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Trump Names Price For Avoiding All Environment Regulations: $1 Billion Or More1 2 Jaipur: Days after the horrific LPG tanker accident and explosion on Ajmer-Jaipur highway, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Thursday announced a special campaign starting in Jan to raise awareness about road safety, including programmes in schools, colleges, and workplaces. He also called for ensuring strict adherence to traffic rules, determining responsibility for road accidents, and taking stern action against violators. Sharma was addressing a road safety review meeting at his residence on Thursday. NHAI officials were also present at the meeting. The CM announced formation of a divisional-level road safety task force and integration of emergency services under Emergency Response Support System. He proposed a ‘6E strategy' (Education, Engineering, Enforcement, Emergency Care, Evaluation, Engagement) for controlling road accidents and ensuring better care for those injured. He instructed closing all illegal cuts, removing encroachments, ensuring standard road furniture, preventing stray animals on roads, ensuring vehicle fitness, and taking strict action against overloading and overcrowding in vehicles. He emphasised regular evaluation of safety measures and analysing causes of road accidents. He stressed on identifying accident-prone areas for immediate improvement and prioritising the repair of identified black spots across the state. "Modern technology such as CCTV cameras and speed monitoring devices should be used, and an automated challan system should be implemented," he said. Sharma also said the state govt will allocate land for a hostel to be named after the three ‘Sahibzadas', martyrted sons of the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Govind Singh. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , Location Guesser and Mini Crossword .None

Catalysing climate action Recent COP29 summit underscored several emerging opportunities in global climate action The 29th annual Conference of the Parties (COP29) concluded with a renewed sense of urgency and a litany of commitments aimed at accelerating global climate efforts. Held in the vibrant city of Baku, this year’s summit underscored Azerbaijan’s rising profile as a key player in the global climate dialogue and spotlighted the pressing need for collaborative and innovative solutions to combat climate change. At COP29, key outcomes included strengthened carbon reduction goals, with representatives from major economies pledging to achieve more ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions. This reflects a heightened commitment to meeting the 1.5 C objective outlined in the Paris Agreement, something direly needed to deliver on the commitment. A significant development pertained to the establishment of additional funding mechanisms aimed at aiding climate adaptation and mitigation efforts in less developed countries, especially the ones prone to climate change events. These initiatives intended to tackle existing financial shortfalls and enhance resilience in regions that are most affected by climate change. COP29 also sparked the creation of new partnerships focused on innovative renewable energy initiatives, including efforts directed at cross-border solar and wind projects, as well as investments in green hydrogen technologies. It has also highlighted the necessity of global collaboration, advocating for technology transfer agreements designed to equip developing nations with crucial resources for sustainable growth. These agreements encompassed the exchange of best practices related to energy storage solutions and efficient grid management systems. The inclusion of vulnerable nations was prioritised through a deliberate effort to elevate the voices of indigenous communities and representatives from the nations most affected by relevant issues. Their contributions were fundamental to the development of policies that are both equitable and sustainable. This approach ensured that the perspectives of those who are most impacted are reflected in the decision-making process, leading to outcomes that are more inclusive and just. The recent COP29 summit underscored several emerging opportunities in global climate action. The reaffirmed commitments under the Paris Agreement serve as a testament to the summit’s achievements, with participant nations agreeing on frameworks to expedite the transition to renewable energy and contribute to an ambitious global strategy for carbon neutrality. The summit resulted in a significant increase in funding for green technologies, including pledges to enhance infrastructure for cleaner energy sources, thereby emphasising the importance of collaborative knowledge-sharing to advance technological progress. Economically, a salient message was the potential for growth through green initiatives, as COP29 facilitated investment opportunities in sustainable industries, thereby promising the creation of green jobs along with incentives for advancements in carbon capture technologies, renewable energy production, and energy efficiency. At COP29, several critical challenges were addressed that underscore the ongoing complexities of climate action. The financing gap emerged as a matter of prominent concern, with discussions revealing persistent difficulties in meeting financial commitments to developing countries. Delegates underscored the necessity for clarity in the operationalisation of the newly proposed Loss and Damage Fund, which aims to provide essential support to these nations. The alignment of national policies with international climate pledges was identified as a significant challenge, particularly for nations that remain reliant on fossil fuels. The summit highlighted the resistance encountered from certain governments and industries, emphasising the importance of accountability in these endeavors. While there was considerable enthusiasm for advanced climate technologies, less-developed regions faced considerable obstacles to their deployment, largely due to inadequate infrastructure and economic constraints. Geopolitical tensions were a notable concern, with potential disputes over natural resources and divergent priorities between developed and developing nations. Negotiators called for a stronger consensus to ensure that geopolitical issues do not hinder progress toward effective climate solutions. Experts at COP29 stressed the critical importance of strengthening global partnerships to facilitate equitable climate action. They advocated for the adoption of innovative financing strategies to bridge the existing investment gap and proposed enhanced capacity-building initiatives aimed at empowering developing nations. Furthermore, they recommended the establishment of monitoring mechanisms to ensure adherence to the commitments made during the summit. Although developed nations have made a commitment to increase their financing for developing countries in their mitigation and adaptation efforts, the success of COP29 will be determined by the promptness by which these countries deliver on their commitments. Adaptation and mitigation efforts are dependent on the availability of concessional finance, as the vulnerable nations are in no position to free up resources needed to deal with the entirety of climate spectrum. The Baku climate summit also marked a step forward in garnering support for a fair shift to renewable energy and reform of the fossil fuel subsidies. It asked countries to update their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 2025 by integrating actionable plans for emission reduction and net zero pathways. The Baku summit also emphasised the need for strengthening corporate accountability through mandatory reporting on climate risks. Despite increased commitment, the real challenge that can still upset the climate agenda pertains to inadequate availability of resources. According to an estimate, funding gap to the tune of $2.4 trillion per year can hinder the efforts to achieve global climate targets. As proceedings at the Baku summit showed, the countries dependent on fossil fuel did not share clear timelines to complete the transition to renewable energy. This reluctance of these nations remains a major potential danger in the efforts to attain climate targets. While global coordination has been identified as a key for the success of climate agenda, diversity of stakeholders with differing income groups, and political agendas and goals makes coordination truly challenging. The situation is further compounded by the lack of an accountability mechanism that is capable of monitoring actions on delivering on finance-related commitments as well as the implementation of NDCs. The link between climate change and international trade flows is empirically established. Climate events such as floods, drought, and hurricanes are known to have caused supply chain disruptions, thus leading to global price hike. Linked to disruption in supply chains is changing trade patterns caused by shifts in sectors such as fisheries, agriculture and energy. Higher risks posed by extreme weather events make shipping insurance and logistics more expensive. At the same time, international trade agreements and policies have the potential to affect trade flows and foster competitiveness. For countries that rely on climate-sensitive industries, there could be reduced export potential due to changing environmental conditions caused by climate threat. The loss of economic opportunities can hike inflation, and lead to unemployment with significant implications for the economy, politics and society at large. This critique notwithstanding, the fact remains that COP29 in Baku marked a significant advancement in the global climate agenda, characterised by both progress and a realistic assessment of the challenges ahead. The summit highlighted the potential for harnessing innovation and fostering international cooperation, while also emphasizing the obstacles that must be addressed to achieve meaningful change. As the global community looks to the future, ongoing commitment and concrete action will be vital in combating climate change and securing a sustainable future for all. The writer is a trade facilitation expert, working with the federal government of Pakistan.CHICAGO (TNS) — For those on the right side of the political aisle, 2024 was a mixed bag. On the one hand, we had to trudge through the final year of Joe Biden’s disastrous presidency while fighting tooth and nail to prevent the administration from inflicting further economic carnage. On the other hand, we also were given an enormous gift at the beginning of November with the victory of Donald Trump. Now, without further ado, I present the top five moments of 2024. First, it goes without saying that the election on Nov. 5 was, by far, the best moment of 2024. At the start of 2024, things did not look good for Trump as he faced a litany of felony charges across multiple jurisdictions. However, despite the legal onslaught, Trump refused to back down. Aside from his legal problems, Trump faced several opponents as he fought for the GOP presidential nomination. Let’s not forget that in the spring, most political pundits and talking heads thought Trump could not win the Republican nomination for president. Yet, Trump emerged victorious and united the GOP under the Make America Great Again banner. Then, Trump pulled off one of the biggest comebacks in political history as he cruised to victory and helped the Republican Party gain control of both houses of Congress. This election will go down in history as a turning point, considering the vast inroads Trump made among voters who traditionally voted for Democrats. In second place among the best moments of 2024 comes Biden’s devastating debate performance. Although the polls were tight heading into the debate between Trump and Biden, the absolutely pitiful performance by Biden completely changed the state of the race. Soon after Biden flopped in front of millions of Americans, the Democratic Party pulled the plug on his re-election effort. Of course, this short-sighted move benefited Trump greatly as it demonstrated that the sitting president was senile. Even more important, it led to the rise of Vice President Kamala Harris to the top of the Democratic ticket. Considering that Harris can barely speak coherently without flip-flopping on basically every central policy position, it really was a blessing in disguise that she inherited Biden’s place and was eventually destroyed by Trump. In third place, and this could have easily been first or second, comes Trump’s survival of two assassination attempts. In midsummer, Trump was crisscrossing the country, holding outdoor rallies. Unfortunately, Trump’s proclivity to engage with his supporters nearly cost him his life. However, despite two would-be assassins somehow evading Secret Service detection, and one got several shots off, Trump was largely unharmed. While this was a blessing, we also must never forget that one person, Corey Comperatore, died at the Butler, Pa., rally and two others were wounded. In a slightly different direction, for the fourth-best moment of 2024, I suggest the incredible technological feat achieved by SpaceX. On Oct. 14, SpaceX launched its Super Heavy Starship, the most powerful rocket in the world. Then, in an unprecedented engineering marvel, the 23-story tall Super Heavy booster returned to the launch pad in an upright position and was “caught” without a hitch. It was like something straight out of a science-fiction movie, and it clearly demonstrated that the age of space exploration has entered a new chapter. Rounding out the best moments of 2024, in fifth place, let’s return to the political arena and the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency. DOGE is an early Christmas present for anyone leaning to the right side of the political aisle. For decades, conservatives and libertarians have been warning that the size and scope of the federal government is totally unsustainable and that big government is bad news for personal liberty. Finally, some significant spending cuts and institutional reforms are in the offing. With the national debt exceeding $36 trillion and trillion-dollar deficits the new normal, we need to downsize the federal bureaucracy and get back on sound fiscal footing before it is too late. (Chris Talgo is the editorial director at The Heartland Institute.)Punjab bandh on Dec 30: Farmers plan strategy as Dallewal’s fast hits Day 31

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GOLDEN, Colo. & MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 21, 2024-- The Board of Directors of Molson Coors Beverage Company (NYSE: TAP, TAP.A) today declared a regular quarterly dividend on its Class A and Class B common stock of US$0.44 per share, payable December 20, 2024, to stockholders of record on December 6, 2024. The quarterly dividend is payable to holders of Class A and Class B common stock of Molson Coors Beverage Company. In addition, the Board of Directors of Molson Coors Canada Inc. (TSX: TPX.B, TPX.A) today declared a quarterly dividend of approximately CDN$0.61 (the Canadian dollar equivalent of the dividend declared on Molson Coors Beverage Company stock), payable December 20, 2024, to its Class A and Class B exchangeable shareholders of record on December 6, 2024. The dividends declared in respect of the Class A and Class B exchangeable shares are eligible dividends for Canadian tax purposes. OVERVIEW OF MOLSON COORS BEVERAGE COMPANY For more than two centuries, Molson Coors Beverage Company has brewed beverages that unite people to celebrate all life’s moments. From our core power brands Coors Light , Miller Lite , Coors Banquet , Molson Canadian , Carling and Ožujsko to our above premium brands including Madri Excepcional , Staropramen , Blue Moon Belgian White and Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy , to our economy and value brands like Miller High Life and Keystone Light , we produce many beloved and iconic beers. While our Company's history is rooted in beer, we offer a modern portfolio that expands beyond the beer aisle as well, including flavored beverages like Vizzy Hard Seltzer , spirits like Five Trail whiskey and non-alcoholic beverages. As a business, our ambition is to be the first choice for our people, our consumers and our customers, and our success depends on our ability to make our products available to meet a wide range of consumer segments and occasions. To learn more about Molson Coors Beverage Company, visit molsoncoors.com . ABOUT MOLSON COORS CANADA INC. Molson Coors Canada Inc. ("MCCI") is a subsidiary of Molson Coors Beverage Company. MCCI Class A and Class B exchangeable shares offer substantially the same economic and voting rights as the respective classes of common shares of MCBC, as described in MCBC’s annual proxy statement and Form 10-K filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The trustee holder of the special Class A voting stock and the special Class B voting stock has the right to cast a number of votes equal to the number of then outstanding Class A exchangeable shares and Class B exchangeable shares, respectively. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241121641197/en/ CONTACT: Investor Relations Traci Mangini, (415) 308-0151 News Media Rachel Dickens,Press@molsoncoors.com KEYWORD: COLORADO UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA CANADA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: RETAIL FOOD/BEVERAGE WINE & SPIRITS SOURCE: Molson Coors Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/21/2024 06:53 PM/DISC: 11/21/2024 06:52 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241121641197/enAlex Iwobi scores stunning long-range goal for Fulham vs Wolves: video

Before being elected as the first transgender woman to the US Congress, 34-year-old Sarah McBride said she expected hostility. A harsh national spotlight has fallen swiftly upon her. "They may try to misgender me, they may try to say the wrong name, they will do what we can predictably assume they might do," she told the TransLash podcast last month ahead of her resounding election victory on November 5. "They are going to do that to get a rise out of me and my job will be to not give them the response they want," the Democrat from Delaware explained. Ahead of her arrival in the House of Representatives on January 3, McBride was targeted by a resolution this week from a right-wing Republican colleague that would ban transgender women from women's toilets in the Capitol. "Just because a Congressman wants to wear a mini skirt doesn’t mean he can come into a women’s bathroom," South Carolina firebrand Nancy Mace wrote on social media as she led a highly personal campaign against McBride. House Speaker Mike Johnson, after initially seeking to buy time to debate the issue, came out in support of a ban, saying that all single-sex facilities would be "reserved for individuals of that biological sex." McBride -- who wears knee-length dresses, not miniskirts -- issued a statement saying that she said would respect the rules "even if I disagree with them." "I'm not here to fight about bathrooms," said the politician and activist, who transitioned as a 21-year-old and told her parents on Christmas Day 2011. Donald Trump repeatedly raised transgender issues in the closing stages of his presidential campaign, with aides noting how questions around trans identity struck a nerve with swing voters. Two of the biggest issues -- at the heart of ongoing "culture wars" between conservatives and progressives -- are whether transgender women should be allowed in women's toilets and be admitted in women's sport. Mocking transgender athletes and "woke ideology," Trump promised to get "transgender insanity the hell out of our schools, and we will keep men out of women’s sports." McBride has long been an advocate for trans rights and she helped campaign for a law banning gender discrimination in her home state of Delaware, during which she was publicly called a "freak" and the "devil incarnate". "Listening to that was demeaning and dehumanizing for my child," her mother Sally told The Washington Post in a 2018 profile. "I still have a hard time coping with that." Undeterred, McBride rode the blows and was elected as the first US transgender state senator in 2020. She has been open about her mental health struggles growing up as a boy named Tim and the personal tragedy that has marked her life since, writing a memoir called "Tomorrow Will Be Different" in 2018. "I remember as a child praying in my bed at night that I would wake up the next day and be a girl," she told a TED talk in 2016. She first gathered major public attention with an open letter while a student leader at American University in Washington that announced her transition. She went on to encounter President Joe Biden and his family, also Delaware natives, when she became active in grassroots politics there. After interning at the White House under President Barack Obama, she secured an invitation to speak at the 2016 Democratic Party convention. The White House was also the scene of her first encounter with her late husband, Andrew Cray, a transgender man and LGTBQ+ activist. They married two years later shortly before Cray died from cancer. Knowing the attention she is destined for in the US Congress, she says her aim is to be an effective congresswoman focused on everyday voter priorities such as housing and inflation. But she knows she will be constantly pushed to be a spokeswoman -- and defender -- of the trans community. "I can't do right by the trans community if I'm not being the best member of Congress that I can be for Delaware," she told TransLash. "It's the only way that people will see that trans people can be good doctors, can be good lawyers, good educators, good members of Congress. I can't be there to put out a press release and tweet every time someone says something." adp/bgs

Jon Coupal: The Gann Limit is back in the newsLumen Christi back in state title game, will face Lansing CatholicFKI chair urges Korea, U.S. to hold onto partnership under Trump administration Published: 11 Dec. 2024, 07:00 LEE JAE-LIM [email protected] A sign of the Federation of Korean Industries at Yeouido in western Seoul [LEE HEE-KWON] Federation of Korean Industries Chairman Ryu Jin urged Korea and the United States not to let their partnership lapse at the first meeting of the Korea-U.S. Business Council since the victory of loudly protectionist U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. The business leader encouraged the two nations to strengthen their ties across semiconductors, batteries, small modular reactors (SMRs) and shipbuilding at the 35th general meeting cohosted by the FKI and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (USCC), which took place Tuesday and Wednesday at the chamber's headquarters in Washington. The gathering drew its largest-ever private delegation of more than 60 industry experts and executives from Korean and U.S. firms. It was the first U.S.-based iteration in five years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “U.S. President-elect Trump’s pledges signal various changes to the business environment,” said Ryu said in his opening remarks on Tuesday. “The economic communities of both nations must work together more closely to prepare for a new era amid these waves of change.” Ryu emphasized reinforcing U.S.-Korea supply chain cooperation in fields such as semiconductors and batteries, stating that Korean companies have contributed significantly to creating quality jobs and driving technological innovation in the United States through accumulated investment of $143 billion over the past seven years since the start of Trump administration’s initial term. He added that Trump’s commitment to SMR and defense shipbuilding, areas in which Korean companies possess the technological edge, leaves room for active collaboration. Ryu has been stressing the urgency of dialogue between the governments of Korea and the United States since taking charge of the FKI last year. He predicted that a Trump re-election could benefit international firms with investments in the country at a federation forum in July. Business leaders who attended the business council issued a joint statement supporting the stability of Korean companies’ production, employment and technological innovation in the United States across semiconductors, batteries, critical minerals, biotech, dense and aerospace, as well as a predictable environment for business investments by both nations. Korean participants included Hanjin Group Chairman Walter Cho, Chong Kun Dang Chairman Lee Jang-han, Youngone Corporation Vice Chairman Sung Rae-eun, Hyosung Vice Chairman Cho Hyun-sang, LG Chem Vice Chairman and CEO Shin Hak-cheol, Samsung Electronics Executive Vice President Yoon Young-joe, Hyundai Motor Executive Vice President Kim Dong-wook, SK America Executive Vice President Steve Son and Michael Smith, U.S. representative of Hanwha Aerospace. On the U.S. side, participants included Evan Greenberg, Chairman and CEO of Chubb and Chair of the U.S.-Korea Business Council; Pfizer Chairman Albert Bourla; Marsh McLennan Chairman John Doyle; XCoal Chairman Ernie Thrasher and Tishman Speyer CEO Rob Speyer. BY LEE JAE-LIM [ [email protected] ] var admarutag = admarutag || {} admarutag.cmd = admarutag.cmd || [] admarutag.cmd.push(function () { admarutag.pageview('3bf9fc17-6e70-4776-9d65-ca3bb0c17cb7'); });

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BOZEMAN, Mont.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 10, 2024-- On December 10, 2024, Destra Multi-Alternative Fund (the “Fund” or “DMA”), a closed-end fund traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DMA, declared a year end distribution of $0.3239 per share for 2024. The record date for the distribution is December 20, 2024, and the payable date is December 31, 2024. The Fund will trade ex-distribution on December 19, 2024. Pursuant to the Fund’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (“DRP”), unless the registered owner of the Fund’s Common Shares elects otherwise by contacting the Fund’s plan agent, Equiniti Trust Company, LLC (“EQ”), all dividends declared on the Common Shares will be automatically reinvested in additional Common Shares by EQ. Common Shareholders who elect not to participate in the DRP will receive all dividends and other distributions in cash, paid by check mailed directly to the shareholder of record. Shareholders may obtain more information on the shareholder services offered to the Fund by calling EQ at the Fund's dedicated toll free number 800-591-8238. A portion of the distribution may be treated as paid from sources other than net investment income, including, but not limited to, short-term capital gain, long-term capital gain, or return of capital. As required by Section 19(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, a notice will be distributed to shareholders in the event that a portion of the distribution is derived from sources other than undistributed net investment income. The final determination of the source and tax characteristics of this distribution will depend upon the Fund’s investment experience during its fiscal year and will be made after the Fund’s year end. The Fund will send to investors a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will define how to report this distribution for federal income tax purposes. For further information regarding the Fund’s distribution, please visit www.destracapital.com . Destra Multi-Alternative Fund (NYSE: DMA) is a core alternative solution that seeks to achieve long-term performance non-correlated to the broad stock and bond markets. It invests primarily in alternative strategies and asset classes including real estate, direct private equity, alternative credit, commodities, and hedge strategies. Destra Capital Advisors LLC, based in Bozeman, MT, serves as Investment Adviser and Secondary Market Servicing agent to the Fund. Validex Global Investing serves as the Investment Sub-Adviser to the Fund. Shares of the Fund can be purchased on the New York Stock Exchange through any securities broker. Information regarding the Fund and Destra Capital Advisors can be found at www.destracapital.com . Please contact Destra Capital Advisors LLC, the Fund’s marketing, and investor support services agent, at DMA@destracapital.com or call (877) 855-3434 if you have any questions regarding DMA. NOT FDIC INSURED NO BANK GUARANTEE MAY LOSE VALUE View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241210280790/en/ CONTACT: Destra Capital Advisors LLC DMA@destracapital.com (877) 855-3434 KEYWORD: MONTANA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ASSET MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FINANCE SOURCE: Destra Capital Advisors LLC Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/10/2024 05:00 PM/DISC: 12/10/2024 05:00 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241210280790/enBitcoin topped US$100,000 for the first time on Dec 5, jumping drastically from roughly $69,000 the day before the US presidential election about a month earlier. The sharp uptick in price has prompted investors, particularly cryptocurrency enthusiasts, to keep a close eye on what happens next in US politics. As a candidate, Donald Trump pledged to make the US the "crypto capital of the planet". Now the president-elect even suggested the country might one day pay off its national debt in cryptocurrency. "During the campaign, Trump promised many policy changes in the US that will be favourable for Bitcoin and crypto assets in general. We have already seen the impact of this, driving Bitcoin prices to all-time highs," said Nirun Fuwattananukul, chief executive of Gulf Binance, the Thai joint venture between the world's largest crypto exchange and SET-listed Gulf Energy Development. In Mr Nirun's view, these policies are likely to be pushed through. Trump's second term, unlike his first, will have a Republican majority in the Senate and House of Representatives. "This means he can drive his campaign policy very effectively. His campaign advisors, especially Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr, are also very pro-Bitcoin, so I think these pledged policies will be implemented," he told the Bangkok Post. CRYPTO BOOST Mr Nirun said before the US election, Bitcoin was already a well-known and widely adopted asset globally. In the US, many institutions and state pension funds are starting to invest in the world's largest cryptocurrency. "New regulations, if they happen, will make Bitcoin even more mainstream. I believe Bitcoin will become a mainstream investment asset, similar to gold or silver, in the future," he said. Mr Nirun said the general cryptocurrency market will likely follow Bitcoin, with more assets becoming mainstream, taking the Ethereum path. "I think the key driver will be greater innovation. With supportive US policy and more capital returning to the US, we will see more innovation in this space, with new applications and use cases driving crypto assets to become more mainstream in the future," he said. The market anticipates Gary Gensler, chair of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), leaving his post at the end of Joe Biden's administration. Investors are optimistic about a more crypto-friendly regulator after his departure in early 2025. "He was very active in regulatory enforcement on Bitcoin and crypto assets. The new SEC chairman will likely be much more aligned with Trump's views," said Mr Nirun. Last Wednesday, Trump announced he intends to nominate cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins to chair the SEC. Mr Atkins, the chief executive of Patomak Partners and a former SEC commissioner, has made the case against too much market regulation since he left the US stock market regulator. However, realising the benefits of favourable crypto policies of the new US administration will take time, said Mr Nirun. "I think we need to wait for the proper timing. There are a lot of pressing issues Americans expect Trump to tackle, including the economy and immigration, which will likely come first. We need to wait a bit to see when he will start looking into Bitcoin and crypto assets," he said. "The devil is in the details. Crypto is a complex issue and drafting a new law for this will take time." The FIT21 bill, a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets, was previously passed by the House and is now waiting in the Senate. "If Trump wants to redraft the entire bill, this will take even more time," said Mr Nirun. "Hopefully the next SEC chairman is someone with a strategic vision for crypto in the long term." Binance co-founder Yi He shared a similar view, saying products such as spot Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded funds have broadened the industry's circle, and these increasing overlaps and innovations indicate a good year is ahead. STABLECOIN OPTIMISM Jeremy Allaire, chief executive of Circle, the issuer of the second-largest stablecoin, expressed optimism regarding global regulation of the sector. He believes the next 10-12 months will be crucial for the stablecoin space, which has already grown to roughly $170 billion, with Tether's USDT and Circle's USDC responsible for the lion's share. However, this is a fraction of the global financial space and the $130-trillion global electronic money market. This means the stablecoin industry still has huge potential for growth, said Mr Allaire. A type of cryptocurrency that aims to maintain a fixed value relative to another asset or currency, stablecoins are often pegged to a traditional currency, namely the US dollar or the euro, or other assets such as gold or silver. "The next 12 months is a pretty big inflection point for stablecoins," he said, with regulatory frameworks in some key jurisdictions expected to take shape over the next year. Speaking at Binance Blockchain Week in Dubai, Mr Allaire likened these early days of digital currency to the early days of digital media, explaining how lowering communication costs spurred rapid growth and revolutionised industries. He suggested achieving similar advancements in transaction costs with programmable money could fundamentally reshape the ways we transfer and manage value in the financial landscape. USDC, Circle's stablecoin, has increasingly been adopted across financial and payment networks, suggesting stablecoins are poised to become a foundational layer in the digital economy, with real-world applications expanding from here, said Mr Allaire. In terms of regulation, he was cautiously optimistic, noting the regulatory environment in several countries had positive sentiment for stablecoins. While a certain level of regulatory hurdles remains, a shift in attitudes among policymakers is taking place, particularly in the US, which is now recognising the long-term value that digital assets can bring, said Mr Allaire. In fact, even those voicing public opposition to the sector or sitting on the sidelines are watching the vanguard, ready to follow suit with comprehensive regulations, he said. This openness can pave the way for a balanced approach that supports innovation without stifling progress, said Mr Allaire. REGULATORY COMPLIANCE Ms Yi acknowledged the past year posed significant challenges, even for industry leaders such as Binance, to sustain growth momentum. With more than 200 million users globally, the world's largest crypto exchange remains focused on building a brighter future for the sector and increasing financial accessibility, she said. Navigating industry-wide regulatory and compliance challenges is an ongoing priority for Binance. While such challenges are complex, Binance views them as necessary for long-term growth and trust within the ecosystem, said Ms Yi. Collaboration with regulators is crucial to achieving mass adoption. "If we want a billion users of crypto, we must cooperate with the regulators. That's how we become the next Google or Amazon of crypto," she said. Access is essential to Binance, as Ms Yi hopes her grandmother or a nanny can easily open the Binance app and use crypto. Noah Perlman, chief compliance officer of Binance, said as more of the world transitions from traditional finance to blockchain, global regulations and compliance is becoming more important than ever. "We can all agree that 2023 was the year in which regulators and policymakers really stepped up their efforts to develop frameworks for the industry," he said. "It is very difficult to follow the rules if they are constantly changing." Having regulations that are difficult to follow or deny product users what they want inevitably pushes users to unregulated spaces, said Mr Perlman, who has a background in traditional finance, adding regulatory frameworks offer certainty, which markets crave. "As we get more certainty in the market through policies such as MiCA, it is going to encourage more people to enter the space," he said, referring to the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation that came into force in June 2023. Yuelin Li, chief product officer of tech startup Onfido, said a clear regulatory framework provides "a sense of safety for consumers", which is the defining factor between those who are willing to give crypto a shot and those who prefer to stay within the realms of traditional finance. Bora Erdamar, director of BlockchainIST Center, an R&D centre for blockchain technology, said the roles of project developers and experts help to bridge the gap between the crypto ecosystem and conventional finance. "We need to make it easier to understand and use blockchain," he said. 2025 TRENDS Alex Svanevik, chief executive of leading on-chain analytics platform Nansen, believes 2025 will see the "biggest bull run in history", supported by Trump's victory in the US election. For next year, meme coins -- cryptocurrencies inspired by internet memes -- will continue to attract retail investors to the crypto space. He anticipates these tokens will significantly boost on-chain metrics, leading to unprecedented records in decentralised exchange (DEX) volumes across multiple blockchain networks. "Meme coins continue to onboard retail to crypto and smash on-chain metrics. We'll see new records in DEX volume for lots of chains," he said. "Better infrastructure, easier user experience, lower transaction fees -- all these make the journey on-chain better for newcomers." Mr Svanevik also foresees a resurgence in decentralised finance (DeFi), driven by clearer regulations and the activation of revenue models within DeFi protocols. With the departure of Mr Gensler from the SEC on Jan 20, he predicts regulatory hurdles will be reduced and institutional capital will flow more freely into DeFi platforms. Mr Svanevik said he envisions cryptocurrencies playing a dual role in accelerating artificial intelligence (AI) projects and offering solutions to mitigate associated risks. "Crypto accelerates AI, but also protects us from AI," he said, adding crypto dollars should continue to pour into AI projects. Binance chief executive Richard Teng said the future is bright for crypto. "We are on the path of mass adoption because every major global financial institution is either embracing crypto or pushing ahead with the blockchain agenda," he said.

Thames Water says it will run out of cash in March as it scrambles to avoid a taxpayer bailout

Tour operators seek increased surveillance at tourist sites in VizagChina’s iron ore imports in November fell 1.91% from October, customs data showed on Tuesday, as shipments slowed ahead of the slow season for steel demand when colder weather disrupts construction work in the country’s north. The world’s largest iron ore consumer imported 101.86 million metric tons of the steelmaking ingredient last month, data from the country’s General Administration of Customs showed. This was down from 103.84 million tons in October and lower than the 102.74 million tons in November 2023. “The trend is in line with our expectations as pressure on miners to lift shipments to achieve annual targets has eased after a wave of high shipments earlier this year,” said Pei Hao, an analyst at international brokerage Freight Investor Services (FIS). “Ore demand did pick up last month, but that was mainly reflected in the drawdown in portside inventory.” Portside stocks fell 0.4% during November to stand at 148.5 million tons late in the month, data from consultancy Steelhome showed. December imports will likely rise as some miners ramp up shipments to meet annual targets, said Jiang Mengtian, an analyst at consultancy Horizon Insights. In the first 11 months of 2024, China’s iron ore imports climbed 4.3% from the year before to 1.124 billion tons, the data showed. China’s steel exports in November rose 15.9% from a year earlier to 9.28 million tons, but decreased 17% from a nine-year high of 11.18 million tons in October. Exports in the first 11 months of 2024 jumped 22.6% compared to the same period of 2023, to 101.15 million tons, and were 12% higher than the total of 90.26 million tons for all of last year. “November steel exports remained high as rush shipments continued due to concerns over tariffs imposed by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump,” said Horizon Insights’ Jiang. “We expect total steel exports this year to surpass the record high set in 2015.” China imported 473,000 tons of steel products last month, down 11.8% from October and 22.5% lower year-on-year, with the January-November total at 6.19 million tons, a drop of 11.3% year-on-year. Source: Reuters (Reporting by Amy Lv and Mei Mei Chu; Editing by Kim Coghill, Abinaya Vijayaraghavan and Saad Sayeed)

NEW YORK , Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is redefining market landscape - The toys market in europe size is estimated to grow by USD 9.27 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.39% during the forecast period. Expanding product portfolio influencing product premiumization is driving market growth, with a trend towards increasing number of strategic alliances. However, availability of low-quality counterfeit products poses a challenge. Key market players include 4M Industrial Development Ltd., Clementoni Spa, Evertoys, First Celtic Toys and Learning Ltd., Goliath Games, HABA Group B.V. And Co.KG, Hamleys of London Ltd., Hasbro Inc., JWS Europe Ltd., Kids2 Inc., Learning Resources Ltd., LEGO System AS, Mattel Inc., MGA Entertainment Inc., Ravensburger AG, Simba Dickie Group GmbH, Takara Tomy Co. Ltd., The Toy Co., Theo Klein GmbH, and VTech Holdings Ltd.. Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Toys Market In Europe Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2023 Historic period 2018 - 2022 Forecast period 2024-2028 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 4.39% Market growth 2024-2028 USD 9.27 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 4.07 Regional analysis Europe Performing market contribution Europe at 100% Key countries UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Rest of Europe Key companies profiled 4M Industrial Development Ltd., Clementoni Spa, Evertoys, First Celtic Toys and Learning Ltd., Goliath Games, HABA Group B.V. And Co.KG, Hamleys of London Ltd., Hasbro Inc., JWS Europe Ltd., Kids2 Inc., Learning Resources Ltd., LEGO System AS, Mattel Inc., MGA Entertainment Inc., Ravensburger AG, Simba Dickie Group GmbH, Takara Tomy Co. Ltd., The Toy Co., Theo Klein GmbH, and VTech Holdings Ltd. Market Driver The European toys market is thriving, with a focus on providing children with toys that foster play, creativity, and social interaction. Action figures, dolls, puzzles, board games, building blocks, and electronic devices are popular choices, developing motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities. Educational toys, including letters, numbers, shapes, and STEM toys, are essential for cognitive skills and technological literacy. Traditional toys and technology-driven toys coexist, with movies, TV shows, and video games influencing toy trends. Parents seek quality toys that promote skill development, critical thinking, and social skills. E-commerce platforms cater to a global audience, offering eco-friendly practices, recycled materials, and interactive features. Urbanization and living spaces influence the shift towards indoor toys, while outdoor play areas remain essential for physical development and a healthy lifestyle. The European toys market is highly competitive with numerous vendors offering distinctive products. Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter facilitate active funding for toy development by partnering with manufacturers and distributors. Vendors are forming strategic partnerships to expand their businesses through new product offerings and distribution channels. In February 2021 , Hasbro, Inc. Announced a collaboration with Epic Games, introducing the first-ever Hasbro character integration with Fortnite as a special Snake Eyes Outfit. These initiatives enable vendors to gain a competitive edge and sustain their market positions. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! Market Challenges Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! Segment Overview This toys market in Europe report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Activity toys and accessories- The European toys market encompasses construction toys, activity toys, action figures, and accessories. Construction toys consist of building blocks, construction vehicles, sets, and worker models, primarily made of plastic, metal, or wood. These items have a low replacement cycle due to their usage. Activity toys include frisbees, hula hoops, and other outdoor recreational items. Children aged two and above often engage with these toys. The demand for outdoor and sports toys is projected to rise due to health concerns and increasing birth rates. Brands like Melissa & Doug, LEGO System AS, and TOMY Co. Ltd. Dominate the activity toys sector. Macroeconomic factors, such as expanding middle-class population, increasing disposable income, decreasing child mortality, and rising birth rate, fuel the toys market growth. The expanding target market for the activity toys and accessories segment offers opportunities for vendors. Additionally, increasing disposable income and household final consumption expenditure enhance consumers' purchasing power, enabling them to buy premium and branded construction toys, thereby driving the value sales of construction and activity toys. Consequently, the rising demand for activity toys and accessories, including Lego sets and skipping ropes, will boost the growth of the European toys market. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics Research Analysis The European toys market is a vibrant and diverse industry that caters to the play and entertainment needs of children. It offers a wide range of toys that foster creativity, social interaction, and intellectual growth. From action figures and dolls to puzzles, board games, building blocks, electronic devices, and educational toys, there's something for every child's developmental stage and interest. Toys play a significant role in a child's life, helping them develop essential motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving abilities, and imaginative play. They also promote emotional and physical growth, as well as social skills such as sharing, cooperation, and empathy. Moreover, toys hold cultural significance and reflect societal values. They can help children learn letters, numbers, and shapes, and provide opportunities for intellectual growth and exploration. With a focus on fun and learning, the European toys market continues to evolve, offering innovative and engaging toys that inspire and delight children. Market Research Overview The European toys market is a vibrant and diverse industry that caters to the play and entertainment needs of children. It encompasses a wide range of toys, from traditional building blocks and puzzles to modern electronic devices and STEM toys. The market prioritizes creativity, social interaction, and skill development, offering children opportunities for imaginative play, educational growth, and cognitive development. Toys serve as cultural significance and societal values, promoting social skills such as sharing, cooperation, and negotiation. Interactive features, digital interfaces, and e-commerce platforms expand the reach of toys to a global audience. Parents seek quality toys that foster motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving abilities, and technological literacy. The market includes action figures, dolls, board games, and puzzles, as well as outdoor toys, eco-friendly practices, and sustainable materials. Urbanization and living spaces influence the market, with a growing emphasis on indoor toys and outdoor play areas. The toys industry continues to evolve, integrating cutting-edge technology, educational components, and media franchises, while prioritizing eco-friendly practices and sustainability. 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/toys-market-in-europe-to-grow-by-usd-9-27-billion-2024-2028-driven-by-premiumization-and-ai-influenced-market-trends---technavio-302326164.html SOURCE Technavio