5738 Forbes Ave-Monthly Zone 4 Public Safety Council meeting This meeting occurs on the third Thursday of every month.  A special presentation will be given by Violence Prevention Analyst Victoria Butler Learn about how the City of Pittsburgh collects and uses data to analyze trends both in violent crime and with individual incidents.  5738 Forbes Ave-City Wide Public Safety meeting You must register for the event be emailing amber.phillips@pittsburghpa.gov with your name Aggravated Assault in the 5700 Blk of Forward Ave- On 9/15/24 at approximately 6:30 PM Zone 4 Officers responded to the 5700 Blk of Forward Ave for an assault that had just occurred Officers observed an unconcious adult male victim with serious injuries to his head admitted to getting into a fight with the victim and assaulting the victim with punches and kicks The victim was transported to a local hospital in critical condition Morgan-El was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault Robbery on Centre Ave at South Aiken Ave- On 9/18/24 at approximately 3:15 PM Zone 4 Officers responded to Centre Ave at South Ailken Ave for a robbery that just occurred Officers spoke with an adult male victim who stated that as he was walking he noticed an unknown male swinging a chair around in the middele of Centre Ave The victimm stated that he ignored the male and kept walking when the male then suddenly approached him then proceeded to attempt to take the victims shoes off his feet The victim was able to get back on his feet when the male then reached his hand into his pocket and threatened to kill him The victim then fled to safety and called the police of Lincoln-Lemington was still near the victim when officers saw him and confirmed his identity with the suspect Price was arrested and charged with Robbery Indecent Assault/Indecent Exposure-Frick Park-On 9/22/24 at approximately 5:15 PM Zone 4 Officers responded to Frick Park for a report of a male who had committed an indecent assault aginst an adult female victim and committed indecent exposure and performed a lewd act in front of another female victim.  Through an investigation Officers were able to make contact with Isaiah Rivers and arrested Rivers on scene.  Rivers was charged with Indecent Assault Indecent Exposure in the 400 Blk of Semple St-On 9/24/24 at approximately 1030 AM Zone 4 Officers responded to a laundromat in the 400 Blk of Semple St for an adult male openly exposing himself Officers observed the male openly exposing his genitals to the public of Uptown was arrested and charged with Indecent Exposure It’s that time of year again! The Citizen Police Academy and the Student Police Academy are now taking registrations These programs are a great opportunity to learn the roles training and responsibilities of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Email: www.pointbreezenorth.com/contact Website: www.pointbreezenorth.com volunteer run organization made up of people who care for and are invested in the beautiful neighborhood of Point Breeze North Point Breeze North received its name from the Point Breeze Hotel which was located along the Greensburg Turnpike during the early 1800s This area is now the intersection of Fifth and Penn Avenue It remains as it was then: an area of distinctive and mixed historical styles Westinghouse Park derived its name from the Westinghouse mansion that was in North Point Breeze since its beginning Website: www.thinkshadyside.com The Shadyside Chamber of Commerce works to prioritize the needs of merchants within the community We are currently restructuring and refocusing the efforts of the Chamber of Commerce to ensure that we remain a service driven organization that is innovative and always striving to foster an inclusive climate that serves in the best interest of its members Co-Presidents: Christine Furman & Adam Wasilko Address: Wilkins School Community Center7604 Charleston Ave Website: rsca.online Meetings: Check website for upcoming meetings PBO's mission is to engage residents and businesses to enhance the quality of life in Point Breeze We invite all Point Breeze residents and businesses to join You do not have to be a PBO member to attend events but becoming a member gives you a voice in our activities and important neighborhood decisions and improves the chances that public officials will hear our concerns The PBO is a 501(c)(3) organization. Our meetings are open to the public and held at 6:30PM on the second Tuesday of March, May, July, September, and November. The location may vary. Please contact info@pointbreezepgh.org to receive additional information about attending a meeting Address: Frazier Field House 3716 Frazier Street Pittsburgh Website: southoaklandpgh.org Facebook: South Oakland Neighborhood Group Pgh Meetings: SONG meets the first Tuesday of every month at Frazier Fieldhouse on Frazier St Website: shuc.org Email: info@shuc.org the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition gives voice to the hopes and concerns of our residents businesses and visitors and works to preserve and celebrate the quality of life in our vibrant urban Squirrel Hill neighborhood Our mission is implemented through a long range planning process fostering community-based initiatives in the areas of education Volunteer-supported committees provide leadership to our community by studying and advocating positions on issues affecting our neighborhood’s vitality Email: info@cornerpgh.org Website: www.cornerpgh.org The Corner is a grassroots community outreach program and multi-purpose space of Friendship Community Church located between the Oakland and Hill District neighborhoods The Corner program has served as a pinnacle of cultural enrichment and a thriving center for the arts Address: 328 Ophelia Street Pittsburgh 15213 Website: oakcliffe.org Email: oakcliffe.org@gmail.com Email: greaterparkplace@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/ParkPlacePgh/ Meetings: Quarterly- see Facebook for details A group for residents and fans of Pittsburgh's Park Place neighborhood Park Place is nestled next to Frick Park on the eastern edge of the City of Pittsburgh and includes a few blocks of Wilkinsburg Home to many beautiful and historic houses including the Old Heidelberg apartment building Park Place is a diverse community with engaged and friendly residents represented by the Greater Park Place Neighborhood Association (GPPNA) Website: 31stWardCAG.org Email: ExecutiveBoard@31stWardCAG.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/217983421573389/ Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM 1202 Muldowney Ave The 31st Ward Community Action Group was established to bring the residents of our community together businesses and senior citizens of the 31st Ward and surrounding areas Email: info@gcapgh.org Website: gcapgh.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/pg/GCAPGH but please check back in via website or Facebook The Greenfield Community Association is a 501c3 formed in the Summer of 2012 as a successor to Greenfield’s two established community organizations – Greenfield Organization and Connect Greenfield Its role is to capture the strengths of both organizations and ensure that the residents of Greenfield continue to have a strong organization working to improve the community The GCA is committed to preserving and improving the physical and economic health of Greenfield by facilitating volunteerism nurturing community identity and development and enhancing the quality of life for residents We engage in community-based problem solving Email: hello@uncoversquirrelhill.com Website: www.uncoversquirrelhill.com Please check out their website for membership and meeting details Email: pghzone4publicsafetycouncil@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/Zone4PublicSafety/ Meetings: 3rd Thursday of the month 6:30 PM at the JCC 5738 Forbes Ave 15217 (Kindly use the rear entrance at 5738 Darlington Road) Zone 4 Public Safety Council acts as liaisons between the City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety and the community it serves New ITER Boutique! Purchase ITER-branded merchandise here ITER NewslineKeep in touch with ITER through our main news feed ITER Magazine - French onlyLearn more about the ITER Project by subscribing to this quarterly online magazine (in French) that is geared toward the general public ITER Open Doors Day - NotificationsStay informed about the ITER Open Doors sessions and be among the first to subscribe to the next event The European Domestic Agency Fusion for Energy (F4E) and subcontractors Ansaldo Nucleare Westinghouse and Walter Tosto have completed all manufacturing activities on vacuum vessel sector #4 It will depart from Italy later this month like that of an undersea vehicle or a spacecraft The interior surfaces are a patchwork of interfacing elements—cartridges and other "connectors" designed to receive the components And projecting out in two locations are the port stubs and port stub extensions that will create a corridor of connection between the exterior wall of the vacuum vessel and the cryostat a few metres away The ITER vacuum vessel is made up of nine of these 40° sectors—each one slightly unique—that will be welded together along their bevel joint regions to form a torus-shaped plasma chamber has been collaborating with the AMW consortium for more than a decade involving at least 150 professionals from 15 companies across Europe the completion of sector #4 has demanded 20,000 hours of machining and 100,000 hours of welding The poster below shows how segments become a sector, and how a sector is integrated into the final torus. (It can be downloaded here.) In a short ceremony celebrating the completion of sector #4 Marc Lachaise stated: “The completion of the second European sector of ITER’s vacuum vessel demonstrates yet again the exceptional manufacturing skills of our industry and its ability to apply quickly lessons learned from the first sector It also illustrates how the European Union through its participation in the biggest international fusion project can successfully involve medium-sized companies Europe's first sector was delivered in October 2024 Production continues on Europe’s remaining three sectors See the full report on the Fusion for Energy website ITER ("The Way" in Latin) is one of the most ambitious energy projects in the world today ITER is charting new territory in fusion research They had a good start with signing former UNC and Wake Forest forward James Okonkwo as well as two three-star guards in Terrence Brown and Elijah Moore Their only two freshman currently signed from this recruiting class are both unranked according to On3 Sports Their highest ranked recruit, however, comes from the Auburn Tigers, who had a Final Four appearance before losing to the eventual national champion Florida Gators Their 6-foot-6 freshman, Jahki Howard, announced that he will be transferring from Auburn and signing with the Utah Utes for the 2025 season Auburn Tigers forward Jahki Howard (3) Jake Crandall / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The addition of Howard will help sure up the rest of the roster, one that head coach Alex Jensen is transforming into a competitive team in the Big 12 Their rough start to their Big 12 career was expected as it is very difficult to go up to a more challenging conference and be successful immediately As the Utes get more experience under their belt this conference will become natural and that could start this year with the roster they are forming their transfers have the potential to help them immensely Jensen and his scouting staff have attacked the portal with filling every single position with a high-caliber player Another splash they could make would be for a true center to allow all of their other players to play to their strengths and will be exciting to see what else Jensen and the Utes have in store The driver of the speeding Porsche that killed a 27-year-old scooterist in Sector 4 on Monday evening was arrested but bailed out within hours sparking outrage as the victim’s family questioned the swift bail and demanded stricter charges against the accused The Porsche involved in the Sector 4 crash that killed a man and left two women injured (HT File) The driver was identified as real estate baron Sanjeev Babuta the director of Subhash Mangat & Group He was present at the scene when the police arrived after the accident worked at a grocery company in Manimajra and was heading home after completing his shift when the tragedy struck His family was eagerly waiting to celebrate his birthday on March 11 when they received the tragic news who reached the police station along with a dozen women on Tuesday morning expressed shock over the police granting bail to the accused within hours She accused the authorities of going soft on the driver despite the brutality of the accident “We had bought a cake for him and were supposed to celebrate his birthday we are left collecting his severed body parts This is not just an accident; this is murder Sonica further lashed out at the legal system who dragged her brother for several metres and left him mutilated The case was registered under Section 106 (1) (causing death by negligence) 281 (rash driving) and 125(a) (causing hurt) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) The family staged a protest at Government Multi Specialty Hospital and refused to take the body for cremation and dragged the victim for a considerable distance This goes beyond a typical accident—it exhibits a reckless disregard for human life The case warrants a stricter section of culpable homicide not amounting to murder under 105 of BNS such cases used to be registered under Section 304 (culpable homicide of the IPC but under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) which applies when an act is committed with the knowledge that it is likely to cause death but without the intention to cause death Driving a high-powered car like a Porsche demands utmost caution as even a moment of reckless maneuvering can have devastating consequences,” he added Neither Babuta nor his group were available for comments allegedly driven recklessly and on the wrong side crashed into two Activa scooters -- one being driven by Ankit and the other which had two female riders were rushed to the hospital and are reported to be stable she was heading home after finishing her duty at a private dental clinic in Sector 32 riding her Activa with her niece Gurleen as a pillion rider They were traveling from Sector 20 towards Naya Gaon and had reached the Sector 4/9 Dividing Road where they noticed Ankit Aswal riding his Activa ahead of them a white Porsche approached from the wrong side at high speed The luxury car collided head-on with Ankit’s Activa throwing him onto the car’s front windshield dragging Ankit’s body along for a 50 metres The speeding car then crashed into Soni and Gurleen’s Activa The Porsche finally rammed into an electric pole and a signboard Officers rushed the injured to General Hospital The three vehicles involved—the Porsche and two Activas—were seized and taken to the Sector 3 police station A four-day workweek reduces staff turnover, improves employee mental health, and saves money according to the largest public sector trial held in the UK was introduced by South Cambridgeshire District Council in southeast England It is the largest public sector trial of the four-day workweek held so far in the UK people were expected to complete 100% of their work in 80% of the time for full pay performance improved or stayed the same in a total of 22 The number of external applicants for open roles also greatly increased with 76% reporting the four-day week trial as influencing them to apply for open positions one of the report's authors and a professor of work and wellbeing at the University of Salford told Business Insider: "Organizations that will be too reluctant to introduce the four-day week might start falling behind because that's what we see in other trials already." "Organizations who are forerunners in the industry of four-day workweek trials attract the best talent around because people say if I can do four days a week or five days a week I'm going to go where I can do four days a week," she said The project helped the council to save £371,500 ($476,980) Workers saw their mental and physical health improve and their motivation levels rise there's a lot more evidence that things improved during the period of the trial compared to before the trial," Prof Brendan Burchell another author of the report and a professor at the faculty of Human Social and Political Sciences at the University of Cambridge Discussing the positive outcomes of the four-day workweek experiment he said: "It should give other organizations a lot of confidence that this is definitely something worth looking at." There were just two drawbacks discovered from the shorter week Rent collected from social housing mildly declined and the average number of days to re-let housing stock worsened slightly Burchell said national problems such as the cost-of-living crisis and people struggling to pay their bills were partially responsible for the trial's problematic aspects and Germany are among the countries that have trialed the shortened working week Belgium became the first country to legislate for a four-day week in February 2022 and they have more time to themselves outside of work they then actually perform better at their job," Joe Ryle a campaign to transition to a shorter working week with no loss of pay "We're finding that people are doing all sorts of things on their day off like volunteering in the community," he said it's about creating a society where we can all live happier and healthier lives." more is now known about this hurricane season’s erosion damage to our beaches and Much of the existing dunes are intact and performed as expected Indian River County’s assistant natural resources director no structures like homes or businesses were damaged as a result of the erosion,” Charest said “At this time there are no plans for smaller emergency dune replacement at the county beaches and the large-scale projects are moving forward.” Indian River County was already in the process of replenishing beaches that had eroded during hurricanes Matthew (2016) Replenishment in Sector 3 was completed prior to March Additional replenishment projects were paused earlier this summer to allow sea turtles to nest said county Coastal Resource Manager Quintin Bergman The Indian River Shores dune restoration project dubbed Sector 4 will begin in the coming days and continue through April 2025 Beach Management Sector 4 in the county’s plan is a 2.9-mile section of shoreline that extends from approximately a half-mile south of the Turtle Trail Beach Access in Johns Island to approximately a half-mile north of the Tracking Station Beach Park near Mariner Village The project also includes planting approximately 147,788 native salt-tolerant dune plants on top of the dune The county has contracted with Dickerson Infrastructure to place approximately 135,000 cubic yards of beach-compatible sand to restore the dune at a cost of $6.6 million Grant funds totaling $4.3 million have been awarded to the county for the Sector 4 Project from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM) The county has applied for an additional $1.6 million in Hurricane Ian and Nicole Restoration Reimbursement Grant Program (HRRGP) funds that are available on a first-come A City of Vero Beach Sector 5 restoration project is planned for the winter of 2025-2026 The local portion of funding for dune repair and beach replenishment projects comes from the 4% tourist development tax – also called the “bed tax” — that is added to the costs of hotel stays and other lodging when tourists come to visit Voters will be asked on the 2024 general election ballot whether or not they want to add another penny to the bed tax While a portion of the bed tax supports the beach programs the county has also benefited greatly from leveraging FEMA assistance and FDEP grant funds when available Maps of the various beach projects can be found on the county’s website vice president for tourism and marketing for Visit Indian River County “Our beaches are uncrowded and provide lots of sun and relaxation because we do not have high-rises along our beaches,” Earman said “Visitors and locals use them daily and it is vital that we keep them maintained.” “It should be noted that this tax is not paid for by residents – only those visiting and staying in our local accommodations,” Earman said More than half of the total bed tax – 2.75 cents – will go toward beach renourishment and the final quarter cent paying the lease on the Jackie Robinson Training Complex This would bring the bed tax up to what it is in neighboring St and is expected to generate at least $1 million Privacy Policy | Copyright © 2025 32963 Media LLC All rights reserved   |    Contact: [email protected]   |   Vero Beach, Florida, USA | Orlando Web Design by: M5 This function has been disabled for Vero News INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The beaches that line the barrier island were battered by powerful storms over recent years potentially placing the beach ecosystem in peril the county has enacted renourishment projects — depositing new sand — hoping to restore the dunes and beaches we need to protect the beaches," said County Commission Chair Susan Adams "Recent storms have shown that beach-management plans and action are necessary to preserve the health of one of the county's greatest assets." The next strip of beach receiving a makeover is known as Sector 4 from a point a half-mile south of Turtle Trail beach access 2.9 miles south to Mariner Lane The beaches represent $50 million in economic value for the county according to Natural Resources Director Kylie Yanchula The Sector 3 renourishment project was completed in April and Sector 5 work is slated to begin late next year while Sector 5 is 3.1 miles from Bay Oak Lane the three sectors comprise nearly 60% of county's coastline according to Coastal Resource Manager Quintin Bergman "The sand is placed in areas like puzzle pieces," said Adams we try and figure out ways to fill the gaps." The current project is expected to cost $6.6 million funded through grants from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Florida Department of Emergency Management and the Hurricane Ian and Nicole Restoration Reimbursement Grant Program Any additional costs will be covered by the county bed tax "A beach nourishment project is not a one-time solution to coastal erosion," explained Bergman "As depicted in the beach preservation plan beach and dune nourishment is the best management strategy for the counties erosive coastline." Dune and beach restoration is not just dumping and smoothing sand "The sand has to match the sand that is already on the beach," said Yanchula "There is also a lengthy process to determine which areas get sand." More: Vero Beach ranking near the top of Breeze Airways routes More: Vero Beach unveils memorial honoring World War II veterans at Vererans Day ceremony Yanchula and her team study and perform lengthy surveys that monitor county beaches "We try to determine what areas are most vulnerable and in-need," said Yanchula then we look and see if they can recover on their own or need a little boost." that boost took the form of 135,000 cubic yards of sand from a mine in Fort Pierce whose sand was deemed granularly similar enough to be placed at Sector 4 The county also must take special care not to disturb the limestone reefs just off-shore "We have to make sure that the sand will not wash away onto the reefs," said Yanchula "If the models say there is potential for reef damage in a certain area 148,000 native plants — including sea oats and dune sunflower — will be planted for stabilization The county anticipates project completion in late April 2025 Bergman and Yanchula all hope the sand is here to stay especially with the everchanging nature of our beaches," said Adams Nick Slater is TCPalm’s Indian River County Watchdog reporter. You can reach him at Nick.Slater@tcpalm.com and 224-830-2875 Oceanfront property owners who for years have been eager to get a much-needed infusion of sand in Indian River Shores should only have a few more weeks to wait as the county has approved a $6.6 million contract for beach replenishment from the Turtle Trail beach access south to the Tracking Station behind the 7-Eleven gas station and CVS Construction can begin as soon as Sea Turtle Nesting Season comes to a close at three staging areas including some vacant land offered up by a John’s Island property owner to provide access for vehicles and equipment Both the contractor and the sand source are located in Fort Pierce with Dickerson Infrastructure winning the project bid and Stewart Materials providing the mined sand that has been screened and treated to meet state environmental specifications for beach placement Both vendors were also used for the replenishment project on the northern island beaches with county Natural Resources Director Kylie Yanchula praising that effort for “coming in under budget and on time.” The 2.9-mile span of beach to be shored up this fall is referred to as Sector 4 in the county’s beach plan It had been left out of previous beach sand projects because it lacks the all-important “critically eroded” designation despite deep escarpments near structures and feet of sand lost to storms over the past few years Private property owners and the John’s Island Club have spent their own money for emergency dune repairs while waiting for the county project to commence Town taxpayers also funded the rebuilding of the Beachcomber Lane overwalk and emergency sand repairs at that beach access more than once as it became unsafe from erosion Shores Council Member Mary Alice Smith has worked with town staff to keep Indian River Shores beaches on the county’s priority list as sand is one of the few investments in infrastructure that Shores residents get in return for their county property taxes “We know that it was like pulling teeth to get where we are on Sector 4,” Smith said “There’s really a lot of work that went behind it.” Town staff kept a running archive of photos showing beach conditions after every tropical storm system or Nor’easter blew through and crews were also out documenting sand loss last week after outer bands of Hurricane Helene whipped up breezier than usual conditions on the island Council Member Bob Auwaerter has also worked on the long-term push to get all of Indian River Shores beaches on a regular rotation for sand replenishment the state regulations and how money for beach sand is doled out is a sector of beach completely inside the Town of Indian River Shores and it constitutes most of the beach in Indian River Shores and it’s one of the few beaches not – as we all know – not critically eroded,” Auwaerter said 225 miles of Florida beach was designated as “critically eroded,” but now that number is nearly 450 miles of beach which would normally contribute sand to the south and has been replenished at least three times in the past 15 years “To me this is just more frustration which I know has been shared by the council and I know the town manager with some outside help has been trying to get this corrected,” Auwaerter said “I’m a little bit lost as to why this is still a problem It just shows you we’re kind of being left in the dust as compared to the other designations around the state.” The main reason why the Shores beaches are getting sand this year is because not enough South Beach residents were willing to sign beach access easements to permit the project to proceed and the funds could not be spent down there Indian River Shores residents had no problem giving the county easements to do the work with the town even hosting a signing party to get the documents turned in quickly the county has recorded easements for 83 of them with 81 – or 90 percent – being required for project approval The county is pitching in between $676,000 and $2.3 million for the project – depending upon the availability of competitive grant funding for hurricanes Ian and Nicole restoration – with $2 million coming from the Florida Division of Emergency Management and $2.38 million from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection After the approximately 135,000 cubic yards of sand is placed crews will plant more than 147,000 salt-tolerant dune plants to help hold the sand in place All the beach construction work must be completed by April 30 Privacy Policy | Copyright © 2025 32963 Media LLC All rights reserved   |    Contact: [email protected]   |   Vero Beach, Florida, USA | Orlando Web Design by: M5 the SEC and Big Ten will seek a king’s ransom in the next Playoff contract in 2026 Four Playoff bids apiece is the asking price at least half of the bids would go to those 2 conferences It would be the first true acknowledgment of “The Big 2 vs I suppose that excludes the conference’s current media contracts which already favored the Big Ten and SEC before their new even more self-separating deals began in 2024 seeking a king’s ransom isn’t so much about an acknowledgment of money as it is an acknowledgment of prolonged dominance That’s why the numbers actually support such a request Pac-12 and Group of 5 will see it that way I anticipate pushback without any real acknowledgment of what the past decade-plus has shown us let’s not be too current by pointing out that 12 of the top 13 teams in the AP Poll are from those 2 conferences as is the majority of the Top 25 (64%) that’s still too small of a sample size for such a seismic move for the future of the sport let’s look at the Playoff era as a whole Eight of them came from schools that were from the Big Ten (2) or SEC (6) Not great for the “all conferences are equal argument,” is it Neither is the fact that of the 20 national championship berths in the Playoff era 15 spots were occupied by teams that are now in the Big Ten or the SEC Think that’s too elitist and it just shows that those conferences were top-heavy Let’s look at New Year’s 6 bowl victories in the Playoff era That eliminates the significance of the national championship winner we’ve seen 6 of those played per year meaning that there are 60 winners of those games Here’s the breakdown by conference of those games won by teams that are currently in those conferences: 44 of the 60 New Year’s 6 bowl winners (73%) came from schools that are now in the Big Ten or SEC Pac-12 and Group of 5 have fewer combined New Year’s 6 bowl victories in the Playoff era (16) than the Big Ten (19) and they don’t even sniff the SEC (25) I know what you’re thinking — why is it fair to award realigned schools to their new conferences instead of their old ones SMU and Stanford is just a touch different than the SEC adding Oklahoma and Texas While we applaud the Big 12 for pivoting without those powers by adding the Arizona schools that’s a different ballgame than the Big Ten adding the California schools The Big 12 now doesn’t have an active member who won a national championship in the past 3 decades and the Big Ten just added 2 programs that played in a national title game in the Playoff era Failure to acknowledge this disparity is downright negligent I didn’t even bring up the fact that in the 21st century current members of the Big Ten and SEC won 20 of the 24 BCS/Playoff national titles (83%) because the resistance to 4 auto bids apiece will be based on the “they’re not as deep as everyone suggests” notion Let’s find a single data point to suggest that the ACC Big 12 and sort of alive Pac-12 are on the Big Ten and SEC’s level I’ve got one courtesy of the aforementioned Phillips When Phillips claimed at ACC Media Days that the ACC had “the most exciting collection of teams in college football,” he didn’t acknowledge that the conference was 0-5 with 5 double-digit losses in New Year’s 6 games in the 2020s 6 ACC head coaches named to the 2024 Dodd Trophy preseason watch list No conference has more,” Phillips said at ACC Media Days (H/T On3) “Two of the 3 active coaches in the country to win a national title reside here in the ACC: Mack Brown and Dabo Swinney The combination of our proven veteran coaches combined with our dynamic young coaches is incredibly powerful.” I base my excitement exclusively on the Dodd Trophy preseason watch list The data point that Phillips left out was that while technically “no conference had more” representation on the Dodd Trophy preseason watch list because coaches in Year 1 at a new school aren’t eligible To update Phillips’ data point about the ACC’s active national championship-winning coaches Brown and Swinney we should mention that the former asked his team if he should retire after a beatdown home loss against James Madison while the latter insisted that everything was fine after a beatdown loss against Georgia I mention that not just to troll Phillips and his depressing flex but to point out how flimsy the non-Big Ten/SEC conference arguments have become I cannot imagine having to make that case to those decision-makers You can’t even make the argument that favoring the Big Ten and SEC in the Playoff would be a slap in the face of national representation The Big Ten is flying from Los Angeles to Piscataway The SEC now has schools like Oklahoma and Florida that are a 1,200-mile drive apart There’s a reason the Big Ten and SEC joined forces They’re setting the standard on and off the field A new standard will await when the field inevitably expands in 2026 We’ll likely see a majority of auto bids representing the field as opposed to the current minority (5 of 12) If 4 is indeed the number pushed by Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti and SEC commissioner Greg Sankey after they meet with their athletic directors in Nashville next week you can bank on Phillips and others making statements that essentially laugh off that notion of superiority The Big Ten and SEC would have the upper hand financially and competitively in any sort of breakaway asking for anything less would be a disservice to the most exciting collection of teams in college football Connor O'Gara is the senior national columnist for Saturday Down South He's a member of the Football Writers Association of America After spending his entire life living in B1G country A man was killed and two women were injured after a speeding Porsche ploughed into two scooters near the petrol pump in Sector 4 on Monday evening The Porsche car that claimed the life of a scooterist near the petrol pump in Sector 4 (HT Photo) According to police officials the Porsche was coming from the opposite direction when it crashed into two Honda Activa scooters Such was the impact of the high-speed collision that the man’s leg was severed and he died on the spot while the two women sustained injuries on legs Police said the car’s speed was extremely high causing it to drag for a distance before crashing into an electric pole police impounded the Porsche and arrested the driver An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the crash A case was also being registered at the Sector-3 police station at the time of filing of this report a speeding Maruti Swift Dzire claimed a 19-year-old motorcyclist’s life in Sector 52 near D-Park the accident took place around 5 pm while he was walking home after an evening stroll at D-Park Rashid stated that a white Swift Dzire taxi was speeding along the drain in Sector 52 and suddenly entered the main road without honking or slowing down a black Pulsar motorcycle was coming from the direction of the government school in Sector 52 The speeding taxi collided head-on with the motorcycle causing the rider to be thrown off and lose consciousness upon impact They stopped a private vehicle and transported both the motorcyclist and the taxi driver to Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) the motorcyclist succumbed to his injuries during treatment The car driver was identified as Jasanpreet Sharma a speeding car left a motorcyclist dead in a hit-and-run accident near the railway underbridge in Sector 82 worked at an IT company in Mohali and lived here on rent He was on his way to work on Saturday morning when the speeding car collided with him and drove off Passers-by immediately rushed him to the Mohali civil hospital but he succumbed to his injuries during treatment police booked the absconding car driver under relevant sections SHO Jashanpreet Singh stated that they had kept the body in the mortuary for post-mortem and were actively investigating the case This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Exclusive: South Cambridgeshire experiment led to fewer refuse collectors quitting and faster planning decisions In the largest public sector trial of the four-day week in Britain fewer refuse collectors quit and there were faster planning decisions more rapid benefits processing and quicker call answering South Cambridgeshire district council’s controversial experiment with a shorter working week resulted in improvements in performance in 11 out of 24 areas little or no change in 11 areas and worsening of performance in two areas according to analysis of productivity before and during the 15-month trial by academics at the universities of Cambridge and Salford The trial by the Liberal Democrat-controlled authority drew a furious reaction from the Conservative government, with a minister telling the borough leader complaining that it would not give value for money for local taxpayers The Tory former local MP, Anthony Browne, who was defeated by a Liberal Democrat in last week’s general election, had attacked the trial as “an ideological crusade” The multi-year study of the trial involving about 450 desk staff plus refuse collectors found: Regular household planning applications were decided about a week and a half earlier Approximately 15% more major planning application decisions were completed within the correct timescale The time taken to process changes to housing benefit and council tax benefit claims fell rent collection for council housing worsened slightly although this was attributed to the cost of living crisis The speed with which empty council houses were relet fell slightly The results were adjusted for the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic the director of the 4 Day Week Campaign said the results heralded “a huge opportunity for councils and organisations across the public sector to start planning for a four-day working week” The new Labour government is expected to push the NHS to work longer hours to reduce waiting lists and is preparing to speed up the planning process to boost housebuilding Productivity has flatlined in the British economy since the pandemic after historically rising at about 2% annually. In 2019, Labour under Jeremy Corbyn included plans to cut the working week to 32 hours with no loss of pay in its manifesto but this year the party said nothing about enabling a four-day week in its latest promises It has pledged to deliver economic growth and productivity growth across the economy to enable greater spending on public services without raising income tax Employers everywhere from Sweden to the United Arab Emirates and New Zealand to the US have experimented with the four-day week. But last week the government of Greece announced a new six-day week policy for private companies aimed at boosting the economy amid a shrinking population and shortage of skilled workers It is seeking longer hours from workers to turbocharge productivity Free daily newsletterOur morning email breaks down the key stories of the day telling you what’s happening and why it matters which began in January 2023 and ran to April 2024 staff were expected to carry out 100% of their work in 80% of the time for 100% of the pay The full trial cut staff turnover by 39% and scores for employees’ physical and mental health “Coupled with the hundreds of thousands of pounds of taxpayer money that we have saved improved recruitment and retention and positives around health and wellbeing this brave and pioneering trial has clearly been a success,” said John Williams “We know we cannot compete on salary alone and have needed to find bold new ways of tackling our recruitment and retention issues.” which shares planning services with South Cambridgeshire described the trial as “a win-win-win situation with improved service delivery for residents and a better work-life balance for council staff.” Scores of private companies have already adopted the approach with many finding it helps staff retention Ryle said the South Cambridgeshire results “prove once and for all that a four-day week with no loss of pay absolutely can succeed in a local government setting” Only two SEC games reached that mark at this point in the past three seasons combined For that, the conference can thank the 12-team College Football Playoff this would be a much different season for the league SEC commissioner Greg Sankey could not have envisioned that possibility He was one of the main architects of the 12-team format the Playoff first proposed in 2021 But during the year of stalled negotiations that followed between the commissioners he frequently told reporters some variation of “Even after we announced the additions of Oklahoma and Texas, I’m still comfortable staying at four,” he said on a Fox Sports podcast in 2023 “I don’t think we’re going to have fewer teams in the four than we’ve had.” Greg Sankey had a savage moment when explaining why the CFP expanded despite him being fine with 4 teams 😂😂 #CFP #CFB #Expansion #SEC ♬ original sound – The Joel Klatt Show Perhaps because of those additions and the altered schedules that followed It was a foregone conclusion most years that the SEC champion would reach the four-team field in part because the league usually produced at least one season-long juggernaut An undefeated team made it to the conference championship game in seven of the last eight seasons it was the earliest the SEC’s last undefeated team had fallen since 2007 the Big Ten would be dominating the conversation The main question: Would that league get two teams in or three the loser of Saturday’s Indiana-Ohio State showdown will drop out of the top five but the regular season could still end with three Not only did no 11-2 conference champion ever make the four-team Playoff And those both were beaten out by a Big Ten or SEC team with one loss What the CFP committee should do with the SEC logjam No conference ever sent three teams to the four-team CFP and the Big Ten itself saw five of its teams miss the field with only one loss That includes 11-1 Ohio State just last year there were four or more teams from the other power conferences that also finished with zero or one loss Consider the likely top four under these scenarios The Big Ten gets two bids in one of them and possibly three in the other two The closest a conference ever came to securing an 11-2 champion was the SEC in 2017. After starting the season 5-2, Auburn won its next five — including two wins in three weeks over teams ranked No The Tigers would have been in with a win against 11-1 Georgia But that 11-2 SEC team would still likely get squeezed out by 11-1 Penn State and 11-1 Notre Dame if both won out Contrary to Sankey’s public comments, the SEC was never going to stand by and let the four-team Playoff go on indefinitely. In fact, one of its own presidents, Mississippi State’s Mark Keenum helped resuscitate the 12-team plan in 2022 after it was stalled for a full year by the ACC essentially told the commissioners at that point The SEC may have seceded from the Playoff entirely if the event featured two schools from Indiana and none from the South The Big Ten and SEC could come together on a scheduling partnership, according to ESPN’s Heather Dinich. In meetings between the conferences, both could seek a substantial change to the College Football Playoff. “Sources in both leagues told ESPN on Monday they would prefer to have potentially four automatic bids each to the playoff when the next contract begins in 2026,” Dinich wrote. “CFP leaders haven’t determined yet what the playoff will look like beyond this season and next Some said they need to know that before making any decisions about future scheduling partnerships.” CLICK HERE to go to PrizePicks and use code ON3 to receive a guaranteed $50 once you play $5 in lineups! As one SEC source put it: “I’m for anything that gives us the maximum number of postseason opportunities I don’t count bowl games as postseason opportunities,” the source said via Dinich The Big Ten and SEC could have a stranglehold in the CFP if this goes though Some officials reportedly expressed interest in limiting the role of the 13-member selection committee or even eliminating it entirely The goal would be to remove subjectivity from the selection process Having automatic spots goes a long way in minimizing it Save $30 on your first month of Fubo by CLICKING HERE NOW! For a limited time, you can get your first month of Fubo for as low as $49.99. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.) “While the future CFP format is a long way from being determined, guaranteed bids for eight of the 14 playoff spots to the SEC and Big Ten would receive significant pushback from others and already has,” Dinich wrote. The Big Ten, which holds regular meetings Wednesday’s with athletic directors, could prepare talking points that could produce “real, concrete things” in relation to this news, per the report. Top 101Shane BeamerPuts NCAA on blast Hot3Trump By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein. The current College Football Playoff format consists of 12 teams, with the top four getting a first round bye. The top four teams are determined by the four highest ranked conference champions. The next seven highest ranked teams get in, along with the highest ranked Group of Five team. Presumably, the G5 team is going to be the No. 12 seed in the CFP due to likely being ranked behind the Power Four teams in the bracket. The SEC and Big Ten could dominate the playoff conversation this year anyway. With potentially eight total auto bids given to the conference, there won’t be much left for the ACC and Big 12 wild cards. Back in March, the SEC and Big Ten saw the CFP sign a new six-year, $7.8 billion contract with ESPN that runs through the 2031-32 season. The contract is built as either 11 or 13 games, per Dinich. That would include a 12 or 14-team field and there are protections in place for the ACC, Big Ten, SEC and Big 12 conference champions, Notre Dame and the highest ranked Group of Five champion. In order for said guarantees, other FBS conferences and Notre Dame surrendered the bulk of control over the future format to the SEC and Big Ten, per Dinich. Hot3Trump, Saban blastedNIL order ripped On3 is a registered trademark of On3 Media Season 4 brings forth a batch of new content across Battle Pass This season's offerings include new Operator Skins with a hazardous glow Plague Strikes in the Season 4 Battle Pass The situation on the field grows more dire; Operators must prepare to face off against the most hazardous of threats Gear up for the battles ahead with the Season 4 Battle Pass and Store content arriving in Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® III The Season 4 Battle Pass introduces over 100 rewards Purchase the premium Battle Pass to earn up to 1,400 COD Points as you progress through the Sectors or purchase BlackCell for the ultimate seasonal experience including a variety of masked Operator Skins Continue for a detailed overview of all the epic content arriving in Season 4 starting with BlackCell’s premium offering Season 4’s BlackCell content brings the infected to the fore with Operator Skins emanating wisps of ectoplasm from their gear and a green vapor spewing from their mask Also discover the chemical agent in BlackCell Weapon Blueprints found throughout the Battle Pass The Battle Pass: Upgrade to BlackCell for full access to the Season 4 Battle Pass along with 1,100 CP and 20 Battle Token Tier Skips (25 on PlayStation®) The premium Battle Pass includes up to 1,400 COD Points within 100 Tiers of unlockable content from Battle Pass progress Drop into the Battle Pass AO at an alternative starting location by accessing the exclusive BlackCell Sector Unlock this Sector to immediately receive 1,100 COD Points Decimate your foes with the animated “Ailed Caress BlackCell” Holger 556 Weapon Blueprint with Cellular Corruption Tracers and the “Necrosis” Death Effect The weapon comes equipped with the JAK Backsaw Kit Aftermarket Part granting a high-capacity drum magazine emitting clouds of green vapor and a double barrel for inflicting maximum damage Players who purchase BlackCell will also immediately unlock the new “Identity Theft” Finishing Move made exclusively for the Dupe and Copy Operators the Operator will steal and equip their target’s Operator Skin The effect remains active until you’re eliminated Other BlackCell items are spread throughout the Season 4 Battle Pass These include 10 alternate BlackCell Operator Skins and 6 animated Weapon Blueprints BlackCell Operator Skins confirmed: Hammer Players who upgrade to BlackCell after purchasing the Battle Pass will also receive 1,100 COD Points back Transform with BlackCell’s Dupe and Copy face unseen but for two glowing green eyes the hooded specters Dupe (SpecGru) and Copy (KorTac) resemble petrified death tubes of green fluid running up under their cowls The Operators’ unique power is revealed when using the “Identity Theft” Finishing Move temporarily granting them the look of their victims Dupe and Copy arrive with a cadre of infected BlackCell Operators built to survive in the harshest environments while pursuing their next target Purchase the Battle Pass: Instantly Unlock Nautilus Whether you purchase the BlackCell offering or the standard Battle Pass for 1,100 COD Points the Instant Reward Sector becomes available including a new Skin for Soap along with the brand-new Hammer Operator Soap prepares for aquatic maneuvers with the “Nautilus” Operator Skin equipped with state-of-the-art diving technology and a tactical uniform maximizing mobility and defense BlackCell Owners: Unlock the “Nautilus BlackCell” version of this Operator Skin featuring Soap in a closed mask filled with animated gas The new Hammer Operator joins the fight on the side of KorTac a Brazilian whose callsign honors his childhood dog Hammer forgoes wearing his mask in this base Operator Skin BlackCell Owners: Get the “Hammer BlackCell” alternate Skin for a flashier gold and black look his face mask zipped on tight spewing green fumes out the front The Instant Reward Sector also grants you a 10% Battle Pass boost the ”Hexocore” Weapon Blueprint for the BP50 Assault Rifle featuring the JAK Revenger Kit Aftermarket Part and the “Bone Snapper” Operator Finishing Move Additional Battle Pass Skins Complete the Battle Pass Sectors to unlock a variety of new Operator Skins all of which are paired with an animated BlackCell alternate Skin featuring infected Operators: “Hazardous Materials” Skins (Operator Skin Battle Pass Skin: Hush prepares for worst-case scenarios with a tactical kit built to sustain a safe environment for the wearer within along with a backpack and heavy cutters to keep moving through barriers BlackCell Additional Skin: Trade the brown suit for black and gold alongside a fuming gas mask in the season’s signature BlackCell look Battle Pass Skin: Bright tendrils crawl up Ripper’s forearms over tattoos in this outfit optimized for mobility and warm-weather combat scenarios BlackCell Additional Skin: Ripper trades in her earth tones for sleek black tactical gear the tattoos and tendrils on her arms taking on a brighter hue Battle Pass Skin: Jet is a go to provide air support in this Mil-Sim digital camo uniform and flight gear that’s ready for takeoff BlackCell Additional Skin: The pilot takes on a more daunting appearance with a jet-black flight uniform and glowing eyes peering out from within the gaseous helmet Battle Pass Skin: Pathfinder isn’t taking any chances in this thick white hazmat suit and mask Nothing’s breaking through this layer of protection BlackCell Additional Skin: Trade white for black in a suit designed not to keep the hazardous agent out but sealed within Battle Pass Skin: With his cape draped over a thick military jacket and equipped with fully enclosed mask BlackCell Additional Skin: Sport black winter gear with gold accents and the season’s vaporous mask animation Battle Pass Skin: The new Void Operator joins battle a fierce female Operator with short blonde hair and heavy armor BlackCell Additional Skin: The infected version of Void takes things up a notch with additional gear at her side and the look of one possessed by the hunt Battle Pass Skin: There’s no going back with the infection in full swing on this Operator Skin sprouting new life from her mask and gear BlackCell Additional Skin: The growth takes on a black and gold tainted look a more threatening evolution emboldened by the vapors that constantly feed it Get one more Operator Skin with a BlackCell variant once you finish the Battle Pass and unlock the Completion Sector (detailed below) New Functional Weapons Unlock two new functional weapons in Sectors 5 and 6: This modernized version of a WWII bolt-action rifle is powerful and accurate High damage output with a slow rate of fire inflicting massive damage on impact with one-shot eliminations to the chest and above on unarmored targets in effective range Learn the rhythms of its firing speed to maximize your attack rate while evading damage during re-chambering This pistol-caliber carbine chambered in 4.6x30mm is designed to give impressive stopping power with a skeletonized this weapon can be modified to excel in most combat scenarios Highly customizable and supported with a rapid reload animation the Superi 46 SMG is ideal for tinkerers who prefer fighting up close The weapon’s reliable accuracy and lightweight frame give it a strong base to build upon whether you push for more speed or focus on improved recoil and range New Weapon Blueprints Earn up to 20 Weapon Blueprints featured in the Season 4 Battle Pass alongside new Calling Cards and Zombies Acquisitions (including Aether Tools The Season 4 Battle Pass Weapon Blueprints come in three main themes from the scientific to the high-tech and the hazardous: Sector 1: “Brutal Matters” BAL-27 Assault Rifle* Sector 10: “Isotope Breakdown” Marksman Rifle Sector 12: “Bio Triage” MTZ-556 Assault Rifle* This series of Weapon Blueprints are branded with the Biochemical Matter Radioactive Imagery (BMRI) label stamped on high-quality models painted black and olive green Instant Sector: “Hexocore” BP50 Assault Rifle Sector 13: “Structural Morality” Longbow Sniper Rifle Wield weapon models imbued with a repeating hex design in either yellow and black or blue and black Sector 4: “Microbial Vandal” Riveter Shotgun Sector 9: “Leeched Poison” MORS Sniper Rifle Sector 11: “Cellular Collapse” TAQ Eradicator LMG and “Poisoned Caress” AMR9 SMG* Sector 16: “Fungal Pattern” Sidewinder Battle Rifle Sector 18: “Genetic Abnormality” MTZ-762 Battle Rifle Completion Sector: “All in Vein” DG-56 Assault Rifle Weapon Blueprints in this category display a biological finish in patterns of green and black reminiscent of a living hazard [* Denotes a Weapon Blueprint with a BlackCell variant Weapons with Additional BlackCell Blueprints Six of the season’s Battle Pass Weapon Blueprints feature a BlackCell variant in the same tier These alternate versions display a rich black and gold look embedded with what appears to be the same chemical agent powering Season 4’s BlackCell Operators Brutal Matters — BAL-27 Assault Rifle (Sector 1 BlackCell variant comes with Cellular Corruption Tracers and “Necrosis” Death Effect This BMRI imprinted Blueprint conducts low profile attacks using a suppressor attachment along with a heavy-duty barrel that greatly boosts bullet velocity and range The BlackCell variant fits a chemical agent along the top of the frame and behind the rear grip this Blueprint transforms the AMR9 into a 5-round burst carbine chambered in 5.56 with a muzzle that reduces the weapon’s vertical recoil to help you stay on target during burst fire Equip its black and gold BlackCell variant with green highlights by the barrel Bio Triage — MTZ-556 Assault Rifle (Sector 12 Keep your sights up and on target with this Blueprint focused on a faster walking speed and other movement bonuses to stay light on your feet during encounters Its BlackCell version includes a green magazine animated with the chemical agent This Weapon Blueprint based on the new Season 4 Marksman Rifle favors stealthy aggressive play with improvements to aim down sights and aim walking speed paired with a 2.5x optic for zeroing in on mid-ranged targets its improved hip fire and Tac Stance spread attributes will help repel nearby enemies Pick the BlackCell variant for a gilded look Featuring muzzle flash concealment and multiple attachments that improve the weapon’s recoil and gun kick control this Blueprint offers a stable firing platform to keep you on target during frenetic battles Opt for the BlackCell variant with a glowing green barrel and animated magazine Cognizant Rebel — Superi 46 SMG (Sector 20 Based on the new Season 4 SMG and geared for precision fire this Weapon Blueprint features improved recoil control and a 40-round magazine to minimize your downtime when facing multiple opponents The extended mag features a green animation in its BlackCell variant with additional signs of the chemical agent along the barrel Complete the Battle Pass for Completion Sector Tier 100 Rewards Complete 100% of the map by conquering all Sectors to access the final Completion Sector featuring 300 COD Points to spend toward your next Battle Pass or Store Bundle purchase plus the “All in Vein” DG-56 Assault Rifle Weapon Blueprint and the following Operator Skin: The elite Operator’s eyes glow red over a deeply scarred face emitting blue flames over the head BlackCell Additional Skin: Soap’s mask is up in the BlackCell version The veins in his forearms glow and he’s swapped the gray digital camo pattern for black with gold accents Store Highlights: Mobile Suit Gundam Keep your eyes on the Store throughout the season as new and returning Bundles arrive including a trio of Bundles celebrating the 45th anniversary of the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise Here are some of the highlights on the way: Three Mobile Suit Gundam-themed Bundles Call of Duty and Mobile Suit Gundam are teaming up to introduce three unique Bundles featuring Operators in iconic Mobile Suits from the long history of Gundam series In celebration of the animation and model kit franchise’s 45th anniversary these Bundles are packed with Gundam-themed items The “Tracer Pack: Mobile Suit – RX-78-2 Gundam” Bundle includes the “RX-78-2 Gundam” Operator Skin — the legendary mobile suit that started it all — plus three Blueprints The “Tracer Pack: Mobile Suit – MS-06S Zaku II” offers a commander type mobile suit in the form of the “MS-06S Zaku II” Operator Skin The “Tracer Pack: Mobile Suit – XVX-016 Gundam Aerial” Bundle comes with the high-performance “XVX-016 Gundam Aerial” Operator Skin Tracer Pack: Kinetic Ultra Skin Move with power using the high-tech “Kinesis” Operator Skin for Bantam which produces a wake of glowing tendrils when in motion Eliminate enemies up close with the futuristic and animated “Nanophotonic” RAM-9 SMG or fire from a distance using the “Etheric Regress” Bruen MK9 LMG; both Weapon Blueprints fire Vectorwave Tracers Amp up to victory with the “Fast-Paced” Large Decal Tracer Pack: Emoting Ultra Skin Wear your heart on your sleeves with this Bundle featuring four emotive-themed Operator Skins: Flash a wide grin and wild eyes with the “Cursed” Skin head six feet under with the “Dead Inside and Out” Skin stick out your tongue with the “Tongue Out Express yourself with two Weapon Blueprints featuring the “Emotional Wreck” Tracers and “[Insert Emoji]” Death Effect Die” SVA 545 Assault Rifle and the “Looks that Kill” Lockwood MK2 Marksman Rifle The Bundle also includes a Large Decal and Loading Screen plus two Legendary Aether Tools for use in Zombies Wildlife Wanted: Bite Me Embrace your inner bat with this wildlife Bundle offering four bat-themed Operator Skins: the white “Com-Bat Baby” Skin a Reactive Blueprint that swaps colors as you land eliminations This Bundle also includes the “Moonlit Mischief” Large Decal Tournament Favourites Represent your favorite international football team with this Bundle offering three Operator Skins for Gaz: represent England with the “’AVE IT” Skin and Germany with the “Elfmeter Meister” Skin Hit the field with the “Number 9” MCW Assault Rifle and “The Assist” WSP Stinger Weapon Blueprints designed to keep enemies on their backfoot Show your love for the sport with the “Football” Emblem plus the “Tournament Favourites” Loading Screen and the “He Shoots!” Calling Card Custom Molded Ultra Skin Pro Pack The “Polymer Ruin” Ultra Skin for Warden features three faces Take the molded devil into battle with the two animated Weapon Blueprints featuring “PolyShard” Tracers: the “Gloss Cannon” KVD Enforcer Marksman Rifle and the “Glossed Over” FJX Horus SMG Look for all five The Boys Bundles return to the Store in Season 4 Each Tracer Pack features a different Operator from the hit TV show Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile-Exclusive Season 4 Content Though Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile (WZM) shares much of its content with Call of Duty: Warzone and Modern Warfare III players can purchase Call of Duty: WZM Original items from the Keep using Call of Duty: WZM COD Points Look for several new Keeps arriving in Season 4 Feel the burn with the Warden — Plague Raptor Operator Skin and the Chimera — Infectious Remedy Weapon Blueprint featuring acidic effects Flame your foes with the Raptor — Draco Operator Skin and the ISO Hemlock — Dungeon Crawler Weapon Blueprint with fiery effects Watch out for extra Warzone Mobile Battle Pass rewards and other cosmetic items that play into the season’s infectious theme Upgrade to Modern Warfare III Modern Warfare III celebrates the 20th anniversary of Call of Duty with one of the greatest collections of Multiplayer maps ever assembled including modernized versions of all 16 launch maps from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) plus the introduction of an all-new open-world Zombies and a Campaign that finds Task Force 141 facing off against the ultimate threat in Vladimir Makarov and CALL OF DUTY WARZONE are trademarks of Activision Publishing All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners For more information, please visit www.callofduty.com and www.youtube.com/callofduty, and follow @Activision and @CallofDuty on X, Instagram, and Facebook. For Call of Duty Updates, follow @CODUpdates on X June 6: The Hunt for a CIA Mole: Critical Update Get gassed up for Season 4 with three brand-new Core 6v6 maps an Unstable Rift to explore in Modern Warfare Zombies and an Urzikstan mystery to solve before a potentially explosive countdown Event Stop the threat and see what you’re made of on May 29 and CALL OF DUTY VANGUARD are trademarks of Activision Publishing The Software License and Service Agreement will be updated. Please follow this link [https://www.activision.com/legal/ap-eula] in order to see these changes. according to a new study of public sector workers by the University of Cambridge and Salford The UK-based trial found that ditching a workday decreased stress levels for most workers, improved workplace efficiency overall, and lessened attrition rates among garbage collectors – opening up exciting implications for labor and service workers that have previously been excluded from discussions around the popular workplace benefit benefits weren’t recorded across the board suggesting that more research and practical experiments need to be conducted before the movement can be embraced by every industry and what it could mean for the future of the 4-day workweek movement in the US Stay informed on the top business tech stories with Tech.co's weekly highlights reel By signing up to receive our newsletter, you agree to our Privacy Policy There’s no lack of research highlighting the potential of a 4-day work week As demands to drop the 40-hour week ramp up globally a slew of studies agree that dropping a working day can reduce burnout and improve the happiness of workers while simultaneously benefiting the bottom line of businesses with the conversation mainly being centered around the experience of desk-based workers the majority of research implies the model would struggle to be embraced universally due to the physical limitations of many service and blue-collar professions – until now This just in! Viewthe top business tech deals for 2025 👨‍💻 a UK-based study backed by the University of Cambridge and Salford found that public sector waste collectors and desk-based workers both benefited from the 4-day workweek found that performance improved in 11 out of 24 areas with little to no change being reported in two staff turnover decreased by 39% – saving the organization £371,500 (~$500,000) in recruiting costs – household planning applications were processed a week and a half earlier and around 15% more planning application decisions were completed within the correct timescale compared to before Substantial improvements to the mental health of workers were recorded too with the majority of participants claiming that they felt more energetic and happy at work when the trial was taking place the director of the 4 Day Week Campaign Joe Ryle said they heralded “a huge opportunity for councils and organisations across the public sector to start planning for a four-day working week” the study also highlighted some sticking points involved with compressing the workweek into four days the speed with which empty council houses were relet fell slightly from 28 to 40 days on average and rent collection for public housing experienced similar drops Almost half of the participants agreed or strongly agreed that their workdays intensified during the trial too with only 6% reporting no difference at all While stress was down across the board, 14% of workers claimed that a 4-day workweek escalated their level of stress escalated during the time period too. This chimes with the results from another UK-based study, where employees at the London-based company Krystal experienced more stress after implementing the flexible workplace model In the US, a four-day workweek is one of the most in-demand employee perks for all workers Support for the movement among blue-collar workers has been evidenced time and time again including in the United Auto Workers strike last September where company employees demanded to be paid full-time wages for a 32-hour work week The results of the UK’s largest public sector 4-day workweek trial weren’t as unanimous as some previous studies but it still provides fertile ground for similar experiments to be carried out on home soil with far fewer garbage collectors quitting during the duration of the trial it’s clear that working a fewer number of hours a week benefits blue-collar workers just as much as their desk-based counterparts Boston College economist and author of a book about the 4-day workweek Juliet Schor also believes that companies from all industries would be able to benefit from the model whether it be by bolstering productivity or improving staff retention “Results are absolutely consistent across every type of industry,” Schor said “So the four-day week is absolutely as relevant for blue-collar workers as it is for office workers.” – Juliet Schor lots of experts claim just like with desk-based work there are lots of inefficiencies to be trimmed down in service or labor-intensive professions.  Matthew Bidwell a social science employment researcher at Wharton believes every sector wastes time in the workday and a 4-day workweek could force companies to overcome these efficiencies Employees don’t always have to sit patiently and wait for the perk to come to them, either. If you think that your company would be better off trimming down a working day, find out how to ask your boss for the benefit Stay informed on the top business tech stories with Tech.co's weekly highlights reel We're sorry this article didn't help you today – we welcome feedback so if there's any way you feel we could improve our content Intel joins the line of tech companies bringing workers.. Microsoft has deemed 2025 the birth year of the Frontier.. President Trump has officially removed the de minimus.. Squarespace's AI website builder enables companies to.. Metrics details The context of education has changed due to revolutionary developments in the information communication technology (ICT) industry in the post-COVID era Innovative learning methods were introduced in the education sector to promote quality education The students find it more convenient to use ICT tools to integrate their knowledge-seeking China has recently paid more attention to developing and adopting electronic infrastructure The study assesses the effect of technology self-efficacy (TSE) on ICT acceptance and implementation in China’s education sector It also analyzed the role of perceived trust and electronic word of mouth (eWOM) in integrating digital information sharing and interaction tools Data is collected from 382 business students at Chinese universities The results revealed that perceived trust mediates the relationship between TSE and the actual use of ICT tools intention to use ICT tools for information and intention to use ICT tools for interaction perceived security and eWOM significantly moderate the relationship between TSE and perceived trust The findings indicate that it is essential to offer assistance and instruction to students in the educational sector so they can use ICT technology more frequently It is also crucial for organizations to establish a supportive culture and provide the necessary technological resources to facilitate the use of ICT Students learn from online platforms when perceived trust is there It also increases their intention to revisit and enhances the benefits of ICT in the education sector The mediating role of perceived trust between TSE and the actual use of ICT tools and intention to use ICT tools for interaction by Chinese university students needs more research A higher level of TSE often correlates with increased confidence in using ICT tools leading to more innovative and effective educational practices It is important to determine how students engage with ICT tools TSE increases students' perceived trust level but positive eWOM further strengthens the relationship The moderating role of perceived security and eWOM between TSE and perceived trust has rarely been studied That is why the study aims to analyze the impact of TSE on actual use and intention to use ICT tools for information and interaction by Chinese students through perceived trust It also explains the moderating role of perceived security and eWOM between TSE and perceived trust The findings will contribute to the Chinese educational sector and present the students' behavioural intention to accept and implement ICT for learning and knowledge-sharing purposes It also helps policymakers devise policies to promote e-learning technologies and make them more secure by keeping user concerns in mind Positive reviews or recommendations from colleagues or peers can encourage technology adoption The study is based on the TRA and the TAM to answer how TSE affects the actual use of ICT tools TAM represents the users’ intention towards technology acceptance and adoption It provides theoretical grounding for the students' actual use of ICT and discusses their future intent to apply it for information and interaction TSE can enhance ICT tools among Chinese students but trust can increase their actual and perceived application for learning and knowledge sharing Suppose a student intends to apply to an online education system their trust will be high in such a learning mode that ultimately increases ICT's actual and intentional use for information and interaction H1: Perceived trust mediates the relationship between TSE and the actual use of ICT tools among Chinese university students H2: Perceived trust mediates TSE and the intention to use ICT tools for information in the Chinese university H3: The relationship between TSE and the intention to use ICT tools for interaction is mediated by perceived trust among Chinese business students or abuse of personal information can greatly impact perceived security in an educational setting The confidence people have in ICT is the belief that their data will be managed responsibly and securely and that the system will perform as expected a person with strong technology self-efficacy may become less trusting of ICT use if they have security worries even among those who have a lesser level of technology self-efficacy robust perceived security measures can increase trust the intervening role of perceived security will highly strengthen the relationship The same is posited below in the form of hypothesis 4 H4: Perceived security moderations the relationship between TSE and perceived trust such that the effect of TSE on perceived trust is more assertive when perceived security is higher TSE motivates the students to utilize their existing knowledge and develop new skills to apply ICT increasing their perceived trust in e-learning The sharing and consumption of knowledge have changed dramatically in the digital age which is frequently disseminated through review sites has grown to be a significant factor in decision-making Positive feedback and suggestions from peers or reliable sources can allay doubts and anxieties regarding the use of ICT in education which in turn increases perceptions of the reliability of solutions offered by ICT the eWOM makes this relationship stronger and more constructive due to the positive communication by the users The same argument is presented in the below hypothesis: H5: eWOM moderates the relationship between TSE and perceived trust such that the effect of TSE on perceived trust is more robust when eWOM is positively increased Figure 1 explains the theoretical framework of the study. The investigators shared information about the study constructs with participants via emails Measurement model (PLS Algorithm Diagram) Structural model (PLS-SEM bootstrapping analysis) Table 4 presents the ultimate judgment on hypothesis development This study's revealed the findings as it looked at the connection between TSE and perceived trust The significant association was indicated by results (β = 0.180 This study examined the connection between perceived trust and actual use The results showed a significant association (β = 0.431 This study examined how perceived trust and intention to use it for information are related The significant association was indicated by results (β = 0.645 This study also examined how perceived trust and intention to use for interaction are related The results indicated a significant association (β = 0.508 the results of this study revealed that perceived trust positively mediates the relationship between TSE and actual use as values (β = 0.078 Perceived trust positively mediates the relationship between TSE and intention to use for information perceived trust positively mediates the relationship between TSE and intention to use it for interaction the results showed that perceived security positively moderates the relationship between TSE and perceived trust The results indicated a significant association (β = 0.121 eWOM positively moderates the relationship between TSE and perceived trust The results indicated a significant association (β = 0.105 the current research study examines the impact of TSE on the intention to use ICT for information and interaction as well as their actual use through perceived trust in the education sector of China It also investigates the moderating role of perceived security and eWOM between TSE and perceived trust A web-based questionnaire of 382 students from China's universities evaluates the conceptual framework Five significant research findings are presented in the study The findings imply that trust promotes the actual use of ICT in Chinese education Empowering users with TSE can enhance their perception of security and This study has some important implications in the education sector of China this study's findings highlight the importance of promoting TSE among educators and stakeholders in China’s education sector and resources to boost individuals' confidence in using ICT tools educational institutions can potentially increase the adoption and effective utilization of technology for information and interaction this study underscores the role of trust as a facilitator of technology adoption Trust in technology systems and providers can positively influence educators’ willingness to embrace ICT for educational purposes Educational institutions and policymakers should prioritize building trust in technology platforms through transparent and reliable data security measures the study’s findings emphasize the significance of security measures in fostering technology adoption A secure digital environment ensures educators and students feel safe using ICT tools Educational institutions should invest in robust cybersecurity infrastructure and practices to protect sensitive data and maintain the trust of students eWOM influences individuals' perceptions and decisions regarding ICT adoption Educational institutions can harness the power of eWOM by encouraging satisfied users to share their positive experiences and recommendations with colleagues thereby creating a culture of peer support for technology integration this study suggests that by focusing on TSE China’s education sector can effectively promote the adoption and successful utilization of ICT for information and interaction ultimately enhancing the quality of education in the digital age This study provides some contributions and potential guiding strategies for ICT users this study helps understand educators' confidence in using technology which is crucial for effectively incorporating ICT tools in education This also offers training programs and workshops to improve students’ skills and confidence in using ICT tools exploring the role of perceived trust in technology adoption this study highlights the importance of reliable ICT infrastructure and platforms in the education sector universities create a supportive environment where educators feel encouraged to experiment with new technologies without fear of failure this study emphasizes the role of security in influencing educators' willingness to adopt and use ICT tools highlighting the need for robust cybersecurity measures in educational technology Universities provide a secure and reliable ICT infrastructure to build trust among students this study examines the influence of eWOM on technology adoption indicating the power of peer recommendations and reviews in shaping educators' perceptions and decisions Foster a community of students who can share their positive experiences and recommendations about ICT tools universities collaborate with ICT industry partners to co-develop and customize educational technologies that meet the specific needs of the Chinese education sector This will ultimately contribute to improving the quality of education and preparing students for the digital age The integration of ICT in the education sector has become a prominent trend have transformed how education is delivered and experienced This transformation is particularly relevant in China where the education sector has been rapidly evolving to keep pace with technological advancements and the demands of a digital age The current research study has examined the relationship between TSE and intention to use ICT for information and interaction this study investigates the moderating role of perceived security and eWOM between TSE and perceived trust This study has five different findings: Firstly it established that the relationship between TSE and the actual utilization of ICT tools is substantially mediated by perceived trust the association between TSE and intention to use ICT tools for information is significantly mediated by perceived trust the association between TSE and intention to use ICT for interaction is significantly mediated by perceived trust the association between TSE and perceived trust is significantly moderated by perceived security the connection between TSE and perceived trust is strongly moderated by eWOM this study aims to provide valuable insights that can inform strategies for harnessing the full potential of ICT in Chinese education ultimately contributing to the nation's broader goals of educational excellence and global competitiveness this study has some limitations that will allow other studies to explore the underlying subject our study may have limited generalizability due to its focus on the education sector in China Future studies would consider that different countries and regions may have unique sociocultural and regulatory factors that influence the relationship researchers will use longitudinal research designs that could provide more robust evidence of causality and changes in the relationship over time this study may rely on self-reported participant data which can be subject to biases such as social desirability bias Future research could incorporate objective measures of TSE and ICT use to reduce the potential for response bias this study focused on factors like perceived trust and security that are important in ICT adoption Future research could benefit from more objective measures such as cybersecurity assessments and audits to accurately evaluate trust and safety in ICT systems may not fully capture the nuances of online discussions and recommendations Future research could explore more comprehensive methods for assessing eWOM such as natural language processing techniques to analyze online content future researchers should adapt to the evolving landscape of technology to determine the relevance and applicability of self-efficacy and eWOM in emerging educational technologies We confirm that all methods were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations Humans who participated in this study are aware of the purpose of the study and their confidential information is not to be shared with anyone All study participants provided their written informed consent Study data is used after the consent of participants The questionnaire used in this study started with the declaration and purpose of the study Experimental protocol was approved by the ethical review board of the Beijing University of Technology The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors Data can be obtained upon reasonable request by Co-author Muhammad Farrukh Shahzad (farrukhshahzad207@gmail.com) Geng, L. & Xue, Y. Promoting ICT adoption in rural entrepreneurship: More neighbourhood effect or more institutional incentives?—Empirical evidence from China. J. Int. Dev. 35, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1002/jid.3738 (2023) Sahut, J. M. & Lissillour, R. The adoption of remote work platforms after the Covid-19 lockdown: New approach, new evidence. J. Bus. Res. 154, 113345. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2022.113345 (2023) Xu, J. & Zhu, Y. Factors influencing the use of ICT to support students’ self-regulated learning in digital environment: The role of teachers in lower secondary education of Shanghai, China. Psychol. Sch. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.22938 (2023) Shahzad, M. F., Xu, S. & Baheer, R. Assessing the factors influencing the intention to use information and communication technology implementation and acceptance in China’s education sector. Humanit. Soc. Sci. Commun. 11, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-02777-0 (2024) Wang, S. et al. When adaptive learning is effective learning: Comparison of an adaptive learning system to teacher-led instruction. Interact. Learn. Environ. 31(2), 793–803. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2020.1808794 (2023) Bai, Y., Mo, D., Zhang, L., Boswell, M. & Rozelle, S. The impact of integrating ICT with teaching: Evidence from a randomized controlled trial in rural schools in China. Comput. Educ. 96, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2016.02.005 (2016) van Raaij, E. M. & Schepers, J. J. L. The acceptance and use of a virtual learning environment in China. Comput. Educ. 50(3), 838–852. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.COMPEDU.2006.09.001 (2008) Shahzad, M. F., Xu, S., Lim, W. M., Hasnain, M. F. & Nusrat, S. Cryptocurrency awareness, acceptance, and adoption: The role of trust as a cornerstone. Hum. Soc. Sci. Commun. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-023-02528-7 (2024) Venkatesh, V., Morris, M. G., Davis, G. B. & Davis, F. D. User acceptance of information technology: Toward a unified view. MIS Q. Manag. Inf. Syst. 27(3), 425–478. https://doi.org/10.2307/30036540 (2003) Bubou, G. M. & Job, G. C. Individual innovativeness, self-efficacy and e-learning readiness of students of Yenagoa study centre, National Open University of Nigeria. J. Res. Innov. Teach. Learn. 15(1), 2–22. https://doi.org/10.1108/jrit-12-2019-0079 (2022) Zhao, C. & Zhao, L. Digital nativity, computer self-efficacy, and technology adoption: A study among university faculties in China. Front. Psychol. 12(September), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.746292 (2021) Kim, M. J., Chung, N. & Lee, C. K. The effect of perceived trust on electronic commerce: Shopping online for tourism products and services in South Korea. Tour. Manag. 32(2), 256–265. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2010.01.011 (2011) Singh, M., Mittal, M., Mehta, P. & Singla, H. Personal values as drivers of socially responsible investments: A moderation analysis. Rev. Behav. Financ. 13(5), 543–565. https://doi.org/10.1108/RBF-04-2020-0066 (2021) Chellappa, R. K. & Pavlou, P. A. Perceived information security, financial liability and consumer trust in electronic commerce transactions. Logist. Inf. Manag. 15(5/6), 358–368. https://doi.org/10.1108/09576050210447046 (2002) Chang, Y., Lee, S., Wong, S. F. & Phil-Jeong, S. AI-powered learning application use and gratification: An integrative model. Inf. Technol. People 35(7), 2115–2139. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITP-09-2020-0632 (2022) Buabeng-Andoh, C., Yaokumah, W. & Tarhini, A. Investigating students’ intentions to use ICT: A comparison of theoretical models. Educ. Inf. Technol. 24(1), 643–660. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-018-9796-1 (2019) Shahzad, M. F., Xu, S., Khan, K. I. & Hasnain, M. F. Effect of social influence, environmental awareness, and safety affordance on actual use of 5G technologies among Chinese students. Sci. Rep. 0123456789, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-50078-4 (2023) and online shopping via websites: The moderating role of online shopping experience Papastergiou, M. Enhancing Physical Education and Sport Science students’ self-efficacy and attitudes regarding Information and Communication Technologies through a computer literacy course. Comput. Educ. 54(1), 298–308. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2009.08.015 (2010) Sharifi-fard, S., Tamam, E., Hj-Hassan, M. S., Waheed, M. & Zaremohzzabieh, Z. Factors affecting Malaysian university students’ purchase intention in social networking sites. Cogent Bus. Manag. 3(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311975.2016.1182612 (2016) Zainab, B., Awais-Bhatti, M. & Alshagawi, M. Factors affecting e-training adoption: An examination of perceived cost, computer self-efficacy and the technology acceptance model. Behav. Inf. Technol. 36(12), 1261–1273. https://doi.org/10.1080/0144929X.2017.1380703 (2017) Hatlevik, O. E. Examining the relationship between teachers’ self-efficacy, their digital competence, strategies to evaluate information, and use of ICT at school. Scand. J. Educ. Res. 61(5), 555–567. https://doi.org/10.1080/00313831.2016.1172501 (2017) Fakhoury, R. & Aubert, B. Citizenship, trust, and behavioural intentions to use public e-services: The case of Lebanon. Int. J. Inf. Manage. 35(3), 346–351. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2015.02.002 (2015) (David)-Lee, T., Park, H. & Lee, J. Collaborative accountability for sustainable public health: A Korean perspective on the effective use of ICT-based health risk communication. Gov. Inf. Q. 36(2), 226–236. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2018.12.008 (2019) Zhang, J., Zhang, H. & Gong, X. Government’s environmental protection expenditure in China: The role of Internet penetration. Environ. Impact Assess. Rev. 93, 106706. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eiar.2021.106706 (2022) Pang, H. Identifying associations between mobile social media users’ perceived values, attitude, satisfaction, and eWOM engagement: The moderating role of affective factors. Telemat. Inf. 59, 101561. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tele.2020.101561 (2021) Zaineldeen, S. & Hongbo, L. Evaluate student satisfaction of student information system utilising technology acceptance model and trust in China. Rev. Rom. Pentru Educ. Multidimens. 13(4), 283–309. https://doi.org/10.18662/rrem/13.4/483 (2021) Brannon, G. E., Mitchell, S. & Liao, Y. Addressing privacy concerns for mobile and wearable devices sensors: Small-group interviews with healthy adults and cancer survivors. PEC Innov. 1, 100022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pecinn.2022.100022 (2022) Yenisey, M. M., Ozok, A. A. & Salvendy, G. Perceived security determinants in e-commerce among Turkish university students. Behav. Inf. Technol. 24(4), 259–274. https://doi.org/10.1080/0144929042000320992 (2005) Chu, S.-C., Marina-Choi, S. & Chu-Sejung-Marina-Choi, S.-C. Electronic word-of-mouth in social networking sites: A cross-cultural study of the United States and China. J. Glob. Mark. 24(3), 263–281. https://doi.org/10.1080/08911762.2011.592461 (2011) Hennig-Thurau, T., Gwinner, K. P., Walsh, G. & Gremler, D. D. Electronic word-of-mouth via consumer-opinion platforms: What motivates consumers to articulate themselves on the Internet?. J. Interact. Mark. 18(1), 38–52. https://doi.org/10.1002/DIR.10073 (2004) Jalilvand, M. R. & Samiei, N. The effect of electronic word of mouth on brand image and purchase intention: An empirical study in the automobile industry in Iran. Mark. Intell. Plan. 30(4), 460–476. https://doi.org/10.1108/02634501211231946/FULL/PDF (2012) Strengthening consumer brand relationships through consumer engagement: Online brand communities in landscape of social media Hair, J., Hollingsworth, C. L., Randolph, A. B. & Chong, A. Y. L. An updated and expanded assessment of PLS-SEM in information systems research. Ind. Manag. Data Syst. 117(3), 442–458. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMDS-04-2016-0130 (2017) Shahzad, M. F., Xu, S., Rehman, O. & Javed, I. Impact of gamification on green consumption behavior integrating technological awareness, motivation, enjoyment and virtual CSR. Sci. Rep. 1–18, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-48835-6 (2023) Farrukh, M., Xu, S., Naveed, W. & Nusrat, S. Investigating the impact of artificial intelligence on human resource functions in the health sector of China : A mediated moderation model. Heliyon 9(11), e21818. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21818 (2023) Al-Azawei, A. & Alowayr, A. Predicting the intention to use and hedonic motivation for mobile learning: A comparative study in two Middle Eastern countries. Technol. Soc. 62, 101325. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2020.101325 (2020) Vanduhe, V. Z. Continuance intentions to use gamification for training in higher education : Integrating the technology acceptance model ( TAM ), social motivation, and task technology fit ( TTF ). IEEE Access 8, 21473–21484. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2020.2966179 (2020) Roscoe, A. M., Lang, D. & Sheth, J. N. Follow-up methods, questionnaire length, and market differences in mail surveys. J. Mark. 39(2), 20. https://doi.org/10.2307/1250111 (1975) Computer self-efficacy: Measure and initial development of a test Faqih, K. M. S. & Jaradat, M. I. R. M. Integrating TTF and UTAUT2 theories to investigate the adoption of augmented reality technology in education: Perspective from a developing country. Technol. Soc. 67, 101787. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2021.101787 (2021) Kim, N., Park, Y. & Lee, D. Differences in consumer intention to use on-demand automobile-related services in accordance with the degree of face-to-face interactions. Technol. Forecast. Soc. Change 139, 277–286. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2018.11.014 (2019) Zhou, Q., Gao, P. & Chimhowu, A. ICTs in the transformation of rural enterprises in China: A multi-layer perspective. Technol. Forecast. Soc. Change 145(April), 12–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2019.04.026 (2019) Wang, F., Wijaya, T. T., Habibi, A. & Liu, Y. Predictors influencing urban and rural area students to use tablet computers as learning tools: Combination of UTAUT and TTF models. Sustainability 14, 21. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142113965 (2022) Mutimukwe, C., Kolkowska, E. & Grönlund, Å. Information privacy in e-service : Effect of organizational privacy assurances on individual privacy concerns, perceptions, trust and self-disclosure behavior. Gov. Inf. Q. 37(1), 101413. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2019.101413 (2020) Arpaci, I., Kilicer, K. & Bardakci, S. Computers in Human Behavior Effects of security and privacy concerns on educational use of cloud services. Comput. Human Behav. 45, 93–98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2014.11.075 (2015) Canedo, E. D., Calazans, A. T. S., Masson, E. T. S., Costa, P. H. T. & Lima, F. Perceptions of ICT practitioners regarding software privacy. Entropy 22(4), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.3390/E22040429 (2020) Zalloum, L., Alghadeer, H. & Nusairat, N. The effect of using mobile banking services applications on electronic word of mouth : The mediating role of perceived trust. Int. Business Res. 12(9), 62–80. https://doi.org/10.5539/ibr.v12n9p62 (2019) Henseler, J., Hubona, G. & Ray, P. A. Using PLS path modeling in new technology research: Updated guidelines. Ind. Manag. Data Syst. 116(1), 2–20. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMDS-09-2015-0382 (2016) Farrukh, M., Xu, S., Marc, W. & Yang, X. Artificial intelligence and social media on academic performance and mental well-being : Student perceptions of positive impact in the age of smart learning. Heliyon 10(8), e29523. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29523 (2024) Farrukh, M., Javed, I. & Zahid, I. The influence of the marketing orientation of textile companies in increasing their competitiveness. In Industry and Innovation: Textile Industry. 95–118. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-57804-5 (Springer Nature Switzerland Gefen, D. & Straub, D. A practical guide to factorial validity using PLS-graph: Tutorial and annotated example. Commun. Assoc. Inf. Syst. 16, 2005. https://doi.org/10.17705/1cais.01605 (2005) Zhang, X. et al. Association between social media use and students ’ academic performance through family bonding and collective learning : The moderating role of mental well-being. Educ. Inf. Technol. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-12407-y (2024) Fornell, C. & Larcker, D. F. Evaluating structural equation models with unobservable variables and measurement error. J. Mark. Res. 18(1), 39. https://doi.org/10.2307/3151312 (1981) Sarstedt, M., Ringle, C. M. & Hair, J. F. Partial least squares structural equation modeling. In Handbook of Market Research 587–632 (Springer, 2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57413-4_15 Martins, J. M., Shahzad, M. F. & Javed, I. Assessing the Impact of Workplace Harassment on Turnover Intention : Evidence from the Banking Industry. Emerg. Sci. J. 7(5), 1699–1722. https://doi.org/10.28991/ESJ-2023-07-05-016 (2023) Awofala, A. O. A. et al. Attitudes toward computer, computer anxiety and gender as determinants of pre-service science, technology, and mathematics teachers’ computer self-efficacy. Digit. Educ. Rev. 36, 51–67. https://doi.org/10.1344/der.2019.36.51-67 (2019) Tenenhaus, M., Vinzi, V. E., Chatelin, Y. M. & Lauro, C. PLS path modeling. Comput. Stat. Data Anal. 48(1), 159–205. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csda.2004.03.005 (2005) Gözüm, A. İ. C., Metin, Ş., Uzun, H. & Karaca, N. H. Developing the Teacher Self-Efficacy Scale in the Use of ICT at Home for Pre-school Distance Education During Covid-19, vol. 28 3 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10758-022-09616-8 Chueh, H. E. & Huang, D. H. Usage intention model of digital assessment systems. J. Bus. Res. 156, 113469. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2022.113469 (2023) Merhi, M., Hone, K. & Tarhini, A. A cross-cultural study of the intention to use mobile banking between Lebanese and British consumers: Extending UTAUT2 with security, privacy and trust. Technol. Soc. 59, 145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2019.101151 (2019) Liu, Y. et al. An empirical investigation of mobile government adoption in rural China: A case study in Zhejiang province. Gov. Inf. Q. 31(3), 432–442. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2014.02.008 (2014) Quan, W., Moon, H., Sam-Kim, S. & Han, H. Mobile, traditional, and cryptocurrency payments influence consumer trust, attitude, and destination choice: Chinese versus Koreans. Int. J. Hosp. Manag. 108, 103363. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2022.103363 (2023) Lu, Y., Yang, S., Chau, P. Y. K. & Cao, Y. Dynamics between the trust transfer process and intention to use mobile payment services: A cross-environment perspective. Inf. Manag. 48(8), 393–403. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2011.09.006 (2011) Liu, Y., Gan, Y., Song, Y. & Liu, J. What influences the perceived trust of a voice-enabled smart home system: An empirical study. Sensors 21(6), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.3390/s21062037 (2021) Song, Y., Yang, Y. & Cheng, P. The investigation of adoption of voice-user interface (VUI) in smart home systems among Chinese Older Adults. Sensors 22(4), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.3390/s22041614 (2022) Ejdys, J. Building technology trust in ICT application at a university. Int. J. Emerg. Mark. 13(5), 980–997. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJoEM-07-2017-0234 (2018) Xu, D. et al. Information credibility, disaster risk perception and evacuation willingness of rural households in China. Nat. Hazards 103(3), 2865–2882. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-020-04106-5 (2020) Mensah, I. K. Factors influencing the intention of university students to adopt and use e-government services: An empirical evidence in China. SAGE Open 9, 2. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244019855823 (2019) Analysis of the Essential Factors Affecting of Intention to Use of Mobile Learning Applications 24 2 (Education and Information Technologies He, J. The impact of users’ trust on intention to use the mobile medical platform: Evidence from China. Front. Public Heal. 11, 1. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1076367 (2023) Guo, Y., Chen, J. & Liu, Z. Government responsiveness and public acceptance of big-data technology in urban governance: Evidence from China during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cities 122, 103536. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2021.103536 (2022) Zhang, H., Tang, Z. & Jayakar, K. A socio-technical analysis of China’s cybersecurity policy: Towards delivering trusted e-government services. Telecommun. Policy 42(5), 409–420. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.telpol.2018.02.004 (2018) Zhang, F. & Li, D. Regional ICT access and entrepreneurship: Evidence from China. Inf. Manag. 55(2), 188–198. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.im.2017.05.005 (2018) Al-Adwan, A. S., Al-Debei, M. M. & Dwivedi, Y. K. E-commerce in high uncertainty avoidance cultures: The driving forces of repurchase and word-of-mouth intentions. Technol. Soc. 71, 102083. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2022.102083 (2022) Gharib, R. K., Garcia-Perez, A., Dibb, S. & Iskoujina, Z. Trust and reciprocity effect on electronic word-of-mouth in online review communities. J. Enterp. Inf. Manag. 33(1), 120–138. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEIM-03-2019-0079 (2020) Yuan, Y. H., Tsao, S. H., Chyou, J. T. & Tsai, S. B. An empirical study on effects of electronic word-of-mouth and Internet risk avoidance on purchase intention: From the perspective of big data. Soft Comput. 24(8), 5713–5728. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00500-019-04300-z (2020) Download references The authors thank the editors and anonymous reviewers for their valuable feedback to improve the quality of this work This work received financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China under grant number 72074014 All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript The authors declare no competing interests Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations Download citation DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-66689-4 Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content: Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article. Sign up for the Nature Briefing: Anthropocene newsletter — what matters in anthropocene research, free to your inbox weekly. Three people have been booked for fleeing with cash and jewellery worth ₹3 crore from a businessman’s bungalow in Sector 4, police said on Sunday. The accused include their house help and her two associates. (File Photo) According to police, the theft came to light when the businessman’s wife woke up on Friday to find all lockers and almirahs in the house were broken and the valuables were missing. Police said Naresh Kumar Agarwal deals with manufacturing and supply of ply boards in Delhi-NCR. A senior police officer said that about ₹55 lakh cash, diamond, platinum and gold jewellery worth about ₹2.5 crore and other valuables were stolen from the lockers and cupboards. The thieves then filled the stolen valuables in four bags before fleeing the spot. “CCTV footage shows the accused entering and leaving the premises after the theft. There is a strong suspicion that they may try to cross the international border via Uttar Pradesh or Bihar to enter Nepal for evading arrest,” the police officer said, adding that teams have been pressed into action and counterparts in both the states were being contacted for assistance in nabbing the trio. Sandeep Kumar, public relations officer of Gurugram police, said that the investigation is underway and they are trying to recover the stolen material. An FIR has been registered on Sunday under relevant BNS sections of theft at the Sector 9A police station. (Image: Freepik) The insurance sector has been through a turmoil lately CLSA believes the insurance sector will continue to see a slowdown it has chosen Max Financial Services as its top ‘Buy’ in the sector CLSA on Max Financial: regulatory overhang on sector continues The brokerage house picked Max Financial, given the possible listing of Axis Max Life. Private insurers’ individual annualised premium equivalent grew 2% in February 2025 while for total it rose 9%. This was the slowest since March 2024. “In our view, volatility in equity market could have caused slowdown in Ulip sales (we await clarity),” said CLSA the key risk for the sector remains to be the regulatory area such as regulatory suggestions on mis-selling CLSA on Max Financial: Total sectoral APE growth intact at 9% The private insurance companies’ total APE was up 9% YoY in Feb 2025 on a base of 24% While the Individual APE growth for them was 2% YoY with the individual number of policies (NOP) declining by 4% YoY in February 2025 “Our estimate of retail protection sum assured indicates 44% YoY growth in January 2025 on a base of 45% The strong momentum in protection has sustained,” said CLSA the brokerage firm chose Axis Max Life as one of its top picks on value unlocking from the possible listing of Axis Max Life Axis Max Life’s total APE was up 8% YoY in Feb on a high base of 36% Indian court allowed reverse merger of an insurance company with its holding company which sets a precedent for Max Financial,” CLSA said April saw a 3% increase in automobile retail sales in India and a pause in the global tariff war were key factors While all segments except commercial vehicles saw growth cautious consumer behavior and price hikes impacted the market The 8-team field for the 2024 College World Series has officially been set NC State clinched the final remaining spot in the field with a win in the Athens Regional on Monday night The Wolfpack defeated UGA 8-5 in the decisive Game 3 to earn their place in Omaha That result means the SEC and ACC will each send 4 teams to the College World Series Both conferences tie the previous record of sending 4 teams to the CWS — a mark that has been matched multiple times before this is the first time in the modern era that only 2 conferences will be represented at the College World Series Virginia and Florida will make up the 8-team field Here’s a look at the schedule and a breakdown of the top contenders in the field: Here’s the first-round schedule for the College World Series Of the 8 teams to reach the College World Series only Florida didn’t earn the right to host a regional The Gators made it out of the Stillwater Regional and then upset Clemson in the Super Regional round in order to clinch their spot in Omaha 5 national seeds made it to Omaha with the only exceptions being Florida Betting odds for the College World Series have not been released as of publication but the top betting favorites for this year’s tournament are likely to be the top 3 overall seeds: Tennessee Tennessee needed 3 games to get past Evansville in the Knoxville Super Regional but has otherwise cruised through the postseason The Vols won a share of the SEC regular season title the Knoxville Regional and the Knoxville Super Regional to get to this point They’re arguably the most well-balanced team in the country as they rank in the top-5 nationally in both slugging percentage and ERA Kentucky edged out Oregon State in the Lexington Super Regional to clinch its first-ever trip to the College World Series The Wildcats have a frontline starter in Trey Pooser but their starting pitching beyond him well be a major question mark in Omaha this week Calling all Kentucky residents! Want to bet on the Wildcats in Omaha this week? Here’s how you can learn about all the best Kentucky sports betting promos to help you get started Texas A&M made quick work of Oregon in the Bryan-College Station Super Regional, but it came at a significant cost: star outfielder Braden Montgomery suffered a devastating ankle injury and will miss the rest of the season The Aggies are still amongst the favorites to win the national title but Montgomery’s absence will leave a noticeable hole in the middle of that lineup The College World Series will begin on Friday in Omaha Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands Yemen – Access to quality health care can mean the difference between life and death for patients WHO Representative to Yemen Dr Arturo Pesigan explained: “In low- and middle-income countries such as Yemen as many as 1 in 4 hospitalizations result in harm and 1 in 24 people die from unsafe care This is a serious situation that needs to be addressed through action to strengthen the health system.”  Under the Emergency Human Capital Project (EHCP) WHO provides holistic support to the authorities to enhance quality of care in Yemen’s health sector This support began with training more than 2000 senior health workers on hospital care and management from 2019 onwards under the Emergency Health and Nutrition Project (EHNP) the predecessor project to EHCP.   Collaboration on quality of care has been significantly scaled up under the leadership of Minister of Public Health and Population His Excellency Dr Qasem Buhaibeh who sees quality of care as a flagship ministerial initiative.  Said Dr Buhaibeh: “In collaboration with WHO we have endorsed national quality standards we have trained more than 400 health workers in applying these standards to their work and developed improvement plans at all hospitals in the southern governorates to improve compliance.”  Read the success stories below to learn about the excellent progress made by 5 hospitals in Yemen to improve quality of care.  World Patient Safety Day 2023: “Engaging Patients for Patient Safety” takes center stage in Yemen  WHO Surgical Safety Checklist tool and resources While many are still finding the courage to delve into the music scene in Fiji four young and passionate musicians decided it was no longer time to hide behind their fears were having a mix in their home in Tovata when they decided to finally form a band “It’s basically a family band,” Mereani said of the four “They had been wanting to start a band but couldn’t because they did not have the skills of a musician then “They’ve been playing in Nadi with different bands and they know the skills and a lot of things about music which they have been teaching me.” she said the band had been working hard and practising twice a week in Naulu in preparation for the 2024 Bounty Reggae Music Festival on Saturday “We are trying not to be scared and all and I guess our confidence stems from the support and presence of our cousin who is the most experience in the team,” she said “He’s played with Black Rose and Makare so he’s been advising us to just do whatever we’ve practised and I’m also sure it will be a great day and night for families who will be listening to their favourite reggae tunes.” Sector 4 will be joining other bands such as Tana music Chapter 5 (C5) and many others at the 2024 Bounty Reggae Music Festival this Saturday at the Buckhurst Powered by PageSuite As the SEC tightens the reins on cybersecurity disclosure, Chief Financial Officers find themselves at the vanguard of a new regulatory frontier. In recent years, the frequency and impact of cyberattacks have increased dramatically, posing significant risks to businesses of all sizes. Recognising the need for greater transparency and accountability in cybersecurity incidents, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has implemented new rules that require public companies to promptly disclose material cyber incidents. Tasked with disclosing significant cyber incidents within a four-day window, CFOs are rapidly evolving from their traditional financial roles to become key players in cybersecurity governance. The SEC’s new cybersecurity disclosure rules, which went into effect in December 2023, emphasise timely and comprehensive reporting of material cybersecurity incidents. Public companies are now required to disclose any cybersecurity incident that is determined to be material within four business days of confirmation. The materiality of an incident is defined by the SEC as having a substantial likelihood of being considered important by a reasonable shareholder. Determining the materiality of a cybersecurity incident can be a complex task. Companies must assess the nature, scope, and potential magnitude of the incident, considering factors such as its impact on the company’s business, operations, financial condition, and relationships with customers and vendors. However, the SEC does not provide a specific framework for assessing materiality, recognising that different industries may have varying levels of cybersecurity risk. To navigate this challenge, CFOs should collaborate closely with Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) to align their understanding of cyber risks and establish effective communication channels. By learning each other’s languages and perspectives, CFOs and CISOs can work together to balance the cost of addressing cyber risks with the potential consequences of not addressing them. In addition to reporting individual incidents, public companies are now required to include cybersecurity management information in their annual reports. This includes describing the company’s processes for assessing, identifying, and managing cybersecurity risks, as well as the board of directors’ oversight of cybersecurity risk. CFOs play a crucial role in ensuring that these annual reports accurately reflect the company’s cybersecurity practices. To comply with these requirements, CFOs should work closely with their legal, IT, and cybersecurity teams to ensure that cybersecurity risk management processes are well-documented and align with industry best practices. This documentation should outline the steps taken to address cybersecurity incidents, the impact of these incidents on the company’s financials, and the measures in place to prevent future breaches. Non-compliance with the SEC’s cybersecurity disclosure rules can have serious repercussions for companies. Violations may result in SEC penalties, investor lawsuits, reputational damage, and financial losses. It is crucial for CFOs to understand the potential consequences of non-compliance and take proactive steps to ensure timely and accurate reporting of cybersecurity incidents. To effectively prepare for the SEC’s 4-day disclosure window, CFOs should consider the following steps: Understanding “Material” Incidents: CFOs must have a clear understanding of what constitutes a material cybersecurity incident. This requires a deep examination of the incident’s potential impact on the company’s financials, operations, reputation, customer relationships, and regulatory compliance. Building a Cybersecurity Response Team: CFOs should collaborate with CISOs, CIOs, legal teams, and other relevant stakeholders to establish a robust cybersecurity response team. This team should be responsible for identifying, assessing, and managing cybersecurity incidents, from identification to disclosure. Implementing Effective Incident Response Processes: Companies should have well-defined incident response processes in place to ensure prompt and accurate reporting of cybersecurity incidents. These processes should outline the roles and responsibilities of each team member, as well as the communication channels and escalation procedures. Regular Training and Awareness Programs: CFOs should prioritize cybersecurity awareness and training programs for all employees, ensuring that they understand the importance of cybersecurity and their role in protecting sensitive information. This includes educating employees on how to identify and report potential cyber threats. Engaging External Experts: In some cases, companies may benefit from engaging external experts to assess their cybersecurity posture and provide guidance on compliance with the SEC’s disclosure rules. These experts can offer valuable insights and help identify any gaps in the company’s cybersecurity practices. Continuous Monitoring and Improvement: CFOs should implement regular monitoring and assessment processes to identify and address potential vulnerabilities in the company’s cybersecurity defenses. This includes staying up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity threats and industry best practices. Although the SEC’s cybersecurity disclosure rules may present challenges for CFOs, compliance with these regulations offers several benefits. By promptly disclosing material incidents and providing transparent information about cybersecurity risk management, companies can enhance their reputation, build investor trust, and mitigate the financial risks associated with cyberattacks. Furthermore, adherence to these regulations demonstrates a commitment to cybersecurity and can attract potential investors who prioritize sound cybersecurity practices. Gurugram’s Ward 10 comprises the oldest urban area developed in the state of Haryana — Sector 4 which dates to the late 1960s and early 1970s Yet its infrastructure has not kept up to date in all that time An internal road in Bhimgarh Kheri in Guurgram’s Ward 10 on Thursday (Parveen Kumar/HT Photo) The situation across the other areas in Ward 10 — Laxman Vihar with creaking infrastructure unable to cope with the monsoon and a swelling population Most of the areas in this ward do not have concrete roads or a sewer system the water supply is both erratic and contaminated Residents say that 10 minutes of rainfall results in sewage backflow in the drain pipes in their toilets and bathrooms on the ground floor of their houses The burden on dated infrastructure has worsened in the last 10 years with the arrival of new settlers and tenants from other districts of Haryana and neighbouring states So bad is the situation that even government schools in the ward — one each in Bhimnagar Kheri and Sector 4 — lack proper sanitation facilities and toilets for both students and teachers The property value in this ward has risen to ₹1.5 lakh to ₹3.25 lakh per square yard after the Dwarka Expressway opened which passes through the rear of the sector The state government also announced in February this year that it will develop the Gurugram railway station less than a kilometre away from this ward at a cost of ₹300 crore The project is estimated to be completed by 2027 “The residents’ concerns are being taken seriously and we are working closely with the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) to improve basic services like sanitation We understand the urgency of the situation and will prioritise resolving these issues Immediate steps will be taken to improve water quality and address the problem of road repairs after the monsoon,” said deputy commissioner of Gurugram Nishant Kumar Yadav Our engineers are already conducting surveys we will begin repairs and development works The sanitation and water supply systems will also be prioritised for improvement,” said MCG commissioner Narhari Singh Bangar said that numerous complaints to the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram and the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority have gone unanswered “We have been continuously complaining to the top MCG officials to clean the sewers so that the backflow of sewage in our bathroom stops but nothing happens We approached even the joint commissioner who directed subordinates to take immediate action but the field employees and engineers didn’t act There is no dearth in funding but ground action is not taking place and residents are suffering,” he said added that due to the area being low lying even a small spell of rainfall causes havoc with roads and houses inundated up to several feet with sewer water “Our sector market complex and several stretches of the road remain waterlogged for almost a week even after a spell of rain due to the bad sewer system,” he said The inner roads in the neighbourhoods here are littered with cow dung and garbage which has not been picked up since in the last three months a retired teacher who has been living in Laxman Vihar for the last 27 years said that her area and Dhanwapur along the Dwarka Expressway have numerous dairy farms “The owners or the caretakers leave the cattle to roam around in the open throughout the day They create trouble for the commuters as roads get occupied and are littered with cow dung in addition to the garbage piles and inundation,” she said residents have been attacked and injured by the cattle said that there is not a single area where one can’t find piles of garbage lying for days on roads “The main Dhanwapur road gets waterlogged up to four feet as all the water from Sectors 4,5 and Surya Vihar accumulates here due to the clogged drains The green belts are encroached by cattle or by construction equipment,” she added Residents said that they pay private contractors to collect garbage from their houses Residents said that there’s a gymkhana club in Sector 4 beside which is the Model Senior Secondary School which has classes from 1 to 12 There is another school in Bhimnagar Kheri from Classes 1 to 8 The school in Sector 4 has 3,000 students but is very dirty and the premises are filled with mud and garbage A school employee said on condition of anonymity that they don’t even have dedicated sanitation workers for the premises “Teachers pay and hire workers who clean the toilets everyday There is no proper drinking water facility either,” he said is worse as students and teachers don’t even have proper toilets and washrooms Residents said that almost all the children of Laxman vihar Apna Enclave and Bhimnagar Kheri study in these two schools The chairs and benches in the school are also damaged Residents said that they have requested authorities to build a community centre on a plot along the water boosting station in Laxman Vihar which has been lying vacant for years and filled with dirt said the government must develop the school in Bhimnagar Kheri “Girls and women suffer the most because of poor toilets There is no proper drinking water facility there too,” he said adding that the authorities should get rid of these issues in the schools at the earliest and should also come up with a plan for building a community centre soon The last time the roads were repaired was almost six years ago said that there are two roads for Sector 4 which connect with the Dhanwapur main road and both are in very bad shape “The officials repaired them six years back but their present condition is very bad Patch works are done sometimes by contractors but the quality of work is so poor that they don’t even last for 10 days They get water logged even in a few minutes of rainfall and this further harms the roads,” he said ”There is hardly any road left in Bhimnagar Kheri Those areas face additional issues of encroachment We have got to know from MCG officials that road repairs will start in the area only after the model code of conduct for the assembly elections ends,” he added Sector 4 residents said that the water supply from house number one to 250 is contaminated for the past few months due to which many residents have also fallen ill said that MCG has not yet acted on their complaints on the issue “The repeated pleas are falling in deaf ears There has been no action on our emails and written complaints too Several families are forced to purchase large containers of mineral water from the market from RO plants or from tankers for daily supply of potable water,” he said Wasan also said that the water contamination has turned out to be their biggest issue in the past month we realised that it was due to contaminated water and we all stopped using it,” he said Harper's Bazaar Arabia 15 Dubai government entities will start trialling shorter working hours and work week starting Monday, August 12 It’s completely natural to be passionate about your career, to truly love what you do and to be proud of your professional success, and to still want more time for yourself – time that could be spent with family and friends, making memories or pursuing personal projects. Throughout the past few years many countries and companies around the world have started trialling shorter working hours and, even, four-day work week. Belgium was the first European nation to confirm reduced work days, followed by Portugal. Businesses in the UK have also tested it out, reporting it to be a success – and multiple studies have confirmed the amount of hours spent in office doesn’t necessarily correspond with productivity output.    Dubai, clearly, has been watching nations and companies around the world who abide by a four-day work week and has announced it too will start trialling shortened working days and hours. The Our Summer is Flexible initiative will be rolled out from Monday, August 12 to Monday, September 30th with 15 government entities participating in the trial. Starting next week the public sector workers who are part of these entities will have a seven-hour work day and a four-day work week, with Friday being a day off. The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) announced the pilot yesterday, revealing it had conducted surveys with various entities. A post shared by UAE_BARQ_EN (@uae_barq_en) “We are thrilled to announce that DGHR will be launching the ‘Our Flexible Summer’ initiative in line with our long-standing efforts to nurture a flexible work environment that promotes the work-life balance of government employees in accordance with best international practices,” said Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi “The launch will also further our vision to empower human resources by developing smart solutions and innovative policies to uplift Dubai’s competitiveness The initiative aims to enhance employees’ quality of life and promote sustainable use of government resources positioning Dubai as the ideal city for a superior lifestyle.” Our Summer is Flexible aligns with the emirate’s Quality of Life Strategy 2033, an initiative which aims at increasing residents’ quality of life and encouraging long-term settlement of workers, according to Arabian Business. At the moment only 15 government entities are participating in the trial  (which means not all public sector workers will automatically have shortened work hours and Fridays off starting next week.) The government has not shared any insight or information regarding whether there will be a trial for the private sector in the future there are private companies that offer reduced or flexible working hours at their discretion From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia‘s July/August 2019 issue art & more delivered directly to your inbox Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone Season 4 brings with it a slew of new operators and operator skins offering a range of options to customize your soldier for the fight ahead we present you the operators and skins included in the MW3 Season 4 Battle Pass along with their BlackCell Battle Pass upgrade variants There are a total of 18 unlockable operator skins including the BlackCell versions that feature a black These BlackCell operators possess the unique “Identity Theft” finishing move which allows you to steal and equip your target’s operator skin If you want to cop the alternate BlackCell skins purchase the BlackCell Battle Pass upgrade for US$29.99 While purchasing the premium Battle Pass and BlackCell bundle is optional doing so unlocks a variety of unique skins that significantly enhance and personalize your gameplay experience some of the links on ONE Esports are affiliate links This means if you click on them and make a purchase we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you It’s a way for us to keep the site running and provide you with valuable content READ MORE: It’s official — Black Ops 6 is coming to Xbox Game Pass Sign up for a free ONE Esports account and start engaging with other fans You'll also receive a monthly newsletter and other goodies State funding to reimburse Indian River County for planned beach replenishment on the island will be more than double the previously expected amount in the coming fiscal year so work must get underway as soon as possible The county is now set to receive $7.7 million instead of the anticipated $3.7 million from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection FDEP has also waived the requirement for local match funding Beach replenishment can be planned and designed now but construction work can’t get underway on the island until after Nov south to the Riomar golf course in Central Beach – will receive $2.6 million The funding also allocates $1.8 million for Sector 7 beaches though the planned project for that South Beach area has been scrapped and the funds will likely go unused Sectors 1 and 2 – running from Sebastian Inlet to Seaview – are also funded by FDEP though in a separate grant as the Sebastian Inlet District manages those sectors The funds there also doubled from about $335,000 to $690,000 Wabasso and Indian River Shores and Sector 5 in the City of Vero Beach are deemed to be critically eroded and any projects pursued along these sections could also qualify for additional Federal Emergency Management Act funding County engineers say the 2025 deadline for spending the state grant money is ample to design and execute the projects – as long as the county does not run into difficulty obtaining easements from residents South Beach residents refusing to sign easements for dune replenishment have delayed getting sand on Sector 7 beaches for years leaving that area vulnerable to millions of dollars of damage from erosion each storm season Only 67 percent of property owners signed the required easements with 85 percent the threshold for moving forward with the work Sector 4 from John’s Island to Tracking Station Beach will need to hit a similar target mark of easement signatures for work to begin on its restoration project which is anticipated to cost nearly $6 million The Town of Indian River Shores saw its beaches severely chewed up by last summer’s storms and Shores Mayor Brian Foley said he looks forward to seeing the town’s shoreline replenished soon he said Town Manager Jim Harpring has been coordinating closely with county staff “We’ll do whatever we can to encourage residents not to shoot themselves in the foot We’ve got a problem and the problem is not isolated to 500 feet of beach here or 500 feet of beach there,” Foley said “We are encouraged by the recent increase in available funding for a Sector 4 dune project from both the State’s fiscal year 2023-24 budget and additional County funding opportunities,” Harpring added “Given the County’s previous approval of engineering and permitting for a Sector 4 dune project we are hopeful that this project will begin at the earliest opportunity after turtle nesting season closes.” Privacy Policy | Copyright © 2025 32963 Media LLC All rights reserved   |    Contact: [email protected]   |   Vero Beach, Florida, USA | Orlando Web Design by: M5 Kharghar: The playground opposite Bal Bharti Public School in Sector 4 has deteriorated into a hazardous dumping ground due to the unchecked disposal of debris and waste What was once a vibrant recreational space is now marred by piles of rubbish blocking the entrance and raising serious health concerns among local residents Photographs taken by concerned residents show the aftermath of illegal structures being demolished This neglect has turned the playground into a breeding ground for mosquitoes heightening fears of potential outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria "The playground has become a complete mess The debris from the demolished structures is still lying around and nobody seems to care about clearing it up." "We are scared as the rising risk of dengue and malaria increases as the playground has become a favourable site for mosquito breeding It's alarming that the authorities haven't conducted any cleanliness drives or fumigation rounds” Despite the deteriorating conditions and the residents' mounting concerns there has been no visible action from the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) to address the issue The lack of response has left residents worried for the safety of their children who can no longer safely use the playground Residents are now urgently appealing to the PMC to clear the debris and restore the playground to its original state ensuring the health and safety of the community in Sector 4 Join our newsletter and get updates in your inbox We won’t spam you and we respect your privacy Season 3 blazes onto the scene with new content across the Battle Pass From Makarov to Snoop Dogg and the digitized Stasis this season’s offerings include a variety of new Operator Skins Introducing the Season 3 Battle Pass and Store content arrives for Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® III and the recently released Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile The Season 3 Battle Pass features over 100 rewards Purchase the full Battle Pass and earn up to 1,400 COD Points as you progress through the Sectors or purchase BlackCell for the ultimate content payout with a variety of high-tech Read on for a deep dive into the epic Battle Pass content launching with Season 3 Get technical with Season 3’s BlackCell offering featuring the latest in cybernetic advancements with digitized glyph patterns and golden glitch-wear across a variety of Operator Skins The Battle Pass: Upgrade to BlackCell for full access to the Season 3 Battle Pass along with 1,400 CP 20 Battle Token Tier Skips (25 on PlayStation®); a value of over 7,000 CP The full Battle Pass includes up to 1,400 earnable COD Points within 100 Tiers of unlockable content from Battle Pass progress The animated “All That Glitters BlackCell” BAS-B Battle Rifle Weapon Blueprint featuring streaming glyphs and a glowing blue barrel along with Async Tracers and the “Desync Dismemberment” Death Effect Also get the “Double Barrel Disrespect” Operator Finishing Move and the “Aggressive Action” Frag Grenade Blueprint Other BlackCell-only items are spread throughout the Season 3 Battle Pass These include 11 BlackCell Variant Operator Skins and six BlackCell Variant Weapon Blueprints BlackCell Operator Skins confirmed: Stasis Players who upgrade to BlackCell after purchasing the Battle Pass will also receive bonus 1,100 COD Points Engage in Digitized Warfare with BlackCell’s Stasis and a fully animated black and gold bodysuit Stasis is prepared to take on the most technical of foes while maintaining anonymity with a full-face mask leaving only enough room for her twin braids as a calling card Stasis is backed up by a roster of digitized soldiers donning the finest in black and gold tacti-cool apparel Purchase the Battle Pass: Instantly Unlock Snoop Dogg II Whether you purchase the BlackCell offering or the full Battle Pass for 1,100 COD Points Smoke out the competition as the Doggfather himself returns as “Snoop Dogg II” for his Modern Warfare III debut Sporting a black and blue tactical fit with shades and cornrows the legendary rapper and media icon is ready to blaze a trail of destruction against foes high and low BlackCell Owners: You also unlock the “Snoop Dawg” BlackCell Operator Skin transforming Snoop into a literal interpretation of the Doggfather the nefarious Vladimir Makarov makes his mark with renewed operations against Urzikstan with recent sightings of the ultranationalist on the remote Rebirth Island Makarov retains his sharp style while remaining viable across a variety of combat situations BlackCell Owners: You also unlock the “Makarov – Dominus BlackCell” Operator Skin favoring a more concealed though highly menacing look the “Hope Breaker” Weapon Blueprint for the BAS-B Battle Rifle and the “Tactical Pet: D-O-Double-G” Operator Finishing Move all of which come paired with an animated BlackCell alternate Skin featuring vertical glyph streams: Battle Pass Skin: Swagger gets tacti-cool with aviator shades slacks and dress shoes combined with a sleek windbreaker and flak jacket BlackCell Additional Skin: True to his name and prominent dragon designs on his flak jacket Battle Pass Skin: In this no-frills military getup Ripper favors practicality and mobility while still retaining an unmatched style BlackCell Additional Skin: Exchange the standard military garb for modernized tactical apparel complimented by golden shades Battle Pass Skin: Gear up with a headband and camouflaged cape over all-weather gear and boots BlackCell Additional Skin: Pull up the gold-emblazoned hood of Doc’s cape along with gilded metal and imprinted glyphs Battle Pass Skin: Conceal your identity with a scrim net while showing off full-sleeve tattoos with a tank top and flak jacket over digital camo pants BlackCell Additional Skin: Add golden ink to Riptide’s tattoos for a fierce look accompanied by goldthreads intertwined with his scrim net Battle Pass Skin: Banshee is ready to lead KorTac’s forces with a headset and mic paired with a Konni Group jacket BlackCell Additional Skin: Add a helmet with a golden visor to Banshee’s mic setup along with additional gilded flair throughout her uniform Battle Pass Skin: Deploy with a headset and balaclava for discrete combat operations coupled with a full sleeve Konni Group jacket and black pants and boots BlackCell Additional Skin: While still unrecognizable Corso is bound to stand out in a crowd with a golden face mask and gloves Battle Pass Skin: Byline prepares for technological warfare with a robot on her back and a controller along with camouflaged tactical gear BlackCell Additional Skin: Byline adds a black and gold paintjob to the robot and goggles Also expect two further Skins (each with a BlackCell variant) once you finish the Battle Pass and unlock the Completion Sector (detailed below) Unlock three new functional weapons in Sectors 4 This single-load railgun delivers a high-damage payload with excellent velocity and penetration Boasting a high rate of fire and great bullet velocity the MORS railgun is ideal for sharpshooters across a variety of combat situations Though offering lower mobility compared to other Sniper Rifles its sheer power is evident in the electrical current blasting over its body after every shot its weapon blueprints and certain other content not available for use in Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile at the start of the Season We will update the community at a later date when this weapon becomes available in that game.) An ultra-compact SMG with best-in-class CQC damage and mobility Boasting fantastic mobility and handling along with a lightning quick reload speed Close the distance for optimal damage output and utilize its breakneck swap speed to switch between weapons without missing a beat concealable punch knife that was initially used by gamblers and politicians it more than makes up for with excellent mobility They’ll never see it coming as you move in for the elimination with more than just your knuckles at work The Season 3 Battle Pass features 20 Weapon Blueprints along with a variety of Calling Cards and Zombies Acquisitions (including Ammo Mods The Season 3 Battle Pass Weapon Blueprints represent a variety of visual themes Sector 1: “Steely Gaze” Lockwood 300 Shotgun* Sector 5: “Sworn Blade” TAQ Eradicator LMG Sector 11: “Blade Eater” TAQ Evolvere LMG* This series of Weapon Blueprints feature intricate yellow designs over the body with wooden stocks and handles from the rugged to pristine with inlaid patterns Sector 14: “Live Line” HRM-9 SMG and “Sealed Fate” KATT-AMR Sniper Rifle* Sector 17: “Situational Hazard” MORS Sniper Rifle* Sector 18: “Don’t Be KOI” Pulemyot 762 LMG Adopt the strength and courage of the koi with these Weapon Blueprints featuring detailed inlays of the popular fish Sector 3: “Knight’s Errand” Soulrender Melee Sector 6: “Magnetic Impulse” SOA Subverter Battle Rifle Sector 9: “Planned Expiry” SP-R 208 Marksman Rifle and “Veil Breaker” BAS-B Battle Rifle* Sector 16: “Walking Contradiction” BP50 Assault Rifle Wield an assortment of models featuring a mix of camouflaged parts and inlaid topographical designs Instant: “Hope Breaker” BAS-B Battle Rifle Sector 12: “Slick Dispatch” Holger 556 Assault Rifle Sector 13: “Grim Renewal” SVA 545 Assault Rifle Equip the high-tech KOHHN-themed series of Weapon Blueprints featuring a sleek black and red style with white highlights This season’s digital BlackCell aesthetic can be found across seven Weapon Blueprints in the Season 3 Battle Pass including the following six Blueprints that feature both a regular and BlackCell variant within the same tier Both versions feature the same attachments so swap between them at will without disrupting your playstyle Steely Gaze — Lockwood 300 Shotgun (Sector 1 BlackCell variant comes with Async Tracers and “Desync” Death Effect Deploy with the rugged version featuring carved wood and a yellow-taped handle customized with a wider pellet spread and improved reload quickness The BlackCell variant fires hot at the barrel with glowing geometric patterns Veil Breaker — BAS-B Battle Rifle (Sector 9 The BlackCell variant grants the “Shaped Fate BlackCell” WSP-9 SMG Blueprint customized for stealth strikes and featuring Async Tracers and “Desync” Death Effect Stay firmly on target while striking from the shadows with this Battle Pass Weapon Blueprint that’s undetectable by radar with a 2.5x magnification Optic and enhanced horizontal and vertical recoil control Equip its BlackCell variant for an SMG with a geometric black and gold design Suppress enemy forces without giving up your position using this carved wood and worn Weapon Blueprint featuring a 100-round belt-fed Magazine Trade its worn appearance for a high-tech modern look using the BlackCell variant Sealed Fate — KATT-AMR Sniper Rifle (Sector 14 Vaporize your opponents with this hard-hitting koi-inlaid Sniper Rifle equipped with a suppressor improved bullet velocity and rechambering speed Equip the BlackCell variant for a more opulent alternative Situational Hazard — MORS Sniper Rifle (Sector 17 Take the new Season 3 MORS Sniper Rifle into the thick of it with a close-ranged dot sight Optic and the new Photonic Charge Barrel Opt for the BlackCell variant for a richer version of the powerful railgun this Weapon Blueprint greatly bolsters target tracking by pairing muzzle flash concealment with improved recoil and gun kick control take the BlackCell variant into your next battle featuring 300 COD Points toward your next Battle Pass or Store Bundle purchase the “Fated” MTZ-762 Battle Rifle Weapon Blueprint Makarov takes on the mantle of the legendary wolf of Norse mythology famed for his role in the world-ending battle of Ragnarök this is one Operator you don’t want to cross paths with BlackCell Additional Skin: Vertical glyphs stream from the wolf’s golden eyes combined with gold-plated fangs A former farmhand thrust into the chaos of war Bashiir Shirwa began his journey toward battle as a security guard in the city of Mogadishu He learned survival the hard way after suffering a near fatal slashing that left him with visible facial scars Attracting the attention of a KorTac recruiter he was soon enlisted as an international mercenary BlackCell Additional Skin: In his alternate BlackCell Skin Hush displays the immense wealth he’s earned during his reign as a highly sought after mercenary Store Highlights: Cheech and Chong Dive into an incredible assortment of Store Bundles arriving in Season 3 from the super chilled out to the terrifying and bizarre including a special guest appearance from two legendary icons of the counterculture revolution Here are just a few of the offerings on the way: Tracer Pack: Cheech & Chong This massive Bundle featuring two icons of the counterculture revolution includes both the “Cheech” and “Chong” Operator Skins alongside three Weapon Blueprints featuring Still Smokin’ Tracers and the “Up In Smoke” Death Effect: the “Dankest” MTZ-556 Assault Rifle and the “Mellow and Mild” Haymaker Shotgun Intoxicate foes with the “Secondhand Smoke” Finishing Move the “Be Mellow” and “Cheech & Chong’s” Large Decals the “Iconic” and “Cheech and Chong’s Seltzer” Weapon Charms Tracer Pack: Stoney Sloth Slow it down and chill out with the “Feelin’ Slothy” Operator Skin for Price Smoke your enemies with two Weapon Blueprints featuring Blazed Tracers and the “Ding Dong You’re Bonged” Death Effect: the “High Hitter” WSP Swarm SMG and the “Toke N’ Smoke” XRK Stalker Sniper Rifle Spread good vibes with the “Leafy Greens” Large Decal Blaze through the tiers with an additional 1 Hour Double Battle Pass XP Token Tracer Pack: CODasaurus Ultra Skin Try not to eat your enemies when deploying with the “Sickle” Operator Skin for Riptide featuring a carnivorous dinosaur head and reptilian camouflage Tear into enemies with two Weapon Blueprints featuring Slash Damage Tracers and the “Reptilian Rupture” Death Effect Reach millions of years back with the “Dino Pod” Weapon Charm the “Primal Instinct” Animated Calling Card Tracer Pack: Big Brain Ultra Skin Deploy as a brain in a bucket with “The Mind” Operator Skin for Corso held up by cybernetic body parts with a half-length cape Eliminate enemies using two Weapon Blueprints with Super Gooper Tracers: the “Brain Brine” Sidewinder Battle Rifle featuring the JAK Thunder LMG Kit Aftermarket Part Display your brilliance with “The Nerve of That Guy” Large Decal and the “My Eyes Are Down Here” Weapon Charm This Bundle also includes a Battle Pass Tier Skip Token Tracer Pack: Horseman: Vi.Rus Ultra Skin Appear as a dreaded robotic nightmare with the “Bacillus” Operator Skin for Ghost featuring glowing red eyes over an electrifying helmet Infect your opponents with two Weapon Blueprints featuring Trojan Tracers and the “Malware” Death Effect Show your evil side with the “Death Tally” Large Decal This Bundle also includes a Flawless Aetherium Crystal for Zombies and a Battle Pass Tier Skip Token Tracer Pack: Killer Circus Freak Party Pack Usher in a circus of chaos with the “Happy” Operator Skin for Enigma instilling anything but in those unlucky enough to face against the terrifying visage Riddle foes with laughter using two Weapon Blueprints with Carny Carnage Tracers: the “Funny Business” HRM-9 SMG and the “Joke’s On You” MTZ Interceptor Marksman Rifle Elevate the killer clown using the “Murderous Moppet” Large Decal Receive additional XP bonuses when you and your party play using Operator Skins from the Killer Bundle series Tracer Pack: CyberJunkie Pro Pack Jack into new virtual heights with the “Raider” Operator Skin for Swagger featuring a highly advanced robotic helmet and heavy frontline armor Eliminate enemies with the “Protosignal” MTZ-556 Assault Rifle and the “Worn Steel” KV Inhibitor Sniper Rifle Weapon Blueprints Show off your techno credentials with the “Closed-Circuit” Large Decal This Bundle brings exceptional value with the inclusion of a staggering 2400 COD Points Godzilla x Kong: New Empire Bundles Complete the Godzilla x Kong Titan Collection: Following up the recently released Tracer Pack: Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire — Kong Bundle expect three more to arrive within Season 3 The “Tracer Pack: Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire – Godzilla” Bundle comes with the “Godzilla” Operator Skin and the “Feel the Heat Ray” Finishing Move The “Tracer Pack: Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire – Skar King” Bundle comes with the “Ape” Operator Skin and the “Whiplashed Unleashed” Finishing Move The “Tracer Pack: Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire – Shimo” Bundle features the “Shimo” Operator Skin Purchase all four to complete the Titan Collection and unlock the exclusive “B.E.A.S.T Modern Warfare III: Free Trial For a limited time from April 4 until April 8 play Multiplayer and Modern Warfare Zombies in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III for FREE Dive into Multiplayer in Call of Duty and check out the brand-new 6v6 map Emergency along with five more 6v6 maps such as Das Haus and Rust — playable across five core modes the free access offering includes not only Modern Warfare Zombies but also the MWIII mode Hordepoint It’s time to rally the squad and leave no friend behind Upgrade to Modern Warfare III and MODERN WARFARE are trademarks of Activision Publishing in-season Zombies mission and Rift explorations and full Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile integration make this the biggest season ever seen Rebirth Island returns and heads to Call of Duty: Warzone in Season 3 with exciting updates like Resurgence Champion’s Quest and challenging new gameplay additions and map updates Dive into an informative Q&A with Beenox to learn the ins and outs of the beloved map Claiming that their pleas have fallen on deaf ears and alleging authorities of “continuous neglect”, residents’ welfare association (RWA) pointed out the lack of basic civic amenities in Sector 4, Mansa Devi Complex (MDC), Panchkula. The roads in Sector 4, MDC, Panchkula, are in bad shape, ridden with potholes. Water supply is seldom uninterrupted and the water pressure is also low. (HT Photo) Addressing a press conference on Friday, the RWA pointed out issues like rise in petty crime, lack of proper waste disposal and non-functional streetlights plaguing the area. The association pointed out that the sector has witnessed a rise in petty crimes due to inadequate security measures. Requests like installation of CCTV cameras, increase in police patrols and establishing a police post were requested repeatedly, but the authorities have not taken any concrete steps residents’ safety, said association members. Garbage collection in the sector is irregular and inefficient. Piles of uncollected waste have become a common sight, leading to health hazards and the proliferation of pests. Making matters worse, road berms and footpaths are also not being cleaned by sanitation staff regularly and properly. The roads in Sector 4 MDC too are in bad shape, ridden with potholes. Water supply is seldom uninterrupted and the water pressure is also low. Despite repeated complaints, there has been no improvement in the water supply infrastructure, association members said. Frequent and prolonged power outages have become common in the sector, causing daily ordeals especially during peak summer months. Many unauthorised vendors have also mushroomed in the area causing nuisance and inconvenience apart from adding to the garbage on the roads. “We have been raising these issues with the authorities for months, but our pleas have fallen on deaf ears. We are asking for basic amenities and services,” said RWA president Vigyan Arora. by Ryan Gilliam and red Materia in the second Mako reactor that you visit in Sector 4: Plate Interior Collecting different bits of Materia will enable you to cast different spells You can purchase the Materia at stores or vending machines but some of it is hiding in the world of Midgar make your way around to the lower level to pick up the blue Materia Image: Square Enix via PolygonWhen you’re on your way to shut off the Sun Lamps you’ll find a blue Materia sitting at the end of a walkway You’ll need to come at this Materia from the other side When you only have one Sun Lamp left to go — the one directly to the left of the moving platform you’re trying to restore power to — head toward it You’ll exit in an area called Section H – Sun Lamp 3 on the Plate Mid-Level part of your map labeled Section H Utility Access on the Plate Lower Level part of your map defeat the two Queen Grashtrikes (they’re weak to Ice damage) and you’ll see a movable platform separating you from the blue Materia Walk up to the console and move the platform into place Walk over your makeshift bridge and pick up your blue elemental Materia But don’t leave the area yet — the hidden purple Materia is here as well Next1/4Lower the platform to pick up the purple Materia Image: Square Enix via PolygonThe purple Materia is stuck on top of the vertical platform you just moved into place Instead of lowering it down to the guard rails and letting it adjust itself into place hold the controls all the way down so the top support beams of the platform are at eye level purple Materia sitting on top of the platform Next1/7Disable the fan via the control room to pick up the red Materia Image: Square Enix via PolygonYou first get a glimpse of this Materia when Cloud and Tifa slowly walk along the pipe in front of the industrial fan as you need to reroute some of the reactor’s power first pick up the purple and blue Materia listed above and after shutting off all three Sun Lamps head toward your next objective — the massive moving platform you’ve been trying to restore the power to that area is called Section H Utility Access in Plate Mid-Level Instead of interacting with the console on the cargo platform Look for a ladder on a wall in the distance and you’ll find controls for the big fans in the next room you’ll have 60 seconds to interact with the console in the adjoining room The only problem is the small group of enemies between you and the console Defeat them as quickly as you can — use the Blizzard spell to deal bonus damage — and activate the nearby console the door nearby will slide open and you’ll be able to walk into the fan chamber Walk up to the still blades and pick up your second Summoning Materia Sony’s own DualShock 4 controller comes in multiple colors: some pretty, some garish, some meant to resemble a certain bodily fluid Vox Media has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links. For more information, see our ethics policy. The best of Polygon in your inbox, every Friday. We reached out to a professor who studies insider trading to learn more about how to read federally mandated insider trading reports This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License While Becker collected $3.6 million, the figure doesn’t represent his profit. Becker exercised an option to purchase the stocks he sold. A filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission shows Becker bought the stocks for $1.3 million on Feb then sold them for $3.6 million the same day When the other side of the ledger is accounted for, Becker pocketed $2.3 million before taxes, as columnist Brett Arends of MarketWatch wrote on March 11 Keep reading to learn more about covering insider trading reports Insiders must file a Form 4 when they buy or sell company shares The Securities and Exchange Commission defines insiders as certain executives plus anyone who owns more than 10% of a publicly traded firm or anyone with access to information because of a relationship with a company insider Despite its name, the existence of an insider trading report does not indicate illegal insider trading happened. It simply indicates that an insider traded shares — and doing so is not necessarily illegal Form 4 filings are publicly available through the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system — EDGAR Enter “SVB Financial Group” and the Form 4 from Becker that has received news attention appears as an “insider trading report” filed March 1 Davidson helped us walk through Becker’s recent Form 4 as a case study Use the annotated filing below to familiarize yourself with the Form 4s available through EDGAR Insider trading prosecutions rely on what Securities and Exchange Commission regulators call “material nonpublic information.” information that would matter to investors and is not available to the public For example, the Securities and Exchange Commission in July 2022 accused a former FBI trainee of secretly viewing documents from a romantic partner an attorney for a law firm representing the pharmaceutical firm Merck The documents showed Merck was set to acquire another pharmaceutical company The former FBI trainee told a friend about the impending deal with the friend profiting $1.3 million in allegedly illegal trades using the inside information a trade by an insider using information that is public would still constitute an insider trade It is generally an uphill climb for prosecutors to obtain a conviction on an allegedly illegal insider trade committed by a company officer Company officers almost always have inside information that the public does not know about ‘Is this private information you had the reason you made this trade?’” Davidson says “There are a lot of other reasons an executive may make a trade So simply trading while you possess the information is not illegal Insider trading cases are usually easier to prosecute when the insider does not work for the company, Davidson says. He points to a case he and Christo Pirinsky, a finance professor at the University of Central Florida, outline in a May 2022 paper on insider trading The case centered on a therapist working with a Lockheed Corporation executive with the therapist making trades using information the executive revealed during counseling the trades were “completely independent of the firm and it appears there is little the firm could have done to prevent a licensed therapist from abusing doctor-patient confidentiality,” Davidson and Pirinsky write Here is the story that can be understood from Becker’s Form 4 the one showing stock sales worth $3.6 million on Feb Becker owned 92,552 Silicon Valley Bank securities in the form of common stock Common stock is the typical type of security routinely traded on stock exchanges Each of these securities represents an ownership share of the firm Becker exercised options to buy Silicon Valley Bank common stock at a price of $105 each An option is a contract between the firm and an employee that allows the employee to purchase company shares at a set price by a certain date Becker’s option to buy the shares at $105 apiece would have expired on May 2 “Executives routinely wait until their options are about to expire before they exercise them,” Davidson says The same day Becker acquired the $1.3 million worth of Silicon Valley Bank stock he sold them on a stock exchange at a price of around $285 per share This sale of 12,451 Silicon Valley Bank shares was worth $3.6 million Subtracting the acquisition cost of $1.3 million we arrive at a pre-tax profit of $2.3 million Becker began the day with 92,552 in Silicon Valley Bank common stock noted at the bottom of the filing: Becker put this trade into motion on Jan but the plan to purchase the options and sell them was set 31 business days in advance of the collapse This trade was made ahead of time using a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan This type of plan is meant to serve as an affirmative defense against insider trading allegations Executives can and often do put these plans into motion months or years before stock sales happen Imagine a situation in which an executive moved ahead on Jan 2022 with a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan that says she will sell 5,000 in common stock two years later her company announces a major acquisition that sends stock prices soaring The executive can point to the trading plan as evidence the stock sale was adopted well before the acquisition Davidson stresses that intent is nearly impossible to determine on the basis of a single filing intent is the main thing when it comes to prosecuting insider trading: What is the overriding reason the executive made a trade with about one month between adoption and execution would not have been allowed if it had been adopted just a few weeks later “It’s very difficult to infer intent without looking at a broader set,” Davidson says EDGAR search results show leaders at Silicon Valley Bank have filed more than 500 insider trading reports since January 2018 Here are a few outstanding questions about these reports worth exploring: EDGAR search SEC insider transaction codes Form 4 filing rules American Bar Association: Revocable Trusts Harvard Kennedy School is committed to protecting your personal information you agree to receive communications from The Journalist's Resource and to allow HKS to store your data HKS will never sell your email address or other information to a third party All communications will include the opportunity to unsubscribe we probe the fundamental structure of particles that make up everything around us We do so using the world's largest and most complex scientific instruments Know more The Higgs Boson The W boson The Z boson The Large Hadron Collider The Birth of the web Antimatter Latest news Media News The research programme at CERN covers topics from kaons to cosmic rays and from the Standard Model to supersymmetry See all resources The cooling down of the first LHC sector (sector 4-5) was successfully completed on 15 November; it has now been cooled with superfluid helium to a temperature of 1.9 K (−271.3 °C) which is the nominal operational condition The final cryogenic commissioning of the sector is ongoing prior to handover to the electrical quality assurance team for the final electrical tests three sectors are currently being cooled down (sectors 7-8 and the cooling-down process for two other sectors (8-1 and 1-2) has just begun The last two sectors (2-3 and 6-7) will follow suit early next year thus allowing the entire LHC to run at its nominal cryogenic conditions as of spring 2021 More Social Media Accounts Serbia and Ukraine received medals in recognition of their professional service during their tenure with UNFICYP The Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Cyprus and Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Mohammad Humayun Kabir presented medals to Sector Four’s peacekeepers “You dutifully represent the spirit of the United Nations which has brought you here to serve together under the blue flag your liaison functions and your excellent cooperation with the other Mission sectors and components,” SRSG Spehar said in her address to the troops at the Sector HQ I congratulate you and encourage you to continue your excellent work during your deployment with UNFICYP,” she added