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( MENAFN - Jordan Times) After finishing Malcolm Gladwell's“Outliers” for the second time, one question lingered in my mind: Why do some individuals succeed while others remain on the margins of achievement? This is the central question Gladwell explores in his renowned book. He argues that success is not merely a product of hard work and personal intelligence but a result of a blend of external environments and internal circumstances shaping one's life. Gladwell highlights the pivotal role of surrounding conditions in shaping the opportunities available to individuals, asserting that success often stems from factors beyond personal willpower. Success depends not only on individual capabilities but also significantly on the conditions and environment surrounding a person. This invites us to ask: How can this idea be applied to Jordan? And how does the volatile regional environment impact the country's development trajectory? Gladwell notes that success often correlates with being in the right place at the right time. For example, individuals born during periods of economic transformation or technological revolutionsand born to a well have family supporting his journey, have greater opportunities for success. He cites examples of successful figures in the technology sector, like Bill Gates, who benefitted from being born to a rich parent during the personal computer boom. He also emphasises the influence of family and societal culture in shaping the values and skills that help individuals succeed. For instance, he highlights the role of a strong work ethic and perseverance passed down through generations in Asian communities. Singapore is often presented as a model of growth and prosperity, drawing comparisons to Jordan. However, Singapore's surrounding environment lacked the geopolitical constraints Jordan faces, such as closed borders due to regional conflicts or hosting millions of refugees, which strain its healthcare, education systems, and scarce resources like water. Surrounding environment has a considerable impact that provides or restricts opportunities for growth, focus, and development. In regards of Geographical Advantage and Challenge, Jordan's geographical location is both a strategic advantage and a significant challenge. On one hand, Jordan serves as a gateway connecting Asia, Africa and Europe, offering the potential to become an economic and trade hub. On the other hand, its location in a conflict-prone region - marked by crises such as the Syrian war, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and ongoing instability in Iraq undermines its ability to achieve long-term economic stability. Moving to Human Capital and Societal Culture Jordan boasts a young and educated population, with education being a national priority. Yet, the challenge lies in converting this education into practical skills that translate into economic productivity. Regional Environment and Its Pressures is another factor to look at, the tumultuous regional environment directly pressures Jordan's economy, from refugee influxes to reliance on external aid. This complex reality leaves Jordan facing a delicate equation: How to maintain internal stability amid persistent challenges. Hence, as Gladwell illustrates how the timing of birth impacts individual success, the timing of regional transformations plays a pivotal role in Jordan's development. Since its inception, Jordan has dealt with regional crises, from the Israeli occupation of Palestine and its enduring consequences to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990, the US invasion of Iraq, and the protracted Syrian war. While these crises have imposed significant burdens, they have also benefited Jordan economy in some ways and to develop sectors like logistics and education. And in review of Educational and Cultural Foundations, Thanks to Jordan's longstanding investment in education, the country has a strong human capital base. However, the issue lies in prioritising“education for certificates” over“education for skills”. According to Gladwell, education systems should focus on fostering practical skills that enable individuals to invest their training hours effectively. The Role of Community and Family have valuable effect, as Gladwell emphasises the role of family and community, Jordan must enhance collaboration between the public and private sectors to stimulate innovation and support youth. Emerging entrepreneurial projects in Jordan demonstrate how local talent can be harnessed to create new opportunities. Jordan must focus on enhancing vocational, industrial and technological training programmes aligned with labour market needs. Too, streamlining legal frameworks and easing investment procedures are critical to encouraging local and foreign investors to channel funds into productive sectors Moreover, efficiently harnessing natural resources, such as solar energy, can reduce dependency on external aid and achieve economic self-reliance. Further, cultural and educational initiatives should foster a shared national identity that inspires youth and embeds values of teamwork and innovation. As“Outliers” demonstrates, success is the result of multiple interconnected factors. Jordan has all the elements needed to achieve excellence, but it requires a clear strategic vision and intelligent investment in its human and natural resources. Amid accelerating regional and global challenges, Jordan's opportunity remains to become a model of a small nation with a profound impact - provided it invests wisely in its internal environment, regardless of the difficulties posed by its surrounding conditions. MENAFN19122024000028011005ID1109014836 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Capital Club shutdown jolts San Jose businesses, creates opportunitiesPayment Processing Solutions Market Future Trends, Scope, Size, Share, Advance Technology, Demand And Forecast - 2028 12-20-2024 12:04 AM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire PayPal (US), Fiserv (US), FIS (US), Global Payments (US), ACI Worldwide (US), Square (US), Mastercard (US), Visa (US), Adyen (Netherland), Stripe (US), PayU (Netherland), Jack Henry & Associates (US), Paysafe (UK), PhonePe (India), Razorpay (India). Payment Processing Solutions Market by Payment Method (Debit Card, Credit Card, ACH, eWallet), Vertical (BFSI, Retail, Healthcare, Telecom, Travel & Hospitality, Real Estate), and Region(North America, Europe, APAC, RoW) - Global Forecast to 2028. The payment processing solutions market [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/payment-processing-solutions-market-751866.html?utm_campaign=paymentprocessingsolutionsmarket&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=paidpr ] is anticipated to expand from USD 103.2 billion in 2023 to USD 160.0 billion by 2028, registering a CAGR of 9.2% during the forecast period. The surge in online shopping and the proliferation of e-commerce platforms have driven a substantial rise in digital payments. Payment processing solutions are crucial for enabling secure and seamless transactions, addressing the increasing demand for online payment options. Download PDF Brochure@ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=751866 [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=751866&utm_campaign=paymentprocessingsolutionsmarket&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=paidpr ] Based on payment method, the credit card method to hold the largest market during the forecast period. A credit card is a payment card issued by banks or financial institutions to individuals, allowing them to make purchases from merchants and incur agreed-upon charges. It provides a revolving line of credit, enabling cardholders to borrow money for payments or cash advances. Credit cards offer convenience and flexibility, eliminating the need for cash or checks. Cardholders have the option to carry a balance from month to month, subject to interest charges. Different types of credit cards, such as business, secured, prepaid, and digital cards, cater to various needs and preferences. While credit cards provide benefits like rewards programs and enhanced purchasing power, responsible credit management is crucial to avoid excessive debt and interest accumulation. Based on region, Asia Pacific is expected to hold the largest market size during the forecast Asia Pacific consumers in the region prefer seamless and secure digital payment transactions, driving the demand for advanced payment processing solutions. With a growing retail market in Asia Pacific, global payment processing solution providers increasingly focus on this region to offer sophisticated solutions. Countries like China, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia witness a high volume of daily mobile transactions, prompting respective governments to prioritize convenient payment methods. The GSMA's "The Mobile Economy 2021" report highlights that Asia Pacific has a 42% mobile internet penetration rate, with 1.2 billion people connected to mobile internet by the end of 2020, marking an addition of 200 million new subscribers compared to the previous year. Request Sample Pages@ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=751866 [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=751866&utm_campaign=paymentprocessingsolutionsmarket&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=paidpr ] Unique Features in the Payment Processing Solutions Market Payment processing solutions are designed to integrate effortlessly with a variety of platforms, including e-commerce websites, mobile applications, and point-of-sale systems. This interoperability ensures smooth transactions and a consistent user experience across channels. A key feature of payment processing solutions is their emphasis on security. These systems incorporate robust technologies such as tokenization, encryption, and fraud detection mechanisms to safeguard sensitive customer data and ensure secure transactions. Modern payment processing solutions support a wide range of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, digital wallets, bank transfers, and even cryptocurrencies. This versatility caters to diverse customer preferences and enhances accessibility. Real-time processing is a standout feature in this market, enabling businesses and customers to complete transactions instantly. This capability is particularly critical for e-commerce and on-demand services, where speed is paramount. Payment processing solutions are built to scale alongside business growth. Whether a company is managing a small local operation or expanding globally, these systems adapt to increasing transaction volumes without compromising performance. Major Highlights of the Payment Processing Solutions Market The rapid rise of e-commerce platforms and online shopping has significantly boosted the demand for digital payment solutions. These ecosystems rely heavily on payment processors to facilitate smooth and secure transactions, supporting their global scalability. A key highlight of the market is its focus on advanced security protocols, such as encryption, tokenization, and fraud prevention technologies. These measures ensure data protection and bolster customer trust in digital payment systems. The increasing popularity of mobile wallets and contactless payment methods, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, has become a major trend. Payment processors are adapting to this shift by enabling seamless integration with mobile devices. As businesses expand globally, the need for cross-border payment processing has grown. Solutions that support multi-currency transactions and comply with international regulations are becoming essential for businesses targeting global markets. The proliferation of subscription-based business models in industries like entertainment, SaaS, and fitness has highlighted the need for automated recurring payment solutions. Payment processors are meeting this demand by offering features tailored to streamline subscription billing. Inquire Before Buying@ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=751866 [ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=751866&utm_campaign=paymentprocessingsolutionsmarket&utm_source=abnewswire.com&utm_medium=paidpr ] Top Companies in the Payment Processing Solutions Market The major vendors covered in the payment processing solutions market include PayPal (US), Fiserv (US), FIS (US), Global Payments (US), ACI Worldwide (US), Square (US), Mastercard (US), Visa (US), Adyen (Netherland), Stripe (US), PayU (Netherland), Jack Henry & Associates (US), Paysafe (UK), PhonePe (India), Razorpay (India), Secure Payment Systems (US), Worldline (France), Spreedly (US), Fattmerchant (US), North American Bancard (US), Dwolla (US), CCBill (US), Authorize.Net (US), Alipay (China), PayProTec (US), SignaPay (US), Klik & Pay (Switzerland), Finix Payments (US), Due (US), Pineapple Payments (US), Modulr (UK), MuchBetter (UK), Paykickstart (US), AeroPay (US), and Sila (US). PayPal is a globally recognized digital payment platform that provides online payment solutions to individuals and businesses worldwide. PayPal is a leading technology platform and digital payments company that enables digital and mobile payments on behalf of consumers and merchants across the globe. The company operates through two segments: the business segment and the reportable segment. It offers a range of payment solutions, including PayPal, PayPal Credit, Braintree, Venmo, Xoom, and Paydiant products. The company has established itself as a popular payment platform due to its ease of use and security features. PayPal allows customers to send and receive payments online quickly and securely, making it a preferred payment option for online transactions, particularly in eCommerce. Additionally, PayPal's payment processing fees are transparent, and the platform is compatible with various currencies, making it an attractive choice for businesses that require a flexible payment processor. PayPal's business model is centered on charging fees for its payment services, typically a percentage of the transaction value and a fixed fee per transaction. Fiserv is a leading global provider of financial services technology solutions. The company offers a wide range of software, hardware, and professional services to banks, credit unions, investment firms, and other financial institutions. Fiserv's solutions are designed to help these institutions improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer experience. The company engages in the provision of financial services technology. It operates through the Payments, Financial, Corporate, and Other segments. The Payments segment primarily provides electronic bill payment and presentment services, internet and mobile banking software and services, account-to-account transfers, person-to-person payment services, debit and credit card processing and services, payments infrastructure services, and other electronic payments software and services. The Financial segment provides financial institutions with account processing services, item processing, source capture services, loan origination and servicing products, cash management and consulting services, and other products and services supporting numerous types of financial transactions. The Corporate and Others segment consists of intercompany eliminations, amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, unallocated corporate expenses, and other activities that are not considered when management evaluates segment performance, such as gains on sales of businesses and associated transition services. Adyen is a prominent player in the Payment Processing Solutions Market, providing a comprehensive, end-to-end platform that supports a wide range of payment methods and currencies globally. Adyen's solutions are designed to facilitate seamless, secure transactions for merchants both online and in-store, enhancing the customer payment experience. The platform integrates with various payment methods, including credit cards, mobile wallets, and local payment options, ensuring broad acceptance and flexibility. With advanced fraud detection, data analytics, and scalable infrastructure, Adyen empowers businesses to optimize their payment processes, reduce operational complexity, and drive growth in the rapidly evolving digital commerce landscape. Media Contact Company Name: MarketsandMarkets Trademark Research Private Ltd. Contact Person: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=payment-processing-solutions-market-future-trends-scope-size-share-advance-technology-demand-and-forecast-2028 ] Phone: 18886006441 Address:1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 City: Florida State: Florida Country: United States Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/payment-processing-solutions-market-751866.html This release was published on openPR.
After pushing remote work before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt now wants state employees to come back to the office full time in early 2025. Stitt issued an executive order on Wednesday directing state employees to perform their work in an office, facility, or field location assigned by their agency by Feb. 1. The move mirrors an effort pushed by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, the unelected businessmen appointed by incoming President Donald Trump to study government efficiency at the federal level. Stitt, in a press release, said pandemic-era work arrangements should end. “COVID altered the way we did business for a time, but that time has passed,” Stitt said. “Now, we need to put stewardship of taxpayer dollars as our top priority. Oklahomans deserve a government that operates with full accountability and delivers services effectively. Returning to traditional work environments is a critical step in achieving that goal.” Stitt’s executive order includes several exceptions. Agencies that have eliminated office space in the last few years and would have problems accommodating a full return to office could get an exception from the policy. Agency executives can also approve teleworking for employees with non-standard work hours. The Department of Corrections used the increased use of state employee teleworking to move its Oklahoma City headquarters this year. Agency leaders found space at the Oklahoma Health Care Authority building north of the Capitol partly because more Health Care Authority employees were teleworking. Stitt put the Office of Management and Enterprise Services in charge of collecting data from agencies on teleworking status after the executive order goes into effect. OMES had almost 30% of its employees working remotely in fiscal year 2024, the agency disclosed in budget documents this year. Another 60% of the agency’s 1,036 employees were in a hybrid work arrangement, which means they were onsite two to four days per week. As a state agency, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education will comply with the executive order, said Angela Caddell, associate vice chancellor for communications. “State system institutions are reviewing the EO, and any next steps will be determined by the respective campus governing boards,” Caddell said in an email. The latest statewide employee engagement survey , issued by OMES in July, showed widespread satisfaction with telework or a hybrid arrangement. The survey had responses from 16,000 employees across 111 state agencies. “Respondents indicating either hybrid or full-time telework had slightly higher favorable responses related to engagement and satisfaction,” the report said. “Among those indicating a full-time or hybrid telework status, engagement is slightly higher and satisfaction is slightly lower among employees working hybrid schedules.” Department of Government Efficiency Musk and Ramaswamy said in a Wall Street Journal opinion column last month their reform project, which they dubbed the Department of Governmental Efficiency, could lead to lower costs if the federal government got rid of telework. “Requiring federal employees to come to the office five days a week would result in a wave of voluntary terminations that we welcome: If federal employees don’t want to show up, American taxpayers shouldn’t pay them for the COVID-era privilege of staying home,” Musk and Ramaswamy wrote in the opinion column. Some Oklahoma lawmakers said Stitt’s executive order could hamper efforts to keep state employment competitive with the private sector. In recent years, lawmakers on a bipartisan basis have expanded state benefits to include 6 weeks of paid maternity leave for state employees. “We want great jobs in our state with opportunities for advancement,” said Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City. “These state positions need to be competitive with modern employers to provide high quality, desirable jobs. We were just hearing cost savings reports from state agencies who moved positions to remote work. What will it cost in taxpayer funds with this U-turn?” House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, said offering telework as an option to prospective state employees helps recruitment, especially in rural areas. “With all the costs of getting to work, paying for gas and car maintenance, especially if you’re living in a rural area, being able to access a job and being able to work from home is a huge benefit,” Munson said. “And it’s a way to grow our workforce for state employees.” Munson said both private and public sector employees have reevaluated their work-life balance in the wake of the pandemic. “We spend the majority of our days working,” Munson said. “If you can work from home and be as effective and efficient in the comfort of your home, why would we take that away from folks? It’s very confusing.” The Department of Human Services, which at more than 6,200 employees is the state’s largest agency, had 44% of its workforce working remotely in fiscal year 2024. DHS closed dozens of county offices in the early part of the pandemic and pushed employees to telework or to be embedded with other social service agencies, The Frontier found in a July, 2021 investigation . In his 2021 State of the State address , Stitt touted the benefits of teleworking for state employees. He mentioned an employee called Cody, who worked for the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission in Idabel. “Cody was doing way more work than his title and job description indicated, but factors out of his control made a promotion nearly impossible,” Stitt said in the speech. “One of those factors was location. An agency policy required directors to live in Oklahoma City. Generations of Cody’s family had lived in Idabel and a promotion wasn’t worth leaving his family. It took a pandemic – and my Executive Order to have state employees working from home – to change the policy so he could become a director.”
NEW DELHI: The Vishva Hindu Parishad on Thursday announced a nationwide "public awakening" campaign to "free" temples from govt control, with its organising general secretary Milind Parande calling for an end to "discriminatory practices" against the Hindu community . "Despite India's independence, the tradition of govt control over Hindu temples continues, while churches and mosques remain free from such oversight," he said. Highlighting the scale of the issue, he said, "In 11 states alone, there are 20,000 to 50,000 temples under govt control. This is a huge challenge, and World Hindu Council firmly believes that Hindu temples should be managed by Hindu community itself." The campaign will start with a grand gathering, being called 'Haindava Shankhaaraavam', in Andhra Pradesh's Vijayawada on Jan 5. Parande said, "More than 2,000 villages have been reached, and more than 2,00,000 people have registered for the programme. The enthusiasm is tremendous." VHP has formed a think-tank, comprising Supreme Court lawyers, retired chief justices and revered seers, to draft a proposal for temple management . This draft will outline a decentralised structure, including state and district-level 'dharmic councils. "These councils will ensure the autonomous management of temples and the proper use of their resources for religious and social service," Parande said. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , Location Guesser and Mini Crossword .Top officials at the Rugby Football Union have been accused of betraying and misleading the game by the former England international who has been helping to negotiate the sport’s future below the Premiership. Simon Halliday, part of England’s 1992 Five Nations grand slam-winning side, has also called for a review into the “significant” failings of some RFU executive directors. Halliday, who was chair of European Professional Club Rugby for seven years until 2021, has latterly been representing Championship clubs seeking greater funding and firm guarantees from the RFU over promotion and relegation. In an excoriating letter sent to the RFU’s chair, Tom Ilube, seen by the Observer , he alleges the existing tier 2 clubs “have been stalled, misled and misinformed” and warns recent poor governance “threatens the game” in England. In particular, Halliday alleges RFU executives have reneged on assurances given at a council meeting in mid-June to talk further about softening the Premiership minimum standards criteria to make it more feasible for sides to be promoted to the top tier. “With the help of our own legal advisers ... I made it quite clear that some matters were not agreed and needed further debate,” Halliday wrote. “This was signed off by the RFU executive and I have the written evidence, as well as that of our lawyer. Since then, we have been stalled, misled, misinformed and there is no sign of a more progressive approach to this fundamental part of the game.” A two-leg playoff between the Championship’s top side and the Premiership’s bottom team had been hailed as a means of retaining promotion and relegation. But a crucial tweak to the small print now requires sides lacking an existing ground with a capacity exceeding 10,000 to have advance planning permission and financial assurances in place guaranteeing their stadium expansion work will happen within four years, in effect leaving every Championship club, bar ninth-placed Doncaster, unable to go up. Halliday, who stepped down in August as chair of the Championship board, has urged Ilube either to “make a statement clarifying that promotion and relegation is dead” or to “conduct an immediate review” before the 1 December deadline for applying for a facilities audit. “You potentially have no club which can be sustainably promoted,” wrote Halliday. “How is this acceptable? It is the RFU who is expected to look after the whole game. Instead, you are alienating the very clubs ... for whom you are responsible.” The letter also claims that efforts by the Tier 2 Board to negotiate fair and reasonable criteria for ground capacity were circumvented by decisions taken at a Professional Game Board meeting that was allegedly not quorate. Halliday believes “the legality of what has taken place is clearly questionable” and says aspiring Championship clubs have been left in “an unacceptable position” by the RFU. “Your executive directors have failed in significant fashion to take care of this process,” he told Ilube. “Recent actions by the RFU legal team seem to have been [about] obfuscating and protecting the status quo which is clearly not consistent with [RFU] Council decisions. This threatens the game in our country given its seriousness. Further, the commitment by Bill Sweeney and the [RFU] executive to discuss in good faith the funding gap between the promoted club and the existing Premiership clubs has not been fulfilled despite numerous requests.” Sign up to The Breakdown The latest rugby union news and analysis, plus all the week's action reviewed after newsletter promotion The RFU is already under fire on several fronts, with significant year-end financial losses due to be reported imminently and the national team having lost seven of their past nine Tests. There are also fears the financial situation at Twickenham may frustrate a plan by the Rugby Players’ Association to extend much-needed welfare support to tier 2 players. In response the RFU stressed that a new Tier 2 Board with an independent chair was now in place. “It is through this board that all matters relating to rugby’s second tier are raised and managed,” said a spokesperson. “The board members are working collaboratively to deliver a reimagined tier 2 from next season.”
Dan Ives is currently at top market analyst at Wedbush, who recently sat for a detailed interaction with Yahoo Finance Executive Editor Brian Sozzi for his Opening Bid podcast, where he shared his version of Nvidia's surreal growth, and is coming upsurge in the coming year. Is CEO Jensen Huang, the 'godfather' behind the massive surge of Nvidia stocks? Ives is of the opinion that Nvidia touching the $5 trillion market cap will become a reality very soon, and this is solely backed by the meticulous plans of the 'godfather of AI', Jensen Huang , who is presently the CEO of Nvidia. The 'godfather' nickname has been coined for Huang by Dan Ives himself, and it is not entirely wrong, as the AI marketplace has been completely revolutionized by he Nvidia CEO through his announcement of AI GPUs in development by his company, that is in great demand across the world, as of now. Will Nvidia touch the $5 trillion mark? Even though here are some nervous moments at the US stock market, where US investors may feel like banking on Nvidia may not be healthy for them, but in the longer run, the chipmakers have yielded major returns to those who have trusted on them though the years, as per Ives. 2025 is expected to be nothing different, and in the coming years, there are also chances hat Nvidia will end up touching the $5 trillion mcap, and as of now its current standing is in the $3.3-$3.5 trillion bracket, competing strongly against Apple. FAQs: Is Nvidia's stock going to grow further? Yes, after Nvidia's planed on introducing AI-powered GPUs, it's stock has shot through the roof in 2023 and 2024, and is now growing at a phenomenal pace, as 2025 arrives. Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Entrepreneurship Crafting a Powerful Startup Value Proposition By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Web Development Advanced Java Mastery: Object-Oriented Programming Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer 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 Data Analysis Animated Visualizations with Flourish Studio: Beginner to Pro By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Marketing Future of Marketing & Branding Masterclass By - Dr. David Aaker, Professor Emeritus at the Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley, Author | Speaker | Thought Leader | Branding Consultant 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 Advanced C++ Mastery: OOPs and Template Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Tally Prime & GST Accounting: Complete Guide By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant 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 Data Science MySQL for Beginners: Learn Data Science and Analytics Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Learn InVideo AI: Create Videos from Text Easily By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Soft Skills Cross-Cultural Communication Mastery: Connect with Confidence By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By - Neil Patel, Co-Founder and Author at Neil Patel Digital Digital Marketing Guru View Program Web Development Intermediate Java Mastery: Method, Collections, and Beyond By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Collaborative AI Foundations: Working Smarter with Machines By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) 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 Artificial Intelligence(AI) ChatGPT Mastery from Zero to Hero: The Complete AI Course By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Leadership Business Storytelling Masterclass By - Ameen Haque, Founder of Storywallahs View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Has the US stock market crashed in 2024? No, the US stock market has not crashed in 2024, and has instead been on an epic bull run for a major part of two years, as per market reports. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )NEW YORK — A number of President-elect Donald Trump 's most prominent Cabinet picks and appointees have been targeted by bomb threats and “swatting attacks," Trump's transition team said Wednesday. The FBI said it was investigating. “Last night and this morning, several of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees and Administration appointees were targeted in violent, unAmerican threats to their lives and those who live with them," Trump transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. She said the attacks ranged from bomb threats to swatting, in which attackers initiate an emergency law enforcement response against a target victim under false pretenses. The tactic has become a popular one in recent years. President-elect Donald Trump arrives to speak at a meeting of the House GOP conference, followed by Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) “In response, law enforcement and other authorities acted quickly to ensure the safety of those who were targeted. President Trump and the entire Transition team are grateful for their swift action,” Leavitt said. Among those targeted were New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump’s pick to serve as the next ambassador to the United Nations, Matt Gaetz, Trump’s initial pick to serve as attorney general, and former New York congressman Lee Zeldin, who has been tapped to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. Susie Wiles, Trump's incoming chief of staff, and Pam Bondi, the former Florida Attorney General whom Trump has chosen as Gaetz's replacement, were also targeted, according to a law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity amid the ongoing investigation. Wiles and Bondi did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The FBI said in a statement that it was “aware of numerous bomb threats and swatting incidents targeting incoming administration nominees and appointees" and was "working with our law enforcement partners. We take all potential threats seriously, and as always, encourage members of the public to immediately report anything they consider suspicious to law enforcement.” Stefanik's office said that, on Wednesday morning, she, her husband, and their 3-year-old son were driving home from Washington for Thanksgiving when they were informed of a bomb threat to their residence in Saratoga County. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., is seated before President-elect Donald Trump arrives at a meeting of the House GOP conference, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) "New York State, County law enforcement, and U.S. Capitol Police responded immediately with the highest levels of professionalism," her office said in a statement. “We are incredibly appreciative of the extraordinary dedication of law enforcement officers who keep our communities safe 24/7." The New York State Police said a team was dispatched to sweep Stefanik’s home on Wednesday morning in response to the bomb threat but did not locate any explosive devices. A spokesman for the agency directed further questions to the FBI. Zeldin said in a social media post that he and his family had been threatened. “A pipe bomb threat targeting me and my family at our home today was sent in with a pro-Palestinian themed message,” he wrote on X. “My family and I were not home at the time and are safe. We are working with law enforcement to learn more as this situation develops.” Police in Suffolk County, Long Island said emergency officers responded to a bomb threat Wednesday morning at an address listed in public records as Zeldin’s home and were checking the property. In Florida, meanwhile, the Okaloosa County sheriff’s office said in an advisory posted on Facebook that it “received notification of a bomb threat referencing former Congressman Matt Gaetz’s supposed mailbox at a home in the Niceville area around 9 a.m. this morning.” While a family member resides at the address, they said "former Congressman Gaetz is NOT a resident. The mailbox however was cleared and no devices were located. The immediate area was also searched with negative results.” Gaetz was Trump’s initial pick to serve as attorney general, but he withdrew from consideration amid allegations that he paid women for sex and slept with underage women. Gaetz has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and said last year that a Justice Department investigation into sex trafficking allegations involving underage girls had ended with no federal charges against him. The threats follow a political campaign marked by disturbing and unprecedented violence. In July, a gunman opened fire at a Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, grazing the then-candidate in the ear with a bullet and killing one of his supporters. The U.S. Secret Service later thwarted a subsequent assassination attempt at Trump's West Palm Beach, Florida, golf course when an agent spotted the barrel of a gun poking through a perimeter fence while Trump was golfing. Public figures across the political spectrum have been targeted in recent years by hoax bomb threats and false reports of shootings at their homes. The judges overseeing the civil fraud case against Trump in New York and the criminal election interference case against him in Washington, D.C. were both targeted earlier this year. Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith, who recently abandoned the two criminal cases he brought against Trump, was also the subject of a fake emergency call on Christmas Day last year. Earlier this year, schools, government buildings and the homes of city officials in Springfield, Ohio received a string of hoax bomb threats after Trump falsely accused members of Springfield’s Haitian community of abducting and eating cats and dogs. And in 2022, a slew of historically Black colleges and universities nationwide were targeted with dozens of bomb threats with the vast majority arriving during the celebration of Black History Month. The U.S. Capitol Police said in a statement Wednesday that, “Anytime a Member of Congress is the victim of a 'swatting' incident, we work closely with our local and federal law enforcement partners. To protect ongoing investigations and to minimize the risk of copy-cats, we cannot provide more details at this time.” Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson called the threats “dangerous and unhinged.” “This year, there was not just one but TWO assassination attempts on President Trump. Now some of his Cabinet nominees and their families are facing bomb threats,” he wrote on X. “It is not who we are in America.” Among President-elect Donald Trump's picks are Susie Wiles for chief of staff, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state, former Democratic House member Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz for attorney general. Susie Wiles, 67, was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 presidential campaign and its de facto manager. Trump named Florida Sen. Marco Rubio to be secretary of state, making a former sharp critic his choice to be the new administration's top diplomat. Rubio, 53, is a noted hawk on China, Cuba and Iran, and was a finalist to be Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket last summer. Rubio is the vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “He will be a strong Advocate for our Nation, a true friend to our Allies, and a fearless Warrior who will never back down to our adversaries,” Trump said of Rubio in a statement. The announcement punctuates the hard pivot Rubio has made with Trump, whom the senator called a “con man" during his unsuccessful campaign for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination. Their relationship improved dramatically while Trump was in the White House. And as Trump campaigned for the presidency a third time, Rubio cheered his proposals. For instance, Rubio, who more than a decade ago helped craft immigration legislation that included a path to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally, now supports Trump's plan to use the U.S. military for mass deportations. Pete Hegseth, 44, is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends Weekend” and has been a contributor with the network since 2014, where he developed a friendship with Trump, who made regular appearances on the show. Hegseth lacks senior military or national security experience. If confirmed by the Senate, he would inherit the top job during a series of global crises — ranging from Russia’s war in Ukraine and the ongoing attacks in the Middle East by Iranian proxies to the push for a cease-fire between Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. Hegseth is also the author of “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” published earlier this year. Trump tapped Pam Bondi, 59, to be attorney general after U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration. She was Florida's first female attorney general, serving between 2011 and 2019. She also was on Trump’s legal team during his first impeachment trial in 2020. Considered a loyalist, she served as part of a Trump-allied outside group that helped lay the groundwork for his future administration called the America First Policy Institute. Bondi was among a group of Republicans who showed up to support Trump at his hush money criminal trial in New York that ended in May with a conviction on 34 felony counts. A fierce defender of Trump, she also frequently appears on Fox News and has been a critic of the criminal cases against him. Trump picked South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a well-known conservative who faced sharp criticism for telling a story in her memoir about shooting a rambunctious dog, to lead an agency crucial to the president-elect’s hardline immigration agenda. Noem used her two terms leading a tiny state to vault to a prominent position in Republican politics. South Dakota is usually a political afterthought. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Noem did not order restrictions that other states had issued and instead declared her state “open for business.” Trump held a fireworks rally at Mount Rushmore in July 2020 in one of the first large gatherings of the pandemic. She takes over a department with a sprawling mission. In addition to key immigration agencies, the Department of Homeland Security oversees natural disaster response, the U.S. Secret Service, and Transportation Security Administration agents who work at airports. The governor of North Dakota, who was once little-known outside his state, Burgum is a former Republican presidential primary contender who endorsed Trump, and spent months traveling to drum up support for him, after dropping out of the race. Burgum was a serious contender to be Trump’s vice presidential choice this summer. The two-term governor was seen as a possible pick because of his executive experience and business savvy. Burgum also has close ties to deep-pocketed energy industry CEOs. Trump made the announcement about Burgum joining his incoming administration while addressing a gala at his Mar-a-Lago club, and said a formal statement would be coming the following day. In comments to reporters before Trump took the stage, Burgum said that, in recent years, the power grid is deteriorating in many parts of the country, which he said could raise national security concerns but also drive up prices enough to increase inflation. “There's just a sense of urgency, and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration,” Burgum said. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president as a Democrat, than as an independent, and then endorsed Trump . He's the son of Democratic icon Robert Kennedy, who was assassinated during his own presidential campaign. The nomination of Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services alarmed people who are concerned about his record of spreading unfounded fears about vaccines . For example, he has long advanced the debunked idea that vaccines cause autism. Scott Bessent, 62, is a former George Soros money manager and an advocate for deficit reduction. He's the founder of hedge fund Key Square Capital Management, after having worked on-and-off for Soros Fund Management since 1991. If confirmed by the Senate, he would be the nation’s first openly gay treasury secretary. He told Bloomberg in August that he decided to join Trump’s campaign in part to attack the mounting U.S. national debt. That would include slashing government programs and other spending. “This election cycle is the last chance for the U.S. to grow our way out of this mountain of debt without becoming a sort of European-style socialist democracy,” he said then. Oregon Republican U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer narrowly lost her reelection bid this month, but received strong backing from union members in her district. As a potential labor secretary, she would oversee the Labor Department’s workforce, its budget and put forth priorities that impact workers’ wages, health and safety, ability to unionize, and employer’s rights to fire employers, among other responsibilities. Chavez-DeRemer is one of few House Republicans to endorse the “Protecting the Right to Organize” or PRO Act would allow more workers to conduct organizing campaigns and would add penalties for companies that violate workers’ rights. The act would also weaken “right-to-work” laws that allow employees in more than half the states to avoid participating in or paying dues to unions that represent workers at their places of employment. Scott Turner is a former NFL player and White House aide. He ran the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council during Trump’s first term in office. Trump, in a statement, credited Turner, the highest-ranking Black person he’s yet selected for his administration, with “helping to lead an Unprecedented Effort that Transformed our Country’s most distressed communities.” Sean Duffy is a former House member from Wisconsin who was one of Trump's most visible defenders on cable news. Duffy served in the House for nearly nine years, sitting on the Financial Services Committee and chairing the subcommittee on insurance and housing. He left Congress in 2019 for a TV career and has been the host of “The Bottom Line” on Fox Business. Before entering politics, Duffy was a reality TV star on MTV, where he met his wife, “Fox and Friends Weekend” co-host Rachel Campos-Duffy. They have nine children. A campaign donor and CEO of Denver-based Liberty Energy, Write is a vocal advocate of oil and gas development, including fracking — a key pillar of Trump’s quest to achieve U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. Wright also has been one of the industry’s loudest voices against efforts to fight climate change. He said the climate movement around the world is “collapsing under its own weight.” The Energy Department is responsible for advancing energy, environmental and nuclear security of the United States. Wright also won support from influential conservatives, including oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm. Hamm, executive chairman of Oklahoma-based Continental Resources, a major shale oil company, is a longtime Trump supporter and adviser who played a key role on energy issues in Trump’s first term. President-elect Donald Trump tapped billionaire professional wrestling mogul Linda McMahon to be secretary of the Education Department, tasked with overseeing an agency Trump promised to dismantle. McMahon led the Small Business Administration during Trump’s initial term from 2017 to 2019 and twice ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Connecticut. She’s seen as a relative unknown in education circles, though she expressed support for charter schools and school choice. She served on the Connecticut Board of Education for a year starting in 2009 and has spent years on the board of trustees for Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Brooke Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as White House domestic policy chief during his first presidency. The 52-year-old is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. She previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Trump chose Howard Lutnick, head of brokerage and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and a cryptocurrency enthusiast, as his nominee for commerce secretary, a position in which he'd have a key role in carrying out Trump's plans to raise and enforce tariffs. Trump made the announcement Tuesday on his social media platform, Truth Social. Lutnick is a co-chair of Trump’s transition team, along with Linda McMahon, the former wrestling executive who previously led Trump’s Small Business Administration. Both are tasked with putting forward candidates for key roles in the next administration. The nomination would put Lutnick in charge of a sprawling Cabinet agency that is involved in funding new computer chip factories, imposing trade restrictions, releasing economic data and monitoring the weather. It is also a position in which connections to CEOs and the wider business community are crucial. Doug Collins is a former Republican congressman from Georgia who gained recognition for defending Trump during his first impeachment trial, which centered on U.S. assistance for Ukraine. Trump was impeached for urging Ukraine to investigate Joe Biden in 2019 during the Democratic presidential nomination, but he was acquitted by the Senate. Collins has also served in the armed forces himself and is currently a chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command. "We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need," Trump said in a statement about nominating Collins to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs. Karoline Leavitt, 27, was Trump's campaign press secretary and currently a spokesperson for his transition. She would be the youngest White House press secretary in history. The White House press secretary typically serves as the public face of the administration and historically has held daily briefings for the press corps. Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, was a spokesperson for MAGA Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, before joining his 2024 campaign. In 2022, she ran for Congress in New Hampshire, winning a 10-way Republican primary before losing to Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas. Leavitt worked in the White House press office during Trump's first term before she became communications director for New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik, Trump's choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has been tapped by Trump to be director of national intelligence, keeping with the trend to stock his Cabinet with loyal personalities rather than veteran professionals in their requisite fields. Gabbard, 43, was a Democratic House member who unsuccessfully sought the party's 2020 presidential nomination before leaving the party in 2022. She endorsed Trump in August and campaigned often with him this fall. “I know Tulsi will bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our Intelligence Community,” Trump said in a statement. Gabbard, who has served in the Army National Guard for more than two decades, deploying to Iraq and Kuwait, would come to the role as somewhat of an outsider compared to her predecessor. The current director, Avril Haines, was confirmed by the Senate in 2021 following several years in a number of top national security and intelligence positions. Trump has picked John Ratcliffe, a former Texas congressman who served as director of national intelligence during his first administration, to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency in his next. Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during the final year and a half of Trump's first term, leading the U.S. government's spy agencies during the coronavirus pandemic. “I look forward to John being the first person ever to serve in both of our Nation's highest Intelligence positions,” Trump said in a statement, calling him a “fearless fighter for the Constitutional Rights of all Americans” who would ensure “the Highest Levels of National Security, and PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.” Trump has chosen former New York Rep. Lee Zeldin to serve as his pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency . Zeldin does not appear to have any experience in environmental issues, but is a longtime supporter of the former president. The 44-year-old former U.S. House member from New York wrote on X , “We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI.” “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water,” he added. During his campaign, Trump often attacked the Biden administration's promotion of electric vehicles, and incorrectly referring to a tax credit for EV purchases as a government mandate. Trump also often told his audiences during the campaign his administration would “Drill, baby, drill,” referring to his support for expanded petroleum exploration. In a statement, Trump said Zeldin “will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet.” Trump has named Brendan Carr, the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission, as the new chairman of the agency tasked with regulating broadcasting, telecommunications and broadband. Carr is a longtime member of the commission and served previously as the FCC’s general counsel. He has been unanimously confirmed by the Senate three times and was nominated by both Trump and President Joe Biden to the commission. Carr made past appearances on “Fox News Channel," including when he decried Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' pre-Election Day appearance on “Saturday Night Live.” He wrote an op-ed last month defending a satellite company owned by Trump supporter Elon Musk. Rep. Elise Stefanik is a representative from New York and one of Trump's staunchest defenders going back to his first impeachment. Elected to the House in 2014, Stefanik was selected by her GOP House colleagues as House Republican Conference chair in 2021, when former Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney was removed from the post after publicly criticizing Trump for falsely claiming he won the 2020 election. Stefanik, 40, has served in that role ever since as the third-ranking member of House leadership. Stefanik’s questioning of university presidents over antisemitism on their campuses helped lead to two of those presidents resigning, further raising her national profile. If confirmed, she would represent American interests at the U.N. as Trump vows to end the war waged by Russia against Ukraine begun in 2022. He has also called for peace as Israel continues its offensive against Hamas in Gaza and its invasion of Lebanon to target Hezbollah. President-elect Donald Trump says he's chosen former acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker to serve as U.S. ambassador to NATO. Trump has expressed skepticism about the Western military alliance for years. Trump said in a statement Wednesday that Whitaker is “a strong warrior and loyal Patriot” who “will ensure the United States’ interests are advanced and defended” and “strengthen relationships with our NATO Allies, and stand firm in the face of threats to Peace and Stability.” The choice of Whitaker as the nation’s representative to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an unusual one, given his background is as a lawyer and not in foreign policy. A Republican congressman from Michigan who served from 1993 to 2011, Hoekstra was ambassador to the Netherlands during Trump's first term. “In my Second Term, Pete will help me once again put AMERICA FIRST,” Trump said in a statement announcing his choice. “He did an outstanding job as United States Ambassador to the Netherlands during our first four years, and I am confident that he will continue to represent our Country well in this new role.” Trump will nominate former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel. Huckabee is a staunch defender of Israel and his intended nomination comes as Trump has promised to align U.S. foreign policy more closely with Israel's interests as it wages wars against the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah. “He loves Israel, and likewise the people of Israel love him,” Trump said in a statement. “Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East.” Huckabee, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and 2016, has been a popular figure among evangelical Christian conservatives, many of whom support Israel due to Old Testament writings that Jews are God’s chosen people and that Israel is their rightful homeland. Trump has been praised by some in this important Republican voting bloc for moving the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump on Tuesday named real estate investor Steven Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. The 67-year-old Witkoff is the president-elect's golf partner and was golfing with him at Trump's club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15, when the former president was the target of a second attempted assassination. Witkoff “is a Highly Respected Leader in Business and Philanthropy,” Trump said of Witkoff in a statement. “Steve will be an unrelenting Voice for PEACE, and make us all proud." Trump also named Witkoff co-chair, with former Georgia Sen. Kelly Loeffler, of his inaugural committee. Trump said Wednesday that he will nominate Gen. Keith Kellogg to serve as assistant to the president and special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. Kellogg, a retired Army lieutenant general who has long been Trump’s top adviser on defense issues, served as National Security Advisor to Trump's former Vice President Mike Pence. For the America First Policy Institute, one of several groups formed after Trump left office to help lay the groundwork for the next Republican administration, Kellogg in April wrote that “bringing the Russia-Ukraine war to a close will require strong, America First leadership to deliver a peace deal and immediately end the hostilities between the two warring parties.” (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib) Trump asked Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, Trump announced in a statement Tuesday. The move puts Waltz in the middle of national security crises, ranging from efforts to provide weapons to Ukraine and worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah. “Mike has been a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda,” Trump's statement said, "and will be a tremendous champion of our pursuit of Peace through Strength!” Waltz is a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida. He served multiple tours in Afghanistan and also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population. Stephen Miller, an immigration hardliner , was a vocal spokesperson during the presidential campaign for Trump's priority of mass deportations. The 39-year-old was a senior adviser during Trump's first administration. Miller has been a central figure in some of Trump's policy decisions, notably his move to separate thousands of immigrant families. Trump argued throughout the campaign that the nation's economic, national security and social priorities could be met by deporting people who are in the United States illegally. Since Trump left office in 2021, Miller has served as the president of America First Legal, an organization made up of former Trump advisers aimed at challenging the Biden administration, media companies, universities and others over issues such as free speech and national security. Thomas Homan, 62, has been tasked with Trump’s top priority of carrying out the largest deportation operation in the nation’s history. Homan, who served under Trump in his first administration leading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was widely expected to be offered a position related to the border, an issue Trump made central to his campaign. Though Homan has insisted such a massive undertaking would be humane, he has long been a loyal supporter of Trump's policy proposals, suggesting at a July conference in Washington that he would be willing to "run the biggest deportation operation this country’s ever seen.” Democrats have criticized Homan for his defending Trump's “zero tolerance” policy on border crossings during his first administration, which led to the separation of thousands of parents and children seeking asylum at the border. Dr. Mehmet Oz, 64, is a former heart surgeon who hosted “The Dr. Oz Show,” a long-running daytime television talk show. He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate as the Republican nominee in 2022 and is an outspoken supporter of Trump, who endorsed Oz's bid for elected office. Elon Musk, left, and Vivek Ramaswamy speak before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at an Oct. 27 campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump on Tuesday said Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency" — which is not, despite the name, a government agency. The acronym “DOGE” is a nod to Musk's favorite cryptocurrency, dogecoin. Trump said Musk and Ramaswamy will work from outside the government to offer the White House “advice and guidance” and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.” He added the move would shock government systems. It's not clear how the organization will operate. Musk, owner of X and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a constant presence at Mar-a-Lago since Trump won the presidential election. Ramaswamy suspended his campaign in January and threw his support behind Trump. Trump said the two will “pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies.” Russell Vought held the position during Trump’s first presidency. After Trump’s initial term ended, Vought founded the Center for Renewing America, a think tank that describes its mission as “renew a consensus of America as a nation under God.” Vought was closely involved with Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term that he tried to distance himself from during the campaign. Vought has also previously worked as the executive and budget director for the Republican Study Committee, a caucus for conservative House Republicans. He also worked at Heritage Action, the political group tied to The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. Dan Scavino, deputy chief of staff Scavino, whom Trump's transition referred to in a statement as one of “Trump's longest serving and most trusted aides,” was a senior adviser to Trump's 2024 campaign, as well as his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. He will be deputy chief of staff and assistant to the president. Scavino had run Trump's social media profile in the White House during his first administration. He was also held in contempt of Congress in 2022 after a month-long refusal to comply with a subpoena from the House committee’s investigation into the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. James Blair, deputy chief of staff Blair was political director for Trump's 2024 campaign and for the Republican National Committee. He will be deputy chief of staff for legislative, political and public affairs and assistant to the president. Blair was key to Trump's economic messaging during his winning White House comeback campaign this year, a driving force behind the candidate's “Trump can fix it” slogan and his query to audiences this fall if they were better off than four years ago. Taylor Budowich, deputy chief of staff Budowich is a veteran Trump campaign aide who launched and directed Make America Great Again, Inc., a super PAC that supported Trump's 2024 campaign. He will be deputy chief of staff for communications and personnel and assistant to the president. Budowich also had served as a spokesman for Trump after his presidency. William McGinley, White House counsel McGinley was White House Cabinet secretary during Trump's first administration, and was outside legal counsel for the Republican National Committee's election integrity effort during the 2024 campaign. In a statement, Trump called McGinley “a smart and tenacious lawyer who will help me advance our America First agenda, while fighting for election integrity and against the weaponization of law enforcement.” Jay Bhattacharya, National Institutes of Health Trump has chosen Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health. Bhattacharya is a physician and professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, and is a critic of pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates. He promoted the idea of herd immunity during the pandemic, arguing that people at low risk should live normally while building up immunity to COVID-19 through infection. The National Institutes of Health funds medical research through competitive grants to researchers at institutions throughout the nation. NIH also conducts its own research with thousands of scientists working at its labs in Bethesda, Maryland. Jamieson Greer, U.S. trade representative Kevin Hassett, Director of the White House National Economic Council Trump is turning to two officials with experience navigating not only Washington but the key issues of income taxes and tariffs as he fills out his economic team. He announced he has chosen international trade attorney Jamieson Greer to be his U.S. trade representative and Kevin Hassett as director of the White House National Economic Council. While Trump has in several cases nominated outsiders to key posts, these picks reflect a recognition that his reputation will likely hinge on restoring the public’s confidence in the economy. Trump said in a statement that Greer was instrumental in his first term in imposing tariffs on China and others and replacing the trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, “therefore making it much better for American Workers.” Hassett, 62, served in the first Trump term as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. He has a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and worked at the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute before joining the Trump White House in 2017. Associated Press writers Alanna Durkin Richer, Colleen Long and Eric Tucker in Washington and Anthony Izaguirre in Albany, New York contributed to this report. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.Thailand remains a top target for cyberthreats and financial phishing attacks among the countries of Southeast Asia, according to global cybersecurity company Kaspersky. During the first six months of 2024, Kaspersky blocked more than 23 million bruteforce attacks targeting businesses in Southeast Asia. A bruteforce attack is a method employed by cybercriminals to guess login info, encryption keys, or to find a hidden web page by systematically attempting all possible character combinations until they find the correct one. It allows attackers to obtain personal data and other valuable information, plant and spread malware, and even hijack a system for malicious activities. A total of 23,491,775 bruteforce generic Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) attacks were detected and foiled by Kaspersky products installed at companies of various sizes in the region. RDP is Microsoft's proprietary protocol, providing a user with a graphical interface to connect to another computer via a network. Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand registered the highest number of RDP attacks during the first half of the year, with over 8.4 million, 5.7 million and 4.2 million attacks recorded, respectively. Moreover, Kaspersky detected 336,294 phishing attacks launched at organisations and businesses in Southeast Asia. The attacks were impersonating e-commerce, banking and payment brands, and were aimed at stealing credentials and other sensitive data. Thailand logged the highest number of financial phishing attacks at 141,258, followed by Indonesia with 48,439. Thailand and Singapore both registered the two largest increases of such attacks of 582% and 406%, respectively, compared to the corresponding period last year. Through financial phishing, attackers deceptively manipulate victims to divulge their personal and valuable information such as login credentials to financial accounts, as well as other personal or corporate information that is stored in those accounts. They are employing advanced social engineering schemes masquerading as financial institutions to deceive, invoke fear and exhort victims, and in some instances impersonating charitable organisations to trick victims into making contributions. Adrian Hia, managing director for Asia-Pacific at Kaspersky, earlier told the Bangkok Post that the company has committed to significant investment in Thailand as a growing digital economy and favourable government initiatives such as joining Brics. Brics is a bloc of major emerging economies, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia as full members. This has led Kaspersky to expand its team and services, targeting both the small and medium-sized enterprise and enterprise sectors. Thailand is expected to play a pivotal role in the company's APAC expansion, potentially becoming one of its top five markets by 2026, Mr Hia said. "We're committed to doubling our investment in the country over the next two years," he said. He added that the geopolitical landscape is seen as both a challenge and an opportunity. While there are "good" and "not-so-good" markets for the company, the favourable environment in Thailand, especially with the government's digital initiatives, provides an optimistic outlook. These initiatives include the promotion of digital currency, the widespread adoption of cryptocurrencies, and digital services that fuel the digital transformation of the economy. Mr Hia also sees opportunities in SIEM (Security Information and Event Management), as solutions are becoming increasingly important as businesses need to store and analyse security incidents.
Allegations of assault on vegetable vendor Madan Nayak in Biraja Haat of Jajpur district led to the arrest of Bhaba Prakash, the brother of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Pranab Prakash Das aka Bobby Das . However, the complainant Nayak took a U-turn on Saturday. Initially, Madan claimed that Bhaba aka Lala, had assaulted him, threatened him, and extorted money from him. On the contrary, Madan has retracted these claims, stating today that Lala did not commit any such acts and that his original police report was a slip-up from his side. He had mistakenly lodged the FIR with the local police. Also Read: FIR lodged against BJD leader Pranab Prakash Das’ brother for ‘assaulting’ vegetable vendor Following this reversal, there is speculation of pressure on the vegetable vendor to withdraw the case against Lala. This suspicion arises as Madan, accompanied by Lala’s lawyer, filed for case withdrawal. “I reached the Haat late and do not know what had happened. My vegetables were not thrown by anyone. I am an uneducated person and had lodged an FIR against Babu (Bhaba Prakash) by mistake. I withdrew the FIR today,” Madan said to mediapersons. “My son and my wife scolded me and advised me not to indulge in such unfair activities. I went to Bobby Babu earlier in the morning and begged apology,” the complainant stated. Must Read: BJD organisational secretary Bobby Das’ brother arrested for 'assaulting' vegetable vendor Worth mentioning, Madan arrived at both the police station and a Judge’s residential office in a vehicle belonging to a local political leader, adding fuel to ongoing discussions. Earlier yesterday, Madan had alleged that Bhaba Prakash along with his supporters came to him and asked to remove his make-shift shop. Later, they threw his produce and forcibly took away around Rs 12,000 and a handwritten note from his pocket. Even to the extent, around 150 persons had intercepted him and manhandled him.Ryan Adams named interim dean of UND College of Engineering and Mines
Trump’s promises to conservatives raise fears of more book bans in USNov. 27 (UPI) -- Keith Kellogg was appointed Wednesday as a special envoy to Ukraine and Russia. He served during the first Trump administration as chief of staff of the National Security Council. President-elect Donald Trump said on social media Kellogg's appointment will secure "PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH."