Investment barriers at the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and the Office of the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC) must be addressed immediately to bolster investor confidence and increase investment growth, according to experts and top business leaders. The laws concerned must be amended right away in order to end the culture of bribery and establish corruption-free service organisations, they suggested. "Facilitation of trade and investment must be a priority. A trade and investment commission with active participation from the private sector is required," Ashraf Ahmed, president of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), said while speaking with The Daily Star recently. He added that many reforms could be implemented immediately, such as those that can be initiated through executive orders or require changes in the rules rather than the law. However, some major reforms will require changes to existing laws. So, they will require approval from parliament. According to Ahmed, numerous laws must be updated to reflect changing global circumstances and business needs. This includes the Companies Act 2014, Export Import Control Act 1950, Foreign Exchange Regulation Act 1947, Competition Act, Income Tax Act, Customs Act, and VAT Act. Ahmed said amending and updating these laws is required to create a conducive environment for investment. However, many reform opportunities which will not require changes in the law also exist, such as automation of filing procedures for the RJSC, Chief Controller of Import and Export or customs. Mohammed Amirul Haque, managing director of Premier Cement Mills, stressed the need for a platform that will focus on trade and investment as well as address problems and bottlenecks faced by entrepreneurs. He alleged that the inconsistent policy governing the adjustable advance income tax of investors was discouraging investment by increasing the business cost by around 10 percent. Haque added that entrepreneurs would have to keep a 35 percent profit margin to sustain the businesses in line with the existing income tax law. This type of bottleneck indirectly encourages the siphoning of money, he alleged. Asif Ibrahim, former president of DCCI, said the business community hopes the burning issues in the private sector of Bangladesh will now get due priority from the interim government. Ashik Chowdhury, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida), said he met over 300 chief executive officers over the past 50 days to identify the challenges faced by businesses and was focusing on addressing the barriers. "Basically, I am doing this to bring necessary changes and reforms to create a business-friendly environment," he said. According to Chowdhury, everybody acknowledges that corruption occurs at the NBR, posing a major obstacle to doing business transparently and smoothly. Zaved Akhter, president of the Foreign Investors' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), said although no reform commission has been formed regarding investment, all the reforms that have been taken will ultimately support investment and business. Bangladesh is the only country in the world where investors raise capital for investment from the money market, he said, while investors in other countries raise capital from the stock market. Reforms are needed in this area, he suggested. However, he said initiatives taken to change the structure of the stock market would undoubtedly support the investment. Investment reforms should come mainly from the Bida, where everything can be done under one umbrella, he said, adding: "If the initiatives taken by the BIDA can be implemented, the confidence of investors will increase." He added: "I am extremely confident that these changes will help create an environment for doing business." Mohammad Hatem, president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, said a zero-tolerance policy must be formulated immediately and implemented to improve the state of law and order. Additionally, he advocated for trade associations to be free of politics. M Masrur Reaz, chairman and chief executive officer of the Policy Exchange of Bangladesh, said think tanks have already conducted a lot of research on how to build an investment-friendly environment and attract FDI. "All the barriers have been detected. We just need the Bida or another high-powered government entity to address the issues by implementing the recommendations," he said. In order to boost the confidence of foreign investors, he emphasised the importance of improving the ease of doing business.
Foot Locker ( NYSE:FL – Get Free Report ) had its price target lowered by investment analysts at The Goldman Sachs Group from $25.00 to $22.00 in a report released on Thursday, Benzinga reports. The firm presently has a “sell” rating on the athletic footwear retailer’s stock. Several other research firms have also recently weighed in on FL. Gordon Haskett started coverage on shares of Foot Locker in a research report on Monday, October 7th. They issued an “accumulate” rating and a $27.00 price objective for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on shares of Foot Locker from $27.00 to $23.00 and set an “underweight” rating for the company in a report on Wednesday. UBS Group reduced their price objective on Foot Locker from $26.00 to $22.00 and set a “neutral” rating on the stock in a report on Thursday. Williams Trading raised Foot Locker from a “sell” rating to a “hold” rating and lifted their target price for the company from $17.00 to $21.00 in a research note on Wednesday, November 27th. Finally, Needham & Company LLC reaffirmed a “buy” rating and set a $27.00 price target on shares of Foot Locker in a research note on Wednesday. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have issued a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus target price of $25.29. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on FL Foot Locker Stock Up 3.9 % Foot Locker ( NYSE:FL – Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, December 4th. The athletic footwear retailer reported $0.33 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.40 by ($0.07). The firm had revenue of $1.96 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.01 billion. Foot Locker had a negative net margin of 5.24% and a positive return on equity of 2.91%. Foot Locker’s quarterly revenue was down 1.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.30 earnings per share. Equities research analysts predict that Foot Locker will post 1.52 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Trading of Foot Locker A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Quarry LP acquired a new stake in shares of Foot Locker during the second quarter worth about $31,000. Fifth Third Bancorp increased its stake in Foot Locker by 116.0% during the 2nd quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 1,365 shares of the athletic footwear retailer’s stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 733 shares in the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. raised its holdings in Foot Locker by 156.1% during the 2nd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 1,616 shares of the athletic footwear retailer’s stock worth $40,000 after buying an additional 985 shares during the period. Headlands Technologies LLC bought a new position in Foot Locker in the second quarter valued at approximately $43,000. Finally, nVerses Capital LLC acquired a new position in shares of Foot Locker in the third quarter valued at approximately $47,000. Foot Locker Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Foot Locker, Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates as a footwear and apparel retailer in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and the Middle East. Its brand portfolio includes Foot Locker, a brand comprising sneakers and apparel; Kids Foot Locker, which offers athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories for children; and Champs Sports that operates as a mall-based specialty athletic footwear and apparel retailer. Featured Articles Five stocks we like better than Foot Locker 3 Fintech Stocks With Good 2021 Prospects Trinity Capital CEO on Leading Private Credit’s High-Yield Growth Overbought Stocks Explained: Should You Trade Them? Lululemon Surges On Q3 Report: Analysts Step in To Support Market How Investors Can Identify and Successfully Trade Gap-Down Stocks 10 Safe Investments with High Returns Receive News & Ratings for Foot Locker Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Foot Locker and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) — Barrington Hargress scored 24 points and Nate Pickens made two free throws with less than a second remaining to help UC Riverside slip past St. Thomas-Minnesota 81-79 in overtime on Sunday. Pickens' foul shots came after Nolan Minessale made a free throw on both sides of a timeout to tie the game with 13 seconds to go. Isaiah Moses made two free throws for UC Riverside with 17 seconds left to force OT tied at 73. Hargress shot 10 for 20, including 4 for 10 from beyond the arc for the Highlanders (9-5, 2-0 Big West Conference). Kaleb Smith added 18 points and 10 rebounds. Pickens scored 10. The Tommies (10-5), who had a six-game win streak snapped, were led by Minessale with 27 points. Drake Dobbs added 19 points and Miles Barnstable scored 10. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Jimmy Carter, 39th US president and noted humanitarian, has died
Copy link Copied Copy link Copied Subscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Already a subscriber? Login The inauguration of Donald Trump as president of the US will take place on January 20 — the same day as the opening of the World Economic Forum in Davos. Since the end of the Cold War, the annual Davos meeting — which brings together business and political leaders from all over the world — has become a symbol of elite-driven globalisation. Financial Times Copy link Copied Copy link Copied Subscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Already a subscriber? Login Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you. Fetching latest articlesApple Inc. ( NASDAQ:AAPL – Get Free Report )’s share price fell 1.5% during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as low as $254.50 and last traded at $255.03. 9,851,505 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 83% from the average session volume of 57,154,902 shares. The stock had previously closed at $259.02. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research analysts have commented on the company. Monness Crespi & Hardt restated a “buy” rating and issued a $245.00 target price on shares of Apple in a research note on Monday, September 9th. New Street Research restated a “neutral” rating and set a $225.00 price objective on shares of Apple in a research report on Wednesday, September 25th. Wedbush upped their target price on shares of Apple from $300.00 to $325.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research report on Thursday. Barclays reduced their target price on Apple from $186.00 to $184.00 and set an “underweight” rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, November 1st. Finally, Citigroup increased their target price on shares of Apple to $185.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, October 23rd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have issued a hold rating, twenty-three have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $237.47. Get Our Latest Analysis on AAPL Apple Stock Performance Apple ( NASDAQ:AAPL – Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 31st. The iPhone maker reported $1.64 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.60 by $0.04. Apple had a return on equity of 152.94% and a net margin of 23.97%. The company had revenue of $94.93 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $94.52 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.46 EPS. Apple’s quarterly revenue was up 6.1% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Apple Inc. will post 7.43 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Apple Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 14th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 11th were issued a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.39%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 8th. Apple’s payout ratio is 16.45%. Insider Buying and Selling In other Apple news, COO Jeffrey E. Williams sold 100,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction on Monday, December 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $249.97, for a total value of $24,997,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 389,944 shares in the company, valued at approximately $97,474,301.68. This trade represents a 20.41 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website . Also, insider Chris Kondo sold 4,130 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $228.87, for a total transaction of $945,233.10. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 15,419 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $3,528,946.53. The trade was a 21.13 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders sold a total of 508,170 shares of company stock worth $117,004,745 in the last 90 days. Insiders own 0.06% of the company’s stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Apple Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of AAPL. SMART Wealth LLC boosted its holdings in Apple by 3.6% in the 3rd quarter. SMART Wealth LLC now owns 14,580 shares of the iPhone maker’s stock valued at $3,397,000 after purchasing an additional 507 shares during the last quarter. Legacy Wealth Management LLC MS raised its position in shares of Apple by 7.6% during the 3rd quarter. Legacy Wealth Management LLC MS now owns 73,945 shares of the iPhone maker’s stock valued at $17,229,000 after buying an additional 5,231 shares during the period. SPX Gestao de Recursos Ltda acquired a new position in Apple in the third quarter valued at approximately $71,000. Alternative Investment Advisors LLC. grew its position in Apple by 6.7% in the third quarter. Alternative Investment Advisors LLC. now owns 5,831 shares of the iPhone maker’s stock worth $1,359,000 after acquiring an additional 366 shares during the period. Finally, Birmingham Capital Management Co. Inc. AL increased its stake in Apple by 23.6% during the third quarter. Birmingham Capital Management Co. Inc. AL now owns 24,462 shares of the iPhone maker’s stock worth $5,700,000 after acquiring an additional 4,675 shares during the last quarter. 67.73% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Apple ( Get Free Report ) Apple Inc designs, manufactures, and markets smartphones, personal computers, tablets, wearables, and accessories worldwide. The company offers iPhone, a line of smartphones; Mac, a line of personal computers; iPad, a line of multi-purpose tablets; and wearables, home, and accessories comprising AirPods, Apple TV, Apple Watch, Beats products, and HomePod. Recommended Stories Five stocks we like better than Apple Stock Average Calculator Buffett Takes the Bait; Berkshire Buys More Oxy in December Airline Stocks – Top Airline Stocks to Buy Now Top 3 ETFs to Hedge Against Inflation in 2025 Best Aerospace Stocks Investing These 3 Chip Stock Kings Are Still Buys for 2025 Receive News & Ratings for Apple Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Apple and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .[OPINION] Navigating the pitfalls of domestic politics: AFP’s role in a state in distress
Berlin: Tech billionaire Elon Musk caused uproar after backing Germany’s far-right party in a major newspaper ahead of key parliamentary elections in the Western European country, leading to the resignation of Welt am Sonntag’ s opinion editor in protest. Germany is to vote in an early election on February 23 after Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party governing coalition collapsed last month in a dispute over how to revitalise the country’s stagnant economy. Elon Musk has involved himself deeply in US politics - now he’s turned his attention to Germany. Credit: AP Musk’s guest opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag — a sister publication of POLITICO owned by the Axel Springer Group — published in German over the weekend, was the second time this month he supported the Alternative for Germany, or AfD . “The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is the last spark of hope for this country,” Musk wrote in his translated commentary. He went on to say the far-right party “can lead the country into a future where economic prosperity, cultural integrity and technological innovation are not just wishes, but reality”. Loading The Tesla Motors chief executive also wrote that his investment in Germany gave him the right to comment on the country’s condition. The AfD is polling strongly, but its candidate for the top job, Alice Weidel, has no realistic chance of becoming chancellor because other parties refuse to work with the far-right party. An ally of US President-elect Donald Trump, the technology billionaire challenged in his opinion piece the party’s public image.Barbados fishing industry still reeling from hurricane aftermath
"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" Thanks for your interest in Kalkine Media's content! To continue reading, please log in to your account or create your free account with us.
BEIJING, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- A commercial Chinese satellite company has conducted an ultra-high-speed, high-resolution satellite-ground remote sensing image laser transmission test using an independently developed, vehicle-mounted laser communication ground station and the laser terminal aboard one of its Jilin-1 satellites. The 100-Gbps (gigabits per second) image transmission test was a success, said Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co., Ltd. To complete the test, a research team from the company comprehensively updated the vehicle-mounted ground station and overcame a series of technical difficulties. They also established a coherent, ultra-long distance, high sensitivity laser communication link between Earth and space. Ultra-high-resolution remote sensing satellites can generate data volumes several times greater than other remote sensing satellites, with image data generation rates reaching tens of gigabits per second, according to the company. This breakthrough will significantly improve data transmission efficiency, providing solid technical support for the rapid transmission of massive remote sensing images. Such rapid transmission capabilities will better serve such fields as disaster monitoring, smart cities, environmental protection and emergency response, and will provide strong technical support for broader remote sensing data applications. Chang Guang launched its first group of commercial Jilin-1 satellites in October 2015. Its Jilin-1 constellation is now operating with more than 110 satellites and is capable of observing any point on the globe approximately 40 times a day.
Short Interest in UBE Co. (OTCMKTS:UBEOF) Decreases By 16.2%Optimism after Trump win fades ... the rising costs for everything ... a way to keep winning The market optimism spurred by Trump’s election is already starting to fade. Investors greeted Trump’s election victory, as well as the sweep of Congress, with enthusiasm. Promises about deregulation, pro-business policies and tax cuts made investors anxious to get into market gains early. The exuberance is waning as folks remember we still have a lot unresolved. The across-the-board tariffs Trump promised are potentially inflationary. The geopolitical environment seems to be getting more unstable. Plus, the market is expensive. The forward price to earnings ratio for the S&P right now is sitting at 23.88. That’s not the highest it has ever been, but it’s certainly not cheap. Recent data from the American Association of Individual Investors (AAII) supports the bearish turn. If you’re not familiar, every week AAII, an association of mostly retail investors, asks its members a simple question: Are you bullish, neutral or bearish? Here are the highlights from their latest data, released Thursday: The Cost of Everything Adding to the unease may be that everyday expenses haven’t stopped rising. For example, you might have seen the photo of President-elect Trump enjoying McDonald’s with Elon Musk, J.D. Vance and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. The picture reminded me that the cost of a McDonald’s cheeseburger has risen 150% since 2019. Holiday shoppers are feeling the pinch too. According to pickyourownchristmastree.com, the median cost of a real Christmas tree was $76 in 2019. By 2022, that cost had risen to $93. Costs went up another 10% in 2023 and increases of 5% to 15% are expected this year. Playing Offense in an Expensive Market I hope you’ve been able to take advantage of the bull market the last two years. As I write Friday morning, the S&P 500 is up 24% for the year. If the current gains hold through the end of the year, 2024 will close with gains of more than 20%. And since 2023 finished with gains of 26%, this would be the first time the S&P 500 will have had gains of more than 20% in consecutive years since 1998 and 1999. The chart below shows the S&P’s gains since January 2023. If you’ve been invested during the last two years, these gains might at least help ease the sting of a more expensive hamburger, or Christmas tree. But there are other ways to extract cash from the market without waiting for two years. In fact, in some cases you don’t have to wait more than two days. And it doesn’t always require taking extreme risks. A Method for Quick Gains Regular Digest readers are familiar with Jonathan Rose, the analyst behind our Masters in Trading franchise. For newer readers, Jonathan’s credentials are impressive. He was a professional trader for more than 16 years and traded in the pits on some of the biggest exchanges in the world, such as the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the Chicago Board Options Exchange. He earned millions in the market before turning his attention to mentoring others. He has trained more than 100 professional traders. Now, in his Masters in Trading franchise, he helps teach retail investors how to trade the markets for profits while effectively managing risk. On Tuesday at 11 a.m., at the One-Day Winners Summit , Jonathan is going to host a live demonstration of his new five-step strategy that can deliver triple-digit gains in just a few days – and it only takes two tickers to get started. During the session, he’ll reveal the results of a months-long beta test and demonstrate the tools he uses to detect when the conditions are just right for executing these trades ... and he’ll be doing it all live! You can sign up here to reserve your spot for the One-Day Winners Summit . The holiday season means a lot of good cheer – and a lot of spending. It can be a stark reminder that everything in our lives is more expensive than it was four years ago. Whether Trump’s policies bring prices down remains to be seen. In the meantime, you owe it to yourself and your financial goals to learn how to trade and get the most profits from the market without waiting months or years for a meaningful return. You can start Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the One-Day Winners Live Summit . It’s free to attend and you can sign up here to reserve your spot. Enjoy your weekend, Luis Hernandez Editor in Chief, InvestorPlace
China has unveiled amphibious assault ship with jet-launching capability. The first Type 076 ship features an electromagnetic catapult enabling fighter jets to launch from its deck, according to Xinhua. The new vessel, independently developed and named after Sichuan Province in Southwest China, was launched at a ceremony and given hull number 51. Integrating troop deployment and air support capabilities For over a decade, China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy has focused on modernizing its fleet to expand its reach beyond coastal waters and operate globally. The Fujian, China’s domestically built aircraft carrier launched two years ago, was the first to use new electromagnetic technology for launching fighter jets. Now, the Sichuan features a double island superstructure, a full-length flight deck, and advanced electromagnetic catapult and arresting technology. It can carry fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and amphibious equipment. The Type 076 amphibious assault ship stands out for its large displacement (a full load displacement of more than 40,000 tons), ranking among the highest globally. This allows it to carry more weapons and equipment, extend its range, and enhance its combat capabilities, according to Chinese military expert Zhang Junshe, speaking to the Global Times . Zhang added that the Sichuan is the world’s first amphibious assault ship with electromagnetic launching technology, allowing it to carry both helicopters and fighter jets like the J-15. The technology increases launch efficiency and speed, giving the Type 076 strong capabilities in air superiority and land assault missions. With strong amphibious assault capabilities, the vessel can carry an amphibious combat battalion for rapid deployment to target areas. It also offers versatile combat capabilities, able to perform both horizontal landings and airborne operations, the expert further noted. New Type 076 amphibious assault ship set to carry more aircraft As of 2024, the PLA Navy has commissioned three Type 075 amphibious assault ships: the Hainan, Guangxi, and Anhui. The first Type 075 was launched on September 25, 2019, and commissioned on April 23, 2021. Chinese military expert Song Zhongping told the Global Times that the new Type 076 is larger than the Type 075 and can carry more aircraft . He added that the Type 076 is expected to support both manned and unmanned aerial combat platforms, making it nearly a light aircraft carrier. The Type 076 amphibious assault ship incorporates elements from destroyer and frigate radars, the electromagnetic catapult of the Fujian aircraft carrier, and the design of the Type 075, according to Song. As the first ship of its kind, it highlights China’s progress in warship design, making advanced features more feasible, Song said. Along with the launch of the first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan, the PLA Navy’s third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, began sea trials with its maiden voyage on May 1 of this year, following its launch on June 17, 2022. It has since completed several additional test voyages. Moreover, China, which has the largest navy in the world, is actively working to upgrade its fleet. Recently, researchers discovered that the country is designing a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, enabling it to deploy ships in distant waters without relying on a base for refueling.LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Allowing two kickoff return touchdowns and missing an extra point all in the final few minutes added up to the Washington Commanders losing a third consecutive game in excruciating fashion. The underlying reason for this slide continuing was a problem long before that. An offense led by dynamic rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels that was among the NFL's best for a long stretch of the season put up just nine points and 169 yards for the first three-plus quarters against Dallas before falling behind 20-9 and teeing off on the Cowboys' conservative defense. “We just couldn’t really get it going,” said receiver Terry McLaurin , whose lengthy touchdown with 21 seconds left masked that he had just three catches for 16 yards through three quarters. “We’ve got to find a way to start faster and sustain drives, and that’s everybody: the whole coaching staff and the offensive players just going out there and figuring out ways that we can stay on the field.” This is not a new problem for Washington, which had a season-low 242 yards in a Nov. 10 home loss to Pittsburgh and 264 yards four days later in a defeat at Philadelphia. Since returning from a rib injury that knocked him out of a game last month, Daniels has completed just under 61% of his passes, after 75.6% over his first seven professional starts. Daniels and coach Dan Quinn have insisted this isn't about injury. The coaching staff blamed a lack of adequate practice time, but a full week of it before facing the Cowboys did not solve the problem. It is now fair to wonder if opponents have seen enough film of offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's system to figure it out. “I think teams and coordinators are going to see what other teams have success against us and try to figure out how they could incorporate that into their scheme," Daniels said after going 12 of 22 for 80 yards passing through three quarters in the Dallas game. "We’ve been in third and longer a lot these past couple games, so that’s kind of where you get into the exotic pressures and stuff like that. We’ve just got to be better on first and second downs and stay ahead of the chains.” Daniels has a point there, and it predates this losing streak. The Commanders have converted just 36% of third-down opportunities (27 for 75) over their past seven games after 52% (31 for 60) in their first five. That challenge doesn't get any easier with Tennessee coming to town Sunday. The Titans, despite being 3-8, have the second-best third-down defense in the league at 31.6%. The defense kept the Commanders in the game against Dallas, allowing just 10 points until the fourth quarter and 20 total before kickoff return touchdowns piled on to the other side of the scoreboard. Even Cooper Rush's 22-yard touchdown pass to Luke Schoonmaker with five minutes left came after a turnover that gave the Cowboys the ball at the Washington 44. The defense spending more than 35 minutes on the field certainly contributed to fatigue as play wore on. The running game that contributed to a 7-2 start has taken a hit, in part because of injuries to top back Brian Robinson Jr. The Commanders got 145 yards on the ground because Daniels had 74 on seven carries, but running backs combined for just 57. Daniels could not say how much the rushing attack stalling has contributed to the offense going stagnant. “You’ve got to be able to run the ball, keep the defense honest,” he said. "We got to execute the plays that are called in, and we didn’t do a good job of doing that.” Linebacker Frankie Luvu keeps making the case to be first-year general manager Adam Peters' best free agent signing. He and fellow offseason addition Bobby Wagner tied for a team-high eight tackles, and Luvu also knocked down three passes against Dallas. Kicker Austin Seibert going wide left on the point-after attempt that would have tied the score with 21 seconds left was his third miss of the game. He also was short on a 51-yard field goal attempt and wide left on an earlier extra point. Seibert, signed a week into the season after Cade York struggled in the opener, made 25 of 27 field goal tries and was 22 of 22 on extra points before injuring his right hip and missing the previous two games. He brushed off his health and the low snap from Tyler Ott while taking responsibility for not connecting. “I made the decision to play, and here we are,” Seibert said. “I just wasn’t striking it well. But it means a lot to me to be here with these guys, so I just want to put my best foot moving forward.” Robinson's sprained ankle and fellow running back Austin Ekeler's concussion from a late kickoff return that led to him being hospitalized for further evaluation are two major immediate concerns. Quinn said Monday that Ekeler and starting right tackle Andrew Wylie are in concussion protocol. It's unclear if Robinson will be available against Tennessee, which could mean Chris Rodriguez Jr. getting elevated from the practice squad to split carries with Jeremy McNichols. The Commanders still have not gotten cornerback Marshon Lattimore into a game since acquiring him at the trade deadline from New Orleans. Lattimore is trying to return from a hamstring injury, and the secondary could use him against Calvin Ridley, who's coming off a 93-yard performance at Houston. 17 — Handoffs to a running back against Dallas, a significant decrease from much of the season before this losing streak. Don't overlook the Titans with the late bye week coming immediately afterward. The Commanders opened as more than a touchdown favorite, but after the results over the weekend, BetMGM Sportsbook had it as 5 1/2 points Monday. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
From ground-breaking advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to democratic upends, 2024 has been a transformative year. Political realignments, economic challenges and new global conflicts have reshaped the world order, setting the stage for a complicated 2025. This year marked a monumental shift in Sri Lanka’s political landscape. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake won the public’s mandate, securing 55 percent of the vote in September. His victory marked the first time a third-party candidate being elected President. Come November, the Parliamentary polls caused further setbacks to seven-decades of UNP-SLFP dominated politics. The centre-left NPP, led by the JVP, won stronghold after stronghold including the indomitable Northern and Eastern electorates, with the exception of Batticaloa. Pundits said the reorganisation of the political map was an end to communal politics and the beginning of a unified national identity playing a larger role in Sri Lankan society. Greater accountability and transparency to eliminate decades of graft and corruption in governance were all on the ballot in this year’s elections. As the polls clearly showed, the Sri Lankan public had grown alienated from traditional parties and the political elite which dominated for over 75 years. The demand for reforms in Government has gained momentum since the 2022 Aragalaya and the vast majority chose the NPP as a vehicle to exact that change. Cynics on both the Left and Right disagreed that the NPP could overturn decades of rot ingrained in Sri Lanka’s political culture. While the Left accuses the NPP of compromising with the neoliberal establishment and abandoning socialism, the right says that the party’s ‘honeymoon’ with the public will be over soon given the harsh economic realities. Stumbling blocks However, the Government is not without a few stumbling blocks. The scandal over education qualifications of a few of its members including the Speaker is one example. The Speaker’s swift resignation, after his supposed doctorate was brought to light, has been lauded by constituents who said it shows the NPP Government’s commitment to transparency while others decry it as political shenanigans. The challenges posed by Toque Macaques and the fluctuating availability of rice have tested the resilience of the newly-formed Government. While the Sri Lankan public has shown an increasing degree of self-awareness, recognising that complex issues need time and steady effort to resolve, the political rhetoric often fails to reflect this reality. Instead, fiery speeches and empty promises continue to dominate the stage, doing little to address the frustrations of a populace craving meaningful action and transparency. 2024 has been dubbed ‘The Year of Elections’: more than 100 countries around four billion voters – approximately half of the world’s population – were eligible to vote in elections this year, including eight of the world’s 10 most populous nations – Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Pakistan, Russia, and the United States; in addition, the EU held elections for the European Parliament in June. The U.S. Presidential election gained the largest media attention as President-elect Donald Trump secured a second term in office; bouncing back from his 2020 loss by winning the Electoral College and all swing states, in addition to the popular vote. The second Trump Presidency is expected to make significant changes to America’s foreign policy – especially regarding de-escalating ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the war between Ukraine and Russia. Trump also pledged to raise tariffs on imports to stimulate U.S. domestic production, which will send huge ripples in the global economy. Sri Lanka’s economy is getting back on track after facing its worst crisis since independence, marking a major milestone in 2024 by successfully completing its international bond restructuring, a critical step toward financial recovery following its 2022 debt default. The deal involved exchanging USD 12.5 billion in defaulted bonds and back interest for new GDP- and governance-linked instruments, with debt service payments reduced by USD 9.5 billion over four years under an IMF-backed plan. The agreement, achieved after two years of negotiations, reduced the net present value of bonds by 40.3 percent and secured debt relief of USD 17 billion. Creditors, including global players such as BlackRock and Amundi, supported the plan, overcoming initial scepticism. China also backed equal treatment for all creditors. President Dissanayake and Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana hailed the deal as a turning point, emphasising its role in restoring economic stability. With lower bond coupon rates, extended maturities, and governance reforms, the restructuring promises significant fiscal relief and economic recovery. This December, international credit ratings agency Moody’s raised Sri Lanka’s long-term foreign currency issuer rating to ‘Caa1’ from ‘Ca’ with a stable outlook, after creditors approved the USD 12.55 billion debt overhaul. On December 21, Fitch Rating upgraded Sri Lanka’s Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating to ‘CCC+’ from Restricted Default. With the new administration’s anti-corruption agenda, markets are responding positively- reflecting renewed investor confidence and optimism for future growth. The year was also shaken by political upheavals and escalating conflict. Freedom fighters The Bangladesh quota reform movement began as a student-led protest against the country’s Supreme Court’s reinstatement of a 30 percent job quota for descendants of freedom fighters, which students said limited merit-based opportunities. The protests rapidly evolved into a nationwide uprising fuelled by public anger over Government corruption, human rights abuses and economic mismanagement. The Government’s violent response, including the deployment of armed forces, a shoot-at-sight curfew, and an internet blackout, exacerbated tensions. Hundreds were killed, thousands injured, and mass arrests followed, sparking global condemnation. Protesters expanded their demands to include accountability for violence, a ban on the ruling party’s student wing, and the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The crackdown transformed the movement into a broader, people-led non-cooperation campaign, symbolising widespread resistance against authoritarian rule. The Bangladeshi uprising has been compared to the 2022 aragalaya. On December 8, 2024, the Assad regime collapsed during a major opposition offensive led by Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army. The capture of Damascus ended the Assad family’s five-decade rule, which began with Hafez-al-Assad’s 1971 coup. Bashar -al-Assad fled to Russia, joining his exiled family, and was granted asylum. The regime’s rapid fall shocked observers and dealt a severe blow to Iran’s regional influence, particularly its supply routes to Hezbollah. Opposition forces declared victory, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing Syrian civil war. We also saw the Israel-Hamas war escalate into a broader conflict this year with Israel’s invasion of southern Lebanon to combat Hezbollah forces and Houthi’s targeting global shipping through the Red Sea in solidarity with the Palestinians. More than 45,000 people have been killed in the Gaza strip as human rights groups and the UN have declared a humanitarian crisis as a result of the Israel-Hamas war. Both sides have blamed each other for violating the ceasefire. On December 1, the truce ended with Hamas alleging that Israel rejected a hostage exchange deal to prolong the truce, and Hamas then launched rockets into Sderot. Israel responded with air raids on Gaza with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting 20 deaths. There has been a surge of anti-Semitism around the world, due to the Israel-Hamas war. This year was rife with news reports of vandalised synagogues and Jews being assaulted and even killed. In November 2024, Chabad rabbi Zvi Kogan was found murdered in Al Ain, UAE. Emirati officials said he was abducted by three Uzbek nationals who fled to Turkey, where authorities apprehended and extradited them to the UAE. Also in November, a terror plot targeting Israelis in Arugam bay was thwarted by Sri Lankan authorities thanks to reports by Indian intelligence agencies. Record-breaking temperatures The year was disastrous for the environment. 2024 is set to be the hottest on record – the first six months had record-breaking temperatures, extending the streak that started in 2023 to 13 months, with the world’s hottest day in history recorded on July 22. In Sri Lanka, environmentalists said that the climate crisis is escalating the human-elephant conflict and poor harvests. Scientists are setting off alarm bells as conditions worsen year-on-year. The most shocking studies this year found microplastics in human bodies including our bloodstream, brain and reproductive organs. But it was not all panic when it comes to plastics in 2024; scientists at RIKEN developed a strong plastic that breaks down in seawater, avoiding microplastic pollution. Speaking of scientific developments, Artificial Intelligence took front and centre in headlines this year. In 2024, AI innovation mainly centred around chatbots, with capabilities such as voice cloning, image generation, transcribing, music-making and realistic video-generation. As the media, we are trying our best to strike a balance with the new technology. The press is being accused of using ChatGPT but who can really point a finger at this point? As a matter of fact, we might just be seeing glimpses of a future where many jobs will be automated. Roles involving rule-based, repetitive tasks or ones where interaction is primarily standardised will be replaced by AI. Jobs that are most likely to be automated by 2030 include cashiers, telemarketers, data entry clerks, and customer service agents. 2024 was a year of profound change—it showcased humanity’s resilience, innovation, and the challenges ahead. It highlighted the need for accountable governance, sustainable practices, and ethical technological integration to navigate an increasingly complex world.
If DEI is dead, this is the way to look at workplace culture in 2025YOU can now pick up your groceries in style with an affordable Waitrose buy. However, the supermarket chain has had to take steps to prevent people from reselling the popular designer buys. In a post on the Facebook group Overheard in Waitrose , one shopper shared the new rule Waitrose have implemented for customers. The poster explained that the shop's designer bags for life have been the target of resellers. According to the Facebook user, Waitrose has come up with a simple workaround to avoid this issue. "Designer bags rationed to two per person in my local Worthing Waitrose," they wrote. The shopper was able to confirm the reason behind the restriction when speaking with employees. "People are reselling them for a hefty markup according to staff," they revealed. The Facebook user included a picture of some of the designer bags for life on the shelves. Designed to be reused, bags for life have become increasingly popular since the implementation of the single-use plastic bag fee in 2015. Waitrose has teamed up with popular designers to create more fashion forward options for their shoppers. The WR Lulu Guinness Chess Bag is currently available for £12 from Waitrose. Shoppers can also pick up the Lulu Guinness Flurry Reusable Bag for £15. The look features Lulu's iconic lipstick stain symbol and has a removable zip for every day use. They also include internal and external pockets as well as dual straps to allow you to carry it over your shoulder or in your hand. Facebook users shared their thoughts on the new restriction in the comments section. "Seen them on Vinted for £25 and up to £40," wrote one commenter. SPOTTING the real deal from a knock off is harder than ever. These days fake clothes, bags and jewellery are almost identical to the real thing making it harder to spot the difference. Here, Clemmie Fieldsend gives you tips on how to spot if your buys are counterfeit or legit. Bags: Watches: Sunglasses: "In Windsor, they were pinching them. Staff only put one out which was security tagged," wrote another person. "These are good for stocking-fillers - or to put presents in," pointed out a third reader. "I must be bucking the trend as I bought one and simply used it myself," said another Facebook user. "Good to know, I'll take care of mine!" joked one shopper. "You can buy as many as you want in Hersham! Old design by the way," said another reader.