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By Benjamin R. Punongbayan In recent weeks, there appear to be a welling up of commentaries, particularly on social media, about corruption in our government. There seems to be a growing perception that this disastrous practice is getting worse in terms of both its widening spread and the increasing scale of the amounts involved. This observation aroused an interest in me to analyze and try to portray in an understandable way the broad effects of corruption in the Philippine economy. Indeed, corruption in government has been prevalent in the Philippines for so long and appears to continue undiminished in the foreseeable future. I will not consider, though, that this lamentable practice is a part of Philippine culture, as others would do, for the simple reason that it is practiced by only a “few”. I mean “few” in relation to the number of perpetrators as compared to the entire Philippine population. Corruption is actually a crime that regrettably goes generally unpunished. I recognize, though, that others may claim that for the fact that a much greater part of the Philippine population tolerates the perpetration of this criminal practice makes the practice of corruption a part of Philippine culture. I would agree if such toleration is unforced. But it is not. The perpetrators hold considerable power. This power exudes intimidation and threat of retribution that greatly inhibits the concerned but unorganized citizens from taking appropriate action to challenge the perpetrators. Estimate of amount of corruption In the latest Corruption Perception Index released in September 2023 by the Berlin-based Transparency International, the Philippines is ranked 115 among 180 countries as being perceived to have a higher prevalence of corruption. While the country is not the most corrupt, it is more corrupt than 114 other countries out of 180. In a paper presented by an officer of the Department of Justice at the 13th Regional Seminar on Good Governance for Southeast Asian Countries in Tokyo in 2019, he stated that the amount of corruption in the Philippines at the national level was then estimated at 20% of the annual national budget. He applied that proportion to the 2015 and 2016 national budgets to show the magnitude of the resulting amounts. If we apply the same proportion on the current 2024 national budget, the amount of corruption at the national level currently translates to an estimated amount of about ₱1.6 trillion. And that estimated amount relates only to corruption at the national government level. If we include estimates of similar corruption at the level of the LGUs and bribery amounts at both national and local levels, the overall total will certainly be gargantuan. Types of corruption Corruption in government may be classified in a number of ways. For purposes of this commentary, I will classify them based on their nature, namely: overpricing; unrestricted appropriated funds; and bribery at both the national and local government levels. Overpricing relates to infrastructure and other construction contracts; purchases of equipment, materials, and supplies; and procurement of labor for the use of the national and local governments, including that of the various institutions under their respective jurisdictions. I define unrestricted appropriated funds or, simply, unrestricted appropriations as composed of what are commonly known as pork barrel, intelligence funds, and other intentionally mislabelled funds appropriated in both the national budget and local government budgets. Overpricing results in a complete loss of government funds equivalent to the amount of the overprice, while unrestricted appropriations result in a partial loss of government funds to the extent of the amount not used for the benefit of the Filipino people plus the overpricing of those goods procured for the benefit of the citizens. Bribery is different in the sense that these are in the form of money or valuable goods owned by citizens, private businesses, and other organizations and given to government officers and personnel, under coercion or not, to facilitate or expedite the release of required government permits, licenses, and other documentary requirements and approvals of all kinds. It also includes awarding of franchises and rights for exploitation and use of national resources and privileges; and favorable court decisions and regulatory rulings to deserved or undeserved persons, activities, and pending cases. While these corrupt practices do not result in direct loss of existing government funds, some of these practices may result in loss of government revenue in the form of exemption from or reduced amounts of legally collectible taxes, duties, and fees in exchange for the bribe money. Economic effects of corruption on government programs and activities In sum, corruption in government results in loss of government funds in the cases of overpricing and portions of unrestricted appropriations, and loss of revenue in some cases of bribery. On the basis of the estimated rate of corruption mentioned earlier, the total amount of these losses of government funds and revenue on an annual basis is huge. When put together, the recurring total annual amount could have been deployed in large-scale programs that have long-term and wide beneficial effects on the nation’s economic growth and development, such as in large infrastructures that provide connectivity within and among the country’s various islands (roads, railways, bridges, sea ports, airports, and similar others); rehabilitation of the education system; substantial reduction of poverty; a more expansive health care system; and other urgently needed economic and social development programs. When broadening the base estimate of losses from corruption referred to earlier for reasons explained thereafter, the expanded annual estimate would be significantly higher than the ₱1.6 trillion current annual estimate mentioned before. By multiplying whatever higher amount that may come to mind by any number of years, it provides a result that gives us a picture of the enormity of the opportunities for continuous economic growth that we lost during the past many years. And much more than this, we continue to suffer such losses annually, and there seems to be no end in sight. There is an additional unfavorable economic effect in the case of overpricing, especially in infrastructure contracts. To enable the corruption, some or much of the completed constructions will generally be of a quality level lower than what is specified in the contract. As a result, the completed infrastructure would provide benefits only for a much shorter period of time than planned and will necessarily entail large amounts of opportunity cost during the period of necessary repairs and replacements. Moreover, such early repairs and replacements will necessitate a premature round of sourcing the required funding. As a result, this premature funding crowds out new economic development initiatives, which clearly further delays in no small measure Philippine economic growth. In addition, this condition creates a cycle that goes on indefinitely under present circumstances. There are similar effects in the case of overpricing in the government procurement of equipment, materials, supplies and labor if the level of quality of the procured goods and services is not in accordance with specified quality levels. In the case of unrestricted appropriations, whatever portion is spent for the benefit of the Filipino people, it is spent in a scattered way in relatively small amounts. The power of using that money in the aggregate to fund large-scale economic development programs that provide much wider and longer-term benefits to the nation is forever lost. Economic effects of using corrupt money On the part of the corrupt persons, they obtain additional wealth for their own personal benefit and disposal. To the extent that they deploy this additional wealth in consumption, investments, and savings in the Philippines, such deployment would offset to some extent the harmful effects of the loss of government funds and revenue. However, based on general observations, much of this corrupt money is not spent in the Philippines but instead is used to purchase foreign, especially expensive, goods and to transfer some portion abroad in the form of foreign currency. In those cases, no benefit accrues to the Philippine economy at all, except maybe for some retail sale markups and applicable payment of local taxes and fees, which sum up to a relatively small amount. Other effects on the national economy The huge fund losses resulting from corruption have required the Philippine government to borrow much more than would have been necessary. Such additional borrowings result in a higher debt ratio (to GDP) that in turn results in a lower international credit rating than would otherwise be and consequently entails a higher interest cost. Of course, the government may choose to retain that level of borrowings and, without corruption, spend the additional borrowings for expenditures on large-scale programs that have long-term and wide beneficial effects on the nation’s economic growth and development, as explained earlier. Conclusion Clearly, widespread corruption has caused the Philippines to lose great opportunities continuously over a long period of time to become a more economically developed country. Equally sadly, the country will continue to lose such great opportunities in the foreseeable future. I purposely confined myself to analyzing the economic effects of corruption in government, except for a few comments in passing that corruption, in my opinion, is not a part of Philippine culture. I avoided commenting on the underlying issue of righteousness regarding the practice of corruption. I do not think I have the right to suggest to anyone to be like Mother Teresa. _________ Ben Punongbayan is the Founder of Punongbayan & Araullo. He is currently a member of the Board of Governors of the Management Association of the Philippines. Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com . Join us on Viber at https://bit.ly/3hv6bLA to get more updates and subscribe to BusinessWorld’s titles and get exclusive content through www.bworld-x.com .Newsom wants CA consumers to pay to replace $7,500 federal EV credit, Tesla excluded

Trump migrant deportations could threaten states’ agricultural economies

Lahore ranked second among world’s most polluted cities LAHORE:Once again, the provincial capital ranked second among the list of world’s top 10 most polluted cities on Monday as the average AQI reached 237, which was in the category of very unhealthy. Data collected from IQAir revealed that PM2.5 concentrations were currently 32.4 times the World Health Organisation annual PM2.5 guideline value. It showed that the most polluted localities of the city included Polo Ground Cantt (299), University of Management and Technology (299), Model Town Link Road (288), Askari 10 (276), Burki Road (276), Valencia Town (274), DHA Phase V (272) and Hiking & Mountaineering Club GCU (270). Environmental experts claimed that the deteriorating AQI was the result of cold wave as well as lifting of anti-smog SOPs by the government especially closing of markets at 8.00 pm. They said that the increase in traffic flow on city roads was resulting in release of vehicular emissions as well as generation of fugitive dust (PM2.5) because the government departments concerned have also stopped water sprinkling and washing of roads. They demanded the government re-implement anti-smog measures in the City; otherwise, with the increase in the cold weather the situation will deteriorate further till rainfall, which was not predicted in the near future. They also said that the deteriorating AQI was also resulting in spread of different diseases especially dry cough and other respiratory issues. Meanwhile, Met officials said continental air was prevailing over most parts of the country while a shallow westerly wave was passing over upper parts of the country. They predicted that mainly cold and dry weather was expected in most parts of the country while very cold and partly cloudy to cloudy weather in hilly areas. Shallow to moderate fog (in patches) was likely at few places in Northeast/South Punjab and Upper Sindh during morning hours. Monday’s minimum temperature was recorded at Leh where mercury dropped to -09°C while in Lahore it was 4.5°C and maximum was 21°C.Back when the COVID-19 pandemic was in full swing, wreaking havoc across the world, automakers enjoyed record-high profits as they raised prices because of a shortage of new cars . Now though, that honeymoon period is over, and these companies aren’t in a position to recover without a lot of pain. Automakers around the world like Nissan , Volkswagen and Stellantis are considering massive layoffs and plant closures as they deal with dropping profits and other issues, according to the New York Times . Each of these automakers have their own problems, but there are a lot of similarities to be found, as the Times explains: They include a tricky and expensive technological transition, political turmoil, rising protectionism and the emergence of a new class of fast-growing Chinese carmakers. The many woes raise questions about the future of companies that are a critical source of jobs in many Western and Asian countries. Many of these problems have been apparent for years but became less pressing during the pandemic, lulling some automakers into complacency. When shortages of semiconductors and other components slowed production and limited inventory, carmakers found it easy to raise prices. But that era is over and the industry has reverted to its prepandemic state, with too many carmakers chasing too few buyers. Many car factories around the world are making many fewer cars than they were built to produce. When automakers don’t earn a decent return on their factories and machines, there is “a massive effect on profitability,” said Simon Croom, a professor of supply chain management at the University of San Diego. “The difference between profit and loss is a very fine line in the auto industry.” Unfortunately, but not unsurprisingly, workers are one of the first groups to suffer when stuff like this happens. Right now, there are over nine million people working worldwide in manufacturing, and a million of them are right here in the U.S. Additionally, over two million Americans work at dealers and other related businesses. Basically, lots and lots of folks work in the automotive industry, so there could be real dire consequences if the ship isn’t righted soon. Here are some of the automakers around the world are doing to contain rising costs and why they’re struggling, according to the Times : Nissan, which has factories in Mississippi and Tennessee, has not detailed where its layoffs will take place. It is not alone in cutting jobs. Ford last month announced 4,000 job cuts, mostly at factories in Britain and Germany. The company cited “unprecedented competitive, regulatory, and economic headwinds.” Ford was partly referring to Chinese carmakers. Barely a factor before the pandemic, they have charged into the international market with cars that can match Japanese, European or American vehicles on quality, at much lower prices. BYD, Chery, SAIC and other Chinese carmakers are still effectively barred from the United States by trade rules and hobbled by tariffs in Europe. But they are pushing into places like Australia, Brazil, Chile and Thailand, luring buyers away from the likes of Fiat, General Motors and Toyota. Competition from China is “starting to hit the safe places that Western carmakers had,” said Felipe Munoz, global analyst at JATO Dynamics, a research firm. Some of the hardest hit companies are simply doing poorly because they aren’t putting out compelling products, whether it’s an old model lineup or uncompetitive electric vehicles , as the New York Times explains: Companies that were slow to replace aging models are doing worst. That has been the case for Nissan, Stellantis and even Tesla, which analysts expect to end the year with sales that are roughly unchanged from 2023. Others have struggled to build appealing electric vehicles and develop software, an increasingly important element of car design. Volkswagen was among the first established carmakers to develop electric vehicles, but the models underwhelmed buyers and critics. Sales in the United States of the company’s ID.4 sport-utility vehicle plunged by more than half in the third quarter from a year earlier, according to Kelley Blue Book. Buggy software handicapped sales of the ID.4 and other electric models that Volkswagen sells in Europe and Asia. “The Chinese are winning market share and the Germans are losing,” said Ferdinand Dudenhöffer, director of the Center for Automotive Research in Bochum, Germany. “It’s not only the electric cars, it’s the software in the cars.” Changing government policy is adding to the carmakers’ woes. Sales of electric vehicles plunged in Germany after the government, facing a budget crisis, abruptly eliminated financial incentives. With all that being said, not every automaker is struggling right now – especially General Motors . Its stock has risen over 40 percent this year as other automakers see drops in their stock prices. The Times explains why this is happening: In part, Wall Street is rewarding G.M. for popular electric vehicles like the Cadillac Lyriq and Chevrolet Equinox. Mary T. Barra, the G.M. chief executive, has said the company is close to making a profit on electric vehicles, unlike other American carmakers excluding Tesla. But G.M. is also retrenching, announcing last week that it would stop developing robotaxis, autonomous vehicles that can carry passengers without drivers. The decision raised questions about whether established carmakers can compete with Tesla and Waymo, a division of Google’s parent company, in the next generation of automotive technology. Toyota is also doing fairly well for the moment. It has doubled down on hybrids and cut back on its EV plans, and that seems to be working for now. Toyota could be left behind if sales of electric vehicles grow faster than market analysts expect. Prices for battery-powered vehicles are dropping while the distance they can travel on a charge is growing. In China, electric vehicles are already cheaper than comparable gasoline models. More than half of new cars sold there are electric or plug-in hybrids. Stellantis is also doing its best to right the ship following the departure of CEO Carlos Tavares, but it’s not going to be an easy road. Stellantis [...] as new models lined up for 2025. They include several electric vehicles, among them Jeeps, Ram pickups and a Dodge Charger muscle car. The company is also working to repair its relationship with dealers who feel that Stellantis waited too long to lower prices and offer incentives to help them sell cars that were piling up on their lots. Time will tell if these companies are headed in the right direction, but something is very clear: they’re going to have to act quickly, because buyers are becoming less and less willing to pay extremely high prices for cars, and workers are suffering for it. That’s enough from me. Head over to the New York Times for a closer look at what’s happening, including the state of the Chinese car market, why foreign automakers are stuck on the outside looking in and how uncertainty in the U.S. – thanks to Trump – regarding EVs is hurting automakers.

Kash Patel's confirmation prospects get a boost from GOP senators who want FBI 'de-politicized'

NEW YORK , Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with market evolution powered by AI - The retail market in indonesia size is estimated to grow by USD 49.56 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.73% during the forecast period. Expansion of retail landscape is driving market growth, with a trend towards growing preference for local brands. However, underdeveloped infrastructure poses a challenge. Key market players include Adidas AG, Apple Inc., Authentic Brands Group LLC, Decathlon SA, Inter IKEA Holding BV, Levi Strauss and Co., LG Electronics Inc., Marks and Spencer Group plc, Nike Inc., Panasonic Holdings Corp., PT FUJITA Indonesia, PT Hino Motors Manufacturing Indonesia, PT Siantar Top Tbk, PT Sumber Alfaria Trijaya Tbk, PT. Indomarco Prismatama, PT Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk, PT Ramayana Lestari Sentosa Tbk, PT. SGMW Motor Indonesia, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., and Sony Group Corp.. Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF Market Driver The retail market in Indonesia is witnessing significant trends shaped by modern spending habits and the increasing use of digital technology. Physical distribution channels continue to dominate consumption, but prices, credit cost, and employment are key concerns. Social welfare and household consumption are driving economic growth, with private consumption leading the way. Retail sectors, including goods and services, are seeing increased investment and exports. Modern retail formats like organized retail markets, retail chains, and e-commerce are gaining popularity. Digital technology, social media, and online commerce are transforming media distribution, ride-sharing services, financial services, and customer sentiments. Palm oil, fish, cocoa, coffee, wheat, dairy, and processed food products remain important commodities. E-commerce brands, visual merchandising techniques, inventory management, and economic growth are shaping the retail landscape. Small business owners and entrepreneurs are embracing brand loyalty and eco-friendly practices. Circular retail models, resale, rental, refurbishment, 3D printing, and augmented reality are emerging trends. Cashback, discounts, and special offers continue to attract consumers. The middle class is a significant market segment, with increasing income and demand for product quality and accessibility. Indonesian consumers exhibit strong brand loyalty and a preference for local brands, with 75% of people deciding in advance about their product purchases. Over 65% of Indonesians consistently shop at the same store for food and beverages. Local brands like PT Fujita Indonesia and PT Hino Motors Manufacturing Indonesia, as well as non-expensive foreign brands, meet the needs of Indonesian consumers and offer better value for money. Foreign companies entering the Indonesian market have employed localization and acquisition strategies to gain a foothold. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! • The retail market in Indonesia faces several challenges. Modern spending habits shift towards digital technology and online commerce, impacting physical distribution channels. Consumption patterns are influenced by prices, credit cost, employment, and social welfare. Economic growth, income, and product quality are crucial factors. Indonesia's exports of key commodities like palm oil, fish, cocoa, coffee, wheat, dairy, and processed food products are significant. Ramadan period boosts private consumption. Organized retail market includes retail chains, department stores, boutiques, e-commerce retail, online retail, websites, and mobile apps. Small business owners and entrepreneurs face competition from e-commerce brands and digital technology. Brand loyalty is essential. Economic growth, accessibility, and customer sentiments influence retail trends. Sustainability efforts, circular retail models, and eco-friendly practices are gaining popularity. Cashback, discounts, and special offers are common marketing strategies. Government spending, investment, social media, ride-sharing services, financial services, and media distribution are also shaping the retail landscape. Artificial intelligence (AI) and visual merchandising techniques are used for inventory management and customer engagement. Middle class consumers drive demand for tailor-made products and services. • In Indonesia's retail market, inadequate infrastructure and network services pose significant challenges for exporters and investors. Traditional warungs and minimarts remain popular among consumers, necessitating extensive distribution networks for business growth. Innovations, particularly in packaging, are crucial due to limited and competitive shelf space. The country's population is dispersed across numerous islands, making underdeveloped connectivity a barrier to consumer access to various goods and services. Companies must navigate these complexities to succeed in Indonesia's retail sector. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! This retail market in Indonesia report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Offline 1.2 Online 2.1 Food and beverages 2.2 Electrical and electronics 2.3 Apparel and footwear 2.4 Home improvement and household products 2.5 Others 3.1 APAC 1.1 Offline- Convenience stores in Indonesia are small retail outlets providing everyday essentials, including groceries, snacks, personal care items, and alcohol (if licensed). They are often located near highways or busy urban areas. Department stores offer a wide range of consumer goods, from clothing to electronics. Drug stores and pharmacies sell medicines and health products, typically open 24 hours. In 2021, Boots UK opened its first franchise store in Indonesia . Supermarkets are larger self-service stores with a wide variety of household products, food, and medicines. Hypermarkets combine supermarkets and convenience stores, focusing on high volume, low-margin sales. Retailers faced challenges in 2020 due to shipping issues, offering free or discounted shipping and clearing stocks. Unorganized vendors pose a threat, but their sales declined in 2021, benefiting established retailers. Preventive measures ensured safe shopping experiences, and online shopping habits reduced foot traffic to offline stores, leading to moderate retail market growth. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics The retail market in Indonesia is experiencing significant growth, driven by rising household purchasing power and modern spending habits. With a population of over 270 million people, the country's consumption is a major contributor to the economy. Prices for essential commodities such as palm oil, fish, cocoa, coffee, wheat, and dairy have seen fluctuations, impacting the retail sector. Credit costs and employment levels are important factors influencing consumer spending. The government's social welfare programs and investment in infrastructure have boosted private consumption. Digital technology, social media, online commerce, media distribution, ride-sharing services, and financial services are transforming the retail landscape. Middle-class consumers are driving demand for a wider range of products and services. The retail industry's future looks promising, with exports and government spending expected to further fuel growth. The retail market in Indonesia is witnessing significant changes due to modern spending habits and the increasing adoption of digital technology. Consumption patterns are shifting towards private and household consumption, driven by economic growth and rising income levels. Prices remain a crucial factor, with credit costs and social welfare playing essential roles in shaping purchasing decisions. Physical distribution channels continue to dominate, but online commerce and ride-sharing services are gaining popularity. Modern retail formats, including retail chains, department stores, boutiques, and e-commerce retail, are transforming the market. Digital technology, social media, and online marketplaces are revolutionizing the way businesses reach customers and manage inventory. Key sectors, such as palm oil, fish, cocoa, coffee, wheat, dairy, and processed food products, continue to drive the retail market. The Ramadan period sees in demand for these goods. The organized retail market, including e-commerce and brick-and-mortar stores, is expected to grow, driven by middle-class consumers and entrepreneurs. Brand loyalty is crucial, with e-commerce brands leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and visual merchandising techniques to attract customers. Eco-friendly practices and sustainability efforts are becoming essential as consumers demand more circular retail models. Resale, rental, refurbishment, 3D printing, and augmented reality are emerging trends. Cashback, discounts, and special offers remain popular promotional strategies. 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Distribution Channel Offline Online Product Food And Beverages Electrical And Electronics Apparel And Footwear Home Improvement And Household Products Others Geography APAC 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix 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. Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE TechnavioOn online baby message boards and other social media forums, pregnant women say they are being asked by their providers to pay out-of-pocket fees earlier than expected. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here.

CD Bioparticles Announces Enhanced Online Ordering System for Improved Customer Experience 12-16-2024 07:54 PM CET | Health & Medicine Press release from: ABNewswire CD Bioparticles launches its significantly enhanced online ordering system. CD Bioparticles, a leading manufacturer and supplier of numerous drug delivery products and services, recently unveiled its significantly enhanced online ordering system [ https://www.cd-bioparticles.net/ ]. This latest update on the website aims to streamline the ordering process for customers, demonstrating CD Bioparticles' commitment that prioritize customer experience, while also creating greater workflow control, making it more efficient and user-friendly. Nanotechnology has unlocked groundbreaking advancements in drug delivery, disease diagnostics and laboratory technologies by synthesizing and manipulating substances at the nanoscale. However, industry and research laboratories face challenges in analyzing complex and diverse samples and require sensitive and reliable drug delivery systems to provide consistent results in support of analytical studies and assays. Since its inception, CD Bioparticles has been committed to developing and providing cutting-edge technologies to advance drug discovery and development. To enhance the customer shopping experience and save time when placing orders, CD Bioparticles has deliberately updated the ordering system on its website to make it easier for customers to purchase all types of drug delivery products. Transparent Pricing & Direct Ordering Firstly, pricing information is provided on the website in a clear and concise manner, making it easy for customers to compare prices and find their favourite products. Customers now can know the cost in advance and make informed purchasing decisions more efficiently. In addition, customers can order directly from the CD Bioparticles website when they find a product they are looking for. No more waiting for price confirmation, just add items to the cart and proceed to check out. Account Registration & Guest Checkout To simplify the shopping process for customers, CD Bioparticles invites all customers to register for an account on the website. With an account, customers can save their preferences, view their order history and enjoy a faster checkout process. Certainly, CD Bioparticles also understands that some customers may not wish to register. Visitors can still shop quickly and efficiently without creating an account. This update reflects the company's commitment to providing its customers with the best possible experience, which will significantly improve order accuracy, reduce processing time, and enhance overall customer satisfaction. Additionally, CD Bioparticles believes that its customers will benefit from the many advantages of its enhanced online ordering system, and encourages all customers to explore the new system and experience the difference for themselves. CD Bioparticles is focused on improving the efficiency and accuracy of drug drug delivery research in the biopharmaceutical industry, delivering faster and more reliable results. To learn more about CD Bioparticles' innovative drug delivery solutions and its newly launched ordering system, please visit https://www.cd-bioparticles.net/ . About CD Bioparticles CD Bioparticles is an established drug delivery company that provides customized solutions for developing and manufacturing novel biocompatible drug delivery systems. It specializes in various formulation and drug delivery technologies, from conventional liposomes and PEGylated liposomes to polymer microspheres and nanoparticles for drug delivery. The company also provides contract research services for drug delivery formulation, formulation feasibility study, process development and scale-up, as well as analytical and non-clinical research services. Media Contact Company Name: CD Bioparticles Contact Person: Richard J. Gray Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=cd-bioparticles-announces-enhanced-online-ordering-system-for-improved-customer-experience ] State: New York Country: United States Website: https://www.cd-bioparticles.net/ This release was published on openPR.CM for acceleration of digitisation process PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur on Monday directed the acceleration of the digitisation process in the provincial government departments. “It is the policy and priority of the provincial government to enhance the capacity of government departments and improve transparency, good governance, and service delivery across the sectors,” he told the 16th meeting of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Technology Board (KPITB) here. The chief minister directed the quarters concerned to immediately complete the remaining work of Digital City Haripur and initiate work on the project for establishing IT Park in Peshawar. He termed appreciated the KPITB’s commitment to driving digital growth and empowering the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, adding that the KPITB was playing a pivotal role in shaping the province’s digital future. Earlier, the meeting was told that the Digital Transformation Policy and Roadmap 2030 had been finalised, which would be presented for formal approval at the next provincial cabinet meeting. The comprehensive policy encompasses various key domains, including digital governance, skills development, cyber resilience, emerging technologies, fintech, and digital payments, digital platform infrastructure, climate tech, startup and innovation ecosystem. The meeting reviewed the implementation of decisions made in previous meetings, actions taken under the digital policy, and future course of action.It was informed that over 60 projects have been launched under the KPITB to improve service delivery in the province. Flagship initiatives include the Public Service Delivery Portal (Dastak), Digital Revenue Collection Platform, Digital FinTech Platform (Pamir), Digital Stamp Duty, Motor Vehicle Registration System, and Carbon Credit Portal. The meeting also highlighted the key achievements under digital payment platform, which has processed over 1 million transactions for arms licenses. Similarly, it was informed that the KPITB has made significant progress in digital skills development, with 13,800 youth trained in graphic design, web development, digital marketing, and animation over the past few years, with 37 percent employment in the respective fields. Furthermore, 2,500 youth have been trained in cloud computing and data engineering, with 49 percent securing employment. Under the ongoing initiatives, it was informed, additional 27,000 youth were being trained in various fields, including e-commerce, IT governance, mobile development, social media marketing, computer networking, and cyber security. The officials said that over 7,000 youth from merged districts will also be imparted training in various fields, while the Digital Economy and Skills Center in Mardan will provide training to over 4,000 youth. They further informed that the Digital Internship Programme has also provided internships to 23 youth at the China Accelerator, while over 2,000 youth have received internships at IT Park companies, with 67 percent of them now employed.

For Hanna Cavinder, “nothing beats” quality time with boyfriend Carson Beck. In a post shared Tuesday on the Cavinder Twins’ Instagram page, the college hoops star and social media sensation was seen cozying up to her Georgia quarterback beau in an outdoor snap. Captioned, “Nothing beats it, nothing buys it,” the post features Hanna, 23, smiling next to Beck, also 23, who held up the camera for the sweet shot. Other photos in the Instagram carousel include twin sister Haley with her boyfriend, Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson, and fellow members of the twins’ inner circle. The post went live days after Beck and the Bulldogs outlasted Texas in overtime of the SEC Championship, 22-19. Beck, who confirmed his relationship with Hanna in August, suffered an elbow injury late in the first half. There is no timetable for Beck’s return, and he is exploring treatment options, the university said Monday in a statement, according to ESPN . One day prior, Georgia — seeking its third national championship in four years — was named the No. 2 seed in the expanded College Football Playoff bracket. The Bulldogs (11-2) earned a first-round bye and will face the winner of the Dec. 20 clash between Notre Dame (No. 7) and Indiana (No. 10) in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day. Georgia coach Kirby Smart offered encouraging words Monday to Beck and punter Brett Thorson, who suffered a knee injury in Saturday’s game. “Carson and Brett are both fierce competitors and extremely hard workers,” Smart said, per ESPN. “I’m confident they will attack their rehab with the same determination they exhibit in their daily habits. We will be here to support them every step of the way.” Beck’s production dipped this season compared to 2023, his first season as the starter. He completed 72.4 percent of his passes during Georgia’s 2023 campaign, tossing 24 touchdowns and six interceptions. Beck completed 64.7 percent this year while throwing 28 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. Hanna, meanwhile, returned to the Miami women’s basketball team after doing a U-turn on retirement this past spring. The Hurricanes are off to an 8-1 start.Cooper Rush passed for two touchdowns, Dallas returned two kicks for scores and the visiting Cowboys held off the Washington Commanders in a wild fourth quarter for a 34-26 win. Dallas led 10-9 after three quarters. With Washington trailing 27-26, Jayden Daniels hit Terry McLaurin for an 86-yard touchdown pass with 21 seconds left, but Austin Seibert missed his second extra point of the game. Juanyeh Thomas of the Cowboys then returned the onside kick 43 yards for a touchdown. Rush completed 24 of 32 passes for 247 yards for Dallas (4-7), which snapped a five-game losing streak. Rico Dowdle ran 19 times for 86 yards and CeeDee Lamb had 10 catches for 67 yards. Jayden Daniels was 25-of-38 passing for 274 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions for reeling Washington (7-5), which has lost three straight. He ran for 74 yards and one score. McLaurin had five catches for 102 yards. Trailing 20-9 late in the fourth quarter, Daniels drove Washington 69 yards in nine plays and hit Zach Ertz for a 4-yard touchdown. Daniels ran for two points and Washington trailed 20-17 with 3:02 remaining. KaVontae Turpin muffed the ensuing kickoff, picked it up at the one, and raced 99 yards for a touchdown to make it 27-17. Austin Seibert's 51-yard field goal pulled the Commanders within 27-20 with 1:40 left, With the score tied 3-3, Washington took the second half kick and went 60 yards in 10 plays. On third-and-three from the Dallas 17, Daniels faked a handoff, ran left and scored his first rushing touchdown since Week 4. Seibert missed the point after and Washington led 9-3. Dallas answered with an 80-yard drive. A 23-yard pass interference penalty gave the Cowboys a first-and-goal at the 4. Two plays later Rush found Jalen Tolbert in the end zone and the extra point made it 10-9. Brandon Aubrey's 48-yard field goal made it 13-9 with 8:11 remaining in the game. On the next play, Daniels hit John Bates for 14 yards, but Donovan Wilson forced a fumble and Dallas recovered at the Washington 44. Five plays later, Rush found Luke Schoonmaker down the middle for a 22-yard touchdown and Dallas led 20-9 with 5:16 left. The first quarter was all about field goals. Aubrey's field goal attempt was blocked on the opening drive and Michael Davis returned it to the Dallas 40. Washington later settled for Seibert's 41-yard field goal. On the next Dallas drive, Aubrey hit the right upright from 42 yards out, and then Seibert missed from 51 yards. With 14 seconds left in the half, Rush found Jalen Brooks for a 41-yard gain to the Washington 28. On the next play Aubrey connected from 46 yards to tie it. This article first appeared on Field Level Media and was syndicated with permission.

EXCLUSIVE Donald Trump announces he is making Kimberly Guilfoyle his ambassador to Greece in stunning move Guilfoyle is a former Fox News host and a big Trump fundraiser By ROB CRILLY, CHIEF U.S. POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT FOR DAILYMAIL.COM IN WASHINGTON, D.C. Published: 17:35 EST, 10 December 2024 | Updated: 18:24 EST, 10 December 2024 e-mail 32 shares 136 View comments Donald Trump announced Tuesday he was appointing ex-Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle as his ambassador to Greece . Guilfoyle, 55, studied international law and entered public life as a prosecutor in San Francisco and Los Angeles , but entered the Trump orbit as fiancee to the president-elect's son Don Jr , 46. 'Her extensive experience and leadership in law, media, and politics along with her sharp intellect make her supremely qualified to represent the United States, and safeguard its interests abroad,' Trump said in a Truth Social post. 'Kimberly is perfectly suited to foster strong bilateral relations with Greece, advancing our interests on issues ranging from defense cooperation to trade and economic innovation.' The announcement comes just hours after Daily Mail published photographs of Don Jr. hand-in-hand with the Palm Beach socialite , Bettina Anderson, showing his days with Guilfoyle are clearly over. Don Jnr and Guilfoyle began dating in 2018 and became engaged in 2020. However, Daily Mail has reported extensively that their relationship is all but over since September. Donald Jr. continued to be photographed with 55-year-old Guilfoyle after our revelation, but she has not been snapped with him since November 12 – and was reported to have been 'blindsided'. 'There are a ton of people vying for this. It is one of the hottest posts in the world,' said a source familiar with the president-elect's thinking. 'Not just because it's an amazing place place to live, but because it's a hotbed of activity with everything that is happening in Syria , throughout the middle east, and the migrant crisis.' The source added that Guilfoyle, aside from her relationship with Don Jr. had known Trump for 20 years, and raised hundreds of millions of dollars for his campaigns. 'He wants her to represent him on the world stage,' the source added. Kimberly Guilfoyle is the favorite to be Donald Trump's next ambassador to Greece Guilfoyle was a host on Fox News for more than a decade and has known Trump for 20 years 'She studied international law and will be amazing spokeswoman for Donald Trump. 'She'll be the Jackie O of the MAGA movement.' Guilfoyle was assistant district attorney in San Francisco from 2000 to 2004. But it was her marriage to Democratic politician Gavin Newsom that brought into the public eye, when she was first lady of San Francisco during his first two years as mayor of that city. Insiders said that experience would help her cope with the demands of being Trump's representative overseas. Guilfoyle was an energetic campaigner for Trump and appeared on stage with the family at the election night party in West Palm Beach. She addressed foreign policy during her convention speech in Milwaukee. 'In our vision, America will combat foreign aggressors and ensure our service members are protected, not abandoned, as they carry out their dangerous missions abroad, because we know we can only have peace through strength,' she said in July. Donald Trump, Jr., and Bettina Anderson hold hands leaving Buccan restaurant in Palm Beach, Florida on Monday Donald Trump, Jr., and Bettina Anderson leave Buccan together on Monday night She appeared with other members of the Trump family in their box at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in July Guilfoyle addressed the party faithful on day three of the Republican National Convention But the appointment comes as her fiancee Don Jr. has been repeatedly pictured with Bettina Anderson , 38, around Palm Beach, suggesting his six-year engagement in well an truly over. The new couple's latest date saw them attend exclusive hotspot Buccan for two hours to celebrate Anderson's birthday. The restaurant is just three miles from Bettina's townhouse, where Don often stays. They looked every bit a new couple, with Don Jr holding her Bettina's hand as they left the venue just before 10pm. Guilfoyle's new role means she will likely be swapping life in Florida for Jefferson House, the American ambassador's residence in the Greek capital Athens. It comes with a swimming pool in the backyard and enough reception space to entertain hundreds of dignitaries. It was named for Thomas Jefferson who held up Greek democracy as the most important influence on the founding of the American republic. Donald Trump Jr Politics Greece Los Angeles Share or comment on this article: Donald Trump announces he is making Kimberly Guilfoyle his ambassador to Greece in stunning move e-mail 32 shares Add comment

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. , Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- RxBenefits, Inc., the employee benefits industry's first technology-enabled pharmacy benefits optimizer (PBO), announced today that Robert Gamble has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Gamble succeeds Wendy Barnes , who has decided to pursue another professional opportunity. Gamble has also joined the RxBenefits Board of Directors. Gamble , a seasoned leader with more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare and pharmacy benefits industry, has been an integral part of RxBenefits' executive leadership team for the past nine years. Most recently, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). As COO, Gamble led the strategy, technology, operations, and account management functions during a period of significant expansion and growth for the company, including launching new products and entering new market segments. Gamble previously held the position of Chief Financial Officer. "I am proud to take the helm of a company whose sole mission is to be a trusted partner to our clients and transparently deliver pharmacy benefits aligned to their unique goals," Gamble said. "We have a strong leadership team, and more than 1,200 employees focused on helping our clients achieve sustainable savings while delivering robust pharmacy benefits to their members." "Over nearly a decade, Robert has proven his strong ability to drive growth as he has helped scale RxBenefits into the pre-eminent and first technology-enabled pharmacy benefits optimizer," said Mark Taber , a Managing Director at Great Hill Partners and member of the RxBenefits Board of Directors. "We are confident that he is the right choice to lead RxBenefits forward, leveraging his deep, nuanced understanding of the industry and company to deliver greater value to clients nationwide." "We're appreciative of Wendy's commitment to the company as well as her efforts to maintain RxBenefits' status as a leading provider of cost-effective pharmacy benefits solutions and exceptional service to clients," said John Maldonado , Managing Partner at Advent International and RxBenefits board member. "We're excited for Robert to take on his new role and believe he is well-positioned to lead the RxBenefits team and propel the company to its next phase of growth." "I am grateful for Wendy's leadership over the last two years. She accelerated our momentum and prepared us for our next phase of expansion," Gamble added. "We had a strong earnings year in 2024, continuing our track record of robust financial performance. We also have an ambitious strategic plan for 2025 and beyond. I look forward to what we will achieve and how we will increasingly help our clients contain soaring pharmacy benefits costs while taking great care of their members." RxBenefits continues to grow and innovate to meet its clients' emerging needs for cost-effective pharmacy benefits solutions, adding 500 employees just since 2022 while continuing to deliver industry-leading, award-winning customer and member service. About RxBenefits RxBenefits is the nation's first and leading technology-enabled pharmacy benefits optimizer (PBO) with more than 1,200 pharmacy pricing, data, and clinical experts working together to deliver prescription benefit savings to employee benefits advisors and their self-insured clients. Serving more than 3 million members , RxBenefits brings market-leading purchasing power, independent clinical solutions, and high-touch service to its customers – ensuring that all plan sponsors, regardless of size, can provide an affordable and valuable pharmacy benefits plan to their employees. The company is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rxbenefits-inc-appoints-robert-gamble-chief-executive-officer-302332862.html SOURCE RxBenefits6 Trade Landing Spots for New York Rangers Star Chris Kreider Amid NHL Rumors

Luigi Mangione was 'anti-woke', says friend as he reveals regret over last messages with Brian Thompson 'assassin'ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Abacus Life, Inc. ("Abacus” or the "Company”) (NASDAQ: ABL), a pioneering alternative asset manager specializing in longevity and actuarial technology, today announced the closing of its oversubscribed underwritten public offering of 12,500,000 shares of its common stock, consisting of 10,000,000 shares of its common stock sold by the Company and 2,500,000 shares of common stock sold by certain stockholders of the Company (the "Selling Stockholders”) at the public offering price of $8.00 per share. The gross proceeds raised in the offering, before underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated expenses of the offering, were approximately $100 million, of which approximately $80 million was raised in the primary offering by the Company and approximately $20 million was paid in connection with the sale of shares by the Selling Stockholders. Abacus intends to use net proceeds that it receives for its operations, including the purchase of life settlement policies, to support its overall business strategy, for working capital purposes, and for general corporate purposes, which may include funding previously announced and future acquisitions and repayment and refinancing of its indebtedness. Abacus did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock by the Selling Stockholders. Piper Sandler & Co., TD Securities (USA) LLC, KKR Capital Markets LLC, B. Riley Securities, Inc. and SG Americas Securities, LLC acted as joint book-running managers and representatives of the underwriters for the offering. The registration statements on Form S-3 relating to this offering were declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC”) on November 14, 2024. Final prospectus supplements and accompanying prospectuses relating to and describing the terms of the offering were filed with the SEC on November 25, 2024 and may be obtained from: Piper Sandler & Co. by mail at 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10020 or by email at [email protected] ; TD Securities (USA) LLC by mail at 1 Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, NY 10017, by telephone at (855) 495-9846 or by email at [email protected] ; KKR Capital Markets LLC by mail at 30 Hudson Yards, 75th Floor, New York, NY 10001, Attention: Prospectus Delivery; B. Riley Securities, Inc. by mail at 1300 17th Street North, Suite 1300, Arlington, VA 22209, by telephone at (703) 312-9580 or by email at [email protected] ; SG Americas Securities, LLC by mail at 245 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10167 or by email at [email protected] ; or by accessing the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the shares of the Company's common stock or any other securities, nor shall there be any sale of such shares of common stock or any other securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. About Abacus Abacus is a pioneering global alternative asset manager and market maker specializing in uncorrelated financial products. The Company leverages its longevity data and actuarial technology to purchase life insurance policies from consumers seeking liquidity. This creates a high-return asset class uncorrelated to market fluctuations for institutional investors. With nearly $3 billion in assets under management, including pending acquisitions, Abacus is the only publicly traded global alternative asset manager focused on lifespan-based financial products. Forward-Looking Statements All statements in this press release (and oral statements made regarding the subjects of this press release) other than historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of uncertainties and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements, many of which are outside the control of Abacus. Forward-looking information includes but is not limited to statements regarding the proposed offering, including the expected closing of the proposed offering; Abacus's financial and operational outlook; Abacus's operational and financial strategies, including planned growth initiatives and the benefits thereof, Abacus's ability to successfully effect those strategies, and the expected results therefrom. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words "believe,” "project,” "estimate,” "expect,” ”intend,” "anticipate,” "goals,” "prospects,” "will,” "would,” "will continue,” "will likely result,” and similar expressions (including the negative versions of such words or expressions). While Abacus believes that the assumptions concerning future events are reasonable, it cautions that there are inherent difficulties in predicting certain important factors that could impact the future performance or results of its business. The factors that could cause results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: the fact that Abacus's loss reserves are bases on estimates and may be inadequate to cover its actual losses; the failure to properly price Abacus's insurance policies; the geographic concentration of Abacus's business; the cyclical nature of Abacus's industry; the impact of regulation on Abacus's business; the effects of competition on Abacus's business; the failure of Abacus's relationships with independent agencies; the failure to meet Abacus's investment objectives; the inability to raise capital on favorable terms or at all; the effects of acts of terrorism; and the effectiveness of Abacus's control environment, including the identification of control deficiencies. These forward-looking statements are also affected by the risk factors, forward-looking statements and challenges and uncertainties set forth in documents filed by Abacus with the SEC from time to time, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and subsequent periodic reports. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Abacus cautions you not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Abacus assumes no obligation and, except as required by law, does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Abacus does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations. Contacts: Robert Phillips - SVP Investor Relations [email protected] (321) 290-1198 David Jackson - IR/Capital Markets Associate [email protected] (321) 299-0716 Abacus Life Public Relations [email protected]

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