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Chase Bitcoin At All-Time Highs? Absolutely YesThe confidential briefing note is part of the tranche of documents made public by the Irish National Archive. Irish civil servants compiled a list of “major leaks” they claimed originated from the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) and Special Branch officers in the region, records show. The confidential briefing note is part of the tranche of documents made public in the annual release of State papers from the Irish National Archives. An Irish Department of Foreign Affairs official focusing on justice and security created the list in October 2002. The document starts by referencing a 1999 interview given by George Mitchell, the chairman of the Good Friday Agreement negotiations, in which he claimed the British and Irish governments, as well as Northern Ireland’s political parties, had leaked information to manipulate public opinion. However, he further accused the NIO of attempting to sabotage the process by leaking information on British Government policy to the media. Mr Mitchell, a former US senator, is said to have expressed alarm and anger over the frequency of leaks from the NIO – saying they were uniquely “designed to undermine the policy of the British Government of which they were a part”. The Irish civil servant notes Mr Mitchell himself was subjected to an attempted “smear” when he first arrived in Northern Ireland, as newspaper articles falsely claimed his chief of staff Martha Pope had had a liaison with Sinn Fein representative Gerry Kelly with ulterior motives. The Irish civil servant goes on to list several “leaks”, starting with the publication of a proposed deal in a newspaper while “intense negotiations” for the Downing Street Declaration were under way. Next, the Department lists two “high-profile and damaging leaks issued from the NIO”. A so-called “gameplan” document was leaked in February 1998, showing papers had been prepared weeks before the Drumcree march on July 6, 1997. In the preceding years, there had been standoffs and clashes as nationalists opposed the procession of an Orange parade down Garvaghy Road in Portadown. The gameplan document showed then secretary of state for Northern Ireland Mo Mowlam, who was publicly expressing a desire for a negotiated solution to the 1997 parade, advocated “finding the lowest common denominator for getting some Orange feet on the Garvaghy Road”. In 1997, a large number of security forces were deployed to the area to allow the march to proceed. The incident sparked heightened tension and a wave of rioting. The document further describes the release of a document submitted by the NIO’s director of communications to the secretary of state as a “second major leak”. It claims a publicity strategy was released to the DUP in the aftermath of the Good Friday Agreement and showed how the UK Government would support a yes vote in a referendum following any talks agreement. In addition, it is claimed unionists used leaked sections of the Patten report on policing to invalidate its findings ahead of its publication in 1999. The report recommended the replacement of the Royal Ulster Constabulary with the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the changing of symbols, and a 50-50 recruitment policy for Catholics and Protestants. At the time, UUP leader David Trimble said the recommendations would lead to a corruption of policing in Northern Ireland. Chris Patten, chairman of the independent commission on policing, said some of the assertions were a “total fabrication” and designed to “muddy the waters” to create a difficult political atmosphere. Elsewhere, the author notes it was leaked to the media there was serious disagreement between the governments of the UK and Ireland on the composition of that commission – with not a single name submitted by the Irish side being accepted by the other. The author notes this incident, still under the heading “NIO leaks”, was believed by British officials to have emanated from the Irish side. The report turns to leaks of other origin, claiming “disgruntled Special Branch officers in Northern Ireland” were blamed by the British Government for a series of releases about the IRA which were designed to damage Sinn Fein in the 2001 general election in Northern Ireland. One senior Whitehall source was quoted in the Guardian as complaining that Special Branch was “leaking like a sieve” after details of an IRA intelligence database containing the names of leading Tories – described at the time as a “hit list” – was passed to the BBC in April 2002. The briefing note adds: “This was followed days later by a leak to The Sunday Telegraph which alleged that senior IRA commanders bought Russian special forces rifles in Moscow last year. “The newspaper said it was passed details by military intelligence in London.” The briefing note adds that other Special Branch leaks were associated with the Castlereagh break-in. The final incident in the document notes the Police Ombudsman’s Report on the Omagh bombing was also leaked to the press in December 2001. Then Northern Ireland secretary John Reid said at the time: “Leaks are never helpful and usually malicious – I will not be commenting on this report until I have seen the final version.” The reason for creating the list of leaks, which the Irish National Archives holds in a folder alongside briefing notes for ministers ahead of meetings with officials from the UK Government and NIO, is not outlined in the document itself. – This document is based on material in 2024/130/6.
Mangalore University will organise a two-day international conference on Responsible Artificial Intelligence from Monday. The conference is being organised under the MoU signed between Mangalore University and Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK under the Karnataka Wales Partnership Programme, A.M. Khan, convener of the conference, said via a release on Sunday. There will be six keynote speakers. Thirty research papers will be presented at the conference in hybrid mode. In all, six papers from abroad and 23 papers from across India will be presented during the conference. The conference will be inaugurated at 10 a.m. by S.R. Niranjana, Vice Chairman, Karnataka State Higher Education Council, Bengaluru, and will be presided over by P.L. Dharma, Vice Chancellor, Mangalore University. Principals and faculty from cluster colleges will be present at the programme. Key principles In the era of deep fakes and use of AI in all fields it is necessary to use AI efficiently. It is necessary to implement responsible AI. The six key principles for responsible AI include fairness, reliability and safety, privacy and security, inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability, the release said. Mangalore University and Cardiff Metropolitan University have made a cluster of higher educational institutions to conduct studies and research and have collaborative projects to prevent misuse of AI technology and promote safe, secure and responsible use of AI technology. This collaboration is called REACHED, implying Responsible AI Cluster for Higher Education in India and Wales. The cluster aims to conduct research studies in the areas of AI and Cyber Security. The collaboration is set up under the Karnataka Wales Partnership Programme which the Government of Karnataka has explored with Universities in Wales (Welsh states). A few other institutions like Raichur University, Raichur; Presidency University, Bengaluru; Canara Engineering College, Sahyadri College of Engineering and Management, PA College of Engineering and Beary’s Institute of Technology, all in Mangaluru, are under this cluster. Under this collaboration, a team of two scientists from Cardiff Metropolitan University visited Mangaluru for five days from March 25, 2024, and conducted workshops and seminars on Artificial Intelligence, Flipped Learning Practices, problem based learning / research, AI usage in teaching and learning, AI usage for net-zero and sustainable initiatives, etc., at Mangalore University campus, Canara Engineering College and Sahyadri College of Engineering. This was followed by a webinar during September 2024 and now the international conference. During the second phase, two scientists from Cardiff Metropolitan University are visiting Mangalore University for six days from December 15. They will conduct workshops and research seminars on global data protection policies and regulations, cyber security architectures, cyber security education, use of advance tools and technologies, challenges in delivery of cyber security curriculum, next generation cyber security technologies and grant writing workshops. The team will also visit the cluster colleges during the visit, Prof. Khan said. Published - December 15, 2024 09:03 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Karnataka / Mangalore / Artificial Intelligence / university / United Kingdom / Bangalore / research
A research team led by Chinese scientist “Crazy Li” has equipped small drones with the ability to emit powerful metal-cutting laser beams—a feat once thought impossible. The research envisions a scenario where a single small drone could confront a squad of fully armed soldiers by emitting a near-infrared laser 200 million times more powerful than a beam of 1080 nanometres wavelength, capable of causing blindness with just five microwatts of power. Such power is sufficient to vaporize subcutaneous fat on contact and cut through metal, according to findings published by Li Xiao and his team from the National University of Defence Technology of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. High-powered lasers on small drones In his recent research, the Chinese scientist tackled what was once considered impossible: generating a laser beam with a long kill range that typically requires truck-sized equipment. Conventional wisdom dictated that a small platform, such as a consumer drone, could never carry such a high-powered laser weapon or the energy supply it demands, the South China Morning Post reported . Li and his colleagues overcame this limitation by inventing a compact, lightweight device that enables drones to receive powerful laser beams from the ground and redirect them toward enemy targets with precision. To overcome weight and size limits, the drone reflects a laser sent from the ground onto the target. This boosts the drone’s laser power to 30kW or more and allows the beam to bend around obstacles like buildings, striking targets at their weakest points. The research team highlighted that in future applications, multiple drones equipped with this device could detect targets and request laser support from the ground, enhancing response speed. The redirecting device consists primarily of two telescope-like tubes: one receives the laser beam from the ground, and the other reflects it toward the target. The tubes are guided by ultra-precise elevation servo mechanisms and azimuth turntables, with high-performance reflective mirrors linking the optical path between them. Tackling vibration issues to enhance drone laser precision According to the paper, the scientists have addressed most of the technical challenges related to the new laser drone. The primary hurdle to its success is the vibration generated during flight, which can scatter the beam. According to Li, the device needs excellent vibration isolation technology to prevent this issue. In 2016, China launched the world’s first quantum satellite, bringing ultra-long-distance laser aiming technology from science fiction to reality. In recent years, Chinese scientists have also made significant advancements in ultra-high-precision time synchronization on mobile devices, greatly enhancing the coordination accuracy between intelligent weapon platforms. In turn, this has enabled breakthroughs that were once considered impossible, such as combining microwaves or lasers emitted from different platforms into a potent energy beam in the sky. Such advancements have made it easier to coordinate and communicate between systems over large distances.Online Therapy Services Market , 42% of Growth to Originate from North America, Technavio
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK) Mangaluru, Dec 15: Featherlite, a pioneering name in workspace furniture, has unveiled its stunning new Experience Centre in the heart of Mangaluru. Located at Mathias Interiors, Bridge Road, Balmatta, the state-of-the-art 5,000-square-foot facility, opened on December 15, showcases the latest designs and trends in workspace furniture. It offers a comprehensive range of products tailored to meet the evolving needs of modern businesses, educational institutions, and healthcare sectors. A hub of design inspiration and innovation Featherlite’s Experience Centre is more than just a showroom – it serves as a hub for design inspiration and ideas. From height-adjustable workstations and meeting pods to modern office chairs and soft seating, visitors can explore a wide array of options that can transform any workspace into a creative and productive environment. The centre displays thousands of meticulously designed furniture solutions, aimed at inspiring clients, architects, designers, business owners, and facility managers. Featherlite seeks to help businesses create spaces that reflect their brand identity while fostering innovation and success, in response to the evolving work culture and environment. Grand inauguration The grand inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of several dignitaries, including MLC Ivan D'Souza, Anand G Pai, president of KCCI, A R Deepak D'Souza, principal Architect-General Corporation, managing director of Rohan Corporation, Rohan Monteiro, and chairman of MCC Bank, Anil Lobo. The dignitaries also unveiled the new logo of the Mathias Group. In his address, MLC Ivan D'Souza praised the Mathias family's business journey: "The key to success for any businessman is understanding that the sky is the limit, even though challenges will arise. Gregory Mathias and his son are destined for success in business. Thanks to Gregory's dedication, he has excelled in his profession. Featherlite offers the best exclusive products with exceptional finishing. There is great potential for business growth if it remains customer-friendly." Anand G Pai, president of KCCI, also congratulated Featherlite on its new showroom: "Featherlite is known for its quality, and I can personally attest to it. It is also cost-effective and provides excellent service to its customers. Featherlite’s products are especially suited for the IT sector. If the IT sector thrives in Mangaluru, Featherlite will succeed too." chairman of Mathias Group, Gregory Mathias, welcomed the gathering, while managing director Gavin Mathias proposed a vote of thanks. Royson Pinto compered the event. Featherlite's associate director, Kiran Chellaram, also spoke at the inauguration, commenting, “With our new showroom, we expect to serve the dynamic state of Karnataka and Mangaluru more effectively. We invite corporates, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and the public and government sectors to visit our new Experience Centre in Mangaluru and explore the cutting-edge designs and innovative solutions that Featherlite is known for.” Special connect with Mangaluru Mangaluru offers a unique opportunity to focus on industries such as IT, manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, and education. The city’s status as a major industrial and commercial hub makes it an ideal location for Featherlite, which has served respected organizations in Mangaluru and nearby areas, including Mangalore International Airport, MRPL, Vertex Workspaces, EGDK India Pvt Ltd, Almasons Technologies, Straecon India LLP, and Bix Byte Solutions, among others. Educational furniture Featherlite, headquartered in Bengaluru, has expanded into the booming market for high-quality, agile educational furniture. Its educational furniture range includes ergonomic classroom seating, modern benches, library racks, hostel furniture, soft seating, and presentation stations designed to transform educational institutions into hubs of debate, discussion, and collaboration. These solutions also optimize the use of real estate and improve the aesthetics of institutions. Kiran Chellaram added, “Our new manufacturing unit in Bengaluru, set to open in February 2025, will be dedicated to producing our educational furniture range. With this new plant, we will have a total of 600,000 square feet of manufacturing space.” About Featherlite Featherlite is a leading provider of innovative workspace furniture, transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary environments. With a legacy spanning 60 years and a presence in 70 retail locations, the company manufactures over 55,000 chairs and 15,000 workstations for more than 35,000 corporate clients. The company is expanding its manufacturing capacity, with two new plants set to open by the end of 2024. Featherlite is committed to sustainability, aiming for Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040. It has adopted 14 UN Sustainability Development Goals, and its targets have been approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI). Among its sustainability initiatives is the installation of rooftop solar panels at its Karnataka factory, generating 3MW of energy. Contact information: Featherlite Bridge Road, Balmatta, Mangaluru Mob: +91 9945099141 (Gavin Mathias) Website: www.featherlitefurniture.com Email: gavin@mathiasgroup.in Photo Album: Click here...AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Any Texas or Texas A&M player has heard the lore of the rivalry between the two schools, a grudge match that dates to 1894. But for more than a decade — two generations of college football players — that's all it has been: Ghostly memories of great games and great plays made by heroes of the distant past. 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Palo Alto Networks: Market Loves The Story Too MuchFarrakhan leads Hampton past Duquesne 64-59Linus Aleke in Abuja The Federal Government has commenced the construction of a modern and smart divisional police headquarters in Abuja. The government also stressed that it is poised for the emergence of a world-class police force that is inclusive, intelligence-led, technology-driven and community-based that is alive to its constitutional responsibilities. It said it is committed to implementing the ongoing comprehensive police reform to revolutionise the policing landscape by fostering inclusivity, community engagement, intelligence-driven operations and technological integration. The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, made this disclosure while performing the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Divisional Police Headquarters and six Rank and File Quarters by the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) at Mpape weekend. Represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Police Affairs, Yusuf Argungu, the minister applauded the effort of the NPTF in addressing the challenges of security in Bwari Area Council and providing a conducive environment for both citizens and their businesses According to him, “The presence of this divisional headquarters of the police in this location will protect citizens commuting daily for their daily activities from the danger of kidnapping, one chance and robbery, as well as other related crimes affecting people in the city.” He urged the force to continue to promote synergy with citizens in the location and other security agencies in the city to uphold the responsibility of enforcing laws and prosecuting offenders. The Inspector General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, said the groundbreaking ceremony of the new divisional police headquarters was a testament to their ongoing commitment to effective law enforcement and community engagement. Represented by the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Olatunji Disu, the IG said the force eagerly anticipates the completion of the project and commencement of police activities to foster a safer environment for all citizens. In his remarks, the Executive Secretary, NPTF, Mohammed Sheidu, said the modern and smart divisional police headquarters when completed will be more than just bricks and mortar. He noted that it will represent their collective resolve to provide a police force and officers with modern infrastructure that enhances their operational capacity and improved welfare. “This headquarters will feature state-of-the-art facilities, while the quarters will provide decent and comfortable housing for the personnel, fostering an environment where they can thrive both personally and professionally,” he stated. To the contractor, he said: “We are entrusting you with the responsibility to deliver a world class facility that meets the highest standard of quality and excellence. At the same time, we urge you to work diligently and efficiently to ensure the timely completion of this project. “The safety and well being of the officers and community that they serve depends on the realization of this project.” Sheidu said that the NPTF will monitor the project closely and provide all necessary support to ensure the success of the project, adding that: “This project is a symbol of progress, collaboration and hope. It is a testament to what can be achieved when we work together for the greater good.” The District Head of Mpape, Adamu Diga, expressed appreciation to the ministry, NPTF and the NPF for accepting their request to upgrade the existing Mpape Police Post to the divisional headquarters to enhance the efficiency and service delivery to the people of the district.
NEW YORK , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with market evolution powered by AI - The global live music market size is estimated to grow by USD 35.56 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 17.38% during the forecast period. Growing demand for live music experiences is driving market growth, with a trend towards rise in adoption of virtual and hybrid live music experiences. However, privacy and security concerns over online ticket booking platforms poses a challenge.Key market players include Alliance Tickets, Bassett Events Inc., Coast To Coast Tickets LLC, CTS Eventim AG and Co. KGaA, Eventbee Inc., Eventbrite Inc., Event.com Inc., Live Nation Entertainment Inc., Lyte Inc., SeatGeek Inc., Sunrise Records Ltd., The Ticketline Network Ltd., Ticket City Inc., TicketNetwork Inc., TickPick LLC, TiqIQ LLC, TodayTix Inc., Viagogo Entertainment Inc., Vivendi SE, and Vivid Seats Inc.. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered Revenue (Tickets, Sponsorship, and Merchandising), Genre (Pop, Rock, Hip-hop, EDM, and Metal music and others), and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa) Region Covered North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa Key companies profiled Alliance Tickets, Bassett Events Inc., Coast To Coast Tickets LLC, CTS Eventim AG and Co. KGaA, Eventbee Inc., Eventbrite Inc., Event.com Inc., Live Nation Entertainment Inc., Lyte Inc., SeatGeek Inc., Sunrise Records Ltd., The Ticketline Network Ltd., Ticket City Inc., TicketNetwork Inc., TickPick LLC, TiqIQ LLC, TodayTix Inc., Viagogo Entertainment Inc., Vivendi SE, and Vivid Seats Inc. Key Market Trends Fueling Growth Live music market is a thriving industry that caters to the worldwide demand for authentic and musical experiences. Trends in this sector include live music concerts, mobile apps, and the rise of DJs. Genres such as Blues, Pop, Rock, Metal, Electronica, and more continue to shape audience preferences. Industrial developments, urbanization, and technology adoption have led to the automation of production lines and the integration of technology in music events. Customer preferences drive emerging trends like local talent, interactive activities, and art installations at music festivals. Macroeconomic factors, disposable incomes, and social media influence ticket sales for B2C enterprises. Event organizers leverage user metrics, online purchase, and modeling approaches to optimize their operations. The live music market is a cornerstone of the entertainment sector, providing livelihoods for musicians, artists, agents, promoters, ticketing companies, contractors, record companies, music publishers, corporate brands, and sponsors. The sector includes small clubs, theatre-sized venues, arena shows, and stadiums, featuring international stars and local talent. Festival dates, performance schedules, and promotional campaigns are crucial elements of successful live music events. Risk takers, fee negotiations, and show production are integral parts of the business. The future of the live music market is shaped by virtual online platforms, holograms, and fan bases. The sector continues to evolve, offering unique experiences for fans and like-minded individuals. The live music industry has experienced a notable increase in the utilization of virtual and hybrid events due to technological advancements and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Artists and event organizers have responded to evolving circumstances by adopting innovative approaches, enabling them to deliver live music experiences to global audiences despite challenges posed by large-scale gatherings. Virtual and hybrid formats have gained popularity as a solution to the disruptions caused by the pandemic, allowing musicians and artists to continue engaging with their fan bases. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! Market Challenges Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report Segment Overview This live music market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Tickets- The ticketing segment is a pivotal part of the global live music market, facilitating fan access to live music events through ticket sales and distribution. Online ticketing platforms, such as Ticketmaster and StubHub, have become popular due to their user-friendly interfaces and secure payment gateways. Mobile ticketing, featuring digital tickets accessible on smartphones, enhances the ticketing experience and reduces the risk of counterfeit tickets. Secondary ticketing platforms, like Viagogo and SeatGeek, offer fans an alternative to secure tickets for sold-out events. Data analytics and personalized marketing strategies are emerging trends, enabling ticketing companies to provide customized recommendations and targeted campaigns. These advancements are anticipated to boost the growth of the ticketing segment in the live music market. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) Research Analysis Live music concerts continue to captivate audiences worldwide, bringing people together through the power of music. Mobile apps have revolutionized the industry, allowing fans to access tickets, merchandise, and real-time updates on their favorite artists. From Blues to Pop, Rock, Metal, Electronica, and beyond, music events cater to diverse customer preferences. Emerging trends include the integration of technology, such as holograms and virtual online platforms, into live performances. Local special circumstances and macroeconomic factors can impact the livelihood of musicians, influencing tours and festivals. Social interaction and the connection with like-minded individuals are cornerstones of the live music experience, spanning decades. The younger generation continues to discover new artists and genres, ensuring the industry's longevity. Live music events offer more than just entertainment – they provide a unique experience for fans to engage with their favorite musicians and create memories that last a lifetime. Market Research Overview Live music concerts have seen a significant in popularity with the advent of mobile apps, allowing fans to easily discover and purchase tickets for their favorite artists and genres, including Blues, Pop, Rock, Metal, Electronica, and more. The live music scene is not just limited to concerts but also includes parties and music festivals, which offer unique experiences for like-minded individuals. Urbanization and industrial developments have led to the adoption of technology in music production lines and automation, transforming the way music is created and performed. Emerging trends such as virtual online platforms, holograms, and interactive activities have added new dimensions to live music events, catering to the younger generation's preferences for experiences over material possessions. Music festivals have become a cornerstone of the live music industry, attracting passionate audiences from worldwide, with genres ranging from local talent to international stars. Event organizers leverage social media and ticket sales to reach consumers, while B2C enterprises focus on Gross Merchandise Value and user metrics to optimize their offerings. The live music industry is influenced by various macroeconomic factors, including disposable incomes, consumer behavior, and emerging trends. Representativeness, social outlook, and urban population play a crucial role in shaping the industry's future, with Goldman Sachs predicting a decade-long livelihood for musicians, tours, and festivals. Live performance remains the heart of the industry, with artists, DJs, agents, promoters, ticketing companies, contractors, record companies, music publishers, corporate brands, and sponsors all playing essential roles in bringing the music to the fans. From small clubs to arena shows and stadiums, the live music industry continues to evolve, offering unforgettable experiences for fans and artists alike. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/live-music-market-to-expand-by-usd-35-56-billion-2024-2028-driven-by-rising-demand-for-experiences-ai-redefining-the-market-landscape---technavio-302311721.html SOURCE TechnavioScientists warn against ‘unthinkable’ deep sea mining plans that will ‘destroy’ ocean: ‘No recovery’
WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) — Jordan Jones scored 20 points as Cent. Conn. St. beat Holy Cross 69-56 on Saturday. Jones added six steals for the Blue Devils (6-3). Abdul Momoh scored 12 points and added three steals. Devin Haid had 12 points and shot 4 for 8, including 3 for 5 from beyond the arc. Max Green led the Crusaders (5-5) in scoring, finishing with 15 points and seven rebounds. Tyler Boston added 13 points and five assists for Holy Cross. Caleb Kenney finished with 12 points, nine rebounds, two steals and three blocks. Cent. Conn. St. took the lead with 6:53 remaining in the first half and did not give it up. The score was 38-25 at halftime, with Haid racking up 12 points. Cent. Conn. St. pulled away with an 11-3 run in the second half to extend a six-point lead to 14 points. They closed out the victory over Holy Cross from there, as Jones led the way with a team-high 14 second-half points. NEXT UP Cent. Conn. St.'s next game is Sunday against Rhode Island on the road, and Holy Cross visits Quinnipiac on Tuesday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Nittany Lions regulars sustain serious leg injuries at MinnesotaRand Paul claims feds refusing to hand over docs that unlock origins of COVID-19 — but Trump may change that
T hese are terms in Tagalog — that mean being boorish or uncouth and being insulting or insolent, respectively — to describe the action of Congress with respect to the 2025 budget. Gross as they are, the Tagalog words offer the exact words that convey Congress’s disgraceful behavior. In a statement being circulated through the petition platform called Change.org, citizens call the 2025 budget as the “most corrupt budget in Philippine history.” The most egregious feature of the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) that Congress approved is the budget of zero for the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PHIC) or PhilHealth. This is a blatant violation of the Universal Health Care Act (UHCA) and the Sin Tax Law. To enable universal healthcare and social health insurance, the law obliges the government to allocate premiums for those who are financially incapable — the poor or indigents, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities as well as all their dependents. A zero budget strips the premiums of indirect contributors. Worse, the zero budget makes the direct contributors including the working class, kasambahays (household workers), overseas Filipino workers, and self-earning individuals bear the sole burden of financing PhilHealth. The unfairness or injustice is intensified when the government allocates nothing for PhilHealth but increases the premium contributions of the direct contributors. Funds are pooled within PhilHealth to enable risk sharing — by removing premiums for indirect contributors, government is blatantly abandoning its commitment to social solidarity in working towards universal healthcare. Congress also violates the earmarking of excise tax revenues from tobacco and sweetened beverages to PhilHealth, as mandated by the Sin Tax Law. Moreover, Congress flouts the Constitution’s provisions. The GAA cannot amend statutes like the UHCA and the Sin Tax Law. The bicameral conference committee cannot overreach and insert provisions that were not part of the bill approved by either the House of Representatives or the Senate. And Congress has rejected the Constitution’s right to health. The right to health is concretely expressed in a commitment that retrogression does not happen in the provision of essential healthcare and that maximum available resources are used for the progressive realization of universal healthcare. Obviously, giving PhilHealth a budget of zero breaks such a principle. The loud apologists for the corrupt 2025 GAA are the garrulous Senate President Chiz Escudero and the seemingly immaculate Senator Grace Poe, who employ the duplicitous argument that PhilHealth does not need a budget allocation, for it has P600 billion in reserve funds. Senators Escudero and Poe and their colleagues in both chambers of Congress are contemptuous of the law. First, they reject the UHCA that mandates the government to provide the premiums for indirect contributors. Using the reserve funds to cover the premiums of indirect contributors is treachery, as the reserve funds actually constitute the previously paid premiums of members. Second, they again violate the UHCA that unequivocally states that any excess in reserve funds must be used to increase PhilHealth benefits and decrease the premiums of direct contributors. The so-called excess funds must be used to fund the expansion of benefits (like the 30% increase in benefit packages, which adjusts for inflation over the years), the rollout of new benefits that PhilHealth promised in the face of legislative and public pressure, and the implementation of the much-delayed outpatient benefits (Konsulta program). Worse, Senators Escudero and Poe dismiss the fact that PhilHealth’s insurance contract liabilities (ICL), per its latest financial statements, already exceed P1 trillion. It goes without saying that the ICL far outstrips PhilHealth’s reserve funds. It would behoove an insurance company, a social health insurance at that, to have the reserve funds adequately cover insurance contract liabilities. The PhilHealth budget of zero will exacerbate PhilHealth’s financial stress. Thus the insensitivity, the callousness, and the deception displayed by Senators Escudero and Poe have incurred the anger of citizens. They have earned the disreputable monikers of “Heartless Chiz” and “Disgraced Grace” But we should not forget that the pambababoy or the pambabastos was an act of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The House Speaker, Martin Romualdez, let “Heartless Chiz” and “Disgraced Grace” be the voice of the pambababoy . Only Senators Risa Hontiveros and Koko Pimentel resolutely and courageously stood up and opposed this dastardly act. PhilHealth’s zero budget, severe in itself, is inextricably linked to a larger problem that makes the GAA 2025 the “most corrupt.” While Congress has degraded PhilHealth by giving it a budget of zero, it has substantially increased the budget for the medical assistance for indigents — the type of ayuda that is prone to corruption and arbitrariness and serves patronage politics. Although the act of giving a budget of zero for PhilHealth is the most brazen, Congress has also slashed the budget for basic education by P12 billion, state colleges and universities by P30 billion, science and technology by P20 billion, poverty alleviation and nutrition (the 4Ps or Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program), and active transportation. The funds taken away from essential economic and social services have been transferred to the politically motivated ayuda like the medical assistance for indigents and the AKAP (Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita) for the “near poor,” for which a P26-billion budget was approved. Further, some critics point out that the 2025 GAA violates Article XIV, Section 5(5) of the Constitution. Said Section provides that “The State shall assign the highest budget priority to education.” They observe that education has been replaced by public works, where the bulk of pork barrel funds are parked, as having the biggest allocation in the 2025 GAA. A total of P1.114 trillion has been allocated to public works. Critics have likewise exposed the trick where Congress includes programs or items under education like schools of national security agencies to give the pretense of a budget prioritizing education. Mark our words: the 2025 GAA is a budget for the electioneering of the incumbents in the ruling political coalition. Ultimately, it is a budget for the preservation and extension of their power through Charter Change. How then can we overturn the GAA that debases universal healthcare and other public goods, abets corruption, and serves patronage politics? Will the President heed the public call for a veto? Likely not; after all, his most loyal allies, led by his relative, the Speaker, are the ones responsible for the pambababoy . Let’s listen to a global expert in universal healthcare, whom we cannot name, for we haven’t asked permission. Said she: “I did not believe it was possible to do this. I would be the last one to suggest a decrease in premium but — I think direct contributors should start insisting to decrease their premium or the government pays their share. Just for fairness. The technical approach is not working. Perhaps big voting constituencies like GSIS or SSS members with the employers’ confederations can muscle up.” Another technocrat, the economist and former Finance Undersecretary Cielo Magno echoes the same sentiment that “the technical approach is not working.” In her social media video, which gained three million views, she championed the call for direct contributors not to pay premiums or for their payments to be refunded. Again, it is about fairness. The experts and the technocrats feel the popular sentiment and the explosion of anger in the face of government’s heartlessness and harshness. “Remove #PhilHealth in our pay slips!!!” has become a call of citizens that has gone viral. The transfer of PhilHealth funds to the National Government and the latest development of giving a zero budget to PhilHealth, together with the ineptness and inefficiency of its leadership, have damaged universal healthcare. Government has broken its commitment to social solidarity. The administration’s irresponsible, malicious, and flagrant actions have fired up the people. And the consequences are terrifying: the destruction of institutions like PhilHealth, the beginning of a fiscal crisis, and the inevitability of political turmoil. Filomeno S. Sta. Ana III coordinates the Action for Economic Reforms. Pia Rodrigo is strategic communications officer at Action for Economic Reforms. www.aer.ph
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