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Bryant 97, Tennessee St. 85Home | News | Opinion Is India A True Democracy Opinion: Is India a true democracy? The intertwining of money with politics erodes the foundational principles of democracy By Telangana Today Published Date - 6 December 2024, 11:55 PM By Vidyasagar Veesamsetty India is often hailed as the world’s largest democracy, with a population of over 1.4 billion and a Constitution that guarantees its citizens various rights and freedoms. However, some critics argue that India’s democracy is flawed, corrupted or even non-existent, due to various factors that undermine the principles and practices of democratic governance. This analysis explores the complex challenges facing Indian democracy and potential paths forward. Political Participation One of the primary criticisms against the democratic system in India revolves around the financial barriers that restrict political participation. Election campaigns demand substantial funding, from organising rallies to reaching out to voters through advertisements. The scale of Indian elections, with their massive constituencies and diverse populations, makes them particularly expensive endeavours. Political parties often require candidates to contribute significant sums, which, in turn, limits the pool of potential candidates to those with financial means. This “ticket to entry” can run into millions of rupees, effectively creating a plutocratic filter that screens out capable candidates who lack financial resources. This has created an environment where the wealthy dominate the political landscape, overshadowing individuals with intellectual prowess but limited financial resources. Business tycoons, industrial magnates and those with inherited wealth find it easier to secure party nominations and run successful campaigns, while grassroots leaders and public intellectuals often struggle to gain political footing. Individuals with expertise, education and a deep understanding of governance may find themselves unable to participate due to financial constraints. This includes academics, social workers, environmental activists and other professionals who could potentially contribute valuable perspectives to policy-making and governance. The consequence is the exclusion of valuable perspectives and knowledge from the political arena, undermining the diversity of ideas essential for a robust democratic system. This homogenisation of political representation leads to a narrow range of policy priorities and solutions. Vote-buying Practices Another critical concern is the susceptibility of voters to financial inducements, such as cash and liquor. The prevalence of vote-buying practices raises questions about the integrity of the electoral process. When voters can be swayed by monetary incentives, the very essence of democratic representation is compromised. India’s democracy is not a given, but a choice, and it depends on the will and the vision of the people to make it successful The marginalised, who are often more susceptible to financial pressures, may be coerced into casting their votes based on short-term gains rather than informed decisions about the long-term well-being of the nation. This creates a vicious cycle where political parties focus on short-term handouts rather than sustainable development policies. The practice of vote-buying has become so entrenched in some regions that voters have come to expect monetary compensation for their participation in the democratic process. This transactional approach to voting rights undermines the fundamental principle of free and fair elections. Impact on Democratic Values The intertwining of money with politics erodes the foundational principles of democracy, where representation should ideally reflect the diverse voices of the population. This erosion manifests in multiple ways: Policy distortion: The dominance of wealth in the political sphere perpetuates a system where policies and decisions may be skewed in favour of the affluent, neglecting the concerns of the economically disadvantaged. Representation gap: The underrepresentation of middle and lower economic classes in political institutions leads to a disconnect between policymakers and the general population. Democratic legitimacy: The perception that electoral outcomes can be influenced by money rather than merit or popular support undermines public faith in democratic institutions. Social inequality: The system reinforces existing social and economic inequalities by maintaining power structures that favour the wealthy. Media and Democracy A new challenge to Indian democracy has emerged in the form of media manipulation and control. The concentration of media ownership among a few powerful entities, often with strong political affiliations, has led to concerns about the independence of news coverage and public discourse. Social media platforms, while democratising information flow in some ways, have also become vectors for misinformation and political manipulation. The impact of fake news and partisan reporting on voter behaviour has become a significant concern for electoral integrity. Institutional Challenges Beyond financial barriers, India’s democracy faces several institutional challenges that require attention: Electoral reform: The current first-past-the-post system often results in parties winning with a minority of votes, raising questions about true representativeness. Party democracy: Internal democracy within political parties is often weak, with leadership positions frequently determined by wealth or family connections rather than merit. C ampaign finance: Despite regulations, the opacity of political funding through electoral bonds and other mechanisms raises concerns about undue influence by corporate interests. Way Forward India’s democracy is a work in progress, and it requires the constant and collective efforts of the people, the politicians, and the institutions to improve and enhance its quality and performance. Several key reforms could strengthen democratic processes: Campaign finance reform o Implementing stricter regulations on campaign spending o Creating transparent mechanisms for political donations o Establishing public funding systems for elections Electoral system updates o Considering proportional representation elements o Strengthening anti-corruption mechanisms o Implementing technology-based solutions for voter verification Civic education o Enhancing voter awareness programmes o Promoting political literacy o Encouraging informed political participation Institutional strengthening o Reinforcing the independence of electoral bodies o Strengthening local governance structures o Promoting transparency in political processes India’s democracy is not a given, but a choice, and it depends on the will and the vision of the people to make it a true and successful democracy. The challenges facing Indian democracy are significant but not insurmountable. By addressing financial barriers, strengthening institutions and promoting civic engagement, India can work toward a more inclusive and representative democratic system. The path to strengthening India’s democracy requires sustained effort from multiple stakeholders, including civil society organisations, political parties, media and citizens themselves. Only through collective action and commitment to democratic principles can India fulfil its potential as a truly representative democracy that serves all its citizens, not just those with financial means. (The author is Chairman & MD, Sagar Asia Pvt Ltd) Follow Us : Tags Democracy election integrity electoral reform financial barriers Related News Australia 86-1 in reply to India’s 180 at stumps on Day 1 of pink ball Test Adelaide Test: Australia’s Mitchell Starc on fire as India reach 82/4 at tea Opinion: AI’s impact on global trade Editorial: Unpardonable pardon

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Millions of iPhone users could be vulnerable to a new wave of cyberattacks that exploit Apple ID vulnerabilities to gain access to sensitive information and drain digital wallets. In a digital age where our lives are increasingly intertwined with our smartphones , the security of our personal information and financial assets has never been more critical. A recent surge in reports of compromised Apple IDs has sent shockwaves through the tech community, raising alarm bells for the 1.5 billion iPhone users worldwide. This sophisticated hacking technique allows criminals to bypass security measures, potentially granting them access to a treasure trove of sensitive data, including banking details, credit card information, and personal photos stored within digital wallets. What is the threat? This isn’t your typical phishing scam. Cybersecurity experts have uncovered a new method that exploits vulnerabilities in Apple’s security framework, allowing hackers to gain unauthorized access to Apple IDs. Once inside, they can wreak havoc, potentially locking users out of their own devices, stealing personal information, and even draining funds from Apple Pay and other linked digital wallets. Who is at risk? The alarming answer is: potentially every iPhone user. While Apple has a robust security system in place, no system is entirely impenetrable. This new attack vector highlights the ever-evolving nature of cyber threats and the constant need for vigilance. When did this start? Reports of this specific attack began surfacing in recent weeks, with a noticeable uptick in cases globally. Security researchers are working tirelessly to understand the full scope of the vulnerability and develop effective countermeasures. Where is this happening? This is a global threat. The digital nature of the attack means that anyone, anywhere with an iPhone could be targeted. Why is this happening? Cybercriminals are constantly seeking new ways to exploit systems and steal valuable data. The sheer number of iPhone users and the wealth of information stored within their devices make them a lucrative target. How the Hack Works: A Deep Dive While the exact details are still under investigation, experts believe the attack involves a combination of social engineering and exploiting previously unknown vulnerabilities in the Apple ID login process. Here’s what we know so far: The Devastating Consequences Once hackers gain access to your Apple ID, the consequences can be severe: My Personal Brush with an Apple ID Scare While I haven’t been a victim of this specific attack, I did have a close call a few years ago. I received a suspicious email that looked like an official Apple communication, warning me of suspicious activity on my account. Thankfully, I noticed some red flags, such as grammatical errors and a strange sender address. I contacted Apple support directly and confirmed that the email was indeed a phishing attempt. This experience served as a stark reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant and cautious online. Protecting Yourself: Essential Steps for Every iPhone User The good news is that there are steps you can take to significantly reduce your risk: What to Do If You Suspect Your Apple ID Has Been Compromised If you notice any suspicious activity on your account or believe your Apple ID may have been hacked, take immediate action: The Future of Apple ID Security Apple is undoubtedly aware of the evolving threat landscape and is continuously working to improve its security measures. We can expect to see further enhancements to their security protocols, including advanced authentication methods and more robust safeguards against phishing and other attacks. In the meantime, it is crucial for iPhone users to take responsibility for their own online security. By following the steps outlined above, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to this latest threat. Remember, vigilance is key in the ongoing battle against cybercrime.

TORONTO - Mitch Marner will be sporting a different Maple Leaf in February. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * TORONTO - Mitch Marner will be sporting a different Maple Leaf in February. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? TORONTO – Mitch Marner will be sporting a different Maple Leaf in February. The Toronto Maple Leafs star was one of 15 players named Wednesday to round out Canada’s 23-man roster for the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. Joining the winger as part of an attack that already featured Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Brad Marchand and Brayden Point — all announced back in June — are Sam Reinhart and Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers along with Anthony Cirelli and Brandon Hagel of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Also making the team up front are Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone, Travis Konecny of the Philadelphia Flyers and Seth Jarvis of the Carolina Hurricanes. The defence corps led by Cale Makar, who was also tabbed in June, will see Colorado Avalanche teammate Devon Toews suit up in red and white, and also include the Vegas duo of Shea Theodore and Alex Pietrangelo, Josh Morrissey of the Winnipeg Jets, Colton Parayko of the St. Louis Blues and Philadelphia’s Travis Sanheim. The biggest question mark for Canadian general manager Don Sweeney of the Boston Bruins and the rest of the country’s hockey brain trust since the selection process began has been in the crease — especially with stud netminders like Carey Price and Roberto Luongo a distant memory. Canada doesn’t have the same goaltending pedigree as at past international events, but head coach Jon Cooper of Tampa will likely lean on Stanley Cup winners Jordan Binnington of the Blues and Adin Hill of the Golden Knights. Sam Montembeault of the Montreal Canadiens rounds out the puck-stopping trio. “We are thrilled to unveil the group of players who have earned the opportunity to represent Canada,” Sweeney said in a statement. “We believe we have assembled a roster that features world-class talent, as well as success at the NHL and international levels. “We are confident this group will give us the best chance to accomplish our goal on the international stage.” The 4 Nations tournament, which also includes the United States, Sweden and Finland, runs Feb. 12-20 in Montreal and Boston, and will serve as an appetizer for the NHL’s Olympic return in 2026. It’s also the closest hockey has got to a best-on-best men’s tournament since the 2016 World Cup. This showcase won’t technically meet that threshold with Russia — because of its ongoing war in Ukraine — and reigning world champions Czechia not in the mix. But there should still be plenty of interest with McDavid, Crosby, U.S. star Auston Matthews and a host of other big names finally sharing the ice on the world stage. The NHL, which went to five straight Olympics between 1998 and 2014, announced at last season’s all-star game players would participate at the next two Games after it skipped 2018 for business reasons and missed out in 2022 due to COVID-19. The goal of the league and NHL Players’ Association is hold a World Cup in both 2028 and 2032 to get international events on a schedule of every two years. Canada opens the 4 Nations on Feb. 12 against Sweden at the Bell Centre in Montreal before facing the U.S. in the same building three nights later. The tournament then moves to Boston, where the Canadians will meet Finland on Feb 17. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. The teams with the two best records after the round-robin will battle in the final Feb. 20 at TD Garden. “This is an exciting time for the NHL and international hockey,” Cooper said. “This event is an important part of the process as we continue to build teams that can be successful on the international stage.” ___ Follow @JClipperton_CP on X. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 4, 2024. Advertisement Advertisement

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Salah nervelessly converted a 63rd-minute penalty, his 16th goal of the season, after French referee Benoit Bastien had been advised to take another look at Donny van de Beek’s clumsy challenge on Luis Diaz. In the process, he became just the 11th man to score 50 goals in the competition – Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe later also joined that exclusive club – on a night when victory at the Estadi Montilivi meant the six-time European champions will enter 2025 sitting proudly at the top of the table. ⭐️ A FIVE STAR PERFORMANCE ⭐️ #FCBayern #MiaSanMia | #SHAFCB #UCL pic.twitter.com/WELoxugaGn — FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) December 10, 2024 France international Michael Olise produced a moment of magic to set the seal on Bayern Munich’s demolition of Shakhtar Donetsk and ease them towards the knockout stage. Olise’s brilliant stoppage-time run and finish capped a 5-1 victory for the Germans, in which he had early scored from the penalty spot, in Gelsenkirchen. Kevin’s fifth-minute strike had given the home side the perfect start, but Konrad Laimer levelled before Thomas Muller’s 55th goal in the competition sent the visitors in ahead at the break and set the stage for Olise’s double either side of Jamal Musiala’s strike. Jude Bellingham breathed life back into Real Madrid’s campaign as they held off Atalanta to earn a 3-2 victory in Bergamo. 🫲 @BellinghamJude 🫱 #UCL pic.twitter.com/jTynK04akR — Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) December 10, 2024 After Charles De Ketelaere had cancelled out Mbappe’s opener from the penalty spot, second-half goals from Vinicius Junior and Bellingham in quick succession put the visitors in charge, although Ademola Lookman’s 65th-minute strike meant the contest was alive until the final whistle. Ross Barkley took Aston Villa a step closer to automatic qualification with a late winner against RB Leipzig in Germany. Villa had led twice through John McGinn and Jhon Duran, but equalisers from Lois Openda and Christoph Baumgartner kept Leipzig in it until substitute Barkley struck five minutes from time to snatch a 3-2 victory. Goals from Goncalo Ramos, Nuno Mendes and substitute Desire Doue – his first in the competition – handed French champions Paris St Germain a much-needed three points after a comfortable 3-0 win at RB Salzburg. He's making a list and checking it twiceB04 won and Nordi scored – nice! 🎅 pic.twitter.com/8bs6FGUaHz — Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) December 10, 2024 Nordi Mukiele left it late to end Inter Milan’s unbeaten Champions League record as Bayer Leverkusen claimed a dramatic 1-0 victory at the BayArena. Mukiele struck in the 90th minute to inflict a first defeat across six games in this season’s competition on the Serie A champions – it was also the first goal they have conceded. Casper Nielsen came off the bench to fire Club Brugge to a 2-1 home victory over Sporting Lisbon after Eduardo Quaresma’s own goal had handed them a way back into the game following Geny Catamo’s early opener. Julien Le Cardinal’s first-half strike was enough to handed Brest a 1-0 victory over Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven, while Kasper Schmeichel’s save from Marko Pjaca’s close-range 80th-minute header ensured Celtic returned from Dinamo Zagreb with a 0-0 draw.The global cricket calendar is a mess because of “self-interest” according to Greg Barclay, the outgoing chair of the International Cricket Council — and has warned of even more challenging times ahead. Barclay has been in charge of the international governing body for four years but stepped down at the start of this month, making way for new chairman Jay Shah, who was formerly the head of the Indian Cricket Board. During his tenure could not make any headway on easing the congested calendar, with more cricket being played than ever before and a growing conflict between the international and domestic games. “We’ve lost perspective,” Barclay said. “It’s not great for the game at all. It’s a mess. The calendar is incredibly congested and self-interest is such that it’s almost impossible to untangle all of that, because no one’s going to give up their own content.”Wrexham AFC register hard-fought 1-0 win against Lincoln City

In the current market session, Copa Holdings Inc. CPA share price is at $95.10, after a 0.97% increase. Moreover, over the past month, the stock decreased by 4.90% , but in the past year, went up by 0.43% . Shareholders might be interested in knowing whether the stock is overvalued, even if the company is performing up to par in the current session. Evaluating Copa Holdings P/E in Comparison to Its Peers The P/E ratio is used by long-term shareholders to assess the company's market performance against aggregate market data, historical earnings, and the industry at large. A lower P/E could indicate that shareholders do not expect the stock to perform better in the future or it could mean that the company is undervalued. Compared to the aggregate P/E ratio of the 15.28 in the Passenger Airlines industry, Copa Holdings Inc. has a lower P/E ratio of 6.23 . Shareholders might be inclined to think that the stock might perform worse than it's industry peers. It's also possible that the stock is undervalued. In summary, while the price-to-earnings ratio is a valuable tool for investors to evaluate a company's market performance, it should be used with caution. A low P/E ratio can be an indication of undervaluation, but it can also suggest weak growth prospects or financial instability. Moreover, the P/E ratio is just one of many metrics that investors should consider when making investment decisions, and it should be evaluated alongside other financial ratios, industry trends, and qualitative factors. By taking a comprehensive approach to analyzing a company's financial health, investors can make well-informed decisions that are more likely to lead to successful outcomes. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Local roundup: Chelmsford’s Claire Danahy leading UMass into national semifinal game

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