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Canada 'Freedom Convoy' leader found guilty over trucker protest roleNone
NEW DELHI (AP) — India’s former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic reform program and a landmark nuclear deal with the United States, has died. He was 92. Singh was admitted to New Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences late Thursday after his health deteriorated due to a “sudden loss of consciousness at home,” the hospital said in a statement. “Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home. He was brought to the Medical Emergency” at 8:06 p.m., the hospital said, but “despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9:51 p.m.” Singh was being treated for “age-related medical conditions,” the statement said. A mild-mannered technocrat, Singh became one of India’s longest-serving prime ministers for 10 years and leader of the Congress Party in the Parliament's Upper House, earning a reputation as a man of great personal integrity. He was chosen to fill the role in 2004 by Sonia Gandhi, the widow of assassinated Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi . But his sterling image was tainted by allegations of corruption against his ministers. Singh was reelected in 2009, but his second term as prime minister was clouded by financial scandals and corruption charges over the organization of the 2010 Commonwealth Games. This led to the Congress Party’s crushing defeat in the 2014 national election by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party under the leadership of Narendra Modi . Singh adopted a low profile after relinquishing the post of prime minister. Prime Minister Modi, who succeeded Singh in 2014, called him one of India’s “most distinguished leaders” who rose from humble origins and left “a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years.” “As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives,” Modi said in a post on the social platform X. He called Singh’s interventions in Parliament as a lawmaker “insightful” and said “his wisdom and humility were always visible.” Rahul Gandhi, from the same party as Singh and the opposition leader in the lower house of the Indian Parliament, said Singh’s “deep understanding of economics inspired the nation” and that he “led India with immense wisdom and integrity.” “I have lost a mentor and guide. Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the utmost pride,” Gandhi wrote on X. Born on Sept. 26, 1932, in a village in the Punjab province of undivided India, Singh’s brilliant academic career took him to Cambridge University in Britain, where he earned a degree in economics in 1957. He then got his doctorate in economics from Nuffield College at Oxford University in 1962. Singh taught at Panjab University and the prestigious Delhi School of Economics before joining the Indian government in 1971 as economic advisor in the Commerce Ministry. In 1982, he became chief economic adviser to the Finance Ministry. He also served as deputy chair of the Planning Commission and governor of the Reserve Bank of India. As finance minister, Singh in 1991 instituted reforms that opened up the economy and moved India away from a socialist-patterned economy and toward a capitalist model in the face of a huge balance of payments deficit, skirting a potential economic crisis. His accolades include the 1987 Padma Vibhushan Award, India’s second-highest civilian honor; the Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Centenary Award of the Indian Science Congress in 1995; and the Asia Money Award for Finance Minister of the Year in 1993 and 1994. Singh was a member of India’s Upper House of Parliament and was leader of the opposition from 1998 to 2004 before he was named prime minister. He was the first Sikh to hold the country’s top post and made a public apology in Parliament for the 1984 Sikh Massacre in which some 3,000 Sikhs were killed after then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by Sikh bodyguards. Under Singh, India adopted a Right to Information Act in 2005 to promote accountability and transparency from government officials and bureaucrats. He was also instrumental in implementing a welfare scheme that guaranteed at least 100 paid workdays for Indian rural citizens. The coalition government he headed for a decade brought together politicians and parties with differing ideologies that were rivals in the country’s various states. In a move hailed as one of his biggest achievements apart from economic reforms, Singh ended India’s nuclear isolation by signing a deal with the U.S. that gave India access to American nuclear technology. But the deal hit his government adversely, with Communist allies withdrawing support and criticism of the agreement growing within India in 2008 when it was finalized. Singh adopted a pragmatic foreign policy approach, pursuing a peace process with nuclear rival and neighbor Pakistan. But his efforts suffered a major setback after Pakistani militants carried out a massive gun and bomb attack in Mumbai in November 2008. He also tried to end the border dispute with China, brokering a deal to reopen the Nathu La pass into Tibet, which had been closed for more than 40 years. His 1965 book, “India’s Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth,” dealt with India’s inward-oriented trade policy. Singh is survived by his wife Gursharan Kaur and three daughters. Associated Press writer Sheikh Saaliq in New Delhi contributed to this report.President-elect Donald Trump on Dec. 4 nominated businesswoman and former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler to lead the Small Business Administration (SBA). Loeffler, 53, co-chairs the president-elect’s second inaugural committee with Las Vegas real estate developer Steve Witkoff. The role of SBA administrator requires Senate confirmation. Loeffler, raised on an Illinois corn and soybean farm, served in the Senate from 2020 to 2021. She was appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp in 2019 following the Dec. 31 resignation of former Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.). She lost a 2020 special election in a 2021 runoff to Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.). “Prior to her tenure in the U.S. Senate, Kelly built a 25-year career in financial services and technology,” Trump said in the post. The SBA is an independent Cabinet-level federal agency dedicated to promoting and supporting small businesses in the U.S. economy. Created by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1953, the SBA maintains a vast network of field offices and partnerships. SBA staff help entrepreneurs start and build companies by counseling small business owners, expanding access to federal contracts, and connecting these entities with lenders for funding. In Trump’s first term, he had four SBA administrators, including Linda McMahon, who is now Trump’s Education Secretary nominee. Isabel Casillas Guzman currently heads the SBA, taking over from Tami Perriello in March 2021. “With 95 percent of the world’s consumers based outside of the United States, our small businesses need access to markets abroad to grow and create good jobs in America,” Guzman said in a statement. Over the years, the federal agency has come under scrutiny over its mandate. In the past decade, reports have highlighted that the SBA has often helped larger businesses.
VANCOUVER — Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says the central bank is preparing for a future that looks more uncertain and more prone to shocks. In a speech to the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, he said Monday structural changes are underway in the world including demographic shifts, technological changes, decarbonization and a move away from globalization. “We need to use the pandemic experience to prepare for future crises,” Macklem said in a prepared text of his speech. To that end, Macklem says the Bank of Canada is working to learn what it can from how the economy reacted to the pandemic and in its aftermath. The Bank of Canada is conducting a review of the policy actions it took to restore financial stability and support the economy during the pandemic that it plans to publish along with an assessment of an independent panel of experts. Macklem said the spike in inflation in 2022 was a reminder that even though inflation was relatively low and stable for 30 years leading up to the pandemic, central banks cannot take public trust for granted. “All of a sudden, people couldn’t afford the things they need. And while inflation is low once again, many prices are still a lot higher than they were before the pandemic. So people feel ripped off. And that erodes public trust in our economic system,” he said in his speech. The Bank of Canada has cut its key policy interest rate five times this year including last week when it reduced the benchmark by a half a percentage point to 3.25 per cent. Macklem says the bank will be evaluating the need for further reductions in the policy rate one decision at a time and anticipates a more gradual approach to monetary policy if the economy evolves as expected. Statistics Canada reported last month that the annual inflation rate was two per cent in Ontario, hitting the Bank of Canada’s target. The speech by Macklem came ahead of the release of the November inflation report on Tuesday. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 16, 2024.
Serbian authorities are reportedly hacking and installing spyware on activists’ phones
‘World at dawn of third nuclear age’, armed forces chief warns
The world stands at the dawn of a “third nuclear age” in which Britain is threatened by multiple dilemmas, the head of the armed forces has warned. But alongside his stark warning of the threats facing Britain and its allies, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said there would be only a “remote chance” Russia would directly attack or invade the UK if the two countries were at war. The Chief of the Defence Staff laid out the landscape of British defence in a wide-ranging speech, after a minister warned the Army would be wiped out in as little as six months if forced to fight a war on the scale of the Ukraine conflict. The admiral cast doubt on the possibility as he gave a speech at the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) defence think tank in London. He told the audience Britain needed to be “clear-eyed in our assessment” of the threats it faces, adding: “That includes recognising that there is only a remote chance of a significant direct attack or invasion by Russia on the United Kingdom, and that’s the same for the whole of Nato.” Moscow “knows the response will be overwhelming”, he added, but warned the nuclear deterrent needed to be “kept strong and strengthened”. Sir Tony added: “We are at the dawn of a third nuclear age, which is altogether more complex. It is defined by multiple and concurrent dilemmas, proliferating nuclear and disruptive technologies and the almost total absence of the security architectures that went before.” The first nuclear age was the Cold War, while the second was “governed by disarmament efforts and counter proliferation”, the armed forces chief said. He listed the “wild threats of tactical nuclear use” by Russia, China building up its weapon stocks, Iran’s failure to co-operate with a nuclear deal, and North Korea’s “erratic behaviour” among the threats faced by the West. But Sir Tony said the UK’s nuclear arsenal is “the one part of our inventory of which Russia is most aware and has more impact on (President Vladimir) Putin than anything else”. Successive British governments had invested “substantial sums of money” in renewing nuclear submarines and warheads because of this, he added. The admiral described the deployment of thousands of North Korean soldiers on Ukraine’s border alongside Russian forces as the year’s “most extraordinary development”. He also signalled further deployments were possible, speaking of “tens of thousands more to follow as part of a new security pact with Russia”. Defence minister Alistair Carns earlier said a rate of casualties similar to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine would lead to the army being “expended” within six to 12 months. He said it illustrated the need to “generate depth and mass rapidly in the event of a crisis”. In comments reported by Sky News, Mr Carns, a former Royal Marines colonel, said Russia was suffering losses of around 1,500 soldiers killed or injured a day. “In a war of scale – not a limited intervention, but one similar to Ukraine – our Army for example, on the current casualty rates, would be expended – as part of a broader multinational coalition – in six months to a year,” Mr Carns said in a speech at Rusi. He added: “That doesn’t mean we need a bigger Army, but it does mean you need to generate depth and mass rapidly in the event of a crisis.” Official figures show the Army had 109,245 personnel on October 1, including 25,814 volunteer reservists. Mr Carns, the minister for veterans and people, said the UK needed to “catch up with Nato allies” to place greater emphasis on the reserves. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said Defence Secretary John Healey had previously spoken about “the state of the armed forces that were inherited from the previous government”. The spokesman said: “It’s why the Budget invested billions of pounds into defence, it’s why we’re undertaking a strategic defence review to ensure that we have the capabilities and the investment needed to defend this country.”US to require passenger vehicles to sound alarms if rear passengers don't fasten their seat belts
Players must be assigned female at birth or have transitioned to female before going through male puberty to compete in LPGA tournaments or the eight USGA championships for females under new gender policies published Wednesday. The policies, which begin in 2025, follow more than a year of study involving medicine, science, sport physiology and gender policy law. The updated policies would rule out eligibility for Hailey Davidson, who missed qualifying for the U.S. Women's Open this year by one shot and came up short in LPGA Q-school. Davidson, who turned 32 on Tuesday, began hormone treatments when she was in her early 20s in 2015 and in 2021 underwent gender-affirming surgery, which was required under the LPGA's previous gender policy. She had won this year on a Florida mini-tour called NXXT Golf until the circuit announced in March that players had to be assigned female at birth. People are also reading... “Can't say I didn't see this coming,” Davidson wrote Wednesday on an Instagram story. “Banned from the Epson and the LPGA. All the silence and people wanting to stay ‘neutral’ thanks for absolutely nothing. This happened because of all your silence.” LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who is resigning in January, said the new gender policy "is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach." Ross D. Franklin, AP File By making it to the second stage of Q-school, Davidson would have had very limited status on the Epson Tour, the pathway to the LPGA. The LPGA and USGA say their policies were geared toward being inclusive of gender identities and expression while striving for equity in competition. The LPGA said its working group of experts advised that the effects of male puberty allowed for competitive advantages in golf compared with players who had not gone through puberty. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts “Our policy is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach,” said LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who announced Monday that she is resigning in January. "The policy represents our continued commitment to ensuring that all feel welcome within our organization, while preserving the fairness and competitive equity of our elite competitions.” Mike Whan, the former LPGA commissioner and now CEO of the USGA, said it developed the updated policy independently and later discovered it was similar to those used by swimming, track and field, and other sports. United States Golf Association CEO Mike Whan said the new policy will prevent anyone from having "a competitive advantage based on their gender." Matt York, AP File “It starts with competitive fairness as the North star,” Whan said in a telephone interview. “We tried not to get into politics, or state by state or any of that stuff. We just simply said, ‘Where would somebody — at least medically today — where do we believe somebody would have a competitive advantage in the field?’ And we needed to draw a line. “We needed to be able to walk into any women's event and say with confidence that nobody here has a competitive advantage based on their gender. And this policy delivers that.” The “Competitive Fairness Gender Policy” for the USGA takes effect for the 2025 championship season that starts with the U.S. Women's Amateur Four-Ball on May 10-14. Qualifying began late this year, though there were no transgender players who took part. “Will that change in the years to come as medicine changes? Probably,” Whan said. “But I think today this stacks up.” The LPGA “Gender Policy for Competition Eligibility” would apply to the LPGA Tour, Epson Tour, Ladies European Tour and qualifying for the tours. Players assigned male at birth must prove they have not experienced any part of puberty beyond the first stage or after age 12, whichever comes first, and then meet limitation standards for testosterone levels. The LPGA begins its 75th season on Jan. 30 with the Tournament of Champions in Orlando, Florida. Sports Week in Photos: NBA Cup, NFL snow game and more Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, foreground right, dives toward the end zone to score past San Francisco 49ers defensive end Robert Beal Jr. (51) and linebacker Dee Winters during the second half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus) Adrian Kraus Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green goes up for a dunk during the second half of an Emirates NBA cup basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Abbie Parr South Carolina guard Maddy McDaniel (1) drives to the basket against UCLA forward Janiah Barker (0) and center Lauren Betts (51) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer) Eric Thayer Mari Fukada of Japan falls as she competes in the women's Snowboard Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) Andy Wong LSU punter Peyton Todd (38) kneels in prayer before an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. LSU won 37-17. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) Gerald Herbert South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma misses a catch during the fourth day of the first Test cricket match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Themba Hadebe Los Angeles Kings left wing Warren Foegele, left, trips San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, center, during the third period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) Godofredo A. Vásquez Olympiacos' Francisco Ortega, right, challenges for the ball with FCSB's David Miculescu during the Europa League league phase soccer match between FCSB and Olympiacos at the National Arena stadium, in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru) Andreea Alexandru Seattle Kraken fans react after a goal by center Matty Beniers against the San Jose Sharks was disallowed due to goaltender interference during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Seattle. The Sharks won 4-2. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) Lindsey Wasson Jiyai Shin of Korea watches her shot on the 10th hole during the final round of the Australian Open golf championship at the Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake) Asanka Brendon Ratnayake Mathilde Gremaud of Switzerland competes in the women's Freeski Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) Andy Wong Lara Gut-Behrami, of Switzerland, competes during a women's World Cup giant slalom skiing race, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Robert F. Bukaty New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin cools off during first period of an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Julia Demaree Nikhinson Brazil's Amanda Gutierres, second right, is congratulated by teammate Yasmin, right, after scoring her team's first goal during a soccer international between Brazil and Australia in Brisbane, Australia, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Pat Hoelscher) Pat Hoelscher Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) tries to leap over Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (2) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga) Ed Zurga Luiz Henrique of Brazil's Botafogo, right. is fouled by goalkeeper Everson of Brazil's Atletico Mineiro inside the penalty area during a Copa Libertadores final soccer match at Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) Natacha Pisarenko England's Alessia Russo, left, and United States' Naomi Girma challenge for the ball during the International friendly women soccer match between England and United States at Wembley stadium in London, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) Kirsty Wigglesworth Gold medalists Team Netherlands competes in the Team Sprint Women race of the ISU World Cup Speed Skating Beijing 2024 held at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Ng Han Guan Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) reaches for an incomplete pass ahead of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Abbie Parr Melanie Meillard, center, of Switzerland, competes during the second run in a women's World Cup slalom skiing race, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Robert F. Bukaty Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, left, is hit by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, center, as Eagles wide receiver Parris Campbell (80) looks on during a touchdown run by Barkley in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Stephanie Scarbrough Brazil's Botafogo soccer fans react during the Copa Libertadores title match against Atletico Mineiro in Argentina, during a watch party at Nilton Santos Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado) Bruna Prado New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee (27), center, fight for the puck with Boston Bruins defensemen Parker Wotherspoon (29), left, and Brandon Carlo (25), right during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Julia Demaree Nikhinson Get in the game with our Prep Sports NewsletterObjects thrown as Man City and Feyenoord fans clash during Champions League tieOneRail Ranked 66th Fastest-Growing Company in North America on the 2024 Deloitte Technology Fast 500TM
Predators are using artificial intelligence apps to “nudify” children using regular family photographs taken from social media, while a fifth of schools have reported that pupils as young as eight are accessing nude content online. MPs are pushing the government to ban the apps and websites used to create the deepfake content, after it was found that more than 24 million people globally accessed the nudification tools every month. Head teachers and school leaders have said that they are unable to keep up with the technology and are now regularly dealing with deepfake images depicting children in sexualised settings. Labour pledged in opposition to tackle deepfake content. Alex Davies-Jones, the justice minister, said this week that the government would introduce legislation during this parliamentary sessionKane hat trick against Augsburg hides Bayern's concerning lack of goalsMan City stunned again as Feyenoord fight back to draw 3-3 in the Champions League
Technological advancements have transformed the way work is done in many companies and have led to layoffs. The finance function has not been spared either. Many say finance jobs are a higher risk due to automation, and this has forced people to reconsider their career choices. However, this is a myth. The truth is that automation is redefining the finance landscape but that doesn’t necessarily mean loss of jobs. It has been creating new opportunities. Technology might eliminate redundant jobs but it can never replace the fine judgement and expertise humans can offer in everyday financial activities. So it is important to get some clarity on this subject to put to rest the fears of job loss in the financial sector. Talking about the kind of areas that are being automated and the ones that heavily rely on human intervention, Ballav Mundra, Chief Financial Officer, Hexagon R&D India, says automation has significantly streamlined core tasks like data entry and reconciliation, financial reporting, payroll processing, accounts payable/receivable (AP/AR) and expense management. However, he points out that tasks like strategic financial planning, mergers and acquisitions, risk management, tax strategy and corporate governance rely on professional judgement and a nuanced understanding of broader business objectives. Elaborating on this, Shruti Aggarwal, Co-Founder, Stashfin, says that automated tools now capture and input data directly into financial systems, reducing errors and saving significant time. Reconciliation processes are also streamlined as automated systems can quickly match and balance transactions, enhancing accuracy and cutting down manual effort. Similarly, standard financial reports like income statements and balance sheets can now be generated automatically, while transactional workflows for payments and invoices have been simplified through automation. 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These tasks demand deep domain knowledge and critical thinking, making them less likely to be fully automated in the near future. Automation-driven emerging roles and opportunities Mundra says they are witnessing new specialised roles focussed on analytical, strategic and technical expertise that capitalise on advanced technologies and data-driven insights. Examples of such roles include financial data analyst, data visualisation specialist, RPA developer and implementation expert, digital transformation lead, and automation strategy consultant. Additionally, positions like cyber risk analyst, automation risk officer, fraud detection specialist, AI/ML finance modeller, and change management lead are also in demand. Aggarwal also lists a bunch of roles seeking skilled and talented individuals. She says automation is paving the way for positions like financial analysts, who interpret complex financial data and provide strategic insights to drive business decisions; data scientist, who leverages advanced analytics to uncover trends within financial data, enhancing the decision-making process; cybersecurity specialists, who protect sensitive data from cyber threats, ensuring data integrity and security; and process automation specialists, who design and manage automation solutions. Skills to remain competitive in an increasingly automated environment In Mundra’s opinion, the focus should be on enhancing their technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills to remain competitive. Technical skills are essential and include data analytics, visualisation tools, process automation, and knowledge of AI and machine learning. A few key competencies also include strategic financial planning, advanced financial modelling, and risk management. Interpersonal skills are always important, including effective communication of data insights, strong teamwork, and leadership in digital environments. Aggarwal says digital literacy is crucial, as it enables professionals to effectively use technology to enhance productivity and decision-making. Skills in data analysis and interpretation are also essential, as the ability to examine and extract meaningful insights from large datasets is increasingly valuable. Moreover, critical thinking and problem-solving skills allow finance professionals to address complex issues and devise innovative solutions, and hence, they must be acquired. Having said that, she says communication and interpersonal skills are equally important, as the ability to translate complex financial insights to diverse audiences adds significant value. Challenges and ways to future-proof careers Adapting to automation can present challenges, including fear of job displacement, reluctance to learn new technologies, and shifting from transactional to strategic roles, says Mundra. To future-proof careers, he says professionals should upskill in areas where human expertise complements automation. Also, continuous learning through certifications, focusing on strategic thinking, and advocating for digital transformation are essential steps to thrive. Moreover, developing skills in governance, ethics, and risk management can ensure their relevance in areas where human judgement is crucial. Job displacement, substantial initial investment in new technology, and the need for continuous upskilling can create obstacles for professionals, says Aggarwal. However, automation also brings unique opportunities for career advancement and specialisation. Hence, to future-proof their careers, her advice is embracing automation as a tool that enhances productivity rather than viewing it as a threat, and investing in reskilling, especially in areas that are less likely to be automated — such as strategic analysis, cybersecurity and process automation — can offer stability and growth. Most importantly, she says, adopting a mindset of continuous learning is essential to adapt to evolving industry demands and technologies. This will help a person secure long-term career success.
Amid reports that Gaza cease-fire talks may be resuming, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz expressed optimism that “this time, we can truly advance a hostage deal.” A Qatari newspaper reported that an Israeli delegation—headed by Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar—was set to travel to Cairo on Dec. 5 for talks on a potential deal over hostages and a cease-fire. Katz, speaking to soldiers at an air force base in central Israel, attributed the improved outlook to Israeli military pressure on Hamas. The development comes after a Lebanon cease-fire began on Nov. 27. On Dec. 2, President-elect Donald Trump said there would be “hell to pay” in the Middle East if hostages held in Gaza were not released before his inauguration. Trump’s nominee for national security adviser, Mike Waltz, was set to meet with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer on Dec. 4. Hezbollah, which had previously refused to consider a cease-fire unless Israel pulled out of Gaza, was hard hit in recent months. The Israeli army eliminated many of the terrorist group’s top leaders, including longtime head Hassan Nasrallah, with targeted air strikes. And in an audacious strike on Sept. 17, thousands of pagers exploded on their Hezbollah users simultaneously—followed by a second wave of exploding handheld radios the next day—further crippling its leadership ranks. At least 39 people were killed in the blasts, and Lebanon said nearly 3,000 others were wounded. Hamas, in more than a year of warfare started by its Oct. 7 attack on Israel, has suffered the same kinds of losses. Trump’s impending return to power may be loosening a diplomatic logjam lasting more than a year. The United States, Egypt, and Qatar have tried unsuccessfully to broker a cease-fire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in exchange for the return of around 100 hostages, a third of whom are believed dead, still held by Hamas after having been taken captive on Oct. 7, 2023. “Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied history of the United States of America,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked him in a Dec. 3 post on X. “I want to thank President Trump for his strong statement yesterday about the need for Hamas to release the hostages, the responsibility of Hamas, and this adds another force to our continued effort to release all the hostages.” Israeli ministers also thanked the president-elect. “How refreshing it is to hear clear and morally sound statements that do not create a false equivalence or call for addressing ‘both sides’, but rather clarify who are the good and who are the bad,” said Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. “This is the way to bring back the hostages: by increasing the pressure and the costs for Hamas and its supporters, and defeating them, rather than giving in to their absurd demands,” he said. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said simply on X: “Thank you, President Trump.” A senior Hamas official interpreted Trump’s words as directed at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Basem Naim said Netanyahu had sabotaged all efforts to secure a deal that involved exchanging the hostages for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons. Naim said Trump’s message was intended to pressure Netanyahu to “end this evil game.” A Gaza political analyst, Ramiz Moghani, said Trump’s words might embolden Israel not only to expel Palestinians from Gaza but also to annex the West Bank, which many Israelis refer to as Judea and Samaria. An eight-day cease-fire took place in late November 2023, during which more than 100 Israeli hostages were released. Since then, little progress has been made, with each side blaming the other. Meanwhile, fighting has continued across Gaza. On Dec. 4, an Israeli strike on a camp housing hundreds of thousands of displaced people near Khan Yunis killed 21 people and wounded 29, a Palestinian health official said. Gaza health authorities do not distinguish between civilians and fighters from Hamas and other terrorist groups such as Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Fighting was also reported in Rafah and near a hospital in Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza. Further Hamas threats against the hostages have come to light. In an internal statement on Nov. 22, Hamas told its operatives Israel intended to carry out a hostage rescue operation and threatened to “neutralize” the captives in that event. Hamas told its operatives not to consider any repercussions of following the instructions.Player ratings: Inter 1-0 RB Leipzig – Dimarco excellent, solid defence again
Brest's unbeaten streak in the Champions League has come to an end after the French side were beaten 3-0 by Barcelona on Tuesday night at Estadi Olimpico Lluis Companys. The two sides met in Europe's biggest competition and engaged in an entertaining contest that saw Hansi Flick's side playing some beautiful football, while a resilient Brest defence managed to keep things close for most of the match. Just 10 minutes into the game, the visiting goalkeeper barreled into Robert Lewandowski inside his own penalty area to hand Barcelona a penalty. The Polish forward converted from the spot to give his side the lead and bag his 100th goal in the Champions League . He's now joined Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the only players in history to reach that milestone in the competition. Despite the early goal and the Catalan giants pushing forward relentlessly throughout, Brest's backline did a magnificent job holding its shape and they withheld large spells of pressure from Barcelona to keep the scoreline close for the majority of the night. Dani Olmo eventually wriggled through and doubled his side's lead in the second half, though. It was a valiant effort from Brest, but Flick's men came away with all three points and Lewandowski ensured they did so in style, adding his second and Barcelona's third goal of the night right at the death. Barcelona vs. Brest Match Statistics Barcelona Statistic Brest 76 Possession (%) 24 19 Shots 2 8 Shots on Target 0 4 Corners 0 0 Saves 4 0 Yellow Cards 4 Match Highlights to come... Barcelona Player Ratings You'd be forgiven for being unaware he was even playing for large spells of the match. Had very, very little to do. Left a little to be desired aerially. A very solid night for Martinez who wasn't asked to do much, but showed up when needed. Very rarely put under any form of pressure, but stood tall whenever he was called upon. Was impactful driving down the left flank, swinging crosses into the Brest area. A smart piece of play from the full-back also set Olmo up for Barcelona's second. Dominated midfield despite being outnumbered. Rarely put a foot wrong and was right on the money with the majority of his passes. Ran the show in the middle of the park. Casado was a creative force and an incredible outlet with 100% accuracy from his longballs. Had a scintillating first half and caused all sorts of problems down the right flank. Won the majority of his ground duels, recorded multiple key passes and was a real difference maker. Missed a couple of glorious chances throughout and probably should have gotten on the scoresheet. A fairly quiet first 45 minutes in comparison to his teammate on the opposite end. Showed up in the second half, though, and scored a wonderfully worked goal to seal Barcelona's win. Won and then converted an early penalty to give his side the lead, becoming just the third player in Champions League history to score 100 goals in the competition in the process. Could have had the assist of the year if it wasn't for a fine save from Bizot. Then rounded the evening off with another fine finish to add to his already legendary Champions League tally. Received a hero's welcome when he replaced Olmo, but had a quiet cameo. Subbed into the game to give Martin a well-earned rest and had very little to do during his brief spell on the pitch. Had an incredible chance to score Barcelona's third of the night, but missed an absolute sitter. Brought on with too little time to make an impact. Brest Player Ratings A moment of madness from the keeper saw him fly into Lewandowski recklessly and give away an early penalty. Redeemed himself somewhat with some crucial saves to keep his side in the contest a little longer before the inevitable second goal. Aside from a silly booking after losing his temper, Lala had a solid showing and stood up well against Olmo. Spent large portions of the contest under pressure, but did a fine job dealing with it. Like Chardonnet, the defender had his back against the wall for the majority of the game, but did an excellent job holding Barcelona at bay for the most part. Gave the ball away in a really dangerous area, but wasn't punished. Struggled throughout the game and couldn't handle Raphinha at all. Despite hold the numbers advantage, the midfielder was often overrun in the middle of the park. Struggled to really get going for his team and failed to take control of midfield. It was a tough evening for Magnetti, who spent very little time on the ball and more time chasing after it. Disappointing showing for the forward who offered his side very little. Didn't have many opportunities to show what he could do, as his side spent the majority of the evening on the backfoot. Spent more time tracking back than he did looking for ways to make a difference offensively, but wasn't terrible by any stretch. Brought on shortly before the hour mark, but had very little impact on proceedings. Subbed on to freshen things up, but failed to make a difference. Brought on as his side tried to turn the tide, but had little impact on the game. Brought on with just over 10 minutes left in the contest and didn't really have time to do anything of note. Introduced in tough circumstances with his side 2-0 down, but didn't offer much. Man of the Match Showed why he's still one of the very best strikers in the world with another magnificent performance. Kicked the evening off with his 100th Champions League goal, scoring from the penalty spot after he won the spot-kick himself. He then rounded things off nicely with another strike late on too as his side finished comfortable 3-0 winners. It wasn't just his finishing that saw him shine, however. The Polish striker also could have had the assist of the year, after he pulled off a delicious flick to play Lopes through on goal, but a sublime save from Bizot denied him of that. When he's in the sort of form he was in against Brest, there are few players in the world quite on his level. All statistics courtesy of SofaScore and accurate as of 26/11/2024
Published 01:22 IST, November 27th 2024 Allu Arjun confirmed that the film has been finally wrapped up 9 days before release. He took his social media to share a picture from the last day. Pushpa 2 Wraps Up: Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna starrer is one of the most awaited movies since its announcement. A sequel to the 2021 blockbuster, the drama is scheduled to hit the big screens on December 5 after several delays. However, the release was shadowed with uncertainty for several months as it is being reported that parts of the film are yet to be shot. Amid the growing anticipation, Allu Arjun confirmed that the film has been finally wrapped up 9 days before release. Allu Arjun wraps up Pushpa 2: The Rule few days before the release The National Award-winning actor took to his social media to share a picture from the last day and the final shot of Pushpa 2: The Rule. The photo captures the camera trolley with the team visible in the background. Along with the image, he penned a heartfelt caption: "LAST DAY LAST SHOT OF PUSHPA. 5 years JOURNEY of PUSHPA completed. What a journey." Earlier reports suggest that the shoot will only be wrapped up just 7 days before the release. However, there is no official confirmation then. Sukumar, known for his detailed and slow-paced filmmaking, faced delays partly due to Fahadh Faasil’s scheduling conflicts. Additional challenges further extended the shoot over several months. Pushpa 2 trailer launched in Patna The trailer for Pushpa 2: The Rule was launched at a grand event in Patna on November 17. The event occurred at the iconic Gandhi Maidan, located on the banks of the Ganges River. Ahead of the release of the trailer, the film’s leading lady, Rashmika Mandanna, took a nostalgic trip down memory lane as she reflected on her cherished memories from Pushpa: The Rise . She shared a series of photos featuring her posing with co-star Allu Arjun and the other cast and crew of the film. From casual moments to intense sequences, the photos offered a glimpse into the hard work and dedication that went into bringing the film to life. Slated to release in theatres on December 5th, 2024 Pushpa 2: The Rule is directed by Ace director Sukumar and produced by Mythri Movie Makers in association with Sukumar Writings. Music of the film is on T-Series. Get Current Updates on India News , Entertainment News along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world. 01:22 IST, November 27th 2024