PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens was a full participant in practice on Monday, opening the door for him to return from a three-game absence on Wednesday when Pittsburgh hosts the Kansas City Chiefs. Pickens hasn't played since tweaking his hamstring earlier this month. The Steelers (10-5) have struggled to generate much in their passing game with their leading receiver watching from the sideline in sweatpants. Though Monday's practice was a walkthrough, Pickens said he felt good and hopes he'll be able to face the two-time defending Super Bowl champions. The 23-year-old was going through post-practice drills on Dec. 6 when he felt his hamstring tighten up, forcing him to miss the first games of his three-year career. Pittsburgh has gone 1-2 in his absence, including back-to-back losses to Philadelphia and Baltimore in which Russell Wilson passed for just 345 yards while missing one of the NFL's top downfield threats. Wilson is encouraged by the way the sometimes mercurial Pickens — who has been flagged and fined multiple times this season for infractions ranging from facemasks to unsportsmanlike conduct — has remained engaged. “He’s been great in the midst of his little trial here over the past few weeks,” Wilson said. “And so we’re excited to have him back if that’s the case fully and let him do his thing.” Safety DeShon Elliott (hamstring) and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (groin) were also listed as full participants on Tuesday. Neither veteran has played since getting hurt against Cleveland on Dec. 8. While Pickens, Elliott and Ogunjobi could be available as Pittsburgh tries to hold off Baltimore for the AFC North lead, cornerback Joey Porter (knee) and WR Ben Skowronek (hip) are likely out after missing practice for a second straight day. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl The Associated PressTikTok CEO Shou Chew has been seeking out Elon Musk's advice about President-elect Trump's approaching second term, according to a report. Musk endorsed Trump last summer and has been close with the president-elect since, even staying at Mar-a-Lago after the election and joining him on calls with leaders like Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Chew has reached out to Musk, the owner of X, more than once, asking him about the new administration and Trump's potential tech policies, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing anonymous sources familiar with the matter. TikTok is suing the Biden administration – citing the First Amendment – over a new law signed by President Biden that would ban the... Fox BusinessDarrell Kelley Named Artist of the Month by MTVrock
In the world of gaming, Roblox has revolutionized how gamers not only play but also earn. As the platform grows, a new economy emerges, challenging traditional career paths and hinting at broader economic possibilities for the future. Traditionally, gaming was seen as a pastime with limited financial prospects. However, Roblox, with its user-generated content model, is turning this notion on its head. Unique to the platform, users can create and monetize their own games and experiences, leveraging Roblox’s Robux currency, which can be converted into real money. This innovation has transformed teenagers into entrepreneurs, some earning thousands of dollars monthly. The introduction of the metaverse concept has further amplified Roblox’s earnings potential. As a blend of social networking and gaming, the platform has become a digital playground for brands, artists, and developers, creating diverse revenue streams. From virtual concerts to branded in-game content, the options for monetization are expanding rapidly, offering endless possibilities for creators. This new landscape poses questions about the future of work and education. Skills typically honed in business or computer science programs are now being cultivated in a virtual context, suggesting that future professions may rely heavily on creativity and digital literacy. Moreover, Roblox’s success illustrates how new technologies can disrupt traditional business models, paving the way for alternative economic structures. The rise of Roblox earnings is more than a gaming trend; it’s a glimpse into how digital economies could redefine success in the modern age. Unveiling the Dynamic Future of Digital Economies with Roblox The technological landscape is rapidly evolving, and Roblox is at the forefront, shaping the digital economy in unprecedented ways. As more creators flock to the platform, intriguing new trends and insights emerge, revealing a potential business model transformation across industries. Trends and Insights With its user-generated content model, Roblox has not only transformed gaming but is actively impacting the economic environment. A noteworthy trend is the increasing number of younger users gaining entrepreneurial experience by developing games on the platform. This shift indicates a rising interest in entrepreneurial ventures among digital natives, driven by creative freedom and real financial incentives. The burgeoning metaverse concept creates vast opportunities within Roblox, encouraging large and small developers to explore different niches in virtual commerce. The innovative approach to virtual events, such as concerts and branded partnerships, is redefining marketing strategies, offering a unique space to engage with younger audiences more dynamically. Innovations Roblox’s robust ecosystem encourages continuous innovation by providing tools that enable users to create more immersive and engaging content. The introduction of features like layered clothing and advanced avatar enhancements signals a push towards more customizable and personalized user experiences. This adaptability promotes sustained user engagement, crucial for maintaining the platform’s relevance in a fast-paced digital world. Limitations and Challenges Despite its successes, Roblox faces challenges in terms of user safety and content quality. Ensuring a safe gaming environment remains a priority, as the platform caters to a diverse age demographic. Developers and the broader community must collaborate to uphold high standards and responsible content creation to maintain the platform’s integrity and inclusivity. Predictions Looking ahead, Roblox is expected to further integrate advanced technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) to expand its capabilities and offerings. This integration could lead to more sophisticated game design, richer user interactions, and a seamless blend between the physical and digital realms, paving the way for a truly immersive metaverse experience. Conclusion As a leader in digital innovation, Roblox is setting the stage for an economy where digital interactions hold substantial value. This platform exemplifies the potential for new revenue streams and entrepreneurial pathways in a digital-first world. With ongoing advancements and a growing community, Roblox continues to illuminate the prospects of a redefined global economy empowered by creativity and technology.
Jinnah’s youth as the architects of modern Pakistan Today, youth of our country face numerous challenges, leading to a growing sense of purposelessness The youth are the architects of a nation’s future, and no one understood this better than Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. His timeless words, “Education is a matter of life and death for our country,” continue to resonate, urging Pakistan’s young generation to rise above their struggles and take charge of their destiny. Today, the youth of our country face numerous challenges, leading to a growing sense of purposelessness. The younger generation is undoubtedly going through a difficult phase, with many drifting away morally, ethically, and spiritually. The Ministry of Health reports that 80 million adults in the country suffer from mental health issues, with a considerable proportion being young individuals. This highlights the frustration and alienation felt by a generation often caught in a lifestyle perceived as devoid of meaning. In stark contrast to the empowered, focused, and aspiring youth of the pre-independence era, today’s generation appears adrift. This decline can be attributed to various factors, including rapid urbanisation, technological advancements, globalisation, political instability, unemployment, and the erosion of traditional values. While globalisation has brought both opportunities and challenges, it has also shaped the living standards of youth in recent decades. Most importantly, political dependence, rising unemployment, and the erosion of value systems are the primary factors making the lives of our generation increasingly difficult and complicated. To overcome this dilemma, it is essential to instill the teachings and values of the Quaid-i-Azam in our youth for their overall development and nation-building. Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah was not only the founder of this country but also a philosopher, visionary, and one of the world’s greatest leaders. His vision for a new homeland for Indian Muslims of the subcontinent transformed not only the lives of Muslims of the region but also the demography of the subcontinent. After Pakistan’s triumph, Jinnah’s focus shifted to training, disciplining, and building the character of the youth to ensure Pakistan’s development and stability is in the right hands. Recognising youth as the future of the country, he advised and guided the youth to shape Pakistan’s futurein more than one way, while guiding them at every front. Strive for excellence through education Jinnah placed education at the heart of his vision for Pakistan. He was inspired by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s efforts to introduce Indian Muslims to modern scientific education and consistently emphasised its transformative power. “Without education, it is complete darkness, and with education, it is light,” he famously stated. During his early political career, Jinnah fought for universal education in British India. In 1911, he supported Gokhale’s Elementary Education Bill, advocating for free and compulsory education despite opposition from the colonial administration. He criticised the British education system for producing clerks to serve the empire, calling for a curriculum that would empower individuals to think critically and innovate. After Pakistan’s independence, Quaid-i-Azam repeatedly highlighted the importance of education in his speeches, urging the youth to acquire knowledge and skills that would enable them to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world. He envisioned a progressive society where education was not merely a means of earning a livelihood but a tool for intellectual growth and societal transformation. Unity, faith, and discipline Jinnah’s famous slogan-”Unity, faith, and discipline”-was a call to action for the youth of Pakistan. He believed these three qualities were essential for nation-building and repeatedly emphasised their importance in his speeches. On October 30, 1947, he urged the youth: “Unity, faith, and discipline are the three essential qualities you must possess to rebuild the nation and bring progress.” Moral and ethical integrity Jinnah believed that no nation could achieve greatness without a foundation of moral and ethical integrity. He was deeply concerned about the dangers of nepotism, corruption, and favouritism, warning that these practices could undermine Pakistan’s development. In his inaugural speech to the Constitutional Assembly of Pakistan, he stressed the importance of meritocracy and fairness, urging the youth to uphold high ethical standards in all aspects of life. He said, “Character is the foundation of all greatness. Build yourselves as men and women of high principles and unshakable moral standards.” Tolerance and coexistence Jinnah’s vision for Pakistan was rooted in the principles of tolerance and coexistence. While the country was founded on the two-nation theory, he consistently advocated for a society where people of all religions, ethnicities, and classes could live together in harmony. In his historic address to the Constitutional Assembly of Pakistan on August 11, 1947, he emphasised the importance of unity and mutual respect, urging the youth to rise above divisive ideologies. He said, “You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion, caste, or creed-that has nothing to do with the business of the State.” The responsibility of nation-building Jinnah saw the youth as the torchbearers of Pakistan’s future. While addressing young civil servants on October 11, 1947, he urged them, “Be the torchbearers of justice and fairness, for only then can a nation thrive and prosper.” He emphasised their vital role in shaping the country’s destiny, further reiterating this message in his speech at Dhaka University in March 1948. He stated, “Pakistan is proud of its youth. You are the nation-builders of tomorrow, and your efforts today will determine the future of this country.” Jinnah encouraged the youth to take an active interest in global politics and economic trends, stressing that a well-informed and educated generation was essential for Pakistan’s development. He believed that education should not be seen merely as a path to employment but as a tool for fostering critical and rational thinking. This, he argued, would empower the youth to address the nation’s challenges and contribute to its progress. Jinnah’s timeless vision calls on the youth to rise above personal interests and build a modern, prosperous Pakistan. In today’s turbulent times, his principles of unity, discipline, and moral integrity offer the roadmap we desperately need. By embracing his teachings, we can transform our nation and realise the greatness he dreamt of-a Pakistan defined by progress, strength, and unity.Each year, at least 100,000 kids call into the North American Aerospace Defense Command to inquire about Santa’s location. Millions more follow online in nine languages , from English to Japanese. On any other night, NORAD is scanning the heavens for potential threats , such as last year’s Chinese spy balloon . But on Christmas Eve, volunteers in Colorado Springs are fielding questions like, “When is Santa coming to my house?” and, “Am I on the naughty or nice list?” “There are screams and giggles and laughter,” said Bob Sommers, 63, a civilian contractor and NORAD volunteer. Sommers often says on the call that everyone must be asleep before Santa arrives, prompting parents to say, “Do you hear what he said? We got to go to bed early.” NORAD’s annual tracking of Santa has endured since the Cold War , predating ugly sweater parties and Mariah Carey classics . The tradition continues regardless of government shutdowns, such as the one in 2018 , and this year . Here’s how it began and why the phones keep ringing. The origin story is Hollywood-esque It started with a child’s accidental phone call in 1955. The Colorado Springs newspaper printed a Sears advertisement that encouraged children to call Santa, listing a phone number. A boy called. But he reached the Continental Air Defense Command, now NORAD, a joint U.S. and Canadian effort to spot potential enemy attacks. Tensions were growing with the Soviet Union, along with anxieties about nuclear war. Air Force Col. Harry W. Shoup picked up an emergency-only “red phone” and was greeted by a tiny voice that began to recite a Christmas wish list. “He went on a little bit, and he takes a breath, then says, ‘Hey, you’re not Santa,’” Shoup told The Associated Press in 1999. Realizing an explanation would be lost on the youngster, Shoup summoned a deep, jolly voice and replied, “Ho, ho, ho! Yes, I am Santa Claus. Have you been a good boy?” Shoup said he learned from the boy’s mother that Sears mistakenly printed the top-secret number. He hung up, but the phone soon rang again with a young girl reciting her Christmas list. Fifty calls a day followed, he said. In the pre-digital age, the agency used a 60-by-80 foot (18-by-24 meter) plexiglass map of North America to track unidentified objects. A staff member jokingly drew Santa and his sleigh over the North Pole. The tradition was born. “Note to the kiddies,” began an AP story from Colorado Springs on Dec. 23, 1955. “Santa Claus Friday was assured safe passage into the United States by the Continental Air Defense Command.” In a likely reference to the Soviets, the article noted that Santa was guarded against possible attack from “those who do not believe in Christmas.” Is the origin story humbug? Some grinchy journalists have nitpicked Shoup’s story, questioning whether a misprint or a misdial prompted the boy’s call. In 2014, tech news site Gizmodo cited an International News Service story from Dec. 1, 1955, about a child’s call to Shoup. Published in the Pasadena Independent, the article said the child reversed two digits in the Sears number. “When a childish voice asked COC commander Col. Harry Shoup, if there was a Santa Claus at the North Pole, he answered much more roughly than he should — considering the season: ‘There may be a guy called Santa Claus at the North Pole, but he’s not the one I worry about coming from that direction,’” Shoup said in the brief piece. In 2015, The Atlantic magazine doubted the flood of calls to the secret line, while noting that Shoup had a flair for public relations. Phone calls aside, Shoup was indeed media savvy. In 1986, he told the Scripps Howard News Service that he recognized an opportunity when a staff member drew Santa on the glass map in 1955. A lieutenant colonel promised to have it erased. But Shoup said, “You leave it right there,” and summoned public affairs. Shoup wanted to boost morale for the troops and public alike. “Why, it made the military look good — like we’re not all a bunch of snobs who don’t care about Santa Claus,” he said. Shoup died in 2009. His children told the StoryCorps podcast in 2014 that it was a misprinted Sears ad that prompted the phone calls. “And later in life he got letters from all over the world,” said Terri Van Keuren, a daughter. “People saying ‘Thank you, Colonel, for having, you know, this sense of humor.’” A rare addition to Santa’s story NORAD’s tradition is one of the few modern additions to the centuries-old Santa story that have endured, according to Gerry Bowler, a Canadian historian who spoke to the AP in 2010. Ad campaigns or movies try to “kidnap” Santa for commercial purposes, said Bowler, who wrote “Santa Claus: A Biography.” NORAD, by contrast, takes an essential element of Santa’s story and views it through a technological lens. In a recent interview with the AP, Air Force Lt. Gen. Case Cunningham explained that NORAD radars in Alaska and Canada —- known as the northern warning system — are the first to detect Santa. He leaves the North Pole and typically heads for the international dateline in the Pacific Ocean. From there he moves west, following the night. “That’s when the satellite systems we use to track and identify targets of interest every single day start to kick in,” Cunningham said. “A probably little-known fact is that Rudolph’s nose that glows red emanates a lot of heat. And so those satellites track (Santa) through that heat source.” NORAD has an app and website, www.noradsanta.org , that will track Santa on Christmas Eve from 4 a.m. to midnight, mountain standard time. People can call 1-877-HI-NORAD to ask live operators about Santa’s location from 6 a.m. to midnight, mountain time.Six FIRs filed for sharing ‘edited’ videos of Kejriwal
Bruising year
Canadian growth stocks have benefitted from declining interest rates, easing inflation, and investors’ positive outlook on artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation. While many have already witnessed a rally, a few growth stocks will likely sustain momentum due to the strength in demand trends. Against this backdrop, here are the two growth stocks that could skyrocket in 2025 and beyond. Celestica ( ) has emerged as one of the top-performing Canadian growth stocks in 2024, with strong potential to soar in 2025 and beyond. The company is capitalizing on increased spending in AI infrastructure, mainly through its Connectivity & Cloud Solutions segment, which focuses on next-gen storage, servers and communications hardware. This segment is expected to drive solid growth, bolstering Celestica’s overall financial performance. A key growth catalyst is the company’s focus on AI and machine learning (ML) servers. A major customer has already secured next-generation liquid-cooled, custom ASIC-based server programs. Production is slated to ramp up in mid-2025, with additional programs set for 2026 and beyond. Celestica is also in talks with other hyperscalers for future projects, further expanding its AI/ML offerings. The company is heavily investing in hardware platform solutions (HPS) for modular AI/ML systems and rack-scale solutions, catering to the growing need for customizable AI silicon. With hyperscaler spending on data centre hardware expected to rise, demand for Celestica’s advanced 400G and 800G networking switches, servers, and storage solutions will follow. In addition to AI, Celestica’s recovery in its Advanced Technology Solutions (ATS) business, including the aerospace, defence, and industrial sectors, will help diversify its revenue streams. The company is optimistic about returning to growth in its Industrial and Smart Energy segments in 2025, driven by increased demand. With strong prospects across various sectors, Celestica is well-positioned for continued growth, driven by favourable trends in AI, green energy, and defence spending. Bombardier ( ) is another promising stock that can deliver above-average returns over time. The leading aviation company is witnessing solid demand and deliveries of its business jets. Thanks to its impressive financials, Bombardier stock has risen about 87% over the past year, and the company still has more room to run, led by a solid backlog and higher deliveries. Besides higher aircraft deliveries, the company is poised to gain from its extensive aftermarket and support facilities network, focus on innovation, and diversification across defence, services, and the pre-owned aircraft markets. This will likely add to the company’s revenues and help improve profitability over time. Furthermore, Bombardier’s efforts to improve liquidity and lower its debt load will likely provide financial flexibility, positioning it well to invest in new opportunities and accelerate growth. Also, easing inflation, a likely cut in interest rates in 2025, and steady growth in developed economies could further benefit the company. Overall, the company is well-positioned to generate strong cash flows in the coming years. It expects to deliver more aircraft, witness stable order activity, and benefit from incremental aftermarket growth. These factors will drive its stock price higher and enable it to deliver notable returns.
Chandigarh: The collapse of a three-storey building in Punjab’s Mohali has claimed two lives, with rescuers pulling out the body of a man and a fatally injured woman from under the rubble during a multi-agency 23-hour rescue operation that concluded Sunday evening, officials said. A magisterial probe has been ordered into the incident which, according to a preliminary inquiry, occurred during alleged unauthorised digging in the adjacent plot belonging to one of the owners of the building. Drishti Verma, 20, from Himachal Pradesh, was rescued from the rubble in critical condition and was rushed to a hospital, where she succumbed to injuries on Saturday night, while the body of Abhishek Dhanwal, 29, was pulled out on Sunday. The two owners of the building and the contractor undertaking the digging work have been booked, the officials said, adding strict action will be taken against anyone found responsible. A short video clip circulating on social media purportedly of the incident shows the building, which housed a gym and paying guest accommodations, tilting to one side before collapsing. The building also had a basement. Some eyewitness claimed that an onlooker had raised an alarm as the building shook and a few occupants had safely come out before it came crashing down. They said that Abhishek, who visited the gym, went back inside to fetch his mobile phone and was trapped. Viraj S Tidke, officiating deputy commissioner of Mohali, said that Sub Divisional Magistrate of Mohali Damandeep Kaur has been entrusted with the probe and asked to submit the report within three weeks. He said that the debris had been checked by the NDRF thoroughly before declaring the operation complete.The whole operation was closely monitored by the district civil and police officials till its completion, the official said. “(Mohali) District administration completed the 23-hour-long constant rescue operation with the help of NDRF and Army as key players”, besides the police, municipal corporation and health department at Mohali (Sohana) building collapse site at 4:30 pm today, an official statement said. Initially, it was feared that at least five people were trapped under the rubble, prompting rescue efforts to continue overnight to find possible survivors. “The operation continued during the night also. As per the NDRF report, they have scanned the entire area” and ruled out the possibility of anyone else trapped under the debris, according to Tidke. Earlier in the day, Abhishek’s father told reporters at the site that his son, who used to visit a gym in the building, was missing and his phone was not reachable. Abhishek worked in the IT sector and used to live in a nearby area, his father said. “In addition to the three accused named in the building collapse incident, if during the inquiry role of more people comes up, whether in government or a private person, strict action as per law will be taken,” Tidke said. Mohali Senior Superintendent of Police Deepak Pareek told reporters at the site on Sunday that as per preliminary investigations an owner of the building, which collapsed, had a plot of land adjacent to it on which digging work to construct a basement was on. “However, no permission was taken and no agency concerned was informed about the unauthorised digging,” Pareek said. He said that the accused will be nabbed soon. Strict action will be taken so that a strong message goes and such incidents do not reoccur, the SSP said. Several excavators were pressed into service as part of the rescue operation. National Disaster Response Team (NDRF), Army, and state rescue teams worked since Saturday evening at the site. Briefing the media after the completion of the rescue operation, Tidke along with other officials said that about 140 NDRF team members, 167 from the Army’s 57 Engineers Regiment, over 300 from local police and the rest from allied departments were involved in the operation. Leader of Opposition in Punjab Assembly Partap Singh Bajwa slammed the Mohali district administration over the incident. The senior Congress leader, who visited the site, told reporters that he has learnt that some structures have been built in the area in flagrant violation of rules. “Accountability should be fixed in the matter. As head of district administration, personally, I hold the Deputy Commissioner responsible. If proper measures are not taken, “after a few months another building will collapse and this will continue. So accountability has to be fixed”, Bajwa said. He asked the administration to take necessary precautions to ensure such incidents are not repeated in the future.The New Era Of Cybersecurity: Harnessing The Power Of Generative AI