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Chief Minister Omar Abdullah convened a video conference meeting with all district across Jammu and Kashmir to review snow clearance operations and restoration of essential services following heavy snowfall in the Kashmir Valley. The meeting held at the video conference hall in Ganderbal, was attended in person by Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal Shyambir, ADC Ganderbal, and other senior district officials. Chief Secretary, Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu, and Deputy Commissioners from all districts participated via video conferencing. The snowfall, which began yesterday, has disrupted normal life in many districts across the valley. During the meeting, Deputy Commissioners presented updates on snow clearance, restoration of power and water supply and emergency response to deal with inclement weather. The Chief Minister directed Deputy Commissioners to personally supervise snow clearance operations, emphasizing the need to obtain photographic evidence of cleared areas to ensure thorough removal and prevent freezing road condition as temperatures drop. He called for a proactive approach, urging officials to deploy adequate manpower and machinery on the ground. District administrations were instructed to provide two-hourly updates to the CM’s office and the Chief Secretary’s office to keep the government apprised of the situation. The Chief Engineer of Public Health Engineering (PHE) informed the CM that 90% of the water supply across the valley has been restored, with efforts underway to address the remaining 10%. The Divisional Commissioner of Jammu reported that power and water supply in Jammu districts remain unaffected, while the Chief Secretary confirmed steady progress in restoring electricity feeders and assured that district hospitals are functioning smoothly. The Chief Minister stressed the importance of ensuring 100% attendance of doctors and paramedical staff at all district and sub-district hospitals to effectively manage emergencies. Special instructions were issued to the Deputy Commissioner Budgam to coordinate with airport authorities to assist stranded tourists and to provide transportation, if required. The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir assured that sufficient stocks of essential commodities, including food and other civil supplies, are available in all districts. Commending officials for their efforts, the Chief Minister urged them to remain vigilant, proactive, and responsive to the needs of the people during this challenging period. He emphasized the importance of seamless coordination and uninterrupted services to mitigate the impact of the snowfall on the public. Following heavy snowfall across the Kashmir Valley, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today visited District Hospital Ganderbal and assessed the facilities and services available to patients during the inclement weather. During his visit, the Chief Minister inspected various units of the hospital and reviewed the availability of essential medicines, staff on duty and the functionality of the central heating system. The Medical Superintendent briefed the Chief Minister on the hospital’s preparedness to ensure patient care, confirming that the central heating system is fully operational. However, he also highlighted challenges such as a shortage of medical staff and ambulances in the district. In response, CM Omar Abdullah reiterated his government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services across Jammu & Kashmir and addressing critical gaps to meet public needs. He assured that steps would be taken to resolve the issues raised by the hospital administration. Chief Minister directed the hospital authorities to strictly enforce the duty roster for medical and paramedical staff to ensure uninterrupted services to avoid inconvenience to patients. During his visit he was accompanied by his advisor Nasir Aslam Wani and other concerned officers.Watch Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz on KFAA!

MONTREAL — A childhood friend of the Quebec man killed in a Florida boat explosion Monday said one of the victim's sisters was among the other six passengers injured in the blast. Thi Cam Nhung Lê said 41-year-old Sebastien Gauthier was celebrating the holidays with his family when the explosion occurred in Fort Lauderdale. Lê said Gauthier’s older sister was also on the boat when it erupted into flames, and she was taken to a hospital. “It’s unimaginable, incomprehensible,” Lê said Saturday, adding that Gauthier’s family and mutual friends informed her about his death. Lê, 40, said she first met Gauthier in her early adolescence and they grew up together in Quebec City. She remembers him as a globetrotter who always had a smile on his face. “He’s still my best friend. It’s always him I call if I need something, but he’s no longer with us,” she said. The last time the two friends saw each other face-to-face was about two years ago, Lê said, but she last messaged Gauthier on social media in the days before Monday's explosion. And on Jan. 1, her birthday, she would have expected a call from him, just like every year. “I’m shocked, surprised, and feeling a little bit of regret," she said. "You regret not having seen him more. I spent yesterday crying. You can’t believe your friend disappears from one day to the next." Earlier this week, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed that Gauthier died of his injuries in Broward County. The FWC said its preliminary investigation in Fort Lauderdale showed a 37-foot vessel exploded after its engines were started, injuring all seven passengers on board. Video posted on social media Monday showed the vessel engulfed in flames, with a thick column of black smoke billowing into the sky. However, Florida authorities have not provided The Canadian Press with more information about the investigation. Searching for an explanation has also left Lê angry. As she mourns the loss of her longtime friend, she said she’s still waiting for answers about what led to his unexpected death. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 28, 2024. Joe Bongiorno, The Canadian PressHow A Controversial Device Sends CO2 To The Ocean While Producing Hydrogen

West Ridge's William Hawkins set to earn pilot's licenseOver 60 percent people in Bangladesh think freedom of expression has improved under the interim government compared to the Awami League regime, according to a survey by Voice of America Bangla. Besides, 61.2 percent believe the media enjoys greater freedom now. Between October 13 and 27, the survey was conducted among 1,000 people aged 18 and above in the eight divisions. Among the participants, 25.2 percent said they feel freedom of expression remains unchanged under the current government. On the other hand, 14.2 percent said freedom of expression under the government has been reduced, while 0.2 percent chose not to comment. Among the younger participants (18-34 years), 57.1 percent observed increased freedom while 63.8 percent of those aged 35 and above expressed the same opinion. Around 18.5 percent see no difference, and 13.3 percent feel press freedom has declined. Bangladesh ranked 165th in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, its lowest since the index's inception in 2002. Over the 15 years of AL rule, the country dropped 44 positions due to factors such as repressive laws, partisan media licencing, and censorship. The AL government repealed the controversial Digital Security Act last year and replaced it with the Cyber Security Act. But this law also faced severe criticism from various quarters, including journalists. The interim government recently took a policy decision to repeal the law and decided to withdraw the cases filed under the Cyber Security Act. If anyone is arrested in the cases, they will be released immediately through the legal process, the government said. It formed a Media Reform Commission on September 17 to ensure an unhindered press environment. The survey also highlighted public sentiment on banning the AL. Fifty-seven percent of the respondents opined for allowing the party to do politics, while 35.5 percent were in favour of banning it.

The plight of Kashmiri shawl traders has been in the news after a series of videos emerged on social media platforms showing several groups expressing grievances and alleging widespread harassment from local groups in Himachal Pradesh. In the videos that have garnered the attention of political leaders and activist groups of Kashmir, the shawl traders alleged they are being targeted due to their religious identity, with demands for their eviction and allegations of causing disturbances to local business establishments. In one of the video clips, a group of about 40-50 Kashmiri shawl traders asserted they have valid business licenses verified by superintendents of police (SP) of both Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. The Kashmiri shawl traders alleged that Himachal local groups, often affiliated with right-wing Hindutva outfits, seize their merchandise at bus stands and receive threats to go back to Kashmir. The radical groups are also intimidating their landlords to evict them. “We sell shawls that no one else offers in the state, therefore we are not disrupting any local business,” said one trader. “We are traditional shawl traders and have been visiting Himachal Pradesh seasonally for the past 20 to 30 years. Yet, we are being targeted solely because we are Muslims. We are now in the firing line simply for our religious identity,” said an elderly trader. Another video clip features Mushtaq Ahmad Tantray, a resident of Kupwara district, who echoes similar concerns. He explained incidents of being harassed while purchasing vegetables, facing social boycott and being told to leave the state immediately. Speaking to reporters about his ordeal, Tantray stated, “When I went to the market to purchase vegetables, some people asked if I was a Kashmiri. When I answered yes they threatened me to leave Himachal and if I fail to do so, they would adopt another way to kick me out.” Dozens of Kashmiri shawl sellers, who have been working in Himachal Pradesh for over 30 years, are being harassed, assaulted, and threatened to leave the state in Bilaspur District by right-wing groups. Despite having proper verification and documents, they are being barred from... pic.twitter.com/PWPGV0kQ1m According to the reports, about 22 Kashmiri shawl traders have now filed a police complaint at Ghumarwin police station in Bilaspur district of Himachal, detailing the systematic harassment. “We have received the complaint at Ghumarwin police station . A similar dispute arose last year between them and local shopkeepers, who claimed financial losses due to the Kashmiri shawl traders. No physical assault has been reported. We have requested the deputy commissioner’s office in Bilaspur to mediate and resolve the issue amicably. A meeting between both parties is expected within the next day or two,” Bilaspur superintendent of police Sandeep Dhawal told The Indian Express . Former J&K chief minister and People’s Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti expressed serious concern over the safety and well-being of Kashmiri shawl traders. Taking to X, Mufti wrote such incidents further alienate Kashmiri citizens from the rest of India and urged chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh to intervene and ensure a safe environment for these traders. “Kashmiri shawl sellers in Himachal Pradesh’s Bilaspur District are facing harassment, assault, and threats from right-wing groups. Despite proper documents, they’re being barred from doing business and evicted. This is the third such incident, highlighting a worrying pattern of targeted violence. This othering of Kashmiris will alienate them further. I urge @OmarAbdullah and @SukhuSukhvinder to intervene and ensure a safe environment for these traders,” she wrote. "Kashmiri shawl sellers in Himachal Pradesh's Bilaspur District are facing harassment, assault, and threats from right-wing groups. Despite proper documents, they're being barred from doing business and evicted. This is the third such incident, highlighting a worrying pattern of... The alarming incidents promoted the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association to take steps, raising the issue directly with the Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir governments, urging immediate action. The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association’s national convenor Nasir Khuehami said these traders have been functioning in the region for more than three decades. “Three harassment incidents have taken place in the last month,” he alleged. While urging Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to intervene urgently, the national spokesperson of the association, Aadil Bhat said, “These Pashmina shawl sellers have highly contributed to the economy of Himachal Pradesh. But today, they suffer from insecurity and threats. This is not the first time Kashmiri shawl sellers have been targeted. They routinely face such harassment as this is the third incident in the state.” In November, two Kashmiri shawl traders were harassed in Hamirpur district of Himachal by a local woman claiming to be the wife of the village sarpanch. The woman threatened the traders to either leave Himachal Pradesh or chant “Jai Shri Ram” . “We are Hindus and we have our Hindu community selling the same things. Why would Muslims come from somewhere else and do business here?” she is heard saying. She also urged villagers behind the camera to boycott businesses from Kashmir. Himachal Pradesh has recently witnessed a surge of anti-Muslim sentiments and attacks across the districts including Shimla, Sanjauli, and Mandi especially after radical Hindutva outfits demanded the demolition of the disputed structure in the Sanjauli mosque and the verification of “outsiders,” a term frequently used to denote Muslims.Shelia Poole | (TNS) The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ATLANTA — Holidays are a time for families and friends to gather, but for older people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, it can cause so much stress and confusion that they could be in danger of what experts calls wandering. Related Articles Millions will see rise in health insurance premiums if federal subsidies expire What Americans think of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his health stances Health officials say Louisiana patient is first severe bird flu case in US What’s behind rising autism rates: A broader definition of autism and better screening Most US teens are abstaining from drinking, smoking and marijuana, survey says “I would say around the holiday time is the biggest challenge for people with dementia,” said Kim Franklin, senior manager of programs and services at the Georgia chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. “Schedules are changing, people are traveling, families are coming together and friends are coming over. There’s a lot of chaos going on and that can cause a person to wander. They want to get away. It’s hard for them to process what’s happening.” The Alzheimer’s Association reports 72% of dementia patients who wander are found alive by the next day. Alerting 911 as soon as the person goes missing is critical. The odds of survival decrease as more time passes. Angel Alonso, president of Georgia Emergency Search and Recovery based in Gwinnett County, said the vast majority — between 60% and 70% — of the 30 to 40 calls the nonprofit received last year involved people with the disease. The GESAR is a volunteer-driven organization that works with law enforcement to find people who have gone missing, including children, people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and people lost during major disasters. “We get so many Alzheimer’s calls,” said Vice President John Clark, who is also volunteer instructor with the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. For caregivers and loved ones, a relative who goes missing is devastating. Two of Clark’s grandparents had dementia, so he gravitated to search and rescue to help other families and caregivers keep their loved ones safe. He’s consulted with police departments across metro Atlanta on the best ways to find people with Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias can cause people to lose their ability to recognize people and places that are familiar. According to the Alzheimer’s Association there are often warning signs that a person might wander. Six in 10 people with dementia will wander during the course of the disease. That includes people returning from a regular walk or drive later than usual. Or they may talk about fulfilling former obligations, such as going to work or talk about going home even when they’re at home. Sometimes they become restless and pace or make repetitive movements. Clark recounted one call for help when a family reported a missing relative, but they insisted she couldn’t have gone far because of a bad knee that limited her to walking no further than the mailbox. Searchers found the missing woman 7 miles from home. Even those who have never shown an interest in wandering might start without warning. Dan Goerke is fortunate. His late wife, Diane, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2012, once went missing from the car of a caregiver. The caregiver had stopped for an errand. Diane had waited alone in cars as people ran errands before. But this time, when the caregiver returned, Diane was gone but her seat belt was still fastened. “It was like she disappeared into thin air,” said Goerke, who said he doesn’t blame the caregiver. Fortunately, she was found uninjured and nearby a short time later that same day. Goerke said it’s hard for caregivers to always be on guard for wandering. “We have so many things to juggle that’s not necessarily at the top of our minds. We have to manage medications, take them to doctor’s appointments, cook meals and taking care of things day to day,” he said. Clark said when searching for someone with dementia, one of the keys is to know what the person was like before their diagnosis. Often their long-term memories are still strong. They once found a woman who walked out of her home and went to where she used to shop and to her old job, although it had closed. Recently, GESAR unveiled a new tool to search for missing people: Maverick. An 8-month-old chocolate Labrador retriever, Maverick is in training to be part of the GESAR search and research team that will track missing people, including wandering dementia patients in metro Atlanta. In cases involving children and people with dementia, a dog’s personality can also be an asset. Labs like Maverick are friendly and affectionate, not imposing or threatening like some other breeds — and less likely to scare the person who is lost. Canines can be used in searches in both rural and urban areas. “He’s an asset,” said Maverick’s handler, Carmen Alonso. “His nose can pick up odors and track where a person has been that we might not think to go that direction.” At the Cobb County Police Department, Public Information Officer Sgt. Eric Smith said if dogs are needed to search for a wanderer they call the sheriff’s department, which has bloodhounds. “They’re not apprehension dogs so there’s little or no likelihood of a bite,” he said. Technology can also help, Smith said. Searchers can use drones and families can install technology on a person’s car to help locate it or use other kinds of trackable devices including on their phone. “We get so many Alzheimer’s calls,” said Clark, who is also a volunteer instructor with the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Most cases they’ve worked on have had favorable results, according to the Georgia Emergency Search and Recovery organization. No two searches are the same, said Sgt. Jeremy Blake of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office. “When responding to calls for a missing person, the response is different than that of a fleeing suspect,” he wrote in an email. “The K-9s that are used to track missing persons are not trained in the apprehension of suspects. ... Often times, if the K-9 cannot locate the missing person, they can provide officers with a more accurate direction of travel than they may previously had.” Nearly 7 million U.S. residents age 65 and older were living with Alzheimer’s according to the most recent Facts & Figures report . Of those, more than 188,000 Georgians ages 65 and older also have been diagnosed with the disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter. There is a better chance of being found in urban environments because of a higher probability of a “good Samaritan” stepping in. Wanderers may give no forewarning. Often those with memory issues wander away during activities they’ve done safely in the past, such as shopping or sitting on a front porch. Some people who still drive can become disoriented and drive for miles away from home. According to the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, on average, half the calls for missing persons involve the elderly or someone with disabilities. Call 911 as soon as possible. Have a photograph available for first responders and an article of clothing to provide a scent for search dogs. Sharing what the missing person liked to do in prior years can be a key: Did they have a job they went to every day? Did they like to fish or go to a certain spot? Searchers will need to know the last time the person was seen to help determine how far a person might have wandered. (Source: Alzheimer’s Association and Cobb County Police Department.) ©2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Five-star quarterback commit Bryce Underwood took to social media to celebrate Michigan ’s upset win over rivals Ohio State . On Saturday at Ohio Stadium, the Wolverines stunned the No. 2 Buckeyes thanks to game-changing plays on special teams alongside a resolute defensive performance to come away 13-10 victors. The result stunned the fans, with the stuttering Michigan offense doing just enough to move into Ohio State territory to set up Dominic Zvada’s game-winning 21-yard field goal. The defeat severely damaged Ohio State’s chances of reaching the Big Ten championship game, and Michigan players went to celebrate by planting a large flag with a Block M at midfield. Their actions sparked a mass brawl in the middle of the field, which lasted several minutes. Ashton Jeanty shows class after making Boise State history in final Heisman push Michigan vs. Ohio State erupts into mass brawl as cops intervene, pepper spray used Underwood is a Michigan native who recently hit headlines as he flipped his commitment from LSU to the Wolverines . He has already ingratiated himself among the team’s fans, but the 17-year-old certainly garnered more support by posting the Michigan logo on his Instagram story. Underwood represents the first five-star player to sign with the Wolverines since cornerback Will Johnson, who established himself as one of the best defensive backs in college football and will likely be a premier selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Michigan has missed out on high-profile in-state quarterbacks in recent years and desperately needed a strong prospect to overhaul the offense under first-year head coach Sherrone Moore. Underwood, the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2025 ESPN 300 recruiting rankings , announced the news with a video posted to Instagram with the caption "Hometown Hero." With his flip, the teenager becomes the highest-rated commit in Michigan program history and the top prospect in Moore's inaugural recruiting class. Follow us on X for the best and latest in sports news While starring for Belleville High School, Underwood has led the Tigers to back-to-back state titles in his first two seasons under center, then earned Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year honors as a junior in 2023 while completing 64.8 percent of his passes for 3,329 yards and 44 touchdowns. With only one regular-season loss since Sept. 2021, Underwood and Belleville entered the state playoffs this month as favorites to claim the program's third state championship in four years. Underwood had been committed to LSU since January 2024, only for Michigan to entice him thanks to a competitive NIL package . The Wolverines’ successful pursuit of the No. 1 ranked recruit was ultimately boosted by Larry Ellison, the world's second-richest man. Once Underwood signs with the Wolverines, he will become the first No. 1 overall recruit to join the program since defensive tackle Rashan Rary in 2016. Underwood also would join Gary and defensive backs Jabrill Peppers (2014 class) and Dax Hill (2019) as the only five-star prospects to land in Ann Arbor since 2006, while he represents the Wolverines' highest-ranked quarterback pledge since Ryan Mallett in the 2007 class. Michigan, the defending NCAA champions, is 7-5 following the dramatic win over Ohio State. Meanwhile, the No. 2 Buckeyes could now miss out on a meeting with No. 1 Oregon in the Big 10 Championship, with Penn State likely to clinch a berth. However, Ohio State will certainly be in the inaugural edition of the expanded College Football Playoff bracket. Want to watch more live sports? Peacock has your favorite sports, shows, and more all in one place. Peacock offers plans starting at $7.99 so you can stream live sports like NFL, Premier League, and Big Ten Football.

Qatar tribune Tribune News Network Doha Top-seed Arjun Erigaisi of India made a winning start to his Qatar Masters Chess 2024 campaign but defending champion Nodirbek Yakubboev and last year’s runner-up and World No. 6 Nodirbek Abdusattorov (both Uzbekistan) suffered opening round reversals at the Aspire Zone Hall on Tuesday. Abdusattorov went down to the 71st seed FIDE Master Reza Mahdavi of Iran while his compatriot Yakubboev (seed No. 9) lost to India’s IM Amith Doshi Moksh in his opening game. The 22-year-old GM Yakubboev had won the tournament title last year in a blitz play-off. There were no hic-cups for Erigaisi, who outsmarted Uzbek IM Mukhammadali Abdurakhmonov. Earlier, the fourth edition of the prestigious Qatar Masters Open got underway with Mohammed Al Mudahka, President of Qatar Chess Association, in presence of several key officials, made the first official move in the opening round match between Erigaisi and Abdurakhmonov. Al Mudahka expressed his delight at organizing the fourth edition of the tournament, emphasizing the extensive preparations made to ensure grand success having attracted top-ranked players from around the world. Chief Arbiter Laurent Freyd highlighted the significance of the event in fostering global talent, adding that Qatar’s organizational excellence will contribute to the event’s success. He thanked Qatar for its efforts in promoting chess in the region, noting the importance of events of this calibre in nurturing the next generation of players. There were more intriguing results on the opening day of the ten-day tournament with several top-ranked players including No.3 seed GM Parham Maghsoodloo and GM M Amin Tabatabaei being held by much lower-ranked players. Iran’s Maghsoodloo was held to a draw by Mongolia’s IM Ganzorig Amartuvshin while his compatriot Tabatabaei agreed to a surprising draw with FM Artin Ashraf. India’s IM Vantika Agrawal also moved spotlight on her holding Uzbekistan’s GM Vladislav Artemiev to a draw. Qatar’s International Master Husain Aziz, meanwhile, earned an impressive draw against China’s IM Zhihang Xu, seeded 35th. As many as 300 players representing 25 countries are participating in the tournament being held according to the Swiss system of 9 rounds “90 minutes per round + 30 seconds per move”. The Qatar Masters Open B tournament also got underway on Tuesday with the participation of 153 players from 40 countries, competing at ratings under 2300. Qatar’s CM Erfan Mohamad Firdaus beat Uzbekistan’s Abdulazizova Asmirakhon in his opening match while Firdaus’ compatrior Turki Al Kuwari secured a win over Englishman Alexander Torchinsky. Khaled Aljamaat beat his Qatari compatriot Mohammed Al Subaiey, while CM Hamad Al Kuwari drew with Pakistan’s Muhammad Khan and Abdulrahman Al Atas shared a point with Tharun Ashok Kumar of India. Copy 04/12/2024 10

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