Israel strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital, and WHO chief says he was 'meters' awayIn a bid to provide quality healthcare to all, the Andhra Pradesh government has announced a series of initiatives. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the State’s healthcare system on December 28 (Saturday), addressing long-standing issues and approving key proposals to improve the services. Key decisions include appointing a single service provider for ‘108’, ‘104’ and emergency call centre services, purchase of 190 new ambulances, and restoring the additional ₹4,000 incentive for ‘108’ ambulance staff and drivers, apart from salary. The officials informed the Chief Minister that during the TDP’s previous tenure, the ambulance staff used to get an additional ₹4,000 but the YSRCP government reduced it to ₹2,000. Pointing out that the ambulance staff work for 12 hours a day, the Chief Minister suggested to enhance the amount to ₹4,000. Mr. Naidu also approved the deployment of 58 new Mahaprasthanam vehicles to transport bodies, with an annual allocation of ₹9.45 crore. To ensure better access to healthcare services, the government aims to bolster preventive services. AI in healthcare A pilot programme under ‘104’ services will provide blood tests and other diagnostic services and issue health cards. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare was also discussed, with plans to integrate advanced technology with public health systems. The Chief Minister approved the purchase of 190 ambulances, replacing the vehicles purchased in 2016. Improved services in ‘104’ ambulances will include lab technicians and diagnostic kits, reinstating the features removed by the previous government. NTR Vaidya Seva The government plans to transition the NTR Vaidya Seva programme to an insurance-based model, providing coverage to 1.43 crore families for 3,257 medical procedures. Each family will have an annual insurance cover up to ₹25 lakh annually. Public and private insurance companies will administer the programme, excluding government employees from its scope. Additionally, every mandal in Andhra Pradesh will have Jan Aushadhi stores to provide affordable generic medicines. Mr. Naidu emphasised strict action against ‘ambulance mafias’ and asked officials to ensure compassionate care for those in grief. The review meeting was attended by Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav and senior officials of the department. Published - December 28, 2024 07:52 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Andhra Pradesh / Vijayawada / health / government departmentsConor McGregor ‘CONFIRMS’ £400m Logan Paul boxing match in India with UFC star set to receive insane purse
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NASA Kennedy Top 24 Stories of 2024KYTX Investors Have Opportunity to Lead Kyverna Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: KYTX) Securities Fraud LawsuitFormer Presidents Barack Obama , George W. Bush , and Bill Clinton all lamented the death of former President Jimmy Carter on Sunday, who died at the age of 100. Carter’s death was confirmed by his son, Chip Carter, and the Carter Center on Sunday afternoon, with multiple messages on social media pouring in shortly after . By Sunday evening, all of the former U.S. presidents still alive had issued statements mourning the death of Carter, while also honoring his service to the country. President Carter taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man. https://t.co/dZHL0Nu0Tj — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) “Elected in the shadow of Watergate, Jimmy Carter promised voters that he would always tell the truth,” Obama wrote in a statement on Medium . “And he did — advocating for the public good, consequences be damned. He believed some things were more important than reelection — things like integrity, respect, and compassion. Because Jimmy Carter believed, as deeply as he believed anything, that we are all created in God’s image.” Former President George W. Bush similarly noted how Carter was “a man of deeply held convictions,” and one who was loyal to both his family and his country. Bush also praised Carter for his work on both Habitat for Humanity and The Carter Center, as both “set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations.” Statement by President George W. Bush. pic.twitter.com/nlooc1eg68 — CSPAN (@cspan) "We join our fellow citizens in giving thanks for Jimmy Carter and in prayer for his family,” Bush’s statement said. Clinton noted how he and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, met Carter in 1975 and became “proud, early supporters” of his 1976 presidential campaign, and that he will “always be proud” of giving him and Carter’s wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1999. Hillary's and my statement on the passing of President Jimmy Carter: pic.twitter.com/SOgqTZUdi6 — Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) “From his commitment to civil rights as a state senator and governor of Georgia; to his efforts as President to protect our natural resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, make energy conservation a national priority, return the Panama Canal to Panama, and secure peace between Egypt and Israel at Camp David; to his post-Presidential efforts at the Carter Center supporting honest elections, advancing peace, combating disease, and promoting democracy; to his and Rosalynn’s devotion and hard work at Habitat for Humanity — he worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world,” the Clintons' statement said. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER President-elect Donald Trump commemorated Carter’s death with a statement of his own, noting how Carter did “everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans” during his time as the 39th president. He added that the nation owes him “a debt of gratitude” for his service. Likewise, President Joe Biden , in a joint statement with his wife, first lady Jill Biden, wrote that Carter “saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.” The president also announced that an official state funeral will be held for Carter in Washington, D.C.FOX45: DPW workers rally at City Hall, demand safer conditions and higher pay amid tragic deaths
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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Even when Penn State quarterback Drew Allar gets some praise, it's usually a backhanded compliment. They say he's a good game manager and stays within himself, or that he doesn't try to do too much. They mention he might not be flashy, but he gives the team a chance to win. And here's the thing about Penn State since Allar stepped under center: The Nittany Lions have won games. A lot of them. Sometimes that's hard to remember considering the lukewarm reception he often gets from fans. "I get it — we have a really passionate fan base and they're a huge part of our success," Allar said Sunday at College Football Playoff quarterfinals media day. "For us, we always want to go out there every drive and end with a touchdown, so when we don't do that, there's nobody more frustrated than us." The polarizing Allar is having a solid season by just about any standard, completing more than 68% of his passes for 3,021 yards, 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions while leading the sixth-seeded Nittany Lions to a 12-2 record and a spot in the Fiesta Bowl for Tuesday's game against No. 3 seed Boise State. But in a college football world filled with high-scoring, explosive offenses, Allar's no-frills performances often are the object of ire. The Penn State offense is a run-first bunch, led by the talented combo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. "If we had a nickel for every time there was a Monday morning quarterback saying some BS stuff, we'd all be pretty rich," offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki said. "I think part of being a quarterback, especially at Penn State but really anywhere, is how you respond to and manage criticism." The 20-year-old Allar has made strides in that department after a trying 2023 season that finished with a 10-3 record. He says that's largely because once fall camp started back in August, he logged off the social media platform X. Allar said negative online experiences wore on him last year, and his phone number was leaked a few times, which added to the stress. He finally realized that controlling outside narratives was impossible, so the best course of action was to eliminate a needless distraction. "I've been more mentally free, as much as that sounds crazy," Allar said. "I think that's been a huge difference for me this year." The biggest criticism of Allar — and really Penn State as a whole during the 11-year James Franklin era — is that he isn't capable of winning the big games. He's 0-2 against rival Ohio State and threw a late interception against Oregon in the Big Ten title game earlier this month, which sealed the Ducks' 45-37 victory. He wasn't great in the CFP's first round, either, completing just 13 of 22 passes for 127 yards as Penn State muscled past SMU 38-10 on a cold, blustery day to advance to the Fiesta Bowl. But the quarterback is confident a better performance — aided by a game that will be played in comfortable temperatures in a domed stadium — is coming. "For me, I just have to execute those (easy) throws early in the game and get our guys into rhythm," Allar said. "Get them involved early as much as I can and that allows us to stay on the field longer, call more plays and open up our offense more. That will help us a ton, building the momentum throughout the game." Allar might be a favorite punching bag for a section of the Penn State fan base, but that's not the case in his own locker room. Star tight end Tyler Warren praised his quarterback's ability to avoid sacks, saying that the 6-foot-5, 238-pounder brings a toughness that resonates with teammates. "He's a football player," Warren said. "He plays quarterback, but when you watch him play and the energy he brings and the way he runs the ball, he's just a football player and that fires up our offense." Now Allar and Penn State have a chance to silence critics who say that the Nittany Lions don't show up in big games. Not that he's worried about what other people think. "I think it's a skill at the end of the day — blocking out the outside noise," Allar said. "Focusing on you and the process and being honest with yourself, both good and bad." Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!Fear not, Bears fans. If the game Monday night against the Vikings goes south, there will be another NFL game to satisfy your football fix. After the Bears-Vikings game starts at 7 p.m. on ABC, the Falcons and Raiders will kick off at 7:30 on ESPN. It marks the first time the Bears will be part of such side-by-side scheduling, which is in its third year on the Disney-owned networks. “When we got this included in our new rights deal, the best thing was it was an opportunity to have more football on Monday night,” said Tim Reed, ESPN vice president of programming and acquisitions. In March 2021, the NFL and Disney agreed to a rights deal granting ESPN and ABC the ability to air different games on the same Monday night. The first instance was in Week 2 of 2022, the bridge year between Disney’s previous deal and the beginning of its current 10-year deal. The double broadcasts expanded to three weeks last year; the Bears are part of this season’s final installment. The setup increases Disney’s annual NFL inventory, the most valuable product in broadcasting. It had been 17 games and is now 25, including an exclusive ESPN+ broadcast, two ESPN/ABC simulcasts in Week 18 and two playoff games. The setup also increases ESPN’s reach by airing games on broadcast TV, a what’s-old-is-new-again trend in sports broadcasting. “We’re fortunate to have ABC and ESPN to take advantage of programming two games at the same time,” said Reed, who leads ESPN’s daily activity with the NFL regarding business and programming. “I think about it more like a late-afternoon window on Sunday where one game is starting earlier than the other. So from a fan perspective, you have this awesome opportunity to get updates on either one.” That’s a key component of both broadcasts and a rarity for prime-time games, which largely are exclusive. Bears fans locked into their game will stay updated on the Falcons-Raiders game by a constant scorebug in the upper-left corner of the screen. ESPN even added a notification to alert viewers when either team is in the red zone. ESPN has learned to be judicious with studio updates and live look-ins of either game, fully aware viewers of one might have no interest in the other. The decision to show either is made from ESPN’s studio in Bristol, Connecticut. A producer there will communicate with the producers on-site to notify them whether an update is coming or a two-box will be used. “We’ve become more strategic and situational about when we do live look-ins,” Reed said. “There’s a lot of factors at play. To our production team’s credit, there’s no exact script for those. It’s a little bit of a feel for what’s going on. If one game’s in a critical moment, you don’t necessarily want to go to a two-box. “The one piece that works well is the in-progress highlights. That’s something as football fans we’ve seen forever on Sunday afternoons. To have Scott van Pelt cut into one game and offer a highlight, that’s a nice little added element.” ESPN continues to experiment with kickoff times. The two games have been separated by as many as 75 minutes and as few as zero. Those are set when the full schedule is released in May and are chosen in collaboration with the NFL. As for the announcers, Bears-Vikings gets ESPN’s regular “Monday Night Football” crew of Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Lisa Salters. Falcons-Raiders gets Chris Fowler, Louis Riddick, Dan Orlovsky and Laura Rutledge. “Our biggest hope is that all of those Bears fans, when that game concludes, they’re going to quickly flip over to ESPN to watch the conclusion of the second game,” Reed said. “And to me, that’s what the beauty is of having two games on one night and offering the fans more football than they’re used to getting on a Monday night.” Remote patrol No NFL game will air in the Chicago market opposite the Lions-Bears game Dec. 22, but don’t blame the Bears. The league allows broadcasters to air a game opposite an in-market home game four times a season, and that number was reached. Bears fans may recall that number being zero, but the NFL has relaxed the restriction over the years, first to two times and now four. Such decisions are made between the league, the network and the local affiliate, those being CBS and CBS 2 Chicago in the Bears’ case. • The NFL’s Week 17 schedule will take shape soon. That’s the week with five games still listed as TBD, three of which will air that Saturday on NFL Network. One of those games could end up on NBC’s “Sunday Night Football,” which figures to flex out Dolphins-Browns. Also that week, there’s a chance Fox switches Packers-Vikings from noon to 3:25 in place of Cowboys-Eagles. That will be a fascinating week. • This week is a double doubleheader week in the NFL. That means CBS and Fox will show two games each Sunday. In the Chicago market, those games are Chiefs-Browns (Ian Eagle, Charles Davis) and Bills-Lions (Jim Nantz, Tony Romo) on CBS, and Cowboys-Panthers (Joe Davis, Greg Olsen) and Steelers-Eagles (Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady) on Fox.
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Victor Wembanyama went to a park in New York City and played 1-on-1 with fans on Saturday. He even lost a couple of games. Not in basketball, though. Recommended Videos Wemby was playing chess. Before the San Antonio Spurs left New York for a flight to Minnesota, Wembanyama put out the call on social media: “Who wants to meet me at the SW corner of Washington Square park to play chess? Im there,” Wembanyama wrote. It was 9:36 a.m. People began showing up almost immediately. Washington Square Park is a known spot for chess in New York — Bobby Fischer among others have famously played there, and it's been a spot used for multiple movie scenes featuring the game. Wembanyama was there for an hour in the rain, from about 10-11 a.m. He played four games, winning two and losing two before departing to catch the Spurs' flight. Wembanyama had been trying to get somewhere to play chess for the bulk of the team's time in New York — the Spurs played the Knicks on Christmas and won at Brooklyn on Friday night. The schedule never aligned, until Saturday morning. And even with bad weather, he bundled up to make it happen. He posed for photos with a couple of dozen people who showed up, braving a morning of cold rain to play chess with one of the NBA's biggest stars. “We need an NBA players only Chess tournament, proceeds go to the charity of choice of the winner,” he wrote on social media after his chess trip was over. Wembanyama is averaging 25.2 points and 10.1 rebounds this season, his second in the NBA after winning rookie of the year last season. ___ AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA
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