PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Phillies and right-handed pitcher Joe Ross finalized a $4 million, one-year contract on Monday. Ross can earn an additional $1 million in bonuses for days on the active roster: $333,333 each for 60 and 120, and $333,334 for 170. The 31-year-old Ross made 10 starts and 25 total appearances for the Milwaukee Brewers last season. He went 3-6 with a 3.77 ERA. Selected by the San Diego Padres in the first round of the 2011 amateur draft, the 6-foot-4 Ross has pitched in 123 career games across seven seasons with the Washington Nationals and Brewers. In his career, he has combined for a 4.19 ERA with 469 strikeouts to 170 walks. He's 29-34 with a 4.19 career ERA. Ross is the latest in an offseason of minor moves for the NL East champs. The Phillies acquired left-hander Jesús Luzardo from the Miami Marlins and signed free-agent outfielder Max Kepler to a $10 million, one-year deal. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLBThis strong performance further solidifies TSMC's position as a key player in the global semiconductor industry. The company's advanced manufacturing capabilities have enabled it to meet the ever-increasing demand for cutting-edge semiconductor products across various sectors, including consumer electronics, automotive, and data centers.
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Yun Kuaichong's participation in the conference underscored its commitment to leveraging technology and innovation to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and build a sustainable future for transportation. By engaging with stakeholders and sharing best practices, the company demonstrated its leadership in driving progress towards a cleaner and greener transportation system.North Melbourne will receive the premiership cup from an 11-year-old girl in a touching gesture should the Kangaroos prevail in Saturday night’s AFLW grand final. The Kangaroos announced on Wednesday that the honour would go to Good Friday game ambassador Imogen Mulgrew after she had left a “profound” impact on the club’s players and staff this year. Kangaroos Bella Eddey and Emma King joined Imogen earlier this month for her special “ring the bell” moment as she celebrated the end of 21⁄2 years’ treatment for leukaemia at the Royal Children’s Hospital. It came as Brisbane announced retiring defender and 2021 premiership player Kate Lutkins would present the cup to the Lions after she called time on her career on Tuesday. Imogen tossed the coin in the AFL Good Friday match earlier this year and remained involved with the Kangaroos, with chief executive Jen Watt lauding her effect on the club. “Imogen’s resilience, spirit and easy-go-lucky demeanour struck a chord with our players, our football department, our staff and all footy fans far and wide this past year,” Watt said. “Not only has Imogen’s impact been profound, she represents everything our team stands for and we couldn’t think of a more perfect person for this role.” Lutkins, an inaugural Lion, made three All-Australian teams and won the club’s best and fairest in her second season as she rapidly established herself as a premier key defender in the competition. After a break from the game last season to welcome her first child, the 36-year-old returned for the first time since the 2022 grand final loss to Melbourne to play in the first two games of the season. “Kate has been one of the best to pull on a Lions guernsey and on the back of her recent retirement we see this as a great way to acknowledge her contribution to the game,” Lions boss Greg Swann said. “Kate has been integral part of what we’ve built at this club from an AFLW point of view and to have her present the cup to Craig (Starcevich) and Bre (Koenen), who have both been here for the whole journey, would be a special moment for this footy club.” Lutkins said she was “incredibly honoured and humbled” to present the cup if the Lions claimed back-to-back flags under lights at Ikon Park. “I think it will be one of my proudest football moments handing that cup to Bre and Craig if they win on Saturday,” she said. Originally published as AFLW grand final: North Melbourne, Brisbane unveil premiership cup presenters
The rise in the development index can be attributed to a combination of factors that have contributed to the overall improvement of the business environment for SMEs in China. One key factor is the government's continued efforts to support and promote the development of SMEs through various policies and initiatives. These include tax incentives, access to financing, and streamlined bureaucratic procedures, all of which have helped to create a more favorable environment for SMEs to thrive.On the surface, it may seem plausible that Russian supermarket stores indeed source their products directly from Russia, considering Russia's rich cultural heritage and reputation for producing high-quality goods. However, a closer examination reveals that the reality may not be as straightforward as it seems.'Thorough Gentleman & Visionary Leader': Tributes Pour In From Indian Cricket Fraternity For Ex-PM Manmohan Singh
Moreover, industries that rely heavily on oil as a primary input, such as airlines, shipping companies, and manufacturers, may also experience challenges as oil prices fluctuate. Rising oil prices can squeeze profit margins, force companies to re-evaluate their business strategies, and even lead to layoffs and cutbacks in certain sectors.
NoneSANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Once-promising seasons hit new lows for the Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers last week. Another late-game meltdown sent the Bears to their sixth straight loss and led to the firing of coach Matt Eberflus. The 49ers suffered their second straight blowout loss and more crushing injuries to go from Super Bowl contenders to outside the playoff picture in a matter of weeks. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.The stage is set, the players are ready, and the fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be a clash for the ages. Inter Milan vs Lazio, a battle of giants, a clash of titans, and a spectacle that will showcase the best of European football. Let the games begin!
Alibaba Responds to "Fire at Cloud Computing Data Center": No Impact on Cloud ServicesWORCESTER, Mass. (AP) — Max Green's 16 points helped Holy Cross defeat Regis (MA) 82-46 on Sunday. Green also had nine rebounds and six assists for the Crusaders (8-5). Aidan Richard scored 13 points, going 4 of 6 (3 for 5 from 3-point range). Declan Ryan went 6 of 8 from the field to finish with 12 points. Jamir Harvey finished with 11 points, seven rebounds and four steals for the Pride. Aamyr Sullivan added nine points and five assists for Regis (MA). Dan Grasso finished with six points. Holy Cross took the lead with 19:46 left in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 36-20 at halftime, with Richard racking up 10 points. Holy Cross extended its lead to 82-43 during the second half, fueled by a 15-2 scoring run. Green scored a team-high 11 points in the second half as their team closed out the win. Holy Cross hosts Loyola (MD) in its next matchup on Thursday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .In the recent game between the Indiana Pacers and the Milwaukee Bucks, the spotlight was undoubtedly on the outstanding performance of Domantas Sabonis. With a remarkable stat line of 24 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, Sabonis played a pivotal role in leading his team to victory. This impressive performance not only showcased his versatile skill set but also solidified his reputation as one of the top players in the league.
Thiruvananthapuram: Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday hailed the bypoll results as a clear endorsement of the LDF govt's policies and performance. "The people have delivered a resounding victory to the LDF in Chelakkara constituency , rejecting organized propaganda and concerted attacks against us. In Palakkad, the LDF gained more votes than in the previous election. This clear mandate inspires us to advance our development and welfare initiatives with renewed determination," he said. The chief minister stressed that the LDF has consistently received the backing of secular-minded voters and said that the results deliver a strong message about the importance of upholding secular politics and exposing communal forces. "The propaganda of anti-incumbency and false narratives have been unequivocally rejected by the public," he said. Commenting on the opposition, he pointed out that while the UDF managed to retain its position in Palakkad with the backing of communal elements, the LDF candidate recorded a significant increase in votes. He dismissed BJP's attempts to gain traction in Kerala, asserting that its claims—bolstered by their win in the Thrissur Lok Sabha election—have been decisively rejected by the public, limiting their ability to create a lasting impact. CPM state secretary M V Govindan also dismissed claims of anti-incumbency in the state, citing the LDF's decisive victory in Chelakkara as evidence. "The results in Chelakkara are a clear indication that there is no anti-incumbency sentiment in the state," he stated. Govindan accused the UDF of relying on communal forces like the SDPI and Jamaat-e-Islami to secure its victory in Palakkad. "All anti-communist groups came together to ensure Rahul Mamkoottathil's win in Palakkad. While Congress benefited from the support of communal groups, it won't openly acknowledge it," he said. Maharashtra Jharkhand Maharashtra Alliance View i Party View Seats: 288 Results Majority: 145 BJP+ 229 MVA 47 OTH 12 Results : 288 / 288 BJP+ WON Jharkhand Alliance View i Party View Seats: 81 Results Majority: 41 INDIA 56 NDA 24 OTH 1 Results : 81 / 81 INDIA WON Source: PValue The CPM leader stressed that LDF candidate P Sarin has proven to be a valuable asset for the Left. "Sarin's popularity and the significant rise in the LDF's vote share in Palakkad are promising signs. The gap between LDF and BJP votes has narrowed considerably, signalling a potential comeback for the Left in the region," Govindan added. Regarding the Wayanad LS byelection, Govindan said Priyanka Gandhi's victory was expected but expressed concern over the decline in LDF votes in the constituency.SHE plays picture-perfect Good Witch Glinda in the big-screen adaptation of West End hit Wicked. But despite having a dream role in a hit Hollywood film, Ariana Grande has lifted the veil on her own path to stardom — revealing that she first saw a therapist at the tender age of eight. Advertisement 5 Ariana Grande has lifted the veil on her own path to stardom Credit: Getty The Thank U, Next singer told how she struggled to “process things” after mum Joan Grande and dad Edward Butera ended their marriage in 2001. She said: “I first saw a therapist when I was eight after my parents’ divorce — but I don’t think I was really mature enough to process things. “But as I have gotten older, my therapist has been everything to me.” Ariana previously credited therapy with helping her process the aftermath of the terror bomb attack on the Manchester Arena which tragically killed 22 at her concert in May 2017. Advertisement Read more on Ariana Grande MOVIE MAGIC Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo dazzle at UK premiere of musical movie Wicked The pop star suffered further heartbreak when her rapper ex Mac Miller died from an accidental drug overdose in 2018. She added: “Therapy has saved my life. That is why I am so passionate about making therapy and mental health services available for all. "It shouldn’t just be for those that can afford it.” Meanwhile, the US singer also opened up about her close relationship with Wicked co-star and British actress Cynthia Erivo , who plays Elphaba in the film, which hit cinemas on Friday. Advertisement Most read in Bizarre Exclusive MY LORD Rangers poised to name new chairman as Lord emerges as main contender for top job RANGERS 1 DUNDEE UTD 1 Snow joke as Clement gets blizzard of abuse over more dropped points COLD BEERS SPFL side spotted going for a PINT after their bus got stuck in the snow WAITING GAME Rangers-Dundee Utd kick off DELAYED amid Storm Bert chaos as new time revealed She said: “We have become such criers — especially in the last few weeks. "As we have been able to see the final product of what we have done, as we have been able to see people’s reactions to the movie — it’s just been so emotional. Wicked fans furious after Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo's Mattel doll promos leak crucial movie plot “ Cynthia and myself just randomly burst out crying — but don’t worry, they are good tears! “Honestly, she has become my sister. Advertisement "The first time we met we had what we thought would be a short conversation about what we wanted to achieve creatively — and it ended up with us talking for hours, bonding over so many things. “Creatively we wanted to do all we could — but we also decided early on that we would be there during shooting for each other — no matter what. “I am so proud of what everybody on Wicked has achieved — but the greatest thing for me is that I have gained a sister for life.” Sabrina lives the American gleam 5 Sabrina Carpenter glittered in a fuchsia bodysuit and matching suspenders as she posed backstage earlier this week Credit: Instagram Advertisement 5 Pop superstar Sabrina has wrapped up the North American leg of her Short n’ Sweet Tour Credit: Getty POP superstar Sabrina Carpenter is in the pink as she wraps the North American leg of her Short n’ Sweet Tour. The Espresso hitmaker glittered in a fuchsia bodysuit and matching suspenders as she posed backstage earlier this week. She said: “I have always dreamt of bringing this tour to life but it was even better than I could have imagined because of every crowd that showed up and gave 100 per cent of their energy and time.” Advertisement Sabrina added: “Cry because it’s over for now, but we can’t wait to see you in the new year in Europe.” She kicks off in the UK on March 6 at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena. I cannot wait. Lotts of cash LOTTIE MOSS plans to ditch her OnlyFans career to bag brand deals. It sounds like she is following the lead of her model half-sister Kate, who previously had deals with Diet Coke and been the face of Calvin Klein. Speaking to Biz on Sunday at Boohoo’s party at Kachette in Shoreditch, East London, Lottie, said: “I want to do brand deals to make the money that I’ll lose from OnlyFans.” So ma, so good, Adele 5 Adele was joined by her mum on stage as her Las Vegas residency came to an end Credit: Getty Advertisement FAMILY matters were on Adele's mind when her mum joined her on stage as her long-running Las Vegas residency drew to a close. Penny Adkins appeared alongside her daughter on Friday night at the singer’s penultimate show at Caesars Palace. Adele, who shares 12-year-old Angelo with ex-husband Simon Konecki, said: “My own motherhood has helped me see my mother as a person rather than as a mum. “My [social media] feed used to be about pets and nail results and the motivational meme was: ‘Go easy on your mother – it’s her first time living too.’ Advertisement “And that really, really changed my perspective on everything to do with myself as a mum, her as a mum or all parents. “Because life is hard. Life sucks. It doesn’t matter what situation you’re in. The problems never, never disappear – they just come in different forms.” Adele, who completed her 100th show on Saturday night, said the residency has been the perfect “bookend” to her album 30, which she released in 2021. She said: “All I wanted to do was do some shows – I didn’t mean to do this many. Advertisement “I wanted to do some songs from 30 and just fall in love with performing again. Adele revealed: “My last tour in stadiums f * g freaked me out”, adding that she performed before “so many people, it took me a long time to kind of wrap my head around it. “This [residency] felt perfect and was the bookend to this story and this album.” Las Vegas won’t be the same without her. Advertisement Craig wed-dy HE famously sang about wooing a woman every day of the week, but Craig David is ready to settle down. The 7 Days hitmaker said: “I would have said I was commitment-phobic. I was all about the music. Now my heart is saying, ‘Open up’.” Craig, left, will kick off his aptly named Commitment tour in Leeds next year, with special guest Lemar joining him for 11 UK dates. Ed to Ed for film 5 Hitmaker Ed Sheeran with Bridgerton star Claudia Jessie Credit: Supplied ED SHEERAN has been spotted getting into the Christmas spirit. The Thinking Out Loud hitmaker was filming in Southwold, Suffolk, with Bridgerton star Claudia Jessie also starring in a video for his new festive track Under The Tree, earlier this month. The song is set to feature in a new Netflix animation film, That Christ-mas, directed by Love Actually and Notting Hill writer Richard Curtis. Advertisement A fan filmed the pair sitting in a beach hut with their arms around each other as Richard gave them instructions. Claudia – best known as Eloise Bridgerton – could also be seen making cups of tea as pals stopped by to chat. Earlier this year, Ed said of Richard: “He came to me two years ago to play me the rough [version] of That Christmas. “It was just sketches and voices, but it blew me away. So emotional, yet so heartwarmingly funny.” Advertisement The film is set in the fictional town of Wellington-on-Sea and tells the story of the worst snowstorm in history, which causes havoc for everyone – including Santa. Let’s hope Storm Bert doesn’t do the same... JAMES BOND actor Daniel Craig reckons 007 movie bosses gambled on him. He said: “They took a big risk and I am eternally grateful.” Advertisement But the Brit star of five Bond films had to take the job. He said of franchise producer Barbara Brocolli: “If you ever tried to tell Barbara ‘no’, you may understand. SIMONE ASHLEY has swapped Bridgerton for Bastille in her latest project. The Netflix star, who rose to fame as Kate Sharma, in the hit regency series, is the star of the band’s short film for their track Eve and Paradise Lost. It sees Simone crying as she takes on the role of Eve with the lyrics delving into love, loss and betrayal. Advertisement Read more on the Scottish Sun FESTIVE FIZZ Coca-Cola Christmas truck in Scotland: Dates, locations & all you need to know AND RELAX Scots seaside hotel with outdoor hot tub and firepit named UK's top spa resort Lead singer Dan Smith, who worked with British director Dominic Savage, said: “I was totally blown away by Simone’s performance on the day which surpasses anything I could have imagined.” Simon added: “When I first heard this song, I immediately felt a connection to it. I loved working with Dan and Dominic and feel so proud of what we have created."Kirk Herbstreit Responds to ESPN's 'College GameDay' Announcement
In the wake of this tragedy, the online community is coming together to support one another and to call for a safer and more secure environment for influencers to thrive. The legacy of the American influencer will live on in the hearts of those who knew and admired them, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers that lurk behind the glitz and glamour of social media fame.The coach of the Barca Football Club, a firm believer in team spirit and unity, commended Enzo and Jackson for their exemplary behavior on and off the field. "Football is a team sport, and success is only possible through the combined efforts of each player," he stated. "Enzo's decision to prioritize gratitude over personal glory exemplifies the values we uphold as a club."In conclusion, the Bank of Japan's decision to arrange a speech and press conference has sent shockwaves through the financial world and raised expectations of a potential interest rate hike in the near future. The stage is set for a high-stakes moment that could shape the trajectory of Japan's economic policy and reverberate across global markets. Stay tuned for further updates and analysis as this story unfolds. - **Definition:** A collection of essential items that help students get through finals week, such as highlighters, energy drinks, snacks, and stress balls.
Trump, Biden react to death of former President Jimmy CarterOverall, the real estate market in the coming year is poised for significant changes and developments. With a focus on policy reform, technological innovation, and shifting lifestyle preferences, we can expect to see a dynamic and evolving landscape that offers new opportunities and challenges for investors, buyers, and industry professionals alike. Stay tuned for more updates on the exciting developments in the real estate market in the year ahead.Overall, the "Prosecutor's Public Lecture" series on Kuaishou plays a crucial role in protecting the growth of minors and promoting a culture of legal compliance and ethical behavior. By providing minors with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the complexities of the legal system, the series empowers them to make informed decisions and protect themselves from harm. Through its engaging and interactive approach, the series not only educates minors about the law but also instills in them the values of respect, integrity, and responsibility.
Budget-Friendly OptionsLG has that doubles as an indoor garden. The lamp, which LG will show off at CES in January, serves as an adjustable grow light for the tray of up to 20 plants beneath it, while also brightening up your room. It has two different lighting modes: downward-facing lighting during the day that helps grow your plants, and upward-facing lighting at night to help brighten up your home. The lamp comes equipped with a 1.5-gallon water tank and “automatically dispenses the right amount of water and nutrients for the number and variety of plants being grown,” according to LG. LG is also showing off a shorter, side table-style grow light at CES, which similarly puts a grow lamp above a bundle of plants. The devices are compatible with LG’s ThinQ app, letting you adjust light settings and manage cultivation schedules while you’re not at home. This isn’t the first time LG has dabbled in creating indoor gardening technology. The company launched an indoor cultivator , before with . LG says its new lamp has a larger water capacity than its previous indoor planters, but it doesn’t mention any details about how much it will cost, or when it will actually ship. /
Rare diseases, also known as orphan diseases, are characterized by their low prevalence in the population. Patients with rare diseases often face challenges in accessing appropriate treatment due to the high cost of medications and limited availability. By including 13 rare disease drugs in the medical insurance coverage, the Chinese government is addressing these challenges and providing much-needed support to patients with rare diseases.SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Once-promising seasons hit new lows for the Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers last week. Another late-game meltdown sent the Bears to their sixth straight loss and led to the firing of coach Matt Eberflus. The 49ers suffered their second straight blowout loss and more crushing injuries to go from Super Bowl contenders to outside the playoff picture in a matter of weeks. The two reeling teams will try to get back on track on Sunday when the Bears (4-8) visit the 49ers (5-7) in Chicago's first game under interim coach Thomas Brown . “I told them a minute ago after practice there is no confidence loss at all as far as what I think about them,” Brown said Wednesday. “I don’t care what anybody else thinks about them. I think we have a very talented football team. It’s about just putting the work in every single day to give us an opportunity to win.” The Bears are hoping to get an emotional boost from the first in-season firing of a head coach in franchise history. Over the last 10 seasons, teams with interim coaches are 13-11 in their first game with the new coach. Those teams had a .284 winning percentage at the time they fired their coaches. “I wouldn’t say a new voice was needed. I would say there was change that was needed," rookie quarterback Caleb Williams said, pointing to a need for more accountability and better communication. The Niners came into the season as the favorites to get back to the Super Bowl from the NFC after losing the title game to Kansas City last season. But a series of key injuries, bad losses and spotty play have left them in last place in the NFC West with only slim hopes of even reaching the postseason. San Francisco lost 38-10 to Green Bay and 35-10 to Buffalo in back-to-back weeks and lost star running back Christian McCaffrey to a knee injury last week that will sideline him for at least the rest of the regular season. The Niners already lost key players Brandon Aiyuk and Javon Hargrave to season-ending injuries and are preparing to be without stars Nick Bosa and Trent Williams for a third straight week. “It’s just been a rocky mountain for real with the injuries and other stuff we’ve had to go through this season,” receiver Deebo Samuel said. “Our record don’t show how really good we are as a team. We're still believing in this locker room.” Williams described Eberflus’ firing as “interesting” and “tough” and vowed to “roll with the punches” while insisting the chaos and turnover of the past few weeks could help him handle similar situations in the future. Just 12 games into his NFL career, the prized quarterback is on his second head coach and third offensive coordinator, though Brown will continue to call plays. How does he keep the faith that his career is in good hands with this organization? “The first part is understanding I can’t control,” Williams said. “Even if I understand or don’t understand, that doesn’t matter. I have to roll with the punches like I said before. I don’t control everything.” With McCaffrey and Jordan Mason injured, the Niners running game will turn to rookie Isaac Guerendo . The fourth-round pick has 42 carries for 246 yards and two TDs this season and will be making his second start in either college or the pros. Coach Kyle Shanahan said the progress Guerendo has made since training camp makes him ready for his new role as he sees him running with more “urgency.” “I think it takes guys some time,” Shanahan said. “You start to get a feel for it the more, if you’ve got the right stuff, the more you get reps, the more you can adjust to it. How hard you’ve got to hit stuff, how quick those holes close, how when there is a hole how you have to hit it full-speed and can’t hesitate at all or it closes like that. We’ve seen that stuff get better in practice and we’ve seen it carry over into games.” San Francisco's usually stout run defense has been anything but that this season. The Niners have struggled to slow down the opposition on the ground all year with the problem getting worse recently. The 49ers allowed 389 yards rushing the past two weeks. “It’s been so frustrating because I know what is supposed to look like,” linebacker Fred Warner said. “That’s not it.” Stopping the run also continues to be a sore spot for Chicago. The Bears rank 25th overall against the run and 29th in yards allowed per rush after another difficult outing last week. They gave up 194 yards, including 144 in the first half as the Lions grabbed a 16-0 lead. Losing veteran defensive tackle Andrew Billings to a torn pectoral muscle last month did not help. He was injured in a Week 9 loss at Arizona and is expected to miss the remainder of the season after having surgery. AP Sports Writer Andrew Seligman contributed to this report. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
India lost its foremost thinker and architect of its new economy in former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh late night on Thursday. Singh was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences where he breathed his last , surrounded by family members and devoted party colleagues, former Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi along with other senior leaders. Senior BJP leaders including party president J. P. Nadda also rushed to the hospital and condolences started pouring in from across the world. AIIMS said in a statement that Singh was being treated for age-related medical conditions. It said he had “sudden loss of consciousness at home on December 26 and resuscitative measures were immediately started at home.” Singh was brought to the Medical Emergency at AIIMS at 8:26 pm but “despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9:51 pm.” Ninety-two-year old Singh stands tall as one of India’s most distinguished leaders, whose contributions have indelibly shaped the country’s economic and geopolitical trajectory. A true statesman, visionary leader with humility, Singh rose to prominence through sheer intellect and integrity, leaving an enduring legacy as the architect of India’s economic liberalisation. Born on September 26, 1932 in Gah, now in Pakistan, Singh’s journey exemplifies resilience and dedication to public service. He held the distinction of being the first Sikh to occupy the Prime Minister’s office and was the first Prime Minister since Jawaharlal Nehru to be re-elected after completing a full five-year term. He exhibited academic brilliance from a young age, earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Economics from Punjab University in 1952 and 1954, respectively. He furthered his studies at the University of Cambridge, obtaining a First Class Honours degree in Economics in 1957, and later completed his D.Phil. in Economics from the University of Oxford in 1962. An economist by training, he held key positions in academia and government before taking on the transformative role of India’s finance minister in 1991. This period marked a watershed moment in India’s history, as the country faced a severe balance of payments crisis. Singh, under the leadership of then-Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, unveiled a series of bold economic reforms that dismantled the License Raj, opened up the economy to foreign investments, and liberalised trade policies. In his historic 1991 Budget speech, Singh captured the nation’s imagination with a profound quote from Victor Hugo: “No power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come.” These words symbolized India’s awakening to its potential as a global economic powerhouse. The reforms ushered in a new era of growth, entrepreneurship, and modernization, laying the foundation for India’s emergence as one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world. Singh’s professional journey is a testament to his profound impact on India‘s economic landscape. He began his career with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) from 1966 to 1969, followed by a tenure as a professor of International Trade at the Delhi School of Economics. His expertise led to significant roles within the Indian government, including Chief Economic Advisor (1972–1976), Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (1982–1985), and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission (1985–1987). Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 further cemented his reputation as a transformative leader. One of his most remarkable achievements was navigating the contentious India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement during his first term. The deal, signed in 2008, ended India’s decades-long isolation in the global nuclear order and granted it access to nuclear technology and fuel for civilian purposes. Despite facing significant opposition from political allies and adversaries alike, Singh stood firm, demonstrating exceptional courage and statesmanship. “I am convinced that this is an agreement that is good for India and the world,” he asserted, emphasizing the long-term benefits for the country’s energy security and international standing. Singh’s unwavering commitment to the nuclear deal, even at the risk of his government’s survival, was a testament to his belief in pursuing policies for the greater good, regardless of political expediency. Reflecting on the challenges he faced during this period, Singh famously remarked, “History will judge me kindly.” This statement encapsulated his confidence in the enduring value of his decisions, even amid criticism and controversy. A leader known for his quiet dignity and humility, Singh’s legacy extends beyond policies and reforms. He epitomized the values of integrity, intellect, and service, earning respect both domestically and globally. While his tenure was not without challenges, including criticisms over governance issues in his second term, Singh’s contributions to India’s economic transformation and global stature remain unparalleled. Manmohan Singh’s journey from a modest background to becoming the steward of India’s economic destiny underscores his identity as a true “son of the soil.” His vision, courage, and foresight have left an indelible mark on the nation, ensuring that his legacy will indeed be judged kindly by history. CommentsRanchi: The newest political party in the state, Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha ( JLKM ), has emerged as a significant force, marking its transformation from a student movement to a notable political entity and entering the 6th assembly on its debut. JLKM's president Jairam Mahto , was a crowd puller in all of his rallies, and he managed to secure his victory from the Dumri constituency during his maiden outing in the assembly electoral battle. He also turned out to be giant-killer when he defeated JMM candidate and minister Bebi Devi, the widow of veteran politician Jagarnath Mahto. Commenting on Jairam's win, party vice-president Devendra Nath Mahto said, "Our party has performed well in multiple constituencies including Silli, Ramgarh, Mandu and Gomia, giving tough competitions to established political parties. The results validate the public support for our agenda." The new party's roots traced back to 2021 when the Jharkhand State Students Union (JSSU) organised protests in Bokaro and Dhanbad against the preferential treatment given to certain local languages like Maghi, Angika and Bhojpuri during district-level job appointments. The movement gained momentum with their slogan "60:40 nai chalto", opposing the 40% general category quota in third and fourth-grade govt jobs. Maharashtra Jharkhand Maharashtra Alliance View i Party View Seats: 288 Results Majority: 145 BJP+ 229 MVA 47 OTH 12 Results : 288 / 288 BJP+ WON Jharkhand Alliance View i Party View Seats: 81 Results Majority: 41 INDIA 56 NDA 24 OTH 1 Results : 81 / 81 INDIA WON Source: PValue JSSU later evolved into the Jharkhandi Bhasha-Khatiyan Bachao Sangharsh Samiti (JBKBSS), focusing on protecting local languages and advocating for employment reservation based on local population surveys. Later, JBKBSS decided to set up its political unit, JLKM, in June 2023 and decided to contest elections. Initially, JLKM candidates contested as independents in eight Lok Sabha seats as the party was not registered with the Election Commission of India. During the polls, the party could secure over 100,000 total votes from constituencies like Hazaribag, Dumri and Giridih. Now registered but non-recognized, JLKM fielded candidates in 71 constituencies during the current state assembly election. Political analysts noted that the party's vote share has significantly influenced the electoral outcomes of major political parties across various constituencies. JLKM's rapid rise from a student movement to a political entity capable of winning an assembly seat and influencing regional politics demonstrates the growing impact of grassroots movements in Jharkhand's changing political landscape.
Bitcoin catapulted above US$100,000 (NZ$170,000) for the first time on Thursday (US time), a milestone hailed even by sceptics as a coming-of-age for digital assets as investors bet on a friendly US administration to cement the place of cryptocurrencies in financial markets. Once it broke US$100,000 in Thursday's Asian morning, boosted by US President-elect Trump's nomination of pro-crypto Paul Atkins to run the Securities and Exchange Commission, it was soon at an all-time high of US$103,619 (NZ$176,000). It last fetched US$101,139 ($NZ172,000), up about 3.2 percent on the day. The total value of the cryptocurrency market has almost doubled over the year so far to hit a record over $3.8 trillion (NZ$6.46t) according to data provider CoinGecko. By comparison, Apple alone is worth about $3.7t (NZ$3.6t). Bitcoin's march from the libertarian fringe to Wall Street has minted millionaires, a new asset class and popularised the concept of "decentralised finance" in a volatile and often controversial period since its creation 16 years ago. Bitcoin has more than doubled in value this year and is up more than 50 percent in the four weeks since Donald Trump's sweeping election victory, which also saw a slew of pro-crypto lawmakers being elected to Congress. "CONGRATULATIONS BITCOINERS!!! $100,000!!! YOU-RE WELCOME!!! Together, we will Make America Great Again!" Trump said on Truth Social, his social media network, on Thursday. "We're witnessing a paradigm shift," said Mike Novogratz, founder and CEO of US crypto firm Galaxy Digital. "Bitcoin and the entire digital asset ecosystem are on the brink of entering the financial mainstream - this momentum is fuelled by institutional adoption, advancements in tokenisation and payments, and a clearer regulatory path." Trump - who once labelled crypto a scam - embraced digital assets during his campaign, promising to make the United States the "crypto capital of the planet" and to accumulate a national stockpile of bitcoin. "We were trading basically sideways for about seven months, then immediately after 5 November, US investors resumed buying hand-over-fist," said Joe McCann, CEO and founder of Asymmetric, a Miami digital assets hedge fund. Bitcoin's proponents cheered Trump's nomination of Atkins to the SEC. A former SEC commissioner, Atkins has been involved in crypto policy as co-chair of the Token Alliance, which works to "develop best practices for digital asset issuances and trading platforms," and the Chamber of Digital Commerce. "Atkins will offer a new perspective, anchored by a deep understanding of the digital asset ecosystem," said Blockchain Association CEO Kristin Smith. "We look forward to working with him ... and ushering in - together - a new wave of American crypto innovation." A slew of crypto companies including Ripple, Kraken and Circle are also jostling for a seat on Trump's promised crypto advisory council. Part of the landscape Bitcoin has proven a survivor through precipitous downturns. Its move into six-figure territory is a remarkable comeback from a dip below $16,000 (NZ$27,200) in 2022 when the industry was reeling from the collapse of the FTX exchange . Founder Sam Bankman-Fried was subsequently jailed . Analysts say the growing embrace of bitcoin by big investors this year has been a driving force behind the record-breaking rally. US-listed bitcoin exchange-traded funds were approved in January and have been a conduit for large-scale buying, with more than $4b (NZ$6.8b) streaming into these funds since the election. "Roughly 3 percent of the total supply of bitcoins that will ever exist have been purchased in 2024 by institutional money," said Geoff Kendrick, global head of digital assets research at Standard Chartered. "Digital assets, as an asset class, is becoming normalised," he said. It is already becoming increasingly financialised, with the launch of bitcoin futures in 2017 and a strong debut for options on BlackRock's ETF in November. Crypto-related stocks have soared along with the bitcoin price, with shares in bitcoin miner MARA Holdings and exchange operator Coinbase each up around 65 percent in November. Software firm Microstrategy, which has repeatedly raised funds to buy bitcoin and held an aggregate of about 402,100 bitcoins as of 1 December, has gained around 540 percent this year. Trump himself unveiled a new crypto business, World Liberty Financial, in September, although details have been scarce and billionaire Elon Musk, a major Trump ally, is also a proponent of cryptocurrencies. Some say the asset remains a speculative or investment vehicle and not an instrument for payments. On Wednesday, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell likened bitcoin to gold, "only its virtual, its digital". "People are not using it as a form of payment, or as a store of value. It's highly volatile, it's not a competitor for the dollar." While earlier big bitcoin rallies have been followed by significant pullbacks, its wider adoption now may help tamp down volatility, analysts said. "That is not to say that there will not be 30-50 percent drawdowns over time, but my base case is that the nature of the drawdowns will be less severe than what we saw in the last bear market," Sean Farrell, head of digital asset strategy at Fundstrat Global Advisors, said. "Passive flows into ETFs, a liquid options market, corporate treasury adoption, and nation state adoption will likely play a large role in dampening volatility," Farrell said. 'Who can prohibit it?' Cryptocurrencies have been criticised for their massive energy consumption and use in crime around the world, and the underlying technology is far from delivering a revolution in the way money moves around the globe. The US and Britain announced on Wednesday they had disrupted what they described as a global money laundering ring which used cryptocurrency to help rich Russians to evade sanctions and launder cash for drug traffickers. Although calculations vary, the Cambridge University Centre for Alternative Finance estimates bitcoin uses around the same amount of electricity each year as Poland or South Africa. Still, as Russian President Vladimir Putin pointed out at an investment conference on Wednesday: "Who can prohibit it? No one." And its longevity is perhaps testament to a degree of resilience. "As time goes by it's proving itself as part of the financial landscape," said Shane Oliver, chief economist and head of investment strategy at AMP in Sydney. "I find it very hard to value it... it's anyone's guess. But it does have a momentum aspect to it and at the moment the momentum is up." - ReutersWith the rapid advancement of AI technologies, the MarsCode AI Programming Challenge provides a platform for participants to explore the full potential of AI in programming. From machine learning algorithms to natural language processing techniques, participants will have access to a wide range of resources and support to develop their AI solutions.The rise of cross-border e-commerce has transformed the global marketplace, offering businesses new opportunities to reach customers around the world. Nantong Development Zone recognized the potential of this growing trend and set out to establish itself as a key player in the industry. Leveraging its strategic location, well-developed infrastructure, and talented workforce, the development zone quickly made a name for itself as a hub for cross-border e-commerce activities.
WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government is looking to bring in tougher penalties for people who are convicted of impaired driving offences that cause injury or death. A bill introduced in the legislature Thursday would impose a lifetime licence suspension on a driver convicted of two such offences within a 10-year period. That's an increase from the current 10-year suspension. The bill would also prohibit people convicted of these offences from driving with any alcohol in their blood for seven years for a first offence. "The consequences of driving impaired are tragic — for the victims for the families and the survivors," Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said Thursday. "Ten per cent of collisions in Manitoba have impaired driving as a contributing factor, and enough is enough." The bill was introduced on the last day of the fall legislature sitting and is expected to be debated after politicians reconvene March 5. The bill was welcomed by Mothers Against Drunk Driving, known as MADD. "We recognize that there is no one single piece of legislation that will solve impaired driving, and we welcome the government taking steps to deal with those offenders who cause the most serious harm," said Tanya Hansen Pratt, president of MADD Canada. Pratt's mother was killed by an impaired driver. The bill was introduced on the last day of a three-week session that frequently saw tensions rise between the governing New Democrats and Opposition Progressive Conservatives. Tom Lindsey, the legislature Speaker, scolded both sides of the house Thursday for over-the-top heckling and other behaviour. On Thursday, just after proceedings recessed for lunch, New Democrat cabinet minister Tracy Schmidt crossed the floor and confronted the Tories. The Tories accused her of aggressively accosting one member, standing over him and pointing her finger down at him while telling him he should not be in the chamber. "The language that was used, from a minister of the Crown, I've never seen anything like it. It was awful," said Grant Jackson, the Tory education critic. He did not provide details or identify which of his colleagues was confronted by Schmidt. Schmidt, the environment minister who is also temporarily filling in as acting education minister, told reporters she went over to the Tory side because she had heard what she considered a racist comment toward the end of the morning debate. "I walked over to the member ... and said to the member that I felt that his comments were racist and I encouraged him sincerely to apologize," Schmidt told reporters. Schmidt did not say what the comments were or identify the Tory she confronted. "I was immediately surrounded by several male members of their caucus who started shouting at me and telling me to get out of there, and so I got out of there." Mark Wasyliw, an independent legislature member who was kicked out of the NDP caucus earlier this year, posted on social media that an NDP cabinet minister "lost control" and had a "face-to-face rage-filled direct confrontation" with a Tory. There have been other signs in recent weeks that the Tories and NDP are not getting along. The Tories did not support an attempt by the NDP to quickly set up an all-party committee to examine public support for journalism, saying that the NDP idea has many unanswered questions. The New Democrats have not supported a Tory call for an all-party committee on the issue of trade with the United States and tariff threats by president-elect Donald Trump. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 5, 2024. Steve Lambert, The Canadian Press