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Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Sunday that his government considers India's eastern region as the country's growth engine, while the area was considered backward earlier. Addressing a gathering at the "Odisha Parba" event here, the prime minister said investments of Rs 45,000 crore have been approved within 100 days of the formation of a new government in the state. "Odisha has always been a land of seers and scholars. The way the scholars here took our religious texts to every household and connected the public with those, it has played a crucial role in the cultural prosperity of India. "There was a time when India's eastern region and the states there were called backward. However, I consider India's eastern region as the country's growth engine. That is why we have prioritised the development of India's eastern region," he said. "The budget that we now allocate to Odisha is three times higher than what it was 10 years ago. We are working rapidly in every sector for Odisha's development and the budget has been increased by 30 per cent this year," Modi added. The prime minister informed that the Centre is committed to promoting ease of doing business in Odisha and said investments of Rs 45,000 crore have been approved within 100 days of the formation of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state. 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During the G20 Summit, we showcased the photo of the Sun Temple (in Konark). I am also glad that all four doors of the Jagannath temple (in Puri) are open now. Besides, the Ratna Bhandar of the temple is also open," he added. "Odisha Parba" is a flagship event conducted by the Odia Samaj, a Delhi-based trust engaged in providing valuable support towards the preservation and promotion of Odia heritage. This year, "Odisha Parba" was organised from November 22 to November 24 to showcase the rich heritage of Odisha, displaying colourful cultural forms and exhibiting the vibrant social, cultural and political ethos of the state. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ third bid to be released on bail won’t be decided until next week
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The academic paper mills helping China commit scientific fraudShare Tweet Share Share Email The cryptocurrency market is brimming with groundbreaking projects, and two presale contenders — Crypto All-Stars (STARS) and BlockDAG (BDAG) — are capturing the attention of crypto enthusiasts. Crypto All-Stars is gaining momentum with its MemeVault protocol, a feature that allows users to stake multiple meme coins on a single platform. This innovative system simplifies portfolio management, catering to meme coin enthusiasts looking for convenience and efficiency. Meanwhile, BlockDAG has set a new benchmark by raising over $158.5 million during its presale. The project has made significant progress with its ecosystem, including the Mainnet audit phase and an upgraded Keccak-256 algorithm. With its strong growth potential, BlockDAG is poised to reshape the future of decentralized networks. As these two projects draw attention, one question remains: which will lead the charge in shaping the next era of crypto innovation? Crypto All-Stars: $6.4M and the MemeVault Protocol Crypto All-Stars, currently in its presale phase, has already gathered over $6.4 million, highlighting the growing interest in its concept. Its MemeVault protocol feature enables users to pool multiple meme coins into one staking platform. This approach simplifies portfolio management for meme coin enthusiasts and potentially enhances overall earnings. The platform offers high annual percentage yields (APY) for staking, appealing to those seeking a way to grow their holdings passively. Participants can access the presale through BNB, USDT, or even traditional bank cards, providing flexibility for all crypto holders. With less than 22 days remaining in the presale, the Crypto All-Stars community eagerly awaits further updates. However, the team’s anonymity behind the project has raised concerns regarding long-term plans and commitment. While details of future exchange listings remain undisclosed, the roadmap hints at a DEX launch soon after the presale concludes. The current demand suggests potential growth, but the lack of transparency about the team may temper broader enthusiasm. BlockDAG Hits $158.5M Milestone: A New Era for Decentralized Technology BlockDAG’s presale has proven to be one of the most remarkable success stories in the crypto world, raising over $158.5 million and selling more than 16.8 billion coins so far. Currently priced at $0.0234 per coin and in Batch 26, the presale’s performance reflects the strong confidence in BlockDAG’s vision and innovative ecosystem. The project is rapidly progressing through its roadmap. The Mainnet development has been completed and is now in the audit phase, signaling its commitment to building a secure and reliable network. Moreover, the team recently introduced an algorithmic upgrade, transitioning from the second-generation SHA-256 to the third-generation Keccak-256 algorithm. This enhancement boosts both security and efficiency, showcasing BlockDAG’s focus on technical excellence. BlockDAG is also making waves with its $30 million grant initiative, designed to support DeFi projects, stablecoins, infrastructure development, and community-driven technologies. This initiative underscores the project’s dedication to creating a decentralized, vibrant ecosystem. BlockDAG, led by CEO Antony Turner, has maintained a transparent and community-focused approach. Regular updates, including AMA sessions, have helped solidify trust among its growing user base. There is also speculation about upcoming top-tier exchange listings, which could further enhance BlockDAG’s liquidity and accessibility. The project also stands out with its 5-step bonus system, which adds excitement for new participants. Users receive a 150% bonus on their first purchase and a 170% bonus on the second, while later rewards are revealed through engaging “mystery boxes.” This unique approach, paired with BlockDAG’s technical advancements, has captured significant attention from crypto enthusiasts. With its impressive presale results, technical upgrades, and community-focused initiatives, BlockDAG is positioning itself as a game-changing project in decentralized networks. Its clear trajectory and ecosystem-driven approach make it a project to watch closely in the coming years. BlockDAG vs Crypto All-Stars: The Clear Leader When analyzing these two projects, BlockDAG emerges as the more solid choice. While Crypto All-Stars has gained attention for its innovative staking protocol, the lack of transparency about its team raises questions about long-term viability. In contrast, BlockDAG’s visible leadership and innovative roadmap, led by Antony Turner, reflect its commitment to success. The presale’s staggering $158.5 million achievement highlights its appeal and credibility. Technical upgrades, grant programs, and engaging bonus systems position BlockDAG as a reliable and forward-thinking contender in the crypto space. BlockDAG’s momentum and robust ecosystem make it a standout project for 2024 and beyond for those exploring opportunities in the crypto market. Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.network Website: https://blockdag.network Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu Related Items: BlockDAG , press release Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you BlockDAG Unveils 5 Exciting Bonuses – Sparks Trader Interest – Updates on SUI & Cardano As Ethereum Prices & Network Inflows Grow: Discover Why Plus Wallet Is the Top Pick for Ethereum Users Comparing Future Prospects: Avalanche’s Price Growth vs. BlockDAG’s Rally — Which Has More Potential? Comments
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SentinelOne Stock Tumbles Despite Increased Guidance. Should Investors Buy the Dip?CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia's government has withdrawn a bill that would give a media watchdog power to monitor digital platforms and require them to keep records about misinformation and disinformation on their networks. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said Sunday that the government was unable to drum up the support needed to pass the legislation. The opposition spokesman, David Coleman, said the bill “betrayed our democracy” and amounted to “censorship laws in Australia.” “Based on public statements and engagements with senators, it is clear that there is no pathway to legislate this proposal through the Senate,” Rowland said. The bill would have granted the Australian Communications and Media Authority power over digital platforms by approving an enforceable code of conduct or standards for social media companies if self-regulation fell short. "This bill would have had the effect of suppressing the free speech of everyday Australians, as platforms would have censored online content to avoid the threat of big fines,” Coleman said said in a statement.
Goa police arrested a 32-year-old man for alleged involvement in prostitution activities. This is the fourth arrest in connection with an escort service website operating in the state. PANAJI: The Crime Branch of Goa police on Sunday arrested a 32-year-old Odisha native, Subhas Pradhan, for allegedly being involved in prostitution activities in Goa. He was working in a hotel and was acting as an agent in prostitution activities. This is the fourth arrest in connection with the operation of an alleged escort service website . SP Crime Branch Rahul Gupta said that Pradhan was arrested under Section 67 of the Information Technology (IT) Act, Section 6 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, and Sections 4 and 5 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act. IPL 2025 mega auction IPL Auction 2025 Live: Bidding wars about to commence in Jeddah IPL Auction 2025: Who got whom IPL 2025 Auction: What is RTM card and how does Right to Match work? Goa police arrested two others on November 10 from Madanapalle in Andhra Pradesh. These individuals were identified as Syed Usman, 54, from Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, and Mohammad Mohebbulla, 30, from Gurgaon. The third accused, namely Yogesh Kumar, 42, a native of Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, was arrested from Delhi. The accused were operating an escort website and running a prostitution racket through an organised chain of agents. They provided a contact number on the website, which was used by customers. Upon confirmation from customers, the accused coordinated with others in the chain to finalise transactions. Investigations revealed that the accused facilitated these services by fixing deals, with customers making payments via cash, Google Pay, or the Paytm mobile application. The accused earned commissions for their involvement. The investigation is ongoing to identify additional individuals involved in the case, Gupta said.
Supreme Court will take up a challenge related to California's tough vehicle emissions standards WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court says it will take up a business-backed appeal that could make it easier to challenge federal regulations, acting in a dispute related to California’s nation-leading standards for vehicle emissions. The justices agreed Friday to hear an appeal filed by fuel producers who object to a waiver granted to California in 2022 by the Environmental Protection Agency during Joe Biden’s presidency. The waiver allows California to set more stringent emissions limits than the national standard. The case won’t be argued until the spring, when the Trump administration is certain to take a more industry-friendly approach to the issue. Musk says US is demanding he pay penalty over disclosures of his Twitter stock purchases DETROIT (AP) — Elon Musk says the Securities and Exchange Commission wants him to pay a penalty or face charges involving what he disclosed — or failed to disclose — about his purchases of Twitter stock before he bought the social media platform in 2022. In a letter, Musk’s lawyer Alex Spiro tells the outgoing SEC chairman, Gary Gensler, that the commission’s demand for a monetary payment is a “misguided scheme” that won’t intimidate Musk. The letter also alleges that the commission reopened an investigation this week into Neuralink, Musk’s computer-to-human brain interface company. The SEC has not released the letter. Nor would it comment on it or confirm whether it has issued such a demand to Musk. Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate is pushing toward a vote on legislation that would provide full Social Security benefits to millions of people. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer began the process on Thursday for a final vote on the bill, known as the Social Security Fairness Act. It would eliminate policies that currently limit Social Security payouts for roughly 2.8 million people. The legislation has passed the House. The bill would add more strain on the Social Security Trust funds, which are already estimated to be unable to pay out full benefits beginning in 2035. The measure would add an estimated $195 billion to federal deficits over 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Trump offers support for dockworkers union by saying ports shouldn't install more automated systems WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is offering his support for the dockworkers union before their contract expires next month at Eastern and Gulf Coast ports. He posted on social media Thursday that he met with union leaders and that any further “automation” of the ports would harm workers. He wrote that the “amount of money saved is nowhere near the distress, hurt, and harm it causes for American Workers.” The International Longshoremen’s Association has until Jan. 15 to negotiate a new contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents ports and shipping companies. The Maritime Alliance says the technology will improve worker safety and strengthen our supply chains, among other things. IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power WASHINGTON (AP) — IRS leadership on Thursday announced that the agency has recovered $4.7 billion in back taxes and proceeds from a variety of crimes. The announcement comes under the backdrop of a promised reckoning from Republicans who will hold a majority over both chambers of the next Congress and have long called for rescinding the tens of billions of dollars in funding provided to the agency by Democrats. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said improvements made to the agency will help the incoming administration and new Republican majority congress achieve its goals of administering an extension of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. OpenAI's legal battle with Elon Musk reveals internal turmoil over avoiding AI 'dictatorship' A 7-year-old rivalry between tech leaders Elon Musk and Sam Altman over who should run OpenAI and best avoid an artificial intelligence ‘dictatorship’ is now heading to a federal judge as Musk seeks to halt the ChatGPT maker’s ongoing conversion into a for-profit company. Musk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the artificial intelligence company earlier this year. Musk has since escalated the dispute, adding new claims and asking for a court order that would stop OpenAI’s plans to convert itself into a for-profit business more fully. OpenAI is filing its response Friday. OpenAI's Altman will donate $1 million to Trump's inaugural fund LOS ANGELES (AP) — OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is planning to make a $1 million personal donation to President-Elect Donald Trump’s inauguration fund, joining a number of tech companies and executives who are working to improve their relationships the incoming administration. A spokesperson for OpenAI confirmed the move on Friday. The announcement comes one day after Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, said it donated $1 million to the same fund. Amazon also said it plans to donate $1 million. China signals it's prepared to double down on support for the economy as Trump tariffs loom BANGKOK (AP) — Chinese leaders met this week to plot economic policy for the coming year and sketched out plans to raise government spending and relax Beijing's monetary policy. Analysts said the broad-brush plans from the annual Central Economic Work Conference were more of a recap of current policy than ambitious new initiatives at a time when the outlook is clouded by the President-elect Donald Trump's threats to sharply raise tariffs once he takes office. The ruling Communist Party did commit to raising China's deficit and to doing more to encourage consumer spending by bringing wage increases in line with the pace of economic growth. Here's a look at China's main priorities and their potential implications. Stock market today: Wall Street ends mixed after a bumpy week Stock indexes closed mixed on Wall Street at the end of a rare bumpy week. The S&P 500 ended little changed Friday. The benchmark index reached its latest in a string of records a week ago. It lost ground for the week following three weeks of gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.2%. The Nasdaq composite edged up 0.1%. Broadcom surged after the semiconductor company beat Wall Street’s profit targets and gave a glowing forecast, highlighting its artificial intelligence products. RH, formerly known as Restoration Hardware, surged after raising its revenue forecast. Treasury yields rose in the bond market. Next Week: Retail sales, Fed policy update, existing home sales The Commerce Department releases its monthly snapshot of U.S. retail sales Tuesday. Federal Reserve officials wrap up a two-day meeting and issue an interest rate policy update Wednesday. The National Association of Realtors issues its latest update on U.S. home sales Thursday.At Work Don't miss out on the headlines from At Work. Followed categories will be added to My News. Shocking details have emerged about a messy affair that inspired a CEO’s bizarre Christmas party warning. Stephen Carter, CEO of Melbourne-based recruitment firm Sharp and Carter, went viral this week after his frank Christmas party speech was recorded by an employee who posted it online. In the pre-party pep talk Mr Carter warned his 203 employees, some of which were watching on Zoom, “don’t do drugs or cheat on your partner”. He hit headlines after uttering the now immortal line: “I take drugs myself, I just don’t do it at work events.” However one line in particular drew knowing chuckles from staff. CEO Stephen Carter from Melbourne recruiting firm Sharp and Carter Picture: Facebook “If you want to cheat on your partner, I would recommend 2024 as a stark reminder it is probably not wise to cheat on your partner with someone at work,” Mr Carter said. “If you are going to cheat on your partner and if you have to do it – just don’t do it with someone at work; it really becomes problematic, as we have seen.” It has now emerged that the firm was rocked by scandal this year after a long-running affair between two employees was exposed. As for Mr Carter he acknowledges that he would have given a more muted Christmas party warning had he known it was being recorded. “Obviously I didn’t expect it to get sent externally,” he said. “I probably would have chosen to use my words a bit differently if I knew that. “The intention obviously is to look after and care for my people so they don’t do damage to themselves and others. “The law doesn’t view Christmas parties as different to the workplace and the same professional behaviours apply. “At 203 people we are representative of society, and in society that happens, people take drugs, people cheat on their partner and I’m just trying to get ahead of that. I don’t want to clean up their mess afterwards. I’m trying to get ahead of it. “It’s nothing specific to my business more than any other business.” Mr Carter added that he hadn’t done drugs for “about five years”. “I don’t have any philosophical objection to drugs, but the workplace isn’t the spot for them,” he said. “It’s to do with friends in a social setting. Go and have drugs tomorrow for all I care, but don’t do it at the Christmas party or at work. “I was going to say I have done drugs. I don’t have any philosophical problem with doing drugs, just don’t do them at work but then I thought everyone would tease me and say ‘when did you do drugs Carts in 1986?’ so I changed it to the present tense. But I haven’t done drugs for about five years and it is not like I am doing drugs,” Mr Carter added. More Coverage ‘Drugs’: CEO’s wild Xmas party admission Originally published as Messy affair that inspired CEO’s viral Christmas party rant More related stories Work Huge boost for essential Aussie workforce Some of Australia’s most underpaid but valued workers will benefit from a huge wage increase following months of lobbying for change. Read more News Fears as Qantas strike hits major airports Qantas engineers have walked off the job at airports around the country on one of the busiest travel days of the year, leaving travellers worried about their plans. Read moreAlistair Berg The term "disruptive tech" was all the rage coming out of Covid, and has since cooled off substantially as performance dwindled. Still, there's something to be said about investing in companies that are focused on disruption. If you're looking for a good fund that Get 50% Off The Lead-Lag Report Are you tired of being a passive investor and ready to take control of your financial future? 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“Hunter was singled out only because he is my son,” Joe Biden said on Sunday, when he issued a pardon that saved Hunter Biden from serving time for his gun and tax crimes. That much was accurate, but not in the way the president meant. Naked nepotism allowed Hunter Biden to avoid the consequences of a criminal justice system that punishes people for conduct that violates no one’s rights and compounds that punishment when they demand the trial to which they are entitled under the Sixth Amendment. While the pardon was undeniably hypocritical, those injustices are real, and they affect many people who lack the political connections to escape them. Last June, a federal jury convicted Hunter Biden of three felonies based on his 2018 purchase of a revolver, which was illegal because he was a crack cocaine user. The case sits at the intersection of two policies that punish people for actions that are not inherently criminal. As the philosopher Douglas Husak has observed, drug and gun possession laws forbid “inchoate offenses,” which involve conduct that is not necessarily harmful. They “do not proscribe harm itself,” Husak notes, “but rather the possibility of harm — a possibility that need not (and typically does not) materialize when the offense is committed.” Since Hunter Biden’s possession of a revolver harmed no one, his father argues, a prison sentence was not justified for that offense. Although the president is right about that, his position is blatantly inconsistent with his support for gun laws that authorize such penalties. The Biden administration has vigorously defended the arbitrary, constitutionally dubious gun law that Hunter Biden violated, insisting that cannabis consumers are so untrustworthy and dangerous that the government is justified in threatening them with prison if they dare to exercise their Second Amendment rights. And in 2022, the president signed a law that increased the maximum penalty for drug users who possess firearms while creating an additional potential charge against them. Joe Biden also complains that prosecutors threw the book at his son after a proposed plea deal fell apart under judicial scrutiny last year. But that is par for the course when defendants insist on exercising their constitutional right to trial by jury. In the gun case, a single felony charge that Special Counsel David Weiss was initially prepared to drop after Hunter Biden completed a pretrial diversion program became three felony charges, all based on the same transaction. As a result, Biden faced up to 25 years in prison, quite a jump from zero time behind bars under the nixed diversion agreement. In the tax case, two misdemeanors became three felonies and six misdemeanors, all of which were covered by a guilty plea that Biden entered in September. That increased the maximum penalty to 17 years in a case where Weiss initially was prepared to recommend probation. The dramatic escalation in potential punishment vividly illustrated the “trial penalty” that prosecutors routinely impose on defendants who make the government prove its case. That threat helps explain why 97% of federal felony convictions are based on guilty pleas, a reality that transforms trial by jury from a promise to a fantasy. Related Articles Opinion Columnists | California politicians suddenly discover inflation in aftermath of election Opinion Columnists | How California ranks as the most active political state Opinion Columnists | Donald Trump must replace Pete Hegseth with Ron DeSantis Opinion Columnists | Larry Elder: Biden breaks his promise and pardons his son Opinion Columnists | California’s unaccountable homeless industrial complex A president cannot unilaterally change the laws that authorize draconian punishments for inchoate offenses and give prosecutors enormous power to coerce guilty pleas. But they can ameliorate the resulting injustices by exercising his clemency powers, which Joe Biden so far has largely failed to do. During his 2020 campaign, Biden promised that he would “use the president’s clemency power to secure the release of individuals facing unduly long sentences for certain non-violent and drug crimes.” But as of this week, he had received more than 10,500 petitions for commutations and granted just 132, or about 1%. That is roughly the same as Donald Trump’s rate and one-fifth Barack Obama’s. But Biden still has a few weeks to show that his mercy extends beyond his own kin. Jacob Sullum is a senior editor at Reason magazine. Follow him on Twitter: @jacobsullum.The winter meetings are over, , and several of the have been on the move. But as teams started to , the biggest issue soon became that there was no franchise-altering player available once Soto was off the market. At least, that was the case until Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker became available. Since arriving in the big leagues in 2019, Tucker has been a force for the Astros and the true definition of a five-tool player. He owns a .274/.353/.516 slash line with 125 home runs and 94 stolen bases, and he’s an elite defender in right field. Tucker was on pace to have the best year of his career last season — with 23 homers in 79 games — before a shin fracture from a foul ball forced him to miss significant time. In recent weeks, it emerged that the Astros were open to moving the star outfielder. On Friday, in exchange for infielder Isaac Paredes, pitcher Hayden Wesneski and third-base prospect Cam Smith. The deal instantly makes Tucker the best player in Chicago. For Houston, Paredes has the ability to play third or first base with pull-side power that should play at Minute Maid Park. Wesneski is a versatile arm with good stuff who pitched in 68 games with 22 starts for the Cubs, with a respectable career 3.93 ERA. But the crown jewel of the trade for the Astros is Smith. The Cubs’ 2024 first-round draft pick was one of the best hitters in college baseball before Chicago took him with the 14th overall pick last year. He performed well during his first year in pro ball, slashing .313/.396/.609 with seven homers and 24 RBI, and finished the year in Double-A. The Astros have won a lot over the past decade, including two World Series titles. The only team that has won more games than Houston since 2015 is the Los Angeles Dodgers. But keeping their winning window open for that long comes at a cost, and it left the Astros’ prospect pool pretty thin. Sources aware of Houston’s thinking told Yahoo Sports that the hope was that a Tucker trade could help replenish the farm system that allowed the Astros to reach the ALCS in seven of the past eight seasons. With such a trade now complete, Paredes slots into the Astros’ infield and lineup immediately, and Wesneski could fill multiple roles for Houston, either in the bullpen or the rotation, depending on how the remainder of their offseason shakes out. And with Smith, who was ranked as the Cubs’ No. 7 prospect by MLB Pipeline, the Astros might’ve acquired their third baseman of the future. The other side of the equation for Houston was that the team’s owner, Jim Crane, doesn’t seem keen on going beyond six years in a contract offer for any player, whether that was Tucker or a free agent such as Alex Bregman, . The addition of Paredes likely makes re-signing Bregman less feasible, but Houston could, in theory, move Paredes to first if they still want to retain their longtime star. What the Cubs have lacked in recent years has been a true, difference-making bat in the middle of their lineup. They haven’t had one since the days of Kris Bryant. Now Tucker provides exactly that — a player who can produce consistently on offense and carry a lineup for weeks at a time. And with other teams in the National League having game-changing players, including Bryce Harper, Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr., Soto and Francisco Lindor, and the Dodgers’ three MVPs, Chicago now has an answer. The addition of Tucker also immediately makes the Cubs better on defense. With Tucker presumably in right field, Pete Crow-Armstrong in center and Ian Happ in left, you can make the case that the Cubs have one of the best defensive outfields in baseball. What the team will do with outfielders Cody Bellinger and Seiya Suzuki still needs to be figured out, but this deal gives Chicago moveable assets to continue to improve the roster. And in the aftermath of this trade, the Cubs have even more incentive to keep improving. The next step for Chicago will be to land one more starting pitcher; they’ve been active in the free-agent and trade markets for starters. Adding a high-leverage arm or two in the bullpen is also a significant need and would really put a stamp on what is shaping up to be an impactful winter for the Cubs. For the Cubs, the concern with acquiring Tucker has nothing to do with his talent, which at his best puts him among the top 10 players in MLB, and everything to do with his contract situation. The 27-year-old is entering his final season of club control before he’ll hit the free-agent market next winter. With the Yankees and Soto, we just witnessed a cautionary tale about making a move such as this. New York pulled the trigger on a Soto trade to acquire what they hoped would be the final piece of their championship puzzle, and they had great success, getting all the way to the World Series before falling to the Dodgers. Despite all that, Soto decided to leave in free agency and sign with the Mets, . Tucker entering free agency after the 2025 season is almost a certainty, according to sources. After Soto signed his record-breaking deal, players such as Tucker and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who is also set to be a free agent next winter, are even more incentivized to let the free-agent process play out, with potentially a $400 million-500 million payday awaiting them at the end. The Cubs traded for Tucker with full awareness that he might leave in 12 months and sign elsewhere. There is no guarantee that he will stay in Chicago or even that they will have an advantage in free-agent negotiations. In the case of the Yankees, they at least still have a top-five player in Aaron Judge following Soto’s departure, but the Cubs won’t likely have that type of security. The trio of players the Cubs gave up represent a steep price for a one-year rental. But it’s understandable that the price was so high. Tucker is the type of player who can take a team over the top as a contender or — perhaps more aptly in Chicago’s case — take a borderline playoff team and push it into October. With Soto signed, Tucker was the only player available with that kind of ability. But the Cubs need to be certain they have the rest of the pieces in place before Opening Day. Because they’ll likely get only one chance with Tucker on their roster.
SYDNEY, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vast Renewables Limited (“Vast”) (Nasdaq: VSTE), a leading Australian green energy technology company, held its Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) on November 27, updating shareholders on progress towards deploying its next generation concentrated solar power (“CSP”) solution to deliver clean, continuous dispatchable power and heat. The AGM saw Vast’s Chairman, Peter Botten, and CEO, Craig Wood, provide updates on the company’s achievements throughout 2024 and the outlook for the year ahead. All resolutions were successfully passed at the AGM, with Craig Wood, Colin Richardson and William Restrepo all re-elected as Directors. The AGM follows Vast’s recent announcement that it has signed an updated funding agreement to access up to $30 million of its existing $65 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (“ARENA”). The funding and Vast’s progress throughout 2024 pave the way for another successful year ahead. Vast’s technology is set to be deployed at utility-scale in Port Augusta, South Australia at the Vast Solar 1 (“VS1”) project to deliver green, reliable and affordable energy for South Australia’s grid. The technology will also power a world-first co-located renewable methanol production facility, Solar Methanol 1 (“SM1”). A real world, in-demand application for hydrogen, renewable methanol has the potential to decarbonise shipping and is already being used to power major container vessels. Leveraging Australia’s natural resources, the projects are set to be a catalyst for a domestic Australian CSP industry, creating highly skilled green manufacturing and operational jobs, and helping Australia become an export powerhouse by supplying Australian green technology to clean energy projects around the world. Vast is attracting significant interest from major investors, industry and international governments. Along with funding from ARENA, Vast is backed by EDF and Nabors Industries, and Vast’s renewable methanol project is supported by Mabanaft and the German Government. The following addresses were made by Vast’s Chairman Peter Botten and CEO Craig Wood during Vast’s Annual General Meeting on November 27, 2024. Chairman’s Address from Peter Botten 2024 has been a pivotal year in the growth of Vast since the business combination with Nabors Energy Transition Corp was completed in December last year. Significant progress has been made this year towards Vast’s vision of delivering continuous, carbon free energy to the world, leveraging our next generation CSP technology As announced earlier this week, Vast has secured up to $30m of funding from ARENA. This is an important signal of confidence from ARENA in the potential of Vast’s technology to power Australia’s energy transition, and we’re grateful for their ongoing support. Vast continues to progress towards final investment decision on our utility-scale CSP reference project in Port Augusta, South Australia (VS1). The project paves the way for Vast’s pipeline of utility-scale projects in Australia and internationally. Alongside generating green electricity for the grid, we believe Vast’s technology will have a key role to play in reducing the cost of sustainable fuels production. Vast is also progressing a co-located renewable methanol production facility (SM1) at the Port Augusta site, partnering with German fuels giant Mabanaft on that project. During the year, Vast also expanded its presence in the US market, signing a project development partnership with Houston-based renewables developer GGS Energy. As Vast looks to 2025, the key focus will be on: We continue to see growing demand for the continuous, affordable electricity and heat our CSP technology can deliver. We believe it will be a critical solution to decarbonise the grid and phase out coal in sunny countries. We also see continued demand for our technology to power sustainable fuels production as well as off-grid use cases, including mining, industrial processes and data centres. CEO’s Address from Craig Wood As Peter mentioned, our utility-scale CSP reference project in Port Augusta, VS1, is progressing well. The plant will have 30MW capacity and 8 hours of thermal storage, providing dispatchable overnight power critical to stabilising South Australia’s grid. We recently finalised the FEED stage and we’re working diligently with our partners towards achieving Final Investment Decision in Q1 2025 with construction to commence shortly thereafter. The project has received support from the Australian Government, including from ARENA and the Department for Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water. The co-located renewable methanol plant, SM1, is also progressing well through the pre-FEED stage. The project will produce 7,500 tonnes of renewable methanol per annum, which will help decarbonise the local maritime industry. As a world-first project, we’re thrilled to be partnering with German company Mabanaft on this effort. Financial close is currently targeted for 2025. Vast continues to strengthen our market-leading proprietary CSP technology, and to build out our manufacturing capability ahead of delivering Vast equipment into the VS1 project. Our solution leverages the abundant sunshine in sunbelt countries like Australia to power homes, industry and transport with green, reliable and affordable energy. We continue to improve the cost and performance of our modular, scalable technology, and to de-risk its manufacture and operation. Vast equipment is currently being produced at our facility in Queensland, Australia, and we’ll be scaling up our manufacturing capability to deliver to the Port Augusta projects starting in 2025. Throughout 2024, we’ve also invested in our business systems and capabilities to set ourselves up for success. Vast has had a strong emphasis on safety during 2024, and we are focused on improving our safety performance as we head towards construction on site next year. We are investing in a new ERP to replace legacy systems as our requirements continue to evolve. We are also developing the quality and project control systems necessary to deliver the Port Augusta projects. All of this activity means Vast’s team has continued to grow throughout the year, both in Australia and the US. This growth will continue early into 2025, and then accelerate as we move into construction of the VS1 and SM1 projects. As Peter mentioned, we were delighted to announce earlier this week that Vast continues to enjoy strong support from ARENA as evidenced by up to $30m of funding being made available to the business, subject to certain milestones being achieved. This funding is important as it creates a runway to support Vast in completing the necessary activities to achieve financial close on VS1 and SM1, and to continue the build out of our Australian green technology manufacturing business. As part of that release, we also updated the estimated capital cost for VS1 to AUD360-390million. We look forward to another successful year in 2025 as we move into construction on VS1 and SM1, deliver Vast technology through our manufacturing business, and expand our project development pipeline in Australia, the US and other global markets. We thank you, our shareholders, all of our partners and our employees for their ongoing support. About Vast Vast is a renewable energy company that has CSP systems to generate, store, and dispatch carbon-free, utility-scale electricity, industrial heat, or a combination to enable the production of sustainable fuels. Vast’s CSP v3.0 approach utilises a proprietary, modular sodium loop to efficiently capture and convert solar heat into these end products. On December 19, 2023, Vast listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “VSTE”, while remaining headquartered in Australia. Visit www.vast.energy for more information. Contacts For Investors: Caldwell Bailey ICR, Inc. VastIR@icrinc.com For US media: Matt Dallas ICR, Inc. VastPR@icrinc.com For Australian media: Nick Albrow Wilkinson Butler nick@wilkinsonbutler.com Forward Looking Statements The information included herein and in any oral statements made in connection herewith include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included herein, regarding the Port Augusta project, Vast's future financial performance, Vast's strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used herein, including any oral statements made in connection herewith, the words "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "project," "should," "will," the negative of such terms and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on Vast management's current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, Vast disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. Vast cautions you that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of Vast. These risks include, but are not limited to, general economic, financial, legal, political and business conditions and changes in domestic and foreign markets; Vast's ability to obtain financing on commercially acceptable terms or at all; Vast’s ability to manage growth; Vast's ability to execute its business plan, including the completion of the Port Augusta project , at all or in a timely manner and meet its projections; potential litigation, governmental or regulatory proceedings, investigations or inquiries involving Vast, including in relation to Vast's recent business combination; the inability to recognize the anticipated benefits of Vast's recent business combination; costs related to that business combination; changes in applicable laws or regulations and general economic and market conditions impacting demand for Vast's products and services. Additional risks are set forth in the section titled "Risk Factors" in the Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended June 30, 2024, dated September 9, 2024, as amended on November 7, 2024, and other documents filed, or to be filed with the SEC by Vast. Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described herein and in any oral statements made in connection therewith occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning these and other factors that may impact Vast's expectations can be found in Vast's periodic filings with the SEC. Vast's SEC filings are available publicly on the SEC's website at www.sec.govTurkish Airlines to Begin Operations at The New Terminal One at JFK and Unveil World-Class Lounge