Double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu got engaged to Hyderabad-based Venkata Datta Sai, an Executive Director at Posidex Technologies. The badminton star on Saturday shared the picture from the ceremony that is going viral on social media. In the surfaced photo, Sindhu and Venkata could be seen having a ring on their hands and sharing a laugh together. Notably, the couple is set to tie the knot on December 22 in Udaipur. The wedding festivities will begin on December 20, and there will be a reception in Hyderabad. Afterward, Sindhu will resume her training for an important upcoming season. A post shared by PV Sindhu (@pvsindhu1) According to Sindhu's father, the two families are well acquainted with each other, but the wedding plans came together within a month. The couple chose this date since Sindhu will be busy with training and competitions starting next year. Sindhu is the first and only Indian to win the gold medal at the BWF World Championships in 2019. She is only the second Indian individual athlete to win two consecutive Olympic medals: In 2016 Rio Olympics, she won silver medal, becoming the first Indian badminton player to reach an Olympic final. In the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she won Bronze medal. In badminton world championships, Sindhu have five medals to her name, making her one of only two women (alongside China's Zhang Ning) to achieve this feat in singles. Her fiance, Venkata Datta Sai has a Diploma in Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies from Foundation of Liberal and Management Education. He completed his BBA Accounting and Finance from Flame University Bachelor of Business Administration in 2018 and then did his Master's degree in Data Science and Machine Learning from International Institute of Information Technology, Bangalore. He started working with JSW both as a summer intern as well as an In-House Consultant. Since 2019, he has been working as Managing Director for Sour Apple Asset Management while also serving as the Executive Director in Posidex. "The loan that you get in 12 seconds or the credit card that you have thanks to the instant credit score matching? Just some of the most complex problems I solve using a proprietary entity resolution search engine. My solutions and products are deployed for critical operations at some of the biggest banks from HDFC to ICICI," he wrote on his LinkedIn profile. (With PTI Inputs)By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle The Oliver Fire Department raised a total of $1,500 for Oliver’s Starfish Pack Program at its 10th Annual Drive-Thru Breakfast on Saturday morning (Nov. 23). “A big thank you to everyone who came out to the Drive Thru-Breakfast,” said the Oliver Fire Department (OFD) on social media. Fill ur boots – Oliver Fire Chief Bob Graham collects donations in a fireman’s boot. Don Urquhart photo The breakfast by donation consisted of a breakfast sandwich (English muffin, egg, cheese and ham), hash brown, apple and coffee or orange juice, all served up to the car window by Oliver firefighters inside the firehall. Fire Chief Bob Graham told the Times Chronicle that the event started off a bit slower than previous years, lacking the early rush which possibly explains the slightly lower donations than the $2,000 that is typically raised at the event. When it was suggested that the weather, cold and rainy, might be to blame for the lack of early morning rush Graham laughed and recounted the various cold and snowy drive-through events in past years, including one year in which everyone’s windows were frozen shut requiring them to open their doors to get the breakfast items. Last stop on the line for choice of beverage. Don Urquhart photo All proceeds go to the Starfish Pack Program which ensures students who rely on school breakfast and lunch programs on school days don’t go hungry on weekends. Each week, volunteers fill backpacks with 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, and snacks and then deliver them to local schools for the students to take home on the weekend. The students return the empty backpacks to the school the following week, and our volunteers pick them up to be refilled for the following weekend. It costs approximately $600 to fill a backpack for a student for the full school year. For more information visit the Oliver Starfish or general Starfish website . Don Urquhart photo To contact the Oliver Starfish Pack Volunteer Coordinator, Sam Marsel, email [email protected] or call 250-488-7700. A donor form can be downloaded here .
Family Service Kent looking for volunteer driversPublished 20:44 IST, December 14th 2024 India's data centre market has emerged as a magnet for global and domestic investors, attracting nearly $60 billion in investment commitments between 2019 and 2024. With robust data centre (DC) demand fueling expansion into India's digital infrastructure, investment commitments in the industry are expected to surpass $100 billion by the end of 2027, according to CBRE report. India's Data Centre (DC) market is witnessing a surge in investment activity, with Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu emerging as the most preferred destinations. India's data centre market has emerged as a magnet for global and domestic investors, attracting nearly $60 billion in investment commitments between 2019 and 2024. Mumbai, which accounts for 49 per cent of India's total DC stock, continues to dominate the market, followed closely by Chennai, Delhi-NCR, and Bengaluru. Together, these Tier-I cities constituted about 90 per cent of the country's DC stock in the January-September 2024 period. Mumbai and Chennai's stronghold is bolstered by their strategic infrastructure, including multiple cable landing stations, government support, and established financial industries, making them prime hubs for BFSI, cloud, hyperscale, and OTT companies. India's DC stock stood at approximately 1,255 MW (~19 million sq. ft.) as of September 2024 and is projected to grow to around 1,600 MW (~24 million sq. ft.) by the end of the year. In 2025, an additional 475 MW of capacity is under construction, with Mumbai and Chennai expected to lead the supply additions. Demand from technology firms, BFSI, fintech, and media sectors, along with public sector undertakings, is expected to further boost occupancy rates, which currently stand at 75-80 per cent. India's generative AI sector is forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28 per cent from 2023 to 2030, contributing significantly to DC demand. The adoption of generative AI is projected to add USD 400 billion to India's economy by 2030, underscoring the importance of robust digital infrastructure. State-level incentives have played a pivotal role in attracting DC investments. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana were among the first to introduce dedicated policies, defining DCs as an "essential service" and offering extensive infrastructure support. Updated 20:44 IST, December 14th 2024
Mizzou star Luther Burden III declares for NFL draft
Arsenal defender Gabriel kept Viktor Gyokeres quiet — then had the audacity to steal the in-demand Sporting Lisbon striker's trademark goal celebration. After heading in Arsenal's third first-half goal in the Champions League on Tuesday, Gabriel linked the fingers of his hands and placed them over his eyes, before laughing with his teammates. It was most likely a dig at Gyokeres, the Sweden striker who has quickly become one of European soccer's hottest properties . Because that is how Gyokeres celebrates his goals. “It's fun that he likes my celebration,” Gyokeres told Viaplay after the match. “He can steal it if he cannot come up with his own.” Gyokeres has scored 24 goals for Sporting in all competitions and was coming off netting four for Sweden in a Nations League match against Azerbaijan. Earlier in the first half, Gabriel had enjoyed tackling and dispossessing Gyokeres near the Arsenal area — waving both his arms in a gesture to the crowd. Gabriel's goal made it 3-0 to Arsenal at halftime and the English team went on to win 5-1, with Gyokeres failing to score. He did hit the post with a shot late in the game, however — after Gabriel had gone off with an injury. “Today he wasn't that dangerous,” Arsenal striker Kai Havertz said of Gyokeres, “but I think it's because we defended very well.” AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
S&P/TSX composite, U.S. markets end the trading day lower FridayDaryl Bohac, former adjutant general for Nebraska, takes the podium with Gov. Jim Pillen, right, after being appointed director of the Nebraska State Historical Society. Nov. 21, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN — Gov. Jim Pillen has called upon Daryl Bohac to direct the embattled Nebraska State Historical Society, drawing Bohac back into public service after he retired 18 months ago from leading the Nebraska National Guard. Pillen said the decision to recruit and redeploy Bohac to fill a post that oversees collection, preservation and sharing of Nebraska history was based on his view of leadership. “When you spend 45 years of your life in public service, when you’re the adjutant general of the Nebraska Air and Army National Guard, you develop extraordinary leadership characteristics and qualities,” he said of the Nebraska native. Pillen said he needed someone to steer the 146-year-old historical agency he said had veered “off the tracks.” Renamed History Nebraska by the previous director, the agency has been scrutinized and restructured . It recently became part of the governor’s cabinet following the arrest two years ago of the former executive director, who faces theft charges for allegedly improperly handling a private donation to the state agency. Bohac will oversee more than 60 full-time employees, and start with a $175,000 salary. Questioned about Bohac’s qualifications for the history-centric job, Pillen cited his track record in creating a “culture of team.” During the past two years, turnover at the society was 22% and 31%, respectively, among the highest of state agencies, according to state personnel figures. More than once, Pillen mentioned Bohac’s work with the Nebraska National Guard Museum in Seward, which preserves state militia history and educates about the guard’s role during peace and war. Introduced in his new role at a Thursday news conference, Bohac said he had received a phone call from someone outside of the Governor’s Office inquiring about his interest in taking over the agency, which also publishes a quarterly magazine and operates a state history museum in Lincoln and six other historic sites across the state. He said he talked to his wife and others and felt it was a “good fit — perhaps a good opportunity in that I could bring some leadership values to a complex organization.” He said the past 18 months of retirement had been good for him and his family. “But it’s time to go back to work for the people of Nebraska.” Among top priorities, Bohac said, is improving financial accountability. He referred to the past executive director. Former director Trevor Jones is facing felony charges for allegedly misappropriating a private donation. He resigned in 2022, after serving six years as the top administrator, saying he planned to do some traveling . Shortly after Jones resigned, he was charged with theft by deception in connection with diverting two donations from a foundation that had been intended to over anticipated agency revenue losses due to COVID-19. He instead deposited the funds in a foundation he had set up. Jones recently asked the court to dismiss the felony charge, saying he has been denied his right to a speedy trial. A hearing on the motion is scheduled for Tuesday. Pillen also pointed to the past. “It takes a lifetime of having a culture and it got tore down in a few simple years and it’s gonna take a lot of work to rebuild it to what Nebraskans expect.” The governor said he expects Bohac to lessen the society’s reliance on taxpayer dollars and to build active public and private partnerships. “It’s a $9 million a year budget but it doesn’t necessarily have to stand on the backs of taxpayers,” Pillen said. Bohac said he is excited to dive into his new mission — noting what he described as one of the first decisions presented to him in 2013 when he became the state’s adjutant general. It had to do with relocation of the military museum from the old Nebraska State Fairgrounds. He said the operations model relied on a combination of private, state and federal funding, a mix he plans to build upon at the state historical society. Other priorities in his new post, Bohac told reporters, include rebuilding core history museum exhibits to create a more alluring place for tourists and Nebraskans. He also wants to improve public access to archives. Bohac’s hire follows the passage earlier this year of Legislative Bill 1169, which made the historical society a code agency and part of the governor’s cabinet. That shift from independence status, and governance by a citizen Board of Trustees, worried many society employees who feared politics might enter into decisions about subject matter in museum displays, research projects and magazine articles. State lawmakers who supported LB 1169 said it should increase financial oversight and restore trust in the agency. Others feared potential impact. He has managed to adeptly thread the needle of keeping focused on mission and setting aside politics. – State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln put forth an amendment intended to protect the academic freedom of choosing museum displays and public outreach. Thursday, upon hearing of Bohac’s appointment, Conrad she welcomed the “sound” choice. She sees Bohac as an “adept leader” and a “nonpolitical person.” “He has managed to adeptly thread the needle of keeping focused on mission and setting aside politics,” she said. Conrad, a Democrat, said she believes Bohac will be supported across the political spectrum to “stabilize the important work of this agency which has been mired in controversy for far too long.” Founded in 1878 by people who saw a need to record stories of both the state’s indigenous and immigrant populations, the historical society was designated a state institution and began receiving funds from the Legislature in 1883. In July, Pillen appointed Cindy Drake to be interim executive director. She had been at odds with the policies of the former director, Jones, and was dismissed after 45 years of serving as chief librarian at the society. Drake and Pillen moved swiftly to make changes at the agency, restoring the name to the Nebraska State Historical Society, rescinding a Jones’ decision to rebrand as “History Nebraska” in 2018. Employees also were reassigned. Public visiting hours were to be added at the society’s research room. A diversity council established by Jones was disbanded. During the media event Thursday, Bohac said he was eager to jump into his new job. As adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Bohac was responsible for programs affecting more than 4,500 Army and Air National Guard personnel. He oversaw the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency and served as the state’s official channel of communication with the National Guard Bureau to the Departments of the Army and Air Force. Said Pillen: “The hardcore reality is Daryl and I see a lot of things alike. One is how important leadership is, how important culture is.” SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Originally published on nebraskaexaminer.com , part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange . Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Photo: Neptune Technology Group Osoyoos is about 25 per cent done installing its mandatory water meters as of Tuesday. The South Okanagan municipality is looking to have the water metering system ready by April of next year, which will allow it to charge water usage via one flat rate plus one variable rate based on individual usage. Town staff have said the move, first approved in March 2022, will help with water conservation efforts and opportunities. During a committee of the whole meeting on Tuesday, staff provided an update about the installation process so far. Of 1,790 needed meters, over 400 residential meters and 25 commercial meters have been installed by Neptune Technology group so far. The $4.7 million project is being funded by grants and capital reserves but no costs will be put onto homeowners. With installation starting in September, staff said residents have been cooperative. However, many people brought up concerns about the mandatory water meters during a public input special open council meeting on Nov. 15 Residents raised concerns about the need for replacing preexisting meters and the cost of doing so. Rod Risling, CAO and acting director of operational services, said that only meters that are 10 years or older are being replaced. “We're looking to see how they're going to work with a new system. So, some of these meters with slight modifications will be able to communicate to the cell towers, and so what we're going to do is actually test those meters to see if they actually work,” he said. A number of residents took to social media about the installations, some unsettled about alleged or feared property damage during installation, insurance, and the expertise of Neptune Terminals — the contractors hired to do the installations — employees. Staff said that such online discussion has been misleading. “Qualifications of installers has been an issue that has been raised. And it's important to note that Neptune has certified water main installers, so they make sure that each of the people that are visiting residents have gone through training that meets their standards,” Risling said. Work on water service with more than a two-inch line is being done by certified plumbers, and workers are covered by WorkSafeBC, he said. However, homeowners should check for ID when workers arrive. Staff also addressed concerns about property and drywall damage. “Some people are thinking that they have to themselves cut holes in their drywall and installation. And no, that's not the case," Risling said. "The installers will take a look at where the pipes are and determine the best approach to install the meter, and at the end, they should leave your residence clean and tidy within the new water meter.” According to a staff report, everything is going to plan. However, "the number of pit meter installations is higher than anticipated which may result in a slightly later completion in the spring." The water systems with outdoor valves require the cost and labour intensive pit meters because of an underground line connection. Whether the meters mean more savings for tax payers has yet to be seen. Staff said that it will be hiring a consultant to assess data. However, staff at the meeting encouraged the public to look into water conservation such as energy efficient dish washers and landscaping. Additionally, council collectively indicated that it was initially leaning towards installing an automated meter reading, but is now leaning towards an advanced metering infrastructure due to real-time data collection capacity. The newer technology is also contributing to some water meters requiring replacement. Rates regarding water meters have not yet been decided. The meters will be guaranteed by Neptune for a year, at which point the town will take over regarding any problems. For more information regarding Osoyoos' water meters click here .Fabian Hurzeler said Albion did not deserve boos at full-time against Brentford. The head coach felt his side were out of luck as they were held to a 0-0 draw at the Amex . And he pinpointed where they need to improve as they look to end their winless run. The Seagulls are six without a victory after their stalemate with the Bees. Head coach Hurzeler said: “A bit similar to the games before so I think we deserved more. “We played good, we played with a lot of intensity, especially in the first half, we created a lot of chances. “In the end, we don't have the game luck at the moment. We have to work hard for this, we have to use some momentum in the right moments, we have to score. BRIGHTON V BRENTFORD AS IT HAPPENED “We still try to stay positive. I think there were several positive things today. We kept a clean sheet, we created a lot of chances. “I think there were not enough chances for Brentford so keep positive, be honest with each other, be more consistent in the way we attack the box and try to try to improve for the next game. “I wouldn’t say it’s a confidence of belief thing, it's more like the luck. I think we hit the post. “Against us, the goalkeepers, they always get better and better, I have the feeling. “We have to work hard, I'm sure that the momentum will come back and the game luck will come back, but in the end it's our responsibility and our fault and we don't try to search for any excuses. “We have to be honest and critical to ourselves and have to admit that it's not good enough at the moment and that we have to work harder and improve in several things.” There was some mild and short-lived booing at full-time. Hurler said: “I think that the team doesn't deserve that because, like I said, in all the games we had in the last weeks, they were all good, they were all intense, they were all where we thought we deserved more and we try to work hard to satisfy our supporters. “We try to give them also what they deserve, we try to make them proud but in the end it's not a wish concert, the Premier League is tough. “We know that there will be periods where we have to go through, especially with this young squad.”
LAS VEGAS — A rap icon is in the theater and, yes, in the club over New Year’s Eve. “50 Cent: In Da Club” runs Friday through Jan. 4 at PH Live, the former Bakkt Theater and (going to its origins) Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts. This is a custom-designed, Las Vegas-peppered production, a first for the rapper born Curtis James Jackson III. As the series opens, 50 Cent and Eminem generated international buzz by teasing to a joint album. “Looks like I’ll be back in the booth after all! Just gotta do this residency in Vegas first,” 50 posted on social media Friday morning. Eminem said in an interview on DJ Whoo Kidd’s “Whoo’s House” on SiriusXM’s Shade 45 this week he would be interested in such a collaboration. “That would be great,” Eminem said. “We just gotta stop (B.S.-ing) and just do it ... “I would never say it’s not possible.” This month Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre invited the two superstars to guest on their “Missionary” release. They teamed on “Gunz N Smoke.” Over the years, 50 and Eminem have also collaborated on “Patiently Waiting,” “Crack a Bottle,” “Don’t Push Me” and many more. Until the two reconvene, there is the matter of 50 Cent’s half-dozen performances at PH Live. Asked how the shows on the Strip will be Vegas-centric, 50 said, “I have never done a Vegas residency before so this will be my first time doing consecutive shows on a stationary stage and this will enable me to bring many new elements of production and really turn it up for the audience. “ As for his history of New Year’s Eve performances, or NYE generally, the rapper said, “My favorite NYE memory is all of them because I use it as a reset to set my goal for the new year, and I am raising my bar every time and my favorite place to be on NYE is on a stage performing for everyone.” ©2024 Las Vegas Review-Journal. Visit reviewjournal.com. . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Ruud van Nistelrooy ‘disappointed’ and ‘hurt’ after cutting ties with Man Utd
Did Artificial Intelligence Influence the 2024 U.S. Elections?
Locally, Kitchener South-Hespeler MP Valerie Bradford is among the Liberals to support calls for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation. With a federal election scheduled for October 2025, and the possibility of it being earlier, how prepared are party candidates in Waterloo Region? Incumbents in the region’s five ridings — four Liberals and one Green — will be running to hold their seats. Additionally, parties have started working on their candidate selection process. “We are actively working to ensure we are fully prepared for whenever an election is called,” said Audrey-Ann Turcot-Brochu, communications director for the Greens. The Liberals launched their updated nominations process in November 2022. A spokesperson for the party told the Record, “While Pierre Poilievre continues to seek candidates that will follow his far-right agenda to make deep cuts to the programs the middle class relies on and take Canada backward, the Liberal party of Canada is ready to re-elect our dedicated Liberal team in Parliament and continue to elect even more talented, diverse, and hardworking community leaders as new Liberal MPs.” The Conservatives and the NDP did not respond. Here are the major federal parties’ declared candidates or scheduled nomination meeting dates for all Waterloo Region ridings. This list will be updated as more information becomes available: Bardish Chagger (Incumbent) Nomination meeting is scheduled for Jan. 23 Bryan May (Incumbent) Connie Cody Jose de Lima Mike Morrice (Incumbent) Tim Louis (Incumbent) Doug Treleaven Valerie Bradford (Incumbent) Matt Strauss
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In a first, NASA astronaut Joseph M Acaba arrived in Dhaka today to engage with local youth, academia, and media. Acaba's visit is a significant milestone, marking the first time NASA's chief of the Astronaut Office has travelled to Bangladesh, said the US embassy in a statement. His tour will include interactive sessions with students, where he is expected to impress upon young minds to pursue careers in space science, robotics, and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education. Acaba is also expected to engage in discussions on the role of space exploration in advancing technology and addressing global challenges, such as the climate crisis. In addition to his academic engagements, Acaba is scheduled to give an interview to a TV channel, sharing insights on NASA's contributions to global science and technology, and how Bangladesh can benefit from collaborative efforts in space exploration and technology innovation through the Artemis Accords. The Artemis Accords promote principles for a safe, peaceful, and prosperous future in space to foster further collaboration between NASA and Bangladesh's growing space and technology sectors. Acaba is an American educator, hydrogeologist, and a returned peace corps volunteer. In May 2004, he became the first person of Puerto Rican descent to be named a NASA astronaut. In 2023, Acaba was appointed the chief of the Astronaut Office. As an astronaut, Acaba logged over 306 days in space across three missions - including spacewalks and groundbreaking scientific research aboard the International Space Station. In a first, NASA astronaut Joseph M Acaba arrived in Dhaka today to engage with local youth, academia, and media. Acaba's visit is a significant milestone, marking the first time NASA's chief of the Astronaut Office has travelled to Bangladesh, said the US embassy in a statement. His tour will include interactive sessions with students, where he is expected to impress upon young minds to pursue careers in space science, robotics, and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education. Acaba is also expected to engage in discussions on the role of space exploration in advancing technology and addressing global challenges, such as the climate crisis. In addition to his academic engagements, Acaba is scheduled to give an interview to a TV channel, sharing insights on NASA's contributions to global science and technology, and how Bangladesh can benefit from collaborative efforts in space exploration and technology innovation through the Artemis Accords. The Artemis Accords promote principles for a safe, peaceful, and prosperous future in space to foster further collaboration between NASA and Bangladesh's growing space and technology sectors. Acaba is an American educator, hydrogeologist, and a returned peace corps volunteer. In May 2004, he became the first person of Puerto Rican descent to be named a NASA astronaut. In 2023, Acaba was appointed the chief of the Astronaut Office. As an astronaut, Acaba logged over 306 days in space across three missions - including spacewalks and groundbreaking scientific research aboard the International Space Station.
