jili pagcor
Financial and community hurdles slow geothermal energy development in Southeast Asia
Gabriel mimics Gyokeres in cheeky goal celebration in Arsenal win over Sporting in Champions League
Trump nominates Pam Bondi for attorney general
The US saw a dramatic rise in homelessness at the start of 2024, counting 18% more unhoused people during its annual tally in January than the year before, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (Hud) reported on Friday. Cities reported counting a total of 771,480 unhoused people in January, a number that is larger than the population of Seattle. Representing 23 out of every 10,000 Americans, the number is the highest ever recorded during the tally. Still, experts consider the number an undercount, since it reflects one point in time and misses many people staying with friends or family. Hud found homelessness at record highs among nearly all demographic groups, but the largest increase was documented among families with children. Nearly 150,000 children were counted during the tally. Only one community saw a decrease in homelessness rates: veterans. Due to targeted and sustained funding efforts to reduce veteran homelessness, Hud reports, the number of veterans experiencing homelessness decreased about 8% from 2023 (the rate has decreased 55% since 2009). The report names several factors that probably contributed to 2024’s record rates of homelessness: a nationwide affordable housing crisis, rising inflation, stagnating wages, systemic racism, public health crises, natural disasters, immigration and an end to pandemic-era social supports like the expanded child tax credit. When the data was collected in January, more than 5,200 people were sleeping in disaster emergency shelters in Hawaii, following the fire in Maui. Other natural disasters, like Hurricanes Helene and Milton, saw families displaced later in the year. In January, cities were also working to shelter a rising number of asylum seekers – many of whom were families. Many cities have since closed their migrant shelter systems as rates of unauthorized border crossings fell this year. In a press release , Hud noted that cities such as Dallas and Los Angeles had implemented programs that have successfully reduced local homelessness levels, like Dallas’s Street to Home Initiative and Los Angeles’s investments in affordable housing. “No American should face homelessness, and the Biden-Harris administration is committed to ensuring every family has access to the affordable, safe and quality housing they deserve,” said Adrianne Todman, head of Hud. “While this data is nearly a year old, and no longer reflects the situation we are seeing, it is critical that we focus on evidence-based efforts to prevent and end homelessness.” Alongside data on childhood and veteran homelessness, the report offers other insights into the demographic breakdowns of communities experiencing homelessness. The report found that a growing number of older adults (those aged 55 and up) are unhoused, totalling one in every five people counted in the report. It also found that Black Americans are disproportionately unhoused: people who identify as Black make up 12% of the US population, but represent 32% of all people experiencing homelessness. The report also offered more insight into the shelter population. While about 72% of unhoused women and girls live in shelters, nearly 70% of men and boys (and more than 80% of those identifying as gender questioning) are unsheltered. Meanwhile, Black and Hispanic Americans are more likely to be living in shelter systems (about 86% of those communities) while American Indians and Alaska Natives have the lowest sheltered rates at just under 50%. The report comes as cities across the US have stepped up anti-encampment policies, following a June supreme court ruling that allows local authorities to prohibit camping in public even if no shelter beds are available. Since then, more than 100 cities have banned encampments. “Increased homelessness is the tragic, yet predictable, consequence of underinvesting in the resources and protections that help people find and maintain safe, affordable housing,” Renee Willis, incoming interim CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, said in a statement . “As advocates, researchers, and people with lived experience have warned, the number of people experiencing homelessness continues to increase as more people struggle to afford sky-high housing costs.”
The Giants won’t have defensive end Azeez Ojulari in the lineup for a while. Ojulari injured his toe in last Sunday’s loss to the Buccaneers and Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that the team put him on injured reserve Tuesday. Ojulari will have to miss the next four games and the Giants only have six games left, so there’s likely a chance he’s played his final snaps of the season. If that turns out to be the case, Ojulari may have also played his final snaps with the Giants. The 2021 second-round pick is on track for free agency come 2025. Ojulari had 28 tackles, six sacks, 10 quarterback hits, and a fumble recovery in his 11 appearances this season. Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reports that the Giants have also claimed tight end Greg Dulcich off waivers. Dulcich was dropped by the Broncos on Monday.Bitcoin storms above $100,000 as Trump 2.0 fuels crypto euphoria
Telangana govt to introduce Bhumata Bill
Regtech Market Market , 33% of Growth to Originate from North America, Technavio
( ) stock jumped on Thursday after the software maker swung to a profit for its third quarter while revenue topped views while revenue guidance met expectations. The company reported October quarter results after the market close. On the , shares jumped more than 19% to 18.40 in extended trading. In the Asana earnings report, the software maker reported a 2-cent profit on an adjusted basis vs. a 4-cent loss in the year-ago period. Analysts had predicted a loss of 7 cents per share. Revenue rose 10% to 183.9 million, topping views of $180.6 million. For the quarter ending in January, Asana forecast revenue of $188 million vs. estimates of $187.8 million. Asana's work management platform that helps users orchestrate work, from daily tasks to cross-functional strategic initiatives. Rivals include ( ). Heading into the Asana earnings report, the software stock was down 18% in 2024. Asana stock owned an IBD Relative Strength Rating of 56 out of a best-possible 99, according to .India Inc Friday condoled the passing away of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh , saying he had conceptualised India's resurgence with pathbreaking reforms across all areas of the economy. ET Year-end Special Reads Two sectors that rose on India's business horizon in 2024 2025 outlook: Is it time for cautious optimism or rekindling animal spirits? 2024: Govt moves ahead with simultaneous polls plan; India holds largest democratic exercise The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) termed Singh as the architect of India's economic liberalisation and the father of economic reforms , recognising his contribution to introducing the Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation (LPG) reforms in 1991. "With his visionary leadership, he set India on a new journey of growth, all-round development and global engagement. Always humble, he impressed us all with his academic insights, deep learning and warmth," said Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Under his leadership as finance minister and later as prime minister, India witnessed unprecedented economic growth and emerged as a global economic powerhouse , FICCI said in a statement. "His visionary policies and unwavering commitment to inclusive growth have left an indelible mark on India's economic landscape," it said. Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrows Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program FICCI also recalled the industry body's long association with the former prime minister. "As prime minister, he supported FICCI by providing valuable guidance on industrial growth and economic policies," it added. Industry body Assocham underscored Singh's role in the Indian economy's transformation from a controlled economy to a vibrant global economic powerhouse. "An outstanding economist, he helped India's journey from a controlled economy to a vibrant global economic powerhouse. The journey of reforms which began in the early 1990s continues at a new pace," said Sanjay Nayar, president, Assocham. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) mourned the loss of the former prime minister, saying, "His leadership and pivotal role in India's economic reforms have left an indelible mark on the nation's progress." (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield reverses decision to put a time limit on anesthesia
: As part of an initiative to enhance fire safety protocols, the state disaster response and fire services department would hereafter demand installation of modern fire safety equipment in all new skyscrapers. New fire safety regulations integrate advanced technological solutions including the utilisation of drones to improve the fire fighting process, stated fire services director general, Madireddy Pratap. This decision follows a series of fire incidents in high-rise buildings. The DG has said drones will substantially contribute to monitoring fire conditions, evaluating damage and assisting fire-fighting efforts. He called for the installation of fire exits on multiple sides of newly constructed skyscrapers and the provision of advanced fire-fighting tools, such as drones and sky saviour bags, to fire prevention teams. The DG said fire safety drones, capable of transporting and discharging 20kg of DCB powder, present an economical approach to fire extinguishment. Sky saviour bags, designed for emergency evacuations, allow individuals to safely leap from buildings in the event of a fire. These technologies were recently demonstrated at the Ramakrishna Towers in Vijayawada city, effectively showcasing their capabilities in fire prevention and response, he said. Pratap told “The updated fire safety guidelines will require all new and existing skyscrapers to be equipped with contemporary fire safety systems, including smoke management mechanisms, fire-resistant materials, and automated DCB sprinkler systems.” The integration of drones is anticipated to provide real-time data and enhance coordination during fire emergencies. The authorities would undertake regular inspections and enforce adherence to the new regulations to uphold elevated safety standards, he said.SYDNEY, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vast Renewables Limited ("Vast”) (Nasdaq: VSTE), a leading Australian green energy technology company, held its Annual General Meeting ("AGM”) on November 27, updating shareholders on progress towards deploying its next generation concentrated solar power ("CSP”) solution to deliver clean, continuous dispatchable power and heat. The AGM saw Vast's Chairman, Peter Botten, and CEO, Craig Wood, provide updates on the company's achievements throughout 2024 and the outlook for the year ahead. All resolutions were successfully passed at the AGM, with Craig Wood, Colin Richardson and William Restrepo all re-elected as Directors. The AGM follows Vast's recent announcement that it has signed an updated funding agreement to access up to $30 million of its existing $65 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency ("ARENA”). The funding and Vast's progress throughout 2024 pave the way for another successful year ahead. Vast's technology is set to be deployed at utility-scale in Port Augusta, South Australia at the Vast Solar 1 ("VS1”) project to deliver green, reliable and affordable energy for South Australia's grid. The technology will also power a world-first co-located renewable methanol production facility, Solar Methanol 1 ("SM1”). A real world, in-demand application for hydrogen, renewable methanol has the potential to decarbonise shipping and is already being used to power major container vessels. Leveraging Australia's natural resources, the projects are set to be a catalyst for a domestic Australian CSP industry, creating highly skilled green manufacturing and operational jobs, and helping Australia become an export powerhouse by supplying Australian green technology to clean energy projects around the world. Vast is attracting significant interest from major investors, industry and international governments. Along with funding from ARENA, Vast is backed by EDF and Nabors Industries, and Vast's renewable methanol project is supported by Mabanaft and the German Government. The following addresses were made by Vast's Chairman Peter Botten and CEO Craig Wood during Vast's Annual General Meeting on November 27, 2024. Chairman's Address from Peter Botten 2024 has been a pivotal year in the growth of Vast since the business combination with Nabors Energy Transition Corp was completed in December last year. Significant progress has been made this year towards Vast's vision of delivering continuous, carbon free energy to the world, leveraging our next generation CSP technology As announced earlier this week, Vast has secured up to $30m of funding from ARENA. This is an important signal of confidence from ARENA in the potential of Vast's technology to power Australia's energy transition, and we're grateful for their ongoing support. Vast continues to progress towards final investment decision on our utility-scale CSP reference project in Port Augusta, South Australia (VS1). The project paves the way for Vast's pipeline of utility-scale projects in Australia and internationally. Alongside generating green electricity for the grid, we believe Vast's technology will have a key role to play in reducing the cost of sustainable fuels production. Vast is also progressing a co-located renewable methanol production facility (SM1) at the Port Augusta site, partnering with German fuels giant Mabanaft on that project. During the year, Vast also expanded its presence in the US market, signing a project development partnership with Houston-based renewables developer GGS Energy. As Vast looks to 2025, the key focus will be on: CEO's Address from Craig Wood As Peter mentioned, our utility-scale CSP reference project in Port Augusta, VS1, is progressing well. The plant will have 30MW capacity and 8 hours of thermal storage, providing dispatchable overnight power critical to stabilising South Australia's grid. We recently finalised the FEED stage and we're working diligently with our partners towards achieving Final Investment Decision in Q1 2025 with construction to commence shortly thereafter. The project has received support from the Australian Government, including from ARENA and the Department for Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water. The co-located renewable methanol plant, SM1, is also progressing well through the pre-FEED stage. The project will produce 7,500 tonnes of renewable methanol per annum, which will help decarbonise the local maritime industry. As a world-first project, we're thrilled to be partnering with German company Mabanaft on this effort. Financial close is currently targeted for 2025. Vast continues to strengthen our market-leading proprietary CSP technology, and to build out our manufacturing capability ahead of delivering Vast equipment into the VS1 project. Our solution leverages the abundant sunshine in sunbelt countries like Australia to power homes, industry and transport with green, reliable and affordable energy. We continue to improve the cost and performance of our modular, scalable technology, and to de-risk its manufacture and operation. Vast equipment is currently being produced at our facility in Queensland, Australia, and we'll be scaling up our manufacturing capability to deliver to the Port Augusta projects starting in 2025. Throughout 2024, we've also invested in our business systems and capabilities to set ourselves up for success. Vast has had a strong emphasis on safety during 2024, and we are focused on improving our safety performance as we head towards construction on site next year. We are investing in a new ERP to replace legacy systems as our requirements continue to evolve. We are also developing the quality and project control systems necessary to deliver the Port Augusta projects. All of this activity means Vast's team has continued to grow throughout the year, both in Australia and the US. This growth will continue early into 2025, and then accelerate as we move into construction of the VS1 and SM1 projects. As Peter mentioned, we were delighted to announce earlier this week that Vast continues to enjoy strong support from ARENA as evidenced by up to $30m of funding being made available to the business, subject to certain milestones being achieved. This funding is important as it creates a runway to support Vast in completing the necessary activities to achieve financial close on VS1 and SM1, and to continue the build out of our Australian green technology manufacturing business. As part of that release, we also updated the estimated capital cost for VS1 to AUD360-390million. We look forward to another successful year in 2025 as we move into construction on VS1 and SM1, deliver Vast technology through our manufacturing business, and expand our project development pipeline in Australia, the US and other global markets. We thank you, our shareholders, all of our partners and our employees for their ongoing support. About Vast Vast is a renewable energy company that has CSP systems to generate, store, and dispatch carbon-free, utility-scale electricity, industrial heat, or a combination to enable the production of sustainable fuels. Vast's CSP v3.0 approach utilises a proprietary, modular sodium loop to efficiently capture and convert solar heat into these end products. On December 19, 2023, Vast listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "VSTE”, while remaining headquartered in Australia. Visit www.vast.energy for more information. Contacts For Investors: Caldwell Bailey ICR, Inc. [email protected] For US media: Matt Dallas ICR, Inc. [email protected] For Australian media: Nick Albrow Wilkinson Butler [email protected] Forward Looking Statements The information included herein and in any oral statements made in connection herewith include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included herein, regarding the Port Augusta project, Vast's future financial performance, Vast's strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used herein, including any oral statements made in connection herewith, the words "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "project," "should," "will," the negative of such terms and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on Vast management's current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, Vast disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. Vast cautions you that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of Vast. These risks include, but are not limited to, general economic, financial, legal, political and business conditions and changes in domestic and foreign markets; Vast's ability to obtain financing on commercially acceptable terms or at all; Vast's ability to manage growth; Vast's ability to execute its business plan, including the completion of the Port Augusta project , at all or in a timely manner and meet its projections; potential litigation, governmental or regulatory proceedings, investigations or inquiries involving Vast, including in relation to Vast's recent business combination; the inability to recognize the anticipated benefits of Vast's recent business combination; costs related to that business combination; changes in applicable laws or regulations and general economic and market conditions impacting demand for Vast's products and services. Additional risks are set forth in the section titled "Risk Factors" in the Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended June 30, 2024, dated September 9, 2024, as amended on November 7, 2024, and other documents filed, or to be filed with the SEC by Vast. Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described herein and in any oral statements made in connection therewith occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning these and other factors that may impact Vast's expectations can be found in Vast's periodic filings with the SEC. Vast's SEC filings are available publicly on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov
Bombers GM Walters sees no need to blow up roster despite another Grey Cup lossUnited Rugby Championship: Connacht v Ulster Venue: The Sportsground, Galway Date: Saturday, 28 December Kick-off: 19:35 GMT Coverage: Listen on BBC Sounds & Radio Ulster; live text updates, reaction and highlights on BBC Sport website & app Ulster back row Nick Timoney says he will never take his place in the squad for granted after years of watching players come and go at Kingspan Stadium. Having won 155 caps since his debut in 2017, Timoney is one of the most experienced players in an increasingly youthful Ulster squad. However, when he was breaking through, the Dubliner admitted to being struck by how the departure of seasoned campaigners alters the team dynamic. "My first couple of years at Ulster, I remember there were loads of lads who left, the Tommys [Bowe], the Trimbys [Andrew Trimble], Roger Wilsons and Ruan Pienaars all left," recalled Timoney when asked about his close friend Greg Jones leaving the club earlier this year. "I remember thinking it's quite a striking element because the whole team dynamic seems to change. "I swore to myself that I'd never take it for granted, that people always come and go. You obviously get very close with people and you don't want to forget that. But when it's you that's been around longer and it's some of your friends that are going, it feels a little bit different. "It's the nature of it but it's tough, it's sad. Every year, there's reasoning and logic behind it, the progression, that's just the way it is and it'll be me one day as well, I'm sure." While several players have committed their long-term future to Ulster in recent months, Timoney - who is out of contract in the summer - is yet to pen a fresh deal. "I'd say there's a good chance, I don't know," he said when asked if he will be at Ulster next season. "I think everyone just wants to get things going in the right direction and see. I'm loving my time at Ulster. As much as there are disappointments and we're struggling at the moment, I have full faith we can get it going in the right direction again." Timoney has made three appearances for Ulster since returning from a frustrating autumn campaign with Ireland. While fellow Ulster forward Cormac Izuchukwu was handed his debut by head coach Andy Farrell, Timoney was denied a first cap in two years. "Pretty difficult, to be fair," Timoney said when asked about his conversation with Farrell. "I go into a campaign with Ireland thinking this is going to be the one that everything changes and I'll get another chance and get myself into that team properly. "I've done that in the last few [camps] but unfortunately it hasn't quite been coming for the last while. I haven't played in a couple of years. He told me to keep the faith and keep doing what I'm doing and keep pushing to get better." Rather than sulking, Timoney says he will use his recent lack of game-time with Ireland as fuel in his quest to become a regular fixture at Test level. "I certainly know I'm not the perfect player or finished product so you have to be real with yourself and your ego there," he admitted. "You're obviously upset but nobody owes the chance to play for Ireland. "It's not anyone else's problem, it's my problem. I have to get better and go harder every week and get to the point where they can't ignore me. That's probably on me if they feel they're not obligated to pick me. It's on me to play better and I've certainly been trying."