1slot vip5 CLEVELAND (AP) — Tyler Huntley stepped in for Tua Tagovailoa and stepped up for the Dolphins. Miami still has a playoff pulse. Huntley scrambled for a touchdown and threw for one while starting for the injured Tagovailoa, and the Dolphins stayed in the AFC wild-card race heading into their season finale with a 20-3 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. With Tagovailoa sidelined by a hip injury, the backup known as “Snoop” did enough for the Dolphins (8-8). “This was not ideal in any way, shape or form,” said Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel, adding he held out hope up until just before kickoff that Tagovailoa might play. “But it was a tremendous outing for (Huntley). It showed how far Snoop has come.” Miami needs to win next weekend at the New York Jets and hope the Denver Broncos lose at home to Kansas City to get a postseason berth. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and many of the top-seeded Chiefs' starters are expected to rest. “For the first time in my life, I'm about to be a huge Chiefs fan,” Dolphins defensive tackle Calais Campbell said. “It might not happen (making the playoffs), but we have an opportunity. And if it does happen, look out, we're coming.” Tagovailoa's status for next week is unclear, but Huntley showed he can get the job done if necessary. He finished 22 of 26 for 225 yards and didn't have any turnovers in his fourth start this season. The 26-year-old was with Cleveland in training camp before being released in August. Huntley downplayed any thought he was seeking revenge against the Browns. “When I left, that was it,” said Huntley, who was signed by Miami in September when Tagovailoa suffered his latest concussion. “For him to get cut, it was our blessing picking him up,” Campbell said. Tagovailoa was limited in practice all week with the hip injury suffered two weeks ago against Houston. McDaniel said “it's impossible” to know whether Tagovailoa will be available to face the Jets. “From a medical perspective, it was not an option for him to play today,” McDaniel said. Tagovailoa spent the afternoon on the sideline in sweats, encouraging Huntley and his other teammates. The quarterback was not available for interviews afterward. The Browns (3-13) dropped their fifth straight, finished 2-6 at home and could be headed toward another offseason of major turnover. They improved their draft position for 2025, when they will likely look for a quarterback. “I have no comment on that,” said Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, whose job appears safe despite the team's regression after making the playoffs last season. Dorian Thompson-Robinson isn't the long-term answer. In his second straight start, the second-year QB completed 24 of 47 passes for 170 yards. He also threw an interception, lost a fumble and was flagged three times for intentional grounding. “We were harassing him all day,” Campbell said. Both offenses had issues in windy and wet conditions, but Huntley handled them better. He ran for a 13-yard touchdown early in the third quarter to put the Dolphins up 13-3. After rolling right, Huntley made several precise cuts as he picked his way down the sideline and into the end zone. “He was just making plays,” said receiver Tyreek Hill, who had nine catches for 105 yards. Hill said Tagovailoa pushed as hard as possible to play. “Basically, it was the staff trying to save a player from himself,” Hill said. The Browns had a chance to cut into the lead, but Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey broke up Thompson-Robinson's fourth-and-goal pass toward Jerry Jeudy in the end zone. Huntley connected with tight end Jonnu Smith on a 7-yard TD with 3:38 left. Miami's Jason Sanders kicked field goals of 54 and 39 yards. He's made a franchise-best 25 in a row, the streak helped by a friendly bounce off the crossbar on his 54-yarder in the first quarter. The Browns tied it when Dustin Hopkins, who was benched for a game during a recent slump, kicked a 25-yard field goal. Sack happy (birthday) Browns defensive end Myles Garrett celebrated his 29th birthday with a pair of sacks. Last season's defensive player of the year has 14 this season, making him the first player in league history to get that many four years in a row. Injuries Dolphins: LT Terron Armstead was forced out in the second quarter with a knee injury that has bothered him for weeks. Patrick Paul filled in. ... WR Jaylen Waddle (knee) was inactive. Browns: CB Denzel Ward (shoulder) didn't play in the second half after getting hurt in the second quarter. ... LB Jordan Hicks was ruled out with a head injury. ... RB Jerome Ford (ankle) was forced out in the first half. He came back but was only on the field for one play after halftime. ... RB Pierre Strong Jr. left with an apparent head injury in the final minutes. Up next Dolphins: Wrap up the regular season against the Jets on Jan. 4 or 5. Browns: Visit Baltimore next weekend. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLThe San Francisco 49ers have gotten a lot from their rookie class in 2024, but the season is over for one member of it. Seventh-round pick Tatum Bethune has been placed on injured reserve, the linebacker having suffered a sprained MCL in last Sunday's surprise loss to the Seattle Seahawks. But the end of his campaign has provided an opportunity to veteran Tashaun Gipson. Gipson, who was a starter at safety for the previous two seasons, has been promoted to the active roster to take Bethune's place. San Francisco signed Gipson to its practice squad earlier this month. He had previously been activated for each of the last two games and will provide key insurance behind starters Ji'Ayir Brown and Malik Mustapha. But the window for another veteran to return is shrinking. The 49ers again elected not to activate interior offensive lineman Jon Feliciano from injured reserve. Feliciano was downgraded from questionable to out for Sunday's meeting with the Green Bay Packers, and the 49ers have until Monday to activate him to the roster before his 21-day practice window closes. San Francisco elevated cornerback Nick McCloud and linebacker Jalen Graham from the practice squad to their gameday roster for the visit to Lambeau Field. This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

Janux shares surge on promising JANX007 prostate cancer trialNEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 28, 2024-- Halper Sadeh LLC, an investor rights law firm, is investigating whether the sale of Avid Bioservices, Inc. (NASDAQ: CDMO) to funds managed by GHO Capital Partners LLP and Ampersand Capital Partners for $12.50 per share in cash is fair to Avid shareholders. Halper Sadeh encourages Avid shareholders to click here to learn more about their legal rights and options or contact Daniel Sadeh or Zachary Halper at (212) 763-0060 or sadeh@halpersadeh.com or zhalper@halpersadeh.com . The investigation concerns whether Avid and its board of directors violated the federal securities laws and/or breached their fiduciary duties to shareholders by failing to, among other things: (1) obtain the best possible consideration for Avid shareholders; (2) determine whether GHO and Ampersand are underpaying for Avid; and (3) disclose all material information necessary for Avid shareholders to adequately assess and value the merger consideration. On behalf of Avid shareholders, Halper Sadeh LLC may seek increased consideration for shareholders, additional disclosures and information concerning the proposed transaction, or other relief and benefits. We would handle the action on a contingent fee basis, whereby you would not be responsible for out-of-pocket payment of our legal fees or expenses. Halper Sadeh LLC represents investors all over the world who have fallen victim to securities fraud and corporate misconduct. Our attorneys have been instrumental in implementing corporate reforms and recovering millions of dollars on behalf of defrauded investors. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241228459950/en/ CONTACT: Halper Sadeh LLC One World Trade Center 85th Floor New York, NY 10007 Daniel Sadeh, Esq. Zachary Halper, Esq. (212) 763-0060 sadeh@halpersadeh.com zhalper@halpersadeh.com https://www.halpersadeh.com KEYWORD: NEW YORK UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LEGAL SOURCE: Halper Sadeh LLC Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/28/2024 03:24 PM/DISC: 12/28/2024 03:24 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241228459950/en

Carson Beck Landing Spots: Where Can the Georgia QB Go in the 2025 NFL Draft?Forrest's 30 lead N.C. A&T past North Carolina Central 85-72

BEIJING , Nov. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- During the Wuzhen Summit of the World Internet Conference, ZICC interviewed Internet experts from all over the world. Lampros Sterg, UNESCO Chair in AI & Data Science, said that AI can accelerate social progress, but it needs to be used properly to avoid its negative effects in order to benefit citizens and society . L atif Ladid, the president of the IPv6 Forum, called for the establishment of a global governance system to allow artificial intelligence technology to serve humanity for good. South Korean computer scientist Kilnam Chon shared insights on AI's positive role in healthcare. He urged global efforts to ensure AI safety and prevent its misuse in weapons . I ndian entrepreneur Bibin Babu said he believes that AI will not replace humans, but will create more new jobs. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zicc-internet-experts-pay-attention-to-the-development-of-artificial-intelligence-302314745.html SOURCE ZICC

US November ISM manufacturing survey 48.4 vs 47.5 expected US November final S&P Global manufacturing PMI 49.7 vs 48.8 prelim Fed's Waller speech: 'I lean towards supporting a cut in December' Waller Q&A: Average inflation target framework "blew up" very quickly Sad day for markets: Art Cashin dead at 83 Fed's Bostic: Not going into December meeting with the sense that outcome preordained Atlanta Fed GDPNow +3.2% vs +2.7% prior US October construction spending +0.4% vs +0.2% expected S&P Global Canada November manufacturing PMI 52.0 vs 51.1 prior Shares of SMCI jump 20% after the company says it won't restate financials ECB's Rehn: There are reasons to continue cutting rates in December French PM Barnier to use special powers to adopt social security budget bill Markets: S&P 500 up 0.2%, Nasdaq up 1.0% WTI crude oil up 15-cents to $68.15 US 10-year yields flat at 4.20% Gold down $16 to $2637 JPY leads, EUR lags The FX market swung towards US dollar strength during New York trade and then slowly gave it all back in the latter half of the session. Euro selling accelerated through 1.05 as political dysfunction continues in France, and the likelihood of a no-confidence vote in Barnier on Wednesday. French spreads widened and the pair fell as low as 1.0461 but recovered back to the big figure last. It was a similar round trip on most fronts as the dollar gained on some of the BRICS talk (though I think that's a stretch) and the reversal of month-end flows. Initially the dollar was helped by rising Treasury yields but bonds rallied later and that weighed particularly heavily on USD/JPY, which continues to slide in a move that's under-appreciated. The dollar fell further on the Waller headlines but recovered as the text of his speech was more-balanced and data focused than it first seemed. USD/JPY touched 149.09 at the lows, which is the worst since October 20 and down 600 pips in two weeks. Overall, I'm not sure we learned much today as the market continues to mull Trump, Republican priorities and the strength of the economy. Fed pricing for a cut this month is at 70%, which sounds about right but it's a big week for economic data and that will swing, including on JOLTS tomorrow.Louisville wastes early lead, holds off Eastern KentuckyIT’S a woman’s world for Sacha Baron Cohen in his latest film. The comedian , 53, plays a male chauvinist in a parallel world which is dominated by women. His character gets catcalled by female builders on the London set of Ladies First. There was also a “women at work” road sign. Saltburn’s Rosamund Pike , 45, then filmed the same scene but with male builders leering at her. She stole the show in a short skit, grey tweed overcoat and curled blonde hair with an earth-tone handbag on set in the City of London. READ MORE FILM NEWS Pike and Baron Cohen have chemistry as they face off in a complicated new world which proves tough to adapt to. The fiery romantic comedy, directed by The Beautiful Game creator Thea Sharrock, will also star Richard E Grant. The Netflix movie is a remake of the 2018 French romantic comedy, I Am Not An Easy Man. Rosamund began dating Robie Uniacke in 2009. Most read in News TV The two reportedly met at a soiree, but they have kept other details private. Rosamund said about Robie: "I have a very clever partner who's got a very astute mind and is very, very well read and articulate and ruthless about how something I do might play out on screen. "My tendency is to identify with a character and imagine there is more on the page than there is. He's quite good at putting a check on that."

The former leader of the Ukrainian Armed Forces declared that World War III has already started, as tensions rise amid escalating strikes from both sides of the European conflict. Valerii Zaluzhnyi, who served as Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief until being sidelined earlier this year by President Zelensky: “I believe that in 2024 we can absolutely believe that World War III has begun.” Speaking before Ukrainska Pravda’s UP100 award ceremony on Friday, Zaluzhnyi said that his homeland was already embroiled in an international conflict, noting the use of Iranian drones, North Korean missiles, and Chinese shells by the Russians. “What we have been waiting for so long has already begun. But I want to say that God himself gives a chance, not only to Ukraine, but also all over the world, to have time to make the right conclusions now,” he said. Appearing to lobby for even more Western weaponry, Zaluzhnyi added: “You can still stop here, on the territory of Ukraine. But for some reason our partners do not want to understand this. “There are already too many enemies in Ukraine. Ukraine will survive through technology, but it is unknown whether it will be able to win this battle on its own. So I think the World War, welcome, it has begun.” The comments from the former Ukrainian commander — who now serves as ambassador to Britain — come after a week of heavy escalations in the Ukraine war, kicked off by reports that lame duck U.S. President Joe Biden had authorised Kyiv to use long-range ATACMS missiles against targets within the Russian mainland, a move he had hitherto refused to back for fear of provoking the world’s largest nuclear power into a potentially globally devastating response. The move by Biden was quickly followed by similar approval from London, which apparently signed off on the use of UK-made Storm Shadow long range missiles, which reportedly hit targets in the Russian region of Kursk on Wednesday. In response, Vladimir Putin announced an update to Moscow’s nuclear doctrine, now stating that “ any attack ” sponsored by a third party nuclear power on Russia, even if not nuclear in nature, would justify a nuclear retaliation from the Kremlin. On Friday, Russian ambassador to the UK, Andrei Kelin, said that Britain is “ now directly involved ” in the war in Ukraine following the reported Storm Shadow strikes in Kursk. When pressed as to whether the UK was officially at war with Russia, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said : “No, we are not at war, but Ukraine certainly is, because Ukraine has been invaded by Russia, and that war has now been going on for just over 1,000 days. “That’s 1,000 days of aggression from Russia and 1,000 days of sacrifice for Ukraine, and that is why we have said consistently that we stand by Ukraine. We cannot allow Putin to win this war.”

Trump's AI Era: Navigating the Dynamic Tech LandscapeNotable quotes by Jimmy Carter

'AI textbooks' are coming to Korea. But is the country ready for them? Published: 30 Dec. 2024, 07:00 LEE SOO-JUNG [email protected] A person tests the prototype of an AI textbook at an edtech fair held in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, in September. [YONHAP] “AI textbooks” aren't physical textbooks — they're tablet apps — but they aim to be something even better. They include real-time practice questions and can analyze intonation and pronunciation as a learner speaks. An integrated model assesses each user's level of comprehension and tailors questions and explanations appropriately. Instructors can view each student's practice performance, assessed level and correct answer ratio. It's a textbook, but smarter — and personalized. At least, that's the Korean Ministry of Education's pitch. On Dec.2, the ministry unveiled authorized AI textbooks from private publishers, which are expected to be introduced over the upcoming four years — from 2025 to 2028 — to Korean classrooms. Elementary students to high schoolers, nationwide, will be learning from AI textbooks across English, math, social studies, sciences, history and technology. Incorporating AI into public and mandatory education will offer more personalized learning experiences, said the ministry, with each student provided a device of their own. However, on Thursday, the ministry's grand AI transition ran into a hurdle when the National Assembly demoted the AI textbooks to supplementary materials. The passage of an amendment to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, led by the opposition Democratic Party — even stripped AI textbooks of their "textbook" title, relegating them to "subsidiary references." However, Education Minister Lee Ju-ho said that introducing AI textbooks would be the "starting point of reducing educational imbalances," helping tackle the polarization of knowledge. He also said the selective use of AI textbooks could worsen the educational gap between AI textbook learners and those not having a chance to use them. In late November, Education Minister Lee also said AI textbooks would “awaken classrooms” and motivate students to study eagerly, preventing them from dropping out. However, such an awakening is unlikely to happen without resistance, nor will it come cheap. Scholars, students and teachers, despite the ministry's effort to incorporate contemporary technology in classrooms, have been less than enthusiastic. Due to the parliamentary measure, the AI textbooks' downgraded status could prevent the ministry from funding AI textbook distribution and upgrading classroom IT systems. While textbooks are mandatory at schools nationwide and funded by the state, using subsidiary materials is at the discretion of school principals. The parliamentary National Assembly Research Service calculated that subscription fees paid to textbook publishers would total between 1.9 trillion won ($1.3 billion) and 6.6 trillion won over four years. The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education was set to earmark 203.7 billion won into system improvement and subscription costs. ━ An incomplete endeavor An employee of an AI textbook publisher demonstrates the program at the Sejong government complex on Monday. Left monitor shows the display for students and the right monitor shows students' academic progress. [NEWS1] Does AI add that much to a traditional textbook? Experts aren't so sure. Joo Jeong-heun, a senior researcher at the Seoul Education Research and Information Institute, believes the technology is not yet comprehensive enough to help students apply their knowledge. AI is “competent in delivering factual information but has limits in encouraging actual usage of learned knowledge in real life,” Joo told the Korea JoongAng Daily. “Digital educational content and AI lack intuitive thoughts, which are catalysts prompting people to apply learned knowledge in actual experiences,” Joo said. Joo said educational policymakers should evaluate how an AI textbook effectively triggers the transfer of learning rather than treating it as a tool for improving students’ grades. Fourth graders at Seoul Sinseong Elementary School participate in an English class using AI last May. Then-Seoul education superintendent Cho Hee-yeon also attended the class. [NEWS1] Prof. Kim Bong-jae from Seoul National University of Education’s AI value judgment design center said current AI textbooks do not encompass complex developmental characteristics, which are deeply related to emotional development and value judgment. “AI technology simply translates students’ behaviors and responses only into intellectual ability,” Kim said. “Only human teachers are capable of understanding the process and variables that influence student’s answer choices and reflecting those behavioral and psychological elements into the curriculum.” Prof. Kim believes AI textbooks in elementary schools would be “inappropriate” as the students undergo the most significant emotional and social developments during those years. He said using AI textbooks in middle and high schools would be “acceptable,” as those students are mature enough to handle the technology. Teachers try out prototypes of AI textbooks at an educational conference in Daegu in August. [YONHAP] But even high school faculty are skeptical about bringing AI textbooks into classrooms because of their potential to create more work for teachers. A total of 49 percent of 1,656 teachers in Gyeonggi answered that an AI learning tool dubbed High-Learning — developed by the provincial education office — was “meritless,” according to a survey by the Gyeonggi Teachers Union in October. The AI-powered High-Learning program has been up and running since September of last year. The union told the Korea JoongAng Daily that AI-based educational content was inefficient in terms of time management. “Device distribution, itself, does not complete education,” said Kim Hee-jung, a teacher’s union spokesperson, who pointed out that the widespread use of AI textbooks puts a number of additional tasks on an instructor's plate, such as troubleshooting a fleet of tablets and ensuring that students are logged into the correct server. “Based on experience, if one or two students forget their ID and passwords, teachers have to help their log-in process, which normally takes up around 20 to 30 minutes during class hours.” ━ Schools unready Six graders from Daejeon Neuriul Elementary School receive new textbooks for the fall semester in August. [NEWS1] The teacher’s union representative also doubted the ministry’s belief that AI technology would narrow learning gaps among students, citing “extremely low digital literacy” among high schoolers. The teachers’ union said that leaving students to study on their own digital devices could “polarize educational achievements.” A 2024 survey by the National Youth Policy Institute indicated that 63.9 percent of some 2,261 high- and middle-schoolers nationwide know little to nothing about generative AI. “On average, five percent of students in each high school classroom are capable of using ChatGPT,” Kim from the Gyeonggi teachers’ union said. Her remarks echo those other critics of AI have been making across sectors as the technology explodes — that it only benefits those who already know how to use it while leaving the rest baffled. Plus, Kim Hee-jung worries, struggling students might just use the tablets to play online games. People who object to the introduction of AI textbooks hold a press conference in front of the government complex in central Seoul last month. [YONHAP] Teachers also expressed concern about “lack of time getting familiar with AI textbooks before the spring semester,” which starts in March. Considering faculty reshuffle and relocation, slated to be complete in mid-February, teachers will likely have only 10 to 15 days to practice content in the AI textbooks — designated by each school before their relocation. “Teachers are unsure of the effectiveness of teaching accompanied with AI textbooks when lessons are given to students in an underprepared situation,” said Min Jae-sik, a representative of the union of middle school teachers. Min also noted that AI textbooks have an attached manual for teachers, but not for students. “Because there is no manual available for students, teachers have to address questions raised by students or solve their technical difficulties one by one,” Min said. ━ The silver lining Despite the uncertainties surrounding the need for AI textbooks and her own awareness of the technology's limitations, Joo pointed to AI textbooks as having the potential to become a “great learning tool.” “There are parts where simple and repeated exercises are crucial, and using AI textbooks for such purposes would amplify students' learning.” Joo has faith that teachers will figure out the optimal timing and usage of AI textbooks as they are well aware of effective teaching methods per each academic lesson. “Teachers will use AI textbooks once they are proven to be effective and well-made.” Education Minister Lee also stressed that surveys after AI textbook pilot programs revealed a "high" level of satisfaction. Lee told lawmakers this month that post-use reviews are what really matter. AI textbook publishers are also confident that their products will gain the trust of students, parents and teachers. Visang Education, an authorized AI textbook publisher, told the newspaper that his company would make an effort to provide “customized solutions” to students by automatically analyzing data about their behavior and achievements in real time. “AI textbooks will help students digest academic lessons through a personalized curriculum regardless of one’s learning speed,” a Visang spokesperson said. The official believes that the wary public attitude derives from vague stereotypes of AI in the education sector. “Learning with AI textbooks,” the spokesperson insisted, “would be a totally different experience.” BY LEE SOO-JUNG [ [email protected] ] var admarutag = admarutag || {} admarutag.cmd = admarutag.cmd || [] admarutag.cmd.push(function () { admarutag.pageview('3bf9fc17-6e70-4776-9d65-ca3bb0c17cb7'); });Bengaluru, Dec 28 (PTI) Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Saturday said he is in favour of an independent and free probe by an agency under the state's Home Department into the alleged suicide of a contractor in Bidar earlier this week. The contractor left behind a seven-page note in which he made allegations against a person, said to be his associate. Accusing the BJP of politicising the issue, as it has sought his removal from the ministry and his arrest in connection with the case, the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister clarified that neither he, nor his department, nor the government is involved in any way. "While the contractor is suggesting one thing, the accused have also made complaints regarding another aspect of the entire incident. I’m very clear in saying that there should be an independent and free probe. I have personally requested the Home Minister for an independent investigative agency within the Home Department to investigate the matter," Kharge said. Speaking to reporters, he said that it is quite natural for the BJP to believe they have found something against him in the case, and pointed out that the party has been trying to get his resignation on frivolous grounds for a year. "I’m making it clear that neither I, nor my department, nor the government is involved in all these activities," he added. Sachin Monappa Panchal, a 26-year-old contractor, ended his life by falling under a train on Thursday, leaving behind a suicide note alleging that Raju Kapanur, a close associate of Kharge, had issued death threats demanding Rs 1 crore for awarding a contract. The note also mentioned the names of seven others who were accused of cheating by not awarding him a contract, despite taking a Rs 15 lakh bribe. The contractor alleged that they threatened to kill him if he failed to pay the Rs 1 crore. Hitting out at Kharge and the Congress government over the case, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy on Saturday demanded that Kharge be removed from his ministerial post and arrested immediately. He also called for Kharge to fully cooperate with the investigation, warning that BJP leaders and workers would launch a fierce agitation if he did not. Responding to a question about the BJP’s demand for his arrest, Kharge questioned "On what grounds?" and claimed the opposition party doesn’t understand the law. "BJP does not understand the law. Am I an accused? Eight people have been named as accused. Does the BJP know what the law of the land is? On what basis are they asking for my arrest? Is my name there for abetment to suicide? These people (BJP) just want to do politics. Their intention is very clear—they want to hide their internal problems," he said. Claiming that Priyank Kharge has become BJP leaders' "favourite dish on their menu," and hence they repeatedly target him, the Minister said it is because of his strong ideological stance, which goes against the BJP's political agenda. "So it is quite natural that they always blame me. Tell me one charge that they have been able to prove against me. They don’t come with facts, documents, and proof. While showing me one thing that I have accused the BJP of without documents or proof. They always do hit-and-run, this is also a hit-and-run. I dare them to prove it," he said. Noting that eight people have been named as accused in the case, Kharge said that one of them is a Congress Kalaburagi corporator's brother. "It is a fact that I cannot deny, but that doesn’t mean that I’m involved." "The accused are saying that there was a business transaction and they wanted money for the Earnest Money Deposit (EMD). There was a transfer of money from the bank, which is a legal transaction, and there is no ambiguity about the said money transfer. While the contractor has accused eight people, including his seniors in the private firm, of failing to get him some contracts... let the truth come out in the investigation," he said. Responding to the BJP’s demand for his resignation, Kharge hit back, saying that he was not here to cater to the BJP's whims and fancies and that they are the last people who should lecture on corruption. Everybody knows what they (BJP) did. How many contractors committed suicide during their tenure, naming the then Ministers and MLAs?" he said. BJP leaders, including Narayanaswamy, have alleged that Kalaburagi district has become a "republic of Kalaburagi," where the administration and police function only according to what Kharge says. Responding to this, the Minister said, "Yes, it is a republic of Kalaburagi for development, unlike the Ballari republic that the BJP ran while they were in power." Kharge hails from Kalaburagi and serves as the district in-charge Minister there. To a question about Congress demanding the resignation of K S Eshwarappa as a Minister when BJP was in power following a contractor’s suicide with a death note, Kharge said, "The Eshwarappa case is entirely different from this suicide case. In that case, Eshwarappa was himself an accused. He was named in that case...." (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)

Pheu Thai Party list-MP Prayuth Siripanich has been in the limelight following his proposal to amend the Defence Ministry Administration Act, aiming to reduce the military's power to conduct coups d'etat. Mr Prayuth's bill is one of three -- the other two were proposed earlier by the People's Party and former defence minister Sutin Klungsaeng. The bill proposed by Mr Prayuth is now open to public opinion on parliament's website until Jan 1. Mr Prayuth is known as a bold and decisive politician who refuses to back down and continuously moves forward with his plans. However, this proposal may cause tensions between Pheu Thai and the military, as well as among coalition parties or even among members of the party. On Oct 18, 2013, when Yingluck Shinawatra was prime minister, Mr Prayuth, as deputy chairman of the House committee on reviewing the amnesty bill, proposed amending Article 3 to grant amnesty to individuals involved in political gatherings, conflicts or those accused of wrongdoing by groups established after the coup from Sept 19, 2006, to Aug 8, 2013, regardless of whether they acted as perpetrators, supporters or leaders. The proposed version faced strong opposition from political opponents, who argued it was designed to benefit former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who had been living in self-imposed exile since 2008. The amnesty bill at that time escalated tensions, sparking widespread dissatisfaction among various factions and leading to people taking to the streets. Yingluck later announced the dissolution of parliament in 2013. This event was a catalyst for the political crisis that led to the military coup by Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha in 2014. Mr Prayuth has been in Thai politics for a long time. Born on Sept 30, 1945, in Maha Sarakham, he gained a bachelor's degree in law from Ramkhamhaeng University. He has served as an MP for Maha Sarakham for eight terms since 1979. He once held the position of secretary-general of the Social Action Party under the leadership of the late Montri Pongpanich. He also held ministerial positions in several governments. In 2010, Mr Prayuth was chosen as deputy leader of Pheu Thai. In April 2011, he resigned from this role along with several other executive committee members. During the Yingluck government, he was made an adviser to deputy premier Plodprasop Suraswadi.

The results of the have delivered some stunning upsets, with several prominent political leaders suffering unexpected defeats. As the final tally of votes poured in, politicians, some of whom have been key figures in the state’s political landscape for years, found themselves losing their constituencies as the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance on Saturday retained power in Maharashtra, maintaining sway over 230 of the 288 assembly seats, while the Maha Vikas Aghadi's dream of wresting power fizzled. Among the most notable losses were leaders from major political parties. The electoral results are being seen as a shift in the state’s political dynamics with some of the big names who failed to turn out to be victorious: Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena nominee Hikmat Udhan defeated former Maharashtra minister and incumbent NCP (SP) MLA Rajesh Tope by a margin of 2,309 votes from the Ghansawangi seat in the assembly polls, results of which were declared on Saturday. Notably, Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district, which became the epicentre of the Maratha quota agitation led by Manoj Jarange, is part of the Ghansawangi seat. Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule won from Kampthi seat in Nagpur district by a margin of 40,946 votes. He defeated ' Suresh Bhoyar in the assembly polls, results of which were announced on Saturday. Sreejaya Chavan, daughter of former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan, won her debut assembly poll contest from Bhokar seat in Nanded district by trouncing Congress rival Tirupati Kadam Kondhekar by 50,551 votes. BJP candidates have won five of the six assembly seats in the Chandrapur district in the Maharashtra polls, with the Congress consoling itself with just one win. Assembly Leader of Opposition Vijay Wadettiwar retained his seat from Brahmapuri, while senior BJP leader and former minister Sudhir Mungantiwar registered his fourth consecutive victory in Ballarpur. BJP's Deorao Bhonge won from Rajura, while his party colleague Kirtikumar, alias Bunty Bhangdiya, grabbed the Chimur seat. The saffron party's Kishore Jorgewar and Karan Deotale won from the Chandrapur and Warora constituencies, respectively. The BJP, which leads the Mahayuti coalition, was winning or leading in 132 of the 288 seats in the states, according to the latest figures shared by the Election Commission. Its partners Shiv Sena and NCP are set to win 57 and 41 seats.President-elect Donald Trump selected former NFL player for Cabinet position