jili super ace deluxe

jili super ace deluxe Women more likely to need walking aids but less likely to use them – study

NoneWill Utah State or Boise State forfeit vs. San Jose State in the Mountain West semifinals?

The year girl power got a joyous updateCintas Corp. stock rises Friday, still underperforms market

In a continent brimming with potential yet burdened by governance challenges, the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is bent on transforming the public sector in Africa. Through its AIG Public Leaders Programme, AIG PLP, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that they exemplify this commitment by equipping public sector leaders with the skills and tools needed to tackle complex challenges, drive reforms, and create lasting impact across their respective organisations and communities At the heart of the mission of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation is the belief that effective leadership is key to transforming public service delivery and enhancing the lives of citizens. The special purpose vehicle for this was by instituting AIG Public Leaders Programme (AIG PLP). Founded by Aigboje and Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, this flagship initiative has been equipping public sector leaders with the necessary tools and skills they need to tackle any challenge, while driving reforms, and creating lasting impact in their various organisations and communities. Commitment to Public Sector Excellence The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, a public sector-focused philanthropic organisation is dedicated to improving lives through transformed public service and better access to primary healthcare. Collaborating with governments, academic institutions, civil society, and private sector organisations, the foundation has made significant strides in strengthening public sector reform initiatives, providing capacity-building programmes, and supporting healthcare access. One of its central goals is to foster public sector leadership development, recognising the critical role that ethical, competent, and reform-minded leaders play in driving good governance. The Foundation has trained over 700 public servants to date, each one serving as a change agent within their ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). The AIG Public Leaders Programme Launched in partnership with the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, the AIG PLP is an executive leadership programme tailored to senior public servants across Africa. Now in its fourth year, the programme is a testament to the Foundation’s dedication to building a critical mass of ethical and skilled leaders who are empowered to address the unique challenges of the African public sector. With a six-month curriculum that combines online and in-person learning, participants engage in discussions, simulations, and practical exercises designed to enhance their leadership capabilities. A distinctive feature of the programme is its emphasis on capstone projects—real-world reform initiatives that participants develop to tackle pressing challenges within their organisations. These projects ensure that learning translates into actionable solutions, creating ripple effects of positive change. The latest cohort, which began in November 2024, comprises 68 public servants from across Africa. Participants will convene for an intensive residential week starting 18th November, where they will collaborate on group work, develop their capstone projects, and share insights with like-minded leaders. Filling the Gaps in Leadership Development Many public servants excel in technical expertise but lack the leadership competencies necessary for impactful decision-making. The AIG PLP bridges this gap by focusing on strategic thinking, problem-solving, and high-stakes decision-making. Alumni leave the programme as well-rounded leaders capable of driving responsive, citizen-centred governance. This focus has already borne fruit, with alumni spearheading transformative reforms in diverse sectors. For instance, Abraham Oludolapo’s project on combating sexual harassment within the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has provided a framework that ensures the safety of over 400,000 corps members annually. His work underscores the AIG PLP’s emphasis on ethical leadership and accountability, which are cornerstones of effective governance. Networking and Collaboration Public sector challenges are rarely confined to individual MDAs. Recognising this, the AIG PLP fosters collaboration among participants from different countries and sectors. By creating a space for knowledge-sharing and peer learning, the programme helps leaders develop innovative solutions to shared problems. This collaborative approach is key to ensuring more efficient and effective service delivery across the continent. Driving Policy and Social Impact The exposure to world-class training and best practices from developed countries equips AIG PLP alumni with the tools to drive policy innovation and systemic reforms. Dr Ibiwunmi Olokun’s reform project at the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, which reduced patient wait times from 70 to 30 minutes, is a testament to the programme’s impact. By improving operational efficiency, her initiative has enhanced healthcare delivery for thousands of patients while setting a benchmark for other primary healthcare centres. Similarly, Mohammed Ahmed’s efforts to combat financial crimes in Nigeria through improved intelligence-sharing and regulatory compliance illustrate the transformative power of strategic leadership. His work has strengthened financial integrity and accountability, vital components of a robust economic system. PLP as a Catalyst for Change The achievements of AIG PLP alumni speak volumes about the programme’s transformative potential. From Arc Joy Osaretin Baderin’s implementation of a performance management system in Nigeria’s Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to Dr Chidinma Ogbonnaya’s health database upgrade at the Nigeria Immigration Service, each success story highlights the tangible benefits of investing in leadership development. Notably, the programme’s reach extends beyond Nigeria. Caroline Kendagor, a High Court Judge in Kenya and an alumnus of the third cohort, credits the AIG PLP for preparing her to navigate the demands of judicial leadership. Her story underscores the programme’s role in fostering ethical governance and strategic decision-making across Africa. Promoting Ethical Leadership and Accountability At its core, the AIG PLP champions ethical leadership and accountability. By nurturing leaders committed to transparency and integrity, the programme helps build public trust and reduce corruption. Alumni are trained to recognise and mitigate biases, fostering a culture of fairness and accountability within their institutions. Vision for Africa’s Future The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s long-term vision is ambitious yet achievable: to empower over 3,000 public sector leaders across Africa within the next decade. By aligning its initiatives with national civil service reform strategies, such as Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service Strategy Implementation Plan (FCSSIP), the Foundation ensures its efforts are both relevant and impactful. The AIG PLP is not just a programme; it is a movement towards a better future for Africa. By cultivating a network of change agents equipped with innovative approaches to governance, the programme is laying the groundwork for systemic transformation that will benefit millions of citizens. The Call to Action As the AIG PLP continues to expand its impact, the need for partnerships with private sector and philanthropic organisations has never been greater. Collaboration is essential to scaling these initiatives and ensuring that the gains made in leadership development translate into widespread improvements in public service delivery. For policymakers, donors, and citizens alike, the message is clear: investing in leadership development is not a luxury but a necessity. The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s efforts demonstrate that with the right training and support, public servants can rise to the occasion, delivering the transformative change that Africa so urgently needs. Undoubtedly, the AIG Public Leaders Programme exemplifies the power of leadership in driving systemic change. By equipping public servants with the skills, tools, and networks they need, the programme is building a future where public institutions work for the people they serve. As alumni continue to implement reforms and rise to positions of greater influence, the ripple effects of the AIG PLP will be felt across the continent, improving lives and shaping a brighter future for all. Quote The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s long-term vision is ambitious yet achievable: to empower over 3,000 public sector leaders across Africa within the next decade... The AIG PLP is not just a programme; it is a movement towards a better future for Africa. By cultivating a network of change agents equipped with innovative approaches to governance, the programme is laying the groundwork for systemic transformation that will benefit millions of citizens Caption Participants of the Cohort 4 AIG Public Leaders Programme with Head of the Civil Service, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON; Chairman of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR; and Executive Vice Chair, Mrs. Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, in Abuja for the Residential Week of the AIG PLP programme...recentlyOpen Text Corporation ( NASDAQ: OTEX ) Barclays 22nd Annual Global Technology Conference December 12, 2024 4:20 PM ET Company Participants Greg Secord - Vice President, Investor Relations Madhu Ranganathan - President and CFO Conference Call Participants Raimo Lenschow - Barclays Raimo Lenschow Welcome to our next session. I know as a speaker we have like Madhu, and Madhu will join us in a minute, but Greg is -- because she's stuck on traffic. So, Greg is going to start with me. So, we can ask all the questions you always wanted to ask. But Greg, thanks for joining us for a start. First thing I wanted to go, and it's also good to have you here, like you just had your big customer conference their kind of Analyst Day. Can you talk a little bit about what were the highlights? What was the message you wanted to convey and what were the highlights from there? Greg Secord So, I think the -- it was a product conference, and we did have some investors there, but it really was about the upgrade to Titanium X, which is a product cycle that we have. It's a 2-year product cycle. Very focused on the SaaS functionality coming into some of the traditional OpenText Cloud products and overall cloud functionality coming into the Micro Focus products that we acquired. So, it's that April is comes to the -- kind of that high water point as far as delivering on the Titanium X. So, we were outlining what some of those enhanced functionalities would be. In the cloud we were highlighting some more of the AI-oriented integration pieces and what we were coming to market with and just a broader discussion there with customers. So, we were quite excited by the feedback and customers got engaged as far as their structure and their needs were.

Facing SC State, Georgia aims for best start in nearly a century

Outdoors: Reichart’s lifetime achievement award highlights outdoors events of 2024

Intercontinental Exchange Inc. stock underperforms Friday when compared to competitors despite daily gains

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was back at practice Wednesday at Halas Hall, working to get reset following the “mini-bye” weekend the team had after its 23-20 loss to the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving. A lot had happened since Williams took his last snap last week on the final play of a bungled game-ending sequence at Ford Field. With the Bears staggering through a six-game losing streak and faltering in the biggest moments of close games, coach Matt Eberflus was fired Friday morning. Thus on Wednesday, Williams went to work in Lake Forest with a new coach (Thomas Brown) and his third offensive coordinator of the past six weeks (Chris Beatty). Good luck, kid! As Williams prepares to lead the Bears into Sunday’s road game against the San Francisco 49ers, here’s our latest submission of “The Caleb Williams File.” Keep going. That was Lincoln Riley’s advice to Caleb Williams in fall 2021, when Williams was a true freshman at Oklahoma and frustrated that he was stuck in a backup role behind Sooners starting quarterback Spencer Rattler. Keep going. That was also Riley’s advice to Williams on a phone call last month when, after three consecutive Bears losses, the team fired Shane Waldron from his offensive coordinator post, thrusting Williams into a whirlwind of adjustment. Keep going. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams drinks water during practice at Halas Hall on Dec. 4, 2024, in Lake Forest. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) That remains Williams’ message to himself this week as he works to regroup and steady himself after Eberflus’ firing. “The human aspect of it weighs on you a little bit,” Williams said. “Especially with this being my first year and this being my first head coach who drafted me. So there’s that human part of it. Then the business side has to kick in and say, ‘I understand it. I don’t really have control of it. But I have to roll with the punches and move on and try and help this team win.’ ” Still, how in the world does Williams — at 23 years old, in his rookie season and with all the chaos he has been forced to endure — keep going now with faith that his career is in good hands at Halas Hall? “I understand that I can’t control it,” Williams said. While labeling Eberflus’ termination as “interesting” and “tough,” Williams did his best Wednesday afternoon to express a growth mindset and to seek an optimistic lens through which to view all the hardship this season has brought. He spun the abrupt exits of Waldron and Eberflus as “a steppingstone with my development,” identifying potential long-term benefits for when he may be forced later in his career to again deal with coaching changes of any kind. Williams also acknowledged his vulnerability as he fights to keep going through the final five weeks of a head-spinning rookie season. “Human nature, we’re not necessarily meant to be consistent for 365 days,” he said. “So that is the battle to fight for myself, for my teammates, coaches and everybody. “I will say it’s not easy to keep going and roll with the punches and keep fighting. But you have to do it. It’s part of it.” Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) is sacked by Lions defensive end Za’Darius Smith (99) on the second-to-last play of the game on Nov. 28, 2024, at Ford Field in Detroit. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Fourteen seconds before all hell broke loose at Ford Field last week, Williams had DJ Moore wide open for a potential 25-yard go-ahead touchdown pass in the final minute. Moore, creating separation on a rub route, was streaking across the field — from right to left in Williams’ vision and with rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold trailing him by 6 yards. But Williams felt pressure from D.J. Reader inside a dented pocket, lost control of his throwing mechanics and skipped a ball short and behind Moore. “Short-armed that one,” Williams said Wednesday. He knows full well what he left on the table. “Frustrated about that.” Everyone knows the chaos that unfolded from there, a messy meltdown by the Bears that included a penalty, a sack and a very well-documented case of clock mismanagement. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) throws a pass on the final play of the game as time expires in a 23-20 loss to the Lions on Nov. 28, 2024, at Ford Field in Detroit. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Somehow, with their final timeout unused, the Bears let the game’s final 32 seconds tick away with only one snap being taken — a helter-skelter, audibled deep shot from Williams to Rome Odunze that fell incomplete as time expired. With time to reflect on that sequence and revisit it with coaches, Williams knows now he could have had much better situational awareness down the stretch of the loss. “I was moving well but not as urgent as I should’ve (been) in understanding the situation,” Williams said. The quarterback also confessed Wednesday that he was not in lockstep with his coaches in their desire to get a short third-down completion and then take their final timeout to set up a game-tying field-goal attempt. Instead, Williams let too much time tick away, went for it all and contributed to a debacle that ultimately got Eberflus fired. “I thought when we called that last play, it was a no-huddle play that we wanted to get lined up,” Williams said. “I saw the clock winding down and wanted to try to take a shot at the end zone because I was expecting it to be our last play right in that moment. ... Just not on the same page in that situation. I definitely can learn from it. Definitely will learn from it.” 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey runs against Bills safety Taylor Rapp during the first half on Dec. 1, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (Adrian Kraus/AP) The 49ers also are reeling. Maybe not as significantly as the Bears. But the reigning NFC champions have lost three straight, are 5-7 and seem to be in serious danger of missing the playoffs for just the second time in six seasons. The Niners are particularly banged up on offense and placed running Christian McCaffrey back on injured reserve this week with a right knee sprain. Receiver Brandon Aiyuk also has been on IR since Week 8 after tearing the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his right knee. Defensively, standout lineman Javon Hargrave suffered a season-ending triceps injury in September and Pro Bowl safety Talanoa Hufanga has been on IR since Week 6 after tearing ligaments in his wrist. (Hufanga, it should be noted, was designated to return to practice this week. So his status for Sunday is worth keeping tabs on.) Still, a 49ers defense coordinated by Nick Sorensen and led by defensive end Nick Bosa has plenty of teeth. Bosa and former Bear Leonard Floyd have combined for 131⁄2 sacks. The 49ers also boast a top-five pass defense, limiting opponents to 190 passing yards per game with a passer rating against of 84.2. That’s eighth best in the league. The Bears will have to be sharp to have any chance of ending their lengthy losing streak. A fast start also would be recommended with the Bears having totaled only 20 first-quarter points in 12 games this season. Williams’ passer rating in the fourth quarter this season, the eighth-best rating in the NFL among 33 quarterbacks with at least 60 fourth-quarter passing attempts. Williams has accumulated 31% of his passing yards in the fourth quarter and has thrown seven touchdown passes against just one interception in the final period. Among quarterbacks with at least 60 fourth-quarter passes, fellow rookie Jayden Daniels has the highest passer rating (117.7). The six others above Williams are Lamar Jackson (115.8), Tua Tagavailoa (113.8), Jordan Love (109.0), Baker Mayfield (106.4), Patrick Mahomes (102.3) and Matthew Stafford (100.9). Bears interim coach Thomas Brown speaks with quarterback Caleb Williams during practice at Halas Hall on Dec. 4, 2024, in Lake Forest. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune) Earlier this week, interim Bears coach Thomas Brown acknowledged his responsibility in getting Williams into the proper headspace despite all the commotion he has been forced to persevere through this season. Brown’s direct advice, loosely translated? Deal with it. And let’s roll. “We all have to make adjustments,” Brown said. “Life is ever-changing. That’s not an excuse. I don’t make excuses. So I think (my goal is) being able to communicate effectively to be on the same page and to continue to demand that we do things the right way. But it’s also taking this one play at a time, one day at a time.” Brown was asked Wednesday whether he was concerned that his promotion from offensive coordinator to head coach might now spread him too thin and disrupt Williams’ development, which has been moving in the right direction in the three games since Brown became the play caller. “First off,” Brown replied, “I am not the sole person responsible for Caleb’s development. He has a big part in that (too). “Obviously I have been charged with kind of leading the way with him and the team now as well. But I think his response has been awesome. My job is to be an effective communicator, be honest and be direct about what he’s doing well and what he’s not doing well.” That is occurring this week and will continue through the final five games. Brown also has encouraged Williams to stay mentally tough and to balance his perfectionist tendencies with some much-needed grace to help lessen his stress and mental exhaustion. “The goal is not perfection,” Brown said. “The goal is to be excellent.” That’s an important distinction for a player as reflective and self-critical as Williams tends to be. Now comes the balancing act for Brown and Williams in finding the new sweet spot for their relationship as they both push to finish a dizzying season with positive results.By Lawrence Delevingne and Carolina Mandl BOSTON/NEW YORK (Reuters) -As a money manager, Scott Bessent's years of inconsistent performance have contributed to a nearly 90% decline in his hedge fund's assets. Now, with other business lines expanding, he has scored on perhaps his biggest bet yet: President-elect Donald Trump. Bessent spotted what he called an anomaly in the market: that political and market analysts were too negative on what a Trump victory would mean, according to a letter to clients in January seen by Reuters. His Key Square Capital Management put on bets that U.S. stocks and the dollar would gain, helping earn a double-digit percentage profit so far in 2024, with November as its best month, according to a person familiar with the situation. Bessent's even bigger wager and apparently win is on Trump, the future president. He's been a donor, economic adviser and booster on TV to Trump. On Friday night, news broke that Bessent was Trump's pick to be Treasury Secretary. "Scott is widely respected as one of the World’s foremost International Investors and Geopolitical and Economic Strategists," Trump wrote on Truth Social. A representative for Bessent did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment on the nomination. Trump has talked Bessent up as “one of the most brilliant men on Wall Street." While parts of Bessent's business have expanded, such as advising other family offices and money managers, details of his fund's performance, reported here for the first time, show a mixed track record in the decade since he launched his own hedge fund firm. Ted Seides, the former president of Protege Partners, an investment firm where Bessent earned strong returns in the late 2000s, told Reuters that Bessent's track record should be taken in the context of macro investing, where big profits can be followed by less attractive returns. So-called macro hedge funds bet on global macroeconomic trends and are not open to retail investors. "If you only look at the part of a track record with lean years, it’s like saying Aaron Judge struck out a lot last year," Seides said, referring the baseball star known for hitting home runs. "But he was just named MVP." Bessent has long been considered a top contender to run Treasury and his candidacy in the hotly-contested role has heightened interest in the fund manager. If he were to take a job in the new administration, Key Square could be wound down, sold, or put in "sleep mode," according to the same person. BIG START Bessent, who grew up in a small town in South Carolina and went to Yale College before landing on Wall Street, started Key Square in late 2015. The firm quickly raised $4.5 billion - then one of the largest hedge fund launches in history. That included $2 billion from famed macroeconomic investor George Soros, for whom Bessent had helped earn billions of dollars over two stints at Soros Fund Management. Key Square's main fund returns surged 13% in its first year, 2016, according to a second person familiar with the firm. That year, it gained on correctly predicting the British pound's decline around "Brexit," a vote for Britain to leave the European Union, according to the first person familiar with the situation. Later, Key Square made money when Bessent correctly anticipated a U.S. stock and dollar rally when Donald Trump was elected that November, according to the first person. But Key Square lost 7% in 2017, and then lost money or just broke even from 2018 to 2021, according to the second person and performance disclosures from one of its investors, New York City Police Pension Fund. The hedge fund gained double digits in both 2023 and 2024 and is up "double digits" over its history, according to the second person. That uneven performance appears to have scared away some clients. Assets under management shrank from a peak of around $5.1 billion at the end of 2017 to $577 million as of December 2023, while the number of institutional investors fell from 180 in December 2017 to 20 by the end of 2023, according to regulatory disclosures tracked by Convergence Inc. While Key Square's hedge fund assets have declined, it has other business lines that have expanded, including providing investment ideas to other money managers, with up to $1 billion to draw from and invest for a large macro investment firm; an advisory business for family offices, foundations and endowments, including one client with $11 billion in assets; and fees from a spin-out firm, $3.4 billion Ghisallo Capital, part of Key Square's incubation business, according to the two people familiar with the firm and regulatory filings. It also has plans to launch an ETF, according to a recent securities filing. Soros took back most of his capital in 2018, per a previous agreement with Bessent to return the money, according to a third source familiar with the matter. Soros no longer has any money managed by Bessent, according to the third person. The two men have not spoken since 2016, Bessent said in a recent interview with Trump ally Roger Stone. Other large clients who no longer have money with Key Square include Australia's Future Fund, Morgan Stanley Alternative Investment Partners, and the New York City Police and Fire pension funds, according to public records and regulatory disclosures. One large hedge fund allocator told Reuters that they pulled their money several years ago from Key Square because the returns had been “too inconsistent.” Another large Key Square investor withdrew from the hedge fund last year because of Bessent’s support of Trump, according to the second person familiar with the firm. The University of California redeemed its assets from Key Square amid a broader pull back from using hedge funds, but Bessent has remained "deep source of knowledge for us," chief investment officer, Jagdeep Singh Bachher, told Reuters via email. Another longtime client to stick with Key Square is Brevan Howard Asset Management, the $34 billion macro hedge fund manager co-founded by British billionaire Alan Howard. "Scott is one of the best macro investors in the world," a spokesperson for Brevan Howard said via email. "His understanding of markets, public policy, and the global economy is largely unmatched." Semafor previously reported that selective Key Square performance numbers were being shared around Wall Street chats as Bessent competed for the coveted post of U.S. Treasury Secretary. The report did not reveal the numbers shared. POLITICAL BET Bessent contributed to Trump’s inauguration following his 2016 election win. He was more involved during the 2024 election cycle, serving as an economic adviser to the campaign in addition to being a top fundraiser. Since the election, he has made TV appearances and written opinion pieces in support of Trump's proposed economic agenda. “I was all in for President Trump. I was one of the few Wall Street people backing him,” Bessent recent said in the interview with Stone. In January this year, Bessent predicted a “Trump Rally” in stocks as long as the Republican remained ahead in the election polls. “We are expecting an upward trajectory in the U.S. equity markets,” he wrote in the letter to Key Square clients. “Barring (President Joe) Biden pulling ahead in substantial fashion, all pullbacks should be bought.” (Reporting by Lawrence Delevingne in Boston and Carolina Mandl in New York; editing by Paritosh Bansal, Megan Davies, Deepa Babington and Diane Craft)

But alongside his stark warning of the threats facing Britain and its allies, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said there would be only a “remote chance” Russia would directly attack or invade the UK if the two countries were at war. The Chief of the Defence Staff laid out the landscape of British defence in a wide-ranging speech, after a minister warned the Army would be wiped out in as little as six months if forced to fight a war on the scale of the Ukraine conflict. The admiral cast doubt on the possibility as he gave a speech at the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) defence think tank in London. He told the audience Britain needed to be “clear-eyed in our assessment” of the threats it faces, adding: “That includes recognising that there is only a remote chance of a significant direct attack or invasion by Russia on the United Kingdom, and that’s the same for the whole of Nato.” Moscow “knows the response will be overwhelming”, he added, but warned the nuclear deterrent needed to be “kept strong and strengthened”. Sir Tony added: “We are at the dawn of a third nuclear age, which is altogether more complex. It is defined by multiple and concurrent dilemmas, proliferating nuclear and disruptive technologies and the almost total absence of the security architectures that went before.” The first nuclear age was the Cold War, while the second was “governed by disarmament efforts and counter proliferation”, the armed forces chief said. He listed the “wild threats of tactical nuclear use” by Russia, China building up its weapon stocks, Iran’s failure to co-operate with a nuclear deal, and North Korea’s “erratic behaviour” among the threats faced by the West. But Sir Tony said the UK’s nuclear arsenal is “the one part of our inventory of which Russia is most aware and has more impact on (President Vladimir) Putin than anything else”. Successive British governments had invested “substantial sums of money” in renewing nuclear submarines and warheads because of this, he added. The admiral described the deployment of thousands of North Korean soldiers on Ukraine’s border alongside Russian forces as the year’s “most extraordinary development”. He also signalled further deployments were possible, speaking of “tens of thousands more to follow as part of a new security pact with Russia”. Defence minister Alistair Carns earlier said a rate of casualties similar to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine would lead to the army being “expended” within six to 12 months. He said it illustrated the need to “generate depth and mass rapidly in the event of a crisis”. In comments reported by Sky News, Mr Carns, a former Royal Marines colonel, said Russia was suffering losses of around 1,500 soldiers killed or injured a day. “In a war of scale – not a limited intervention, but one similar to Ukraine – our Army for example, on the current casualty rates, would be expended – as part of a broader multinational coalition – in six months to a year,” Mr Carns said in a speech at Rusi. He added: “That doesn’t mean we need a bigger Army, but it does mean you need to generate depth and mass rapidly in the event of a crisis.” Official figures show the Army had 109,245 personnel on October 1, including 25,814 volunteer reservists. Mr Carns, the minister for veterans and people, said the UK needed to “catch up with Nato allies” to place greater emphasis on the reserves. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said Defence Secretary John Healey had previously spoken about “the state of the armed forces that were inherited from the previous government”. The spokesman said: “It’s why the Budget invested billions of pounds into defence, it’s why we’re undertaking a strategic defence review to ensure that we have the capabilities and the investment needed to defend this country.”NoneWASHINGTON (AP) — Former White House adviser Peter Navarro , who served prison time related to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, will return to serve in Donald Trump’s second administration, the president-elect announced Wednesday. Navarro, a trade adviser during Trump’s first term, will be a senior counselor for trade and manufacturing, Trump said on Truth Social. The position, Trump wrote, “leverages Peter’s broad range of White House experience, while harnessing his extensive Policy analytic and Media skills.” The appointment was only the first in a flurry of announcements that Trump made on Wednesday as his presidential transition faced controversy over Pete Hegseth , Trump’s choice for Pentagon chief. Hegseth faces allegations of sexual misconduct, excessive drinking and financial mismanagement, and Trump has considered replacing him with another potential nominee. As he works to fill out his team, Trump said he wanted Paul Atkins, a financial industry veteran and an advocate for cryptocurrency, to serve as the next chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. He wrote on Truth Social that Atkins “recognizes that digital assets & other innovations are crucial to Making America Greater than Ever Before.” Trump also said he was changing course on his choice for White House counsel. He said his original pick, William McGinley, will work with the Department of Government Efficiency, which will be run by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy with the goal of cutting federal spending. Now David Warrington, who has worked as Trump’s personal lawyer and a lawyer for his campaign, will serve as White House counsel. In addition, Trump announced the selections of former Rep. Billy Long of Missouri as IRS commissioner; former Sen. Kelly Loeffler of Georgia to lead the Small Business Administration; Daniel Driscoll, an Army veteran who was a senior adviser to Vice President-elect JD Vance, as Army secretary; Jared Isaacman , a tech billionaire who conducted the first private spacewalk on Elon Musk's SpaceX rocket, as NASA administrator ; and Adam Boehler, a lead negotiator on the Abraham Accords team, as special presidential envoy for hostage affairs. Navarro was held in contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena from the House committee that investigated Jan. 6. Sentenced to four months in prison, he described his conviction as the “partisan weaponization of the judicial system.” Hours after his release in July, Navarro spoke on stage at the Republican National Convention, where he told the crowd that “I went to prison so you won’t have to." Navarro, 75, has been a longtime critic of trade arrangements with China. After earning an economics doctorate from Harvard University, he worked as an economics and public policy professor at the University of California, Irvine. He ran for mayor of San Diego in 1992 and lost, only to launch other unsuccessful campaign efforts, including a 1996 race for Congress as a Democrat. During Trump’s initial term, Navarro pushed aggressively for tariffs while playing down the risks of triggering a broader trade war. He also focused on counterfeited imports and even helped assemble an infrastructure plan for Trump that never came to fruition. Navarro often used fiery language that upset U.S. allies. In 2018, after a dispute between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Navarro said “there’s a special place in hell for any foreign leader that engages in bad faith diplomacy with President Donald J. Trump and then tries to stab him in the back on the way out the door.” Canadians were outraged, and Navarro later apologized. Issacman has reserved two more flights with SpaceX, including as the commander of the first crew that will ride SpaceX’s mega rocket Starship, still in test flights out of Texas. He said he was honored to be nominated. “Having been fortunate to see our amazing planet from space, I am passionate about America leading the most incredible adventure in human history,” he said via X. Trump kept rolling out positions on Wednesday afternoon. He announced Gail Slater as assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s antitrust division. Trump wrote on Truth Social that “Big Tech has run wild for years, stifling competition in our most innovative sector.” Slater worked for Trump’s National Economic Council during his first term, and she's been an adviser to Vance. Trump also said Michael Faulkender would serve as deputy treasury secretary. A professor at the University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business, Faulkender was the Treasury Department’s assistant secretary for economic policy during Trump’s initial term. He has also been the chief economist at the America First Policy Institute, a think tank formed to further the Trump movement’s policy agenda. Outside the White House, Trump said that he had asked Michael Whatley to remain on as chair of the Republican National Committee. Whatley ran the committee during the election along with Lara Trump, the wife of Trump’s son Eric. AP Aerospace Writer Marcia Dunn in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Associated Press writer Josh Boak in Washington and Associated Press writer Rob Gillies in Toronto contributed to this report.Shoppers ring up £3.4bn Christmas debt time-bomb More consumers than ever turn to unregulated form of credit to fund Christmas New rules to protect shoppers will not be brought in until at least 2026 Experts say delay will leave consumers at risk of falling into debt for longer By JESSICA CLARK Updated: 16:50 EST, 28 December 2024 e-mail View comments British shoppers risk starting the New Year with a debt time-bomb after spending a record £3.4 billion using the buy now, pay later (BNPL) type of credit over the festive period. New figures showed that more consumers than ever have turned to the unregulated form of credit to fund Christmas this year. Despite Labour's vow to overhaul the sector, new rules to protect shoppers will not be brought in until at least 2026. Experts say that the delay will leave consumers at risk of falling into unaffordable debt for a further year. BNPL is a form of credit that allows shoppers to defer payments or pay for products in instalments. Critics say that it can trap users in a spiral of debt, and claim that information is not clear enough for customers and that affordability checks are only surface-level. Providers also charge fees or interest on late payments. Time-bomb: BNPL is a form of credit that allows shoppers to defer payments or pay for products in instalments Platforms have welcomed the Government's commitment to new rules that would end years of uncertainty after plans for regulation were first floated in 2021. BNPL giants such as Swedish firm Klarna, which is still planning a long-awaited US listing, and Clear Pay dominate the market in the UK. Some banks, such as Monzo, and retailers including Mike Ashley's Frasers Group offer their own BNPL services to customers. But despite the popularity of BNPL in the UK, another big player, Laybuy, collapsed into administration this year as customers tightened their belts. The amount spent through BNPL in November and December is expected to have climbed by 8.3 per cent year-on-year, according to forecasts by Adobe. And separate figures have shown that one in 12 UK adults – or 4 million people – will rely on credit over the Christmas period. Around 38 per cent of those will use BNPL, amounting to more than 1.5 million shoppers. That is a two percentage-point rise compared with 2023, when 36 per cent or 1.4 million borrowers used BNPL products over the festive period, according to debt charity StepChange. And women are particularly at risk, with 42 per cent of female borrowers relying on the lending compared with 32 per cent of men. The splurge comes despite retail sales over the festive period taking a tumble. 'Super Saturday', the final Saturday before Christmas Day, saw a disappointing 0.9 per cent rise in shopper numbers compared with 2023. RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next Retailers face collapse as costs rocket and High St distress... Over 400 shop jobs lost every day this year as bleak retail... Share this article Share HOW THIS IS MONEY CAN HELP How to choose the best (and cheapest) stocks and shares Isa and the right DIY investing account Boxing Day, when people traditionally hit stores in search of post-Christmas bargains, also failed to provide a much-needed uplift for struggling retailers. Shopping activity on the morning of December 26 was down by nearly 9 per cent compared with last year, with high streets experiencing the sharpest declines, according to MRI Software. Analysts noted that rather than queuing outside of shops to hunt for bargains, many people were instead using Boxing Day to spend time with their families, dining out or attending sports matches. Simon Trevethick at StepChange said: 'BNPL services have grown in popularity over the last few years, but of course at this time of year using this type of interest-free credit can be even more popular as people see their budget stretched by Christmas expenses. 'While BNPL can be a useful way to spread the cost of gifts, food and other festive items, consumers can be at risk of falling into difficulty if the repayments become unaffordable in the New Year.' When regulation is introduced, BNPL firms will be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. That will mean providers will have to check that shoppers can afford the repayments before offering a loan. DIY INVESTING PLATFORMS AJ Bell AJ Bell Easy investing and ready-made portfolios Learn More Learn More Hargreaves Lansdown Hargreaves Lansdown Free fund dealing and investment ideas Learn More Learn More interactive investor interactive investor Flat-fee investing from £4.99 per month Learn More Learn More Saxo Saxo Get £200 back in trading fees Learn More Learn More Trading 212 Trading 212 Free dealing and no account fee Learn More Learn More Affiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. These deals are chosen by our editorial team, as we think they are worth highlighting. This does not affect our editorial independence. Compare the best investing account for you Share or comment on this article: Shoppers ring up £3.4bn Christmas debt time-bomb e-mail Add comment Some links in this article may be affiliate links. If you click on them we may earn a small commission. That helps us fund This Is Money, and keep it free to use. We do not write articles to promote products. We do not allow any commercial relationship to affect our editorial independence.

Supreme Court seems likely to uphold Tennessee's ban on treatments for transgender minorsPicosecond UV Laser Cutting Machine Market Outlook and Future Projections for 2030 11-23-2024 01:19 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Dhirtek Business Research and Consulting Picosecond UV Laser Cutting Machine Market The picosecond uv laser cutting machine market represents a dynamic and continually evolving landscape, shaped by changing consumer demands and technological advancements. In this comprehensive report, we provide an in-depth exploration of the market, designed for a wide range of stakeholders including manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and investors. Our goal is to equip industry participants with essential insights that enable informed decision-making in an ever-changing market environment. This analysis not only examines the current state of the picosecond uv laser cutting machine market but also forecasts its future trends. Scope and Purpose This report serves as an extensive resource, thoughtfully curated to deliver actionable intelligence to industry stakeholders. It covers critical elements such as market dynamics, competitive environments, growth opportunities, challenges, and regional differences. The insights provided go beyond mere descriptions, offering a valuable tool for stakeholders to refine their strategies and make informed choices in a competitive market. Request for Sample Report: https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/Picosecond-UV-Laser-Cutting-Machine-Market/request-for-sample-report Comprehensive Market Analysis We are committed to providing a thorough analysis that explores every aspect of market growth, including shifts in consumer preferences and technological innovations driving demand for picosecond uv laser cutting machine products. We also address the challenges faced by the industry, such as economic uncertainties and intense competition, offering insights to help stakeholders navigate these complexities. Key Players in the Picosecond UV Laser Cutting Machine Market: Han's Laser Technology Industry Group HGTECH Beyond Laser Hoyan Laser Technology SHOLASER Technology Xintian Technology Hymson Changxan Laser Technology STRONG LASER HOLY LASER XT LASER LPKF YUANLU ZHENGYE TECHNOLOGY TIANHONG LASER Shenzhen Kebaoyuan Technology LEINUO CLOUD LASER HISUR Strategic Guidance for the Future This report invites stakeholders to delve into a detailed examination of the competitive landscape. By profiling key players in the picosecond uv laser cutting machine market and analyzing their strategies, we offer crucial insights to help industry participants make informed strategic decisions. Whether it's about outpacing competitors or learning from successful approaches, our analysis is designed to guide stakeholders toward success. Anticipated Insights Understanding the diverse segments within the picosecond uv laser cutting machine market is critical to success. Our report breaks down segment sizes, potential growth trajectories, and key trends, offering actionable insights that allow stakeholders to develop targeted strategies and optimize resource allocation. The knowledge provided empowers stakeholders to navigate the complexities of the picosecond uv laser cutting machine market with clarity and confidence. Balancing Market Forces and Strategic Impact This report delivers a comprehensive analysis of the factors shaping the picosecond uv laser cutting machine market. By evaluating both the drivers of market growth and the obstacles that could impede it, stakeholders gain a holistic understanding of the market's dynamics. For manufacturers, this analysis helps align innovation efforts with consumer demands and regulatory trends, while investors and decision-makers gain a deeper understanding of economic risks and supply chain vulnerabilities, allowing them to make more informed strategic choices. Our goal is to provide stakeholders with the knowledge needed to confidently and successfully navigate the picosecond uv laser cutting machine market. Competitive Landscape Our in-depth examination of the picosecond uv laser cutting machine market's competitive landscape highlights key players, scrutinizing their strategies and impacts on the industry. By analyzing the approaches of major companies, stakeholders gain a valuable understanding of market dynamics and can leverage these insights to identify growth opportunities, innovate, and make informed strategic decisions. Market Segmentation The report begins with a detailed analysis of the unique characteristics defining each segment within the picosecond uv laser cutting machine market. Segmentation can occur across various dimensions, including product types, customer demographics, or specific use cases. Understanding these differences allows stakeholders to tailor their strategies, products, and marketing efforts to meet the specific needs of each segment, enhancing competitive positioning and maximizing opportunities for success. Market Segments: Product Type: Single Workbench Double Workbench Application: Semiconductor Industry Aerospace Industry Automobile Industry Biomedical Industry Others Market Size and Segment Growth Potential A crucial part of the report focuses on understanding the size and significance of each market segment. We provide quantitative data that illustrates the market share and contribution of each segment, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding resource allocation, strategic prioritization, and investment. This section offers insights into the growth potential of each segment, including factors driving future expansion, evolving consumer preferences, and technological adoption. Conclusion This report serves as a strategic guide for stakeholders in the picosecond uv laser cutting machine market, offering comprehensive insights into market segmentation, competitive dynamics, and growth potential. By understanding the market's complexities and emerging opportunities, industry participants can make well-informed decisions that drive success and innovation in this rapidly evolving market. Other Reports Liquid Metal Decorative Paint Market https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/Liquid-Metal-Decorative-Paint-Market Flat Bed Truck (Tool) Boxes Market https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/Flat-Bed-Truck-Tool-Boxes-Market Phenolic Ester Antioxidant Market https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/Phenolic-Ester-Antioxidant-Market e-Mortgage Market https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/market-report/e-Mortgage-Market "Contact Us Dhirtek Business Research and Consulting Private Limited Contact No: +91 7580990088 Email Id: sales@dhirtekbusinessresearch.com" "About Us Dhirtek Business Research & Consulting Pvt Ltd is a global market research and consulting services provider headquartered in India. We offer our customers syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. Our objective is to enable our clientele to achieve transformational progress and help them to make better strategic business decisions and enhance their global presence. We serve numerous companies worldwide, mobilizing our seasoned workforce to help companies shape their development through proper channeling and execution. We offer our services to large enterprises, start-ups, non-profit organizations, universities, and government agencies. The renowned institutions of various countries and Fortune 500 businesses use our market research services to understand the business environment at the global, regional, and country levels. Our market research reports offer thousands of statistical information and analysis of various industries at a granular level." This release was published on openPR.

( MENAFN - EIN Presswire) Clinical Communication And Collaboration Software Global market Report 2024 - Market Size, Trends, And Global Forecast 2024-2033 The Business Research Company's Early Year-End Sale! Get up to 30% off detailed market research reports-for a limited time only! LONDON, GREATER LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, December 13, 2024 /EINPresswire / -- The Business Research Company's Early Year-End Sale! Get up to 30% off detailed market research reports-limited time only! How Has The Clinical Communication And Collaboration Software Market Grown Recently? The clinical communication and collaboration software market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It has increased from $1.64 billion in 2023 to $1.94 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate CAGR of 18.5%. The growth during this historical period can be attributed to growing investments in healthcare IT, the adoption of mobile health mHealth solutions, the rise of telemedicine and virtual care, the growing focus on patient-centric care, and the demand for secure and compliant solutions. Discover Key Insights and Market Trends with a Free Sample Report of the Global Clinical Communication And Collaboration Software Market: What is the Forecasted Growth and Size of the Clinical Communication And Collaboration Software Market? The clinical communication and collaboration software market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. This market will surge to $3.84 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate CAGR of 18.6%. The growth during the forecast period can be attributed to increasing adoption of smart technologies in the healthcare sector, rising demand for cloud-based storage, growing instances of diseases like cancer, cardiovascular ailments, and diabetes, increasing focus on patient-centric care, and rising healthcare spending. What are the Key Drivers Leading to the Rise of the Clinical Communication And Collaboration Software Market? The rising adoption of digital technologies is expected to propel the growth of the clinical communication and collaboration software markets going forward. Digital technologies encompass electronic tools and systems that manage, store, or process data, such as computers, mobile devices or applications, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence AI. The increase in digital technology adoption is largely driven by businesses' need to boost efficiency and maintain competitiveness. These technologies allow businesses to streamline operations and make more effective decisions. Digital technologies enhance clinical communication and collaboration software by enabling instant data sharing, integrating multiple digital platforms, and improving patient information management, thereby benefiting healthcare professionals in better coordination and patient care enhancement. Pre-book the report for a swift delivery: Who are the Major Players in the Clinical Communication And Collaboration Software Market? Key companies operating in the clinical communication and collaboration software market include Microsoft Corporation, Oracle Corporation, Hill-Rom Holdings Inc., Everbridge Inc., Ascom Holding AG, Vocera Communications Inc., Spok Holdings Inc., Imprivata Inc., Symplr, PerfectServe Inc., QliqSOFT Inc., Voalte Inc., Agnity Inc., Telmediq Inc., AMTELCO, PatientSafe Solutions Inc., OnPage Corporation, TigerConnect Inc., NHSmail, Pulsara Inc., Mobile Heartbeat Inc. What Emerging Trends are Impacting the Clinical Communication And Collaboration Software Market? Major companies operating in the clinical communication and collaboration software market are focusing on developing platforms for patient monitoring, community care, and augmented reality. These advancements aim to enhance real-time care delivery and improve healthcare outcomes. How is the Clinical Communication And Collaboration Software Market Segmented? The clinical communication and collaboration software market covered in this report is segmented as follows: 1 By Type: Cloud Based, Web Based 2 By Functionality: Secure Messaging, Medical Alerts And Alarms, Mobile Health Integration 3 By Application: Clinical Workflows, Administrative Workflows 4 By End User: Hospitals, Clinics And Ambulatory Settings, Long-Term Care Facilities What are the Regional Insights of the Clinical Communication And Collaboration Software Market? North America was the largest region in the clinical communication and collaboration software market in 2023. On the other hand, Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region during the forecast period. The regions covered in the clinical communication and collaboration software market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, and Africa. Browse more similar reports- Clinical Oncology Next Generation Sequencing Global Market Report 2024 Cancer Clinical Decision Tools Global Market Report 2024 Clinical Nutrition Global Market Report 2024 About The Business Research Company Learn More About The Business Research Company. With over 15000+ reports from 27 industries covering 60+ geographies, The Business Research Company has built a reputation for offering comprehensive, data-rich research and insights. Armed with 1,500,000 datasets, the optimistic contribution of in-depth secondary research, and unique insights from industry leaders, you can get the information you need to stay ahead in the game. Contact us at: The Business Research Company: Americas +1 3156230293 Asia +44 2071930708 Europe +44 2071930708 Email us at ... Follow us on: LinkedIn: YouTube: Global Market Model: global-market-model Oliver Guirdham The Business Research Company +44 20 7193 0708 email us here Visit us on social media: Facebook X LinkedIn Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above. MENAFN12122024003118003196ID1108988705 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.StocktiX Ltd Participates in the 2024 U.S. Investment COO Summit to Explore Cutting-Edge Technologies and Future Financial TrendsNEW YORK (AP) — Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa scored 27 points as Columbia beat Fairfield 85-72 on Saturday night. De La Rosa shot 8 of 15 from the field, including 5 for 11 from 3-point range, and went 6 for 6 from the line for the Lions (11-1). Avery Brown shot 5 of 8 from the field and 5 of 5 from the free-throw line to add 16 points. Kenny Noland went 5 of 12 from the field (3 for 7 from 3-point range) to finish with 15 points. The Stags (5-8, 1-1 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) were led by Louis Bleechmore, who recorded 12 points. Fairfield also got 12 points and seven assists from Jamie Bergens. Deon Perry had 12 points and five assists. Columbia's next game is Monday against Rutgers on the road, and Fairfield visits Merrimack on Friday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

Sault MPP Romano will not seek re-electionNone

( MENAFN - Jordan Times) AMMAN - The Civil Defence Department (CDD) is advancing its modernisation and development efforts, in line with the directives of his majesty King Abdullah, the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab army (JAF). CDD Director Brig. Gen. Mohammad Omari said that the department has added 101 advanced operational vehicles to its fleet, equipped with state-of-the-art technologies. These vehicles include medical support vehicles capable of managing over 30 injuries simultaneously, providing medical care, and transporting patients to hospitals, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. "The fleet also features off-road wildfire firefighting vehicles, concrete block lifters, and specialised water rescue vehicles for aquatic emergencies," he added. Omari also said that one of the department's notable achievements in 2024 is the introduction of a remote medical guidance system, enabling paramedics to communicate directly with emergency rooms to provide critical on-site care. "It has benefited around 20,000 citizens, significantly enhancing the department's life-saving capabilities." The director also said that the CDD responded to nearly 540,000 incidents throughout the year, including 460,000 ambulance cases, 43,000 fires - ranging from house fires to forest and dry grass fires - and 37,000 rescue operations. The department also achieved an average emergency response time of 7 minutes and 52 seconds, surpassing response times in many developed countries. The Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II Academy for Civil Protection continues to play a pivotal role in training professionals in civil protection fields. Operated in collaboration with Al Balqa Applied University, the academy offers academic programmes at various levels, he added. The Civil Defence College, established in 2006 under the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, provides diplomas in specialised areas such as first aid, firefighting, rescue techniques, and hazardous materials handling. In 2024, the department conducted 129 simulated exercises, reflecting real-life and anticipated incident scenarios, in cooperation with other PSD formations. Additionally, preventive awareness teams delivered 3,597 educational programmes, workshops, and brochures across schools, universities, and government institutions, reaching 200,000 citizens of all ages. MENAFN28122024000028011005ID1109038262 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.