Feeling betrayed by increased minority support for Trump, Black women say they’re stepping back.vWall Street top regulator to leave SEC when Trump takes officejilibay telegram 。

CORK, Ireland , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The board of directors of Johnson Controls International plc (NYSE: JCI), the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, has approved a regular quarterly dividend of $0.37 per share of common stock, payable on Jan. 17, 2025 , to shareholders of record at the close of business on Dec. 23, 2024 . Johnson Controls has paid a consecutive dividend since 1887. About Johnson Controls At Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI), we transform the environments where people live, work, learn and play. As the global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places and the planet. Building on a proud history of nearly 140 years of innovation, we deliver the blueprint of the future for industries such as healthcare, schools, data centers, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through OpenBlue, our comprehensive digital offering. Today, with a global team of experts, Johnson Controls offers the world`s largest portfolio of building technology and software as well as service solutions from some of the most trusted names in the industry. Visit www.johnsoncontrols.com for more information and follow @Johnson Controls on social platforms. INVESTOR CONTACT: Jim Lucas Direct: +1 414.340.1752 Email: jim.lucas@jci.com MEDIA CONTACT: Danielle Canzanella Direct: +1 203.499.8297 Email: danielle.canzanella@jci.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/johnson-controls-announces-quarterly-dividend-302324312.html SOURCE Johnson Controls International plcSome Democrats frustrated by Joe Biden reversing course and pardoning his son

EU condemns Russian airstrikes on Syria and calls for de-escalation

Nan 'grabbed baby and ran' after floor 'exploded' in café

NoneSchools asked to apply online for bicycles to Class 9 girl studentsReports: Oklahoma QB Jackson Arnold entering transfer portal

WASHINGTON (AP) — Three lawmakers are asking Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to consider re-grounding the military’s fleet of V-22 Ospreys until solutions can be put in place to address safety and design issues identified by The Associated Press in its recent in-depth investigation of the aircraft’s accident record. In a letter sent to the Pentagon on Monday, Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, and Rep. Richard Neal, all Democrats from Massachusetts, wrote to Austin that “given the current concerns about the safety of the V-22, the aircraft should be grounded, and should not be deployed again until the platform’s significant deficiencies are fully addressed." The Osprey, which flies like both a helicopter and an airplane, has been in more than 21 major accidents, many of which can be tied back to choices made in its design , the AP found. The whole fleet was grounded for three months this year following a deadly crash in Japan in November 2023 that killed eight service members, including one from Massachusetts. Ospreys, which are operated by the Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps and used in the presidential fleet, have now returned to flight operations, with some restrictions. Osprey pilots have told the AP they do not want to see the aircraft grounded, despite safety concerns, because of its unique capabilities. Program officials have said they are working on fixes to improve the V-22s safety and reliability. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the letter. The lawmakers also cited the AP's reporting that pilots are having to push the V-22's “interim power” feature to be able to land safely — but are advised against it because it can wear down parts. Interim power was a factor in the most recent accident in October when a Japanese self-defense forces Osprey violently tilted and struck the ground on takeoff. An investigation determined the pilots were to blame for not turning on the interim power during takeoff. “The reality for pilots is that they have to push the aircraft to its limits to stay safe,” the lawmakers wrote. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. READ:

Lightning ride electric power play to 4-2 victory over CanucksWASHINGTON (AP) — Special counsel Jack Smith moved to abandon two criminal cases against Donald Trump on Monday, acknowledging that Trump’s return to the White House will preclude attempts to federally prosecute him for retaining classified documents or trying to overturn his 2020 election defeat. The decision was inevitable, since longstanding Justice Department policy says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. Yet it was still a momentous finale to an unprecedented chapter in political and law enforcement history, as federal officials attempted to hold accountable a former president while he was simultaneously running for another term. Trump emerges indisputably victorious, having successfully delayed the investigations through legal maneuvers and then winning re-election despite indictments that described his actions as a threat to the country's constitutional foundations. “I persevered, against all odds, and WON," Trump exulted in a post on Truth Social, his social media website. He also said that “these cases, like all of the other cases I have been forced to go through, are empty and lawless, and should never have been brought.” The outcome makes it clear that, when it comes to a president and criminal accusations, nothing supersedes the voters' own verdict. In court filings, Smith's team emphasized that the move to end their prosecutions was not a reflection of the merit of the cases but a recognition of the legal shield that surrounds any commander in chief. “That prohibition is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Government’s proof, or the merits of the prosecution, which the Government stands fully behind,” prosecutors said in one of their filings. They wrote that Trump’s return to the White House “sets at odds two fundamental and compelling national interests: on the one hand, the Constitution’s requirement that the President must not be unduly encumbered in fulfilling his weighty responsibilities . . . and on the other hand, the Nation’s commitment to the rule of law.” In this situation, “the Constitution requires that this case be dismissed before the defendant is inaugurated,” they concluded. Smith’s team said it was leaving intact charges against two co-defendants in the classified documents case — Trump valet Walt Nauta and Mar-a-Lago property manager Carlos De Oliveira — because “no principle of temporary immunity applies to them.” Steven Cheung, Trump's incoming White House communications director, said Americans “want an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and we look forward to uniting our country.” Trump has long described the investigations as politically motivated, and he has vowed to fire Smith as soon as he takes office in January. Now he will start his second term free from criminal scrutiny by the government that he will lead. The election case brought last year was once seen as one of the most serious legal threats facing Trump as he tried to reclaim the White House. He was indicted for plotting to overturn his defeat to Joe Biden in 2020, an effort that climaxed with his supporters' violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. But the case quickly stalled amid legal fighting over Trump’s sweeping claims of immunity from prosecution for acts he took while in the White House. The U.S. Supreme Court in July ruled for the first time that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution, and sent the case back to U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan to determine which allegations in the indictment, if any, could proceed to trial. The case was just beginning to pick up steam again in the trial court in the weeks leading up to this year’s election. Smith’s team in October filed a lengthy brief laying out new evidence they planned to use against him at trial, accusing him of “resorting to crimes” in an increasingly desperate effort to overturn the will of voters after he lost to Biden. In asking for the election case to be dismissed, prosecutors requested that Chutkan do it “without prejudice,” raising the possibility that they could try to bring charges against Trump again after he leaves office. But such a move may be barred by the statute of limitations, and Trump may also try to pardon himself while in office. The separate case involving classified documents had been widely seen as legally clear cut, especially because the conduct in question occurred after Trump left the White House and lost the powers of the presidency. The indictment included dozens of felony counts accusing him of illegally hoarding classified records from his presidency at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, and obstructing federal efforts to get them back. He has pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing. The case quickly became snarled by delays, with U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon slow to issue rulings — which favored Trump’s strategy of pushing off deadlines in all his criminal cases — while also entertaining defense motions and arguments that experts said other judges would have dispensed with without hearings. In May, she indefinitely canceled the trial date amid a series of unresolved legal issues before dismissing the case outright two months later. Smith’s team appealed the decision, but now has given up that effort. Trump faced two other state prosecutions while running for president. One them, a New York case involving hush money payments, resulted in a conviction on felony charges of falsifying business records. It was the first time a former president had been found guilty of a crime. The sentencing in that case is on hold as Trump's lawyers try to have the conviction dismissed before he takes office, arguing that letting the verdict stand will interfere with his presidential transition and duties. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office is fighting the dismissal but has indicated that it would be open to delaying sentencing until Trump leaves office. Bragg, a Democrat, has said the solution needs to balance the obligations of the presidency with “the sanctity of the jury verdict." Trump was also indicted in Georgia along with 18 others accused of participating in a sprawling scheme to illegally overturn the 2020 presidential election there. Any trial appears unlikely there while Trump holds office. The prosecution already was on hold after an appeals court agreed to review whether to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her romantic relationship with the special prosecutor she had hired to lead the case. Four defendants have pleaded guilty after reaching deals with prosecutors. Trump and the others have pleaded not guilty. Associated Press writers Colleen Long, Michael Sisak and Lindsay Whitehurst contributed to this story.

Mr Biden told African leaders the resource-rich continent of more than 1.4 billion people had been “left behind for much too long”. “But not anymore,” Mr Biden added. “Africa is the future.” Mr Biden used the third and final day of a visit to Angola – his long-awaited, first trip to sub-Saharan Africa as president – to travel to the coastal city of Lobito and tour an Atlantic port terminal that’s part of the Lobito Corridor railway redevelopment. Mr Biden described it as the largest US investment in a train project outside America. The US and allies are investing heavily in the project that will refurbish nearly 1,200 miles of train lines connecting to the mineral-rich areas of Congo and Zambia in central Africa. The corridor, which likely will take years to complete, gives the US better access to cobalt, copper and other critical minerals in Congo and Zambia that are used in batteries for electric vehicles, electronic devices and clean energy technologies that Mr Biden said would power the future. China is dominant in mining in Congo and Zambia. The US investment has strategic implications for US-China economic competition, which went up a notch this week as they traded blows over access to key materials and technologies. The African leaders who met with Mr Biden on Wednesday said the railway corridor offered their countries a much faster route for minerals and goods – and a convenient outlet to Western markets. “This is a project that is full of hope for our countries and our region,” said Congo President Felix Tshisekedi, whose country has more than 70% of the word’s cobalt. “This is not just a logistical project. It is a driving force for economic and social transformation for millions of our people.” The leaders said the corridor should spur private-sector investment and improve a myriad of related areas like roads, communication networks, agriculture and clean energy technologies. For the African countries, it could create a wave of new jobs for a burgeoning young population. Cargo that once took 45 days to get to the US – usually involving trucks via South Africa – would now take around 45 hours, Mr Biden said. He predicted the project could transform the region from a food importer to exporter. It’s “something that if done right will outlast all of us and keep delivering for our people for generations to come,” he said. The announcement of an additional $600 million took the U.S.’s investment in the Lobito Corridor to 4.0 billion dollars (£3.15 billion).

Mixed Reality Market: Growth to USD 76.91B by 2031

Ulta Beauty earnings beat by $0.62, revenue topped estimatesNEW YORK, Dec. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of WM Technology, Inc. MAPS between May 25, 2021, and September 24, 2024, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important December 16, 2024 lead plaintiff deadline in the securities class action first filed by the Firm. SO WHAT: If you purchased WM Technology securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the WM Technology class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=29177 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than December 16, 2024 . A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose, among other things, that: (1) WM Technology's monthly average user metrics ("MAUs") were severely inflated for years; and (2) as a result, defendants' statements about its business, operations, and prospects, were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the WM Technology class action, go https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=29177 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm . Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. ------------------------------- Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40 th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 case@rosenlegal.com www.rosenlegal.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Nikita Hand, who accused the sportsman of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018, won her claim against him for damages in a civil case at the High Court in the Irish capital. The jury delivered its verdict on Friday. The total amount of damages awarded to Hand by the jury was 248,603.60 euros (£206,714.31). Mr McGregor made no comment as he left court but later posted on social media that he intends to appeal. The Irish athlete has featured in multiple video games, including voice-acting a character bearing his likeness in additional downloadable content in the Hitman series. Mr McGregor’s character featured as a target for the player-controlled assassin in the game. In light of the recent court ruling regarding Conor McGregor, IO Interactive has made the decision to cease its collaboration with the athlete, effective immediately. We take this matter very seriously and cannot ignore its implications. Consequently, we will begin removing all... — HITMAN (@Hitman) November 25, 2024 IO Interactive, the Danish developer and publisher of Hitman, said in a statement: “In light of the recent court ruling regarding Conor McGregor, IO Interactive has made the decision to cease its collaboration with the athlete, effective immediately. “We take this matter very seriously and cannot ignore its implications. “Consequently, we will begin removing all content featuring Mr McGregor from our storefronts starting today.” Mr McGregor had faced an accusation that he “brutally raped and battered” Ms Hand at a hotel in south Dublin in December 2018. The Irish sports star previously told the court he had consensual sex with Ms Hand in a penthouse at the Beacon Hotel. Ms Hand was taken in an ambulance to the Rotunda Hospital the following day where she was assessed in the sexual assault treatment unit. A paramedic who examined Ms Hand the day after the assault had told the court she had not seen “someone so bruised” in a long time.

After Trump’s win, Black women are rethinking their role as America’s reliable political organizers

SKSHU Paint: 3TREES Tile Hollowing Repair Agent 11-25-2024 11:36 PM CET | Industry, Real Estate & Construction Press release from: ABNewswire Product Name: 3TREES Tile Hollowing Repair Agent Image: https://www.abnewswire.com/uploads/1241ba6b1cf9abb00e4649e2cffd513a.jpg The 3TREES tile Hollowing Repair Agent is a single component waterborne repair agent, which is specially used for repairing hollowing, warping and other problems and bonding loose tiles. It has the characteristics of strong adhesion and good stability. Product Introduction The 3TREES tile Hollowing Repair Agent is a single component waterborne repair agent, which is specially used for repairing hollowing, warping and other problems and bonding loose tiles. It has the characteristics of strong adhesion and good stability. Product Selling Points 1. Easy to operate 2. Hollowing reduction 3. Strong adhesion Product Applications This product can be used for repairing hollowing, warping and other problems and bonding loose tiles in bathrooms and kitchens. Executive Standard Q/SKSP 059 Ceramic Tile Interface Treatment Agent Product Specification: 650ml Storage Life: This product can be stored for 12 months in sealed state in a cool (5-35) and dry place. Avoid rain, sun exposure and frost. About 3TREES Since its founding in 2002, 3TREES has been committed to building healthy homes by providing an integrated one-stop system of green construction materials and services, including Interior & Exterior Wall Coatings, Waterproofing Products, Insulation Materials, Industrial Coatings, Floor Coatings, Home Decoration New Materials, Auxiliary Materials and Construction in the engineering field. In the retail field, 3TREES provides a better life solution of 7-in-1 products and immediate move-in services including Emulsion Paint, Art Coatings, Beautiful Countryside Coatings, Adhesives, Auxiliary Materials, Waterproof Coatings and Sci-Tech Decorative Board. In 2016, 3TREES was listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. In 2019, it was listed on the Hurun China Top 500 Private Enterprises. In 2020, it became the exclusive supplier of official paint for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, and ranked the 10th place in global coatings listed companies by market value. In 2021, it ranked the 8th place in global architectural decorative coatings. The headquarter of 3TREES is in Putian, Fujian, the brand centers are in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, and 13 production bases including under construction in Fujian, Sichuan, Henan, Tianjin, Anhui, Hebei, Guangdong, Hubei and Jiangsu. The Putian Eco-Industrial Park was rated as the national-level "green factory". 3TREES has now become a group with 33 wholly-owned and majority-owned companies. It currently has nearly 10,000 employees and 30,000 cooperative partners all over the world. 3TREES will keep to the path of high-quality and sustainable development, reinforce its position as a leading Chinese brand in high-end coating industry, and strive to become a Top 3 coatings brand in the world in five years. Media Contact Company Name: SKSHU Paint Co., Ltd.. Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=skshu-paint-3trees-tile-hollowing-repair-agent ] Phone: +86 0594 2761989 Address:Headquarter: 518 Liyuan North Avenue, Licheng District City: Putian State: Fujian, 351100 Country: China Website: https://www.3treesgroup.com/en/ This release was published on openPR.It's a perk of my job that sometimes I get to play a game earlier than most people. It's usually just a few days, sometimes a week, and very occasionally I'll get to preview a game a month or more before it's released. Only once has this ever happened, though: I got to play an entire build, start to finish, of mystery mansion puzzle game Blue Prince —and this was way back in August, before developer Dogubomb even knew when the game was coming out. Today on The PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted we finally got a release window: Blue Prince is coming in the spring of 2025. That's a bit weird for me, not just because I've already played it but because the 30 hours I spent in Blue Prince was the best gaming experience I had all year. I was all set to declare it my GOTY for 2024, but I suppose I'll have to save my vote for next year's ceremony. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that even though I played the whole game, and it felt perfectly polished to me, it might still not be done. When the idea for Blue Prince came to developer Tonda Ros and he sat down to start making it, "I had a complete build of the game done in three months," he told me back in August. "Start to finish, it was there. I had calculated it would take six more months to finish up, but that first three months went so well that my ambitions grew." That was eight years ago . Obviously, Ros' ambitions weren't the only thing that grew. That first build only contained half as many rooms as Blue Prince does now, and was "entirely stock assets at that point," but after hiring a team, the game and the mansion within it got much bigger. The short teaser shown during The PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted today isn't really enough to explain the game, so I'll give it a shot. In Blue Prince you've inherited a mysterious mansion from a family member, but to claim it you first have to explore its 45 rooms in search of a secret 46th room. You build the mansion yourself as you explore it: come to a door, choose one of three potential rooms that could be behind it, and when you open that door, the room you chose is what you'll find: it feels a lot like a board game in that respect. You have a limited number of steps you can take, so as you choose more rooms it also becomes a strategy game: what's the best way to build the mansion based on how many steps you have left? When you run out of steps, the mansion resets and you start building it all over again, so it's also a bit of a roguelike. "When I started the game, I had never heard of a roguelike," Ros told me. "I wasn't even familiar with that concept. And then the first deckbuilders came, I was like, 'Oh, they're bringing over board gaming elements.' And there's definitely some similarities. And then when Escape Rooms started getting popular, I was like, 'oh, this is cool, this is kind of bringing back the first person point-and click-adventures into a sort of more simplified, streamlined, more dense package.'" The biggest gaming news, reviews and hardware deals Keep up to date with the most important stories and the best deals, as picked by the PC Gamer team. Blue Prince is filled with puzzles, some contained to individual rooms and others that are spread throughout the mansion, and I have a dozen pages in my notebook filled with diagrams, clues, numbers, and sketches I created as I played to help me decode and decipher the mysteries of the mansion. This is a great one to play co-op with a partner sitting beside you, because while some puzzles can be solved pretty quickly, others will take ages as you build and rebuild the mansion over the course of days or weeks. Even though it's not coming out in 2024, I'm still calling it my honorary GOTY, because even in a year with stellar indie games like Balatro, The Rise of the Golden Idol, and UFO 50, Blue Prince is the best game I've played. I can't wait for everyone else to play it, too.

EVE Frontier 'is not really a blockchain game, no more than EVE is a database game:' CCP hopes you'll give crypto a chance for a space sim with tactical combat 'bordering on survival horror'VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 21, 2024 /CNW/ - Human in Motion Robotics, a leading innovator in robotic mobility and humanoid technology, today announced that its innovative self-balancing exoskeleton system, XoMotion, has been selected as an Honoree in the prestigious CES 2025 Innovation Awards program. The CES Innovation Awards recognizes outstanding design and engineering in consumer technology products across a wide range of categories. XoMotion, a cutting-edge robotic exoskeleton, has been acknowledged for its potential to revolutionize the field of rehabilitation medicine. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Get the latest need-to-know information delivered to your inbox as it happens. Our flagship newsletter. Get our front page stories each morning as well as the latest updates each afternoon during the week + more in-depth weekend editions on Saturdays & Sundays.

Crypto surge: Why has the price of bitcoin hit $100,000 and what happens next?Clearwater Paper Co. (NYSE:CLW) Shares Sold by Public Sector Pension Investment Board

Patriots turn their attention to the future after being eliminated from playoff contentionMr Pawar and his alliance members, in their frustration, have once again raised questions about the authenticity of EVMs, suggesting that the electronic voting system has been tampered with. This is not the first time such claims have surfaced. In the past, political figures from various parties have made similar allegations after losing elections. However, these claims have consistently lacked credible evidence. New Delhi: It’s been more than two weeks since the results for the Maharashtra assembly elections were announced with BJP-led Mahayuti crushing the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Its also been three days since the new government has been in place in the state after a lot of deliberations. But it seems the opposition has still not come to terms with the results. NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar and his colleagues in MVA have been vocal about their dissatisfaction, particularly with the use of EVMs. While the frustration and disappointment following such a defeat are understandable, it is time for Mr Pawar to face an uncomfortable reality: the issue at hand is not the credibility of the voting machines but the failure to adapt to the changing dynamics of Indian politics. To begin with, let’s examine the call to return to paper ballots. Mr Pawar and his alliance members, in their frustration, have once again raised questions about the authenticity of EVMs, suggesting that the electronic voting system has been tampered with. This is not the first time such claims have surfaced. In the past, political figures from various parties have made similar allegations after losing elections. However, these claims have consistently lacked credible evidence. The Supreme Court of India, after thorough investigations, has upheld the legitimacy and security of EVMs. In fact, multiple studies and reports from various institutions have affirmed that EVMs are tamper-proof and offer a far more transparent and reliable system than the traditional paper ballots. EVMs have streamlined the voting process, reduced human errors It is critical to recognise the drawbacks of the paper ballot system, which, though familiar, has long been fraught with issues. Paper ballots are susceptible to widespread manipulation, booth capturing, and invalid votes. The logistical challenges of handling vast amounts of paper ballots make the entire process cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to errors. The introduction of EVMs was not only a technological advancement but also a much-needed solution to these problems. EVMs have streamlined the voting process, reduced human errors, and curbed electoral malpractices. The introduction of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems further enhances the security and transparency of the process, ensuring that the votes cast on EVMs can be verified. For Mr Pawar to advocate for a return to paper ballots is to advocate for a regression in the electoral process. It is an attempt to turn back the clock on progress in an era when technology is crucial to streamlining governance. If the MVA had won the elections, would Mr Pawar still be questioning the credibility of the EVMs, or would he have happily accepted the results, conveniently ignoring the reliability of the very same machines? The hypocrisy in the argument becomes apparent when we realise that the same parties now calling for a return to paper ballots had previously used the electronic voting system to their advantage when the results were in their favour. Are EVMs root cause of MVAs defeat? Pawar thinks so This brings us to the more critical issue at hand – the MVA’s loss in the elections. The root cause of this defeat is not the EVMs but the failure of the alliance to connect with the electorate. Political parties are not just fighting for power but must also fight for relevance. Elections are about ideas, vision, and leadership. They are a reflection of how well a political party can resonate with the people, address their concerns, and present solutions that appeal to the electorate. The BJP, despite its controversial policies and divisive rhetoric, has managed to retain the support of a significant portion of the Indian populace. It has focused on projecting a strong, decisive leadership, alongside initiatives that have resonated with large sections of the population. Mr Pawar, on the other hand, appears to be stuck in the past. The MVA alliance has failed to offer a cohesive, forward-looking alternative to the BJP. It has been bogged down by internal squabbles and a lack of clear direction. When political leaders focus more on internal politics and infighting than on addressing the needs and aspirations of the people, they risk losing touch with the electorate. The results of the Maharashtra elections are not an anomaly but a consequence of the MVA’s failure to present itself as a united, viable alternative to the ruling alliance. A sore loser always blames the EVMs The demand for paper ballots can be viewed as an attempt to distract from this larger issue. It is easier to blame the system than to confront the difficult truths about one’s own shortcomings. Accepting the outcome of the election means accepting that the opposition failed to connect with the people. It means acknowledging that the MVA did not put forth a strong enough case for governance, and voters chose the Mahayuti instead. Instead of focusing on the credibility of the EVMs, Mr Pawar should focus on what went wrong within his party and what needs to be done to rebuild trust with the people. The argument against EVMs is part of a broader trend of undermining institutions that form the bedrock of democracy. When political leaders refuse to accept the outcome of elections and question the integrity of the system, they undermine the very foundation of democracy. The credibility of our electoral process is built on the trust that citizens have in the system, and when political figures continue to make unfounded allegations about the system’s integrity, they risk eroding that trust. It becomes a dangerous game when politicians, after every defeat, question the very framework that sustains democracy. Such rhetoric only fuels suspicion and divisiveness, making it harder for people to believe in the electoral process. This is not how a functioning democracy operates. Pawar should focus on rebuilding his party’s connection with masses Rather than doubting the system, it would be far more constructive for Mr Pawar to look inward. The defeat of the MVA in Maharashtra should be seen as an opportunity for self-reflection, not an occasion to attack the system. The political reality is that sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose. The true test of a democratic leader is their ability to accept defeat graciously, learn from it, and work towards regaining the trust of the electorate. That is how politics can truly serve the people. Instead of looking for external factors to blame, Mr Pawar should focus on rebuilding his party’s connection with the people. This means addressing the issues that matter most to voters – from jobs and economic stability to healthcare and education. Acknowledging the challenges faced by the people and offering realistic, achievable solutions is the only way forward. Political leaders must evolve with the times, just as the political landscape evolves. Holding on to outdated tactics, whether in terms of electoral processes or political strategies, is a surefire way to remain irrelevant in the face of change. Mr Pawar, it’s time to wake up and smell the coffee. Rather than indulging in conspiracy theories or lamenting the results, focus on what matters: engaging with the people, understanding their needs, and offering a compelling vision for the future. If you truly care about democracy, it’s time to show respect for the process, accept the verdict, and begin the hard work of rebuilding your political credibility. That is the only way forward. Click for more latest Opinion Analysis news . Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9. Prabhakar Jha is currently working as Chief Copy Editor at News9 Digital. He has over eight years of experience in this field. He has a keen interest in politics and world affairs.Sunny asks fans, paps to make space for DharmendraOklahoma sophomore quarterback Jackson Arnold will enter the transfer portal, according to multiple reports on Wednesday. A five-star recruit in 2023 out of Denton, Texas, Arnold began this season as the starter, lost his spot and later regained it as the Sooners went 6-6. Monday is the first day that underclassmen can transfer during the winter portal window. Arnold completed 154 of 246 passes (62.6 percent) for 1,421 yards, 12 touchdowns and three interceptions in 10 games. He also ran the ball 150 times for 444 yards and three TDs, including 25 attempts for 131 yards in the Sooners' 24-3 win over Alabama on Nov. 23. As a freshman last season playing behind Dillon Gabriel, Arnold appeared in seven games and was 44 of 69 (63.8 percent) for 563 yards, four TDs and three picks. A former Gatorade Texas Player of the Year, Arnold started for Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl last December, when the Sooners lost 38-24 to Arizona. He was QB1 for the 2024 campaign, but three early turnovers caused him to be pulled in a 25-15 defeat to Tennessee on Sept. 21 and replaced by true freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. Arnold came off the bench to replace Hawkins in a 35-9 loss to South Carolina on Oct. 19, and head coach Brent Venables afterward fired offensive coordinator Seth Littrell. Co-offensive coordinator Joe Jon Finley became the interim play-caller. Venables filled the position permanently on Monday by hiring Washington State OC Ben Arbuckle, who could bring Cougars QB John Mateer with him to Norman, Okla. --Field Level Media