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Mahakumbh 2025, a celebration of Sanatan culture, will unfold in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in the 117th episode of his Mann Ki Baat radio program, highlighted the event's spiritual grandeur and cultural significance, calling it 'Ekta Ka Mahakumbh'. He shared his excitement about the extensive preparations along the Sangam's banks, recalling his recent aerial survey of the Kumbh area, which left him awestruck by its vastness, beauty, and magnificence. PM Modi emphasized the event's unifying message: "Mahakumbh’s essence lies in ‘Ek Ho Pura Desh,’ and the uninterrupted flow of the Ganga symbolizes a united society.” He, along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, extended an open invitation to devotees from India and around the globe to partake in the spiritual festivity. Under the guidance of PM Modi and led by CM Yogi, preparations for Mahakumbh 2025 have reached their final stage. With significant enhancements over the 2019 Kumbh, this edition will feature expanded fairgrounds and improved facilities for pilgrims. CM Yogi, personally steering the ‘Ek Ho Pura Desh,’ campaign, has visited Prayagraj four times in December alone to ensure seamless progress in the arrangements. In 'Mann Ki Baat,' the Prime Minister remarked that the uniqueness of the Mahakumbh lies not only in its vastness but also in its diversity. He highlighted that millions of people gather for this grand event, including thousands of saints, numerous traditions, hundreds of sects, and several Akharas. He also emphasized that the Mahakumbh reflects a society free from discrimination, where no one is considered superior or inferior. “This year’s Mahakumbh will further strengthen the mantra of unity," the Prime Minister said. He urged all Kumbh participants to take the pledge of unity and commit to eliminating division and hatred from society. The Prime Minister stated that this time, devotees from across the country and the world, will also witness a digital Mahakumbh in Prayagraj. With the help of digital navigation, visitors will be guided to various ghats, temples, and saints’ Akharas, as well as parking areas. For the first time, an AI chatbot will be utilized during the Mahakumbh, providing information related to the event in 11 Indian languages. This chatbot will allow users to seek assistance by typing or speaking their queries. The fair ground will be monitored by AI-powered cameras, which will also assist in locating anyone who gets separated from their group. Devotees will have access to a digital lost-and-found centre as well. Additionally, information about government-approved tour packages, accommodations, and homestays will be provided directly to visitors on their mobile devices. The Prime Minister encouraged all attendees to take full advantage of these facilities and share their experiences by uploading selfies with the hashtag #EktaKaMahakumbh. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has personally taken charge of overseeing the Mahakumbh preparations. He is regularly visiting Prayagraj to inspect the ongoing arrangements and review the progress of the work. Under his directives, all tasks within the fairgrounds are set to be completed by January 5. CM Yogi's proactive approach toward the preparations is evident from his frequent visits to Prayagraj in December. During the month, he visited the city four times—on December 7, 12, 13, and 23—to assess and ensure the readiness of the arrangements. The Chief Minister is personally extending invitations for the Mahakumbh to prominent figures. On Saturday in Delhi, the Chief Minister met with former President Ram Nath Kovind, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Health Minister and BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda, and Mizoram Governor General VK Singh inviting them to the grand event. Additionally, ministers from the Yogi government have travelled to other states to invite Chief Ministers, Governors, and other dignitaries to participate in the Mahakumbh. PM Modi and CM Yogi extend invitation to devotees worldwide Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have invited devotees from across the state, nation, and the world to participate in 'Mahakumbh 2025.' Following the Prime Minister’s remarks in his 'Mann Ki Baat' program, the Chief Minister shared a post on ‘X.’ The Chief Minister wrote: ‘Maha Kumbh Ka Sandesh Ek ho Pura Desh’ ‘Ganga Ki Aviral Dhara Naah Bate Samaj Hamara’. He highlighted that PM Modi, during 'Mann Ki Baat,' had called upon 140 crore Indians to unite and experience the divine, grand, and digital Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. He also urged devotees to become witnesses to this spiritual 'Amrit Kaal' and share their experience by uploading selfies with the hashtag #Ekta_Ka_Mahakumbh on social media.

He left office in a stunning landslide defeat after a single term as the nation’s 39th president. But Jimmy Carter wasn’t done yet. Instead of withdrawing quietly from public life as most former presidents have, James Earl Carter Jr. went to work. As a champion for democracy, human rights, public health and housing the poor, he has been credited widely, even from critics of his bumpy time in office, for producing the nation’s “best post-presidency.” It certainly has been the longest. Jimmy Carter died Sunday in his home in Plains, Georgia, The Associated Press reported Sunday. He was 100 years old. When the Carter Presidential Center at Emory University in Atlanta announced back on Feb. 18, 2023, that he was in home hospice care, the then-98-year-old was the nation’s oldest living, longest-lived and longest-married president — and with the longest post-presidency. His beloved wife, Rosalynn, died on Nov. 19 and, after Carter’s long stay on this earth even after that February announcement, many Americans are hoping that this famously loving couple now will be reunited. “I am a farmer, an engineer, a businessman, a planner, a scientist, a governor and a Christian,” he said in announcing his candidacy for the presidency in December 1974. The times were right for Carter. He ran as an outsider, a little-known moderate and former Georgia governor against a crowded field of Democratic hopefuls hoping to take advantage of the public’s desire for change after the Watergate scandal. A fiscally conservative former naval officer who taught Sunday school and was a critic of abortion, Carter seemed to be just what the party needed — and it worked. Carter’s acceptance speech to the Democratic National Convention touched all the right buttons, even quoting Bob Dylan. It was like a revival sermon for a new generation of post-Vietnam voters, offering comfort for the party’s mostly Southern moderates and encouragement for Black voters, encouraged by Carter’s support from the family of the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders. But, after his election, the honeymoon didn’t last long. Carter repeatedly had problems working with Congress, even though his party held control of both houses. He even ran into such a bitter dispute with Sen. Ted Kennedy over the Massachusetts Democrat’s proposed national health insurance plan that it led to Kennedy’s challenging Carter in the 1980 Democratic primaries. Kennedy lost that nomination battle, but the fight left the party more divided and contributed to Carter’s landslide defeat by Ronald Reagan. What went wrong? Carter’s rejection of business-as-usual politics made Watergate-weary voters roar with approval. But his fierce independence of mind and spirit, despite his calm and thoughtful demeanor, turned into a liability as he tried to work with Congress, even in those days when it was dominated by his fellow partisans. But that independence of mind and spirit proved to be better suited to his post-presidency. He went to dozens of countries on teams of election monitors. He often wielded a hammer on Habitat for Humanity projects. He wrote a shelf of books, fiction as well as nonfiction. He taught Sunday school. He greeted many surprised Americans on airplanes with a warm smile. Carter helped negotiate a 1994 agreement that suspended North Korea’s nuclear weapons program (a deal that collapsed in 2002). The Carter Center, which he set up in 1982 in conjunction with Emory University to promote democracy, combat disease and resolve conflicts, helped win him a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. He didn’t shy away from taking provocative positions — as in 2006, when he accused Israel of inflicting “a system of apartheid” on Palestinians. Nor was he reluctant to criticize his successors, including Democratic ones: He faulted Barack Obama for failing to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay and waiting “too long” to confront the security threat posed by the Islamic State group in 2014. Carter didn’t mind if he ruffled feathers as long as he was advancing his principles. Historian Lewis Gould quoted “a prominent politician” who said, “Carter reminds me of a South Georgia turtle. He doesn’t go around a log. He just sticks his head in the middle and pushes and pushes until the log gives way.” Often, the log did. Elected in 1976 as a refreshing contrast to the ruthless, cynical Richard Nixon and the pleasant but underwhelming career pol Gerald Ford, Carter eventually saw his approval rating plummet and got only 41 percent of the vote in his reelection campaign against Reagan. Democratic candidates are fond of invoking the achievements of Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, John F. Kennedy and Franklin Roosevelt. They rarely mention Carter. That’s not surprising, given the turmoil and dysfunction that characterized the late 1970s. The economy was a never-ending nightmare: Carter presided over double-digit inflation, record interest rates, a recession and a gasoline shortage. While in office, he showed little capacity to inspire most citizens the way he inspired his nominating convention. He had trouble working with Congress despite enjoying Democratic control of both houses. In 1980, a campaign adviser wrote in a memo, “The public is now convinced that Jimmy Carter is an inept man.” His overt Baptist faith and professions of integrity — “I will never lie to you,” he promised in 1976 — sometimes came across as self-righteous. On the foreign front, things were no better. The Soviets invaded Afghanistan in 1979 despite his efforts to improve relations with Moscow, and critics blamed his defense cuts for emboldening the Kremlin. But nothing compared with the humiliation when Iranians invaded the U.S. embassy in Tehran and took 52 Americans hostage. When Carter ordered a military rescue, its failure became a symbol of his alleged incompetence. On the other hand, his presidency hardly was devoid of achievements. His herculean efforts helped bring about a historic peace agreement between Israel and Egypt — effectively assuring the survival of the Jewish state by neutralizing its most formidable enemy. He named Paul Volcker head of the Federal Reserve, and Volcker took the painful steps that vanquished inflation. They are familiar these days. But Carter was undoubtedly a better ex-president than president. Just one accomplishment would warrant his inclusion in the history books: the near-eradication of the Guinea worm, a nasty parasite that once afflicted millions in Africa and is now almost unknown, thanks to a two-decade-old campaign led by the Carter Center. Jimmy Carter didn’t always have the right formula for making the world a better place. But to his eternal credit, he never stopped trying. ___ c2024 Chicago Tribune. Visit at chicagotribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Greg Gumbel, a longtime CBS sportscaster, has died from cancer, according to a statement from family released by CBS on Friday. He was 78. “He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten,” his wife Marcy Gumbel and daughter Michelle Gumbel said in a statement. In March, Gumbel missed his first NCAA Tournament since 1997 due to what he said at the time were family health issues. Gumbel was the studio host for CBS since returning to the network from NBC in 1998. Gumbel signed an extension with CBS last year that allowed him to continue hosting college basketball while stepping back from NFL announcing duties. In 2001, he announced Super Bowl XXXV for CBS, becoming the first Black announcer in the U.S. to call play-by-play of a major sports championship. David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports, described Gumbel as breaking barriers and setting standards for others during his years as a voice for fans in sports, including in the NFL and March Madness. “A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time," said Berson. Gumbel had two stints at CBS, leaving the network for NBC when it lost football in 1994 and returning when it regained the contract in 1998. He hosted CBS’ coverage of the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics and called Major League Baseball games during its four-year run broadcasting the national pastime. In 1995, he hosted the World Figure Skating Championships and the following year hosted NBC’s daytime coverage of the Olympic Summer Games in Atlanta. But it was football and basketball where he was best known and made his biggest impact. Gumbel hosted CBS’ NFL studio show, “The NFL Today” from 1990 to 1993 and again in 2004. He also called NFL games as the network’s lead play-by-play announcer from 1998 to 2003, including Super Bowl XXXV and XXXVIII. He returned to the NFL booth in 2005, leaving that role after the 2022 season. “Like all who knew and loved him, I too am saddened by his death, yet also so very grateful to have known him in my life,” Clark Kellogg, a CBS Sports college basketball game and studio analyst, said in a statement. “What a gift to be touched by such a good man and partner.” Gumbel, the older brother of sportscaster Bryant Gumbel, grew up in Chicago and graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1967 with a degree in English. He won local Emmy Awards during his long career and was the recipient of the 2007 Pat Summerall Award for excellence in sports broadcasting. Outside of his career as a sportscaster, he was affiliated with the March of Dimes for three decades, including as a member of its board of trustees. He also was a member of the Sports Council for St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital for 16 years. Associated Press reporter Mike Sisak contributed.

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Dad sounding board for successBihar BPSC aspirants were lathicharged by Patna police after they demanded a rest of the 70th Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024 preliminary exam due to alleged paper leaks. Patna: Uneasy calm prevailed in Bihar capital Patna after police on Sunday batoncharged Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) aspirants demanding a retest of the BPSC’s 70th Integrated Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024 preliminary exam. The politics in Bihar has heated up following incident of lathicharge on the aspirants. 600 people including Jan Suraj chief and election strategist turned politician Prashant Kishore has been booked for provoking people and unauthorised assembly at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan. RJD, left parties target Nitish Kumar Meanwhile, Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD) and Left parties have targeted Nitish Kumar government over police lathicharge on protesting aspirants. The left outfit Bihar (Male) has given a bandh call in the state over the issue on Monday. All India Students Association (AISA) has also supported Bihar bandh. On Sunday, the police lathicharged BPSC aspirants and fired water cannon in the chilly weather. Clashes were also took place between aspirants and police in which some public property was damaged. Former Bihar Deputy CM Tejashvi Yadav has accused Prashant Kishor of misleading the students movement and hijacking the protest. He also said that he has written a letter to Bihar CM Nitish Kumar highlighting the students issue. The former deputy CM also took a dig at Nitish Kumar for ignoring the plights of the BPSC aspirants. Prashant Kishor removed from protest site Amid fierce protest by the BPSC aspirants, protesters removed Jan Suraj chief Prashant Kishor from the protest site in Gardanibagh. Prashant Kishor had reached the protest site at midnight where he face “Go Back Prashant Kishor’ slogans. There was also minor argument between Kishor and the protesting aspirants. Priyanka Gandhi supports BPSC aspirants Congress leader and MP Priyanka Gandhi has also targeted Nitish Kumar government saying aspirants were harassed for the second time in three days. “It is the job of the government to stop corruption, paper leaks in government exams but the aspirants are being stopped from raising their voice,” said Priyanka Gandhi. Click for more latest India news . Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9. Nakshab Khan has been a journalist since 2007 and worked with prominent media houses like News18, IANS, Zee Media UNI TV, and Times Now. He joined News9 as News Editor. He has vast experience of covering politics, international affairs, crime in various industry brands. Nakshab likes to talk about world issues and has written on various topic related to West Asian affairs. In his career spanning nearly 17 years, he has always delivered error free and facts based stories and had an unblemished working style. You can reach out to him at nakshab.khan@tv9.com

Some Atlantic City casino workers call on union boss to resign for opposing a smoking ban

Women will make up a majority in Alaska House for first time in state history

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. , Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --WuKong Education, a leading online K-12 education provider, has been named to the highly-anticipated 2025 edition of the GSV 150 : GSV's annual list of the top 150 private companies transforming digital learning and workforce skills. This recognition underscores WuKong Education's transformative role in the EdTech industry and its commitment to empowering students worldwide through AI-powered personalized learning. Out of more than 2,500 global VC- and PE-backed companies, WuKong Education was selected for the 2025 GSV 150 based on a proprietary evaluation framework, including revenue scale, growth, user reach, geographic diversification, and margin profile. The 2025 cohort of the GSV 150 collectively reaches 3B learners and generates over $25B in annual revenue. "The rapid rise of generative AI is fueling knowledge and creating opportunities we had not imagined before," says Luben Pampoulov, Partner at GSV Ventures. "Multi-modality is making education more engaging, AI tools are driving personalization and productivity, and learning is happening at the speed of light. Effectively everyone across the 2025 GSV 150 has generative AI deeply embedded in their offering." WuKong Education is revolutionizing online education for students aged 3-18 worldwide, offering courses in Chinese, Mathematics, and English Language Arts. By leveraging cutting-edge AI technology, WuKong Education empowers students from 118 countries with a unique learning journey that ignites curiosity, nurtures creativity, and sharpens critical thinking skills. Powered by AI, WuKong Education adapts to each student's unique needs, ensuring that every learner receives a personalized educational journey: This AI-driven teaching model has not only significantly improved student academic performance but also fostered the holistic development of students, earning widespread praise from students and parents around the world. "We are honored to be named to the 2025 GSV 150," said Vicky Wang , founder and CEO of WuKong Education. "This recognition affirms our ongoing commitment to revolutionizing education. By combining the expertise of our teaching and research teams with the possibilities of AI, we are setting a new benchmark for digital education to empower students globally." Earlier this year, WuKong Education was named a 2024 Cognia® School of Distinction for excellence in education by Cognia®, a globally recognized education quality certification organization, and was also listed in the AU&NZ EdTech Top 50 by HolonIQ, a global leader in impact intelligence, for the third consecutive year. These recognitions underscore WuKong Education's continued leadership in the global EdTech industry and its ongoing dedication to delivering exceptional education to learners around the world. About WuKong Education Based in Silicon Valley, WuKong Education is shaping the future of online learning for students aged 3 to 18. WuKong Education's three core programs—WuKong Chinese, WuKong Math, and WuKong English (ELA)—combine AI-driven technology, expert educators, and personalized services to deliver engaging, dynamic learning experiences. With over 400,000 families served globally, WuKong Education is empowering students to succeed and become lifelong learners in an ever-changing world. Learn more at: wukongsch.com . About GSV Founded in 2011, GSV is a global platform that drives education and workforce skills innovation. We believe that ALL people have equal access to the future, and that scaled innovations in "PreK to Gray" learning and skills are crucial to achieving this goal. The GSV platform includes the ASU+GSV Summit , hosted annually in San Diego with 7,000+ attendees; the India -based ASU+GSV & Emeritus Summit , now entering its third year; and The AI Show @ ASU+GSV , an immersive exploration of the AI Revolution in education, which welcomed 10,000+ attendees this year. GSV Ventures , GSV's investment arm founded in 2015, is a multi-stage venture fund investing in the most transformational companies across the global "PreK to Gray" landscape. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wukong-education-named-to-the-2025-gsv-150-for-leading-the-way-in-education-technology-302338883.html SOURCE WuKong EducationAs tributes pour in mourning the death of former President Jimmy Carter and praising his service, the nation will turn to memorializing his presidency over the course of this coming week. Statements from former U.S. presidents and world leaders flooded the news Sunday afternoon after Carter, age 100, died in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, marking the end of the longest life of any former U.S. president. President-elect Donald Trump, President Joe Biden, and former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton all sent messages of gratitude for the 39th president's career in government, and Washington, D.C., is now poised for an even busier month with memorial services for Carter coming ahead of Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20. Those services have a long history and will include a state funeral for Carter in Washington, flags flown at half-staff, and the closing of federal buildings for a national day of mourning, among others. Here's what one can expect from the memorial services for Jimmy Carter. State funeral After a former U.S. president dies, a state funeral is held, which is a longer period of observance separated into three stages . Stage one consists of a ceremony where the former president resided, which in Carter's case is Georgia. The Carter Center announced in a statement that there will be a public observance in Atlanta first, but a date for it remains "pending." A New York Times report said that Carter will be taken by motorcade to Atlanta before stops at the Georgia State Capitol and the Carter Center, where he will lie in repose for 36 hours. Stage two is the ceremony in Washington, D.C., where Carter will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol for a day and a half. This typically includes traditions such as the three volley salute, the 21-gun salute where 21 rounds are fired from a cannon over five-second intervals, a military flyover, the playing of "Taps," and the carrying of a casket using a horse-drawn wagon. The third and final stage is where the former president has decided to be buried, which for Carter will be in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. Only two presidents are buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia: John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER Day of mourning As president, Biden will issue an executive order for a national day of mourning, the date of which has not been announced yet. On that day, the federal government will shut down and the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq will be closed for trading. Flags will also be flown at half-staff for 30 days. The American flag at the White House was at half-staff Sunday night.Putin says he will fire MORE of Russia's new hypersonic missiles at targets in Ukraine and has already begun mass production of the nuclear-capable weapon By MIRIAM KUEPPER Published: 12:32 EST, 22 November 2024 | Updated: 13:18 EST, 22 November 2024 e-mail 223 View comments Vladimir Putin has said he will fire more of Russia 's new hypersonic missiles at targets in Ukraine. The Russian president added that his country has already begun mass production of the nuclear-capable weapon. Putin also said that Moscow would carry out more tests of the hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile in 'combat conditions,' a day after firing one on Ukraine. 'We will continue these tests, including in combat conditions, depending on the situation and character of the security threats posted to Russia,' he said in a televised meeting with military chiefs. Putin said that while it isn't an intercontinental missile, it's so powerful that the use of several of them fitted with conventional warheads in one attack could be as devastating as a strike with strategic - or nuclear - weapons. Russia fired the new-generation missile at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro early Thursday in a major escalation of the weaponry being deployed in the nearly three-year conflict. The Kremlin boss also ordered the missile, which flies at speeds of Mach 10 - 10 times the speed of sound - to be put into serial production. Russia is developing similar advanced systems, he added. 'We need to begin serial production. The decision... has in effect been taken,' Putin said, praising the 'particular strength of this weapon and its power. The moment Russia used the Oreshnik for the first time to strike Dnipro, on November 21 Security camera footage out of the central-eastern city of Dnipro showed several projectiles streaking in and detonating in a series of violent, fiery explosions 'The weapon system that was tested yesterday is another faithful guarantee of Russia's territorial integrity and sovereignty,' he added. Putin claimed no other countries in the world had such missile technology. While he conceded other states would soon develop them, he said: 'That will be tomorrow, after a year or two. But we have this system now. That's important.' His choreographed meeting with the defence minister and those in charge of developing the missile came at the end of a week that has seen the Ukraine conflict escalate rapidly. Putin said the firing of the Oreshnik missile was a direct response to Kyiv's forces using US- and UK-supplied missiles on Russian territory for the first time. In an address to the nation on Thursday, Putin said Russia reserved the right to fire missiles at military facilities in countries whose weapons are being used by Ukraine - specifically the United States and Britain. Meanwhile, Ukraine is asking its Western partners for updated air defence systems after Russia fired an ultra-fast ballistic missile at the city of Dnipro this week, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday. 'Ukraine's defence minister is already holding meetings with our partners on new air defence systems - exactly the kind of systems that can protect lives from new risks,' Zelensky said in an evening video address published on social media. A Russian animation simulates how a Yars ICBM is deployed The RS-24 Yars is capable of unleashing up to four separate nuclear warheads anywhere in the US after flying through space at 19,000mph A grab taken from handout footage released by the Russian Defence Ministry on March 1, 2024 purport to show the test firing of an ICBM belonging to the country's nuclear deterrence forces Read More Putin's new missile leaves the whole of Europe minutes from Armageddon Ukraine's parliament canceled a session as security was tightened following Thursday's Russian strike on the military facility in Dnipro. NATO and Ukraine will hold emergency talks Tuesday after Russia attacked Dnipro with the experimental, hypersonic ballistic missile that escalated the nearly 33-month-old war. The conflict is 'entering a decisive phase,' Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Friday, and 'taking on very dramatic dimensions.' Gen. Sergei Karakayev, head of Russia's Strategic Missile Forces, said the Oreshnik could reach targets across Europe and be fitted with nuclear or conventional warheads, echoing Putin's claim that even with conventional warheads, 'the massive use of the weapon would be comparable in effect to the use of nuclear weapons.' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov kept up Russia's bellicose tone on Friday, blaming 'the reckless decisions and actions of Western countries' in supplying weapons to Ukraine to strike Russia. 'The Russian side has clearly demonstrated its capabilities, and the contours of further retaliatory actions in the event that our concerns were not taken into account have also been quite clearly outlined,' he said. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, widely seen as having the warmest relations with the Kremlin in the European Union, echoed Moscow's talking points, suggesting the use of U.S.-supplied weapons in Ukraine likely requires direct American involvement. 'These are rockets that are fired and then guided to a target via an electronic system, which requires the world's most advanced technology and satellite communications capability,' Orbán said on state radio. 'There is a strong assumption - that these missiles cannot be guided without the assistance of American personnel.' Orbán cautioned against underestimating Russia's responses, emphasizing that the country's recent modifications to its nuclear deployment doctrine should not be dismissed as a 'bluff.' 'It's not a trick- there will be consequences,' he said. This is a breaking news story. More to follow. Ukraine Russia Vladimir Putin Moscow Share or comment on this article: Putin says he will fire MORE of Russia's new hypersonic missiles at targets in Ukraine and has already begun mass production of the nuclear-capable weapon e-mail Add comment

NoneNew Delhi: Ventive Hospitality Limited is set to make its much-anticipated debut on the stock market today, December 30, 2024, following an overwhelmingly positive response to its Rs 1,600 crore initial public offering (IPO). The company’s shares will be listed on both the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE). The IPO, which was open for subscription from December 20 to 24, witnessed strong demand from investors, with an overall subscription of 9.82 times. The allotment of shares was finalized on December 26, and Ventive Hospitality is gearing up for its first day of trading today. Ventive Hospitality Limited IPO: Listing TimeVentive Hospitality shares will be available for trading under the ‘B’ Group of Securities on the BSE and NSE. As per the BSE notice, the shares will participate in the Special Pre-Open Session (SPOS) and be open for trading from 10:00 AM. Ventive Hospitality Limited IPO: Latest GMPThe grey market premium (GMP) for Ventive Hospitality shares indicates a strong debut. As of today, the GMP is Rs 70 per share, suggesting that shares are trading at Rs 713 apiece in the unofficial market—an 11 per cent premium over the IPO issue price of Rs 643 per share. Ventive Hospitality Limited IPO: What Analysts Expect?Analysts predict a premium listing, estimating the shares to debut at around 10% above the IPO price, reflecting robust investor interest and confidence in the company’s prospects. Ventive Hospitality Limited IPO: Price BandThe IPO price band was set at Rs 610 to Rs 643 per share, and the issue comprised a complete fresh issue of 2.49 crore equity shares. Ventive Hospitality Limited IPO: Subscription StatusIt attracted significant interest from various categories of investors: Retail Investors: Subscribed 5.94 times. Non-Institutional Investors (NIIs): Subscribed 13.87 times. Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs): Subscribed 9.08 times. Overall, the IPO garnered bids for 14.17 crore shares, far exceeding the IPO size of 1.44 crore shares. About Ventive HospitalityVentive Hospitality is making its debut with the backing of prominent book-running lead managers, including JM Financial, Axis Capital, HSBC Securities, ICICI Securities, IIFL Securities, Kotak Mahindra Capital, and SBI Capital Markets. KFin Technologies served as the IPO registrar, handling the allotment process. (Disclaimer: The above article is meant for informational purposes only, and should not be considered as any investment advice. Times Now Digital suggests its readers/audience to consult their financial advisors before making any money-related decisions.) Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Companies, Business Economy and around the world.By AJ Vicens (Reuters) - Healthcare organizations may be required to bolster their cybersecurity, to better prevent sensitive information from being leaked by cyberattacks like the ones that hit Ascension and UnitedHealth, a senior White House official said Friday. Anne Neuberger, the U.S. deputy national security advisor for cyber and emerging technology, told reporters that proposed requirements are necessary in light of the massive number of Americans whose data has been affected by large breaches of healthcare information. The proposals include encrypting data so it cannot be accessed, even if leaked, and requiring compliance checks to ensure networks meet cybersecurity rules. The healthcare information of more than 167 million people was affected in 2023 as a result of cybersecurity incidents, she said. The proposed rule from the Department of Health and Human Services would update standards under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and would cost an estimated $9 billion in the first year, and $6 billion in years two through five, Neuberger said. Large healthcare breaches caused by hacking and ransomware have increased by 89% and 102%, respectively, since 2019, she said. "In this job, one of the most concerning and really troubling things we deal with is hacking of hospitals, hacking of healthcare data," Neuberger said. Hospitals have been forced to operate manually and Americans' sensitive healthcare data, mental health information and other information are "being leaked on the dark web with the opportunity to blackmail individuals," Neuberger said. The Department of Health and Human Services did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Additional reporting by Raphael Satter in Washington; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)

Ray Fittipaldo: Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat transcript: 12.24.24Bucs rout Panthers, keep pace in race for first in NFC SouthFormer President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100. The 39th president of the United States was a Georgia peanut farmer who sought to restore trust in government when he assumed the presidency in 1977 and then built a reputation for tireless work as a humanitarian. He earned a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Carter died Sunday, coming up on two years after entering hospice care, at his home in Plains, Georgia. At age 52, Carter was sworn in as president on Jan. 20, 1977, after defeating President Gerald R. Ford in the 1976 general election. Carter left office on Jan. 20, 1981, following his 1980 general election loss to Ronald Reagan. Here's the latest: President Joe Biden has scheduled a state funeral in Washington for former President Jimmy Carter on Jan. 9. Biden also declared Jan. 9 as a National Day of Mourning across the U.S. Carter, the longest-lived former president, died Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia. He was 100. Biden also ordered U.S. flags to fly at half-staff for 30 days from Sunday. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday praised Carter for his significant contributions to international peace through the Camp David Accords, the SALT II Treaty and the Panama Canal treaties. “President Carter’s commitment to international peace and human rights also found full expression after he left the presidency,” Guterres said in a statement. "He played a key role in conflict mediation, election monitoring, the promotion of democracy, and disease prevention and eradication. These and other efforts earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 and helped advance the work of the United Nations. “President Carter will be remembered for his solidarity with the vulnerable, his abiding grace, and his unrelenting faith in the common good and our common humanity,” Guterres said. King Charles III joined leaders from around the world in issuing their condolences and sharing their reflections on the former president. “It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of former President Carter," the king said in a public statement. “He was a committed public servant, and devoted his life to promoting peace and human rights. His dedication and humility served as an inspiration to many, and I remember with great fondness his visit to the United Kingdom in 1977." President Joe Biden broke from his family vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands to remember Carter, recalling his predecessor as a role model and friend. America and the world lost a “remarkable leader” with Carter’s death, Biden said, adding that he had spoken to several of the former president's children and was working with them to formalize memorial arrangements in Washington. Speaking for roughly 10 minutes, Biden remembered Carter as a humanitarian and statesman, someone he couldn't imagine walking past a person in need without trying to help them. He represented “the most fundamental human values we can never let slip away,” Biden said. The president repeatedly praised Carter's “simple decency” and his values, saying some will see him as a man of honesty and humility from a bygone era. “I don’t believe it’s a bygone era. I see a man not only of our time, but for all times,” Biden said. “To know his core, you need to know he never stopped being a Sunday school teacher at that Baptist church in Plains, Georgia.” Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi said on X that Carter's significant role in achieving the peace agreement between Egypt and Israel "will remain etched in the annals of history.” He went on to say Carter's “humanitarian work exemplifies a lofty standard of love, peace, and brotherhood.” Carter will be remembered as “one of the world’s most prominent leaders in service to humanity,” el-Sissi said. President Joe Biden will speak about Carter Sunday evening. The president will make his address from a hotel in St. Croix, from the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he is on a holiday vacation with his family. Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter had one of the great love stories and political partnerships in U.S. presidential history. The former president sometimes called his wife, who died Nov. 19. 2023, “Rosie,” which is a good way to remember how her name actually is pronounced. It is “ROSE-uh-lyn,” not, repeat NOT, “RAHZ-uh-lyn.” They were married more than 77 years but their relationship went back even further. Jimmy’s mother, “Miss Lillian,” delivered Eleanor Rosalynn Smith at the Smith home in Plains on Aug. 18, 1927. The nurse brought her eldest child back a few days later to visit, meaning the longest-married presidential couple met as preschooler and newborn. She became his trusted campaign aide and White House adviser, surprising Washington by sitting in on Cabinet meetings. Then they traveled the world together as co-founders of The Carter Center. Most of the nation saw the former president for the last time at Rosalynn Carter’s funeral. Jason Carter is now the chairman of The Carter Center’s board of governors. He said his grandparents “never changed who they were” even after reaching the White House and becoming global humanitarians. He says their four years in Washington were just one period of putting their values into action and that the center his grandparents founded in Atlanta is a lasting “extension of their belief in human rights as a fundamental global force.” Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter traveled the world advocating for democracy and fighting disease, but Jason Carter said they weren’t motivated by pity, or arrogance that a former American president had all the answers — they ventured to remote places because they could “recognize these people.” They too were from “a 600-person village” and understood that even the poorest people “have the power ... the ability ... the knowledge and the expertise to change their own community.” As reaction poured in from around the world, President Joe Biden mourned Carter’s death, saying the world lost an “extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian” and he lost a dear friend. Biden cited Carter’s compassion and moral clarity, his work to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless and advocacy for the disadvantaged as an example for others. Biden said he is ordering a state funeral for Carter in Washington. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is remembering Carter as a man steeped “in devotion to public service and peace.” The California Democrat said in a statement Sunday that Carter was committed to “honoring the spark of divinity within every person,” something she said manifested in “teaching Sunday school in his beloved Marantha Baptist Church, brokering the landmark Camp David Accords to pave the way to peace or building homes with Habitat for Humanity.” Pelosi also said Carter led “perhaps the most impactful post-presidency in history.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer noted in a post on X the special contribution Carter made by brokering the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt and through his work with the Carter Center. “Motivated by his strong faith and values, President Carter redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad,” Starmer said. To commemorate Carter’s death, officials with the Empire State Building said in a post on social media that the iconic New York City landmark would be lit in red, white and blue on Sunday night, “to honor the life and legacy” of the late former president. In a statement issued Sunday, former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama said Carter’s beloved Maranatha Baptist Church “will be a little quieter on Sunday,s” but added that the late former president “will never be far away -- buried alongside Rosalynn next to a willow tree down the road, his memory calling all of us to heed our better angels.” Noting the “hundreds of tourists from around the world crammed into the pews” to see the former president teach Sunday school, as he did “for most of his adult life,” the Obamas listed Carter’s accomplishments as president. But they made special note of the Sunday school lessons, saying they were catalysts for people making a pilgrimage to the church. “Many people in that church on Sunday morning were there, at least in part, because of something more fundamental: President Carter’s decency.” The longest-lived American president died Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care , at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023 , spent most of their lives. “Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia,” The Carter Center said in posting about his death on the social media platform X. It added in a statement that he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. In his 1975 book “Why Not The Best,” Carter said of himself: “I am a Southerner and an American, I am a farmer, an engineer, a father and husband, a Christian, a politician and former governor, a planner, a businessman, a nuclear physicist, a naval officer, a canoeist, and among other things a lover of Bob Dylan’s songs and Dylan Thomas’s poetry.” A moderate Democrat, Carter entered the 1976 presidential race as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad smile, outspoken Baptist mores and technocratic plans reflecting his education as an engineer. After he left office and returned home to his tiny hometown of Plains in southwest Georgia, Carter regularly taught Sunday School lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church until his mobility declined. Those sessions drew visitors from around the world. Former Vice President Al Gore praised Jimmy Carter for living “a life full of purpose, commitment and kindness” and for being a “lifelong role model for the entire environmental movement.” Carter, who left the White House in 1981 after a landslide defeat to Ronald Reagan. concentrated on conflict resolution, defending democracy and fighting disease in the developing world. Gore, who lost the 2000 presidential election to George W. Bush, remains a leading advocate for action to fight climate change. Both won Nobel Peace Prizes. Gore said that “it is a testament to his unyielding determination to help build a more just and peaceful world” that Carter is often “remembered equally for the work he did as President as he is for his leadership over the 42 years after he left office.” During Gore’s time in the White House, President Bill Clinton had an uneasy relationship with Carter. But Gore said he is “grateful” for “many years of friendship and collaboration” with Carter. Former President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, remember Carter as a man who lived to serve others. “Hillary and I mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others — until the very end." The statement recalled Carter's many achievements and priorities, including efforts “to protect our natural resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, make energy conservation a national priority, return the Panama Canal to Panama, and secure peace between Egypt and Israel at Camp David." After he left office, the Clinton statement said, Carter continued efforts in "supporting honest elections, advancing peace, combating disease, and promoting democracy; to his and Rosalynn’s devotion and hard work at Habitat for Humanity — he worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world,” the statement said.VANCOUVER — Vancouver-based bookkeeping service Bench Accounting has announced its sudden closure, potentially putting hundreds of staff out of work. The company that has described itself as North America's largest bookkeeping service for small businesses says on its website in a "notice of closure" dated Friday that the platform is "no longer accessible." The statement acknowledges that the closure is "abrupt and may cause disruption," and says the firm is committed to helping customers "navigate through the transition." Bench has previously said it had more than 600 employees and had received investor funding of US$113 million. It said it moved to Vancouver and changed its name to Bench in 2013, having started out in 2012 as 10sheet Inc in the U.S. Calls to Bench's Vancouver office went to voice mail and did not immediately receive a response. But the company's former CEO and co-founder Ian Crosby released a statement on social media on Friday, saying he was "very sad" about the closure. Crosby, who said he was ousted by the company's board about three years ago, said there was a lesson in the fate of the company. "I hope the story of Bench goes on to become a warning for VCs (venture capitalists) that think they can 'upgrade' a company by replacing the founder. It never works," he said. The University of British Columbia Sauder Business School alumni said he had been avoiding speaking publicly about Bench since his exit, but wanted to make a statement in light of the company's demise. He said that in 2021 he had been battling with some board members over their strategy for a "new direction" that he thought was a "very bad idea." " Rather than continuing to fight with me, they opted to just replace me, thinking that they could run the company better themselves," he said. "I was totally convinced that their approach would destroy the company. I opted to resign rather than fight." Other bookkeeping companies were quick to reach out to Bench's former clients, with rivals such as Acuity and Better Bookkeeping making reference to Bench's closure in social media pitches. A spokeswoman for B.C.'s jobs ministry said they were looking into a request for comment. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 27, 2024. The Canadian Press

Has GTA 6 Been Stuck in Development Hell for a Decade? A Veteran Games Journalist Investigates

Judge shuts down Tesla’s attempt to reinstate Elon Musk’s giant CEO pay packageOut of more than 2,500 global VC- and PE-backed companies, WuKong Education was selected for the 2025 GSV 150 based on a proprietary evaluation framework, including revenue scale, growth, user reach, geographic diversification, and margin profile. The 2025 cohort of the GSV 150 collectively reaches 3B learners and generates over $25B in annual revenue. "The rapid rise of generative AI is fueling knowledge and creating opportunities we had not imagined before," says Luben Pampoulov, Partner at GSV Ventures. "Multi-modality is making education more engaging, AI tools are driving personalization and productivity, and learning is happening at the speed of light. Effectively everyone across the 2025 GSV 150 has generative AI deeply embedded in their offering." WuKong Education is revolutionizing online education for students aged 3-18 worldwide, offering courses in Chinese, Mathematics, and English Language Arts. By leveraging cutting-edge AI technology, WuKong Education empowers students from 118 countries with a unique learning journey that ignites curiosity, nurtures creativity, and sharpens critical thinking skills. Powered by AI, WuKong Education adapts to each student's unique needs, ensuring that every learner receives a personalized educational journey: Personalized Learning Plans : By leveraging big data, WuKong Education tailors learning plans for each student, ensuring that every individual receives a program aligned with their needs and learning pace. Dynamic Course Optimization : With real-time AI-powered data analysis, WuKong Education continuously optimizes and adjusts course content to better match students' actual proficiency levels and interests. Efficient Teaching Support : AI analytics provide instructors with deep insights into student progress and class performance, allowing them to offer more personalized and effective guidance. This AI-driven teaching model has not only significantly improved student academic performance but also fostered the holistic development of students, earning widespread praise from students and parents around the world. "We are honored to be named to the 2025 GSV 150," said Vicky Wang , founder and CEO of WuKong Education. "This recognition affirms our ongoing commitment to revolutionizing education. By combining the expertise of our teaching and research teams with the possibilities of AI, we are setting a new benchmark for digital education to empower students globally." Earlier this year, WuKong Education was named a 2024 Cognia® School of Distinction for excellence in education by Cognia®, a globally recognized education quality certification organization, and was also listed in the AU&NZ EdTech Top 50 by HolonIQ, a global leader in impact intelligence, for the third consecutive year. These recognitions underscore WuKong Education's continued leadership in the global EdTech industry and its ongoing dedication to delivering exceptional education to learners around the world. About WuKong Education Based in Silicon Valley, WuKong Education is shaping the future of online learning for students aged 3 to 18. WuKong Education's three core programs—WuKong Chinese, WuKong Math, and WuKong English (ELA)—combine AI-driven technology, expert educators, and personalized services to deliver engaging, dynamic learning experiences. With over 400,000 families served globally, WuKong Education is empowering students to succeed and become lifelong learners in an ever-changing world. Learn more at: wukongsch.com . About GSV Founded in 2011, GSV is a global platform that drives education and workforce skills innovation. We believe that ALL people have equal access to the future, and that scaled innovations in "PreK to Gray" learning and skills are crucial to achieving this goal. The GSV platform includes the ASU+GSV Summit , hosted annually in San Diego with 7,000+ attendees; the India -based ASU+GSV & Emeritus Summit , now entering its third year; and The AI Show @ ASU+GSV , an immersive exploration of the AI Revolution in education, which welcomed 10,000+ attendees this year. GSV Ventures , GSV's investment arm founded in 2015, is a multi-stage venture fund investing in the most transformational companies across the global "PreK to Gray" landscape. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wukong-education-named-to-the-2025-gsv-150-for-leading-the-way-in-education-technology-302338883.html SOURCE WuKong Education

Alan Kyerematen Promises GH₵400 Million Traders’ Bank and Economic Boost for Western RegionMINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The top of the NFC standings are towering over the Green Bay Packers as they move toward the playoffs, casting a long shadow shaped like Vikings, Lions and Eagles over what has been an otherwise-promising season on both sides of the ball. For as well as the Packers (11-5) had been playing down the stretch, they left Minnesota with a rather murky outlook for the playoffs after stumbling into a 17-point deficit that proved too large for their late surge in the 27-25 loss to the Vikings on Sunday . “They continued to compete and battle, but you just can’t do that against good teams. The margins in this league, especially against a good football team, are razor thin," coach Matt LaFleur said. "I don’t think we were at our best, but that’s a credit to them in our slow start — and that’s me as much as anybody.” The Packers gained 126 yards in the fourth quarter and still finished with a season-low 271 yards. The defense allowed 441 yards, which was also a season worst. The most glaring set of numbers after this frustrating afternoon, though, was this: 0-5. That's Green Bay's record against the top three teams in the NFC: Minnesota, Detroit and Philadelphia. There's no shame in losing to those opponents that carry a combined 40-7 record into Monday, particularly when four of those defeats — save for the 10-point loss to the Lions on Nov. 3 — came by a total of 12 points. “It’s not about who we can and can’t beat. We can beat everybody. If we figure out how to finish, we’ll win games,” cornerback Keisean Nixon said. But the Packers will more than likely be on the road the entire time they're alive in the playoffs, so any path to the Super Bowl would undoubtedly trigger rematches with one, two or even all three teams from that daunting trio. The Packers clearly aren't overmatched by the Vikings, Lions or Eagles, but in games against those premier foes that significantly shrink the margins for error the Packers have shown a troubling pattern of not meeting the moment with too many ill-timed mistakes and not enough big-time plays. “It's hard when you put yourself in a hole and are down early and just kind of shooting yourself in the foot,” quarterback Jordan Love said. “There’s so much stuff to clean up and get better at, but I think we’re still a really good team. We can put up points. But when you put yourself in a hole, it’s just hard to climb out of that hole. And when it’s a good team like the Vikings, you know, it just makes it even tougher.” The red flag came right away. Josh Jacobs, the NFL 's fourth-leading rusher, had just given the Packers a second first down on the opening drive of the game when defensive tackle Jerry Tillery pushed the ball out and safety Cam Bynum recovered at the Minnesota 38. Jacobs had gone 11 straight games without fumbling until losing one at Seattle on Dec. 15. Now he has coughed up the ball twice in three games. “I feel like it drained the energy out of the team just starting early,” Jacobs said. “I take it personal on getting the team to start fast and things like that. Yeah, that’s on me.” Though the Vikings punted on the subsequent possession, they moved the ball enough to flip the field position. Perhaps wary of the fumble getting in Jacobs' head, LaFleur then called three straight passes from their own 15-yard line, and Love was off the mark on all three to force a punt. After a breakout performance here a year ago in a 33-10 victory over the Vikings that helped the Packers squeak into the playoffs after a rough start and ride the momentum through a first-round win at Dallas, Love looked awfully amid the cocktail of blitzes ordered by Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores that fueled a fierce pass rush. He finished 19 for 30 for 185 yards and one touchdown. “They do a good job of keeping a lid on the coverage. That’s how they play," LaFleur said. "We knew that going in, so there was going to be minimal opportunities to push the ball down the field. You've got to be super efficient. You've got to stay on schedule because once they get you into third down, that’s where they’re really good.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL