48 jili
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Photo shows the book ‘Iban Bejalai’, written by Dr Peter M. Kedit. THIS week, I have taken the liberty to depart from the nearly formulaic manner in which I have previously critiqued contemporary issues, social and economic, and chosen instead to analyse some of the key ideas and topics of interest that have surfaced from a book entitled ‘Iban Bejalai’ that was recently published by Unimas and written by Dr Peter M. Kedit. The concept of Iban ‘bejalai’, traditionally associated with the Iban people’s migratory lifestyle and their connection to nature, has evolved significantly as the community adapts to the complexities of contemporary life, according to Kedit. Indeed, as he rightly describes at the outset, the notion of ‘bejalai’ goes back to the early longhouse days when it represented a rite of passage for young Ibans, involving travels that strengthened cultural identity while simultaneously promoting commercial and social ties. As a student of social anthropology, I should be pardoned for applying a sociological viewpoint to assess the vast corpus of anthropological work in the book by renowned anthropologist Kedit, choosing just that which I feel is suitable and relevant to Putman’s sociological framework vis-à-vis the Iban contemporary society. Essential elements The essential elements of ‘bejalai’, culture, tradition, and commercial endeavours are worth mentioning because they continue to define the adventure story, driven by monetary gain and identity advancement, though not without being influenced by changes and outside forces over time. However, ‘bejalai’ is neither a ritual nor a process that is absolute in its entirety. Times have changed, so have the character and contextual relevance of ‘bejalai’. The core of ‘bejalai’ has changed as a result of the socio-economic context being reshaped by globalisation and urbanisation, as Kedit admits. Under the changing circumstances, the Ibans have to cope with the need to navigate their identity in a world that is becoming more interconnected because it represents a dual cultural space where traditional customs and contemporary influences converge. The challenges of balancing two distinct cultural environments are aptly reflected in the Iban ‘bejalai’ long-distance migration habit. They have a history of seasonal migration, moving to neighbouring cities or countries in search of work opportunities from their rural settlements. In addition to indicating a need for financial stability, this pattern demonstrates the profound cultural interaction that occurs when people are torn between two different cultures. It might be challenging for individuals to maintain their cultural identity, while acclimating to their new surroundings since they frequently encounter contradictory societal norms, attitudes, and expectations in metropolitan environments. Dual cultural domain The passage that has been bequeathed by the ‘bejalai’ tradition is not without its undulating and sometimes repressive features. I share the view of Kedit that the dual cultural domain presents opportunities as well as difficulties for the Iban ‘bejalai’ in that on the one hand, migrants might encounter diverse lifestyles and perspectives, which can foster social mobility and improve their own cultural understanding. On the other, assimilation pressure may also weaken community ties and cultural practices, which can lead to an identity crisis for younger generations. Finding a balance between preserving their cultural heritage and assimilating into a rapidly changing socioeconomic environment is challenging. Given the shifting dynamics within the Iban social and cultural milieu, however, Kedit’s proposal to settle this dispute and eventually recreate themselves in a world that is becoming more networked seemed audacious and urban. For the Ibans, who must respect and uphold their tradition while accepting modernity, the study by Kedit indicates an open and unmapped social path. Kedit uses both qualitative and quantitative data from a mixed research style to support his claims and conclusions. When traversing numerous cultural contexts, people must carefully balance honouring their ancestors’ customs with adapting to the shifting social dynamics of modern life. This is one of the troubling concerns that have emerged from Kedit’s book. As they try to maintain the rich traditions of their culture while also adapting to the expectations of a modern society that values independence and material prosperity, the Ibans find themselves walking a tightrope. Ancestral customs’ expectations – such as social bonds, shared duties, and respect for the natural world – can occasionally conflict with the reality of urban life, where individual success and self-improvement are frequently praised. Navigating two cultures is made more difficult by preconceptions and external opinions that may marginalise local practices. For the Ibans, spreading knowledge and appreciation requires teaching people about the significance of bejalai, whether via storytelling, traditional celebrations, or educational initiatives. Transcendental journey By sharing the meanings embedded in their traditions and their experiences, they may take back control of their narratives and contribute to a broader discussion on cultural diversity and resilience. Bejalai’s journey ultimately transcends national boundaries and symbolises a multifaceted fabric of identity that is both firmly rooted in the wisdom of past generations and changes throughout time. The Christian values of promoting peace and helping others strike a strong chord with the cultural tradition of many young Ibans as they set out on their ‘bejalai’. Today’s ‘bejalai’ experience, which frequently includes travel and self-discovery, adds a spiritual component where people want to exhibit Christ-like qualities. This mixture enhances the ‘bejalai’ experience and makes them more eager to form cordial bonds within their communities. Furthermore, conversations concerning identity and cultural preservation have been sparked by the ‘bejalai’ framework’s acceptance of Christian ideals. While some elders worry that their customs may be disappearing, others welcome the chance to give their rites fresh significance. This continuous discussion illustrates the dynamic interaction between upholding cultural traditions and accepting Christian moral principles. Christianity and identity of modern Dayak Christianity has significantly shaped the psyche and identity of the modern Dayak. The religious transformation has led to a shift in communal values, emphasising notions of individual morality and community cohesion through church participation. This change is evident in how many Dayaks now prioritise education and personal development, viewing these as essential components of their new identity as Christians. However, this transformation is not without challenges; the tension between traditional Dayak beliefs and the tenets of Christianity sometimes leads to generational divides within families and communities. The elders may hold on to ancestral practices, while younger generations increasingly gravitate towards a Christian identity, which they perceive as more aligned with modern values and opportunities. And as people go through their lives with a sense of purpose derived from both tradition and religion, the incorporation of Christian principles into ‘bejalai’ reveals a significant shift in the community’s spiritual environment. Additionally, navigating two different cultural areas promotes a conversation between tradition and modernity within the Iban community. They are not only leaving their origins behind when they set out on their ‘bejalai’, whether it is through actual or virtual trips; rather, they are enhancing their cultural fabric. By combining the old with the new, the Ibans are able to reinvent themselves in a way that respects their culture and seizes the potential of the modern world. The Iban people’s inventiveness, tenacity, and dedication to preserving their traditional identity in the face of contemporary difficulties and changes are so powerfully demonstrated by the idea of ‘bejalai’. * Toman Mamora is ‘Tokoh Media Sarawak 2022’, recipient of Shell Journalism Gold Award (1996) and AZAM Best Writer Gold Award (1998). He remains true to his decades-long passion for critical writing as he seeks to gain insight into some untold stories of societal value.NBC will honor John Madden on Thanksgiving by taking the original Madden Cruiser on one last road trip
The cryptocurrency officially to rose six figures Wednesday night, just hours after the president-elect said he intends to nominate cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins to be the next chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Bitcoin has soared since Trump won the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 5. The asset climbed from $69,374 on Election Day, hitting as high as $103,713 Wednesday, according to CoinDesk. And the latest all-time high arrives just two years after bitcoin dropped below $17,000 following the collapse of crypto exchange FTX . Bitcoin fell back below the $100,000 by Thursday afternoon, sitting above $99,000 by 4 p.m. ET. Even amid a massive rally that has more than doubled the value of bitcoin this year, some experts continue to warn of investment risks around the asset, which has quite a volatile history. Here’s what you need to know. Back up. What is cryptocurrency again? Cryptocurrency has been around for a while now. But chances are you’ve heard about it more and more over the last few years. In basic terms, cryptocurrency is digital money. This kind of currency is designed to work through an online network without a central authority — meaning it’s typically not backed by any government or banking institution — and transactions get recorded with technology called a blockchain. Bitcoin is the largest and oldest cryptocurrency, although other assets like ethereum, XRP, tether and dogecoin have also gained popularity over the years. Some investors see cryptocurrency as a “digital alternative” to traditional money, but most daily financial transactions are still conducted using fiat currencies such as the dollar. Also, bitcoin can be very volatile, with its price reliant on larger market conditions. Why is bitcoin soaring? A lot of the recent action has to do with the outcome of the U.S. presidential election. Trump, who was once a crypto skeptic, has pledged to make the U.S. “the crypto capital of the planet” and create a “strategic reserve” of bitcoin. His campaign accepted donations in cryptocurrency and he courted fans at a bitcoin conference in July. He also launched World Liberty Financial, a new venture with family members to trade cryptocurrencies. On Thursday morning, hours after bitcoin surpassed the $100,000 mark, Trump congratulated “BITCOINERS” on his social media platform Truth Social. He also appeared to take credit for the recent rally, writing, “YOU’RE WELCOME!!!” Top crypto players welcomed Trump’s election victory last month, in hopes that he would be able to push through legislative and regulatory changes that they’ve long lobbied for — which, generally speaking, aim for an increased sense of legitimacy without too much red tape. And the industry has made sizeable investments along the way. Back in August, Public Citizen, a left-leaning consumer rights advocacy nonprofit, reported finding that crypto-sector corporations spent more than $119 million in 2024 to back pro-crypto candidates across federal elections. Trump made his latest pro-crypto move when he announced his plans Wednesday to nominate Atkins to chair the SEC. Atkins was an SEC commissioner during the presidency of George W. Bush. In the years since leaving the agency, Atkins has made the case against too much market regulation. He joined the Token Alliance, a cryptocurrency advocacy organization, in 2017. Under current chair Gary Gensler, who will step down when Trump takes office, the SEC has cracked down on the crypto industry — penalizing a number of companies for violating securities laws. Gensler has also faced ample criticism from industry players in the process. One crypto-friendly move the SEC did make under Gensler was the approval in January of spot bitcoin ETFs, or exchange trade funds, which allow investors to have a stake in bitcoin without directly buying it. The spot ETFs were the dominant driver of bitcoin's price before Trump's win — but, like much of the crypto’s recent momentum, saw record inflows postelection. What does bitcoin hitting the $100k mark mean? Could it keep climbing? Bitcoin surpassing the coveted $100,000 mark has left much of the crypto world buzzing. “What we’re seeing isn’t just a rally — it’s a fundamental transformation of bitcoin’s place in the financial system,” Nathan McCauley, CEO and co-founder of crypto custodian Anchorage Digital, said in a statement — while pointing to the growth of who's entering the market, particularly with rising institutional adoption. Still, others note that the new heights of bitcoin's price don't necessarily mean the asset is going mainstream. The $100,000 level is “merely a psychological factor and ultimately just a number,” Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at British investment company AJ Bell, wrote in a Thursday commentary . That being said, bitcoin could keep climbing to more and more all-time highs, particularly if Trump makes good on his promises for more crypto-friendly regulation once in office. If Trump actually makes a bitcoin reserve, for example, supply changes could also propel the price forward. “It is hard to overstate the magnitude of the change in Washington’s attitude towards crypto post-election,” Matt Hougan, chief investment officer at Bitwise Asset Management, said via email Thursday, reiterating that prices could keep rising if trends persist. “There is a lot more demand than there is supply, and that’s usually a pretty good recipe for success.” Still, as with everything in the volatile cryptoverse, the future is never promised. Worldwide regulatory uncertainties and environmental concerns around bitcoin “mining" — the creation of new bitcoin, which consumes a lot of energy — are among factors that analysts like Coatsworth note could hamper future growth. And, as still a relatively young asset with a history of volatility, longer-term adoption has yet to be seen through. Is it too late to invest? What are the risks? Today’s excitement around bitcoin may make many who aren’t already in the space want to get in on the action. For those in a position to invest, Hougan says it's not too late — noting that bitcoin is still early in its development and most institutional investors “still have zero exposure.” At the same time, Hougan and others maintain that it's important to tread cautiously and not bite off more than you can chew. Experts continue to stress caution around getting carried away with crypto “FOMO,” or the fear of missing out, especially for small-pocketed investors. “A lot of people have got rich from the cryptocurrency soaring in value this year, but this high-risk asset isn’t suitable for everyone,” Coatsworth noted Thursday. “It’s volatile, unpredictable and is driven by speculation, none of which makes for a sleep-at-night investment.” In short, history shows you can lose money in crypto as quickly as you’ve made it. Long-term price behavior relies on larger market conditions. Trading continues at all hours, every day. Coatsworth points to recent research from the Bank for International Settlements, a Switzerland-based global organization of central banks, which found that about three-quarters of retail buyers on crypto exchange apps likely lost money on their bitcoin investments between 2015 and 2022. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, bitcoin stood at just over $5,000. Its price climbed to nearly $69,000 by November 2021, during high demand for technology assets, but later crashed during an aggressive series of rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. And the late-2022 collapse of FTX significantly undermined confidence in crypto overall, with bitcoin falling below $17,000. Investors began returning in large numbers as inflation started to cool — and gains skyrocketed on the anticipation and then early success of spot ETFs, and again, now the post-election frenzy. But lighter regulation from the coming Trump administration could also mean less guardrails. This story has been corrected to refer to Anchorage Digital as a crypto custodian, not a crypto asset manager.OTTAWA — Peter Anholt tried to keep things light as he emerged from one of the elevators at Canada's hotel. The temperature had been turned way up on the veteran hockey executive and the country's under-20 program after a stunning upset some 12 hours earlier. "You only want to talk to me when things are bad, eh?" Anholt joked to reporters Saturday morning. "Is that how this works?" That is indeed what happens when a powerhouse with a record 20 gold medals expected to roll over an opponent suffers one of its worst all-time defeats at the tournament. Canada was embarrassed on home soil 3-2 by Latvia — a country it had thumped by a combined 41-4 score across four previous meetings — in a shocking shootout Friday. Coming off a disastrous fifth-place finish last year in Sweden and having talked a lot about upping their compete level and preparation, the Canadians looked disjointed for long stretches against the plucky, hard-working Latvians. The power play finally clicked late in the third period, but stands at 1-for-7 through two games, while the top line of Easton Cowan, Calum Ritchie and Bradly Nadeau has yet to translate its pre-tournament chemistry into success in the spotlight. "We're certainly trying to problem solve, but not throw the baby out with the bath water," said Anholt, who heads the world junior setup. "We've got to be really careful." Canada, which picked up a solid 4-0 victory over Finland to open its tournament Thursday, had plenty of offensive zone time and directed 57 shots at Latvian goaltender Linards Feldbergs. Included in that total, however, were far too many one-and-done efforts from the perimeter with little traffic in front. There were, of course, desperate spurts — especially late in regulation and in 3-on-3 overtime — but not nearly enough for a roster peppered with first-round NHL draft picks and top prospects. "We played really, really hard," Anholt said in defending his players. "We controlled the puck lots. We created some chances. Their goalie was really good and they defended really good ... 99 times out of 100 we win that game." Hoping for a big response Sunday against Germany before meeting the United States on New Year's Eve to tie a bow on round-robin action in Group A, Canada will have to push ahead minus one of its best players. Star defenceman Matthew Schaefer was injured Friday and is done for the tournament after he slammed into Latvia's net and skated off favouring his left shoulder area. "Tough blow for the kid," Anholt said. "The way he plays the game, he plays it at such a high speed." Cowan, a Toronto Maple Leafs first-round selection, said Canada remains confident despite Friday's ugly result in the nation's capital. "We're good," said the 19-year-old from Mount Brydges, Ont. "Everyone's lost a hockey game before." But not like that — or to that opponent on that stage. "Bit of a (crappy) feeling," said Nadeau, a Carolina Hurricanes prospect from St-Francois-de-Madawaska, N.B. "We all know what this group is capable of. Losing that game is not our standard. "We'll bounce back." Some corners of social media exploded following the Latvian debacle, with heavy criticism directed at head coach Dave Cameron and the team's overall roster construction. "We're not really worried about it," defenceman and Ottawa native Oliver Book, who like Cowan is back from last year's team, said of the outside noise. "We know we didn't play well." Canada appears poised to mix things up against the Germans. Vancouver Canucks prospect Sawyer Mynio of Kamloops, B.C., is set draw in for Schaefer, while Anholt indicated there's a good chance forward Carson Rehkopf will get his first crack at the 2025 tournament as a returnee. The 19-year-old Seattle Kraken second-round pick from Vaughan, Ont., has scored a combined 78 goals over his last 97 regular-season and playoff games in the Ontario Hockey League. "Great player," Cowan said. "He finds ways." Anholt said taking a big-picture approach is key in challenging moments. "Let's not panic," he said. "The world hasn't fallen in. It's hard, but we'll learn from it." It's something Canada will have to do under intense scrutiny. "People are gonna love you and people are gonna hate you," said Cowan, who has a goal an assist through two games. "Gotta keep doing you." Anholt, who was also at the helm 12 months ago when Canada never got in gear, isn't getting 2024 vibes from this year's group. "Not even in any way, shape or form," he said. "We've just got to take care of business." They get a first shot at redemption Sunday. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 28, 2024. Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press
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For the first time, private sector banks as a group met priority sector lending targets including sub-targets for major heads in 2023-24, particularly in agriculture, showed central bank data. Although all bank groups managed to achieve their stipulated overall targets and sub targets, private sector banks did better than public sector counterparts. ET Year-end Special Reads What kept India's stock market investors on toes in 2024? India's car race: How far EVs went in 2024 Investing in 2025: Six wealth management trends to watch out for For public sector, private and foreign banks, the target is 40% of adjusted net bank credit (ANBC) or credit equivalent of off-balance sheet exposure (CEOBE), whichever is higher, for small finance banks the target is higher at 75%. One of the reasons for the private sector to achieve their priority sector target Is that these banks are now allowed to invest in priority sector lending certificates (PSLCs). These are issued against banks’ priority sector loans under various sub-targets and general categories. Banks use PSLCs to guard against shortfalls. The total trading volume of PSLCs climbed 26% in FY24 , primarily led by PSLC-General. Among the four PSLC categories, the small and marginal farmers category registered the highest trading volume, partly reflecting specialisation by a few banks in lending to this category of borrowers and the inability of other banks to meet sub-targets through direct lending, the RBI said in its report on Trends and Progress of Banking. In the past five years, private sector banks have emerged as major sellers of PSLCs. In FY24, they accounted for 49% of total sales as compared with 21% in the case of PSBs, the RBI said. 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