200 bet super ace Lucknow, Nov 24 (PTI) Electoral politics is hard as the momentum shifts ever so quickly, more so in a politically sensitive state like Uttar Pradesh, where the results of the byelections in nine assembly seats have repositioned the ruling BJP in the pole position after a blip in the June 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Having put in the hard yards with multiple rallies across all nine by-poll seats and assigning himself the responsibility of a difficult seat like Katehari in Ambedkarnagar that BJP won after three decades, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's stock has skyrocketed to the days when the BJP won a consecutive term in UP in 2022. Adityanath literally set the narrative for the bypolls in August itself with slogans like 'batenge toh katenge (divided we perish)' that were cleverly tailored to reinforce the Hindu unity pitch and resonated right through the mini polls. "For a long time, Samajwadi Party's politics revolved around its 'MY' factor that was meant to denote a particular community and caste. The BJP has changed that with a new 'MY' approach. This 'MY' factor means Modi-Yogi and these two leaders are changing the political discourse with their development narrative, and this by-poll again showed the effectiveness of Yogi ji," UP BJP spokesman Manish Shukla told PTI. The party won six seats out of nine while ally RLD got one. Adityanath's 'batoge toh katoge' slogan made a huge impression was evident in the BJP’s win in the Muslim-majority Kundarki seat in Moradabad. Here, the party had not won in three decades but this time voters consolidated behind BJP’s Ramveer Singh, the lone Hindu among 11 Muslims in the fray. “The SP took Muslims for granted and we went about telling the voters about SP leaders’ claim that virtually anyone on their party’s symbol would win. "Eventually they realised that despite being unfairly demonised by our opponents, only BJP could get them out of the vote bank trap and of course our leadership helped,” Ramveer said. The importance of Kundarki win was such that it even found a mention in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech at the BJP office in Delhi after the BJP-led-NDA’s spectacular win in Maharashtra on Saturday evening. “What it means is that while BJP vote bank consolidated, the SP’s trusted Muslim vote bank that had voted for the party in big numbers both in 2022 UP polls as well as in 2024 Lok Sabha polls disintegrated. Brand Yogi has found a boost while Akhilesh Yadav has some work to do,” a senior BJP leader told PTI. Even in its family bastion of Karhal seat in Mainpuri, which SP chief Akhilesh Yadav had himself won by an impressive margin of around 67000 votes in 2002 UP polls, the SP’s vote bank dipped as party candidate and Akhilesh’s nephew Tej Pratap Yadav won against Anujesh Yadav, also a distant relative of Akhilesh, by about 14000 votes. The SP had alleged massive irregularities in voting and on its complaint the EC had suspended seven police officials in UP. In Sishamau, Kanpur, the only other seat the SP won in the bypolls, the margin was even lesser – about 8000 odd – making it evident the main opposition party had lost the momentum gained after 2024 Lok Sabha poll results. Back then the SP had won 37 seats against BJP’s 33 in UP but the momentum, it appears, has quickly swung back in BJP’s favour. Meerapur assembly seat in Muzaffarnagar in west UP was another seat that had a sizeable Muslim presence. RLD had won the seat in 2022 UP polls when it was in alliance with SP, and has succeeded in retaining it after joining hands with the BJP. "The RLD has a dedicated vote bank comprising all sections of society and people's belief in our leader Jayant Chaudhary showed again with a landslide win," RLD leader Rohit Agarwal told PTI. The Congress, which announced support for SP, didn’t contest the polls and though senior leaders on both sides said “all is well” with the alliance, at the local level discordant notes were heard. These concerns primarily revolved around a lack of ground-level coordination; defeating the very purpose of coordination committees that were set up on October 25 to ensure that. “There is nothing wrong with the alliance. The Congress helped us. The reason for the reverses was mainly due to rampant and blatant misuse of official machinery and the people would make BJP realise this in 2027 UP polls when SP comes to power,” Samajwadi Party’s national secretary Arvind Singh ‘Gope’ told PTI. The BSP, led by four-time former UP chief minister Mayawati, suffered maximum embarrassment as its candidate badly lost the polls, opening the party again to the charge of being a ‘vote katva (vote cutter)’. On Sunday Mayawati after alleging irregularities declared that her party won’t contest any more bypolls – an announcement that meant little in the face of yet another political loss and party leadership’s inability to arrest the slide. “The BJP contested the polls as one unit unlike the opposition that was besieged with internal conflicts," Shukla said. “What can one say about BSP? We all know that it has been the ‘B’ team of BJP and this election too proved that as it contested the election not to win but to dent the chances of the INDIA bloc,” Congress secretary Shahnawaz Alam said. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)Counting is underway in Ireland's election as 3 parties battle for top placeIt's high time we put to bed Micah Parsons narrative after it was proven wrong in front of the entire NFL world

‘I was confident and thankfully went the right way again’ – Caoimhín Kelleher reacts after saving Kylian Mbappe’s penaltyEconomy to face biggest test when IMF programme ends: Humayun Akhtar Economy has improved somewhat over past few months, and reason for this is IMF programme, says Humayun KARACHI: Former federal minister Humayun Akhtar has said the economy has improved somewhat over the past few months, and a major reason for this is the IMF programme, but the biggest test for the current situation would be when the IMF programme ends. Akhtar was talking to Saleem Safi during an exclusive interview on Geo News programme ‘Jirga’. When he was asked which forum he is currently active in, or if he is still affiliated with “that party”, the ex-minister said that fortunately, he was not subjected to any hardship after the May 9 events. “I was neither arrested nor told to hold a press conference. I’m son of a four-star general of the Pakistan Army who was martyred. When the incidents of May 9 occurred at the memorials of the martyrs, I distanced myself from the PTI. I remained silent.” He said that when it was time for the elections, it was not impossible for him to contest them from Lahore because he had been involved in Lahore’s politics his entire life. “I decided to contest from Faisalabad. My wish was to run as an independent candidate, but my colleagues suggested that I run from the IPP platform. I will contest future elections from the same platform.” He also said the economy has improved somewhat over the past few months, and a major reason for this is the IMF programme, but the biggest test for the current situation would be when the IMF programme ends. He pointed out that the foundations of industrial growth, such as steel, machine tools and petrochemicals, are not available in Pakistan. “Agricultural services and research are what will save us. You’ll see that when the IMF’s umbrella is removed, we’ll be standing back where we started from.” He claimed that the best dam for the agricultural sector was the Kalabagh Dam, but who knows what will happen to it now. The dam currently being built in Pakistan will be good for power generation, he said. “We don’t have any agricultural policy. It’s all left to Allah. Sometimes the sun shines, sometimes the rain comes on time, but no significant work has been done due to our policies.” When asked what changes he is observing in Europe and America after Trump’s win in the US presidential election, Akhtar said there are two or three fundamental issues in America. “They’ll make laws on immigration, etc. The judges were appointed during Trump’s first term. Duties on goods being imported in the US will be increased, which might lead to better growth for the American industry but could also increase inflation. Trump will likely prove to be better for the US economy.” As for Europe, he said problems are being observed there. The intensity of the Ukraine war will not be the same as it was during the Biden era, he added. He also said China would be taken more seriously. “A moment of reflection for Pakistan is that due to close relations between Pakistan and China, America might view Pakistan through the lens of China, which could create problems for us.” From a regional perspective, he added, Pakistan is a nuclear power, so the US would focus on things like our economic conditions, internal situations, and especially the resurgence of international terrorism. When he was asked how much weight there is in the issue of Imran Khan’s release being raised with Trump, the former minister said he does not know much about the nature of personal relationships between leaders. He said the US Congress, the executive branch and the establishment have their own interests. “The problems faced by Imran Khan are based on Pakistan’s judicial system. Will they be asked to disregard the constitution and laws? The expectations linked to Trump regarding Imran Khan are unlikely to yield significant success.” When asked if he was satisfied with the progress in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Akhtar said the infrastructure of CPEC had been developed and Pakistan’s motorway system was currently better than many countries of the world. He said a port had been established along with power plants and dams were also being built. He was of the view that in the second phase of the CPEC, projects related to industries, agriculture and IT remained to be completed. Akhtar lamented that special economic and technology zones could not be created despite talks that spanned many years. He said he often visited China and had partners in China and on the basis of his experience, he could tell that China would not be willing to invest in the absence of special economic zones. He said the Chinese were also concerned about lack of political stability that was the biggest issue in economic growth. Political stability meant continuity in policies, Akhtar said. He also called for strengthening security as all foreign investors including Chinese considered lack of security the biggest issue. When asked whether operation or negotiations were the solution to the security issue, Akhtar said it was a fact that since the United States left Afghanistan, the security situation in Pakistan had been deteriorating. He said the overall situation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan demanded strict decisions but some talks could also be held. He said a major division had been created for the security of the Chinese citizens in Pakistan and by improving the SOPs for the Chinese citizens, incidents targeting the Chinese could be thwarted. When asked to comment on some quarters’ claim that CPEC was a trap and Pakistan was going to repent over it, Akhtar said that according to the global statistics, the United States was the country with the most debt. He explained that what mattered the most was the ability to repay the loans. He added that Pakistan’s issue was that it was not able to repay the loans it had borrowed. He said around $30 billion to $32 billion sovereign debt had been accrued in the phase 1 of CPEC and so far no such direct investment had taken place that could enable the country to earn foreign exchange. He added that he was also not seeing any such strategy that could result in joint agriculture, IT and other projects through which Pakistan could earn foreign exchange and repay its loans. On whether Pakistan was able to implement the second phase of CPEC, Akhtar said security was the biggest issue for the Chinese and Pakistan would succeed in ensuring security for the Chinese. He remarked that China was leaving labour-intensive industries like textile and going towards high tech industries like e-cars. He said the labour-intensive industry that was going out of China should be shifted to Pakistan through a joint programme of Pakistan and China. He said some special economic zones should be created for such programmes.On the possible solutions to the power issue, Akhtar said Pakistan had increased its power generation capacity but was lagging behind in power transmission. He added that no improvement was taking place in the power distribution companies and the issue of power theft persisted. He said Wapda was not granted the required funds. He said four to five times more funds were spent when tariff was increased due to the IPP policies and taxes imposed to cover circular debt. To a query if there is no way other than to privatize the PIA, Akhtar said what other way could be there when the time to revamp the airline is over. Answering another question if the current government will be able to complete its tenure, he said it’s difficult to make predictions about the next five months, let alone the next five years. He said it should not be considered who is supporting whom, and the government can prolong its stay in power if it really improves the condition of the people and the country. He reiterated that the government could complete its tenure it fully focused on solving problems of the people. When asked if the PTI, which is coming to Islamabad, will succeed, Akhtar said that many people in the party are making decisions. He said marching on the federal capital is something which has been made use of several times in the past. He added that in the past 10 years, marches and raids on Islamabad were staged, but political change cannot come through these tactics. He said the PTI wants to boost its vote bank, but decisions like marching on the federal capital will not benefit the party. However, he remarked that the PTI is under compulsion to take such decisions, as the youth that supports the PTI had also backed Pervez Musharraf, who as a result had enjoyed power till 2007 and his popularity was also considerable. Nonetheless, the PTI will not have the kind of vote bank that the PPP had enjoyed in Punjab and stayed alive there for 40 to 50 years, he said, adding that this class gets disappointed soon. He was of the view that the PTI should instead make policies that while remaining part of the system it should improve its standing through future elections. Akhtar said the PTI’s decision to march on Islamabad is beyond his comprehension. He said he has done politics in this country and his father was part of the establishment, and he can say that this kind of politics does not yield any positive results. He recalled that in the Zia era, no room was given to the PPP, but time changes. When Musharraf came, both Nawaz Sharif and Benazir Bhutto were driven out of the country, he said, adding that this is the way politics in Pakistan is done. Akhtar said politics requires patience and statesmanship. He admitted that no room has been given to the PTI, but violent protests will not benefit it. He said that after each election, the opposition alleges rigging and claims the government has been formed with the support of the establishment. He said now a ‘hybrid plus’ system is being talked about, but there is no martial law in the country and a system does exist. He said the PTI, which thinks it has been besieged, can get a better result if it adopts some other method of protest.Bitcoin bounces back above $96,000 as investors eye $100,000 milestone heading into Thanksgiving holiday

WASHINGTON (AP) — As a former and potentially future president, Donald Trump hailed what would become as a road map for “exactly what our movement will do” with another crack at the White House. As for a hard-right turn in America became a liability during the 2024 campaign, . He denied knowing anything about the “ridiculous and abysmal” plans written in part by his first-term aides and allies. Now, after being elected the 47th president on Nov. 5, Trump is stocking his second administration with key players in the detailed effort he temporarily shunned. Most notably, Trump has tapped for an encore as director of the Office of Management and Budget; Tom Homan, his former immigration chief, as and immigration hardliner Stephen Miller as . Those moves have accelerated criticisms from Democrats who warn that Trump's election hands government reins to movement conservatives who spent years envisioning how to concentrate power in the West Wing and impose a starkly rightward shift across the U.S. government and society. Trump and his aides maintain that he won a mandate to overhaul Washington. But they maintain the specifics are his alone. “President Trump never had anything to do with Project 2025,” said Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt in a statement. “All of President Trumps' Cabinet nominees and appointments are whole-heartedly committed to President Trump's agenda, not the agenda of outside groups.” Here is a look at what some of Trump's choices portend for his second presidency. The Office of Management and Budget director, a role Vought held under Trump previously and requires Senate confirmation, prepares a president's proposed budget and is generally responsible for implementing the administration's agenda across agencies. The job is influential but Vought made clear as author of a Project 2025 chapter on presidential authority that he wants the post to wield more direct power. “The Director must view his job as the best, most comprehensive approximation of the President’s mind,” Vought wrote. The OMB, he wrote, “is a President’s air-traffic control system” and should be “involved in all aspects of the White House policy process,” becoming “powerful enough to override implementing agencies’ bureaucracies.” Trump did not go into such details when naming Vought but implicitly endorsed aggressive action. Vought, the president-elect said, “knows exactly how to dismantle the Deep State” — Trump’s catch-all for federal bureaucracy — and would help “restore fiscal sanity.” In June, speaking on former Trump aide Steve Bannon’s “War Room” podcast, Vought relished the potential tension: “We’re not going to save our country without a little confrontation.” The strategy of further concentrating federal authority in the presidency permeates Project 2025's and Trump's campaign proposals. Vought's vision is especially striking when paired with Trump's proposals to dramatically expand the president's control over federal workers and government purse strings — ideas intertwined with the president-elect tapping mega-billionaire Elon Musk and venture capitalist Vivek Ramaswamy to Trump in his first term sought to remake the federal civil service by reclassifying tens of thousands of federal civil service workers — who have job protection through changes in administration — as political appointees, making them easier to fire and replace with loyalists. Currently, only about 4,000 of the federal government's roughly 2 million workers are political appointees. President Joe Biden rescinded Trump's changes. Trump can now reinstate them. Meanwhile, Musk's and Ramaswamy's sweeping “efficiency” mandates from Trump could turn on an old, defunct constitutional theory that the president — not Congress — is the real gatekeeper of federal spending. In his “Agenda 47,” Trump endorsed so-called “impoundment,” which holds that when lawmakers pass appropriations bills, they simply set a spending ceiling, but not a floor. The president, the theory holds, can simply decide not to spend money on anything he deems unnecessary. Vought did not venture into impoundment in his Project 2025 chapter. But, he wrote, “The President should use every possible tool to propose and impose fiscal discipline on the federal government. Anything short of that would constitute abject failure.” Trump's choice immediately sparked backlash. “Russ Vought is a far-right ideologue who has tried to break the law to give President Trump unilateral authority he does not possess to override the spending decisions of Congress (and) who has and will again fight to give Trump the ability to summarily fire tens of thousands of civil servants,” said Sen. Patty Murray of Washington, a Democrat and outgoing Senate Appropriations chairwoman. Reps. Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico, leading Democrats on the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, said Vought wants to “dismantle the expert federal workforce” to the detriment of Americans who depend on everything from veterans' health care to Social Security benefits. “Pain itself is the agenda,” they said. Trump’s protests about Project 2025 always glossed over . Both want to reimpose Trump-era immigration limits. Project 2025 includes a litany of detailed proposals for various U.S. immigration statutes, executive branch rules and agreements with other countries — reducing the number of refugees, work visa recipients and asylum seekers, for example. Miller is one of Trump's longest-serving advisers and architect of his immigration ideas, including his promise of the largest deportation force in U.S. history. As deputy policy chief, which is not subject to Senate confirmation, Miller would remain in Trump's West Wing inner circle. “America is for Americans and Americans only,” Miller said at Trump’s on Oct. 27. “America First Legal,” Miller’s organization founded as an ideological counter to the American Civil Liberties Union, was listed as an advisory group to Project 2025 until Miller asked that the name be removed because of negative attention. Homan, a Project 2025 named contributor, was an acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement director during Trump’s first presidency, playing a key role in what became known as Trump's Previewing Trump 2.0 earlier this year, Homan said: “No one’s off the table. If you’re here illegally, you better be looking over your shoulder.” John Ratcliffe, Trump's , was previously one of Trump's directors of national intelligence. He is a Project 2025 contributor. The document's chapter on U.S. intelligence was written by Dustin Carmack, Ratcliffe's chief of staff in the first Trump administration. Reflecting Ratcliffe's and Trump's approach, Carmack declared the intelligence establishment too cautious. Ratcliffe, like the chapter attributed to Carmack, is hawkish toward China. Throughout the Project 2025 document, Beijing is framed as a U.S. adversary that cannot be trusted. Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, wrote Project 2025's FCC chapter and is to chair the panel. Carr wrote that the FCC chairman “is empowered with significant authority that is not shared” with other FCC members. He called for the FCC to address “threats to individual liberty posed by corporations that are abusing dominant positions in the market,” specifically “Big Tech and its attempts to drive diverse political viewpoints from the digital town square.” He called for more stringent transparency rules for social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube and “empower consumers to choose their own content filters and fact checkers, if any.” Carr and Ratcliffe would require Senate confirmation for their posts.

India’s Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) brands have revolutionized the retail industry, offering personalized products and exceptional customer experiences directly to consumers. These Direct-to-Consumer brands leverage digital platforms, innovative marketing strategies, and customer-centric approaches to cater to the evolving needs of modern buyers. By 2025, the Indian market has witnessed unprecedented growth in D2C, with brands redefining consumer engagement. This article highlights the Top 10 Best Direct-to-Consumer Brands in India 2025, showcasing their innovative products, strategies, and impact. 1. boAt Leading Audio Technology in Direct-to-Consumer Brands boAt, one of the most prominent Direct-to-Consumer brands, offers stylish and affordable audio products such as earphones, headphones, and speakers. Key Features: Sleek designs tailored for millennials. Durable build quality and superior sound experience. Affordable pricing with a direct-to-consumer approach. Why It’s the Best: boAt has set benchmarks among Direct-to-Consumer brands by understanding consumer needs and delivering trendy yet functional audio solutions. 2. Mamaearth A Sustainable Choice Among Direct-to-Consumer Brands Mamaearth has emerged as one of India’s leading Direct-to-Consumer brands, offering toxin-free personal care products for babies and adults. Key Features: Natural and eco-friendly ingredients. Dermatologically tested, safe, and cruelty-free. Vast range of skincare, haircare, and wellness products. Why It’s the Best: Mamaearth’s commitment to sustainability and its ability to cater to health-conscious customers make it a leader in the Direct-to-Consumer brand ecosystem. 3. Licious Transforming Fresh Meat Market with Direct-to-Consumer Brands Licious has redefined the meat and seafood industry, earning its place as one of the top Direct-to-Consumer brand in India. Key Features: Fresh, hygienically processed meat and seafood. Farm-to-fork supply chain with stringent quality checks. Wide variety of cuts, marinades, and ready-to-cook options. Why It’s the Best: Licious’s dedication to quality and freshness has made it a favorite among Direct-to-Consumer brand in the food segment. 4. Sugar Cosmetics Empowering Beauty in Direct-to-Consumer Brands Sugar Cosmetics is one of the fastest-growing Direct-to-Consumer brand, specializing in high-quality makeup products. Key Features: Cruelty-free products designed for Indian skin tones. Vibrant packaging and affordable pricing. Extensive online and offline presence. Why It’s the Best: Sugar Cosmetics’ innovative marketing and consumer-centric approach have solidified its position as a leading Direct-to-Consumer brand. 5. Wakefit Revolutionizing Sleep Solutions in Direct-to-Consumer Brands Wakefit, a leading name in Direct-to-Consumer brands, focuses on delivering research-backed sleep solutions, including mattresses, pillows, and more. Key Features: High-quality, affordable sleep products. Direct-to-consumer sales model for competitive pricing. 100-night trial and free delivery services. Why It’s the Best: Wakefit’s research-driven approach makes it a standout among Direct-to-Consumer brand in India’s home and lifestyle sector. 6. CaratLane Blending Tradition with Innovation in Direct-to-Consumer Brands CaratLane has transformed jewelry shopping, becoming one of India’s most trusted Direct-to-Consumer brand. Key Features: Home try-on services and virtual try-on options. Lifetime exchange policies and affordable pricing. Unique, modern designs catering to diverse preferences. Why It’s the Best: CaratLane’s use of technology and innovative services distinguishes it in the Direct-to-Consumer brand market. 7. Nykaa Redefining Beauty Retail with Direct-to-Consumer Brands Nykaa, a leading Direct-to-Consumer brand, dominates India’s beauty and wellness space with an extensive product range and private-label offerings. Key Features: Comprehensive selection of beauty products. Personalized recommendations and beauty tips. Integration of online and offline shopping experiences. Why It’s the Best: Nykaa’s omnichannel approach makes it a trailblazer among Direct-to-Consumer brand. 8. Bewakoof Youth-Centric Fashion in Direct-to-Consumer Brands Bewakoof, one of the quirkiest Direct-to-Consumer brands, specializes in trendy and affordable apparel targeted at young consumers. Key Features: Unique, pop-culture-inspired designs. Affordable pricing with frequent sales. Engaging campaigns and limited-edition collections. Why It’s the Best: Bewakoof’s youthful branding and direct engagement make it a top choice among Direct-to-Consumer brand. 9. The Souled Store Pop Culture Revolution in Direct-to-Consumer Brands The Souled Store is a fan favorite among Direct-to-Consumer brand, offering licensed merchandise inspired by pop culture. Key Features: Exclusive, officially licensed collections. Focus on fandom communities and personalized products. High-quality apparel and accessories. Why It’s the Best: The Souled Store’s focus on niche markets ensures its position as a leader among Direct-to-Consumer brand. 10. FirstCry Supporting Parents with Direct-to-Consumer Brands FirstCry, one of the oldest Direct-to-Consumer brand, provides an all-in-one platform for baby and kids’ products. Key Features: Vast range of baby products, toys, and clothing. Seamless online shopping with quick delivery. User-friendly platform with exclusive offers. Why It’s the Best: FirstCry’s reliability and customer-centric services position it as a top-tier Direct-to-Consumer brand. Conclusion India’s Direct-to-Consumer brands are at the forefront of innovation, leveraging digital platforms to connect directly with consumers and offer tailored experiences. From boAt’s cutting-edge technology to Mamaearth’s sustainable solutions, these Direct-to-Consumer brands have reshaped consumer expectations and redefined shopping. As 2025 unfolds, their impact on the market is only set to grow.

By Lakhvinder Singh Lakhvinder Singh Donald Trump's return as U.S. president has introduced profound uncertainties for South Korea's foreign and security policies, which have been closely aligned with the Biden administration. Trump's transactional approach to alliances could destabilize South Korea's security and economic frameworks, necessitating a reassessment of its strategic posture within the Indo-Pacific region. This shift may also complicate the rapidly strengthening India-Korea strategic partnership, potentially stalling recent advancements and impacting the regional balance of power. While it may be premature to fully gauge the impact of Trump's reelection on India-South Korea strategic relations, his initial pronouncements reveal a complex set of challenges as well as potential new pathways for collaboration between India and South Korea. Trump's return as the 47th president of the United States presents both nuanced challenges and strategic openings for these two countries amid a reshaping of global alliances in response to escalating tensions in East Asia. Trump's likely intensification of an antiglobal agenda and his continued emphasis on cost-sharing for U.S. forces stationed in South Korea could strain the traditional U.S.-South Korea alliance, compelling Seoul to reevaluate its defense and strategic partnerships within the region. Concurrently, India's growing engagement with BRICS may create friction with U.S. interests as the bloc's objectives increasingly diverge from those of the U.S. BRICS is an intergovernmental group including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. In light of these developments, India and South Korea could strengthen their partnership, unified by a mutual vision of a secure, multipolar Indo-Pacific and resilient economic ties that offer a balanced response to regional power dynamics. Trump's anticipated efforts to improve U.S. relations with Russia and potentially reengage North Korea necessitate a recalibrated India-South Korea alignment, fostering mutual trust and counterbalancing the influence of a potential China-Russia-North Korea bloc. Russia remains one of India's primary arms suppliers, while China is South Korea's largest trading partner, adding further intricacies to their respective foreign policies. China's assertive posture in the South China Sea is a shared concern for both nations, which are highly dependent on stable maritime routes for economic stability. The degree to which India and South Korea can align their interests with Trump's antiglobalist agenda remains uncertain. The North Korean nuclear issue remains a constant security threat to both India and South Korea, underscoring the need for coordinated responses. Given Trump's focus on an "America First" approach, his administration may engage North Korea in ways that prioritize U.S. national interests, necessitating alternative approaches for India and South Korea. In this regard, India's experience with nuclear-armed neighbors provides valuable insights for South Korean policymakers, while South Korea's regional proximity and intelligence expertise offer critical knowledge about North Korea's nuclear collaborations with states in the Middle East and South Asia. Collaboratively, India and South Korea could leverage India's neutral stance to facilitate diplomatic channels in multilateral forums while relying on South Korea's intelligence capabilities to strengthen their regional security posture. As the Trump administration reasserts a nationalistic stance on Indo-Pacific policies, there is a strong likelihood of heightened technological and military cooperation between India and South Korea. This prospective alignment would enable both countries to respond effectively to regional uncertainties, irrespective of U.S. involvement, thereby defending their shared interests and way of life. Such cooperation could potentially extend to more frequent joint military exercises, advanced defense technology exchanges and intelligence-sharing aimed at countering North Korea's missile developments and China's regional assertiveness. These measures would not only strengthen the defensive capabilities of both nations but also contribute to a cohesive security framework essential for sustaining stability across the Indo-Pacific. For India, traditionally reliant on Russian defense technology, increased collaboration with South Korea would provide access to advanced military technologies, offering a strategic pivot from its historical dependency on Russian arms amid Russia's current challenges due to the Ukraine conflict. Additionally, both countries are well-positioned to partner in critical technology sectors, including cybersecurity, space exploration and missile defense, which are essential for addressing shared security challenges. The semiconductor industry, a crucial sector for both economies, presents a promising opportunity for joint investment, bolstering supply chain resilience and advancing technological independence. Trump's "America First" policy is likely to induce shifts in global trade patterns. However, India and South Korea have strong incentives to enhance bilateral economic ties, mitigating potential disruptions from U.S. trade policies. India's "Make in India" initiative and burgeoning digital economy provide a robust platform for South Korean investments, while South Korea's advanced manufacturing capabilities could cater to India's expanding consumer market. This resilient economic partnership would not only sustain bilateral trade but also provide stability against the volatility of U.S. trade policy under Trump, establishing a reliable economic foundation for both countries. The reelection of Trump introduces both continuity and complexity to the India-South Korea strategic relationship, urging both nations to remain adaptable and proactive within East Asia's shifting power dynamics. A second Trump term may serve as a catalyst for deeper defense cooperation, enhanced technological collaborations and strengthened economic ties between India and South Korea. With Trump's emphasis on an "America First" policy, the potential consolidation of a China-Russia-North Korea axis underscores the urgency for a robust India-South Korea alliance, positioning both nations as stabilizing forces within East Asia and empowering them to address the complex challenges posed by an evolving international order. Although a Trump presidency may bring India and South Korea closer together, policymakers should exercise caution. Potential collaboration does not necessarily equate to guaranteed opportunities. Given the fluidity of the geopolitical landscape, decision-makers in both countries must remain vigilant to safeguard their interests. A single misstep could risk derailing the trajectory of cooperation, directing both countries in divergent paths and curtailing the prospect of a close partnership. Both nations are thus urged to approach this alliance with prudence, ensuring their strategies remain aligned with a long-term vision for sustained cooperation. The writer is a Seoul-based geostrategic analyst.Arogo Capital Acquisition Corp. Announces Binding Letter of Intent with Bangkok Tellink Co., Ltd, a Provider of Innovative Telecommunications and IoT Solutions, in Connection with a Proposed Business Combination TransactionDisclaimer: No guarantees are made with regards to results or financial gain. All forms of betting carry financial risk and it is down to the individual to make bets with or without the assistance of information provided on this site. Now that gambling in America has finally become mainstream, at least in most states, NFL Sundays have become much more entertaining. Football has always been something that my son and I have bonded over. Now that we both can put a little action on it, it’s become even more interesting. I’m not a big gambler; I’m never going to strike it rich, nor am I ever going to lose my shirt. I dabble with a few bucks here and there. Many people I know have an unwritten rule of “don’t gamble on your favorite team.” Sundays can be stressful enough. I don’t prescribe to that rule. I like to throw down on the Dolphins since I’m going to be watching the game anyway. And never (well almost never) do I wager against the Dolphins. Everyone has their “gambling strategy”. Some people swing for the fences. Some people are very conservative. I tend to be the latter. My typical go to is a 3 or 4 leg parlay with legs in the -200 to -300 range that when linked together give a decent plus line. I will say though, this season I’ve been unofficially crowned the King of the 3 out of 4 legs winner. The Miami Dolphins opened the week as 7 point favorites at home against the Patriots . The service I use has seen that line move a half of a point to -7.5. A dreaded number in the gambling world. While I think the Dolphins can cover that number, it’s not something I want to entertain in a division-rival game. They tend to be a little closer than against a non-division foe. This week I’m looking at a 4 leg parlay with Jonnu Smith being the anchor. Obviously odds will be different as the game gets closer and depending on the outlet you use. My Picks: Jonnu Smith – Over 3.5 receptions (-105) – Jonnu Smith has been on a tear lately, and I don’t really see that slowing down. Teams are still way too scared to let Hill or Waddle beat them deep, and with Tua’s new focus on taking what’s given, Jonnu should still continue to find room to work. Smith has had at least 4 catches in 5 out of the last 6 games. Jonnu Smith – Over 39.5 yards (-165) – As stated above, Smith has been the benefactor of the constant deep safeties game plan defenses have been employing to stop Hill and Waddle. Again, Smith has eclipsed the 40-yard barrier in 5 out of the last 6 games. De’Von Achane – Over 4.5 receptions (-125) – Achane currently leads the Dolphins in receptions with 46. In games Tua has started, DeVon Achane has averaged 6 receptions a game. Again, Tua has more often than not been taking the high percentage throws due to the focus on 10 and 17 and Achane, like Smith, has been a big part of that. Miami Dolphins – Over 23.5 points (-218) – I was tempted to push the envelope here and go to 26.5 to garner a little better odds but like Tua, I looked to take the higher percentage play. Since Tua’s return the Dolphins are averaging 27.8 points per game. The Patriots have a middle of the road defense ranking 20th overall, so I don’t see them holding this high octane offense under 24 points. Jonnu Smith – over 3.5 catches -105 Jonnu Smith – over 39.5 yds -165 De’Von Achane – over 4.5 catches -125 Miami Dolphins – over 23.5 pts -218 4 Leg Parlay +420 My Son’s (Jacob) Picks: Jonnu Smith – Over 3.5 receptions (-165) – Like I stated above he also feels that Jonnu will continue to eat due to the coverage(s) being used to limit Reek and Waddle. He got different odds than I did. Jaylen Waddle – Over 40.5 yards (-110) – The Patriots defense is ranked 22nd in the league defending wide receivers and Waddle is due for a breakout game. Not that 40 yards is a breakout but it’s a number easily hit with one flick of Tua’s wrist. Tua Tagovailoa – Over 245.5 yards (-115) – The Patriots give up 230 yards a game through the air so Tua’s total seems very obtainable this week. Jonnu Smith – over 3.5 catches -165 Jaylen Waddle – over 40.5 yds -165 Tua Tagovailoa – over 245.5 yds -115 3 Leg Parlay +305 I’m expecting the Dolphins to handle their business at home, the question is, will it be a lucrative win?

Northern Ireland legislators have voted in favor of upholding post-Brexit trade rules as outlined in the Windsor Framework, marking a critical point in the ongoing political landscape. The decision came despite opposition from pro-British unionist politicians, prompting an independent review of these essential arrangements. The open border between Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland has been a focal issue for years, culminating in a two-year boycott of the assembly by the main pro-British party until changes were instituted. This week's vote, which passed 48 to 36, chooses to follow EU regulations, preventing the establishment of a hard border and marking the first instance of democratic consent under the Windsor Framework. While the vote was expected to garner wide nationalist and cross-community backing, full unionist opposition points to a continuing reluctance to accept trade frictions with the UK. This reluctance triggers a London-led review, as per the framework agreed in good faith. With public support displayed in recent polling, the future consent vote is scheduled for four years instead of eight, reflecting the ongoing political divide. (With inputs from agencies.)NoneLOS ANGELES (AP) — Hannah Hidalgo scored 24 points and No. 6 Notre Dame defeated JuJu Watkins and third-ranked Southern California 74-61 on Saturday in a marquee matchup on the West Coast. Watkins and the Trojans (4-1) fell behind early and were down 21 points in the fourth quarter. She had 24 points, six rebounds and five assists. Hidalgo came out shooting well, hitting 5 of 8 from the floor in the first quarter and had 16 points at the break. She added six rebounds and eight assists. Hidalgo's backcourt mate, Olivia Miles, added 20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for the Fighting Irish (5-0). Even though Hidalgo outshone her, Watkins’ imprint was all over the game. A documentary about her life aired on NBC leading into the nationally televised game. A buzz arose when Snoop Dogg walked in shortly before tipoff wearing a jacket in USC colors with Watkins' name and number on the front and back. Her sister, Mali, sang the national anthem. Takeaways Notre Dame: The Irish struck quickly, racing to a 20-10 lead in the opening quarter. Even after cooling off a bit, they never trailed and stayed poised when the Trojans got within three in the second and third quarters. USC: The Trojans were without starting guard Kennedy Smith, whose defense on Hidalgo would have proven valuable. It was announced shortly before tipoff that she had a surgical procedure and will return at some point this season. Key moment The Trojans got within three points three times but the Irish remained poised and never gave up the lead. Key stats Notre Dame's defense forced the Trojans into 21 turnovers, which led to 22 points for the Irish. Watkins, Kaleigh Heckel and Talia von Oelhoffen had five each. USC was just 1 of 13 from 3-point range Up next Notre Dame plays TCU on Nov. 29 in the Cayman Islands Classic. USC plays Seton Hall in the Women's Acrisure Holiday Invitational on Nov. 27 in Palm Desert, California. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball