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INDIA, Nov 30: This question is being raised in India after a tragic accident where three men lost their lives when their car veered off an unfinished bridge and plunged into a riverbed in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The incident occurred on Sunday, and while the police investigation is ongoing, authorities suspect that the route was suggested by Google Maps. Earlier this year, part of the bridge had collapsed due to flooding. Locals were aware of the hazard and avoided the bridge, but the three victims, unfamiliar with the area, were unaware of the situation. There were no barricades or warning signs indicating the bridge was incomplete. The police have filed a complaint naming four engineers from the state’s road department and an unnamed official from Google Maps, accusing them of culpable homicide. Google has confirmed it is cooperating with the investigation, according to a spokesperson who spoke to BBC Hindi. This tragic event has brought attention to India’s underdeveloped road infrastructure and ignited a debate on whether navigation apps like Google Maps should be held accountable for such accidents. Some critics argue that the app failed to provide accurate information, while others point to government negligence for not properly securing the site. Google Maps, the most popular navigation app in India, has around 60 million active users and plays a crucial role in powering services for ride-sharing, e-commerce, and food delivery platforms. However, the app has often been criticized for providing incorrect directions, sometimes leading to fatal accidents. In 2021, a man from Maharashtra drowned after driving into a dam, allegedly following directions from Google Maps. Last year, two young doctors from Kerala also died when they drove into a river while using the app. So, how does Google Maps stay updated with changes on the road? GPS signals from users’ apps track traffic patterns, while updates from governments and users about closures or traffic jams are prioritized. However, Google relies on satellite imagery, Google Street View, and government notifications to confirm changes and update the map. According to Ashish Nair, founder of mapping platform Potter Maps and a former Google Maps employee, navigation apps cannot be held accountable for accidents because their terms of service warn users to use their own judgment and that the information provided might differ from actual conditions. Nair also notes that it is extremely difficult for a platform like Google, which oversees maps globally, to keep up with every change happening on the roads. Moreover, India lacks a robust system for reporting road changes, unlike countries like Singapore, where such systems exist. Nair states that India’s large population and rapid infrastructure development complicate the collection of real-time data, meaning that inaccurate maps are likely to persist until the government improves data collection and sharing. In terms of legal responsibility, lawyers remain divided. Advocate Saima Khan points out that India's Information Technology (IT) Act treats digital platforms like Google Maps as intermediaries, protecting them from liability for third-party information. However, Khan also suggests that if it can be shown that Google Maps failed to update its data despite receiving accurate information, the company could potentially be held liable for negligence.Roborock makes history with out-of-this-world video campaign
Viper Energy stock soars to all-time high of $56.08Romania has taken a decisive step towards political stability as Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu secures a narrow victory for his new pro-European coalition government. The 240-143 vote in the 466-seat legislature came after a prolonged political crisis triggered by a canceled presidential election. The coalition encompasses the Social Democratic Party (PSD), the National Liberal Party (PNL), the ethnic Hungarian UDMR party, and other national minorities. This strategic alliance aims to counter the rising influence of far-right nationalist parties, who gained ground following high living costs and a sluggish economy. Despite the challenges of the current political landscape, Ciolacu remains optimistic about restoring public trust. He plans to organize a rerun of the annulled presidential election, with an agreed common pro-European candidate. President Klaus Iohannis is anticipated to swear in the new government soon. (With inputs from agencies.)
Ezra Mam cops a HUGE blow from the NRL as footy bosses dish out punishment for his drug-driving scandal
Probe shows exported rice not contaminated in Pakistan Inquiry focuses on verifying integrity of Pakistan’s rice value chain and testing rice samples for GMO traces ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) strongly refutes the claims regarding the cultivation of genetically modified organisms (GMO) rice in Pakistan, as reported recently in media. The allegations suggesting contamination in Pakistani rice exports due to GMO seeds are unfounded and not reflective of the Ministry’s official position. Following the receipt of a Rapid Alert Notification from the European Union (EU) through the EU-Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) on August 2, 2024, the Department of Plant Protection (DPP), an attached department of MNFSR, promptly initiated a comprehensive inquiry into the matter. The inquiry focused on verifying the integrity of Pakistan’s rice value chain and testing rice samples for GMO traces. Key findings of the inquiry included that the samples collected from the rice processing units and seed stock were tested at national and internationally accredited laboratories. Reports from these laboratories, including Eurofins and National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetics Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad, confirmed that Pakistani rice production and export consignments were free from any GMO contamination. It was determined that the flagged consignment of organic rice was repacked and re-exported by a Dutch company. Subsequent sampling in Germany indicated the possibility of cross-contamination during repacking, marketing, or sampling processes, rather than at the source in Pakistan. The comprehensive investigation reaffirms that Pakistan’s rice production and export systems strictly adhere to non-GMO standards. The MNSR emphasizes that ensuring compliance with international food safety and phytosanitary standards remains a top priority. The Ministry has taken up the matter with the EU authorities and requested clarity on the testing processes and potential points of cross-contamination during repacking or marketing stages. Pakistan is committed to maintaining its reputation as a reliable supplier of premium-quality, GMO-free rice to global markets.Jake Smolarek Unveils The Impact Of Business Coaching On Strategic Financial Decisions
There are already so many great restaurants in Vancouver, but we can’t help but get excited about all the new eateries opening in the city. Whether you’re looking for your new , , or an , there’s something on this list for everyone to look forward to. Here are some to try either ASAP or down the line. If you were a fan of Burrard Street’s Sala Thai, you are in for a treat, as the family behind the Vancouver dining staple is cooking up something fresh. Aiming to honour Sala Thai’s legacy while forging an “entirely new path,” the restaurant promises a lively lunch and dinner service once it opens its doors. 127 W 2nd Avenue, Vancouver The same team behind the much-loved Richmond spot, The Story Cafe, is opening a new concept in Vancouver called The Sequel. The restaurant has shared on Instagram an opening date of December 2024. However, its currently has a countdown set to finish on January 1, 2025. The website also says the restaurant will be open daily from 8 am to late. 1575 W Georgia Street, Vancouver We hope you’re hungry, Vancouver, because a major US-based fondue chain is preparing to enter the city with not one but two locations. Currently, Melting Pot has two Vancouver locations planned: one each on the west and east sides of downtown. However, it is still early days and exact opening dates and locations have yet to be announced. Located in the International Departures Pre-Security, Bubble Waffle Cafe is expected to open sometime this winter. “YVR is on a journey to transform our culinary program to reflect the diverse, world-class food & beverage options available in our local community,” shared the airport on Instagram. “We can’t wait for their delicious soups, rice dishes, bubble waffles, takoyaki, and so much more to arrive.” Inside YVR Airport at International Departures Pre-Security — 3211 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond Signs for the new sandwich destination have popped up at 802 W Broadway, the former location of the Japanese restaurant Ta-Ke Don. Big Star Sandwich is best known for its hearty sandwiches made on rustic Filone, a bread that is like a cross between a ciabatta and a baguette. The chain also cooks all of its roast beef for 13 hours in-house. We’ve got some news that might your interest: Peaked Pies is expanding once again with a new Vancouver location. “Get ready for authentic Aussie pies, great coffee, and that signature Peaked Pies vibe in Vancouver’s vibrant West Broadway neighbourhood,” announced Peaked Pies on Instagram. 732 West Broadway, Vancouver The Ontario-based chain Twisted Indian Fusion is gearing up for a Metro Vancouver takeover, and four new locations are expected to open soon. On its website, Twisted Indian lists two Vancouver locations and two Surrey locations listed as “Coming Soon.” While an exact opening date for these locations has yet to be shared, Twisted Indian did provide the addresses of these spots. 69 Kingsway, Vancouver 3690 E Hastings Street, Vancouver 15180 96th Avenue, Surrey 5717 152nd Street, Surrey A representative from Tahini’s confirmed that the spot was gearing up to open a location at 200 Esplanade West in North Vancouver. The restaurant, which started in London, Ontario, has rapidly spread to over 50 restaurants in Canada. This will be the chain’s first Metro Vancouver spot and its second location in BC, with its first one located in Kelowna. 200 Esplanade West, North Vancouver If you live in Vancouver, we bet you’ve at least heard of La Grotta Del Formaggio, one of the city’s oldest Italian delis. Now, the deli is expanding into Metro Vancouver with a new concept opening in Burnaby called Panino Mio. “Hey, North Burnaby! Exciting news! We are finally going to be expanding! Introducing Panino Mio. We will have our much-loved custom panini, cannoli, drinks, and more,” shared La Grotta on Instagram. 4092 Hastings Street, Burnaby The folks behind much-loved dining destinations Tableau Bar Bistro, Homer St. Cafe & Bar, and have something else up their sleeves. The Wentworth Hospitality Group has shared it will be launching a new dining destination, Folietta, early next year. Folietta will focus on regional Italian fare and will be located in East Vancouver at 1480 Nanaimo Street (within Amacon’s latest development, ). 1480 Nanaimo Street, Vancouver In its bio, Aureliana says it will be “a retro-inspired journey” with “pure nostalgia and simplicity.” In one of its first posts, it also says it’s “a classic American diner, with its own refined edge.” Details on the menu and an exact opening date have yet to be announced, but the restaurant shared it will be opening in 2025. 156 W Hastings, Vancouver When you think of top-notch cocktails in Vancouver, apothecary-themed Chinatown drink destination immediately comes to mind. The team behind that award-winning establishment has something new in the works that’s set to launch this fall: June. June, or June on Cambie as it’s sometimes called, will be a new brasserie-inspired concept located at 3305 Cambie Street. 3305 Cambie Street A-OK currently has locations in multiple Canadian cities, such as Toronto, Calgary, and Winnipeg, but this will be its first BC location. Aritzia previously occupied a different space at Guildford Town Centre (without an A-OK Cafe) and will be moving into the former Forever 21 space. The new Aritzia location and A-OK Cafe will open its doors in Spring 2025. Guildford Town Centre — 10355 152nd Street, Surrey Central currently operates ; however, expansion plans have been shared with Dished, and we can’t wait to fill you in. The concept will open not one but three new Canadian locations in early 2025. Restaurants will launch in Calgary’s Marda Loop neighbourhood, , and downtown Vancouver. Bentall Centre — 555 Burrard Street, Vancouver Popular Japanese cheesecake spot Uncle Tetsu is gearing up to open its third BC location, and it’ll be calling Richmond its home. Uncle Tetsu confirmed to Dished that it’ll be opening at Aberdeen Centre. 4151 Hazelbridge Way, Richmond Much-loved Abbotsford coffee shop Oldhand Coffee is gearing up to open its second location in Langley. “It’s true to say that we have been looking for another location for many years now, and nothing has felt quite right until we found this spot in downtown Langley,” shared the cafe on Instagram. 20528 Fraser Highway, Langley While a formal announcement about this new location has yet to be made, the coffee chain did update its to include a location at 1090 West Pender labelled as “coming soon.” Analog was founded in 2011 at the Calgary Farmers’ Market, followed by the picture-perfect location on Calgary’s 17th Avenue in 2012. 1090 West Pender, Vancouver That’s right, Vancouver’s oldest donut company is opening location. This new spot will be located at the East Mews, off Brentwood Plaza, across from H&M and Sephora on Level 1. It will also be the first-ever permanent Lee’s Donuts in the Burnaby/Coquitlam area. 4567 Lougheed Highway, Burnaby The Canadian microbrewery will open a taphouse and restaurant in Central Lonsdale at Lonsdale Square. Set to open in early Fall 2024, the new dining destination will offer seats for 280 people in total. Around 140 of those will be inside, and the other 140 will be outside on a sprawling 1,900 sq ft patio. 126 E 21st Street, North Vancouver Paris Baguette, a French-inspired Korean bakery, is a dream for those who love baked goods, selling everything from beautifully decorated cakes to freshly baked bread, pastries, gourmet sandwiches, and so much more. 1150 Alberni Street, Vancouver Good news for Metro Vancouver : Veroni & Co. is gearing up to open its second location in Coquitlam. The new digs will be located at 101-1135 Pipeline Road, Coquitlam and will serve up all your favourite elevated espresso beverages. 101-1135 Pipeline Road, Coquitlam Sal y Limon has been serving Mexican cuisine for years and is now set to open a new location on East Hastings. 3614 E Hastings, Vancouver North Vancouver’s first coffee shop to cut single-use cups, Nomad, is gearing up to open a second location in Kitsilano. Founder of Nomad Annette Kim told Dished that they’re “very excited to bring Coffee & Bakery to the City of Vancouver.” 2143 Yew Street, Vancouver Slated to open in Fall 2024, Fiorino North Shore will feature waterfront views of the harbour, a large outdoor seated patio, and a private dining area within a wine cellar. When it comes to the menu, Fiorino is planning on keeping it similar to the Chinatown program, focusing on seasonality and classics it has become known for, like its Coccoli e Prosciutto. Lonsdale Quay Market, North Vancouver We couldn’t be more g about this new joint making its way to Metro Vancouver. Stone Korean BBQ is set to open in Lougheed at 310-3778 Grand Promenade, just above the planned Chipotle. 310-3778 Grand Promenade, Burnaby A new Purebread location at the University of British Columbia down the line. “Coho’s unwavering commitment to Purebread’s growth is a cornerstone of our vision,” CEO Andrew Barnes said in a release. 5955 University Boulevard, Vancouver Dished is told the new Vancouver restaurant, set to open at 1132 Alberni Street, will be launching in 2025. Founded in 1972, Din Tai Fung now has more than 170 locations in 14 countries around the globe. 1132 Alberni Street, Vancouver The group behind contemporary is gearing up to introduce Vancouverites to a new concept: Saijo. The fresh destination for handrolls and kushiyaki (skewers) will be setting up shop at 2036 West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano, just beside . 2036 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver It’s official: Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, a dumpling automat franchise, is coming to Metro Vancouver. Founded in 2021 by NYC restaurateur Stratis Morfogen, Brooklyn Dumpling Shop offers 32 unique flavours of dumplings 24 hours a day via a contactless ordering system. 4190 Lougheed Highway, Burnaby 488 Robson Street, Vancouver Station Square, Burnaby Set to open later this year, the concept from the Social Corner Group of restaurants will be setting up shop at 1055 West Hastings Street, the former location of . 1055 West Hastings Street, Vancouver King Taps’ entry into the space is all part of the North Shore market’s multi-pronged revitalization plan, which is already well underway. Planet Burger is a concept in progress, but its founders tell Dished that the food truck will soon be bringing high-quality smash burgers at reasonable prices to the White Rock and South Surrey communities. It’s been a while since Hello Nori opened its on Robson Street in Vancouver, and now the brand is updating us on its newest location. Hello Nori, which coins itself as the first Japanese hand roll bar in Vancouver, is officially expanding to the North Shore. It just location as well. Park RoyalArk Invest chief Cathie Wood is known for scooping up shares of innovators early in their growth stories and holding on for the long term. The idea is to get in on these players for a bargain price, and then benefit as they launch products and revenue gains momentum. This takes time, but patient investors could score a major win by following Wood's strategy -- and by picking up a couple of her favorite stocks. Over the past several weeks, Wood has added to one of her key positions, a stock that's lost about 20% this year. This particular player is the second-biggest holding in Wood's healthcare fund and among the top 10 positions in her flagship Ark Innovation fund. The company late last year scored its first product approval and proved the efficacy of its potentially game-changing technology. Meet the beaten-down biotech that Wood loves and Wall Street says may soar more than 65% over the coming 12 months. Cathie Wood's strategy First, though, let's delve a little farther into Cathie Wood's strategy . As mentioned, this top investor looks for companies developing technologies today that could be transformational down the road. For example, Ark Innovation's biggest positions are in electric vehicle giant Tesla and cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase Global . These companies already generate major revenue but have much room to run, considering potential growth to come in their industries. And when it comes to healthcare stocks, Wood goes for those that may revolutionize patients' lives, from her top holding Twist Bioscience -- a maker of DNA products -- to Recursion Pharmaceuticals -- a company that aims to "industrialize" drug discovery by leveraging hardware, software, and data. These and other healthcare companies, if they reach their goals, could deliver growth over time -- and investors who got in on the story early may benefit the most. Now, let's meet the biotech stock that both Wood and Wall Street think can soar: gene-editing company CRISPR Therapeutics ( CRSP 0.65% ) . This player proved the strength of its technology last year when it won approval for its blood disorders treatment, Casgevy. This was the world's first-ever regulatory nod for a therapy based on CRISPR gene editing . This technique involves the cutting of DNA at a certain location to allow a natural repair process to take over. The Casgevy launch CRISPR Therapeutics partnered with big biotech player Vertex Pharmaceuticals on Casgevy, and the companies started rolling out the therapy this year. So far, 45 treatment centers have been activated, and 40 patients have begun the treatment process. Rollout for this therapy to treat beta thalassemia and sickle cell disease is slower than the launch of a pill, for example, because treatment involves several steps -- from collecting stem cells to receiving Casgevy -- and the process takes months. All this means revenue growth will take time too. And in CRISPR Therapeutics' partnership, Vertex takes 60% of the profit. Still, this is an excellent agreement for the smaller biotech, as it allows the company to leverage Vertex's commercial infrastructure and experience -- a huge plus, especially considering the complexity of a gene-editing product versus a simple pill. And Vertex also is responsible for 60% of the program costs. But this amount of time to generate revenue, along with CRISPR Therapeutics' 54% gain last year, may be two elements that have made investors think twice before investing in the stock this year. Wood saw this as an opportunity to reinforce her position. And, as mentioned, Wall Street predicts the stock from today's levels will roar higher in the months to come. Upcoming catalysts for CRISPR Therapeutics Catalysts may include progress on the Casgevy launch and updates from the company's exciting pipeline -- based on its now-proven gene-editing therapy. The company has clinical trials ongoing for its CAR T candidates -- they involve transforming T cells -- in oncology and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and it's also studying a gene-editing candidate for the treatment of type 1 diabetes. CRISPR Therapeutics' eventual products could be game changers because the editing of genes results in functional cures for specific diseases. This is the case for Casgevy, which is a one-time treatment for patients. All this means Casgevy could be just the beginning of CRISPR Therapeutics' growth story, making now a great time to follow Cathie Wood into this exciting biotech stock.