fb777com Why education needs reform PM has announced educational emergency to bring 26 million out-of-school children back to classrooms A representational image showing girls attending a class at a school in Lahore. — AFP/File All over the world, educational institutions are well-resourced both academically and administratively, enabling them to keep pace with the advancement of society. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); However, in Pakistan, a chain of unprecedented, speedy, and ever-echoing challenges has almost failed to rouse the political and bureaucratic offices to bring about radical changes in the outdated education system. This failure has been observed in all four tiers of education: primary, secondary, higher secondary, and university education. Primary education in state schools across the country – we must be bold enough to accept – has declined to such a level that even the middle class, with scant resources, hardly opts for them for its children. This decline stems from academic, administrative, and infrastructural disasters these institutions of basic education have been facing for decades. A significant number of state schools are being run without sufficient, qualified, and trained teachers, with extremely poor building infrastructure and inadequate financial resources to meet basic institutional needs. Consequently, most government-owned schools, particularly in urban areas, are severely under-enrolled, while overcrowded private schools educate children without any oversight by the state regarding their curriculum, especially in terms of social and moral education. In rural areas, many schools are either ghostly structures or operate with one or two teachers covering all subjects. In this dismal scenario, the prime minister has announced an educational emergency to bring 26 million out-of-school children back to classrooms, but pragmatic steps from state organs are still awaited. Even if this goal is achieved, schools without qualified and trained teachers, operating in shabby buildings and subject to feudal mindsets in rural areas, cannot equip students with the latest education needed to grow as promising youth. Similarly, secondary and higher secondary educational institutions are also lagging due to the same governmental neglect, indifferent ruling elites, and the lack of will to uplift them. If not on par with international standards, they should at least match private educational institutions. According to a World Bank report published in September 2023, 40 per cent of the country’s population lives below the poverty line. In this context, 52.2 per cent of students across all levels are enrolled in state-owned institutions, while 43.8 per cent attend private institutions. This clearly reflects public perception, as only 8.4 per cent of Pakistani families above the poverty line choose state schools, colleges, and universities for their children. his trend underscores a widespread belief that promising youth are nurtured only by private educators, while those educated in state institutions will struggle to compete with their privately educated peers in the future. This public perception has developed even though a great number of scientists, bureaucrats, intellectuals, judges, and generals were educated in public schools, colleges, and universities in the past. This stark contrast highlights the deteriorating state of public education while growing awareness among the public strengthens their belief that only modernised education can guarantee a promising future for their children. The consequences of this bleak picture of state education include the rapid growth of private educational institutions, which operate as profit-driven edu-industries. These institutions make it increasingly difficult for middle and lower-middle-class families to afford education, define their own social, moral, and cultural boundaries, and pay little attention to the guidelines set by religion or the state. Equally concerning is the deepening class divide in society, a concept widely rejected globally, which is being entrenched in Pakistan. Graduates from state institutions will rarely be able to compete with those from private institutions. This divide may exacerbate frustration, which is globally acknowledged as a root cause of crime and even terrorism. There is also a growing perception that the state is gradually abdicating its responsibility for education, shifting the burden to NGOs, businessmen, and other private entities. This is a clear deviation from the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which states: "The state shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of five to sixteen years in such manner as may be determined by law" (Article 25-A). The current state of ‘free and compulsory education’, coupled with the neglect of ‘quality’, has plunged the nation into severe social, economic, and moral crises. In this context, the prime minister’s announcement regarding the return of 26 million children to school is no more than the first drop of long-awaited rain. However, this initiative could be derailed by political anarchy, bureaucratic red tape, and the giant of corruption. The dilemma of state schools, colleges, and universities is further compounded by the typical mindset of teachers, students, and non-teaching staff, which reflects the general national approach of government servants. This mindset needs to be abandoned immediately to slow the deterioration of state-owned educational institutions. The vast land and extensive building infrastructure of these institutions should also be utilised effectively, as is commonly witnessed in private organisations. This would make them financially self-sustaining while ensuring the efficient and transparent use of funds. Finally, a complete administrative restructuring of these institutions is crucial. This includes implementing utility and quality checks on the performance of all employees, both teaching and non-teaching staff. Without these reforms, state education will continue to decline, leaving millions of Pakistani children without the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive and knowledge-driven world. The writer is an educationist. He can be reached at: prof.mashraflhr2@gmail.comTraveling this holiday season? 10 things the TSA wants you to know

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Share Tweet Share Share Email In an age where technology continues to redefine the boundaries of possibility, finance stands at the forefront of this revolution. Imagine a world where transactions are not only instantaneous but also transparent, secure, and devoid of intermediaries holding you back. Welcome to the era of smart contract platforms—a game-changing innovation that promises to streamline processes, enhance security, and unlock new levels of efficiency in financial transactions. In this blog post, we’ll delve into how these futuristic technologies are transforming traditional finance landscapes and empowering businesses and individuals alike. Join us as we explore the myriad benefits of harnessing smart contracts in today’s digital marketplace—because when it comes to revolutionizing finance, the future is now! Introduction: Defining Smart Contract Platforms and Their Role in Finance In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, traditional systems are being challenged and transformed at an unprecedented pace. Enter smart contract platforms: digital agreements that automatically execute transactions when predetermined conditions are met. These innovative tools are revolutionizing the way we think about finance, offering a glimpse into a more efficient and transparent future. Imagine a world where complex financial processes can be simplified through automation, reducing the need for intermediaries while enhancing security and trust. This is not just a distant dream; it’s happening right now as businesses and consumers alike begin to harness the power of smart contracts. As we delve deeper into this exciting topic, you’ll discover how these platforms are reshaping the industry, creating new opportunities for growth and innovation while addressing age-old challenges in finance. Get ready to explore the incredible potential of smart contract platforms! The Potential Impact of Smart Contracts on the Financial Industry Smart contracts have the potential to revolutionize how transactions occur in finance. They eliminate the need for intermediaries, reducing costs and speeding up processes. This shift could lead to more efficient trading systems and streamlined settlements. With their inherent transparency, smart contracts can enhance trust among parties involved. Each transaction is recorded on a blockchain, creating an immutable history that stakeholders can verify independently. Moreover, automation reduces human error significantly. Routine tasks like compliance checks and payment processing can be handled seamlessly without manual intervention. Decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms stand at the forefront of this transformation, allowing users unprecedented access to financial services without traditional bank constraints. Lastly, as regulatory frameworks adapt to accommodate these technologies, we could witness broader adoption across various sectors within finance. How Smart Contract Platforms Work: Understanding Automation and Transparency Smart contract platforms operate on blockchain technology, enabling self-executing contracts with the terms directly written into code. This automation eliminates the need for intermediaries, reducing costs and processing times. When a predefined condition is met, the smart contract automatically triggers actions such as payments or data transfers. This level of automation ensures efficiency and minimizes human error. Transparency is another cornerstone of these platforms. All transactions are recorded on a public ledger, accessible to all parties involved. This visibility fosters trust among users since they can independently verify contract execution without relying on third-party validation. Moreover, once deployed, smart contracts cannot be altered easily. This immutability enhances security and accountability in financial dealings. The combination of automation and transparency creates an ecosystem where trust is built through technology rather than personal relationships alone. Real-Life Examples of Smart Contracts in Finance: Use Cases and Success Stories Smart contracts have made significant inroads into the financial sector, showcasing their potential through various applications. One prominent example is the use of smart contracts in trade finance. Companies can automate letter-of-credit processes, ensuring that funds are released only when preset conditions are met. This reduces fraud and speeds up transactions. Another exciting case involves insurance claims processing. Smart contracts can automatically trigger payouts based on verified data feeds, like weather reports for crop insurance. This efficiency not only enhances customer satisfaction but also minimizes operational costs. In real estate, platforms are utilizing smart contracts to streamline property sales. Buyers and sellers engage directly without intermediaries, cutting down on fees while speeding up closing times. These scenarios illustrate just a few ways smart contract platforms are reshaping finance by enabling greater transparency and automation throughout various industries. The Benefits of Adopting Smart Contract Platforms for Businesses and Consumers Smart contract platforms offer a wave of benefits for both businesses and consumers. At their core, they enhance efficiency by automating processes. This reduces the need for intermediaries, cutting down costs and speeding up transactions. Transparency is another crucial advantage. Each transaction recorded on a blockchain is visible to all parties involved, fostering trust. Businesses can confidently engage with clients knowing that terms are immutable and accessible. Additionally, these platforms improve security significantly. Smart contracts use cryptographic techniques to protect sensitive information against tampering or fraud. For consumers, the user experience often improves as well. They enjoy quicker service delivery without unnecessary delays typically caused by manual checks or approvals. Moreover, smart contracts enable innovative business models such as decentralized finance (DeFi). This opens new avenues for investment opportunities and financial services tailored specifically to individual needs. Potential Challenges and Risks to Consider When Implementing Smart Contract Platforms While the advantages of smart contract platforms are compelling, there are challenges to address. One significant concern is security. Vulnerabilities in code can lead to exploitation and substantial financial losses. Another risk involves regulatory uncertainty. Governments worldwide are still figuring out how to classify and regulate these technologies. This lack of clarity can create hurdles for businesses looking to adopt them. Additionally, integration with existing systems poses a challenge. Organizations may face compatibility issues when merging traditional processes with blockchain technology. Finally, there’s the human factor. Misunderstanding smart contracts’ complexities can result in mistakes during deployment or execution, undermining potential benefits. Addressing these risks requires careful planning and a thorough understanding of both technology and legal frameworks involved in this evolving landscape. Leading Platforms in the Market: A Comparison and Analysis When exploring smart contract platforms, several key players stand out in the financial landscape. Ethereum is often regarded as a pioneer, offering robust functionality and a vast developer community. Its flexibility allows for complex contracts but can lead to scalability issues. Then there’s Binance Smart Chain (BSC), which gained traction due to its lower transaction fees and faster processing times. BSC blends ease of use with efficient performance, attracting both developers and businesses looking for cost-effective solutions. Cardano offers a more research-driven approach, focusing on sustainability and security through rigorous peer-reviewed protocols. This differentiates it from other platforms that prioritize speed over reliability. Solana has emerged as an exciting contender with lightning-fast transactions and high throughput capabilities. It caters primarily to applications requiring rapid data transfer without compromising security. Each platform presents unique advantages tailored for different business needs within finance, making careful evaluation essential before adoption. Steps to Incorporating Smart Contracts into Business Processes Incorporating smart contracts into business processes begins with identifying areas where automation can add value. Evaluate your current workflows and pinpoint repetitive tasks that could benefit from increased efficiency. Next, engage stakeholders to ensure everyone understands the potential of smart contracts. This awareness fosters collaboration and support throughout the implementation process. Choose a suitable platform that aligns with your organization’s needs. Research various options, considering factors like scalability, security, and user-friendliness. Then, start small by creating pilot projects. Test these smart contracts in controlled environments to assess their functionality before full-scale deployment. Training is vital for success; equip your team with the knowledge needed to manage these new systems effectively. Continuous evaluation will help you refine processes over time and adapt as technology evolves. By taking measured steps towards integration, businesses can fully harness the power of smart contract platforms for enhanced productivity and transparency. Future Outlook: Predictions for the Evolution of Smart Contract Platforms in Finance The landscape of finance is poised for transformation as smart contract platforms continue to evolve. As adoption increases, we can expect enhanced interoperability among different blockchain networks. This will allow seamless transactions and data sharing across platforms. Artificial intelligence integration could lead to even smarter contracts that adapt in real-time based on external conditions. Imagine a financial agreement automatically adjusting terms according to market fluctuations or regulatory changes. User experience will improve dramatically. Simplified interfaces and user-friendly applications may make it easier for businesses and consumers alike to engage with these technologies. Regulatory frameworks are also likely to catch up, providing clearer guidelines around the use of smart contracts. This clarity could boost confidence among enterprises considering implementation. As we look ahead, it’s evident that the synergy between technology and finance will create unprecedented opportunities for innovation and efficiency in the industry. Embracing the Digital Transformation of Finance Through Smart Contracts The finance industry stands at the cusp of a digital revolution, driven by the innovative capabilities of smart contract platforms. These technologies are not just reshaping traditional processes; they are establishing a new paradigm characterized by enhanced automation and transparency. As businesses and consumers increasingly adopt these platforms, they unlock numerous benefits. From reducing costs associated with intermediaries to improving transaction speed and security, the advantages are compelling. Moreover, real-life success stories demonstrate their potential across various financial services. However, as with any technological advancement, it’s crucial to consider potential challenges and risks. Issues related to regulatory compliance or system vulnerabilities must be navigated carefully for successful implementation. With several leading platforms entering the market, companies have access to powerful tools designed to facilitate this transition seamlessly. By integrating smart contracts into business processes, organizations position themselves favorably in an evolving landscape. Looking ahead, predictions suggest that smart contract technology will continue its upward trajectory within finance—enhancing everything from everyday transactions to complex financial instruments. The path forward is clear: embracing this digital transformation can lead not only to greater efficiency but also create new opportunities for innovation in finance. The journey toward fully leveraging smart contract platforms is just beginning but promises exciting possibilities that could redefine how we think about money and trust in our economic systems. Conclusion Smart contract platforms have the potential to revolutionize the finance industry with their numerous benefits. From increased security and transparency to faster and more efficient transactions, these platforms offer a plethora of advantages for individuals and businesses alike. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial for companies to consider adopting smart contract platforms in order to remain competitive in the ever-evolving financial landscape. With its potential to disrupt traditional financial systems, embracing this innovative technology could lead to a more streamlined and secure future for all parties involved Related Items: automation , finance , Smart contract Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Maximize Your Budget: Top Trends in Digital Expense Management Solutions Navigating Trump’s Second Term: Why a Skilled Financial Planner Is Essential Islamic FinTech: Adapting Financial Technology to Sharia Compliance CommentsBiden says Assad's fall in Syria is a 'fundamental act of justice,' but 'a moment of risk'"Cracks have started to emerge" in the Russian economy as Putin's labour force begins to run dry, it has been warned. In October, interest rates were raised to to a 21-year high of 21% to curb rampant inflation - despite the misgivings of Putin's oligarchs. Sergei Chemezov, boss of the Rostec, the state-run defence conglomerate, warned that the decision taken by the Russian central bank boss Elvira Nabiullina would be a “serious brake on further industrial growth” and could cause “stagflation”. Richard Connolly, associate fellow at the defence think tank the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi), told the Telegraph Nabiullina “has done a lot of things that have caused a lot of other allies of Putin to squeal”. However, the protestations of the oligarchs are being ignored by the Kremlin, the expert said. Putin has "invested a lot of his own political capital in supporting" Nabiullina, according to Connolly. He added that the inflationary pressures in the Russian economy mean that Putin cannot ignore her willingness to increase interest rates . As of October 2024, the country's inflation rate is 8.5 %. Now the country is becoming hamstrung by labour shortages. Nabiullina said in October that “spare hands no longer exist in the economy”. William Jackson, at Capital Economics told the Telegraph: “The cracks have started to emerge”. She warned that Russian parliament in October that “demand has significantly outpaced the economy’s production capacity”. “In some sectors, there is almost no idle equipment left, not even outdated machinery,” she added.

Hawaii, Louisiana top list of 10 worst states to work in 2024The Transportation Security Administration has some reminders for those heading to airports during the holidays. “People seem to forget some of the more common and routine steps that they need to take when packing for a flight or when they are going through a checkpoint, perhaps because they’re focused on being at their destination and not focusing on what needs to happen before getting there,” said TSA officer Christopher Kirchein of John F. Kennedy International Airport. “Travelers sometimes ignore the advice that we give them,” said TeaNeisha Barker, a TSA uniformed adviser. “We are providing guidance so that they get through the checkpoint as simply and conveniently as possible. Not every airport has the same technology, so listen to the guidance we are offering.” “Passengers forget that knives and other weapons are not allowed through our checkpoints. It’s shocking to see so many people with knives,” said TSA officer Aisha Hicks of Philadelphia International Airport. “Weapons of any kind are prohibited through a TSA checkpoint.” TSA officers shared this list of the common things that travelers forget and should remember when coming to a security checkpoint. Ten things that travelers need to remember when preparing to go through the security screening process: • Remember that you cannot bring bottles of water, energy drinks, juice, coffee, soda or any filled insulated reusable container through a security checkpoint. However, they can finish their beverage and bring the empty bottle or container with them. • Remember to bring your ID to the checkpoint. • Remember when TSA officers remind you to remove everything from your pockets that it does not only mean metallic items such as keys and mobile phones, but it means everything, including non-metallic items such as tissues, lip balm, breath mints, etc. • Remember that you cannot bring a firearm through a checkpoint. Instead, pack your unloaded firearm in a locked hard-sided case and declare it at your airline check-in counter and the airline will ensure it is transported in the belly of the plane where nobody has access to it. • Remember that you need to remove your shoes when getting screened and then end up barefoot on the floor. It’s probably a good idea to wear socks. • Remember that children 12 and under are allowed to travel through a TSA PreCheck screening lane with a parent who has TSA PreCheck on their boarding pass. In addition, don’t forget that children up to the age of 18 can also come into the TSA PreCheck lane with their parent if they are on the same airline reservation as their parent. • Remember that passengers that appear 12 and under or 75 and older do not need to remove their shoes and light jacket. • Remember, if you are putting a lock on your luggage, make sure it is a TSA compatible lock so that if TSA officers need to open your luggage, they can unlock it and relock it. If the lock is not TSA compliant, TSA officers who need to open your luggage will cut off the lock, rendering it useless. • Remember that you can bring medications through a security checkpoint, even liquid medication. Just let the TSA officer know that you have liquid medication with you so it can be screened separately. • Remember to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license sooner rather than later because REAL ID goes into effect on May 7.

Public Sector Pension Investment Board grew its stake in shares of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. ( NASDAQ:WBD – Free Report ) by 14.0% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 84,525 shares of the company’s stock after buying an additional 10,400 shares during the quarter. Public Sector Pension Investment Board’s holdings in Warner Bros. Discovery were worth $697,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Family Firm Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Warner Bros. Discovery in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $26,000. OFI Invest Asset Management raised its holdings in shares of Warner Bros. Discovery by 45.9% in the 2nd quarter. OFI Invest Asset Management now owns 3,879 shares of the company’s stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 1,221 shares in the last quarter. Future Financial Wealth Managment LLC bought a new stake in shares of Warner Bros. Discovery in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $41,000. Larson Financial Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of Warner Bros. Discovery by 54.1% in the 3rd quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 4,998 shares of the company’s stock worth $41,000 after purchasing an additional 1,754 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Quarry LP raised its holdings in shares of Warner Bros. Discovery by 2,185.1% in the 2nd quarter. Quarry LP now owns 6,307 shares of the company’s stock worth $47,000 after purchasing an additional 6,031 shares in the last quarter. 59.95% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Warner Bros. Discovery Stock Performance WBD stock opened at $10.66 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.03. The company has a market capitalization of $26.15 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -2.33 and a beta of 1.52. Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. has a 12 month low of $6.64 and a 12 month high of $12.70. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $8.77 and a two-hundred day moving average of $8.12. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts have recently weighed in on WBD shares. Sanford C. Bernstein downgraded shares of Warner Bros. Discovery from an “outperform” rating to a “market perform” rating and dropped their target price for the stock from $10.00 to $8.00 in a research report on Tuesday, August 13th. Barclays lifted their target price on shares of Warner Bros. Discovery from $8.00 to $10.00 and gave the stock an “equal weight” rating in a research report on Friday, November 8th. Needham & Company LLC reissued a “hold” rating on shares of Warner Bros. Discovery in a research report on Thursday, October 10th. Raymond James lifted their target price on shares of Warner Bros. Discovery from $11.00 to $12.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research report on Friday, November 8th. Finally, Macquarie lifted their target price on shares of Warner Bros. Discovery from $8.00 to $9.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research report on Friday, November 8th. Twelve investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Warner Bros. Discovery has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $10.55. Read Our Latest Analysis on Warner Bros. Discovery Warner Bros. Discovery Company Profile ( Free Report ) Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc operates as a media and entertainment company worldwide. It operates through three segments: Studios, Network, and DTC. The Studios segment produces and releases feature films for initial exhibition in theaters; produces and licenses television programs to its networks and third parties and direct-to-consumer services; distributes films and television programs to various third parties and internal television; and offers streaming services and distribution through the home entertainment market, themed experience licensing, and interactive gaming. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Warner Bros. Discovery Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Warner Bros. Discovery and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .ANDRE ONANA should leave Manchester United if he fails to arrest his nightmare run of form. That is the verdict of former Old Trafford misfit Massimo Taibi, who went down in Red Devils folklore for a massive howler against Southampton’s Matt Le Tissier in 1999. Cameroonian keeper Onana, 28, has had plenty of flak following a string of errors since his arrival from Inter Milan in July 2023. The bloopers culminated in a Boxing Day shocker when he was beaten direct from a Matheus Cunha corner in the defeat at Wolves. And ex-keeper Taibi, 54, reckons Onana might be better off resurrecting his career away from United. He said: “I’d be straight to the point and tell him, ‘Andre, you are one of the best keepers in Europe but in the Premier League, you are under- performing. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL "Block out criticism, do some soul-searching, press the reset and go again. And if things don’t change by June, move on’. “I think subconsciously the United environment isn’t ideal for him and when a marriage is showing cracks, it’s pointless to continue. “Sometimes things don’t work out at a team and it’s best to go separate ways, which would not be a failure. "For me he’s a strong goalkeeper who finds himself in a situation where he can’t show his skills because he is not cut out for the English game. Most read in Football BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER S “He’s only suited to the Prem when it comes to his ball-playing ability and structure.” Taibi — who allowed Le Tissier’s long-range shot to go through his legs, into the net — believes Onana would excel in Italy or France . Ahead of tomorrow’s visit from Newcastle , he added: “Andre’s a better fit for an Italian or French team. For English football you need a goalkeeper who is more imposing, regularly comes off his line using his fists and with a different saving technique. “In his place I’d not have left Inter, where he was a big-shot. He made a calculated risk thinking he would slot in seamlessly at Manchester United but it backfired. “But even though he hasn’t lived up to expectations he remains a top keeper, one of the best in Europe.” EXCLUSIVE by ALESSANDRO SCHIAVONE MASSIMO TAIBI has warned error-prone Manchester United keeper Andre Onana it is “one hell of task” to come back from the dead once people have written you off. Ex-Red Devils keeper Taibi, 54, even joked the under-fire Cameroon ace should pop up with a GOAL every now and then to bury the memory of his howlers. In two defeats this month, Onana was at fault for a Morgan Gibbs-White goal from long range for Nottingham Forest and for conceding directly from a corner kick from Wolves’ Matheus Cunha. Taibi, infamous for letting a harmless shot from Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier squirm under his body and in at Old Trafford in 1999, said: “He can only erase a mistake from collective consciousness with ten to 15 top performances. “If his howlers are still be a major talking point it’s because he has done nothing to wipe them away. “A keeper sets himself apart as mentally he is normally the strongest. If a striker misses five chances he still gets acclaimed but a goalkeeper who drops a clanger will be crucified for months. “To get out of that is possible — but it is one hell of a task. It’s normal some things stay inside Onana as he’s human. It can affect him but shouldn’t knock him down completely. “A keeper can’t play at the top level if he doesn’t have the ability to let things wash over him — composure is crucial.” Onana, signed in a £47.2million deal last year from Inter Milan, made a number of high-profile blunders last season. He let a weak Leroy Sane shot beat him in a 4-3 loss to Bayern Munich, made a dreadful pass that led to a red card for team-mate Casemiro against Galatasaray, and allowed a weak Mathias Jensen shot to go under his body against Brentford. Taibi said: “Last year he had a poor season but it looked as if he’d recovered. “But sometimes when you get off to a bad start at a new club, even if then you play many blinders, the first mistake you make again they rub it in your face. “At every cock-up, people will point the finger at him due to the amount of errors he made last year. The roots of this season’s problems go all the way back to last term when his stock fell.” Taibi reckons a goal he scored with a header for Reggina in 2001 has helped fans forget his 1999 shocker. He said: “I get remembered for the goal I scored for Reggina otherwise I’d only be remembered for my United howler. A keeper who scores is out of the ordinary, especially in the 2000s. “Higuita is remembered for his scorpion kick and nobody remembers Chilavert for his saves but only for scoring free-kicks. “While Zenga, the best goalkeeper in the world for many years, is often remembered for that Caniggia error at Italia 90. It’s the tough law of a goalkeeper that you cannot change.” Onana has copped lots of flak but Taibi says he is messing up in a particular way. The Italian explained: “We can only talk about a ‘clanger’ if you get off your line and miss the ball or when you let a long-ranger squeeze through your hands and when you drop an easy shot. “But his are positional mistakes. For the corner, he should have stood a bit further forward. “He may have underestimated the trajectory of the ball because it’s unlikely to put the ball where Cunha has from that position. “And for Gibbs-White, he saw that he was getting his shot away and therefore anticipated the movement and when he saw the ball it was too late. “This normally would not have been picked on if he had played ten to 15 great games. But given he’s under heavy scrutiny, mistakes like this are magnified.” Onana, 28, often alternates worldie saves with his bloopers. Taibi warned: “Pulling off a miraculous save is easier than making a routine one as it’s you who makes it look easy when you collect the ball. "But for miraculous ones, if you succeed you’re a genius and if you don’t it’s not your fault anyway. “Keepers sometimes underestimate the so-called ‘easy’ ones. Slipping is avoidable if you’re more careful and maybe he’d have saved it had he made a backwards step. “It’s easier to keep out an impossible shot than being focused for 95 minutes! A split-second distraction can be fatal.” And Taibi joked United fans would “hit” him if they were to meet. He added: “I should never concede through my legs but I slipped while I was diving. If I hadn’t it would never have nestled through the way it has. “I’ve never been back to Old Trafford since I left and never met Le Tissier again. “I’d like to return one day but I don’t think the fans would recognise me. Well let’s hope so as if they do they will hit me! “My only regret is they made me look like someone who left because he failed. I had a four-year contract and nobody pushed me out. "I had private problems, my wife walked out on me, returning to Italy with my two kids on Christmas Eve. “I made a rushed decision based on how lonely I was. If I had my time again I’d have faced my problems in England. “Being branded a ‘flop’ and the worst keeper in Premier League history irks me even today as it’s a wrong assessment. “You cannot judge a keeper on four games, of which two were good performances! I played for Manchester United, you only do so if you were a great player.” By Ken Lawrence WOLVES landed a shock Boxing Day knockout as Manchester United's struggles continued. The 2-0 defeat means Ruben Amorim has won just two of the seven Premier League games he has taken charge of. United find themselves 14th in the table and today were not helped by Bruno Fernandes' red card and Andre Onana letting one in direct from a corner. Here is how SunSport rated the performances... ANDRE ONANA: 4 He needed to make an agile save from Jorgen Strand Larsen in the first half, but badly misjudged the flight of Cunha’s corner for the opening goal - his claim that he was obstructed by Matt Doherty was rejected. LENY YORO: 5 Recalled but booked after only four minutes for a foul on Cunha, so he was walking on eggshells and was tested by Wolves throughout. Subbed just after the hour mark. HARRY MAGUIRE: 6 The England defender did his best to keep United in the game when they were under pressure for long periods - at least he helped to stem the tide until the dying seconds and had a header on target in stoppage time. LISANDRO MARTINEZ: 6 Teamed up well with Maguire to stop Wolves from winning this more easily, he stood his ground and produced some important challenges in the latter stages before Wolves caught him on the break with the last action of the game. NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI: 5 Tenacious and determined, but was one of several players given a torrid time by the best player on the pitch - Cunha. MANUEL UGARTE: 5 Dispossesed too easily at times, struggled against a lively Wolves attack and was eventually taken off as one of Amorim’s subs following Fernandes’ red card. KOBBIE MAINOO: 5 Looked a threat early on, created some good openings, but he was booked after the break as United looked short on ideas. Faded and was subbed. DIOGO DALOT: 6 Brought a tremendous save from Jose Sa in the first half in what was a rare bright spot for United - but he had no major influence on a poor team display. AMAD DIALLO: 5 Lacked awareness of his team-mates sometimes and looked a shadow of the player who turned the Manchester derby around less than two weeks ago. BRUNO FERNANDES: 3 Sent off early in the second half for a second yellow after a challenge on Nelson Semedo, but the captain had cut a frustrated figure before that. RASMUS HOJLUND: 5 Became visibly annoyed at times at a lack of service from his team-mates, he had no joy up front and was subbed with 10 minutes left. SUBS Casemiro (for Mainoo, 63 mins): 6 Christian Eriksen (for Ugate, 63 mins): 6 Antony (for Yoro, 63 mins): 6 Alejandro Garnacho (for Amad, 79 mins): 5 Joshua Zirkzee (for Hojlund, 79 mins): 5Minnesota AG Ellison sues gunmaker Glock over design that makes them easily converted into automatic weapons

The S&P 500 Just Did Something for Only the 5th Time Ever. History Says This Is What Happens Next.None

In 2023, the average flight from the departed almost 21 minutes late, according to an . The typical Wizz Air flight from the UK left 32 minutes behind schedule. recorded a of 29 minutes, with Tui on 28 minutes. Most UK and Irish airlines were mid-table in terms of the number of minutes each flight was delayed on average, including: British Airways – 22 EasyJet – 21 Ryanair – 20 Jet2 – 18 The stand-out “success” among the major British carriers was , but even its average departure was 14 minutes late. Many flights, of course, depart on schedule. A few leave early (though this does count towards improving their delay average). But some delays extend for hours. You may be entitled to care while you wait – and, if the airline is responsible for the late arrival, . But your rights depend on: Length of wait Where your flight begins Airline For all flights from the UK and EU airports (as well as those in the wider EEA), European air passengers’ rights rules prevail. These were introduced in 2006 and are known as EC261. After Brexit, the UK copied and pasted the same regulations into British law as UK261. The rules were devised to require airlines to do the right thing for their passengers. They specify the care and compensation you can expect when your plane is heavily delayed. These rules also apply for flights on EU and British airlines departing from outside the European Union and the UK. A delay of hours rather than minutes could trigger the obligation for an airline to provide a hotel room, meals as appropriate and hundreds of pounds in cash. Conversely, when flying on a non-EU/UK carrier from outside . you may just have to put a dismal aviation episode down to expensive experience, and see if your travel insurer can help. These are the key questions and answers. For delays of under two hours you have no rights (unless a short delay in the UK triggers a missed connection and much later arrival at your final ticketed destination – see below). For longer delays, the airline should provide refreshments as appropriate after a specified length of time. This applies regardless of the cause of the delay. The time at which the duty of care kicks in depends on the distance you are flying: Short flights (up to 1,500km): refreshments after two hours. Mid-haul journeys (1,500 to 3,500km): three hours. Longer trips: four hours. Note that if the airline believes providing the care would further delay the flight, it need not deliver. If the delay extends overnight, the airline is obliged to find and pay for a hotel room. In practice, carriers often say, “too difficult”, and invite the passenger to book their own and reclaim later. While this practice does not comply fully with the rules, aviation authorities tend to turn a blind eye to it. Only after five hours, though in practice some airlines may offer a refund if you can demonstrate your trip has been rendered pointless by a shorter delay. If you are flying from a UK/EU airport or on a British/ European airline and are delayed in arrival by at least three hours, the presumption is that you are owed hundreds of pounds in compensation. The payment depends on distance: Under 1,500km, for example to Nice: £220 or €250 1,500-3,500km, such as Manchester-Malaga: £350 or €400 Above 3,500km, eg Birmingham- : £520 or €600. If a long-haul arrival delay is between three and four hours, the compensation is halved. The only way the airline can avoid paying out is by demonstrating “extraordinary circumstances” were responsible. The rules provide only a partial answer: “political instability, meteorological conditions incompatible with the operation of the flight concerned, security risks, unexpected flight safety shortcomings and strikes”. Court cases have gradually refined the concept of “extraordinary circumstances” to exclude technical problems. In other words: if a mechanical failure caused the delay, you are due compensation. A judge ruled such issues are “inherent in the normal exercise of the activity of the air carrier”. Official strikes by the airline’s own staff are regarded as within the carrier’s control, but oddly “wildcat” walkouts not sanctioned by a trade union are not. Crew sickness is a grey area, with no legal certainty. Ryanair says: “Only a small number of claims will be eligible for compensation. Most delays/cancellations are out of Ryanair’s control.” Each airline should enable you to fill out an online form, but these are sometimes difficult to track down. The pages for three leading airlines are here: (click on “submit a new claim”) Compensation must be paid by bank transfer (or cheque), except if the airline obtains the prior signed agreement of the passenger to pay with vouchers for future travel. For example, an airline might offer a 30 per cent uplift if you accept vouchers that are valid for a year – so a choice between £350 in cash or £455-worth of flights. One course of action is alternative dispute resolution, but has serious reservations about some of the decisions of these arbiters. Writing a Letter Before Action – warning that you will go to Money Claim Online if you do not get a positive response within two weeks – is worth trying, so long as you follow through. For a £350 claim the fee is £50, which is refunded if you win. Since Brexit UK citizens no longer have access to the European Small Claims Procedure, so if you are chasing compensation on a flight originating in the EU it might be easiest to go through a claims handler. One such firm is AirHelp, but be warned that the company will keep between 35 and 50 per cent of any payout (the higher amount if court action is involved). If you are booked on a UK or EU airline you have full rights as above. On any other airline, you have none – though in practice a reputable airline will provide meals and accommodation as appropriate. Some travel insurance policies will help meet expenses that cannot be claimed back elsewhere, and may pay a modest amount of flight delay compensation. If you arrive at your final ticketed destination three hours or more late, you are still in line for compensation – as long as the cause was down to the airline. For example, in 2018 I flew on from Heathrow to Moscow for an onward connection to Volgograd on the Russian airline S7. The plane was an hour late leaving London because of overrunning engineering work. I missed the connection in Moscow and arrived five hours behind schedule at Volgograd. BA paid delay compensation without a fuss; the issue of meals was easily solved because S7 sent me to the business lounge to wait. It is notable that in the CAA delay figures for 2023, almost all the airlines that are largely feeding “hub” airports did better than the average: Air France, Emirates, KLM, Lufthansa and Qatar Airways all outplayed and in getting planes away on time. They have a strong incentive for punctuality, with connections sometimes less than an hour and the penalty for messing up so high. Turkish Airlines is unique among the big network carriers with an average delay of 29 minutes, which must wreck a significant number of transfersThe University of Iowa has formed a new task force to update its digital assets for compliance with a new ADA rule. (Photo by Brooklyn Draisey/Iowa Capital Dispatch) The University of Iowa has created a new task force to handle updates to the university’s websites and other digital assets in response to changes to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Accessibility Task Force will lead efforts to comply with a new rule added to Title II by the U.S. Department of Justice, according to a news release, which requires accessible web content and apps. The deadline to put these changes in place is April 24, 2026. “Ensuring compliance with Title II is crucial and required for our university,” said Liz Tovar, executive officer and associate vice president of the Division of Access, Opportunity, and Diversity, in the release. “It demonstrates our commitment to accessibility for all members of our community and builds on our strategic goal of providing a welcoming and respectful environment for all Hawkeyes.” SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Tovar will sponsor the 15-member task force alongside Steve Fleagle, associate vice president and chief information officer of Information Technology Services, according to the release. According to a fact sheet from the U.S. Department of Justice, the new rule places technical standards that public entities need to meet in order to have their websites and apps be accessible to those with disabilities. Entities like the UI must follow Level AA of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines , the fact sheet stated, developed by the World Wide Web Consortium. Included in the guidelines are practices like providing alternative text for pictures and other non-text assets, making text easy to understand and ensuring that people can use inputs other than a keyboard to navigate through a website. All areas of the UI will see changes as a result of the new rule, according to the release, from academics to health care to athletics, and university policies will be updated. The task force will find which digital systems should be prioritized for a “remediation process,” the release stated, and identify where exceptions listed in the rule apply. The task force will also work with third-party vendors to implement changes, offer training and conduct regular testing and audits to ensure the university remains compliant, according to the release. Members of the UI community said they were encouraged to learn the new guidelines and review their own digital content to see what needs updating, and to collaborate with others and provide feedback to the task force when necessary, according to the release. “Our goal is to ensure that all digital content and systems are accessible to everyone,” Fleagle said in the release. “This is not just about compliance; it’s about creating a path forward where everyone can access the information and services they need.” SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLEAlabama A&M's Medrick Burnett Jr. dies after head injury

Tax-obsessed Labour won't like it... but my radical plan to stop the poor paying any tax AT ALL would benefit every one of us, by LORD SAATCHI By LORD SAATCHI FOR THE MAIL ON SUNDAY Published: 11:43 EST, 28 December 2024 | Updated: 11:43 EST, 28 December 2024 e-mail View comments Labour isn’t working. Those are the words used back in 1979 when – in the grip of a failing government and soaring unemployment – we masterminded an advertising campaign to propel the Tories back to power. It was the slogan my firm, Saatchi & Saatchi, chose – plastered on the now-iconic poster of hundreds waiting in the dole queue. Clearly it worked, propelling Margaret Thatcher into No 10 for the next decade. But, 45 years on, how depressingly relevant that poster remains. Today, 4.5 million adults aged 18 to 65 are not in employment, education or training. They cost the country billions in benefit payments every year. Labour’s undeclared dream is for the majority of people’s income to be taken in tax And the worst part? Labour prefers it that way. Sir Keir Starmer and his Cabinet believe that tethering people to State handouts will keep their government in power for longer. It is a cold political calculation – with terrible social and economic costs. Don’t suppose for a minute that the ‘economically inactive’ population consists merely of stupid or lazy people. On the contrary, any professor at the London School of Economics will tell you that very many have made a rational, financially sound decision not to work. They know there is no incentive to get out of bed in the morning because, after paying income tax and losing benefits, they would be worse off than staying on the dole. Working for a low salary that is taxed is pointless. My decades in business taught me that incentives are imperative – for customers, for the workforce and for employers. We all need sound reasons, including financial ones, to get out of bed. But in Britain today, there are countless compelling incentives to remain workless. Chief of these is income tax, which is payable above a salary level of £12,570. Any income above this threshold is subject to taxation, initially at 20 per cent. Yet the official ‘poverty line’ is below half of average earnings: £17,000 or less. It is utterly unjust – not to mention economically insane – that some of the poorest people, who earn £12,570 to £17,000, are forced to pay income tax. Even more perversely, in the vast majority of cases, they are then ‘reimbursed’ with benefits. Read More BRYONY: Starmer's lunacy has tipped me over the edge. He's a clown in donated designer clothes This situation has grown steadily worse. This year alone, the Government has pilfered £6 billion from the poorest by not raising the starting threshold for income tax in line with inflation. This trick is known as fiscal drag and it is doing a cruel job. The scandal is worsened by the fresh injustice of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s increased National Insurance levies on employers – another anti-work tax. How can these injustices be corrected? One obvious answer is for the lowest earners to keep more of their money before they start paying tax. That would immediately make it more worthwhile to work for a living. Among the 2.6 million benefit claimants who do work, a high proportion earn less than £17,000. Clearly, they’d be no worse off if their benefits were reduced, provided, of course, their income tax was cut by the same amount. In other words, the cost to the Treasury of raising the income tax threshold to £17,000 (estimated at £4 billion to £6 billion) would be cancelled out by the saving in benefits. Government spending would decrease and millions of people now caught in the bewildering complexity of the welfare system would be freed. Consider the ludicrously complicated mass of benefits, exemptions, credits and so on – which the citizen has to navigate. Some benefits, such as Universal Credit, are means-tested; others are not. Iniquitously, estimates suggest thousands of households are paying a marginal tax rate of up to 95 per cent on parts of their income – a figure approaching the 98 per cent levy on unearned income that was in place when Mrs Thatcher became PM. The solution to this shambolic mess must be radical reform. Raising the tax-free threshold would not only cut administrative costs but also reduce pressure on the NHS. After all, benefits claimants are more likely to suffer from health problems stemming from being isolated at home. The fact is that a rapidly expanding workforce would drive the economic growth that Labour has promised – and which the country desperately needs. Lord Saatchi says it’s time for a radical new approach and greater independence for all And, perhaps most notably, there would be a dramatic fall in immigration. Such reforms would mean less need for immigrants to take the jobs that those who already live here have little incentive to fill. All this can happen only if Britain returns to traditional Conservative values: hard work, enterprise, fair pay and meritocracy. Those ought to be Labour values, too. But the Starmer government won power on the back of a cold calculation: the State buys popularity through benefit payments of one kind or another. Worse, Labour’s undeclared dream is for the majority of people’s income to be taken in tax. Eventually, that could get to the point where almost everyone is obliged to call on the State for assistance. This is little more than economic enslavement – in which the Government makes itself master by using the tax benefit system as a whip. The result, of course, isn’t economic growth, despite all the promises Reeves has made to business leaders. Instead, there is demoralisation. All surveys confirm that Britain has felt ‘worse off’ since Labour came to power – and very few people expect things to get any better in the next five years. But how can the national picture improve – when millions feel working will make them even poorer? A report by former Labour Health Secretary Alan Milburn found that in the Yorkshire town of Barnsley, 70 per cent of people claiming sickness benefits said they wanted to work – but only ten per cent were actively in contact with employment services. How frustrating for them, and expensive for the rest of us. This madness suits nobody except self-serving Labour politicians. There are three million people of working age claiming sickness benefits, up by one million in just five years. A Channel 4 Dispatches documentary this month, Britain’s Benefits Scandal, spoke to people in Hull trapped on welfare benefits. A man called Michael said he’d applied to train as a plasterer but had to withdraw when told that, as soon as he began his apprenticeship, his benefits would stop. He wants to earn a living in a much-needed profession – but how is he supposed to eat or pay the rent while he learns? Gavin, a taxi-driver, contacted the Department for Work and Pensions to say he no longer needed sickness benefits. He was told to wait for reassessment. Three years later, he is still waiting... with the money still pouring in. This chaos cannot go on. The tax system should be a social glue – a means of binding the country together while enabling people to live better lives. But now it is little more than a political weapon. It’s time for a radical new approach and greater independence for all. The power of taxation can be used to the benefit of everyone – before that dole queue starts forming again to remind Sir Keir Starmer that he is not working. • Lord (Maurice) Saatchi was chairman of the Conservative party from 2003 to 2005. Labour Keir Starmer Margaret Thatcher Share or comment on this article: Tax-obsessed Labour won't like it... but my radical plan to stop the poor paying any tax AT ALL would benefit every one of us, by LORD SAATCHI e-mail Add comment More top storiesNone

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was limited with the right shoulder injury that sidelined him last week and there is growing concern about the long-term status of left tackle Trent Williams. Wednesday's practice was not the start to the NFL workweek head coach Kyle Shanahan had hoped after Purdy was unable to bounce back from a shoulder injury in Week 11. Brandon Allen started at Green Bay and the 49ers (5-6) lost 38-10 with the backup-turned-starter committing three turnovers. Williams was reportedly spotted in the locker room with a knee scooter and is experiencing pain walking. He played through an ankle injury against the Seattle Seahawks Nov. 17. Defensive end Nick Bosa (hip, oblique) also missed practice Wednesday, leaving the 49ers to spend the holiday plotting to play the Buffalo Bills (9-2) without the three Pro Bowlers again. "I don't know anyone who gets Thanksgiving off unless maybe you have a Monday night game. You just start a lot earlier and get the players out," Shanahan said. "We cram everything in so the players get out, tries to be home with the family by 5. I usually get home by 7 and they're all mad at me, then get back to red-zone (installation)." The 49ers are in danger of a three-game losing streak for the first time since Oct. 2021. Injuries have been a common thread since September when running back Christian McCaffrey was a surprise scratch with an Achilles injury for the opener. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (ACL) is out for the season at a position dinged from top to bottom. Star linebacker Fred Warner also is ailing and said Wednesday that he fractured a bone in his ankle on Sept. 29 against the New England Patriots. The game against the Bills will mark his eighth straight game playing with the injury. "It's something I deal with every game," Warner said. "I get on that table before every game and get it shot up every single game just to be able to roll. But it's not an excuse. It's just what it is. That's the NFL. You're not going to be healthy. You've got to go out there, you've got to find ways to execute, to play at a high level and to win every single week." Shanahan wasn't interested in injury talk. He said the 49ers have not played well in the past two weeks, and puts part of his focus on getting more out of the running game with snow in the forecast on Sunday night. He's not in agreement with pundits who doubt McCaffrey's ability early into his return from injured reserve, with a per-carry average of 3.5 yards compared to 5.4 in 2023. "The speculation on Christian is a little unfair to him," Shanahan said. "Christian is playing very well. He's playing his ass off. To think a guy who misses the entire offseason is going to come back and be the exact same the day he comes back would be unfair to any player in the world." San Francisco opened the 21-day practice window for linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who tore his Achilles in the Super Bowl in February. His return date is unclear. --Field Level MediaWhy was Don Brown let go from his head coaching position at UMass Amherst? Is it really just all about wins? Personally, I think it is more about the program and the student athletes than a final score or a final season record of wins and losses. Don Brown is a class act. He always has been and always will be about his guys and building lasting relationships. When Coach Brown came in, half the players were on academic probation. Now no one is on probation. What took UMass Director of Athletics Ryan Bamford so long to get into a conference? Look at the schedule he worked out each year. Why is UMass playing a mini SEC schedule? Perhaps because it brought money into the program from the much bigger schools? It appears it may have been more important to put money first. Two years in a row UMass lost their starting quarterback to a season ending injury in an SEC game. Bamford said that because of Don’s renowned coaching reputation UMass is now in a conference positioned to accomplish their competitive goals. Bamford could not get the conference deal done before Coach Brown came on board. Now that Don has been an integral part in the success of UMass over the years, why not give him a chance to be successful in the new conference? Coach Don Brown deserves much better. Mark McGlone Plymouth, New Hampshire Cross|Word Flipart Typeshift SpellTower Really Bad Chess