NEW YORK , Nov. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is redefining market landscape - The global cloud storage services market size is estimated to grow by USD 123.84 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 19.56% during the forecast period. Growth in data generation is driving market growth, with a trend towards high adoption of cloud storage services by SMES. However, vendor lock-in issues poses a challenge. Key market players include Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., Alphabet Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Cloud Software Group Inc., Dell Technologies Inc., Fujitsu Ltd., Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co., Hitachi Ltd., Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., International Business Machines Corp., InterVision Systems LLC, Microsoft Corp., NetApp Inc., Nutanix Inc., Oracle Corp., Pure Storage Inc., Rackspace Technology Inc., ServiceNow Inc., Tencent Holdings Ltd., and Toshiba Corp.. AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF Key Market Trends Fueling Growth Cloud storage services have seen adoption in business environments due to their flexibility, scalability, and convenience. Agile IT companies are increasingly turning to cloud storage solutions for their data needs, from small businesses to large enterprises. Cloud storage providers offer various models, including public, private, and hybrid, catering to different business requirements. Key trends include the integration of AI and automation for data management, ensuring data security and integrity. Big data and IoT proliferation necessitate cloud storage for handling large volumes of data. Rapid deployment and reduced CAPEX are also driving the adoption of cloud storage services. Cloud storage solutions offer user-friendly interfaces, seamless monitoring, and reliable uninterrupted services. Data encryption, backup, and synchronization are essential features for safeguarding critical information. Service providers offer customizable storage models, including block, file, and object storage, catering to various use cases. Cloud storage services enable IT hardware savings, quick deployment, and easy accessibility for remote workforces. The technology development also supports database sharing, EC2 Console, and edge computing. With the increasing use of connected devices, cloud storage is essential for data generation and management. Cloud storage services are not just for IT environments but also for verticals like government, healthcare, and finance, ensuring data security and compliance. The market continues to grow, with Dropbox, Amazon S3, and Microsoft Azure leading the way. The future of cloud storage services includes advanced features like self-driving cars, remote sensing, and real-time data processing. Enterprises worldwide, including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), are prioritizing cost reduction by embracing new technologies. Cloud storage services have emerged as a preferred choice for SMEs due to their limited IT resources and budget. Instead of managing their own data centers, SMEs can access IT resources like storage and servers on-demand through cloud solutions. Cloud storage offers cross-platform solutions, enabling SMEs to develop web, desktop, and mobile applications for various device types and architectures. The flexibility to scale resources up or down according to requirements makes cloud storage an economical and efficient choice for SMEs. Insights on how AI is driving innovation, efficiency, and market growth- Request Sample! Market Challenges Cloud storage services have become essential for businesses of all sizes, enabling convenient access to data from anywhere, at any time. However, the market faces several challenges. Agile businesses require quick deployment and scalability, making AI and automation crucial for cloud storage solutions. Big data and data volume necessitate adoption of public and private cloud storage. Data security, integrity, and encryption are paramount, with ransomware and malware posing significant threats. IT environments, including cloud applications, edge computing, and IoT, proliferate, necessitating flexible, user-friendly, and scalable models. Hybrid cloud solutions offer the convenience of public cloud with the security of private cloud. SMEs and large enterprises seek reliable, cost-effective options, while verticals like government, healthcare, and finance prioritize data safeguarding. Cloud storage providers must offer seamless monitoring, customization, and backup. Service providers must ensure uninterrupted services, handling data generation from connected devices and containerized workloads. Rapid deployment, reduced CAPEX, and accessibility are essential for businesses during economic downturns. Cloud storage solutions must cater to the increasing demands of technology development, database sharing, and software stack synchronization. Cloud storage services must be secure, reliable, and offer user-control. They must support various storage models, including block, file, and object storage, and cater to the needs of various industries, including self-driving cars, remote sensing, and remote work. Ultimately, cloud storage services must be convenient, reliable, and cost-effective, enabling businesses to focus on their core competencies. Vendor lock-in is a significant challenge in the cloud storage services market, preventing customers from easily transitioning between vendors. This issue arises when a customer becomes dependent on a specific vendor due to the use of their proprietary technology or solutions. The lack of standardization in cloud computing exacerbates this problem, making it difficult for customers to switch to alternative vendors. Applications built on specific platforms and tools further complicate the situation. To address this concern, there is a growing need for standardization and interoperability in cloud storage services. This will enable customers to freely choose the vendor that best suits their needs without facing undue barriers to migration. Insights into how AI is reshaping industries and driving growth- Download a Sample Report Segment Overview This cloud storage services market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Solutions 1.2 Services 2.1 Large enterprises 2.2 SMEs 3.1 North America 3.2 APAC 3.3 Europe 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa 1.1 Solutions- Cloud storage solutions hold a significant position in the component segment of the global cloud storage services market in 2023. These solutions cater to unique customer requirements and generate value through offerings like data security, file synchronization and sharing, disaster recovery, and data backup and recovery. The solutions segment encompasses various cloud-based storage solutions such as file storage and sharing, primary storage, disaster recovery, and backup storage. The popularity of cloud storage solutions among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) due to their scalability, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and security features. Solutions like Google Drive and Dropbox provide a range of storage options and top-level encryption for data protection. With the shift to remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, cloud storage solutions have become indispensable for enabling file sharing and collaboration between teams. Microsoft OneDrive is an example of a cloud storage solution offering file-sharing features. The increasing demand for cloud storage solutions is driven by their scalability, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, security, and file-sharing capabilities, making them a vital component for end-users in data storage and sharing. Consequently, the growth of the global cloud storage services market is anticipated to be fueled by the solutions segment during the forecast period. Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI's impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 - 2022) Research Analysis The Cloud Storage Services Market is experiencing exponential growth due to the increasing adoption of cloud technologies by businesses of all sizes. Agile and flexible cloud storage solutions cater to various use cases, including cloud object storage for unstructured data, block storage for databases, and file storage for traditional applications. Big data and IoT generate massive volumes of data, necessitating scalable and secure cloud storage solutions. Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are transforming cloud storage, enabling data analysis, and improving business continuity. AI-driven data management tools ensure data integrity and security, while edge computing reduces latency and enhances performance. Cloud-based storage solutions offer cost savings, ease of deployment, and seamless integration with cloud applications. Cloud archival storage is an essential component for long-term data retention and disaster recovery. Overall, cloud storage services provide and reliable infrastructure for managing and securing data in the digital age. Market Research Overview Cloud Storage Services Market: Unleashing the Power of Agile and Scalable Data Storage Cloud storage services have revolutionized the way businesses handle data, enabling convenient customization, rapid deployment, and uninterrupted services. The market is witnessing adoption across various verticals, from large enterprises to SMEs, due to its flexibility, reliability, and reduced CAPEX. The proliferation of cloud technologies, including AI and automation, is driving innovation, with cloud storage solutions offering advanced features like data encryption, integrity, and security. The market caters to diverse storage needs, from file storage and block storage to cloud object storage and cloud archival storage. Cloud storage services are integral to cloud applications, hybrid cloud, and edge computing, ensuring seamless monitoring and safeguarding data from malware and ransomware attacks. The Internet of Things (IoT) and remote work have further fueled the demand for cloud-based storage, with connected devices and containerized workloads generating massive data volumes. Cloud storage providers offer various storage models, including public, private, and hybrid cloud storage, catering to the unique requirements of different IT environments. The market is expected to continue its rapid growth, driven by technology development, increased data generation, and the need for business continuity and data backup. With user-friendly interfaces, convenient accessibility, and scalable models, cloud storage services are an essential component of modern IT infrastructure. Table of Contents: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Component Solutions Services End-user Large Enterprises SMEs Geography North America APAC Europe South America Middle East And Africa 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio
Wall Street finishes down after sell-off at end of short weekFeaturing no fewer than 14 representatives of the Greek shipping community, the 2024 edition of the Lloyd’s List spotlighting the 100 most powerful players in global shipping has just been published. A number of Greek shipowners are high up on this year’s “One Hundred People” list, but Evangelos Marinakis stands out yet again, as he leaps from 22nd to 16th place in the 2024 rankings. This means he has shot up no fewer than 25 places in the last two years, the highest climb achieved by the 14 Greek shipping magnates on the list. In first place, we find Arsenio Dominguez, the “extremely effective and popular” Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization. That Yahya Sare’e, the military spokesman of the Houthis, a group that has appeared as a “significant influencer in shipping’s fortunes this year,” is in second place is indicative of the geopolitical challenges the shipping industry is facing currently. “The threat posed to global shipping lanes by Yemen’s Houthi rebels is growing dramatically, thanks to an increasingly diverse network of political alliances, military suppliers and financial support networks that now extend through multiple terrorist organizations,” the List notes. The dark fleet’s place in eighth position in the global rankings is also indicative of the challenging geopolitical context: “Numbering just over 660 ships, this fleet poses a significant risk for the rules-based shipping industry.” A shipping industry veteran with “a bold longer-term vision, who remains a pragmatic deal-maker” is how Lloyd’s of London describes Evangelos Marinakis: “Just as his English football club Nottingham Forest has risen to an exalted position in the Premier League, so mercurial Greek shipowner Evangelos Marinakis has continued ascending our rankings.” Marinakis wields influence well beyond the narrow shipping sector – in football as well as media in his native Greece. “But in our industry, the standout reason for this year’s higher place is that his Capital Group has arguably gone beyond any other Greek owner in its ambitious investment in the energy transition required to decarbonize the industry.” In addition to ordering 18 modern liquefied natural gas carriers, of which six remain on order for delivery in 2026 and 2027, the Group has invested in six midsize gas carriers that can carry ammonia and four unique handysize multi-gas carriers that can carry liquid CO2. Capital Clean Energy Carriers is poised to become the largest U.S. publicly traded company in the green transition sector. “There’s no doubt that Capital Group has outperformed every other Greek shipping concern in the ambitious investment program it has undertaken in the light of the energy transition.” The expanding fleet has been consolidated under the Nasdaq-listed company controlled by Marinakis, the former Capital Product Partners. Lloyd’s recalls that the rebranded Capital Clean Energy Carriers is on course to have the largest and youngest U.S.-listed fleet of energy-transition vessels. Capital was one of the five founder shipowner members invited by Lloyd’s Register to launch its new Shipping Emissions Reduction Center in Athens in 2024. “However, Marinakis’ success has been built on being able to see the forest and the trees. At the same times as committing to the most modern ships, he has an enviable record of profitable sale and purchase deals that keep the Group moving forward,” Lloyd’s notes. Maria Angelicoussis, head of the Angelicoussis Group, is in 12th place, as she was in 2023. She is the highest-placed of the 14 Greek shipowners on the Lloyd’s List, which notes that Maria Angelicoussis is continuing to expand and gradually mold the eponymous family shipping group for a sustainable future. 2024 saw the group diversify successfully into the shuttle tanker business, announcing the takeover of the Altera Shuttle Tankers fleet of 18 tankers in the North Sea, Brazil and off the east coast of Canada in November 2024. It was one of the biggest deals in the 75-year history of the Group. “The Group has assets of approximately $16.8 billion, of which just over $14 billion represents the book value of its fleet” Earlier in the year, the Group took its first steps in the sector when it ordered three shuttle tankers in South Korea having won a Petrobras tender. The three ships are expected to be launched in 2027 and 2028, and will likely join the Altera platform. The Group has assets of roughly $16.8 billion, with just over $14 billion representing its fleet’s book value. Three-quarterly earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation for 2024 were $1.9bn, while the total annual earnings are expected to average $1.8bn over five years. The 144 ships currently in the Group’s fleet consist of roughly equal numbers of tankers, bulk carriers, and LNG carriers. In addition, there are 23 vessels on order, half of which are LNG carriers. Decarbonization and energy efficiency are top horizontal priorities for the Group. The Delphic Maritime Training Center is one of the most state-of-the-art in-house training facilities belonging to any shipping company. George Prokopiou is ranked 20th on the list, one place lower than in 2023. Lloyd’s List’s introduction focuses on the Greek shipowner’s involvement in real estate investments. Prokopiou recently acquired a $160m stake in Vouliagmeni’s iconic Astir Palace resort and is investing a further $500m into a sperate real estate development on the Athens Riviera at Ellinikon, Lloyd’s List reports. One need only consider his order book for new builds to banish any speculation that Prokopiou might be moving away from shipping. As of November 2024, the shipowner has orders for just short of 100 vessels. At the time of writing, contracts have been signed with Dynacom Tankers for 56 tankers and with dry arm Sea Traders for 32 bulkers. Eight 200,000 cubic meter LNG carriers are also under construction from a total order of 14. Dynagas, the Group’s LNG shipping arm, has already taken delivery of the first one. Other recent orders include four suezmax tankers, whose construction will be undertaken by China’s PaxOcean Zhoushan shipyard. “Compared with the vessels Prokopiou was building twenty years ago, today’s ships clearly belong to a new and far more efficient generation, although all the tankers and bulkers will run on conventional fuel.” We should note that Prokopiou was quick to realize the potential Northern Sea Route transits would have for LNG carriers, entering the sector many years ago with the construction of sturdy winterized and ice-class LNG carriers. Dynagas was also first off the mark to commission floating storage and regasification units from Chinese yards—the first they ever built. Lloyd’s List ends its profile by commenting on Prokopiou’s acquisition of Hellenic Shipyards (Skaramangas), noting that he proceeded with an extensive renovation of the facility which has had an extremely busy first year back in operation. Angeliki Frangou is in 24th place, three places lower than in 2023. This year saw the US-listed Navios consolidate its tanker, dry bulk and container vessels into a single diversified fleet which had enabled Frangou to exploit market dynamics to the fullest. In addition, 2024 was the 70th anniversary of Navios, as well as the 20th anniversary of the listing of International Shipping Enterprises (ISE)—Frangou’s first publicly listed company—on Nasdaq. “As of November 2024, the listed entity Navios Maritime Partners operates 179 vessels that are owned or under purchase option” Just weeks later, ISE put in the winning bid for Navios, the US Steel Corporation’s historic shipping subsidiary. Navios was mainly a dry cargo-operating business at the time of its acquisition, when its fleet consisted of just six handymax bulk carriers, with others under long-term charter. Fast-forward twenty years to November 2024 and Navios Maritime Partners operates a total of 179 vessels which it owns or are under purchase option. With a book value of $5.7 billion, the fleet has 75 dry bulk carriers, 48 containerships and 56 tankers. Navios decision to consolidate its fleet under a single roof, that of Navios Partners, brought a major diversified shipping company into being which Frangou considers to a better match for today’s shipping cycles and periods of greater than usual volatility such as the present. As she sees it, a diversified fleet is better able to exploit market dynamics as they manifest themselves, meaning the shipowner no longer has to rely on predictions about the future. Frangou is also of the opinion that diversity enables creativity, but with less risk. No one could work harder than Frangou, who has successfully guided Navios through an especially turbulent period for the markets, and done so employing traditional shipping stocks, despite being publicly listed. As Lloyd’s List notes, that is a claim few if any companies can make. Melina Travlos, president of the Union of Greek Shipowners, is ranked 26th, down from 25th in 2023. As Lloyd’s List notes, the president of the Union of Greek Shipowners, which was established in 1916 and is now the largest shipowning association in the world, clearly warrants a position of prominence in its annual listing. As she nears the end of her first three-year term, Melina Travlos has kept her promise to serve as an ambassador for the entire shipping industry and not just for Greek shipping. That Travlos was asked to deliver the prestigious keynote speech at the International Chamber of Shipping’s net zero event at COP28 in Dubai in December 2023 sheds light on the respect with which she is held by other industry leaders. “Travlos considers shipping a vital builder of bridges and thus as an engine for global growth and prosperity. As such, the industry is our purpose, our duty, our commitment” Travlos then seized the opportunity afforded by her influential slot to convey a message of unity. “If we can work together to achieve our shared goals, the prize will be greater than the greening of our industry; it will be the greening of all industries,” she told her audience. Travlos considers shipping a vital builder of bridges and thus as an engine for global growth and prosperity. As such, the industry is “our purpose, our duty, our commitment.” As UGS President, she has built on the work started under her predecessor Theodore Veniamis and proved extremely effective at forming and conserving coalitions. Travlos is often a vocal proponent of brining Greece’s powerful national shipping industry to the nation at large, Lloyd’s List notes. And though her position on the list primarily reflects her UGS role, Lloyd’s List notes that Travlos’s own shipping company is “a paradigm in its own right.” Indeed, Neptune Lines is Greek shipping’s leading liner operation. As Lloyd’s List notes: “Owning and operating a fleet of 21 pure car and truck carriers which cover an extensive network of routes, it has few if any peers in a country focused mainly on tramp shipping and providing tonnage to charterers.” The Travlos Group also includes sister companies involved in dry bulk shipping and in onshore logistics. As for the other nine Greek entries in the Lloyd’s List 100, these are: Το 1,3 δισ. ευρώ έφτασαν τα ληξιπρόθεσμα χρέη των νοσοκομείων (δημόσιων και στρατιωτικών) σε προμηθευτές με την Κομισιόν να προσφεύγει στο Ευρωπαϊκό Δικαστήριο κατά της Ελλάδας.
AP Sports SummaryBrief at 3:05 p.m. ESTThe Mall at Greece Ridge, located near Rochester, closed early Thursday due to concerns about “large and disorderly groups of teens and young adults.” It was shut down shortly after 6 p.m. on the day after Christmas, also known as Boxing Day, by police and mall security. According to WHAM, the Greece Police Department said it was expecting a large influx of teens after seeing posts on social media. Greece Police said the mall was cleared without incident, but fights between several groups of teenagers broke out in the surrounding area outside the mall shortly afterwards. Two 16-year-old Rochester residents were arrested for disorderly conduct. No other crimes were reported, police said, and there was no damage to stores within the mall or surrounding businesses. WROC reports an area Chick-fil-A refused dine-in service, only offering drive-thru, and shoppers at a nearby Target said they were asked by police to leave. According to WHAM, a curfew was enforced at the mall last year after large fights occurred in 2023. Police developed a plan with mall security to quickly shut down the area to prevent future incidents. In a statement, The Mall at Greece Ridge said a large number of teens were running throughout the mall creating disruptions and refusing to leave. Similar disruptions were allegedly promoted on social media at a mall near Buffalo, officials said. WKBW reports Cheektowaga police swept the Walden Galleria around 7 p.m. Thursday as part of a “coordinated and planned effort to sweep the mall at closing time.” The preventative measure comes after the shopping center previously saw fights on the day after Christmas in 2018, 2021 and 2023. In a separate incident, a man was arrested on Monday for allegedly starting a fight at Crossgates Mall near Albany. WNYT reports a 27-year-old man was charged with disorderly conduct. Guilderland Police said he was intoxicated in the Dec. 23 incident; no one was seriously hurt and no weapons were involved.
How Blake Lively once complicated her advocacy against Hollywood predatorsLuis Sanchez former member of the group Skandalo broke the silence in the midst of the controversy between his former teammates, Ricky Trevitazo and Luigui Carbajal. In a statement published on his social networks, the singer expressed his position on the situation, making clear his intention to remain neutral. The controversy arose after Ricky Trevitazo publicly announced the end of his work and personal relationship with Luigui Carbajal, unleashing divided opinions among the group’s followers. Given this, Luis Sánchez decided to speak out, leaving his fans to expect how he will handle his role in the conflict. Luis Sánchez asks for respect and calls for unity In his statement, Luis Sanchez He emphasized that he will not take sides in the conflict between Ricky Trevitazo and Luigui Carbajal. “I want to address all Skándalo followers with a lot of respect and affection. “I know that there are currently differences between some of the members of the group, but I want to make it clear that my intention is not to take sides or generate more divisions,” he expressed. The singer also reaffirmed his commitment to the public and to the professional commitments he still has pending. “My priority has always been to fulfill work commitments and be responsible with the decisions I make. “I am very grateful to all the members of the group, each one has been like a brother to me, and also to you, our fans, for your unconditional support for so many years,” he added. Despite the controversy, Luis Sanchez He assured that his focus remains on work and providing the best possible show to the fans of Skandalo . “I hope these differences can be resolved in the best way for everyone. My greatest wish is for unity and respect to prevail,” he concluded. Join our entertainment channel
WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump has selected former Sen. David Perdue of Georgia to be the U.S. ambassador to China, leaning on a former business executive turned politician to serve as the administration’s envoy to one of America’s most potent economic and military adversaries. Trump said in a social media post that Perdue “brings valuable expertise to help build our relationship with China.” Perdue lost his Senate seat to Democrat Jon Ossoff four years ago and ran unsuccessfully in Republicans’ 2022 primary against Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp. Perdue pushed Trump’s debunked lies about electoral fraud during his failed gubernatorial bid. During his time in the Senate, the former Georgia lawmaker advocated for a more robust naval force to cope with threats, including from China. Before launching his political career, Perdue held a string of top executive positions, including at Sara Lee, Reebok and Dollar General. Economic tensions will be a big part of the U.S.-China picture for the new administration. Trump has threatened to impose sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China as soon as he takes office, as part of his effort to crack down on illegal immigration and drugs. He said he would impose a 25% tax on all products entering the country from Canada and Mexico, and an additional 10% tariff on goods from China, as one of his first executive orders. The Chinese Embassy in Washington has cautioned that there will be losers on all sides if there is a trade war. It is unclear whether Trump will actually go through with the threats or if he is using them as a negotiating tactic. The tariffs, if implemented, could dramatically raise prices for American consumers on everything from gas to automobiles to agricultural products. The U.S. is the largest importer of goods in the world, with Mexico, China and Canada its top three suppliers, according to the most recent U.S. Census data. Perdue, if confirmed, will also have to negotiate difficult issues that go beyond trade. Washington and Beijing have long had deep differences on the support China has given to Russia during its war in Ukraine, and on human rights issues, technology and Taiwan, the self-ruled island that Beijing claims as its own. Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a meeting with outgoing President Biden last month that Beijing stood “ready to work with a new U.S. administration.” Xi also warned that a stable China-U.S. relationship was crucial not only to the two nations but to the “future and destiny of humanity.” Trump’s relationship with Xi started out well during his first term, but grew strained over disputes about trade and the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump seems particularly focused on using tariffs as a pressure point with Xi, even threatening he would use them to pressure Beijing to crack down on the production of materials used in making fentanyl in Mexico that is illegally sold in the United States. Trump’s second administration is expected to test U.S.-China relations even more than his first, when the U.S. imposed tariffs on more than $360 billion in Chinese products. That brought Beijing to the negotiating table, and in 2020, the two sides signed a trade deal in which China committed to improving intellectual property rights and buying an additional $200 billion in American goods. A couple of years later, a research group showed that China had bought essentially none of the goods it had promised. Before Trump’s return to power, many American companies, including Nike and eyewear retailer Warby Parker, had been diversifying their sourcing away from China. Shoe brand Steve Madden says it plans to cut imports from China by as much as 45% next year. Long and Madhani write for the Associated Press. AP writer Didi Tang contributed to this report.Prof. Opoku-Agyemang condemns government for supplying expired rice to schools
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Today inour Daily Dose of Social Media , we review the most significant activities and Entertainment from ATP and WTA players. CarlosAlcaraz took advantage of his visit to New York for exhibition matches to stopby the new Louis Vuitton store and pose for photos in a casual outfit from hissponsor, while Ben Shelton surprised fans with a 'necklace cam' during hismatch against Alcaraz. Meanwhile, Elena Rybakina shared a video of herself taking driving lessons, and DariaKasatkina released a new episode of What the Vlog , this time showcasingher vacation with her girlfriend and fellow athlete Arina Rodionova . ElenaRybakina finally takes steps to get her driver’s license A videoshared on social media shows Elena Rybakina finally in the process of obtainingher driver’s license. The world No. 6 claimed the Porsche Tennis Grand Prixtitle in Stuttgart back in April, defeating Marta Kostyuk in the final (6-2,6-2). Traditionally,the tournament awards a brand-new Porsche model as part of the prize. However,the Kazakh player revealed during the trophy ceremony that she couldn’t driveit yet. “Well guys, I actually don’t have a driver’s license, so...” Rybakinajoked in her on-court interview. “I’ve wanted one for a long time, so this willbe a big motivation.” A drivingschool saw Rybakina’s situation as a great opportunity during the off-seasonand partnered with her to offer driving lessons so she could finally get herlicense to drive the Porsche she won back in April.“I’m really happy to join and practice. I have a very strict instructor, but itwas a very nice experience, and I’m looking forward to my exam tomorrow,” the25-year-old player said in the video shared on social media. Elena Rybakina has just started driving school. She can finally get her license and drive that Porsche she won earlier this year. pic.twitter.com/ebXEz18rqI A new wayto watch tennis? Ben Shelton ’s ‘necklace cam’ During theoff-season, one of the standout events was the Garden Cup, where local star BenShelton faced off against four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz , withthe Spanish player claiming victory. The exhibition, held at Madison SquareGarden, also featured Emma Navarro and Jessica Pegula in the previous match. Regardlessof the result, one of the most striking elements of the encounter was thecurious ‘necklace cam’ used by Ben Shelton during the warm-up session beforethe match. The camera, worn like a necklace, offered a first-person view of theplayer as he hit from the baseline, providing spectators with a closer and moreimmersive experience. However, due to Shelton’s movements, it was occasionallydifficult to see exactly what he was seeing. Could this be a futureinnovation on the Tour? Tennis Channel put a *necklace* cam on Ben Shelton during a practice at the Madison Square Garden! While this almost made me want to throw up, I feel it could be a revolutionary way to show tennis? pic.twitter.com/3GB6RpgHzW Victoria Azarenkagets back to training VictoriaAzarenka shared on social media that she is already training for the upcomingseason and poked fun at her physical coach, Franco Herrero, for arriving lateto her most recent training session. The two-time Grand Slam champion isgearing up for her 22nd season as a professional and displayed her disciplineby returning to training with an on-court photo. TheBelarusian also shared on her social media that, for the first time in hercareer, she arrived at practice before her coach. "For the first time inmy 20+ professional career, I’m arriving at practice before a coach.@pf.francoherrero, I don't know if I'm more professional or Franco isunprofessional," she joked on her Instagram stories. Morning pic.twitter.com/sU99Fg4t64 CarlosAlcaraz stars in a new Louis Vuitton campaign CarlosAlcaraz once again takes the spotlight in an advertising campaign, appearing ina new photoshoot for Louis Vuitton. The four-time Grand Slam champion, who isone of the French luxury brand’s ambassadors, took advantage of his visit toNew York for an exhibition match at Madison Square Garden to stop by thebrand’s new flagship store. He posed for photos in a casual outfit. “CarlosAlcaraz in Louis Vuitton. Winning his recent exhibition match at Madison SquareGarden, House Ambassador #CarlosAlcaraz visited the new #LouisVuitton 57thStreet NYC flagship store during his stay, discovering the breathtaking trunkinstallation in the soaring atrium,” read the brand’s statement. TheSpaniard is now enjoying his off-season with no upcoming commitments on thecourt. This week, he played an exhibition match against Ben Shelton in New Yorkand, two days later, competed in Charlotte, where he lost to Frances Tiafoe .Alcaraz is now set to begin his vacation before preparing for the next season,with his expected return to the court at the Australian Open in mid-January,skipping any warm-up tournaments beforehand. Carlos Alcaraz in Louis Vuitton. Winning his recent exhibition match at Madison Square Garden, House Ambassador #CarlosAlcaraz visited the new #LouisVuitton 57th Street NYC flagship store during his stay, discovering the breathtaking trunk installation in the soaring atrium. pic.twitter.com/Ldpc32ZSUo DariaKasatkina share holiday adventures in latest vlog Daria Kasatkina released a new episode of What the Vlog , the YouTubechannel she runs with her girlfriend, figure skater Natalia Zabiiako. Over thepast two seasons, the Russian athletes have captivated fans by documentingtheir travels around the globe as Kasatkina competes on the WTA Tour, offeringa behind-the-scenes look with casual interviews featuring several WTA stars. Nowenjoying her off-season, Kasatkina is taking well-deserved vacations afterclimbing back into the top 10 during the latter part of the year. She finishedthe season ranked world No. 9 and participated in the WTA Finals as analternate, stepping in for Jessica Pegula (after her withdrawal). Kasatkinalost her only Round Robin match against Iga Swiatek (0-6, 1-6). Despite that,she can be satisfied with a solid season that saw her reach five WTA 500 finalsand secure two titles, showcasing remarkable consistency throughout the year. In theirlatest vlog, Kasatkina and Zabiiako are seen enjoying a luxurious resort in theMaldives, joined by their close friend Arina Rodionova. The video offers a funglimpse of their holiday, featuring the couple relishing the comforts of theidyllic destination. However, tennis wasn’t completely left behind, asKasatkina took time to engage with local children in a tennis lesson. This article first appeared on TennisUpToDate.com and was syndicated with permission.
