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ph777. ph New Delhi, Dec 25 (PTI) Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday said that the governance reforms must begin at the grassroot level to bring about long-lasting and meaningful change. In a significant step towards strengthening grassroots governance, he launched the ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ initiative on Good Governance Day, celebrated very year to mark birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The initiative, which is part of the broader ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Aur’ campaign, aims to enhance the capacity and competence of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) by equipping elected representatives and officials with the tools and knowledge required for effective governance and participatory planning, said Singh, the Minister of State for Personnel. He emphasised "that governance reforms must begin at the grassroots to bring about long-lasting and meaningful change as well as to fill up the capacity gaps". Piloted in Odisha, Assam, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, the initiative leverages e-learning platforms, AI-powered chatbots, and mobile apps to bridge knowledge gaps and enhance service delivery, Singh said. He said that this program aligns with the government’s broader mission to decentralise governance and foster participatory decision-making at the grassroots level. The initiative is expected to create scalable models of citizen-centric governance, enabling PRIs to drive equitable and sustainable development across rural India, according to a Personnel Ministry statement. The minister also launched a series of transformative initiatives on the occasion of the Good Governance Day. The first initiative unveiled by Singh was the launch of a new dashboard on the iGOT (integrated government online training) Karmayogi platform, along with the milestone introduction of the 1600th e-learning course. The enhanced dashboard is designed to empower ministries, departments, and state administrators with advanced tools to monitor user registrations, course completions, and overall progress in capacity-building efforts. With customisable views and robust data filtration capabilities, the dashboard provides detailed insights to improve decision-making and optimize training initiatives, the statement said. Additionally, the introduction of the 1600th course on the platform underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a diverse and comprehensive learning ecosystem, it said. The minister also launched CPGRAMS (Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System) Annual Report 2024. As the world’s largest citizen interface platform, CPGRAMS has redefined grievance redressal by integrating advanced technologies, multilingual support, and comprehensive tracking mechanisms. The CPGRAMS allows citizens to raise grievances against government departments online. The report showcases key achievements, including the resolution of over 25 lakh grievances annually and the implementation of the Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI), the statement said. Another significant initiative launched during the event was the compendium of pension related instructions, 2024, a comprehensive document consolidating all updated rules, procedures, and guidelines related to pensions. Singh said that Good Governance Day, institutionalised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, serves as a reminder of the government’s commitment to initiatives that directly impact citizens’ lives. Reflecting on India’s journey towards its centenary as an independent nation in 2047, he outlined the need to prepare for a future where citizens can independently manage governance processes with minimal reliance on bureaucratic systems. Singh shared his experience of introducing AI-driven mobile health clinics in rural areas, highlighting how technology not only facilitates governance but also captivates and engages communities. Singh said that each year, the government strives to introduce new initiatives that add value to governance and reflect its dynamic and evolving nature. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)Week-in-Review: Keir Starmer needs an Elon Musk strategy‘Today’: Hoda Kotb Reveals Former Boss Told Her to ‘Get on The Treadmill’ (VIDEO)

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The Georgia Senate Committee on Artificial Intelligence released recommendations for next year's legislative session. Photo by Midjourney AI Way back in the 1940s, science fiction writer Isaac Asimov set out to create a system of ethics for robots and humans to coexist and came up with three laws of robotics: For the “I, Robot” author, artificial intelligence was a far-off fantasy, but next month, Georgia lawmakers will be tasked with putting laws on the books to guide human-AI interactions in the real world, and they will likely consider more than just three laws. State senators gave a glimpse into their intentions Tuesday, approving a 185-page report that includes recommendations for the next session, set to begin Jan. 13. Roswell Republican Sen. John Albers, chair of the Senate Study Committee on Artificial Intelligence, signed off on the report after a unanimous vote. A House committee is set to release its own report later this month. “The report you see has got a lot of different action items,” he said. “They don’t actually call on any specific bill at this point, but you can certainly see that coming, and that will be done in a myriad of ways. Some of that will be things such as data privacy and protection, which we’ve worked on in the past. Some things would be things such as deep fakes, which we’ve worked on in the past. Other things might be edicts from the governor’s office, where he and his staff may want to do certain things for certain agencies.” The report calls for each state agency, as well as all 538 Georgia cities, 159 counties and 181 school systems to track their AI usage and monitor for safety and efficiency. It also calls for the creation of a new state board of artificial intelligence. Albers and other Republicans on the committee emphasized that their intention is to provide what they called guardrails on the new technology while not stifling innovation. “As we approach these kinds of things, we’re not approaching this with a regulatory mindset,” said Acworth Republican Sen. Ed Setzler, who chairs the Senate Science and Technology Committee. “We’re approaching this as a thing that, sometimes, government does best when it does least, so we don’t start with a framework that this is something we need to regulate.” Several industries could expect targeted AI benefits. The report calls for expanded incentives for Georgia-based entertainment projects that incorporate “AI innovation” in an attempt to keep Georgia’s film and entertainment creators from moving their operations overseas. Lawmakers could create a grant program for small farmers to adopt AI technology, which can allow real-time insight into soil conditions and predictive insights for crop yields, but can be too cost-prohibitive for mom and pop farms. “Many of us saw movies years ago, and we think of, you know, ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ or ‘Terminator,'” Albers said. “All those different movies that embedded these things into our heads. And while there’s truly a healthy fear, we should make sure we’re working to put those guardrails in place.” SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLEBy Abby Badach Doyle, NerdWallet It won’t be impossible to buy a house in 2025 — just be prepared to play on hard mode. According to a November 2024 report from ICE Mortgage Technology, the monthly principal and interest payment on an average-priced home is $2,385. While that’s not the highest it’s ever been, it’s still a sharp increase — nearly 80% — from just three years ago. In November 2021, when mortgage rates averaged 3%, the monthly principal and interest on an average-priced home was $1,327 per month. So here’s the key to buying in 2025: Look ahead, not back. Regret won’t help you budget for today’s new normal. And with this year’s election also in the rearview mirror, so is some uncertainty among buyers and sellers that historically slows the market during every presidential election cycle. “People have just been kind of sitting waiting to see what’s going to happen,” says Courtney Johnson Rose, president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, an industry group for Black real estate agents. “I’m hopeful that the new year will bring more attention to real estate, more excitement to real estate, and more opportunities for first-time home owners to get in the game.” Preparing to buy a house is a lot like dressing for the weather. It’s easier when the outlook is sunny — but with some planning, you can gear up to face any condition. Here’s what housing market experts are forecasting for the upcoming year. Related Articles Real Estate | New law could help California renters facing eviction stay in their homes Real Estate | California No. 1 for crazy, pretentious residents, poll says Real Estate | Southern California hiring dips 47% below average in November Real Estate | Is California living worth the costs and taxes? Real Estate | California homebuying jumps 20%, biggest gain in 41 months First, home prices: We’ll likely see more modest growth in 2025, a change from skyrocketing prices in recent years. After 16 consecutive months of year-over-year price increases, the median existing-home sales price hit $407,200 in October, according to the National Association of Realtors. In 2025, with more supply trickling in to temper price increases, NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun forecasts a median existing-home sales price of $410,700, up just 2% over this year. Next, housing inventory: Demand still outpaces supply. While we don’t expect a return to a buyer’s market, competition should be less cutthroat. Realtor.com forecasts a balanced market in 2025 with an average 4.1-month supply of homes for sale, up from an average 3.7-month supply so far in 2024. That would make 2025 the friendliest market for buyers since 2016, which had an average 4.4-month supply. Finally, mortgage rates: After topping 8% in October 2023, the 30-year mortgage rate has slowly eased into the 6.5%-7% range this year. Rate cuts from the Federal Reserve have helped nudge that downward. Despite earlier optimism, forecasters’ latest consensus is for rates to effectively plateau above 6% throughout 2025. That said, every year has its wild cards. In 2025, it’s still uncertain how President-elect Donald Trump and a Republican-led Congress might shake up regulations and tax policies that affect the U.S. housing market. National forecasts don’t analyze what matters most: Your personal cash flow. To get ready to buy, first meet with a financial advisor or use an online calculator to determine how much house you can afford . You can also get free or low-cost advice from a housing counselor sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Next, look into down payment and closing cost assistance from state housing finance agencies, local governments, nonprofits and mortgage lenders. Your employer or labor union might offer assistance, too. First-time buyers with income below their area median have the most options, but repeat or higher-income borrowers can qualify for some programs as well. “I think that there’s a lot of free money being left out there,” Rose says. Your not-so-secret weapon for buying in 2025 just might be an experienced buyer’s agent. “Anybody can write a contract,” says Sharon Parker, associate broker with Tate & Foss Sotheby’s International Realty in Rye, New Hampshire. “But you need somebody who’s seen the market, the ups and downs, who knows how to get creative because every transaction is different.” Following a settlement with the NAR , buyers can now negotiate their agent’s compensation up front. (Previously, home sellers took on that task.) While new norms are still shaking out, Rose says she hasn’t seen too much drama since the change took effect in August. “So as long as buyers remember that we have to talk about this in the beginning of our relationship, everything typically works out fine,” she says. Finally, it’s time to shop for a mortgage. To get the best interest rate, get a quote with at least three different lenders. You could also delegate the shopping to a mortgage broker, who can compare quotes and even negotiate a lower rate on your behalf. Though brokers charge a fee, their access to more mortgage options and lower rates can often mean net savings overall. With a mortgage preapproval in hand, it’s go time. And you don’t have to wait until spring: If you’re ready to buy now, buyers have less competition and more negotiating power from December through February, so you could snag a deal. “The people who are selling and the people who are buying in the off season are very serious,” Parker says. “They’re not just lookie-loos.” However, lower inventory means fewer choices for buyers. So start your search prepared to compromise — a “good enough” house will still help you build equity. If a down payment or monthly mortgage payment is financially out of reach, there’s no shame in postponing your search to pad your savings. And owning a home isn’t the right lifestyle choice for everyone, with the ongoing commitment of money and time. But once you’re ready to buy — whether for the first time, or to upgrade or downsize — avoid the trap of waiting for a dip in mortgage rates. “Nobody can predict what the market, or the world, is going to do,” Parker says. “There is no better time than right now.” Mortgage rates will always fluctuate, and if they drop significantly, you can refinance. For first-time buyers, homeownership is a major financial glow-up — and the sooner you jump in, the longer you’ll have to build home equity. “Time value of money is really, really critical when it comes to real estate,” Rose says. “So I would always encourage somebody to buy as soon as you can and get the clock ticking.” More From NerdWallet Abby Badach Doyle writes for NerdWallet. Email: abadachdoyle@nerdwallet.com. The article Buying a House in 2025: Your How-To Guide originally appeared on NerdWallet .

Ruben Amorim has been advised to make a statement about the way he wants his Manchester United side to play by dispensing with one of Erik ten Hag's pet favourites when he takes charge for the first time this weekend. The Portuguese will lead out Manchester United for the first time when they travel to face newly-promoted Ipswich Town on Sunday afternoon. Amorim's high-pressing style differs from what United were doing under ten Hag, who was dismissed last month to pave the way for the Sporting boss to take over at Old Trafford. Ruben Amorim told to drop midfielder who does not suit his style That player is Casemiro, who has been the subject of repeated criticism for his performances in defensive midfield and as a stand-in centre-back this year. Calls have already been made for the 2022 arrival from Real Madrid to be axed by Amorim, with Jamie Carragher saying he would have no place for the Brazilian in a new-look United line-up designed around Amorim's principles. Another former Liverpool defender, Mark Lawrenson, has echoed that, telling betting company Paddy Power: "I think the whole Manchester United squad will benefit from Ruben Amorim's arrival. I don't do stats, but I bet you that all their stats will be better this weekend than they have been. "It's just one of those things. It's going to take a while to decide how they're going to play. [Amorim] obviously wants to press but they won't be able to do it straight away because they're not used to it. "You'd look at Casemiro and think that if they're going to press and get up the field quickly, that won't be his ideal way of playing and I think he might struggle. "He has played better of late, but they've got a new manager, and he might decide to drop him because he doesn't have the legs." Lawrenson does predict that Harry Maguire will benefit from a change in system, however, saying: "If Harry Maguire knocked on Ruben Amorim's door, he'll have a look at him and see what he's got. "With every player – and there’s lots of them – he has to look at each one, but in the meantime, he must get results. If Harry Maguire plays as the middle of Amorim’s back three, he’ll be comfortable. "It's just that he doesn’t have that half a yard of pace. Amorim might think he can put him in the middle with two guys either side who have legs and see how they go. I can see Ipswich causing Manchester United problems, but I can't see them beating them. "It's going to take a while for Ruben Amorim to stamp his authority in terms of the way they play. He speaks a lot of sense, and he's addressed the 'Manchester United problem' as it were, but it's going to be a while for him before he knows his best team."Constellation Brands Inc. Cl A stock falls Monday, underperforms market

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As the holiday season approaches, gaming laptops emerge as one of the most sought-after holiday gifts for tech enthusiasts and avid gamers. With advancements in technology, these best gaming laptops offer impressive performance, immersive displays, and the ability to handle demanding titles with ease. Whether shopping for someone who enjoys casual gaming or a dedicated gamer, the following top gaming laptops are some of the best laptop recommendations to consider this year. The Razer Blade 18 is a premium choice for gamers who prioritise power and display size. Featuring a sturdy all-aluminium chassis and an 18-inch immersive display, it strikes a balance between aesthetics and performance. Configurable with up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU, it offers top-tier performance for the most demanding AAA games. While its larger size may limit portability, the Razer Blade 18 is an ideal home gaming rig. For those who value both performance and visual fidelity, this laptop is one of the best gaming laptops available this season. For gamers looking for a sleek design paired with powerful performance, the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 stands out. With options for Intel and AMD processors alongside NVIDIA's RTX 40-Series graphics, it excels in both benchmarks and real-world gaming scenarios. Additionally, this model offers excellent value at a competitive price point, making it an ideal choice for serious gamers. The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 9 is one of the top laptop recommendations this holiday season, delivering high performance without breaking the bank. When portability is a priority, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 excels. Known for its sleek design and high-quality OLED display , this laptop is a lightweight alternative to bulkier gaming machines. While it may not reach the extreme frame rates of its larger counterparts, its OLED panel delivers stunning visuals, making it ideal for on-the-go gaming. The latest iteration features an all-metal chassis, ensuring both durability and style. For anyone seeking a compact but powerful machine, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is one of the top gaming laptops to consider for holiday gifts. For gamers who demand extreme power, the MSI Titan 18 HX is a powerhouse. Equipped with an Intel Core i9 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 GPU, it handles the most demanding games with ease. Its 18-inch 4K mini LED display with a 120Hz refresh rate guarantees an immersive and smooth gaming experience. While it is heavier and less portable than other options, its performance and visual quality make it an exceptional choice for dedicated gamers. For those seeking top-tier gaming performance, the MSI Titan 18 HX is among the best gaming laptops this year. Alienware is synonymous with high-performance gaming laptops, and the m18 R2 is no exception. This robust laptop combines top-of-the-line components to deliver exceptional gaming performance across a wide range of titles. Additionally, the Alienware m18 R2 features customizable RGB lighting, enhancing the gaming atmosphere. With a unique and striking design, this laptop is not only powerful but also visually appealing. For gamers looking for power and style, the Alienware m18 R2 should be on their list of top gaming laptops for holiday gifts. The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 strikes a perfect balance between portability and performance. Featuring the latest AMD processors and NVIDIA graphics options, it provides solid gaming performance while maintaining good battery life. The G16 also boasts a high-resolution display that enhances visual fidelity during gameplay. This laptop is an excellent choice for gamers who want a versatile machine that can handle both gaming and everyday tasks. The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 is a great laptop recommendation for anyone seeking a high-performing, portable gaming machine . The market for gaming laptops persists and expands, providing wide options for consumers with regard to price, preferences and requirements. Every gamer that has been on the market for a new gaming laptop will be happy to know that regardless of one’s needs, whether it is performance, portability, or affordability, there is a best gaming laptop for each of them. Available in the market are the best gaming laptops, and this gives a guarantee that whoever is being shopped for will enjoy the best of gaming technology. Whether it is a powerhouse machine or a portable one, the various laptops enlisted above are perfect for this holiday season.

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‘Negative politics, parivarvaad have been defeated’: PM Modi lauds Mahayuti’s smashing victory in MaharashtraNew Delhi [India], December 25 (ANI): India is home to more than 73,000 startups with at least one woman director, recognised under the Startup India initiative, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry stated on Wednesday. The ministry, in a release, highlighted that this represents nearly half of the 1,57,066 startups supported by the government, underscoring the crucial role women play in driving innovation and economic growth. India has emerged as one of the most vibrant startup ecosystems globally, securing its position as the third-largest startup hub. With over 100 unicorns, the Indian startup landscape is shaping the future of innovation and entrepreneurship. The entrepreneurial spirit in India has undergone a paradigm shift over the last decade. Cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi-NCR have become epicentres of innovation. The widespread availability of affordable internet, coupled with a young and dynamic workforce, has fuelled the growth of startups in diverse sectors, including fintech, edtech, health-tech, and e-commerce. According to the “Indian Startup Ecosystem Report” by Startup India, India’s startups have leveraged emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and IoT to address both local and global challenges. This culture of innovation, supported by incubators, accelerators, and robust mentoring networks, has fostered a unique ecosystem that connects grassroots challenges with cutting-edge solutions. Recognising the transformative potential of startups, the Indian government has introduced several initiatives to support and nurture entrepreneurship. The flagship Startup India programme, launched in 2016, has been a cornerstone of this effort. As of December 25, 2024, 157,066 startups have been recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), with 759,303 users registered on the portal. The government has launched ambitious programmes to support the startup ecosystem through ease of doing business, tax benefits, funding support, sector-specific policies, and the Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR) platform. Additionally, initiatives such as the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and the National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) provide infrastructure and financial support to innovators. The Startup Accelerator of MeitY for Product Innovation, Development, and Growth (SAMRIDH) scheme, launched in 2021, aims to support 300 software product startups over four years with an outlay of Rs 99 crore, offering funding of up to Rs 40 lakh per startup through accelerators to scale their businesses. Highlighting the success of new-age companies such as BYJU’S, Zomato, Ola, and Nykaa, the ministry noted that these startups have expanded their operations globally, showcasing India’s ability to scale and compete on the world stage. The success of Indian-origin startups in Silicon Valley further underscores the country’s global influence, the ministry added. According to the Startup India International Guide, Indian startups are increasingly partnering with global corporations and entering international markets. India’s leadership in affordable technology solutions, such as UPI and Aadhaar-enabled services, is inspiring similar innovations globally, the ministry added. Furthermore, India’s unicorns are outpacing global peers in valuation growth, proving that the ecosystem’s foundation is robust and scalable, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry concluded. (ANI) This report is auto-generated from ANI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. var ytflag = 0;var myListener = function() {document.removeEventListener('mousemove', myListener, false);lazyloadmyframes();};document.addEventListener('mousemove', myListener, false);window.addEventListener('scroll', function() {if (ytflag == 0) {lazyloadmyframes();ytflag = 1;}});function lazyloadmyframes() {var ytv = document.getElementsByClassName("klazyiframe");for (var i = 0; i < ytv.length; i++) {ytv[i].src = ytv[i].getAttribute('data-src');}} Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );None