought that had set the tone they were badly mistaken after being opened up with such simplicity in only the sixth minute. Stephy Mavididi broke down the left and his low cross picked out Ayew, who turned Andy Robertson far too easily, with his shot deflecting off Virgil van Dijk to take it just out of Alisson Becker’s reach. With a surprise lead to cling to Leicester knew they had to quell the storm heading their way and they began by trying to take as much time out of the game as they could, much to Anfield’s frustration. It took a further 18 minutes for Liverpool to threaten with Gakpo cutting in from the left to fire over, a precursor for what was to follow just before half-time. That was the prompt for the attacks to rain down on the Foxes goal, with Salah’s shot looping up off Victor Kristiansen and landing on the roof of the net and Robertson heading against a post. Gakpo’s inclination to come in off the left was proving a problem for the visitors, doing their utmost to resist the pressure, but when Salah curled a shot onto the crossbar on the stroke of half-time it appeared they had survived. However, Gakpo once again drifted in off the flank to collect an Alexis Mac Allister pass before curling what is fast becoming his trademark effort over Stolarczyk and inside the far post. Early the second half Darwin Nunez fired over Ryan Gravenberch’s cross before Jones side-footed home Mac Allister’s cross after an intricate passing move inside the penalty area involving Nunez, Salah and the Argentina international. Leicester’s ambition remained limited but Patson Daka should have done better from a two-on-one counter attack with Mavididi but completely missed his kick with the goal looming. 🎯 — Liverpool FC (@LFC) Nunez forced a save out of the goalkeeper before Gakpo blasted home what he thought was his second only for VAR to rule Nunez was offside in the build-up. But Liverpool’s third was eventually delivered by the left foot of Salah, who curled the ball outside Kristiansen, inside Jannick Vestergaard and past Stolarczyk inside the far post.UNLV men’s basketball preview: Rebels host motivated NMSU sideSigning with Dodgers was really easy decision for 2-time Cy Young winner Blake SnellSigning with Dodgers was really easy decision for 2-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell
The increasing use of divisive rhetoric based on religion, caste and ethnicity poses a major challenge to the constitutional ideal of fraternity as well as the sense of unity in the country, Supreme Court judge Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra has said. He was speaking on the theme of 'Fraternity: Spirit of the Constitution' at a national council meeting of the Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad, a lawyers' organisation, at Vadtal in Gujarat's Kheda district. The use of identity politics for votes by politicians can deepen social divisions, he warned. Divisive ideologies, growing economic inequality and social injustice are major threats to the spirit of brotherhood, and upholding fraternity is a "shared responsibility" of common citizens, institutions as well as leaders, Justice Mishra said. Among the ideals of liberty, equality, and justice, fraternity shines as the unifying thread that binds the fabric of our democratic society, and without fraternity, the other ideals remain fragile, "like a tripod missing a crucial leg," he said. "A major challenge to fraternity is the increasing use of divisive rhetoric based on religion, caste and ethnicity. When individuals or groups promote narratives that pit one community against another, it weakens the sense of unity envisioned by the Constitution," Justice Mishra said. Identity politics, while sometimes empowering marginalised groups, can become harmful when it focuses solely on narrow group interests at the expense of common good, often resulting in "exclusion, discrimination, and conflict," he said. "Divisive rhetoric creates mistrust among communities, leading to the spread of stereotypes and misunderstandings. These tensions can escalate into social unrest. Moreover, when political leaders use social identities for electoral gains, it deepens these divisions, making it harder to build a collective sense of belonging," the judge added. Digital technology and social media have often been misused to spread hate speech, misinformation and divisive content, Justice Mishra observed. "These challenges to safeguarding fraternity highlight the importance of collective efforts in addressing these issues. Overcoming divisive rhetoric, bridging economic disparities, and harnessing technology responsibly require active participation from every segment of society," he noted. "When we live by the principle of fraternity, we ensure that the values of justice, equality and freedom endure for generations to come. However, the responsibility to uphold fraternity does not rest on any single individual or group. It is a shared responsibility that involves every citizen, institution, and leader in society," he said. Justice Mishra also called for a "multi-faceted approach" to promote fraternity effectively, involving collaborative efforts of lawmakers, civil society and technology. "Laws should be crafted not just to protect rights but to ensure social cohesion and address systemic inequalities. By prioritising these values, the legal framework of the nation can provide the foundation for a society built on fraternity," he said. The judiciary must play a proactive role in safeguarding the principles of fraternity, the judge further said. "We can prioritise mediation and reconciliation where appropriate, write judgments that are not only legally sound but also explained in accessible language, and ensure that court procedures themselves reflect fraternal values," he said. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the worldChiefs earned a rest after their third win in 11 days. For some, the rest could be 24 daysASML CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT: ASML Holding N.V. Investors with Losses are Notified of January 13 Deadline in Securities Fraud Class Action – Contact BFA Law (NASDAQ:ASML)
Popcorn is believed to be one of the world’s oldest snacks. Evidence —6,700-year-old cobs with puffed kernels-excavated by archaeologists in Peru suggests exactly that. For most of the time since antiquity, the humble popcorn did not cause any ruckus. ET Year-end Special Reads Take That: The gamechanger weapon's India acquired in 2024 10 big-bang policy moves Modi government made in 2024 How governments tried to rein in the social media beast Until last week, that is, when it caused significant online chatter, after the Indian gover nment decided to increase the goods and services tax (GST) on caramel popcorn from 5% to 18%. Nowhere was this conversation louder than among movie-goers. There are two kinds of people in the world. Those who watch movies in silence, and those who need the crunch of a fistful of popcorn to engage their taste buds as they stare at the silver screen. Large multiplex chains have since clarified that the change in tax structure is applicable only to packaged popcorn and that it will be business as usual for those freshly popped tubs. 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Why exactly is movie food such an expensive experience? And are alternatives popping up? POPPING MONEY Both multiplexes and audiences have valid arguments on the pricing of items that are available for a fraction of the money outside the cinemas. Though single-screen theatres attempted to make money from almost every inch of space, audiences never felt they got a raw deal, as they do in multiplexes now. With good reason, too. Navendra Singh, AGM at a leading real estate firm, says, “Today, I am paying more than two times the money I incur on ticket prices, on food and beverages. I have to plan my theatre outing carefully. It is no longer a weekend ritual.” According to various estimates, movie ticket prices in multiplexes could be in the range of Rs 260-350, depending on a film’s budget, star cast and the response the film’s trailer has received. A medium-size tub of popcorn could cost anywhere between Rs 300 and Rs 500, higher than the average ticket price in multiplexes, which in the case of PVR Inox , the segment leader among multiplexes, was Rs 257 last quarter. Soft drinks may be charged in the range of Rs 200-300, with combopacks starting at Rs 600. This means, for a middle-class family of four, the entire movie-hall experience can be prohibitively expensive. The result? Along with the increasing supply of mediocre and unentertaining films and the proliferation of streaming platforms, audiences have got one more reason to reduce the frequency of going to the movies. This is reflected in a fall in footfalls. According to mall developers, multiplexes used to generate 10% of footfalls in malls. This has fallen to 6-7% in recent years. The total admissions (footfalls) in PVR Inox properties fell to 38.8 million in the September 2024 quarter, from 48.4 million in the same period in 2023. Yogesh Parker, a banking professional with a leading money transfer platform, says, “Today’s audience weighs an outing in multiplexes in terms of a trade-off.” The trade-off he is referring to is whether the cost of an outing in a multiplex can be used to offset the subscription amount of streaming platforms, since most films are available on streaming platforms within two months of theatre release. EXHIBITION EQUATION There are close to 8,500 screens in India. Of these, less than 6,500 are operational after the pandemic. There are 3,500 multiplex screens and the remaining are single screens. PVR Inox, which has 1,747 screens, has recorded a higher growth in revenues from F&B than from the sale of tickets in the past four years; the former has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.3% to Rs 1,958 crore in FY24. In the same period, revenues from the sale of movie tickets grew at a CAGR of 13.6% to Rs 3,279 crore. This has resulted in the share of F&B in total revenues for PVR Inox increasing to 31.5% in FY24 from 27.8% in FY20. While the share of movie ticket revenues has grown in the same period—from 50.1% to 52.8%—F&B has been outpacing it. That, along with the higher margins from F&B, goes a long way in explaining why multiplexes price it high. Producer and film business expert Girish Johar says, “Operating profit margins in the food & beverage segment are much higher.” Estimates suggest F&B in a cinema costs more than three times outside it. F& B is a stable source of revenue for multiplexes. Girish Wankhede, a movie trade analyst, says, “Exhibitors share revenues from the sale of movie tickets with distributors. Also, they must pay taxes on the sale of tickets. But food and beverage revenues go entirely to the multiplex.” Multiplexes cite the high costs of operations (real estate, staff salaries and various overheads) as a reason for high F&B prices. Rahul Dhyani, founder of Connplex Cinemas, a miniplex (75- seat theatre) chain, says, “Today, a family spends more on dinner at a restaurant than in a multiplex. So, we don’t think F&B costs are very high.” CHANGE IS IN THE AIR But not all multiplexes are sticking to the script. Some are trying to disrupt the established pricing regime in a bid to trigger demand, especially at a time when most Hindi films are failing. Recently, multiplex chain Mukta A2 Cinemas capped its F&B prices at Rs 99. Ask Satwik Lele, COO, Mukta A2 Cinemas why they shifted their strategy and he says, “Our strategy of capping F&B prices under Rs 99 has effectively increased three times our items per head (IPH).” Essentially, Mukta is trying to play the volume game. But can focusing on volume rather than value be a sound strategy? An analyst, who did not wish to be named, says, “Even if a multiplex caps its F&B cost at Rs 99, it will make an operating profit margin in the range of 50-75% from the food and beverages segment.” Multiplexes must now choose between value strategy—high ticket prices and F&B rates but low footfalls—and volume strategy— affordable ticket and F&B prices but high footfalls. Ameya Naik, founder of Fantasy Films, an event management company, is in the latter camp, arguing that more people coming into the movies is the need of the hour. He says there is a large audience seeking affordable movie-going experience. “The audiences who prefer premium services in multiplexes are irregular and smaller in number as they are clear about what they want to watch in theatres,” he says. This strategy can have a broader impact. If F&B costs are relatively affordable, even an average film may do reasonably good business at the box office. So which way will your neighbourhood multiplex swing? Nominations for ET MSME Awards are now open. The last day to apply is December 31, 2024. Click here to submit your entry for any one or more of the 22 categories and stand a chance to win a prestigious award. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )RIYADH (Reuters) - Hammad Albalawi, head of Saudi Arabia's 2034 World Cup bid, stated that the country has made significant progress in human rights while aiming to attract "more fans than ever" to the 48-team showpiece event. Saudi Arabia is the sole bidder for the 2034 World Cup, with FIFA set to vote on it next week amid concerns about the country's human rights record. Albalawi said that the strides in human rights, especially in labour laws, are part of Saudi Arabia's commitment to transforming its social and economic landscape under Vision 2030. "We have come a long way and there's still a long way to go. Our principle is to develop something that is right for us. Our journey started in 2016, not because of the World Cup bid," Albalawi told Reuters. "We've launched initiatives granting employees the freedom to move between employers. Documents of these employees are now uploaded into government systems, ensuring they have rights within their contracts. "Only a month and a half ago, the government announced a new government insurance policy... These are substantive examples, not because we're bidding for the World Cup, but because this is part of Vision 2030. This is part of who we are and what we are committed to. "Our aim and aspiration is to bring more teams and more fans into one place than ever before." Amnesty International and the Sport & Rights Alliance (SRA) said last month that FIFA must halt the process to pick Saudi Arabia as hosts of the 2034 tournament unless major human rights reforms are announced before the vote. Albalawi said the World Cup will be held in a safe and family-friendly environment where visitors will enjoy both inside and outside the stadium regardless of the sale of alcohol, which was banned at the 2022 World Cup in neighbouring Qatar. "I think today what you see in Saudi Arabia is an environment that is family friendly, safe and secure – something that people can actually enjoy on and off the pitch," he said. "We've had over 100 global sporting events that already have taken place in Saudi Arabia. No alcohol was served in those tournaments. Yet, we had three million sports fans come in and enjoy those tournaments that have come and come again." Albalawi also pointed to the rapid development of Saudi women's football and its infrastructure as an example of the country's development and social changes. "Three years ago, there were zero girls playing football in school because the facilities weren't there," he said. "Today, the facilities are there and in two years after the facilities were built, we have over 80,000 girls playing football." (Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City)
It’s hard to believe my time in public office has come to an end after nearly four decades. Representing my community at the county and national levels has been the honor of my lifetime. I am proud of my record of success on Capitol Hill, especially my time working on behalf of our national security as a member of the House Intelligence Committee and a defense appropriator. I was the top Democrat on the committee during the capture of Osama bin Laden, the diplomatic attacks in Benghazi and the Edward Snowden leaks. I was among the first to sound the alarm on the cyber threat and traveled to dozens of countries including Iraq, Iran and Yemen to ensure our troops had what they need to do their job and get home safely. For years, I co-chaired the bipartisan House Army Caucus and chaired the nonpartisan Naval Academy Board. And I came to believe that our national security is not a Democratic or Republican issue — it’s an American issue — and I made lifelong friends on both sides of the aisle working toward our common defense. I hope my colleagues in Congress continue to try to work together whenever and wherever possible. Serving on the House Appropriations Committee gave me the opportunity to secure billions of dollars for local projects including road and bridge repairs, school improvements and tools for fire and police departments. My earmarks benefited Maryland’s economic lifelines like the Chesapeake Bay, Port of Baltimore and our hospitals — including the University of Maryland Shock Trauma, where my life was saved. In fact, it was that 30-day stay after a near-fatal car crash in the 1970s that motivated me to first run for office. Drawing from my early years as a prosecutor and, then, a Baltimore County councilman and executive, I focused much of my work in Washington on policies that benefit local government. I founded the Municipal Finance Caucus to advocate for legislation to help counties finance infrastructure. We worked to provide counties and cities with emergency aid during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep first responders, teachers and other frontline public servants on the job. And I helped governments protect their cyber networks from attack. Perhaps my greatest accomplishments aren’t about policy. They are about people. Constituents sometimes stop me at restaurants or the grocery store and tell me about how my office — and especially my amazing team in Timonium — has helped them. A veteran who got his overdue benefits because my staff and I intervened. A woman whose son got his passport expedited just in time to catch his flight for his honeymoon. A small business owner who kept payroll during COVID because we helped with a loan application. These conversations mean the world to me. I want my legacy to be that I never forgot my constituents. I want my legacy to be of leadership grounded in common sense, integrity and a collaborative spirit. I am humbled and grateful that the citizens of my district have trusted me for so many years to represent them. I have never taken that trust — and responsibility — for granted. The decision to retire now was extremely difficult. But I know there are other leaders — including my successor — who will carry the torch of equity and decency. I want to thank my wife, children and the rest of my family for the sacrifices they have made to enable me to serve in elected office. I also want to thank my team. As a former athlete, I believe you’re only as good as your team and mine was the best — both in Washington and at home in the district. Finally, I thank my constituents for giving me the gift of serving my country and neighbors.
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