Ahead of PTI protest...: Lahore-Islamabad GT Road, motorway closed at key points Authorities have issued an advisory urging the public to avoid using GT Road and to take alternative routes LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: All sections of motorways and the GT Road at key points have been closed in Punjab in the wake of the PTI protest, scheduled for Nov 24. All key sections of GT Road including Muridke to Jhelum and Chenab River Bridge in Gujrat, have completely been blocked by placing containers on both sides. Barriers have also been set up at critical points such as Sadhoke Check-post, Nandipur Check-post, Jhelum, Kamoke, Shahdara, Mandi Bahauddin, Narowal, Hafizabad, and Sheikhupura, causing massive traffic jams, and leaving commuters stranded for hours. The authorities have issued an advisory urging the public to avoid using GT Road and to take alternative routes. Travellers heading to major cities like Lahore, Gujranwala, and Islamabad are advised to stay updated on the situation. Heavy police deployments, especially around the Chenab River bridges, exhibit seriousness of the situation. Officials have not yet confirmed when normal traffic flow would resume, as the protests continue to disrupt movement and daily life in the affected areas. Commuters have been advised to exercise caution, prioritise safety, and remain informed about further developments. A notification about motorway closure, “Motorway closed for 2 days at 6 different locations due to repair work. According to Motorway Police officials, the motorway will remain closed on November 23 and 24 due to ‘repair work’. Motorway M1 from Islamabad to Peshawar, Motorway M2 from Lahore to Islamabad will be closed, Motorway M3 from Lahore to Abdul Hakeem, Motorway M4 from Pindi Bhatian to Multan will be closed. The Lahore-Sialkot Motorway M-11 was also closed for all types of traffic, the Islamabad-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway M-14 was closed from Hakla to York. In Gujrat and Lalamusa, all key highways and roads have been blocked with containers in anticipation of the PTI’s power show on Nov 24. Additional blockades have been reported at Charryawala Checkpost, where trucks have been strategically placed to disrupt vehicular movement. In addition to the traffic gridlock, reports have surfaced about arrest of PTI workers from Sheikhpur, a village within the jurisdiction of the Kakrali Police Station. PTI MPA Chaudhry Shahid Raza of Kotla claimed the measures were aimed at silencing dissent and discouraging participation in the protest. The University of Gujrat announced an early departure of buses at 1:30pm instead of the usual 4:45pm, citing roadblocks and safety concerns. Separately, The Punjab government imposed Section 144 across the province, banning all public gatherings, protests, rallies, processions, and sit-ins for three days, from Nov 23 to 25. A notification, issued by the Punjab Home Department on Friday, confirmed the enforcement, citing security concerns and the need to maintain public order. The move follows recommendations made during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee for Law and Order. A spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department explained that the decision aims to ensure peace, protect human lives, and safeguard property. The notification warned that public processions could become soft targets for terrorists or be exploited by miscreants for anti-state activities. The government has urged citizens to cooperate with law-enforcement agencies during this period to maintain stability and prevent any untoward incidents. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the Islamabad High Court (IHC) said in an order on Thursday that no rallies, processions, or sit-ins should be permitted in the federal capital. He said the government would ensure 100pc compliance with the court orders. He added that if any loss of life occurs, the PTI would be held responsible. Speaking to the media in Islamabad, he mentioned that a meeting with the prime minister was scheduled on Friday to discuss forming a committee for negotiations with the PTI, and action would be taken based on the Prime Minister’s instructions. However, he warned that any attempt by PTI to stage a sit-in would result in complications. He warned that those staging any attack on the Capital would have to face serious consequences. Responding to a question about receiving any message from Adiala jail, he clarified, “I have no contact with Adiala Jail.” When asked by a journalist why the PTI was allowed to protest during their government, but not now, the minister replied, “Who said we haven’t granted permission? We have received a request, and it is in process. If you claim we have refused permission, please clarify where we have done so.” Regarding potential protests and loss of life, Naqvi said that responsibility would fall on those who disobey the court orders and violate regulations. “Those who breach the law or forcefully try to create chaos will be held accountable,” he asserted. On the issue of road closures, he commented, “If roads shouldn’t be closed, then tell us what to do? I agree that roads, businesses, internet, and mobile phone services should not be disrupted, but what is the alternative?” About the Parachinar incident, he called it a tragic event, stressing that law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) was a responsibility of the KP government. He said, “Everyone knows the KP government is preparing to storm us. Yesterday, they requested 15 FC platoons, which we allocated to them by halting deployments elsewhere. It is our duty to assist, but the responsibility lies with them.” He urged the KP government to clarify whether their priority was eliminating terrorism in the province or preparing to attack Islamabad. “Post-18th Amendment, maintaining law and order is not our responsibility, but we still fulfil their demands. While funerals are being held on one side, what’s happening on the other?” he questioned. He reiterated that anyone violating Section 144 in Islamabad would face action. About Bushra Bibi’s statement, he said relations with the US and Saudi Arabia had been politicised by the PTI. “You brought these countries into your politics, disregarded the SCO conference, and ignored the arrival of the Russian president. People will judge for themselves. There were celebrations during Trump’s visit, but earlier, it was called a US conspiracy. After so many U-turns, the public should think.” Naqvi said there were appropriate forums for raising concerns. “Use those platforms for protests. Why are you destroying the country? If the PTI plans to storm the capital, negotiations won’t happen. If they want dialogue, it must be done legitimately. It won’t work where on one side you protest and on the other, you ask for talks,” he warned. Separately, official statistics revealed that the government spent Rs2.7 billion on dealing with the PTI sit-ins and protests during the last 18 months. According to a report, the cost of sit-ins and protests of the last six months was estimated at about Rs1.2 billion, while government and non-government properties worth Rs1.5 billion were damaged. The official statistics show that the PTI held 120 small and large protests in Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Islamabad, in which four security personnel were martyred and more than 220 personnel injured. Also, Rs800 million were paid to the owners of 3,000 containers on rent as Rawalpindi, Attock, Lahore, Islamabad were the focus of protests and more than 30,000 security personnel were deployed on the protests. In the data, it is said that 370 cameras of Safe City worth Rs280 million were damaged in Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi, 220 small and large police vehicles were damaged, more than Rs900 million were spent on the transport of security personnel. About one-and-a-half billion were spent on police food and transport. According to the official statistics, 12,000 Islamabad, 16,000 Punjab police officers were charged with co-duties, and Rs300 million were spent on FC, Rangers and Army personnel. Official sources said Nov-24 protest might cost the country more than Rs300 million as 34,000 security personnel have been deployed and more than 2,000 containers have been brought to Rawalpindi, Islamabad to stop Sunday’s protest.
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1 2 Hyderabad: An algorithm developed by a third-year engineering student from the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIITH) to detect flying objects —helicopters, aeroplanes, drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and birds — faster and more robustly, could soon be used by the Navy. The solution was developed by Rishabh Bhattacharya at a nationwide competition organised by the Navy to address real-world operational challenges with innovative technological solutions. He won a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh. Speaking to TOI, on Thursday, Rishabh said the Navy asked him to conduct further research so that the solution can be integrated into their functioning. "One of the criteria laid out was for the solution to demonstrate resilience to varying lighting conditions, rapid movements, and complex textures while maintaining efficiency on platforms like drones or embedded systems. My algorithm meets the requirement by ensuring robustness and scalability," said Rishabh. The BTech student said he received a call from Navy officials asking him to continue this project at the Indian Institute Technology, Hyderabad. For the competition, Rishabh developed an ‘ optical flow tracking algorithm ,' which can help track flying objects like planes, helicopters, and birds in real time. He used a method called "optical flow" to identify how objects move by studying changes in pictures. Since there weren't enough datasets or examples of flying objects to train his program, he combined two collections of pictures — one from Sekilab and another from Kaggle. He also made his own dataset by separating and moving objects across the screen so the program could learn better. "By doing so, I managed to create different motion scenarios, helping us test how well the program could track moving objects," he said. "Even when we tried it under different lighting-- fog and low lighting, tricky patterns, and unexpected movements — the program worked well, showing it could handle tough conditions," Rishabh added. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .Singapore’s largest port operator PSA handled more than 40 million shipping containers, or twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), in 2024, a record-breaking feat that it has called a “significant milestone”. This means that in 2024, Singapore’s port – consisting of terminals operated by both PSA and Jurong Port – surpassed the 2023 record of 39.01 million TEUs, said Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat in a Facebook post on Dec 27. Mr Chee added that the port is also on track to achieving a new record for total cargo throughput and bunker sales in 2024. PSA’s previous record of 38.8 million TEUs was set in 2023. In his post, Mr Chee credited the strong tripartite partnership and pro-business approach in the maritime sector for this latest achievement. He said: “My colleagues and I will press on with our efforts to continue growing our maritime industry in 2025 and beyond, to attract more investments, facilitate more business expansions and create more good jobs for our people.” PSA said in a statement on Dec 27 that this record reinforces the port’s status as an important gateway that connects Singapore’s economy to the global marketplace. Mr Ong Kim Pong, group chief executive of PSA International, described this record throughput for Singapore’s port, the world’s largest transshipment hub, as a “remarkable milestone”. He added that the operator will work towards strengthening the links between its port operations and other port-related services, to create a more unified port ecosystem. “We remain dedicated to integrating advanced technology with our operational expertise, while working to reinforce our role as a reliable global port operator and a trusted partner for cargo stakeholders,” said Mr Ong. In October, PSA started construction work on a new $647.5 million Tuas warehousing facility equipped with advanced robotics and automation systems. Set to be completed in the second quarter of 2027, this new PSA supply chain hub will span more than 185,000 sq m and will be located within Singapore’s new mega port in Tuas. With facilities to handle dangerous goods and those that require cold storage, such as pharmaceuticals and chemicals that require special handling, the new hub will improve Singapore’s ability to handle cargo shipments. Tuas Port, which is being developed in four phases, will be able to handle 65 million TEUs when fully operational in the 2040s, making it the world’s largest automated port. As at October, 10 of its 66 container berths are in operation, with one more berth expected to begin operations by end-2024. By 2027, operations at Tanjong Pagar, Keppel, and Brani terminals will be shifted to the $20 billion mega port. Meanwhile, the Pasir Panjang terminal will remain open until its operations are consolidated in Tuas by the 2040s. Mr Nelson Quek, regional CEO of South-east Asia at PSA International, said that the operator will continue working closely with the public and private sectors to deliver new capabilities that will strengthen Singapore’s roles as a critical global trade node and leading international maritime hub. The latest record means Singapore remains one of the busiest ports in the world. The port of Shanghai continues to occupy the top spot, setting a record in 2024 for being the first port in the world to handle more than 50 million TEUs annually. Source: The Straits TimesUS to send $1.25 billion in weapons to Ukraine, pushing to get aid out before Biden leaves office WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States is expected to announce that it will send $1.25 billion in military assistance to Ukraine, U.S. officials said Friday, as the Biden administration pushes to get as much aid to Kyiv as possible before leaving office on Jan. 20. The large package of aid includes a significant amount of munitions, including for the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems and the HAWK air defense system. It also will provide Stinger missiles and 155 mm- and 105 mm artillery rounds, officials said. The officials, who said they expect the announcement to be made on Monday, spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details not yet made public. The new aid comes as Russia has launched a barrage of attacks against Ukraine’s power facilities in recent days, although Ukraine has said it intercepted a significant number of the missiles and drones. Russian and Ukrainian forces are also still in a bitter battle around the Russian border region of Kursk, where Moscow has sent thousands of North Korean troops to help reclaim territory taken by Ukraine. Earlier this month, senior defense officials acknowledged that that the Defense Department may not be able to send all of the remaining $5.6 billion in Pentagon weapons and equipment stocks passed by Congress for Ukraine before President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in. An online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump's political coalition WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump's supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in his political movement into public display, previewing the fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare the tensions between the newest flank of Trump's movement — wealthy members of the tech world including billionaire Elon Musk and fellow entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and their call for more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump's Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. The debate touched off this week when Laura Loomer, a right-wing provocateur with a history of racist and conspiratorial comments, criticized Trump’s selection of Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration. Krishnan favors the ability to bring more skilled immigrants into the U.S. Loomer declared the stance to be “not America First policy” and said the tech executives who have aligned themselves with Trump were doing so to enrich themselves. Much of the debate played out on the social media network X, which Musk owns. A 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House says WASHINGTON (AP) — A ninth U.S. telecoms firm has been confirmed to have been hacked as part of a sprawling Chinese espionage campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans, a top White House official said Friday. Biden administration officials said this month that at least eight telecommunications companies, as well as dozens of nations, had been affected by the Chinese hacking blitz known as Salt Typhoon. But deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger told reporters Friday that a ninth victim had been identified after the administration released guidance to companies about how to hunt for Chinese culprits in their networks. The update from Neuberger is the latest development in a massive hacking operation that has alarmed national security officials, exposed cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the private sector and laid bare China's hacking sophistication. The hackers compromised the networks of telecommunications companies to obtain customer call records and gain access to the private communications of what officials have said is a a limited number of individuals. Though the FBI has not publicly identified any of the victims, officials believe senior U.S. government officials and prominent political figures are among those whose whose communications were accessed. Warren Upton, the oldest living survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor, dies at 105 HONOLULU (AP) — Warren Upton, the oldest living survivor of the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the last remaining survivor of the USS Utah, has died. He was 105. Upton died Wednesday at a hospital in Los Gatos, California, after suffering a bout of pneumonia, said Kathleen Farley, the California state chair of the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors. The Utah, a battleship, was moored at Pearl Harbor when Japanese planes began bombing the Hawaii naval base in the early hours of Dec. 7, 1941, in an attack that propelled the U.S. into World War II. Upton told The Associated Press in 2020 that he had been getting ready to shave when he felt the first torpedo hit the Utah. He recalled that no one on board knew what made the ship shake. Then, the second torpedo hit and the ship began to list and capsize. The then-22-year-old swam ashore to Ford Island, where he jumped in a trench to avoid Japanese planes strafing the area. He stayed for about 30 minutes until a truck came and took him to safety. Israeli troops forcibly remove staff and patients from northern Gaza hospital, officials say DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli troops stormed one of the last hospitals operating in northern Gaza on Friday, forcing many staff and patients outside to strip in winter weather, the territory’s health ministry said. The army denied claims it had entered or set fire to the complex and accused Hamas of using the facility for cover. Kamal Adwan Hospital has been hit multiple times over the past three months by Israeli troops waging an offensive against Hamas fighters in surrounding neighborhoods, according to staff. The ministry said a strike on the hospital a day earlier killed five medical staff. Israel's military said it was conducting operations against Hamas infrastructure and militants in the area and had ordered people out of the hospital, but said it had not entered the complex as of Friday night. It repeated claims that Hamas militants operate inside Kamal Adwan but provided no evidence. Hospital officials have denied that. The Health Ministry said troops forced medical personnel and patients to assemble in the yard and remove their clothes. Some were led to an unknown location, while some patients were sent to the nearby Indonesian Hospital, which was knocked out of operation after an Israel raid this week. Israeli troops during raids frequently carry out mass detentions, stripping men to their underwear for questioning in what the military says is a security measure as they search for Hamas fighters. Azerbaijani and U.S. officials suggest plane that crashed may have been hit by weapons fire Russian air defense systems may have brought down an Azerbaijani airliner this week, a U.S. official said Friday after an Azerbaijani minister also suggested the plane was hit by a weapon, citing expert analysis and survivor accounts. Friday's assessments by Rashan Nabiyev and White House national security spokesman John Kirby echoed those made by outside aviation experts who blamed the crash on Russian air defense systems responding to a Ukrainian attack. These statements raised pressure on Russia, where officials said a drone attack was underway in the region where the Azerbaijan Airlines flight was heading for a landing. They did not address statements blaming air defenses. Kirby told reporters on Friday that the U.S. "have seen some early indications that would certainly point to the possibility that this jet was brought down by Russian air defense systems,” but refused to elaborate, citing an ongoing investigation. Pressed on whether the U.S. has intelligence that helped lead to that conclusion, or was simply relying on informed speculation from experts based on visual assessments of the crash, Kirby characterized the short answer as “yes” but said he’d “leave it at that,” without providing further details. The plane was flying from Azerbaijan’s capital of Baku to Grozny, the regional capital of the Russian republic of Chechnya, on Wednesday when it turned toward Kazakhstan and crashed while making an attempt to land. The crash killed 38 people and left all 29 survivors injured. Court rules Georgia lawmakers can subpoena Fani Willis for information related to her Trump case ATLANTA (AP) — A judge has ruled that the Georgia state Senate can subpoena Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis as part of a inquiry into whether she has engaged in misconduct during her prosecution of President-elect Donald Trump but is giving Willis the chance to contest whether lawmakers' demands are overly broad. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Shukura Ingram filed the order Monday, telling Willis she has until Jan. 13 to submit arguments over whether the subpoenas seek legally shielded or confidential information. Ingram wrote that the would issue a final order later saying what Willis had to respond to. Willis, though, wants the ruling overturned. “We believe the ruling is wrong and will appeal,” former Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes, who is representing Willis in the case, wrote in an email to The Associated Press. A state appeals court earlier this month removed Willis from the Georgia election interference case against Donald Trump and others, citing an “appearance of impropriety” that might not typically warrant such a removal. The Georgia Court of Appeals panel said in a 2-1 ruling that because of the romantic relationship Willis had with special prosecutor Nathan Wade “this is the rare case in which disqualification is mandated and no other remedy will suffice to restore public confidence in the integrity of these proceedings.” US homelessness up 18% as affordable housing remains out of reach for many people The United States saw an 18.1% increase in homelessness this year, a dramatic rise driven mostly by a lack of affordable housing as well as devastating natural disasters and a surge of migrants in several parts of the country, federal officials said Friday. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said federally required tallies taken across the country in January found that more than 770,000 people were counted as homeless — a number that misses some people and does not include those staying with friends or family because they do not have a place of their own. That increase comes on top of a 12% increase in 2023, which HUD blamed on soaring rents and the end of pandemic assistance. The 2023 increase also was driven by people experiencing homelessness for the first time. The numbers overall represent 23 of every 10,000 people in the U.S., with Black people being overrepresented among the homeless population. “No American should face homelessness, and the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring every family has access to the affordable, safe, and quality housing they deserve,” HUD Agency Head Adrianne Todman said in a statement, adding that the focus should remain on “evidence-based efforts to prevent and end homelessness.” Among the most concerning trends was a nearly 40% rise in family homelessness — one of the areas that was most affected by the arrival of migrants in big cities. Family homelessness more than doubled in 13 communities impacted by migrants including Denver, Chicago and New York City, according to HUD, while it rose less than 8% in the remaining 373 communities. Nearly 150,000 children experienced homelessness on a single night in 2024, reflecting a 33% jump from last year. What Snoop wants: Arizona Bowl gives NIL opportunities to players for Colorado State, Miami (Ohio) TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Snoop Dogg has nearly as many ties to football as he does to rap music. The entertainer coached youth football for years and created the Snoop League, an after-school program for inner city Los Angeles youths. Snoop has been a guest analyst on football broadcasts and his son, Cordell Broadus, played Division I football. When Snoop took his latest step, becoming the sponsor of a bowl game, he had a demand: Find a way for all players in the game to receive name, image and likeness (NIL) money. “This was Snoop's idea,” said Kym Adair, executive director of the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl presented by Gin & Juice. “He was having conversations with people he knows in the college football world and I got a call that said he wants us to be the first bowl to make this commitment and that's what we did.” The beneficiaries are Colorado State and Miami (Ohio), who will conclude their seasons Saturday at Arizona Stadium in the Arizona Bowl. The bowl is classified as a 501(c)(3), so all revenue goes to charity. And, being one of the few bowls not tied to ESPN, it opens the door for unique sponsorship opportunities. Alex Ovechkin is on track to break Wayne Gretzky's NHL career goals record Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals is closing in on the NHL career goals record of 894 held by Wayne Gretzky. Ovechkin has 868 goals after scoring 15 in the first 18 games this season. He needs 27 to set a new record. Ovechkin entered the season 42 short of breaking a record by “The Great One” that long seemed unapproachable. The 39-year-old Russian is in his 20th NHL season and was on pace to get to 895 in February before breaking his left leg in a shin-on-shin collision in November. Ovechkin could resume his pursuit as soon as Saturday night at Toronto in the Capitals' first game out of the Christmas break. Ovechkin scored twice in a 6-2 win over the Utah Hockey Club on Nov. 18, getting goals 867 and 868 in his first game in Salt Lake City before leaving in the third period. Ovechkin seems on track to play Saturday at the Maple Leafs. He has scored 44 goals against them during his career, tied for the fifth-most among all opponents. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Sagittarius season is all about exploration and self-discovery season began on , and with it comes a surge of fiery enthusiasm, curiosity and the urge to explore new horizons! Governed by — the planet of expansion, wisdom and possibility — is all about exploration and self-discovery. It’s a time to focus on the bigger picture and embrace optimism and adventure. When the journeys through this truth-seeking sign, it illuminates our path forward and inspires us to chase our goals and dreams. Shortly after the sun’s ingress, will station retrograde in on Nov. 25, which is a call to revisit plans and logistics and reconsider beliefs that no longer resonate with us. are a period of reflection and revision, and Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius emphasizes everything from our ideas to our personal truths and philosophies. Delays and miscommunications — specifically those related to travel, education and long-term goals — are likely during this time. Fortunately, with the renewing itself in the same sign on Dec. 1, we are presented with a well-deserved reset. In addition to going inward and catching up on rest, this lunation encourages us to set intentions that align with our visions for the future. Dream big and venture outside your comfort zone — the possibilities are endless! will station in shortly after (Dec. 6), bringing the need to introspect on themes surrounding our passions, energy levels and the heart's desires. Despite the rarity of Mars retrograde, this transit is quite impactful. For instance, with Mars backspinning through Leo, creativity, leadership and pride could come into focus, urging us to reconsider where our efforts are best directed. On Dec. 7, will station direct in , dissolving the fog of uncertainty that could have been clouding your intuition or judgment since it stationed retrograde in . Nonetheless, you could’ve uncovered hidden truths or gained clarity on what’s no longer working in your life. With Neptune back in forward motion, there is an opportunity to integrate these lessons and truths into your creative pursuits, spiritual practices or even your sense of compassion. That same day, slips into Aquarius, bringing a rebellious, unconventional perspective to matters of love, money, fashion and relationships. highlights the beauty and value of community, social consciousness and individual freedom. It’s a time to embrace authenticity in our connections, even if that means playing devil’s advocate from time to time, as this Venus transit encourages disruption and unexpected breakthroughs. Whether romantically or creatively, Venus in Aquarius invites you to celebrate your individuality and uniqueness and go against the grain! On Dec. 15, the will peak in , hours before its ruler Mercury stations direct. This could come with a surge of clarity, emerging after weeks of reflection and mental recalibration. After all, this has everything to do with communication, thought processes and our immediate surroundings, so your full moon, “full circle” moment will likely come with significant insights and conversations that bring much-needed perspective. Read on for what Sagittarius season could mean for you, according to your zodiac sign. Related: Sagittarius season brings a wave of adventure, . Not that you’ve ever struggled with spontaneity but now’s the time to venture into the unknown! Once the sun moves into your ninth house on Nov. 21, you’re inspired to break free from routines and pursue something expansive, whether it’s a spontaneous road trip, enrolling in a class or simply researching a topic of interest. Mercury retrograde starts on Nov. 25, which can bring delays to plans, but it offers a chance to revisit unfinished projects and reconsider your goals. On that note, there will be an auspicious new moon in Sagittarius on Dec. 1, especially if you want to set intentions around growth, travel or higher learning. Think big, but keep an open mind. On Dec. 6, Mars will station retrograde in your fifth house of love, passion and self-expression, asking you to reflect on how you assert your desires around romance, children or creativity. Take a step back from a project and consider how you spend your time. On Dec. 7, Venus will slip into your 11th house of community affairs, inviting deeper connections with friends and a renewed focus on your long-term goals. This is followed by a full moon in Gemini on the 15th, highlighting everything from your communication style to your immediate surroundings, which could bring conversations to the forefront. Reflect on how you give and receive, . The sun’s journey through Sagittarius is especially intimate and transformative for you! The sun will officially slip into Sagittarius and your eighth house on Nov. 21, highlighting topics such as trust, shared resources and emotional bonds. You may feel drawn to reassess joint ventures or strengthen your intimate unions. On Nov. 25, Mercury will station retrograde in this area of your chart, bringing up past financial or emotional burdens, making this an ideal time for reflection and revision. Don’t be discouraged — the new moon in Sagittarius (Dec. 1) is here to help you set new intentions for the future, specifically around your healing and growth. This could be emotionally or financially. Mars will station retrograde in Leo and your fourth house of home, family and emotional foundations on Dec. 6, which can delay progress on home-related projects or perhaps even stir up unresolved family dynamics. Take this time to reflect on what “home” means to you and how you can cultivate a stable foundation. On Dec. 7, Venus will make its sparkling debut in Aquarius, and your 10th house of publicity, fame and career. This is an excellent opportunity for networking with individuals who share similar hopes and dreams or simply approaching professional matters with a fresh perspective. Just in time to start focusing on your financial goals, the full moon in Gemini (Dec. 15) will shake up your second house of money, security and values, which could come with an unexpected aha moment regarding your monetary goals and needs. This season is all about relationships for you, . Whether personally or professionally, partnerships take center stage, inviting you to explore new horizons within your one-on-one connections! On Nov. 25, your celestial ruler, Mercury, will station retrograde — this brings the usual delays and miscommunications. While this isn’t your first rodeo, it’s an opportunity to revisit issues that have yet to be resolved. Use this time to clarify details and reflect on what you need from the people closest to you. The moon will renew itself in Sagittarius on Dec. 1, presenting you with an opportunity to start again with a clean slate and set intentions to manifest the types of relationships you’re most comfortable with moving forward. Do keep in mind that Mars will station retrograde in Leo on Dec. 6, making everything from your communication style to your immediate surroundings a focal point. You may feel the need to pause and reconsider how you express yourself, especially in challenging conversations. The following day, Neptune will station direct in Pisces — your 10th house of authority, career and reputation — clearing away the fog and any lingering doubts you might’ve had around your career ventures, and sense of authority. Venus will also enter Aquarius that same day (Dec. 7), inspiring a sense of curiosity around travel, higher learning and spiritual growth. This could also signal opportunities for love, romance and pleasure while traveling and venturing outside your comfort zone. On the 15th, the full moon will adorn the night sky in your name, highlighting your personal and professional goals, while offering clarity and perspective around your identity, purpose and visions for the future. Consider new, healthier routines, ! As the sun enters your sixth house of daily rituals, Sagittarius season invites you to refocus your daily habits and health regimen, whether that’s through meal prepping, better time management or finally tackling a project that’s been on your to-do list. Just in time for Mercury retrograde, the messenger planet will have you revisiting and re-evaluating your approach to day-to-day affairs. While this may come with delays and misunderstandings, you can use this time to reassess priorities and make necessary adjustments. Look to the new moon in Sagittarius on Dec. 1, as it offers you an opportunity to set new intentions for productivity, expansion and your well-being. Shortly after, Mars will station retrograde in Leo — your second house of money, finances and values — prompting you to review and reconsider major purchases, if not your current budget. On Dec. 7, Venus will slip into Aquarius and your eighth house of emotional bonds, shared assets and other people’s money, adding a layer of harmony and sweetness to vulnerable themes in your intimate relationships. Before Sagittarius season comes to a close, there will be a full moon in Gemini (Dec. 15), igniting your 12th house of surrender, closure and unconscious patterns. On top of this being a full-circle moment for you, it’s a time to reflect on what you need to release in order to get back in balance with yourself. Tap into your sparkling self-expression, ! Sagittarius season has arrived, and the sun’s energizing your fifth house of creativity, romance and passion. Whether it’s diving into an art project or spending quality time with your loved ones, you’re basking in the spotlight. On Nov. 25, however, Mercury will station retrograde in Sagittarius — in your fifth house of creativity — which can result in delays, slow progress, or, on a brighter note, revisiting old hobbies that bring you joy. The moon will renew itself in this area of your chart on Dec. 1, offering you a chance to set bold intentions for the future, specifically those that support your joy and desire for love and self-expression. Don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone for perspective. On Dec. 6, Mars will station retrograde in your sign, asking you to slow down and reconsider your approach to others, as well as your goals and heart’s desires. That said, if you’ve been feeling burned out or energetically depleted, consider this retrograde an opportunity to call your power back. Venus eventually enters Aquarius and your seventh house of agreements, compromise and significant others, encouraging deeper connections with those closest to you. It’s a wonderful time to gather with friends and loved ones for the holidays. With this in mind, the moon will peak in Gemini on the 15th, igniting your 11th house of associations, community and future visions, bringing intuitive insight and unexpected revelations about your friendships, colleagues or sense of belonging in the world. Tend to your garden, . As the sun enters Sagittarius, your fourth house of home and family becomes illuminated. You may feel drawn to redecorate, spend more time with loved ones or perhaps even plan a trip to visit your motherland. You’ll want to double and triple-check logistics, though, as your celestial ruler, Mercury, will station retrograde in this area of your chart on Nov. 25. This could bring up unresolved family matters or the need to revisit old plans related to your living space. Fear not — a new moon in Sagittarius on Dec. 2 offers a fresh start! It’s the perfect time to set intentions around your home sweet home and more importantly, those related to cultivating a safe environment for you and your loved ones. With Mars stationing retrograde shortly after, don’t be surprised if you’re suddenly craving rest and solitude, as this will touch down on your 12th house of privacy. If you’ve been overextending yourself, this transit invites you to step back and recharge. Neptune will also station direct in your relationship sector on Dec. 7, helping you make sense of irrational fears or confusion in your partnerships. Also, Venus will enter Aquarius and your sixth house of daily rituals that same day, bringing a sense of balance and harmony to your day-to-day affairs. You, of all people, know how to find joy in productivity, so enjoy this transit while it lasts. On Dec. 15, the moon will peak in Gemini and your 10th house of career and reputation. This could bring clarity and completion to career goals or perhaps even public recognition you’ve been working toward. Speak your truth, but make sure you’re keeping an open mind in the process, . With the sun entering Sagittarius and your curious third house of communication, thought processes and immediate surroundings, expect a cerebral flurry of activity! You might find yourself juggling conversations, exploring new interests or networking with exciting people. On Nov. 25, Mercury will station retrograde in this area of your chart, which could slow things down or bring up misunderstandings from the past. However, it’s a good time to clarify these lingering issues with a newfound perspective. The moon will renew itself in Sagittarius shortly after, bringing a much-needed reset to this area of your chart, while inspiring the desire for exploration and learning. Be sure to set intentions related to writing, teaching or simply exploring new connections. On Dec. 6, Mars will station retrograde in Leo, inviting you to reassess the dynamic within your friendship groups, social networks and overall sense of belonging in the world. You may find yourself reflecting on which friendships are truly aligned with your long-term goals. On Dec. 7, your celestial ruler, Venus, will slip into Aquarius and your fifth house of love, passion and creative expression, which can feel like a sweet pick-me-up in the love department. By the full moon in Gemini on Dec. 15, your ninth house of expansion and self-discovery will become illuminated, offering clarity around travel, education or new pursuits you’ve been considering. You’ve got your mind on your money, and your money on your mind, ! Sagittarius season is now in session, and the sun is energizing your stability-seeking second house of comfort, finances and value systems. You’re encouraged to focus on budgeting, saving and what truly matters to you. With Mercury stationing retrograde in Sagittarius on Nov. 25, concerns or financial hiccups are likely, if not old expenses that require more attention. Nonetheless, this is a great time to revise spending habits or commit to a financial plan. On that note, the moon will renew itself in this Fire sign on Dec. 1, encouraging you to dream big and set intentions for the future. Think second house themes such as wealth, possessions and sensual pleasures. With Mars stationing retrograde in Leo on Dec. 6, there will be a need to review and reassess carrer matters and professional goals. If things begin to slow down in this area of your life, don’t be discouraged — harness this energy for reflection and consider redefining your long-term visions. The following day, Neptune will station direct in Pisces, bringing clarity to your fifth house of love, creativity and self-expression. This clarifies themes surrounding your musings, romantic desires and self-expression. Look to the full moon in Gemini on Dec. 15, and expect a significant culmination around your shared assets, joint ventures and intimate unions. Happy Birthday, ! It’s your time to shine as the sun officially returns to your sign, kicking off a brand new journey around the sun! Your season marks a time of growth and self-discovery, encouraging you to embrace new beginnings and set bold intentions for the future. Be sure to harness this energy, especially during the new moon in your sign on Dec. 1. As you know better than anyone, the possibilities are endless! On Nov. 25, Mercury will station retrograde in your sign, prompting you to revisit ideas or conversations from the past. It’s a good time to redefine plans and reflect on where you want to go next. That said, Mars will station retrograde in Leo — your ninth house of expansion, higher learning and unknown territory — on Dec. 6, encouraging you to reconsider your trajectory and approach. The following day, Venus will slip into Aquarius and your third house of communication, thought processes and immediate surroundings, adding a layer of charm and harmony to your conversations and romantic exchanges. By Dec. 15, the full moon in Gemini will ignite your seventh house of relationships, offering insights into relationships and encouraging deeper connections and resolutions with partners. Take a load off, . Contrary to your Saturnian beliefs, Sagittarius season is your resting season, as it activates your 12th house of closure, surrender, retreat and unconscious patterns. As if this weren’t enough reason to retreat and go within, Mercury stations retrograde on Nov. 25, which also gives you no choice but to slow down and prioritize your healing. Harness this energy by recharging your energy and clearing out emotional baggage before your birthday season. Look to the new moon on Dec. 1 to set intentions around your spirituality, healing and self-care. On Dec. 6, Mars will station retrograde in Leo, backspinning through your eighth house of intimate affairs, shared resources and financial partnerships. Don’t fret — this is a time to reassess financial agreements and emotional investments. Neptune will also station direct shortly after — in your third house of communication, thought processes and immediate surroundings — helping you clarify muddled information and communicate with greater clarity and intuition. That same day, Venus will debut in the freedom-loving sign of Aquarius, charming your second house of money, values and self-confidence. A sweet pick-me-up, Venusian energy tends to bring harmony and prosperity, even if that means treating yourself in the process. There will be a full moon in Gemini on the 15th, activating your dutiful sixth house of health, daily duties and acts of service, offering clarity around your work-life balance and work routines. Socializing and networking brings exciting opportunities, ! With the sun officially in worldly Sagittarius, energizing your 11th house of associations and social contributions, there is a greater focus on friendships, community and long-term goals. In addition to mingling with peers and making beneficial connections, you’re more passionate about collaborating on shared projects or working towards the same causes. With Mercury stationing retrograde on Nov. 25, past acquaintances or ex-colleagues could circle back into your life, encouraging you to re-evaluate your social connections and plans for the future. Fortunately, with a new moon in Sagittarius approaching, it’s an ideal time to set intentions for the future, particularly around your sense of belonging in the world. On Dec. 6, Mars will station retrograde in Leo, and your seventh house of relationships, partnerships and significant others. This encourages you to reflect on the balance (or lack thereof) and dynamics within your closest connections. Neptune will also station direct in Pisces, clearing up financial uncertainties and helping you align with what truly matters to you. On a brighter note, Venus returns to your sign on Dec. 7, boosting your charm, charisma and confidence, which is ideal for attracting abundance and opportunities. Romance is also likely, especially when considering the full moon in Gemini on Dec. 15. Luna will illuminate your fifth house of love, passion and self-expression, signaling a time for joy and creativity. Take the lead, ! With the sun in Sagittarius, your 10th house of fame and publicity is illuminated, inspiring ambition and professional growth. In addition to a surge of confidence and enthusiasm, you could feel ready to take on new challenges and gain recognition for your efforts in the process. Granted, delays and misunderstandings wouldn't be unusual with Mercury stationing retrograde in this area of your chart (Nov. 25). However, there is still an opportunity for you to review past career decisions and fine-tune your plans. Be sure to harness the energy of the new moon in Sagittarius on Dec. 1, as it brings forth the opportunity to set bold intentions around your professional trajectory and long-term goals. On Dec. 6, Mars will station retrograde in Leo, slowing things down in your day-to-day life, whether in terms of work or your energy levels. It could very well be both, so it’s important to reassess how you’re managing your daily routines and work-life balance. Your celestial ruler, Neptune, will station direct on Dec. 7, which could help you feel more in tune with your intuition and more importantly, your authenticity. If there were delusions or deceptions around your identity, chances are you’ve been doing the inner work since Neptune first stationed retrograde in July. On Dec. 15, the moon will peak in Gemini, bringing clarity to themes surrounding your home and family, as it is also encouraging you to find a healthy balance between your personal and professional life.The Carolina Hurricanes have high-level producers on the offensive side, making the team a threat in many situations. In the big picture, it might be offensive contributions coming from defensemen that determine how the season plays out. "We need it from everyone," coach Rod Brind'Amour said. The Hurricanes will see if they can generate widespread production again when the Ottawa Senators visit for Friday night's game in Raleigh, N.C. Carolina has won just two of its last six games, and the 3-2 comeback against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night was far from smooth. Yet all three of the Hurricanes' goals in the Sharks game came from blueliners: Shayne Gostisbehere, Brent Burns and Jalen Chatfield. "There's not a team in the league that's not looking for their D to join the rush or to be part of the offense," Senators coach Travis Green said. "It's no secret that if your D are scoring and being part of it, you're going to create more." The Carolina defensemen want to be part of any solutions necessary on the offensive end. "We're going to dig deep. We're going to get in the trenches," Chatfield said. "Scoring a late goal, I think that's part of our team, part of our identity and we're going to keep pushing." It's unclear if the Hurricanes have really snapped out of a slide, but winning two of their last three games is encouraging. "Hopefully, we get on the right track and keep pushing," Chatfield said. "We have the group in here to do it. It's just being consistent. It's a long year. We're not going to be able to win them all." Gostisbehere and forwards Sebastian Aho and Martin Necas all have four-game points streaks for the Hurricanes. The Hurricanes will be playing the second of a four-game homestand Friday night. Carolina's 59 goals on home ice were an NHL-high total at midweek. Ottawa completed a 3-1-0 homestand with Wednesday night's 5-1 romp past the Anaheim Ducks, keyed by Drake Batherson's hat trick. It has taken time for the Senators to gear up their offense. "We've got to get a little greasier around the net," Green said. "We've got a few guys who have been snakebitten a little bit." Center Tim Stutzle is Ottawa's points leader (36), but he has gone five games without a goal, though he has seven assists in that stretch. Carolina will adjust its line combinations after losing forward Jack Drury to a broken hand during the San Jose game. He underwent surgery on Thursday and is expected to miss significant time. "It's not looking good," Brind'Amour said. "I'm assuming he's going to be out for a while." The Hurricanes recalled forward Tyson Jost from AHL affiliate Chicago. Jost has played in seven games with Carolina this season, with one goal. The Senators are making their second trip of the season to Raleigh, where they lost 4-0 on Nov. 16. Ottawa is 1-1-1 in road games since that matchup. Goalie Spencer Martin, who logged the shutout for the Hurricanes on Nov. 16, is back in the minor leagues. Pyotr Kochetkov has played the past four games in net for Carolina. --Field Level MediaVideo games are the hot holiday gift for children this year: report
1 2 Hyderabad: An algorithm developed by a third-year engineering student from the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad (IIITH) to detect flying objects —helicopters, aeroplanes, drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and birds — faster and more robustly, could soon be used by the Navy. The solution was developed by Rishabh Bhattacharya at a nationwide competition organised by the Navy to address real-world operational challenges with innovative technological solutions. He won a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh. Speaking to TOI, on Thursday, Rishabh said the Navy asked him to conduct further research so that the solution can be integrated into their functioning. "One of the criteria laid out was for the solution to demonstrate resilience to varying lighting conditions, rapid movements, and complex textures while maintaining efficiency on platforms like drones or embedded systems. My algorithm meets the requirement by ensuring robustness and scalability," said Rishabh. The BTech student said he received a call from Navy officials asking him to continue this project at the Indian Institute Technology, Hyderabad. For the competition, Rishabh developed an ‘ optical flow tracking algorithm ,' which can help track flying objects like planes, helicopters, and birds in real time. He used a method called "optical flow" to identify how objects move by studying changes in pictures. Since there weren't enough datasets or examples of flying objects to train his program, he combined two collections of pictures — one from Sekilab and another from Kaggle. He also made his own dataset by separating and moving objects across the screen so the program could learn better. "By doing so, I managed to create different motion scenarios, helping us test how well the program could track moving objects," he said. "Even when we tried it under different lighting-- fog and low lighting, tricky patterns, and unexpected movements — the program worked well, showing it could handle tough conditions," Rishabh added. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .Massachusetts Democrat Seth Moulton, who dealt with post-election blowback for his comment that biological males shouldn’t compete in women’s sports, is slamming the local media for trying to “inflame” his remarks.
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GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Quinton Morton-Robertson's 16 points helped Purdue Fort Wayne defeat Green Bay 83-67 on Sunday night. Morton-Robertson had three steals for the Mastodons (10-5, 3-1 Horizon League). Jalen Jackson added 15 points while going 6 of 11 from the field and had five assists. Trey Lewis shot 3 for 6 (3 for 5 from 3-point range) and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line to finish with 12 points. The Phoenix (2-13, 0-4) were led in scoring by Preston Ruedinger, who finished with 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Green Bay also got 11 points from Ryan Wade. The loss is the 10th in a row for the Phoenix. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .