Harsh Winter A Double Blow For Contractual Professors In Kashmir As the meteorological department predicts a harsh winter in Kashmir this season, the chill resonates far beyond the physical environment, hitting hardest the lives of contractual assistant professors in universities and those working on academic arrangements in colleges. These educators, the backbone of the region’s higher education system, face a bleak season not only because of the cold weather but due to the systemic neglect that leaves them financially crippled and socially marginalized during the winter break. Unlike their permanent counterparts, contractual professors are abruptly cut off from their salaries when institutions close for the winter vacation. For many, this period stretches over two months, leaving them with no income to meet daily expenses or plan for the future. These individuals are not merely professionals; they are parents, spouses, and caregivers responsible for their families. With children’s school fees, medical emergencies, utility bills, and household expenses piling up, the loss of income during this time becomes an insurmountable burden. This situation forces many into a cycle of debt, where they borrow from friends, relatives, or even moneylenders to survive the winter. The strain of repaying these loans, often at high interest, follows them well into the next academic year, perpetuating a state of financial instability. For those supporting ageing parents or dependents with chronic illnesses, the winter break becomes a nightmare, filled with uncertainty and humiliation. The suffering doesn’t end there. The lack of job security and the temporary nature of their positions place these educators in a precarious social position. In a society where professional stability is equated with respect and competence, the plight of contractual professors often invites judgment rather than sympathy. Many endure whispered criticisms from relatives and acquaintances, questioning their inability to secure a “real job.” This not only damages their social reputation but also takes a severe toll on their mental health and self-esteem. Adding to their woes is the lack of recognition for their service during the winter break. These months are not counted as part of their work experience, creating professional gaps that hinder their career progression. This oversight is particularly cruel in academia, where experience plays a pivotal role in promotions, eligibility for permanent positions, and other opportunities. The government and academic institutions cannot continue to turn a blind eye to this injustice. Contractual professors are an essential part of the education system, shouldering significant responsibilities despite the uncertainty of their tenure. Without their contributions, the system would struggle to meet the demands of increasing student populations and rising academic standards. First and foremost, salaries during the winter vacation should be treated as a basic right. These educators are employed every year, and the break should not be used as an excuse to deny them their livelihood. Additionally, the vacation period must be officially included in their service record to ensure that they do not lose valuable experience. The issue also calls for a larger discussion on policy reforms to improve the working conditions of contractual faculty. The government must revisit its approach to hiring and retaining academic talent, ensuring that temporary positions are not used as a cost-cutting mechanism at the expense of human dignity and quality education. Long-term solutions could include better pay scales, and providing job security to those who have served for extended periods. Beyond financial and professional concerns, this is a matter of respect and equity. How can a society claim to value education when it disregards the welfare of its educators? The message sent to students is one of hypocrisy—while they are encouraged to strive for excellence, their role models are treated as expendable. It is time for the government, universities, and colleges to act with urgency and compassion. Addressing the plight of contractual assistant professors is not merely an administrative task; it is a moral obligation. Let this winter mark a turning point where warmth, justice, and fairness are extended to those who have long endured the cold indifference of the system. This initiative is a plea for change, for policies that reflect the true value of educators and their indispensable role in shaping society. If left unaddressed, this issue will continue to undermine not only the lives of these professors but the very foundation of our education system. This winter must not be another chapter in their story of hardship. The current government, which has committed itself to bringing reform and equity to all sectors, must take this opportunity to rectify the long-standing issues faced by contractual faculty. The writer is an Assistant Professor (Contractual), Department of Business Administration, School of Business Studies, Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora By Dr Syed Irfan Shafi [email protected]Why a five-match series is the perfect Test for Australia and IndiaSportscaster Greg Gumbel dies from cancer at age 78

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Criticism of Israel or the war in Gaza doesn't amount to anti-Semitism, the foreign minister says, as Australia grapples with an increase in the vile sentiment. or signup to continue reading Many in Australia's Jewish community are feeling scared and unsafe and anti-Semitism must be rejected at every turn, Penny Wong says. "We know that cruel acts of anti-Semitism evoke some of the darkest episodes in the history of the Jewish people," she said in a major foreign policy speech at the University of South Australia on Monday night. "We condemn and reject anti-Semitism wherever it occurs - acts of hate have no place in Australia." But people needed to respectfully disagree on points of difference and avoid "misrepresenting views and exaggerating differences" to stop the conflict in the Middle East spurring friction in Australia, she said. "It's not anti-Semitic to expect that Israel should comply with the international law that applies to all countries," Senator Wong said. "Nor is it anti-Semitic to call for children and other civilians to be protected or to call for a two-state solution that enables Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security." Her comments followed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticising the Australian government for holding an "extreme anti-Israel position" that he linked to a firebombing of a Melbourne synagogue. Mr Netanyahu and Jewish groups in Australia were critical of the federal government voting in support of a pro-Palestinian motion at the United Nations. The motion was supported by almost 160 members while only a handful, including the United States and Israel, voted against it. Australia's special envoy to combat anti-Semitism, Jillian Segal said it wasn't necessarily anti-Semitic for people to call for a two-state solution or the recognition of Palestinian statehood. The internationally accepted definition of anti-Semitism "makes it clear that criticism of Israel in a form that you would normally criticise another country, like its policies, is fine", she said. "But criticism of Israel, which damns it as a country that should be abolished, that should no longer exist, that all the Jews should disappear - that is anti-Semitic." It was the same definition Senator Wong referenced in her speech as both called for anti-Semitism to transcend politics and for the community to come together after the synagogue attack. People needed to avoid "exploiting the trend towards echo chambers where people only hear bad things about others and don't see for themselves what's good about others", Senator Wong said. In all the discussions of the Middle East, the Jewish community felt like the hostages taken by Hamas - scores of which remain captive in Gaza - have been forgotten. "There are these credibly important souls that have been suffering for an enormous length of time and they need to be at the forefront of our collective thinking to bring them home," Ms Segal said. Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. We care about the protection of your data. Read our . AdvertisementIsraeli warplanes in the last several hours have been conducting major airstrikes against facilities across Syria, just 48 hours after the Assad government's fall and the entrance of Al-Qaeda linked militant factions into Damascus. "At least two explosions heard in Damascus have taken place in the area of Barzeh, north of Damascus, where the Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Centre has an office ," several eyewitnesses have told Reuters . "The SSRC has been sanctioned and previously struck for its links to chemical weapons production under toppled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad," the report continues. It is a location that Israel first struck all the way back in 2013, and has hit on several occasions since then. Sensitive military facilities formerly belonging to the Syrian Army and now defunct Assad defense ministry have also been destroyed by Israeli attacks across the south of Syria on Monday. A weapons warehouse near the Damascus international airport, which has ceased operations, has also been hit. Massive strikes have been reported on Latakia port as well, which giant fireballs lighting up the night sky. Amid the chaos of the HTS takeover of the country over the last week, and before any type of new government can coalesce in Damascus, it appears Israel is preemptively taking out all military technology and heavy weaponry before anyone else can access it . An Israeli broadcast correspondent from Kann writes that "An Israeli source tells me: Israel's goal is to destroy everything from Assad's army that could fall into the hands of the rebels - from tanks to missiles. We are destroying the equipment of the Assad army." 🚨 Breaking: Last night Israel 🇮🇱 destroyed all of Syria's 🇸🇾 remaining chemical weapons, missiles, air-defense systems, and air force, including Iranian military positions. Tens of billion dollars of Iranian investment went down the drain. pic.twitter.com/tM7Mdpcbon Israel has also expanded its penetration into historic Syrian territory in the south : After fighting wars on multiple fronts for months, Israel is now concerned that unrest in Syria could spill over into its territory. Israel also views the end of the Assad regime as a chance to disrupt Iran’s ability to smuggle weapons through Syria to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. The Israeli military over the weekend began seizing control of a demilitarized buffer zone in Syria created as part of a 1974 ceasefire between the countries. It said the move was temporary and meant to secure its border. But the incursion sparked condemnation, with critics accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire and possibly exploiting the chaos in Syria for a land grab . Indeed 'exploiting' the situation for a land grab is precisely what the game plan has likely been from the start, as both Israel and Turkey are the big winners in the Syria crisis, and with Assad gone (having been given asylum in Moscow). The Israeli attacks began even as HTS was making its way toward Damascus from Aleppo and Homs. ⚡️Israeli strikes on Latakia port, Syria pic.twitter.com/VDozyr6gOs According to more details of what's been hit in the ongoing Israeli attacks : New Israeli airstrikes are reported in Syria, targeting an airbase near the capital Damascus. Al Jazeera reports that the Qabr Essit Airport, used by the ousted Assad regime’s army for helicopters, was hit in the strikes . The airbase is located south of Damascus, close to the town of Aqraba. Some reports are saying that as many as 100 sites have been struck in the last 12-24 hours, but more is likely to be confirmed when the dust settles. Israel sources are saying 250 or more strikes . Jets and aerial equipment, and runways at bases are being obliterated. Part of Israel's aim also seems to be preventing pro-Iranian entities from ever popping up again in Syria, and to finally and definitively dismantle Hezbollah and Shia militias' arms networks. 🇸🇾| Meanwhile... Israel continues to destroy any remaining & abandoned military asset above ground with absolute no worry of resistance—as air defenses are offline. Israel bombed Syrian assets 150 times today, among them were Gazelle SA helicopters, completely gone. pic.twitter.com/IPJ6gLnCHQ Sunni hardline factions are also a feared element, given they could eventually turn the same weapons against Israel, and in the Golan Heights area, and as Israeli troops continue invading the south for a so-called buffer zone.Lawmakers impeach presidentSoulMedica: Revolutionizing Wellness and Beauty in Lawrence Township 12-09-2024 10:42 PM CET | Fashion, Lifestyle, Trends Press release from: ABNewswire SoulMedica - Medical Spa - Comprehensive MedSpa services for skincare, laser treatments, and weight management - Led by industry experts ensuring personalized, results-driven care - Innovative referral program rewarding loyal clients Lawrence Township, NJ - 09 December 2024 - SoulMedica, an established leader in the medical spa industry [ https://maps.app.goo.gl/7z2fXq3UvrHNq74b8 ], continues to redefine wellness and beauty in Mercer County and beyond. 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Shares of ( ) have fallen 20% in a month and now have a huge 10% dividend yield. But Motley Fool analyst Iain Butler doesn’t think BCE stock is a smart buy today. He explains why in this conversation with analyst Nick Sciple. Prefer to read? There’s a transcript below. Transcript Nick Sciple: I’m Motley Fool Canada senior analyst Nick Sciple, and this is the Five-Minute Major, here to make you a smarter investor in about five minutes. Today, we’re discussing BCE’s post-earnings sell-off and frankly uncertain future. My guest today is Motley Fool Canada Chief Investment Officer Iain Butler. Iain, thanks for joining me once again. Iain Butler: Great to be here, Nick, as always. What’s going on with BCE stock? Nick: As I alluded to in the intro, BCE shares are not having a great month, down more than 20% following a disappointing earnings report and really a head scratching acquisition. Iain, what do investors need to know about BCE and the company’s stock today? Iain: Yeah, I think you used the right word in the intro there, “uncertain.” And this is a company that frankly isn’t supposed to be uncertain. This is sort of a stalwart company that’s been in the Canadian market forever and people have leaned on for decades as sort of a rock, a steady rock in their portfolios, rightly or wrongly, given the performance over a number of years. But I think what jumps off the page when I think of BCE — and what I think a lot of people are seeing right now — is the dividend yield. BCE’s dividend yield It is north of 10%. It has never even been close to 10% in BCE’s entire history. The long-term average is about 4.7%. So we’re more than double the long-term average and frankly, on dividend yield alone, if that dividend is indeed sustainable, this could be a market-beating idea, especially if the market grows comfortable with the sustainability of the dividend. It’s bound to decline from 10% if that becomes the case. So you’ve got a big yield locked in if you buy the stock now. And potential price appreciation, too, just as comfort grows. However, I don’t think the market has this one wrong at all. And sort of a quick and dirty way to check a dividend is by gauging or by comparing a company’s free cash flow generation to its dividend commitments. So over the past 12 months, BCE has generated $3.5 billion in free cash flow. Its dividend obligations amounted to $3.6 billion, so it was not able to cover it on free cash flow alone over the past 12 months. And a similar situation has occurred in recent years as well. 2023: Same idea, $3.4 billion in free cash flow. $3.5 billion in dividend obligations, and the same goes for 2022 and 2021. So the company has at least announced that they are no longer planning on increasing the dividend on an annual basis for the foreseeable future anyway. However, these free cash flow numbers compared to dividend obligations certainly do not inspire confidence and sort of reinforces what the market is seeing as well. BCE’s stock price Nick: Hey, Iain, you talk about that high dividend yield. The other side of a high dividend yield is the stock price, and stock price is the lowest it’s been for BCE in a decade. What has to happen for this company to turn itself around? And more importantly for shareholders, do you think the company can actually do it? Iain: Totally. And I mean, not only is the stock at the lowest price in a decade, I was recently reminded that about 17 years ago in 2007, a leveraged buyout led by Ontario Teachers Pension Plan was on the table to acquire BCE for $42.75 a share. So today, I think the stock has a $37 handle on it. And so it’s below that bid from 17 years ago. So not great if you’re a BCE shareholder. There have been dividend payments over the past 17 years, but absolutely zero capital appreciation. BCE’s financials There’s a balance sheet problem here. And there is a growth problem. In 2007, when that bid was made, BCE generated about $17 billion in revenue. Over the past 12 months, the company generated $24 billion in revenue. So up a bit, but I mean, that’s low single digit annualized growth over a very long period of time and really not anything anybody should get very excited about. It hardly would have beat inflation. Over that same period of time, though, interest expense has about doubled. And the dividend payout has gone from — or the dividend obligation — from $1.1 billion in 2007 to $3.6 billion over the past 12 months. So we’ve got growing commitments, debt and dividends, and really nothing going on in the top line. So it just seems to be they’re flushing money down the toilet. Management and insider buying And it’s not whether or not I think it can turn around. Does management think it can turn around? And I think one great, quick and dirty way of checking that is to look at what the CEO thinks. The CEO has been in the role since June 2020. His annual compensation package in 2023 was just over $13 million. That’s pretty well-heeled. So somebody with some cash in the bank showing confidence in their own company? Mmmm ... on November 13, the CEO bought just over 5,200 shares. That adds to his position of just over 35,000 shares, which amounts to a value of about $1.3 million. And that’s about his annual salary. Is BCE stock a good buy? So again. Nothing about this inspires confidence in me, and I think it’s a pretty easy pass just to watch let go by. Nick: Yeah, for folks looking for dividend income, there’s probably other places to look, maybe we can talk about those potential opportunities in future videos. Iain, thanks for joining me once again for the latest edition of the Five-Minute Major. We’ll see everybody next time. Fool on.

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Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has reassured lawmakers that urgent fiscal interventions will not be required on January 2 to prevent the United States from defaulting on its obligations. In a letter to Congress, Yellen announced a significant reduction in the national debt, estimating a $54 billion decrease owing to the redemption of nonmarketable securities from a federal trust fund linked to Medicare payments. She cautioned that extraordinary measures might still become necessary between January 14 and January 23, pressing Congress to take preemptive actions to safeguard the nation's creditworthiness. (With inputs from agencies.)Alleged CEO killer Luigi Mangione’s privileged life may explain why he tried to get away with murder

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. stock underperforms Monday when compared to competitorsQNA DOHA: In line with Qatar's commitment to developing the human workforce, the Civil Service and Government Development Bureau launched the 'Future Skills Office' under the Institute of Public Administration during the Doha Forum. This initiative aims to prepare a future-ready workforce, capable of keeping pace with the rapid economic and technological developments. Director of the Future Skills Office Fatima Al Fakhri stated that the office aims to contribute to the comprehensive growth of the State of Qatar, as it constitutes a key initiative of the national efforts for developing Qatar's human capital. This initiative constitutes an essential step within Qatar's national strategy to develop the Qatari workforce and equip it with all the necessary skills and knowledge needed to lead future transformations with high efficiency. Al Fakhri pointed out that focusing on future skills and coordinating efforts will contribute to boosting economic resilience, promoting the skills and talents in Qatar, supporting productivity across all sectors, ensuring readiness to face new technological challenges, and fostering continuous learning. "To ensure the success of this initiative, we all need to work hand in hand from policymakers and government authorities to our partners from the private sector, educational institutions, and civil society. This is our opportunity to identify our future needs and empower a workforce that can anticipate any upcoming challenges," she added. The office focuses on four key areas that include discovering and evaluating future skills by foreseeing emerging trends and predicting their impact on talent needs across different sectors, identifying skill gaps and taking action to resolve them, in addition to providing thought leadership in skills development by setting standards that promote life-long learning. The office also aims to strategically coordinate future skills efforts among stakeholders to ensure alignment and focus on meeting needs. The 'Future Skills Office' also announced the beginning of a collaborative initiative with the World Economic Forum, according to a letter of intent signed by Qatar last year to join the Forums Global Skills Accelerator Network. This collaboration provides an opportunity for sharing global expertise and best practices in skill development, which reinforces Qatars position in developing national competencies. Copy 10/12/2024 10

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