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Dr Manmohan Singh, legendary economist and former PM, passes awayElon Musk is one of the most talked about individuals in the United States right now, not only because of his professional commitments at Tesla or X, but also because of his political advancement after the US Presidential elections 2024, that was won by Donald Trump. However, Musk is now claiming that he is facing backlash for endorsing Donald Trump in the elections, and is alleging that the SEC has reopened an investigation into Neuralink, as a politically motivated move. Also Read : First post mortem out: Democratic Exit poll says, Trump won the battleground states with a message that Harris could not match Is Joe Biden taking revenge against Elon Musk? There are chances that Elon Musk could come under the scanner in the last few days remaining in the Biden administrations, or that's what the Tesla CEO is claiming. However, if the investigation indeed yields any fruit, that may continue even in the Trump administration, if there is no political intervention in the middle. Meanwhile, Musk posted a letter on his X social media platform where it has been said that the SEC has reopened an investigation into his brain-chip startup Neuralink. Oh Gary, how could you do this to me? 🥹 pic.twitter.com/OoooQI77ZS — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 12, 2024 It is noteworthy, however, that Musk will be heading a special federal department under the Trump administration, which would mean that he would have a lot of influence at the White House and beyond, and therefore, the investigation of Neuralink may not have major impact of sorts then, as per reports. FAQs: Is Elon Musk a part of Neuralink? Yes, Elon Musk is a co-founder and the current CEO of Neuralink. He founded the company back in 2016 with a dedicated team of scientists and engineers. Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development JavaScript Essentials: Unlock AI-Driven Insights with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Advanced Excel Course - Financial Calculations & Excel Made Easy By - Anirudh Saraf, Founder- Saraf A & Associates, Chartered Accountant View Program Web Development Intermediate C++ Skills: Master Pointers, Structures and File Stream By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Web Development Maximizing Developer Productivity: The Pomodoro Technique in Practice By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Data Analysis Animated Visualizations with Flourish Studio: Beginner to Pro By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Office Productivity Microsoft Word Mastery: From Beginner to Expert By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By - Neil Patel, Co-Founder and Author at Neil Patel Digital Digital Marketing Guru 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 Web Development 12-Factor App Methodology: Principles and Guidelines 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 Web Development Intermediate Java Mastery: Method, Collections, and Beyond By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Entrepreneurship Marketing & Sales Strategies for Startups: From Concept to Conversion By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Web Development Master RESTful APIs with Python and Django REST Framework: Web API Development 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 Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program What does Neuralink do? Neuralink's mission is basically focused on developing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that can help people with neurological disorders and also work towards development of human cognition. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
TOMS RIVER, N.J. (AP) — Gov. Phil Murphy has asked the Biden administration to put more resources into an investigation of mysterious drone sightings that have been reported in New Jersey and nearby states. Murphy, a Democrat, made the request in a letter Thursday, noting that state and local law enforcement remain “hamstrung” by existing laws and policies in their efforts to successfully counteract any nefarious activity of unmanned aircraft. He posted a copy of the letter on the social media platform X . “This leaves action surrounding the (drones) squarely on the shoulders of the federal government,” Murphy said. “More federal resources are needed to understand what is behind this activity.” Murphy and other officials have repeatedly stressed that there is no evidence that the aircraft pose a national security or a public safety threat, or have a foreign nexus. The Pentagon also has said they are not U.S. military drones. The drones have drawn intense public concern and curiosity since residents first reported seeing them last month. Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia said from four to 180 aircraft have been reported to authorities since Nov. 18, appearing from dusk till 11 p.m. The flying objects have been spotted near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility, and over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster, but the number of reported sightings has grown greatly since then. Drones were also spotted in Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut and other parts of the Mid-Atlantic region. The FBI, Federal Aviation Administration and other state and federal agencies involved in the investigation have not corroborated any of the reported sightings with electronic detection, and reviews of available images appear to show many of the reported drones are actually manned aircraft. They also say there have been no confirmed sightings in restricted air space. It’s also possible that a single drone has been seen and reported more than once, officials said. Some federal lawmakers have called on the military to “shoot down” the drones. The drones also appear to avoid detection by traditional methods such as helicopter and radio, according to a state lawmaker who was briefed by the Department of Homeland Security. In one case, a medevac helicopter was unable to pick up a seriously injured car accident victim in Branchburg Township in Somerset County late last month due to drones hovering near the planned landing zone, according to NJ.com. The FAA said Thursday that it does not have a report on this incident. Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use but are subject to local and FAA regulations and flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified. Witnesses say the drones they think they have seen in New Jersey appear to be larger than those typically used by hobbyists.Zoom raises annual revenue forecast
GOSL decided to terminate the project with no alternative solution to the traffic congestion issue being proposed On 27 December, the railway community in Sri Lanka as well as national-minded islanders commemorate the day on which the inaugural Ceylon Government Railway (CGR) train ran between Colombo Fort and Ambepussa (34 miles on the main line) in 1864. A day before that, the same demographic remembers with grief and sorrow the cataclysmic effect of the Indian Ocean tsunami which devastated a 1,500 passenger train at Peraliya on 26 December 2004, taking a toll of over 1,000 lives in a disaster that saw an estimated 30,000 deaths. To the credit of Sri Lanka Railways, the destroyed locomotive – a Class M2a EMD-G12 (‘Manitoba’), imported under the Colombo Plan in 1956 – was fully restored a few years later, and makes its regular run on ‘D-Day’ annually, heading Train No. 8051 (#51). And in a trifecta of rail happenings, this December’s media has been rife with reports of how the Government of Sri Lanka is in talks with its counterparts in Japan to get back on track the much vaunted Light Rail Transit (LRT) project that was arbitrarily derailed by the Gotabaya Rajapaksa administration in 2021. Then Sri Lanka’s so-called “LRT fiasco” and the international fallout from a former regime’s ad-hoc policy decision is much in the news these days... for the right reasons, for a change. So much so that the case study of an arbitrary cancellation of the Japan-funded Light Rail Transit project in the context of international relations in an emerging geopolitical milieu may make interesting reading for all of SLR’s swains and stakeholders in good governance being restored. Ergo, this two-part piece on Sri Lanka’s ill-fated LRT project, on which fortune and the Government of Japan seem to be smiling again. Vehicular congestion has long been an issue in Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, and especially its business boroughs and suburban areas, from which and back to where millions of commuters travel daily. The railway network, which could have served to alleviate some of this congestion, is derelict and unable to function well as a public transport solution in its own right. Thus the feasibility of a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system to serve the metropolitan periphery for the Colombo Business District (CBD) was hailed and welcomed globally as a viable and efficient solution to a longstanding problem. However, despite the government of the day following due process and diligence in developing the project with Official Development Assistance (ODA) from Japan, a change of regime saw not only the project being abruptly terminated but Sri Lanka’s reputation suffer and attendant international fallout from the fiasco. The ‘Good Governance’ (Yahapalanaya) administration of President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe declared as being among its aims the transparent and accountable dispatch of governmental and administrative matters. Among the positive outcomes of such an approach was the welcome Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and international developmental aid that the government of the day attracted. A key overseas sponsor at the time was Sri Lanka’s longstanding ally and benefactor in a post WWII and post-Cold War milieu, the government and people of Japan, who with their counterparts in Sri Lanka proposed a Light Rail Transit (LRT) project for Colombo and its suburbs, with the intention of serving the business district and peripheral boroughs. This two-part article will show that in soliciting and securing the LRT project, the Yahapalanaya administration followed the proper governance procedure, with attention being paid to due process and diligence; that a change of regime saw an ad-hoc policy decision that not only abruptly and unilaterally terminated the project, but also brought the Sri Lankan state into disrepute with its international donors; and eventually, resulted in the continued suffering of the island nation’s people; as well as that with a return to a semblance of ‘good governance’, recent efforts by a fresh government have attempted to revive the project in the disastrous aftermath of the fiscal, financial, socioeconomic and reputational losses incurred. The Light Rail Transit (LRT) project for Colombo was a long-felt need arising from many factors that included a growing population, an outdated and outmoded public transport system, and the increasing number of road and rail passengers entering the city’s metropolitan area on a daily basis for work, schooling and leisure or entertainment activities. At the time at which the Japanese-funded LRT project was first seriously considered, the status of this influx into the country’s commercial capital saw 10 million daily passenger trips within the Colombo Metropolitan Region (CMR) and 1.9 million passengers entering the CMR on a daily basis (JICA/Ministry of Megapolis and Western Region Development Project, ‘Light Rail Transit Project’). Despite the urgency of travelling from points of origin as far south as Galle and Matara; due east as Avissawella; north-east as Kandy and Kurunegala; and north as Negombo, Chilaw and Puttalam; the average travel speed of trains in the CMR was only 17 kilometres per hour (km/h) and 12 km/h in the smaller Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) area due to the slowness of railway services caused by overcrowded trains; weak lines, ties, points, crossings and other railroad infrastructure; ancient locomotives – some in service since the 1950s, when they were imported from Canada to the then Ceylon under the Colombo Plan; and rush-hour congestion compounded by malfunctioning signals, poor track maintenance and derailments. As a feasibility study conducted sometime in the second decade of the 21st century observed, “With population increase, the need for travel is going to increase exponentially” (JICA/MMWRD), and this was equally true of rail as well as road public transport solutions that needed to be developed. The same study noted: “The Western Region Megapolis Transport Master Plan was developed encompassing all aspects of transportation to provide a framework for urban transport development in the Western Region Megapolis up to 2035 while giving high priority to improving transport in the Western Region.” Among the major public transport development initiatives identified in this Western Region Megapolis Transport Master Plan was the introduction of an LRT system as a new and innovative mode of public transport in the Colombo Business District (CBD), and comprising a light elevated railway network that would extend from the CBD and radiate into the populous suburbs of the commercial capital. Also of importance to note as regards the suitability of the proposed LRT were the number of lines, and the tactical way in which each of these would serve a larger strategic purpose of easing vehicular congestion in Colombo, while alleviating the burden of a derelict, dilapidated and deteriorating railway system that was often and in many instances the relict of a bygone colonial era of transportation. The proposed elevated railway network would comprise the following short, interconnected routes: LRT Elevated Line 1 – From Colombo Fort through Kollupitiya, Bambalapitiya, Borella and Union Place, to Maradana (15 kilometres) LRT Elevated Line 2 – From Colombo Fort through Maradana and Mattakkuliya to Peliyagoda (11.5 km) LRT Elevated Line 3 – From Dematagoda through Borella, Narahenpita, Kirulapone and Havelock City to Bambalapitiya (10 km) LRT Elevated Line 4 – From Borella through Battaramulla to Malabe (10 km) LRT Elevated Line 5 – From Malabe to Kottawa (9.6 km) LRT Elevated Line 6 – From Malabe to Kaduwela (6 km) LRT Elevated Line 7 – From Peliyagoda to Kadawatha (13 km) To underline the planned and prepared nature of the LRT project funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), these elevated lines had all their technical specifications pre-approved by both JICA and the Government of Sri Lanka (GOSL) as follows: Namely, that it would be a fully elevated Light Railway Transit (LRT) system; with an electrified third rail traction type in the standard gauge for LRTs of 1.435m; and the pilot project would have a route length of 21 kilometres, with 21 stations, so that there would be one station every kilometre or so to serve the suburbs’ transportation needs effectively. In addition, there was a clear road map towards the development and implementation of the first phase of the LRT, as follows: Stage 1 – define the service levels of the LRT, define the respective routes of the LRT, define the system requirements to meet the needs of the defined routes, define the operational and management body of the LRT, and conduct the necessary environmental impact assessment (EIA) survey and analysis. Stage 2 – carry out preliminary design and cost estimations, as well as discern Operational and Management (O&M) costs, in addition to Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR), Financial Internal Rate of Return (FIRR), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and Resettlement Action Plan (RAP). Further, from the initial meetings for discussion, deliberation and decisions between GOSL officers and JICA officials, together with other stakeholders of the project, up to the opening of the LRT’s first phase lines 1 and 4, there was a clear road map with clearly notated milestones. These included deep discussions with the Project Management Unit of the Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development (PMU-MMWD) and decision-making for each of the topic lists (April, 2016); design works and co-adunations (June, 2016); a detailed feasibility report – DFR (December, 2016); an implementation stage with detailed designs; civil, mechanical and electrical engineering inputs for construction; and LRT system training, testing and trial runs. In addition to all of the above, the issues, constraints and challenges potentially facing the overall project as well as the initial pilot phase were identified as set out below: Social, land acquisition and resettlement issues – objections of the public demanding higher compensation prior to relocation, losses for entrepreneurs in the business district because of changing of locations, dealing with the traffic congestion created due to LRT construction activity, limited land being available for resettlement of the vulnerable group currently dwelling in the city limits Legal issues – no acts of parliament or state regulations being available for LRTs, forming a separate entity for operation and maintenance of the elevated LRT system Environmental issues – the route of the line, which in some areas would trace along ecologically sensitive zones such as the Thalangama Environmentally Protected Area (EPA) and the Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte Bird Sanctuary, in addition to which the LRT’s Malabe Depot was in a low-lying area prone to flooding during heavy rains especially in the South-West Monsoon season period Technical issues – no experienced hands with the skills being available in the country, especially key professionals with the requisite engineering, IT and construction industry related know-how; a shortage of manpower for construction and related work; poor coordination among key authorities and agencies that would be involved in the overall project; uncertainty as to what the respective contribution of each stakeholder in the project could or should be; utilities diversion because Colombo is an unplanned city, and records of existing utility plans have not been updated in years Working along the lines of the road map above, and in July 2016, the Government of Sri Lanka decided in principle to seek Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the implementation of LRT Elevated Line 1 and LRT Elevated Line 4. Further to this, in September of the same year, JICA decided to examine the feasibility of the Malabe-Kollupitiya section comprising LRT Elevated Line 1 and LRT Elevated Line 4 as a candidate for a Japanese ODA loan. Finally, in December 2016, the GOSL decided to initiate the procurement process to implement these two lines, which were excluded under JICA financing, on a Build Own & Transfer (BOT)/Public-Private Partnership (PPP) basis. Work on the project proceeded apace for 2-3 years, and in 2019, the Government of Japan agreed to grant loan assistance to the value of US$ 1,800 million for the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system project as part of its ongoing solution to the traffic congestion in metropolitan Colombo (Zulfick Farzan, ‘Sri Lanka Expecting to Resume Japan-Funded LRT Project’, 4 May 2024, News 1st). That quantum of funding was allocated to a phase of the LRT system for Colombo that was designed to construct a 17-km long elevated track including 16 stations to cover major and other important intersections from Colombo Fort to Malabe. When former UDA mandarin and erstwhile Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected to unprecedented power as President of Sri Lanka in November 2019, within months he ordered the immediate termination of the Japan-funded LRT project. That project as a whole was suspended by the instrumentality of a letter issued by the Secretary to the President, on 21 September 2020, stating that the project was not the appropriate cost-effective practical transport solution for Sri Lanka. (The project was suspended following a letter issued by the Secretary to the President on 21 September 2020 citing that the project was not the appropriate cost-effective solution transport solution.) A subsequent special audit report by the Auditor General of Sri Lanka was to reveal later that this arbitrary decision cost Sri Lanka a sum of money equivalent to Rs. 5.978 billion, incurred by the abrupt decision to terminate the project without any proper study being done and leading to an ‘uneconomic expenditure’ of nearly six billion rupees that had already been spent by the GOSL on the project up to date. In addition, as the media organisation News 1st reported: “The GOSL decided to terminate the project with no alternative solution to the traffic congestion issue being proposed.” The same media outfit also reported: “The Japan International Cooperation Agency had provided the facility of paying the said loan over a period of 40 years including a grace period of 12 years and the annual interest rate thereon was 0.1 per cent.” Previously, News 1st had also reported: “In April 2023, the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing said that it had called for a report from an expert committee for the reimplementation of the Colombo Light Rail Transit (LRT) project that had been scrapped by the previous administration.” That media channel also reported: “A proposal to reimplement the project was put forward to the Ministry of Finance and Planning, and a report on it has been called for from the National Operation Centre.” In July 2023, Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal to finalise a time frame to form a fresh agreement with the Embassy of Japan’s mission to Sri Lanka, to recommend discussions to revive the proposed LRT project, with a view to start work on the key piece of transport infrastructure once again. At a more recent briefing in Colombo, on 4 May 2024, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister told reporters in the Sri Lankan commercial capital that the island nation “welcomes official development assistance extended to Sri Lanka over the past decades through JICA as one of the country’s key development partners”. The presence at the same briefing of his counterpart, the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, conveying Japan’s intention to further support Sri Lanka in its ongoing development efforts, indicated that reactivating discussions on the LRT could bear fruit in the near future. The Government’s positive sentiments about revival of the Light Rail Transit project were further underlined by sentiments expressed by the head of state. As the Colombo Gazette online journal reported: “President [Ranil] Wickremesinghe emphasised his focus on ensuring the swift resumption of the investment projects, including the expansion of the BIA [Bandaranaike International Airport], the LRT [Light Rail Transit] and the Central Expressway.” (Colombo Gazette, ‘Sri Lanka Keen to Resume LRT Project Soon’, 14 February 2024) That web newspaper also reported the country’s present chief executive, under whose previous premiership the LRT project was first proposed, as being in favour of such a resuscitation of this key piece of infrastructure: “Sri Lanka is keen to resume the Japanese-funded Light Rail Transit (LRT) project soon, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said.” The presence of the President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in a frame of mind that “expressed gratitude for President Wickremesinghe’s commitment to the economic reform programme” (Colombo Gazette), bodes well for the impending resumption (as of mid 2024) of the once hastily abandoned LRT project. [To be continued]FNG has established itself as a notable player in the Philippine real estate industry. Formed through a partnership between Federal Land, Inc., a trusted local developer with over five decades of experience, and Japan’s Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd., which boasts more than 65 years of expertise and global innovation, FNG seeks to redefine the development landscape by blending global innovation with local understanding. At a time when Filipinos become more discerning, innovative, and more mindful of sustainable practices, FNG is repositioning itself as a key player at the forefront in designing human-centric developments. Anchored by their values to combine Japanese precision with Filipino sensibilities, the developer is set on delivering spaces designed for ease, comfort, and adaptability. Built on Solid Legacies FNG’s strength can be attributed to its roots. Federal Land, Inc.’s experience in creating residential, retail, and commercial developments in Metro Manila and Cebu equips the former with unparalleled insights and understanding of the local market and its unique needs. This expertise is complemented by Nomura Real Estate’s background in a diverse range of real estate businesses like their residential brand PROUD, offices brand PMO, and other facilities. Furthermore, they are bringing their Japanese innovation, strategies, and design principles to incorporate in the local setting to cater to the Filipino audience. The cornerstone of this partnership is The Seasons Residences in Bonifacio Global City, the first project of Federal Land and Nomura Real Estate. Drawing inspiration from Japanese design principles, the development features earthquake-resistant technology, customizable storage, and innovative air-cleaning tiles. It also houses the first Mitsukoshi Mall in the Philippines, offering a distinct Japanese shopping experience. It offers a slice of the Japanese lifestyle through its concept and design. Since its launch, the development has bagged multiple awards locally and internationally. The Seasons Residences’ amenities stay true to its Japanese influence by being minimalist yet innovative and advanced. The Seasons Residences is only the first showcase of the partnership, but it stands as testament to the potential that the partnership has to offer. With the powerhouse developers’ combined influences, FNG is slated to stand out in the real estate industry. Commitment to Creating New Standards Being the first to bring authentic Japanese designs in the country, through Nomura Real Estate, FNG aims to elevate the way Filipinos live with well-thought-out, intentional, and functional features. In 2024, it has received two accolades at the 12th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards, the largest and most prestigious awards ceremony in the local real estate industry that recognizes the country’s finest, most innovative real estate developers and projects. FNG was named Best Breakthrough Developer, one of the main categories in the awards ceremony. This is considered a great feat for the developer and is a testament of its potential as a rising contender in the industry that will reshape the way Filipinos think about homes, communities, and development offerings. The developer also brought home the same award from the 19th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards, cementing its potential and vision on a global scale. FNG’s projects highlight its commitment to thoughtful design and quality. Yume at Riverpark, a subdivision in Cavite, won the Best Subdivision Development award at the 12th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards for its modern approach to suburban living. Similarly, The Observatory in Mandaluyong exemplifies urban sophistication, combining residential, commercial, and retail spaces with panoramic views of the city skyline. Yume at Riverpark combines tranquility and convenience in a masterfully planned community tailored for various lifestyles, catering to young families and retirees alike. Meanwhile, The Observatory, located in the bustling Mandaluyong City, with its unmatched view of the BGC skyline and its fusion of residential, retail, and commercial spaces, exemplifies FNG’s capability to create holistic developments that suit the changing needs of today’s city dwellers. These thoughtfully designed environments foster connection, productivity, and well-being. Yume at Riverpark and The Observatory serve as FNG’s first commitments in crafting the future of living. Leadership-driven Innovation Beyond individual developments, FNG focuses on creating environments that foster well-being and community connections. Guided by the expertise of Federal Land’s leadership, alongside insights from Nomura Real Estate’s team of experts, FNG bridges local needs and international perspectives. The partnership emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and adaptability to meet the evolving demands of Filipino consumers. Federal Land, a subsidiary under GT Capital Holdings, is composed of seasoned real estate professionals who offer valuable insights on navigating the local market. Their understanding of the country’s landscape shapes FNG’s developments to be adaptive to the Filipino resident’s needs and aspirations. FNG is also being shaped with global insight through Nomura Real Estate’s experts. A team of fourteen expatriates works closely with local teams to hone FNG’s offerings with a global market mindset. Bringing in their own strengths, professionals with property development, operations, architecture, and sales and marketing backgrounds drive the Japanese ingenuity and precision in FNG’s developments. Charting the Way Forward Looking ahead, FNG aims to elevate Philippine real estate through projects designed with functionality, human-centricity, and sustainability at their core. Its strategic approach ensures convenience and efficiency while addressing emerging customer needs. As it continues to expand its portfolio, FNG positions itself as a transformative force in the industry, introducing Japanese-inspired living concepts and fostering thriving communities across the Philippines. FNG’s vision is clear: to elevate the Philippine real estate with its developments. The company’s approach that emphasizes intentional functionality, nature, and human centricity will be ever-present it the properties that they will continue to develop. The developer’s commitment to prioritizing convenience, efficiency, and well-being will lead the way in making livable, lasting homes available for Filipinos. FNG is steady in its evolution to create smarter communities and will equip itself to anticipate and respond to emerging needs of customers. More than reintroducing the brand, FNG reaffirms its aim to transform the sector. With its expanding portfolio and its guidance from Japanese ways of working, the company is perfectly positioned to create new value for its stakeholders. As FNG President Thomas Mirasol said, “At FNG, we envision more than just developments; we see nests where lifestyles across various walks of life converge to nurture thriving communities. We are also always grateful to contribute to the growth of areas that we are present in, creating impact not only to the location but its people.” FNG will not only continue to make its mark with its unique blend of expertise, but it will also be bringing Japanese-inspired living, one development at a time. Know more about FNG and its projects at https://fng.ph/ . Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com . Join us on Viber at https://bit.ly/3hv6bLA to get more updates and subscribe to BusinessWorld’s titles and get exclusive content through www.bworld-x.com .Civil disobedience if demands not met: Omar Ayub PTI leader says that one of their conditions was formation of judicial commission on May 9 and Nov 26 incidents ISLAMABAD: Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) sAenior leader Omar Ayub Khan Friday said that if their demands were not met, his party would go for launching civil disobedience campaign. He told the media here that one of their conditions was the formation of a judicial commission on May 9 and November 26 incidents. The PTI leaders visited the opposition alliance leaders to invite them for the condolence meeting in Peshawar, to be held on December 15. “We had come here to invite our colleagues on December 15, Mahmood Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir, and others will participate in the condolence meeting,” he explained. Omar Ayub said that there would be consultations with Mahmood Khan Achakzai, as he was part of the consultation process on the future course of action. He clarified that there had been no negotiations with the government so far. He claimed that they had 5,000 prisoners in different jails and countless injured persons while referring to the recent protest the PTI held in Islamabad. Omar Ayub said that PTI founder chairman Imran Khan had added the names of senators Allama Nasir Abbas and Hamid Khan to the negotiating committee with the government. Sunni Ittehad Council chief and MNA Sahibzada Hamid Raza said that it was up to the government to negotiate or not, insisting that the negotiations would be on the basis of equality. “We people have got destroyed our homes, families and businesses, what are we afraid of now that we will be forced to [hold talks],” he remarked. He said that they are talking about negotiations for the sake of stability; however, they would not forget the sacrifice of the deceased workers. He alleged that civil martial law was currently in force in Punjab. A few days back, the PTI founder had announced formation of a five-member committee to hold parleys with the government or the establishment representatives. With the inclusion of two senators, the total number of committee members is now seven. It is significant to note that in recent few days, various PTI leaders had expressed their desire for negotiations. However, hitherto no contact had been established between the two sides, whereas Imran Khan announced to launching civil disobedience from December 16, in case their demands are not met. Meanwhile, another senior PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat said that negotiations with the government had not started, as only greetings had been exchanged. “If talks are held before December 15, it is good for the country because there is political instability in the country,” he maintained. Regarding the deadline for negotiations until December 15, he said that on December 15, PTI founder Imran Khan has given a call regarding remittances. He made it clear that if the situation remained as it was, the party leader’s orders regarding civil disobedience would be implemented. Meanwhile, PMLN Parliamentary Leader in the Senate Irfan Siddiqui said that the PTI would have to shun its deceptive approach if it was interested in serious talks. “The PTI will have to decide whether it wants talks or civil disobedience,” Senator Siddiqui said in a statement on social media platform X. He said that the party was desperate for negotiations with an ulterior motive of securing concessions. “But at the same time, it will was planning to launch civil disobedience with the sole purpose of inflicting harm on Pakistan,” he said. He said that negotiations and civil disobedience cannot go hand in hand. “If PTI is serious about negotiations, it should not add new burdens on its shoulders. The previous burden is already enough,” he said. The opposition parties alliance, meanwhile, agreed to attend the PTI’s condolence meeting and advised the major opposition party to focus on more consultations before arriving at any decision of protest against the government. A source, who was privy to the meeting, held here with veteran political and the alliance head Mahmood Khan Achakzai in the chair, reviewed the latest political situation and discussed the various aspects of PTI’s recent protest. He claimed the alliance expressed solidarity with PTI over the use of force against its workers but insisted it was too early to march towards Islamabad without building a momentum at local level. The leadership of PTI, the Sunni Ittehad Council, Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party and Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM) attended the meeting. Achakzai floated some proposals with regard to the future line of action and it was decided to place the same before PTI founder chairman Imran Khan. It may be noted unlike the recent past, the Tehreek Tahaffuz Aiyeen e Pakistan had distanced itself from the last month’s protest of PTI. The source said the meeting regretted the lack of proper strategy for the release of PTI founder and advised them to initiate protest at the district level. The meeting noted that decisions of the PTI leadership were affected by ambiguity. The opposition parties agreed to hold consultative meetings more frequently in view of the evolving situation.
When the Nebraska football team gathered for its Thursday practice prior to the Wisconsin game, offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen wanted to see a game-ready unit. Anything other than the best wasn’t good enough, and Holgorsen backed it up. The players who made mistakes, even committing false start penalties during that practice didn’t play on Saturday because of it, Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule said. Those who did their job got their chance, though, with Rhule identifying senior wide receiver Isiaha Garcia-Castaneda as one such beneficiary. So while Holgorsen’s playcalling was part of Nebraska’s 44-point outburst against the Badgers, his general approach is what Rhule appreciates most. “You hear Dana on the headset, the whole time he’s just talking about execution,” Rhule said. “... There’s a real focus on execution and when the guys execute the play calls. I think that was the message to the guys — if you execute and practice at a high level, you’re going to have an opportunity to play in the game.” Changes have been limited in Holgorsen’s short time as NU’s offensive coordinator, but he did make sure the Huskers scaled back the number of plays in their playbook. “We’re still doing a lot,” Rhule said, while crediting assistant coaches Glenn Thomas, Garret McGuire and Marcus Satterfield for their work in helping Holgorsen get accustomed to the team’s offensive setup. A “collaborative” gameplanning process that involves those coaches poring over game film and strategy together has led to results, but Rhule again emphasized that improvements from the players, not the coaches, is what has led to better results. When Nebraska was in rhythm on Saturday and stayed ahead of the chains, the Huskers were nearly impossible to slow down. When penalties, turnovers or miscues like snapping on the wrong count happened, though, the offense’s progress was halted. The clear difference? Execution. “It’s kind of a blend of everything we’ve been trying to say to them all year coming to life,” Rhule said of Nebraska’s 44-point performance. “I think the thing Dana’s done a great job is, he’s cut things down to a degree, but he’s demanding that they execute if they want to get on the field.” Nebraska also couldn’t have cut apart the Wisconsin defense without a reinvigorated showing from quarterback Dylan Raiola. Having thrown at least one interception in his previous five starts, Raiola finished the game turnover-free for the first time since September. The freshman also completed 28-of-38 passes for 293 yards and one touchdown, his biggest passing output other than a 297-yard performance against Illinois. Part of the reason for the turnaround was health-related following the back injury Raiola suffered against UCLA. Held out of practice over the bye, Raiola was “ginger” the whole game against USC according to Rhule but was more comfortable with moving around and sliding up in the pocket last Saturday. Getting the ball out quickly and accurately also helped Raiola’s timing within the offense. “He was just taking completions, taking what was there and not trying to do too much,” Rhule said of Raiola. “Playing as a freshman in the Big Ten is really, really hard; it requires tough people and I think Dylan’s been tough in that he’s gotten better every week.” Nebraska’s progress will be tested in a matchup against the nation’s No. 12 scoring defense, an Iowa unit that is allowing just 17.7 points per game. Another week with Holgorsen at the helm will help Nebraska with that challenge as the Huskers look to build on their recent offensive surge. “Just the rhythm of the way he does things means total sense to me,” Rhule said of Holgorsen. “... If I coach with Dana for one more week or if we coach together for the next 10 years, I’ll be a better coach as a result.” Get local news delivered to your inbox!Commerce Bank raised its stake in shares of Delta Air Lines, Inc. ( NYSE:DAL – Free Report ) by 0.9% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 28,910 shares of the transportation company’s stock after purchasing an additional 263 shares during the period. Commerce Bank’s holdings in Delta Air Lines were worth $1,468,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Senator Investment Group LP lifted its stake in Delta Air Lines by 90.0% in the 2nd quarter. Senator Investment Group LP now owns 475,000 shares of the transportation company’s stock valued at $22,534,000 after buying an additional 225,000 shares in the last quarter. Crossmark Global Holdings Inc. lifted its position in shares of Delta Air Lines by 5.4% in the third quarter. Crossmark Global Holdings Inc. now owns 268,636 shares of the transportation company’s stock valued at $13,644,000 after acquiring an additional 13,802 shares in the last quarter. KBC Group NV boosted its stake in shares of Delta Air Lines by 143.7% in the third quarter. KBC Group NV now owns 56,611 shares of the transportation company’s stock worth $2,876,000 after acquiring an additional 33,378 shares during the last quarter. Olstein Capital Management L.P. increased its position in shares of Delta Air Lines by 32.6% during the third quarter. Olstein Capital Management L.P. now owns 175,000 shares of the transportation company’s stock worth $8,888,000 after purchasing an additional 43,000 shares in the last quarter. Finally, River Road Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in Delta Air Lines by 22.8% in the 3rd quarter. River Road Asset Management LLC now owns 130,608 shares of the transportation company’s stock valued at $6,634,000 after purchasing an additional 24,249 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 69.93% of the company’s stock. Insider Activity at Delta Air Lines In other news, SVP William C. Carroll sold 21,530 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $60.62, for a total transaction of $1,305,148.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 19,756 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,197,608.72. The trade was a 52.15 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website . Also, CEO Edward H. Bastian sold 68,000 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $56.33, for a total transaction of $3,830,440.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 439,819 shares in the company, valued at approximately $24,775,004.27. This trade represents a 13.39 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Over the last quarter, insiders sold 140,240 shares of company stock worth $8,044,893. Corporate insiders own 0.96% of the company’s stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on DAL Delta Air Lines Stock Performance NYSE:DAL opened at $63.34 on Friday. Delta Air Lines, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $35.46 and a fifty-two week high of $66.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05, a quick ratio of 0.34 and a current ratio of 0.39. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $55.01 and a 200 day moving average price of $49.13. The stock has a market capitalization of $40.87 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.80, a PEG ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 1.33. Delta Air Lines ( NYSE:DAL – Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 10th. The transportation company reported $1.50 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.52 by ($0.02). The firm had revenue of $15.68 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.65 billion. Delta Air Lines had a net margin of 7.71% and a return on equity of 29.93%. The company’s quarterly revenue was up 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $2.03 earnings per share. Equities research analysts forecast that Delta Air Lines, Inc. will post 6.07 EPS for the current year. Delta Air Lines Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 31st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 10th were paid a $0.15 dividend. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.95%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, October 10th. Delta Air Lines’s payout ratio is 8.33%. Delta Air Lines Company Profile ( Free Report ) Delta Air Lines, Inc provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo in the United States and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Airline and Refinery. Its domestic network centered on core hubs in Atlanta, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Detroit, and Salt Lake City, as well as coastal hub positions in Boston, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia, New York-JFK, and Seattle; and international network centered on hubs and market presence in Amsterdam, Bogota, Lima, Mexico City, London-Heathrow, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Sao Paulo, Seoul-Incheon, and Tokyo. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Delta Air Lines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Delta Air Lines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
Emerging Trends in DTF Printing Technology: Empowering Small Businesses 12-13-2024 07:30 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing is rapidly becoming a game-changer for small businesses, enabling unparalleled quality and efficiency in custom apparel, promotional products, and more. As small business owners seek versatile, cost-effective solutions to meet growing customer demands, the latest advancements in DTF printing technology are proving to be a valuable asset. Transforming the Small Business Landscape DTF printing has emerged as a leading technology in the printing industry due to its ability to deliver high-quality, durable prints on a wide variety of materials. Unlike traditional screen printing or Direct-to-Garment (DTG) methods, DTF printing offers greater flexibility with fabrics and designs, all while remaining user-friendly and cost-efficient. For small businesses, this technology provides the tools needed to create professional-grade products without significant upfront investment. Whether it's custom t-shirts, tote bags, or specialty items, DTF printing enables entrepreneurs to expand their offerings and compete with larger companies. Emerging Trends in DTF Printing Technology The popularity of DTF printing has led to significant technological advancements. Here are the key trends shaping the industry: 1. Improved Print Quality - Recent innovations ensure sharper, more detailed prints that maintain vibrant colors and precise details, even on dark or textured surfaces. 2. Cost Efficiency - The affordability of DTF printers is making it easier for small businesses to access professional-level printing capabilities. Compact and efficient models are particularly attractive to startups with limited budgets and space. 3. Eco-Friendly Printing Solutions - Sustainability is becoming a core focus, with many manufacturers offering energy-efficient machines and recyclable film options. This aligns with the growing demand for environmentally conscious practices in business. 4. Versatility and Customization - DTF technology is highly adaptable, allowing businesses to print on diverse materials, from cotton and polyester to leather and nylon. This flexibility has fueled creativity and innovation among small business owners. Choosing the Best DTF Printer for Small Businesses Selecting the right DTF printer is critical for success. The best options prioritize: * Ease of Use: Intuitive designs and accessible training for beginners. * Speed and Efficiency: High-speed printing for quick turnarounds on bulk orders. * Durability of Prints: Long-lasting designs that withstand wear and washing. * Affordability: Cost-effective options with excellent value for money. Reliable reviews, like those from CNET , highlight the importance of these features in empowering small businesses to thrive. Procolored: A Leader in DTF Printing Solutions As a trusted name in the industry, Procolored offers a range of cutting-edge DTF printers designed with small business owners in mind. Known for their superior quality and user-friendly interfaces, Procolored printers stand out for: * Precision Printing Technology - Procolored's advanced printheads and software integration ensure sharper, more vibrant prints with seamless color transitions. * All-in-One Design - Procolored DTF printers combine multiple functions into a single device, including printing, powder shaking, and curing, to simplify the production process and save space. * Smart Features for Efficiency - Equipped with intelligent ink systems and automated calibration, Procolored printers reduce waste and ensure consistent print quality. * Durable and Long-Lasting Prints - Procolored's proprietary ink and adhesive formulas enhance print durability, ensuring designs resist fading and cracking over time. * Sustainability-Focused Innovations - Procolored integrates eco-friendly practices, offering energy-efficient printers and biodegradable film options to support environmentally conscious businesses. Procolored's commitment to innovation has positioned them as a go-to provider for businesses looking to scale up their printing capabilities. Celebrate the Holidays with Procolored To help businesses take advantage of DTF technology, Procolored is launching its Christmas 2024 Campaign with exclusive promotions and discounts. From special pricing on their best-selling printers to festive packages designed for new customers, this is an opportunity not to be missed. For more details, visit Procolored's Christmas 2024 page [ https://www.procolored.com/ ]. About Procolored Founded in 2018, Procolored is a global leading manufaturer of lightweight inkjet printers, dedicated to developing powerful and user-friendly DTF, UV DTF, UV and DTG printers [ https://www.procolored.com/collections/dtg-printer ] suitable for various materials, including fabrics, acrylic, anoglass. To date, Procolored products are sold in more than 31 countries and regions, empowering over 30.000 homebased entrepreneurs to launch and expand their digital printing businesses. Media Contact Company Name: Procolored Inc. Contact Person: David Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=emerging-trends-in-dtf-printing-technology-empowering-small-businesses ] Country: United States Website: http://www.procolored.com This release was published on openPR.
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