Hyderabad: As countdown to New Year's eve begins, Hyderabad's clubs and pubs are stepping up their efforts to ensure drug-free celebrations on Dec 31 — especially with increased scrutiny on them, following a series of drug busts in recent times. From doubling their security workforce to deploying trained personnel with handheld scanners and metal detectors, they are going all out to keep drugs off the premises. "Patrons will undergo thorough bag checks and random frisking at entry points. To further tighten security, bouncers will be stationed near ‘high-risk zones' such as washrooms and smoking areas, where illicit activities are more likely to occur. We are outsourcing seven bouncers, in addition to our five security personnel," said Aakash Ratnani from a brewery in Madhapur. RFID tags, entry-by-invitation Some clubs are planning to go a step ahead and introduce RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) bands for New Year's Eve. These bands, they say, will grant access only to pre-registered guests and help monitor the crowd within the premises. "RFID technology ensures that only verified patrons enter the club. This will reduce the chances of unknown individuals bringing in drugs," said Mohit Jain, from a popular pub near KBR Park. Many venues are, in fact, expected to go with an ‘entry-by-invitation-only' policy, requiring guests to pre-register and verify their IDs. In fact, venues are training staff so that they can identify signs of drug use or possession, and collaborating with local police and anti-narcotics teams to keep strict vigil. "We are urging police officers to be stationed inside venues in plain clothes, if possible, to discreetly monitor suspicious behaviour," said V Shaurya Reddy from another bar and kitchen in Madhapur while the owner of a nightclub in Jubilee Hills said that he is training his bartenders, waiters, and bouncers "to spot behavioural cues and alert the management immediately." Warning screens Inside the venues, the management are planning to set up digital screens and posters to caution guests about dangers of drug abuse and its consequences. Some also intend on making public service announcements during music breaks to reiterate their zero-tolerance-to-drugs policy and alert guests about reporting such cases to the cops, if noticed. "Our goal is to provide a safe, enjoyable environment for everyone," said a pub owner in Hi-Tec City. Police are urging the public to cooperate by reporting suspicious activities. "Safe celebrations are a shared responsibility. If you see something, say something," said a senior officer from the Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau. "There will also be increased patrolling around nightlife hubs like Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, Madhapur, Hi-Tec City, etc., to monitor vehicle movement to prevent drink-and-drive violations and other illegal activities," the official added. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , Location Guesser and Mini Crossword .

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Romania's pro-European Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu was leading in the first round of presidential elections Sunday according to exit polls, with the far right not yet assured of a place in the second round, despite a breakthrough in support. With 25 percent of the vote according to two exit polls, Ciolacu appeared to be well ahead of far-right challengers looking to capitalise on this EU member's concerns about inflation and the war in neighbouring Ukraine. The same exit polls gave second place to centre-right former journalist turned small-town mayor Elena Lasconi at 18 percent, with two far-right candidates scoring 15 and 16 percent. In the absence of an outright winner in the first round -- scoring more than 50 percent -- the top two candidates go through to a second-round run-off in the poor NATO member on December 8. Ciolacu, a Social Democrat, is leading a field of 13 contenders in the race to take over from President Klaus Iohannis in the largely ceremonial post. He welcomed the exit polls putting him in the lead, but said all the votes would have to be counted before he knew who he would face in the second round. Lasconi too, was cautious. "The scores are very tight, it's not yet time to celebrate," said the 52-year-old politician. Far-right leader George Simion, 38, who some had forecast might take second place, is for the moment in fourth. Exit polls put him just behind the 62-year-old pro-Russian candidate Calin Georgescu. But Simion said Sunday evening: "We'll see the results of the ballot boxes at 11:00 pm (2100 GMT)." Ciolacu's party has shaped Romania's politics for more than three decades, and as he voted Sunday he promised stability and a "decent" standard of living. But political analyst Cristian Parvulescu told AFP: "The far right is by far the big winner of this election." Simion saw his popularity surge by tapping into voter anger over record inflation while promising more affordable housing. Looking for a new election breakthrough for European far-right parties, Simion warned of possible "fraud" and "foreign interference" when voting. But he added: "I am happy that we are giving Romanians hope and the prospect of a better future." The stakes are high for Romania, which has a 650-kilometre (400-mile) border with Ukraine and has become more important since Russia invaded its neighbour in 2022. The Black Sea nation now plays a "vital strategic role" for NATO -- as it is a base for more than 5,000 soldiers -- and the transit of Ukrainian grain, the New Strategy Center think tank said. Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election has further "complicated" Romania's choice, political analyst Cristian Pirvulescu told AFP. Known for his fiery speeches, Simion is a Trump fan who sometimes dons a red cap in appreciation of his idol. Simion opposes sending military aid to Ukraine, wants a "more patriotic Romania" and frequently lashes out against what he calls the "greedy corrupt bubble" running the European Union. Having campaigned hard to win over Romania's large diaspora working abroad, he said the country had only "minions and cowards as leaders". Pirvulescu predicted that if Simion reached the second round his AUR party would get a boost in the December parliamentary election. "Romanian democracy is in danger for the first time since the fall of communism in 1989," he said. "I'm really afraid we'll end up with Simion in the second round," 36-year-old IT worker Oana Diaconu told AFP, expressing concern about the far-right leader's unpredictable nature and attacks on the European Union. The campaign was marked by controversy and personal attacks, with Simion facing accusations of meeting with Russian spies -- a claim he has denied. Ciolacu has been criticised for his use of private jets. Some observers had tipped Lasconi, now mayor of the small town of Campulung and head of a centre-right opposition party, as a surprise package. Sunday's exit polls appeared to suggest they were right. During campaigning, she had said she wanted a future "where no one has to pack their suitcases and leave" the country and for "institutions that work". bur/js-jj/In the wake of the global economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the world have been scrambling to implement policies aimed at stimulating economic growth and recovery. In this context, the concept of Incremental Policy 2.0 has emerged as a promising strategy to provide a new impetus for economic revitalization.SAINTS AND SINNERS: Clement hits out at his Rangers stars for first-half no-show as Ibrox men fall to costly defeat in Paisley Belgian infuriated by first 45 minutes but sees team fall to late St Mirren winner Results leaves Rangers 12 points behind rivals Celtic at top of Premiership Defender Leon Balogun limps off with injury to add to defensive woes Click here to visit the Scotland home page for the latest news and sport By STEPHEN MCGOWAN Published: 22:34, 26 December 2024 | Updated: 22:40, 26 December 2024 e-mail View comments Philippe Clement last night slammed the mentality of his stuttering Rangers side after a dismal 2-1 defeat to St Mirren left them trailing leaders Celtic by 12 points. A run of four successive wins shuddered to a halt when St Mirren secured their first home league win over the Ibrox side since Christmas 2011. A furious Clement went through his players at half-time after a woeful 45 minutes saw St Mirren claim the lead from a penalty conceded after a Jack Butland error. Nico Raskin and Danilo were thrown into the fray at the break, with the Brazilian drawing the visitors level before St Mirren claimed fifth place in the Premiership and sparked scenes of joy thanks to a goal in the third of six added minutes from substitute Caolan Boyd-Munce. ‘They didn’t give (everything) in the first half,’ said an angry Clement. ‘That’s clear. We lost the game there, that’s why I was so angry at half-time. ‘We played far below our level in every sense, on the ball, without the ball, in the duels, in movements, in everything. Philippe Clement is alone with his thoughts as he contemplates defeat in Paisley Caolan Boyd-Munce leads the celebrations as St Mirren savour a sizeable scalp Northern Irishman Boyd-Munce watches as his perfectly weighted shot seals victory ‘So, I made two changes but it’s not about the two guys, it was the whole team. I could have made eight or nine changes maybe. ‘In the second half you see the football you want to see, you see the intensity you want to see, you see the duels you want to see, you see the chances you want to see. ‘It’s not a tactical thing because there was no big change in tactics in the second half. It’s about quality, intensity. And that’s the frustrating part, if you see the consistency over the last two months. ‘Credit to St Mirren, how they throw their bodies in front of us on the goal line or in the box, preventing these things. But we lose the game ourselves in the first half with not showing the level that we need to show. ‘They showed it in the second half. They showed in the second half that they can do it. ‘They showed it also during the two months with a lot of games and a lot of games against really good opponents. So, it’s there. Jack Butland concedes a first-half penalty after a rash challenge on Saints striker Greg Kiltie Oisin Smyth keeps his cool to convert from the spot to put Stephen Robinson's men ahead ‘But we cannot play like we played in the first half. That’s below level. ‘It’s below par for everybody in the team. And that’s not the mentality you can accept at Rangers.’ Read More ST MIRREN 2 RANGERS 1 This time Clement's men have no-one to blame but themselves The loss of central defender Leon Balogun to a calf or Achilles problem added to Clement’s woes. With John Souttar and Neraysho Kasanwirjo already missing, the Nigerian defender will undergo assessments today but is now a major doubt for the clash with Celtic on January 2. ‘I don’t know what the situation will be with Leon,’ said Clement. ‘But it’s never a good sign if a player comes off in the first half. ‘I had other things to speak about in half-time and after the game also. 'So, I didn’t ask that one because I know the doctor will say he needs to make an assessment tomorrow. We will focus on that tomorrow.’ Balogun limped off with a leg injury and is now certain to miss the New Year Old Firm derby Buddies boss Robinson punches the air before insisting his team merited their victory St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson claimed his side deserved a huge three points for their reaction to the Rangers equaliser. With the Ibrox side pushing hard for a winner, the Saints boss threw on three substitutes — Jonah Ayunga, 17-year-old Evan Mooney and Boyd-Munce — and they all combined for the winning goal. ‘The team’s response to equalising and being under pressure shows the character of the squad,’ said Robinson. ‘We were excellent first half, they were better in the opening 15 minutes of the second — which is expected. But our response meant we deserved to win. ‘We were brave with two centre-forwards and special mention has to go to the three subs for the goal, and young (Callum) Penman. We had no fear throwing them on at 1-1. We have real belief in them. ‘We felt we needed to make changes to stop the tide. We changed to a three in midfield and were more aggressive. ‘It’s hard to single anyone out because to a man they were excellent.’ Share or comment on this article: SAINTS AND SINNERS: Clement hits out at his Rangers stars for first-half no-show as Ibrox men fall to costly defeat in Paisley e-mail Add comment

After starting 2-0 in its inaugural Atlantic Coast Conference schedule, SMU looks to make the month even more special on Sunday, hosting Longwood in Dallas, Texas. The Mustangs seek a seven-game win streak in their final nonconference test before welcoming No. 4 Duke to Dallas on Jan. 4. In recent victories over Alabama State, Virginia, LSU, and Boston College, SMU (10-2) averaged 85.3 points per game, allowed just 66.0 ppg, and climbed to No. 30 in the NET rankings. "We're a different team right now than we were earlier in the season," SMU head coach Andy Enfield said at the beginning of December, his words ringing even truer as the season progresses. "They'd never been under pressure together until recently, so they're starting to learn and figure things out." Longwood (11-3) enters its third consecutive road game, having won five of its last six overall. That includes a major 82-67 win at North Carolina Central on Dec. 20. It was only the sixth nonconference home loss for NCC since 2016, and Longwood head coach Griff Aldrich saw it as a result of his team's growing cohesiveness. "We got great contributions from so many players," Aldrich said. "We have been working to play more and more connected, and this team has really taken positive steps this week." The Mustangs' Matt Cross is among the biggest threats to Longwood's defense, which allows just 66.6 points per game. A 6-foot-7 forward, Cross had 36 points over SMU's last two wins, including a 16-point, 16-rebound double-double against LSU. What Cross does with the ball in his hands is impressive -- he is averaging 13.5 ppg in December -- but it is also what he does off the ball that increases his value. "He's extremely tough," Enfield said after Cross' performance against LSU. "His wall up in transition, where (Corey) Chest came down, was going to dunk the ball, and he stood there and took the contact. ...That's a big-time basketball play." Longwood is paced by Michael Christmas, a veteran forward in his fourth year in the program. A hard-nosed wing who can score at all three levels, Christmas is Longwood's only returner who started at least 30 games on last year's NCAA Tournament team. He is averaging a team-high 11.9 points per game. "(He) loves this university, loves this town and community," Aldrich said of Christmas. "He opted to come back here to really invest in the program." --Field Level Media

The government of Fujian has also recognized the potential of HarmonyOS in driving economic growth and innovation in the province. Through partnerships with Huawei and other industry players, the government is actively promoting the development of the HarmonyOS ecosystem in Fujian, fostering a conducive environment for technology adoption and digital transformation.The intersection of sports and fashion has long been a captivating space for fans and enthusiasts alike. When two powerhouses come together to collaborate on a unique and innovative project, the result is often a groundbreaking product that resonates with audiences on a global scale. This is precisely the case with the recent fan-designed FC Barcelona x Kobe Bryant co-branded away jersey for the upcoming season.

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The road to economic recovery in Syria is fraught with challenges. Rebuilding infrastructure, restoring basic services, and creating job opportunities will require significant investment and resources. Additionally, the need for political stability and security is paramount for any meaningful economic progress to take place.