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Question: I’m interviewing soon for a dream job. What do I need to know to get hired in this competitive era? What are hiring managers looking for? We asked Jodi Kovitz, CEO of the HRPA (Human Resources Professionals Association), to tackle this one. The HRPA 2024 Summit happens Nov. 28. Ms. Kovitz identified three crucial ways job-seekers can stand out: The future of work requires a new set of skills, specifically around artificial intelligence. That doesn’t mean every individual needs to know how to work with machine learning or build a model. But there are some basic skills you need around how to leverage AI to be more creative and more productive. If you don’t know how to use AI, go figure it out. It’s not as hard as you think. There are awesome classes that are quite accessible. MasterClass has a cool one on how to use ChatGPT and other tools effectively. Google AI Essentials also has a great course. Taking some time to educate yourself and develop some proficiency is going to be critical to getting jobs because that is where the world is going. Another in-demand skill I’m seeing with our membership of 24,000 members is resiliency – being adaptable and able to upskill. As technology evolves, folks will need to adapt, wear many hats and roll with the punches. Employers want to know: Are you resilient? Have you failed? Have you demonstrated an ability to pivot? A willingness to port transferable skills, do different jobs and try different things is what folks are looking for. Also, we’re seeing many organizations shift to AI-based applicant tracking systems, so as you prepare your resume, be thoughtful around identifying the skills you have and the courses you’ve taken, and tailor your resumé to this skills-based approach. It’s critical to even get through the screening process. In an interview, be very clear with the hiring manager that you are excited about this specific opportunity. Why you? Why now? I often talk about this concept of mission meets moment. What is it about this opportunity, this role and this company that aligns with your values? Take the time to prepare very, very well for interviews. The more time you invest in preparing, the crisper and more focused you can be in the interview. If you’re doing 50 interviews at 50 companies and you don’t spend the time up front to figure out who you are, your value and why you want to join the company, you certainly will not stand out. Over the weekend I reread a book that one of my mentors suggested to me years ago. It’s The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman, and it talks about the need to show up with confidence. People want to believe in you, and for them to do that, you have to first demonstrate that you believe in yourself. Project more confidence than humility. A job interview is the time for you to shine and be proud and bring data and results into the conversation. As one of my mentors said to me last week, ‘What are your numbers on the dashboard?’ Each time you try something new, you develop a new tool in your tool kit. But it’s up to you to make the connection for the people interviewing you so that they can understand how your past experiences are relevant to the opportunity at hand. Newcomer talent is widely underused in Canada, but employers who tap into it see clear benefits to their business, a new report finds. The paper by The Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) and Deloitte outlines how companies working with newcomers can draw on the diverse experiences of those workers to improve performance while helping to close the immigrant unemployment gap. “The data shows that if you can bring people from around the world to play on your team, you’re going to have an edge over other teams where people have the same experiences and are more likely to see things the same way.” In high school, the Scarborough native and hockey star was named – all four years – “most likely to become a professional athlete.” Two Olympic golds, one silver and multiple world championships later, the 34-year-old forward with the Toronto Sceptres, part of the six-team Professional Women’s Hockey League, has already achieved legend status. One of her mottos is “get uncomfortable.” In 2019, Spooner traded in her hockey skates for toe picks to compete on Battle of the Blades, which paired hockey players with top figure skaters. Spooner was terrified – grace isn’t a critical hockey skill – but she was determined to be a positive role model. “If girls see someone like me who’s five-foot-10 and 180 pounds figure skating, there’s hope for anyone,” she said. Bees collaborate. They send scouts out to find the best spot for a new hive, and then work together to make honey. Rather than sitting around waiting for a queen bee to tell them what to do, they step into the individual and collective leadership roles, working in harmony, to ensure hive success. If danger approaches, an individual bee will release an alarm pheromone that signals to the rest of the colony members to come and defend their mate. It’s a model of group dynamics and collective intelligence. And therefore, a model for modern change efforts, says Siobhán McHale, an Australian consultant. Aska Aly knows exactly what kind of employer she wants. A recent graduate from Algonquin College, Ms. Aly, 24, is a marketing manager and graphic designer based in Ottawa. At the top of her employer wish list? Management that is interactive and involved. She notes that in roles like marketing, where one person can end up wearing many different hats from event planning to administration, “people think that you’ll figure it out [without guidance]. But it’s wonderful to have regular check-ins, to make sure there is alignment on goals.”The government's proposed health cuts will leave more than a bruise. Photo: RNZ Today's Letters to the Editor from readers cover topics including the government's proposed health cuts, the hospital rebuild, and the withered remains of the humanities. Proposed health cuts to Te Whatu Ora The Government’s proposed health cuts don’t care if you voted black and grey, blue or yellow and pink. Notice they are all colours of a bruise. If disestablishments proceed as proposed, more than 1000 people in Te Whatu Ora’s IT department will be gone. These are people working on apps to send appointment notices and reminders. They keep payroll running for more than 80,000 health workers. They troubleshoot faulty equipment — even in operating theatres. Some are the only people who know how to keep life-support running for outdated, legacy technologies much of our health service depends on. Those who remain will be left with egregious workloads to cover colleagues shown the door. If you ask health workers what’s needed to improve the system, halving the IT department is not among the first suggestions. That’s not even the question being asked — instead it’s "who can we get away with cutting without too much kickback?" These cuts are a choice. They’re being made by certain politicians to serve their own interests — not to make the health system better for families. And it’s not just the IT department. In the coming months many other Te Whatu Ora functions will lose valuable institutional knowledge when cuts are turned toward them. Once it’s gone, you can’t get it back. How will any government, of any shade, reach any health target if the people who do the work are decimated? These cuts will leave more than a bruise — they’ll be fatal. Ngā manaakitanga, nā (best wishes) Vicki Taylor Edievale Dunedin hospital I do not think that the seven-year-old quote for the above at $380m still stands. A two-bedroom house built five years ago cost $450,000; built today costs $650,000-plus. They are dreaming if they think that what will be eight years later, it is still only going to cost $380m. Be realistic with regard to current building costs. It would be better to enlarge the Auckland and Otago Schools’ intakes as soon as possible. If they carry on like the Dunedin hospital build in relation to the new proposed Waikato School, the extra doctors will have already qualified before said new medical school has even got started. A. Sarah Oamaru So Shane Reti, on behalf of the government, acknowledges the "very high degree of public interest" in the Dunedin hospital rebuild ( ODT , 13.12.24). And then says he "must also underline the significant responsibilities which come with the portfolio. . . At all times we need to carefully balance individual projects and consider broader system needs." I presume that’s why the broader system needs of the tobacco companies outweigh the needs of the South for a hospital. Ruth Chapman Dunedin Burns building A small irony in the picture of the university accompanying the professor’s attempt to defend the humanities and social sciences ( Opinion , 17.12.24); the Burns building, which houses the withered remains of Humanities, didn’t make the frame. Harry Love North East Valley Shortsighted changes As a former science teacher, I heartily commend Carol Bond’s letter (ODT, 16.12.24 ) deploring the cutting of funds to science research. This government’s mantra of "back to basics" means returning to the ignorance with which poor Galileo had to contend. Heather Grimwood Halfway Bush Privileged and disadvantaged Here we go again. Dr Anaru Eketone’s Opinion piece ( ODT , 16.12.24) is on that same old, same old vein — Pākehā being the privileged one and Māori the disadvantaged. Will this line of thought never alter? Obviously not unless everything they demand is received. Poor choices, lack of discipline and responsibility to one self are major contributors to their situation and this continual putdown of their own is certainly not helping. How do you account for the successes of many immigrants to this country? Do you see extracurricular programmes and special funds being thrown at these people to help them achieve academic and/or financial greatness? I think not. Time to move on and get over this feeling of being hard done by. To say our laws, language, culture and society is all encompassing of a Pākehā society and is of disadvantage to Māoris is so inaccurate when you see the many successes of other minority races. Time to really take a long hard look at yourself and take charge of your own destiny within this country’s society and governance. Nobody needs this separatism you seem intent on achieving above all else. Joyce Yee-Murdoch Cromwell Address Letters to the Editor to: Otago Daily Times, PO Box 517, 52-56 Lower Stuart St, Dunedin. Email: editor@odt.co.nz

(All times Eastern) Schedule subject to change and/or blackouts Monday, Dec. 23 COLLEGE BASKETBALL (MEN’S) 5:30 p.m. ESPNU — Diamond Head Classic: TBD, Consolation Semifinal, Honolulu 7 p.m. SECN — MTSU at Tennessee 8 p.m. ESPNU — Diamond Head Classic: TBD, Semifinal, Honolulu 10 p.m. BTN — Seattle at Washington 10:30 p.m. ESPN2 — Diamond Head Classic: TBD, Semifinal, Honolulu 12:30 a.m. (Tuesday) ESPN2 — Diamond Head Classic: TBD, Consolation Semifinal Honolulu COLLEGE FOOTBALL 11 a.m. ESPN — The Myrtle Beach Bowl: Coastal Carolina vs. UTSA, Conway, S.C. 2:30 p.m. ESPN — The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl: N. Illinois vs. Fresno St., Boise, Idaho NBA BASKETBALL 7 p.m. NBATV — San Antonio at Philadelphia 10 p.m. NBATV — Indiana at Golden State NFL FOOTBALL 8:15 p.m. ABC — New Orleans at Green Bay ESPN — New Orleans at Green Bay The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive TV listings provided by LiveSportsOnTV .Hezbollah fires about 250 rockets and other projectiles into Israel in heaviest barrage in weeks BEIRUT (AP) — Hezbollah has fired about 250 rockets and other projectiles into Israel, wounding seven people in one of the militant group’s heaviest barrages in months. Sunday's attacks in northern and central Israel came in response to deadly Israeli strikes in central Beirut on Saturday. Israel struck southern Beirut on Sunday. Meanwhile, negotiators press on with cease-fire efforts to halt the all-out war. And Lebanon's military says an Israeli strike on a Lebanese army center in the southwest killed one soldier and wounded 18 others. Israel's military has expressed regret and said its operations are directed solely against the militants. Israel cracks down on Palestinian citizens who speak out against the war in Gaza UMM AL-FAHM, Israel (AP) — In the year since the war in Gaza broke out, Israel's government has been cracking down on dissent among its Palestinian citizens. Authorities have charged Palestinians with “supporting terrorism” because of posts online or for demonstrating against the war. Activists and rights watchdogs say Palestinians have also lost jobs, been suspended from schools and faced police interrogations. Palestinians make up about 20% of Israel's population. Many feel forced to self-censor out of fear of being jailed and further marginalized in society. Others still find ways to dissent, but carefully. Israel's National Security Ministry counters that, “Freedom of speech is not the freedom to incite.” Somalia says 24 people have died after 2 boats capsized in the Indian Ocean MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Somalia's government says 24 people died after two boats capsized off the Madagascar coast in the Indian Ocean. Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi said 46 people were rescued. Most of the passengers were young Somalis, and their intended destination remains unclear. Many young Somalis embark every year on dangerous journeys in search of better opportunities abroad. A delegation led by the Somali ambassador to Ethiopia is scheduled to travel to Madagascar on Monday to investigate the incident and coordinate efforts to help survivors. Forecasts warn of possible winter storms across US during Thanksgiving week WINDSOR, Calif. (AP) — Forecasters in the U.S. have warned of another round of winter weather that could complicate travel leading up to Thanksgiving. California is bracing for more snow and rain while still grappling with some flooding and small landslides from a previous storm. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for California's Sierra Nevada through Tuesday, with heavy snow expected at high elevations. Thousands remained without power in the Seattle area on Sunday after a “bomb cyclone” storm system hit the West Coast last week, killing two people. Republicans lash out at Democrats' claims that Trump intelligence pick Gabbard is 'compromised' FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Republican lawmakers are pushing back against criticism from some Democrats that President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead U.S. intelligence services is “compromised” by her comments supportive of Russia and a meeting with an ally of that country. The accusation came from Sen. Tammy Duckworth. The Illinois Democrat says she has concerns about the pro-Russian views expressed by Tulsi Gabbard, who was tapped for the post of director of national intelligence. Duckworth’s comments on Sunday drew immediate backlash from Republicans. The rising price of paying the national debt is a risk for Trump's promises on growth and inflation WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump has big plans for the economy. He also has big debt problem that'll be a hurdle to delivering on those plan. Trump has bold ambitions on tax cuts, tariffs and other programs. But high interest rates and the price of repaying the federal government’s existing debt could limit what he’s able to do. The federal debt stands at roughly $36 trillion, and the spike in inflation after the pandemic has pushed up the government’s borrowing costs such that debt service next year will easily exceed spending on national security. Moscow offers debt forgiveness to new recruits and AP sees wreckage of a new Russian missile KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law granting debt forgiveness to new army recruits who enlist to fight in Ukraine. The measure, whose final version appeared on a government website Saturday, underscores Russia’s needs for military personnel in the nearly 3-year-old war, even as it fired last week a new intermediate-range ballistic missile. Russia has ramped up military recruitment by offering increasing financial incentives to those willing to fight in Ukraine. Ukraine’s Security Service on Sunday showed The Associated Press wreckage of the new intermediate-range ballistic missile that struck a factory in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Thursday. After Trump's win, Black women are rethinking their role as America's reliable political organizers ATLANTA (AP) — Donald Trump's victory has dismayed many politically engaged Black women, and they're reassessing their enthusiasm for politics and organizing. Black women often carry much of the work of getting out the vote, and they had vigorously supported the historic candidacy of Kamala Harris. AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters, found that 6 in 10 Black women said the future of democracy was the single most important factor for their vote this year, a higher share than for other demographic groups. But now, some Black women are renewing calls to emphasize rest, focus on mental health and become more selective about what fight they lend their organizing power to. Heavy rains in Bolivia send mud crashing into the capital, leaving 1 missing and destroying homes LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) — Authorities say that a landslide caused by heavy rains has flooded dozens of homes in La Paz, the capital of Bolivia. It swept away a young girl, spurred evacuations and left parts of the city without electricity. Torrential rain on Saturday caused a river to spill its banks Sunday, dislodging mud from a southwestern La Paz neighborhood where low-slung, shoddily built dwellings dot the hillside. The torrent of debris and soil surged down a narrow ravine early Sunday, wrecking some two dozen homes and flooding another 40. Hours after the rain subsided, rescuers were still searching for the missing 5-year-old girl. Emergency workers saved six residents suffering from hypothermia. 'Wicked' and 'Gladiator' make gravity-defying theater debuts NEW YORK (AP) — “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” have debuted in theaters with a combined $270 million in ticket sales. Their worldwide performance breathed fresh life into global box office results that have struggled lately. Together the films turned the moviegoing weekend into one of the busiest of the year. Jon M. Chu’s lavish big-budget musical “Wicked,” starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, debuted with $114 million domestically and $164.2 million globally. Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II” is a sequel to his 2000 best picture-winning original and launched with $55.5 million in ticket sales. “Moana 2” is being released Wednesday, so it looks like Hollywood might be looking at historic sales over the Thanksgiving holiday.

John Prescott's clash with Jeremy Clarkson and Top Gear audience goes viralThe Tampa Bay Rays have had six of their 2025 regular-season games shifted to the early season due to weather issues from playing outside, Major League Baseball announced Monday. The Rays' usual home, domed Tropicana Field, was damaged by Hurricane Milton last month with almost all of its roof shredded and no possibility of playing there next year. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

Colder weather, particularly snow and ice, can cause disruptions for all travel networks, but the airport says it has taken a range of measures to ensure the potential for disruption is reduced. Passengers travelling to the airport can also do a handful of things to help them get to the airport safely and on time when they are due to travel with the airport sharing some tips to help. Manchester Airport said: “With more than 20 miles of runways and taxiways – plus a significant road network, miles of footpaths, a train, tram and bus station and several sizeable car parks – keeping it running during the worst of the winter’s weather is no small task. #TravelTipTuesday 🕶️ Breeze through security by staying updated on what you can and can't bring through🎒 Check out our Guide to Going Through Security and stay updated on all regulations⬇️ https://t.co/6Sz3fiCexo pic.twitter.com/xxwqTUF2rs “But despite that, significant disruption due to snow and ice is rare because of the work that goes into mitigating the effects.” Plan your journey in advance The airport encourages passengers to plan their journey in advance, allow extra time and check travel conditions on the way to the airport as snow and ice can cause disruption on road and rail. Make sure to check travel information via popular apps like Apple Maps and Google Maps and look out for travel news on TV and radio. Train travel can also be affected by cold weather but operators and services like Trainline will update you if your journey is affected by significant delays. Any type of travel is likely to be slower in cold weather so allow extra time, the airport suggests. Be prepared in case you get stuck en route The airport suggests making sure you are prepared in case you get stuck or significantly delayed en route to the airport. If you are driving, it’s a good idea to have food, a drink, warm clothes, sturdy shoes, a blanket, a phone charger, de-icer, a warning triangle, a torch, a first aid kit and a shovel. A post shared by Manchester Airport (@manairportuk) If you are on the train, make sure you have a phone charger, warm clothes and things to keep you and your family occupied. Dress appropriately for the colder weather Make sure you are dressed for the weather in the UK – not just for wherever you are going. If you are going somewhere warm it may seem inconvenient to take a coat, hat, gloves and sturdy shoes with you but you will be glad of them if you face delays on the way to the airport or on your way home, the airport says. Check communication from your airline and airport Keep an eye out for communications from your airline and from the airport. Your airline will inform you of any significant issues with your flight. Make sure you can access your emails and follow your airline on social media. Some airlines have apps that will send alerts directly to your phone if there are updates. Manchester Airport said in the event that the airport’s airfield has to close it will post details on social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), when it closes and when it reopens and will provide regular updates in the interim. With cold weather and possible snowfall expected, we’re taking steps to minimise disruption ❄️ If you are travelling to the airport in the coming days, please prepare in advance and take extra care. Tips for safe travel 👇 🚆 Rail and bus services may face delays or... pic.twitter.com/pMkf8plUut Be careful Snow and ice can make surfaces slippery so take care. The airport grits and treats all footpaths, walkways and car parks and monitors them throughout the day. Monitoring the weather Weather can vary very quickly across Manchester Airport as it’s surrounded by hills so it uses forecasting systems to monitor the exact air pressure around the airfield, the precise level of the clouds and more. This means that teams at the airport know when snow is likely to start falling as well as the temperature of the tarmac on the airfield and the likelihood of any snow settling. This also helps the airport understand what type of snow is likely to be around. Snow is easier to clear when the temperature is below -2c because it is drier as all the moisture in it is frozen. Above that temperature, not all the moisture will be frozen meaning it turns to slush and ice that are more slippery and harder to clear. Putting extra staff in place During the winter months, there are extra staff on rotas all over the airport, including an adverse weather standby team who can be deployed depending on the forecast. A 100-person resilience team is also trained in different roles around the airport who can help out. 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Grit isn’t suitable for airfields as it is corrosive and can damage aircraft so the airport uses a de-icing fluid on the runways and taxiways that prevents them from freezing. The surface of the runway is also slightly grooved to improve grip in cold weather. Specialist snow and ice-clearing vehicles Manchester Airport has a fleet of more than 30 snow-clearing vehicles fitted with ploughs, blowers, brushes and more. Recommended reading: Manchester Airport issues check-in guide for all passengers to follow How early should you arrive at Manchester Airport before a flight? Airlines moving to Manchester Airport's Terminal 2 and what it means for you They can be mobilised quickly and can clear significant snowfall in a short period of time, the airport explains. Close the airfield when necessary Manchester Airport closes the airfield when snow reaches a certain depth. Doing this allows for the full mobilisation of its fleet of snow-clearing vehicles so that runways can be cleared more quickly. These closures are usually short and are an important safety measure, it explained.Home | Andhra Pradesh | India On Cusp Of 6g Boom But 91 Telangana Government Schools Lurk In Digital Dark Age India on cusp of 6G boom, but 91% Telangana government schools lurk in digital dark age Out of 30,023 government-run schools in the State, only 2,772 (9.23%) have internet facilities, highlighting a troubling digital divide By Yuvraj Akula Published Date - 22 December 2024, 09:45 PM Representational Photo Hyderabad: In this age of smartphones, electronic appliances, big machines and seamless communication from far off distances via the internet , students studying in the Telangana government -run schools remain stuck in a digital dark age. As India is on the cusp of a technology revolution with soon-to-be-rolled-out 6G services, a staggering 91 per cent of Telangana government-run schools lack the basic facility of internet connection. Also Read Editorial: Bridge the digital divide Of the 30,023 government schools in the State, only 2,772 (9.23 per cent) have internet access, highlighting the digital chasm. Telangana is far behind its neighbour Andhra Pradesh , where 45 per cent of 45,137 government schools have access to the internet. Ironically, the State also lags behind than the national average of 24.16 per cent. “Though cables were laid for providing internet connection under the ‘ Mana Ooru – Mana Badi ‘ programme, the schools are yet to get the service. Some schools have been provided with tabs, which have internet facility. Apart from internet, the government must ensure computers in all schools,” a high school headmaster said, requesting anonymity. Among the larger States, Telangana, with 9.23 per cent, stands at third place behind Bihar (5.85 per cent) and Uttar Pradesh (8.81 per cent). These details were recently shared by Union Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary in Lok Sabha in response to a question on internet facility in schools raised by MPs Dr MP Abdussamad Samadani and Gowaal Kagada Padavi. Though private schools in Telangana have better internet facilities compared to their government counterparts, they fare poorly compared to the national average of 59.63 per cent. A total of 56.73 per cent of 12,193 private schools in the State have internet facilities. However, among the major States — Kerala with 95.13 per cent and Maharashtra with 85.85 per cent of private schools with internet facility — Telangana is far behind on the chart. Follow Us : Tags 6G network Digital Divide internet access Telangana government schools Related News Opinion: Let all retail formats coexist Four months on, Telangana schools yet to receive grants Education system in shambles under Congress government claims KTR Enrollment crisis hits Telangana government schools

For China’s 5 biggest tech firms this season now looks like a flopThanksgiving Travel Latest: Airport strike, staff shortages and weather could impact holiday travelNone

Hemant Soren’s personal appeal drives INDIA bloc’s victory across tribal constituenciesTran Defeats Steel in House Pickup for DemocratsQatar’s decision to suspend its mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas and the sweeping Cabinet reshuffle are not isolated actions; they are intertwined maneuvers within a unified strategic framework aimed at fortifying the nation’s stance amid shifting regional and global dynamics. Together, these actions reveal a nation positioning itself proactively for the future. With Donald Trump’s imminent return to the U.S. presidency and the potential for heightened regional tensions, Qatar is bolstering its readiness as a mediator and a resilient actor capable of maintaining influence in both diplomatic and security arenas. In early November, Majid al-Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced that the mediation efforts led by Qatar between Israel and Hamas had been suspended. Al-Ansari stated that the relevant parties had been informed 10 days prior that "mediation would be halted if no progress was made." Qatar justified the suspension of mediation by citing the "reluctance" and "lack of seriousness" of both sides in ending the conflict and preventing harm to civilians. Western media platforms have engaged in disinformation regarding Qatar’s statements on two specific points. The first is the claim that Qatar has completely withdrawn from mediating between Israel and Hamas, and the second is the assertion that Hamas' Doha office would be permanently closed. As of now, no official statement has confirmed that Qatar has definitively ended its mediation between Israel and Hamas. Similarly, there has been no finalized or officially announced development regarding the permanent closure of Hamas' office in Doha. However, in a statement made a few days ago, Al-Ansari confirmed that the Hamas leaders participating in the negotiations were no longer in Doha and that these people were already holding meetings in various regional capitals, including Türkiye. He added that if there is no need for mediation, the decision regarding the closure of Hamas’ Doha office will officially come from Qatar. The statements aim to convey a message to both parties, indicating that without mediation, issues will remain unresolved. Qatar is positioned as an essential actor should talks between Israel and Hamas resume. Therefore, suspending its role as a mediator at this stage could potentially strengthen its position. Türkiye is one of the countries where Hamas can move or mediation can be carried out. Qatari officials also expressed this directly or indirectly. Although there is no specific statement from Qatar or Türkiye at this stage that Hamas has moved to Türkiye permanently, it is a natural political strategy for Hamas to move among its offices. Türkiye has been engaging with regional actors and working on specific solutions observing Palestinian people for many years; there is nothing new here. Hamas's departure from Doha at this stage does not indicate a negative shift in Qatar-Hamas relations, nor does it suggest that Hamas will fully shift its political operations to another country, including Türkiye. These issues were likely brought up in the meetings held with the country's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who recently held talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Türkiye while attending the 10th meeting of the Supreme Strategic Committee. Türkiye and Qatar are closely coordinating their efforts in response to Israel's aggressive actions in the region, including its reckless approach. Both countries are actively pursuing mediation initiatives aimed at securing a cease-fire, facilitating the release of hostages, ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli forces from certain areas and ultimately ending the conflict. This collaboration continues regardless of where Hamas is based, with a shared commitment to addressing these pressing issues The suspension of mediation was accompanied by significant internal political developments in Qatar. On the same day as the U.S. presidential election, a referendum was concluded that effectively abolished the election of two-thirds of the Shura Council members by popular vote, reinstating the previous system whereby members were appointed by the emir. This shift was followed by a series of consequential changes that unfolded in rapid succession. On Nov. 12, 2024, Sheikh Tamim conducted a comprehensive reshuffle within the Cabinet and other public offices. An assessment of these developments indicates a partial renewal within the upper echelons of Qatar's security bureaucracy. While previous appointees were already individuals closely affiliated with the ruling family, the recent appointment of a direct member of the Al Thani family – and a particularly influential one – to head the defense sector marks a significant development. Additionally, the appointment of a senior security and intelligence official as head of the emir's Diwan, alongside the designation of a new chief of general staff and head of the intelligence agency, constitutes significant steps within this reshuffle. With these changes, the decision-making mechanism in Qatar has been rendered more exclusive, as individuals appointed to these roles are either members of or closely affiliated with the ruling family. The rationale behind these changes may be linked to the anticipated inauguration of Donald Trump as president of the U.S. on Jan. 20, 2025. Furthermore, the prospect of targeting Hamas’ affiliates or figures within Qatar might also be considered a contributing factor. Qatar might have deemed it necessary to expedite decision-making processes and concentrate these processes within a narrower circle to manage its relations with the incoming Trump administration more effectively. Following the disruption of the Israel-Hamas negotiations, another potential reason for this reshuffle could be the possibility of Israel targeting Hamas members residing in Qatar. Qatar’s decision to suspend its mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas, coupled with a significant Cabinet reshuffle, signals a shift in the region’s power dynamics and highlights Qatar’s intent to safeguard its strategic position. While the suspension of mediation is ostensibly due to the unwillingness and lack of seriousness of both sides, it can also be seen as a tactical move by Qatar to underscore the influence it holds as a mediator. By pausing its efforts, Qatar demonstrates that its role is crucial, and it will not continue in the absence of genuine engagement from both parties. This act underlines Qatar’s leverage and the potential cost of excluding it from peace processes. The extensive reshuffle initiated by Sheikh Tamim, which focuses on placing close family members or individuals loyal to the ruling family in key positions, suggests a strategic effort to consolidate power and streamline decision-making processes. This reorganization aligns with Qatar’s need to respond swiftly and effectively to external pressures and evolving regional challenges. With Trump set to assume the U.S. presidency, Qatar may be anticipating a return to a more assertive U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, marked by strong support for Israel and opposition to Iran. The Cabinet changes appear to be a preemptive move to better position Qatar to navigate potential geopolitical shifts and pressures from the Trump administration. Qatar’s established relationship with Hamas remains a cornerstone of its regional diplomatic influence. However, with the suspension of Israel-Hamas talks and the possibility of Israel targeting Hamas operatives in Qatar, the state’s strategic reshuffle could also serve as a protective measure. It strengthens Qatar’s internal security posture while signaling that it is prepared to adapt its alliances and strategies as needed. Qatar’s recent suspension of mediation and significant reshuffle within its security bureaucracy signal a calculated pivot, positioning itself to navigate impending changes in the global and regional order. The timing coincides not just with Trump’s upcoming presidency but also with broader uncertainties involving regional conflicts and shifting power alignments. By consolidating decision-making within a trusted inner circle and asserting its mediation leverage, Qatar projects a readiness to protect its strategic interests, signaling to both allies and adversaries that it will not retreat from the table but recalibrate as needed to uphold its diplomatic and security stature.Ukraine war: polls show most Ukrainians now support a negotiated peace as Russian advances continue

Zoren: Kudos again for 6 ABC’s takeover of Turkey Day paradeThe German government pledged Sunday to fully investigate whether there were security lapses before the Christmas market car-ramming attack that killed five people and injured over 200. Political pressure has built on the question of potential missed warnings about Saudi suspect Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, a 50-year-old psychiatrist who had made online deaths threats and previously had trouble with the law. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and the heads of Germany's domestic and foreign intelligence services are due to answer questions at parliamentary committee hearings on December 30, a senior lawmaker told AFP. Faeser vowed Sunday that "no stone will be left unturned" in shedding light on what information had been available to security services ahead of last Friday's bloody attack in the eastern city of Magdeburg. She stressed that the attacker did "not fit any previous pattern" because "he acted like an Islamist terrorist although ideologically he was clearly an enemy of Islam". Abdulmohsen has in the past called himself a "Saudi atheist" who helped women flee Gulf countries and charged Germany was doing too little to help them. In online posts, he also strongly criticised Germany for allowing in too many Muslim refugees and backed far-right conspiracy theories about the "Islamisation" of Europe. In one post, he wrote: "Is there a path to justice in Germany without blowing up a German embassy or randomly slaughtering German citizens?... If anyone knows it, please let me know." News magazine Der Spiegel, citing security sources, said the Saudi secret service had warned Germany's spy agency BND a year ago about a tweet in which Abdulmohsen threatened Germany would pay a "price" for how it treated Saudi refugees. Die Welt daily reported, also citing security sources, that German state and federal police had carried out a "risk assessment" on Abdulmohsen last year but concluded that he posed "no specific danger". The city of Magdeburg has been in deep mourning over the mass carnage on Friday evening, when an SUV smashed through a crowd at its Christmas market, killing four women and a nine-year-old child and injuring 205 people. Surgeons at overwhelmed hospitals have worked around the clock, and one health worker told local media of "blood on the floor everywhere, people screaming, lots of painkillers being administered". Scholz on Saturday condemned the "terrible, insane" attack and made a call for national unity, at a time Germany is headed for early elections on February 23. But as German media dug into Abdulmohsen's past, and investigators gave away little, criticism rained down from opposition parties. Conservative CDU lawmaker Alexander Throm charged that "many citizens feel... that the Scholz government has completely failed in terms of internal security". He demanded greater police powers to monitor and analyse data from social media platforms, telecommunications and surveillance cameras with facial recognition technology. The far-right AfD called for a special session of parliament, and the head of the far-left BSW party, Sahra Wagenknecht, demanded that Faeser explain "why so many tips and warnings were ignored beforehand". Mass-circulation daily Bild asked: "Why did our police and intelligence services do nothing, even though they had the Saudi on their radar?... And why were the tips from Saudi Arabia apparently ignored?" It charged that "German authorities usually only find out about attack plans in time when foreign services warn them" and called for sweeping reforms after the election for a complete "turnaround in internal security". Senior MP Dirk Wiese of Scholz's Social Democrats said the December 30 hearings will summon the heads of the BND, the domestic intelligence service BfV and the Office for Migration and Refugees. Media meanwhile reported more details on Abdulmohsen, who had worked at a clinic that treats offenders with substance addiction problems, but had been on sick leave since late October. Der Spiegel reported that in 2013 a court fined him for "disturbing the public peace by threatening to commit crimes" after he had darkly referenced the deadly attack on the Boston marathon. The chairwoman of the group Central Council of Ex-Muslims, Mina Ahadi, said Abdulmohsen "is no stranger to us, because he has been terrorising us for years". She labelled him "a psychopath who adheres to ultra-right conspiracy ideologies" and said he "doesn't just hate Muslims, but everyone who doesn't share his hatred." bur/fz/gvGumla : Jharkhand assembly election results revealed a striking parallel to the Modi wave that has propelled BJP to national dominance since 2014. This time, it was chief minister Hemant Soren 's personal appeal that led the INDIA bloc to impressive victories across the state's tribal constituencies . The INDIA bloc secured decisive wins in Lohardaga, Bishunpur, Gumla, Sisai, Kolebira, and Simdega, defeating BJP and NDA candidates by significant margins. IPL 2025 mega auction IPL Auction 2025: Who got whom IPL 2025 Auction: Updated Full Team Squads Political analysts attribute this success to Soren's popularity rather than individual candidate merit. The coalition govt's welfare schemes played a crucial role in swaying voters, including monthly financial support for women, electricity bill waivers, free power up to 200 units, and loan relief for farmers. These initiatives attracted even traditional BJP supporters in rural areas. "We voted for the bow and arrow symbol seeing Hemant Soren, despite our local candidate's poor performance," said Soma Oraon, a farmer from Bishunpur assembly constituency. Similar sentiments were echoed by other voters, including Jhargaon village's gram pradhan Minjwa Oraon and JMM supporter Pyarelal Oraon. The impact of welfare schemes was evident in voter testimonials. Eqlakhul Ohdar from Sisi-Katri village praised the electricity bill waiver, while women voters appreciated the direct financial support. In Bishunpur, incumbent JMM MLA Chamra Linda secured his fourth term with a historic margin of 32,756 votes, garnering 1,00,336 votes despite earlier setbacks. Sisai witnessed Jigga Susaran Horo's victory with an impressive lead of 38,989 votes, despite initial resistance from local JMM units. Gumla constituency saw JMM's Bhushan Tirkey retain his seat, defeating BJP's Sudarshan Bhagat by 26,301 votes. The INDIA Bloc's success was attributed to issue-based politics and vigorous campaigning by both Hemant Soren and Kalpana Soren. BJP's defeat in these tribal seats was partly due to internal discord and top-down candidate selection. A senior BJP leader revealed that local cadre suggestions were ignored in at least two seats in Gumla district, leading some party sympathizers switch support to INDIA bloc candidates. "The party leadership's failure to consider local opinions during candidate selection cost us dearly," admitted Dukhan Yadav, a long-time BJP worker. The results underscore how personal leadership appeal and welfare policies can significantly influence electoral outcomes, similar to the Modi effect in national politics, but this time working in favour of the regional alliance. We also published the following articles recently Hemant Sorens personal appeal drives INDIA blocs victory in tribal belt The INDIA bloc, led by Hemant Soren, secured significant victories in Jharkhand's tribal constituencies, mirroring the Modi wave on a regional scale. Soren's popularity and the coalition government's welfare schemes, including financial aid and electricity subsidies, proved crucial in swaying voters. Testimonials highlighted the impact of these initiatives, even drawing traditional BJP supporters. Barhait election results 2024: JMM's Hemant Soren wins by margin of 39,791 votes Hemant Soren of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has secured a resounding victory in the Barhait assembly constituency, defeating BJP's Gamliyel Hembrom. Soren garnered an impressive 95,612 votes, solidifying JMM's dominance in the region. This victory marks Soren's consecutive win in the constituency, having also emerged triumphant in the 2014 and 2019 elections. Jharkhand election results: INDIA bloc passed test of time, says Hemant Soren Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren celebrated a decisive victory for the INDIA bloc in the state assembly elections. Soren highlighted the bloc's performance as a testament to their commitment to the people of Jharkhand, contrasting it with the BJP's alleged focus on resource exploitation. He expressed gratitude towards voters and alliance members, acknowledging the challenging campaign.Good news, fellow shoppers! Target's Black Friday is here with sales so impressive, your head will spin (in the best way). Whether you're on the hunt for discounted tech gadgets or gifts for the kiddos , you're in luck! We're talking big deals on ev.er.y.thing. Be warned: This Black Friday sale ends Saturday Nov. 30. Plus! From now until Dec. 2, you can get 50% off your first year of Target's Circle 360 membership . Members get unlimited same-day delivery and more so you can easily order groceries and gifts to your home, or even send someone a last-minute gift with Same Day Delivery during this holiday season. So let's get straight to business and shop from some of the best of the best: 1. A Keurig coffee maker with an iced coffee setting, so you can enjoy your morning cuppa at home rather than spending money at a cafe. Plus, you can also make cider, hot chocolate, tea, and lots of other yummy drinks. Promising review: "Love the single serve, but now with a holding tank for extra water. Love the color white very sleek and modern look for the kitchen. This is my third Keurig and would purchase again if needed." — DeeCan64 Price: $99.99 (originally $129.99) 2. An adorable weighted dinosaur pillow for your little one (or you) to be the ultimate cuddle buddy now that it's starting to get chilly out. I mean, look how cute this gal is! Promising review: "I can not express how much love I have for the target weighted dino. His name is Ricardo and I bring him with me everywhere. He is there for me when I need it most and he is lovely to come home to every single day! Ricardo I love you ♥️♥️♥️" — I love Ricardo Price: $12 (originally $20) 3. And a snuggly hooded dinosaur blanket , perfect for curling up for a bedtime story or snuggling up for a movie night (bonus points if it's a dinosaur movie). Promising review: "My son loves his blanket and has a blast running around in it. It’s great quality, super soft, and a fun twist on a blanket. We like it so much, it has been our go-to birthday gift this year and have purchased it for many friends!" — Lindsey Price: $12 (originally $20) 4. An Apple Airtag , so you never have to wonder again, "Where the heck is my luggage?" Just connect this nifty gadget to your "Find My" app on your iPhone and track where your stuff is. It's also great to attach to your keys or slip in your wallet too, so you never lose the essentials again! Promising review: "A few months back I went to leave for work. My keys were nowhere to be found. Upon checking my phone, I found that my keys had been taken to my aunt's house. Without this airtag I would’ve never known that. I love that I keep track of my things without a hassle. Definitely will buying more." — Bre Price: $24.99 (originally $29.99) 5. A Fujifilm mini instant camera for capturing your favorite memories. And the pictures print automatically, so you can immediately display them rather than having all your photos just stay on your phone. Promising review: "I bought this for my 10 year old granddaughter for Christmas. She absolutely loved it! The green color is her favorite. Perfect size and very easy to use!" — SBroberg Price: $69.99 (originally $79.99, available in six colors) 6. A Logitech Racing Wheel and Pedals for your PlayStation to take all your racing games to the next level. With dual-motor force feedback and helical gearing for quiet, smooth steering, you'll feel like you're really on the track. Promising review: "Feels amazing and makes driving games feel very realistic." — Verified purchaser Price: $199.99 (originally $299.99) 7. A pair of fuzzy slipper socks if you live in a particularly draft house, and your feet are always freezing. These will be great for curling up and watching Elf for the millionth time this holiday season. Promising review: "I love these cozy slipper socks. They are true to size and my "go to" home footwear 9 months out of the year. They provide warmth, traction and hold up amazing. Washable and soft. Great choice for the price. I buy them in multiple colors and for stocking stuffers. Everyone that I buy them for feels the same." — Keista Price: $2.11 (originally $8, available in sizes S—L and in 10 colors) 8. A pair of noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphones from Sony , so you can just watch your show without being bothered by all the chaos going on around you (kids, pets, existential dread, etc.). Promising review: "Excellent product.I recommend it!!" — Verified Buyer Price: $199.99 (originally $349.99) 9. A Barbie vacation house with two stories, six rooms, and an elevator your kiddo is going to love playing with. Honestly, this place makes my Brooklyn studio look like a dump in comparison. Promising review: "Love this , it’s so cute. Easy to put together. Is compact enough to store but large enough to play with." — Jillian J Price: $70.95 (originally $114.99) 10. A Bose TV speaker soundbar if you're in the mood for a movie theatre experience from the comfort of your own home (preferably in your pajamas). Promising review: "This soundbar definitely enhanced my living room and it sounds amazing. I like how you can add a sub if you want to. Excellent sound and amazing quality!" —J ewelyea Price: $199.99 (originally $279.99) 11. A Gen3 Oura ring that connects to an app on your phone that tracks the quality of your sleep, workouts, heart rate, and more. This is an awesome, low-profile tool if you're looking to get a deeper insight into your health! Promising review: "The features of this ring are incredible. I love that I can track various health and sleep data passively and that it’s not a device that buzzes or makes noises for notifications like smart watches I’ve previously used. If you like notifications (like to stand/move/etc), you can set those through your smartphone push notifications. It’s much more lightweight than it looks. Long battery life." — BethB Price: $279+ (originally $449+, available in sizes 6—13 and in six finishes) 12. A Lego set of gorgeous red roses , so you don't have to buy a fresh bouquet at the store every week that will inevitably die. You'll feel so smug telling guests you assembled them yourself! Promising review: "The LEGO Icons Bouquet of Roses set offers a unique and creative building experience. Designed for display, it includes an impressive array of colorful bricks to create a striking bouquet of roses. The set is notable for its intricate details, allowing builders to customize the arrangement with different colors and styles. The assembly process is engaging, offering a relaxing and rewarding challenge. Once completed, the bouquet makes a stunning display piece, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any room. Overall, it's a delightful option for LEGO enthusiasts and those who appreciate floral art." — Verified Purchaser Price: $38.99 (originally $59.99) 13. A Kitchen Aid stand mixer , perfect for all the holiday bakes you plan on whipping out when your family and friends come over for the festivities. Promising review: "Always love a Kitchen Aid. Well worth the cost. This is my third Kitchen Aid purchase and not due to damage or loss. I have a small baking business and needed an additional mixer." — Christy Price: $259.99 (originally $399.99, available in four colors) 14. A Canon EOS camera for capturing professional-grade photos you'll want to hold onto for years to come. This is a great starter camera for anyone who is looking to get serious about photography without blowing thousands of dollars. Promising review: "Profesional photographer here....I picked this up on a whim before a weekend away with friends. I mainly got it because of the following reasons: canon, mirrorless, could share to my phone through wifi / blue tooth. I really like the quality of the images and color (canon duh), and the fact that the body is weather-sealed and super light. Also the menu is very simple and easy, for nice, fun shooting. I plan to have this camera in my pack back everyday for work in case I come across something interesting through out the day, and want a good quality image and the ability to share instantly to my phone. The lens is comes with is not too shabby, I personally ordered the 50mm for daily use, but this kit lens is quite good. All in all, this was great money spent! Highly second it!" — Retired Photographer Price: $349.99 (originally $599.99) 15. A ring floodlight camera so you can keep an eye on your place when nobody is home and see who is knocking at your door at night. If more people in horror movies had one of these, things would probably be a lot less gruesome. Promising review: "Loving this camera. It looks so clear, even at night, and does a good job at notifying us on any movement. Highly recommend." — Mary Price: $199.99 (originally $199.99) 16. A Skylight digital photo frame that connects to an app on your phone where you and the fam can send over your faves to display a little custom slide show of all your best memories. Price: $109.99 (originally $139.99) 17. A Popsocket magnetic phone grip , so you can scroll for hours and hours without your hands getting sore (please don't scroll for hours). Also, you can use it as a little kickstand to prop your phone up for optimal show-watching. Promising review: "Love the product. Very sad the adapter ring was not in the package, which looked like it had been opened, so I could use it with other phone covers. Thank goodness I have a magnetic case and didn’t need it." — Vicki M. Price: $13.12 (originally $29.99, available in eight patterns) 18. A 55-inch Samsung Frame TV , because winter is the time of year for movie marathons and you want to enjoy your favorite flicks how they were intended to be. Promising review: "We absolutely love our frame TV! So pretty and love how quick we were able to get it from Target pickup!!" — Krista Price: $899.99 (originally $1,499.99) 19. And a Roku streaming device with a high-speed HDMI cable, so you can watch all your favorite shows and movies while you're hunkering down during the winter months. Promising review: "This product was great . Works very well. Easy to put together. A great product I recommend it to anyone needing to turn there out of date TV in a smart TV." — Ada Price: $17.99 (originally $29.99) 20. And finally, a stainless steel Ninja sorbet and ice cream maker if you want to be able to whip up your favorite treat with just the fruit you have in your freezer. Promising review: "I’ve been eyeing this machine for months and finally pulled the trigger when it went on sale. So glad I did! Thought I’d be using it for protein bowls, but my kids easily learned to make their own milkshakes. Can find tons of good and healthy recipes online too." — CS Price: $179.99 (originally $229.99) Don't forget to check out the rest of Target's Black Friday sale to get you ready for the holidays! Happy shopping! The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.