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Drew Lock likely to start at QB for the Giants against the Colts on SundayWASHINGTON (AP) — Micah Peavy's 24 points helped Georgetown defeat Albany (NY) 100-68 on Saturday night. Peavy added eight assists, four steals, and three blocks for the Hoyas (6-1). Malik Mack scored 16 points while shooting 6 for 8, including 3 for 4 from beyond the arc. Thomas Sorber had 14 points and finished 6 of 9 from the field. Amar'e Marshall led the Great Danes (5-3) in scoring, finishing with 17 points and four steals. Kheni Briggs added 17 points. Justin Neely finished with 12 points. Georgetown took the lead with 9:05 left in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 49-35 at halftime, with Peavy racking up 17 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Miguel Tomley scored 28 points as Weber State beat Pepperdine 68-53 in the Desert Division championship game of the Arizona Tip-Off on Saturday night. Tomley shot 7 for 12 (6 for 7 from 3-point range) and 8 of 8 from the free-throw line for the Wildcats (4-4). Blaise Threatt added 21 points and seven rebounds. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Spears' 31 lead UTSA past Houston Christian 78-71By HILLEL ITALIE NEW YORK (AP) — Even through a year of nonstop news about elections, climate change, protests and the price of eggs, there was still time to read books. Related Articles Hundreds of bookstore staffers receive holiday bonuses from author James Patterson Nikki Giovanni, poet and literary celebrity, has died at 81 Percival Everett, 2024 National Book Award winner, rereads one book often Gift books for 2024: What to give, and what to receive, for all kinds of readers Our critic’s picks: Best mystery fiction books of 2024 U.S. sales held steady according to Circana, which tracks around 85% of the print market, with many choosing the relief of romance, fantasy and romantasy. Some picked up Taylor Swift’s tie-in book to her blockbuster tour, while others sought out literary fiction, celebrity memoirs, political exposes and a close and painful look at a generation hooked on smartphones. Here are 10 notable books published in 2024, in no particular order. Asking about the year’s hottest reads would basically yield a list of the biggest hits in romantasy, the blend of fantasy and romance that has proved so irresistible fans were snapping up expensive “special editions” with decorative covers and sprayed edges. Of the 25 top sellers of 2024, as compiled by Circana, six were by romantasy favorite Sarah J. Maas, including “House of Flame and Shadow,” the third of her “Crescent City” series. Millions read her latest installment about Bryce Quinlan and Hunter Athalar and traced the ever-growing ties of “Maasverse,” the overlapping worlds of “Crescent City” and her other series, “Throne of Glass” and “A Court of Thorns and Roses.” If romantasy is for escape, other books demand we confront. In the bestselling “The Anxious Generation,” social psychologist Jonathan Haidt looks into studies finding that the mental health of young people began to deteriorate in the 2010s, after decades of progress. According to Haidt, the main culprit is right before us: digital screens that have drawn kids away from “play-based” to “phone-based” childhoods. Although some critics challenged his findings, “The Anxious Generation” became a talking point and a catchphrase. Admirers ranged from Oprah Winfrey to Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee, who in a letter to state legislators advocated such “commonsense recommendations” from the book as banning phones in schools and keeping kids off social media until age 16. Bob Woodward books have been an election tradition for decades. “War,” the latest of his highly sourced Washington insider accounts, made news with its allegations that Donald Trump had been in frequent contact with Russian leader Vladimir Putin even while out of office and, while president, had sent Putin sophisticated COVID-19 test machines. Among Woodward’s other scoops: Putin seriously considered using nuclear weapons against Ukraine, and President Joe Biden blamed former President Barack Obama, under whom he served as vice president, for some of the problems with Russia. “Barack never took Putin seriously,” Woodward quoted Biden as saying. Former (and future) first lady Melania Trump, who gives few interviews and rarely discusses her private life, unexpectedly announced she was publishing a memoir: “Melania.” The publisher was unlikely for a former first lady — not one of the major New York houses, but Skyhorse, where authors include such controversial public figures as Woody Allen and Trump cabinet nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. And its success was at least a minor surprise. Melania Trump did little publicity for the book, and offered few revelations beyond posting a video expressing support for abortion rights — a break from one of the cornerstones of GOP policy. But “Melania” still sold hundreds of thousands of copies, many in the days following her husband’s election. Taylor Swift was more than a music story in 2024. Like “Melania,” the news about Taylor Swift’s self-published tie-in to her global tour isn’t so much the book itself, but that it exists. And how well it sold. As she did with the “Eras” concert film, Swift bypassed the established industry and worked directly with a distributor: Target offered “The Eras Tour Book” exclusively. According to Circana, the “Eras” book sold more than 800,000 copies just in its opening week, an astonishing number for a publication unavailable through Amazon.com and other traditional retailers. No new book in 2024 had a better debut. Midnight book parties are supposed to be for “Harry Potter” and other fantasy series, but this fall, more than 100 stores stayed open late to welcome one of the year’s literary events: Sally Rooney’s “Intermezzo.” The Irish author’s fourth novel centers on two brothers, their grief over the death of their father, their very different career paths and their very unsettled love lives. “Intermezzo” was also a book about chess: “You have to read a lot of opening theory — that’s the beginning of a game, the first moves,” one of the brothers explains. “And you’re learning all this for what? Just to get an okay position in the middle game and try to play some decent chess. Which most of the time I can’t do anyway.” Lisa Marie Presley had been working on a memoir at the time of her death , in 2023, and daughter Riley Keough had agreed to help her complete it. “From Here to the Great Unknown” is Lisa Marie’s account of her father, Elvis Presley, and the sagas of of her adult life, notably her marriage to Michael Jackson and the death of son Benjamin Keough. To the end, she was haunted by the loss of Elvis, just 42 when he collapsed and died at his Graceland home while young Lisa Marie was asleep. “She would listen to his music alone, if she was drunk, and cry,” Keough, during an interview with Winfrey, said of her mother. Meanwhile, Cher released the first of two planned memoirs titled “Cher” — no further introduction required. Covering her life from birth to the end of the 1970s, she focuses on her ill-fated marriage to Sonny Bono, remembering him as a gifted entertainer and businessman who helped her believe in herself while turning out to be unfaithful, erratic, controlling and so greedy that he kept all the couple’s earnings for himself. Unsure of whether to leave or stay, she consulted a very famous divorcee, Lucille Ball, who reportedly encouraged her: “F— him, you’re the one with the talent.” A trend in recent years is to take famous novels from the past, and remove words or passages that might offend modern readers; an edition of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” cuts the racist language from Mark Twain’s original text. In the most celebrated literary work of 2024, Percival Everett found a different way to take on Twain’s classic — write it from the perspective of the enslaved Jim. “James,” winner of the National Book Award, is a recasting in many ways. Everett suggests to us that the real Jim was nothing like the deferential figure known to millions of readers, but a savvy and learned man who concealed his intelligence from the whites around him, and even from Twain himself. Salman Rushdie’s first National Book Award nomination was for a memoir he wished he had no reason to write. In “Knife,” he recounts in full detail the horrifying attempt on his life in 2022, when an attendee rushed the stage during a literary event in western New York and stabbed him repeatedly, leaving with him a blinded eye and lasting nerve damage, but with a spirit surprisingly intact. “If you had told me that this was going to happen and how would I deal with it, I would not have been very optimistic about my chances,” he told The Associated Press last spring. “I’m still myself, you know, and I don’t feel other than myself. But there’s a little iron in the soul, I think.”

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Ghana counted ballots on Saturday after a tight election with the ruling party's Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia trying to shake off anger over economic woes and rebuff a challenge by opposition party candidate ex-president John Mahama. Ghana's struggling economy dominated the election, after the west Africa gold and cacao producer went through a debt default, high inflation and negotiations for a $3 billion IMF bailout. Voters were choosing a successor to Bawumia's boss, President Nana Akufo-Addo, who steps down after serving the maximum of two four-year terms. They will also elect the country's new parliament. Voting was mostly calm, but one person was shot dead and four people arrested at a polling station in Nyankpala in the country's northern region, police and local media said. After polls closed at 1700 GMT, election teams immediately began tallying ballots under the watch of agents from political parties before sending them to collation centres. Preliminary results are expected early Sunday, with full presidential results scheduled by Tuesday. "Everyone is complaining prices are high. So I want a change, I want a good president who will bring in changes," Abdullah Mohammed, a student said after voting in Accra's Nima district. With a history of political stability, Ghana's two main parties, the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC), have alternated in power equally since the return to multi-party democracy in 1992. Touting the slogan "Break the 8" -- a reference to going past the usual two terms in power -- the NPP hopes Bawumia can lead them to an unprecedented third term. But he struggled to break away from criticism of Akufo-Addo's economic record. "I think we have done a lot of work with our message to the people and the message has been well received," Bawumia said after voting in his northern home Walewale. A UK-educated economist and former central banker, he points to an economy turning a corner and the government's continued plans for digitalisation to ease business, as well as free education and health programmes. But though inflation slowed from more than 50 percent to around 23 percent, and other macro-economic indicators are stabilising, the economic pain was still a clear election issue. Many Ghanaians still say they struggle with the cost of living, scarce jobs and a depreciated cedi currency. Frustration over the economy has opened the way for a comeback challenge from Mahama, who was president from 2012 to 2017 but has since failed twice in presidential bids. The NDC flag-bearer says he will "reset" Ghana and introduce a "24-hour economy", extending industrial hours to create jobs, and also renegotiate parts of the IMF deal. "Other elections have not been as obvious," Mahama said voting in his northern hometown. "With this one, everybody can tell the direction because of the abysmal performance of the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government." Some analysts gave him an edge because of voter dismay with NPP, but the former president faced criticism from those who remember financial woes and massive power cuts during his time in office. Shoe saleswoman Esther Adobea said the economic situation hurt, but she was willing to give Bawumia a chance to make things better. "I can see he can handle the country for us. Our economy is not good, but he can do better," she said. Both major candidates are from the north of the country -- traditionally an NDC stronghold, but now more fragmented -- making the region a key battleground. While the economy was key, Ghana also faces an increasing risk of spillover in its northern regions from jihadist conflicts in Niger and Burkina Faso, where military juntas rule. The spread of illegal gold mining also became an election issue. Akufo-Addo promised to stop illegal mining, but it has expanded, poisoning riverways and impacting cacao farmlands -- a major source of export income. bur-pma/jmNoneTEHRAN – The United Nations has underscored the stark reality for children facing the U.S.-backed Israeli genocidal war in the blockaded Gaza Strip. Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), took to social media to share a harrowing message about the ongoing tragedy in Gaza. In his post, Lazzarini described the devastating toll the genocidal war is taking, calling Gaza “no place for children.” Citing UNICEF figures, Lazzarini revealed that 14,500 Palestinian children have been killed since the start of the war, amounting to an unimaginable rate of “one child killed every hour”. “These are not numbers. These are lives cut short,” he wrote, stressing the unimaginable loss of young lives. Lazzarini’s post highlighted not only the fatalities but also the lasting scars on those who survive. “Those who survive are scarred physically and emotionally. Deprived of learning, boys and girls in Gaza sift through the rubble,” he said. His words carried a stark warning about the long-term consequences for Gaza’s youth. “The clock is ticking for these children. They are losing their lives, their futures, and mostly their hope,” the Commissioner-General stated. The post has resonated widely on social media, prompting calls for immediate action to protect Gaza’s children and provide humanitarian assistance. Lazzarini ended with a powerful reminder that “Killing children cannot be justified.” Childhood innocence has been overshadowed by devastation, trauma, and deprivation in one of the most heart-wrenching places on earth, UNICEF’s Communication Specialist Rosalia Bollen said. In an emotional statement, Bollen painted a harrowing picture of the daily reality for over a million children trapped in Gaza, urging the global community to take immediate action to save lives and ease suffering. “Children in Gaza are cold, sick, and traumatized,” said Bollen. “Hunger and malnutrition, coupled with dire living conditions, are putting their lives at risk. Over 96% of women and children cannot meet their basic nutritional needs. Most are surviving on rationed flour, lentils, pasta, and canned food, a diet that slowly compromises their health.” The scale of the humanitarian crisis has deepened dramatically, with aid entering Gaza at a trickle. Bollen revealed that in November, an average of only 65 truckloads of assistance entered Gaza per day, compared to 500 daily before the war. The northern part of Gaza, under siege for more than 75 days, has been particularly affected, with children in urgent need unable to access essential aid for over 10 weeks. “Gaza must be one of the most heartbreaking places on earth for humanitarians. Every small effort to save a child’s life is undone by fierce devastation,” she said. According to Bollen, over 14,500 children have been reportedly killed in the past 14 months, with thousands more injured. In a chilling briefing, Bollen shared the story of five-year-old Saad, a boy who lost his eyesight in a bombing and sustained severe injuries. “When I met him, he told me: ‘My eyes went to heaven before I did.’ Hearing those words and seeing his distress was unbearable,” Bollen recounted. As Gaza enters the cold winter months, the situation for children has worsened. Many lack adequate clothing and are forced to search the rubble for scraps of plastic to burn for warmth. Hospitals are overwhelmed, running on limited fuel and lacking basic supplies and medicines. Diseases are spreading, further endangering vulnerable children. “The suffering is not merely physical; it is also psychological,” said Bollen, sharing the heart-wrenching story of a seven-month-old baby boy, also named Saad, who died of malnutrition after months of struggling to survive. “He was born in war and left this world without being given a chance to live in peace. I cannot even start to imagine the depth of suffering of his parents.” As the world prepares for festive celebrations, Bollen called on people to reflect on the plight of Gaza’s children and use their voices, political capital, and diplomatic leverage to push for urgent action. “We must push for the evacuation of grievously injured children to seek life-saving care elsewhere and demand a ceasefire to allow aid to enter at scale,” she said. Bollen’s plea concluded with a stark warning: “Every day without action steals another day from Gaza’s children. Every delay costs more lives. This war should haunt every one of us. Gaza’s children cannot wait.” As winter tightens its grip on Gaza, the world must decide: will it stand by or stand up for the most vulnerable in society?

News Hub Creator 3h The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has sharply criticized the Electoral Commission (EC) over its justification for re-collating election results in nine constituencies after their initial declaration. According to a report by MyJoyOnline on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, the party has described the EC’s actions as unacceptable and accused the Commission of disregarding established protocols. Dr. Rashid Tanko-Computer, the Deputy Director of Elections for the NDC, expressed the party’s dissatisfaction with the EC’s reasoning. He described the justification as flawed and stated, “This defense should be thrown out completely.” The NDC has labeled the Commission’s behavior as increasingly “lawless,” asserting that its actions undermine trust in the electoral process. The EC defended its decision by pointing to past precedents, arguing that similar re-collations had occurred in Ghana’s electoral history. However, the NDC insists that the EC is overstepping its mandate and acting in a manner that could erode public confidence in democratic processes. This controversy has added to the tensions between the NDC and the EC, with the opposition party calling for greater accountability and adherence to electoral laws. The NDC maintains that the integrity of elections must not be compromised, especially through actions perceived as arbitrary or inconsistent. Log in to leave a comment

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Air traffic control language is commendably succinct. The advisory message that was sent out by the US Command Center at 11.50am GMT on Christmas Eve read: “Nationwide ground stop for all AAL Main and Subs”. AAL is American Airlines , and the instruction to air traffic controllers across the US (and, as it emerged, the world) was to prevent the carrier’s planes from taking off. The fact that it affected “Subs” – smaller airlines flying regional trips for American, as well as the mainline operation – suggested something had gone awry with the departure control system. This is the technology that manages crucial elements of dispatching a flight, from check-in to load control – ensuring that the weight of passengers, cargo and fuel is appropriately distributed on the plane. The ground stop ended just an hour after it had begun. That was excellent news for the frustrated passengers packed on board flight AA137 from London Heathrow to Los Angeles. The Boeing 777 pushed back from the gate on schedule at 11.15am but then held on the ground until the order was lifted. It finally took off at 1pm and is expected to reach California more than an hour late, jeopardising onward connections. In its post-meltdown statement, American Airlines followed standard aviation PR practice of blaming a third party: “A vendor technology issue briefly affected flights this morning. That issue has been resolved and flights have resumed. “It’s all hands on deck as our team is working diligently to get customers where they need to go as quickly as possible.” Good luck with that. The Christmas choreography of air traffic control does not respond well to a giant airline’s entire fleet (save for those already airborne) being held on the ground for an hour. I estimate around 300 flights, all with the necessary air traffic control clearances, were due to depart in that forbidden hour. Those precious permissions cannot simply be held over for the next hour: American Airlines itself has another 300 planes to dispatch in that timeframe. The departure from Heathrow to Charlotte, due out 40 minutes after the ground stop was lifted, took off an hour behind schedule. For connecting passengers, that raises stress levels. Add the uncertainty of how long it will take to clear US Customs and Border Protection, as every arriving passenger must do even if they are transferring to another international flight, and the prospect of reaching their destination before 25 December recedes. All this is happening when airline passengers are heavily invested, emotionally as well as financially, in their festive travel plans. The capacity for aviation to generate a novel nightmare scenario each Christmas knows no bounds. Particularly cruel incidents include the Drone Before Christmas at Gatwick in 2018, which caused the Sussex airport to be closed for three days in the build-up to 25 December – grounding 1,000 flights and wrecking the plans of 150,000 travellers. Five years earlier, in the early hours of Christmas Eve 2013, the basement of Gatwick’s North Terminal flooded. The main electrical system failed , leading to around 100 flights being cancelled and stranding 11,000 passengers. Those numbers were eclipsed at Heathrow in 2010 when heavy snow halted operations for days and thwarted the plans of 600,000 travellers. What lesson can we learn from such flightmares before Christmas? That the more important your journey, the more days you should allow to rearrange your schedule if your plans unravel. Or stay put for the festive season and wait for fares and stress to subside. On Boxing Day, British Airways wants £1,080 for a round-trip from Gatwick to Tampa in Florida for a week; I am leaving 10 days later and paying less than half as much.2 Biotech Stocks to Buy Hand Over Fist in DecemberGoogle TV Wants YOU (Yes, You!) to Shape its Future: Become an Advisor and Test Drive New Features

Elon Musk has been going on a complete war footing against Donald Trump 's supporters in the last couple of days, owing to the fact that MAGA supporters are not agreeable to Musk's concept of H-1B visas, wherein he has said hat America does not have talented engineers and working resources, which need to be outsourced from foreign countries. ET Year-end Special Reads What kept India's stock market investors on toes in 2024? India's car race: How far EVs went in 2024 Investing in 2025: Six wealth management trends to watch out for What is Elon Musk's latest spat with Trump supporters all about? Musk is of the opinion that foreign talent working in US companies are knowledgably sound, and they have due potential of taking America and its industries forward, something that a majority of Trump's supporters are not agreeing on digesting. This has lead to a massive fiasco, and landed Musk into a major controversy across the US. Trump's supporters believe that America has enough resources itself, and local resources and workforce needs to be empowered, rather than than bringing in foreign nationals through H-1B visas, and give them jobs in the country. Trump backs Musk in this regard In a rather surprising incident, President-elect Donald Trump has now backed Elon Musk's support for H-1B visas, in spite of his initial opposition to this theory. This has taken Trump's entire MAGA supporter base by surprise, with many spewing fire about the sudden turn of events. According to Trump's recent statements, he has liked these kinds of visas and is in support of them. This puts the Musk-Trump differences to rest for the time being, but there is no saying as to when things may flare up again. What is the H-1B visa? The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa program based in the United States that allows companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. These occupations typically require a bachelor's or higher degree in some specific fields. The H-1B visa is a popular choice for US companies vested into the world of technology. 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President-elect Donald Trump has announced that Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will be co-heading the " Department of Government Efficiency , informally referred to as 'DOGE', when the Trump administration takes over in January next year. Is Elon Musk a part of Donald Trump's cabinet? Yes, Elon Musk was announced as the co-head of a special department to begin in Trump's regime, that will keep a check on government expenses. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )

THE Met Office has confirmed that Brits will wake up to a 'green Christmas' and exceptionally warm weather. For those celebrating around the country, festive cheer will have to be enough, as there is set to be no snow or frost to be expected on December 25. 2 Christmas Day will see 'exceptionally warm' weather this year Credit: getty 2 There is no snow or frost expected for Christmas day Credit: MET Office Forecasters said the "exceptionally mild" temperatures seen on Christmas Eve will likely continue until closer to the new year. Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said this year will be a "green Christmas" as no snow or frost is expected anywhere in the country. "So great news if you do have travel plans over the next few days, no weather warnings are expected, no disruptive weather - but, as I say, not great news if you want a festive feel and certainly no snow or frost on the way. He added: "Christmas Eve has been very mild - we haven't broken any records, but we did see a high temperature today of 14.8C in Aberdeen, which is exceptionally mild for Christmas Eve. read more on weather BANK BOOST Exact temperature which could see you qualify for £25 Cold Weather Payments FESTIVE FREEZE New weather warning for ICE after 82mph winds as hundreds of flights axed "It's going to stay very similar through the Christmas period, so Christmas Day will dawn cloudy and very mild once again." Those living in Scotland will have to hold on to their Santa hats as The Met Office confirms "it's going to be quite windy with gales in the far north and some rain." Sadly, the absence of snow on Christmas Day will not be compensated by much sunshine as skies across the country are expected to remain overcast, with a few exceptions. Mr Morgan said: "Most places will have a dry and cloudy day. Most read in The Sun IN THE DOCK Suspect appears in court charged with murder of man near Scots nightclub RANGERS RAGE Gers slam SFA over 'serious concerns' as final VAR officials return to action IN THE MARKET Aberdeen 'submit transfer offer' for 37-times capped international captain POISON PEN I got death threats from Rangers fans says ex-SPFL star, it wasn't just one "A few places will see a few glimmers of sunshine, but you'll be fairly lucky to see much brightness on Christmas Day." "Glimmers of brightness" will be seen in a few more places on Boxing Day, Mr Morgan added. Christmas storms loom with 80mph gales set to batter Scotland "Boxing Day will be very similar - it's another cloudy and mild day, with a few glimmers of brightness, particularly in north east England and the Midlands. "Some places in northern Scotland like the Shetland Isles should see some sunshine." The Met Office said the weather is expected to turn towards January 30, with colder and rainier weather to settle across the UK. Mr Morgan said: "Not a lot changes through the rest of this week and indeed this weekend, but as we move towards the New Year, we could see a change to cooler conditions and wetter conditions more widely. "There could be some heavy rain at times and there is an increasing chance of some snow - but it's too early to say where that snow is going to fall." This was possibly not the news Brits were hoping for with some taking to social media to express their disappointment. One user wrote: "Fed up with a mild and wet Christmas now." Another added: "What bad Christmas weather." A third complained: "Rubbish as usual." Read more on the Scottish Sun SHOCK SWOOP Former Celtic boss 'lines up shock January transfer swoop for Kyogo Furuhashi' MAKE THE YULETIDE GREY White Christmas update for Scots as snow & 80mph winds wreak chaos Despite the UK not getting any snow, there will be some spread out over the rest of Europe, especially in higher parts of Croatia , Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Some are even hoping to see snow fall in Italy's Colosseum. Christmas forecast The weather forecast according to the Met Office Wednesday 25 December: On Christmas Day it'll be largely cloudy with some rain and drizzle at times, especially over the hills though some brighter breaks in the east. There could be mild temperatures with strong winds in the north. Thursday 26 December - Saturday 28 December: It's looking to be overcast after Christmas with some rain in north Scotland on Boxing Day. Otherwise largely dry for most with a few sunny breaks at times. For the time of year, it's regarded as rather mild.President-elect Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the United States military must steer clear of escalating turmoil in Syria, as opposition forces close in on Damascus. 'THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT,' Trump declared, expressing reluctance for US involvement amidst global attention on the rebels' rapid advance. While President Joe Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, confirmed the administration's intent to avoid military entanglement in Syria, he emphasized ongoing efforts to prevent the Islamic State group from exploiting conflict-induced vulnerabilities. Sullivan highlighted the diminished capacity of Assad's international backers, including Iran and Russia. In light of recent events, including government forces fleeing Homs, Trump's comments arrived as he visited Paris for Notre Dame's reopening. With rebels led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham making gains, the Syrian government's stability remains in question, prompting calls for political negotiations in Geneva. (With inputs from agencies.)A path to economic growth and national unity Cultural heritage is the soul of a nation and a bridge that connects its past with its present while shaping its future. In Pakistan, this heritage is a treasure trove of ancient wonders, vibrant traditions, and unique customs. Each element of this legacy serves as a reminder of who we are and the heights we can achieve. Pakistan is blessed with a wealth of historical landmarks. The ruins of Mohenjo-Daro echo the grandeur of the Indus Valley Civilization, while the Buddhist relics in Taxila narrate timeless stories of peace and wisdom. The majestic Badshahi Mosque in Lahore stands as a testament to Mughal magnificence. These monuments are far more than just structures; they are fragments of history frozen in time. Cultural heritage, however, extends beyond architecture. It pulses through the melodies of music, the rhythm of dance, and the depth of poetry. The soulful verses of poets like Bulleh Shah and Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai have transcended centuries, resonating with audiences to this day. Traditional dances, such as the Pashtun Attan and Sindhi Jhumar, foster a sense of community, while handicrafts like Balochi embroidery and Multani pottery showcase artistic mastery. This cultural richness is a unifying force, highlighting the beauty of Pakistan’s diversity. Each province adds its unique color to the national tapestry. Punjab is known for its joyous Basant festival and Sufi shrine celebrations, Sindh for its vibrant Ajrak and Tharparkar’s folk melodies. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa offers soulful Pashto poetry and exemplifies resilience, while Balochistan boasts ancient craftsmanship and storytelling traditions. Despite its value, Pakistan’s cultural heritage faces significant threats. Urbanization has engulfed many historical sites, while climate change and pollution have taken a toll on ancient landmarks. Neglect and insufficient funding exacerbate these challenges, and many traditions are slowly fading as younger generations lose touch with their roots. Protecting cultural heritage is not just a moral obligation; it is vital for national identity, pride, and even economic growth. Heritage tourism is a thriving industry worldwide, and countries like Italy, Egypt, and Turkey have built robust economies around their cultural attractions. Pakistan has the same potential. Its UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Mohenjo Daro, Taxila, and the Makli Necropolis have universal appeal. With improved infrastructure, these sites could attract countless visitors. Essential upgrades, including better roads, accommodations, and guided tours, would greatly enhance the tourism experience. Promotion plays a crucial role in drawing global attention. Pakistan must showcase its rich heritage through social media campaigns, documentaries, and international cultural events. Modern tools like virtual reality and digital archives can make these treasures accessible to a global audience. Not only would this generate revenue, but it would also improve Pakistan’s global image. Cultural festivals offer another opportunity to foster unity and attract tourists. Events like the Lok Virsa Mela celebrate Pakistan’s diversity and provide a platform for artisans and performers. These festivals also bridge the gap between urban and rural communities. Supporting local craftsmen is equally important. These individuals preserve traditions through their artistry, and financial assistance or training can ensure their survival. Exporting traditional crafts like carpets, jewelry, and pottery can also boost the economy while sharing Pakistan’s stories with the world. Education is a key element in preserving heritage. Schools should integrate local history and culture into their curricula. Field trips to historical sites and participation in traditional activities can instill pride and a sense of responsibility in younger generations. Cultural heritage also promotes harmony, transcending ethnic and linguistic barriers. Folk music and dance are universal languages that unite people, while festivals create bonds that are stronger than differences. Tourism, in turn, fosters international goodwill. Visitors leave with lasting memories of Pakistan’s hospitality, becoming ambassadors of its charm. This soft power is invaluable for enhancing Pakistan’s standing on the world stage. Despite its immense potential, developing foreign tourism in Pakistan is a formidable challenge. Concerns about safety, inadequate infrastructure, and poorly maintained roads deter travelers. Airports often fail to meet global standards, and much of Pakistan’s beauty remains hidden from the world. Overcoming these hurdles requires decisive action, including enhanced security, modernized infrastructure, and strategic promotion. Only then can Pakistan truly claim its place as a global tourist destination. In 2022, the travel and tourism sector contributed 5.9 percent to Pakistan’s GDP and generated 4.2 million jobs, as reported by the World Bank Group and the World Travel and Tourism Council. Despite these figures, the sector’s potential remains underutilized, considering the country’s rich array of tourist destinations. Visitor spending in Pakistan reached $16 billion in 2022, with projections indicating this could grow to $30 billion by 2033, signaling significant opportunities for future expansion in the tourism industry. Preserving cultural heritage is about more than safeguarding the past. It is about honoring ancestors, inspiring future generations, and building a bridge to tomorrow. By cherishing its cultural wealth, Pakistan can achieve not only economic progress but also social harmony. Heritage is more than history; it is identity, pride, and limitless potential. Pakistan’s cultural heritage is its most valuable asset. Let us protect, celebrate, and share it with the world. The writer is Director of the Institute of Humanities and Arts, Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );

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NoneDespite a resounding defeat at the hands of Ronald Reagan in 1980, the Democrat forged a new path promoting causes such as electoral probity abroad, social justice and drives to rid the world of medical conditions. His first foreign visit as president was to the UK where then prime minister James Callaghan, as well as the usual visits in London, took his guest to the North East with a visit to Newcastle, Sunderland and Washington – the village bearing the name of the first ever president. Mr Carter delighted crowds in the North East by saying “Howay the lads” during a speech to the assembled throng. He also received a miner’s lamp from 12-year-old Ian McEree in Washington. The 39th US president also carried out more traditional presidential duties, including meetings with western European leaders during his time in London while the Cold War was still ongoing. The practising Baptist continued his globetrotting ways after leaving power, even without Air Force One as his vehicle. He was also part of the Elders, a group of experienced statesmen and women drawn from all corners of the world.

2025’s social media predictionsDrew Lock likely to start at QB for the Giants against the Colts on Sunday

TXT’s “MAMA Awards” VCR Receives Scathing CriticismEAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Justin Jefferson might be weary of all the safeties shadowing his every route, determined not to let the Minnesota Vikings go deep, but he's hardly angry. The double and triple coverage he continually faces, after all, is a sign of immense respect for his game-breaking ability. The strategy also simply makes sense. “I would do the same," Jefferson said. "It’s either let everybody else go off or let Justin go off. I’m going to let everybody else go off. That would be my game plan.” When the Vikings visit Chicago on Sunday, they're expecting the usual heavy dose of split-safety coverage designed to put a lid on the passing attack and force them to operate primarily underneath. “We see that every week: Teams just have different tendencies on film, and then when we go out on the field they play us totally different,” Jefferson said, later adding: “I don’t really feel like anyone else is getting played how I’m getting played.” Jefferson nonetheless is second in the NFL in receiving yards (912) behind Cincinnati's Ja'Marr Chase, his former college teammate at LSU. Last week, Jefferson set yet another all-time record by passing Torry Holt for the most receiving yards over the first five seasons of a career. Holt logged 80 regular-season games and accumulated 6,784 yards for St. Louis. Jefferson has 6,811 yards — in just 70 games. “I want to go up against those single coverages. I want to go have my opportunities to catch a deep pass downfield, just one-on-one coverage, like a lot of these other receivers get," Jefferson said. "It’s definitely difficult going up against an extra person or an extra two people, but it is what it is and the concepts that we’re drawing up and the ways that we’re trying to get me open, it definitely helps.” With fellow tight end Josh Oliver ruled out of the game on Sunday because of a sprained ankle, T.J. Hockenson is certain to have his heaviest workload since returning from knee surgery four weeks ago. He's also certain that Jefferson will continue to see persistent double-teams. “It puts it on us to make some plays and do some things to get them out of that,” Hockenson said. Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell has been forced to dig deeper into the vault of play designs and game plans to help keep quarterback Sam Darnold and the offense on track. O'Connell said after Minnesota's 12-7 win at Jacksonville, when Darnold threw three interceptions to precipitate a safer strategy down the stretch, that he superseded his play-calling role with the wisdom of a head coach to help win that game. "Not just the egomaniac of wanting to score points and constantly show everybody how smart we are. There was a mode that I think you have to go into sometimes to ensure a victory,” O'Connell said on his weekly show on KFAN radio. Taking what the defense gives is usually the shrewdest strategy. “You’ve got to really implement some new things and some things that maybe you didn’t come across during your early coaching years whether as a coordinator or position coach or even when you’re responsible for a small area of the game plan as a younger coach," O'Connell said. "You really have to kind of look outside the lens of always what you see on tape.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL