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Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday after three seasons with the Wolverines. The 6-foot-3, 339-pound junior was a third-team All-American and a second-team All-Big Ten selection this season. He had three sacks among his 32 total tackles over 12 games in 2024. As a sophomore, Grant helped the Wolverines claim the national championship with 29 tackles and 3 1/2 sacks in 15 games. "I am very appreciative to Coach (Jim) Harbaugh and coach (Sherrone) Moore and the rest of the University of Michigan staff that I have crossed paths with," Grant posted on social media. "It has been an honor to be developed into a Michigan Man." Other Michigan players who intend to leave the program for the draft include defensive lineman Mason Graham, cornerback Will Johnson and tight end Colston Loveland. --Field Level MediaJoe Biden led US presidents and other world leaders in paying tribute Sunday to Jimmy Carter who died aged 100. “Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian,” President Biden said in a statement released by the White House. “He saved, lifted and changed the lives of people all across the globe.” To President-elect Donald Trump, Americans owe Carter “a debt of gratitude.” “The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans,” he said on social media. Former president Bill Clinton, a Southern Democrat like Carter, said his predecessor had “worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world.” He added, in a joint statement with his wife and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, that Carter “lived to serve others — until the very end.” To former president George W. Bush, Carter “dignified the office. And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn’t end with the presidency.” And for former president Barack Obama, Carter “taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service.” Among other US politicians sharing their condolences, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Carter “taught us that the strength of a leader lies not in rhetoric but in action, not in personal gain but in service to others.” – ‘Lover of democracy’ – Carter “was early to recognize that protecting our shared planet and promoting global public health were vital to national security interests,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said. In one of the first reactions from abroad, French President Emmanuel Macron said Carter had “been a steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable and has tirelessly fought for peace. “France sends its heartfelt thoughts to his family and to the American people,” he said. World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted Carter’s post-presidency work with the nonprofit Carter Center “saved countless lives and helped bring many neglected tropical diseases close to elimination.” Brazil’s Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva hailed Carter as “a lover of democracy and defender of peace,” noting his pressuring of Brazil’s dictatorship to release political prisoners. “He criticized unilateral military action by superpowers and the use of killer drones,” Lula said. “He worked with Brazil to mediate conflicts in Venezuela and to help Haiti.” “He will be remembered forever as a name that defends the idea that peace is the most important condition for development.” With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.

PNC Financial Services Group Inc. Purchases 7,585 Shares of eBay Inc. (NASDAQ:EBAY)Grok Academy, the coding academy formerly led by disgraced chief executive James Curran, has avoided being shut down and will undergo a cultural overhaul after being acquired by a social impact charity. More than 200,000 students nationally went through Grok Academy’s coding classes last year, and more than 1 million students have used its learning platform to date. James Curran, Grok Academy boss and National Computer Science School director. Credit: Matt Davidson The non-profit was plunged into turmoil this year, however, when its boss James Curran resigned after multiple allegations of harassment were substantiated by an independent investigator. This masthead spoke to nine women who allege Curran sent them inappropriate messages, in many instances while they were high school students, in allegations that span 10 years. For each of the women, Curran represented a powerful, influential mentor figure who promised to help them with their careers, but then abused their trust by making sexualised comments – and in some cases, inappropriate touching – during a game he called “jungle speed”. Curran has apologised and told this masthead he was “deeply sorry” for his actions. As the allegations came to light, as many as 80 of Grok’s 100 permanent staff were made redundant, and half of its board, chaired by former University of Technology Sydney deputy vice-chancellor Shirley Alexander, resigned. Grok Academy was funded in part by the billionaire former chief executive of Australian software company WiseTech Global Richard White, who personally donated more than $2 million to the non-profit. White had championed Curran as a “superb educator” who was “incredibly powerful in delivering tech education”. White resigned as WiseTech chief executive in October following an aborted court case against an ex-lover and allegations published by this masthead of inappropriate conduct. Grok had also landed partnerships with universities and large companies, including ANZ, CBA, NAB, Westpac and Amazon, some of whom withdrew their funding after the allegations against Curran were revealed. However, Grok has been thrown a lifeline after being acquired by Adelaide-based social impact charity KIK Innovation, which runs major IT school network 42 Adelaide. KIK Innovation CEO Louise Nobes. Credit: KIK chief executive Louise Nobes told this masthead she first heard about Grok Academy’s issues when travelling in Britain. “In discussions with my board, we thought we could help, given that we have an experienced female CEO and founder, charity status, and deep skills in tech education,” Nobes said. “I reached out and the discussion soon turned to the need for a new home for the high-school tech education platform, as it was becoming obvious that Grok would have to shut down, as it would be unlikely to receive further partnerships or donations. “Luckily, the Grok constitution had a mechanism that allowed Grok to gift the IP to another similar non-for-profit to enable the charity’s purpose to continue.” Nobes said she would lead a cultural shift at the organisation. She said KIK made offers of employment to a “small number of previous Grok employees who have the knowledge, skills and expertise needed to ensure a successful transition of the platform to KIK”. KIK Innovation’s most recent financial statement filed with the charity regulator showed it had nine employees as of January and had pulled in just over $2 million in revenue for the prior financial year. “Our immediate plan is to ensure that the schools, teachers and the more than 1 million students who have used Grok Academy continue to have access to the same great platform and resources. Ensuring continuity of access is our No. 1 priority,” Nobes said. “As a female founder and CEO, ensuring that all participants including women and girls feel safe and heard in their interactions and have access to the same opportunities is of the utmost importance to me, as is fostering a culture of trust, respect and safety within KIK. “We are proudly a team of majority women, and with KIK being the new home of Grok Academy, a culture shift will be inevitable as it has a new home and CEO, and each of the team that has transitioned to KIK has been made familiar with our principles and their obligations to KIK and the students.” The cultural issues at Grok Academy were related to a single person, and were not systemic, Nobes said. “We’re proud to be the new home of the fantastic high-school tech education platform, and I am excited to see the impact we can achieve together.” The news was welcomed by some of the young women who alleged Curran sent them inappropriate messages. “I’m happy that the Grok platform will live on,” one whistleblower, Stephanie*, told this masthead. Stephanie, a former Grok employee, alleged instances of inappropriate touching and messages from Curran. According to Stephanie, over a period of months, Curran would frequently message late at night and ask questions about her sexual history and preferences, including references to masturbation. “A lot of good people put a lot of good, hard work into making it what it is, despite the harassment and cultural issues they faced from James Curran, personally and through his leadership,” she told this masthead. “There will be a lot of people out there who are happy that their work is living on because the impact we made isn’t something that can be taken away by what this man did.” *Name changed to protect whistleblower’s identity. Get news and reviews on technology, gadgets and gaming in our Technology newsletter every Friday . Sign up here .

Lukman Abiodun Olawale, a graduate of FUTA, achieved first-class honors in Physics Energy with a CGPA of 4.62/5.0 through self-motivation and dedication Despite financial hardships and other challenges, he persevered with the support of his family and friends His ultimate dream is to become a researcher in Climate Science or Quantum Science and make a meaningful impact on humanity's progress CHECK OUT: Don't let unemployment hold you back. Start your digital marketing journey today. Lukman Abiodun Olawale, a graduate of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), has achieved remarkable academic success. He studied Physics Energy and graduated with first-class honors, attaining an impressive CGPA of 4.62/5.0. Educational Journey Marked by Self-Motivation In an interview with Legit.ng , Olawale said his academic journey was characterized by self-motivation, dedication, and perseverance. PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app! Reflecting on his experience, he told Legit.ng : "I have been able to achieve this without involving in any form of examination malpractices, both caught or uncaught. My academic journey has been marked by self-motivation, dedication, and perseverance. With this set of attributes I was able to improve from being an average student in junior secondary school to an excellent student in senior secondary school. Everything I have achieved is the result of hard work, patience, and a deep curiosity to understand the world around me." Read also LASU graduate wins prestigious scholarship in US, set to complete masters in strategic communication One of Olawale’s key strategies for success was his proactive approach in the classroom. In his words: "One of the things I enjoy most in the classroom is asking questions about new concepts in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. I strive to understand at least 60% of the material being taught before the end of class, lectures, or workshops." He believes that students can achieve academic excellence even without being natural-born geniuses, recognizing that each individual is unique and different methods work for different people. To balance his academic pursuits with a well-rounded lifestyle, Olawale engaged in extracurricular activities such as playing football , chess, Ludo, and drafts, and even enjoyed video games. "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy," he emphasized, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balance between studies and recreation. He also valued moments of solitude for recharging and reflection. Read also Girls at the receiving end as ESP-less Oyo slumbers on innovative pedagogies Overcoming Challenges and Financial Hardships The first class graduate's time as an undergraduate was not without its challenges. Financial hardships posed significant obstacles, especially during his third year at FUTA . He recounted: "I faced severe financial struggles, with no money for transport or food. This led to me developing an ulcer from hunger, and for a moment, I even considered quitting school. At that time, however, my father came through for me. Despite his own financial difficulties, he borrowed money to support me, which was a turning point that kept me going." Despite these challenges, he persevered, thanks to the unwavering support of his parents, friends, and well-wishers. Future Aspirations and Dreams Looking ahead, Olawale's academic achievements have opened doors to exciting opportunities, including the NEAR Foundation Scholarship he won in his fourth year, which provided invaluable financial support. His ultimate dream is to become a researcher in Climate Science , Material Science, or Quantum Science and contribute to the advancement of human civilization. Read also FUTA first class graduate opens up on what made him succeed, says he wants to study abroad FUGUS First Class Graduate Speaks Previously, Legit.ng reported that Mamud Abdulmajeed, known as Kristalboi_Cryptii in the Blockchain/Web3 industry, has achieved remarkable academic success . Graduating with a first-class degree in Microbiology and a CGPA of 4.56, Abdulmajeed's journey is a testament to hard work, discipline, and the support of his family and friends. PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy! Source: Legit.ng

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'Wicked' and 'Gladiator' make gravity-defying theater debuts NEW YORK (AP) — “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” have debuted in theaters with a combined $270 million in ticket sales. Their worldwide performance breathed fresh life into global box office results that have struggled lately. Together the films turned the moviegoing weekend into one of the busiest of the year. Jon M. Chu’s lavish big-budget musical “Wicked,” starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, debuted with $114 million domestically and $164.2 million globally. Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II” is a sequel to his 2000 best picture-winning original and launched with $55.5 million in ticket sales. “Moana 2” is being released Wednesday, so it looks like Hollywood might be looking at historic sales over the Thanksgiving holiday. Verstappen captures 4th F1 championship after Mercedes sweep of Las Vegas Grand Prix LAS VEGAS (AP) — Max Verstappen cruised to a fourth consecutive Formula 1 championship Saturday night by finishing fifth in the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Verstappen needed only to finish ahead of Lando Norris of McLaren to give Red Bull a fourth straight driver championship. The Dutchman started fifth but was already up to second by the 10th lap around the street circuit that includes the famed Las Vegas Strip. Norris, who had to score at least three points more than Verstappen to extend the championship fight, finished sixth. The race was won by George Russell who was followed by Lewis Hamilton in the first 1-2 sweep for the Mercedes drivers since 2022. Dartmouth sorority, two members of fraternity face charges after student who attended party drowned HANOVER, N.H. (AP) — A sorority at Dartmouth College and two members of a fraternity faces charges related to the death of a student who drowned after attending an off-campus party. The Hanover, New Hampshire police department, where Dartmouth is located, said Friday that Alpha Phi was charged with one count of facilitating an underage alcohol house. Two members of the Beta Alpha Omega face a charge of providing alcohol to a person under 21. Won Jang, 20, of Middletown, Delaware, had attended an off-campus party in July hosted by Alpha Phi sorority. Police said the alcohol was provided by Beta Alpha Omega. Tens of thousands of Spaniards protest housing crunch and high rents in Barcelona BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Tens of thousands of Spaniards are marching in downtown Barcelona to protest the skyrocketing cost of renting an apartment in the popular tourist destination. Protesters cut off traffic on main avenues in the city center, holding up homemade signs in Spanish reading “Fewer apartments for investing and more homes for living." The lack of affordable housing has become one of the leading concerns for the southern European Union country, mirroring the housing crunch across many parts of the world, including the United States. The average rent for Spain has doubled in the last decade. In cities like Barcelona, rental prices have also been driven up by short-term renters including tourists. Jason Kelce's wife announces she is pregnant with the couple's fourth child Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce's wife is announcing she's pregnant with the couple's fourth child. Kylie Kelce posted a photo on Instagram on Friday of the couple's three young daughters reacting to the news. The oldest daughter, Wyatt, appears to be cupping her head in shock. The middle daughter, Ellioette, is smiling. The youngest, Bennett, is in tears. A caption attached to the photo reads: “I feel like we captured a very accurate representation of how each of the girls feel about getting another sister. At least Ellie, mom and dad are on the same page!” Israeli-Moldovan rabbi living in UAE is missing. Israeli officials fear he may have been kidnapped DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An Israeli-Moldovan rabbi living in the United Arab Emirates has gone missing, with Israeli authorities raising the suspicion he may have been kidnapped as tensions remain high with Iran. The Israeli prime minister’s office said that Zvi Kogan has been missing since noon Thursday. It said that against the backdrop of information that this was a terrorist incident, an extensive investigation has been opened in the country. Emirati officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday. State-run media in the UAE, an autocratic federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula and home to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, did not immediately report the incident. Alyssa Nakken, first full-time female coach in MLB history, leaving Giants to join Guardians CLEVELAND (AP) — Alyssa Nakken, the first woman to coach in an MLB game, is leaving the San Francisco Giants to join the Cleveland Guardians. Nakken made history in 2022 when she took over as first-base coach following an ejection. A former college softball star at Sacramento State, Nakken joined the Giants in 2014 and was promoted to a spot on manager Gabe Kapler’s staff in 2020, becoming the majors’ first full-time female coach. Nakken has been hired as an assistant director within player development for the Guardians, who won the AL Central last season under first-year manager Stephen Vogt. Nakken, 34, will work with former Giants coaches Craig Albernaz and Kai Correa. Officer kills pet dog mistaken for a coyote in Massachusetts town. The owner says it was unnecessary An animal control officer shot and killed a pet dog in a Massachusetts town after mistaking it for a coyote in an incident local police are describing as a sad mix-up. Police in Northbridge, Massachusetts, say the shooting happened on Tuesday after police received a call of a report of a coyote in a residential backyard. Police say the animal control officer went into the woods to look for the coyote and found what they thought was the animal in a threatening position and shot it. The incident happened as communities around Massachusetts and the country have dealt with an uptick in interactions between coyotes and people. Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.”

The public will have another chance to see Dundee-Crown High School’s acclaimed fall production of “Deadline” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, at the school’s theater, 1500 Kings Road, Carpentersville. The production was among those chosen to be part of the Illinois High School Theatre Festival from Jan. 9-11 at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, according to a news release. The cast and crew will stage the murder mystery comedy twice at the event. Admission to pre-fest performance on Jan. 8 is free, but seating is limited. To reserve tickets, go to gofan.co/event/2430550?schoolId=IL15461_1 . Attendees are encouraged to donate canned goods for the D300 Food Pantry at the door. Wanda the Groundhog will be the guest of honor at Anderson Humane’s “Groundhog Day Celebration” breakfast on Feb. 2, a fundraiser for the nonprofit being held at Enticing Cuisine Banquets & Catering in Batavia. (Anderson Humane) Tickets are on sale for “Groundhog Day Celebration: Breakfast with Wanda,” a fundraiser for Anderson Humane being held from 9 to 11 am. Sunday, Feb. 2, at Enticing Cuisine Banquets & Catering, 1117 N. Washington Ave., Batavia. Attendees will get to meet Wanda the Groundhog, learn about her role in the ecosystem and snap photos to commemorate Groundhog Day, according to the South Elgin-based Anderson Humane social media post. Admission is $35 and includes a breakfast buffet, a Bloody Mary and mimosa bar, and photo opportunities with Wanda and other animals. To purchase tickets, go to bit.ly/3BATPhS . For more information go to ahconnects.org/events . WGN-TV viewers will be able to see the Fox River and downtown Elgin via a new weather camera the station placed on top of The Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin. (City of Elgin) WGN-TV has placed a working weather camera on the top of The Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin. This camera is part of WGN’s annual installation of WeatherBug cameras throughout the region, adding to a network that already includes locations in St. Charles, Woodstock, DeKalb, Joliet and various spots in Chicago, according to the city of Elgin’s Facebook page. While radar detects weather events, this camera will provide real-time visual confirmation of conditions, filling in gaps in information, the announcement said. It also improves weather forecasts by offering localized insights. Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain said WGN staff picked the location because of its view of the Fox River and downtown Elgin and because it provides information from a location relatively close to Interstate 90. The expense of installation and maintenance was paid for by the television station, he said.HOUSTON (AP) — Will Levis and the Tennessee Titans were far from perfect Sunday. But they did just enough to outlast the mistake-prone Houston Texans and get their first AFC South win of the season. Levis threw for 278 yards and his 70-yard touchdown pass to Chig Okonkwo put Tennessee on top in the fourth quarter and the Titans held on for the 32-27 victory. “The coolest thing about this game was just the way our team fought,” coach Brian Callahan said. “It was a back-and-forth game. Our guys did a good job of not flinching and keeping the blinders on. We’ve been in games like this before, and we haven’t been able to make a play, but this week, we made a play.” Okonkwo grabbed a short pass and rumbled for the touchdown to put the Titans (3-8) up 30-27 with 91⁄2 minutes remaining. Safety Eric Murray missed a tackle that would have stopped him near midfield. The Texans (7-5) had a chance to tie it with less than two minutes remaining, but Ka’imi Fairbairn’s 28-yard field-goal attempt sailed wide left. He fell to the ground after the miss before getting up and slamming his helmet on the field. Callahan held both hands in the air and smiled after watching the miss that allowed his team to win on a day it had three turnovers. The Texans forced a three-and-out, but couldn’t move the ball after that and Harold Landry sacked C.J. Stroud in the end zone for a safety to make it 32-27 and allow Tennessee to snap a two-game skid. Stroud threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions as the AFC South-leading Texans lost for the third time in four games. Stroud has thrown five interceptions combined in the past three games to give him more interceptions in 12 games this season (nine) than he had in 15 games as a rookie last season (five). “It’s no secret that I haven’t been playing well... I’ve got to be harder on myself,” he said. “I’m not going to hold my head down. I know I can be a great player, but I’ve got to make better plays.” Jimmie Ward had a 65-yard interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter and the Texans tied a franchise record with eight sacks. Danielle Hunter led the group with a season-high three sacks and Will Anderson Jr. added two in his return after missing two games with an ankle injury. But the offense sputtered for most of the game as Joe Mixon was held to 22 yards on 14 carries. “Just a disappointing loss for us,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “We didn’t do anything well enough to win this game. Out of all the positives that we did have, there were way too many negatives.” It was Tennessee's first win of the season in a game that Levis both started and finished. The second-year player missed three games this year with a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder. “I’m really proud of Will,” Callahan said. “He’s done a lot of things to get himself back in the right place, mentally and physically. It was a really good performance.” Levis knows he can be better, but was happy to leave Houston with a victory in this difficult season. “It feels awesome,” he said. “A lot of people have been working really hard to get a win like this. I’m just happy for the organization, top down.” Tennessee extended the lead to 23-17 on a 51-yard field goal by Nick Folk with nine minutes left in the third. Stroud threw his second interception with about 90 seconds left in the third quarter but Ward’s touchdown came three plays later to put the Texans on top 24-23. The Titans fumbled a punt early in the fourth quarter and Houston recovered it. A 54-yard field goal by Fairbairn extended the lead to 27-23 with about 10 minutes to go. Dameon Pierce returned the opening kickoff 80 yards to get the Texans in the red zone. Houston cashed in on the next play when Stroud found rookie Cade Stover on a 19-yard pass for his first touchdown reception. The Titans trailed by four after a field goal by Folk when Nick Westbrook-Ikhine got in front of the defense and was wide open for a 38-yard TD catch that made it 10-7 late in the first quarter. Tennessee extended the lead to 17-7 when Tony Pollard ran 10 yards for a touchdown with about 11 minutes left in the second. Pollard finished with 119 yards and a touchdown. Nico Collins scored on a 5-yard reception with about six minutes left in the second. Levis levis lost a fumble with about 3 1/2 minutes left and the Texans added a 28-yard field goal to tie it at 17-17. Houston forced a punt after that, but rookie Jarvis Brownlee Jr. got his first career interception two plays later to give Tennessee the ball back. Folk’s 56-yard field goal, which tied his career long, put the Titans up 20-17 at halftime. The Titans were without cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, after he was placed on injured reserve with a quadriceps injury, and safety Amani Hooker, who was added to the injury report Sunday morning with an illness. Callahan said Hooker was vomiting “every time he stood up” Sunday. ... Houston S Jalen Pitre injured his shoulder in the second quarter and didn’t return. ... CB Ka’dar Hollman left in the fourth quarter with a knee injury. Titans: Visit the Commanders next Sunday. Texans: Visit Jacksonville next Sunday. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflAround 51 districts in India are at a “very high” risk of floods and another 118 are at “high” risk, whereas 91 districts are at a “very high’ risk of drought and 188 are at “high” risk, according to a new study by the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), and the Indian Institutes of Technology at Guwahati and Mandi. The study, supported by the Centre’s department of science and technology as well as the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, has found that 11 districts are at ”very high” risk of both flood and drought, including Patna in Bihar; Alappuzha in Kerala; Charaideo, Dibrugarh, Sibsagar, South Salmara-Mankachar, and Golaghat in Assam; Kendrapara in Odisha, and Murshidabad, Nadia, and Uttar Dinajpur in West Bengal. “This study is an effort to integrate vulnerability assessment with proneness to two hazards: flood and drought, and exposure to these hazards, to gain a comprehensive understanding of risk, using the framework proposed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change,” said the study report, titled District-Level Climate Risk Assessment for India: Mapping Flood and Drought Risks Using IPCC Framework . Unlike the concentrated flood hazard, the drought risk is spread more evenly across the country. Sixty-five districts under the very high drought-hazard category are located in 22 states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Assam, Kerala, Nagaland and Chhattisgarh. The report not only considered the probability of occurrence of extreme weather events in these districts but also laid down what indices may be making them particularly vulnerable. The study’s findings underline two clear patterns: First, that flood and drought hazards are one of the driving forces behind the overall risk and two, such risk can be amplified even when the likelihood of such a hazard impacting is low, but there are chances of high exposure and the district is vulnerable. “For example, in some districts if the population is too low then the exposure will be lower and if the district has better coping mechanisms such as say irrigation (in case of drought hazard), crop insurance for farmers, more people taking up the 100 day work programme (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme) then those districts will be less vulnerable and hence not at high risk,” explained professor NH Ravindranath from the Indian Institute of Science who was advisor for the risk mapping project. The core team prepared indices for hazard, exposure and vulnerability to arrive at risk indices. The team consulted state level climate change cells to arrive at very localised information. “Unfortunately for many districts the team used census 2011 data which is old but a lot of more recent information between 2019 and 2021 was also used by the team to develop these indices,” added Ravindranath. An area is considered under the risk of drought hazard if precipitation systematically falls below the long-term average. The indicators of flood exposure are population density and the proportion of area under agriculture. Drought exposure is calculated based on population density and area under rainfed agriculture. Vulnerability is a system property. Its indicators are MPI, the proportion of marginal and small landholdings, yield variability of food grains, the composite MGNREGA index, the female literacy rate, forest area per 100 rural population, health infrastructure available per 100 square kilometres, the livestock-to-human ratio, the proportion of area under crop insurance, the proportion of net sown area under horticulture, and road density. For example, Patna (Bihar) and Majuli’s (Assam) flood risk indices are comparable. However, the profiles of these two districts are completely different in terms of hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. While the flood hazard index is very high in Majuli, it is much lower in Patna. But Patna has very high exposure owing to dense population and high vulnerability. “The advice to districts at high risk of floods and droughts is to reduce their vulnerability. For example, Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh which is at high risk of drought should focus on agro-forestry, irrigation, organic or natural farming to improve soil health,” said Ravindranath. HT reported in January that more than half of India’s administrative units (or tehsils) saw an increase in monsoon rainfall in the 2012-22 decade over the 30-year, 1982-2011 baseline; 11%, all key agricultural hotspots saw a decline; and almost two-thirds witnessed an increase in the frequency of heavy rainfall. The results of the large-scale study, “Decoding India’s Changing Monsoon Patterns”, by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) , provide a granular picture of the changing and erratic monsoon patterns in India. According to the study, around 55% of India’s 4000-plus tehsils have witnessed an increase in monsoon rainfall in the past decade (2012-22) by at least 10%, compared to the climatic baseline (1982–2011). Most of this increase was recorded in the traditionally drier regions of Rajasthan, Gujarat, central Maharashtra, and parts of Tamil Nadu.

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Kathmandu, Nov. 23: General Secretary of Nepal Communist Party Netra Bikram Chand has expressed his firm determination to continue the struggle until socialism with Nepali characteristics is established. Addressing a meeting organized at Bhrikuti Mandap in Kathmandu on Saturday on the occasion of the party's 11th establishment day, Chand said that his party would intensify its political programmes and activities in this decade for safeguarding national sovereignty and socialism. He said that his party would focus its political agendas for the cause of the people's happiness and prosperity. Likewise, the spokesperson of Nepal Communist Party Khadga Bahadur Bishwakarma argued that his party would lead the people for the revolution despite different ups and downs in Nepal's communist parties. The party's central committee member Maila Lama stated that the villages in the country were empty as the youths are forced to leave the country for foreign jobs due to political instability and unemployment. The party was formed in 2071 BS after a division with the then CPN (Maoist).(RSS)

Putin signs law letting Ukraine fighters write off bad debts

Putin signs law letting Ukraine fighters write off bad debtsOur community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info When Adam and Tayah Aveling first locked eyes – on their wedding day, might we add – they could never have expected how their lives would turn out. "Sometimes I still need to pinch myself about how we actually met,” Tayah, 28, laughs during our exclusive photoshoot. Back in 2021, Adam and Tayah first met as total strangers on the hit E4 series, Married at First Sight UK, but these days the pair are arguably the show’s biggest success story . Going from strength to strength , not only did they welcome daughter, Beau , in October 2022, they also tied the knot for a second time in December last year. And now they have some more very exciting news to share – the couple are expecting a second baby. “Baby number two is on its way,” 29-year-old Adam, who is secretly hoping for a boy, smiles. Although Tayah is 20 weeks pregnant and glowing when we catch up at their home in Doncaster – the very same abode that Adam brought his wife back to during homestay week on MAFS – she tells us that the first trimester was a tough time. “I was so tired and felt really sick. I was never physically sick when I was having Beau, but it’s a constant feeling this time around,” she explains, ahead of her due date in April 2025. “I’m starting to feel better now, though.” Here, the happy couple open up about life after MAFS, their Christmas plans and how they’ll cope juggling life with two very young kids... Hi Adam and Tayah! Congratulations – can you remember when you found out you were expecting? Tayah: Thank you. I took a test a few weeks after I first had a feeling I was pregnant – and it was positive right away. Adam: You actually did one about a month before then, because you had a gut feeling. But it was too early to tell and it came up ‘not pregnant’. Tayah: That’s right, so, yeah, I technically took two tests! We got the positive result when we were visiting my parents and I had to tell my mum right away – she actually took me to buy the test [laughs]. It was a mix of emotions for us, obviously excited but nervous, too. Were you trying for a baby? Adam: We were sort of... trying but not trying – if that makes sense. This year has been a busy one and we weren’t sure if we wanted to move house first and then have a second baby, or vice versa. We put our house on the market at the start of the year, but things fell through, so we decided to stay here and try for a second baby. Throughout our whole relationship we’ve sort of winged things and then deal with what comes next. How has the pregnancy been so far? Tayah: The first trimester was really hard and, while I’m still not feeling 100%, I’m definitely a lot better than I was. I couldn’t keep anything down and I’m still struggling with my sense of smell. Everything is heightened to extremes and even the smallest smell is making me feel very sick. I usually love perfume but I just can’t wear mine at the minute, which is annoying. I’m hoping it goes back to normal when the baby is here. Tayah, have you found it difficult being pregnant and also running around after a little one? Tayah: Not having the energy or being able to do what I usually do with Beau has been really hard. There’s been times where all I’ve wanted to do is just lay on the sofa and not move. Adam has really been helping me out though, he’s taken on the roles of both mum and dad, to be honest. I love that we’ve really worked together as a team. Now you’re feeling better, are you hoping to be more active? Tayah: Absolutely. Before I got pregnant, I was doing a lot of Pilates and it’s something that I can keep doing even now. During my first trimester, I didn’t do much exercise because of my symptoms but I feel well enough now to get back into it. I didn’t really keep active when I was pregnant with Beau, but it’s something I’d like to do this time around. Even just to get out the house and do something for me. Plus, fitness is a huge thing for my mental health. Are you finding out the gender? Do you have any predictions or hopes? Adam: We’re both too impatient to not find out [laughs]. Tayah: I think Adam would quite like a boy. Adam: I’ve always said I’d like one, but I wouldn’t complain if it was another girl because Beau is just incredible. Tayah: He’s a really good girl dad. I think there’s pros and cons to both, though. I have a sister and I know what it’s like to be able to share clothes and have that sisterly bond. But then, it’d be lovely to see Adam with a little boy – even if that would mean a new challenge and learning things all over again. Adam: As long as they’re happy and healthy, I guess that’s all that matters. What about a birth plan – do you have one in place? Tayah: So, with Beau, I kind of just went along with whatever the professionals recommended and I’m doing the same for this baby. I did want an epidural with Beau, but I was too far on to get one, so I’d say that’s probably the only thing I’d maybe ask for. I would like to have a natural birth but if it happens that I need a C-section, then it wouldn’t bother me. I just want whatever is the safest way to bring my baby into the world. I’m trying not to overthink too much because that’s when I’ll get stressed. Is Beau excited to be a big sister? Adam: I think so, yeah! When we first told her, she was only one, whereas now Beau is at an age where she sort of understands and is aware of what is going on. She’s getting more and more used to it, the more we talk about it. Tayah: She’ll point at my tummy and know a baby is inside it, it’s so sweet. And she loves babies, whenever there’s one on TV or she sees one in the street, she’ll try to give them her dummy. She’s a very caring little girl. We can’t wait to see her reaction when the baby is actually here. Are you excited for them to grow up close in age? Adam: Absolutely. I love hearing the stories from my mum and dad about the first time I met my brothers or they met me. I can’t wait for that moment – and also bringing the baby home for the first time. It’ll be so special. Tayah: And the good thing is, we know what we’re doing the second time round. I think we’ll feel more prepared and less anxious. I didn’t know what to expect with Beau – you can read all the books in the world but nothing actually prepares you until they’re here. That’s when you learn. Are you worried about the lack of sleep having two kids of similar ages? Tayah: I’d take newborn tired over pregnancy tired any day [laughs]. That is a whole other level, you just have absolutely no energy and your body is working overtime to obviously grow a child. Whereas, when you’re looking after a newborn, your adrenaline kicks in and you go into superpower mode. Adam: When you first have a baby, it feels like that’s the hardest stage, but it only gets harder. When they’re newborns, they just eat and sleep. What are you looking forward to the most? Tayah: Everything, really. With Beau, I felt like I couldn’t really soak anything in, I was so anxious all of the time. It’s been quite a process mentally and it’s really only in the last six months that I’ve felt better. I’m looking forward to being in a newborn bubble and just enjoying every minute. I said at the beginning of this pregnancy that I’m determined to enjoy it – until the sickness kicked in [laughs]. With Beau, I felt fine physically but struggled mentally, whereas now I am positive but feel horrific. You got married for a second time last Christmas – did it bring you closer together? And would you consider a third wedding? Adam: We’ve always been close, but our second wedding was more like a big family celebration. Tay and I already felt like we were married anyway, even if our scenario was a bit strange. Tayah: Yeah, the second wedding didn’t change too much. We felt like husband and wife when we left MAFS – but I wouldn’t say no to a third wedding [laughs]. I actually struggled a bit with our wedding last year, I still wasn’t mentally in the best place [after having Beau], I wish I could have just soaked up the moment. Speaking of MAFS, your life has really changed since being on the show... Tayah: It’s crazy, isn’t it? We were talking about it the other day, actually. How we both had a gut feeling that it would be a positive experience for us. But if someone told me when I was applying that I’d meet my legal husband and the father of my children, I wouldn’t have believed them. Did you tune into this year’s series? Tayah: We didn’t really follow it on TV, but I did see some bits on social media. It’s a big commitment to watch it every night [laughs]. I heard that it was, eh, firework season! Adam and I were saying that we’re glad we did it before sharing everything on social media was necessarily a thing. Everything I see on TikTok is just people speaking negatively about the cast. I do feel for them, I think that must be tough. We do open ourselves up to criticism, but I think there’s a fine line. What are your plans for Christmas? Tayah: We’re really looking forward to a relaxed Christmas – last year was a bit up in the air because we got married on 28 December. It was full focus on the wedding and, although we’ll be celebrating our first anniversary, this one we’ll be spending time with family. Shoot producer: Will Perry, photographer: David Cummings, photographer’s assistant: Julia Presern, stylist: Charlotte Burton, hair & make-up: Fiona Florczak, props stylist: Nicole Owen, video: Cheolan JeongTemple secures 60-42 win against Hofstra

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