Political interest vs. interest ratesC an you select a profession of good status from among the following? Doctor, engineer, lawyer, civil servant, banker, teacher, scientist, entrepreneur. Now select the noblest of them. Invariably, most of us would choose teacher, as this profession lays the groundwork for all other professions. How many of us chose this a noble profession and one of high social status? The figure would be very less. The reason for this would be that many of us equate a profession of good status as a lucrative profession. Unfortunately, the noblest teacher profession of the past, now does not have a high status in a money-driven society. The respect and value for teachers’ profession faded away when money came into play, leading to teachers becoming service providers and students becoming customers. Before we continue, let’s answer this. Who is a good teacher? Simply put, teachers impart knowledge, shape students’ character, and helps to create responsible citizens. While we celebrate film actors, sports personalities, politicians, entrepreneurs, social activists, and influencers, why don’t we also celebrate and appreciate teachers, who act as an important pillar for the betterment of society? A question may arise that in today’s society, not all teachers are noble. Many focus mainly on earning their salaries and limit their efforts to improving students’ grades. The reasons for this shift in teachers’ attitudes toward their responsibilities are a separate topic. Nevertheless, there are some teachers in society who go the extra mile to improve the lives of their students. They do not work solely for their salary but strive to enhance students’ lives academically, socially, economically, and even spiritually. These teachers deserve to be celebrated every day, as the world needs examples to inspire others to do what is right, which is crucial in today’s times. Celebrating teachers isn’t just about holding an event once a year and ignoring them the rest of the time. True celebration means that as a society, we should show lasting respect, love, and gratitude for teachers throughout our lives. However, these values are meaningless unless put into action. What the government, organisations, and institutions can do comes later. As the saying goes, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Even the biggest revolutions have always begun with a single individual. No individual can achieve success or grow without the contribution of teachers. Unfortunately, as we grow older, we often forget their sacrifices. So, what can we do as individuals? The first way to honour teachers is by living the values and ideals they taught us. Additionally, we can use the knowledge they imparted in a righteous manner to help others within our ability. From primary school to graduation or even a doctorate, all of us have learned under many teachers. However, as we move forward in life, how many of us have reconnected with those teachers? Individually, we can each try to improve the lives of at least two teachers in any way we can. If that’s not possible, we can help others in need, even if they weren’t our teachers. The number of people we help can always be adjusted to fit our means. In today’s society, parents don’t usually encourage their children to become teachers, as many prefer other careers. This mindset needs to change. First, we must be convinced of the value of teaching and then inspire the younger generation to pursue this profession. Moreover, there is currently a shortage of teachers. If we do not produce quality teachers, the entire education system will collapse, as teachers play a crucial role. Despite the rise of AI in this technology-driven world, the need for teachers is even greater, as they are the ones who instil culture, tradition, and, most important, humanity in the younger generation. Ultimately, if someone becomes a dedicated teacher out of passion, contributing to a better society, it is the best way to honour teachers every day. In this way, the former student has now taken on the responsibility of following in their teachers’ footsteps, inspiring many others, and shaping good citizens for society. vithyamari.ms@gmail.com Published - December 22, 2024 02:16 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit

After dropping attorney general nomination, Matt Gaetz says he won't return to CongressPrime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to bring tax defaulters into the tax net and take strict action against non-compliance. He made the remarks while presiding over a crucial review meeting on the strategies to enhance revenue collection on Saturday. During the meeting, officials briefed the prime minister on the installation and monitoring of video analytics in the sugar industry. Highlighting the importance of technology, the prime minister said, "Improving the Federal Board of Revenue's (FBR) performance through technology is the government's top priority." He emphasized that the use of video analytics in the sugar industry would significantly improve revenue collection, eliminate hoarding, and help stabilise prices. "Our utmost effort is to ensure the availability of sugar at an affordable price for the public," he stated, directing regular monitoring of sugar stocks to maintain an uninterrupted supply chain. The prime minister also ordered stringent and indiscriminate action against tax evasion and under-reporting by sugar mills. He underscored that ongoing measures for the FBR's digitization would bring billions of rupees in benefits to the national treasury. Additionally, the prime minister instructed the swift completion of FBR's value chain digitization and called for the rapid implementation of video analytics in the cement and tobacco industries. The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister of State for Finance Ali Pervaiz Malik, and senior government officials. COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see our

JuJu Watkins started counting wins weeks before her Southern California team takes the court for the start of college basketball season. Watkins signed an endorsement deal, announced Tuesday, with Gatorade, the latest global NIL agreement for the point guard that puts her on a world-class athlete roster headlined by Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers. USC advanced to the Elite Eight behind Watkins' phenomenal freshman season in 2023-24. She set the NCAA women's basketball record for points by a freshman with 920. Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, the prominent agency fronting for LeBron James, represents Watkins. Days after her endorsement deal with Nike was extended, Watkins served up official word she's joining the Gatorade brand. "Gatorade has been a part of my life for years, especially after being named the Gatorade National Girls Basketball Player of the Year in 2023, so I'm excited to officially be a member of the family," Watkins said in a statement. "Gatorade partners with the best athletes in the world, so joining this roster is a huge milestone for me as I look towards the future." Bueckers, a redshirt senior, opted to return to UConn for the upcoming season after being eliminated from the NCAA Tournament by Clark and Iowa in the Final Four. She has NIL agreements with Bose, Crocs, Gatorade, Nike, U.S. Army, Dunkin' Donuts, Nerf and StockX. The week of massive deals for Watkins adds to a burgeoning NIL portfolio and underscores her position as the heir to the women's college basketball throne that Clark and Angel Reese (LSU) occupied in recent seasons. Her current paid agreements and endorsements also include Dove, NerdWallet, Wells Fargo, Poppi and Celsius. "Our Gatorade roster is the most elite in sport. We're proud to have signed many of our long-term athlete partners early in their careers," added Jeff Kearney, Gatorade's global head of sports marketing. "Having a dynamic young talent like JuJu join the family is an exciting opportunity to build on the incredible impact she's already made and leverage our combined platforms to continue moving the game forward." Watkins was the second-leading scorer in the NCAA last season, trailing only Clark. For the sake of production comparison, Watkins is on pace to score 3,680 points if she plays four seasons. Clark became the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I women's basketball with 3,951 season for the Hawkeyes. Clark took the mark from Kelsey Plum, who had 3,527 points at Washington. --Field Level MediaA former Tesco employee has revealed some home truths they wish they could share with customers. With the Christmas rush over, people across the country have recently experienced the stress of heading to the supermarket to stock up on festive items. Indeed, many of us will be repeating this stressful cycle in preparation for New Year's Eve. Retail giants like Tesco, Aldi, Sainsbury's and more see a significant surge in footfall during this period, as shoppers ensure they have all their necessities. As such, it's understandable that tensions can escalate among both customers and staff who are under immense pressure due to high demand. A previous Tesco worker shared with the Mirror what they'd like to tell customers during these challenging times, from disliking asking for ID to the plastic bag charge. Here's what they had to say. 1. I know it's three minutes until we open, but I can't unlock the doors just because you're standing there. The former employee stated: "You're early, that's great. But unfortunately when we open at 7am, that means 7am.", reports . "I'm sorry if it's raining, or you're cold. But looking at me with a face like thunder isn't going to speed this process up." 2. Huffing and puffing in the queue won't make me go any quicker on the checkouts. They added: "I'm not deliberately going slow - it's just busy in here." 3. Asking for ID is a chore, especially when the person is clearly over the age limit. The ex-Tesco worker shared some light-hearted truths about the trade: "Feel flattered I'm asking you to prove you're old enough to buy that bottle of vodka, because I'm not doing it for fun." They also touched on winter workwear, confessing: "They aren't the most flattering items of clothing to wear, but they are amazingly warm in those chilly winter months." Discussing the customer rush for bargains, the former employee remarked: "Those yellow stickers are coming out, and it's like shoppers can smell them a mile off." Filling shelves comes with its own challenges, as they explained: "We all know those huge cages can get in the way, but getting the products off them is the real task." Debunking any myths about staff perks, they divulged: "Going on lunch and finding yourself short of a few quid so you opt for that Tesco Everyday Value thick sliced bread that your managers generously left in the staff room." Being asked for discounts is common too, which prompts a reserved reaction: "The last box of 10 pack fish fingers has been opened - it's probably just a damaged box but hey, I'll knock 10 per cent off to avoid the drama," the shop worker disclosed. On the subject of carrier bags, they made their stance clear: "Rolling your eyes when a customer blames Tesco for the 5p plastic bag charge - I'm all for saving the planet, but don't take it out on the messenger." Lastly, they noted their insight into loyal customers' routines. They've got their eye on regulars, with a touch of humour: "That's right, Barbara. I see you doing the weekly shop at 7pm every Wednesday. I saw you last week, and the week before that, and the week before that..." They're not fans of self-checkouts either, as one ex-employee confessed: "And impatiently waving your product in front of the scanner isn't going to make my life any easier." "I hold the power to unlock these bad boys, and the red light flashing above you has already told me you need my help."

Aaron Rodgers suggests a 'curse' might be the reason for the Jets' losing waysQatar tribune Agencies India, a rapidly growing economy and one of the world’s most populous countries, has long been viewed as a key player in the global economic landscape. Its robust domestic consumption, diverse industries, and favourable demographic trends have made it one of the most attractive markets for investors worldwide. As the world enters a period of heightened uncertainty due to a shifting geopolitical landscape, including new trade policies from the United States under President-elect Donald Trump, economists at Goldman Sachs Research have forecast that India’s economy will remain relatively insulated against global shocks over the coming year. Although challenges such as slower government spending and credit growth are expected to temper growth in the short term, India’s long-term growth trajectory remains strong. One of the key factors driving global uncertainty is the policy direction of the incoming administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Trump’s campaign promises centred around imposing tariffs on imports, renegotiating trade deals, and prioritizing American industry. These policies are expected to disrupt global trade flows, with far-reaching implications for many countries, especially those that rely heavily on exports, like China and Mexico. The global economy is at a crossroads, with increasing protectionism, trade wars, and disruptions to global supply chains becoming significant risks. The potential for a rise in U.S. tariffs on goods from countries like China, Mexico, and other emerging markets is a source of concern for many. However, India’s economy, according to Goldman Sachs, is expected to remain relatively insulated from these global shocks. India is not as heavily reliant on exports as some of its Asian counterparts, and much of its economic activity is driven by domestic demand. As a result, it is less vulnerable to disruptions in international trade. Goldman Sachs attributes India’s ability to weather external shocks to several factors. The first and most important factor is its large, domestic consumer base. India’s economy is underpinned by its thriving consumer sector, with an increasing middle class and a youthful population driving demand for goods and services. This internal demand serves as a cushion against global shocks, as it reduces the country’s dependence on foreign markets. Additionally, India’s services sector, particularly IT and business process outsourcing, has become an increasingly important contributor to the country’s GDP. While the global outsourcing market may be impacted by changing trade dynamics and protectionist policies, India’s services industry remains relatively competitive due to its established reputation for high-quality and cost-effective services. Even with the potential for trade friction with the U.S. and other countries, India’s services exports are likely to continue their growth trajectory. Another crucial element in India’s economic resilience is its large, young, and growing population. With over 1.3 billion people, India’s demographic trends are a key driver of its long-term economic prospects. As more people enter the workforce and rise into the middle class, domestic demand for goods and services will continue to increase. In fact, India is expected to have the largest working-age population in the world by 2030, providing it with a significant economic advantage in the coming decades. While India is expected to be relatively insulated from global shocks in the long term, Goldman Sachs forecasts a slight deceleration in economic growth next year. This slowdown is attributed to two key factors: a reduction in government spending and slower credit growth. Government spending in India has been a significant driver of economic activity, especially under the current administration.The government’s push for infrastructure development, rural employment schemes, and social welfare programs has provided a boost to economic growth. However, as the Indian government faces mounting fiscal pressures, it is expected to slow down its spending in the short term. This could have a dampening effect on the broader economy, particularly in sectors reliant on government contracts and investments. In addition to government spending, the rate of credit growth in India is expected to slow. Over the past few years, credit growth in the country has been a key driver of consumption and investment. However, the banking sector continues to struggle with a large amount of non-performing assets (NPAs), which has made financial institutions more cautious in lending. As credit growth slows, consumer and business spending could be impacted, resulting in a temporary slowdown in economic activity. Despite these short-term challenges, Goldman Sachs remains optimistic about India’s long-term economic prospects. The firm expects India’s GDP to continue growing at a strong pace over the next several years, driven by factors such as demographic trends, increasing urbanisation, and a shift toward higher value-added industries. India’s growing middle class will continue to fuel demand for a wide range of goods and services, while the country’s infrastructure development and industrialisation efforts will support further growth. India’s government is also expected to implement reforms that will drive growth in the long run. The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which aims to streamline the country’s complex tax system, is one such reform that is expected to boost economic activity in the medium to long term. In addition, the government’s focus on improving the ease of doing business, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), and fostering innovation will support India’s competitiveness in the global market. The country is also likely to benefit from its increasing integration into global supply chains. As the global economy becomes more interconnected, India’s expanding infrastructure, technological capabilities, and skilled labour force will make it an increasingly attractive destination for multinational companies looking to diversify their supply chains. India’s role as a hub for manufacturing, technology, and services is expected to grow, positioning it as one of the most important emerging markets in the world. As global economic conditions become more unpredictable, India stands out as one of the most resilient economies, largely insulated from the direct effects of global trade disruptions and protectionism. While the Indian economy faces some short-term challenges, including slower government spending and credit growth, its long-term growth prospects remain strong. A large domestic consumer base, a young and growing population, and ongoing structural reforms will help India maintain its economic momentum. Goldman Sachs’ forecast suggests that while India’s GDP growth may slow slightly in the short term, the country’s overall economic trajectory remains on a positive path. With its focus on domestic demand, services exports, and long-term structural reforms, India is well-positioned to continue its rise as a global economic powerhouse. Copy 22/12/2024 10