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Croatia’s incumbent president wins most votes at polls but still faces runoff
MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday apologized to his Azerbaijani counterpart for what he called a "tragic incident" following the crash of an Azerbaijani airliner in Kazakhstan that killed 38 people, but stopped short of acknowledging that Moscow was responsible. Putin's apology came as allegations mounted that Russian air defenses shot down the plane while attempting to deflect a Ukrainian drone strike near Grozny, the regional capital of the Russian republic of Chechnya. Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a Security Council meeting via videoconference Saturday at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia. An official Kremlin statement issued Saturday said that air defense systems were firing near Grozny airport as the airliner "repeatedly" attempted to land there on Wednesday. It did not explicitly say one of these hit the plane. The statement said Putin apologized to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev "for the fact that the tragic incident occurred in Russian airspace." The readout said Russia has launched a criminal probe into the incident, and Azerbaijani state prosecutors have arrived in Grozny to participate. The Kremlin also said that "relevant services" from Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are jointly investigating the crash site near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan. The plane was flying from Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, to Grozny when it turned toward Kazakhstan, hundreds of miles across the Caspian Sea from its intended destination, and crashed while attempting to land. There were 29 survivors. According to a readout of the call provided by Aliyev's press office, the Azerbaijani president told Putin that the plane was subject to "external physical and technical interference," though he also stopped short of blaming Russian air defenses. Part of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane lies on the ground Thursday near the airport of Aktau, Kazakhstan. Aliyev noted the plane had holes in its fuselage and the occupants sustained injuries "due to foreign particles penetrating the cabin mid-flight." He said that a team of international experts began a probe of the incident at Azerbaijan's initiative, but provided no details. Earlier this week, the Azerbaijani Prosecutor General's office confirmed that investigators from Azerbaijan are working in Grozny. On Friday, a U.S. official and an Azerbaijani minister made separate statements blaming the crash on an external weapon, echoing those made by aviation experts who blamed the crash on Russian air defense systems responding to a Ukrainian attack. U.S. President Joe Biden, responding Saturday to a reporter asking whether he thought Putin should take responsibility for the crash, said: "Apparently he did but I haven't spoken to him." Biden made the comment after leaving church in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Passengers and crew members who survived the crash told Azerbaijani media they heard loud noises on the aircraft as it circled over Grozny. Dmitry Yadrov, head of Russia's civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia, said Friday that as the plane was preparing to land in Grozny in deep fog, Ukrainian drones were targeting the city, prompting authorities to close the area to air traffic. Yadrov said after the captain made two unsuccessful attempts to land, he was offered other airports but decided to fly to Aktau. People attend a funeral Saturday for Mahammadali Eganov, who died in the Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 crash near the Kazakhstan's airport of Aktau at the age of 13, in Baku, Azerbaijan. Earlier this past week, Rosaviatsia cited unspecified early evidence as showing that a bird strike led to an emergency on board. In the days following the crash, Azerbaijan Airlines blamed "physical and technical interference" and announced the suspension of flights to several Russian airports. It didn't say where the interference came from or provide any further details. If proven that the plane crashed after being hit by Russian fire, it would be the second deadly civil aviation accident linked to fighting in Ukraine. Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was downed with a Russian surface-to-air missile, killing all 298 people aboard, as it flew over the area in eastern Ukraine controlled by Moscow-backed separatists in 2014. Russia denied responsibility but a Dutch court in 2022 convicted two Russians and a pro-Russia Ukrainian man for their role in downing the plane with an air defense system brought into Ukraine from a Russian military base. The grave of Mahammadali Eganov, 13, who died in the Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 crash near the Kazakhstan's Aktau airport, is seen Saturday in Baku, Azerbaijan. Following Wednesday's suspension of flights from Baku to Grozny and nearby Makhachkala, Azerbaijan Airlines announced Friday that it would also halt service to eight more Russian cities. Several other airlines made similar announcements since the crash. Kazakhstan's Qazaq Air on Friday said it would stop flying from Astana to the Russian city of Yekaterinburg in the Ural Mountains for a month. Turkmenistan Airlines, the Central Asian country's flagship carrier, on Saturday halted flights to Moscow for at least a month, citing safety concerns. Earlier this past week, Israel's El Al carrier suspended service from Tel Aviv to the Russian capital, citing "developments in Russia's airspace." Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.Published 23:23 IST, December 29th 2024 2024 was a landmark year for India’s foreign policy under PM Modi and FM Jaishankar, marked by balancing Russia-Ukraine, de-escalating with China, ties with GCC New Delhi: 2024 proved as yet another landmark year for the Indian foreign policy as the country achieved several diplomatic victories under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister S Jaishankar. These historic milestones include a balancing act between Russia and Ukraine amid the war, complete de-escalation with China, strategic outreach to GCC countries and much more. As we move towards 2025, let us delve deeper into the wide ranging foreign policy wins for Modi government in year 2024. Balancing Act in Russia-Ukraine War Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a visit to Ukraine in August 2024, which marked a key diplomatic move, showcasing India's balancing act in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. This visit made PM Modi the first Indian PM to make a state visit to Ukraine since the two countries established relations over thee decades ago. During his visit, PM Modi held wide-ranging talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, focusing on developing a strategic partnership, bilateral trade, and continued military-technical cooperation. The joint India-Ukraine statement highlighted the importance of upholding international law principles, including respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of states. India has maintained a delicate relationship with both Russia and Ukraine, avoiding taking sides while advocating for peace. Modi reiterated India's commitment to peace, stating, "We are not neutral. We have taken sides, and we have chosen the side of peace" De-escalation of Tensions Along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) The recent de-escalation of tensions in India-China border is a remarkable foreign policy win for the Modi government in the year 2024. After years of heightened tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the two nations have reached an agreement on patrolling arrangements, effectively restoring the situation to pre-2020 levels. The agreement demonstrates the effectiveness of diplomatic mechanisms, such as the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC), in managing border tensions. The consensus also involved agreement of disengagement and relocation of troops from Depsang and Demchok. This breakthrough development stems from ongoing diplomatic efforts, including military discussions and high-level meetings between foreign ministers. India-Kuwait ‘Strategic Partnership’ Vis-a-Vis Cooperation with GCC Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent 2-day visit to Kuwait on 21 December, marked a significant foreign policy win for India, elevating bilateral relations to a "strategic partnership". This historic visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 43 years, strengthens trade, defense, and bilateral cooperation between the two nations. A comprehensive defense agreement was signed, covering training, joint military exercises, supply, and research in defense technology. The visit paved the way for intensified cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with Kuwait's presidency providing an opportunity for India to strengthen ties with other Gulf countries. PM Modi's Visit to Guyana, India's Quest for ‘Energy Security’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to Guyana in November 2024 marks the first visit by an Indian prime minister in over 50 years, underscores India's growing engagement with the Caribbean region and its quest for energy security. Modi's visit also highlights India's commitment to South-South cooperation. Guyana's extensive oil reserves offer India a valuable chance to diversify its energy sources. Strengthening ties aims to ensure a stable supply and reduce reliance on traditional providers. During his visit, Modi met with Guyanese President Mohamed Irfaan Ali to strengthen bilateral ties, focusing on trade, energy, and cultural exchange. The two countries signed agreements to boost cooperation in health and energy, setting the stage for greater collaboration in the oil and gas sector. Foreign Honours to PM Modi, India's Rising Global Credibility The honorary and civilian awards won by PM Modi from various countries in 2024 are a notable diplomatic win for India. These prestigious awards acknowledge India's growing influence on the world stage, recognizing PM Modi's leadership and vision. Some of the awards are: On December 22, the Amir of Kuwait conferred upon PM Narendra Modi the Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer , Kuwait's highest national award. The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle , Russia's highest civilian honor, was conferred upon Modi on July 9, 2024, during his two-day visit to Russia. The Order of the Nile , Egypt's highest honor, was awarded to Modi for his remarkable contributions to the country. The Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour , France's highest declaration of honor, was awarded to Modi for his outstanding contributions to the country. These awards strengthen India's reputation as a credible global actor, dedicated to fostering peace, stability, and development. It also showcases India's soft power, highlighting its cultural, economic, and strategic significance in the world. Get Current Updates on India News , Entertainment News along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world. Updated 23:23 IST, December 29th 2024Bryson Daily, No. 22 Army cap big season with Independence Bowl win
“ Deep Dive ” is an in-depth podcast and video essay series featuring interviews with the stars and creative team behind an exceptional piece of filmmaking. For this edition, the IndieWire Crafts and Special Projects team partnered with Prime Video to take a closer look at “ The Boys ” with creator Eric Kripke, actor Antony Starr, production designer Mark Steel, costume designer Laura Jean Shannon, visual effects supervisor Stephan Szpak-Fleet, supervising stunt coordinator John Koyama, composers Christopher Lennertz and Matt Bowen, as well as editors David Kaldor and Scott Stolzar to examine the emotionally charged and shocking fourth season of the hit series. When it comes to “The Boys,” you can expect the unexpected. Since its inception, creator Eric Kripke has adapted Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson’s comic book series into a standout among superhero offerings. The Prime Video series is beloved for its dark humor and imaginative violence, but it keeps audiences watching because of its intelligent writing, unforgettable characters, superb acting, and engaging storylines that are rife with conflict and emotional resonance. In Season 4, the complexity of the characters is pushed even further as they’re forced to question wounds from their past. Kripke, actor Antony Starr, and eight members of the creative team spoke to IndieWire about how they were able to weave emotionally charged themes to deepen our understanding of the characters without losing sight of what makes “The Boys” an entertaining satire. In the videos below, watch how those involved in the series developed the engrossing backstories through production design, costumes, score, editing, and visual effects. One might not think death-defying superheroes spend much time considering their own mortality, but such was the case in the fourth season of “The Boys.” Creator Eric Kripke told IndieWire that Season 4 was meant to be “the low point for the characters” where each one confronts “the trauma that really defines them.” For Homelander, played by Antony Starr, the dream of a brighter future prompts a return to a traumatic past. “His humanity has always been his kryptonite. As much as he wants to be a god, he’s always been aware that he’s human,” Starr told IndieWire. “That mortality being on display and the sense of legacy really drives all of what he does through the whole season. He’s really concerned about what’s gonna happen when he dies.” Starr brilliantly captures the weight of the character’s internal conflict, culminating in a terrifying sequence during which Homelander seeks revenge on a group of Vought researchers who conducted experiments on him as a child. In creating the ominous moment, production designer Mark Steel found inspiration from the “Cold War era” to give shape to the laboratory sets, adding nuanced details to heighten the realism. “We put all the dents at kid height and made it sort of feel like this was a familiar place he’d been in before,” Steel told IndieWire. And the composers enhanced the tension twofold. “The tension is so crazy, to think that everyone knows: just the slightest flinch and you’re dead,” said Christopher Lennertz, who worked alongside fellow composer Matt Bowen. “Musically, there’s a lot of things that we took a pause for and it was to have it be this breathing of like, oh my god, tension, tension, tension. Oh, maybe he’s not gonna kill him. And it’s this back and forth.” There are plenty of gruesome deaths in the sequence, including a memorable cremation with a live scientist. “When you’re meeting people, I always ask for as much practical fire as possible. So the very last shot of that sequence was the dummy on the ground,” VFX supervisor Stephan Szpak-Fleet said. “It was a mixture of Indiana Jones and OG face melts and having done so many burning bodies and melty, gross shit for this show by now.” “The way he comes in and the way he goes out are the key moments,” Starr noted of the sequence. “Because he goes in really not knowing what’s gonna come out of it. And then in the elevator on the way out, that smile was everything. That’s like therapy.” In the video above, watch the team break down Homelander’s complicated relationship to his own humanity — and how he handles it. As costume designer Laura Jean Shannon pointed out, “In this season, we built new suits — we took away the flap that he’s had since Season 1, that was his ability to loosen up.” Akin to Homelander, Billy Butcher, stoically portrayed by Karl Urban, faces his own moral dilemma. Does he walk the path of righteousness or release his inner demon? In shaping the character’s arc, Kripke separated Butcher from his group of ragtag partners, leaving him to think about how to make things right with his adoptive son Ryan (Cameron Crovetti). “We knew that Butcher was going to spend so much time alone and he has a literal angel and devil on his shoulder. One character who’s telling him, ‘Show love, show mercy,’ and then he has another who’s like, just become a monster,” Kripke told IndieWire. Crafting the juxtaposition was a key development early on. “He’s really down in the dumps at the beginning of Season 4, and we’ve got hints that he’s losing his mind but maybe hasn’t completely gotten there yet,” noted editor David Kaldor. The angel on his shoulder is his deceased wife, Becca (Shantel VanSanten), while a new character, Joe Kessler (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), plays his devil, who, in a late reveal, turns out to be a figment of Butcher’s imagination. The haunting revelation plays out through a montage of moments where Butcher believes he’s talking to Kessler, but in fact, no one is there. “When he starts to go through the flashbacks, we have this, like, rhythmic piece of distortion that just starts to loop on itself and starts to feedback on itself,” said composer Matt Bowen. “Kessler represents all the bad stuff in Butcher,” editor Scott Stolzar said. “He tried, and he failed, and he immediately reverts back to the absolute worst version of himself.” The event that firmly turns Butcher to the dark side is seeing Ryan send CIA officer Grace Mallory (Laila Robins) through a brick wall. “It’s such an emotional moment. Kripke and I talk about it all the time, some things, kept simple and just fast and violent, hit harder than all kinds of fancy moves and fancy wire work,” said supervising stunt coordinator John Koyama about creating the tragic death of the character. “For Butcher, it feels like a line that Ryan has crossed that he won’t come back from. And if he doesn’t have Ryan, then what the hell is he holding onto his humanity for? That’s when Butcher accepts that fate,” revealed Kripke. Part of what “They Boys” does so well is seamlessly introducing new characters, whether it’s a minor one like Will Ferrell making a cameo as a coach in a Vought-produced film or a major one, like Sister Sage (Susan Howard), the mastermind behind Homelander’s political rise. But no one made a bigger impact this season than Firecracker (Valorie Curry), a right-wing “truth bomber” who cozies up to Homelander as part of the Seven. The political mouthpiece becomes a sore spot for Annie (Erin Moriarty), revealing some of her darkest secrets. “There’s a lot of political figures that are folded into Firecracker,” said Kripke. “A big one, though, is the QAnon movement and just this overall notion of these unfounded conspiracy theories based on misinformation and social media and how they metastasize into this very frightening worldview.” In designing her super suit, costume designer Laura Jean Shannon infused a red, white, and blue color scheme with a customized camo jumpsuit as the base. Leather was infused into the creation along with metal accents and an ammo belt across her chest. “When Vought gets their hands on Firecracker, they take aspects of her costume that she wore, and they bake the DNA of that into their bells and whistles version of the Seven branded super suit,” explained Shannon. Similar thought went into designing her televised special “Truth Bomb.” “The whole idea of that stage set up was this guerrilla event happening across the street,” noted production designer Mark Steel. “Putting her brand in full relief behind, putting it on the floor, so that in every shot, you’re just entirely immersed in her brand. It was a graphic design approach that we took and it was for television.” Before Firecracker and Annie go toe-to-toe, supervising stunt coordinator John Koyama spoke with the actors to find the emotional undertones of the scene to “drive the action.” “It was just so great seeing Annie be a badass in her little quasi-preppy sports coat,” said Shannon. “And there was something really amazing about this sort of clashing of good and evil, but the one that deserved the beating was in her patriotic red, white, and blue.”
In conclusion, the case of the name school graduate who sold national secrets serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of upholding one's principles and values, especially for individuals who have received a high-quality education from prestigious institutions. Let it serve as a warning to all graduates that the path to success and fulfillment must be paved with integrity, ethics, and a steadfast commitment to the common good. May this unfortunate incident spark a renewed dedication to uphold the highest standards of morality and responsibility, and to resist the temptations that threaten to lead us astray.Demi Moore, Heidi Klum, Kim Kardashian top most revealing looks of 2024: PHOTOS
NEW YORK (AP) — No ex-president had a more prolific and diverse publishing career than Jimmy Carter . His more than two dozen books included nonfiction, poetry, fiction, religious meditations and a children’s story. His memoir “An Hour Before Daylight” was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2002, while his 2006 best-seller “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid” stirred a fierce debate by likening Israel’s policies in the West Bank to the brutal South African system of racial segregation. And just before his 100th birthday, the Dayton Literary Peace Prize Foundation honored him with a lifetime achievement award for how he wielded "the power of the written word to foster peace, social justice, and global understanding.” In one recent work, “A Full Life,” Carter observed that he “enjoyed writing” and that his books “provided a much-needed source of income.” But some projects were easier than others. “Everything to Gain,” a 1987 collaboration with his wife, Rosalynn, turned into the “worst threat we ever experienced in our marriage,” an intractable standoff for the facilitator of the Camp David accords and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. According to Carter, Rosalynn was a meticulous author who considered “the resulting sentences as though they have come down from Mount Sinai, carved into stone.” Their memories differed on various events and they fell into “constant arguments.” They were ready to abandon the book and return the advance, until their editor persuaded them to simply divide any disputed passages between them. “In the book, each of these paragraphs is identified by a ‘J’ or an ‘R,’ and our marriage survived,” he wrote. Here is a partial list of books by Carter: “Keeping Faith: Memoirs of a President” “The Blood of Abraham: Insights into the Middle East” (With Rosalynn Carter) “Everything to Gain: Making the Most of the Rest of Your Life” “An Outdoor Journal: Adventures and Reflections” “Turning Point: A Candidate, a State, and a Nation Come of Age” “Always a Reckoning, and Other Poems” (With daughter Amy Carter) “The Little Baby Snoogle-Fleejer” “Living Faith” “The Virtues of Aging” “An Hour Before Daylight: Memories of a Rural Boyhood” “Christmas in Plains: Memories” “The Hornet’s Nest: A Novel of the Revolutionary War” “Our Endangered Values: America’s Moral Crisis” “Faith & Freedom: The Christian Challenge for the World” “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid” “A Remarkable Mother” “Beyond the White House” “We Can Have Peace in the Holy Land: A Plan That Will Work” “White House Diary” “NIV Lessons from Life Bible: Personal Reflections with Jimmy Carter” “A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power” “A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety”Moreover, by implementing a shorter workday, Pang Donglai is taking a proactive stance towards promoting a healthier work-life balance for its employees. Research has shown that prolonged hours at work can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and overall dissatisfaction among employees. By offering a more concise work schedule, the company not only acknowledges the importance of employee well-being but also recognizes the positive impact it can have on job satisfaction and overall performance.Tech billionaire Elon Musk spent at least $270 million to help Donald Trump win the US presidency, according to new federal filings, making him the country's biggest political donor. SpaceX and Tesla CEO Musk, the world's richest person, was an ardent supporter of Trump's White House campaign -- funneling money into door knocking operations and speaking at his rallies.
In Southeast Asia, JD Airlines will introduce flights to destinations including Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. These countries are renowned for their rich heritage, stunning natural beauty, and bustling urban centers, attracting millions of visitors each year. By expanding its routes to Southeast Asia, JD Airlines opens up new travel possibilities for passengers seeking to explore the diverse and enchanting cultures of the region.
The Book Club: “Hum” and more short reviews from readersAs Captain Lee concluded his speech, a sense of resilience and determination shone through his tears. "We may have stumbled, but we are not defeated. The 707 Special Forces will rise again, stronger and more united than ever before. We will reclaim our honor and restore the trust and respect that we once held," he declared, his voice firm and resolute.In response to the incident, the 12306 railway service issued a statement explaining that the length of the scissors carried by the mother and daughter was within the permissible limits for carry-on items. According to the regulations, passengers are allowed to bring scissors with blades shorter than 6 cm on board, as they are considered safe and pose no threat to other passengers.Through sheer determination and unwavering perseverance, the granddaughter's efforts paid off when she stumbled upon her grandmother, weakened but alive, hidden in a secluded grove. The elderly woman had managed to survive by ingesting wild plants and herbs that her granddaughter had taught her about in the past.
2. One white cloud in the sky: The presence of a lone white cloud in the sky is said to indicate a winter with little snowfall and milder weather conditions. On the other hand, if the sky is filled with dark clouds and heavy snow is forecasted, it suggests a colder and more severe winter.
One key area of focus is the stabilization of the real estate market, which plays a significant role in China's economy. Efforts to prevent speculation, regulate pricing, and promote affordable housing options are crucial to ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of the property sector. By striking a balance between controlling market risks and supporting homeownership, the government aims to provide stability and confidence to both developers and buyers.Mr. Smith's story serves as a reminder that age is no barrier to creativity, resilience, and a sense of adventure. His unconventional approach to navigating the challenges of everyday life has inspired many to embrace a spirit of innovation and daring. As he continues to crawl through the turnstiles with the energy and vitality of his youth, Mr. Smith has become a symbol of defiance against conformity and a beacon of hope for those seeking to break free from the constraints of societal expectations.
