Latest news with #Sarah
NDTV
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Chef Sarah Todd Brings Hyderabad's Qubani Ka Meetha To MasterChef Australia
Hyderabadi cuisine is gaining popularity worldwide and attracting visitors, celebrities, and popular chefs. Among these is the famous Hyderabadi dessert Khubani ka Meetha or Qubani ka Meetha, also called Apricot Delight, which is made with apricots and cream or custard. It is usually served at festivals and weddings in Hyderabad. Thanks to famous chef Sarah Todd, this iconic Hyderabad treat has now reached a global audience through MasterChef Australia. Sarah recently envisaged a contemporary version of the Apricot Delight that honours its cultural origins while presenting it to a global audience. Sarah Todd's Version Of Qubani Ka Meetha Or Apricot Delight With her creative twist on Apricot Delight, returning contender Sarah Todd elevated a taste of Hyderabad as one of her competition dishes in the most recent episode of MasterChef Australia: Back to Win. The ingredients used were apricot rosemary sauce, roasted nectarines, almond cake, cinnamon, sugar, white chocolate Chantilly, bourbon, apricot sorbet, and mandarin. This traditional Hyderabadi dessert featured layers of cake, cream, custard, and apricots. Judge Andy Allen questioned Sarah about the recipe's inspiration, to which the celebrity chef replied that Apricot Delight is a delicacy that is often available on Hyderabad's streets. She expressed her desire to preserve the essence of the dish while experimenting with its flavours. Judge Jean-Christophe Novelli praised Todd's rendition of the dessert, calling it "just perfect" and "balanced," while judge Andy Allen referred to it as "a million bucks." "Qubani ka Meetha (Apricot Delight) is one of the first desserts I truly fell in love with in India," Sarah wrote on Instagram following the episode's airing. She referred to her platter as "a little love letter to Hyderabad." MasterChef Australia also shared Sarah Todd's clip from the episode on their official Instagram account. 'Sarah's apri-got it!' they captioned the post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MasterChef Australia (@masterchefau) Several users, apparently Indian, reacted to the post. One commented, 'Sarah Todd, celebrating Indian flavours. Apricot delight is one the bestest desserts..' ' Khubani ka meetha... a beautiful delicious ode to the city of Nizams Hyderabad,' a second comment read. 'Thank you for celebrating Indian culture,' another commented. 'Hope to see more Hyderabadi recipes in MasterChef,' wrote one. Sarah Todd is intricately linked to the Indian city of Hyderabad. She has made several trips to the city over the years, trying the street food, talking to the locals surrounding Charminar, and publicly declaring her love for Irani Chai. Sarah, who is known for having a keen interest in Indian food, has often cited Hyderabad as a source of inspiration and a strong sense of culinary identity.
Edinburgh Live
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
ITV Emmerdale fans 'work out' major bombshell plot twist as icon 'set to return'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Emmerdale enthusiasts are speculating a surrogacy plot twist for Sarah Sugden, and they believe they've figured out who will bear her child. Sarah (played by Katie Hill), the offspring of Andy Sugden (Kelvin Fletcher) and Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb), has certainly experienced her fair share of turmoil during her time in the Dales. The character has spent a significant portion of her life in hospital due to a life-altering diagnosis. Sarah was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder known as Fanconi anaemia when she was just six years old. This diagnosis necessitated a life-saving bone marrow transplant and a heart transplant, leaving her anxious about her lifespan compared to her fellow villagers. In addition to this, Sarah has fought cancer twice and suffered from heart failure in 2018, a side effect of chemotherapy, reports Belfast Live. Recently, Sarah has expressed a strong desire to have a baby and underwent IVF treatment. However, during the process, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. In upcoming episodes, Sarah is scheduled to undergo surgery for her cancer. But things take an unexpected turn when a surgeon informs her grandmother Charity (Emma Atkins) that the operation didn't go as planned. Now, fans are convinced that Sarah will opt for surrogacy, and they think they've deduced who will carry her baby - a returning soap legend. On an Emmerdale Facebook fan page, one individual speculated: "I have a feeling Sarah will be unable to have a baby. Her carrying a baby was already incredibly risky so I think there's going to be a surrogacy person concurred: "I thought that too. " A third fan suggested Sarah's mum Debbie as a potential surrogate for Sarah's child." I did think of Charity as the surrogate but maybe Debbie could do it?" they pondered. Another agreed: "I'd love that, and then she can finally return!" Debbie Dingle is a soap icon, having made her first appearance in 2002. As Cain's (Jeff Hordley) daughter, she has been involved in numerous major storylines until her departure in 2021.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
AI that acts, not just answers: How Agentic AI is redefining the future of work
Sarah, an HR director at a mid-size tech company, used to spend her Monday mornings drowning in resumes. Hundreds of applications for a single software engineer position would pile up over the weekend, each requiring careful review. Today, she walks into the office to find that her AI assistant has already screened, ranked, and even conducted preliminary assessments of candidates. But rather than feeling replaced, Sarah feels liberated. She can now spend her time on what she loves most: connecting with people and building the company culture. This isn't a distant future scenario. It's happening right now, as Agentic AI transforms how we work, how we hire, and how we think about the very nature of employment itself. What is Agentic AI? Understanding the technology that's changing everything Imagine having an incredibly capable colleague who never sleeps, never gets overwhelmed, and can juggle dozens of complex tasks simultaneously. That's essentially what Agentic AI brings to the workplace. Unlike the AI tools you might use to write emails or create presentations, Agentic AI systems don't wait for your instructions; they think ahead, make decisions, and take action to solve problems on their own. "Agentic AI is, at the core, the autonomous nature of agents that can perform tasks, autonomously, semi-autonomously, mimicking human-like behaviour to enhance the workflow," explains Anthony Abbatiello, partner and workforce transformation leader at PwC. But here's what makes it truly revolutionary: these systems learn from every interaction, becoming more effective partners over time. Think of it as the difference between a calculator and a skilled accountant. A calculator waits for you to input numbers, while an accountant anticipates your needs, identifies potential issues, and suggests solutions before you even realise there's a problem. Why Agentic AI isn't just 'another AI tool' Many people confuse Agentic AI with Generative AI , the technology behind ChatGPT and similar tools. It's an understandable mistake, but the difference is profound and worth understanding if you want to prepare for what's coming. Generative AI is like having a brilliant writer on your team. Ask it to create a job description, draft an email, or summarise a report, and it delivers exactly what you requested. It's reactive, responsive, and incredibly useful for content creation. Agentic AI is like having a proactive business partner. It doesn't wait for assignments. Instead, it observes patterns, identifies opportunities, and takes initiative. While Generative AI helps you create better content, Agentic AI helps you make better decisions and automate entire workflows. Picture this: Your company's turnover rate in the sales department suddenly spikes. Generative AI could help you write a survey to understand why people are leaving. Agentic AI would automatically detect the pattern, analyse exit interview data, identify the root causes, and even suggest specific interventions, all before you realise there's a problem. Agentic AI vs AI Agents: Clarifying the terminology The terms 'Agentic AI' and 'AI Agents' are often used interchangeably, but there's a subtle distinction. AI Agents are the individual software entities that perform specific tasks, while Agentic AI refers to the broader technology and approach that enables these agents to operate autonomously. Think of AI Agents as the workforce, and Agentic AI as the intelligence system that empowers them to work independently. The human stories behind HR transformation: How AI agents are helping AI agents aren't just streamlining workflows; they're reshaping the HR experience. Here are a few examples of how that shift is playing out on the ground. #Story 1: Recruitment: From resume sorting to relationship building Meet Ahmed, a talent acquisition specialist who used to spend 70% of his time on administrative tasks. Sorting resumes, scheduling interviews, sending rejection emails—it was necessary work, but it wasn't why he got into HR. He wanted to discover talent, build relationships, and help people find their dream jobs. Today, Ahmed works alongside AI agents that handle the initial screening process. But here's what's interesting: the technology doesn't just make his job easier—it makes him better at the human parts of his role. With routine tasks automated, Ahmed now spends his time on strategic conversations with hiring managers, creating compelling candidate experiences, and building the company's employer brand. The numbers tell the story: organisations using Agentic AI in recruitment report 40-60% improvements in process efficiency, but more importantly, they're seeing higher candidate satisfaction scores and better long-term retention rates. #Story 2: Skills development: Personal AI career coaches Laila, a marketing manager at a Fortune 500 company, received an unexpected message last month: her company's AI system suggested she take a course in data analytics. Not because she was failing at her job, but because the system had analysed industry trends and predicted that marketing roles would increasingly require analytical skills over the next two years. This isn't Big Brother watching, it's more like having a career coach who never sleeps and has access to every job market trend in real-time. The AI doesn't just identify skill gaps; it creates personalised learning paths, connects employees with mentors, and even suggests internal projects where they can practice new skills. The result? Jennifer now leads her company's marketing analytics initiative, a role that didn't exist six months ago but emerged from the intersection of her existing expertise and the skills the AI helped her develop. The real-world impact: Humans and Agentic AI as partners The future of work isn't about humans versus machines; it's about humans with machines. This partnership is creating new possibilities that neither could achieve alone. Consider the story of McKinsey's implementation of Agentic AI that offers a glimpse into how this technology works in practice. Rather than deploying a single AI system, they created a network of specialised agents, each with specific expertise. One agent specialises in data cleaning and candidate identification, sifting through vast databases to find potential matches. Another focuses on scoring and ranking, using sophisticated algorithms to assess candidate fit. A third handles scheduling and communication, managing the complex logistics of coordinating interviews across multiple time zones. The human recruiters? They're doing what humans do best: building relationships, assessing cultural fit, and making the final decisions that require intuition, empathy, and strategic thinking. The technology amplified their capabilities rather than replacing them. Navigating the challenges: Keeping humanity at the centre As powerful as Agentic AI is, it brings challenges that require thoughtful, human-centred solutions. The risk isn't just technological, it's deeply human. The bias challenge: AI systems can perpetuate and amplify human biases, potentially making discrimination more systematic and harder to detect. This is why companies like Unilever have invested heavily in bias detection systems and diverse training data, ensuring their AI agents promote fairness rather than undermine trust factor: Employees need to understand and trust the AI systems they work with. This requires transparency, training, and ongoing communication about how these systems make decisions and what role humans play in skills evolution: As AI handles more routine tasks, humans need to develop uniquely human skills: creativity, emotional intelligence, complex problem-solving, and ethical reasoning. The most successful organisations are investing heavily in helping their people develop these capabilities. What does this means for you Whether you're an HR professional, a manager, or someone planning your career, the rise of Agentic AI has practical implications: For HR professionals: Your role is evolving from administrator to strategist. The routine tasks that once consumed your time are becoming automated, freeing you to focus on culture building, strategic planning, and complex managers: You're gaining AI-powered insights that can help you make better decisions about team composition, skill development, and performance management. But the human skills of coaching, motivation, and relationship building become more important than individual contributors: The most valuable employees will be those who can work effectively with AI systems while bringing uniquely human capabilities to their roles. This means developing skills in creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. The data behind the transformation The numbers reveal the scope of this transformation: According to Salesforce research, 73% of HR leaders expect Agentic AI to significantly impact their function within the next two yearsEarly adopters report 30% reductions in time-to-hire for critical positionsSkills-based hiring, enabled by AI insights, is becoming the preferred approach for 65% of forward-thinking organisationsCompanies using AI-human partnerships report 25% higher employee engagement scores But perhaps the most telling statistic is this: 89% of employees working with Agentic AI systems report feeling more fulfilled in their roles, not less. They're not competing with machines, they're collaborating with them to achieve things neither could accomplish alone. Looking forward: A more human future of work As we stand at the threshold of this transformation, it's worth remembering that the goal isn't to replace human judgment, creativity, and connection; it's to amplify these uniquely human capabilities. Agentic AI handles the routine so humans can focus on the remarkable. The organisations that succeed in this new era will be those that remember a fundamental truth: technology serves people, not the other way around. They'll use Agentic AI to create more meaningful work, stronger relationships, and better outcomes for everyone involved. The future of work isn't about humans versus AI, it's about humans and AI working together to create something better than either could achieve alone. And that future is arriving faster than most people realise. Sarah, the HR director we met at the beginning, puts it best: "AI didn't replace me, it freed me to be more human in my work. I spend less time on spreadsheets and more time with people. That's exactly what I hoped technology would do."
Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Woman says she 'can't stand' when people don't use app fairly
A woman was left seething at the way some people behave on Vinted, saying that she doesn't mind it when people use the app fairly, but sometimes it can grind her gears A Vinted user has shared her "frustrations" with the app, saying that she doesn't know how people use it regularly. Sarah Penney asked as part of her TikTok caption: "How do some of you do this all the time? Vinted is driving me nuts". She explained that she doesn't have a business on there, it's literally a case of she's got "some s***" and wants to "make a few pounds," saying she believed that to be the "perfect" and "original way to use Vinted". Sarah explained that she put a pair of " Bridal shoes" on the app, explaining that they're "white with like a pearl thing on them," saying that she wore them "once" to her "brother's wedding". She shared that she wouldn't "wear them again," so thought rather than letting them sit in a cupboard she'd get a bit of money for them. Sarah did say that there was a tiny mark on the sole, but other than that, they were in "perfect" condition, so she thought she'd "chuck them on for £3.50. She explained: "This person sends me an offer, 'Would you take £2.50?' I said 'I'm sorry, you know, but I do think £3.50 is a fair price' and they came back and were like 'Yeah, but when the postage and packaging and buyer protection is added on it just drives the cost up'." Sarah then seethed that she doesn't get the buyer protection fee or the postage and packaging money, all she'd get would be £2.50, saying that they're "lovely" shoes, so if the woman wanted them, she should "just buy them". She then shared another time where someone tried to low-ball her for an item she'd uploaded. Sarah said that she'd put on a pair of pyjamas for £2 because she knew she "wouldn't wear them again". But it was what a Vinted buyer did next that irritated her. "This woman sends me an offer...£1.80. 20p less. I was like, just f****** buy them, Sandra. I'm not even joking, I'm that petty, I declined. No! Like, they're two pounds. Why are you offering me £1.80?" she raged. Sarah then clarified that she's not saying that people shouldn't "make offers," because she has in the past. "If something's £45, you offer £40, you chance your arm, see what happens. But it's £2! For the love of all that is holy in this world, it is two quid for some pyjamas, that you're probably gonna wear a few times and then put back on Vinted again and you'll put them on for more than I have," she joked. She then said that her "gears were fully grinded with this Vinted palava". Someone in the comments penned: "I just decline. It's ridiculous. I put a £75 dress on that I had worn once, so it was perfect, listed for £20. Keep getting offers of £15. I'd rather give it to a charity shop than accept a rubbish offer!" Another wrote: "Somebody made a bundle of 2 items the other day, which was supposed to be £2.14 with the bundle discount…. She offered me £2!! I s*** you not. I just accepted. I thought you enjoy your 14p hun!" A Vinted user shared how she uses the app, saying: "I think I only ever put an offer in once to a seller and the item was initially like £45 and I asked if they'll take £40 like what you did but I felt so bad for doing that so I only heart an item and if it goes lower in price then I'll buy it when it's at a price I prefer to pay. "Anything that's already at a bargain price or under £10 is something no one should quibble about spending the money on!"
Time Business News
a day ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Your Essential Guide to Non-Bank Lenders in Sydney: Real Solutions for Real People
Are you struggling to get financing through traditional banks? Don't worry, you're not alone. All across Sydney all the way from the bustling roads that run through Parramatta and the waterfront homes in Manly the non-bank lenders of Sydney have become vital financial resources for investors, homeowners, as well as business owners. As a Sydney-based finance expert with more than a decade's experience, I've helped thousands of people navigate this loan landscape. Last month, I saw an unmarried couple from Newtown get their home by utilizing a non-bank lender, after three major banks refused the couple due to 'unconventional income' – proving that solutions are available if you are aware of where to search. What Truly Sets Non-Bank Lenders Apart in Sydney Non-bank lenders Sydney are not regulated by bank licenses which frees them from the strict rules of institutional banks. Consider Michael's situation: banks refused the Redfern mortgage application due to the fact that the applicant had changed jobs twice in the last year. However, the Sydney non-bank lender backed the loan within 72 hours after studying his regular six-figure income and demand from the industry. They are specialized in Sydney-specific solutions such as: Historic property finance: for those gorgeous Paddington terraces that banks consider 'too risky' Auction ready pre-approvals: to be competitive in the fierce housing market Health practice loan: to specialists in Macquarie Park Finance for bridges: where settlement dates conflict The Nuts & Bolts of How do They Work In my brokering course I was able to understand how non bank lenders Sydney are moving faster Flexible assessment They'll take into consideration those BAS reports when banks request tax returns Local decision makers Credit officers truly know Sydney's peculiar property rules Specialised financing Many concentrate on specific areas such as equipment or construction finance Just yesterday, I assisted an Surry Hills cafe owner secure an expansion loan by using her EFTPOS documents as proof something that traditional lenders would not even consider. Who Benefits From Non-Bank Solutions? Property Buyers Hitting Brick Walls Sydney's auction madness demands creative solutions: Creatives who are self-employed in Newtown/Enmore contractors with a fluctuating source of income Divorcees needing quick buyout funds Remember the unfinished cottage in Balmain? The major banks were scared of the property's 'potential structural issues', but a non-bank lending institution saw the value of the property and financed the purchase. Business Owners Needing Breathing Room For Sydney's 220,000+ small-scale businesses Non-bank lenders in Sydney offer: Repayment plans for the season for Bondi Ice cream shops Financing for equipment without security for property Urgent cash injections during growth spurts Sarah's Marrickville bakery required new ovens in time for Christmas. The banks wanted her house as collateral, but a nonbank lender took the equipment and paid the loan after five working days. Unique Financial Situations If banks are concerned about the red flags, other lenders Sydney can offer solutions: Credit repair paths following medical debt Property investments in SMSF using custom structures Foreign income issues for expats returning to the country Sydney's Non-Bank Lender Landscape Digital Mortgage Innovators Platforms such as- Tiimely can be extremely helpful for: Refinancing urgently to reduce mortgage stress Straightforward purchases under time pressure Competitive rates often beating big four banks Professional tip The AI-powered systems accept vanilla applications within 4 hours. This is ideal for auctions with last-minute bids. Specialist Commercial Financiers Firms such as Prospa and Liberty help solve a variety of issues: Cash flow problems are exacerbated by using invoices that are not paid Import finance for Alexandria manufacturers Tradie car loans without any documents Private Credit Boutiques These hidden gems excel at: Financing for heritage properties (think Glebe terraces) Luxury asset credit against art, boats or even art Complex development deals Recently, the government funded the construction of a $3.2 million conversion of a warehouse in St Peters after banks demanded impossible presales. Real Advantages You Won't Find Elsewhere Flexibility That Understands Sydney Life Non-bank lenders Sydney will accept the following terms that banks don't: Statements of BAS in the event that tax return data is a mess Contracts for short-term duration as legitimate income Future rental revenue to invest properties Goodwill of medical practices as collateral Speed That Matches Our City's Pace Critical timeframes that they provide: Pre-approvals for 48 hours for auctions on Saturday Business loans for the same day for emergencies Settlements of 72 hours– to avoid contract defaults In the last month I secured $850,000 in bridge financing in just only three days on behalf of a customer who's bank had delayed the settlement, helping them save their dream home. Human Decision-Making Contrary to banks' algorithms: Credit officers will actually look over your financial situation You get explanations for rejections Negotiation is usually possible. Key Watch-Outs When Considering Options Interest Rate Realities Although solutions are available, consider: More complex cases could attract a premium Always look at three offers and compare them. Fixed rates provide budgeting certainty Protecting Yourself Essential safeguards: Verify ASIC licenses via Verify AFCA membership to resolve disputes Examine files by contacting your broker Fee Transparency Keep an eye out for: Fees for establishments upfront (typically 0.5-2 percent) Costs for property valuation Early exit penalties based on fixed terms Finding Your Ideal Match Broker Connection Strategy As an Sydney finance expert I will always recommend: Find brokers who have the expertise in lending to non-banks Make sure to check, the diversity of their panel lenders. Find case studies that match your particular situation Direct Approach Checklist If you're going it alone: Lenders that you can match to your exact requirements Test their responsiveness using a phone Request references from local clients Verify the authenticity of your credentials independently Navigating the Application Process Paperwork You'll Actually Need Accelerate things by: ID: Driver's license + Medicare card Income proof: Payslips/BAS/contracts Asset documents: Titles or bank statements Information on the liability of the loan: Existing loan statements Realistic Timelines What can you expect to see: 24 – 48 hours for an initial evaluation 3-5 days for formal approval Same-day assistance for cases with simple needs Approval-Boosting Secrets Give credit blips a clear explanation in context You can provide additional documents, without being asked. Make sure to highlight solid security assets Find brokers who are familiar with the credit teams intimately Sydney-Specific Market Intel Hotspot Suburbs Parramatta: Commercial lending boom Eastern Suburbs: Financing for luxury assets Inner West: Renovation finance demand Northern Beaches: SMSF property expansion Emerging Trends Green loans to finance sustainability improvements Professional practice finance surge Western Sydney infrastructure-driven lending Your Top Questions Answered Are non-bank lenders Sydney options really safe ?Reputable ones are ASIC-licensed and AFCA-approved. Always verify before proceeding. Do multiple applications harm my credit score? Responsible applications have a minimal impact. Cluster inquiries are made within fourteen days. Why should you choose these instead of the traditional bank? If you need specialized solutions, speedier approvals or flexible criteria, banks won't beat. How can I identify untrustworthy operators? Request your Australian Credit Licence number. Verify it. No licence? Get rid of it. Final thoughts from an Sydney Insider Non-bank lenders Sydney offer vital financial solutions when traditional channels do not work. Their ability to assess specific circumstances, quick response times, and specialized skills make them indispensable in today's competitive market. While due diligence remains essential particularly in relation to rates and regulations they are able to transform unimaginable scenarios into success stories. While you look into alternatives, be aware that Sydney's finance landscape has more potential than ever. If you're bidding on a hot auction in Paddington or growing the scope of your Chatswood practice, or repairing credit in Liverpool Non bank lenders Sydney are ready to assist you achieve your goals. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
