Sgt. Dakota Hodges, left, carrying an M110 rifle, and Staff Sgt. Coertlandt Bauer with his Mark 22 Advanced Sniper Rifle, move between firing positions Dec. 10, 2024, during the Winston P. Wilson Sniper Championship at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. The Oregon Army National Guard sniper team from 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team employed numerous weapons systems throughout the competition. Sgt. Dakota Hodges, foreground, scans downrange through his spotting scope while Staff Sgt. Coertlandt Bauer searches for concealed targets through his Mark 22 Advanced Sniper Rifle optics , Dec. 10, 2024, during the Winston P. Wilson Sniper Championship at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. The Oregon Army National Guard sniper team from 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team worked together to locate and engage camouflaged targets at varying distances. Staff Sgt. Benjamin Cotten, National Guard Marksmanship Training Center cadre and NGMTC Sniper School instructor briefs competitors on night fire procedures Dec. 11, 2024, during the Winston P. Wilson Sniper Championship at Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center, Arkansas. The night shooting ranges test teams' abilities to engage targets using night vision devices and thermal optics. Sgt. Dakota Hodges, left, carrying an M110 rifle, and Staff Sgt. Coertlandt Bauer with his Mark 22 Advanced Sniper Rifle, move between firing positions Dec. 10, 2024, during the Winston P. Wilson Sniper Championship at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. The Oregon Army National Guard sniper team from 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team employed numerous weapons systems throughout the competition. Sgt. Dakota Hodges, foreground, scans downrange through his spotting scope while Staff Sgt. Coertlandt Bauer searches for concealed targets through his Mark 22 Advanced Sniper Rifle optics , Dec. 10, 2024, during the Winston P. Wilson Sniper Championship at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. The Oregon Army National Guard sniper team from 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team worked together to locate and engage camouflaged targets at varying distances. Staff Sgt. Benjamin Cotten, National Guard Marksmanship Training Center cadre and NGMTC Sniper School instructor briefs competitors on night fire procedures Dec. 11, 2024, during the Winston P. Wilson Sniper Championship at Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center, Arkansas. The night shooting ranges test teams' abilities to engage targets using night vision devices and thermal optics. MILTON-FREEWATER — Two Eastern Oregon soldiers recently represented the state at a prestigious military sniper competition, demonstrating the capabilities of local National Guard members. Staff Sgt. Coertlandt Bauer and Sgt. Dakota Hodges, both of the Milton-Freewater-based 3rd Battalion, 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team, competed against elite marksmen from around the world at the 2024 Winston P. Wilson Sniper Championship in Arkansas. According to a press release from the Oregon Military Department, the local team showcases the diverse talent within Oregon's eastern communities. Hodges, who serves as a chief engineer for Amazon Web Services in Hermiston, balances his civilian career with his military role as a sniper team leader. His teammate, Bauer, recently launched the aptly named One Shot Plumbing in Idaho's Wood River Valley, exemplifying the National Guard's citizen-soldier concept. "Being in the Oregon National Guard has been a great opportunity for me to come to training events like this while still being able to own a business and support my community," Bauer said. The Milton-Freewater team joined 35 teams from across U.S. military branches and international forces, including groups from the Netherlands, Italy, U.S. Coast Guard, and special operations forces. Competitors faced challenging scenarios in daylight and nighttime conditions, using advanced equipment, including the Mark 22 Advanced Sniper Rifle and night vision devices. For Hodges, who joined the Guard after serving in the Marine Corps, the competition offered valuable training opportunities. "What I take out of this is we get to come out here, shoot, meet new people and make great connections with other teams," Hodges said. "Everything has changed since I went through sniper school six years ago. We're using different technology and different formulas. Being here, I get to learn that stuff again, update my skills and prepare myself for future endeavors." "These championships exemplify what makes the Oregon National Guard the service of choice for Oregonians," said Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, the adjutant general of Oregon. "When our soldiers train in realistic environments and focus on their specialized skills as cohesive teams, they not only become more proficient warriors but also more effective guardians of our communities." The competition took place at the National Guard Marksmanship Training Center, which provides National Guard units with cost-effective access to world-class training opportunities. Participants must meet rigorous qualifications, including expert marksmanship ratings and specific military occupational specialties. To learn more about the National Guard, visit www.nationalguard.com .By JOSH BOAK WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump loved to use tariffs on foreign goods during his first presidency. But their impact was barely noticeable in the overall economy, even if their aftershocks were clear in specific industries. The data show they never fully delivered on his promised factory jobs. Nor did they provoke the avalanche of inflation that critics feared. This time, though, his tariff threats might be different . The president-elect is talking about going much bigger — on a potential scale that creates more uncertainty about whether he’ll do what he says and what the consequences could be. “There’s going to be a lot more tariffs, I mean, he’s pretty clear,” said Michael Stumo, the CEO of Coalition for a Prosperous America, a group that has supported import taxes to help domestic manufacturing. The president-elect posted on social media Monday that on his first day in office he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada until those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. Those tariffs could essentially blow up the North American trade pact that Trump’s team negotiated during his initial term. Chinese imports would face additional tariffs of 10% until Beijing cracks down on the production of materials used in making fentanyl, Trump posted. Business groups were quick to warn about rapidly escalating inflation , while Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she would counter the move with tariffs on U.S. products. House Democrats put together legislation to strip a president’s ability to unilaterally apply tariffs this drastic, warning that they would likely lead to higher prices for autos, shoes, housing and groceries. Sheinbaum said Wednesday that her administration is already working up a list of possible retaliatory tariffs “if the situation comes to that.” “The economy department is preparing it,” Sheinbaum said. “If there are tariffs, Mexico would increase tariffs, it is a technical task about what would also benefit Mexico,” she said, suggesting her country would impose targeted import duties on U.S. goods in sensitive areas. House Democrats on Tuesday introduced a bill that would require congressional approval for a president to impose tariffs due to claims of a national emergency, a largely symbolic action given Republicans’ coming control of both the House and Senate. “This legislation would enable Congress to limit this sweeping emergency authority and put in place the necessary Congressional oversight before any president – Democrat or Republican – could indiscriminately raise costs on the American people through tariffs,” said Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash. But for Trump, tariffs are now a tested tool that seems less politically controversial even if the mandate he received in November’s election largely involved restraining inflation. The tariffs he imposed on China in his first term were continued by President Joe Biden, a Democrat who even expanded tariffs and restrictions on the world’s second largest economy. Biden administration officials looked at removing Trump’s tariffs in order to bring down inflationary pressures, only to find they were unlikely to help significantly. Tariffs were “so new and unique that it freaked everybody out in 2017,” said Stumo, but they were ultimately somewhat modest. Trump imposed tariffs on solar panels and washing machines at the start of 2018, moves that might have pushed up prices in those sectors even though they also overlapped with plans to open washing machine plants in Tennessee and South Carolina. His administration also levied tariffs on steel and aluminum, including against allies. He then increased tariffs on China, leading to a trade conflict and a limited 2020 agreement that failed to produce the promised Chinese purchases of U.S. goods. Still, the dispute changed relations with China as more U.S. companies looked for alternative suppliers in other countries. Economic research also found the United States may have sacrificed some of its “soft power” as the Chinese population began to watch fewer American movies. The Federal Reserve kept inflation roughly on target, but factory construction spending never jumped in a way that suggested a lasting gain in manufacturing jobs. Separate economic research found the tariff war with China did nothing economically for the communities hurt by offshoring, but it did help Trump and Republicans in those communities politically. When Trump first became president in 2017, the federal government collected $34.6 billion in customs, duties and fees. That sum more than doubled under Trump to $70.8 billion in 2019, according to Office of Management and Budget records. While that sum might seem meaningful, it was relatively small compared to the overall economy. America’s gross domestic product is now $29.3 trillion, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The total tariffs collected in the United States would equal less than 0.3% of GDP. The new tariffs being floated by Trump now are dramatically larger and there could be far more significant impacts. If Mexico, Canada, and China faced the additional tariffs proposed by Trump on all goods imported to the United States, that could be roughly equal to $266 billion in tax collections, a number that does not assume any disruptions in trade or retaliatory moves by other countries. The cost of those taxes would likely be borne by U.S. families, importers and domestic and foreign companies in the form of higher prices or lower profits. Former Biden administration officials said they worried that companies could piggyback on Trump’s tariffs — if they’re imposed — as a rationale to raise their prices, just as many companies after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 boosted food and energy costs and gave several major companies the space to raise prices, according to their own earnings calls with investors. But what Trump didn’t really spell out is what might cause him to back down on tariffs and declare a victory. What he is creating instead with his tariff threats is a sense of uncertainty as companies and countries await the details to figure out what all of this could mean. “We know the key economic policy priorities of the incoming Trump administration, but we don’t know how or when they will be addressed,” said Greg Daco, chief U.S. economist at EY-Parthenon. AP writer Mark Stevenson contributed to this report from Mexico City.
The Detroit Lions are set to take on the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving in Week 13 and the team hopes to have the services of running back David Montgomery for the divisional contest. Montgomery suffered a shoulder injury in the second half of the Week 12 contest against the Indianapolis Colts , which forced his early exit from the game. According to the Lions' injury report , Montgomery did not practice on Monday, was limited on Tuesday and then turned in a full practice on Wednesday. Despite closing out the week with a full session, Montgomery has drawn a questionable tag, which means he isn't fully guaranteed to play. However, there are reasons for optimism that he will suit up against the Bears. Here's the latest update on Montgomery's status for Week 13. David Montgomery injury update Per the team's final injury report, Montgomery was upgraded to full participation on Wednesday but is questionable. The fact that he was able to turn in a full practice means he has a better chance to play than not. #CHIvsDET injury report presented by Henry Ford Health. pic.twitter.com/1UdPbZz9hh Is David Montgomery playing in Week 13? All signs point to Montgomery playing on Thursday. Not only was he able to log a full practice on Wednesday, head coach Dan Campbell expressed optimism earlier in the week that Montgomery will play. "Dan Campbell says he feels good about David Montgomery playing Thursday," Dannie Rogers of the team's official website reported on Tuesday. Adding to that, Montgomery revealed after the win over the Colts that he was held out of the rest of that contest as a precaution and he expects to suit up for the Bears game. Asked David Montgomery if he could've gone back in the game if needed. He said yes, but Dan Campbell pulled him aside and told him, "There's bigger fish to fry." Said it was a smart decision and he'll be ready to go Thursday. At this point, it would be surprising to see Montgomery inactive. We fully expect him to play and have a normal workload against his former team. Even still, keep an eye out for the inactives list an hour and a half before kickoff on Thursday just to make sure. MORE DETROIT LIONS NEWS Kerby Joseph says Lions should be "America's Team" Dan Campbell appears to call out NFL over Jameson Williams fine Two Lions stars ineligible for 2025 Pro Bowl votingLOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Rams keep doing just enough to win, and a team that appeared to be rebuilding this season has climbed all the way to the brink of another playoff berth. The Rams improved to 9-6 and took control of the NFC West on Sunday with their fourth straight victory since Thanksgiving. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get updates and player profiles ahead of Friday's high school games, plus a recap Saturday with stories, photos, video Frequency: Seasonal Twice a weekIt's about to be one of the most active dealmaking years for media and entertainment companies in recent memory. 2024 saw crimped deal volumes as interest rates remained elevated and an unfavorable regulatory environment dampened sentiment. But 2025 has "the recipe for all the stars to be aligned," according to Bart Spiegel, partner of global entertainment and media deals at PwC. "I really do expect it to be a perfect storm for M&A to accelerate in 2025 from a deal value and a deal volume perspective," Speigel said in an interview with Yahoo Finance. He listed several catalysts for next year, including "significant dry powder on the sidelines," the expectation that interest rates will continue to move lower , and a looser regulatory environment from the incoming Trump administration. Plus, "this is not a steady state industry," he said, referencing the "constantly changing" media landscape. "You've got market players that really do want to make moves." Those moves have already begun to materialize. Last month, Comcast ( CMCSA ) said it would spin off most of its cable properties into a new company after teasing the possibility just a few weeks prior. At the time, Comcast said it wanted to "play offense" in order to combat increased cord-cutting. Wall Street analysts have said Comcast's spun-off company could acquire other beaten-down cable properties, describing it as a positive development for competitors exposed to traditional networks, like Warner Bros. Discovery ( WBD ). To that point, shortly after Comcast's announcement, WBD also said it would undergo a corporate restructuring to separate its legacy networks, including CNN, TBS, TNT, HGTV, and the Food Network, from growth drivers like studios and its streaming platform Max. "It appears we are closer to the tipping point given the combination of secular and cyclical challenges," Bank of America analyst Jessica Reif Ehrlich wrote in a note to clients on Dec. 19. Most streaming platforms are finally profitable or, at the very least, close to break-even. But the demise of the cable bundle is still a complicated mess for legacy players looking to survive in a new digital-first era. For years, linear advertising and affiliate fees, or the fees pay-TV providers pay to network owners to carry their channels, had consistently boosted revenues for legacy media. But the shift to streaming saw cable subscribers decline, hurting affiliate revenue. The pressure from deteriorating linear networks, coupled with heavy debt loads, has forced legacy media giants to cut costs wherever possible, resulting in mass layoffs and restructuring efforts. Earlier this summer, Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Global ( PARA ) took a collective $15 billion hit on the values of their respective cable businesses. "Given this backdrop, it is clear further consolidation is needed," MoffettNathanson analyst Craig Moffett wrote in a report published Dec. 3. "There has been endless chatter for years in the press and from media executives around extricating the overhang of linear networks on overall company performance." Outside of Comcast and WBD, Disney ( DIS ) has also explored cleaving off its traditional TV assets , which include broadcast network ABC and cable channels like FX, Freeform, and National Geographic. Disney CEO Bob Iger has since walked back those comments , but it's still possible a spin-off or asset sale could be revisited, according to analysts. And with Paramount's deal with Skydance Media set to close in the second half of 2025 , it remains unclear what will happen to Paramount's cable and TV properties after the merger. "There are a lot of efficiencies to be had by combining many of these companies," Reif Ehrlich recently told Yahoo Finance in a separate interview. "Can these companies survive as part of a bigger entity? Yes, of course they can." One entity that might be a buyer of depressed linear assets is cable and streaming company Starz, which will complete its long-awaited separation from Lionsgate Studios ( LION ) early next year. Starz, which is expected to make its public debut on the Nasdaq around mid-January, plans to expand margins from 15% to 20%, with CEO Jeff Hirsch noting M&A can help fuel revenue growth. “If you look at the disruption going on in the business today, there’s a lot of linear networks, or ad-supported networks that serve the demos that we serve today," Hirsch said at a UBS media conference earlier this month. “I do think there’s an opportunity once we separate, once we have our own balance sheet and a currency, to go out and acquire some of those linear assets," he continued, adding he believes companies "will shed assets first before they consolidate." Regulatory easing will be the most important M&A tailwind, according to experts, even if the Federal Reserve commits to a higher-for-longer policy stance . "There's an appetite for people to go out and do deals in a much more friendly environment," PwC's Spiegel said. Total deal volumes and values in the media and telecommunications sector over the past year saw a slight uptick compared to a downbeat 2023 , according to PwC's biannual US deals outlook. Over the past 12 months ending in November, there have been 2,088 deals — a 4% year-over-year increase — with announced deal value totaling $135.5 billion, a 26% rise versus 2023. Telecom giants led the charge, with Verizon's $20 billion acquisition of Frontier Communications one of the largest deals of the year. "I think telecom deals will continue to increase," Spiegel said. "But we're also going to see much more media and entertainment M&A." President-elect Donald Trump, generally viewed as more friendly toward dealmaking than President Biden, has already signaled a looser policy stance with his Cabinet picks, like Brendan Carr as the new chair of the Federal Communications Commission. Carr, who has frequently advocated for deregulation and an intent to revisit ownership limits, could spur more consolidation within local and broadcast television at a time when companies are desperate to compete in a digital-first world. Nexstar Media Group ( NXST ) CFO Lee Ann Gliha told Yahoo Finance earlier this month that Carr's nomination served as "the first signal" of future disruption. Nexstar, which controls the CW Network, along with Fox Television Stations, Sinclair Broadcast Group, Gray Media, and others have been desperate to gobble up more TV stations in order to better compete with Big Tech in the race for viewers and ad dollars. But there's a cap on how many TV stations a single media entity can own. The current rule is that a station cannot collectively reach more than 39% of all TV households in the US. Of course, no one knows exactly what will happen once Trump takes control of the White House. Or what deregulation policies will be put into place once he does. But one thing is clear: The future of media and entertainment M&A looks a lot brighter compared to years past — and it's happening at a time when Hollywood is finally ready to shake things up. Alexandra Canal is a Senior Reporter at Yahoo Finance. Follow her on X @allie_canal , LinkedIn, and email her at alexandra.canal@yahoofinance.com. Click here for the latest stock market news and in-depth analysis, including events that move stocks Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
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Warning: Discussion of sexual abuse and harassment. This weekend, news emerged that Blake Lively is reportedly suing It Ends with Us costar and director Justin Baldoni for alleged sexual harassment. People began comparing the situation with that of Amber Heard — and the actor herself issued a statement. According to the New York Times , Lively claimed that Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath "had repeatedly violated physical boundaries and made sexual and other inappropriate comments to her." The legal complaint subsequently claimed that, fearing public fallout from the allegations, their PR effort created a smear campaign "to harm Ms. Lively’s reputation instead." An attorney for Wayfarer, the company cofounded by Baldoni and Heath, denied Lively's claims and told the NYT that neither the studio, its executives, nor its PR representatives did anything "proactive nor retaliated” against her. In August, speculation was already rife that there had been some kind of on-set rift. Amid this, Baldoni hired crisis public relations expert Melissa Nathan, who was already famed for working with Johnny Depp during his defamation trial with Heard. According to texts seen by the NYT, Nathan texted a publicist working with Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios, "You know we can bury anyone." Baldoni's lawyer Bryan Freedman alleged to the NYT that Lively planted “negative and completely fabricated and false stories with media” against him, sparking the decision to hire a crisis PR expert. Let's take a moment to remember Depp v. Heard . In 2020, Depp lost his UK defamation trial against the Sun in which the tabloid called him "a wife beater." The judge said that the words were "substantially true," noting, "I have found that the great majority of alleged assaults of Ms Heard by Mr Depp have been proved to the civil standard." Notably, things fared differently in the US trial, which was in front of a jury. As international media lawyer Mark Stephens told the BBC , "Amber Heard has comprehensively lost in the court of public opinion and in front of the jury." Some experts estimated that more than half of the negative tweets about Heard were from "inauthentic accounts," including bots and trolls. As the Independent put it, "The truly shocking revelation...is just how vast and complex the disinformation movement against Heard was. This was not one single campaign, but multiple, hybrid attacks." Perhaps it's no surprise then that Amber herself issued a statement on the It Ends with Us allegations: "Social media is the absolute personification of the classic saying ‘A lie travels halfway around the world before truth can get its boots on.' I saw this firsthand and up close. It’s as horrifying as it is destructive.” Blake Lively, Amber Heard, Megan Thee Stallion , it goes on. How many more women would you like to keep adding? If you or someone you know is in immediate danger as a result of domestic violence, call 911. For anonymous, confidential help, you can call the 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or chat with an advocate via the website. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE), which routes the caller to their nearest sexual assault service provider. You can also search for your local center here .
Aaron Rodgers found his 'perfect gift' this holiday season: A new girlfriendNone
David Scott, an Army veteran from New Hampshire, details his lifelong fitness journey and how he benefits from his weekly gym workouts. Getting a certain number of daily steps has long been known to boost overall health — and now a new study has pinpointed how many you need to keep depression at bay. A research team led by Bruno Bizzozero-Peroni, PhD, from Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha in Cuenca, Spain, analyzed 33 studies involving 96,173 adults. In comparing the adults’ daily step counts and rates of depression , they found that people with higher daily step counts tended to have fewer depressive symptoms, according to the study findings, which were published in JAMA Network Open last week. DANCE EASES DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS IN PARKINSON'S PATIENTS, NEW STUDY SUGGESTS Getting 5,000 or more steps was linked to reduced depressive symptoms, while a step count of 7,000 or higher was associated with a lower risk of depression , the researchers found. "Our results showed significant associations between higher numbers of daily steps and fewer depressive symptoms, as well as lower prevalence and risk of depression in the general adult population," the authors wrote in the findings. People with higher daily step counts tended to have fewer depressive symptoms, according to the study findings. (iStock) "The objective measurement of daily steps may represent an inclusive and comprehensive approach to public health that has the potential to prevent depression." More than 7% of U.S. adults have been diagnosed with depression, with those between 12 and 25 years old most affected, according to data from the National Institute of Mental Health. WHAT IS SUNSET ANXIETY? HERE'S HOW TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE LATE-DAY DISTRESS Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News senior medical analyst, was not involved in the study but commented on the review. "This is an extensive analysis of over 30 observational studies, so it needs to be followed up with prospective randomized studies ," he told Fox News Digital. Previous studies have found that walking has effects on brain networks that are essential in improving mood, depression and anxiety, one expert told Fox News Digital. (iStock) "There is already a vast body of evidence, including this study, that exercise is associated with mood improvement, a natural antidepressant." The reason that a higher step count reduces depression isn't only psychological, the doctor said — it's also physical. "Exercise increases the release of the ‘happy hormones’ — dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin," Siegel added. "The more sedentary we are, or the more we sit, the more depressed we get." Previous studies have found that walking has effects on brain networks that are essential in improving mood, depression and anxiety , according to Dr. Richard A. Bermudes, a psychiatrist and chief medical officer of BrainsWay in Nevada. For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health "The more sedentary we are, or the more we sit, the more depressed we get," Bermudes, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. More than 7% of U.S. adults have been diagnosed with depression, with those between 12 and 25 years old most affected, according to data from the National Institute of Mental Health. (iStock) "We also know that there is an incremental benefit to walking — every increase of 1,000 steps per day was associated with a 9% lower risk of depression." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER Genetics, psychological factors and social stressors also play a role in depression, he noted. "However, we know that natural light exposure, general movement and walking in natural settings or nature have positive mood effects ." Natural light exposure, general movement and walking in natural settings or nature have positive mood effects, one expert noted. (iStock) Bermudes encourages those struggling with depression to "take it one step at a time." "For those with severe depression, try incrementally day after day, increasing by 100 steps each day," he suggested. "If you work and are stuck at a desk most days, schedule 15-minute breaks to exercise the brain by taking a walk." CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Walking outside is more beneficial, Bermudes added, as it provides natural light exposure. Fox News Digital reached out to the study researchers for comment. Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.NoneVaranasi, Dec 21, 2024 The United Nations (UN) has declared December 21 as Meditation Day. Reactions from across various sections of society have been pouring in following this announcement. The people of Varanasi have also welcomed this declaration by the United Nations. The people of Varanasi believe that this initiative will not only promote the religious and cultural identity of Varanasi but will also highlight the importance of meditation and mental peace worldwide. This step, honouring Varanasi’s traditions and spiritual heritage, is seen as a move in a positive direction. Advocate Anurag Pandey congratulated the United Nations for this initiative, calling it a wonderful step for health, similar to the celebration of Yoga Day. He believes that this announcement will be very beneficial and hopes that more people will be drawn to this practice. Advocate Avnish Rai expressed that this is a moment of great pride for India. He mentioned that India’s traditions are being recognised worldwide, which is a matter of pride for the country and its people. He also pointed out the recent shift in people’s daily routines, with more individuals adopting yoga and meditation, leading to a broader acceptance of spiritual traditions. Rajeev Rai said this is a very positive step. After yoga, this is another excellent initiative for health. He further stated that declaring December 21 as Meditation Day is a remarkable move by the United Nations. Pawan Singh also praised this declaration, expressing confidence that it will yield positive results in the future. On this announcement by the United Nations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on the X: “Today, on World Meditation Day, I call upon everyone to make meditation a part of their daily lives and experience its transformative potential. Meditation is a powerful way to bring peace and harmony to one’s life, as well as to our society and planet. In the age of technology, Apps and guided videos can be valuable tools to help incorporate meditation into our routines.”(Agency)Latest News | Edu Loan Provider Credila Financial Services Files IPO Papers with Sebi
ISLAMABAD: Expressing regret over the statement of PTI founder Imran Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi, F oreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has said that implicating Saudi Arabia for political point scoring is indicative of a desperate mindset. Responding to the comments by the spouse of the PTI founder regarding Saudi Arabia, the deputy prime minister/foreign minister said “Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are close friends and brothers. This relationship is based on mutual respect.” “We have great admiration for Saudi Arabia’s journey of development and prosperity. The Pakistani nation is proud of its close relationship with Saudi Arabia which has always stood by Pakistan through thick and thin” Ishaq Dar added. Read More: Bushra Bibi issues statement on Nov 24 protest ‘’Implicating Saudi Arabia for petty political point scoring is regrettable and indicative of a desperate mindset’’ he added. The deputy prime minister urged all political forces to desist from compromising Pakistan’s foreign policy in pursuance of their political objectives.” Earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan‘s wife Bushra Bibi issued a video message regarding the party’s Nov 24 protest call, urging PTI workers and supporters to participate in the much-hyped Nov 24 protest dubbed as ‘final or do-or-die’ against the government. Creating a new controversy, she claimed that propaganda began against them following their visit to Madinah in Saudi Arabia. According to her, former Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa began receiving calls where he was told that Khan was not acceptable to them. The PTI founder’s wife went on to add the calls were followed by her character assassination and Khan being called a ‘Jewish agent.’ Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reiterated that no protest will be allowed in the federal capital as Belarus president along with a 65-member delegation is set for a state visit to Pakistan on November 24 and 25. During a talk with the media after appearing before the Islamabad High Court, Naqvi categorically denied the reports about ongoing talks between the federal government and PTI founder Imran Khan regarding the Nov 24 protest. The interior minister said that although he favours negotiations with the Opposition Party, however, he asserted that talks and threats do not go together.Nutrition Sri Lanka – an ambitious program to end malnutrition – was formally launched recently. It seeks to provide undernourished children and pregnant women with the nutrients essential through the consumption of fortified rice. The program is spearheaded by Akshata, which is the first brand in Sri Lanka to acquire and master the technology to produce fortified rice kernels efficiently and cost-effectively. Fortifying staple foods such as rice with essential micronutrients like vitamin A, B vitamins, iron and zinc is among the most economical evidence-based interventions to help combat widespread micronutrient deficiencies. Nutrition Sri Lanka is an initiative by Grains ‘n’ Green’ Ltd Managing Director Roshan Perera, which produces Akshata products. Experimentation on fortified kernels in Sri Lanka using extrusion technology began in January by a research team led by Senior Professor K.K.D.S. Ranaweera with technical support from PATH. Lions International Past President Mahendra Amarasuriya was also an important part of the program and contributed in many ways. “We have already started production of fortified rice kernels to be supplied for the rice fortification initiative under the school meal program. The company is hopeful of more orders from sub-saharan African countries,” said Roshan Perera. According to him, rice fortification for addressing the issue of micronutrient deficiencies in the population is a vital initiative, and local production of fortified rice kernels for use in the manufacture of fortified rice was identified as a key element in the long-term sustainability of the rice fortification programme. He also noted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2021 mandated that the poor in India should get only iron-fortified rice under all government welfare schemes, and this has been extremely successful. “We are the only company in Sri Lanka with the capability and technical know-how to implement this project and provide the necessary fortified kernels at 50% of the cost currently incurred by importing,” said Perera. The kernels are enriched with folic acid and iron through an extrusion process creating nutrient-rich grains that will be blended with regular rice to produce fortified rice. He added that fortified rice will soon be available to the public to purchase off the shelf with various nutrients added to cater to deficiencies, which will revolutionise the rice industry in Sri Lanka while building a healthier population. Though rice is a great source of energy, it is a poor source of micronutrients because the milling process removes the nutrient-rich bran layers. Malnutrition is a serious problem in Sri Lanka. At present, as many as 2.3 million children in the country suffer from its dire consequences. Sri Lanka has one of the highest rates of acute malnutrition among children under 5 years in South Asia, and many suffer from chronic wasing. It is essential to remedy this and ensure that children have a chance to develop physically and mentally and achieve their full potential. It is interesting to note that experts’ approval of rice fortification for the school meal program emphasised the need to manufacture fortified rice kernels locally as importing fortified kernels is a heavy burden on the country’s foreign exchange. Akshata’s efforts have finally made this a reality. Akshata is a pioneer in the cultivation and manufacture of food products that cater to health-conscious consumers in Sri Lanka. It was the first brand to introduce heirloom rice varieties with proven health benefits such as pachchaperumal, suwandel, black rice and kuruluthuda to Sri Lankan supermarkets. It is also the first brand in the world to introduce breakfast cereals made of heirloom rice. These products include moringa, jackfruit and lotus flower seeds along with an innovative honey spoon. Akshata products are high in nutrients and have earned an enviable reputation among health-conscious consumers.
Over one-third of shoppers aged 18-34 have encountered fraud when seeking to buy a product they saw advertised on social media "Scams can happen to anyone, which is why it's important to stay vigilant during key moments like the holiday shopping season,” said Penny Lee, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Technology Association . "Our annual national campaign provides consumers with simple steps to protect their payments and be Smarter Than Scams.” "Millions of Americans use Cash App daily to manage their financial lives securely and responsibly,” said Brian Boates, Science Lead at Block , who oversees machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data science at the company. "Given the increasing rate and complexity of scams, and the evolving tactics of malicious actors, Cash App adopts a multifaceted strategy to effectively combat scams and safeguard its customers - and this starts with education. We're excited to continue working with our peers in the industry through efforts like Smarter Than Scams to empower consumers with the knowledge and tools they need to protect their finances." "Approximately a quarter of the world's digital commerce is powered by PayPal and Venmo each year reflecting that our brands are a trusted choice for consumers,” said Aaron J. Webster, Global Chief Risk Officer at PayPal. "PayPal and Venmo do not tolerate fraudulent activity on our platforms. We leverage industry-leading fraud prevention and detection models, strategies, and tools to proactively identify and stop bad actors. We are proud to partner with the Financial Technology Association on Smarter Than Scams and will continue to demonstrate our leadership by empowering consumers with the education and innovative real-time transaction insights needed to avoid common scams and fraud.” FTA's national "Smarter Than Scams” campaign brings awareness to the most common scams consumers face during the holiday season, such as charity, gift card, imposter, invoicing, pet deposit, phishing, and romance scams. The campaign outlines key steps consumers can take to protect themselves: For more information about the common payment scams during the holiday season and how Cash App, PayPal, and Venmo work to protect consumers to transact safely, visit SmarterThanScams.com . About Financial Technology Association (FTA): The Financial Technology Association (FTA) is a Washington, DC-based trade association representing industry leaders shaping the future of finance. We champion the power of technology-centered financial services and advocate for the modernization of financial regulation to support inclusion and responsible innovation. About D S Simon Media: The firm is well known as a leader in the satellite media tour industry and produces tours from its studio and multiple control rooms at its New York headquarters. Clients include top brands in healthcare, technology, travel, financial services, consumer goods, entertainment, retail and non-profits. Established in 1986 the firm has won more than 100 industry awards. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a property of D S Simon Media. The video included and release was part of a media tour that was produced by D S Simon Media on behalf of Financial Technology Association (FTA). Dante Muccigrosso Director of Media Integration & Client Reporting E: [email protected] C: 973.524.0104 A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3f84529d-17be-4847-a278-00e436ec30ea"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 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An anti-deepfake law might have been generated by AI