https www fc188 bet m home
Unlock the Power of TikTok – Download Videos in High Quality with 01TIK
Best Crypto To Invest For the Bull Run | Top 4 Cryptocurrencies to Buy NowMerck Recommends Rejection of TRC Capital’s “Mini-Tender” Offer
Rich get richer: The $164 trillion inheritance windfall
Utah Valley defeats Bethesda (CA) 119-59India yesterrday accorded former premier Manmohan Singh, one of the architects of the country’s economic liberalisation in the early 1990s, a state funeral with full military honours, complete with a gun salute. Singh, who held office from 2004-2014, died at the age of 92 on Thursday, after which seven days of state mourning were declared. The honours were led by President Draupadi Murmu with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance, along with the country’s top civilian and military officials. Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck also attended the ceremony. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who called the former prime minister his mentor and guide, joined Singh’s family as they prayed before his cremation. Earlier, mourners gathered to pay their respects to Singh. His coffin, draped in garlands of flowers, was flanked by a guard of honour and carried to his Congress Party headquarters in New Delhi. It was then taken through the capital to the cremation grounds, accompanied by guards of soldiers and accorded full state honours. Modi called Singh one of India’s “most distinguished leaders”. US President Joe Biden called Singh a “true statesman”, saying that he “charted pathbreaking progress that will continue to strengthen our nations - and the world - for generations to come”. The former prime minister was an understated technocrat who was hailed for overseeing an economic boom in his first term. Singh’s second stint ended with a series of major corruption scandals, slowing growth and high inflation. Singh’s unpopularity in his second term, and lacklustre leadership by Nehru-Gandhi scion Rahul Gandhi, the current opposition leader in the lower house, led to Modi’s first landslide victory in 2014. Born in 1932 in the mud-house village of Gah in what is now Pakistan and was then British-ruled India, Singh studied economics to find a way to eradicate poverty in the vast nation. He won scholarships to attend both Cambridge, where he obtained a first in economics, and Oxford, where he completed his doctorate. Singh worked in a string of senior civil service posts, served as a central bank governor and also held various jobs with global agencies including the United Nations. He was tapped in 1991 by then Congress prime minister P V Narasimha Rao to serve as finance minister and reel India back from the worst financial crisis in its modern history. Though he had never held an elected post, he was declared the National Congress’ candidate for the highest office in 2004. In his first term, Singh steered the economy through a period of nine percent growth, lending India the international clout it had long sought. He also sealed a landmark nuclear deal with the United States that he said would help India meet its growing energy needs. President Murmu said Singh would “always be remembered for his service to the nation, his unblemished political life and his utmost humility”. Related Story Qatar participates in meeting of Global Alliance for Implementation of Two-State Solution MES conducts musical reality show amid anniversary celebrationsIND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 4 Live: Rain to interrupt India vs Australia Match on Day 4? The fourth day of the India vs Australia Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) promises improved playing conditions after the rain disruptions that marred parts of Day 3. As per the forecast by AccuWeather, players and fans can anticipate a pleasant day ahead with minimal chances of rainfall and favourable weather overall. Day 4 Weather: Morning Forecast The morning session is expected to be mild and partly sunny, with temperatures around 23°C. Gentle winds from the WSW will blow at 11 km/h, with gusts reaching 20 km/h. Humidity levels will hover at a moderate 57%, and there’s only a 3% probability of precipitation, signalling little to no risk of rain interruptions. The dew point is forecasted at 10°C, and visibility will remain clear at 10 km. IND vs AUS Melbourne Weather Updates: Afternoon Forecast As the afternoon unfolds, temperatures will rise slightly to 25°C. Winds will shift from the south, blowing at 20 km/h and gusting up to 28 km/h, potentially aiding bowlers relying on crosswinds for swing. Humidity will drop to 46%, and the dew point will inch up to 11°C. While cloud cover will increase to 76%, the probability of rain remains a negligible 3%. Unlike Day 3, Day 4 is expected to see uninterrupted play, offering an ideal platform for India to consolidate and reduce their deficit, currently at 116 runs. With clear visibility, manageable wind conditions, and no significant rain threat, this crucial day is set for some engaging cricket as Nitish Reddy resumes after his maiden Test century. Fans at the MCG can look forward to a partly sunny and enjoyable day of Test cricket, with only minor variations in weather parameters across the sessions. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 4 Live: 'Nitish Reddy has got pretty much every shot in the book' Australian quick Scott Boland on Saturday praised Nitish Reddy's batting potential after the young Indian smoked an impressive century on the third day of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. Reddy cracked a terrific unbeaten 105 to take India to 358 for nine in their first innings in reply to Australia's 474. Boland specifically mentioned the straight drive Reddy hit off his bowling that took him past his first Test hundred. The shot convinced the Australian pacer of Reddy's talent. "Yeah, obviously he's playing really nicely. Coming in down the middle, it's a lower-order, but he's sort of trying to put the pressure back on us. And he's playing nicely," Boland replied to a query from PTI after the day's play. "He played really well. He's been a young guy from India who's come through and strikes the ball really well. It looks like he's got pretty much every shot in the book," he added. Boland first encountered Reddy during a Pink Ball match between India and the Prime Minister's XI in Canberra. The earlier experience further cemented Boland’s impression of Reddy's capabilities. He has followed Reddy's progress in subsequent matches. "I played the 'A' game against him, the PM's game and then a couple of Tests. You see he can score all around the ground. "He's obviously a very nice player and does well in the IPL and he's doing well here in Australian conditions as well," he noted. Boland also commented on the MCG pitch, noting that it lacked the anticipated pace and bounce. He expected the pitch to offer more assistance to the bowlers. "Yeah, I think it started off with a fair bit of nip in it. I think there's still a little bit of nip there at the moment. Not as consistent as I'd like as a bowler, but I think it's going to be a pretty good Test match wicket." Talking about Australia's plan in general against the India batters, the beefy pacer replied: "Coming off that break, we tried to take them a bit wider with the ball. We obviously set a 7-2 field and tried to see if they wanted to flash their hands outside the off stump." IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 4 Live: Andhra Cricket Association announces Rs 25 lakh cash award for Nitish Reddy The Andhra Cricket Association on Saturday announced a cash reward of Rs 25 lakh for rising star Nitish Reddy for his impressive Test century during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. The Nitish ton was instrumental in India's resurgence in the clash on the third day. The 21-year-old's unbeaten 105 runs on Day 3 helped India reach 358 for nine in reply to Australia's first innings total of 474. "It is a fortunate day and a happiest moment for the Andhra Cricket Association. We are very happy that a boy from Andhra has been picked for the Test format and international T20 format. As an honour, on behalf of the Andhra Cricket Association, Rs 25 lakh prize money is being given to Nitish Kumar Reddy," (ACA) President Kesineni Sivanath said. Reddy's performance throughout the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been noteworthy. On Saturday, he forged a crucial 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar, who contributed 50 runs off 162 balls to help India avoid follow-on. Reddy's exceptional performance drew praise from cricket legends, including Sunil Gavaskar, who hailed it as one of the greatest Test innings in India's cricketing history. The century marks Reddy's first in Test cricket. The ACA president expressed pride in Reddy's selection for both Test and international T20I formats. The cash award is a token of appreciation for his achievement. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 4 Live: 'Nitish Reddy’s first-class average is 22' Team India all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy’s maiden Test hundred during the third day of the fourth Test against Australia captivated cricketing circles, with his determined knock earning high praise from former India internationals. Coming into bat at a precarious 191/6, Reddy produced a remarkable unbeaten 105 off 176 deliveries, guiding India to 358/9 by stumps, just 116 runs behind Australia’s formidable first-innings total of 474. Reddy’s partnership with Washington Sundar, worth 127 runs for the eighth wicket, proved instrumental in India not only avoiding the follow-on but also clawing their way back into contention. Speaking on Star Sports, former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar expressed his admiration for Reddy’s innings, marvelling at how a player with a modest first-class average of 22 could showcase such maturity and skill on the grand stage. “Both (Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy) play T20 cricket. In fact, Nitish was retained in the IPL by his franchise but the hunger for test cricket is still alive. Today, after the break he scored 22 runs in 16 overs and he knew that he cannot afford to lose his wicket. They way he was leaving the ball, when I see these things in modern day cricketers then I feel that Indian cricket is in safe hands,” Manjrekar noted. "Test cricket always seems like an old-fashioned format and our new-fashioned boys are craving for the test match success. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar and now Nitish Kumar Reddy, the way they have left the deliveries pitching outside off. Nitish Kumar Reddy’s first-class average is 22 but today the depth that he has portrayed in his batting I don’t think I have seen something like this from a player with such an experience.” Irfan Pathan echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the historical significance of the duo's effort. He praised their ability to build a chanceless partnership under pressure, which not only frustrated Australia’s bowlers but also swung momentum in India’s favour. “The biggest thing is that there has never been an instance where the number 8 and 9 batsman in the Indian team have played over 300 deliveries, this has never happened in the history. This brilliant partnership is the reason that India is still alive in this test, because if both of them had not played 300 deliveries then Australia would have been in the dominating position. We would have been talking about how Australia would be looking forward to finish the game in the 4th day itself but these players have changed the situation,” Pathan pointed out. Through intelligent strike rotation and timely boundaries, Reddy and Sundar demonstrated the importance of partnerships in Test cricket. As India head into Day 4, their resilience provides the visitors with hope of salvaging a result, with Nitish Kumar Reddy now a beacon of promise for India’s future in the longest format. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 4 Live: Nitish Reddy credits India's no.11 for crucial role in maiden Test century Nitish Kumar Reddy earned widespread praise for his maiden Test century against Australia on the third day of the Boxing Day Test, but the milestone was made possible by one crucial contribution. Reddy might have been left stranded on 99 if not for last-man Mohammed Siraj, who held his nerve to survive three deliveries from Australian skipper Pat Cummins. Tensions ran high when Jasprit Bumrah fell in the 114th over, leaving Reddy stranded on 99. The expressions of both Reddy and his father, Muthyala, shifted with every ball as the pressure mounted. However, Siraj held firm, surviving the crucial deliveries and allowing Reddy to relish the moment he had likely dreamed of a thousand times. Reddy expressed his trust in Siraj by taking to social media, saying, "I also believe in Siraj bhai." The young batter also showed his appreciation for his father, sharing a teary-eyed photo with the heartfelt caption, "This one's for you." The moment Reddy reached his century became the defining moment of the series for India. He balanced his helmet with the bat, took a knee, and expressed heartfelt gratitude towards the Indian dugout, which rose in a standing ovation to celebrate his achievement. In the stands near the boundary, Reddy's father couldn't hold back his emotions, breaking down in tears as he watched his son achieve this remarkable milestone. Reddy's unbeaten 105 took India to 358 for nine, still 116 runs short of Australia's first innings score of 474 as rain brought an early end to the third day's play. Reddy's combative spirit and the invaluable 127-run stand he shared with Washington Sundar (50 off 162 balls) proved to be the turning point for the hosts. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 4 Live: How Rs 15,000 per month helped shape India's new superstar India have a new hero – Nitish Kumar Reddy. The 21-year-old cricketer made history with a defiant maiden century, cheered on by a large contingent of Indian supporters at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Nitish displayed remarkable grit and determination, taking 172 balls to reach the milestone with 10 fours and one six, as he fought to get India back into the fourth Test against Australia. It was Nitish's resilience, coupled with his love for the game and admiration for Virat Kohli, that helped him overcome financial hurdles and fulfill his dream of playing for Team India. Nitish was just 12 when his father, Mutyala Reddy, introduced him to former India wicketkeeper and ex-selector MSK Prasad. Mutyala, who was present at the MCG to witness his son's majestic knock, sought Prasad's guidance to shape Nitish's cricketing journey. Prasad, who represented Andhra Pradesh in domestic cricket, assessed Nitish by asking him a few questions and then observed him in the nets. The young batter impressed with his professional stroke play and disciplined wicket-to-wicket bowling. Recognising his talent, Prasad introduced Nitish to the Andhra Cricket management, which decided to nurture the prodigy. The association provided financial support, investing Rs 15,000 per month, and looked after his cricketing and educational needs. Nitish on Saturday played a pivotal role, rescuing India from a precarious 221/7 by stitching a 127-run partnership with Washington Sundar (50). The partnership narrowly missed the record for India’s highest eighth-wicket stand against Australia, set by Harbhajan Singh and Sachin Tendulkar in 2008. "It is one of the happiest moments for Nitish, his family, and myself. The entire country and Andhra cricket are proud of this kid. It's a remarkable achievement. He comes from a humble background, rose through the ranks, defied the odds, and now he is a superstar. Nitish has worked incredibly hard to reach this level. I salute his family, who made phenomenal sacrifices to support him," MSK Prasad told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview. Nitish’s moment of glory came when, on 99, he played a lofted drive and then endured a tense over before completing his century with an elegant on-drive to the boundary. The MCG erupted with deafening cheers, including from his father in the stands, who was seen praying continuously for his son's success. "Andhra Cricket has played a significant role in his development. Ever since his father brought him to me, I knew this boy was destined for big things on the bigger stage. Andhra Cricket invested Rs 15,000 per month in him until he reached a certain level. They took care of his cricket and education. He was just 12 when he came to me. I am truly happy for him," said MSK Prasad. "The amount was just for Nitish. We knew this guy had a lot of talent and would reach a certain level. He never looked back. A keen learner, a silent assassin, and a man who loves to play, that's how I would define Nitish," he added. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 4 Live: Bahubali at the MCG It was an absolute theatre at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Saturday (28 December) when Nitish Kumar Reddy realised his dream. The dream of scoring his maiden Test hundred and it couldn't have come at a better venue. In front of 83,073 fans, including a very emotional father who kept praying with hands folded, the youngster went down on one knee and struck a 'Bahubali' pose. Reddy Sr., meanwhile, had his arms up in the air and took a huge sigh of relief as loud cheers erupted in the stands celebrating what was a sensational knock under pressure. Over 2,50,000 people have already walked through the turnstiles at the MCG in anticipation of a blockbuster clash. They would have hoped to cheer for a Virat Kohli hundred or a Travis Head special but little did they know that the loudest cheer of the match, so far, would be for a young Reddy. It was deafening at the 'G on Saturday when the young gun reached the milestone. There were some nervy moments in the 90s when he saw Washington Sundar and Jasprit Bumrah take the long walk back but Mohammmed Siraj ensured his young teammate wasn't left stranded on 99 and received his loudest cheer on Australian soil when he blocked Pat Cummins' last delivery. Two dots and a boundary later, the wait ended in Scott Boland's over as he deservingly soaked in the rapturous applause from over 80,000. It wasn't easy out there as India were in all sorts of trouble at 191/6. The madness in the last session on Day 2 handed the advantage back to Australia and it continued as Rishabh Pant played a shocking shot during a delicate situation in the match. In walked Reddy, India's crisis man in this series, and went about doing his business with a lot of confidence and clarity. Reddy's game is modelled on balance and the positions he gets into are nearly perfect. He has trigger movements - both forward and backward - but they are very small and that allows him to maintain that exquisite balance even while keeping the weight a bit more on the front foot. The youngster, however, doesn't stick to one trigger movement and keeps switching between forward and backward to different bowlers, and sometimes in the same over. It's the balance which is not compromised during the switch and the body alignment allows him to get into very correct positions while executing a shot or a defence. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 4 Live: Hello and welcome! Hello and welcome to the Live coverage of Day 4 of the fourth Test match between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Nitish Kumar Reddy stole the spotlight on day three of the Boxing Day Test, scoring a magnificent maiden Test century to anchor India’s spirited fightback in front of a packed Melbourne Cricket Ground crowd of 83,073. Playing in just his fourth Test, Reddy showcased a masterclass in batting, combining precision in strokeplay with unwavering defence. Partnering with fellow all-rounder Washington Sundar, who contributed a composed half-century, Reddy stitched a vital 127-run stand for the eighth wicket. Their efforts propelled India to 358/9 in 116 overs, trailing Australia by 116 runs at stumps. The moment of Reddy’s triumph came in the 171st delivery he faced, lofting Scott Boland through the on-side for a boundary to bring up his century. With his father, Mutyala, fervently praying and his family cheering from the stands, Reddy dropped to his knees and looked skyward, overwhelmed by the emotion of achieving his milestone at one of cricket’s most iconic venues. Reddy’s remarkable knock also etched his name in history as the first Indian to score a Test century in Australia while batting at number eight or lower. Additionally, he became only the second Indian to record his maiden Test hundred at the MCG, following Vinoo Mankad’s feat in 1948. Rain interruptions had earlier delayed the final session, but once play resumed, Reddy and Sundar displayed exceptional discipline against Australia’s probing bowling attack. Sundar’s patient 146-ball fifty and Reddy’s sweeps and drives frustrated the hosts, with Nathan Lyon eventually breaking the partnership by dismissing Sundar. The drama peaked as Reddy inched towards his century. After Jasprit Bumrah’s dismissal, Mohammed Siraj fended off a few deliveries to give Reddy the strike. The young batter seized the opportunity, completing his landmark hundred in the next over, triggering emotional celebrations from his family and thunderous applause from the crowd. Nine balls later, bad light and a drizzle brought an early end to the day’s play. Reddy walked off unbeaten, his bat raised high, soaking in the admiration from teammates and fans alike. India will look to Reddy and Siraj to add crucial runs on day four, continuing the momentum of their remarkable fightback against Australia. Match Statistics Sam Konstas Usman Khawaja Marnus Labuschagne Yashasvi Jaiswal Rohit Sharma (C) KL Rahul Top Stories Right Now
Donald Hand Jr. racked up a career-high 29 points and 10 rebounds to help Boston College stave off visiting Fairleigh Dickinson 78-70 on Saturday in Chestnut Hill, Mass. Chad Venning added 18 points on 8-for-10 shooting and Dion Brown contributed eight points, eight rebounds and four assists as the Eagles (8-5) wrapped up their nonconference slate with just their second win in six games. Ahmed Barba-Bey, a grad transfer from Division II, exploded for a season-high 31 points to power FDU (4-11). Barba-Bey buried 8 of 9 attempts from the 3-point arc. Terrence Brown added 15 of his 20 points in the second half, as the Knights made it close before falling to 0-10 on the road this season. Bismark Nsiah scored 10 points. Boston College led 70-59 with 3:39 to play when Barba-Bey was fouled attempting a corner 3. He made all three of his foul shots, and after a stop Brown got to the bucket to cut FDU's deficit to six. It was 72-67 when Venning made a clutch turnaround jumper from the high post with 51 seconds left. Boston College let Barba-Bey get loose for his eighth 3-pointer, pulling FDU within four, its closest margin of the half. But Hand drove to the basket and scored with 29 seconds on the clock, and FDU was out of time. The Knights trailed by as many as 12 in the first half, but Barba-Bey kept them in the game. He made a fastbreak layup off Brown's steal and added a 3-pointer on the next possession, turning what was a 10-point deficit to a manageable 29-24 game. Boston College led 38-28 at halftime, with Hand scoring 15 for the hosts and Barba-Bey pouring in 16 for the Knights, including 4-of-5 shooting from deep. FDU pulled within nine points three times in the early stages of the second half, the third coming when Nsiah knocked down back-to-back 3-pointers to make it 56-47 with about 10 minutes to go. --Field Level MediaIndian stock market shows resilience, growth potential amid cautiously optimistic outlook — expert advice - Mint
SABC Condemns Employee’s Conduct Amid Viral Airline AltercationCHELSEA fans have spotted the moment they believe Nicolas Jackson SAVED Enzo Fernandez's from getting a yellow card. The Blues were involved in a thriller at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - eventually beating the hosts 4-3. 2 Enzo Fernandez was prevented from taking his shirt off by Nicolas Jackson Credit: REUTERS 2 Cole Palmer struck twice to bury Spurs who were leading 2-0 Spurs raced into a 2-0 lead, before Jadon Sancho and then a Cole Palmer penalty brought them level. Then, it was the turn of Enzo Fernandez to volley home to put the visitors ahead for the first time in the contest in the second half. The Argentina World Cup winner was delighted with his strike - racing towards the away fans to celebrate. As he wheeled away, Fernandez looked like he was about to whip his shirt off. Read more football news ASH DASH Axed Man Utd director Ashworth 'frogmarched out of Old Trafford' after shock exit Had he succeeded, he would've been given an automatic yellow card. However, forward Jackson came to Fernandez's aid - running behind him and holding down his shirt as his teammate threatened to take it off. Chelsea fans took to social media to praise Jackson's thinking. One wrote: "Jackson preventing Enzo from taking off his shirt. Most read in Football CRY BHOY CRY Ex-Celtic star suffers cup final heartbreak as teammates left in TEARS MAN IN THE MIDDLE Ref who was suspended for taking bribe put in charge of Celtic UCL clash DIFFERENT LEAGUE Rangers boss Clement told 'don't make excuses' after surprising admission STRICKEN STAR Michail Antonio undergoes surgery on broken leg after horror car crash A second posted: "Jackson stopped Enzo taking of his shirt so he didn’t get a yellow card hahahaha." Chelsea stars Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez pelted with missiles from stands during Tottenham clash A third joked: "You’d be fuming if you had Enzo Fernandez to be booked there, goes to take his top off and Jackson comes in like." While a fourth added: "Enzo Fernandes to be booked backers are furious with Nicholas Jackson." A crucial win for the Blues saw them leapfrog Arsenal into second place and go within four points of Liverpool who lead the pack. However, the game was marred by an unsavoury incident when Palmer and Fernandez were hit by missiles, in the shape of cards, thrown by Spurs fans.
Understanding the science behind Hinton and Hopfield's Nobel Prize in physics
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Jim Harbaugh loves a high-five, calls it one of mankind’s great inventions. But sometimes, even that hearty gesture is insufficient. So when the Chargers coach spotted the team’s general manager slipping out of the visitors’ locker room Saturday — in the wake of the club’s most lopsided win in five years — he summoned him for a bear hug. The Chargers clinched a playoff berth with their 40-7 drubbing of the New England Patriots , and Harbaugh felt the urge to wrap his arms around first-year general manager Joe Hortiz. Such is the delirium of an NFL team starting to hit its stride at the right time. “I needed a hug from Joe,” said the coach, who lured Hortiz from the Baltimore Ravens. “He’s the same brilliant guy every single day. He takes no deep, long bows. But he should.” This is no finish line, of course, but Harbaugh’s Chargers have checked a big box on their to-do list. The franchise has secured a spot in the postseason for just the third time in 11 seasons, and with a finale at Las Vegas remaining has a chance to lock up the AFC’s fifth seed with a win and a Pittsburgh Steelers loss in Week 18. That would mean a more favorable wild-card game at Houston, as opposed to frigid openers at Buffalo or Baltimore. There’s also meaning to bolting down a spot in the playoffs by winning at New England, even though these Patriots are a shadow of the version led by Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. This is a franchise that tormented the Chargers in years past, delivering a divisional-round knockout to Marty Schottenheimer’s 14-2 San Diego Chargers in the 2006 season, and beating the broken-down Chargers the following year in the AFC championship game. There’s no one remaining in that Chargers locker room from that era. Most of the players were probably in grade school at the time. Still, there was significance to these players emerging from the fog that had settled on Gillette Stadium to forge a clear path to the postseason. This is precisely what Chargers ownership had in mind when they hired Harbaugh, an undeniable turnaround artist. Just check his history. The San Francisco 49ers were 6-10 the year before they hired Harbaugh, and 13-3 in his first season. The Michigan Wolverines went from 5-7 before Harbaugh to 10-3 in his debut season. “Coach Harbaugh’s a winner, that says it all,” Chargers cornerback Kristian Fulton said. “He’s won his whole life, won each team he’s coached. He told us at the beginning, there’s just one way to get to where he wants to go and that’s hard work. We’ve been working hard.” When asked at the podium about the common threads among those teams that reversed course, Harbaugh immediately pointed to his players, “stalwarts” as he calls them, including quarterback Justin Herbert and safety Derwin James. Later, after most of the team had left the locker room for the bus, Harbaugh reiterated that with, “There are no good coaches without good players. There’s no great coaches with bad players.” One of those outstanding players Saturday was rookie receiver Ladd McConkey, who had eight catches for 94 yards and two touchdowns. That pushed his numbers to 77 receptions for 1,046, six more grabs than previous Chargers rookie record-holder Keenan Allen. The Chargers traded up to the second pick in the second round to draft McConkey, a standout from the University of Georgia. Their trade partner in that deal? The Patriots, who used the fifth pick in that round to draft Washington receiver Ja’Lynn Polk. McConkey had seven more yards on Saturday, and the same number of touchdowns, that Polk has had all season. Asked if there was a little piece of him that wanted to show the Patriots what they missed, McConkey said: “That’s not me. If they want to think about it that way, like, `Oh, we should have done this,’ it’s shoulda, coulda, woulda.” Historically, it’s important for teams to be able to run the ball in the postseason, especially when the weather can turn foul in so many NFL cities. Only more reason for the Chargers to feel good about the return of running back J.K. Dobbins, who missed four games with a knee sprain. He ran for 76 yards in 19 carries against the Patriots, with a two-yard touchdown. He was part of the Baltimore brigade who came west to the Chargers from the Ravens, coached by Harbaugh’s older brother, John. Unlike a lot of his teammates, Dobbins has playoff experience. He’s played in postseason road games at Cincinnati, Tennessee and Buffalo. He understands the importance of a team finding another gear in December, as it seems the Chargers have, and fostering a belief that it can compete at the highest level. “We can beat you a lot of ways, and in the playoffs that’s what you’ve got to do,” Dobbins said. “In the playoffs, they’re going to try to take away the thing that you do best.” He said Harbaugh has “changed the culture” of a team that won five games last season. “He’s brought in guys that are winners,” he said. “That’s how you change the culture. You draft guys who win [national championships] or won all throughout college. You bring in guys who have won all across the league. You start to see the benefits of that.” Harbaugh delivered his hugs Saturday but he’s hoping there are many more. One box checked. The way he sees it, his team has only earned a spot at the starting gate.A look back at 2024 in photosMeta seeks government intervention to block OpenAI's for-profit dreams
How major US stock indexes fared Friday, 11/22/2024Link Natural recognised at Best Corporate Citizen Sustainability Awards 2024CII lauds Centre's fiscal policy in run-up to Union Budget 2025-26ACCRA, Ghana (AP) — Voting closed Saturday evening in most polling centers throughout Ghana, bringing to an end the presidential and legislative elections poised to be a litmus test for democracy in a region shaken by extremist violence and coups . The capital, Accra, was almost a ghost town for much of the day. Even vibrant Oxford Street, one of the city's commercial hubs, saw little activity on the day that Ghanaians went to the polls to elect a new president and 276 legislators. Some 18.7 million people are registered to vote in the West African country hit by one of the worst economic crises in a generation. However, the two main candidates offer little hope for change for the nation. Early results were expected late on Saturday. The first official results will be released by Tuesday. Ghana used to be a poster child for democracy in the region. At a time when coups threatened democracy in West Africa, Ghana emerged as a beacon of democratic stability with a history of peaceful elections. It had also been an economic powerhouse, priding itself on its development. But in recent years, it has struggled with a profound economic crisis, including surging inflation and a lack of jobs. According to an opinion poll released earlier this year by Afrobarometer, a research group, 82% of Ghanaians feel their country is headed in the wrong direction Although 12 candidates are running for president, Saturday’s election — like others since the return of multiparty politics in 1992 — has emerged as a two-horse race. Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia is the candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party, or NPP, which has struggled to resolve the economic crisis. He faces off against former President John Dramani Mahama, the leader of the main opposition party National Democratic Congress, or NDC. He was voted out in 2016 after failing to deliver on promises for the economy. Opinion polls point to a potential comeback for Mahama. A local research company, Global InfoAnalytics says he is projected to get 52.2% of the vote, followed by Bawumia, with 41.4%. After voting in the town of Bole in northern Ghana, Mahama praised the smooth election process and expressed confidence in his own victory. “In other elections, it had not been clear," he told reporters. “But (during) this election everyone sees where it is heading.” Bawumia, who voted in his Walewale constituency, also in northern Ghana, also said he believed he had won. “By the grace of God, I’m very hopeful of winning this election," he said. “I think that we have done a lot of work. We have put our message to the people; I think the message has been well received.” The NDC prides itself as a social democratic party, while the ruling NPP tags itself as leaning to the right. But in fact, analysts and voters said, the programs of their presidential candidates do not differ in a significant way. Members of parliament will also be elected Saturday. The ruling NPP party and the main opposition NDC each have 137 members in the 275-member legislature, with one independent member who has been voting mostly along with the ruling party. One more constituency will be added in this election, bringing the number of deputies to 276. In their final campaign rallies Thursday, both candidates made a last push to pitch their political parties as the answer to Ghana’s economic woes. Bawumia, 61, an Oxford-educated economist and former deputy governor of the country’s central bank, promised to build on the outgoing administration’s efforts and stabilize the economy. Mahama, 65, on the other hand, restated his promise to “reset” the country on various fronts. “We need to reset our democracy, governance, economy, finances, agriculture, infrastructure, environment, health sector, and all that we hold dear as a people,” the former president said. Across the the capital, Accra, the mood for the election has been upbeat in posters and billboards with bikers displaying stunts, political rallies on the streets, election jingles and songs blasting from public speakers. But the concern for many is also palpable for the key thing at stake: The country’s ailing economy, which has been challenged on various fronts in recent years. The country defaulted on most of its foreign debt last year as it faced a worsening economic crisis that spiked the price of fuel, food and other essential items. The inflation rate had hit 54% by the end of last year and though it’s been coming down since then, not many Ghanaians can still tell the difference when they go to the market. Ebenezer Kotey Dsane, a 69-year-old driver said he voted for Mahama because “he is a good man” who “set up much infrastructure when he was in office.” “The current regime hasn't done much,” he said, pointing to the La General Hospital in Accra, one of the capital's main medical facilities, pulled down in July 2020 by the current government with a pledge to reconstruct it. “Until today, nothing has happened.” Some chose not to vote at all. Ruth Mensah, 42, an unemployed resident of Nima, a working-class suburb in Accra, said she decided not to cast a ballot. “I don’t see how voting will bring about a change to my life,” she said. Patricia Seyram Hagbevor, 20, a first-time voter and student at Accra Technical University said she wished for a change. She didn't disclose whom she voted for, but said she “hoped for a change for the better that will help develop our future.” The chronic challenge of illegal gold mining — known locally as galamsey — has also been a major issue in the campaign and a source of concern for voters, triggering protests and criticism against the outgoing government. Ghana is Africa’s top gold producer and the world’s sixth largest, but the commodity has been increasingly mined illegally as people become more desperate to find jobs in an economy that has been crumbling. The mining has polluted rivers and other parts of the environment despite government actions to clamp down on the practice. Pronczuk reported from Dakar, Senegal.
In a bid to facilitate the IT sector, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has allowed freelancers to register their virtual private network (VPN) using mobile numbers. “To facilitate the legitimate, secure and uninterrupted operations of VPN by freelancers who don’t have static IP addresses, the facility to register VPN against mobile number has been introduced by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA),” read a statement released by PTA on Saturday. “The step is aimed to further simplify the VPN registration process for facilitation of the IT industry,” the authority said, adding that over 31,000 VPNs have been registered by PTA. According to the authority, freelancers can register their mobile number with PTA for “usage of VPNs on mobile data connection at https://ipregistration.pta.gov.pk”. Freelancers would need to provide their details including computerised national identity card (CNIC), company registration details and taxpayer status to register their VPNs. A few days ago, the government decided not to ban VPNs, as the law ministry said the government did not have the legal authority to impose such a ban under the Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016. Earlier, PTA warned its users to register their VPNs by Nov 30, after which unregistered connections would be blocked. The interior ministry had earlier requested a ban, citing concerns about the use of VPNs by terrorists and access to pornographic content. However, the law ministry clarified that PECA allows the blocking of specific online content. Pakistan has a record of curbing online access in response to political turmoil, banning social media sites or simply temporarily shutting down the internet altogether. Days ago, Sajjad Mustafa Syed, chairman of Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), said that Pakistan’s information technology sector suffers losses of more than $1 million per hour due to internet shutdown in the country. “To achieve the government’s envisaged target of $15 billion, IT exports are linked with market access, infrastructure stability, accommodative taxation policy as well as skilled human resources,” said P@SHA chairman. Syed said that 99% of firms/ companies reported that their services were disrupted and 90% reported losses.Some tech industry leaders are pushing the incoming Trump administration to increase visas for highly skilled workers from other nations. Related Articles National Politics | In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families National Politics | Court rules Georgia lawmakers can subpoena Fani Willis for information related to her Trump case National Politics | New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns National Politics | Trump has pressed for voting changes. GOP majorities in Congress will try to make that happen National Politics | Exhausted by political news? TV ratings and new poll say you’re not alone The heart of the argument is, for America to remain competitive, the country needs to expand the number of skilled visas it gives out. The previous Trump administration did not increase the skilled visa program, instead clamping down on visas for students and educated workers, increasing denial rates. Not everyone in corporate America thinks the skilled worker program is great. Former workers at IT company Cognizant recently won a federal class-action lawsuit that said the company favored Indian employees over Americans from 2013 to 2022. A Bloomberg investigation found Cognizant, and other similar outsourcing companies, mainly used its skilled work visas for lower-level positions. Workers alleged Cognizant preferred Indian workers because they could be paid less and were more willing to accept inconvenient or less-favorable assignments. Question: Should the U.S. increase immigration levels for highly skilled workers? Caroline Freund, UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy YES: Innovation is our superpower and it relies on people. Sourcing talent from 8 billion people in the world instead of 330 million here makes sense. Nearly half our Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. Growing them also relies on expanding our skilled workforce. The cap on skilled-worker visas has hardly changed since the computer age started. With AI on the horizon, attracting and building talent is more important than ever. Kelly Cunningham, San Diego Institute for Economic Research YES: After years of openly allowing millions of undocumented entrants into the country, why is there controversy over legally increasing somewhat the number having desirable skills? Undocumented immigration significantly impacts lower skill level jobs and wages competing with domestic workers at every skill level. Why should special cases be made against those having higher skills? Could they just not walk across the border anyway, why make it more inconvenient to those with desirable skills? James Hamilton, UC San Diego YES: Knowledge and technology are key drivers of the U.S. economy. Students come from all over the world to learn at U.S. universities, and their spending contributed $50 billion to U.S. exports last year. Technological advantage is what keeps us ahead of the rest of the world. Highly skilled immigrants contribute much more in taxes than they receive in public benefits. The skills immigrants bring to America can make us all better off. Norm Miller, University of San Diego YES: According to Forbes, the majority of billion-dollar startups were founded by foreigners. I’ve interviewed dozens of data analysts and programmers from Berkeley, UCSD, USD and a few other schools and 75% of them are foreign. There simply are not enough American graduates to fill the AI and data mining related jobs now exploding in the U.S. If we wish to remain a competitive economy, we need highly skilled and bright immigrants to come here and stay. David Ely, San Diego State University YES: Being able to employ highly skilled workers from a larger pool of candidates would strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. companies by increasing their capacity to perform research and innovate. This would boost the country’s economic output. Skilled workers from other nations that cannot remain in the U.S. will find jobs working for foreign rivals. The demand for H-1B visas far exceeds the current cap of 85,000, demonstrating a need to modify this program. Phil Blair, Manpower YES: Every country needs skilled workers, at all levels, to grow its economy. We should take advantage of the opportunity these workers provide our employers who need these skills. It should be blended into our immigration policies allowing for both short and long term visas. Gary London, London Moeder Advisors YES: San Diego is a premiere example of how highly skilled workers from around the globe enrich a community and its regional economy. Of course Visa levels need to be increased. But let’s go further. Tie visas and immigration with a provision that those who are admitted and educated at a U.S. university be incentivized, or even required, to be employed in the U.S. in exchange for their admittance. Bob Rauch, R.A. Rauch & Associates NO: While attracting high-skilled immigrants can fill critical gaps in sectors like technology, health care and advanced manufacturing, increasing high-skilled immigration could displace American workers and drive down wages in certain industries. There are already many qualified American workers available for some of these jobs. We should balance the need for specialized skills with the impact on the domestic workforce. I believe we can begin to increase the number of visas after a careful review of abuse. Austin Neudecker, Weave Growth YES: We should expand skilled visas to drive innovation and economic growth. Individuals who perform high-skilled work in labor-restricted industries or graduate from respected colleges with relevant degrees should be prioritized for naturalization. We depend on immigration for GDP growth, tax revenue, research, and so much more. Despite the abhorrent rhetoric and curtailing of visas in the first term, I hope the incoming administration can be persuaded to enact positive changes to a clearly flawed system. Chris Van Gorder, Scripps Health YES: But it should be based upon need, not politics. There are several industries that have or could have skilled workforce shortages, especially if the next administration tightens immigration as promised and expected. Over the years, there have been nursing shortages that have been met partially by trained and skilled nurses from other countries. The physician shortage is expected to get worse in the years to come. So, this visa program may very well be needed. Jamie Moraga, Franklin Revere NO: While skilled immigration could boost our economy and competitiveness, the U.S. should prioritize developing our domestic workforce. Hiring foreign nationals in sensitive industries or government-related work, especially in advanced technology or defense, raises security concerns. A balanced approach could involve targeted increases in non-sensitive high-demand fields coupled with investment in domestic STEM education and training programs. This could address immediate needs while strengthening the long-term STEM capabilities of the American workforce. Not participating this week: Alan Gin, University of San DiegoHaney Hong, San Diego County Taxpayers AssociationRay Major, economist Have an idea for an Econometer question? Email me at phillip.molnar@sduniontribune.com . Follow me on Threads: @phillip020NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The right frame can freeze a moment in time, creating meaning for the masses from a fist pump over a bloodied ear , a bridge crumbled by a ship , towns shredded by nature , and a victory sealed with an on-field kiss . In 2024, photographers across the U.S. captured glimpses of humanity, ranging from a deeply divisive presidential election , to hurricanes and fires that ravaged communities, to campus protests over the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The gallery from The Associated Press illustrates a new chapter of political history — the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump , the moment President Joe Biden announced he would no longer run again , the campaign sprint by Vice President Kamala Harris in Biden’s place, and the raw emotion from voters during a grueling contest ultimately won by Trump . Hurricanes whipped through the country with devastating imagery, leaving a path of wreckage and death from Florida to Appalachia . After Hurricane Helene , Lake Lure in North Carolina was shown in a jarring photo covered in shards of debris thick enough to hide the surface of the water. Hurricane Milton ripped apart the roof of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, home to Major League Baseball’s Tampa Bay Rays. The scale of destruction experienced in some corners of the country in 2024 was hard to capture and might have been harder to fathom. That was the case when a container ship slammed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing it to collapse and crumple around the vessel, killing construction workers on the bridge. As flames torched the landscape in California , another image captured firefighters and sheriff’s deputies pushing a vintage car away from a burning home. Elsewhere in California , one photo is aglow with bright orange flames, broken up only by the subtle features of an animal running through them. But hope also persevered in the face of devastation. In Helene’s aftermath , an image from Crystal River, Florida, shows Dustin Holmes holding hands with his girlfriend, Hailey Morgan, as they sloshed through floodwaters with her 4- and 7-year-old children to return to their flooded home. And in Manasota Key, Florida, a family was lit up by the glow of flashlights as they walked to check on their home damaged by Milton. Other photos from 2024 also grabbed the darkness and shadows to emphasize light: among them, a rocket liftoff and a total solar eclipse . And, yes, eclipse glasses were back in style for a shared moment of skygazing. But many other photos delivered a blast of color, from the spectrum of the northern lights across a Maine sky to a crew of workers wading into the deep-red of a Massachusetts cranberry bog . And, once again, Taylor Swift captured the country’s attention, even as a part of the crowd. She rushed down from the stands to kiss her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, after the Chiefs won the AFC Championship , en route to another Super Bowl win.
VERMILLION, S.D. (AP) — Chase Forte scored 21 points as South Dakota beat Western Illinois 89-66 on Saturday. Forte added six rebounds and five assists for the Coyotes (9-4). Cameron Fens added 17 points while going 5 of 8 and 7 of 9 from the free-throw line while grabbing six rebounds. Isaac Bruns had 13 points and shot 4 for 10 (1 for 3 from 3-point range) and 4 of 5 from the free-throw line. Marko Maletic led the Leathernecks (6-5) in scoring, finishing with 24 points. Julius Rollins added 13 points for Western Illinois. Sean Smith had 11 points. South Dakota's next game is Thursday against Utah Tech on the road. Western Illinois hosts Tennessee Tech on Tuesday. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by and data from . The Associated PressClintons urge voters agitated by today's politics to remain involved in public service
Newly restored Notre Dame cathedral held its first mass on Sunday, with Christians celebrating the return of the French capital's most famous place of worship after a historic re-opening ceremony. The beloved Paris monument nearly burned down in 2019, but has been fully renovated inside and fitted with a new roof and spire during a frenzied five-year overhaul. The inaugural mass on Sunday morning was led by Paris archbishop Laurent Ulrich with 150 bishops and more than 100 priests from the capital in attendance, as well as French President Emmanuel Macron. The archbishop consecrated the new 800-kilogram bronze altar which replaced the old one that was lost in the five years ago. "Whether you are here in person in the cathedral or in front of a screen, including perhaps under the rain, I greet you with intense emotion," Ulrich told the congregation, referring to the small rain-drenched crowds outside watching events on public screens. "This morning, the pain of April 15 2019 has been erased," he added, referring to the date of the inferno, the cause of which remains unknown. In the evening, around 2,500 people attended a second service and the first mass open to the public, with free tickets made available online last week. "It's incredible to see Notre Dame transformed," Cyriac de Belsunce, a 21-year-old scout from Paris, told AFP. "It's changed, it's more radiant. There's a lot more light." The cathedral will open fully to visitors on December 16 via an online reservation system. During a re-opening service on Saturday attended by world leaders including US President-elect Donald Trump, Macron expressed the "gratitude of the French nation" for the restoration work since 2019. "We have rediscovered what great nations can do -- achieve the impossible," he said. Macron is under intense political pressure, having called snap elections in June that led to a hung parliament, with the main parties now struggling to form a stable government. In a nod to the political turmoil, archbishop Ulrich said Sunday that he "prayed also for our country that is looking to the future with worry". Macron did not take communion on Sunday out of respect for France's secular rules which separate state and church, although his presence in the cathedral and his speech there on Saturday were widely commented on. Groups of worshippers huddled under umbrellas on Sunday beyond a strict security perimeter set up outside Notre Dame. Monique Kashale, a 75-year-old from the Democratic Republic of Congo, said she was "very cold but for Jesus Christ I can put up with it, for the Virgin Mary it is bearable". Saturday's re-opening service began with the archbishop Ulrich, dressed in brightly coloured new vestments designed by fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, knocking on the doors of the cathedral three times. Trump was placed on the front row as guest of honour next to Macron, with invitees marvelling at the freshly cleaned walls, new furniture and state-of-the-art lighting installed as part of the refit. The reconstruction effort cost around 700 million euros ($750 million), financed from donations, with the five-year re-opening deadline met despite predictions it could take decades. Part of the cathedral's lead roofing base still needs to be finished and the statues of the apostles and saints, removed before the fire to allow for their restoration, will only be reinstalled in the first half of 2025. The exact cause of the 2019 blaze has never been identified despite a forensic investigation by prosecutors. They believe an accident such as an electrical fault was the most likely reason. Notre Dame welcomed around 12 million visitors a year before the fire, but expects to receive an even higher figure of "14 to 15 million" after the reopening, according to the church authorities. burs-adp/jjNEW DAWN IN SYRIA
Furious Cucurella changes cleats after slipping twice to concede early goals, then helps Chelsea win
A surge of drone sightings across New Jersey and adjacent states has prompted federal officials to assure the public that most incidents involved manned aircraft, with no indication of a national security threat. Investigations continue but suggest an overreaction to civilian concerns. Federal partners, working in tandem with local and state agencies, are probing the increased drone reports, with less than 100 out of 5,000 requiring detailed inspection. Authorities highlight the lack of evidence supporting large-scale unmanned aerial systems operations, with many sightings reported along established flight paths. With the FAA designating 'No Drone Zones' and military bases enforcing temporary bans, officials emphasize the need for caution and legislative updates. Public interest has surged, with a dedicated Facebook group galvanizing community engagement in solving the drone sightings puzzle. (With inputs from agencies.)The Cleveland Browns placed starting defensive tackle Shelby Harris on injured reserve on Thursday because of an elbow issue. The Browns (3-12) host the Miami Dolphins (7-8) on Sunday before completing their season against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18. Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who started last week's 24-6 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and aggravated his calf injury, is expected to start against the Dolphins, offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey said Thursday. "As of right now, I would say Dorian's healthy," Dorsey said. "He's going to be our starter for this week and we're moving forward with that mindset." Thompson-Robinson, 25, was 20-of-34 passing for 157 yards and two interceptions. He replaced starter Jameis Winston (shoulder), with Bailey Zappe serving as his backup. Cleveland selected Thompson-Robinson in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He is 1-3 as a starter, with career totals of 95-of-180 passing for 697 yards, one touchdown and nine interceptions in 13 games. Harris, who was injured during the 21-7 loss to Kansas City on Dec. 15, had started 13 of 14 games he played this season and totaled 37 tackles, 1.5 sacks, five tackles for loss and one forced fumble. The Oakland Raiders selected Harris in the seventh round of the 2014 draft. Harris, 33, has 326 career tackles, 27.5 sacks, 51 tackles for loss, 60 quarterback hits, one interception and five forced fumbles in parts of 10 seasons with the Raiders (2014-15), Denver Broncos (2017-21), Seattle Seahawks (2022) and Browns (2023-present). The Browns signed wide receiver and return man James Proche II from the practice squad to the active roster on Thursday, and signed defensive tackle Michael Dwumfour to the practice squad. Proche, 28, has three receptions on three targets for 21 yards in seven games this season. He also has returned 18 punts for 163 yards for a 9.1 average. A sixth-round draft pick by Baltimore in 2020, Proche has 28 career receptions for 299 yards in 60 games (one start) for the Ravens (2020-22) and Browns (2023-present). Dwumfour, 26, was in training camp and spent time on the Browns' practice squad this year. He played in 12 NFL games with the Houston Texans (2021-22) and San Francisco 49ers (2022) and has 13 total tackles. --Field Level Media