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NoneSEOUL, South Korea , Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SOLVIT System, a recognized leader in innovative technology, will participate in CES 2025, taking place January 7–10 in Las Vegas . The company's iSARTM (intelligent Search and Rescue) has been honored with the prestigious CES Innovation Award in the "Smart Cities" category. At CES, SOLVIT System will showcase its groundbreaking technology to dramatically reduce search areas for individuals lost in radio shadow zones. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Top trending stories from the past week. News, Sports, and more throughout the week. The week's obituaries, delivered to your inbox.

HANOVER, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 20, 2024-- An affiliate of Balmoral Funds LLC (“Balmoral”) has successfully acquired R.H. Sheppard Co., Inc. (“Sheppard” or the “Company”), a leading provider of steering technologies for Class 5-8 trucks in North America, from Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, a North American subsidiary of Knorr-Bremse (ISIN: DE000KBX1006, ticker symbol: KBX). The transaction encompasses the entire Sheppard business, including Sheppard’s branded products, production equipment, sales and service companies, and interests in joint ventures relating to sales and production. This acquisition positions R.H. Sheppard as an independent platform, primed to build on its legacy of reliability, innovation, and customer trust. With a deep history of serving major OEMs and delivering critical steering solutions, Sheppard remains at the forefront of heavy-duty truck steering technology. Kevin Stevick, an experienced industry leader with a proven leadership track record across companies such as Niagara LaSalle Corporation and Advanced Alloy Processing, has been appointed CEO of R.H. Sheppard. “We are thrilled to lead Sheppard into its next chapter as an independent company,” said Kevin Stevick. “Sheppard has built a legacy of trust by delivering reliable, high-quality solutions that our customers depend on. As we move forward, our first priority is to uphold and strengthen that reliability, ensuring we continue to meet and exceed customer expectations. At the same time, we’re committed to investing in the business—empowering our employees, enhancing operations, and driving innovation to unlock Sheppard’s full potential. Together, we will build on Sheppard’s strong foundation and position the company for long-term success.” Richard Levernier, board member of Sheppard and Principal at Balmoral Funds, added: “We are excited to partner with and support R.H. Sheppard as the leading U.S.-based provider of steering technologies for commercial vehicles. As a standalone company, Sheppard now has the freedom and focus to chart its own path—investing in its employees, strengthening operations, and delivering the reliable, high-quality solutions customers deserve. We look forward to providing management with the resources needed to secure the bright future we envision for the Company, its employees, customers and all stakeholders.” Balmoral’s investment underscores a commitment to strengthening Sheppard’s operational capabilities and driving improved performance. By prioritizing its employees, operational efficiency, and deeper customer partnerships, Sheppard is poised to elevate its role as a leader in steering solutions for the heavy-duty trucking industry. This renewed focus will not only build upon Sheppard’s trusted reputation but also position the company to capitalize on emerging opportunities for long-term, sustainable growth. About R.H. Sheppard R.H. Sheppard Co., Inc. is a leading North American provider of steering technologies for Class 5-8 trucks, delivering safety-critical steering solutions to support performance and reliability across the heavy-duty trucking industry. Headquartered in Hanover, PA, Sheppard operates a vertically integrated manufacturing base with facilities in Wytheville, VA, and Shelby Township, MI. About Balmoral Funds LLC Balmoral is a Los Angeles, CA based private equity fund that was founded in 2005. Balmoral’s objective is to be the financial partner of choice for entrepreneurial and successful C-suite executives and operating advisors creating transformative outcomes in the businesses they co-invest in together. Balmoral has approximately $1.3 billion of assets under management. Balmoral typically invests in companies that have revenues between $30 to $500 million and require equity investments of $10 to $120 million, with the capability of doing more in particularly compelling opportunities. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241220851230/en/ CONTACT: Richard Levernier rlevernier@balmoralfunds.com KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA PENNSYLVANIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TRUCKING AUTOMOTIVE GENERAL AUTOMOTIVE TRANSPORT FINANCE SOURCE: Balmoral Funds LLC Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/20/2024 01:33 PM/DISC: 12/20/2024 01:33 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241220851230/enThe AES Co. (NYSE:AES) Receives $22.38 Average Target Price from AnalystsIsaac Newton’s third law of motion famously states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction: If you push an object, for example, the object pushes back against you with equal force. It turns out this isn’t just a law of physics. It’s a law of politics. President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks thus far have run the gamut from traditional and well-established (Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state, Rep. Mike Waltz for national security adviser, Chris Wright for secretary of energy, Brendan Carr for FCC chairman) to the more audacious and controversial (former Rep. Matt Gaetz and now Pam Bondi for attorney general, former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services secretary). They all represent a precise reaction to the excesses and evils of the Obama-Biden bureaucracy that has, for more than a decade and half, plagued American politics. Take, as the most obvious example, Gaetz. Gaetz is charismatic and brilliant; he has been both aggressive and effective on the House Judiciary Committee. He is also, as has been widely reported, thoroughly disliked in the House of Representatives. He has been generally perceived as a destructive force, an egotist focused more on media coverage than on the functioning of the House; his defenestration of Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy was unpopular among his colleagues, with many believing that he pursued McCarthy vindictively based on his opposition to McCarthy’s House Ethics investigation against him. And that’s precisely why Trump initially picked him before Gaetz decided to withdraw his name from consideration. To Donald Trump, the Department of Justice has been an instrument of vindictiveness from his first days in office. From insiders in the DOJ working with the FBI to gin up the Mueller investigation to the Merrick Garland DOJ targeting him repeatedly under legally shoddy auspices, the DOJ has consistently represented resistance to his presidency. And so Trump initially picked precisely the type of person he believes will clean out the agency from top to bottom. Or take RFK Jr. RFK Jr. represents a slap in the face to the traditional health establishment. He has a long record of controversial statements on everything ranging from 5G to vaccination. But he is a reaction to the overweening arrogance of a conspiratorial elite who crammed down Covid-19 misinformation on an industrial scale, told Americans that boys could become girls, attempted to wield the reins of government against their medical opponents and even tried to mandate vaccination on 80 million Americans. RFK Jr. is the natural reaction to a health policy elite who have made themselves radioactive. Trump himself has always been a form of snapback against the overreach of what came before.

LYMAN — Due to the increasing demand from consumers to produce cleaner soda ash, Tata Chemicals Soda Ash Partners of Green River is partnering with BWXT Advanced Technologies of Lynchburg, Virginia, to explore the deployment of eight nuclear microreactors. “We are the first in Wyoming, and I believe in the world to pursue small nuclear reactors for commercial or industrial use. We’ve been working on this partnership for two years,” Tata Director of Government Affairs Jon Conrad told the Pioneer. Ninety percent of the world’s soda ash comes from southwestern Wyoming. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

Numerology Horoscope 2025 for Root Number 3A new round of Israeli air strikes in Yemen have targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital and multiple ports while the World Health Organisation’s director-general said the bombardment occurred nearby as he prepared to board a flight. “The air traffic control tower, the departure lounge — just a few metres from where we were — and the runway were damaged,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on the social media platform X. He added that he and UN colleagues were safe. “We will need to wait for the damage to the airport to be repaired before we can leave,” he said. UN spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay later said the injured person was with the UN Humanitarian Air Service. Our mission to negotiate the release of staff detainees and to assess the health and humanitarian situation in concluded today. We continue to call for the detainees' immediate release. As we were about to board our flight from Sana’a, about two hours ago, the airport... — Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) Israel’s army later told The Associated Press it was not aware that the WHO chief was at the location in Yemen. The Israeli strikes followed several days of Houthi launches setting off sirens in Israel. The Israeli military in a statement said it attacked infrastructure used by the Iran-backed Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa and ports in Hodeida, Al-Salif and Ras Qantib, along with power stations, asserting they were used to smuggle in Iranian weapons and for the entry of senior Iranian officials. Israel’s military added it had “capabilities to strike very far from Israel’s territory — precisely, powerfully, and repetitively”. The strikes, carried out over 1,000 miles from Jerusalem, came a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “the Houthis, too, will learn what Hamas and Hezbollah and Assad’s regime and others learned” as his military has battled those more powerful proxies of Iran. The Houthi-controlled satellite channel al-Masirah reported multiple deaths and showed broken windows, collapsed ceilings and a bloodstained floor and vehicle. Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the strikes. The US military has also targeted the Houthis in recent days. The UN has said the targeted ports are important entry points for humanitarian aid for Yemen, the poorest Arab nation that plunged into a civil war in 2014. Over the weekend, 16 people were wounded when a Houthi missile hit a playground in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, while other missiles and drones have been shot down. Last week, Israeli jets struck Sanaa and Hodeida, killing nine people, calling it a response to previous Houthi attacks. The Houthis also have been targeting shipping on the Red Sea corridor in what it says is an act of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The UN Security Council has an emergency meeting on Monday in response to an Israeli request that it condemn the Houthi attacks and Iran for supplying them with weapons.

Diversifying exports portfolio for Kenya’s prosperityHow major US stock indexes fared Thursday, 11/21/2024Markets Could See Short Rally With NDA's Maharashtra Win, Says Motilal OswalJames Harden and Norman Powell Deserve All-Star Appearance More Than Stephen Curry: Chandler Parsons

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 20, 2024-- PitchBook , the premiere data provider for the private and public equity markets, has released a set of 2025 Outlooks exploring the investment trends analysts expect to see driving activity in the coming year. Spanning venture capital, private equity, healthcare, and key technology sectors, these eight reports feature over 40 outlooks from PitchBook’s global research team, marking the most extensive forecast to date. Following a year faced with economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, investors are looking ahead to 2025 with hopes of strong valuations and a potential IPO market rebound. PitchBook analysts are cautiously optimistic about several key sectors in the coming year, predicting a notable improvement in the VC market in particular. See below for a complete list of PitchBook’s 2025 Outlooks. Download the full reports to see analysts’ predictions backed by in-depth data and rationale. 2025 US Venture Capital Outlook – download here 2025 US Private Equity Outlook – download here 2025 EMEA Private Capital Outlook – download here 2025 APAC Private Capital Outlook – download here 2025 Healthcare Outlook – download here Includes Healthcare, Healthtech, Medtech, Pharmatech, and Biopharma 2025 Consumer Tech Outlook – download here Includes E-Commerce, Gaming, Retail Fintech, Foodtech, and Mobility Tech 2025 Enterprise Tech Outlook – download here Includes AI & Machine Learning, Enterprise Fintech, Crypto, Information Security, Enterprise SaaS, Infrastructure SaaS, and Insurtech 2025 Industrial Tech Outlook – download here Includes Aerospace & Defense, Supply Chain Tech, Carbon & Emissions Tech, Clean Energy, and Agtech “The breadth and depth of our 2025 Outlooks reflect not only the continued growth of PitchBook’s research and analyst team but also our commitment to delivering actionable insights into the dynamic trends shaping the private markets,” said Nizar Tarhuni, Executive Vice President of Research & Market Intelligence at PitchBook. “As investors look to navigate economic uncertainty and seize emerging opportunities across sectors, our comprehensive, data-driven forecasts empower them to make informed decisions with confidence.” PitchBook’s Institutional Research Group is composed of more than 60 analysts providing timely institutional-grade research across asset classes, established industries and emerging technologies. The team’s coverage spans private equity, venture capital, real assets, leveraged loans, high-yield bonds and private credit. The base of this research is PitchBook’s proprietary datasets, which are vetted and curated to provide market-leading insights and analysis. For more information on PitchBook, click here . About PitchBook PitchBook is a financial data and software company that provides transparency into the capital markets to help professionals discover and execute opportunities with confidence, and efficiency. PitchBook collects and analyzes detailed data on the entire venture capital, private equity, and M&A landscape—including public and private companies, investors, funds, investments, exits, and people. The company’s data and analysis are available through the PitchBook Platform, industry news, and in-depth reports. Founded in 2007, PitchBook operates globally with more than 3,000 team members. Its platform, data, and research serve over 100,000 professionals around the world. In 2016, Morningstar acquired PitchBook, which now operates as an independent subsidiary. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241220928667/en/ PR@pitchbook.com KEYWORD: WASHINGTON UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: DATA MANAGEMENT BANKING TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONAL SERVICES HEALTH HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSET MANAGEMENT DATA ANALYTICS SOFTWARE FINTECH FOOD TECH SOURCE: PitchBook Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/20/2024 01:45 PM/DISC: 12/20/2024 01:45 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241220928667/en

On Friday’s broadcast of CNN’s “OutFront,” Washington Post columnist and CNN host Fareed Zakaria stated that Russia is getting help from China, North Korea, and Iran and “the axis of Russia, China, North Korea, they’re collaborating more than the Japanese and the Germans did during World War II.” Zakaria said [relevant remarks begin around 33:30] that he’s not sure he would describe things as World War III, but “I think it’s fair to say that you now have the outlines of a global coalition. The Russians are being actively assisted by the Chinese, by the North Koreans, by the Iranians. And Ukraine, of course, has the support of a very large cohort of Western and significant non-Western countries. So, if you think of it in those terms, this is a struggle limited in one place, but the coalitions are global. And if you think about the axis of Russia, China, North Korea, they’re collaborating more than the Japanese and the Germans did during World War II. So, yeah, there is a global dimension to it. Though, I don’t think it’s a world war in the sense that it’s not going on all over the world.” Follow Ian Hanchett on Twitter @IanHanchettHANOVER, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 20, 2024-- An affiliate of Balmoral Funds LLC (“Balmoral”) has successfully acquired R.H. Sheppard Co., Inc. (“Sheppard” or the “Company”), a leading provider of steering technologies for Class 5-8 trucks in North America, from Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, a North American subsidiary of Knorr-Bremse (ISIN: DE000KBX1006, ticker symbol: KBX). The transaction encompasses the entire Sheppard business, including Sheppard’s branded products, production equipment, sales and service companies, and interests in joint ventures relating to sales and production. This acquisition positions R.H. Sheppard as an independent platform, primed to build on its legacy of reliability, innovation, and customer trust. With a deep history of serving major OEMs and delivering critical steering solutions, Sheppard remains at the forefront of heavy-duty truck steering technology. Kevin Stevick, an experienced industry leader with a proven leadership track record across companies such as Niagara LaSalle Corporation and Advanced Alloy Processing, has been appointed CEO of R.H. Sheppard. “We are thrilled to lead Sheppard into its next chapter as an independent company,” said Kevin Stevick. “Sheppard has built a legacy of trust by delivering reliable, high-quality solutions that our customers depend on. As we move forward, our first priority is to uphold and strengthen that reliability, ensuring we continue to meet and exceed customer expectations. At the same time, we’re committed to investing in the business—empowering our employees, enhancing operations, and driving innovation to unlock Sheppard’s full potential. Together, we will build on Sheppard’s strong foundation and position the company for long-term success.” Richard Levernier, board member of Sheppard and Principal at Balmoral Funds, added: “We are excited to partner with and support R.H. Sheppard as the leading U.S.-based provider of steering technologies for commercial vehicles. As a standalone company, Sheppard now has the freedom and focus to chart its own path—investing in its employees, strengthening operations, and delivering the reliable, high-quality solutions customers deserve. We look forward to providing management with the resources needed to secure the bright future we envision for the Company, its employees, customers and all stakeholders.” Balmoral’s investment underscores a commitment to strengthening Sheppard’s operational capabilities and driving improved performance. By prioritizing its employees, operational efficiency, and deeper customer partnerships, Sheppard is poised to elevate its role as a leader in steering solutions for the heavy-duty trucking industry. This renewed focus will not only build upon Sheppard’s trusted reputation but also position the company to capitalize on emerging opportunities for long-term, sustainable growth. About R.H. Sheppard R.H. Sheppard Co., Inc. is a leading North American provider of steering technologies for Class 5-8 trucks, delivering safety-critical steering solutions to support performance and reliability across the heavy-duty trucking industry. Headquartered in Hanover, PA, Sheppard operates a vertically integrated manufacturing base with facilities in Wytheville, VA, and Shelby Township, MI. About Balmoral Funds LLC Balmoral is a Los Angeles, CA based private equity fund that was founded in 2005. Balmoral’s objective is to be the financial partner of choice for entrepreneurial and successful C-suite executives and operating advisors creating transformative outcomes in the businesses they co-invest in together. Balmoral has approximately $1.3 billion of assets under management. Balmoral typically invests in companies that have revenues between $30 to $500 million and require equity investments of $10 to $120 million, with the capability of doing more in particularly compelling opportunities. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241220851230/en/ CONTACT: Richard Levernier rlevernier@balmoralfunds.com KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA PENNSYLVANIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TRUCKING AUTOMOTIVE GENERAL AUTOMOTIVE TRANSPORT FINANCE SOURCE: Balmoral Funds LLC Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/20/2024 01:33 PM/DISC: 12/20/2024 01:33 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241220851230/en

Steelers QB Russell Wilson is spreading the wealth on offenseShare Tweet Share Share Email Cryptocurrency has been one wild ride, hasn’t it? From Bitcoin’s explosive rise to Ethereum’s game-changing smart contracts, the crypto world has completely shaken up how we think about money, tech, and even ownership. With the new year just around the corner, it’s time to focus on the projects that could make 2025 a game-changer for your portfolio. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just getting your feet wet, early investments in the right cryptos could set you up for some serious gains. One name grabbing attention right now is Qubetics ($TICS) , a presale sensation tackling real-world challenges that have held the industry back. While many coins offer hype, Qubetics delivers substance, solving the everyday usability issues that crypto newcomers and veterans alike face. If you’re ready to discover the best crypto presales 2024 and other top coins to watch, let’s dive into the list. 1. Qubetics ($TICS): The Future of Web3 Integration Qubetics is more than just a flashy presale—it’s a revolution in how we use crypto. As the world’s first Web3 aggregator, Qubetics is built to simplify blockchain technology for everyone. Whether it’s integrating decentralised apps or managing multiple crypto assets, this project is tackling the barriers that make crypto feel intimidating for everyday users. What makes Qubetics stand out is its practical approach. Unlike many cryptos that thrive on speculation, Qubetics focuses on creating real-world value. Whether you’re a business looking for streamlined blockchain solutions or an investor seeking the best crypto presale to diversify your portfolio, Qubetics is worth your attention. The numbers don’t lie: the Qubetics presale is in its 14th stage, with over 377 million tokens sold to 11,800+ holders, raising more than $7.8 million. At just $0.0377 per token, $TICS is a steal—but not for long. Prices will jump by 10% once the presale hits its 15th stage this weekend. 2. Ethereum (ETH): The Smart Contract Powerhouse Ethereum isn’t going anywhere. As the OG of smart contracts, Ethereum continues to dominate the DeFi and NFT spaces. With the ongoing Ethereum 2.0 upgrade, the network is becoming faster, cheaper, and more scalable—a huge win for developers and investors alike. Analysts predict Ethereum’s dominance will continue into 2025, thanks to its unmatched ecosystem and developer activity. Whether you’re staking ETH for rewards or holding it as a long-term investment, Ethereum is a cornerstone of any crypto portfolio. 3. Polygon (MATIC): Scaling Ethereum to New Heights While Ethereum is a beast, it’s not perfect—think high fees and slow transaction times. Enter Polygon, the layer-2 solution that makes Ethereum faster and cheaper without sacrificing security. Polygon’s partnerships with big names like Disney and Adidas show its versatility and growing adoption. Its focus on zero-knowledge rollups (ZK-rollups) is also a game-changer for scalability. As we inch closer to 2025, MATIC is positioned as a must-watch coin for anyone betting on Ethereum’s success. 4. Ripple (XRP): The Cross-Border Payments Leader Ripple has been a pioneer in making international payments faster, cheaper, and more efficient. Its partnerships with financial giants and its ability to work seamlessly with traditional banking systems make XRP a unique player in the crypto space. Ripple’s recent legal victories have only strengthened its position. With institutional adoption on the rise, XRP is poised for big things in 2025. If you’re looking for a coin with both innovation and reliability, Ripple is a solid choice. 5. Near Protocol (NEAR): Scalability Meets Usability Near Protocol is a rising star in the blockchain world. Known for its user-friendly approach and sharding technology, NEAR is designed to make blockchain accessible to developers and everyday users alike. Its ability to handle fast, low-cost transactions sets it apart from the competition. With more projects choosing NEAR as their platform of choice, it’s one of the best crypto picks for 2025. If scalability and innovation are your priorities, NEAR has you covered. 6. Cardano (ADA): The Research-Driven Blockchain Cardano has always played the long game. Built on peer-reviewed research, it’s one of the most technically sound blockchains out there. With its focus on sustainability, scalability, and interoperability, Cardano is designed for the future. The upcoming Hydra upgrade is expected to bring significant improvements in transaction speed and efficiency. As more projects and developers flock to Cardano, ADA is shaping up to be a strong contender for long-term growth. Boost Your Portfolio As we gear up for 2025, these six cryptos offer a mix of innovation, scalability, and real-world utility. Whether it’s Qubetics ($TICS) redefining Web3 integration, Ethereum continuing its dominance, or Ripple reshaping cross-border payments, these projects are primed for success. Based on the latest research, we recommend Qubetics ($TICS), Ethereum (ETH), Polygon (MATIC), Ripple (XRP), Near Protocol (NEAR), and Cardano (ADA) as the best cryptos to watch as 2025 approaches . For More Information: Qubetics: https://qubetics.com/ Telegram: https://t.me/qubetics Twitter: https://twitter.com/qubetics Related Items: Blockchain , Qubetic Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you BlockDAG – Inter Milan Partnership, Presale Skyrockets to $173M; SUI Price Rises Amid Polkadot Rally Qubetics Tokenisation Opens New Markets – The Best Coin to Invest in December 2024 Amid Polygon’s Expansion and XRP’s Price Recovery BlockDAG’s New AMA – Big News, Bigger Plans & 170K Community Ready to Grow; LINK Price & Solana Network Activity Surge Comments

CNN: Indian billionaire Gautam Adani and other executives were indicted in New York on Wednesday by US prosecutors for their alleged roles in a yearslong, multi-million-dollar bribery and fraud scheme involving plans to develop a major solar power plant. The Department of Justice (DOJ) said in a statement that Adani, a key ally of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and seven other executives, including his nephew Sagar Adani, promised more than $ 250 million in bribes to Indian government officials to secure solar energy contracts. The impact of the allegations, which come more than a year after a US short-seller accused Adani Group of stock manipulation and accounting fraud, was immediately felt across the sprawling conglomerate. On Thursday, shares in the group’s listed firms fell between 10% and 20%, wiping out just under $ 30 billion in total market value according to Reuters data. It has also created political waves inside India with the Indian National Congress, a major rival of Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, renewing calls for a parliamentary investigation into Adani’s companies. The DOJ alleges the solar energy supply contracts were projected to raise more than $ 2 billion in profits after tax over an approximately 20-year period. Authorities say Adani, 62, personally met with an Indian government official to “advance” the scheme, which took place between 2020 to 2024. The defendants frequently met and allegedly discussed the bribery scheme, including evidence on several phones. “This indictment alleges schemes to pay over $ 250 million in bribes to Indian government officials, to lie to investors and banks to raise billions of dollars, and to obstruct justice,” Deputy Assistant Attorney General Lisa Miller said in the statement. “These offenses were allegedly committed by senior executives and directors to obtain and finance massive state energy supply contracts through corruption and fraud at the expense of US investors,” she added. In a statement sent to CNN, the Adani Group called the allegations “baseless and denied.” “The Adani Group has always upheld and is steadfastly committed to maintaining the highest standards of governance, transparency and regulatory compliance across all jurisdictions of its operations. We assure our stakeholders, partners and employees that we are a law-abiding organisation, fully compliant with all laws,” said a spokesperson for the group. Worth more than $ 85 billion, Adani, the founder of his eponymous group, is Asia’s second-richest person behind countryman Mukesh Ambani, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaires Index. In a letter to India’s two main stock exchanges, Adani Green, which is building the world’s biggest energy plant on the edge of Western India, acknowledged the separate criminal and civil indictments brought by US officials. Sagar Adani is executive director of the company. “In light of these developments, our subsidiaries have presently decided not to proceed with the proposed USD denominated bond offerings,” it said. Reuters and the Financial Times reported the bond sale was worth $ 600 million. US authorities said Adani and his associates tried to hide the alleged bribery schemes from US investors “in order to obtain financing, including to fund those solar energy supply contracts procured through bribery.” They referred to documentation including a cell phone to extensively track specific details on the bribes, a photograph of a document summarizing various bribe amounts and PowerPoint and Excel analyses “that summarized various options for paying and concealing bribe payments.” In a parallel civil action, the Securities and Exchange Commission also charged both Adanis (as executives of Adani Green Energy Ltd) and Cyril Cabanes, an executive of Azure Power Global, for the bribery scheme that the SEC said allowed both companies to capitalize off a lucrative contract by the Indian government. The SEC said Adani Green raised more than $ 175 million from US investors on those misrepresentations. CNN has reached out to India’s Ministry of External Affairs for comment. For more than a year, the Adani Group has been trying to restore its reputation following allegations made in January 2023 by the US short-seller Hindenburg Research of a “brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud scheme. The billionaire’s fortune, which at one point in 2022 was worth more than that of Jeff Bezos, plummeted over $80 billion following the report. In its investigation, which Hindenburg said took two years to compile, the American firm had questioned the “sky-high valuations” of Adani companies and said their “substantial debt” put the entire group “on a precarious financial footing.” Short-sellers make money by betting that a company’s stock will fall. The Adani Group published a 400-page rebuttal, calling the Hindenburg analysis “nothing but a lie.” Adani began his career in diamond trading. He set up a commodity trading business in 1988, which later evolved into Adani Enterprises, and now has firms in key sectors ranging from ports and power to media and clean energy.

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Nio ( NIO 2.98% ) , one of the leading electric vehicle (EV) makers in China, posted a messy third-quarter earnings report on Nov. 20. Its revenue dipped 2% year over year to 18.67 billion yuan ($2.66 billion) and missed analysts' estimates by 0.47 billion yuan. Its net loss widened from 3.95 billion yuan to 5.06 billion yuan ($721 million), or 2.14 yuan ($0.31) per American depositary receipt (ADR) -- which also missed the consensus forecast by 0.22 yuan. Those headline numbers were disappointing, but Nio's stock barely budged after the report. That might be because its stock already sank nearly 50% this year and remains more than 25% below its initial public offering (IPO) price . So should you buy, sell, or hold Nio's stock today? What sets Nio apart from its competitors? Nio sells a wide range of electric sedans and SUVs. It sells most of its vehicles in China, but it's been gradually expanding into Europe. It stands out from the competition because its batteries can be quickly swapped out at its battery-swapping stations. Nio's namesake ET, ES, and EC-series vehicles target the premium market. Its Onvo sub-brand sells cheaper smart vehicles, and its new Firefly sub-brand will roll out its first plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) for overseas markets in 2026. How fast is Nio growing? Nio started delivering its first vehicles in 2018. It attracted a lot of attention when its deliveries more than doubled in 2020 and 2021, but it lost its momentum in 2021 and 2022 as China's EV market cooled off. Macro headwinds, weather-related disruptions, and intense competition exacerbated its slowdown. Metric 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 9M 2024 Deliveries 20,565 43,728 91,429 122,486 160,038 149,281 Growth (YOY) 81% 113% 109% 34% 31% 36% Data source: Nio. YOY = Year over year. But in the first nine months of 2024, Nio's deliveries accelerated again. That acceleration was driven by its strong sales of ET-series sedans and Onvo smart vehicles in China, as well as its expansion into Europe. By the end of October, its year-to-date deliveries had risen 35% year over year to 170,257 vehicles. Nio expects to deliver 72,000 to 75,000 vehicles in the fourth quarter of 2024, which implies its full-year deliveries will grow 51% to 53% from 2023. Analysts expect its revenue to grow 25% for the full year and rise 42% in 2024. Based on those expectations, Nio's stock looks dirt cheap at a price-to-sales ratio of less than 1. By comparison, Tesla trades at 9 times next year's sales. Will Nio ever turn a profit? Nio's vehicle margin jumped from negative 9.9% in 2019 to positive 20.2% in 2021. However, that figure dropped to 9.5% in 2023 and 9.2% in the first quarter of 2024 as the persistent price war in China's softening EV market throttled its pricing power. That pressure drove a lot of investors away from Nio, but its vehicle margin actually rose to 12.2% in the second quarter of 2024 and 13.1% in the third quarter. During the conference call , CFO Stanley Qu set a target vehicle margin for 15% in the fourth quarter and said that would represent its "baseline" for 2025 as it sold a higher mix of premium vehicles. Qu also expects Nio's gross margin to rise from 9% in the first nine months of 2024 to 20% over the long term as it optimizes its marketing strategies and supply chain. But some of those gains could potentially be offset by the rising tariffs on Chinese EVs in Europe and other overseas markets. Even if Nio's vehicle and gross margins expand, its operating margin will likely stay in the red as it builds more loss-leading battery swapping stations. Analysts expect the company to gradually narrow its net losses through 2026, but it won't come close to breaking even anytime soon. Is it the right time to buy, sell, or hold Nio's stock? I think it's smarter to buy or hold Nio's stock than to sell it. Its deliveries are accelerating, its vehicle margins are rising, and its stock is undervalued. The threat of higher tariffs and the EV price war in China could squeeze its near-term valuations, but its stock could soar if it successfully scales up its business.The Christmas tradition has become nearly global in scope: Children from around the world track Santa Claus as he sweeps across the earth, delivering presents and defying time. Each year, at least 100,000 kids call into the to inquire about Santa’s location. Millions more follow online in nine languages, from English to Japanese. On any other night, NORAD is scanning the heavens for potential threats, such as last year’s Chinese spy balloon. But on Christmas Eve, volunteers in Colorado Springs are fielding questions like, “When is Santa coming to my house?” and, “Am I on the naughty or nice list?” “There are screams and giggles and laughter,” said Bob Sommers, 63, a civilian contractor and NORAD volunteer. Sommers often says on the call that everyone must be asleep before Santa arrives, prompting parents to say, “Do you hear what he said? We got to go to bed early.” NORAD’s annual tracking of Santa has endured since the Cold War, predating ugly sweater parties and Mariah Carey classics. The tradition continues regardless of government shutdowns, such as the one in 2018, and this year. Here’s how it began and why the phones keep ringing. It started with a child’s accidental phone call in 1955. The Colorado Springs newspaper printed a Sears advertisement that encouraged children to call Santa, listing a phone number. A boy called. But he reached the Continental Air Defense Command, now NORAD, a joint U.S. and Canadian effort to spot potential enemy attacks. Tensions were growing with the Soviet Union, along with anxieties about nuclear war. Air Force Col. Harry W. Shoup picked up an emergency-only “red phone” and was greeted by a tiny voice that began to recite a Christmas wish list. “He went on a little bit, and he takes a breath, then says, ‘Hey, you’re not Santa,’” Shoup told The Associated Press in 1999. Realizing an explanation would be lost on the youngster, Shoup summoned a deep, jolly voice and replied, “Ho, ho, ho! Yes, I am Santa Claus. Have you been a good boy?” Shoup said he learned from the boy’s mother that Sears mistakenly printed the top-secret number. He hung up, but the phone soon rang again with a young girl reciting her Christmas list. Fifty calls a day followed, he said. In the pre-digital age, the agency used a 60-by-80 foot (18-by-24 meter) plexiglass map of North America to track unidentified objects. A staff member jokingly drew Santa and his sleigh over the North Pole. The tradition was born. “Note to the kiddies,” began an AP story from Colorado Springs on Dec. 23, 1955. “Santa Claus Friday was assured safe passage into the United States by the Continental Air Defense Command.” In a likely reference to the Soviets, the article noted that Santa was guarded against possible attack from “those who do not believe in Christmas.” Some grinchy journalists have nitpicked Shoup’s story, questioning whether a misprint or a misdial prompted the boy’s call. In 2014, tech news site Gizmodo from Dec. 1, 1955, about a child’s call to Shoup. Published in the Pasadena Independent, the article said the child reversed two digits in the Sears number. “When a childish voice asked COC commander Col. Harry Shoup, if there was a Santa Claus at the North Pole, he answered much more roughly than he should — considering the season: ‘There may be a guy called Santa Claus at the North Pole, but he’s not the one I worry about coming from that direction,’” Shoup said in the brief piece. In 2015, The Atlantic magazine to the secret line, while noting that Shoup had a flair for public relations. Phone calls aside, Shoup was indeed media savvy. In 1986, he told the Scripps Howard News Service that he recognized an opportunity when a staff member drew Santa on the glass map in 1955. A lieutenant colonel promised to have it erased. But Shoup said, “You leave it right there,” and summoned public affairs. Shoup wanted to boost morale for the troops and public alike. “Why, it made the military look good — like we’re not all a bunch of snobs who don’t care about Santa Claus,” he said. Shoup died in 2009. His children that it was a misprinted Sears ad that prompted the phone calls. “And later in life he got letters from all over the world,” said Terri Van Keuren, a daughter. “People saying ‘Thank you, Colonel, for having, you know, this sense of humor.’” NORAD’s tradition is one of the few modern additions to the centuries-old Santa story that have endured, according to Gerry Bowler, a Canadian historian who spoke to the AP in 2010. Ad campaigns or movies try to “kidnap” Santa for commercial purposes, said Bowler, who wrote “Santa Claus: A Biography.” NORAD, by contrast, takes an essential element of Santa’s story and views it through a technological lens. In a recent interview with the AP, Air Force Lt. Gen. Case Cunningham explained that NORAD radars in Alaska and Canada —- known as the northern warning system — are the first to detect Santa. He leaves the North Pole and typically heads for the international dateline in the Pacific Ocean. From there he moves west, following the night. “That’s when the satellite systems we use to track and identify targets of interest every single day start to kick in,” Cunningham said. “A probably little-known fact is that Rudolph’s nose that glows red emanates a lot of heat. And so those satellites track (Santa) through that heat source.” NORAD has an app and website, , that will track Santa on Christmas Eve from 4 a.m. to midnight, mountain standard time. People can call 1-877-HI-NORAD to ask live operators about Santa’s location from 6 a.m. to midnight, mountain time.