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Manmohan Singh had joined a pre-medical course as his father wanted him to become a doctor but pulled out after a couple of months, losing interest in the subject, according to a book on the former prime minister by his daughter. Singh died here on Thursday night at the age of 92 after he had sudden loss of consciousness at home. In her book 'Strictly Personal: Manmohan and Gursharan', published in 2014, Daman Singh also said economics was a subject that appealed to him. She also wrote that her father was a funny man saying he had a good sense of humour. In April 1948, Singh was admitted to Khalsa College in Amritsar. "Since his father wanted him to become a doctor, he joined the two-year FSc course that would lead to further studies in medicine. After just a couple of months, he dropped out. He had lost interest in becoming a doctor. In fact, he had also lost interest in studying science," Daman wrote. "I didn't have the time to think,' the author, who based her book on conversations with her parents and hours spent in libraries and archives," quoted her father as saying. "I went and joined my father in his shop. I didn't like that either, because I was not treated as an equal. I was treated as an inferior person who ran errands – bringing water, bringing tea. Then I thought I must go back to college. And I entered Hindu College in September 1948," Singh was quoted as saying. Economics was a subject that appealed to him immediately. "I was always interested in issues of poverty, why some countries are poor, why others are rich. And I was told that economics is the subject which asks these questions," Singh told his daughter. While studying at Cambridge University, money was the only real problem that bothered Singh. "His tuition and living expenses came to about 600 pounds a year. The Panjab University scholarship gave him about 160 pounds. For the rest he had to depend on his father. Manmohan was careful to live very stingily. Subsidised meals in the dining hall were relatively cheap at two shillings sixpence," Daman wrote. She said her father never ate out, and seldom indulged in beer or wine yet he would be in crisis if money from home fell short or did not arrive on time. "When this happened, he skipped meals or got by on a sixpence bar of Cadbury’s chocolate," she said. He also asked a friend to lend him 25 pounds for two years but the friend could send only 3 pounds. Daman found her father a very funny man. "When in a reflective mood, he sat with an index finger perched on the side of his nose. He was completely helpless about the house and could neither boil an egg, nor switch on the television." He also had a sense of humour of sorts, she said. "This was evident when he was with friends, even if they were economists. It was comforting to know that he could laugh and crack jokes as well. With us, he rarely did either." "The lighter side of him liked to give nicknames to people. Unknown to them, one of our uncles was John Babu, another was Jewel Babu and a third - to commemorate his pointed turban - was Chunj Waley. My mother was Gurudev, and the three of us were Kick, Little Noan and Little Ram. Some of the other names he coined were less charitable," Daman wrote.
Jimmy Carter, former US president and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, dead at 100US sex-abuse watchdog fires investigator after learning of his arrest for stealing drug money DENVER (AP) — The U.S. Center for SafeSport abruptly fired one of its investigators last month after learning he’d been arrested for stealing money confiscated after a drug bust he was part of during his previous job as a police officer. Jason Krasley left his job with the Allentown Police Department in Pennsylvania in 2021 and was hired by the Denver-based SafeSport center to look into sensitive cases involving sex abuse and harassment. The center said it conducts multiple interviews and a “comprehensive background check” of potential employees. The center said it was looking into cases Krasley handled to make sure they were dealt with appropriately. Jim Larrañaga steps down at Miami, Bill Courtney takes over to finish season CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Jim Larrañaga has stepped down as Miami’s men’s basketball coach effective immediately. Larrañaga will be replaced by associate head coach Bill Courtney — one of Larrañaga’s best friends for the past three decades or so — for the remainder of the season. The now-former coach says he loves the university but believes it's the right time to step away. Larrañaga says "I’ve tried every which way to keep this going.” Larrañaga joins a long line of prominent college basketball coaches who have left their jobs in recent years citing the changes in the game and the challenge of coaching in the Name, Image and Likeness era. Detroit Red Wings fire coach Derek Lalonde, name Todd McLellan as his replacement The Detroit Red Wings have fired coach Derek Lalonde and named Todd McLellan as his replacement. The move a day after Christmas comes after the Red Wings lost 21 of their first 34 games this season. They're on a three-game skid. Assistant Bob Boughner was also fired and Trent Yawney hired to work on McLellan's staff. McLellan signed a multiyear contract to start his fourth NHL head coaching job. Lalonde was nearly midway through his third season with Detroit after winning the Stanley Cup twice as an assistant with Tampa Bay. Pat Riley says the Miami Heat will not trade Jimmy Butler ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — If Jimmy Butler wants a trade, the Miami Heat have no plans to make him happy. Heat President Pat Riley — in a rare move — spoke out to address rumors Thursday, saying the team has no plans to trade Butler. It’s a clear sign that, if necessary, the team will be willing to let Butler leave as a free agent and get nothing in return. Riley says in a release distributed by the team "we usually don’t comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches.” Haaland penalty failure and Fernandes red card pile on woes for City and United in Premier League Erling Haaland’s failure from the penalty spot and Bruno Fernandes’ latest red card have compounded the woes of Manchester City and Manchester United on another tough day for the two Premier League giants. City dropped more points in its improbably poor run of form by drawing 1-1 at home to Everton. Haaland had a spot kick saved by England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the 53rd minute. The four-time defending champions have only won one of its last 13 games in all competitions. While City is languishing in seventh place, United is even further adrift in 14th place after a 2-0 loss at lowly Wolverhampton. Fernandes was sent off in the 47th. Simona Halep withdraws from Australian Open qualifying because of knee and shoulder pain MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep has pulled out of Australian Open qualifying and a tuneup tournament in Auckland, New Zealand, because of pain in her knee and shoulder. Thursday's news represents the latest interruption of her comeback from a drug suspension. Halep posted on social media that she was feeling poorly after participating in an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi. The 33-year-old Romanian said she is planning to next enter the Transylvania Open in her home country, where play begins Feb. 3. Halep was granted a wild-card entry for qualifying in the Australian Open last week. Mahomes throws 3 TDs as Chiefs clinch AFC's top seed by breezing past the skidding Steelers 29-10 PITTSBURGH (AP) — Patrick Mahomes passed for 320 yards and three touchdowns and the Kansas City Chiefs locked up the top seed in the AFC for the fourth time in seven seasons with a 29-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The two-time defending Super Bowl champions raced to an early 13-point lead and were never really threatened by the Steelers (10-6). Pittsburgh has dropped three straight to see its chances of capturing the AFC North take another hit. Travis Kelce caught eight passes for 84 yards and a touchdown. Kelce also became the third tight end in NFL history to reach 1,000 receptions, joining Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten. Jackson breaks Vick's NFL rushing record for QBs in Ravens' rout over Texans HOUSTON (AP) — Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson passed Michael Vick for the most yards rushing by a quarterback in NFL history in a 31-2 win over the Houston Texans in Wednesday. Jackson moved past Vick on a 6-yard run in the third quarter. Jackson had 87 yards rushing to give him 6,110 yards, moving him past Vick, who piled up 6,109 in his 13-year career. LeBron James scores 31 in record 19th Christmas Day game as Lakers hold off Curry, Warriors 115-113 SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Austin Reaves scored the winning layup with one second left after Stephen Curry tied it on a 31-foot 3-pointer with seven seconds remaining, LeBron James had 31 points and 10 assists playing in his NBA-record 19th Christmas Day game, and the Los Angeles Lakers held off the Golden State Warriors 115-113. Curry scored 38 with eight 3s, hitting one under pressure from the baseline with 12 seconds left and another with 2:49 remaining only for James to answer from long range on the other end. Reaves recorded a triple-double. Bridges scores season-high 41, Knicks withstand Wembanyama's monster Christmas debut to edge Spurs NEW YORK (AP) — Mikal Bridges scored a season-high 41 points, and the New York Knicks overcame 42 from Victor Wembanyama in a monster Christmas debut to edge the San Antonio Spurs 117-114 on Wednesday. Wembanyama set a Spurs record for points on the holiday and added 18 rebounds, four assists and four blocked shots. The reigning Western Conference player of the week made six 3-pointers. But Bridges shot 17 for 25 from the field, 6 for 9 behind the arc, to make sure the Knicks had just enough offense to win their fifth in a row and improve to 20-10.CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — RJ Johnson scored 23 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer in the final minute, Daylen Berry added two clutch free throws and Charleston Southern surprised Miami 83-79 on Saturday. The Buccaneers led for the last four minutes of the first half and deep into the second half before a 3-pointer from Austin Swartz gave Miami a 76-75 lead with 3 minutes left in the game. A three-point play by Lynn Kidd gave the Hurricanes a 79-75 lead with 2:11 remaining. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get updates and player profiles ahead of Friday's high school games, plus a recap Saturday with stories, photos, video Frequency: Seasonal Twice a week
MicroStrategy, Inc. MSTR shares are climbing after-hours after the company announced it completed its previously announced offering of its 0% convertible senior notes due 2029. The Details: MicroStrategy said the aggregate principal amount of the notes sold in the offering was $3 billion, which includes $400 million aggregate principal amount of notes issued pursuant to an option to purchase. Read More: Rumble CEO Considers Bitcoin Investment, Engages Michael Saylor As Shares Rally The net proceeds from the sale of the notes were approximately $2.97 billion, after deducting the initial purchasers’ discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by the company. MicroStrategy intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of the notes to acquire additional Bitcoin BTC/USD and for general corporate purposes. MicroStrategy holds a total of 331,200 Bitcoin purchased at an average price of approximately $49,874 per coin as of Nov. 17. What Else: MicroStrategy shares fell more than 16% in Thursday's regular session after short-seller Citron Research's Andrew Left announced he took a new short position in the stock which has rallied more than 50% since President-elect Donald Trump won the election on Nov. 5. "Fast forward to today: $MSTR has skyrocketed to over $5,000 (adjusted) ... while Citron remains bullish on Bitcoin, we’ve hedged with a short $MSTR position," Left said. "Much respect to @saylor, but even he must know $MSTR is overheated," Citron Research wrote in a post on X. MSTR Price Action: According to Benzinga Pro , MicroStrategy shares are up 5.48% after-hours at $410.05 at the time of publication Thursday. Read More: Bitcoin Could Reach $1 Million By 2037, Economist Says: ‘Buy Of A Lifetime’ Opportunity Photo: Courtesy of MicroStrategy, Inc. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.When Robert F Kennedy Jr was running as an independent candidate at this year's US election, he attracted a series of bizarre headlines. "RFK Jr says doctors found a dead worm in his brain," screamed The New York Times. "RFK Jr admits to dumping a dead bear in Central Park," said NPR. "Feds open probe into RFK Jr for allegedly decapitating a dead whale," reported Fox News. The 70-year-old had been seen as a potential spoiler in a rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. But by the time Kamala Harris replaced the president on the Democratic ticket, his campaign had faltered and was running out of money. Opinion polls suggested he could still draw votes away from Trump, however, in what was then expected to be a very close contest. And despite having previously described RFK Jr as the "most radical left candidate in the race", the now president-elect sought — and received — his endorsement. That support has now been rewarded with the promise of a major new job; Trump has nominated RFK Jr to be his secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). It is a sprawling federal agency tasked with overseeing everything from vaccines to Medicare to food safety. So what exactly does RFK Jr mean when he promises to "Make America Healthy Again"? And why are some public health experts so alarmed? A 'dangerous' record on vaccines RFK Jr is part of one of America's most famous political dynasties. He is named after his father, former US attorney-general Robert F Kennedy, and is the nephew of former president John F Kennedy. He made his own mark as an environmental lawyer, focusing on issues such as water pollution. But it is his vaccine activism that is generating the most attention now that he is in line for a role in Trump's second-term administration. RFK Jr has promoted disproven claims, including that childhood vaccines cause autism. He has also been accused of fuelling vaccine scepticism in Samoa ahead of a deadly measles outbreak that killed 83 people there in 2019 . Vaccination rates had fallen after two babies died the previous year from incorrectly mixed and administered mumps, measles and rubella (MMR) shots. RFK Jr visited the Pacific nation several months before the outbreak, writing later that the trip was organised by a local vaccination critic. He has since denied bearing any responsibility for the measles outbreak in Samoa, telling a documentary that he "never told anybody not to vaccinate" . "I didn't, you know, go there for any reason to do with that," he said. But Helen Petousis-Harris, a New Zealand-based vaccinologist who worked to try to rebuild confidence in Samoa's vaccination program, said RFK Jr weakened an "already fragile trust". "A person who has the status of RFK Jr just I guess further amplifies what those local anti-vaccine advocates had been saying," she said. "And there's a big price to pay, isn't there? I mean, these were children's lives." RFK Jr has rejected the assertion that he is an "anti-vaxxer" and he insisted shortly after Trump's election victory that if vaccines were "working for somebody, I'm not going to take them away". "I'm going to make sure scientific safety studies and efficacy are out there, and people can make individual assessments about whether that product is going to be good for them," he told NBC News. Lawrence Gostin, a professor of global health law at Georgetown University, points out control over vaccines in the US resides with the states, not the federal government. But he argues RFK Jr could try to change which vaccines can be accessed free of charge under health insurance. And he believes he will do "everything in his power to foment distrust in them". "I've never seen a darker day for public health than I have since the election," he said. "I just call this simply a poke in the eye of science." RFK Jr's position on vaccines is partly behind a split in his famous family. His cousin and outgoing US ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy recently described his views as "dangerous". "I grew up with him so I've known all this for a long time and others are just getting to know him," she told the National Press Club in Canberra. An overhaul of America's eating habits Along with what he says will be a crackdown on big pharma, RFK Jr is promising to overhaul America's food system. He ahs called for new limits on food additives and dyes, highlighting differences between the artificial colours used in American-made breakfast cereals and those used in the same products produced in Canada. "It's literally poisoning our kids," he told Fox News in September. He has also pledged to remove ultra-processed foods from school lunches as part of an effort to end what he describes as the "chronic disease epidemic". "President Trump has told me that he wants to see measurable, concrete results within two years in terms of a measurable diminishment in chronic disease among America's kids," he told NBC earlier this month . Some of RFK Jr's stances on nutrition have found support across a broad political spectrum in the US. Author Michael Pollan, who has spent decades advocating for healthier eating, told Politico he agreed with many of RFK Jr's criticisms of the US food system. "The way we're eating is the biggest threat to public health," he said. But he added that he did not support RFK Jr's nomination. "I think he's completely unfit and that's because of his stance on vaccines," he said. Richard Besser, a former acting director of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) under Barack Obama, believes there is merit in some of the goals RFK Jr is pursuing. But he also does not support his appointment as DHHS secretary. "One of the challenges very frequently with people who are big spreaders of misinformation is that some of what they spread is good," Dr Besser said. "If we had a secretary who said, 'Let's take on childhood nutrition,' that's great. "But you want to make sure that they're coming in and saying, 'Let's bring in the best and the brightest around this topic,' ... not pulling in ideas that may not be based on science, may be based on fear or misleading information." The 'MAHA' movement RFK Jr has called for fluoride to be removed from public drinking water, warned against seed oils, and criticised what he has called the "aggressive suppression" by federal regulators of unpasteurised milk and psychedelics. He has attracted a social media following under the hashtag "Make America Healthy Again", or "MAHA", a spin on Trump's famous slogan. "How it feels knowing RFK Jr is about to go head to head with the food and pharmacy industries," one TikTok user posted alongside the #crunchymom hashtag. RFK Jr has also recently been linked to controversial Australian personality Pete Evans. An advocacy group founded by RFK Jr is publishing a children's cookbook with the former celebrity chef who has previously been accused of spreading medical misinformation. Professor Gostin said there had long been some level of scepticism towards American public health institutions, but that distrust increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. "I think perhaps science and public health lacked the necessary humility during the pandemic, and that's part of the problem," he said. "But the solution isn't to tear down science and evidence, because we have no alternative." 'Pretty wild ideas' RFK Jr's appointment will need to be confirmed by the Senate, and while Republicans are set to take control of the chamber, that does not guarantee approval. Trump's pick for attorney-general, Matt Gaetz, recently withdrew his name from consideration after senators demanded to see the detail of sexual misconduct allegations against him. "The end of the Matt Gaetz nomination could play out in the form of the Senate willing now to confirm whoever is put in front of them," said Sara Rosenbaum, professor emirata at George Washington University's Milken Institute School of Public Health. "Although, interestingly, the Senate was sort of able to ward [Gaetz's appointment] off before it came to an actual 'no'. "So whether this, in fact, means that they are still rigorous and moving through the candidates in a meaningful way, considering the candidates in a meaningful way, remains to be seen." If he is confirmed, the president-elect has joked he will let RFK Jr "go wild for a little while". "Then I'm going to have to maybe rein him back," Trump said in the lead-up to the election. "Because he's got some pretty wild ideas but most of them are really good, I think." Additional reporting by ABCNeuer gets sent off for 1st time and Bayern Munich exits German Cup early again
MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SPS Commerce, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPSC), a leader in retail supply chain cloud services, today announced that management will present at the Nasdaq 51st Investor Conference on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 3:00 PM GMT. A webcast of the presentation will be available on the company’s investor relations website at http://investors.spscommerce.com/events.cfm . About SPS Commerce SPS Commerce is the world’s leading retail network, connecting trading partners around the globe to optimize supply chain operations for all retail partners. We support data-driven partnerships with innovative cloud technology, customer-obsessed service and accessible experts so our customers can focus on what they do best. To date, more than 120,000 companies in retail, grocery, distribution, supply, and logistics have chosen SPS as their retail network. SPS has achieved 95 consecutive quarters of revenue growth and is headquartered in Minneapolis. For additional information, contact SPS at 866-245-8100 or visit www.spscommerce.com . SPS COMMERCE, SPS, SPS logo and INFINITE RETAIL POWER are marks of SPS Commerce, Inc. and registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, along with other SPS marks. Such marks may also be registered or otherwise protected in other countries. Contact: Investor Relations The Blueshirt Group Irmina Blaszczyk Lisa Laukkanen SPSC@blueshirtgroup.com 415-217-4962 SPS-FBreach of license by cutting programming at Radio Foyle shows north west ‘not a priority’ for BBC, says MP
HONG KONG , Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dunxin Financial Holdings Limited ("Dunxin" or the "Company") (OTC Pink: DXFFY), a company engaged in real estate operation management and investment and a digital technology security business in Hong Kong , today announced that it plans to change the ratio of its American depositary shares ("ADSs") from one (1) ADS representing four hundred and eighty (480) Class A ordinary shares to one (1) ADS representing sixty thousand (60,000) Class A ordinary shares. The effect of the ratio change on the ADS trading price on the OTC Pink (the "OTC") is expected to take place at the open of trading on December 4, 2024 (U.S. Eastern Time). For the Company's ADS holders, the ADS ratio change will have the same effect as a one-for-one hundred and twenty-five reverse split. There will be no change to the Company's Class A ordinary shares. ADS holders of record on the effective date will need to surrender their ADS to the depositary bank for cancellation and exchange in connection with the ADS ratio change, with further details to be provided in the notice by the depositary bank. As of the effective date for the ADS ratio change, Dunxin's ADSs will continue to be traded on the OTC under the symbol "DXFFY". No fractional new ADSs will be issued in connection with the change in the ADS ratio. Instead, fractional entitlements to new ADSs will be aggregated and sold by the depositary bank and the net cash proceeds from the sale of the fractional ADS entitlements (after deduction of fees, taxes and expenses) will be distributed to the applicable ADS holders by the depositary bank. As a result of the change in the ADS ratio, the ADS price is expected to increase proportionally, although the Company can give no assurance that the ADS price after the change in the ADS ratio will be equal to or greater than the ADS price on a proportionate basis. About Dunxin Financial Holdings Limited Dunxin is a licensed microfinance lender serving individuals and SMEs in Hubei Province , China . Dunxin suspended offering loans to its customers since 2020. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. When the Company uses words such as "may, "will, "intend," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project," "estimate" or similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters, it is making forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the following: the Company's goals and strategies; the Company's future business development; product and service demand and acceptance; changes in technology; economic conditions; the growth of market in China and the other international markets the Company plans to serve; reputation and brand; the impact of competition and pricing; government regulations; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in China and the international markets the Company plans to serve and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing and other risks contained in reports filed by the Company with the SEC. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in the Company's filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov . The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward–looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.Why there won't be a Supplemental Security Income check to start December
There is a seemingly endless stream of news headlines about plummeting birth rates. Many have alarmist narratives about the perils of “baby busts” and “population decline”. This reflects a deep-seated anxiety about what declining birth rates mean for the future of society. In 2023, Australia’s birth rate declined to the lowest level ever recorded of 1.5 births per woman. But declining birth rates have long been an issue of public concern. Even as early as 1903, the New South Wales government established a Royal Commission on the decline of the birth rate. But what real issue does a low birth rate pose, and for whom? Birth rates are not just numbers; they are intertwined with the fabric of societies. Alarm about low fertility is grounded not just in economic concerns, but political and ideological worries, too. Declining birth rates affect the economy Initially, a declining birth rate will mean a relatively larger proportion of people of working age and fewer children. This pattern provides countries with an opportunity to grow their economy. More people of working age means more economic productivity and activity, and a larger tax base. Over time, however, sustained declines in the birth rate leads to fewer people moving into the productive (and reproductive) years. The working age demographic bulge moves into older ages. This is known as population ageing. In the absence of positive net migration , this will eventually lead to depopulation if fertility is low enough. There is widespread recognition declining birth rates can contribute to economic decline , as a result of a shrinking workforce. This can lead to labour shortages, reduced economic output, and a smaller tax base to support welfare systems. But it doesn’t automatically spell disaster However, some experts challenge the idea population decline means economic disaster. Population decline, they argue, can actually be beneficial for per capita consumption and living standards. Other potential benefits include: less resources being consumed less pollution more investment in the education and well-being of a smaller number of children. Beyond the economic sphere, declining birth rates often become entangled with broader social and political anxieties. Non-economic fears Low birth rates often accompany fears of national decline, cultural homogenisation, and even “ civilizational doom ”. These fears are often exploited by political actors seeking to promote nationalist agendas and restrict immigration . The focus on increasing birth rates as a solution to these perceived threats can also lead to policymakers undermining human rights, particularly women’s reproductive rights. Policies that pressure women to have children are often justified in the name of national security and demographic stability . These policies may promote traditional gender roles, and restrict access to reproductive healthcare. Beyond the macroeconomic and geopolitical narratives, however, people’s decisions about childbearing are deeply personal. Many people want more kids than they have Research repeatedly shows there is a gap between people’s fertility intentions and the number of children they end up having. Many people who want kids face barriers such as: economic insecurity gender inequality limited access to formal and informal childcare, and high housing and education costs. This underscores the need to address the systemic issues that make it difficult for people to have the number of children they want. The persistent focus on declining birth rates is the product of a complex and often emotionally charged intersection between the public and private spheres. The economic and social challenges associated with low fertility are real and deserve careful consideration. But demographic policies need not specifically address only childbearing. Demographic resilience Many countries are framing their population futures under a “ demographic resilience ” framework. This framework recognises that there is a need for constructive solutions to the rapidly ageing or declining populations we see today, without a distracting focus on policies to increase the birth rate. Policies that do aim to support childbearing should respect people’s individual autonomy and reproductive choices. A human rights-based approach recognises that the goal is not to dictate reproductive choices. It is to ensure the conditions under which individuals can freely exercise those choices. This could include policies that ensure people can: access affordable childcare and housing achieve work-life balance through flexible work arrangements access robust parental leave policies. Supporting child-free lifestyles is equally important; society should affirm the right not to have children is a valid choice. The challenge for policymakers lies in balancing societal concerns with respect for individual autonomy. The low fertility discourse should move beyond “crisis” to focus on creating supportive environments where people can make informed, empowered decisions about parenthood.US sex-abuse watchdog fires investigator after learning of his arrest for stealing drug money DENVER (AP) — The U.S. Center for SafeSport abruptly fired one of its investigators last month after learning he’d been arrested for stealing money confiscated after a drug bust he was part of during his previous job as a police officer. Jason Krasley left his job with the Allentown Police Department in Pennsylvania in 2021 and was hired by the Denver-based SafeSport center to look into sensitive cases involving sex abuse and harassment. The center said it conducts multiple interviews and a “comprehensive background check” of potential employees. The center said it was looking into cases Krasley handled to make sure they were dealt with appropriately. Jim Larrañaga steps down at Miami, Bill Courtney takes over to finish season CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Jim Larrañaga has stepped down as Miami’s men’s basketball coach effective immediately. Larrañaga will be replaced by associate head coach Bill Courtney — one of Larrañaga’s best friends for the past three decades or so — for the remainder of the season. The now-former coach says he loves the university but believes it's the right time to step away. Larrañaga says "I’ve tried every which way to keep this going.” Larrañaga joins a long line of prominent college basketball coaches who have left their jobs in recent years citing the changes in the game and the challenge of coaching in the Name, Image and Likeness era. Detroit Red Wings fire coach Derek Lalonde, name Todd McLellan as his replacement The Detroit Red Wings have fired coach Derek Lalonde and named Todd McLellan as his replacement. The move a day after Christmas comes after the Red Wings lost 21 of their first 34 games this season. They're on a three-game skid. Assistant Bob Boughner was also fired and Trent Yawney hired to work on McLellan's staff. McLellan signed a multiyear contract to start his fourth NHL head coaching job. Lalonde was nearly midway through his third season with Detroit after winning the Stanley Cup twice as an assistant with Tampa Bay. Pat Riley says the Miami Heat will not trade Jimmy Butler ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — If Jimmy Butler wants a trade, the Miami Heat have no plans to make him happy. Heat President Pat Riley — in a rare move — spoke out to address rumors Thursday, saying the team has no plans to trade Butler. It’s a clear sign that, if necessary, the team will be willing to let Butler leave as a free agent and get nothing in return. Riley says in a release distributed by the team "we usually don’t comment on rumors, but all this speculation has become a distraction to the team and is not fair to the players and coaches.” Haaland penalty failure and Fernandes red card pile on woes for City and United in Premier League Erling Haaland’s failure from the penalty spot and Bruno Fernandes’ latest red card have compounded the woes of Manchester City and Manchester United on another tough day for the two Premier League giants. City dropped more points in its improbably poor run of form by drawing 1-1 at home to Everton. Haaland had a spot kick saved by England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the 53rd minute. The four-time defending champions have only won one of its last 13 games in all competitions. While City is languishing in seventh place, United is even further adrift in 14th place after a 2-0 loss at lowly Wolverhampton. Fernandes was sent off in the 47th. Simona Halep withdraws from Australian Open qualifying because of knee and shoulder pain MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep has pulled out of Australian Open qualifying and a tuneup tournament in Auckland, New Zealand, because of pain in her knee and shoulder. Thursday's news represents the latest interruption of her comeback from a drug suspension. Halep posted on social media that she was feeling poorly after participating in an exhibition event in Abu Dhabi. The 33-year-old Romanian said she is planning to next enter the Transylvania Open in her home country, where play begins Feb. 3. Halep was granted a wild-card entry for qualifying in the Australian Open last week. Mahomes throws 3 TDs as Chiefs clinch AFC's top seed by breezing past the skidding Steelers 29-10 PITTSBURGH (AP) — Patrick Mahomes passed for 320 yards and three touchdowns and the Kansas City Chiefs locked up the top seed in the AFC for the fourth time in seven seasons with a 29-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The two-time defending Super Bowl champions raced to an early 13-point lead and were never really threatened by the Steelers (10-6). Pittsburgh has dropped three straight to see its chances of capturing the AFC North take another hit. Travis Kelce caught eight passes for 84 yards and a touchdown. Kelce also became the third tight end in NFL history to reach 1,000 receptions, joining Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten. Jackson breaks Vick's NFL rushing record for QBs in Ravens' rout over Texans HOUSTON (AP) — Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson passed Michael Vick for the most yards rushing by a quarterback in NFL history in a 31-2 win over the Houston Texans in Wednesday. Jackson moved past Vick on a 6-yard run in the third quarter. Jackson had 87 yards rushing to give him 6,110 yards, moving him past Vick, who piled up 6,109 in his 13-year career. LeBron James scores 31 in record 19th Christmas Day game as Lakers hold off Curry, Warriors 115-113 SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Austin Reaves scored the winning layup with one second left after Stephen Curry tied it on a 31-foot 3-pointer with seven seconds remaining, LeBron James had 31 points and 10 assists playing in his NBA-record 19th Christmas Day game, and the Los Angeles Lakers held off the Golden State Warriors 115-113. Curry scored 38 with eight 3s, hitting one under pressure from the baseline with 12 seconds left and another with 2:49 remaining only for James to answer from long range on the other end. Reaves recorded a triple-double. Bridges scores season-high 41, Knicks withstand Wembanyama's monster Christmas debut to edge Spurs NEW YORK (AP) — Mikal Bridges scored a season-high 41 points, and the New York Knicks overcame 42 from Victor Wembanyama in a monster Christmas debut to edge the San Antonio Spurs 117-114 on Wednesday. Wembanyama set a Spurs record for points on the holiday and added 18 rebounds, four assists and four blocked shots. The reigning Western Conference player of the week made six 3-pointers. But Bridges shot 17 for 25 from the field, 6 for 9 behind the arc, to make sure the Knicks had just enough offense to win their fifth in a row and improve to 20-10.
Singh won't support Conservative non-confidence motion that uses his own words
In mere days, Matt Gaetz went from being nominated for Attorney General to hawking custom birthday clips on Cameo. The former Florida congressman filled his weekend churning out minimum $525 personalized video messages for his fans. In a video shared to social media on Sunday morning, Gaetz addressed a woman named Lisa in a Cameo video, thanking her for supporting Donald Trump and the Republican party. “I know you were bummed out when the news broke that I wouldn’t be the next attorney general,” he said , donning glasses and a tee shirt, before adding, “Also, say hello to your mother Carol for me.” ADVERTISEMENT Gaetz joined Cameo , a platform that allows fans to purchase personalized video messages from celebrities on Friday, the day after he withdrew his name from consideration for the nation’s top law enforcement job, citing the controversy over allegations of sex with a minor and sex trafficking. Though he denied the allegations, he said it had become a “distraction” to the Trump-Vance transition team. Trump has since offered the position to former Florida AG Pam Bondi . The ex-congressman addressed his ill-fated attorney general bid jokingly in the Cameo videos posted to social media, as he offered his well wishes to a lawyer who recently made partner at their firm. “My legal career took a bit of a different turn this last week — but you know what? Work hard, make a lot of money, do a lot of great things as a practitioner and counselor at law and, you know, you never know. You could be an attorney general nominee too,” the controversy-stricken former congressman quipped. Gaetz also used his video to hail his successor, Bondi, as “a great one.” “Now listen. I may not be the attorney general, the most powerful law enforcement officer in the land — for now...,” Gaetz continued . “And so I can’t like order predator strikes on my enemies, as much as I would like to. For now.” Instead, he said “I can order you to have as much fun as possible.” According to Gaetz’s profile on the site, he has made eight videos and has a five star rating. In one video shared on social media, he congratulated a couple on their marriage. “I love marriage...” he told the newlyweds. “Marriage is an incredible institution because you get to have, like, a specialization of skills.” Fellow controversial Trump ally and disgraced congressman George Santos also seels videos on Cameo. At one point, Santos was charging $400 per clip, earning more than his former congressional salary.Players Championship Finals: Luke Humphries beats Luke Littler in thrilling final to retain title - Sky SportsTossing and Turning: How Seasonal Stress Affects Your Sleep CycleFormer President Jimmy Carter, our nation’s 39th chief executive, dies at 100
Listing on the London stock market is 'not rational', says Revolut boss as he takes another swipe at the UKWatford player sparks brawl with controversial celebration after 95th minute winner
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Another factor to keep in mind is the long-term outlook for interest rates. While rates have been on the rise recently, they are still relatively low compared to historical averages. Locking in a mortgage now, even at a slightly higher rate, could still result in significant savings over the life of the loan compared to waiting for rates to climb further.Chicago's ShotSpotter program officially expires
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