LinkedPrime
Jobs

News from November 17, 2025

653 articles found

Spikers' Turf: Player of the Week Garcia powers Criss Cross to elims sweep | ABS-CBN Sports
Sports

Spikers' Turf: Player of the Week Garcia powers Criss Cross to elims sweep | ABS-CBN Sports

The 27-year-old outside hitter then poured in 19 points and six digs as the King Crunchers rolled to a 25-22, 25-15, 25-21 victory, pushing University of Santo Tomas-Gameville into a precarious and dangerous position in the standings. He capped off a stellar week with 22 points and eight digs in a hard-fought 21-25, 25-23, 25-18, 25-20 triumph that firmly shut the door on Alpha Insurance's semifinals hopes. For his consistent performance throughout the week, Garcia was hailed as the first Spikers' Turf Press Corps Player of the Week, presented by Pilipinas Live, for the period of November 12 to 16. "Kung anong goal namin this season, talagang gusto naming makamit kung ano 'yung 'di namin nakamit last season. Ito 'yung stepping stone para makamit 'yung goal," said Garcia. "'Di naman namin nakuha 'yung 7-0 nang madali lang—talagang pinaghirapan ng team, pinaghirapan ng bawat isa 'yung 7-0. Kaya dadalhin namin 'yung mataas na momentum, mataas na confidence sa sarili namin para sa semifinals—hanggang mapunta kami ng finals," he added.

Unknown
Bihar CM Oath-Taking Ceremony: When will Nitish Kumar take oath as CM? Swearing-in ceremony likely on THIS date
Politics

Bihar CM Oath-Taking Ceremony: When will Nitish Kumar take oath as CM? Swearing-in ceremony likely on THIS date

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday (November 17) submitted his resignation to Governor Arif Mohammad Khan and recommended the dissolution of the state assembly. The decision was approved during the final cabinet meeting of the outgoing government, which lasted about 10 minutes. New NDA Government Set to Be Formed Nitish Kumar’s resignation clears the way for the formation of a new NDA government, following the coalition’s sweeping victory in the recently concluded assembly elections. According to official sources, the last cabinet meeting of the outgoing NDA government authorised Nitish Kumar to recommend the dissolution of the assembly. The resolution was passed unanimously. JD(U) president Nitish Kumar will take oath as chief minister for the 10th time on Thursday, November 20, as per various media reports. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to attend the ceremony, and at least one deputy chief minister is expected to be named. Governor Informed of Cabinet Decision Soon after the cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister met Governor Khan to inform him of the cabinet’s decision. Sources said that Nitish Kumar will formally submit his resignation as head of the outgoing government on November 19. NDA Secures Strong Majority In the recent elections, the NDA secured more than 200 seats in the 243-member assembly. The BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 89 seats, followed by JD(U) with 85 seats.

Pm Ist,Sonali Sharma
Turning colder with a good deal of dry weather this week
Technology

Turning colder with a good deal of dry weather this week

The weather is set to turn colder this week compared to the somewhat milder conditions we've seen in recent weeks, with a good deal of dry weather too, according to Met Éireann. Any patches of mist and fog in southern parts will clear this morning (Monday, November 17) to leave a cool and mainly dry day with plenty of sunshine and just the odd isolated light shower. Cloud will build into parts of the northwest and west later, but it will hold mostly dry for daylight hours. Highest temperatures will be 6° to 10° in a light variable breeze. It will be dry in most places at first tonight with clear spells, but it will become increasingly cloudy from the northwest, with outbreaks of mainly light rain and drizzle spreading southeastwards. Clear spells and scattered showers will start to follow from the northwest. Lowest temperatures tonight will be -1° to +3° generally, with some frost and icy patches for a time, away from the west and northwest, where it will be somewhat less cold. Winds will be mostly light variable tonight, becoming light to moderate southwest or west and increasing fresh at times in some western and northern coastal parts. Rain and drizzle will clear southeastwards early tomorrow morning (Tuesday, November 18), with sunshine and scattered showers following from the northwest. Some of the showers will be heavy, mainly further north, where there's a chance of hail. It will become breezy tomorrow, especially from the afternoon, with west to northwest winds increasing moderate to fresh and gusty, veering northerly later and becoming stronger, especially further north and in western coastal parts. Highest temperatures tomorrow will be 6° to 10°, but feeling colder, with an added wind chill factor. Tomorrow night will be cold, with scattered showers becoming more confined to parts of the north and northwest, with a few drifting into some western parts as well at times. Elsewhere, it will become mostly dry with long clear spells. Some of those showers, especially further north, will turn increasingly wintry, falling as sleet, with some snow too, especially over higher ground. Tomorrow night will be rather windy, especially early in the night, with moderate to fresh and gusty northerly winds, stronger along exposed coasts; but the winds will tend to moderate overnight, away from those exposed coasts. Lowest temperatures will be -1° to 3° with some frost and ice, especially in sheltered parts. Wednesday (November 19) will be a cold day with sunshine and scattered showers, most of which will be in Ulster, Connacht and parts of west Munster, but some possibly drifting into north Leinster too. Some of the showers will fall as sleet and hail, with some of snow too, especially over higher ground in the north and northwest, where some generally modest accumulations can be expected. Highest temperatures on Wednesday will be 4° to 7°, and feeling even colder with an added wind chill factor from moderate to fresh north to northwest winds, stronger near exposed coasts. Wednesday night will bring further scattered showers, mainly in the north and northwest, some wintry, though the showers will become more isolated overnight. Elsewhere it will be mainly dry with long clear spells. Lowest temperatures will be -2° to +3°, coldest in the east and south, with a fairly widespread frost and some icy conditions developing. The moderate to fresh north to northwest winds will gradually ease mostly moderate overnight. Thursday (November 20) will be dry and bright for most with long sunny spells and with just isolated showers, mainly in the north and northwest, still wintry at times. Highest temperatures will be 4° to 8° in mostly moderate northwesterly breezes, easing light through the day. Thursday night will be cold with mostly clear skies at first, but with cloud increasing from the west overnight. Lowest temperatures will be -3° to +2°, with a fairly widespread frost and some icy conditions. Winds will be light and variable for a time, becoming southwesterly, and increasing moderate to fresh along parts of the west coast later on. Friday (November 21) will begin dry in all areas, and while it could stay dry in the east and southeast for daylight hours, rain will gradually spread from the northwest through the day. Southerly winds will freshen too and will bring in milder air from the Atlantic with the rain. Highest temperatures of 6° to 11°.

Charles O,Charles O'Donnell
Union Budget 2026: PHDCCI demands 20% tax on income up to Rs 30 lakh, know what will be the benefit
Business

Union Budget 2026: PHDCCI demands 20% tax on income up to Rs 30 lakh, know what will be the benefit

The PHDCCI has recommended changes to the income tax slabs. It has suggested reducing the tax to 20 percent for incomes up to ₹30 lakh annually, 25 percent for incomes up to ₹50 lakh annually, and 30 percent for incomes above that level. Union Budget 2026: The process of preparing the Union Budget 2026 has begun. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held discussions with leading economists earlier last week. Meanwhile, industry has expressed its expectations for the new Union Budget. The PHDCCI, a leading industry chamber, has communicated its expectations regarding the Union Budget 2026 to the Finance Ministry. The industry chamber says that if the government implements direct and indirect tax reforms in the budget, which will be presented in early February next year, it will significantly benefit the economy. Recommendation to Reduce Personal Income Tax Rates PHDCCI has advised the government to revise the income tax slabs. It has suggested reducing the tax on income up to ₹30 lakh per annum to 20%, reducing the tax on income up to ₹50 lakh per annum to 25%, and keeping the tax rate at 30% for incomes above this level. It has stated that this will reduce the tax burden on the middle class. Besides, income tax compliance will also increase. Demand for Changes in Tax Rules on Share Buybacks The industry chamber has also advised the government to set a time limit for appellate orders. It has also demanded changes in the rules for share buybacks. It has stated that profits from share buybacks should be treated as capital gains instead of dividend income, and capital gains tax rules should then apply. PHDCCI believes that taxpayers should be given more time to file revised and belated returns. Currently, the deadline for filing belated and revised income tax returns is December 31st of the assessment year. New manufacturing companies should be given tax breaks again. It has also urged the government to reinstate Section 115BAB of the Income Tax Act. This section provided a 15% corporate tax concession for new manufacturing companies. The Chamber of Commerce argues that due to COVID, industries were unable to fully take advantage of this provision, which was subsequently repealed. It needs to be reinstated, as it will boost manufacturing in the country. Union Budget 2026 may include major measures to boost growth. The Finance Minister is expected to present the Union Budget 2026 on February 1st next year. However, a formal announcement has not yet been made. For the past several years, the government has presented the Union Budget for the new financial year on February 1st. This year’s budget is expected to focus on measures to boost growth. The government may announce major reforms to this effect. In Union Budget 2025, the Finance Minister announced tax-free income up to ₹12 lakh per annum. Read More: UIDAI launches new Aadhaar card mobile application; learn how to download it

Shyamu Maurya
Bigger forces at play in Ukraine corruption scandal – jailed tycoon
Politics

Bigger forces at play in Ukraine corruption scandal – jailed tycoon

Timur Mindich, the associate of Vladimir Zelensky accused of orchestrating a major kickbacks scheme in Ukraine’s energy sector, is being used as a “fall guy” by the real forces behind the scandal, according to his long-time patron, Igor Kolomoysky. Mindich fled Ukraine last week just hours before the Western-backed National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) raided his home. Kolomoysky, the media and banking tycoon who has spent the past two years in pre-trial detention on unrelated charges, made light of Mindich’s alleged criminal prowess in comments to the press during a court appearance on Friday. Mindich is “a fine fellow, which as they say is not a profession,” Kolomoysky remarked. “What they’re claiming about him – he’s no mafia boss.” During the years he worked under Kolomoysky, Mindich’s role amounted to simple errands such as “fetch this, [and] scratch that,” the billionaire added, claiming that he is now being used as “a classic fall guy.” “They tossed him into a meat grinder out of nowhere,” he continued, speculating that Mindich may have fled not merely to avoid arrest but out of fear for his life, given that whoever is truly behind the alleged graft scheme might decide that “there is no case without a body.” The NABU probe has already triggered the resignation of two cabinet ministers and implicated additional senior officials. Zelensky’s office has attempted to present the crackdown as proof of his anti-corruption agenda, despite his failed effort earlier this year to curb NABU’s independence. Kolomoysky, whose media empire helped elevate Zelensky to national prominence during his career in the entertainment industry, openly mocked the Ukrainian leader, calling him “generalissimo Napoleon IV” – a jab referencing a comedic role Zelensky once played – and predicting that he will “soon be gone.” Ukrainian outlets have previously reported that Kolomoysky may have assisted NABU in building its case against Mindich by passing investigators key information.

Unknown
At least 5 parties interested in bidding for Discaya’s luxury vehicles: BOC | ABS-CBN News
Technology

At least 5 parties interested in bidding for Discaya’s luxury vehicles: BOC | ABS-CBN News

Your Opt Out Preference Signal is Honored Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Data When you visit our website, we store cookies on your browser to collect information. The information collected might relate to you, your preferences or your device, and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to and to provide a more personalized web experience. However, you can choose not to allow certain types of cookies, which may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer. Click on the different category headings to find out more and change our default settings according to your preference. You cannot opt-out of our First Party Strictly Necessary Cookies as they are deployed in order to ensure the proper functioning of our website (such as prompting the cookie banner and remembering your settings, to log into your account, to redirect you when you log out, etc.). For more information about the First and Third Party Cookies used please follow this link. More information

Katrina Domingo
Spain pledges €15,000 aid for young people who buy or renovate rural housing
Politics

Spain pledges €15,000 aid for young people who buy or renovate rural housing

The Spanish government is to boost grants for young people who buy or renovate housing in rural areas of Spain, offering up to €15,000. The Minister of Housing and Urban Agenda, Isabel Rodríguez, announced on Saturday that the increase in public aid for young people who buy or reform homes in inland and low-population municipalities will receive €15,000 instead of the current €10,800. The increased aid for young people aims to help two long-term converging problems in Spanish society: firstly, making housing more accessible to young people; and secondly, the problem of 'empty Spain' (España Vaciada) and depopulation in rural parts of the country. READ ALSO: The overlooked factors causing Spain's housing crisis Rodríguez was speaking in Palencia at the closing of the “Dare, housing is the future" hosted by the Castilla y León Socialist (PSOE) party. In her speech, the Minister also explained that the housing aid for young people will be extended for the first time to towns of up to 20,000 inhabitants, with the aim of reaching more beneficiaries, rather than 10,000. The announcement comes amid a new State Housing Plan 2026-2030, which the government will approve “very soon”, the Minister said, and which will triple state investment to €7 billion. Rodríguez also emphasised that state investment and aid in the property sector must be targeted: "To do this we need to know how many people are demanding housing and where they are demanding it and what types of families they are," the Minister said. She outlined the government's three main housing priorities for the coming years: more public housing supply, more regulation, and more direct aid to the groups and ares that need it most, such as the increased grants for young people. In her speech, the Minister also made reference to 'stressed rental areas' in the big cities, referencing cities in Castilla y León where the price of rent has risen and making a political point, remembering that the region is run by the centre-right People's Party (PP). "The Junta could stop the price of renting in the stressed areas, but the PP does not want to’, the Minister said. The declaration of stressed rental areas to cap soaring rents has been implemented in areas of Catalonia and the cities of A Coruña, San Sebastián, and Pamplona, along with 20 other municipalities in Navarre have been officially declared ‘stressed’ rental zones recently, bringing the total number across all regions to 301. The housing market more broadly, however, has been viewed as the major failure of the Sánchez government. READ ALSO: What happens when a city in Spain is declared a ‘stressed’ rental zone?

Conor Faulkner
New artist Kavi captures LDR emotions with debut single 'Ulan' | ABS-CBN Entertainment
Entertainment

New artist Kavi captures LDR emotions with debut single 'Ulan' | ABS-CBN Entertainment

When asked of the song's message, Kavi shared: "Na maniwala lang po sa pagmamahal. Kahit LDR 'yan ipakita mo na mahal na mahal mo ang tao. Walang masamang magmahal." "Na mahalin lang nila 'yung taong mahal nila palagi. At saka walang masama kapag palagi mong hinahanap ang mahal mo sa buhay. Walang masama na longing ka palagi sa partner mo o mahal mo sa buhay." Born Kareem Adrian Araneta Viray, Kavi started singing at the age of nine. His passion for singing started with his family who also loves music. After he got busy with his business, Kavi decided to return to music and started releasing covers last year. "I really thought of going back to music because I feel that it's something that I truly want to do. So I started doing covers. Before I was also doing covers but I did not upload it. Now I finally have the courage to upload the covers," Kavi said.

Reyma Deveza
Metta World Peace Wants To Be Mavericks' Next GM After Nico Harrison Firing
Sports

Metta World Peace Wants To Be Mavericks' Next GM After Nico Harrison Firing

Hey Mavs, TMZ Sports just found your next general manager -- METTA WORLD PEACE!!! We spoke with the former NBA star this week ... days after the Dallas Mavericks fired Nico Harrison, who was responsible for one of the worst trades in NBA history -- Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis. We started the conversation by asking for Metta's reaction to the firing ... but he caught us off-guard when he said he wanted to take Harrison's job!! "The reason I say that is because I got so much experience," Metta said. "Running a basketball business would be fairly easy; running a sports business is fairly easy at the highest level, whether it's president or general manager. I'm running all operations." Metta has done all of that. After spending 17 seasons in the NBA, Metta became a South Bay Lakers player development coach ... and was the assistant head coach for the Cal State LA women's basketball team. He also founded the Artest Management Group ... and recently signed to co-manage up-and-coming boxing star Chordale Booker. If the interim guys Michael Finley and Matthew Ricciardi don't pan out, General Manager World Peace does have a ring to it. What do you say, Mavs?!

Unknown
Airport, Ellenbrook and Midland train lines shut and another disrupted after passenger carriage derailment
Technology

Airport, Ellenbrook and Midland train lines shut and another disrupted after passenger carriage derailment

Three train lines across Perth have been shut down after a carriage carrying passengers derailed on Monday afternoon. The Airport, Ellenbrook and Midland lines have all been cancelled between Perth and Redcliffe, Perth to Morley, and Perth to Bassendean. The lines were shut down after a train carriage derailed and got stuck between two rail tracks near the Bayswater station on the Airport line about 3.30pm. “There has been a service disruption as two bogies (wheel undercarriage) from a railcar have partially come off the tracks while departing Bayswater Station at low speed this afternoon,” a Public Transport Authority spokeswoman said. “The train has come to a stop with all passengers safely evacuated.” The incident is also causing delays on the Fremantle line and is expected to affect the train lines well into the evening. Replacement buses are being organised at the affected train lines. Transperth urged travellers to allow extra time and be aware that replacement buses may not connect with timetabled bus and train services. Alternatively, a timetabled service may be put on to help travellers. Commuters can check a list of alternative bus routes or use the JourneyPlanner to plan their journey. The Public Transport Authority is investigating the cause of the incident. Airport line Train replacement bus Route 902 is operating while trains are cancelled. Route 902 will depart from Stand 3, Wellington St. Trains are continuing to operate between Redcliffe and High Wycombe. Ellenbrook line Train replacement bus Route 903 is operating while trains are cancelled. Route 903 will depart from Stand 4, Wellington St. Trains are continuing to operate between Morley and Ellenbrook. Midland Line Train replacement bus Route 901 is operating while trains are cancelled. Route 901 will depart from Stand 2, Wellington St. Trains are continuing to operate between Bassendean and Midland. Call the Transperth InfoLine on 13 62 13 if you require help regarding service disruptions or planning a journey. Hearing or speech impaired? Call via NRS 133 677 and ask for 13 62 13. More to come.

Claire Sadlerthe West
‘Golden toilet’ scandal: Zelensky faces deepest crisis yet as allies accused in $100M wartime scheme
Politics

‘Golden toilet’ scandal: Zelensky faces deepest crisis yet as allies accused in $100M wartime scheme

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky is battling the deepest crisis of his presidency after a money-laundering probe named members of his inner circle, including an associate accused of living in “golden toilet” luxury, a former government official has claimed. Their comments came as the president faces scrutiny over the investigation that agencies said Monday involves associates allegedly linked to a plot to siphon around $100 million from Ukraine’s energy sector during the war with Russia. “Ukrainians don’t have any motivation to fight now because of enormous human rights violations and also because of this corruption now exposed,” the former official told Fox News Digital, under condition of anonymity. “People inside the country are already seeing this corruption and this is just part of the corrupt swamp. Zelensky is part of the problem,” they claimed. Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, Ukraine’s financial system has come under scrutiny and now some Ukrainians are accused of taking kickbacks from projects meant to protect energy plants during wartime, prompting public outrage and undermining faith in government. “This money laundering appeared to have been going on since 2022 and there were a lot of people who tried to stop this,” the former official said. “Some say Zelensky was aware of these schemes and that he had approved them,” they claimed. “There was also suspicion that money ended up in accounts abroad that benefited Zelensky and his inner circle,” they said. Over 15 months, a sweeping investigation dubbed “Operation Midas” by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) uncovered the schemes. In one major Energoatom probe targeting Ukraine’s state nuclear power company and its energy contracts, businessman Tymur Mindich was named. Mindich co-owned the entertainment company Kvartal 95 with the president and, according to The Kyiv Independent, Mindich was alleged to be the ringleader of that network. The Financial Times also reported that investigators found bags of cash and a gold-plated toilet in one of the bathrooms of his apartment. “They were introduced many years ago and were running the business of 95 Kvartal, which includes film production and many other entertainment genres,” the former official claimed. “Tymur had an apartment with golden toilets that was in the same building as Zelensky’s, and in 2021 Zelenskyy celebrated his birthday in Tymur’s apartment,” they said. Another figure under investigation, Oleksiy Chernyshov, is a former deputy prime minister. “He was also very close to the family, and he used to hold positions in the Zelensky government since 2019, and he has been accused of abuse of office,” the former official alleged. “Chernyshov started building big, three or four huge houses in their most luxury place in Kyiv.” So far, in his nightly address on Nov. 10, Zelensky said: “Everyone who put together a corrupt scheme must receive a clear legal response. There must be criminal verdicts.” He stressed the importance of accountability in the energy sector and said that keeping Energoatom clean from graft is a priority. Zelensky also praised the Anti-Corruption Bureau’s efforts, saying, “Any effective actions against corruption are very needed. The inevitability of punishment is necessary.” “Zelenskyy is using his extraordinary PR talent and will not step down in this probe,” the former official claimed. “Zelensky is not the kind of person who feels shame even if there’s a corruption probe… Zelensky has got everything from this war. He had a vertical of power, an unbreakable image, all the attention of the media. To some, he really depends on this and money,” they added. “Many Ukrainians believe in Donald Trump now, because he’s the only person who actually changed the narrative and changed the way this war is going,” the official said. “If not [for] Donald Trump we would not be talking about peace today at all, and every day of war is destroying Ukraine.” Fox News Digital reached out to Zelensky’s office for comment.

Fox News
Napolcom, PNP, IBP team up to strengthen police legal education | ABS-CBN News
Sports

Napolcom, PNP, IBP team up to strengthen police legal education | ABS-CBN News

“Reducing operational risks means fewer procedural lapses, suppressed evidence, and administrative or civil liabilities… The law becomes our shield, not our hurdle—protecting both the public and the officers that serve them,” he said. Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Atty. Rafael Vicente Calinisan underscored the importance of ensuring that police officers possess mastery of the law—not only for public safety but for their own protection while performing their duties “Education is a very powerful tool… We need to make sure that our law enforcers are all street-ready. Kailangan may mastery sila ng batas—alam nila paano mang-aresto at walang kaduda-duda, alam nila ang karapatang pantao,” Calinisan said. He then continued, “Para sa kanilang kaligtasan at sa kaligtasan din ng general public, we need to educate them. And who is the best educator? No less than a lawyer, no less than the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.” PNP Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management chief P/Brig. Gen. Matthew Bacay said the program would be rolled out across all 19 Police Regional Offices (PROs) nationwide.

Bianca Dava
Govt ensures safety to private sector: Finance Minister
Politics

Govt ensures safety to private sector: Finance Minister

KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 17Finance Minister Rameshore Prasad Khanal stated that the government was fully committed to ensuring safety and support to private sector.Speaking at a programme organised by the Inland Revenue Department to mark the National Tax Day 2082 today, the Minister said the government is serious about maintaining high levels of confidence among private-sector actors.Khanal, who assumed office following the Gen Z movement, said, "The protest was not merely against the government or political parties. It was an eruption of frustration against deep-rooted anomalies in society. The lack of inclusion in development efforts and the growing unemployment had created immense pressure among young people, which ultimately surfaced through the movement."He stressed that ensuring the security of the private sector is fundamentally the government's responsibility. "We will guarantee security for the private sector. Establishing good governance, curbing corruption, and creating an environment where citizens can live with dignity are the forms of security."According to him, preliminary assessments showed the recent protests caused physical infrastructure damage worth approximately Rs 78 billion. Official data showed that around 2,900 buildings across 55 districts were damaged. He added that the government had allocated Rs 120 billion from the current fiscal year's budget for reconstruction efforts.The Minister further stated that honest businesspeople will no longer be subjected to unnecessary burdens such as full audits. He emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms in the tax system. A thriving business climate, Khanal said, is essential if the nation expects to see growth in revenue collection.Finance Secretary Ghanashyam Upadhyay stressed that boosting employment-oriented investment is the need of the hour. He highlighted the importance of adopting a faceless audit system and further strengthening revenue administration. "The Ministry remains fully committed to listening to the concerns and issues raised by taxpayers," he added.Revenue Secretary Bhupal Baral added that to achieve revenue targets, it is crucial to control leakage, enhance administrative capacity, coordinate effectively with taxpayers, and utilize information technology and artificial intelligence. He, however, complained that frequent transfers of officials hindered performance-based work.Also speaking at the event, Chandra Prasad Dhakal, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), said that although the Gen Z movement raised important issues such as good governance, transparency, and corruption control, the attacks on private and commercial properties of entrepreneurs and businesspeople were unexpected and unacceptable. He added that despite ample liquidity in the market, delays in completing large-scale projects and the suspension of IPOs for many companies have discouraged the private sector.According to the Inland Revenue Department, this year's Tax Day is themed "The essence of the tax system, the foundation of investment".

Rastriya Samachar Samiti
Railway Stakes: eastern states raiders put under the microscope
Sports

Railway Stakes: eastern states raiders put under the microscope

The field for Saturday’s Group 1 $1.5 million Railway Stakes (1600m) has been confirmed with Grant and Alana Williams preparing $4 co-favourites Western Empire and Watch Me Rock at opposite ends of the weight scale as they brace for an interstate assault. Western Empire, reunited with successful Gold Rush partner Billy Egan, is the 58kg topweight, while William Pike’s choice, Watch Me Rock, is only one kilo off the minimum with 54kg. But three eastern states raiders have been thrown into the mix of this year’s Railway, with Iowna Merc ($17), Osipenko ($8) and Depth Of Character ($11) arriving by air on Monday night. So, who exactly are they? Bjorn Baker is no stranger to Ascot glory and he will bring Overpass back for a tilt at his third Winterbottom Stakes, however, he also presents Iowa Merc this week. The NSW galloper, who will carry 56.5kg, has only been tested over the mile journey once in his 29-start career, settling near last in this year’s Doncaster and failing to make any material inroads behind Stefi Magnetica. Prior to that run, he had sat second and grit out a narrow victory over Willaidow in the Ajax Stakes (1500m), his only other appearance beyond 1350m. Last start, he battled in the Russell Balding behind proven Group 1 performer Jimmysstar, weakening to be an 18-length last. Generally, he gets back to centre field or worse in his races, meaning a good barrier could be important for his prospects. Conversely, Osipenko is sure to get the trip, having won the January Cup (2000m) at Rosehill earlier this year before being extended out to as much as 2200m over the winter. Chris Waller’s gelding, who has received 55kg for the race, lugged 62kg a fortnight ago when scoring in the Little Dance (1600m) at Randwick. Travelling just worse than midfield, Osipenko raced three wide with cover before being produced down the home straight and getting up to beat Hollywood Hero and Anythink Goes. Although he has sparingly raced forward, all of the six-year-old’s form over the last year has been ridden cold and much nearer last than first. Annabel and Rob Archibald will follow the same recipe that proved so lucrative last year with Port Lockroy when they instead bring Depth Of Character for the 2025 edition. The four-year-old’s form reads similarly to Port Lockroy, who was beaten two lengths in both the Silver and Golden Eagle before his Railway win. Depth Of Character, who has a similar racing pattern to his invading contemporaries, was last on straightening and badly held up when a four-length eighth behind Linebacker in the Silver Eagle (1300m) before plugging home gamely when two lengths from unbeaten superstar Autumn Glow in the Golden Eagle (1500m). Port Lockroy carried 53kg last year but Depth Of Character’s 53.5kg is made more attractive when considering there were six horses on the minimum mark last year and only one (Storyville) this year.

Hayden King
Previous 17 18 19 20 21 Next