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Is India v Pakistan still cricket’s greatest rivalry? Is India v Pakistan still cricket’s greatest rivalry? Reuters Fans dressed in India and Pakistan colours ahead of the 2023 World Cup clash in Ahmedabad Roaring crowds, faces painted blue and green, flags waving like battle standards. This is the opening of The Greatest Rivalry: India v Pakistan, a new Netflix documentary on one of cricket’s most storied contests. India’s Virender Sehwag sets the tone: “This is a contest ******* than one between the bat and ball”. Cut to dramatic footage of some of the matches, the Wagah border, partition refugees. A nation split into two, but forever bound by cricket. Pakistan’s Waqar Younis doesn’t hesitate: “I put this rivalry right at the top. There’s no match like India v Pakistan.” India’s R Ashwin agrees: “I think this is ******* than the Ashes.” Ramiz ***** says it’s “the political garnish that makes this rivalry world-class”. Despite wars, border standoffs and terror attacks, the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry has endured, driven by history and national pride. Even when politics halts the bilateral series, International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments keep the fire alive, turning every match into a high-stakes spectacle. But Pakistan’s crushing defeat to India on Sunday at the Champions Trophy has reignited the question: is this rivalry overhyped, propped up by slogans like “war minus the shooting” – a phrase George Orwell coined in 1945 to criticise excessive nationalism in sports? Getty Images Virat Kohli celebrates after India won Sunday’s game against Pakistan in Dubai Is this still the premier clash in cricket, or just one of its most dramatic? Has it lost its competitive edge, running more on history than intensity? Consider this. From an eight-wicket thrashing in 2018 to a 228-run demolition in 2023, India has dominated, winning six of the last eight ODIs. Pakistan’s last victory? The 2017 Champions Trophy final – a fading memory in an increasingly one-sided rivalry. What rivalry, asked Dawn – a leading Pakistani newspaper – pointedly after the latest debacle. A cricket war that’s now just a big yawn, headlined India Today magazine. The loss would be easier to accept if Pakistan were at least putting up a fight, according to Dawn’s Zohaib Ahmed Majeed. Majeed believes the troubled politics between the two neighbours is the only thing that has kept the rivalry alive. “In a way we must thank the politicians of these two nations for keeping this rivalry alive, because the cricketers, especially from our side, are certainly incapable of putting up a show that is worthy of its billing,” he wrote. “Cut out the war of words and the actual wars and what you’ll be left with is a professional cricketing unit against a haphazardly put together team at the last minute. There is no rivalry as far as pure cricketing merits are concerned.” Getty Images Broadcasters have hyped the contest as cricket’s “greatest rivalry” India Today was no less acerbic. “With its history of one-sided losses to India in recent years, Pakistan cricket is fast sliding into pity territory. And unless it reverses the trend, Pakistan’s dream of competing with India could soon turn into a butt of jokes for cricket fans,” wrote Sandipan Sharma. To be true, Pakistan’s cricketing woes keep mounting. They have missed the final four in the last three ODI World Cups, crashed out in the T20 World Cup group stage and now, as hosts of the Champions Trophy, they’ve hit rock-bottom. Since the 2009 attack on Sri Lanka’s team bus, Pakistan cricket has battled isolation, political turmoil, board instability, frequent coaching changes and selection controversies – all adding to its struggles. Meanwhile, across the border, India has risen as cricket’s powerhouse, backed by a strong domestic system and the IPL, cricket’s richest international league. Pakistani cricket writer Osman Samiuddin also notes a sense of “marginalisation” among his country’s cricketers, who remain excluded from the IPL and its franchise ecosystem (no Pakistani player has featured in the IPL since 2009, as they were banned after the Mumbai terror attacks). “I think they see Indian cricketers and others as well, like *********** and English cricketers, as partaking in a world of cricket they have been excluded from,” he told a programme. This has all contributed to the team’s fast-declining fortunes. “It is a futile exercise to wonder if this is the lowest Pakistan cricket has ever been. However, even when Pakistan have plummeted to spectacular lows in the past, they have done it in a way that justifies the cliché of their mercurial nature,” wrote Sidharth Monga in ESPNcricinfo, after Sunday’s game. “This slide just feels like a terminal, slow decline. Players are not fighting with each other, there is no ********* intrigue, there are no cliques in the team plotting to dethrone the captain, there are no comical run-outs or misfields, no defeats snatched from the jaws of victory.” AFP Indians fans rejoice after their team’s win on Sunday at a cinema hall near Delhi AFP …while Pakistani fans following their team’s fortunes in Karachi look dejected The “war without guns” narrative once held weight, especially when Imran Khan’s Pakistan, armed with a fearsome pace attack of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis and batting stars like Javed Miandad and Inzamam-ul-Haq, regularly got the better of India. “The narrative may have been true till the early 2000s because this is how the actual fans felt. But it was soon hijacked by the multinationals and the media to cash in on the hyper-pathos of it all,” Nadeem Farooq Paracha, Pakistani author and columnist, told me. “The quality of cricket between the two sides isn’t the same anymore. Indian cricket continues to get better. In fact, I think the narrative in question here has ended up pressuring Pakistani side more. They underplay it, even though they’re more than willing to pocket its financial benefits.” The cricket boards and broadcasters are doing all they can to keep the rivalry alive, and the ICC won’t dial down the hype – it’s too valuable in an era of overexposure of cricket, limited stars and competition from franchise cricket. This one game has become a financial juggernaut, fuelling a parallel economy wherever it’s played – Dubai, London, Ahmedabad – drawing fans who spend big just to be there. “Pakistan has talent, but the contest now feels more psychological,” says cricket writer Gautam Bhattacharyya. Getty Images Pakistan’s cricket has been on a downslide for the past few years Brand consultant Santosh Desai feels the real contest between the arch rivals plays out beyond the cricket ground and the “rivalry thrives more in imagination than in reality”. “The asymmetry [between the two sides] only fuels the hype. India’s dominance makes it an easy narrative to sell, a battle royale where the outcome feels preordained. If Pakistan were winning consistently, the marketing appeal would fade. The rivalry’s commercial power lies in India’s superiority, feeding a script designed for validation, not uncertainty,” Desai told me. India’s vice-captain Shubman Gill dismisses talk of overhyping, calling it a contest fans love to watch. “It is an exciting contest when both of these teams play. Everyone enjoys watching it. If so many people are happy to watch the match, then who are we to say that it is underhyped or overhyped,” he told reporters on eve of Sunday’s game. Gill is possibly right. Tickets for India-Pakistan games still fly off the shelves – the ICC reported sellouts within minutes. An astonishing 600 plus million viewers tuned in to watch Sunday’s match on Indian streaming platform JioHotstar, setting new records. But for now, as cricket writer Ayaz Memon puts it, “the hype is more thrilling than the cricket itself”. Source link #India #Pakistan #crickets #greatest #rivalry Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The possible winners and record breakers in this year’s nominations The possible winners and record breakers in this year’s nominations Steven McIntosh Entertainment reporter Disney Inside Out 2, nominated for best animated feature, was the highest-grossing film of 2024 globally Hollywood has had another eventful year: Deadpool faced off with Wolverine, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni sued each other, Inside Out 2 conquered the box office and Joker’s sequel emphatically did not. The Oscars race, meanwhile, played out against the grim backdrop of wildfires which devastated Los Angeles and left thousands of homes destroyed. Awards season had its fair share of scandal. While The Brutalist’s use of AI and Anora’s lack of an intimacy co-ordinator were storms in a teacup, there was one genuine controversy when some historic tweets nearly brought down Emilia Pérez. Ahead of the Academy Awards on Sunday (2 March), here are 17 of the quirks, trends, patterns, and record breakers from this year’s batch of nominees. 1. This is the first time two musicals have been nominated for best picture in more than five decades. Wicked and Emilia Pérez are the first tuneful twosome to be up for the top prize since Funny Girl and Oliver! in 1969. The musical resurgence is partly down to it being twice as easy to score a best picture nomination nowadays, after the top category was expanded to 10 slots. Getty Images Emilia Pérez Zoe Saldaña (right, with Selena Gomez) is the frontrunner for win supporting actress 2. Adrien Brody already holds one Oscars record, and he could break another. The US star is currently the youngest ever winner of best actor – he was 29 when he won for his performance in 2002’s The Pianist. But Brody wasn’t nominated again until this year, with his nod for The Brutalist. If he wins again, he will become the first person to win the leading actor category with his first two nominations. Only seven other actors currently have a 100% win rate at the Oscars from two or more nominations – Vivien Leigh, Hilary Swank, Kevin Spacey, Luise Rainer, Christoph Waltz, Helen Hayes and Mahershala Ali. 3. But Timothée Chalamet is a major threat. The Dune and Wonka star is Brody’s toughest competition in best actor, thanks to his acclaimed portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. If he won, not only would Chalamet halt Brody’s winning streak, he would also take Brody’s record as the youngest-ever winner. There isn’t much in it – Chalamet would be just 10 months younger than Brody was when he won. Getty Images Timothée Chalamet (left) could overtake Adrien Brody (right) as the youngest ever winner of best actor 4. Netflix’s Emilia Pérez could follow a dubious pattern for streaming films. It might have the most nominations, but the Spanish-language musical could share the same fate as other recent streaming films which were heavily nominated, but failed to follow through with many wins. The Irishman (Netflix) won zero Oscars, from 10 nominationsMank (Netflix) won two out of 10The Power of the Dog (Netflix) won one out of 12Killers of the Flower Moon (Apple) won zero out of 10 Emilia Pérez is strong in a couple of categories, but it’s similarly unlikely to sweep the board. Only one streaming film has ever won best picture – Apple’s Coda – which only had three nominations overall. Getty Images Former Succesion stars Jeremy Strong (left) and Kieran Culkin are both nominated for best supporting actor 5. Two Succession stars share a disadvantage. Kieran Culkin and Jeremy Strong are both nominated for best supporting actor, for their performances in A Real Pain and The Apprentice respectively. But the pair are the only two nominees in the category who don’t come from best picture-nominated films. A Real Pain’s absence in best picture shouldn’t stop frontrunner Culkin from winning. The last person to win the category without a best picture nomination was Christopher Plummer in 2012, for Beginners. Every actor in the category this year is Oscar-nominated for the first time, except Edward Norton, who has three previous nods. 6. The Substance is the first body horror to be nominated for best picture, and only the seventh horror overall. The other six were The Exorcist, Get Out, The Silence of the Lambs, Jaws, The Sixth Sense and ****** Swan. The Substance is a strong contender in best make-up and hairstyling, a category where the winner often overlaps with the acting winners. That could work in Demi Moore’s favour in a tight best actress race. Getty Images Coralie Fargeat (left) is nominated for best director for The Substance, while Demi Moore is up for best actress 7. Isabella Rossellini is nominated for an eight-minute performance in Conclave, but that isn’t the shortest in Oscars history. Beatrice Straight won the same category, best supporting actress, for her role in Network, which lasted 5min 02sec. Dame ***** Dench is only marginally ahead, winning for a performance in Shakespeare in Love which lasted 5min 52sec. Winners aside, the shortest nominee is thought to be Hermione Baddeley’s performance in 1959’s Room at the Top, lasting 2min 19sec. On the subject of durations, The Brutalist (3hrs 35mins including an intermission) would be the fourth-longest best picture winner of all time, after Gone With the Wind, Lawrence of Arabia and Ben-Hur. Getty Images Colman Domingo is nominated for best leading actor for the second year in a row 8. Sing Sing star Colman Domingo is nominated for best actor, just a year after his last nomination in the same category for Rustin. Quite an achievement, no doubt. But he has some way to go to catch up with Bette Davis and Greer Garson, who both managed five consecutive Oscar nominations in the 1930s and 40s. Just behind them are Al Pacino, Elizabeth Taylor, Marlon Brando, Thelma Ritter and Jennifer Jones, who each scored four back-to-back nods. Bradley Cooper, Renée Zellweger, Russell Crowe, Glenn Close, Jane Fonda, Meryl Streep, Jack Nicholson, William Hurt, Richard Burton, Deborah Kerr, Gregory *****, Ingrid Bergman, Gary Cooper and Spencer Tracy all managed three in a row. 9. All five best actress nominees come from films which are also nominated for best picture. That might not sound like much, but it’s the first time it’s happened since 1977. The historic lack of overlap between the two categories has often been attributed to the Academy being less likely to give female-focused films the top prize. But that trend has shifted in recent years, with films featuring female leads such as Nomadland, Coda and Everything Everywhere All At Once scoring best picture. Studio Canal Sebastian Stan portrayed Donald Trump in his younger years as a real estate tycoon in New York 10. Before Sebastian Stan’s nomination for The Apprentice, only seven other actors had been Oscar-nominated for playing a US president. Frank Langella was recognised for his portrayal of Richard Nixon, while Daniel Day-Lewis and Raymond Massey were both nominated for playing Abraham Lincoln. Sam Rockwell was nominated for playing George W Bush, Alexander Knox for Woodrow Wilson, and James Whitmore for Harry Truman. Perhaps most notably, Sir Anthony Hopkins has been nominated twice for portraying two different presidents in separate films – once as Nixon and another as John Quincy Adams. Stan is slightly different in that he portrays Trump in his younger years as a real estate tycoon, rather than during his tenure as president, but we’re still chalking that up as worthy of induction into this exclusive club. 11. Robbie Williams’ biopic Better Man is nominated for best visual effects, but he also has a connection to two other films in the race. The British singer’s track Swing Supreme features in a pivotal scene of Emilia Pérez, while his former Take That bandmates feature at the beginning of Anora as a remix of Greatest Day plays in a nightclub. Its prominence in the film led to the remaining members of Take That performing the song at this year’s Bafta Film Awards. Getty Images Sean Baker (pictured with Anora’s star Mikey Madison) could become the first person to ever win four Oscars in one night 12. Ralph Fiennes could be a good omen for Conclave. The last two times the British star was nominated for best actor, for Schindler’s List and The English Patient, his film won best picture. If Conclave wins, Fiennes would set a record for having appeared in the most best picture winners, becoming the only actor with roles in four (the other being The Hurt Locker). However, Edward Berger’s absence in the best director category significantly weakens Conclave’s chances. Only six films have ever won best picture without a corresponding director nomination. On the plus side, three of those have been in the last 12 years (Argo, Coda and Green Book), suggesting this is less of an obstacle than it used to be. Why wasn’t Berger nominated? One possible factor is that, unlike the five directors who were, he didn’t write or co-write his film’s screenplay. Conclave was adapted from Robert Harris’s novel by British screenwriter Peter Straughan. Getty Images Wicked, starring Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey and Ariana Grande, is one of two musicals nominated for best picture 13. Diane Warren really wants to win. The songwriter scored her 16th best original song nomination this year, for writing The Journey, from The Six Triple Eight. But Warren has never won. With Emilia Pérez’s campaign damaged and potentially splitting votes with two songs in the category, could this finally be her year? She certainly hopes so. Earlier this month, when a film account on X asked followers: “Which Oscar winner would make you happiest?” Warren brilliantly replied: “Me!” 14. Wicked has a tall hill to climb to win best picture, having missed both a directing and screenplay nomination. It did score several technical nods as well as acting nominations for Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, but neither are frontrunners in their category. The last film to win best picture without a corresponding win in a director, screenplay or acting category was Rebecca in 1942. Getty Images Isabella Rossellini (left) and Fernanda Torres are nominated for the first time, following in the footsteps of their actress mothers I’m Still Here star Fernanda Torres is nominated for best actress – after her mother Fernanda Montenegro became the first Brazilian nominee in the same category in 1999 for Central Station. Meanwhile, Conclave star Isabella Rossellini’s mother Ingrid Bergman was nominated five times in her career, winning twice. 16. Anora’s director could become the first person to win four Oscars for the same film. As Sean Baker was involved in so many aspects of the film’s production, he could personally win best picture, editing, director and screenplay. Nobody has ever done this before. Walt Disney did win four Oscars in the same night in 1953, but for four different films. And Parasite’s ***** Joon-Ho came incredibly close in 2020, but as the best international film prize technically goes to the country that submitted it rather than the director, he only took home three for his own trophy cabinet. If Anora does win the top prize, it will be the second consecutive year the director of best picture co-wins with his wife. Baker and wife Samantha Quan would follow Oppenheimer’s Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas. Anora would also be the first 18-rated film to win best picture since The Departed in 2007. Dream Well Studio Debate has raged in recent months over the name of the cat in animated film Flow 17. It’s official: The cat in Flow is named Flow. The delightful film about a cat who survives a flood is a dark horse in the animated film category, having beaten box office juggernauts Inside Out 2 and The Wild Robot to the prize at the Golden Globes. “While we worked on Flow the cat didn’t have a name,” the film’s director Gints Zilbalodis said earlier this month. “We just called it the cat. “I’ve heard from multiple people that they think that its name is Flow. People have even named their cats Flow now! So I think we can call the cat Flow.” Source link #winners #record #breakers #years #nominations Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

USAID cut hits people ‘screaming from hunger’ USAID cut hits people ‘screaming from hunger’ Barbara Plett Usher & Anne Soy BBC News, Nairobi Getty Images The community kitchens, like this one photographed in December, have provided a vital lifeline for many The freezing of US humanitarian assistance has forced the closure of almost 80% of the emergency food kitchens set up to help people left destitute by Sudan’s civil war, the BBC has learned. Aid volunteers said the impact of President Donald Trump’s executive order halting contributions from the US government’s development organisation (USAID) for 90 days meant more than 1,100 communal kitchens had shut. It is estimated that nearly two million people struggling to survive have been affected. The conflict between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has killed tens of thousands of people, forced millions from their homes and left many facing famine since it erupted in April 2023. The kitchens are run by groups known as emergency response rooms, a grassroots network of activists who stayed on the frontlines to respond to the crises in their neighbourhoods. “People are knocking on the volunteers’ doors,” says Duaa Tariq, one of the emergency room organisers. “People are screaming from hunger in the streets.” The Trump administration abruptly suspended all US aid last month to determine whether it was “serving US interests”, and moved to begin dismantling USAID. The State Department has issued an exemption for emergency food assistance, but Sudanese groups and others say there is significant confusion and uncertainty about what that means in practice. The normal channels for processing a waiver through USAID no longer exist, and it is not clear if cash assistance – on which the communal kitchens depend – will be restored, or only goods in-kind. According to some estimates, USAID provided 70-80% of the total funding to these flexible cash programmes. Getty Images Parts of the capital, Khartoum, have been left in ruins by the fighting The closure of the majority of Sudan’s emergency kitchens is being seen as a significant setback by organisations working to tackle the world’s largest hunger crisis, with famine conditions reported in at least five locations. The network of communal feeding centres relied in the early stages of the country’s civil war on community and diaspora donations but later became a focal point for funding from international agencies struggling to access the conflict zones, including USAID. It’s a “huge setback” says Andrea Tracy, a former USAID official who’s set up a fund, the Mutual Aid Sudan Coalition, for private donations to the emergency rooms. The former head of USAID, Samantha Power, had embraced the idea of working with the local groups rather than relying only on traditional channels like the UN. Money had started to flow through international aid organisations that got US grants, but a channel for direct funding was in the works. “It was ground-breaking,” says Ms Tracy. “The only time that USAID had ever done this was with the White Helmets (humanitarian group) in Syria.” For Ms Tariq, the cut in US funding made it impossible to buy stock for the more than 25 kitchens in the six neighbourhoods in the capital, Khartoum, she helps to service. She told the BBC that left them unprepared for a worsening situation as the army advanced on the area, which has been held by the RSF since the conflict broke out. There was widespread looting of markets as the RSF began to withdraw and the army tightened its siege. Most of the kitchens have closed, she said. Some are trying to get food on credit from local fishermen and farmers, but very soon “we expect to see a lot of people starving”. Those behind the community kitchens are now hoping to fill the funding gap through private donations Here and in the rest of the country, Ms Tracy’s Mutual Aid Sudan Coalition fund will do what it can to plug the gap left by USAID. “I think we can shore up [the emergency kitchens],” she said, “but the reality is that [private donations] are going to have to do even more now, because even if humanitarian assistance resumes, it’s never going to be what it was.” “These volunteers were challenging us to work differently, and we were responding,” says a member of a former USAID partner organisation. They are “exhausted, traumatised and underfunded” and “we were scaling up to help them”. The State Department did not answer specific questions about waivers for Sudan, saying that information was shared directly with groups whose applications were successful. “The aid review process is not about ending foreign aid, but restructuring assistance to ensure it makes the United States safer, stronger, and more prosperous,” it said in response to a BBC query. The World Food Programme (WFP) says it has received waivers for its 13 existing Sudanese grants with USAID, but there is no certainty about what comes next for future funding. That would anyway have been under negotiation – now the talks will take place in changed circumstances. In 2024 the United States was the largest single donor to Sudan, both in direct donations and in contributions to the UN’s Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan. UNHCR Millions have been forced from their homes and some – like these people arriving in South Sudan – have fled to neighbouring countries Top UN officials told the BBC the impact of Washington’s policy shift would be felt beyond the borders of Sudan, with more than two million civilians now refugees in neighbouring countries. “I witnessed people who have fled conflict but not hunger,” said Rania Dagesh, the WFP’s assistant executive director for partnerships and innovation, after visiting camps in Renk and Malakal, South Sudan, earlier this month. The influx of refugees has only strained available meagre resources further. “We have to rationalise, rationalise, rationalise,” says Mamadou Dian Balde, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees’ regional bureau director. He had also been to visit refugee camps in Chad and Egypt when he spoke to the BBC. “We are strained. It’s extremely difficult.” They both credit the local communities for welcoming those seeking refuge and sharing with them the little that is available. In the case of South Sudan, “it is a million extra people who’ve come in to a country where already 60% of the population is in emergency hunger”, says Ms Dagesh. Most families are now down to a meal a day, with children and the elderly given priority. “But you see them wearing out and thinning in front of you – malnourished children. You see mothers who are trying to breastfeed, and there is nothing coming out of their breast,” she said. Most of the refugees are women, children and some elderly people. They say most of the able-bodied men were either killed or simply disappeared. So, they fled to save themselves and the children. They have nothing. Faced with the hunger in the camps, some in South Sudan have tried to sell firewood. But Ms Dagesh says it exposes them to harassment, violence and *****. Getty Images More than 700,000 Sudanese have headed west into neighbouring Chad since the war began Many of the refugees she met had come from Sudan’s agricultural areas. The war disrupted their lives and livelihoods. They would want to see peace restored so they can go back home, but the fighting has been raging for close to two years now with no end in sight. With the hunger situation deteriorating inside Sudan in the absence of a ceasefire, the closure of the kitchens supplying emergency meals will only increase the numbers fleeing across borders. Yet aid agencies that normally would help are strained. The UNHCR says it has been forced to rationalise “to levels where our interventions are absolutely limited – they are at the minimum”. It does not help that the agency was already underfunded. The UNHCR’s call for donor contributions last year yielded only 30% of the anticipated amount, forcing their teams to cut “everything”, including the number of meals and amount of water refugees could receive. The US has been the UNHCR’s main funder and the announcement last month of the aid freeze and subsequent waiver appeared to have thrown things into limbo. “We are still assessing, working with partners, to see the extent to which this is affecting our needs,” Mr Balde told the BBC. Faced with impossible choices, some refugees are already resorting to seek refuge in third countries, including in the Gulf, Europe and beyond. Some are embarking on “very dangerous journeys”, says Mr Balde. More BBC stories on Sudan:Getty Images/BBC Source link #USAID #cut #hits #people #screaming #hunger Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

2025 MG QS: Australia-bound Toyota Kluger rival breaks cover 2025 MG QS: Australia-bound Toyota Kluger rival breaks cover MG is finally introducing a three-row SUV in Australia this year, and now we know what it’ll look like thanks to a government approval filing. The seven-seat MG QS appears almost identical to the MG RX9 already on ***** in markets like the Middle East, which itself is a rebadged RX9 from fellow SAIC Motor brand Roewe which entered production in 2022. That’s in contrast with the smaller MG HS which, while also derived from a Roewe, features unique, MG-specific front-end styling. MG has previously confirmed the QS is due in Australia during the first half of 2025, and it could be one of the multiple new vehicles set to be revealed in Melbourne in April. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Camera IconSupplied Credit: CarExpert The company recently filed trademark applications for the QS, QS PHEV, QS AWD and QS Plug-in Hybrid nameplates, though only petrol-powered QS models appear in the approval filing – one with front-wheel drive, one with all-wheel drive. These use a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 153kW of power. While no torque figure appears in the documents, in the Middle East and Mexico the RX9 produces 350Nm. The turbo-petrol engine is mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission. These outputs are down on the 178kW/392Nm figures of the ********-market Roewe RX9. Camera IconSupplied Credit: CarExpert It remains to be seen what outputs the plug-in hybrid QS produces, as it’s not on ***** in any market yet. Here’s how large the QS is, and how this compares to key rivals: The documents list a braked towing capacity of 2000kg, and a choice of standard 20-inch or optional 21-inch alloy wheels. The front-wheel drive model weighs 1904kg, while the all-wheel drive model is 1994kg. Camera IconMG RX9 Credit: CarExpert For context, a front-wheel drive Kia Sorento V6 has a tare mass of 1898kg, while an all-wheel drive diesel model weighs 1974kg. The QS/RX9 rides on McPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension. *********** Government approval documents don’t show the interiors of vehicles, so it remains to be seen whether there are any changes from the left-hand drive MG RX9… well, besides the obvious. The MG RX9 features a pair of 12.3-inch screens in one angled assembly, while the ********-market Roewe RX9 adds another screen ahead of the front passenger. Camera IconSupplied Credit: CarExpertCamera IconSupplied Credit: CarExpert A full suite of safety technology is available overseas, including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera. Depending on the variant and market, features include heated and ventilated power-adjustable seats with memory, as well as a 12-speaker Bose sound system and a panoramic sunroof. It remains to be seen whether we’ll get the airy beige interior offered in some markets, or if MG will only offer a ****** interior. Camera IconSupplied Credit: CarExpert The three-row large crossover segment is unfamiliar territory for MG in Australia, though the new car is actually the second generation of MG RX9 in markets like the Middle East. It’s fairly unfamiliar territory for ******** brands in general, too. Chery’s Tiggo 8 Pro Max is considerably smaller, while GWM’s Tank 500 is a more rugged, body-on-frame vehicle. GWM did offer the Haval H8 crossover here from 2016 to 2018, but this lacked a third row of seating. Source link #Australiabound #Toyota #Kluger #rival #breaks #cover Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Michael Jordan’s Son Marcus’ Drug Charge Gets Changed From ******** To Ketamine Michael Jordan’s Son Marcus’ Drug Charge Gets Changed From ******** To Ketamine Marcus Jordan‘s drug charge has been updated to possession of ketamine instead of the initial ******** charge it was labeled as. He was arrested earlier this month in Florida for ******** possession, DUI, and resisting arrest. Marcus’ arrest video released by cops also showed him admitting to drinking and telling cops he’s the son of basketball legend Michael Jordan. Marcus Jordan faces a three-count charge as a result of his run-in with police but pleaded not guilty. Marcus Jordan’s Drug Charge Updated To Ketamine Orange County Jail / MEGA According to TMZ Sports, the white substance found in Marcus’s pocket during his DUI arrest earlier this month was determined to be ketamine, not ********. The 34-year-old athlete was arrested for DUI, ******** possession, and resisting arrest after getting his Lamborghini SUV stuck on train tracks. He admitted to drinking at a gentleman’s club earlier that evening and did not undergo a breathalyzer test. However, he performed poorly on three field sobriety tests. After he was placed under arrest, cops found a white substance in his pocket, and the initial test resulted in a positive reading for ********. However, further tests carried out by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement concluded it was actually ketamine. Ketamine and ******** can actually be mixed up as both substances feature the same color and texture. Marcus’s updated charges now include possession of ketamine, DUI with property damage, and resisting arrest. Marcus Jordan Name-Dropped His Famous Father During His Arrest MEGA Shortly after his arrest, footage of the incident was released by the Maitland Police Department and reshared by WFAA-TV, in which cops can be seen arriving to find him in a blue sports car. An officer could be seen telling Marcus to get out of the vehicle as “a train was coming by,” to which he responded, “I know, that’s why I’m trying to get the f-ck out of here.” The officer could be seen telling the former college basketball star that his car was “buried” and they were “literally stuck.” When he got out, the officer pressed him to know how he got stuck there in the first place. He told them he “got discombobulated” and took a wrong turn, ending up on the tracks. At some point during the incident, he name-dropped his famous father, saying, “I’m Marcus Jordan. I’m Michael Jordan’s son. I’m not doing anything wrong. I’m just trying to get home. And I made a wrong turn. Okay?” According to People Magazine, Marcus later added, “The last thing I wanted to do is put my car on the tracks. Obviously, it’s a $330,000 car. Why would I want to be on the tracks?” He Admitted To Taking Alcohol Maitland *** / MEGA Elsewhere in the clip, the reality TV star was asked if he’d drunk alcohol or taken any substance before hitting the road. He told the cops he had “a little bit” to drink that night, but it was “under the legal limit.” The body cam then showed the moment when he attempted to take a field sobriety test as one officer asked him on a “scale of 0-10,” with zero being “sober,” what number he was on, to which he responded, “3,” before officers handcuffed him. The footage also showed him arguing with cops after he was asked to get in the car, repeatedly yelling that he was “not drunk” and that his “opinion was different” from the cops’ as they asked him to get into the police car. When they arrived at a DUI testing facility, cops said Marcus was acting rude and even had some music requests, asking they “play some Mariah Carey up in this b-tch.” Days after his arrest, he entered a not guilty plea and is due back in court in March. Marcus Jordan Was Blasted Online For His Arrest Maitland *** / MEGA In the wake of his arrest, Marcus received a barrage of criticism from social media users. “Dude had all the opportunity, just chose a different route,” one wrote while another commented, “Rich kids always doing the most. You gotta Picasso in yo house!” A third user said, “This shows that it doesn’t matter who your parents are. U gonna be who u gonna be.” Two others commented, “Boy, gotta be one of the biggest nepo baby disappointments,” and “You just out here embarrassing your father, huh ?” Someone else wrote, “He’s still smoking ********??? Embarrassing,” while another penned, “This guy needs to get it all the way together.” Michael Jordan Has Yet To Break Silence On His Son’s Arrest MEGA Meanwhile, basketball Hall of Famer and Marcus’ dad, Michael Jordan is yet to address his son’s run-in with cops, despite him attempting to play the famous father card. Marcus himself hasn’t said much about the case, only thanking people who reached out to him in the days after his arrest. He did, however, wish his father a Happy 62nd Birthday celebration recently, writing, “Happy Bday Dad” alongside some photos of Jordan’s playing days. Source link #Michael #Jordans #Son #Marcus #Drug #Charge #Changed #******** #Ketamine Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Eagles will visit White House, if invited – NBC Sports Eagles will visit White House, if invited – NBC Sports Eagles will visit White House, if invited NBC SportsEagles would be honored to visit the White House to celebrate Super Bowl win, source says CNNEagles will celebrate at White House if President Trump issues invitation USA TODAYPhiladelphia Eagles skipping White House visit, report says, but no official decision made The News JournalMegyn Kelly Goes Off On The Eagles Over Trump White House Visit, Regrets Supporting The Super Bowl Champs Yahoo Sports Source link #Eagles #visit #White #House #invited #NBC #Sports Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘Ukraine peace in weeks’ and ‘killer planned school shooting’ ‘Ukraine peace in weeks’ and ‘killer planned school shooting’ The Guardian leads on comments by Donald Trump claiming Vladimir Putin is willing to accept a European peacekeeping force in Ukraine as part of a ceasefire deal. He made the remark during a White House visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, which is the main image on the front of several of Tuesday’s papers. The Times also leads its coverage with the Trump-Macron meeting. Its front page headline reflects the US president’s claim that the Ukraine war could end “within weeks”. Trump claimed Volodymyr Zelensky will soon visit the White House to agree a deal giving US firms access to Ukraine’s vast natural deposits of valuable rare earth minerals. As Ukraine marks the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the i reports the Trump administration is poised to tell Sir Keir Starmer to “stop blaming” Vladimir Putin for the conflict. The *** prime minister is due to meet the US president in Washington for talks described by the paper as “the most important” official trip to the US capital in decades. Rachel Reeves is set to meet her European counterparts for “ground-breaking” defence talks, according to the Financial Times. The papers says the chancellor will take part in the discussions at a G20 meeting in Cape Town later this week as the continent seeks to respond to Trump’s demands for higher military spending among Nato members. The Telegraph claims France is willing to deploy some of its nuclear arsenal in Germany in a bid to boost defence capability sharing on the continent. Its front page also carries claims about social media posts it says were made by a cameraman who the Telegraph reports worked on the documentary Gaza: How To Survive A Warzone. The programme was removed from iPlayer last week after it emerged its child narrator is the son of a ****** official. A BBC spokesperson told the paper there have been “continuing questions raised about the programme” and further checks are being carried out with the company who produced it on behalf of the broadcaster. The Daily Mail leads its Tuesday edition with the revelation that Nicholas Prosper – who pleaded guilty on Monday to murdering his mother and two siblings at their Luton home – was also planning to carry out a mass shooting at a school. The 19-year-old was arrested before he could carry out any more killings, which police say they have “no doubt” he planned to do. The Sun also leads with that case on its Tuesday front page. Prosper shot dead Juliana Falcon, 48, Kyle Prosper, 16, and 13-year-old Giselle Prosper last September. He is due to be sentenced next month. The government will change the law to ensure there is “no hiding place for predators”, Metro reports. Its front page is dedicated to an expected government announcement on changing the law to ensure sex offenders can not change their names to avoid detection. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is eyeing 50 new laws to tackle crime in towns across the ***, according to an exclusive piece in the Daily Mirror. Also pictured is Roberta Flack, the Killing Me Softly singer who has died aged 88. The Daily Express leads on warnings from campaigners that the state pension could catch up with the tax-free allowance threshold in 2026. Earnings on income are not taxed up to £12,570 – but, the paper warns, pensions could be on course to surpass that level in the coming years, leaving some recipients eligible for taxation. And last but not least, the Daily Star leads on a stark warning that a massive nuclear strike may be the only way to divert an asteroid which could theoretically hit Earth. “I don’t want to say humanity would throw in the towel, but you’re going to need a lot of nukes,” a space boffin told the paper. Source link #Ukraine #peace #weeks #killer #planned #school #shooting Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

‘Senseless’: Premier slams Cook cottage vandals ‘Senseless’: Premier slams Cook cottage vandals Vandals who struck in the dark have tried to decapitate a statue of Captain Cook and sprawled graffiti on the historical cottage his father built 270 years ago. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan hit out at the “senseless vandalism”, saying it “has no place”. “It advances no cause,” the premier told reporters in Brunswick on Tuesday. “We’ll work with council authorities around any restoration of repair work that needs to be undertaken.” Victoria Police say two offenders arrived under the cover of darkness at Fitzroy Gardens at about 2am and spray-painted “anti-Cook comments” on the cottage. “The Captain Cook statue, which also stands in the gardens, has been damaged by what appears to be an attempt to remove the head,” a police spokesman said. The vandals left suddenly after security staff notified them they were being recorded, Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece said. “While there are a range of views on statues and memorials, each time a monument is damaged, it’s ultimately the ratepayer footing the bill – and that is unacceptable,” he said. The cottage was built by James Cook’s father in 1755 in Yorkshire, England, and was transported to Melbourne by Sir Russell Grimwade in 1934. The incident comes just a month after another statue of Captain Cook was splashed with red paint and had its hand and nose knocked just before the Australia Day weekend. Last year a statue of Captain Cook was hacked off at the ankles in St Kilda by activists on the eve of Australia Day. A few months later In June, a monument of King George V was beheaded in the early hours of the King’s Birthday public holiday. Investigators are checking CCTV footage and have appealed to any witnesses or those with information or dashcam footage to call Crimestoppers. Source link #Senseless #Premier #slams #Cook #cottage #vandals Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Hotels that provide shoes, handbags, clothes, baby and **** items Hotels that provide shoes, handbags, clothes, baby and **** items Many people love to travel. But few like to pack. But travelers are getting help from an unlikely source — hotels. “Hotels [are] making it easier for guests to jump into their favorite activities without packing or planning in advance,” said Henley Vazquez, founder of the New York-based travel agency Fora. Some hotels have been providing items to travelers “for ages,” she said, but now more are partnering with brands to provide items to travelers during their trips, she said. “It’s been fun to see more brands jumping into the mix, working directly with hotels to provide guests with bespoke products and experiences to make their stay extra special,” she said. 1. Bulky sporting goods Some travelers struggle to find time to exercise on holiday. But for others, there’s simply not enough space for sports attire. Turks and Caicos’ Amanyara hotel provides tennis ****** and racquets, similar to other hotels, but it also has tennis shoes for guests as well, said Vazquez. Amanyara, a luxury hotel in Turks and Caicos, provides guests with tennis shoes made by Babolat and K Swiss, according to Fora. Dan Istitene | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images She said hotels in rustic settings provide some of the best perks for guests. “Brush Creek Ranch in Wyoming has a closet full of weather-proof outerwear for guests to don when they hit the resort’s private ski mountain,” she said. The all-inclusive luxury resort provides pants, jackets, gloves, helmets, goggles, boots, skis and snowboards made by the French brand Rossignol, according to its website. Vazquez said the Mayflower Inn & Spa in Connecticut has a partnership with Barbour, a company with designs that have graced generations of British monarchy. A representative of the inn told CNBC Travel that guests have access to a “borrowing closet” stocked with Barbour boots and waterproof jackets that guests can wear for outdoor activities, such as horseback riding, hiking and cycling. For guests who prefer to bring their own fitness attire, The Thompson Denver by Hyatt in Colorado has daily laundry service for gym clothes, says Vazquez. “Now you only have to worry about packing one set,” she said. 2. Clothing and luxury handbags Basic blow-dryers and toiletry kits have long been a staple in hotel rooms. But some luxury hotels — such as London’s Jumeirah Carlton Tower and Lake Como’s famous Passalacqua — come with luxe amenities like Dyson Airwraps, which dry and curl hair. Other hotels even have products beyond the bathroom. Travelers staying at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando near Walt Disney World can buy clothes once they arrive through a shopping service available via the brand’s app. Guests of the hotel can initiate a “Style Chat” to discuss three looks: Poolside Chic, Park Hopper or Night Out. Some luxury hotels are providing Dyson Airwraps, which both dry and style hair. Michael Nagle | Bloomberg | Getty Images A stylist then curates and delivers items to the traveler’s hotel room for guests to browse and purchase, according to a press release published by the hotel. Guests who choose not to make any purchases must pay a $25 styling fee, it said. For handbag aficionados, Four Seasons Hotel Houston allows guests to rent luxury handbags at no extra cost through a partnership with the rental service Vivrelle. Guests can rent one bag — and trade it out as they wish — from the hotel’s handbag collection, a representative of the hotel told CNBC Travel. The rotating collection includes designer brands such as Prada and Gucci, he said. Six Senses Vana in Dehradun, India provides a daily set of clothes, which the hotel calls “kurta” pajamas, so guests don’t need to fret about packing, says Vazquez. The hotel encourages guests to wear these flowy sets everywhere, according to its website, from restaurants to outdoor yoga spots. The hotel also provides slippers, Crocs and wool capes for guests to wear, according to its website. 3. Baby gear Babies and toddlers may be small, but their gear — from high chairs to beginner potties — usually isn’t. Hotels like the Fullerton Hotel Singapore have these items and more, from toddler step stools to bottle sterilizers and baby bathtubs, according to its website. Kimpton Hotels, a brand from the British-based hospitality group IHG, provide “Family Fridges” that are cold enough to safely store breast milk. The brand also has items to help childproof its guest rooms, from outlet covers to toilet latches, according to IHG’s website. The “Family Pantry” at the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore. Source: Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Shangri-La Singapore goes a step further. Guests who stay in themed suites and Family Deluxe rooms can access a pantry that is stocked with Stokke strollers, cots, baby bouncers, bathtubs and car seats. The pantry also has bottle sterilizers and warmers, a washing machine (and baby laundry detergent), and a microwave to warm baby food and formula. Guests who don’t have access to the pantry can get some baby items upon request. “For example, the bottle warmers, bath time toys and diapers can be arranged at no extra cost,” a representative of the Shangri-La told CNBC Travel. 4. **** supplies The market for **** travel services — valued at $2 billion in 2023 — is expected to climb to $4.6 billion by 2032, according to the travel media company Skift, citing Polaris Market Research. Kimpton Hotels provide **** beds, food and water bowls, plus litter trays, dog leashes and cat scratchboards, for no extra charge, according to its website. Although it won’t lighten your luggage, Kimpton Hotel Palomar in Beverly Hills even welcomes pets to its nightly wine reception. Some ultra luxury hotels, like Capella Singapore, are getting in on the act. The hotel, which ranked No. 33 in The World’s 50 Best Hotels in 2024, also provides **** beds and bowls, an agent told CNBC travel. Source link #Hotels #provide #shoes #handbags #clothes #baby #**** #items Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

LA traffic officer confronted at home by ICE agents who were ‘hesitant’ about showing warrant while citywide sweep fails to materialize LA traffic officer confronted at home by ICE agents who were ‘hesitant’ about showing warrant while citywide sweep fails to materialize Federal agents involved in a supposed widespread immigration crackdown in Los Angeles County reportedly were reluctant to show a warrant to a city traffic officer for a family member they believed to be an undocumented migrant. The crackdown didn’t amount to much, according to sources who spoke to the Los Angeles Times — only 12 individuals were reportedly picked up and detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in LA, despite federal officials requesting enough space to house 120. Because the lockup typically only takes new inmates on weekends, additional staffing had to be called in over the weekend, meaning taxpayers were on the hook to pay for the extra staffing cost. One of the individuals targeted in the supposed raid was the father-in-law of Flipe Espinoza, 56, who works as a traffic officer in LA. He was in the middle of a workout over the weekend when FBI agents arrived at his house and demanded he open his door. (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) He looked outside and saw half a dozen agents standing outside his home. He stayed inside but raised his hands and asked what they wanted. The agents reportedly told him they were looking for his father-in-law, whose vehicle was registered at Espinoza’s address. The traffic cop reportedly told the federal agents that he “hadn’t seen him in awhile,” according to the LA Times. Espinoza’s family — a young child and his wife — were at home at the time, and he was unwilling to allow the agents entry to his home without fist seeing a warrant. He went outside to meet the agents, who produced what they said was a three-page warrant, but they reportedly were only willing to show him the first page of the document. “They were a little hesitant about showing me the warrant, per se, but what I saw they didn’t have a seal on it or anything,” he told the LA Times. “What is did clearly say was ‘******** alien.'” Once he saw those words, he realized it was likely an immigration issue. “It happened so fast,” he said. “I was taken aback, really.” At the same time, an individual with a loudspeaker — unaffiliated with the federal agents — shouted that Espinoza did not have to open the door to them without a warrant signed by a judge. “Do not talk to them if they do not have a warrant,” the individual said. Other people who had been following the federal agents with megaphones called them “kidnappers” and “terrorists” and began chanting the words “say it once, say it twice, we will not put up with ICE.” Residents of LA became aware of a potential immigration crackdown in the area after the LA Times publicized government documents suggesting that a raid had been planned for the weekend. The federal government, under Donald Trump’s direction, has conducted similar immigration raids in Chicago, New Jersey, and New York. The Independent has contacted ICE for comment. Source link #traffic #officer #confronted #home #ICE #agents #hesitant #showing #warrant #citywide #sweep #fails #materialize Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Bossa Games scales back operations Bossa Games scales back operations Bossa Games is scaling back its operations, AKA suffering layoffs, a mere year after a third of its staff was let go. It plans on releasing Lost Skies before changing the model and becoming independent teams working on “novel game ideas.” On LinkedIn (via Eurogamer), the studio brandished it as a “fundamental transformation of the games industry” without expanding on it further. Unlike the previous round of layoffs, it’s unclear how many people were affected in the relatively small developer. The studio has been pretty inactive in pushing out games, with its last release being I Am Fish four years ago. The studio also received funding from ******** media giant NetEase, but as of late, it’s been scaling back its investment footprint across the world. It also doesn’t help that the studio no longer has the rights to the two games that put it on the map — I Am Bread and Surgeon Simulator — both of which are now owned by TinyBuild. Gabriel Stanford-Reisinger Editor-in-Chief Gabe has been a gamer since he was young, playing games like Pajama Sam, Freddi Fish, Guitar Hero, and whatever looked cool on GameFly. Ever since 2018, he’s been infatuated with the inner workings of the gaming and entertainment industries, covering a wide range of topics from video games to TV and film. Starting as a contributor for PSX Extreme, he’s worked his way up to its Managing Editor. Using what’s he learned over the years, he founded Smash Jump to remind everyone to smash jump. Source link #Bossa #Games #scales #operations Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Hotels that provide shoes, handbags, clothes, baby and **** items Hotels that provide shoes, handbags, clothes, baby and **** items Many people love to travel. But few like to pack. But travelers are getting help from an unlikely source — hotels. “Hotels [are] making it easier for guests to jump into their favorite activities without packing or planning in advance,” said Henley Vazquez, founder of the New York-based travel agency Fora. Some hotels have been providing items to travelers “for ages,” she said, but now more are partnering with brands to provide items to travelers during their trips, she said. “It’s been fun to see more brands jumping into the mix, working directly with hotels to provide guests with bespoke products and experiences to make their stay extra special,” she said. 1. Bulky sporting goods Some travelers struggle to find time to exercise on holiday. But for others, there’s simply not enough space for sports attire. Turks and Caicos’ Amanyara hotel provides tennis ****** and racquets, similar to other hotels, but it also has tennis shoes for guests as well, said Vazquez. Amanyara, a luxury hotel in Turks and Caicos, provides guests with tennis shoes made by Babolat and K Swiss, according to Fora. Dan Istitene | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images She said hotels in rustic settings provide some of the best perks for guests. “Brush Creek Ranch in Wyoming has a closet full of weather-proof outerwear for guests to don when they hit the resort’s private ski mountain,” she said. The all-inclusive luxury resort provides pants, jackets, gloves, helmets, goggles, boots, skis and snowboards made by the French brand Rossignol, according to its website. Vazquez said the Mayflower Inn & Spa in Connecticut has a partnership with Barbour, a company with designs that have graced generations of British monarchy. A representative of the inn told CNBC Travel that guests have access to a “borrowing closet” stocked with Barbour boots and waterproof jackets that guests can wear for outdoor activities, such as horseback riding, hiking and cycling. For guests who prefer to bring their own fitness attire, The Thompson Denver by Hyatt in Colorado has daily laundry service for gym clothes, says Vazquez. “Now you only have to worry about packing one set,” she said. 2. Clothing and luxury handbags Basic blow-dryers and toiletry kits have long been a staple in hotel rooms. But some luxury hotels — such as London’s Jumeirah Carlton Tower and Lake Como’s famous Passalacqua — come with luxe amenities like Dyson Airwraps, which dry and curl hair. Other hotels even have products beyond the bathroom. Travelers staying at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando near Walt Disney World can buy clothes once they arrive through a shopping service available via the brand’s app. Guests of the hotel can initiate a “Style Chat” to discuss three looks: Poolside Chic, Park Hopper or Night Out. Some luxury hotels are providing Dyson Airwraps, which both dry and style hair. Michael Nagle | Bloomberg | Getty Images A stylist then curates and delivers items to the traveler’s hotel room for guests to browse and purchase, according to a press release published by the hotel. Guests who choose not to make any purchases must pay a $25 styling fee, it said. For handbag aficionados, Four Seasons Hotel Houston allows guests to rent luxury handbags at no extra cost through a partnership with the rental service Vivrelle. Guests can rent one bag — and trade it out as they wish — from the hotel’s handbag collection, a representative of the hotel told CNBC Travel. The rotating collection includes designer brands such as Prada and Gucci, he said. Six Senses Vana in Dehradun, India provides a daily set of clothes, which the hotel calls “kurta” pajamas, so guests don’t need to fret about packing, says Vazquez. The hotel encourages guests to wear these flowy sets everywhere, according to its website, from restaurants to outdoor yoga spots. The hotel also provides slippers, Crocs and wool capes for guests to wear, according to its website. 3. Baby gear Babies and toddlers may be small, but their gear — from high chairs to beginner potties — usually isn’t. Hotels like the Fullerton Hotel Singapore have these items and more, from toddler step stools to bottle sterilizers and baby bathtubs, according to its website. Kimpton Hotels, a brand from the British-based hospitality group IHG, provide “Family Fridges” that are cold enough to safely store breast milk. The brand also has items to help childproof its guest rooms, from outlet covers to toilet latches, according to IHG’s website. The “Family Pantry” at the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore. Source: Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Shangri-La Singapore goes a step further. Guests who stay in themed suites and Family Deluxe rooms can access a pantry that is stocked with Stokke strollers, cots, baby bouncers, bathtubs and car seats. The pantry also has bottle sterilizers and warmers, a washing machine (and baby laundry detergent), and a microwave to warm baby food and formula. Guests who don’t have access to the pantry can get some baby items upon request. “For example, the bottle warmers, bath time toys and diapers can be arranged at no extra cost,” a representative of the Shangri-La told CNBC Travel. 4. **** supplies The market for **** travel services — valued at $2 billion in 2023 — is expected to climb to $4.6 billion by 2032, according to the travel media company Skift, citing Polaris Market Research. Kimpton Hotels provide **** beds, food and water bowls, plus litter trays, dog leashes and cat scratchboards, for no extra charge, according to its website. Although it won’t lighten your luggage, Kimpton Hotel Palomar in Beverly Hills even welcomes pets to its nightly wine reception. Some ultra luxury hotels, like Capella Singapore, are getting in on the act. The hotel, which ranked No. 33 in The World’s 50 Best Hotels in 2024, also provides **** beds and bowls, an agent told CNBC travel. Source link #Hotels #provide #shoes #handbags #clothes #baby #**** #items Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Kylie Jenner 'Shocked' by Hairstylist Jesus Guerrero's Death and Is Covering ******** Expenses (Exclusive Source) – PEOPLE Kylie Jenner 'Shocked' by Hairstylist Jesus Guerrero's Death and Is Covering ******** Expenses (Exclusive Source) – PEOPLE Kylie Jenner ‘Shocked’ by Hairstylist Jesus Guerrero’s Death and Is Covering ******** Expenses (Exclusive Source) PEOPLEKim Kardashian Posts Tribute to Late Hairstylist Jesus Guerrero Us WeeklyHairstylist Jesus Guerrero Dies “Suddenly and Unexpectedly” at 34: Jen Atkin, Chris Appleton Pay Tribute E! NEWSJesus Guerrero, Hairstylist Who Worked With Kylie Jenner And Jennifer Lopez, Dead At 34 HuffPost Source link #Kylie #Jenner #039Shocked039 #Hairstylist #Jesus #Guerrero039s #Death #Covering #******** #Expenses #Exclusive #Source #PEOPLE Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Energy costs likely to rise under Ofgem’s new price cap Energy costs likely to rise under Ofgem’s new price cap Kevin Peachey Cost of living correspondent Getty Images Energy regulator Ofgem is to publish its latest price cap, with households expected to face another increase in gas and electricity costs in April. The cap, which puts a limit on the amount suppliers can charge for each unit of energy, affects the bills of 26 million homes in England, Wales and Scotland. Analysts have forecast a 5% increase in prices, owing to a rise in the wholesale costs paid by suppliers. A rise would hit people’s finances at the same time as water and council tax increases, although average wages are also going up. Third increase in a row Households on default or variable tariffs are affected by the price cap, which is set every three months by Ofgem. The new cap coming into force on 1 April will be published at 07:00 GMT. While the cost of each unit of gas and electricity is capped, the total bill is not, so household bills will vary depending on how much energy is used. The regulator illustrates the cap by showing the impact on the annual bill of a household with typical energy usage. Analysts at consultancy Cornwall Insight, widely regarded for accurate predictions, have forecast that a household using a typical amount of gas and electricity will have £85 a year added to its bill from April, taking the annual cost to £1,823 a year. They said the predicted rise was the result of a combination of colder weather and a fall in gas storage levels across Europe, which has led to a sharp increase in wholesale prices. If a rise in the cap is confirmed, it would mean a third successive increase in energy bills, prompting further calls for consumers to shop around for a better deal, and for the government to step in to assist struggling billpayers. “The burden of high energy bills has gone on long enough and as long as our energy bills remain tied to the cost of gas, households continue to be at the mercy of global markets and the fossil fuel industry,” said Simon Francis, co-ordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition. “But alongside the transition away from reliance on gas, it’s crucial to provide support for vulnerable households struggling with energy costs now and to invest in improving energy efficiency of homes.” A ******* of high prices means households have collectively built up debt of £3.8bn to suppliers. The average household in arrears owes more than £1,500 for electricity and £1,300 for gas. Bills are about 50% higher than pre-Covid levels, but remain below the peak reached in 2022 when Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine caused energy prices to spike. The latest announcement on the cap comes days after the regulator published plans to offer a choice of tariffs that shift standing charges elsewhere on people’s bills. These fixed fees, which pay for the connection to gas and electricity, have been controversial, but there was an immediate backlash against these plans. How to keep energy use – and bills – down Experts have shared three tips to keep on top of energy use during the warmer months: If your hot water is too hot to wash your hands in, then your setting is too high so turn the boiler downManage your draughts, such as putting a ****** bag with scrunched up paper up an unused chimney, or limit other draughts around the homeLimit time in the shower to four minutes. The charity WaterAid has compiled a playlist of four-minute songs to keep you to time Read more here if you are struggling to pay energy bills Source link #Energy #costs #rise #Ofgems #price #cap Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

First place in British Isles set to approve right to die First place in British Isles set to approve right to die Dominic Hughes Health Correspondent Reporting fromDouglas, Isle of ManGetty Images The Isle of Man could be the first jurisdiction in the British Isles to legalise assisted dying A law to give terminally ill adults on the Isle of Man the right to end their own lives is entering its final stages, making it potentially the first jurisdiction in the British Isles to legalise assisted dying. Anyone over the age of 18 and with a prognosis of 12 months or fewer to live would be eligible, under the legislation being debated in the Manx parliament. Agreement is still needed on whether to cut the residency criteria from five years to 12 months before being able to access the scheme. The move comes as MPs in Westminster are scrutinising a bill that would legalise assisted dying in England and Wales. A separate bill is under discussion in Scotland. People on the Isle of Man eligible to request assisted dying would have to: Be terminally ill and “reasonably expected” to die within 12 monthsBe over the age of 18Be registered with an Isle of Man GPHave the legal capacity to make the decisionHave the decision verified by two independent doctors The measures have been a matter of strong debate in the island’s Tynwald parliament. One remaining sticking point is how long you need to live there before having the right to request an assisted death. The original legislation stipulated five years, with a more recent proposal cutting that time to 12 months. That amendment is likely to be rejected, while some other changes to the wording in the bill will be approved. If all those changes are accepted, it is likely the bill will receive Royal Assent and become law, with the scheme possibly up and running by 2027. Jersey – a self-governing territory like the Isle of Man which can make its own laws – is also moving ahead with legislation to establish an assisted dying service. ‘A long and careful process’ Former GP Dr Alex Allinson introduced the private members bill to Tynwald and has been pivotal in ushering it through the legislative process. He hopes this will be the last time it will need to be debated by the directly elected chamber. “The passage of this bill has been a long and careful process starting in 2022 and has been properly consulted on, scrutinised and put through a full parliamentary process,” Dr Allinson says. “It lays the basis for further work to implement a service on the Island for those facing a terminal illness who would like more autonomy and dignity at the time of their death.” Among the key clauses in the most recent version of the bill are measures on age and length of prognosis. Getty Images Two independent doctors will have to approve the wishes of a person with a terminal illness who wants to access the assisted dying scheme on the Isle of Man How does the Isle of Man legislation differ from the Westminster bill? The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, introduced by backbench Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, is currently being scrutinised by MPs in Westminster. If passed it would become law in England and Wales. It has some similarities to the Isle of Man legislation – people must be terminally ill, over 18 and registered with a GP. Both bills spell out the need for patients to have the mental capacity to make the choice and be deemed to have expressed a clear, settled and informed wish, free from coercion or pressure. The Isle of Man bill says people would be expected to have fewer than 12 months to live, but the Leadbeater bill has adopted a more conservative six months. The Manx legislation is also likely to require five years of residency on the island, to try to stop people going there to take advantage of the scheme, as people do by travelling to Switzerland’s Dignitas clinic. On the Isle of Man, two independent doctors will need to agree the request for assisted dying, but Leadbeater has recently suggested that cases in England and Wales could be approved by a panel of experts rather than a single judge, as was originally proposed. That change has proved controversial, but is one of about 300 amendments being considered by a cross-party committee of MPs. Meanwhile, the legislation being proposed in Jersey has very similar restrictions to the Westminster plans. However, it has a proposal that would extend the right to die for terminally ill adults with six months or fewer left to live to 12 months for people with neurodegenerative conditions As with the Westminster legislation, the Isle of Man has experienced some passionate campaigning both for and against the proposed new law. A third of doctors who responded to an Isle of Man Medical Society survey in 2023 said they would consider leaving if the legislation was introduced. As a GP on the Isle of Man, Dr Martin Rankin is worried about the dangers of coercion Some doctors fear the legislation will be a “slippery slope” that will see the scope of the laws extended. Isle of Man GP Dr Martin Rankin is a member of the Medical Society and is worried about the dangers of coercion, where vulnerable people are pressured to end their lives early. “The safeguards that are in place on this one, I’m not going to know if somebody has been coerced by a relative into ending their life sooner than they wish. “So I really won’t be getting involved in it.” Millie Blenkinsop-French has campaigned for assisted dying legislation for years, but saw her own son James die from ******* However, there have been some passionate campaigners who have spent years fighting for this legislation. Millie Blenkinsop-French lost her son James to neck *******, aged only 52. It was a very difficult, painful death that cemented her belief in assisted dying for the terminally ill. “Nobody in their right mind would be against assisted dying if they had to sit, like I did, and watch my son die. “I wish with all my heart and soul that assisted dying had been in then, I really do, because he would have opted for it. He wasn’t a stupid boy, he was a very intelligent young man. “And it’ll give an awful lot of people the chance that James didn’t have, give an awful lot of people the chance to say, you know, ‘enough is enough, let me pass over’.” The Isle of Man legislation now looks set to become law, but as politicians in Jersey, Westminster and Holyrood also consider their own proposals, the wider debate about assisted dying is far from over. Source link #place #British #Isles #set #approve #die Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Leeds leave it late to grab key win over Sheffield Utd Leeds leave it late to grab key win over Sheffield Utd Two goals in the final three minutes have given Leeds a 3-1 win at promotion rivals Sheffield United to extend their lead at the top of the Championship. Source link #Leeds #leave #late #grab #key #win #Sheffield #Utd Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Cardinals to lead rosary for Pope Francis’ health in St. Peter’s Square Cardinals to lead rosary for Pope Francis’ health in St. Peter’s Square Feb. 24 (UPI) — Pope Francis’ doctors on Monday “are prudently maintaining their cautious prognosis” as the pontiff’s condition “despite its severity has shown a slight improvement” in respiratory and kidney issues at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. In the Monday night update, the press office said “no episodes of asthma-like respiratory distress occurred today, and some laboratory tests have shown improvement. The monitoring of his mild kidney insufficiency has not raised any concerns. Oxygen therapy continues, although with slightly reduced flow and oxygen levels.” In the morning, the 88-year-old pope received the Eucharist, which is a Christian ********** that involves sharing bread and wine to remember Jesus’ death and resurrection. In the afternoon he resumed his work. On Monday night, he called the parish priest of Gaza “to express his paternal closeness,” according to the ********. The Holy Family parish in Gaza had sent a video, and the pope called to thank them. Earlier Monday, the ******** announced that there will be a rosary for Francis’ health Monday night in St. Peter’s Square. “The Cardinals residing in Rome, along with all collaborators of the Roman Curia and the Diocese of Rome, responding to the sentiments of the people of God, will gather in St. Peter’s Square at 9 p.m. [local time] to recite the Holy Rosary for the health of the Holy Father,” a statement from the ******** said. Cardinal Secretary Pietro Parolin will lead the rosary service, the Holy See Press Office said. “Pope Francis thanks the entire People of God, who in these days have gathered to pray for his health,” the ******** said. Officials said that Francis slept comfortably during his 10th night in the hospital without additional complications but remained in critical condition. Francis continued to receive high-flow oxygen therapy after receiving blood transfusions Sunday. “The night went well; the pope slept and is resting,” the ******** said in a statement. “The thrombocytopenia remains stable; however, some blood tests show early, mild renal insufficiency, which is currently under control. High-flow oxygen therapy continues through nasal cannulas.” Francis entered Gemelli Hospital in Rome on Feb. 14, after difficulties breathing and being treated for bronchitis. Last Tuesday, he was diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs. He still managed to take part in mass with those taking care of him. The pope issued a statement asking fellow Catholics to pray for him. The Argentine native and the first Jesuit to be named pope has been hospitalized numerous times during his 12-year run as leader of the Catholic Church. He is susceptible to pneumonia because he contracted pleurisy in his 20s and had part of his lung removed. Francis had reportedly remained in good spirits at various times during his stay and has not been on any life support machine away from oxygen, officials said. The pontiff prepared the sermon at a mass celebrating the Jubilee of Deacons on Sunday at St. Peter’s Basilica. The homily was read by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, the pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization and ******** organizer of the Holy Year. Source link #Cardinals #lead #rosary #Pope #Francis #health #Peters #Square Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

What’s likely to move the market What’s likely to move the market Stocks @ Night is a daily newsletter delivered after hours, giving you a first look at tomorrow and last look at today. Sign up for free to receive it directly in your inbox. Here’s what CNBC TV’s producers were watching as the S & P 500 logged a third straight losing day and what’s on the radar for the next session. Home Depot The retail home improvement giant reports before the bell. The stock down 8.9% over the past three months. Home Depot is down 13% since Thanksgiving. HD 3M mountain Home Depot shares over the past three months American Tower The cell tower real estate investment trust reports Tuesday before the bell. The stock is 21% from the 52-week high hit in mid-September. American Tower is down 6% over the past three months. Crown Castle is in the space as well. Shares are down 12% in three months, and the stock is 23% from the 52-week high, also hit in mid-September. Bank of Montreal This is Canada’s third biggest bank by market cap. It’s behind Toronto-Dominion Bank and Royal Bank of Canada. Bank of Montreal is one of Canada’s biggest companies, standing in the top ten in terms of market cap. The company reports results before the bell. U.S.-traded shares are up 5% in the past three months. BMO 3M mountain Bank of Montreal U.S.-traded shares over the past three months The Great American Consumer Several big consumer-related companies report on Tuesday. On Monday’s ” Closing Bell ,” JPMorgan’s retail analyst Matt Boss told CNBC TV’s Scott Wapner that ” the consumer remains resilient .” The SPDR S & P Retail ETF (XRT) is down around 6% so far in February. The ETF is 10.7% from the November high. Krispy Kreme reports Tuesday. The stock is down 18% in three months, and it sits 49% from the March 2024 high. Boston Beer is down 25% in three months. The stock is 37% from the 52-week high hit nearly a year ago. Caesars Entertainment is down nearly 7% in three months. It is 24% from the October high. Cava Group is down 28% in three months. Shares are 40% from the November high. Jack in the Box is down 22% in three months. It’s 52% from the March 2024 high. The big short A new report from S & P Global Market Intelligence shows Kohl’s is the most shorted stock in the market. The stock is down nearly 10% in a month and 58% from the April high. KSS 1M mountain Kohl’s shares in the past month Software breakout fading CNBC TV’s Seema Mody will look at the sector on Tuesday The S & P Industry is 8% from the December high. IBM is up around 17% in a month. Palantir Technologies has really been hit, down roughly 24% in a week. But it ranks second in the S & P Software and Services Industry in the last month, up 14%. The stock was down again on Monday, losing 10.5%. Palantir is up almost 300% in a year. Fortinet is up 12% in a month. On the other end of the spectrum: Epam is down about 18% in a month. Akamai Technologies is down 20% in a month, and Cadence Design Systems is down 21% in that *******. The chips CNBC TV’s Jon Fortt made the point on Monday’s “Closing Bell: Overtime” that the chips are also suffering. The VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) fell 2.6% on Monday. The ETF is now down 14% since it hit a high on July 11. Intel is the leader in the group in the last month: Shares are up 16.5%. However, the stock is down 43% in a year. NXP Semiconductors is up 9.2% in a month. Analog Devices is up 9% in a month. At the bottom of the chip pile: Marvell Technology and Cadence Design are both down 21% in a month. Skyworks Solutions is down 27% in a month. SWKS 1M mountain Skyworks Solutions over the past month Cattle prices hit records CNBC TV’s Pippa Stevens will focus on this part of the agriculture economy. BRF SA , the Brazilian beef giant trading in the U.S., is 32% from the December high. The stock is down 12% in February. PayPal The company holds its investor day on Tuesday. CNBC’s MacKenzie Sigalos will be following the meeting and the stock. PayPal is 20% from the Dec. 9 high, and it’s down 15% in February. Source link #Whats #move #market Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Top 10 global destinations for higher education Top 10 global destinations for higher education This month, Global Citizen Solutions released its first-ever Global Education Report naming the top destinations for higher education. The 10 countries were ranked based on factors like university prestige, quality of life, visa options, and post-graduation opportunities. The Global Citizen Solutions report shows that international higher education is growing, Laura Madrid, research lead in the Global Intelligence Unit at GCS, tells CNBC Make It. According to their findings, there should be 10 million students studying abroad by 2030. “You have more instability and instability in general leads to the movement of families,” she says. “People look for places where they feel safer and they can experience different contexts.” The report evaluated over 72 countries, using five key sub indexes: Higher education systemsQuality of lifeHigher education costsCareer prospectsInnovation and business friendlinessThe United States is the No. 1 global destination for higher education The United States took the top spot on the GSC ranking of the best global destination for higher education. According to the report, the number of international students still remains highly concentrated in English-speaking and economically developed nations. The U.S. has 900,000 international students, according to the report, and in 2023, they helped generate over $40 billion in revenue. Madrid said it’s not surprising that the U.S. came in first on the list, because of the number of prestigious universities and the sheer volume of higher education institutions there. “When you look at families that want to invest and the cost is not an issue, they will prefer to look at the U.S. and the ***,” she says. “But on the other hand, we see American families looking to other countries for universities,” Madrid adds. “We see that families for different reasons, [whether it’s] political stability or the possibility of a more multinational and multicultural higher education, are looking in Europe.” The United States is one of the most expensive countries for higher education. Tuition at private schools like Harvard and Stanford range from $30,000 to $70,000 a school year— and that doesn’t include the cost of living in or near major cities like Boston and Palo Alto. Harvard University Glowimages | Glowimages | Getty Images From 2010 to 2023, tuition at public four-year institutions increased by 36.7% and as of 2024, the total student loan debt in the country exceeds $1.6 trillion, according to the GSC report. The United States is also home to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Princeton University, and Yale. The top 10 global destinations for higher educationUnited StatesUnited KingdomAustraliaGermanyCanadaFranceNetherlandsSwitzerlandChinaSingapore The United Kingdom — England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland — came in at no. 2 on the list. The country has around 500,000 international students studying there. According to the report, the *** remains one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for international students thanks to the prestige at schools like Oxford, Imperial College of London and Cambridge. The *** saw less European students apply for universities in 2020: “You have this great ecosystem of universities, but Brexit changed the profile of international students,” Madrid says. The country was able to switch strategies and bring in more students from places like China and India. “The *** had to balance the loss of leaving the European Union and attracting students from other countries,” she adds. Oxford University Halbergman | Istock | Getty Images Just like in the U.S., studying in the *** is costly. International students can expect tuition fees ranging from £10,000 to £38,000 or $12,000 to $47,000 USD per year. Students there also face an average loan debt of about £50,000, or $63,000, upon graduation. The cost of living in a city like London is also among the highest in Europe. A single person’s estimated monthly costs are £1,039, or $1,313, rent not included, according to Numbeo. But despite the high cost of living, the report found that international students remain an economic force, contributing around £41.9 billion, or $53 billion, to the *** economy in 2021-2022. The *** is also home to universities like The University of Edinburgh, The University of Glasgow and the University of St. Andrews. Conversions to USD were done on February 24, 2024, using OANDA conversion rates of 1 British pound to 1.26 USD. All amounts are rounded to the nearest dollar. Want to earn some extra money on the side? Take CNBC’s new online course How to Start a Side Hustle to learn tips to get started and strategies for success from top side hustle experts. Pre-register now and use coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 30% off $97 (+taxes and fees) through April 1, 2025. Plus, sign up for CNBC Make It’s newsletter to get tips and tricks for success at work, with money and in life. Source link #Top #global #destinations #higher #education Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Green Bay Packers propose ‘tush push’ ban: Sources – The Athletic Green Bay Packers propose ‘tush push’ ban: Sources – The Athletic Green Bay Packers propose ‘tush push’ ban: Sources The AthleticPackers propose rule to ban ‘Tush Push’ play popularized by Eagles NFL.comWhy Wilbon, Kornheiser aren’t fans of banning the tush push ESPNNFC team submits proposal to ban Eagles’ famous ‘Tush Push’ play: report Fox News Source link #Green #Bay #Packers #propose #tush #push #ban #Sources #Athletic Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Countries compete to keep skilled young workers Countries compete to keep skilled young workers Pedro Garcia Technology Reporter, Lisbon Duarte Dias Lisbon, Dublin and Seattle – like many Duarte Dias has moved to move up In 2020, Duarte Dias, a Portuguese software engineer, accepted a job offer to work in Microsoft’s Dublin subsidiary. A little over a year later, he joined a team at Microsoft’s headquarters in Seattle, where he still works. Even though he misses the Portuguese laid-back approach to life, and the family-like team spirit of the work environments there, he does not regret, not for one second, his choice of pursuing an international career. Mr Dias’s decision was made easier by all the financial impact of moving. The verdict of the spreadsheet was clear: staying in Portugal would be financially ruinous. “I did simulations of how much money I would save a year in Portugal, and I quickly realised that I wouldn’t be able to have a comfortable life financially, even if I got one of the most well-paying jobs available in engineering for my experience level,” says. A two-year job experience in Portugal while Mr Dias was concluding his masters at Lisbon’s Instituto Superior Técnico cemented his conviction: his yearly income amounted to €35,000 ($36,000; £29,000). But his take home salary was much, much less. His income placed him in a tax bracket which meant up to 40% of this gross salary went to the state. “Financially it was bad. It would be very hard to save money if I didn’t live with my parents,” he recalls. Moving to Ireland meant an immediate hike in his salary prospects, almost doubling to €60,000. The money is even better in the US, where he now earns upwards of $160,000 before a 20% income tax rate, much lower than at home. Mr Dias intends to return to Lisbon in two years’ time with “with many more savings”. Getty Images Portugal is an attractive place to live but still many youngsters go abroad Keeping skilled workers like Mr Dias in Portugal has been a concern for recent governments. In 2020, the administration led by the Socialist Party’s Antonio Costa launched IRS Jovem, a programme of tax reductions for workers less than 30 years old and tiered by level of education. In 2022, 73,684 taxpayers benefitted from this incentive, according to official data. After a snap election in March, the new centre-right Portuguese government led by Luis Montenegro doubled down on the idea and expanded it from five to 10 years, and to all workers under 35 independently of their educational levels. The proposal, passed by the Portuguese parliament in late November, is due to benefit up to 400,000 workers, according to the Portuguese Ministry of Finance. But specialists say it likely won’t be enough to keep the young from going abroad. “It is unlikely that, on its own, the tax regime will make young workers remain in the country, whether because professional opportunities are more abundant in foreign countries, or due to the fact this tax benefit applies only to yearly incomes under €28,000,” says Sérgio Vasques, professor of tax law at the Católica Lisbon School of Law. He points out that the Portuguese government still takes more of the average worker’s salary than most richer nations. Known as the tax wedge, the ratio between the amount of taxes paid by an average single worker without children and the corresponding total labour cost for the employer, stands at 42.3% in Portugal. That’s the 8th highest among the 38 member countries of the OECD. “This is a tax regime that is an enemy of qualified work and professional success. This regime will not solve this problem,” adds Mr Vasques. Mr Vasques, also a former secretary of state for tax affairs in the early 2010s, adds: “I also cannot imagine a young professional deciding to move to Portugal just because of an extra couple hundred euros at the end of the year. “Not even a low-skilled worker will make a decision based on that. Portuguese food works probably better as an incentive to move here than that tax regime”. Getty Images Poland also has measures in place to keep young people from heading abroad Rita de La Feria, chair of tax law at the University of Leeds, reminds that the exodus of young people isn’t just a Portuguese problem, and that Europe is grappling with the challenges of young emigration. According to a study requested by the Portuguese Parliament, as of July, in the European Union Portugal, Poland and Croatia had special tax regimes based on the taxpayers’ ages. “The challenges are very obvious: worker mobility is higher. The problem is that the country spends very large amounts on training for them to leave for other countries as soon as they enter the workforce,” she said. Ms de La Feria, who moved to the *** at a young age, told the BBC that when she left Portugal she did not intend to “leave for good: many leave their countries of origin thinking they will come back at some point. But once they form a family, it’s almost impossible to return.” Antonio Almeida “Low salaries” the problem in Portugal says Antonio Almeida Antonio Almeida, a software engineer like Mr Dias, left Portugal during the pandemic in late 2020 for a job in Berlin, right after finishing his degree. He would change the ******* capital for Brussels two years later. All his work experience was done abroad. “Back in 2020, we were offered monthly salaries of €1,300, gross, in Lisbon. Berlin offered me €4,200 for a junior role.” Even with a 40% income tax rate in Germany, there was a considerable net gain. “It wasn’t a difficult decision,” says Mr Almeida. Now in Belgium – where taxes are higher, he stresses – returning to his homeland isn’t a priority. “I think of returning eventually, mainly for family reasons. “But at the moment my life standards are very high and I like the way of life of central Europe. And the main problem in Portugal is low salaries, not taxes.” Mr Almeida does not consider the Portuguese tax changes as a major factor when thinking of the pros and cons of coming back home. “Up until today I never thought about it.” Mr Dias agrees: “Salaries outside Portugal will always be higher, and all those who don’t have any personal or familial connections to the country won’t have any kind of financial or career incentive to stay there”. More Technology of Business Source link #Countries #compete #skilled #young #workers Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Jose Mourinho: Galatasaray accuse Portuguese of making ‘racist statements’ Jose Mourinho: Galatasaray accuse Portuguese of making ‘racist statements’ Galatasaray said they would “initiate criminal proceedings” against Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho after claiming he made “racist statements” following the teams’ 0-0 draw on Monday. Speaking in the news conference after the Istanbul derby, Mourinho said the Galatasaray bench had been “jumping like monkeys”. As well as the threat of legal action, Galatasaray said they would submit “official complaints” to football’s governing bodies. Mourinho – a former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham manager – and Fenerbahce are yet to responded to the accusations. Monday’s match was refereed by Slovenian Slavko Vincic after both clubs requested a foreign official take charge of the fixture. Asked after the game Mourinho was asked about the performance of 19-year-old defender Yusuf Akcicek and said: “I have to thank the referee. After the big dive in the first minute and their bench jumping like monkeys on the top of the kid… with a Turkish referee you would have a yellow card after one minute and after five minutes I would have to change him.” In a statement, Galatasaray said: “Since the commencement of his managerial duties in Turkey, Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has persistently issued derogatory statements directed towards the Turkish people. Today, his discourse has escalated beyond merely immoral comments into unequivocally inhumane rhetoric. “We hereby formally declare our intention to initiate criminal proceedings concerning the racist statements made by Jose Mourinho, and shall accordingly submit official complaints to Uefa and Fifa. “Furthermore, we shall diligently observe the stance adopted by Fenerbahce – an institution professing to uphold ‘exemplary moral values’ – in response to the reprehensible conduct exhibited by their manager.” Two-time Champions League winner Mourinho, 62, was appointed Fenerbahce manager last summer and was banned and fined earlier this season for condemning refereeing standards in Turkey. BBC Sport has contacted Fenerbahce for comment Source link #Jose #Mourinho #Galatasaray #accuse #Portuguese #making #racist #statements Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese denies delay in Woodside North West Shelf decision to appease crossbench Prime Minister Anthony Albanese denies delay in Woodside North West Shelf decision to appease crossbench Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has denied that his Government is delaying its decision on the lifetime extension of Woodside’s North West Shelf project in response to any crossbench demands. The Federal environment department has pushed back its deadline by a month for a decision on allowing the project to operate until 2070, citing a delay in receiving paperwork from WA counterparts. The WA department took some six years to consider the application before making a decision in December. The *********** reported on Tuesday morning that Labor would face pressure from the Greens and crossbenchers including Curtin MP Kate Chaney to not approve the project, should there be a hung parliament after the election. But asked whether the Government was delaying a decision because of crossbench concerns, Mr Albanese gave a blunt: “No.” Pushed further on what he would do if it got tied up win the demands of a ********* parliament, he said, “These matters are in before the Environment Minister. The Environment Minister responds in accordance with the law.” Federal bureaucrats confirmed in Senate estimates late on Monday night that they had been seeking the latest version of research relating to rock art in the area, describing the information received in early February as a highly technical report. “It’s several hundred pages, and then we had 23 calendar days to finish all those steps … so hence we extended the timeframe out,” head of environmental approvals Bruce Edwards told senators. The Commonwealth is an observer on the rock art monitoring project being run by the WA Government and Curtin University. Woodside has previously said the “unexpectedly protracted duration of the approvals process” was now affecting the investment decisions needed to back in near-term gas supply for WA. But Mr Edwards said his approvals team had sought “general advice” from the department’s gas strategy experts to help the minister understand “any potential consequences” of a delay or non-approval. “Our advice from our own internal gas colleagues is that this is not a substantive impact to the overall supply and demand of gas,” he said. The department is yet to send a decision brief to Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek. Department officials also revealed on Monday that the Conservation Council of WA has filed a separate application to reconsider the Woodside approvals, which is being examined alongside the proposal. Source link #Prime #Minister #Anthony #Albanese #denies #delay #Woodside #North #West #Shelf #decision #appease #crossbench Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Home Depot earnings, Fed, consumer confidence: What to Watch Home Depot earnings, Fed, consumer confidence: What to Watch Josh Lipton and Julie Hyman preview the biggest market stories, economic data, and earnings results for tomorrow, Tuesday, February 25. Home improvement retailer Home Depot (HD) will be releasing its quarterly results in the morning alongside other top companies like Intuit (INTU) and Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP). Apple (AAPL) will be hosting its annual shareholders meeting Tuesday morning, while Super Micro Computer (SMCI) is fast approaching its deadline to report its delayed annual results Commentary from top Federal Reserve officials are due out tomorrow, including Lorie Logan, Michael Barr, and Tom Barkin. February’s preliminary consumer confidence reading will be released in the morning. To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Asking for a Trend here. This post was written by Luke Carberry Mogan. Source link #Home #Depot #earnings #Fed #consumer #confidence #Watch Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Gabby Petito ******* documentary sparks viewer backlash after it uses fake AI voiceover Gabby Petito ******* documentary sparks viewer backlash after it uses fake AI voiceover Netflix’s American *******: Gabby Petito has upset some people for using an AI-generated voice to narrate Petito’s journal entries. Despite permission from Petito’s family, critics argue the AI voice raises ethical concerns. This isn’t the first occurrence of such debate, and it will likely keep happening as the technology improves. Netflix’s latest true-crime docuseries, American *******: Gabby Petito, has stirred up a heated debate over how to deploy AI to mimic the voices of people who have passed away. The filmmakers employed AI to recreate Petito’s voice and have it narrate excerpts from her personal writings, which has reportedly made many viewers feel uncomfortable and raised ethical concerns about using AI to give voice to the deceased. The three-part series chronicles the 2021 ******* of 22-year-old Petito at the hands of her fiancé, Brian Laundrie. It pieces together her final months through interviews, personal videos, and social media posts, evoking how the tragedy happened in real-time on the internet. True crime aficionados famously dissected every frame of Petito’s travel vlogs before authorities found her remains in Wyoming. At the start of the series, a disclaimer appears: “Gabby’s journal entries and text messages are brought to life in this series in her own voice, using voice recreation technology.” That means the voice narrating parts of the documentary isn’t actually Petito’s but a synthetic recreation made with an AI model. Netflix has said the filmmakers received permission from Petito’s family to do so. That hasn’t stopped some people from vocalizing how eerie the AI-generated voice feels. Social media content creators have racked up hundreds of thousands of views discussing it. AI ghosts This isn’t the first controversy over AI-generated voices. Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain faced similar criticism when its director revealed that parts of the documentary featured AI-generated narration of Bourdain’s own words. That movie didn’t indicate which bits were narrated by the AI or by Bourdain, which led many to feel that the technique was deceptive. Filmmaker Michael Gasparro defended the decision in an interview with Us Weekly, saying the team wanted to tell the story as much “through Gabby’s voice as possible.” They had access to a wealth of her journals, notes, and online posts and thought AI narration would bring them to life in a more powerful way. “At the end of the day, it’s her story.” Technology has always shaped the way we tell stories, but AI presents a new challenge, especially when it comes to memorializing people who can no longer speak for themselves. Robert Downey Jr. has vowed that AI will never replicate him on screen, while James Earl Jones secured a deal with Disney before passing away, allowing them to use his voice for Darth Vader under certain circumstances. Meanwhile, ElevenLabs has inked deals with the estates of James Dean, Burt Reynolds, Judy Garland, and Sir Laurence Olivier to let it add AI versions of their voices to its Reader app. As deepfake technology and voice cloning become more sophisticated, filmmakers and media companies will have to reckon with how (and if) these tools should be used to tell real-life stories. Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. You might also like Source link #Gabby #Petito #******* #documentary #sparks #viewer #backlash #fake #voiceover Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]