2 am jrldm
The ruling Pheu Thai Party was given a big shot in the arm after the Constitutional Court dismissed allegations that the party and its de facto leader, Thaksin Shinawatra, attempted to overthrow the constitutional democracy. For Thaksin, the ruling constitutes retribution against his political opponents who have been hounding him since his return home from 17 years of self-imposed exile abroad and his stay in the comfortable confines of Police General Hospital instead of spending time at the Bangkok Remand Prison. The court's ruling will, certainly, boost the morale of Thaksin and the party, and will also embolden them to challenge their opponents, and move forward more aggressively for the achievement of their unfulfilled objectives. One of them is the partial, if not complete: the control of the Bank of Thailand and, eventually, the elimination of its governor, Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, who will leave next year after completing his term. The central bank, under Mr Sethaput, enjoyed a smooth relationship with the administration of Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, which stayed clear of interfering in the affairs of the bank. But the bank's relationship with the Pheu Thai-led government, under Srettha Thavisin, turned sour after the bank persistently refused to cut the policy rate and its objection to the use of a huge sum of money to fund the government's "digital wallet" scheme. With Thaksin freed from "virtual" imprisonment at Police General Hospital, the government's pressure on the central bank appears to have been increased. Thaksin was blunt about the change he wanted to see in the bank. In his discussion at the Forbes Global CEO Conference on Thursday night, he said he wants the bank to be more responsive to the government and that the bank is too independent. The former prime minister also showed his disdain for the staff and executives at the bank, saying they lack experience, although he admitted they were mostly the "cream" of Thai intellectuals, being Grade A students or top-rated economists. The party succeeded in breaching the independent territory of the bank when the selection committee, led by Pheu Thai's cronies, picked Kittirat Na-Ranong, who is closely affiliated with the party, to be the chairman of the bank's board. But his nomination still needs cabinet's approval and a Royal Command. The cabinet's approval is likely to be as smooth as silk. But a problem may arise in the final process for royal endorsement if someone challenges Mr Kittirat's qualification over his status as the economic advisory chairman of former prime minister Srettha. He has also left the office for less than one year, which is against the central bank's rule for a board chairman. There is a warning from legal experts, among them Jade Donavanik, that Mr Kittirat's case may bring about a repeat of when Mr Srettha appointed ex-convict Pichit Chuenban as the Prime Minister's Office minister, which led to the disqualification of Mr Srettha as prime minister. So, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra must tread carefully or she may end up like her predecessor. Another unfulfilled objective which is more personal to Thaksin is the return to Thailand of his sister, former prime minister Yingluck. In a recent interview with a foreign media outlet, Thaksin said Yingluck may return home to celebrate the Songkran festival next April. As a matter of fact, Yingluck can return home any time she wants as a Thai citizen. No administration, from past to present, has prohibited her from returning. She chooses not to return because she does not want to spend time in jail to serve the five-year term imposed on her in absentia by the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office-Holders for not protecting state interests over a rice pledging scheme corruption case, which had cost the state about 500 billion baht. The big question is, how can she return without having to spend a day in prison like Thaksin. Will the "Thaksin model" be used for Yingluck? The answer is that it is unlikely because even Thaksin himself is not out of the woods yet as his case is still pending with the Election Commission. Will the government ask for a royal pardon for her over a corruption case? What about the others currently serving long jail terms over the rice pledging scheme, such as former commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom and his deputy, Poom Saraphol? When viewed in this context, Yingluck's return is more complicated if not impossible. Yet it is premature to discuss the issue as there are still five months before Songkran and anything can happen before then. The joint development of oil and gas in the overlapping claim area with Cambodia, within the framework of MoU44, is another controversial issue the government appears determined to achieve despite protests from nationalist groups. Once the Thai joint technical committee, to be led by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, is set up this month, talks will commence with Cambodia. Opponents said they have no objection to MoU44, but suggested the two sides settle on the Koh Kut island issue first because half the island is within the overlapping claim area as shown in Cambodia's unilateral drawing of its maritime demarcation line, in violation of the International Law of the Sea. Based on Cambodia's maritime demarcation line, the Cambodian government does not recognise Thailand's sovereignty over Koh Kut despite the Thai government's insistence that the island belongs to Thailand in accordance with the Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907. Cambodian nationalist groups also claim half of Koh Kut belongs to Cambodia. The victory from the court ruling should not allow the Pheu Thai Party, or the government, to believe it can do whatever it wishes without heeding the voices of the people. Territorial sovereignty is a sensitive issue, particularly concerning Cambodia. The matter can flare up into an issue that will shake the government's stability to the core if it is not handled prudently, with national interest being the top priority. Veera Prateepchaikul is former editor, 'Bangkok Post'.
After Trump's win, Black women are rethinking their role as America's reliable political organizers
SPRINGFIELD — In the days after former President Donald Trump was reelected, Illinois Democrats raised alarms about the ramifications of his second term and said they would consider whether the state needs to strengthen any of its progressive laws on reproductive rights and other issues that might be threatened by an unfriendly White House. But the Democratic-led Illinois General Assembly adjourned its final session of the year without taking any meaningful steps in that direction, with some lawmakers saying more time is needed to consider what might be done. Republicans countered by accusing Democrats of considering legislation based only on assumptions about potential actions by the Trump administration. During their five-day fall veto session — legislators left town a day early in the first week — lawmakers did pass a measure to phase out a subminimum wage for people with disabilities, and moved forward on another aimed at making it easier for the state’s child welfare system to have a child’s family member serve as their legal guardian. Some bigger issues were pushed into next year, among them legislation adjusting the state’s pension system and a proposal to consolidate the Chicago area’s transit agencies. Following a lame duck session scheduled for Jan. 2-7, a new General Assembly will be seated on Jan. 8, and after that Gov. JB Pritzker and lawmakers will also need to confront a projected budget shortfall of nearly $3.2 billion for next year’s state budget. Pritzker last week announced he was part of an initiative called Governors Safeguarding Democracy with Colorado Gov. Jared Polis to leverage states’ rights against threats following Trump’s reelection. But Pritzker didn’t go the route of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who directly asked his state’s general assembly to address Trump’s election in a special legislative session next month. Illinois’ Democratic lawmakers said figuring out exactly what to do will take some time, and that the just-completed session simply provided an opportunity to get discussions started. “So many people that we legislators represent, including ourselves, have so much anxiety about changes to come due to the incoming administration and we don’t know immediately what we can do in the state legislative arena, but we are already listening, talking about it and planning for it,” said Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, a Democrat from Chicago’s Northwest Side. “Those are complicated issues and once we start putting stuff on paper and talking about it publicly, we have to get it right.” Some of the issues being explored are in the areas of environmental protections, immigration and health care access, along with abortion, LGBTQ+ and workers’ rights. State Rep. Bob Morgan, a Democrat from Deerfield, believes he and his colleagues will be working on issues that address “preemptive, proactive protections” for Illinoisans. Morgan, who has a special interest in gun safety issues following a deadly mass shooting in his district at the 2022 Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, questioned whether President Joe Biden’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention would be on the chopping block and how that would affect Illinois. “When we start talking about policy to keep people safe, it really puts the pressure on states like Illinois to really figure out what can we do to reduce gun violence, and the opportunity to rely on the federal government will no longer be there,” Morgan said. Morgan was a main sponsor of Illinois’ sweeping gun ban that took effect in January 2023, but earlier this month was ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge who was appointed to the bench during Trump’s first term. House Republican leader Tony McCombie, who has been critical of the Democratic call for a legislative response to Trump’s approaching presidency, said Thursday she was against having a lame duck session if the Democrats don’t intend to pass any meaningful measures. “We do not need more time for out-of-touch Democrats to dream up harmful legislation,” said McCombie, of Savanna. “We need bipartisan legislation that focuses on the issues Illinois families care about most.” Republican Rep. Charlie Meier said Democrats shouldn’t be changing laws or passing laws “just because America’s doing what America does” by electing a new president. “They’re going to try to think what he might do before he even does it to create another law on the Illinois citizens that we may not need,” said Meier, of Okawville. “We are a state that has written so many laws, so many rules, that we are about the worst in unemployment in the country.” Among the measures lawmakers did move to Pritzker’s desk during the brief session was a heavily debated bill to phase out subminimum wage for disabled workers over the next five years. Federal law allows some employers to pay disabled workers less than minimum wage. In Illinois, some disabled workers are paid less than a dollar an hour, according to the bill’s advocates. Erin Compton, a student who identified as having an intellectual disability, testified in favor of the bill in committee, saying she has held several jobs including in research and as a ticket scanner for the Cubs. “Some people say that having a job isn’t for me, because I’m not smart enough or good enough to work, but I was given opportunities to work in the community and have to have a fair wage,” Compton said. Pritzker praised the legislation, calling it an “unprecedented, crucial leap forward” for disabled people to earn a fair wage. “Far too often, people with disabilities still endure barriers to employment and discrimination in the workplace,” he said in a statement. “Many are paid subminimum wages that devalue their contributions and diminish their likelihood to secure meaningful work and participate in other life-enhancing activities.” While the bill passed with bipartisan support, opponents including Republican Sen. Chapin Rose of Mahomet warned it could lead to a loss of opportunities for some disabled people. Another measure that has bipartisan support provides additional incentives for relatives of children in the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to maintain a home for the youths as an alternative to the children being placed in foster care with nonfamily members. It passed with no opposition in the Senate on Thursday after passing 113-0 in the House last spring. But because of an amendment that was attached to the bill by the Senate, it has to go back to the House for what will likely be the bill’s final vote. The legislation requires DCFS to seek federal funding to start a “kinship navigator program” to assist relatives who are caregivers with the agency and increase financial support to those relatives. According to the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois, which pushed for the measure, more than 10,000 children in DCFS care live with relatives, but over 60% of these caregivers are denied the foster care benefits necessary to care for a youth being placed in their household because state law requires them to meet complex standards that were put in place decades ago. “Current licensing procedures create unnecessary roadblocks to financial assistance for relatives serving as caregivers,” Sen. Mattie Hunter, a Chicago Democrat who was a chief sponsor of the measure, said in a statement. “Research shows children are better off when they can maintain connections to their families and traditions. We need to provide these families with the support they need to make this possible.” The veto session was also an opportunity for lobbyists, unions and other advocates to make last-minute pushes to get their bill proposals on lawmakers’ agendas. On the second day of the veto session, thousands descended on the state Capitol for a rally highlighting their concerns over changes made to Illinois’ beleaguered pension system 13 years ago. Workers hired after Jan. 1, 2011, were placed into a “Tier 2” system that offered reduced benefits compared with other employees hired before that date. The overall goal of creating the Tier 2 plan was to shrink a pension debt that now runs to about $141 billion. But benefits paid out under the Tier 2 system at some point won’t equal to what Social Security would provide to those employees, a violation of a federal “safe harbor” law. This would require Illinois to pay large sums in Social Security taxes instead of operating its own pension system which, while still costly, allows the state more flexibility. At the rally, proponents cheered and bellowed chants calling for equality in the state’s pension system. “We are union people. We believe people doing the same job, a fair day’s work, deserve a fair day’s pay, whether that’s in your paycheck, your benefits or your retirement security in a pension,” Pat Devaney, secretary-treasurer of the Illinois AFL-CIO, said to the crowd. “So what happened over the years? Politicians, state governments, local governments came up with schemes to underfund the pensions, take pension holidays, use other gimmicks to cause stress in the system.” The state’s perennial pension problems are among several budgetary matters that will likely be taken up in the coming months by the legislature, along with how to deal with a $730 million fiscal cliff for Chicago-area public transit once federal pandemic aid dries up in early 2026 and whether to set aside more state funding for Chicago’s public school system. Other unresolved issues include gun safety measures that Democrats haven’t been able to bring over the finish line. Legislation often referred to as “Karina’s Bill,” named after Chicago resident Karina Gonzalez, who, along with her 15-year-old daughter, was shot and killed by her husband last year, would require police to remove guns from people who have orders of protection against them, clarifying when and how authorities can confiscate such firearms. As it stands, firearms aren’t always taken from people in those situations even if the firearm owner’s identification card is revoked. Illinois lawmakers could weigh a proposal to create a statewide office to help under-resourced public defenders. One of the proposal’s goals is to address the lack of public defense resources in rural areas, many of which don’t even have a public defender’s office. The measure also seeks to address disparities in the resources allotted to county prosecutors and public defenders. For example, Cook County’s 2024 budget provided about $102 million for its public defender’s office, and about $205 million for its state’s attorney’s office. Other unresolved issues range from whether to allow all dispensaries to sell medical cannabis to legalizing medical aid in dying, often referred to as physician-assisted suicide or medically assisted death. This proposal would give mentally competent, terminally ill adults the right to choose to end their lives by allowing these patients the right to access life-ending prescription medication. Gov. JB Pritzker, Sen. Dick Durbin and others speak about U.S. EPA grants on Nov. 15. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.A late Robert Bolick explosion powered NLEX’s 19-point comeback to frustrate San Miguel, 104-99, in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Sunday, Dec. 8. A late Robert Bolick explosion powered NLEX’s 19-point comeback to frustrate San Miguel, 104-99, in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Sunday, Dec. 8. The high-scoring guard fired 20 of his 32 points in the payoff period, none bigger than the booming four-pointer over the defense of Marcio Lassiter that broke a 91-all deadlock with 1.27 left and put the Road Warriors on the driver's seat for good. NLEX notched its third straight victory for a 3-1 slate while San Miguel slid to a 1-1 record. Bolick also added nine assists – including one that came from his steal from June Mar Fajardo and led to Mike Watkins dunk that put NLEX up ahead, 100-94. The Beermen refused to go down without a fight, though, cutting the lead down to three after a 7-2 spurt that was capped by a Juami Tiongson trey. but Bolick, once again, came to the rescue and formally iced the game with a pair of free throws. Watkins provided support to Bolick with 17 points and game-high 28 rebounds to go with four blocks while Xyrus Torres and Enoch Valdez had 11 and 10 respectively for NLEX which climbed out of a 46-65 hole at one point in the contest. SMB import Quincy Miller paced his team with 21 points and 11 rebounds while Fajardo finished with 20 points and 19 rebounds in a losing effort.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday blamed former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud for the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi’s poor showing in the assembly election. If Chandrachud had delivered a timely verdict on the disqualification cases of MLAs, the situation would not have unfolded the way it did, he said. The former CJI had removed the fear of the law from politicians who defected from parties, Raut said. The Sena (UBT) leader’s statement came after his party faced a severe drubbing in the assembly election, winning only 20 out of 95 seats it contested as part of the MVA. The performance of the party’s alliance partners was no better, with the Congress winning only 16 out of 101 seats and NCP (SP) getting only 10 out of 86 seats it contested. Raut alleged, “He [Chandrachud] has removed the fear of the law from defectors. His name will be written in black letters in history.” Following the split in the undivided Shiv Sena in 2022, the party’s faction headed by Uddhav Thackeray filed petitions in the Supreme Court on the disqualification of MLAs who defected along with Eknath Shinde. The apex court put the onus on the assembly speaker to decide on the disqualification petitions, which he did earlier this year, declaring the Sena bloc led by Shinde as the “real political party”. Raut alleged that the results of the election were pre-decided. If the then CJI had decided on the disqualification petitions on time, the outcome would have been different, he said. “The result was already decided, and the voting was just a formality. If DY Chandrachud had given a timely ruling on the disqualification of MLAs, this situation would never have happened. If you weren’t going to deliver the judgment, then why did you sit in that chair?" Raut questioned. “DY Chandrachud may be a good professor or a speaker, but as chief justice, he did not make constitutional decisions. History will not forgive him for this. Had Chandrachud delivered the right judgment, the political landscape in Maharashtra would have been very different. The situation we see today would not have occurred,” he said. “We are sad but not disappointed. We will not leave the fight incomplete. Division of votes was also a factor, and the RSS played an important role in the election. The poisonous campaign impacted us negatively,” Raut said. Turning his attention to the formation of the new government, Raut suggested that the chief minister of Mahayuti would be decided by the Gujarat “lobby” rather than the people of Maharashtra. He warned that if the swearing-in ceremony were held outside Maharashtra, particularly in Gujarat, it would be a disrespect to the state’s culture. “If the oath-taking ceremony happens in Gujarat instead of Maharashtra, their people will be happy. But if it takes place at Shivtirtha, it would be an insult to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Similarly, if it happens at Wankhede Stadium, it will insult the martyrs of Maharashtra," Raut argued.
Crystal Palace: Marc Guehi risks FA ban with second rainbow armband message
‘Wheel of Fortune’ Contestant Devastated by Botched $75k Bonus Round Despite Big BoostWhat happens when Ozempic and Wegovy don’t work?Josh Hubbard scored 25 points and Claudell Harris Jr. scored 21 on 6-of-9 shooting as Mississippi State escaped with a 91-84 win against Prairie View A&M on Sunday in Starkville, Miss. Prairie View A&M took a 65-64 lead with 10:38 remaining, but Hubbard and Harris Jr. each scored seven points to power the ensuing 14-1 run that put Mississippi State up for good. Hubbard punctuated the rally with a 3-pointer that made it 78-66 with 5:51 to play. The Bulldogs (8-1) stretched their lead to as many as 13 points in the closing minutes to notch their second straight win. Shawn Jones Jr. added 11 points for Mississippi State, while Michael Nwoko added 10 points and 10 rebounds. RJ Melendez also netted 10 points. The Panthers (1-8) were led by the trio of Nick Anderson (21 points) Tanahj Pettway (20) and Marcel Bryant (19). Pettway drilled 4 of 5 3-pointers and Bryant grabbed seven rebounds. Prairie View A&M got off to a hot start, opening up a 27-12 lead with 10:42 left in the first half. It was a surprising haymaker from the visitors, who entered the game winless in Division I play and faced a Bulldogs team that was ranked last week. Mississippi State eventually found its stride offensively, turning things around with a 32-17 run to tie the game at 44 entering halftime. The Bulldogs shot 50 percent from the field overall in the first half, but only made six of their 17 attempts from 3-point range (35.3 percent). Their defense remained an issue throughout the half, with the Panthers hitting 16 of their 27 shots (59.3 percent) and canning 5 of 8 3-pointers. Neither team led by more than five early in the second half until Mississippi State pulled away. The Bulldogs finished the game shooting 55.6 percent from the floor (30-of-54) and drilled 11 of 26 attempts (42.3 percent) from long range. They outrebounded Prairie View A&M 35-22 and outscored them 31-20 in bench points. The Panthers held a 34-32 advantage in points in the paint and shot 56.4 percent overall for the game, including 52.6 percent (10-of-19) on threes. --Field Level Media‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 to Debut in February
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Los Angeles Rams will host the Philadelphia Eagles today on Sunday Night Football, as the Rams look to keep their playoff hopes afloat while the Eagles aim to keep their lead in the NFC East. The game will air on NBC and Peacock at 8:20 p.m. Eastern with Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth on the call. Melissa Stark will be the sideline reporter. Several streaming services will broadcast the NFL Week 12 game live and you can watch on Fubo (free trial and $30 off your first month), DirecTV Stream (free trial), Sling (promotional offers) and Peacock . The Eagles, after a dicey start to the season, have won six games in a row — including two in commanding fashion — and are now headed into the final stretch of the season with one of the NFL’s best records. The Rams, on the other hand, have rebounded from a potentially disastrous start and have won four of five games. With a win over the Eagles, they’ll move above .500 for the first time this season. Check out a complete rundown of NFL Week 12 action , including the schedule, predictions, previews, TV information and more. Rams - Eagles Matchup Preview The Eagles are looking for their seventh win in a row, on the back of a talented offense led by quarterback Jalen Hurts. After a slow start to the season with a 2-2 start, the Eagles have gotten things together. The Rams are also steadily improving, as they started the year 1-4. Then after a bye week, they’ve rebounded to win three of their last four games — but none against a team as good as the Eagles. Sunday night figures to be the chance for a statement. Rams - Eagles Last Game Recap The Rams pulled out a win on the road, while the Eagles won in primetime in a Thursday Night Football matchup over the Commanders. Los Angeles Rams: Beat the Patriots 28-22 on Nov. 17. Philadelphia Eagles: Beat the Commanders 26-18 on Nov. 14. Rams - Eagles Players to Watch Both teams are loaded with offensive skill players, as some of the most notable names in the sport fill both sides of the ball. Los Angeles Rams: Quarterback Matt Stafford (66.5% completion percentage, 2,557 yards passing, 13 touchdowns, 7 interceptions), running back Kyren Williams (750 yards on 191 carries, 8 touchdowns), receiver Cooper Kupp (47 catches, 488 yards, 4 touchdowns). Philadelphia Eagles: Quarterback Jalen Hurts (69.2% completion percentage, 2,197 yards passing, 12 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 417 yards rushing with 11 rushing scores), running back Saquon Barkley (197 carries, 1,137 yards with 8 touchdowns), linebacker Josh Sweat (6 sacks, 23 tackles). How to Watch Rams - Eagles Who: Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles When: Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024 Time: 8:20 p.m. Eastern Where: SoFi Stadium | Inglewood, California Channel: NBC, Peacock Best Streaming Options: Fubo (free trial and $30 off first month), DirecTV Stream (free trial), Sling (promotional offers) and Peacock . Channel finder if you have cable You can access the channel by using the channel finders online: Verizon Fios , AT&T U-verse , Comcast Xfinity , Spectrum/Charter , Optimum/Altice , DIRECTV and Dish . About FuboTV Fubo (free trial and $30 off your first month) has three main packages: Pro costs $79.99/month; Elite is $89.99; Premier is priced at $99.99. Cancel before the free trial ends to avoid being charged. Fubo includes access to more than 185 sports, entertainment and news channels. You can record games, TV shows, movies and more. About DirecTV Stream DirecTV Stream , which also gives customers a free trial, offers four packages if you continue with the service after your trial ends: Entertainment for $69.99; Choice for $84.99; Ultimate for $109.99; and premier for $159.99. Choice offers the most channels for sports enthusiasts. About Sling Sling , which features promotional offers for new customers, has a Blue package for $20 for your first month ($40 after that) and an Orange package for the same price and deal. Get both the Blue and Orange packages for $27.50 for your first month ($55 after that). About Peacock RECOMMENDED • cleveland .com ‘The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City’ FREE stream: Watch Season 5, episode 10 today Nov. 20, 2024, 5:55 p.m. Penn State vs. Minnesota FREE STREAM: How to watch Big Ten game today Nov. 23, 2024, 1:30 p.m. Peacock offers multiple sports coverage on select games, including the NFL, Big Ten football, Premier League soccer, PGA Tour and more. Catch all the action for $7.99 per month or $79.99 annually. This service also features movies and hit television shows, as well as current NBC programming. For team hats, shirts and more gear: Visit Fanatics , Dick’s Sporting Goods , Lids , Champs Sports and New Era . Information from the AP was included in this report and AI might have been used to assist with this story.
The Growing Need for Intellectual Property Services in India In today’s innovation-driven economy, intellectual property (IP) has become one of the most valuable assets for businesses. From trademarks and copyrights to patents and trade secrets, safeguarding intellectual property is crucial for sustaining competitive advantage. As India evolves into a global hub for technology and innovation, the demand for reliable intellectual property services is on the rise. Here, we list the top 10 companies offering intellectual property services in India in 2025 , which are empowering organizations to protect, manage, and monetize their IP rights. 1. Anand and Anand Anand and Anand is a leading name in the field of intellectual property law in India. With decades of experience, this firm specializes in IP litigation, enforcement, and advisory services. Why Choose Anand and Anand? Expertise in trademarks, patents, copyrights, and design law. Comprehensive IP audits and strategy development. Known for representing high-profile clients in landmark cases. Their client-centric approach and innovative legal strategies make them a go-to firm for businesses of all sizes. 2. Khurana & Khurana Khurana & Khurana is a full-service IP law firm with a strong focus on patent filing and prosecution. They are recognized for their robust technical expertise, particularly in the fields of engineering, pharmaceuticals, and IT. Key Services Offered: Patent drafting, filing, and prosecution. Trademark and copyright registration. IP valuation and monetization. Their strong global presence ensures seamless cross-border IP protection. 3. Remfry & Sagar One of the oldest law firms in India, Remfry & Sagar has been at the forefront of intellectual property services for over a century. They have a proven track record in managing large portfolios for multinational corporations. Standout Features: Extensive experience in IP litigation. Expertise in IP portfolio management. Strong international affiliations for global IP protection. Their blend of tradition and modernity makes them a preferred partner for IP-related matters. 4. Singh & Singh Law Firm LLP Singh & Singh Law Firm LLP is known for its specialization in IP litigation and dispute resolution. They have represented numerous clients in high-stakes litigation and arbitration. Core Strengths: Expertise in copyright and trademark infringement cases. Advisory services for IP strategy and compliance. Comprehensive litigation support. Their ability to deliver customized solutions sets them apart in the IP landscape. 5. LexOrbis LexOrbis is a full-service IP firm offering end-to-end solutions to domestic and international clients. They are known for their innovative approach and deep industry knowledge. What They Offer: Patent analytics and landscape studies. IP licensing and commercialization. Trademark opposition and defense. Their tech-savvy team ensures that clients receive cutting-edge solutions for complex IP challenges. 6. Inttl Advocare Inttl Advocare is a boutique IP law firm focusing on providing high-quality services tailored to client needs. Their expertise spans multiple industries, including fashion, media, and technology. Highlights: Trademark portfolio management. Copyright protection and licensing. Anti-counterfeiting measures and brand enforcement. Their industry-specific approach makes them a preferred choice for niche businesses. 7. Chadha & Chadha IP Chadha & Chadha IP is a highly reputed firm specializing in patents, trademarks, and industrial designs. Their commitment to client satisfaction has earned them a stellar reputation in the IP domain. Key Offerings: Patent prosecution and enforcement. Trademark registration and management. Legal support for IP disputes. Their hands-on approach ensures that clients’ intellectual property remains well-protected. 8. S.S. Rana & Co. S.S. Rana & Co. is a trusted name in the IP services industry, offering a wide array of services across different sectors. They emphasize building long-term relationships with their clients. Services Include: IP litigation and arbitration. Trademark and copyright services. Online brand monitoring and enforcement. Their proactive approach to IP management ensures timely resolution of issues. 9. BananaIP Counsels BananaIP Counsels is known for its specialization in IP services for startups and small businesses. They offer cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. Top Services: Patent drafting and filing. IP audits and strategy development. Licensing and commercialization of IP assets. Their startup-friendly approach makes them a popular choice for budding entrepreneurs. 10. Depenning & Depenning Depenning & Depenning is one of India’s oldest IP firms, with a rich legacy of excellence in intellectual property services. They offer a wide range of services to help businesses safeguard their innovations. Specialties: Patent prosecution and litigation. Trademark registration and opposition. Domain name dispute resolution. Their blend of experience and expertise ensures comprehensive IP protection for clients. How to Choose the Right Intellectual Property Services Provider When selecting a company for intellectual property services, consider the following factors: The Future of Intellectual Property Services in India As India continues to emerge as a global innovation hub, the importance of protecting intellectual property cannot be overstated. With advancements in technology, IP service providers are leveraging AI and data analytics to offer more efficient and cost-effective solutions. The top intellectual property services providers listed here are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of businesses in 2025 and beyond.
Afghan women turn to entrepreneurship under Taliban Zainab through her business in western province of Herat covers all household expenses KABUL: When Zainab Ferozi saw Afghan women struggling to feed their families after Taliban authorities took power, she took matters into her own hands and poured her savings into starting a business. Two-and-a-half years after putting 20,000 Afghanis ($300) earned from teaching sewing classes into a carpet weaving enterprise, she now employs around a dozen women who lost their jobs or who had to abandon their education due to Taliban government rules. Through her business in the western province of Herat, the 39-year-old also “covers all the household expenses” of her family of six, she told AFP from her office where samples of brightly coloured and exquisitely woven rugs and bags are displayed. Her husband, a labourer, cannot find work in one of the poorest countries in the world. Ferozi is one of many women who have launched small businesses in the past three years to meet their own needs and support other Afghan women, whose employment sharply declined after the Taliban took power in 2021. Before the Taliban takeover, women made up 26 percent of public sector workers, a figure that “has effectively decreased to zero,” according to UN Women. Girls and women have also been banned from secondary schools and universities under restrictions the UN has described as “gender apartheid”. Touba Zahid, a 28-year-old mother-of-one, started making jams and pickles in the small basement of her home in the capital Kabul after she was forced to stop her university education. “I came into the world of business... to create job opportunities for women so they can have an income that at least covers their immediate needs,” Zahid said. Half a dozen of her employees, wearing long white coats, were busy jarring jams and pickles labelled “Mom’s delicious homecooking”. While women may be making the stock, running the shops in Afghanistan remains mostly a man’s job. Saleswomen like Zahid “cannot go to the bazaar to promote and sell their products” themselves, said Fariba Noori, chairwoman of the Afghanistan Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AWCCI). Another issue for Afghan businesswomen is the need for a “mahram” -- a male family member chaperone -- to accompany them to other cities or provinces to purchase raw materials, said Noori. After 40 years of successive conflicts, many Afghan women have been widowed and lost many male relatives. Despite these challenges, the number of businesses registered with AWCCI has increased since the Taliban takeover, according to Noori. The number went “from 600 big companies to 10,000” mainly small, home-based businesses and a few bigger companies, said Noori, herself a businesswoman for 12 years. Khadija Mohammadi, who launched her eponymous brand in 2022 after she lost her private school teaching job, now employs more than 200 women sewing dresses and weaving carpets. “I am proud of every woman who is giving a hand to another woman to help her become independent,” said the 26-year-old. Though businesses like Mohammadi’s are a lifeline, the salaries ranging from 5,000 to 13,000 Afghanis, cannot cover all costs and many women are still stalked by economic hardship. Qamar Qasimi, who lost her job as a beautician after the Taliban authorities banned beauty salons in 2023, said that even with her salary she and her husband struggle to pay rent and feed their family of eight. “When I worked in the beauty salon, we could earn 3,000-7,000 Afghanis for styling one bride, but here we get 5,000 per month,” said the 24-year-old. “It’s not comparable but I have no other choice,” she added, the room around her full of women chatting as they worked at 30 looms. The closure of beauty salons was not only a financial blow, but also removed key spaces for women to socialise. Zohra Gonish decided to open a restaurant to create a women-only space in northeastern Badakhshan province. “Women can come here and relax,” said the 20-year-old entrepreneur. “We wanted the staff to be women so that the women customers can feel comfortable here.” But starting her business in 2022, aged 18 was not easy in a country where the labour force participation for women is 10 times lower than the world average, according to the World Bank. It took Gonish a week to convince her father to support her. Aside from helping their families and having space to socialise, some women said work has given them a sense of purpose. Sumaya Ahmadi, 15, joined Ferozi’s carpet company to help her parents after she had to leave school and became “very depressed”. “(Now) I’m very happy and I no longer have any mental health problems. I’m happier and I feel better.” The work has also given her a new goal: to help her two brothers build their futures. “Because schools’ doors are closed to girls, I work instead of my brothers so they can study and do something with their lives.”BOSTON (AP) — JB Frankel hit three of four free throws in the final six seconds to allow Northeastern to hold off Colgate 78-75 on Sunday. Nicolas Louis-Jacques hit three free throws for the Raiders with :07 left to get within two, 75-73, but Frankel hit the second of two to make it a three-point game and, after Jalen Cox hit a pair at the line to pull Colgate within one, 76-75, Frankel hit both free throws to seal the win. Rashad King had 23 points and added eight rebounds for the Huskies (7-3). Harold Woods scored 13 points and added six rebounds. Masai Troutman shot 2 of 7 from the field and 7 of 9 from the free-throw line to finish with 12 points. Brady Cummins led the way for the Raiders (2-8) with 15 points. Colgate also got 14 points, six rebounds, five assists and four steals from Jalen Cox. Louis-Jacques finished with 14 points. King scored 10 points in the first half and Northeastern went into the break trailing 32-28. Northeastern pulled off the victory after a 15-2 second-half run erased a three-point deficit and gave them the lead at 62-52 with 5:58 remaining in the half. King scored 13 second-half points. Northeastern takes on Old Dominion on the road on Sunday, and Colgate visits Kentucky on Wednesday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Peaky Blinders creator teases the upcoming film ‘won’t be the end’ for the drama
Star wins title, drops retirement bombshellGuillermo Dávila’s reaction leaked after emotional reunion with his son Vasco on stage
Modi govt committed to resolve public issues: Dr Jitendra SinghSamsung is the world's largest smartphone vendor, according to Statista , and it's likely that you have heard nothing but praise for its devices in recent years, especially the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra . However, a benefit of not being as constrained as iOS is the fact that Android comes in various flavors, from different manufacturers, and at every price point. Each manufacturer throws its own skin on top of Android and bundles in exclusive features. While Samsung itself boasts a wide catalog of devices, some people might not enjoy the One UI skin, or could find the designs of most current-gen Samsung phones uninspiring and similar. Thankfully, worthwhile competition from brands like OnePlus, Google, Asus, and others means options go far beyond a Samsung Galaxy. For this list, we've stuck with smartphones that feature premium specifications — but don't worry, there is a healthy selection of budget friendly Android phones as well. From a device that folds in half, to a smartphone geared towards gaming, here are some of the best Android phones you can buy that aren't made by Samsung. We've based our list on reviews from experts in the industry, and you can find out more about our methodology at the end of this read. Amidst countless forgotten Google products that tend to get shelved, the Pixel lineup of devices has surprisingly stuck around. Being manufactured by the same company that develops Android has its benefits, including day one software updates and an experience devoid of any bloatware. The Pixel 9 Pro rivals the likes of the iPhone and Galaxy S24 Ultra, and features a 6.3-inch 120 Hz OLED display, capable of soaring way up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness. Our review of the Google Pixel 9 Pro talks about its excellent and reliable-as-ever camera setup, and how the suite of AI features hopes to add value to an already mature operating system. For big phone lovers, the 6.8-inch screen of the Pixel 9 Pro XL, and its bigger battery, should bring an enjoyable media consumption experience. Both phones are powered by Google's in-house Tensor G4 chip, which, while not known for the highest of numbers in synthetic benchmarks, still offers one of the smoothest ways to enjoy Android. Google promises up to seven years of Android updates for its Pixel 9 series, which, alongside 16GB of RAM, should help with future-proofing. The smaller Pixel 9 Pro starts at $999, and you can max these devices up to a terabyte of storage. You also get access to a year's worth of Gemini Advanced for free, so at least you get to experience all the AI features before handing out a separate subscription fee to Google. Since the brand's inception in 2014, OnePlus phones have never skimped out on their internals. The OnePlus 12 is a similar story, and packs in performance that matches flagships from Samsung and Apple — all the while undercutting most premium smartphones by a decent margin. Pricing starts at $799, for which you get 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, with an option to double the internal capacity and bump the RAM to 16GB. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 under the hood delivers enough power to run demanding titles like "Genshin Impact" smoothly. The OnePlus 12 also sports one of the most impressive smartphone displays — a 2K 120 Hz LTPO panel with an insane peak brightness of 4,500 nits. The phone runs on top of OxygenOS, which is an interface that has garnered a name for being snappy, despite slowly straying away from the look and feel of stock Android over the years. As explored in our review of the OnePlus 12 , the 5,400 mAh battery makes this a two-day phone, and OnePlus' signature fast charging technology means you'll be able to top it back up in just minutes. Cameras have always been a sensitive topic for OnePlus smartphones, and while the OnePlus 12 isn't coming on top of other flagships, it has a commendable setup consisting of wide, ultrawide, and periscope sensors. Starting out humbly with a pair of transparent wireless earbuds, Nothing now manufactures a variety of products, including smartphones. The Nothing Phone 2 prides itself on being a looker, thanks to the glyph interface and a unique see-through back panel. The front of the smartphone houses a 6.7-inch 120 Hz OLED display. To achieve its price tag of $599 while maintaining high-end specifications, the Nothing Phone 2 opts for an older Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor and 8GB of RAM, which is upgradable to 12GB alongside extra storage. We tested games like "Call of Duty: Mobile" and "Asphalt 9" in our review of the Nothing Phone 2 , and the device managed to keep up without dropping any frames. An unintended advantage of being a smaller brand is the fact that Nothing hasn't spent copious resources on designing a heavy layer on top of Android. Nothing OS sticks close to how Google envisioned Android, but doesn't shy away from adding a touch of personality in the form of widgets and subtle UI tweaks. Despite being launched a while ago in 2023, there is nothing (pun intended) quite like this device, unless you're fine with the less powerful yet newer Phone 2a and 2a Plus. The rumored Nothing Phone 3 should follow the same principles and offer a unique way to experience Android. While any modern smartphone with relatively decent specifications can handle games, there exists a niche for dedicated gaming handsets — and the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro is the latest in the series. It builds on top of its predecessor and brings upgrades under the hood. The phone is powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, and comes with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. The phone will start at $1,199 and is slated for release in early 2025. Where most phones max out at 120 Hz, the ROG Phone 9 Pro takes its refresh rate all the way up to 185 Hz. With a peak brightness of 2,500 nits, the 6.78-inch AMOLED screen of the ROG Phone 9 Pro should suffice any content consumption needs as well. Asus has been trying to refine the ROG Phone ever since its inception, such that it doesn't cater to just gamers. The ROG Phone 9 Pro has a 50-megapixel primary shooter, and as highlighted in TechRadar's review the six-axis gimbal stabilizer helps capture sharp images even in poorly lit environments. Gamer-specific features of the phone include two ultrasonic buttons on the side that can replicate the R2 and L2 trigger buttons in games that support customizable controls. You also get a secondary USB-C charging port and a grid of LEDs dubbed "AniMe Vision" at the back that can be used to display text, GIFs, and even interactive games. Despite myths surrounding foldable smartphones , we've been seeing more options in the market than ever before. The OnePlus Open is the company's first foldable, and reviewers everywhere have had nothing but praise for its combination of premium hardware and thoughtful software. The device starts at $1,699 and comes with 16GB of RAM and half a terabyte of storage. Powering the OnePlus Open is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, while the circular camera housing features a triple-lens setup. The cover display is a 6.31-inch AMOLED 120Hz panel, which is just as useful as any other slab-style phone. The nearly square 7.82-inch display on the inside boasts a 2K resolution and refreshes at the same smooth 120Hz. Both displays bring 2,800 nits of peak brightness, and feature LTPO technology, allowing them to dynamically adjust the refresh rate to preserve battery. Tom's Guide praised the OnePlus Open for its overall value proposition, since folding phones don't come cheap. Moreover, OxygenOS brings features like Open Canvas that makes it easier to multitask on the OnePlus Open's display when unfolded. A major omission with this device is the lack of wireless charging, but as explored in our review of the OnePlus Open , it lasts a full day and then some on a single charge, and the 67W fast charging comes in clutch. We've seen some of the best and worst Samsung phones over the years, and while it's true that the company's lineup of devices is stronger than ever before — it would be unfair to turn a blind eye to the dozens of other great releases that happen each year. This list was crafted based on reviews from trusted sources like TechRadar and Tom's Guide. We conduct detailed testing of many smartphones here at SlashGear as well. Major points of consideration include specifications, display quality, and battery life — all of which are factors that differentiate good smartphones from the best ones. For this list, we picked Android phones that each have something unique to offer. Foldables like the OnePlus Open rival Samsung's own Galaxy Fold series, and bring a new way of interacting with your apps, while phones as pure as the Pixel 9 Pro are proof that you don't need a ton of bells and whistles to attract prospective buyers. Options like the Nothing Phone 2 and OnePlus 12 offer flagship-grade internals for less money, too. Even though the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro isn't here in the U.S. yet, it's worth waiting for its release in January 2025 since it does bring meaningful improvements over its predecessor.
Eddie Howe says ‘a lot more to come’ from Newcastle striker Alexander IsakB.C. Conservative MLAs want one of their own to apologize to ex-police board member they say was 'cancelled'
