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Eastern states were earlier considered backward, I view them as country's growth engine: PM ModiSHAUN GOATER has taken charge of Aston Villa's women's side following the sacking of Robert de Pauw. The Manchester City legend, 54, is managing the team in the interim following the departure of the Holland-born coach. And the former striker, who scored more than a hundred times for the Cityzens, oversaw his first game at the helm when Villa hosted Charlton in the Women's League Cup on Wednesday night. De Pauw 's exit, announced by the club yesterday, came three days after the Villans fell to a fifth loss in nine top-flight games. The Dutchman is alleged to have made unprofessional remarks to players, including comments about their appearance. According to The Guardian concerns were raised in-house about the claims which the club are reported to have looked into. READ MORE TOP STORIES The Sun has contacted Villa for comment on those claims. The Dutch coach left the club "with immediate effect" after just six months at the helm. Just 24 hours earlier the ex-Bayer Leverkusen chief posted what many regarded as a cryptic message on LinkedIn . De Pauw wrote: "Finding the balance between the short term and long term in the best interest for the team and club is not an easy thing. It comes with big sacrifices." Most read in Football FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS "You need the backing of the club if you want the team to go from average, to good, to better, to top. "This reselecting and developing of a team is a necessary thing to do to make these steps. I did this in Leverkusen the past two seasons selecting on football, behaviour and characteristics of the players. "I never shy away from difficult decisions and I will certainly not win the popularity contests. Because you can never satisfy everyone. "But always keeping standards high to get the best out of the team and each other." Following a promising pre-season that included a friendly win against Man City, the Villans have endured a poor start to this season. The team were trounced 4-0 by Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday and have notched just ONE win in the WSL so far this term. Their dismal run has left them fourth from bottom and just one point above bottom-placed Crystal Palace before their final WSL game this year on Sunday. The team are due to host West Ham who are ninth with eight points and also battling to avoid the drop. De Pauw's departure was announced in a brief written statement published on their web site. They say Goater will be in charge of their women’s squad “until a new manager is appointed and will be supported by the wider coaching team”. READ MORE SUN STORIES The former Bermuda international joined Villa as assistant women’s team head coach in August. Before then Goater had worked as an assistant to Cityzens women’s side gaffer Gareth Taylor from April last year to June until this summer.
Don Jr.'s new girlfriend Bettina Anderson drops defiant response to critics who branded her a 'social climber' MAGA sours on Don Trump Jr.'s new girlfriend after resurfaced posts By BRITTANY CHAIN and KATELYN CARALLE FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 02:26 GMT, 30 December 2024 | Updated: 02:32 GMT, 30 December 2024 e-mail View comments Donald Trump Jr.'s new love has clapped back at her critics with a subtle vow to take the high road amid rumors his inner circle is begging him to end the relationship . The president's eldest son, 46, hard launched his relationship with Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson, 38, by bringing her to the Trump family Christmas celebration at Mar-a-Lago. Just weeks earlier, he publicly announced the end of his engagement to former Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle. The new relationship has sparked fears within Trump's camp, amid rumors that Anderson is a social climber with a notorious party girl reputation in Florida . This week, she took to Instagram to issue a defiant response to her critics, sharing a bible passage about lies and manipulation, the Irish Star reported. 'So let them lie. Let them manipulate. Let them talk. You just be still, because when God is on your side, who can stand against you?' the bible passage, from the book of Exodus, states. The passage was part of a video posted by an account which shares motivational quotes and messages, Cycas Motivation. Anderson later shared a photograph taken from the back of a horse, which she captioned: 'Happiness.' The pair took their relationship public shortly before his father will be sworn in as the nation's 47th president on January 20, 2025 This week, she took to Instagram to issue a defiant response to her critics, sharing a bible passage about lies and manipulation. Pictured at MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK Opening Night Party Allies of the president's eldest son are worried his new flame isn't 'MAGA enough' after her previous support for the Black Lives Matter movement and strict COVID rules. The pair took their relationship public just weeks before his father will be sworn in as the nation's 47th president on January 20, 2025. Anderson plans to join Don Jr . at Trump's Inauguration next month, a source told DailyMail.com, which would be her first public event alongside the first son. 'It's one thing to worry about Palm Beach shenanigans making a stop at Mar-a-Lago,' said a source close to the transition team. 'But to let those problems penetrate the White House is a new level of trouble.' At least two people close with Don Jr. allege that she is only using their friend as her latest step in her 'social ladder climbing' and carefree influencer lifestyle. She describes herself as a 'typical stay at home mom...only I don’t do household chores...or have a husband...or have kids.' Don Jr. and Anderson jetted off to Italy for a romantic getaway days after the news of their relationship broke. Anderson has shared pictures of love letters and flowers sent to her from Don Jr. and also openly documented their luxurious European escape. Anderson later shared a photograph taken from the back of a horse, which she captioned: 'Happiness' First whispers of her relationship with Don Jr. started in September when images emerged of the couple kissing and cuddling while dining at a restaurant near the Trump's southern Florida residence First whispers of her relationship with Don Jr. started in September when images emerged of the couple kissing and cuddling while dining at a restaurant near the Trump's southern Florida residence. At the time, the 46-year-old father-of-five was still publicly engaged to former Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle. More images of the two together were obtained in mid-December by Daily Mail and just hours later it was revealed that Don Jr.'s relationship with Guilfoyle was over after a four-year engagement. Stacey Bendet, fashion designer and founder and CEO of Alice + Olivia, said that the smears are due to other women 'fixating on competing' and not empowering each other. 'I have been friends with Bettina for a decade, she is the kindest soul, she has the biggest heart, she is witty and wise, hilariously funny, and an Ivy League grad - anyone who says a word otherwise is just another societal example of women fixating on competing verse empowering.' 'Don adores her for good reasons!!' she added in a text. Model Bettina Anderson attends Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Party More images of the two together were obtained in mid-December by Daily Mail But another person who says they have been close with Don Jr. for decades claims that Anderson is the furthest person they want close to Trump and his family. Others say that Anderson is trying to use Don Jr. as a 'stepping stone' to reach even 'bigger fish.' Asked why there is such an uprising from those in Palm Beach about Anderson, many had the same answer: 'We want to protect the Trump brand and don't want her close to the family.' Fox News Florida Politics Share or comment on this article: Don Jr.'s new girlfriend Bettina Anderson drops defiant response to critics who branded her a 'social climber' e-mail Add comment
IPL 2025: DC retain McGurk for Rs 9 cr & Harshal Patel joins SRH for Rs 8 crCARSON, Calif. — The LA Galaxy and the New York Red Bulls have been Major League Soccer mainstays since the league's inaugural season in 1996, signing glamorous players and regularly competing for championships through years of success and setbacks in a league that's perpetually improving and expanding. Yet just a year ago, both of these clubs appeared to be a very long way from the stage they'll share Saturday in the MLS Cup Final. The Galaxy were one of MLS' worst teams after a season of internal turmoil and public fan dissent, while the Red Bulls were merely a steady mediocrity seeking yet another coach to chart a new direction. A year later, these MLS founders are meeting in the league's first Cup final between teams from North America's two biggest markets. "Two original clubs being able to put themselves in this situation, I think it's great," Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. "To see two clubs that have been at it as long as this league has been around be here, I think it's a special moment. Couldn't be two more different and contrasting styles as well, which could make for an interesting game, and I would imagine a high-intensity game." Everything changed in 2024 after a dismal decade for the Galaxy, who are favored to cap their transformation by winning their team's record sixth MLS championship with a roster that's dramatically different from its past few groups — albeit with one massive injury absence in the final. The transformation of the Red Bulls happened only in the postseason, when a team that hadn't won a playoff game since 2017 suddenly turned into world-beaters under rookie coach Sandro Schwarz. New York struggled through the final three months of league play with only two wins before posting road playoff victories over defending champ Columbus, archrival New York City FC and conference finalist Orlando to storm into the Cup final. "We know about the history (of our club), and we know tomorrow will define what that could mean," Schwarz said Friday. "To feel the pressure for tomorrow, it's necessary, because it's a final, and without pressure it's not possible to bring the best quality on the field." The Red Bulls have never won an MLS Cup, only reaching the championship match once before. What's more, they've somehow never won a Cup in any tournament, although they've collected three Supporters' Shields for MLS' best regular-season record. The Galaxy's trophy case is large and loaded, and those five MLS Cups are on the top shelf. But not much of that team success happened in the past decade for the club that famously brought David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robbie Keane, Steven Gerrard and many other international stars to Hollywood. In fact, this season has ended a grim era for the Galaxy, who haven't lost all year at their frequently renamed home stadium — which was the site of protests and boycotts just a year ago. The club's fans were tired of LA's steady underachievement and ineptitude in the front office run by team president Chris Klein, who was fired in May 2023. One year ago Thursday, the Galaxy hired Will Kuntz, a longtime Los Angeles FC executive who engineered his new club's roster transformation, most dramatically by landing new designated players Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil — two international talents that LAFC also had in its sights. "I give Will and the group up there a ton of credit," Vanney said. "It's one thing to have players you like, and it's a whole other thing to get them here and get them to connect with your group." Pec and Paintsil combined for 32 goals and 27 assists while boosting the incumbent talents of striker Dejan Joveljic and Riqui Puig, the gifted Barcelona product who runs the offense from the midfield. The Galaxy clicked in the postseason, scoring a jaw-dropping 16 goals in four matches. Puig has been the Galaxy's most important player all season, but he won't be in the MLS Cup Final after tearing a knee ligament late in last week's conference final victory over Seattle. The loss of Puig — who somehow kept playing on his injured knee, and even delivered the game-winning pass to Joveljic — makes the Galaxy even more difficult to anticipate. "He played a lot in the regular season, so it was not so easy to analyze all these games now without him," Schwarz said. "But the main focus is to analyze what we need to do, because it's not clear now how they're playing without him." The Galaxy could give some of Puig's responsibilities to Marco Reus, the longtime Dortmund standout who joined LA in August. Reus is nursing a hamstring injury, but Vanney expects him to play. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
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The Finance Minister, Mohamed Aurangzeb, delivered a sharp critique of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Sunday, highlighting its deep-rooted inefficiencies. Addressing the business community in Kamali, the minister asserted that it is the FBR itself that needs to “right-size,” restructure, and align with modern practices. He emphasised that perceptions of corruption and harassment within the FBR are likely grounded in reality, reflecting the organisation’s failure to operate effectively and ethically. Aurangzeb’s criticism is well-founded. Pakistan’s tax-to-GDP ratio lags far behind its regional peers, hovering at a dismal 9-10% compared to the regional average of 18%. Compounding this issue is the widespread practice among Pakistan’s business elite and affluent class of transferring assets abroad, which significantly hampers the authorities’ ability to impose equitable income taxes. This systemic failure disproportionately burdens Pakistan’s salaried classes, who are taxed far beyond their limited means. Indirect taxation, such as sales taxes and duties, exacerbates the problem by placing a disproportionate strain on marginalised communities. These individuals often end up paying the same tax rates as wealthy industrialists, despite the latter’s far greater capacity to absorb such costs without hardship. At the core of Pakistan’s economic reform agenda must be a transformed, modernised FBR. A reimagined revenue authority would require a professional workforce, adequately compensated to deter corruption, and subject to robust oversight. Equally critical is the adoption of a fully digitalised tax collection system to minimise human interaction, curtail opportunities for bribery, and enhance efficiency. Leveraging technology can streamline processes, ensuring that tax collection is both transparent and effective. China to cut import tariffs on some recycled copper and aluminium raw materials Pakistan’s economic recovery demands a comprehensive overhaul, and reforming the FBR is central to this endeavour. The Finance Minister’s pointed remarks should serve as a clarion call for action. The path to an equitable and functional economic system begins with bringing the FBR up to international standards, a goal that should be pursued with unrelenting commitment. Tags: fbr futureFor Iowa, it's a chance to tune up going into the bulk of its Big Ten Conference schedule. For New Hampshire, it's an opportunity to collect a nice paycheck and perhaps even pull off a memorable upset. The Hawkeyes and Wildcats will finish their nonconference schedules Monday night when they meet in Iowa City. Iowa (9-3) last played on Dec. 21, erasing an 11-point second-half deficit to outgun Utah 95-88 in Sioux Falls, S.D. Payton Sandfort scored a season-high 24 points and added eight rebounds for the Hawkeyes, while Owen Freeman added 16 despite running into foul trouble. Hawkeyes coach Fran McCaffery praised fifth-year senior Drew Thelwell, Iowa's sixth-leading scorer, who matched his season high with 15 points. "The energy in the building was phenomenal. Drew was right in the middle of that," McCaffery said. "His defense and drawing six fouls, those are stats that are critical to a team's ability to win. Get to the bonus, get to the double bonus. We do that by driving the ball and drawing fouls and that's what we did." Freeman is averaging a team-high 17.1 points and shooting 66.1 percent from the field, while Sandfort adds 16.7 ppg. Iowa has its usual high-powered attack, ranking seventh in Division I in scoring at 87.8 ppg and canning 50.2 percent from the field. The Hawkeyes could add more gaudy offensive numbers against New Hampshire (2-12), which has lost six straight games, including a 90-83 decision on Dec. 22 at Stonehill. The Wildcats have experienced trouble defensively, allowing opponents to sink 45.2 percent of their field goal attempts and score 76.5 ppg. Coming off a successful 2023-24 campaign that saw the Wildcats go 16-15 and win a game in the America East Conference tournament, New Hampshire returned just three players and had to replace AEC Player of the Year Clarence Daniels and his 19.4 ppg. It hasn't gone to the plan of second-year coach Nathan Davis, but he's still hopeful his team can figure things out in conference play. "We've improved across the board as far as our talent level," he said this summer. "I like our pieces." This is the first meeting between the Wildcats and Hawkeyes. --Field Level Media
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WASHINGTON — Former Rep. Matt Gaetz said Friday that he will not be returning to Congress after withdrawing his name from consideration to be attorney general under President-elect Donald Trump amid growing allegations of sexual misconduct. “I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress,” Gaetz told conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, adding that he has “some other goals in life that I’m eager to pursue with my wife and my family.” The announcement comes a day after Gaetz, a Florida Republican, stepped aside from the Cabinet nomination process amid growing fallout from federal and House Ethics investigations that cast doubt on his ability to be confirmed as the nation’s chief federal law enforcement officer. The 42-year-old has vehemently denied the allegations against him. Gaetz’s nomination as attorney general had stunned many career lawyers inside the Justice Department, but reflected Trump’s desire to place a loyalist in a department he has marked for retribution following the criminal cases against him. Hours after Gaetz withdrew, Trump nominated Pam Bondi, the former Florida attorney general, who would come to the job with years of legal work under her belt and that other trait Trump prizes above all: loyalty. It’s unclear what’s next for Gaetz, who is no longer a member of the House. He surprised colleagues by resigning from Congress the same day that Trump nominated him for attorney general. Some speculated he could still be sworn into office for another two-year term on Jan. 3, given that he had just won reelection earlier this month. But Gaetz, who has been in state and national politics for 14 years, said he’s done with Congress. “I think that eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress,” he said.On December 30th, BTS’ Kim Taehyung, aka V, turns 29, and it’s the perfect time to look back at some of his most iconic and precious moments with Jungkook and Jimin. Known for his infectious charisma, V’s playful, goofy, and heartwarming interactions with his fellow members have left ARMY swooning time and time again. From his cheeky pranks with Jimin to sweet gestures with Jungkook, every moment captures the essence of V’s fun-loving spirit. His bond with both the 'maknae' Jungkook and his soulmate Jimin is truly something special. So, in celebration of his big day, here are 7 of the most adorable, unforgettable, and precious moments between V and his BTS brothers that show just how much they mean to each other! BTS V aka Kim Taehyung’s Birthday: From HBD Wishes on Burj Khalifa to Sand Art in Odisha, Here’s How ARMY Across the World Is Celebrating K-Pop Singer’s Special Day! . In one iconic episode of BTS’s variety show Run BTS, V and Jungkook had a jelly bean challenge, where they had to guess the flavour. V’s reactions were priceless, especially when Jungkook’s cheeky smile made V burst into laughter. During an interview, V gave Jungkook a rare, sweet compliment. He described him as the ‘best vocalist’. Jungkook was visibly moved, and fans couldn’t stop swooning over this heartwarming exchange. During one BTS In the Soop episode, V and Jimin were shown relaxing in their little cabin. Jimin tried to wake V up from his nap, but V was so out of it, that he hilariously responded with nonsensical words that left Jimin giggling. During BTS’s birthday celebrations, Jimin lovingly fed V a slice of cake, and the adorable moment was filled with laughter and affection. V even cheekily said, “This is too sweet for me,” but he couldn’t get enough of Jimin’s thoughtful gesture. BTS V aka Kim Taehyung Birthday: From Inner Child To Winter Bear, 5 Solo Songs of the K-Pop Singer You Got to Listen to If You Aren't Part of the BTS Army! . Jungkook’s mischievous ways sometimes get him into trouble, but V’s protective nature always comes through. On multiple occasions, when Jungkook was getting teased or making a mess, V would step in to ‘save’ him, often getting overly dramatic in the process. At the end of a live stream, V, Jungkook, and Jimin held hands and made a perfect heart-shaped gesture towards the camera, sending ARMY into a frenzy. V excitedly shouted, "It's my birthday!" as a way to share his special moment with the fans. The crowd erupted in cheers, completely immersed in his infectious energy and celebration. V's playful announcement made the moment even more memorable for both him and ARMY. That time Taehyung went “it’s my birthday!” during a Fire performance pic.twitter.com/4xcRlbwaYH — Still With You 7 ☔️ (@stillwithyou875) December 30, 2023 V, born on December 30, 1995, is set to celebrate his birthday this year. Since the start of 2024, he has had an incredible year, marked by numerous solo releases and continued success. As V celebrates his 29th, let’s raise a toast to these heartwarming moments that remind us just how strong and sweet the bonds of BTS truly are! (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 30, 2024 08:20 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com ).
The tech world is abuzz as Ayar Labs, a pioneering force in the field of silicon photonics, reaches a groundbreaking $1 billion valuation. Founded in 2015, this innovative company aims to redefine AI infrastructure by addressing the bottlenecks created by traditional copper interconnects, which no longer suffice for the demands of advanced AI models. Ayar Labs recently announced the successful completion of a significant $155 million Series D funding round. With financial backing from tech giants like AMD Ventures, Intel Capital, and Nvidia, the company has now raised a total of $370 million. This surge in investment is set to boost the mass production of Ayar Labs’ cutting-edge in-package optical interconnect technology, which promises to outperform copper by eliminating existing data transfer constraints. By enabling faster data movement with reduced latency and power usage, Ayar Labs offers a transformative solution for large-scale AI workloads. This optical I/O technology revolutionizes AI infrastructure, making it more efficient and economically viable. Major industry players, including leading GPU and semiconductor suppliers, see massive potential in this technology to shape the future of AI. With projections estimating over a trillion dollars in AI infrastructure investment in the coming decade, Ayar Labs stands ready for significant growth. Having already shipped approximately 15,000 units of its advanced TeraPHY optic transport and SuperNova laser source, the company plans to scale production to over 100 million units annually by 2028. As industry titans express keen interest in Ayar Labs’ innovations, the company aims to expand its manufacturing prowess and deepen customer engagements, cementing its role at the forefront of a new era in AI technology. Ayar Labs’ Silicon Photonics Revolution: Key Impacts and Future Prospects In an era of exponential AI growth, Ayar Labs has positioned itself as a transformative leader in silicon photonics, breaking new ground with its $1 billion valuation. This milestone reflects the immense promise and future potential of Ayar Labs’ optical interconnect technology in reshaping AI infrastructure. As the company accelerates its trajectory with a recent $155 million Series D funding round, backed by industry giants such as AMD, Intel, and Nvidia, several insights emerge about the implications and future of silicon photonics in AI. Why Silicon Photonics? Pros and Cons of Optical Interconnects The move from traditional copper interconnects to optical solutions presents several advantages: – Pros : – Higher Data Transfer Rates : Optical interconnects offer significantly faster data movement, essential for handling large-scale AI workloads efficiently. – Reduced Latency : By minimizing delays in data transfer, AI models can operate more efficiently, leading to faster computational outcomes. – Lower Power Consumption : Optical technology inherently consumes less power, contributing to sustainable and cost-effective AI infrastructure. – Cons : – Implementation Costs : The transition to optical components can initially incur higher costs due to the complexity of integration and production. – Technology Maturity : As with any emerging technology, wide-scale adoption may face hurdles related to standardization and compatibility. Innovations and Features Ayar Labs’ innovations are signified by their groundbreaking products like the TeraPHY optical transport and SuperNova laser source. These components enable seamless integration with existing semiconductor technology, providing a path forward for the next-gen AI infrastructure. Market Predictions and Trends With AI infrastructure investments projected to surpass a trillion dollars within the next decade, there is a growing demand for efficient data processing solutions. Ayar Labs’ optical interconnect technology could become a foundational element in data centers, research facilities, and enterprises prioritizing speed and efficiency. Roadmap to Mass Production Ayar Labs is strategically aiming to scale its production from the current 15,000 shipped units to over 100 million annually by 2028. This ambitious target mirrors the industry’s rapid embracing of silicon photonics as a future-proofed solution for burgeoning AI revelry. Comparative Advantage In comparison to its competitors, Ayar Labs is uniquely positioned to capture a significant share of the AI infrastructure market. By aligning with major semiconductor and GPU suppliers, the company assures its technology is not only cutting edge but also relevant to the needs of high-performance computing environments. Conclusion As Ayar Labs expands its manufacturing capabilities and deepens its market engagements, the company stands at the vanguard of the silicon photonics revolution. Its efforts to harness the potential of optical interconnects could redefine AI infrastructure and propel the industry into a new era of efficiency and innovation. For more insights into the future of silicon photonics, explore AMD , Intel , and Nvidia .
ATLANTA (AP) — Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who won the presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, endured humbling defeat after one tumultuous term and then redefined life after the White House as a global humanitarian, has died. He was 100 years old. The longest-lived American president died on Sunday, roughly 22 months after entering hospice care, at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023, spent most of their lives, The Carter Center said. “Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia,” the center said on the social media platform X. It added in a statement that he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. As reaction poured in from around the world, President Joe Biden mourned Carter’s death, saying the world lost an “extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian” and he lost a dear friend. Biden cited Carter’s work to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil and human rights, promote free and fair elections and house the homeless as an example for others. “To all of the young people in this nation and for anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning – the good life – study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith, and humility,” Biden said in a statement. Biden spoke later Sunday evening about Carter, calling it a “sad day” but one that “brings back an incredible amount of good memories.” “I’ve been hanging out with Jimmy Carter for over 50 years,” Biden said in his remarks. He recalled the former president being a comfort to him and his wife Jill when their son Beau died in 2015 of cancer. The president remarked how cancer was a common bond between their families, with Carter himself having cancer later in his life. “Jimmy knew the ravages of the disease too well,” said Biden, who was ordering a state funeral for Carter in Washington. Businessman, Navy officer, evangelist, politician, negotiator, author, woodworker, citizen of the world — Carter forged a path that still challenges political assumptions and stands out among the 45 men who reached the nation’s highest office. The 39th president leveraged his ambition with a keen intellect, deep religious faith and prodigious work ethic, conducting diplomatic missions into his 80s and building houses for the poor well into his 90s. “My faith demands — this is not optional — my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have to try to make a difference,” Carter once said. A president from Plains A moderate Democrat, Carter entered the 1976 presidential race as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad smile, outspoken Baptist mores and technocratic plans reflecting his education as an engineer. His no-frills campaign depended on public financing, and his promise not to deceive the American people resonated after Richard Nixon’s disgrace and U.S. defeat in southeast Asia. “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” Carter repeated before narrowly beating Republican incumbent Gerald Ford, who had lost popularity pardoning Nixon. Carter governed amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over racism, women’s rights and America’s global role. His most acclaimed achievement in office was a Mideast peace deal that he brokered by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at the bargaining table for 13 days in 1978. That Camp David experience inspired the post-presidential center where Carter would establish so much of his legacy. Yet Carter’s electoral coalition splintered under double-digit inflation, gasoline lines and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His bleakest hour came when eight Americans died in a failed hostage rescue in April 1980, helping to ensure his landslide defeat to Republican Ronald Reagan. Carter acknowledged in his 2020 “White House Diary” that he could be “micromanaging” and “excessively autocratic,” complicating dealings with Congress and the federal bureaucracy. He also turned a cold shoulder to Washington’s news media and lobbyists, not fully appreciating their influence on his political fortunes. “It didn’t take us long to realize that the underestimation existed, but by that time we were not able to repair the mistake,” Carter told historians in 1982, suggesting that he had “an inherent incompatibility” with Washington insiders. Carter insisted his overall approach was sound and that he achieved his primary objectives — to “protect our nation’s security and interests peacefully” and “enhance human rights here and abroad” — even if he fell spectacularly short of a second term. And then, the world Ignominious defeat, though, allowed for renewal. The Carters founded The Carter Center in 1982 as a first-of-its-kind base of operations, asserting themselves as international peacemakers and champions of democracy, public health and human rights. “I was not interested in just building a museum or storing my White House records and memorabilia,” Carter wrote in a memoir published after his 90th birthday. “I wanted a place where we could work.” That work included easing nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, helping to avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and negotiating cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, The Carter Center had declared at least 113 elections in Latin America, Asia and Africa to be free or fraudulent. Recently, the center began monitoring U.S. elections as well. Carter’s stubborn self-assuredness and even self-righteousness proved effective once he was unencumbered by the Washington order, sometimes to the point of frustrating his successors. He went “where others are not treading,” he said, to places like Ethiopia, Liberia and North Korea, where he secured the release of an American who had wandered across the border in 2010. “I can say what I like. I can meet whom I want. I can take on projects that please me and reject the ones that don’t,” Carter said. He announced an arms-reduction-for-aid deal with North Korea without clearing the details with Bill Clinton’s White House. He openly criticized President George W. Bush for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He also criticized America’s approach to Israel with his 2006 book “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid.” And he repeatedly countered U.S. administrations by insisting North Korea should be included in international affairs, a position that most aligned Carter with Republican President Donald Trump. Among the center’s many public health initiatives, Carter vowed to eradicate the guinea worm parasite during his lifetime, and nearly achieved it: Cases dropped from millions in the 1980s to nearly a handful. With hardhats and hammers, the Carters also built homes with Habitat for Humanity. The Nobel committee’s 2002 Peace Prize cites his “untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” Carter should have won it alongside Sadat and Begin in 1978, the chairman added. Carter accepted the recognition saying there was more work to be done. “The world is now, in many ways, a more dangerous place,” he said. “The greater ease of travel and communication has not been matched by equal understanding and mutual respect.” ‘An epic American life’ Carter’s globetrotting took him to remote villages where he met little “Jimmy Carters,” so named by admiring parents. But he spent most of his days in the same one-story Plains house — expanded and guarded by Secret Service agents — where they lived before he became governor. He regularly taught Sunday School lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church until his mobility declined and the coronavirus pandemic raged. Those sessions drew visitors from around the world to the small sanctuary where Carter will receive his final send-off after a state funeral at Washington’s National Cathedral. The common assessment that he was a better ex-president than president rankled Carter and his allies. His prolific post-presidency gave him a brand above politics, particularly for Americans too young to witness him in office. But Carter also lived long enough to see biographers and historians reassess his White House years more generously. His record includes the deregulation of key industries, reduction of U.S. dependence on foreign oil, cautious management of the national debt and notable legislation on the environment, education and mental health. He focused on human rights in foreign policy, pressuring dictators to release thousands of political prisoners. He acknowledged America’s historical imperialism, pardoned Vietnam War draft evaders and relinquished control of the Panama Canal. He normalized relations with China. “I am not nominating Jimmy Carter for a place on Mount Rushmore,” Stuart Eizenstat, Carter’s domestic policy director, wrote in a 2018 book. “He was not a great president” but also not the “hapless and weak” caricature voters rejected in 1980, Eizenstat said. Rather, Carter was “good and productive” and “delivered results, many of which were realized only after he left office.” Madeleine Albright, a national security staffer for Carter and Clinton’s secretary of state, wrote in Eizenstat’s forward that Carter was “consequential and successful” and expressed hope that “perceptions will continue to evolve” about his presidency. “Our country was lucky to have him as our leader,” said Albright, who died in 2022. Jonathan Alter, who penned a comprehensive Carter biography published in 2020, said in an interview that Carter should be remembered for “an epic American life” spanning from a humble start in a home with no electricity or indoor plumbing through decades on the world stage across two centuries. “He will likely go down as one of the most misunderstood and underestimated figures in American history,” Alter told The Associated Press. A small-town start James Earl Carter Jr. was born Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains and spent his early years in nearby Archery. His family was a minority in the mostly Black community, decades before the civil rights movement played out at the dawn of Carter’s political career. Carter, who campaigned as a moderate on race relations but governed more progressively, talked often of the influence of his Black caregivers and playmates but also noted his advantages: His land-owning father sat atop Archery’s tenant-farming system and owned a main street grocery. His mother, Lillian, would become a staple of his political campaigns. Seeking to broaden his world beyond Plains and its population of fewer than 1,000 — then and now — Carter won an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1946. That same year he married Rosalynn Smith, another Plains native, a decision he considered more important than any he made as head of state. She shared his desire to see the world, sacrificing college to support his Navy career. Carter climbed in rank to lieutenant, but then his father was diagnosed with cancer, so the submarine officer set aside his ambitions of admiralty and moved the family back to Plains. His decision angered Rosalynn, even as she dived into the peanut business alongside her husband. Carter again failed to talk with his wife before his first run for office — he later called it “inconceivable” not to have consulted her on such major life decisions — but this time, she was on board. “My wife is much more political,” Carter told the AP in 2021. He won a state Senate seat in 1962 but wasn’t long for the General Assembly and its back-slapping, deal-cutting ways. He ran for governor in 1966 — losing to arch-segregationist Lester Maddox — and then immediately focused on the next campaign. Carter had spoken out against church segregation as a Baptist deacon and opposed racist “Dixiecrats” as a state senator. Yet as a local school board leader in the 1950s he had not pushed to end school segregation even after the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision, despite his private support for integration. And in 1970, Carter ran for governor again as the more conservative Democrat against Carl Sanders, a wealthy businessman Carter mocked as “Cufflinks Carl.” Sanders never forgave him for anonymous, race-baiting flyers, which Carter disavowed. Ultimately, Carter won his races by attracting both Black voters and culturally conservative whites. Once in office, he was more direct. “I say to you quite frankly that the time for racial discrimination is over,” he declared in his 1971 inaugural address, setting a new standard for Southern governors that landed him on the cover of Time magazine. ‘Jimmy Who?’ His statehouse initiatives included environmental protection, boosting rural education and overhauling antiquated executive branch structures. He proclaimed Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the slain civil rights leader’s home state. And he decided, as he received presidential candidates in 1972, that they were no more talented than he was. In 1974, he ran Democrats’ national campaign arm. Then he declared his own candidacy for 1976. An Atlanta newspaper responded with the headline: “Jimmy Who?” The Carters and a “Peanut Brigade” of family members and Georgia supporters camped out in Iowa and New Hampshire, establishing both states as presidential proving grounds. His first Senate endorsement: a young first-termer from Delaware named Joe Biden. Yet it was Carter’s ability to navigate America’s complex racial and rural politics that cemented the nomination. He swept the Deep South that November, the last Democrat to do so, as many white Southerners shifted to Republicans in response to civil rights initiatives. A self-declared “born-again Christian,” Carter drew snickers by referring to Scripture in a Playboy magazine interview, saying he “had looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times.” The remarks gave Ford a new foothold and television comedians pounced — including NBC’s new “Saturday Night Live” show. But voters weary of cynicism in politics found it endearing. Carter chose Minnesota Sen. Walter “Fritz” Mondale as his running mate on a “Grits and Fritz” ticket. In office, he elevated the vice presidency and the first lady’s office. Mondale’s governing partnership was a model for influential successors Al Gore, Dick Cheney and Biden. Rosalynn Carter was one of the most involved presidential spouses in history, welcomed into Cabinet meetings and huddles with lawmakers and top aides. The Carters presided with uncommon informality: He used his nickname “Jimmy” even when taking the oath of office, carried his own luggage and tried to silence the Marine Band’s “Hail to the Chief.” They bought their clothes off the rack. Carter wore a cardigan for a White House address, urging Americans to conserve energy by turning down their thermostats. Amy, the youngest of four children, attended District of Columbia public school. Washington’s social and media elite scorned their style. But the larger concern was that “he hated politics,” according to Eizenstat, leaving him nowhere to turn politically once economic turmoil and foreign policy challenges took their toll. Accomplishments, and ‘malaise’ Carter partially deregulated the airline, railroad and trucking industries and established the departments of Education and Energy, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He designated millions of acres of Alaska as national parks or wildlife refuges. He appointed a then-record number of women and nonwhite people to federal posts. He never had a Supreme Court nomination, but he elevated civil rights attorney Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the nation’s second highest court, positioning her for a promotion in 1993. He appointed Paul Volker, the Federal Reserve chairman whose policies would help the economy boom in the 1980s — after Carter left office. He built on Nixon’s opening with China, and though he tolerated autocrats in Asia, pushed Latin America from dictatorships to democracy. But he couldn’t immediately tame inflation or the related energy crisis. And then came Iran. After he admitted the exiled Shah of Iran to the U.S. for medical treatment, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun in 1979 by followers of the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Negotiations to free the hostages broke down repeatedly ahead of the failed rescue attempt. The same year, Carter signed SALT II, the new strategic arms treaty with Leonid Brezhnev of the Soviet Union, only to pull it back, impose trade sanctions and order a U.S. boycott of the Moscow Olympics after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan. Hoping to instill optimism, he delivered what the media dubbed his “malaise” speech, although he didn’t use that word. He declared the nation was suffering “a crisis of confidence.” By then, many Americans had lost confidence in the president, not themselves. Carter campaigned sparingly for reelection because of the hostage crisis, instead sending Rosalynn as Sen. Edward M. Kennedy challenged him for the Democratic nomination. Carter famously said he’d “kick his ass,” but was hobbled by Kennedy as Reagan rallied a broad coalition with “make America great again” appeals and asking voters whether they were “better off than you were four years ago.” Reagan further capitalized on Carter’s lecturing tone, eviscerating him in their lone fall debate with the quip: “There you go again.” Carter lost all but six states and Republicans rolled to a new Senate majority. Carter successfully negotiated the hostages’ freedom after the election, but in one final, bitter turn of events, Tehran waited until hours after Carter left office to let them walk free. At 56, Carter returned to Georgia with “no idea what I would do with the rest of my life.” Four decades after launching The Carter Center, he still talked of unfinished business. “I thought when we got into politics we would have resolved everything,” Carter told the AP in 2021. “But it’s turned out to be much more long-lasting and insidious than I had thought it was. I think in general, the world itself is much more divided than in previous years.” Still, he affirmed what he said when he underwent treatment for a cancer diagnosis in his 10th decade of life. “I’m perfectly at ease with whatever comes,” he said in 2015. “I’ve had a wonderful life. I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.”A police case has been filed against poll strategist-turned political leader Prashant Kishor, leaders of his Jan Suraaj party, a few coaching centre owners and 700 unknown protesters over the student protests in Bihar held on Sunday. Kishor and others have been been accused of " unauthorisedly" gatherin g people, instigating them and creating a law and order problem, according to reports. Kishore joined the students protesting against the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examination, and slammed the treatment of students by the Bihar government on December 29. He accused the Bihar government of turning democracy into "lathi-tantra," and emphasised the right to protest of the students in public spaces. Protest at Gandhi Maidan turns violent Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party, the police said, held a protest march without permission and led the crowd near Patna's Gandhi Maidan, which turned violent, breaking police loudspeakers and clashing with magistrates and police officers on duty. "Despite repeated requests by the administration, these people violated the guidelines of the administration and disrupted public order," the police said. Police were seen using batons and water cannons to disperse the crowd of students gathered to protest against BPSC aspirants. The protesting students in Patna are demanding the cancellation of the Integrated Combined (Preliminary) Competitive Examination (CCE) 2024 conducted by the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) on December 13 The students gathered at Gandhi Maidan before marching towards JP Golambar, intending to proceed to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's residence. They wanted to meet him and discuss the issue. Kishor extends support Kishor expressed his support for the students and participated in their march to JP Golambar. He announced that a students' delegation would meet the Chief Secretary. But the students refused to meet anyone but the Chief Minister and their insistence led to the police action. "We are not going for a protest. Students are sitting there, we are going to meet them. Gandhi Maidan is a public place, people go there every day. If the students do not have any place, they will go to a public place. I don't know why the government has made it a question of its prestige, somewhere they are harming themselves," Kishor had said. Jan Suraaj, became a political party in October this year and is expected to contest in all seats of Bihar in the next year's assembly election. (With PTI inputs)Only about 2 in 10 Americans approve of Biden's pardon of his son Hunter, poll finds
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In Maharashtra, caste is the very foundation of the political battleground. The OBCs, who constitute 38 percent of the state’s population , played a decisive role in this election, won by the Mahayuti alliance of the BJP, the Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar's NCP. Yet, this isn’t a homogeneous bloc. The Kunbis, Vanjaris, and Dhangars each have distinct concerns and loyalties. The BJP’s ability to make inroads into these communities through strategic representation paid off, cementing its dominance in key regions. The Maratha community, long regarded as the backbone of Maharashtra politics, was another key factor in the Mahayuti’s victory. Despite agitation over the reservation and dissatisfaction with unresolved demands, the BJP managed to retain a significant share of Maratha votes through symbolic gestures, influential leadership, and careful engagement. The Congress-NCP alliance, which has traditionally relied on Maratha support, failed to capitalise on this discontent. Their inability to offer a cohesive alternative left many voters opting for the BJP-led alliance, signalling a significant shift in one of the opposition’s strongholds. The Dalit vote, particularly among smaller communities like Mangs and Chambhars, also appeared to vote for the BJP. While the Mahars remain a loyal base for Ambedkarite and opposition politics, the BJP’s targeted outreach ensured meaningful traction among non-Mahar Dalit groups. This strategic fragmentation of traditional vote banks further added to the MVA’s challenges, leaving them with fewer reliable constituencies. In regions like Vidarbha and Marathwada, known for agrarian distress and rural vulnerabilities, the MVA’s reliance on anti-incumbency sentiment failed to gain traction, as the BJP’s campaign successfully turned the narrative toward long-term development and stability. Even in Western Maharashtra, historically dominated by the NCP, the Mahayuti breached traditional bastions, underscoring the opposition’s waning influence. The Urban-Rural Divide: Different Stories, Same Discontent Maharashtra’s urban and rural voters often inhabit vastly different realities, and this election has brought those contrasts into sharp focus. In urban areas like Pune, Mumbai, and Nagpur, issues such as infrastructure , housing, and inflation dominated conversations. The BJP, with its emphasis on development and big-ticket projects, has managed to retain its stronghold in these regions. Voters in cities largely rallied behind the promise of continued growth, despite occasional dissatisfaction over stalled projects and uneven economic benefits. The Mahayuti’s appeal to middle-class aspirations and its targeted engagement with youth helped solidify its urban base, leaving little room for the opposition to make inroads. In rural Maharashtra, the narrative was shaped by agrarian challenges and economic distress. Farmers, faced with an opposition alliance that failed to present a unified or credible alternative, appeared to have placed their trust in the Mahayuti’s promises of infrastructure and financial security . The Congress-NCP alliance, which had counted on rural discontent to regain ground, was unable to convert grievances into votes, as past governance records undercut their claims of reform. Women Voters and Welfare Schemes: A ₹1,500 Fix or Political Band-Aid? Women voters are emerging as a decisive force in Maharashtra’s elections, and political parties are tailoring their strategies to appeal to this growing demographic. Welfare schemes like the Ladli Behen Scheme, offering ₹1,500 monthly aid to women aged 21–65, have been a focal point of outreach. On the surface, these schemes promise financial independence, especially for women in rural areas burdened by rising costs and limited opportunities. However, a closer look reveals a more complex story. According to the Access (In)Equality Index (AEI) by CNES and OP Jindal Global University, the scheme scores high on financial inclusion, providing immediate cash relief to women and families in need. Yet, its broader impact remains limited. Maharashtra still struggles with systemic challenges—only 22.4% of households have health insurance, and dropout rates among rural girls remain alarmingly high. While schemes like Ladli Behen alleviate short-term financial distress, they fail to tackle the underlying issues of education, healthcare, and sustainable employment opportunities that could empower women in the long term. ADVERTISEMENT REMOVE AD At the core of Jharkhand’s electoral dynamics lies its tribal population, which isn’t just another voting bloc—it’s the lifeblood of the state’s politics. With tribals making up 26.21% of the population and holding sway over 28 reserved assembly seats, they wield unparalleled influence. The JMM, under Hemant Soren’s leadership, has long been synonymous with tribal identity and empowerment . This connection is no accident—it’s the product of decades of grassroots engagement, cultural preservation, and policies that resonate deeply with the tribal community. The 2019 elections underscored the JMM’s dominance in this arena, with the party winning 19 tribal seats and its ally Congress securing six, while the BJP managed a paltry two. This year, the BJP has pulled out all the stops to try and break this stranglehold. From poaching tribal leaders like Champai Soren to pushing Hindu-centric narratives aimed at polarizing the electorate, the BJP’s strategy has been aggressive but ultimately ineffective. The BJP’s tactics, particularly in tribal-dominated regions like Kolhan and Santhal Parganas , often come across as tone-deaf. While the party tries to pit tribal identity against perceived external threats, it overlooks the deep-rooted loyalty tribal voters feel toward the JMM. Hemant Soren’s leadership continues to symbolize the safeguarding of tribal autonomy and culture, a legacy the BJP has yet to match in substance or trust. Women Voters: INDIA Bloc’s Winning Formula Women voters are playing an unprecedented role in this election, with their numbers surpassing men in 32 constituencies. Both the JMM and BJP recognize the significance of this demographic, but the INDIA bloc has clearly struck a more resonant chord. The JMM’s “ Maiyan Samman Scheme ,” which provides ₹1,000 monthly to women aged 18-60, has proven to be a game-changer in rural Jharkhand, where financial relief can have a transformative impact. But beyond the policy, the JMM has found an unexpected electoral weapon in Kalpana Soren. Her energetic rallies, filled with enthusiastic female supporters, have not only added a personal touch to the campaign but also humanized the JMM’s outreach to women. Kalpana’s speeches blend empowerment with relatable narratives of cultural pride and economic support, creating a powerful emotional connection with women voters . Her presence has helped frame the JMM as a party that doesn’t just make promises but listens, understands, and delivers. Meanwhile, the BJP’s “Gogo Didi” programs and other self-help group initiatives, while thoughtful, lack the authenticity and grassroots connection of the JMM’s campaign. For rural women, who make up the bulk of this voter base, the BJP’s efforts often come across as policy on paper, whereas the JMM’s initiatives feel tangible and rooted in their lived realities. ( Deepanshu Mohan is a Professor of Economics, Dean, IDEAS, Office of Inter-Disciplinary Studies, and Director of Centre for New Economics Studies (CNES), OP Jindal Global University. He is a Visiting Professor at the London School of Economics, and a 2024 Fall Academic Visitor to the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, University of Oxford. Ankur Singh is a Research Assistant with the Centre for New Economics Studies, OP Jindal Global University and a team member of its InfoSphere initiative. This is an opinion article and the views expressed above are the author’s own. The Quint neither endorses nor is responsible for them.) (At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.) 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