One of the primary challenges in determining the authenticity of imported products lies in the lack of transparency in the supply chain. Many companies may source raw materials or components from various countries, assemble them in China, and then export the finished products to Russia – all while labeling them as imported. While this practice may not necessarily affect the quality of the product, it does raise concerns about honesty and transparency in labeling.The Liberal candidate in a federal byelection in British Columbia says she is applying for Métis membership after a local group questioned her claims of Indigenous identity. Madison Fleischer says in a written statement that she self-identifies as Métis based on what she knows about her great-grandmother’s heritage and is “collecting the necessary documentation to go through the application process” for citizenship with B.C.’s Métis Nation. In the meantime, Fleischer, who is the candidate in the Dec. 16 byelection in Cloverdale-Langley City, says she has removed “Métis” from her social media profile descriptions to ensure there is “no confusion” about her Indigenous status. Her response comes after the Waceya Métis Society — which describes itself as a chartered community representing Métis people in the Langley and White Rock regions of B.C.’s Lower Mainland — said in a release that it “wishes to distance itself from Madison’s claims of Métis identity.” The society says it met with Fleischer over the weekend to discuss her claims of Métis identity but was “disappointed that she could not provide any evidence to support her Métis heritage.” The attention on Fleischer comes after Edmonton Centre Liberal MP Randy Boissonnault left cabinet last week amid questions about his shifting claims of Indigenous heritage and his business dealings. In her statement, Fleischer says she has “always been vocal about not yet holding Métis Nation British Columbia citizenship.” The Waceya Métis Society says it has asked Fleischer to “properly research and verify her Indigenous heritage before making any further public assertions.” “In this meeting, Madison was unable to substantiate her claims with any documentation or historical connections to Métis communities,” the society says about their Nov. 23 meeting with Fleischer. “The integrity of Métis identity is not to be taken lightly, especially in public office, where the representation of our community must be accurate, respectful, and legitimate.” Cloverdale-Langley City was previously held by Liberal John Aldag, who resigned to run for MLA with the B.C. New Democrats. Aldag was defeated by B.C. Conservative candidate Harman Bhangu in the Langley-Abbotsford seat in the Oct. 19 provincial election. Fleischer, whose Liberal party biography calls her a small-business owner who operates a public relations firm in Langley, is going up against candidates including federal Conservative Tamara Jansen, who held the seat from 2019 to 2021 before losing a close race to Aldag. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 27, 2024. Chuck Chiang, The Canadian Press

Cowley Manor Experimental Cotswolds hotel reviewCHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) — Honor Huff had 24 points in Chattanooga's 85-63 victory against Alabama A&M on Sunday. Huff shot 6 for 12 (6 for 11 from 3-point range) and 6 of 6 from the free-throw line for the Mocs (7-4). Trey Bonham added 21 points while going 6 of 9 from the floor, including 3 for 6 from 3-point range, and 6 for 6 from the line while he also had three steals. Makai Richards shot 4 of 6 from the field to finish with eight points. The Bulldogs (4-6) were led by Anthony Bryant, who posted 19 points and four steals. Alabama A&M also got 11 points from Darius Ford. Chad Moodie had nine points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

For consumers looking to invest in or purchase gold, today's price fluctuations present both opportunities and challenges. With prices on the decline, some may see this as a favorable time to buy and capitalize on potential future gains. Conversely, others may adopt a cautious approach, waiting for more stability in the market before making significant investments.Ciani added 10 rebounds for the Flames (7-4). Skobalj made 5 of 11 from 3-point range. Javon Jackson scored 13. Jackson sank three free throws with less than a second left to force OT tied at 64. The Trojans (6-5) were led by Johnathan Lawson, who posted 25 points and eight rebounds. Isaiah Lewis added 11 points and two steals. Tuongthach Gatkek had 10 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Skobalj scored nine points in the first half for UIC, which trailed 32-30 at halftime. Skobalj hit a 3-pointer with 2:45 left in OT to put the Flames up 68-65 and they stayed in front from there. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Buy the postelection dip in renewable energy stocks amid 'unrelenting' demand for power, UBS says

Buy the postelection dip in renewable energy stocks amid 'unrelenting' demand for power, UBS saysSAN DIEGO, Dec. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robbins LLP reminds investors that a class action was filed on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Xerox Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: XRX) securities between January 25, 2024 and October 28, 2024. Xerox and its subsidiaries offer workplace technology that integrates hardware, services, and software for enterprises in the Americas, and internationally. For more information, submit a form , email attorney Aaron Dumas, Jr., or give us a call at (800) 350-6003. The Allegations: Robbins LLP is Investigating Allegations that Xerox Holdings Corporation (XRX) Misled Investors Regarding its Business Prospects According to the complaint, during the class period, defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) after a large workforce reduction, the Company’s salesforce was reorganized with new territory assignments and account coverage; (2) as a result, the Company’s salesforce productivity was disrupted; (3) as a result, the Company had a lower rate of sell-through of older products; (4) the difficulties in flushing out older product would delay the launch of key products; and (5) therefore, Xerox was likely to experience lower sales and revenue. Plaintiff alleges that on October 29, 2024, Xerox revealed “lower-than-expected improvements in sales force productivity” and “delays in the global launch of two new products” had led to “sales underperformance.” The Company disclosed that for third quarter 2024, quarterly revenue was down 7.5% year-over-year to $1.53 billion, net loss fell to -$1.2 billion (down $1.3 billion year-over-year), and equipment sales declined 12.2% year over year to $339 million. In a corresponding earnings call, the Company’s COO revealed the product delay was in fact a “forecasting issue” where the Company “had higher expectations that we were going to flush through the older product” which it needed to “sell through” in order to “make those transitions.” On this news, the Company’s share price fell $1.79, or 17.41%, to close at $8.49 per share on October 29, 2024. What Now: You may be eligible to participate in the class action against Xerox Holdings Corporation. Shareholders who want to serve as lead plaintiff for the class must submit their application to the court by January 21, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. You do not have to participate in the case to be eligible for a recovery. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member. For more information, click here . All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses. About Robbins LLP: Some law firms issuing releases about this matter do not actually litigate securities class actions; Robbins LLP does. A recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, the attorneys and staff of Robbins LLP have been dedicated to helping shareholders recover losses, improve corporate governance structures, and hold company executives accountable for their wrongdoing since 2002. Since our inception, we have obtained over $1 billion for shareholders. To be notified if a class action against Xerox Holdings Corporation settles or to receive free alerts when corporate executives engage in wrongdoing, sign up for Stock Watch today. Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/513fb6e4-a34e-4150-8fe5-2c133087d380For centuries, rice has been the heartbeat of Sri Lankan agriculture, with over 1 million hectares of paddy fields cultivated annually, accounting for 37% of the country’s land use. But as climate change accelerates, the task of managing water resources, especially for paddy, has become ever more challenging. The Green Climate Fund-financed Climate Resilient Integrated Water Management Project (CRIWMP) is responding to this challenge with an innovative solution – Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD). The project, implemented by the Government of Sri Lanka, with technical support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Sri Lanka, is transforming agricultural productivity, through integrated water management. Paddy fields have long been cultivated under the continuous flooding system, consuming around 2,500 litres of water to produce just 1 kilogram of rice, placing immense pressure on water resources, especially during periods of drought. Data from the project shows that through AWD, water usage is reduced by upto 27%, and increased cropping intensity from 1.2 to 2.1, which means farmers can now cultivate their land more frequently, leading to more harvests, more income, and food security. The success of this initiative is not just about introducing technology; it is about empowering Sri Lankan farmers with knowledge. The CRIWMP has worked closely with farming communities, providing them with training, tools, and climate advisory services to adopt the AWD system effectively. Take for example, the case of the Palugaswewa Farmer Organisation. President R.B.M. Anura Wasantha shared that, prior to the project’s intervention, they could only cultivate their land to its full extent during the Maha (major) season and just a fraction during the Yala (minor) season. The introduction of AWD technology has been a game-changer. Using simple tools like water pipes buried in the soil, farmers learned to monitor water levels and irrigate only when necessary. Agro-metrological advisories helped synchronise rainwater with their irrigation needs, ensuring that tank water is preserved for critical periods. “Earlier, we used tank water for land preparation without understanding ‘on-farm and off-farm’ water management and were not familiar with agro-meteorological advisories either. Now, thanks to the depth gauge that has been installed, we can calculate the tank water levels accurately and follow the advisories to make better use of rainwater, conserving a big proportion of the irrigation water in the tank.” “Now, we save the water in our tanks – it is like saving money in a bank for us,” says Wasantha, who proudly states that this practice has allowed them to cultivate their land fully even during the Yala season. As the AWD method became more established, the CRIWMP took it a step further by introducing two advanced technologies – the Sensor Light System and the Water Level Arrow Marking System. The Sensor Light System uses solar-powered sensors to monitor water levels. When the water level reaches a critical point, a red light switches on, signalling farmers to irrigate. The Water Level Arrow Marking System, on the other hand, uses a floating arrow that indicates water levels. Farmers can easily observe the water level from a distance, reducing the need to enter the field. These innovations have enabled farmers like Wasantha to feel more confident in managing their water resources, even referring to themselves as “smart” farmers. CRIWMP Climate Smart Agriculture Program Coordinator Dr. Geethika Wijesundara sees this transformation as a paradigm shift in water management for Sri Lanka’s paddy cultivation. She explains: “By adopting AWD, farmers can now cultivate with just 2.9 to 3 acre-feet of water. This reduction means that water saved can be allocated to other field crops (OFCs) for a third season, leading to more yields and income.” Palugaswewa Farmer Organisation Secretary Susantha shares: “We cultivated 100% of our Yala land with AWD. Along with agro-meteorological advisories, we used only the necessary amount of water for paddy cultivation. After the Maha season, we had 240 acre-feet of water left in the tank, and we received more from the rains. So, for the Yala season, we were able to use water for both paddy and green gram. We still have 30 acre-feet of water left in the tank for our domestic purposes.” The impact of AWD goes beyond water conservation and paddy productivity. Methane emissions, a significant contributor to global warming, have been reduced by 40% in fields adopting the AWD system. In Sri Lanka, studies note that the average methane emission rate in flooded paddy fields is 570 mg/ha, which have been reduced to an impressive 325 mg/ha through AWD. Dr. Wijesundara explains: “This has opened our eyes to the fact that integrated water management in paddy farming is essential. If AWD is adopted across Sri Lanka’s paddy farming fields, we could potentially reduce methane emissions by 245,000 tons annually.” As the CRIWMP continues to introduce and promote innovative water management technologies, it is clear that the future of Sri Lankan paddy farming is becoming brighter, more sustainable, and more resilient. Susantha attests: “I never knew that paddy fields emit methane. Thanks to the CRIWMP, we learned about methane emissions and now, I am proud to say that we are working on reducing our contributions to global warming.” Taking AWD a step further, the project plans to conduct soil drainage class mapping in two village irrigation systems’ Yala programs, to determine the most optimal crop plan for the Yala season. This will ensure that paddy is cultivated based on water availability, while OFCs with higher market value are introduced, enhancing smallholders’ resilience and profitability, ensuring that they thrive in a changing climate. Sri Lanka’s journey towards climate-resilient agriculture is a testament to the power of blending traditional knowledge with modern technology. By embracing change and innovation, Sri Lankan farmers are not just growing rice – they are cultivating hope, resilience, and a sustainable future for generations to come.Cisco has acknowledged the vulnerability and has released a security advisory urging customers to update their NX-OS software to the latest version to mitigate the risk of exploitation. However, the update process can be complex and time-consuming, which may leave many organizations vulnerable to attacks in the meantime.

In recent weeks, the world has been gripped by the news of Israel's military intervention in Syria, causing widespread concern and condemnation from the international community. The United States, in particular, has taken a cautious stance on the matter, emphasizing that Israel's invasion must only be temporary and urging all parties involved to work towards a peaceful resolution.Bomb threats, swatting incidents target Trump’s Cabinet picks and appointees

The passage of the special law to conduct a continuous special inspection on the former Justice Minister was met with mixed reactions. Supporters of the law argue that it is necessary to ensure accountability and transparency within the government, particularly in light of recent allegations of corruption and abuse of power. On the other hand, critics view it as a politically motivated move to undermine the opposition and consolidate power within the ruling party.In the midst of ongoing conflicts and chaos, Syria has been facing a multitude of challenges, but one recent event has brought the country's most pressing issue to the forefront: a sudden shift of power in the region. The implications of this dramatic change are far-reaching and demand immediate attention from the international community.Trump trolls Canada after telling Trudeau it should be the 51st state... as onlooker reveals what they discussed at Mar-a-Lago dinner By NIKKI SCHWAB, CHIEF CAMPAIGN CORRESPONDENT FOR DAILYMAIL.COM IN WASHINGTON, D.C. Published: 23:43 GMT, 3 December 2024 | Updated: 23:43 GMT, 3 December 2024 e-mail 34 View comments President-elect Donald Trump publicly embraced his joke to make Canada the '51st state' Tuesday by posting a picture of himself standing next to a Canadian flag overlooking a mountain range captioning it, 'Oh Canada!' Fox News reported Monday night that Trump had floated to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during their Friday meeting that Canada become the '51st state' if the country couldn't afford the Republican's proposed 25 percent tariffs. Trudeau reportedly told Trump he cannot levy that large of an import tax on the U.S.'s northern neighbor because it would completely kill the Canadian economy. The president-elect then suggested to Trudeau that Canada become the 51st state, which caused the prime minister and others at the table to laugh nervously, Fox's sources said. On Tuesday, Dominic LeBlanc, a Canadian cabinet minister clarified that Trump's comment was a 'joke' and was taken that way at the dinner table, according to the Toronto Star . LeBlanc was on hand at the Florida dinner. When asked by reporters if Trump thought Canada was a joke LeBlanc replied, 'Not at all, not at all.' 'That was not the context at all,' he said. 'In a three-hour social evening at the president's residence in Florida on a long weekend of American Thanksgiving, the conversation was going to be lighthearted.' 'The president was telling jokes,' the cabinet minister continued. 'The president was teasing us. It was, of course, on that issue, in no way a serious comment we had.' The joke may be on Trump, with the Star pointing out that the mountain range in the Truth Social image is actually the Matterhorn in Switzerland. President-elect Donald Trump publicly embraced a joke he told to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau - to make Canada the '51st state' if the country couldn't survive the Republican's proposed 25 percent tariffs. The mountains in the image are actually in Switzerland During Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Friday night Mar-a-Lago dinner with President-elect Donald Trump, Trump floated that Canada become the 51st state. Canadian cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc (far left) assured reporters that it was a 'joke' Fox's sources said Trudeau nervously laughed when Trump initially made the '51st state' jest. Trump said that while prime minister is a better title, Trudeau could still be a governor. The sources said that someone at the table suggested Canada would be a really liberal state, which cued laughter. Trump then suggested that Canada could be divided into two states - a conservative and a liberal state. He then told Trudeau if he didn't stop people from flowing over the northern border, Canada could become one or two U.S. states, the sources said. While the exchange prompted laughs, sources also told Fox that Trump gave a serious message to Trudeau about immigration enforcement. Illegal crossing from Canada represent a much smaller number than the illegal foot traffic into the U.S. from Mexico - but Trump threatened both Canada and Mexico with 25 percent tariffs if actions weren't taken. In the same Truth Social post, he threatened an additional 10 percent in import taxes on China - due to the government not imposing a death penalty on drug dealers as was promised. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is photographed Saturday in his West Palm Beach hotel after making a surprise trip to Mar-a-Lago to see President-elect Donald Trump. Last Monday, Trump threatened a 25 percent import tax on Canadian goods over immigration Part of Trump's hardline policies are to stop the flow of the deadly Chinese-produced drug fentanyl into the United States. A Canadian Broadcasting Corporation report from last week found that the U.S. Border Patrol had intercepted more than 21,000 migrants crossing into the U.S. from Canada during the first 10 months of the year. In October alone, however, border agents apprehended more than 56,000 migrants coming over the southern border. A majority of the illegal crossings from Canada - around 18,000 for the first 10 months of the year - are via the so-called Swanton Sector, which has seen a dramatic rise in illegal crossings over the past two years. It's the area east of the Great Lakes in New York, Vermont and New Hampshire. Trump's incoming 'border czar,' Tom Homan, is from this region - and will no doubt pay it some attention - and it's part of Rep. Elise Stefanik's district. She's been a top Trump ally on Capitol Hill and is due to become is ambassador to the United Nations. Donald Trump Canada Justin Trudeau Florida Share or comment on this article: Trump trolls Canada after telling Trudeau it should be the 51st state... as onlooker reveals what they discussed at Mar-a-Lago dinner e-mail Add comment

A number of prominent pundits, including former City defender and club ambassador Micah Richards, have questioned why the Belgium international has not been starting games amid the champions’ dramatic slump. City have not won in seven outings in all competitions – their worst run since 2008 – with De Bruyne featuring only as a substitute in the last five of those matches after recovering from a pelvic injury. The latest came with a 12-minute run-out in Sunday’s demoralising 2-0 defeat at Premier League leaders Liverpool, a result which left City 11 points off the pace and fifth in the table. Richards said on The Rest is Football podcast it appeared “there’s some sort of rift going on” between De Bruyne and Guardiola while former England striker Gary Lineker added: “It seems like all’s not well.” Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said he felt “something isn’t right” and fellow Sky Sports analyst Gary Neville, the ex-Manchester United right-back, described the situation as “unusual, bizarre, strange”. Guardiola, speaking at a press conference to preview his side’s clash with Nottingham Forest, responded on Tuesday. The Spaniard said: “People say I’ve got a problem with Kevin. Do you think I like to not play with Kevin? No, I don’t want Kevin to play? “The guy who has the most talent in the final third, I don’t want it? I have a personal problem with him after nine years together? “He’s delivered to me the biggest success to this club, but he’s been five months injured (last season) and two months injured (this year). “He’s 33 years old. He needs time to find his best, like last season, step by step. He’ll try to do it and feel better. I’m desperate to have his best.” De Bruyne has not started since being forced off at half-time of City’s Champions League clash with Inter Milan on September 18, having picked up an injury in the previous game. Both the player and manager have spoken since of the pain he was in and the need to ease back into action, but his spell on the bench has been unexpectedly long. The resulting speculation has then been exacerbated because De Bruyne is in the final year of his contract but Guardiola maintains nothing untoward has occurred. He said: “I’d love to have the Kevin in his prime, 26 or 27. He would love it to – but he is not 26 or 27 any more. “He had injuries in the past, important and long ones. He is a guy who needs to be physically fit for his space and energy. You think I’m complaining? It’s normal, it’s nature. “He’s played in 10 or 11 seasons a lot of games and I know he is desperate to help us. He gives glimpses of brilliance that only he can have. “But, always I said, he himself will not solve our problems, like Erling (Haaland) won’t solve it himself. We attack and defend together. “We want the best players back. Hopefully step by step the confidence will come back and we’ll get the best of all of us.”