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In December 1999, the world prepared for the impending global meltdown known as Y2K. It all stemmed from a seemingly small software glitch: Many older computer programs had coded dates using only two numbers for the year. At midnight on Dec. 31, a misinterpretation of "00" in the year 2000 might cause widespread errors leading to mass panic. The Clinton administration said that preparing the U.S. for Y2K was probably "the single largest technology management challenge in history." The bug threatened a cascade of potential disruptions — blackouts, medical equipment failures, banks shutting down, travel screeching to a halt — if the systems and software that helped keep society functioning no longer knew what year it was. These fears gave rise to another anxiety-inducing acronym: TEOTWAWKI — "the end of the world as we know it." Thankfully, the so-called "year 2000 problem" didn't live up to the hype. NPR covered Y2K preparations for several years leading up to the new millennium. Here's a snapshot of how people coped, as told to NPR Network reporters. Computer specialist and grassroots organizer Paloma O'Riley compared the scale and urgency of Y2K prep to telling somebody to change out a rivet on the Golden Gate Bridge. Changing out just one rivet is simple, but "if you suddenly tell this person he now has to change out all the rivets on the bridge and he has only 24 hours to do it in — that's a problem," O'Riley told reporter Jason Beaubien in 1998. So, why wasn't U.S. infrastructure ready in the first place? Stephanie Moore, then a senior analyst with Giga Information Group, told NPR it stemmed from a data-efficiency measure in the expensive early days of computers: formatting years using two digits instead of four, with most computers interpreting "00" as the year 1900. "Now, when we roll over to the year 2000, computers — instead of thinking it's 2001 — are going to think it's 1901," Moore said, adding Y2K would have been avoidable "had we used four-digit year dates all along." The date switchover rattled a swath of vital tech, including Wall Street trading systems, power plants and tools used in air traffic control. The Federal Aviation Administration put its systems through stress tests and mock scenarios as 2000 drew closer. "Twenty-three million lines of code in the air traffic control system did seem a little more daunting, I will say, than I had probably anticipated," FAA Administrator Jane Garvey told NPR in 1998. Ultimately there were no systemwide aviation breakdowns, but airlines were put on a Y2K alert. The crunch to safeguard these systems was a reminder that the technology underpinning people's daily lives was interdependent and constantly evolving. "People forget that the infrastructure for the Industrial Revolution took between 300 and 500 years to put in place," University of Washington engineering professor Mark Haselkorn said at the time. "And we're about 50 years into putting the infrastructure in place for the Information Age. So, it's not surprising we've got some problems." A mobile home; a year's supply of dehydrated food; a propane generator — those were just some of the precautionary purchases California computer programmer Scott Olmstead made in advance of 2000. (He also said he was shopping for a handgun.) If Y2K sparked a food shortage, or an electric grid failure, or even a crime spike, Olmstead told NPR he would be ready: "Whatever it is, if we want to 'bug out,' as the programmers say, we can do it. We've got a place to go." He added that he might take his money out of the bank and convert it into gold, silver and cash. While concerned citizens pondered a panic-proof wealth strategy, Brian Roby, vice president of First National Bank of Olathe, Kan., told NPR his institution would be ready to welcome customers on New Year's Day rather than take the holiday off. "We thought about it and we said, 'Hey, if we're ready, we're ready. Let's prove it. Let's be the first to be open,' " Roby said. "And we're just going to open up like it's any other normal Saturday." Some financial analysts remained skeptical Y2K would come and go with minimal disruption. But by November 1999 the Federal Reserve said it was confident the U.S. economy would weather the big switch. "Federal banking agencies have been visited and inspected. Every bank in the United States, which includes probably 9,000 to 10,000 institutions, over 99% received a satisfactory rating," Fed Board Governor Edward Kelley said at the time. Dozens of communities across the U.S. formed Y2K preparedness groups to stave off unnecessary panic. Kathy Garcia, an organizer with the Y2K Community Project in Boulder, Colo., said fears of a societal meltdown offered an opportunity to take stock. "How do we help each other out — not when a disaster hits, but beforehand?" Garcia told NPR's Margot Adler in 1999. Her project set up shop in a Boulder mall storefront, offering Y2K educational videos and exhibits on food storage. Local resident Richard Dash stopped by, urging people to consider their neighbors — not just themselves. "Do you want to be the only house with lights, and the only house with the smell of food coming from it? Do you want to really turn yourself into a bunker?" he said. Dash added he hoped nothing would come of Y2K besides a renewed feeling he could count on his community in an emergency, and it could count on him, too. Instead of conserving their extra food, he said, people could come together and share it. "We'll all have a picnic," he said. "We'll give extra food to FoodShare, and nobody's going to be hungry for a while. And that'll be just terrific." In the end, the worst fears lay in anticipation. Besides a few minor setbacks like an internet slowdown and reports of malfunctioning clocks, the aggressive planning and recalibration paid off. Humanity passed into the year 2000 without pandemonium. "I'm pleasantly surprised," John Koskinen, chair of the President's Council on Year 2000 Conversion, told NPR's Weekend Edition on Jan. 1, 2000. "We expected that we would see more difficulties early on, particularly around the world." People like Jack Pentes of Charlotte, N.C., were left to figure out what to do with their emergency stockpiles. Pentes had filled 50 large soda bottles with tap water. "I used a half a dozen in the washing machine," he told NPR. "I can't bear to just pour it out and throw it away. There are too many people in the world that can't get any decent water." Food writer Michael Stern meanwhile offered a chili recipe for people with leftover canned food — namely, Spam. "One of its charms is that it doesn't decompose," Stern said. "No matter how long you cook it, it will always retain its identity as Spam." Others couldn't quite shake the instinct to plan ahead. Alfred Lubrano, an essayist for The Philadelphia Inquirer , wrote a letter included in a time capsule to be opened for "Y3K" — the year 3000. Lubrano's letter, which he read on NPR, ended with a question for whoever might find it in the next millennium. "We're human, same as you — flawed like you, decent like you," Lubrano wrote. "We have not yet figured out this world, this life. Have you?" Original reporting by NPR's Jason Beaubien, Ira Flatow, Steve Inskeep, Mary Ann Akers, Jack Speer, Larry Abramson, Margot Adler and Bob Edwards. Copyright 2024 NPRJimmy Carter: Many evolutions for a centenarian ‘citizen of the world’
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CORNELIUS, N.C. and NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alpha Modus Corp. ("Alpha Modus" or the “Company”), a technology company with a core focus on artificial intelligence in retail, and Insight Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition company (“Insight” NASDAQ: INAQ) plan to close their business combination today. Alpha Modus expects to begin trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker symbols “AMOD” (its common stock) and “AMODW” (its warrants) on Monday, December 16, 2024. About Alpha Modus Alpha Modus engages in creating, developing and licensing data-driven technologies to enhance consumers' in-store digital experience at the point of decision. The company was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Cornelius, North Carolina. For additional information, please visit alphamodus.com . About Insight Acquisition Corp. Prior to the closing, Insight Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: INAQ) is a special purpose acquisition company formed solely to effect a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. Insight Acquisition Corp. is sponsored by Insight Acquisition Sponsor LLC. For additional information, please visit insightacqcorp.com . Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Insight's and Alpha Modus' actual results may differ from their expectations, estimates, and projections and, consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Words such as "expect," "estimate," "project," "budget," "forecast," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "may," "will," "could," "should," "believes," "predicts," "potential," "continue," and similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying these statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, Insight's and Alpha Modus' expectations with respect to future performance and anticipated financial impacts of the Business Combination. Insight and Alpha Modus caution readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Insight and Alpha Modus do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in their expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Contacts: Alpha Modus Shannon Devine MZ Group +1(203) 741-8841 shannon.devine@mzgroup.us
Stock Market Today: Losses For Big Tech Pull US Indexes Lower - BarchartThe crypto world’s like a rollercoaster ride, isn’t it? Prices shoot up, projects launch with fanfare, and there’s always something brewing that makes you want to dive right in. But here’s the kicker: choosing the right coin isn’t just about hype—it’s about potential. While some tokens fizzle out faster than a sparkler on the Fourth of July, others—like Qubetics (TICS), Toncoin (TON), and Binance (BNB)—are changing the game. These projects aren’t just coins; they’re ecosystems, each carving out a distinct space in the blockchain universe. Qubetics, a rising star in the crypto space, is currently in the spotlight with its jaw-dropping presale performance. If you’re looking for the best coins to join this weekend, you’ll definitely want to hear what makes it stand out. Then there’s Toncoin, the blockchain brainchild making waves in decentralised communication. And, of course, Binance, the old guard of crypto exchanges, proving time and time again why it’s the go-to for seasoned and newbie investors alike. Let’s break these down, shall we? Qubetics (TICS): A Crypto Gem in the Making It’s not every day you come across a presale success story that’s making waves like Qubetics. With its 14th presale stage in full swing, Qubetics has already sold over 382 million $TICS tokens to more than 10,800 holders, raising over $8 million . At $0.037 per token, the buzz around this project is electric. So, what’s the big deal? Let’s start with the numbers. Analysts are throwing out predictions that make even the most conservative investors’ eyes widen. Picture this: an investment in $TICS today at $10,000 could soar to $2.91 million if it hits $10 post-mainnet launch, offering a mind-blowing 29,107% ROI. And if $TICS hits $15, you’re looking at a $4.37 million payday. Those aren’t just numbers; they’re life-changing potential. Beyond the stats, Qubetics is breaking barriers with the QubeQode IDE , a developer’s dream toolkit. Imagine a local bakery streamlining its supply chain with blockchain or an artist tokenising their work for global sales without needing coding chops. That’s what QubeQode brings to the table. It’s like a Swiss Army knife for blockchain development—whether you’re a business mogul, a freelance designer, or a curious crypto newbie, the IDE simplifies smart contract creation. It reduces costs, speeds up development, and eliminates the steep learning curve usually associated with blockchain. For instance, a real estate agency could tokenise property deeds to simplify transactions, or a logistics company could create an automated supply chain tracking system—all without hiring a team of developers. Qubetics isn’t just about tools, though. Its ecosystem is geared toward solving real-world problems. Think cross-border payments made simple, tokenised assets that lower barriers to entry, and decentralised VPNs that prioritise user privacy. All these features make Qubetics a platform to watch and a token to hold. This isn’t just another crypto; it’s a revolution in how blockchain can integrate seamlessly into everyday life. Toncoin (TON): Telegram’s Blockchain Marvel If Qubetics is the ambitious newcomer, Toncoin is the stalwart innovator. Built on the Telegram Open Network, Toncoin is laser-focused on decentralisation and scalability. It’s what you might call the people’s blockchain—accessible, efficient, and practical. TON’s primary claim to fame? Powering Telegram’s Sticker Shop, where users buy and trade NFT decals. Fun, sure, but it’s more than just stickers; it’s a gateway to mainstream blockchain adoption. This project’s ecosystem is growing, and its increasing stablecoin activity suggests a solid future. For long-time holders, TON represents reliability—a blockchain platform that’s built to last. Think of it like investing in a blue-chip stock, except it’s decentralised, borderless, and uniquely integrated with one of the most popular messaging apps on the planet. Toncoin’s edge lies in its utility. Beyond NFTs, it’s enabling secure, fast, and cost-effective transactions on a global scale. Telegram’s massive user base provides TON with a direct pathway to adoption. Imagine a small business owner in a remote village using TON for secure international payments or a content creator monetising their work with minimal fees. That’s the kind of impact Toncoin is aiming for. It’s not just a blockchain; it’s a bridge between traditional and decentralised finance. Investing in TON is like planting a tree: the rewards might not be immediate, but they’re steady and sustainable. And for those searching for the best coins to join this weekend, Toncoin’s established presence makes it a worthy contender. Whether you’re a Telegram power user or a crypto enthusiast, TON offers a compelling mix of innovation and reliability. Binance (BNB): The Kingpin of Crypto Let’s talk about Binance—the titan of crypto exchanges. If you’ve been in the crypto game for a hot minute, you’ve probably traded, staked, or at least heard of Binance’s native token, BNB. Launched initially as a utility token, BNB has grown into a powerhouse asset, powering everything from transaction fees on the Binance Smart Chain to real-world payments. BNB’s charm lies in its versatility. Need low fees for trading? BNB’s got you. Looking to dive into DeFi? It’s the backbone of numerous projects on the Binance Smart Chain. And with Binance consistently at the forefront of innovation—whether it’s new token listings, partnerships, or DeFi initiatives—BNB remains a rock-solid choice for anyone dabbling in crypto. Binance isn’t just a platform; it’s a financial ecosystem. And while its regulatory battles make headlines, its resilience keeps it in the game. For investors, BNB isn’t just another coin; it’s a ticket to one of the most robust and reliable crypto ecosystems around. Searching for the best coins to join this weekend? It’s hard not to include Binance in the mix. BNB also has an ace up its sleeve: accessibility. The token’s integration with Binance’s vast suite of tools and services ensures it’s always in demand. Whether you’re staking for passive income, using it for discounted trading fees, or participating in Binance’s Launchpad offerings, BNB delivers value on all fronts. It’s the kind of investment that’s less about the moonshot and more about consistent growth. Wrapping It Up: Your Move, Crypto Investor Here’s the deal: Qubetics, Toncoin, and Binance each bring something unique to the table. Qubetics is the rising star with explosive potential, Toncoin offers steady growth and innovation, and Binance remains the undisputed king of the crypto hill. Together, they’re not just coins; they’re investment stories waiting to unfold. If you’ve been on the fence about diving into the crypto pool, there’s no better time. With Qubetics’ presale nearing its climax, Toncoin building its ecosystem, and Binance cementing its legacy, these are the best coins to join this weekend . Don’t just watch from the sidelines—get in the game and see where this ride can take you. So, what are you waiting for? Whether you’re betting big on $TICS or exploring the solid foundations of TON and BNB, the future’s looking brighter than ever. Make your move today. Qubetics: https://qubetics.com Telegram: https://t.me/qubetics Twitter: https://x.com/qubetics Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.
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We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic, republic, and to secure to all its citizens justice, liberty, and equality and promote fraternity among all, have been witness to a mockery being made of our constitutional compact, in full public view, at an event organised within the precincts of a constitutional court, the Allahabad High Court. Distancing ourselves would be a disservice We have witnessed a sitting judge brazenly challenge the spirit and letter of the Constitution of India, in a speech that is nothing but a dog whistle that guarantees impunity to the mobs that will act on his words and views — and have been acting on words such as his emanating from the seats of power. The venom that Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, judge of the Allahabad High Court, spewed on the precincts of the court, has been widely reported in the media. Members of Parliament in the Opposition have initiated an impeachment motion against the judge, the Supreme Court of India has called for a report, and concerned citizens have written to the Chief Justice of India. Editorial | Bench and bigotry: On controversial remarks by Allahabad High Court judge None of this, however, captures the sense of collective shock, dismay and grief that it is even possible for this level of public humiliation, violent, incendiary, genocidal street-talk to emerge from a seat of justice under the Constitution. For that is what it is. And it is really time to seek remedies against an incitement to violence of this nature as a part of our solemn affirmation as citizens who gave to ourselves this Constitution. The ‘sludge’ that was passed as learned judicial speech is an assault on the citizens of India and not an attack on Muslims or minorities or urban naxals or protesters or just any particular group that has become the latest target of mob violence/public incitement. This is not Justice Yadav’s views on Muslims, nor is this a case of just one rotten apple. In distancing ourselves from his comments, we do profound disservice to our autonomous and independent determination of the terms on which the collective ‘we’ is constituted in this country called India that is Bharat. Related Stories The code of conduct judges need to follow Justice Yadav’s speech at VHP event: Supreme Court takes note, seeks details from Allahabad HC All India Lawyers Union demands action against Allahabad HC judge for speech at VHP event Opposition submits notice seeking Allahabad High Court judge’s impeachment Justice Yadav’s speech is an act of wounding. It is a speech that inflicts deep harms on all of us: in terms of how we experience the life of the mind, knowledge, convivial living and spiritual fulfilment in a shared space, the boundaries of which are not determined by narrow walls and fences of bigotry. and in terms of the injuries that religious bigotry inflicts on shifting targets — on people, our lived lives, our dwellings, our worksites, our neighbourhoods and our places of worship. We have also seen the disastrous effects of soft bigotry as a trigger to mob/state violence, especially in the case of places of worship. Let us not read down Justice Yadav’s speech and allow it to pass as something that is inconsequential. It is not something that can be adequately answered by the High Court that offered the space and the possibility for this — a High Court that did not rise in one voice to condemn and censure a member of the Bench for speaking genocide and atrocity. This is a court that ought to have written to the Chief Justice of India condemning Justice Yadav’s speech long before the Supreme Court demanded a report in response to the petitioning and the protests by citizens who took note of the speech and mobilised action given the exceedingly slow wheel of the law. It calls for a different order of collective judicial accountability. Nor can this act be adequately redressed by subjecting it to the low, anodyne chiding that is whispered by the judicial fraternity alone within court halls that allow restricted entry. We have seen the consequences of dog whistles of this kind over the past decade and the irreparable harms they bring in their wake. We also know that mobilising around the Constitution and its core values together as ordinary citizens, elected citizens and judicial citizens, speaking a shared language across vernaculars and faiths, is the only way of effectively affirming our collective and individual human dignity and the unity and integrity of this country — India that is Bharat. A commons This writer has long argued that the Constitution of India, and our rights and responsibilities as citizens, take shape through a deep connection between the intellectual history of constitutionalism and a grounding of that history in our evolving present-futures. Neither constitutional interpretation nor the delineation of our rights need be shackled by narrow reference to precedents and prior judicial wisdom alone, since the spirit of the Constitution (and indeed the Constitution itself) is not judicial property, but is a commons. It is urgent that we think of the Constitution-as-commons — that a shared ownership and shared understanding govern its use to further the common good which is set out in the Preamble and in the philosophy of civil disobedience of various hues. Satyagraha is our collective inheritance — Gandhi, B.R. Ambedkar, Maulana Azad, Jaipal Munda, Dakshayani Velayudhan, Anis Kidwai, A.K. Gopalan.... It is not just rulers but when people who sit on judicial seats speak the undisguised tongue of rulers and the mobs, disobedience is the constitutional route to recuperation. If norms of ‘judicial propriety’ have come undone, Justice S.K. Yadav of the Allahabad High Court has scripted its ruination. In the resulting crisis that ‘judicial propriety’ finds itself in, the only resurrection is through the grammar of civil disobedience. Inquiries, explanations, reports, and measured censure will amount to nothing. Impeachment is a good move, but is only symbolic; it is destined to fail when Justice Yadav’s political masters have a brute majority in Parliament, unless of course we have an unprecedented and unlikely action by members of the ruling alliance standing with the Constitution. The outlines of a response It is of course a sad comment that S.K. Yadav, as a judge, has political masters. This alone should trigger some deep reflection and public discussion by citizen judges, since the barrier between judicial and political speech (and space) has been breached. Taking this further, in reinstating the dignity compass and rejecting public humiliation in judicial conduct and speech, we need to think through public and judicial action that will draw on the wellsprings of our inheritance of civil disobedience and satyagraha. We must craft tactical resistance by refusing to allow a person who speaks this language to judge our cases or judge with us. The ‘We’ that opens the Preamble to the Indian Constitution is not a ‘we’ that is a motley group of people identified randomly (with or without their consent) as Hindu. The ‘We’ is a constitutionally constituted people. A non-denominational, plural, dizzyingly heterogeneous, and diverse beyond measure people who believe in the spirit of the Constitution and its core values. Kalpana Kannabiran is a sociologist based in Hyderabad Published - December 14, 2024 12:16 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit India / constitution / judge / judiciary (system of justice) / politics / minority group / religion and beliefMisl Satluj: Address SAD’s crisis
Wildwood Wildlife Shelter operator Pam Turner wasn’t going anywhere on Boxing Day despite her fears the Grampians bushfire could head her way – she had a lounge room with 20 joeys in it to look after. She and the rescued roos sheltered inside her Victoria Valley house as sprinklers doused the roof and sheds outside. “I was extremely anxious. I was preparing myself for a giant fireball to come over the mountains,” Turner said. “I chose to stay for the very reason that I had a cottage full of joeys. How could I leave them locked in the cottage?” The forecast 70-kilometre northeasterly winds that threatened to blow the fire towards Wildwood failed to eventuate, and rainfall on Saturday brought some relief to the shelter. But Turner remains worried about what may be yet to come. Three homes in the town of Moyston and 11 outbuildings in the surrounding area have been reported as destroyed by the Grampians blaze so far, and animal rescuers are waiting for permission to enter the Grampians National Park to assess wildlife losses. Pam Turner caring for one of the joeys she kept safe during the Grampians bushfires. The blaze, whose perimeter stretches more than 380 kilometres, has scorched more than 75,000 hectares and is expected to burn into the new year due to dry conditions and difficult, mountainous terrain. Authorities have reported stock losses, as well as beehive, fencing, pasture and hay losses from the fire, which began early last week. Turner was part of the wildlife rescue effort following the Mount Lubra fire, which burnt half the Grampians in 2006. She said the loss of life had left her traumatised. “For months afterwards we were finding injured kangaroos, burnt on the pads of their feet. They were starving because there was no food,” she said. “At this stage, we don’t know what to expect – [the current fire] will certainly be ongoing for weeks and weeks.” An officer from the Environment Department was deployed to assess wildlife losses outside the fire zone this week and was expected to determine whether a triage centre was required to treat injured animals in coming days. Emergency services described the Boxing Day conditions as some of the worst they had seen since the Black Summer fires of 2019-20. Credit: Justin McManus Wildlife Victoria has experienced an increase in calls about heat-stressed animals since summer began and expected calls for burns and dehydration to spike as people returned to the Grampians. Residents of Halls Gap were given permission to return to their homes on Friday, but the park remained closed to tourists. McKenzie Creek resident Brendan Stemp was on alert for changes to weather conditions that could blow embers towards his cattery and neighbouring farmland. Stemp said the more than 30 cats at his property had been kept comfortable during the worst fire conditions, but he was expecting significant damage to wildlife inside the park. “Because it’s such a huge area, there’s millions of animals in there, and all these other critters and insects that the fire’s going to take a huge toll on,” he said. Stemp said the other concern was wildlife being pushed out into grazing land and having to compete with sheep and cattle for food. “Often wildlife come off second best when that happens.” Three homes and 11 outbuildings have been lost in the Grampians fire so far. Credit: Justin McManus Cooler conditions in the Wimmera at the weekend are forecast to be replaced by warmer weather next week. The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted temperatures in the low 30s on Monday and up to 35 degrees on Tuesday. Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent said the next week would provide favourable conditions for firefighters. “Weather over the next week looks relatively stable. This will allow us time to stabilise the fires and continue back-burning operations, and look to support the community further,” Nugent said. In addition to state and federal support for local government areas affected by the Grampians fire, personal hardship payments are now available. One-off payments of $680 for adults and $340 for children up to $2380 per affected family are being provided to help cover essentials. Forest Fire Management Victoria spokesman Chris Hardman said it was thanks to firefighters that the fire situation had not been worse in recent days. “Without their hard work, we would have had much bigger fires causing much bigger damage,” Hardman said. “On behalf of all Victorians I would like to thank them because what they did on Boxing Day in extreme fire danger saved a lot more anguish and pain that Victorians now don’t have to suffer.” The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here .Percentages: FG .448, FT .875. 3-Point Goals: 1-16, .063 (Dezonie 1-2, Berry 0-1, Brown 0-2, Stanford 0-2, Gray 0-3, Mashburn 0-3, Settle 0-3). Team Rebounds: 2. Team Turnovers: None. Blocked Shots: 4 (Berry 2, Durodola, Settle). Turnovers: 15 (Berry 5, Mashburn 4, Dezonie 2, Durodola, Gray, Settle, Stanford). Steals: 4 (Dezonie 2, Brown, Durodola). Technical Fouls: None. Percentages: FG .395, FT .750. 3-Point Goals: 7-25, .280 (McKeithan 3-6, Lilley 2-4, Marrero 1-4, Shepherd 1-5, White 0-2, Vahlberg Fasasi 0-4). Team Rebounds: 6. Team Turnovers: 1. Blocked Shots: 8 (Lilley 2, Jones, Marrero, McKeithan, Shepherd, Vahlberg Fasasi, White). Turnovers: 6 (White 2, Jones, Marrero, Shepherd, Vahlberg Fasasi). Steals: 12 (Marrero 3, Jones 2, McKeithan 2, White 2, Etienne, Lilley, Vahlberg Fasasi). Technical Fouls: None. A_3,001 (3,400).SINGAPORE: After two decades, the baton changed hands in the city-state in 2024, a planned transition to the fourth generation of People’s Action Party politicians. Ties with India were elevated this year. Economist Lawrence Wong, 51, succeeded Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, 72, who relinquished his position in May after holding the office since 2004. Both belong to the ruling party that has been driving Singapore’s economic progress for more than five decades. As India and Singapore celebrate 60 years of diplomacy in 2025, the two countries elevated their bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September. Indian High Commissioner to Singapore Shilpak Ambule called 2024 an “eventful year for India-Singapore relations”. He said the elevation of bilateral ties would support India’s economic growth in the years ahead. During Modi’s visit, the two sides also announced their intention to collaborate in the semiconductor industry. India is also looking at major investments from Singaporean companies. The 2nd round of the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable in August was an unprecedented gathering of ministers. Four senior ministers from India and six from Singapore explored opportunities in new fields. “This 4+6 meeting was unprecedented for both sides. The 10 senior ministers have identified digitalisation, skills development, sustainability, healthcare and medicine, advanced manufacturing and connectivity as pillars for further strengthening bilateral cooperation,” Ambule said. “We also had several other ministerial and official level visits from both sides throughout the year, signifying the importance given by both sides to the bilateral relations,” he added. During Modi’s visit, the two sides decided to set up a Cyber Policy Dialogue and an inaugural dialogue was held in Singapore in October. Wong joined Modi when India launched the Declaration on Digital Public Infrastructure, AI and Data for Governance at the G20 Summit in Brazil in November. The Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s engagement with India in 2024 has helped strengthen the economic links between the two nations, with SICCI providing local firms with market outreach and advice on the Indian market, former prime minister Lee Hsien Loong said. The chamber has participated in global investment summits, roadshows and trade missions, including key areas like telecommunications. SICCI sparked “India Fever”, an initiative to deepen trade, investment, and diplomatic ties. “This initiative has fuelled six successful trade missions in the last 18 months, all led by SICCI Internationalising sub-committee,” its chairman Neil Parekh Parekh said. Key events in 2024 included the inaugural ASEAN-India Women Scientists Conclave, an e-workshop on digital health and medical technologies and another on the green economy. Singaporean Minister for Home Affairs and Law K Shanmugam attended the World Tamil Diaspora Day 2024 in Chennai in January at the invitation of the Tamil Nadu government. Tamil is one of the four official languages in Singapore, reflecting the close-knit ties between the two nations. The 31st edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) was held in India in October. Soldiers from both countries took part in Agni Warrior, another regular military exercise. The 12th edition of Joint Military Training was held in India from October 4 to December 16. India also hosted the expanded 4th edition of the Singapore-India-Thailand Maritime Exercise in November. Back home, a Singapore court sentenced S Iswaran, a cabinet member for 13 years, to a year in prison for obstructing justice and receiving more than USD 300,000 worth of gifts in the city-state’s first political corruption trial for nearly half a century.Forrest's 30 lead N.C. A&T past North Carolina Central 85-72
In December 1999, the world prepared for the impending global meltdown known as Y2K. It all stemmed from a seemingly small software glitch: Many older computer programs had coded dates using only two numbers for the year. At midnight on Dec. 31, a misinterpretation of "00" in the year 2000 might cause widespread errors leading to mass panic. The Clinton administration said that preparing the U.S. for Y2K was probably "the single largest technology management challenge in history." The bug threatened a cascade of potential disruptions — blackouts, medical equipment failures, banks shutting down, travel screeching to a halt — if the systems and software that helped keep society functioning no longer knew what year it was. These fears gave rise to another anxiety-inducing acronym: TEOTWAWKI — "the end of the world as we know it." Thankfully, the so-called "year 2000 problem" didn't live up to the hype. NPR covered Y2K preparations for several years leading up to the new millennium. Here's a snapshot of how people coped, as told to NPR Network reporters. Computer specialist and grassroots organizer Paloma O'Riley compared the scale and urgency of Y2K prep to telling somebody to change out a rivet on the Golden Gate Bridge. Changing out just one rivet is simple, but "if you suddenly tell this person he now has to change out all the rivets on the bridge and he has only 24 hours to do it in — that's a problem," O'Riley told reporter Jason Beaubien in 1998. So, why wasn't U.S. infrastructure ready in the first place? Stephanie Moore, then a senior analyst with Giga Information Group, told NPR it stemmed from a data-efficiency measure in the expensive early days of computers: formatting years using two digits instead of four, with most computers interpreting "00" as the year 1900. "Now, when we roll over to the year 2000, computers — instead of thinking it's 2001 — are going to think it's 1901," Moore said, adding Y2K would have been avoidable "had we used four-digit year dates all along." The date switchover rattled a swath of vital tech, including Wall Street trading systems, power plants and tools used in air traffic control. The Federal Aviation Administration put its systems through stress tests and mock scenarios as 2000 drew closer. "Twenty-three million lines of code in the air traffic control system did seem a little more daunting, I will say, than I had probably anticipated," FAA Administrator Jane Garvey told NPR in 1998. Ultimately there were no systemwide aviation breakdowns, but airlines were put on a Y2K alert. The crunch to safeguard these systems was a reminder that the technology underpinning people's daily lives was interdependent and constantly evolving. "People forget that the infrastructure for the Industrial Revolution took between 300 and 500 years to put in place," University of Washington engineering professor Mark Haselkorn said at the time. "And we're about 50 years into putting the infrastructure in place for the Information Age. So, it's not surprising we've got some problems." A mobile home; a year's supply of dehydrated food; a propane generator — those were just some of the precautionary purchases California computer programmer Scott Olmstead made in advance of 2000. (He also said he was shopping for a handgun.) If Y2K sparked a food shortage, or an electric grid failure, or even a crime spike, Olmstead told NPR he would be ready: "Whatever it is, if we want to 'bug out,' as the programmers say, we can do it. We've got a place to go." He added that he might take his money out of the bank and convert it into gold, silver and cash. While concerned citizens pondered a panic-proof wealth strategy, Brian Roby, vice president of First National Bank of Olathe, Kan., told NPR his institution would be ready to welcome customers on New Year's Day rather than take the holiday off. "We thought about it and we said, 'Hey, if we're ready, we're ready. Let's prove it. Let's be the first to be open,' " Roby said. "And we're just going to open up like it's any other normal Saturday." Some financial analysts remained skeptical Y2K would come and go with minimal disruption. But by November 1999 the Federal Reserve said it was confident the U.S. economy would weather the big switch. "Federal banking agencies have been visited and inspected. Every bank in the United States, which includes probably 9,000 to 10,000 institutions, over 99% received a satisfactory rating," Fed Board Governor Edward Kelley said at the time. Dozens of communities across the U.S. formed Y2K preparedness groups to stave off unnecessary panic. Kathy Garcia, an organizer with the Y2K Community Project in Boulder, Colo., said fears of a societal meltdown offered an opportunity to take stock. "How do we help each other out — not when a disaster hits, but beforehand?" Garcia told NPR's Margot Adler in 1999. Her project set up shop in a Boulder mall storefront, offering Y2K educational videos and exhibits on food storage. Local resident Richard Dash stopped by, urging people to consider their neighbors — not just themselves. "Do you want to be the only house with lights, and the only house with the smell of food coming from it? Do you want to really turn yourself into a bunker?" he said. Dash added he hoped nothing would come of Y2K besides a renewed feeling he could count on his community in an emergency, and it could count on him, too. Instead of conserving their extra food, he said, people could come together and share it. "We'll all have a picnic," he said. "We'll give extra food to FoodShare, and nobody's going to be hungry for a while. And that'll be just terrific." In the end, the worst fears lay in anticipation. Besides a few minor setbacks like an internet slowdown and reports of malfunctioning clocks, the aggressive planning and recalibration paid off. Humanity passed into the year 2000 without pandemonium. "I'm pleasantly surprised," John Koskinen, chair of the President's Council on Year 2000 Conversion, told NPR's Weekend Edition on Jan. 1, 2000. "We expected that we would see more difficulties early on, particularly around the world." People like Jack Pentes of Charlotte, N.C., were left to figure out what to do with their emergency stockpiles. Pentes had filled 50 large soda bottles with tap water. "I used a half a dozen in the washing machine," he told NPR. "I can't bear to just pour it out and throw it away. There are too many people in the world that can't get any decent water." Food writer Michael Stern meanwhile offered a chili recipe for people with leftover canned food — namely, Spam. "One of its charms is that it doesn't decompose," Stern said. "No matter how long you cook it, it will always retain its identity as Spam." Others couldn't quite shake the instinct to plan ahead. Alfred Lubrano, an essayist for The Philadelphia Inquirer , wrote a letter included in a time capsule to be opened for "Y3K" — the year 3000. Lubrano's letter, which he read on NPR, ended with a question for whoever might find it in the next millennium. "We're human, same as you — flawed like you, decent like you," Lubrano wrote. "We have not yet figured out this world, this life. Have you?" Original reporting by NPR's Jason Beaubien, Ira Flatow, Steve Inskeep, Mary Ann Akers, Jack Speer, Larry Abramson, Margot Adler and Bob Edwards. Copyright 2024 NPRJimmy Carter: Many evolutions for a centenarian ‘citizen of the world’
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CORNELIUS, N.C. and NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alpha Modus Corp. ("Alpha Modus" or the “Company”), a technology company with a core focus on artificial intelligence in retail, and Insight Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition company (“Insight” NASDAQ: INAQ) plan to close their business combination today. Alpha Modus expects to begin trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker symbols “AMOD” (its common stock) and “AMODW” (its warrants) on Monday, December 16, 2024. About Alpha Modus Alpha Modus engages in creating, developing and licensing data-driven technologies to enhance consumers' in-store digital experience at the point of decision. The company was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in Cornelius, North Carolina. For additional information, please visit alphamodus.com . About Insight Acquisition Corp. Prior to the closing, Insight Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: INAQ) is a special purpose acquisition company formed solely to effect a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. Insight Acquisition Corp. is sponsored by Insight Acquisition Sponsor LLC. For additional information, please visit insightacqcorp.com . Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Insight's and Alpha Modus' actual results may differ from their expectations, estimates, and projections and, consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Words such as "expect," "estimate," "project," "budget," "forecast," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "may," "will," "could," "should," "believes," "predicts," "potential," "continue," and similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying these statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, Insight's and Alpha Modus' expectations with respect to future performance and anticipated financial impacts of the Business Combination. Insight and Alpha Modus caution readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Insight and Alpha Modus do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in their expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Contacts: Alpha Modus Shannon Devine MZ Group +1(203) 741-8841 shannon.devine@mzgroup.us
Stock Market Today: Losses For Big Tech Pull US Indexes Lower - BarchartThe crypto world’s like a rollercoaster ride, isn’t it? Prices shoot up, projects launch with fanfare, and there’s always something brewing that makes you want to dive right in. But here’s the kicker: choosing the right coin isn’t just about hype—it’s about potential. While some tokens fizzle out faster than a sparkler on the Fourth of July, others—like Qubetics (TICS), Toncoin (TON), and Binance (BNB)—are changing the game. These projects aren’t just coins; they’re ecosystems, each carving out a distinct space in the blockchain universe. Qubetics, a rising star in the crypto space, is currently in the spotlight with its jaw-dropping presale performance. If you’re looking for the best coins to join this weekend, you’ll definitely want to hear what makes it stand out. Then there’s Toncoin, the blockchain brainchild making waves in decentralised communication. And, of course, Binance, the old guard of crypto exchanges, proving time and time again why it’s the go-to for seasoned and newbie investors alike. Let’s break these down, shall we? Qubetics (TICS): A Crypto Gem in the Making It’s not every day you come across a presale success story that’s making waves like Qubetics. With its 14th presale stage in full swing, Qubetics has already sold over 382 million $TICS tokens to more than 10,800 holders, raising over $8 million . At $0.037 per token, the buzz around this project is electric. So, what’s the big deal? Let’s start with the numbers. Analysts are throwing out predictions that make even the most conservative investors’ eyes widen. Picture this: an investment in $TICS today at $10,000 could soar to $2.91 million if it hits $10 post-mainnet launch, offering a mind-blowing 29,107% ROI. And if $TICS hits $15, you’re looking at a $4.37 million payday. Those aren’t just numbers; they’re life-changing potential. Beyond the stats, Qubetics is breaking barriers with the QubeQode IDE , a developer’s dream toolkit. Imagine a local bakery streamlining its supply chain with blockchain or an artist tokenising their work for global sales without needing coding chops. That’s what QubeQode brings to the table. It’s like a Swiss Army knife for blockchain development—whether you’re a business mogul, a freelance designer, or a curious crypto newbie, the IDE simplifies smart contract creation. It reduces costs, speeds up development, and eliminates the steep learning curve usually associated with blockchain. For instance, a real estate agency could tokenise property deeds to simplify transactions, or a logistics company could create an automated supply chain tracking system—all without hiring a team of developers. Qubetics isn’t just about tools, though. Its ecosystem is geared toward solving real-world problems. Think cross-border payments made simple, tokenised assets that lower barriers to entry, and decentralised VPNs that prioritise user privacy. All these features make Qubetics a platform to watch and a token to hold. This isn’t just another crypto; it’s a revolution in how blockchain can integrate seamlessly into everyday life. Toncoin (TON): Telegram’s Blockchain Marvel If Qubetics is the ambitious newcomer, Toncoin is the stalwart innovator. Built on the Telegram Open Network, Toncoin is laser-focused on decentralisation and scalability. It’s what you might call the people’s blockchain—accessible, efficient, and practical. TON’s primary claim to fame? Powering Telegram’s Sticker Shop, where users buy and trade NFT decals. Fun, sure, but it’s more than just stickers; it’s a gateway to mainstream blockchain adoption. This project’s ecosystem is growing, and its increasing stablecoin activity suggests a solid future. For long-time holders, TON represents reliability—a blockchain platform that’s built to last. Think of it like investing in a blue-chip stock, except it’s decentralised, borderless, and uniquely integrated with one of the most popular messaging apps on the planet. Toncoin’s edge lies in its utility. Beyond NFTs, it’s enabling secure, fast, and cost-effective transactions on a global scale. Telegram’s massive user base provides TON with a direct pathway to adoption. Imagine a small business owner in a remote village using TON for secure international payments or a content creator monetising their work with minimal fees. That’s the kind of impact Toncoin is aiming for. It’s not just a blockchain; it’s a bridge between traditional and decentralised finance. Investing in TON is like planting a tree: the rewards might not be immediate, but they’re steady and sustainable. And for those searching for the best coins to join this weekend, Toncoin’s established presence makes it a worthy contender. Whether you’re a Telegram power user or a crypto enthusiast, TON offers a compelling mix of innovation and reliability. Binance (BNB): The Kingpin of Crypto Let’s talk about Binance—the titan of crypto exchanges. If you’ve been in the crypto game for a hot minute, you’ve probably traded, staked, or at least heard of Binance’s native token, BNB. Launched initially as a utility token, BNB has grown into a powerhouse asset, powering everything from transaction fees on the Binance Smart Chain to real-world payments. BNB’s charm lies in its versatility. Need low fees for trading? BNB’s got you. Looking to dive into DeFi? It’s the backbone of numerous projects on the Binance Smart Chain. And with Binance consistently at the forefront of innovation—whether it’s new token listings, partnerships, or DeFi initiatives—BNB remains a rock-solid choice for anyone dabbling in crypto. Binance isn’t just a platform; it’s a financial ecosystem. And while its regulatory battles make headlines, its resilience keeps it in the game. For investors, BNB isn’t just another coin; it’s a ticket to one of the most robust and reliable crypto ecosystems around. Searching for the best coins to join this weekend? It’s hard not to include Binance in the mix. BNB also has an ace up its sleeve: accessibility. The token’s integration with Binance’s vast suite of tools and services ensures it’s always in demand. Whether you’re staking for passive income, using it for discounted trading fees, or participating in Binance’s Launchpad offerings, BNB delivers value on all fronts. It’s the kind of investment that’s less about the moonshot and more about consistent growth. Wrapping It Up: Your Move, Crypto Investor Here’s the deal: Qubetics, Toncoin, and Binance each bring something unique to the table. Qubetics is the rising star with explosive potential, Toncoin offers steady growth and innovation, and Binance remains the undisputed king of the crypto hill. Together, they’re not just coins; they’re investment stories waiting to unfold. If you’ve been on the fence about diving into the crypto pool, there’s no better time. With Qubetics’ presale nearing its climax, Toncoin building its ecosystem, and Binance cementing its legacy, these are the best coins to join this weekend . Don’t just watch from the sidelines—get in the game and see where this ride can take you. So, what are you waiting for? Whether you’re betting big on $TICS or exploring the solid foundations of TON and BNB, the future’s looking brighter than ever. Make your move today. Qubetics: https://qubetics.com Telegram: https://t.me/qubetics Twitter: https://x.com/qubetics Join our WhatsApp Channel to get the latest news, exclusives and videos on WhatsApp _____________ Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance. Also note that the cryptocurrencies mentioned/listed on the website could potentially be scams, i.e. designed to induce you to invest financial resources that may be lost forever and not be recoverable once investments are made. You are responsible for conducting your own research (DYOR) before making any investments. Read more here.
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We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic, republic, and to secure to all its citizens justice, liberty, and equality and promote fraternity among all, have been witness to a mockery being made of our constitutional compact, in full public view, at an event organised within the precincts of a constitutional court, the Allahabad High Court. Distancing ourselves would be a disservice We have witnessed a sitting judge brazenly challenge the spirit and letter of the Constitution of India, in a speech that is nothing but a dog whistle that guarantees impunity to the mobs that will act on his words and views — and have been acting on words such as his emanating from the seats of power. The venom that Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, judge of the Allahabad High Court, spewed on the precincts of the court, has been widely reported in the media. Members of Parliament in the Opposition have initiated an impeachment motion against the judge, the Supreme Court of India has called for a report, and concerned citizens have written to the Chief Justice of India. Editorial | Bench and bigotry: On controversial remarks by Allahabad High Court judge None of this, however, captures the sense of collective shock, dismay and grief that it is even possible for this level of public humiliation, violent, incendiary, genocidal street-talk to emerge from a seat of justice under the Constitution. For that is what it is. And it is really time to seek remedies against an incitement to violence of this nature as a part of our solemn affirmation as citizens who gave to ourselves this Constitution. The ‘sludge’ that was passed as learned judicial speech is an assault on the citizens of India and not an attack on Muslims or minorities or urban naxals or protesters or just any particular group that has become the latest target of mob violence/public incitement. This is not Justice Yadav’s views on Muslims, nor is this a case of just one rotten apple. In distancing ourselves from his comments, we do profound disservice to our autonomous and independent determination of the terms on which the collective ‘we’ is constituted in this country called India that is Bharat. Related Stories The code of conduct judges need to follow Justice Yadav’s speech at VHP event: Supreme Court takes note, seeks details from Allahabad HC All India Lawyers Union demands action against Allahabad HC judge for speech at VHP event Opposition submits notice seeking Allahabad High Court judge’s impeachment Justice Yadav’s speech is an act of wounding. It is a speech that inflicts deep harms on all of us: in terms of how we experience the life of the mind, knowledge, convivial living and spiritual fulfilment in a shared space, the boundaries of which are not determined by narrow walls and fences of bigotry. and in terms of the injuries that religious bigotry inflicts on shifting targets — on people, our lived lives, our dwellings, our worksites, our neighbourhoods and our places of worship. We have also seen the disastrous effects of soft bigotry as a trigger to mob/state violence, especially in the case of places of worship. Let us not read down Justice Yadav’s speech and allow it to pass as something that is inconsequential. It is not something that can be adequately answered by the High Court that offered the space and the possibility for this — a High Court that did not rise in one voice to condemn and censure a member of the Bench for speaking genocide and atrocity. This is a court that ought to have written to the Chief Justice of India condemning Justice Yadav’s speech long before the Supreme Court demanded a report in response to the petitioning and the protests by citizens who took note of the speech and mobilised action given the exceedingly slow wheel of the law. It calls for a different order of collective judicial accountability. Nor can this act be adequately redressed by subjecting it to the low, anodyne chiding that is whispered by the judicial fraternity alone within court halls that allow restricted entry. We have seen the consequences of dog whistles of this kind over the past decade and the irreparable harms they bring in their wake. We also know that mobilising around the Constitution and its core values together as ordinary citizens, elected citizens and judicial citizens, speaking a shared language across vernaculars and faiths, is the only way of effectively affirming our collective and individual human dignity and the unity and integrity of this country — India that is Bharat. A commons This writer has long argued that the Constitution of India, and our rights and responsibilities as citizens, take shape through a deep connection between the intellectual history of constitutionalism and a grounding of that history in our evolving present-futures. Neither constitutional interpretation nor the delineation of our rights need be shackled by narrow reference to precedents and prior judicial wisdom alone, since the spirit of the Constitution (and indeed the Constitution itself) is not judicial property, but is a commons. It is urgent that we think of the Constitution-as-commons — that a shared ownership and shared understanding govern its use to further the common good which is set out in the Preamble and in the philosophy of civil disobedience of various hues. Satyagraha is our collective inheritance — Gandhi, B.R. Ambedkar, Maulana Azad, Jaipal Munda, Dakshayani Velayudhan, Anis Kidwai, A.K. Gopalan.... It is not just rulers but when people who sit on judicial seats speak the undisguised tongue of rulers and the mobs, disobedience is the constitutional route to recuperation. If norms of ‘judicial propriety’ have come undone, Justice S.K. Yadav of the Allahabad High Court has scripted its ruination. In the resulting crisis that ‘judicial propriety’ finds itself in, the only resurrection is through the grammar of civil disobedience. Inquiries, explanations, reports, and measured censure will amount to nothing. Impeachment is a good move, but is only symbolic; it is destined to fail when Justice Yadav’s political masters have a brute majority in Parliament, unless of course we have an unprecedented and unlikely action by members of the ruling alliance standing with the Constitution. The outlines of a response It is of course a sad comment that S.K. Yadav, as a judge, has political masters. This alone should trigger some deep reflection and public discussion by citizen judges, since the barrier between judicial and political speech (and space) has been breached. Taking this further, in reinstating the dignity compass and rejecting public humiliation in judicial conduct and speech, we need to think through public and judicial action that will draw on the wellsprings of our inheritance of civil disobedience and satyagraha. We must craft tactical resistance by refusing to allow a person who speaks this language to judge our cases or judge with us. The ‘We’ that opens the Preamble to the Indian Constitution is not a ‘we’ that is a motley group of people identified randomly (with or without their consent) as Hindu. The ‘We’ is a constitutionally constituted people. A non-denominational, plural, dizzyingly heterogeneous, and diverse beyond measure people who believe in the spirit of the Constitution and its core values. Kalpana Kannabiran is a sociologist based in Hyderabad Published - December 14, 2024 12:16 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit India / constitution / judge / judiciary (system of justice) / politics / minority group / religion and beliefMisl Satluj: Address SAD’s crisis
Wildwood Wildlife Shelter operator Pam Turner wasn’t going anywhere on Boxing Day despite her fears the Grampians bushfire could head her way – she had a lounge room with 20 joeys in it to look after. She and the rescued roos sheltered inside her Victoria Valley house as sprinklers doused the roof and sheds outside. “I was extremely anxious. I was preparing myself for a giant fireball to come over the mountains,” Turner said. “I chose to stay for the very reason that I had a cottage full of joeys. How could I leave them locked in the cottage?” The forecast 70-kilometre northeasterly winds that threatened to blow the fire towards Wildwood failed to eventuate, and rainfall on Saturday brought some relief to the shelter. But Turner remains worried about what may be yet to come. Three homes in the town of Moyston and 11 outbuildings in the surrounding area have been reported as destroyed by the Grampians blaze so far, and animal rescuers are waiting for permission to enter the Grampians National Park to assess wildlife losses. Pam Turner caring for one of the joeys she kept safe during the Grampians bushfires. The blaze, whose perimeter stretches more than 380 kilometres, has scorched more than 75,000 hectares and is expected to burn into the new year due to dry conditions and difficult, mountainous terrain. Authorities have reported stock losses, as well as beehive, fencing, pasture and hay losses from the fire, which began early last week. Turner was part of the wildlife rescue effort following the Mount Lubra fire, which burnt half the Grampians in 2006. She said the loss of life had left her traumatised. “For months afterwards we were finding injured kangaroos, burnt on the pads of their feet. They were starving because there was no food,” she said. “At this stage, we don’t know what to expect – [the current fire] will certainly be ongoing for weeks and weeks.” An officer from the Environment Department was deployed to assess wildlife losses outside the fire zone this week and was expected to determine whether a triage centre was required to treat injured animals in coming days. Emergency services described the Boxing Day conditions as some of the worst they had seen since the Black Summer fires of 2019-20. Credit: Justin McManus Wildlife Victoria has experienced an increase in calls about heat-stressed animals since summer began and expected calls for burns and dehydration to spike as people returned to the Grampians. Residents of Halls Gap were given permission to return to their homes on Friday, but the park remained closed to tourists. McKenzie Creek resident Brendan Stemp was on alert for changes to weather conditions that could blow embers towards his cattery and neighbouring farmland. Stemp said the more than 30 cats at his property had been kept comfortable during the worst fire conditions, but he was expecting significant damage to wildlife inside the park. “Because it’s such a huge area, there’s millions of animals in there, and all these other critters and insects that the fire’s going to take a huge toll on,” he said. Stemp said the other concern was wildlife being pushed out into grazing land and having to compete with sheep and cattle for food. “Often wildlife come off second best when that happens.” Three homes and 11 outbuildings have been lost in the Grampians fire so far. Credit: Justin McManus Cooler conditions in the Wimmera at the weekend are forecast to be replaced by warmer weather next week. The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted temperatures in the low 30s on Monday and up to 35 degrees on Tuesday. Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent said the next week would provide favourable conditions for firefighters. “Weather over the next week looks relatively stable. This will allow us time to stabilise the fires and continue back-burning operations, and look to support the community further,” Nugent said. In addition to state and federal support for local government areas affected by the Grampians fire, personal hardship payments are now available. One-off payments of $680 for adults and $340 for children up to $2380 per affected family are being provided to help cover essentials. Forest Fire Management Victoria spokesman Chris Hardman said it was thanks to firefighters that the fire situation had not been worse in recent days. “Without their hard work, we would have had much bigger fires causing much bigger damage,” Hardman said. “On behalf of all Victorians I would like to thank them because what they did on Boxing Day in extreme fire danger saved a lot more anguish and pain that Victorians now don’t have to suffer.” The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here .Percentages: FG .448, FT .875. 3-Point Goals: 1-16, .063 (Dezonie 1-2, Berry 0-1, Brown 0-2, Stanford 0-2, Gray 0-3, Mashburn 0-3, Settle 0-3). Team Rebounds: 2. Team Turnovers: None. Blocked Shots: 4 (Berry 2, Durodola, Settle). Turnovers: 15 (Berry 5, Mashburn 4, Dezonie 2, Durodola, Gray, Settle, Stanford). Steals: 4 (Dezonie 2, Brown, Durodola). Technical Fouls: None. Percentages: FG .395, FT .750. 3-Point Goals: 7-25, .280 (McKeithan 3-6, Lilley 2-4, Marrero 1-4, Shepherd 1-5, White 0-2, Vahlberg Fasasi 0-4). Team Rebounds: 6. Team Turnovers: 1. Blocked Shots: 8 (Lilley 2, Jones, Marrero, McKeithan, Shepherd, Vahlberg Fasasi, White). Turnovers: 6 (White 2, Jones, Marrero, Shepherd, Vahlberg Fasasi). Steals: 12 (Marrero 3, Jones 2, McKeithan 2, White 2, Etienne, Lilley, Vahlberg Fasasi). Technical Fouls: None. A_3,001 (3,400).SINGAPORE: After two decades, the baton changed hands in the city-state in 2024, a planned transition to the fourth generation of People’s Action Party politicians. Ties with India were elevated this year. Economist Lawrence Wong, 51, succeeded Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, 72, who relinquished his position in May after holding the office since 2004. Both belong to the ruling party that has been driving Singapore’s economic progress for more than five decades. As India and Singapore celebrate 60 years of diplomacy in 2025, the two countries elevated their bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September. Indian High Commissioner to Singapore Shilpak Ambule called 2024 an “eventful year for India-Singapore relations”. He said the elevation of bilateral ties would support India’s economic growth in the years ahead. During Modi’s visit, the two sides also announced their intention to collaborate in the semiconductor industry. India is also looking at major investments from Singaporean companies. The 2nd round of the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable in August was an unprecedented gathering of ministers. Four senior ministers from India and six from Singapore explored opportunities in new fields. “This 4+6 meeting was unprecedented for both sides. The 10 senior ministers have identified digitalisation, skills development, sustainability, healthcare and medicine, advanced manufacturing and connectivity as pillars for further strengthening bilateral cooperation,” Ambule said. “We also had several other ministerial and official level visits from both sides throughout the year, signifying the importance given by both sides to the bilateral relations,” he added. During Modi’s visit, the two sides decided to set up a Cyber Policy Dialogue and an inaugural dialogue was held in Singapore in October. Wong joined Modi when India launched the Declaration on Digital Public Infrastructure, AI and Data for Governance at the G20 Summit in Brazil in November. The Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s engagement with India in 2024 has helped strengthen the economic links between the two nations, with SICCI providing local firms with market outreach and advice on the Indian market, former prime minister Lee Hsien Loong said. The chamber has participated in global investment summits, roadshows and trade missions, including key areas like telecommunications. SICCI sparked “India Fever”, an initiative to deepen trade, investment, and diplomatic ties. “This initiative has fuelled six successful trade missions in the last 18 months, all led by SICCI Internationalising sub-committee,” its chairman Neil Parekh Parekh said. Key events in 2024 included the inaugural ASEAN-India Women Scientists Conclave, an e-workshop on digital health and medical technologies and another on the green economy. Singaporean Minister for Home Affairs and Law K Shanmugam attended the World Tamil Diaspora Day 2024 in Chennai in January at the invitation of the Tamil Nadu government. Tamil is one of the four official languages in Singapore, reflecting the close-knit ties between the two nations. The 31st edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) was held in India in October. Soldiers from both countries took part in Agni Warrior, another regular military exercise. The 12th edition of Joint Military Training was held in India from October 4 to December 16. India also hosted the expanded 4th edition of the Singapore-India-Thailand Maritime Exercise in November. Back home, a Singapore court sentenced S Iswaran, a cabinet member for 13 years, to a year in prison for obstructing justice and receiving more than USD 300,000 worth of gifts in the city-state’s first political corruption trial for nearly half a century.Forrest's 30 lead N.C. A&T past North Carolina Central 85-72
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