How right-wing media is like improv theater
Andhra Cricket Association announces Rs 25L cash award for Nitish ReddyHow major US stock indexes fared Wednesday, 12/11/2024
BUCHAREST (Reuters) -A hard-right critic of NATO who has praised Russia is set to face a centre-right opposition leader in a presidential election run-off in Romania that could undermine its pro-Western stance after a shock outcome in the first-round vote. Independent hard-right politician Calin Georgescu, 62, won 22.94% of votes in Sunday's voting, the electoral authority said. Centre-right contender Elena Lasconi, leader of the opposition Save Romania Union, lay second with 19.18%. The outcome was a shock as pre-election opinion polls had made leftist Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu the frontrunner. Ciolacu said he would resign as party leader following the result but would remain in the role of prime minister until a parliamentary election scheduled on Dec. 1. The candidate of the centre-right Liberals, Ciolacu's coalition partners, also failed to secure a place in the election run-off, which will be held on Dec. 8. Campaigning focused largely on the soaring cost of living in Romania, which is a member of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and has the EU's biggest share of people at risk of poverty. "I have voted for the wronged, the humiliated, those who feel they do not matter in this world," Georgescu said on Sunday. "Today, the vote is a prayer for the nation." Lasconi attempted to highlight her pro-Western stance in comments made late on Monday: "Yes, Europe. Yes, NATO." Georgescu had been polling in low-single digits before the vote and ran a Tik Tok-driven campaign. "Just imagine, we are in a position where we could have a far-right president," political scientist Cristian Pirvulescu said. "This is where the establishment parties have led us, first by vehemently denying the existence of a hybrid war and then by falling into it. His chances of winning are high." Romania's sovereign euro bonds fell nearly 2 cents on Monday following the first round of voting. Asked about the election outcome, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "I would not make any predictions yet. We probably cannot say that we are that familiar with the world view of this candidate as far as relations with our country are concerned." "For now, we understand very clearly the current leadership of Romania, which is not a friendly country to us. We will of course watch how the electoral processes develop and who wins." PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION LOOMS A few hundred people gather in central Bucharest on Monday evening to protest against Georgescu, some carrying banners "No, thank you, CG". But hard-right groupings are likely to receive an electoral boost from his success when the southeast European country of 19 million votes in the Dec. 1 parliamentary election. Mainstream parties have not officially endorsed either candidate in the presidential run-off on Dec. 8. Georgescu is a former member of a hard-right opposition party who has praised Ion Antonescu, Romania's de facto World War Two leader who was sentenced to death for his part in Romania's Holocaust, and Corneliu Zelea Codreanu, leader of a pre-war violent anti-Semitic movement. Georgescu has called a NATO ballistic missile defence shield in Romania a "shame of diplomacy" and questioned whether the Western military alliance would protect any of its members if they were attacked by Russia. He said Romania's best chance lay with "Russian wisdom," but has refused to say explicitly whether he supports Russia. On Monday, he spoke about the need for Romania to maintain "neutrality", in an echo of rhetoric often used by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. "There is no East or West. There is only Romania and the peace of our people. Our economic and social stability comes from an absolutely necessary neutrality." Romania, which was under Communist rule for four decades until 1989, shares a 650-km (400-mile) border with Ukraine. Since Russia attacked Ukraine in 2022, Romania has enabled the export of millions of tons of grain through its Black Sea port of Constanta and provided military aid, including the donation of a Patriot air defence battery. In Izvorani, a village near capital Bucharest from which Georgescu ran his campaign, Alexandru Stelu Ghita wondered if the country could be repaired. "Everything was sold off, what can be repaired, agriculture is working badly, industry is working badly," he said. Pirvulescu said retaining control of parliament would be important for pro-Western forces to serve as a counterbalance to Georgescu if he becomes president. The president, who is limited to two five-year terms, has a semi-executive role which includes heading Romania's armed forces and chairing the council that decides on military aid. The president represents Romania at EU and NATO summits and appoints the prime minister, chief judges, prosecutors and secret service heads. The current head of state, Klaus Iohannis, won power in 2014 on a promise to bolster the fight against endemic corruption. (Reporting by Luiza Ilie, Editing by Timothy Heritage and Alistair Bell)
Trump has pressed for voting changes. GOP majorities in Congress will try to make that happen ATLANTA (AP) — Republicans in Congress plan to move quickly in their effort to overhaul the nation’s voting procedures, seeing an opportunity with control of the White House and both chambers of Congress. They want to push through long-sought changes such as voter ID and proof-of-citizenship requirements. They say the measures are needed to restore public confidence in elections. That's after an erosion of trust that Democrats note has been fueled by false claims from Donald Trump and his allies of widespread fraud in the 2020 election. Democrats say they are willing to work with the GOP but want any changes to make it easier, not harder, to vote. Americans are exhausted by political news. TV ratings and a new AP-NORC poll show they're tuning out NEW YORK (AP) — A lot of Americans, after an intense presidential election campaign, are looking for a break in political news. That's evident in cable television news ratings and a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The poll found nearly two-thirds of Americans saying they've found the need recently to cut down on their consumption of political and government news. That's particularly true among Democrats following President-elect Donald Trump's victory, although a significant number of Republicans and independents feel the same way. Cable networks MSNBC and CNN are really seeing a slump. That's also happened in years past for networks that particularly appeal to supporters of one candidate. Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away JERUSALEM (AP) — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen have targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports. The World Health Organization’s director-general said the bombardment on Thursday took place just “meters away” as he was about to board a flight in Sanaa. He says a crew member was hurt. The strikes followed several days of Houthi attacks and launches setting off sirens in Israel. Israel's military says it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa, power stations and ports. The Israeli military didn't immediate respond to questions about the WHO chief's statement. The US says it pushed retraction of a famine warning for north Gaza. Aid groups express concern. WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials say they asked for — and got — the retraction of an independent monitor's warning of imminent famine in north Gaza. The internationally Famine Early Warning System Network issued the warning this week. The new report had warned that starvation deaths in north Gaza could reach famine levels as soon as next month. It cited what it called Israel's “near-total blockade” of food and water. The U.S. ambassador to Israel, Jacob Lew, criticized the finding as inaccurate and irresponsible. The U.S. Agency for International Development, which funds the famine-monitoring group, told the AP it had asked for and gotten the report's retraction. USAID officials tell The Associated Press that it had asked the group for greater review of discrepancies in some of the data. India's former prime minister Manmohan Singh, architect of economic reforms, dies aged 92 NEW DELHI (AP) — India’s former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic reform program and a landmark nuclear deal with the United States, has died. He was 92. The hospital said Singh was admitted to New Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences late Thursday after his health deteriorated due to “sudden loss of consciousness at home.". He was “being treated for age-related medical conditions,” the statement added. A mild-mannered technocrat, Singh became one of India’s longest-serving prime ministers for 10 years and earned a reputation as a man of great personal integrity. But his sterling image was tainted by allegations of corruption against his ministers. What is known about a plane crash in Kazakhstan that killed 38 of 67 people on board The crash of an Azerbaijani airliner in Kazakhstan has killed 38 of 67 people on board. Azerbaijan Airlines’ Embraer 190 was en route from Azerbaijani capital Baku to the Russian city of Grozny in the North Caucasus on Wednesday when it was diverted for reasons that aren’t fully clear yet. It crashed while making an attempt to land in Aktau in Kazakhstan after flying east across the Caspian Sea. Officials in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Russia haven't commented on a possible cause of the crash pending an official investigation. Some commentators pointed out holes in the plane's tail section pictured after the crash as a sign that it could have been fired upon by air defense systems. Ukraine's military intelligence says North Korean troops are suffering heavy battlefield losses KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine's military intelligence says North Korean troops are suffering heavy losses in Russia's Kursk region and face logistical difficulties as a result of Ukrainian attacks. The intelligence agency said Thursday that Ukrainian strikes near Novoivanovka inflicted heavy casualties on North Korean units. Ukraine's president said earlier this week that 3,000 North Korean troops have been killed and wounded in the fighting in the Kursk region. It marked the first significant estimate by Ukraine of North Korean casualties several weeks after Kyiv announced that North Korea had sent 10,000 to 12,000 troops to Russia to help it in the almost 3-year war. How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The benchmark index posted its first back-to-back annual gains of more than 20% since 1998. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing. But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin and gold surged and “Roaring Kitty” reappeared to briefly reignite the meme stock craze. Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices New data shows holiday sales rose this year even as Americans wrestled with still high prices in many grocery necessities and other financial worries. According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, holiday sales from the beginning of November through Christmas Eve climbed 3.8%, a faster pace than the 3.1% increase from a year earlier. The measure tracks all kinds of payments including cash and debit cards. This year, retailers were even more under the gun to get shoppers in to buy early and in bulk since there were five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mastercard SpendingPulse says the last five days of the season accounted for 10% of the spending. Sales of clothing, electronics and Jewelry rose. Why this Mexican American woman played a vital role in the US sacramental peyote trade MIRANDO CITY, Texas (AP) — Amada Cardenas, a Mexican American woman who lived in the tiny border town of Mirando City in South Texas, played an important role in the history of the peyote trade. She and her husband were the first federally licensed peyote dealers who harvested and sold the sacramental plant to followers of the Native American Church in the 1930s. After her husband's death in 1967, Cardenas continued to welcome generations of Native American Church members to her home until her death in 2005, just before her 101st birthday.
Bipartisan group of governors join together for national education initiative
7 tips to prepare for next year’s taxes nowNEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 22, 2024-- Today, the BlackRock closed-end funds listed below (each a “Fund,” and collectively the “Funds”) have announced changes to their monthly distribution amounts per share under their managed distribution plans (each, a “Plan”), as applicable, and declared their December distributions early. Each Fund has adopted a Plan to support a level monthly distribution of income, capital gains and/or return of capital. The Funds’ monthly distribution rates for December can be found below: Key Dates: Declaration- 11/22/2024 Ex- 12/16/2024 Record- 12/16/2024 Payable- 12/23/2024 BlackRock Enhanced Capital and Income Fund, Inc. CII $0.141000 $0.041500 42% BlackRock Enhanced Equity Dividend Trust BDJ $0.061900 $0.005700 10% BlackRock Enhanced Global Dividend Trust BOE $0.082700 $0.019700 31% BlackRock Enhanced International Dividend Trust BGY $0.042600 $0.008800 26% BlackRock Health Sciences Trust BME $0.262100 $0.049100 23% BlackRock Energy and Resources Trust BGR $0.097300 $0.021900 29% BlackRock Resources & Commodities Strategy Trust BCX $0.069700 $0.017900 35% BlackRock Utilities, Infrastructure & Power Opportunities Trust BUI $0.136000 $0.015000 12% BlackRock Science and Technology Trust BST $0.250000 - - * In order to comply with the requirements of Section 19 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), each of the Funds above posted to the DTC bulletin board and sent to its shareholders of record as of the applicable record date a Section 19 notice with the previous distribution payment. The Section 19 notice was provided for informational purposes only and not for tax reporting purposes. This information can be found in the “Closed-End Funds” section of . As applicable, the final determination of the source and tax characteristics of all distributions in 2024 will be made after the end of the year. Under its Plan, each Fund will distribute all available investment income to its shareholders, consistent with its investment objectives and as required by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). If sufficient income (inclusive of net investment income and short-term capital gains) is not available on a monthly basis, a Fund will distribute long-term capital gains and/or return capital to its shareholders in order to maintain a level distribution. The Funds’ estimated sources of the distributions paid as of October 31, 2024 and for their current fiscal year are as follows: Fund Distribution Net Income Net Realized Short-Term Gains Net Realized Long-Term Gains Return of Capital CII $0.099500 $0 (0%) $0 (0%) $0.099500 (100%) $0 (0%) BDJ $0.056200 $0.017422 (31%) $0 (0%) $0.038778 (69%) $0 (0%) BOE 1 $0.063000 $0.014884 (24%) $0 (0%) $0 (0%) $0.048116 (76%) BGY 1 $0.033800 $0.003015 (9%) $0 (0%) $0.030785 (91%) $0 (0%) BME 1 $0.213000 $0 (0%) $0 (0%) $0.213000 (100%) $0 (0%) BGR 1 $0.075400 $0.015903 (21%) $0 (0%) $0 (0%) $0.059497 (79%) BCX 1 $0.051800 $0.011095 (21%) $0 (0%) $0 (0%) $0.040705 (79%) BUI 1 $0.121000 $0.001188 (1%) $0 (0%) $0.060793 (50%) $0.059019 (49%) BST $0.250000 $0 (0%) $0 (0%) $0.250000 (100%) $0 (0%) Fund Distribution Net Income Net Realized Short-Term Gains Net Realized Long-Term Gains Return of Capital CII $0.995000 $0.059966 (6%) $0 (0%) $0.935034 (94%) $0 (0%) BDJ $0.562000 $0.329298 (59%) $0 (0%) $0.232702 (41%) $0 (0%) BOE 1 $0.630000 $0.170921 (27%) $0 (0%) $0 (0%) $0.459079 (73%) BGY 1 $0.338000 $0.085258 (25%) $0.023488 (7%) $0.207532 (62%) $0.021722 (6%) BME 1 $2.130000 $0.077558 (4%) $0 (0%) $0.890031 (42%) $1.162411 (54%) BGR 1 $0.666700 $0.263985 (40%) $0 (0%) $0 (0%) $0.402715 (60%) BCX 1 $0.518000 $0.199609 (39%) $0 (0%) $0 (0%) $0.318391 (61%) BUI 1 $1.210000 $0.253187 (21%) $0 (0%) $0.627127 (52%) $0.329686 (27%) BST $2.500000 $0 (0%) $0 (0%) $2.500000 (100%) $0 (0%) 1 The Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its income and net-realized capital gains in the current fiscal year; therefore, a portion of your distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur, for example, when some or all of the shareholder’s investment is paid back to the shareholder. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund's investment performance and should not be confused with ‘yield’ or ‘income’. When distributions exceed total return performance, the difference will reduce the Fund’s net asset value per share. Fund Average annual total return (in relation to NAV) for the 5-year period ending on 9/30/2024 Annualized current distribution rate expressed as a percentage of NAV as of 9/30/2024 Cumulative total return (in relation to NAV) for the fiscal year through 9/30/2024 Cumulative fiscal year distributions as a percentage of NAV as of 9/30/2024 CII 12.91% 5.54% 13.90% 4.16% BDJ 9.41% 7.14% 13.76% 5.36% BOE 9.36% 5.93% 13.91% 4.45% BGY 9.07% 6.21% 11.08% 4.66% BME 10.37% 5.65% 12.22% 4.24% BGR 10.01% 6.34% 5.69% 4.14% BCX 11.53% 5.81% 6.53% 4.36% BUI 9.80% 5.94% 13.80% 4.46% BST 13.30% 7.94% 15.86% 5.96% Each Plan will be subject to ongoing review by the Board to determine whether the Plan should be continued, modified or terminated. The Board may amend the terms of a Plan or suspend or terminate a Plan at any time without prior notice to the Fund’s shareholders if it deems such actions to be in the best interest of the Fund or its shareholders. The amendment or termination of a Plan could have an adverse effect on the market price of the Fund's shares. BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit BlackRock will update performance and certain other data for the Funds on a monthly basis on its website in the “Closed-end Funds” section of as well as certain other material information as necessary from time to time. Investors and others are advised to check the website for updated performance information and the release of other material information about the Funds. This reference to BlackRock’s website is intended to allow investors public access to information regarding the Funds and does not, and is not intended to, incorporate BlackRock’s website in this release. This press release, and other statements that BlackRock or a Fund may make, may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, with respect to a Fund’s or BlackRock’s future financial or business performance, strategies or expectations. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as “trend,” “potential,” “opportunity,” “pipeline,” “believe,” “comfortable,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “current,” “intention,” “estimate,” “position,” “assume,” “outlook,” “continue,” “remain,” “maintain,” “sustain,” “seek,” “achieve,” and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or similar expressions. BlackRock cautions that forward-looking statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, which change over time. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and BlackRock assumes no duty to and does not undertake to update forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements and future results could differ materially from historical performance. With respect to the Funds, the following factors, among others, could cause actual events to differ materially from forward-looking statements or historical performance: (1) changes and volatility in political, economic or industry conditions, the interest rate environment, foreign exchange rates or financial and capital markets, which could result in changes in demand for the Funds or in a Fund’s net asset value; (2) the relative and absolute investment performance of a Fund and its investments; (3) the impact of increased competition; (4) the unfavorable resolution of any legal proceedings; (5) the extent and timing of any distributions or share repurchases; (6) the impact, extent and timing of technological changes; (7) the impact of legislative and regulatory actions and reforms, and regulatory, supervisory or enforcement actions of government agencies relating to a Fund or BlackRock, as applicable; (8) terrorist activities, international hostilities, health epidemics and/or pandemics and natural disasters, which may adversely affect the general economy, domestic and local financial and capital markets, specific industries or BlackRock; (9) BlackRock’s ability to attract and retain highly talented professionals; (10) the impact of BlackRock electing to provide support to its products from time to time; and (11) the impact of problems at other financial institutions or the failure or negative performance of products at other financial institutions. Annual and Semi-Annual Reports and other regulatory filings of the Funds with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) are accessible on the SEC's website at and on BlackRock’s website at , and may discuss these or other factors that affect the Funds. The information contained on BlackRock’s website is not a part of this press release. View source version on : 1-800-882-0052 KEYWORD: NEW YORK UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BANKING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FINANCE SOURCE: BlackRock Closed-End Funds Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/22/2024 05:23 PM/DISC: 11/22/2024 05:23 PM
The run-heavy Eagles have decided they don’t want to go through the rest of the season without a fullback. After losing linebacker/fullback Ben VanSumeren late last week to a knee injury that sent him to injured reserve, the team used tight end Grant Calcaterra in that role Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. Calcaterra, however, will likely have to move into the role of the No. 1 tight end after Dallas Goedert suffered a knee injury against the Ravens that could keep him out for at least Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.-- Reduces total emissions by approximately 14 percent since base year -- -- Decreases water withdrawal by approximately 17 percent since base year -- -- Achieves lost-time injury rate of 0.28, representing an approximate 32 percent reduction from prior year -- MORRISVILLE, N.C. , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pyxus International, Inc. PYYX , a global value-added agricultural company, today published its Fiscal Year 2024 Sustainability Report detailing the measurable impacts of the Company's sustainability initiatives as it progresses toward achieving its global targets. "Fiscal year 2024 was an exceptional year for Pyxus and this report highlights the positive impacts of our environmental and social initiatives, including collaboration with our contracted growers to reduce scope 3 emissions, improvement of our employee health and safety practices, and providing support to those in need," said Pyxus President and CEO Pieter Sikkel . "We remain committed to viewing all aspects of our business through a sustainable lens, helping us progress against our targets while delivering value to our stakeholders, the environment and the communities in which we operate." Notable fiscal year 2024 sustainability achievements include: Minimal Environmental Impact Decreasing total emissions by approximately 14 percent since its 2020 base year, contributing to the Company's near-term greenhouse gas reduction targets and 2050 net-zero emissions goal. Continuing to surpass its global water target, achieving an approximate 17 percent reduction in total water withdrawal per product unit since its 2020 base year. Enhancing the sustainability of its consumer packaging by 16 percent year over year, with 71 percent of its packaging being reusable, recyclable or compostable. Support for People and Communities Maintaining a lost-time injury (LTI) rate of less than 0.5 per 100 employees over 200,000 hours worked for the third year in a row with an LTI rate of .28, an approximate 32 percent reduction from the prior year. Benefiting approximately 190,000 people through its global community support initiatives, exceeding its annual target. Ethical and Responsible Business Achieving a 100 percent responsible marketing training completion rate among applicable employees and retailers. In preparation of this year's report, Pyxus externally verified 11 global key performance indicators (KPIs) associated with its targets, up from three KPIs in the prior year. The report was prepared with reference to Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and discloses the Company's sustainability performance from April 1, 2023 , to March 31, 2024 . About Pyxus International, Inc. Pyxus International, Inc. is a global agricultural company with more than 150 years of experience delivering value-added products and services to businesses and customers. Driven by a united purpose—to transform people's lives, so that together we can grow a better world—Pyxus International, its subsidiaries and affiliates, are trusted providers of responsibly sourced, independently verified, sustainable, and traceable products and ingredients. For more information, visit www.pyxus.com . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pyxus-releases-fiscal-year-2024-sustainability-report-302329534.html SOURCE Pyxus International, Inc. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Donald Trump will ring the New York Stock Exchange bell as he's named Time's Person of the Year
4 easy, comforting bean dishes for fallThe Delhi government’s vigilance department has asked the Public Works Department (PWD) to submit a report on the allegations of irregularities in the procurement of “lavish items” and fixtures, and violation of protocol in the renovation of 6, Flag Staff Road bungalow — the former official residence of then chief minister Arvind Kejriwal — officials aware of the development said on Thursday. PWD has been asked to submit within five days the report on these allegations, said leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly Vijender Gupta. The action came following orders from lieutenant governor VK Saxena after the BJP leader on November 20 had sought a high-level inquiry into the matter. The AAP maintained that the allegations were false. In a December 19 letter to principal secretary, PWD, the directorate of vigilance sought details about “the identity of the individuals or organisation that provided the lavish items to the chief minister’s bungalow”, “whether any financial transactions or benefits were made in exchange for these items”; “the possible impact on public funds and whether there was any violation of government protocols in the process” and “other relevant information that could help clarify the circumstances surrounding these items.” The LG on December 6 had written to the vigilance department for the examination of these allegations in detail and taking appropriate action, it said in the letter. HT has seen copy of the letter. PWD did not respond to HT’s queries for a comment on the status of the report. Kejriwal’s former Flag Staff Road bungalow, which he vacated this October after stepping down as the CM, has been at the centre of controversy since 2023 when allegations over expenses incurred on its renovation in the previous years surfaced. The issue has come to the fore again ahead of the crucial assembly elections due early next year, where the former CM is eyeing a return even as a chunk of allegations related to financial irregularities surround him and other AAP leaders. According to the BJP, the Arvind Kejriwal government had spent ₹ 45 crore in renovating the house. It has alleged that “extravagant items”, “luxurious fixtures” like “gold plated toilets”, “carpets worth over ₹ 50 lakh”, and expensive chandeliers among other things were procured and installed at Kejriwal’s former official residence. Gupta had also alleged that discrepancies were found between the items provided by PWD to Kejriwal’s residence in 2022, when he assumed office as the chief minister for the second time, and the items left behind by him after stepping down in 2024. “PWD provided certain furniture and amenities in 2022, an inventory check conducted by PWD after Kejriwal vacated the bungalow in 2024 revealed the presence of many additional luxurious items not supplied by the department. These included luxury toilet seats, expensive wash basins, reclining sofas, costly curtains, premium carpets, high-value TV sets, and refrigerators,” Gupta said. In response, the AAP said in a statement: “The BJP neither has a credible face for Delhi, nor a vision, nor any planning, their sole agenda is to hurl abuses at Arvind Kejriwal...Let them conduct as many investigations as they want—so far, they’ve filed over 200 cases against us, and we’ve been acquitted in almost all of them, and we’ll ultimately be acquitted in the remaining ones as well. The BJP has engaged in nothing but negative politics: filing false cases, and using ED and CBI to topple governments. But nothing will stop Arvind Kejriwal from working for the citizens of Delhi.”
Wall Street got back to climbing after the latest update on inflation appeared to clear the way for more help for the economy from the Federal Reserve. The S&P 500 gained 0.8% Wednesday to break a two-day losing streak and finished just short of its all-time high. Big Tech stocks led the way, which drove the Nasdaq composite up 1.8% to top the 20,000 level for the first time. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged with a dip of 0.2%. Stocks got a boost as expectations built that the Fed will deliver another cut to interest rates at its meeting next week. On Wednesday: The S&P 500 rose 49.28 points, or 0.8%, to 6,084.19. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 99.27 points, or 0.2%, to 44,148.56. The Nasdaq composite rose 347.65 points, or 1.8%, to 20,034.89. The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies rose 11.38 points, or 0.5%, to 2,394.16. For the week: The S&P 500 is down 6.08 points, or 0.1%. The Dow is down 493.96 points, or 1.1%. The Nasdaq is up 175.12 points, or 0.9%. The Russell 2000 is down 14.84 points, or 0.6%. For the year: The S&P 500 is up 1,314.36 points, or 27.6%. The Dow is up 6,459.02 points, or 17.1%. The Nasdaq is up 5,023.54 points, or 33.5%. The Russell 2000 is up 367.09 points, or 18.1%.
Donald Trump will ring the New York Stock Exchange bell as he's named Time's Person of the YearSony Aims to Dethrone Nintendo with New Portable PlayStation