A group of tech veterans have reportedly raised $56 million to help construct an operating system for artificial intelligence (AI) agents. As Bloomberg News reported Tuesday (Nov. 26), the new company — dubbed /dev/agents — is led by former Google and Stripe employees who worked on the Android operating system. Their new seed funding round values /dev/agents at $500 million , the report added, citing a source familiar with the matter . The report noted that several companies, Microsoft , OpenAI and Anthropic among them , are creating AI agents . For example, Microsoft has recently debuted tools to help healthcare organizations build customized AI agents for appointment scheduling, clinical trial matching, and patient triage. OpenAI’s new framework , Swarm, lets AI agents collaborate and independently execute complex tasks, potentially boosting business efficiency. “While still experimental, the technology is poised to revolutionize workflows by enabling agents to autonomously handle processes like marketing and sales ,” PYMNTS wrote last month. However, the founders of /dev/agents think there’s a key component missing. If AI agents become as ever-present as apps, developers will need a common technical framework to connect those services and allow them to communicate with each other — similar to Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android. “We need an Android-like moment for AI,” David Singleton , co-founder and CEO of /dev/agents, said in an interview with Bloomberg. Singleton was the vice president of engineering on the Android project before becoming chief technology officer at FinTech company Stripe. “We can see the promise of AI agents, but as a developer, it’s just too hard to build anything good,” he added. Meanwhile, PYMNTS wrote earlier this month about tools such as the AI agent offered by Commerce.AI , exemplifying the trend of AI systems being trusted to handle sensitive customer interactions and operational decisions that guide company performance. “While traditional AI approaches have centered around assistance, the ability for AI agents to reason, decide and take action will amplify results,” Archana Kannan , senior vice president of product for work messaging app Slack, told PYMNTS. “Ultimately, agents are going to transform how every user gets their job done, particularly the mundane, common tasks like automating projects, new hire onboarding, generating content or managing IT incidents.”SINGAPORE: Donald Trump’s victory at the 2024 US election has been met with trepidation by environmentalists around the world , given his track record of dismantling environmental regulations and driving increased oil and gas extraction. Trump’s comeback to the White House will likely throw a spanner in climate action both domestically and internationally. In 2017, he withdrew the United States from the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. There are concerns that he would do the same when he takes office. Some measures in the US that are expected to see rollbacks include incentives and subsidies for clean energy such as wind and solar, and the Environmental Protection Agency’s rules against coal-powered electric plants, methane emissions and tailpipe emissions. Oil drilling in Alaska’s wildlife refuge will likely re-commence under Trump’s administration. As the largest carbon polluter historically, the United States has a responsibility to reduce its emissions - but this will not be met when Trump embraces aggressive fossil fuel drilling and burning. US CLIMATE LEADERSHIP IS DEBATABLE Even without the Trump administration acknowledging human-driven climate change, extreme weather events have cost the United States a whopping US$24 billion in 2024 . Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton struck the south of the country in a span of two weeks, killing dozens and destroying homes. Such disasters will become more intense, frequent and costly as temperatures rise. US President Joe Biden has also been criticised for not doing enough to combat climate change. The Biden administration issued 20 per cent more oil and gas licenses than Trump in his first term, revealing the hypocrisy of heavy fossil fuel investments despite its supposed climate commitments. Biden did not attend the COP29 talks at Azerbaijan, passing up the chance to assert the US’ climate leadership in the last year of his presidency. Already, the US$300 billion COP29 deal to help developing countries mitigate and adapt to global warming has been criticised as insufficient, compared to the several trillions needed by 2030. And it is certainly unremarkable when compared to record-high US$7 trillion worth of subsidies the fossil fuel industry received in 2022. But these developments may not be all doom and gloom when it comes to climate action. CHINA LIKELY TO STEP UP While the US falls behind on climate action, other countries are stepping up. Even if the US exits from the Paris Agreement, as it did in 2016, climate targets and negotiations will continue, with China stepping up to lead the global energy transition. Progress in climate financing, the key agenda at this year’s COP, has admittedly faced setbacks in terms of contributions from wealthy developed countries. But widening the donor pool to emerging economies such as China and oil-rich states could help if America pulls out from the agreement. China is increasingly positioning itself as a climate leader, evident through its climate partnerships with countries such as Australia, France and Germany. As part of its cooperation with the African Union, China is involved in more than 120 climate projects throughout the continent. Closer to home, China has partnered with Southeast Asian countries on technology exchanges and environmental monitoring applications. Having ratified the Paris Agreement and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, China has the potential to advance emerging energy technologies. If the US falls back on global climate cooperation and investment, China and other states will fill the gap. IMPLICATIONS ON SOUTHEAST ASIA’S ENERGY TRANSITION In a tense political climate rife with US-China rivalry, climate action can be a key issue that fosters or reduces grounds for cooperation. On one hand, Southeast Asia presents an opportunity for the US to grow its investments in the region’s green energy transition. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has set a renewable energy target of 23 percent by 2025 in total primary energy supply. Under the Biden Administration, there was some progress between the US and ASEAN on climate cooperation, through the US-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the first ASEAN-US Ministerial Dialogue on Environment and Climate Change in 2023. However, it remains to be seen if Trump will advance climate cooperation initiatives with ASEAN. During his last term as president, the Trump administration arguably saw Southeast Asia as a low-priority region within the wider Asia-Pacific. Trump’s America First approach and campaign pledges to enact protectionist measures such as steep tariffs are likely to trigger tit-for-tat reactions from China. Additionally, the US would ramp up its competition with China in renewable energy. These developments would largely have a mixed effect on Southeast Asia. We would likely see increased opportunities and investments in the region with other countries seeking to diversify their supply chains. At the same time, the region would also suffer disruptions or increased costs of critical minerals and green technologies following any repercussions from protectionist measures by both US and China. COUNTRIES MUST STICK TO CLIMATE COMMITMENTS Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, will benefit from increased cooperation with the US on climate. While there may be a loss of climate financing to the regions’ projects under a Trump administration, US clean energy companies may look to Southeast Asia to secure their supply chains and expand into new markets. At least on climate cooperation on a bilateral level, there will likely be a level of continuity during the Trump administration. As a small state that values multilateralism and global governance institutions, Singapore will continue to be a steadfast advocate of global cooperation on climate change. Most importantly, regional decarbonisation efforts should be stepped up, for instance in establishing the ASEAN power grid that will allow member states to trade green energy. The world is already off track in meeting its climate goals. It is all the more vital for countries to stick to their commitments and work together to tackle climate change. The momentum towards clean energy is unstoppable, and if the Trump administration chooses not to prioritise it, the US will continue to lag on climate action and leadership. Peili Pey is Research Fellow and Danielle Lynn Goh is Associate Research Fellow at the Centre for Non-Traditional Security Studies, S Rajaratnam School of International Studies.CMS Energy Corp. stock underperforms Tuesday when compared to competitors despite daily gains
I'm A Celebrity twist as public vote is suspended and Ant and Dec make trial announcementWhat does it mean to police a community as diverse as Squamish? How can law enforcement better connect with Indigenous communities to build trust and respect? For Const. Kelly Dean of the Integrated First Nations Policing Unit (IFNU), these questions aren’t just theoretical—they’re at the heart of his everyday work. “In my role, it’s different,” Dean shared during an interview with The Squamish Chief. “I have a heart connection with the community. When something happens, it’s not just a call—I see how it impacts families. The community feels like my extended family.” Established in 2008, the Integrated First Nations Policing Unit (IFNU) serves the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, covering Squamish, North Vancouver, and West Vancouver. Based on the North Shore, IFNU is “focused on providing enhanced policing services that are culturally sensitive and responsive to the First Nations,” reads the website. IFNU collaborates with First Nations leadership and departments to address community concerns, provide investigative support, and ensure emergency responses align with the priorities outlined in the Integrated First Nations Policing Agreement. “We’re not frontline officers responding to every 911 call,” Dean said. “Our job is to connect general duty officers with the community in culturally appropriate ways.” According to a 2022 Statistics Canada report, one in five Indigenous individuals expressed a lack of confidence in the police, a much higher proportion than non-Indigenous populations. Another 2020/2021 Statistics Canada report also revealed that Indigenous people are incarcerated at a rate 8.4 times higher than non-Indigenous individuals. According to Dean, one way the IFNU fosters trust is through intentional, trauma-aware practices. “We don’t wear the RCMP’s yellow-striped pants or grey shirts,” Dean said. “Our vehicles don’t display the standard buffalo logo, which can be a trauma trigger. Instead, we use artwork by Squamish artist Rick Harry. These choices are intentional—to reduce trauma and build trust.” Dean’s traditional name, s7íl̓chi (pronounced eeth-chay), given to him in a ceremony in 2021, reflects this responsibility. Meaning “The Bowman,” it symbolizes a protector in the canoe. “It’s a lot of responsibility,” he said. “I don’t take for granted the amount of trust the community places in me, and I reciprocate that trust.” Dean’s role extends across almost 6,700 square kilometres, including reserve lands and unoccupied areas like fee-simple properties being returned to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). A ‘fee simple property’ is a real estate property that is owned outright, without limitations, and with the highest form of ownership. The growing popularity of the Squamish Valley for recreation has added new complexities to his work. “During COVID, there was a massive influx of people coming to the valley,” he said. “We’ve had to enforce Section 58 closures to prevent people from driving or camping in sensitive areas like riverbeds. These measures aim to protect salmon habitats and address declining fish stocks—issues that are deeply important to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation.” Increased recreation has also brought safety risks. “A few years ago, a wildfire started because someone was target shooting on Crown land,” Dean said. “Sparks from their rounds ignited a fire. Now, certain areas have signs prohibiting target shooting, though hunting is still permitted.” Dean acknowledged the challenges of managing such a vast territory alone. “It’s a lot for one person, and adding another officer to support the community would make a significant difference,” he said. For Dean, policing is about more than enforcement—it’s about connection. “I spend time with Elders, drum and sing, and even learn the language,” he said. “I’m a self-taught language learner, with guidance from mentors. It’s a challenge, but it’s so rewarding.” Dean also participates in community initiatives like youth camps and canoe journeys. He’s part of the Sema7maka canoe family and supports Tribal Journeys by ensuring safety on the water. “One of the best things I can do is support culture and language,” he said. “It’s fulfilling for me and helps grow understanding within the broader community.” Dean’s mixed ancestry—Danish, Scottish, and Blackfoot—gives him a personal perspective on Indigenous identity. “My grandmother married a non-Nation person, and her Indian status was revoked,” he said. “Status is 100% a colonial construct. Indigenous identity is about much more than a government-issued number.” Dean highlighted the complexities of the Indian Act, which can impact community members’ rights to hunting, fishing, and other cultural practices. “Conservation officers might determine someone’s rights based on their status number,” he said. “But you can have direct Sḵwx̱wú7mesh lineage and still not meet the government’s criteria for status. It’s a complicated and often unfair system.” Dean also works to address misconceptions about law enforcement, particularly those influenced by United States media. “In the U.S., every police show seems to involve a shootout,” he said. “That’s just not reflective of the Canadian perspective. Most officers I’ve worked with are compassionate people who genuinely want to help.” Dean emphasized the importance of highlighting the positive work being done by Indigenous officers across B.C. “Every year, I meet with around 160 Indigenous police officers to discuss these issues,” he said. “It’s important to share what’s working and support one another.” While the IFNU has made strides in fostering trust and cultural understanding, Dean sees room for growth. “We’re involved in initiatives that go beyond traditional policing to benefit the community,” he said. “But with the size of our territory and the volume of calls we handle, adding another officer would make a significant difference, especially for recreation-related issues.” “I don’t do anything performatively—it’s the opposite,” he said. “I’m passionate about showing that being a police officer doesn’t have to be authoritarian.” Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The Squamish Chief’s Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
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ICICI Securities has a buy call on Hatsun Agro Products with a target price of Rs 1,250. The current market price of Hatsun Agro Products is Rs 1131. Hatsun Agro, incorporated in 1986, is a Mid Cap company with a market cap of Rs 25147.17 crore operating in the FMCG sector. Hatsun Agro Products Ltd. key products/revenue segments include Milk & Milk Products, Scrap & Others for the year ending 31-Mar-2024. Financials For the quarter ended 30-09-2024, the company has reported a Standalone Total Income of Rs 2078.72 crore, down -12.56 % from last quarter Total Income of Rs 2377.23 crore and up 8.29 % from last year same quarter Total Income of Rs 1919.52 crore. The company has reported net profit after tax of Rs 64.32 crore in the latest quarter. Investment Rationale ICICI Securities expects margins of Hatsun Agro's ice cream business to expand from current levels, driving up overall margins. Their expectation is premised on (1) higher capacity utilisation at Govindapur plant and operating leverage, (2) lower trade margins vs peers as Hatsun provides access to refrigeration and also leverages HAP Daily for distribution and (3) launch of premium variants/SKUs. The brokerage maintains a BUY call. They model Hatsun to report FY24?27E revenue/PAT CAGR of 14.0%/37.2%. Our DCF-based TP stands at INR 1,250, implying a P/E of 53/40x FY26/27E. 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(You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel )The Left have a new boogeyman to target: Elon Musk. It's fine when guys like George Soros sink millions into DA and AG races in states where he doesn't live, and fine when Soros buys up radio stations and media outlets. That's (D)ifferent, naturally. But now that Elon Musk is doing it -- but in a way that the Left doesn't like -- it's a problem. Musk is 'disseminating disinformation' and allowing 'hate' to foment online. In reality, under Musk's leadership, X now better reflects the political make up of America. That also ticks off the Left, because they don't want Americans to know there's different, non-Leftist viewpoints out there. To that end, the fascists in the U.K. -- where they jail grandmas for Facebook memes -- are going to call Musk to Britain ti 'testify' about misinformation: UK MPs are expected to summon Elon Musk to testify on X's part in disseminating misinformation during an inquiry into the riots and the spread of misleading AI content. This is a trap. They’ll detain him at the border, demand to see the contents of his phone, and charge him... pic.twitter.com/wdHQfySwRJ Yeah, that's a trap. More from The Guardian : Elon Musk has said UK MPs “will be summoned to the United States of America to explain their censorship and threats to American citizens” in a fresh escalation of tensions between the world’s richest man and Labour. Musk, who has been a fixture at the side of Donald Trump since his reelection as US president, was responding to a Guardian report on Wednesday that the Commons’ science and technology select committee would call him to give evidence in the new year in its inquiry into the spread of harmful content on social media after the August riots. The committee’s chair, Chi Onwurah, a Labour MP, said she wanted to see how Musk, who owns the X social media platform, “reconciles his promotion of freedom of expression with his promotion of pure disinformation”. When they say 'disinformation', they mean 'things we don't like. It’s all part of a bloody coverup anyway. They’re seeking to scapegoat X for the riot so they don’t have to answer questions about the Southport stabber or how they knew he was an indoctrinated jihadist for months before it was revealed, and instead chose to imprison thousands of... Yep. Turns out the guy was a jihadist after the press spread actual misinformation that he wasn't. They will be summoned to the United States of America to explain their censorship and threats to American citizens BOOM. I have prepared Elon’s statement: pic.twitter.com/2C4qtd6laJ That's it. I’m pretty sure they gave up the right to summon American citizens when we kicked them out of our country 200+ yrs ago. The summer riots are a direct result of them ruining the lives of their own citizens Yup. We owe them nothing. I’m sure Elon understands this is a trap. It’s mind-boggling how they continue to say X is spreading disinformation. I believe X spreading the MISSING information. Perfectly stated. Elon should not leave U.S. soil until he leaves for Mars. https://t.co/frmyWzuVTI Solid advice. British MP’s can’t ‘summon’ anyone, let alone someone abroad, it’s not in their remit. The wording is cringeworthy, these people are so embarrassing to our country. Hope @elonmusk tells them to go f**k themselves. https://t.co/nKAaJdGeur Oh, he will. They can suck it. America beat the crown once and we'll do it again https://t.co/xDIh2VzOPh We will. People keep saying America should buy Greenland... Hear me out, what if we colonize the UK and give them the gift of the Constitution? https://t.co/o2Rehsf1gq We like this idea. It totally is. But Elon is a pretty smart dude, I don't think he'd fall for this... https://t.co/mYwxHcWTts He won't.
Lots of folks are enjoying their new holiday gifts right now — but some might not love that new sweater. The week following Christmas is the biggest week of returns in the U.S., and this year, some major retailers are making some major changes to their return policies. Outlets including Amazon, REI, and Target are changing who can return items and how they return them. It's to combat fraud, which has cost retailers tens of billions of dollars each year. And while you might not be trying to game the system, the changes will affect you nonetheless. In June, Amazon added processing fees for high-return items. That charge varies, since it's based on an item's popularity and how often it's returned. But shoes and apparel are excepted due to sizing issues — so you can still get rid of those reindeer socks without a penalty. Outdoor retailer REI also announced it could refuse a return — but that's limited to frequent returners. The company says the changes will affect only 0.02% of members who show a pattern of policy abuse. Similar changes are at Target, which announced it reserves the right to also refuse refunds suspected of fraud. RELATED STORY | Get ready for the post-Christmas return frenzy The changes come as cases of fraud have increased in recent years. The National Retail Federation estimates return scams cost retailers over $100 billion in 2023 alone. That's after $743 billion in items were returned. By the end of 2024, the group estimates that number will rise to nearly $900 billion. Online shopping it where most returns occur. According to the software company Elite Extra, the cost of handling a return is roughly 17% of the purchase cost. So for every $100 in accepted returns, a company loses $17. You can thank the "wardrobers" out there who return used items, or the folks who fake receipts for stolen goods. Or those who switch high-value items with knockoffs. And don't forget to thank Dear Aunt Sally for the sweatshirt. She meant well.
Tiong says while embracing digitalisation is a positive step towards modernisation, its implementation must take into account the challenges faced by vulnerable groups. – Bernama photo SIBU (Dec 5): The recent announcement that Sibu Hospital will fully transition to a cashless payment system has raised widespread concerns, particularly among senior citizens and rural communities. Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Sibujaya branch publicity secretary Mark Tiong said while embracing digitalisation is a positive step towards modernisation, its implementation must take into account the challenges faced by vulnerable groups. He said many individuals in rural areas lack access to debit or credit cards due to limited banking infrastructure and connectivity issues. Similarly, senior citizens, who may not be familiar with cashless systems, risk being excluded from essential medical services if the transition is too abrupt. “A sudden shift to cashless payments creates unnecessary stress, especially during emergencies when patients or their families might rely on cash as the primary mode of payment. “It is crucial to ensure that technology does not become a barrier to accessing healthcare,” he said. Tiong thus urged the hospital authorities to consider introducing a grace period, adding that temporary cash payment counters should remain operational for at least six months. “This would allow the public to gradually adapt to the cashless system while ensuring uninterrupted access to medical services. “The hospital should also have a special consideration for senior citizens and allow them to continue using cash temporarily during the transition period until they are fully equipped to adapt to the new system,” he said. “Alternatively, introduce S Pay. As Sarawak’s local digital payment platform, S Pay has been widely adopted across various sectors in the state. “By incorporating S Pay as a payment option, hospitals can further lower the barriers to cashless payments, especially for residents familiar with this local digital service,” he added. He said that while progress is necessary, it must not come at the expense of inclusivity. “A gradual, well-planned transition will ensure that everyone, regardless of age or location, can benefit from modernisation without being left behind. “Let us work together to ensure that technological advancements improve lives rather than create new challenges.”Teen actor Hudson Meek, who appeared in ‘Baby Driver,’ dies after falling from moving vehicle
BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored the Celtics’ first 15 points on five consecutive 3-pointers and finished with 29 points, before Boston withstood a late charge to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 107-105 on Sunday. Jayson Tatum added 26 points and eight rebounds to help Boston post a season-high fifth straight victory. Anthony Edwards had 28 points and nine rebounds for Minnesota, which has lost five of its last seven. Julius Randle added 23 points, and Rudy Gobert finished with 10 points and 20 rebounds, his eighth double-double of the season. Minnesota got within 55-54 early in the third quarter, before a 14-0 run by Boston. The spurt featured four 3s by the Celtics, including two by Tatum. The lead grew to 79-60 with 4:26 to play in the period. But the Timberwolves chipped it all the way down in the fourth, getting within 107-105 with 34 seconds left on a driving layup by Randle. Takeaways Timberwolves: Minnesota will be looking to for some wins at home, after dropping four of its last five on the road. Celtics: The Celtics have struggled at home at times this season but improved to 6-2 at the Garden. Key moment The Timberwolves had the ball with 7.1 seconds and a chance to win. Edwards got the inbounds and tried to drive on Brown. But he was cut off, and the ball swung to Naz Reid, who failed to get off a 3 as time expired. Key stat Boston assisted on 25 of its 37 made field goals. Up next The Timberwolves host Houston in NBA Cup play on Tuesday, beginning a four-game homestand. The Celtics host the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night. ___ AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba Kyle Hightower, The Associated Press
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — Thomas Brown insists he's focused on the job at hand and not the one he might have down the line. His immediate task as the interim coach of the Chicago Bears is helping the team finish strong over the final five games, starting this weekend at San Francisco. The rest of his life can wait. “I think about just the moment. ... I obviously understand the role that I'm in, understand what might come with it," he said Wednesday. "But I also understand that we make most situations bigger than what it has to be because of the outside noise, what everybody else puts a value on it.” The Bears are in a moment unlike any other in the history of the founding NFL franchise. They fired a head coach for the first time during a season when they let Matt Eberflus go on Friday with a 4-8 record and the team in a six-game losing streak marked by head-scratching decisions. They promoted Brown, who in a span of three weeks went from passing game coordinator to offensive coordinator and now the person in charge. The tipping point was a 23-20 loss at Detroit on Thanksgiving, when the Bears let the clock run down rather than call a timeout following a sack. It led to Caleb Williams throwing an incomplete pass from the Lions 41 as time expired when Chicago should have been able to run more than one play. Star cornerback Jaylon Johnson interrupted Eberflus' postgame speech and made his feelings clear. Other players had gone public in recent weeks with their frustrations over the coaching decisions, and they didn't exactly hide their emotions following the Detroit game. On Wednesday, defensive end DeMarcus Walker said he sensed a change was coming after the loss to the Lions. “You guys just look at the whole turnaround, how everything had been going, we just knew some changes were going to be made,” he said. The 38-year-old Brown now has a huge opportunity. He spent last season as Carolina's offensive coordinator and the previous three on Sean McVay's staff with the Los Angeles Rams — the final two as assistant head coach. Prior to that, he spent nine years as a college assistant, including stops at Wisconsin, Georgia, Miami and South Carolina. It's his job to help right a team that came into the season thinking a playoff spot was in reach. Williams' development obviously will be front and center. To that end, the No. 1 overall draft pick has looked more comfortable in the three games since Brown took over for the fired Shane Waldron as offensive coordinator, completing 75 of 117 passes for 827 yards with five touchdowns, no interceptions and a rating of 99.2. Though Brown will continue to call plays, the Bears have another new offensive coordinator in wide receivers coach Chris Beatty. “I think it is a stepping stone actually with my development because I think down the line I’ll have different OCs or different head coaches or whatever the case may be,” Williams said. “And so being able to handle it my first year, handle a new playbook, handle all these different changes, handle all of this I think it definitely will help the development instead of hurting it or anything like that.” Beyond the development of the prized quarterback, Brown also will be judged during his audition for the regular job on his preparation, decisions during games and command of the locker room. He said he reached out to each player individually on Friday and Saturday and tried to set a tone when the team met on Monday. “I want them to be excellent,” Brown said. “I can nitpick at every single play and tell a guy how he wasn’t perfect. And, so, perfection’s not the goal. It’s to excel at your craft.” Notes: The Bears had a lengthy injury report on Wednesday. WRs Keenan Allen (ankle) and DJ Moore (quad), RBs D'Andre Swift (quad) and Roschon Johnson (concussion), DB Elijah Hicks (ankle) and OL Ryan Bates (concussion) all missed practice. S Kevin Byard (shoulder) and OLs Darnnell Wright (knee) and Coleman Shelton (knee) were limited. AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Taoiseach Simon Harris has insisted he is not aware that any member of his team tried to get RTE to take down a viral social media clip of a much-criticised encounter with a disability care worker. The Fine Gael leader was asked about the controversy in the first question posed during the second and final TV leaders’ debate of Ireland’s General Election campaign. Mr Harris apologised over the weekend for his handling of the discussion with Charlotte Fallon while canvassing in Kanturk in Co Cork on Friday evening. The Taoiseach was accused of dismissing concerns that Ms Fallon raised about Government support for the disability sector during the exchange filmed by RTE in a supermarket. Mr Harris rang Ms Fallon on Saturday and said he unreservedly apologised for the way he treated her, however focus has since shifted to Fine Gael’s interactions with the national broadcaster about the social media video. At the outset of Tuesday’s TV debate, co-host Miriam O’Callaghan directly asked the Fine Gael leader whether a member of his party contacted RTE to ask for the clip to be taken down. “I have no knowledge of that whatsoever, because this clip was entirely appropriate,” said Mr Harris. “It was a very important moment on the campaign. “And RTE and indeed many media outlets have been with me throughout the campaign, covering many interactions that I’ve had with many, many people right across this country.” The Taoiseach said the approach by his team member was part of the “normal contact that happens between party politics and broadcasters on a daily basis”. Mr Harris’s partner-in-government in the last coalition, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin , said he was not aware of the approach to RTE by Fine Gael. “I didn’t realise this had happened,” he said. “I think Simon has given his explanation to it. I’m not sure it’s as normal or as usual. I just get on with it every day. But, again, I think, you know, I’m not au fait with the details behind all of this, or the background to it. “The video didn’t come down, and it was seen by many, many people. “And I think it illustrates that out there, there are a lot of people suffering in our society. “Notwithstanding the progress we’ve made as a country, a lot of people are facing a lot of individual challenges, and our job as public representatives and as leaders in travelling the country is to listen to people, hear their cases, to understand the challenges that they are going through in their lives. “And when we go about in election campaigns, we have to open up ourselves to criticism and to people calling us to account.” Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald had earlier in the day described reports of the Fine Gael approach to RTE as “chilling”. However, at the start of the debate, she was asked about a media-focused issue related to her own party, namely the controversial manifesto proposal for an independent expert review of RTE’s objectivity in its coverage of the war in Gaza and other international conflicts. Mr Harris previously branded the proposal a “dog whistle to conspiracy theorists” while Mr Martin said it was a “dangerous departure”. Ms McDonald defended the idea during the RTE Prime Time debate on Tuesday. “Politics and politicians should not try to influence editorial decisions or try and have clips taken down because they are inconvenient to them,” she said. “There has to be distance, there has to be objectivity. But I would say I am struck by the very defensive reaction from some to this (the review proposal). “The BBC, for example, a peer review looked at their coverage on migration. Politicians didn’t put their hands on it, and rightly so. “I think in a world where we have to rely on quality information, especially from the national broadcaster, which is in receipt of very substantial public funding, that has to be the gold standard of reliability. I think peer reviews like that are healthy.”Manmohan Singh, known as the architect of India's economic reforms, took his last breath on Thursday at AIIMS Delhi. He passed away at the age of 92, leaving behind an enduring legacy. With Singh's departure, India lost one of its greatest politicians of all time. Manmohan Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister of India was marked by both economic transformation and political challenges. Known as the ‘accidental prime minister’, Singh's rise to the highest office of the country was not through conventional political routes but rather through his remarkable expertise in economics. As the country’s finance minister in the early 1990s, he was the driving force behind India’s historic economic reforms that liberalized its economy and opened up new opportunities. Manmohan Singh, born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, Punjab (now in Pakistan), was a distinguished Indian economist and politician, best known for his tenure as the 13th Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014. A renowned figure in Indian politics, Singh is widely regarded as the architect of India's economic reforms, which revolutionised the country's economy and positioned it as a global player. Here is a look at the rich legacy of Manmohan Singh. Manmohan Singh Education Singh completed his education at prestigious institutions, earning a degree in Economics from Panjab University, followed by a DPhil from Oxford University. His academic background laid the foundation for his future success as a key policymaker in India. In the early years of his career, Singh worked as an economist in various roles, including with the United Nations and as a professor at Delhi University. PM Manmohan Singh as Student of Economics at Panjab University ( Standing In Top Row Second From Right ) (Image credits: PM Museum Delhi) Manmohan Singh Personal Life Manmohan Singh married Gursharan Kaur in 1958, and they have three daughters: Upinder Singh, a history professor and author; Daman Singh, an author with degrees from St. Stephen’s College and the Institute of Rural Management; and Amrit Singh, a staff attorney at the ACLU. Singh’s son-in-law, Ashok Pattnaik, an IPS officer, became CEO of NATGRID in 2016. Singh was also a victim of the 1984 Anti-Sikh riots, during which he provided financial support to the Citizens' Relief Committee and controversially apologised on behalf of the Congress for the violence. Manmohan Singh With Wife Gursharan Kaur (Image credits: X@IndiaHistoryPic) Manmohan Singh Political Career His political journey began in the 1990s when he became the Finance Minister of India under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao. In this capacity, Singh played a pivotal role in initiating bold economic reforms in 1991, which included liberalising the economy, reducing trade barriers, and introducing market-driven policies that transformed India into one of the world's fastest-growing economies. Singh was later elected as the Prime Minister of India, serving two terms from 2004 to 2014. His leadership was characterised by a focus on inclusive growth, technological innovation, and continued economic liberalisation. Architect Of India's Economic Growth Under his leadership, India saw robust economic growth, expansion of its middle class, and a significant reduction in poverty. Singh's tenure also witnessed advances in sectors like information technology, infrastructure, and foreign relations. As Finance Minister, Manmohan Singh made the pivotal decision to liberalize India's economy, facing high fiscal and balance of payments deficits, along with dangerously low forex reserves. The situation was critical, leading to the government's first and only request for IMF assistance and the pledge of gold reserves to secure funds. Singh was known for his calm, dignified, and pragmatic approach to governance, often navigating complex political and economic challenges with a steady hand. Despite his successes, he faced criticism for his perceived lack of political assertiveness and for his handling of certain controversies during his tenure. In recent years, Singh maintained a relatively low public profile, prioritising his health and family. His contributions to India's development, however, continue to be remembered and revered, making him one of the most respected leaders in Indian history.
The orca who swam with her dead calf for 17 days in an apparent act of grieving recently gave birth to a new baby, according to Michael Weiss, research director of the Center for Whale Research. The calf born to Tahlequah, known to researchers as J35, was first spotted on Dec. 20 swimming along with J pod in the Puget Sound area for the past several days. Initially, the researchers could not confirm the identity of the calf with certainty. On Monday, however, scientists and researchers observing the calf “confidently” assigned Tahlequah as the mother and the baby as alpha-numeric J61, Weiss said to CNN. On Friday, a nature enthusiast and photographer who captured the calf — without first realizing it — told CNN, “My first reaction to seeing the calf was complete shock. I was just looking through my photos to see who the whales were that passed close to the port side of the ferry I was on and noticed a much smaller dorsal on one of the photos. As I scrolled through the series I realized it was very tiny calf, much smaller than any of the known young ones in the group. Based on the size and color of the calf, I realized it was a new calf and traveling with J35, my spark whale, the whale that started my obsession.” The Center for Whale Research said in a post on Facebook that they were able to photograph the calf’s underside, “confirming that the calf is a female.” The mother first made headlines in 2018 when she swam about 1,000 miles of ocean with the body of her calf, which died a few hours after birth, preventing it from sinking for more than two weeks. She had her first known baby since that incident, J57, two years later in 2020. She is also a mother to another orca, J47. While the new baby news is joyous and hopeful, researchers are still concerned about the Southern Resident killer whale population. They are listed as endangered in Canada and are “one of the most critically endangered populations of marine mammals in the USA,” according to researchers . “The team, including multiple experienced killer whale researchers, have expressed concern about the calf’s health based on the behavior of both J35 and J61,” the Center for Whale Research said in a post on Facebook Tuesday. “Early life is always dangerous for new calves, with a very high mortality rate in the first year. J35 is an experienced mother, and we hope that she is able to keep J61 alive through these difficult early days,” the post read. According to Orca Conservancy on X, worrying behavior had been observed concerning the calf. “The calf had also been observed being pushed around on J35’s head and was not looking lively, which is a concern, but also added calf behavior is not fully understood,” the post read . “All of this serves as a reminder that in order for new calves, salmon stocks need to be recovered to levels that will help support population growth.” According to researchers , the Southern Resident population grew during the late 1970s to mid-1990s, peaking at 98 animals. This year, the population census counted 73 whales. The Center for Whale Research said in a post on Facebook “The Southern Resident killer whale population needs ample access to their food supply, mainly salmon, to survive and thrive. Every single birth counts and these whales need enough fish to be able to support themselves and their calves.”