mega swerte download Democrats proved they’re not defenders of democracyRecently, I spoke at the launch in Delhi of Vikram Sampath’s new magnum opus, , a 900-page biography of this controversial figure. External affairs minister S. Jaishankar, who was the chief guest, spoke well, at a function hosted by Bhaswati Mukherjee, president, India Habitat Centre, in association with the Prabha Khaitan Foundation. The moderator was Lipika Bhushan. I simultaneously greatly admire Vikram Sampath and envy him. My admiration is based on his remarkable scholarship as a historian, his meticulous research, the quality of his prose, and his attempt at objectivity in spite of his own ideological inclinations often to the contrary. I envy him because of his prolificity, and the amazing speed with which he produces one voluminous book after another. As an author myself, I often joke with him that he gives me a severe inferiority complex! Vikram has also written a masterly biography of the legendary singer of the gramophone record era, Gauhar Jan, as also an excellent two-volume biography of the great freedom fighter, Veer Savarkar. I quoted from Sampath’s work on Savarkar in my book, While paying tribute to Savarkar’s courage and sacrifices for India’s freedom from British rule, Sampath has not written a panegyric or . To quote him: “As the intellectual fountainhead of the ideology of Hindutva, Savarkar is undoubtedly one of the most contentious political thinkers... Accounts of his long and stormy life have oscillated from glorifying hagiographies to reproachful demonisation. (Emphasis mine) I was slowly to discover that Savarkar was a bundle of contradictions and a historian’s enigma.” For someone, like Vikram, who is one of the few truly erudite Hindutva-leaning ideologues, to write this requires not only courage but honesty. Unfortunately, this kind of honesty is becoming rather rare. Those who blindly idolise Savarkar overlook the fact that he never joined the RSS, was a professed atheist, an uncompromising rationalist who opposed even cow worship and a strong advocate of reform within Hinduism, whose ills, including caste discrimination and gender disparity, he called the or Seven Fetters, that needed to be broken. Actually, Savarkar’s short tract on Hindutva, much quoted by his often-uninformed protagonists today, was written in a specific historical context of the times then, and later, he himself put in perspective what he had advocated. Unfortunately, his uncompromising struggle against bigoted Hindu orthodoxies is hardly ever highlighted. But Vikram in his majestic biography has the courage to do so. This same historical objectivity informs his book on Tipu Sultan. Tipu has been at the centre of acrimonious controversy in recent times. There are those, including the Congress Party, who see in him a staunch freedom fighter against British rule; others, especially in the BJP and large parts of southern India, see him only as a bigoted Muslim sultan who massacred thousands of Hindus. Both points of view are valid, because as Vikram is the first to admit, history cannot be seen only in black or white polarities. To argue that his anti-colonial credentials are diluted because he was willing to take the help of the French to fight the British, is silly, because there were many Hindu royal families then who also willingly colluded with the British, and it would be wrong to judge them, or their descendants, solely on this account. Similarly, it cannot be denied that Tipu, in terms of faith, was a bigot, who mercilessly converted and killed Hindus and Christians, and destroyed their places of worship. It is counter-productive and dishonest to gloss over this fact, because air-brushing history, ultimately — and legitimately — leads to a backlash. I have written about being truthful to history, in the context of the destruction of Hindu temples, the pillage, conversion, proselytisation and desecration of leading centres of Hindu learning, during the Turkic invasion of the 12th century, and thereafter, during Islamic rule in wide parts of India. In fact, in my book cited above, I quote the globally recognised chronicler of civilisations, Will Durant, who wrote: “The Mohammedan conquest of India is probably the bloodiest story in history...” Yet, I have always also maintained that endlessly excavating past atrocities, serves little purpose in our new quest, as a constitutional and secular republic, to build a cohesive and united country, unique for its proven ability to be a vibrant multi-religious, multicultural and multiethnic nation. Proof of this lies in the fact that much before the current controversies about temples and mosques gained momentum, India had already developed — not without occasional frictions — a syncretic culture, where Hindu and Muslim traditions had coalesced into a . The problem arises when we seek to assess the legacy and history of a historical personality solely through one or the other prism: Savage bigot or valiant opponent of the British. Historical memories of either of these labels cannot be erased or forgotten, but they become larger than life, and hence distorted, when political parties, for short-term electoral dividends begin to exclusively focus on only one or the other. Those who play the minority vote bank card valorise Tipu selectively, while those playing the Hindu majoritarian card demonise him wholly. This not only prevents the writing of objective history, but arouses visceral emotions, all happily grist to the myopic ambitions of politicians, where people’s emotions are manipulated and people themselves are used as cannon fodder to win elections. But Vikram Sampath, always the true historian, retains his objectivity. At the end of his book, he writes: “The jury is still out on Tipu Sultan, his legacy, his characterisation and his contributions...” To emphasise this point Sampath quotes the scholar Narasingha Sil’s assessment: “It is time we arrived at a reasonably realistic assessment of Tipu Sultan...” There is no irreconcilable contradiction in the fact that he fought the British valiantly, and was also an Islamic fanatic. History is full of greys. The problem is that those who know less, think they are always right. And those who do know, like Vikram, rarely have his conviction to try and be historically balanced.

Japan's famous sake joins UNESCO's cultural heritage list, a boost to brewers and enthusiastsPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Tanner McKee’s first career NFL touchdown pass was thrown to a Philadelphia Eagles fan named Patrick. OK, McKee actually threw the 20-yard TD to Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J Brown, who — in a momentary lapse of reason — chucked the souvenir football into the Lincoln Financial field stands. Uh-oh. “I felt so bad,” Brown said, “because I threw it so far.” McKee, a sixth-round pick out of Stanford in 2023, is a career third-string QB who had never played a regular-season snap until he was pressed into emergency duty Sunday against Dallas. Jalen Hurts did not start because of a concussion and Kenny Pickett — who ran and threw for a TD in the Eagles' 41-7 win — was knocked of the game with injured ribs. That opened the door for the 24-year-old McKee to play in a game in which the Eagles clinched the NFC East. He did his part — including the 20-yard strike in the third that made it 34-7. The celebration was temporarily muted when he realized his ball — a milestone keepsake for any player — was somewhere in the stands. Little did McKee know the ball was coming back to him. Eagles fans kicked off a bit of a relay with the ball once they realized its significance to McKee. The fan who caught the ball was promised a jersey from Brown. He sent the ball to one fan, who passed it to Eagles security chief “Big” Dom DiSandro to hand to another Eagles employee to Brown and finally to McKee. Souvenir secured. “I appreciate whoever gave the ball back,” McKee said. “(Brown) was like, ‘I’m sorry, bro. I got the ball back.’ So, yeah, it was good. He made a great play, and obviously a great catch.” It was Brown's throw that needed work. Brown stripped off and signed his game jersey and handed it to a fan named Patrick as a thank-you for returning the football — all while fans chanted “E-A-G-L-E-S!” around him. “We've got great fans here,” Brown said. McKee needed more room on the trophy shelf — he threw a second TD pass in the fourth quarter. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL

Meghan McCain , who pledged not to support either Vice President Kamala Harris or President-elect Donald Trump in the 2024 election, said this week that she instead cast a vote for her father, the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), for president. The Republican commentator and former “View” co-host made the revelation during an appearance on Katie Couric’s “Next Question” podcast this week. “I wrote in my dad. Is that cliché?” she explained. “People are so mad at me, Katie ― mad that I didn’t vote either way. And I was like, I have such Christian guilt at night, and I don’t want anything on my conscience with any of it. And I just can never vote for Trump. I can’t do it. I could never explain it to my children.” As for her decision not to vote for Harris, McCain said it came down to matters of “policy.” “I really wanted her to give me a reason to vote for her, and I just felt like it never happened, and there were some questions that she just couldn’t answer,” she told Couric. “And look, I’m a pro-life, pretty hardcore conservative woman, and Governor [Tim] Walz was way too extreme for me. He actually scared me a lot more than she did. He’s very radical on abortion and his record during 2020, George Floyd protests in Minneapolis. And I felt like he was cosplaying as a Republican to try and get my vote.” Members of the McCain family have repeatedly spoken out against Trump, who in 2015 made incendiary remarks about John McCain’s military career and his time as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. After Trump was elected president in 2016, he and John McCain sparred numerous times, most notably in 2017 when the senator sank the GOP’s efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act. When McCain died of brain cancer in 2018, Trump was not invited to the funeral. Meghan McCain’s decision to support neither Trump nor Harris isn’t surprising. In September, she said she wasn’t planning to vote for either one, even after her brother, Jimmy McCain, said he’d changed his voter registration from independent to Democrat with the intention of voting for Harris. “I greatly respect the wide variety of political opinions of all of my family members and love them all very much,” Meghan McCain wrote on X , formerly Twitter. “I however, remain a proud member of the Republican Party and hope for brighter days ahead. (Not voting for Harris or Trump, hope that clears things up).” Other news outlets have retreated behind paywalls. At HuffPost, we believe journalism should be free for everyone. Would you help us provide essential information to our readers during this critical time? We can't do it without you. Can't afford to contribute? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give once or many more times, we appreciate your contribution to keeping our journalism free for all. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give just one more time or sign up again to contribute regularly, we appreciate you playing a part in keeping our journalism free for all. Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages. Still, in her “Next Question” interview, she had some mild praise for Harris for offering Democrats a fighting chance at the White House after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race in July. “She had 100 days to do this, and I think she should be applauded for getting in the cockpit of a crashing plane and leveling it out the way she did,” McCain said. “I don’t know how many other politicians could have done that. And I actually think that there are a lot of genuine criticisms of her that I can give. But I don’t think she’s this cataclysmic disaster that she’s being portrayed as now. I think it’s actually pretty unfair.” Listen to Meghan McCain’s “Next Question” interview below. Her comments about voting for her father begin at about the 30:25 mark. Related From Our Partner

JAMES MADDISON and Brennan Johnson were spotted enjoying the darts at Ally Pally following Tottenham's 2-2 draw with Wolves. Ange Postecoglou's men conceded a late equaliser in North London, before the Australian coach confirmed the players were "hurting". Advertisement 3 Brennan Johnson and James Maddison were at the darts on Sunday evening Credit: PA 3 It came just hours after the pair played in Tottenham's draw with Wolves Credit: PA 3 Johnson scored what he thought was the winner before Wolves' late equaliser Credit: PA The Spurs players have been given Monday and Tuesday off to recover from a demanding Christmas period - which has seen them play 10 games since November 28. And Maddison and Johnson - who scored Spurs' second goal - took the time to head to the darts to watch the likes of Luke Humphries , Gerwyn Price and Peter Wright. The pair could be seen smiling from their tables as they took in the raucous Ally Pally atmosphere. Maddison, 28, is known as a big fan of the sport - and often mimes throwing a dart after scoring a goal. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL SPURS 2 WOLVES 2 Tottenham duo do ‘Spursiest thing ever’ as side booed off after collapse But it has been a difficult time for Spurs following just one win in seven Premier League games. After the match, Postecoglou said: "It hurts me because I'm responsible ultimately. I'm the person in charge. So of course it hurts. "When I see how hard they are trying, it hurts even more because you want them to get a reward and I think today they deserved a reward for their efforts even though they were dipping into their reserves of energy, which I don't even know where they got from. "I wanted them to get a reward for their efforts. Advertisement Most read in Football ALL ROVER IT Barry Robson appointed manager of SPFL club - 11 months after Aberdeen axe 'I'M NOT CONCERNED' Rangers boss Clement breaks silence on future after latest bad result GER WRONG I'm not a stupid manager says Philippe Clement as he shoots down 'foolish' claims 'YOU WILL LOSE YOUR JOB' Kris Boyd issues stark warning to Clement over sports science CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS World Darts Championship - top stories READ MORE on all the build-up to the Ally Pally extravaganza... All the info: All the action as it happens in our LIVE BLOG Everything you need to know about the Ally Pally extravaganza How much prize money can be won? What is the format for the tournament? Who are the Sky Sports presenters and pundits ? News, features and interviews: Mardle to take step back after tragic death of wife Donna Emma Paton reveals rise as Queen of Darts MVG pays tribute to Wayne Mardle's wife Donna Watch Littler hit 180 as Bullseye makes return to TV Littler reveals why he broke down in tears Sosing diagnosed with serious and rare condition after falling ill at Alexandra Palace Barry from EastEnders entertains crowd with singing 'Weird Kettering lad' Ricky Evans wins one of the 'greatest games ever' "It hurts immensely. At the same time it's my responsibility for where we're at right now and it's my responsibility to try to get us out of it." The Spurs boss also explained why he is giving the players two days off. Tottenham fans protest 'Levy out' with black balloons as Spurs chairman akwardly watches on during Liverpool loss Follow all the action from the World Darts Championship as it happens with SunSport's LIVE blog He added: "It was always planned. We knew this is the first week where we don't have a midweek game, so I think the whole group probably needs a couple of days just to get away from everything and recover. Advertisement "It'll do them good to have a couple of days to themselves with their families and give them a chance to recover mentally as much as physically." Spurs have now failed to win at home in their last five league games - an unwanted feat not managed since 2008. While seven wins in 19 league games means they are a point nearer to the relegation zone than they are to the top four. Yet Postecoglou still believes his side can achieve something in the league this season. Advertisement The Aussie, whose team are through to the Carabao Cup semi-finals and still in Europe, added: "I just feel that at some point we'll get a relatively healthy squad and when we do that we'll be able to perform at a high level consistently and we've already shown this year we can beat anyone. "There's a chance there you can go on a run. "But at the moment that's secondary to the first bit, we have to try to get some support for the players - both mentally and physically and in terms of numbers to give them the opportunity to play at their best." Meanwhile, Rodrigo Bentancur is now banned for Saturday’s hosting of Newcastle after a needless foul in stoppage time on Rodrigo Gomes earned him his fifth yellow card of the season. Advertisement Had he waited a week, the cautions picked up in the first half of the campaign would have been wiped. Read more on the Scottish Sun GHOST TOWN Former Scots shopping hotspot 'decaying' as multimillion pound revamp ‘failing’ VAX HORROR Striken Scots 'gaslit' by health bosses after complications from Covid vaccine Postecoglou added: "It was an unfortunate moment, didn't really need to happen and I'd much rather he didn't make that tackle and was available for the next game. "The players are obviously hurting, they want to turn this around and it's not for the want of trying."

Shares of Shearwater Group plc ( LON:SWG – Get Free Report ) shot up 2.5% during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as high as GBX 41 ($0.52) and last traded at GBX 41 ($0.52). 6,000 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 79% from the average session volume of 28,475 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 40 ($0.50). Shearwater Group Trading Up 2.5 % The company has a market cap of £9.77 million, a PE ratio of -455.56 and a beta of 0.65. The stock has a fifty day moving average of GBX 35.91 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 38.64. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 1.21 and a current ratio of 1.38. About Shearwater Group ( Get Free Report ) The Group’s differentiated full service offering spans identity and access management and data security, cybersecurity solutions and managed security services, and security governance, risk and compliance. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Shearwater Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Shearwater Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .EXCLUSIVE Controversial proposal for Elon Musk's DOGE that would save billions for Americans picks up steam DOGE scores support from another top Democrat CLICK HERE: Sign up for DailyMail.com's daily U.S. politics newsletter By JON MICHAEL RAASCH, POLITICAL REPORTER ON CAPITOL HILL, FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 21:17 GMT, 10 December 2024 | Updated: 21:37 GMT, 10 December 2024 e-mail 114 View comments One of the most controversial proposals from Elon Musk 's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is gaining support as he and lawmakers look to cut costs. President-elect Donald Trump has tapped the Tesla CEO and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy to cut trillions of dollars in federal spending as the U.S. national debt continues to balloon to staggering new highs inflated by runaway expenditures over the few last decades. As it stands, that debt totals $36.2 trillion dollars, but Musk estimates that DOGE could cut 'at least $2 trillion' from the current White House 's $6.5 trillion budget in the near term. The next natural questions is where should these cuts will come from. Musk and Ramaswamy are reportedly considering stripping all taxpayer-funded foreign aid , which would send shock waves internationally. The United States spent an estimated $70 billion in foreign aid in fiscal year 2022 to help economic development and humanitarian causes and other interests. And America has allotted a whopping $175 billion total in foreign aid to Ukraine alone since the outbreak of its war with Russia in 2022. But the spigots spewing U.S. taxpayer dollars abroad may soon be turned off. South Carolina Republican Rep. Ralph Norman told DailyMail.com DOGE 'absolutely' should target foreign aid, though he admitted slashing funding to Israel is off the table. House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky., similarly told DailyMail.com that 'foreign aid for every country except Israel' should be cut. Elon Musk met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill last week to speak about DOGE initiatives Former Texas Rep. Ron Paul asked to help DOGE with its cost cutting efforts, Musk agreed that he could help advise the team A search and rescue operation is underway after a Russian missile strike, Zaporizhzhia, southeastern Ukraine on December 10, 2024. Paul and Musk have both called for eliminating foreign aid to countries like Ukraine and elsewhere to help achieve DOGE's cost saving goals 'Here’s an easy one for @DOGE !' three-time presidential candidate and former lawmaker Ron Paul posted on X recently. 'Eliminate foreign aid!' 'It’s taking money from the poor and middle class in the US and giving it to the rich in poor countries - with a cut to the facilitators in between! Americans don’t want their government to borrow more money to spend on foreign aid,' the post continued. 'Besides, it is the immoral transfer of wealth and is unconstitutional.' Musk has posted about the libertarian: 'Would be great to have Ron Paul as part of the Department of Government Efficiency!' Democrats, however, bristle at DOGE's sweeping mandate, and the thought of unraveling expenditures approved by Congress. 'Well, I think $2 trillion is an unrealistic figure,' Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., told DailyMail.com of DOGE's objective. At 85-years-old Hoyer is one of the longest serving congressmen first joined the House in 1981. During that year the national debt sat at $988 billion, a modest number compared to today's jaw-dropping $36 trillion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (C) posing for a picture with servicemen holding a Ukrainian flag. The U.S. has sent nearly $200 billion dollars to the country in recent years President Joe Biden has repeatedly urged Congress to pass additional funding for Ukraine. He is reportedly planning on pushing for an additional $1 billion to the country soon The veteran Maryland Democrat was not optimistic that the Musk-led initiative would create meaningful cuts, and he seemed opposed to lessening the scope of government. Hoyer said he would urge DOGE only to cut things 'that can be affected without adversely affecting the services that people need and that the Congress has voted for.' But most lawmakers were keen on other ways to whittle down waste too. 'So the whole key to me is pick the low hanging fruit, the DEI things comes to mind, transgender surgeries, all that kind of things,' Norman floated as quick DOGE targets. 'The Farm Bill's SNAP, look at the waste that's going there,' he added about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly referred to as food stamps. The food subsidy program costed the U.S. roughly $115 billion in 2023, per federal data. 'Every government agency has created new grant programs,' Comer said. 'We've got all this money and energy spending on solar and wind and energy initiatives in the green New Deal that people don't think are working out.' 'We spent all this money to run broadband, yet nobody's hooked on to the broadband,' he added. 'The list goes on and on and on of money that has just been absolutely wasted, all this money spent on charging stations, and yet no charging stations were built.' He said funding could be taken from agency's whose usefulness has also been diminished over time, like the United States Postal Service. Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga., a physician, suggested that DOGE look into cutting Medicare and Medicaid fraud, which he says would cut hundreds of billions of dollars in government spending over the next 10 years. The U.S. has recently approved Ukraine to use its advanced HIMARS weapons system to attack deep in Russian territory Republicans were against slashing foreign aid funding for Israel despite being open to cutting the funding for Ukraine and other nations Medicaid fraud $413 billion in the next 10 years,' he said, arguing that reforms in this sector would make far more meaningful spending cuts than suspending foreign aid payments. 'At least with foreign investment you don't end up isolationist,' he told DailyMail.com. 'Every isolationist country in history has gone the way of the dodo,' he said referring to the extinct bird. The Republican claimed that adding income verification for the federal health programs would immediately cut cost. 'If you want to talk about waste, fraud and abuse on the way we do claims ... we spent 25 percent of every dollar spent on health care, actually it's more than that now, on administrative costs.' 'We can modify this without a lot of pain,' he said with a smile. Politics Elon Musk Israel Share or comment on this article: Controversial proposal for Elon Musk's DOGE that would save billions for Americans picks up steam e-mail Add commentKINGSTON, Jamaica — Assistant Commissioner of Police Gary McKenzie, head of the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB), has successfully earned a Doctor of Psychology degree. Dr McKenzie pursued his studies at Atlantic International University through an online platform from September 2018 to October 2024. In an interview with Observer Online , Dr McKenzie expressed pride in his academic achievement, acknowledging the challenges of balancing his demanding role within the police force with his studies. This accomplishment adds to his impressive academic credentials, which include a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of London, earned in 2024. His educational journey began in 2006 when he earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Political Science from the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona. He later obtained an Associate of Science in Police Studies and Management from the University of Technology, Jamaica, in 2007. In 2013, he earned a Master’s degree from UWI and a postgraduate certificate in Road Safety for Low- and Middle-Income Countries from the University of Delft, Netherlands.

Tesla seeks human ‘remote operators’ to help ‘autonomous’ robotaxi serviceThe Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) and the State Administration for Market Regulation (National Standardisation Administration) of the People’s Republic of China (SAMR/SAC) have entered into a groundbreaking partnership aimed at enhancing cooperation in the field of Standardisation. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on December 06, 2024, with both parties expressing their commitment to advancing technical innovation and reducing trade barriers through harmonized standards. Executive Director of GNBS, Trevor Bassoo, and outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Her Excellency, Guo Haiyan, signed the MOU, which is set to foster collaboration in international standardisation, information sharing, and the adoption of standards that align with international guidelines, particularly in key areas such as climate change, smart city development, digital technology, and sustainable development. Mr. Bassoo emphasised the significance of this partnership, stating, “This MOU signals a strengthened relationship between the Standards Bodies of Guyana and China. The signing of this MOU is a symbol of our commitment towards improving trade relationships through the development and promotion of Standardisation.” Further, he noted, “there is a lot we can learn from the people of China, especially in the area of technology and we intend to make the best of the opportunities. We also extend our open arms to cooperate with our counterparts in China and lend support in areas that we can.” In her remarks, Ambassador Haiyan highlighted “I am happy that we can sign this MOU today. I believe that the signing of this MOU will help to lower costs and further improve the quality of our economies, and this is very important to us. This MOU opens doors for potential investments between our countries moving forward. Her Excellency added, “This is a significant moment for us, and I am proud to state this partnership will be mutually beneficial for China as well; there are many opportunities to learn from each other in areas of Standardisation.” Key areas of cooperation under this MOU include: The MOU also aims to integrate Standardisation resources into the Standards Information Platform among Belt and Road Partner Countries of Africa, Europe and Asia, fostering greater accessibility and use of standards information by stakeholders. This agreement will remain in force for five years and can be renewed upon mutual agreement. It signifies a strong step forward in aligning Guyana’s standards with international best practices, ultimately benefiting industries and consumers alike. This collaboration promises to enhance Guyana’s economic and industrial landscape while reinforcing its commitment to international cooperation in Standardisation.

Published 20:57 IST, December 29th 2024 In 2024, the world lost several prominent figures whose deaths left a lasting impact across business, politics, music, and culture. The year 2024 saw the loss of some of the world’s most influential figures, from business leaders and politicians to musicians and cultural icons. These individuals had left a huge impact in their respective fields, and their deaths resonated deeply with people around the world. Here is a look at some of the most significant personalities who passed away in 2024, along with their contributions that shaped the world. Ratan Tata: The Iconic Industrialist Who Transformed India Ratan Tata, the former chairman of the Tata Group, passed away on October 9, 2024, leaving behind a monumental legacy. Tata was instrumental in making Tata Group a global leader in industries ranging from steel to automobiles. Under his leadership, the company made major acquisitions, including the purchase of Jaguar Land Rover and Corus Group. Beyond his business success, Tata was known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in healthcare, education, and rural development. His commitment to corporate social responsibility made him a beloved figure in India and around the world. Liam Payne: One Direction Star Who Advocated for Mental Health Liam Payne, the British singer and former member of the globally successful boy band One Direction, tragically passed away on October 16, 2024. Payne rose to fame in the early 2010s with One Direction, which became one of the best-selling music acts in history. After the band went on hiatus, Payne pursued a solo career and continued to influence the music industry. He was also an advocate for mental health awareness, using his platform to raise awareness about the importance of mental well-being, especially for young people. His death left fans around the world mourning the loss of a talent and a voice that had inspired millions. Alexei Navalny: Putin's Main Opponent, Dies in Prison Alexei Navalny, Russia's top opposition leader, passed away at the age of 47 in February while imprisoned in the Arctic. His death was announced by the prison facility on February 16. Navalny had been serving a 19-year sentence for extremism charges. In December, he was transferred from a prison in the Vladimir region to a high-security penal colony called IK-3, also known as "Polar Wolf," located in the northern town of Kharp. From NFL Star to Courtroom Drama: OJ Simpson, Ex-NFL Star, Dies at 76 OJ Simpson, the former NFL player who gained worldwide fame, passed away on April 10 in Las Vegas at the age of 76. He died surrounded by his children and grandchildren, according to a statement from his family. While Simpson was known for his football career with the Buffalo Bills and the San Francisco 49ers, he became even more famous for his involvement in a high-profile murder trial. In 1994, Simpson was charged with the brutal murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman. His trial, which began in June 1994 and ended in October 1995, concluded with an acquittal, though the case continued to make headlines around the world. Beloved ‘Prof. McGonagall’ Dame Maggie Smith: A Legendary Career Celebrated Dame Maggie Smith, beloved for her roles as Professor McGonagall in Harry Potter and the dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey , passed away at the age of 89 on September 27. She was a legendary actress who won two Oscars, four Emmys, and a Tony Award. Her career, which started in the 1950s, touched the lives of millions. Maggie Smith was first nominated for an Oscar in 1965 for her role as Desdemona in Othello and won her first Oscar in 1969 for playing a school teacher in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie . Other notable performances include her role as Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest , in the play Three Tall Women , and in the film Gosford Park . In 1990, Maggie Smith was knighted by Queen Elizabeth and became a Dame. Indian Fashion Icon Rohit Bal Passes Away at 63: A Legacy of Bold Elegance Indian fashion mourns the loss of one of its greatest visionaries, Rohit Bal, who passed away on November 1, 2024, after battling a heart ailment. The celebrated designer died at the age of 63 in a Delhi hospital, just weeks after showcasing his final collection, "Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe," at the FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week. Born in Srinagar, Rohit Bal studied at Delhi University’s St. Stephen's College before pursuing his passion at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). He launched his own label in 1986, quickly rising to prominence in both Indian and international fashion circles. Known for his distinctive love of whites, blacks, off-whites, and golds, as well as his bold motifs and luxurious fabrics, Bal became a defining force in the industry. Referred to as "poetry" by fellow designer Gaurav Gupta, his designs were graced by international stars like Uma Thurman, Pamela Anderson, Cindy Crawford, and Naomi Campbell. Bal’s final runway show, defying conventions as always, featured iconic figures like 1990s supermodel Sheetal Mallar and actress Ananya Panday, with music from legends such as Kate Bush and Madonna. Quincy Jones: The Music Legend Who Redefined Pop and Jazz Quincy Jones, the iconic US musician who revolutionized pop music through his collaborations with Michael Jackson and others, passed away on November 3 at the age of 91. Over a remarkable 65-year career, Jones—known as 'Q'—became a trumpeter, bandleader, arranger, composer, and producer, earning 28 Grammy Awards. A tireless workaholic, he shaped timeless jazz with Miles Davis, produced hits for Frank Sinatra, and brought together the star-studded lineup for the legendary 1985 charity song "We Are the World." Zakir Hussain, Tabla Maestro and Global Music Icon Died Leaving a Timeless Legacy Zakir Hussain, the iconic tabla maestro, passed away on December 16 in San Francisco at the age of 73, following a battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, according to his family. Known worldwide for his mastery of the tabla, Hussain's influence transcended borders, earning him reverence and admiration from music lovers globally. Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, Hussain's early passion for tabla led him to collaborate with musical giants such as Ravi Shankar, Ali Akbar Khan, and Shivkumar Sharma. His collaborations weren’t limited to classical legends—he also joined forces with Western stars like The Beatles, Yo-Yo Ma, Charles Lloyd, Mickey Hart, and John McLaughlin. Hussain was a recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and Padma Shri. He also won two Grammy Awards with Mickey Hart, and in March 2024, he made history by receiving three Grammys in one night for his work with John McLaughlin’s band 'Shakti' and collaborations with Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, and Rakesh Chaurasia. Survived by his wife Antonia Minnecola, daughters Anisa and Isabella Qureshi, his brothers Taufiq and Fazal Qureshi, and sister Khurshid Aulia, Hussain’s passing marks the end of an era, but his timeless contributions to music will continue to inspire future generations. Former PM and Architect of India's Economic Reforms: Manmohan Singh Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, aged 92, passed away at AIIMS Delhi on December 26 after being admitted in critical condition. Known as the architect of India’s economic transformation, Singh’s reforms as Finance Minister in 1991 helped steer the country out of a severe financial crisis. Singh, who served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, began his government career as an economic advisor in 1971, later serving as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor. His leadership during India's pivotal economic reforms remains a defining moment in the nation's history. A scholar with degrees from Cambridge and Oxford, Singh was India’s first non-Hindu Prime Minister, taking office in 2004. He is survived by his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and three daughters. Born on September 26, 1932, in pre-partition Punjab, Singh's legacy of humility, principles, and visionary leadership continues to inspire leaders globally. Tributes have poured in from across the world, with leaders such as US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron mourning his loss. Reflecting on Their Legacies As 2024 draws to a close, the passing of these figures has reminded the world of their lasting influence. While their deaths have left an irreplaceable void in their communities and industries, their legacies continue to inspire future generations. Their contributions to society, whether through innovation, art, politics, or social change, will be remembered long after their passing. Get Current Updates on India News , Entertainment News along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world. Updated 20:57 IST, December 29th 2024Saudi Arabia to be named as 2034 World Cup hosts - but questions still hang over 'bidding' processCryptocurrencies in 401(k) retirement accounts expose portfolios to high risk of decline, with the value of these assets largely dependent on investor sentiment rather than actual market usage, according to a recent report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). GAO compared five crypto assets available for 401(k) plans against the S&P 500 index between 2021 and 2023. Volatility ranged from 4 to 12 times higher than index volatility, and two to seven times more volatile compared to stocks such as Google or Apple. The impact of crypto assets in retirement portfolio diversification remains “unclear,” GAO said. Diversification is done to minimize risk to the portfolio while ensuring maximum possible returns. In order to be considered a diversifier, the asset’s performance must not be positively related to others in the portfolio. If the diversifier asset goes down when other stocks tumble, it essentially defeats the purpose of diversification. All five digital currencies reviewed by GAO were found to have a higher positive correlation with the S&P 500 compared to gold, another asset considered a diversifier. Because cryptos are highly volatile and have a positive correlation to traditional investments like stocks, this results in “larger losses to a portfolio during market downturns” if cryptos are part of the asset mix. “Unlike traditional stocks, investors in crypto assets typically do not own blockchain technology and generally do not have an entitlement to income streams from investment in the same way that holders of stocks have rights to dividends from an operating company,” the report noted. Moreover, cryptos do not have a “well defined use” like other assets. For instance, gold has demand as jewelry and in industries for its corrosion resistant and conductive properties. Digital currencies “mainly derive their value from investor sentiment rather than through tangible company assets or cash flows,” the report noted. “If market sentiment shifts to a new crypto asset, older crypto assets could become obsolete and lose their value.” The GAO report also listed out some regulatory issues on crypto use in retirement assets. The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) does not collect data that enables the agency to easily identify 401(k) plans offering crypto assets and “assess their effects on participant savings,” it noted. EBSA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Labor that oversees employee-sponsored retirement plans such as 401(k). “Certain crypto assets continue to trade in markets that do not have investor protections or comprehensive oversight,” GAO said. The crypto market “has not been fully subjected to proper oversight and regulation,” Neal said. “As a result, as this report outlines, it has brought uniquely high risk to retirees. Americans must be confident that their investments are secure, and do not face unnecessarily high volatility, cybersecurity, and theft risk.” The agency said it had “serious concerns” about allowing crypto inclusion, noting that these assets “present significant risks and challenges to participants’ retirement accounts, including significant risks of fraud, theft, and loss.” “In the past year, traditional financial institutions’ limited exposure to cryptocurrencies has prevented turmoil in cryptocurrencies from infecting the broader financial system,” it said. “It would be a grave mistake to enact legislation that reverses course and deepens the ties between cryptocurrencies and the broader financial system.”