Unwrap the latest AI features with Amazon Fire TabletsThe 2008 global economic crisis was not only economically disruptive but also affected the socio-economic and political dynamics of the world. In fact, this crisis paved the way for many Global South countries to emerge as new economic powerhouses on the world stage. According to various projections, by 2030, three out of the four largest economies in the world will be from the Global South, including China, India, and Indonesia. While China’s miraculous journey to becoming an economic powerhouse is well-known, the stories of India and Indonesia hold greater relevance for Pakistan and its society. India’s GDP in 2014 was $2.03 trillion, with a per capita GDP of $1,487. Pakistan’s GDP, by comparison, was approximately $271.39 billion, with a per capita GDP of $1,303. At that time, Pakistan was only marginally behind India in terms of per capita GDP. Indonesia’s economy stood at around $870 billion, with a per capita GDP of $3,533. By 2024, however, the growth rates and GDP figures tell a different story. For India and Indonesia, the progress has been encouraging; for Pakistan, it has been disappointing. China to cut import tariffs on some recycled copper and aluminium raw materials Between 2014 and 2024, India’s GDP doubled, currently hovering around $3.6 trillion. The gap in per capita GDP between Pakistan and India, which was roughly $100 in 2014, has now widened to $1,000. India’s per capita GDP is now approximately $2,600, while Pakistan’s has only inched up to $1,600. Indonesia also witnessed significant growth, with its GDP increasing from $870 billion to $1.3 trillion. Its per capita GDP has risen by $1,200, currently standing at about $4,600. Economists and scholars of international relations often view political stability as directly linked to economic development, and the political and economic trajectories of Pakistan, India, and Indonesia provide empirical evidence of this. Following the 2013 and 2014 election cycles, Nawaz Sharif became Prime Minister of Pakistan, Narendra Modi was elected Prime Minister of India, and Joko Widodo was chosen as President of Indonesia. By 2024, Modi and Widodo have served their countries uninterruptedly for a decade, with Modi receiving a mandate to continue leading India until 2029. Pakistani food exporters return from Kuala Lumpur Pakistan, however, opted for a different path, characterised by political instability. Since 2014, the country has seen seven prime ministers come and go. This instability has had a profound impact on the country’s economic and developmental sectors. On average, Pakistan’s prime ministers have not had enough time to implement their visions for socio-economic development. The two major political parties, PML-N and PTI, attempted to introduce starkly different economic models during their short tenures, but the lack of continuity hindered meaningful progress. In contrast, Modi and Widodo had the political stability and time to introduce and implement their respective economic visions with vigour. For instance, India launched the Smart Cities Mission in June 2015, aiming to develop 100 smart cities across the country. As of July 2024, 7,202 out of 8,018 tendered projects have been completed, utilising ₹144,530 crores of the total tendered amount of ₹164,163 crores. Similarly, Indonesia initiated the “100 Smart Cities Movement” in 2017, aiming to develop 100 smart cities by 2045. By December 2024, Indonesia has developed 25 smart cities and continues to work towards its goal. PFC calls for urgent measures to save Murree forests from timber mafia, wildfires Many developing countries in the Global South have taken significant economic leaps over the past decade, increasing their economic, political, and strategic relevance in international relations. Pakistan, however, has lost an opportunity to establish itself in the global economic sphere during 2014–2024. That said, international relations is a long race, with opportunities arising at the completion of every lap. As a nation, Pakistan must now decide the course of the next decade (2024–2034). Will it strive to become a country with a thriving economy rooted in political stability, or will it continue playing the game of musical chairs? The choice is Pakistan’s to make. Dr Khurram Abbas The writer is a Director at the India Study Centre, Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad. He tweets @itskhurramabbas Tags: lost decade
In a surprising turn of events, Elon Musk has called on his business rival, Jeff Bezos, to reconsider hosting an extravagant wedding. This comes after Bezos’ sharp rebuttal of rumors surrounding a $600 million ceremony. ET Year-end Special Reads Gold outshines D-St with 20% returns, but 2025 may be different The year of the pause: How RBI maneuvered its policy in 2024 2024, the year India defeated China's salami-slicing strategy The Amazon founder, whose fortune is roughly half of Musk’s estimated $430 billion wealth, had earlier dismissed media reports of his wedding. The reports suggested that he planned to marry fiancée Lauren Sánchez in a lavish event in Aspen post-Christmas Musk, in a characteristically playful tone, took to social media to urge Bezos to go all out on his wedding plans. "I hope you do hold an epic wedding. It’s nice to know that epic events are happening somewhere, even if one is not present,” Musk commented, as mentioned in a report by Fortune. Finance AI and Generative AI for Finance By - Hariom Tatsat, Vice President- Quantitative Analytics at Barclays View Program Office Productivity Microsoft Word Mastery: From Beginner to Expert By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Learn InVideo AI: Create Videos from Text Easily By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Entrepreneurship From Idea to Product: A Startup Development Guide By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Finance Value and Valuation Masterclass By - CA Himanshu Jain, Ex McKinsey, Moody's, and PwC, Co - founder, The WallStreet School View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Entrepreneurship Crafting a Powerful Startup Value Proposition By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Web Development Advanced C++ Mastery: OOPs and Template Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Entrepreneurship Startup Fundraising: Essential Tactics for Securing Capital By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Web Development Intermediate C++ Skills: Master Pointers, Structures and File Stream By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Strategy ESG and Business Sustainability Strategy By - Vipul Arora, Partner, ESG & Climate Solutions at Sattva Consulting Author I Speaker I Thought Leader View Program Finance A2Z Of Finance: Finance Beginner Course By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Design Canva Magic Write: Ideas to Stunning Slides in No Time By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Soft Skills Cross-Cultural Communication Mastery: Connect with Confidence By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI for Everyone: Understanding and Applying the Basics on Artificial Intelligence By - Ritesh Vajariya, Generative AI Expert View Program Web Development Advanced Java Mastery: Object-Oriented Programming Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Finance Crypto & NFT Mastery: From Basics to Advanced By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Web Development Java 21 Essentials for Beginners: Build Strong Programming Foundations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Bezos Flatly Denies Aspen Wedding Reports The saga began when reports surfaced claiming Bezos would tie the knot with Sánchez in Aspen on December 28, in a ceremony reportedly costing $600 million. The Amazon founder swiftly debunked the story, calling it “completely false.” Bezos responded after billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman also questioned the veracity of the claims, remarking that such a figure was implausible “unless you are buying each of your guests a house.” Bezos retorted that the entire narrative was fabricated, saying, “None of this is happening”, as quoted in a report by Fortune magazine. The speculation stems from Bezos’ engagement to Sánchez earlier this year. The engagement made headlines when Sánchez flaunted a massive pink diamond ring that reportedly left her “blacking out a bit” in awe, as she shared in a Vogue interview. Rivalry Extends Beyond the Wedding While Musk’s comments might seem like a lighthearted jest, the two tech titans have a longstanding rivalry that extends into their professional ventures. Bezos’ Blue Origin has often competed with Musk’s SpaceX for lucrative NASA contracts. Moreover, Bezos’ backing of Rivian, an electric vehicle manufacturer seen as a direct competitor to Tesla, has further fueled tensions. Musk’s remarks about hosting an “epic wedding” could also carry an undertone of irony, given the political climate and growing scrutiny of billionaire extravagance. FAQs How many kids does Musk have? The tech mogul is a father to 12 children with three different women, though tragically, one of his children passed away in 2002. What is Elon Musk's IQ? Elon Musk has stated that his IQ is 155, while taking a jab at Instagram users by suggesting their IQs are "below 100." ET Year-end Special Reads An Indian's guide to moving abroad as the world looks for 'better' immigrants The year of the HNIs: How India's rich splurged in 2024 (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )Report: Why 53.9% Of Nigerian Children Are Multi-Dimensionally Poor
Dec. 23, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Poison experts see it every winter holiday season: Parents rush kids to the emergency room or call hotlines, panicking that their child has ingested something dangerous. Between holiday breaks, visiting relatives' homes, attending festivities, and opening gifts galore, kids face extra risks for accidental exposure to poison. In addition to heart felt season’s greetings, the Nebraska Poison Center sends out reminders that changes in routine may increase risks for kids. Poison experts urge parents and party hosts to remember safety best practices. • Pretty holiday plants aren't edible. Keep small children and animals away from mistletoe, holly berries, yew plants and poinsettias. • Be mindful of small batteries. Toys, games, watches, remotes, and musical greeting cards may contain button or disc batteries. If swallowed, they can become stuck and cause serious injury or death if not removed. • Watch out for water beads and magnets in toys . Expanding water beads and rare earth magnets are inappropriate for those who may ingest them. Strong magnets can stick together in the intestines and trigger a medical emergency. If water beads are swallowed, they may swell and cause a blockage in the intestines. • Be on the lookout for nicotine-containing products, including vape liquid and chewing tobacco, as well as CBD and THC products . These are often in brightly colored packaging that can easily be mistaken for candy or other food items for children. If swallowed by youngsters, nicotine may cause shakiness, vomiting or seizures. Keep these items away from common areas, locked and out of reach. • Lock up cleaning cabinets. Cleansers, laundry pods, and other cleaning products should also be stored out of sight. Do not mix chemicals together when cleaning and follow all label directions for using these products. • Remind relatives without small children about the importance of child-proofing prescription drugs . Encourage friends and family to store medications up, out of sight and locked up tight, not out on a nightstand or counter. Keep all purses and travel bags secured. • Be vigilant about the bar and alcohol. Alcoholic beverages are more readily accessible during gatherings. Clean immediately after gatherings and remove all items that may contain alcohol. Sadly, the holiday season can bring joy and grief simultaneously. As seasonal calls to the Poison Center concerning children increase, so do calls about intentional harm. If you or a loved one are having thoughts of self-harm or are in a crisis, remember that you are not alone. Call 988 to reach the 24/7 National Suicide and Crisis Line for help. Prevention is the best way to avoid and minimize poisonings. The Poison Center’s specially trained registered nurses and pharmacists are available 24/7/365. If you have questions or suspect poisoning exposure, call 1-800-222-1222. Your call will be routed to a local poison control center. Poison Center services are free and confidential. More information The Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) has more about poison exposure. SOURCE: Holiday Help From the Nebraska Poison Center, fact sheet.
The consequences of falling for a romance scam can be devastating, both financially and emotionally. They're something a 67-year-old woman who now lives in her car in Vista knows all too well. Katherine Goodson told NBC San Diego that she sent thousands of dollars to scammers, thinking it was for actor Keanu Reeves. She decided to share her story to prevent others from losing it all, as she did. Before you make any judgments, you should know that romance scams are very common. According to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, $1.1 billion was lost to romance scams in the U.S. In 2023, San Diego County victims lost $1.3 million. “There is nothing that hasn’t already been done to make me feel any worse,” Goodson said when NBC San Diego warned her she may receive unkind comments on this story. An internet search shows victims all over the country who've fallen for celebrity romance scams, with Keanu Reeves one of the more popular actors scammers like to imitate. His reps have said in the past that he doesn’t have any social media accounts. “Unfortunately, I wasn’t maybe listening to the warning signs,” Goodson said. “I don’t blame anyone but myself.” So how did Goodson end up here? She said it all started in 2022 when she connected with someone claiming to be Reeves. He asked her to send him a $500 gift card to prove she wasn’t just interested in his fame and money. “I did send it, but said, ‘I want to hear your voice,’ and once I heard his voice, I said, ‘You’re not him,’ and I blocked him,” Goodson said. Goodson posted a warning on social media about how she was duped by an imposter. Then, she received a message from the real Reeves – or so she thought – saying he felt awful that she lost money to a scam. They started messaging, and, she said, they fell in love: “He wanted to marry me.” Goodson showed NBC San Diego dozens of receipts for Bitcoin and gift card transactions, as well as wire transfers, a total of tens of thousands of dollars she thought she was sending to Reeves and his team over two years. When asked how she was convinced to send money over and over again, Goodson responded, “Well, No. 1: I was lonely.” Goodson said she constantly asked to speak with or meet Reeves in person, but there was always an excuse. She said the scammers always had a good reason why she needed to send money, too. While it seems hard for Goodson to explain now, she said it all made sense to her in the moment. “The scammers are really, really, really good,” said Temple University Professor Aunshul Rege, who studies romance scams. “This is not like any other type of financial scam where they get your money and you’re done,” Rege said. “They also rob you of the very essence of what makes a human.” Rege said it’s common for them to isolate you and get you into a communication platform of their choice. Another red flag is if they are overly affectionate. “It’s called love bombing," Rege said. "And what they do, they’re just showering you with all this attention and affection.” Then the scammer will ask for something, usually gift cards. If they refuse to meet with you, that’s another big red flag. Goodson said the messages turned hostile in August when she ran out of money, and that’s when she finally fully accepted it as all a scam. “It was just a mess,” Goodson said. “It was mind-boggling to the point that I didn’t know my head from anything.” Goodson has a long road ahead to get back on her feet, but she’s ready to do it on her own: “I've got 29 miles of gas left in my car, and that’s the lowest I’ve ever been.”Saint Joseph School student’s winning essay describes power of honesty, integrity
CLI raising P5B from ‘green’ bond offerDiscount Tire Expands Into Youth Sports Nationwide With New ECNL Soccer Partnership SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. , Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading retailer of tires and wheels, Discount Tire , began a multiyear partnership for 2024-2026 with the Elite Clubs National League, or ECNL, the nation's top youth soccer program offering multiple developmental platforms for elite athletes. Discount Tire is now the Official Tire Retailer for the ECNL through the 2026 season, expanding its partnership roster to allow for a greater focus on the next generations of tire consumers. The partnership between Discount Tire and the ECNL officially kicked off in November at the ECNL Girls Phoenix Showcase in Arizona . During this three-day event, 178 teams from across the country in the U16-U18/19 age groups competed in front of hundreds of college and professional scouts for their chance to show their skills and talent. "Discount Tire strives to make the tire buying process easy, inviting, and safe for all drivers — no matter their age," shared Tom Williams , chief experience officer at Discount Tire. "By investing in our youth, Discount Tire can expand the knowledge of tire safety starting at an earlier age than we have before." Support for the ECNL expands Discount Tire's commitment to significant sponsor investments in soccer, including the multiyear deal as the Official Tire Retailer of Major League Soccer and teamwide partnerships with Chicago Fire, FC Cincinnati, Inter Miami, Nashville SC, Portland Timbers, and Seattle Sounders. "Since the founding of the girls league in 2009, the ECNL has grown into an incredible youth soccer platform for male and female youth players at the domestic and international levels," said Christian Lavers , ECNL President. "Today, the ECNL includes more than 400 clubs and 120,000 players nationwide, providing incredible competition, development and opportunities for all its athletes." Discount Tire's branding will be featured at more than 40 prominent ECNL Showcase and National Championship events annually. Discount Tire will be highlighted with field signage at each event, including at the Continental Tire ECNL National Selection Game series, receive exposure on the ECNL podcast " Breaking the Line , " and appear in ECNL newsletters and joint social media campaigns. The deal also includes title sponsorship of the ECNL Conference Cup and League Cups competitions, and branding on game jerseys. For more information on Discount Tire's investment in soccer, visit DiscountTire.com/MLS . About Discount Tire Discount Tire is a leading independent retailer of tires, wheels, and windshield wipers. Founded in 1960 by Bruce T. Halle , the company serves customers at more than 1,200 stores in 39 states. The company does business as Discount Tire in most of the U.S. and as America's Tire in parts of California and Pennsylvania . Treadwell, Discount Tire's proprietary online tire-buying guide, uses decades of data and individual driving habits to recommend the right tires for each driver's unique needs. For more information, visit www.discounttire.com . About the ECNL The ECNL is the nation's leading youth soccer development platform. The ECNL respects and celebrates the unique individuality of every youth soccer player and club, supporting and enabling them to unleash their unfettered passion and fierce tenacity in striving to achieve their potential. The ECNL mission to Raise the Game is a total commitment to create the best possible environment for players, coaches, referees and administrators, with a determination to constantly question convention and challenge the status quo in youth sports. The ECNL Commitment: We will lead, set our eyes on new horizons, and pursue them relentlessly. Born out of the belief in a better way. Continued in the ever-evolving pursuit of excellence. MEDIA CONTACT: Rachel Baker [email protected] SOURCE Discount Tire
