VP Chiwenga Dumps Mnangagwa’s Scarf
New Delhi, Dec 24 (PTI) Domestic telecom gear maker HFCL inaugurated its defence equipment manufacturing facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, the company said on Tuesday. The new facility will produce defence technologies, including HFCL's indigenously developed thermal weapon sights, electronic fuzes, high-capacity radio relay (HCRR) systems and surveillance radars. Also Read | TTD Vaikunta Ekadasi 2025 Ticket Booking Commences: Online Tickets for Tirumala Vaikunta Dwara Darshan in Tirupati Now Available for Devotees, Here's How To Book. "HFCL is proud to inaugurate this advanced defence equipment manufacturing facility in Hosur, which symbolises our unwavering dedication to innovation, excellence, and national progress. This facility will allow us to deliver world-class defence technologies to armed forces, enabling them to operate with greater efficiency and confidence in critical missions," HFCL Managing Director Mahendra Nahata said. The facility has the capacity to manufacture up to 5,000 thermal weapon sights, 250,000 electronic fuzes, 1,000 units each of high-capacity radio relays and ground surveillance radars annually, the statement said. Also Read | Year Ender 2024: From Launch of India's 1st Analog Space Mission to Successful Tests of Reusable Launch Vehicle 'Pushpak', Check List of ISRO Accomplishments. HFCL's thermal weapon sights are compatible with small arms, such as rifles, light machine guns (LMGs), and rocket launchers, and offer features like high-resolution imaging etc. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)Shehbaz Sharif emphasises technology-driven reforms, targets sugar, cement, and tobacco sectors to boost transparency and stabilise markets Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to bring tax defaulters into the tax net and enforce strict measures against non-compliance. These directives were issued during a key review meeting focused on enhancing revenue collection, according to a press release by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. In the meeting, officials provided updates on the installation and monitoring of video analytics in the sugar industry, a measure aimed at improving transparency and efficiency. The Prime Minister emphasised that the government’s digitisation initiatives for the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) would yield significant financial benefits for the national treasury. Shehbaz Sharif stressed the importance of leveraging technology to modernise FBR operations, stating that improving the board’s performance through technological innovation remains a top government priority. He noted that the use of video analytics in the sugar industry would enhance revenue collection, curb hoarding, and help stabilise market prices. He further assured that the government’s primary objective is to ensure the availability of sugar at affordable prices for the public and instructed officials to monitor sugar stocks regularly to maintain an uninterrupted supply chain. The Prime Minister also called for stringent and indiscriminate actions against tax evasion and under-reporting by sugar mills, reaffirming the government’s commitment to accountability and fair taxation. He directed the swift completion of FBR’s value chain digitisation efforts and urged the expedited implementation of video analytics in the cement and tobacco industries to broaden the scope of revenue generation initiatives. The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Minister of State for Finance Ali Pervaiz Malik, and senior government officials. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );HYDRAA to Use NRSC Images to Protect LakesHealth care in New Mexico ranks near the bottom in the country for nearly all of the key health care metrics used to judge states and populations, such as mortality rates, affordability of and access to health care, avoidable deaths, infant mortality, women's mortality and life expectancy. New Mexico's overall health care ranking is 43rd out of the states, an ongoing issue that needs improvement. It is necessary to expand New Mexico's statewide health care programs, prepare more medical professionals, increase funding, upgrade equipment and improve telehealth and facilities. These changes would encourage and provide an incentive for doctors, nurses and specialists to stay in New Mexico and improve the state's medical system. Additionally, these expansions would provide more financial support and attract health care providers to New Mexico and hopefully allow the state to retain the providers trained in New Mexico. While many communities have limited access to health care, others have none, which creates an issue that requires continuous efforts to improve. Many people in New Mexico do not have equal or timely access to health care facilities and need to travel long distances to access care, causing them to spend excessive amounts of time traveling, even crossing state lines, to seek care. Shaping the future of health care is essential for New Mexicans to be able to receive the health care services they need. To do so, it is crucial to better coordinate and strengthen the state's health care network and patient outreach. Setting the goals of shortening the time it takes to schedule appointments with primary care physicians and making it easier to find a primary care physician and obtain timely referrals to specialists in larger health care systems should also be considered. Nearly all counties in New Mexico are facing health care professional shortages. Nursing shortages in New Mexico, for example, can be considered significant when compared with national trends. Shortages can result in New Mexicans not being able to receive proper care. In Las Vegas, N.M., efforts have been made to improve the nursing shortage that the Alta Vista Regional Hospital is experiencing. These efforts include providing a place for the local nursing students from New Mexico Highlands University and Luna Community College to receive training while the hospital staffers seek potential future nurses. Generally, New Mexico can expand more residency programs in all parts of the state to prepare future providers as well as add and enhance the quality-of-life opportunities for families of health care professionals to keep them in New Mexico communities, regardless of size. Complex community needs in New Mexico come with additional challenges because of the need to expand clinical education and clinical research. In addition, culturally competent care is required for the diverse population that exists within New Mexico. Taking care of the aging and youth populations is an important aspect to consider when shaping the future of health care. Mental and physical health is also important for all patients, as there has been a growing need for mental and behavioral health care within communities. Communication is a key aspect in shaping the future of health care in New Mexico. Medical and legal teams must work together with the public for improviements in health care to occur. This is going to take consistent and continuous efforts from all sides of the political spectrum, given that improving and shaping the future of health care is not an easy fix. As technology is set to continue advancing, it is important that the state continues to use validated, evidence-based technology within the health care system. Technological advances regarding health care, such as telehealth, can grant more New Mexicans access to the health care services that they need. All areas of the state have unique offerings to attract and retain health care professionals. When we work together, solve health issues affecting us and build a strong system of care, New Mexico's families and its economy benefit. Sen. Pete Campos, a Democrat from Las Vegas, N.M., has served in the state Senate since 1991. Dr. Christian Bowers, a neurosurgeon and clinical researcher, formerly was program director and vice chairman of clinical affairs at the University of New Mexico.
Nutanix Q1 Results Offset By Slowing Annual Recurring Revenue, Federal Vertical Weakness: AnalystsPope Francis kicks off a yearlong Jubilee that will test his stamina and Rome's patience VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has opened the great Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica. The ceremony kicks off the 2025 Holy Year. It's a celebration of the Catholic Church that is expected to draw some 32 million pilgrims to Rome. And it will test the pope’s stamina and the ability of the Eternal City to welcome them. This begins the Christmas Eve Mass. The ceremony inaugurates the once-every-25-year tradition of a Jubilee. Francis has dedicated the 2025 Jubilee to the theme of hope. Bethlehem marks a second subdued Christmas Eve during the war in Gaza BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — Bethlehem is marking another somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of war in Gaza. Manger Square lacked its usual festive lights and crowds of tourists on Tuesday. Instead, the area outside the Nativity Church was quiet. The church was built atop the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born. The war, the violence in the occupied West Bank it has spurred and the lack of festivities has deeply hurt Bethlehem's economy. The town relies heavily on Christmas tourism. The economy in the West Bank was already reeling because of restrictions placed on laborers preventing them from entering Israel during the war. Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights WASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne Tuesday about one hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop, which prevented planes from taking off. American said in an email that the problem was caused by an issue with a vendor technology that maintains its flight operating system. Aviation analytics company Cirium said flights were delayed across American’s major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time. Nineteen flights were cancelled. Middle East latest: Israel expels patients from a hospital in Gaza TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The Palestinian Health Ministry says Israeli soldiers raided a hospital in isolated northern Gaza after forcing all the patients and most of the doctors to leave. The Israeli military confirmed its troops had entered the Indonesian Hospital in the town of Jabaliya on Tuesday, as part of an operation searching for Hamas fighters. Winter is hitting the Gaza Strip and many of the nearly 2 million Palestinians displaced by the devastating 15-month war are struggling to protect themselves from the wind, cold and rain. In the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian city of Bethlehem was marking a somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of war in Gaza, with most festivities cancelled and crowds of tourists absent. Caitlin Clark honored as AP Female Athlete of the Year following her impact on women's sports Caitlin Clark has been named the AP Female Athlete of the Year after raising the profile of women’s basketball to unprecedented levels in both college and the WNBA. She led Iowa to the national championship game, was the top pick in the WNBA draft and captured rookie of the year honors in the league. Fans packed sold-out arenas and millions of television viewers followed her journey on and off the court. Clark's exploits also put other women's sports leagues in the spotlight. A group of 74 sports journalists from AP and its members voted on the award. Other athletes who received votes included Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and boxer Imane Khelif. Clark’s only the fourth women’s basketball player to win the award since it was first given in 1931. Major storm pounds California's central coast, blamed for man's death and partially collapsing pier SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP) — A major storm has pounded California’s central coast bringing flooding and high surf that was blamed for fatally trapping a man beneath debris on a beach and later partially collapsing a pier, tossing three people into the Pacific Ocean. The storm was expected to bring hurricane-force winds and waves up to 60 feet Monday as it gained strength from California to the Pacific Northwest. Some California cities have ordered beachfront homes and hotels to evacuate early Monday afternoon. Forecasters have warned that storm swells would continue to increase throughout the day. Medellin Cartel victims demand truth and justice as cartel boss Fabio Ochoa walks free in Colombia BOGOTÁ, Colombia (AP) — The return of the notorious drug trafficker Fabio Ochoa to Colombia, following his deportation from the United States, has reopened old wounds among the victims of the Medellin cartel, with some expressing their dismay at the decision of Colombian authorities to let the former mafia boss walk free.Some of the cartel victims said on Tuesday that they are hoping the former drug lord will at least cooperate with ongoing efforts by human rights groups to investigate one of the most violent periods of Colombia’s history, and demanded that Colombian prosecutors also take Ochoa in for questioning. Man arraigned on murder charges in NYC subway death fanned flames with a shirt, prosecutors say NEW YORK (AP) — Prosecutors say a man accused of burning a woman to death inside a New York City subway train used a shirt to fan the flames, causing her to become engulfed. The suspect, identified by police as Sebastian Zapeta, was arraigned in Brooklyn criminal court on Tuesday. He faces murder charges that could put him in prison for life. Federal immigration officials say 33-year-old Zapeta is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally after being deported in 2018. The apparently random attack occurred Sunday morning on a stationary F train at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn. Amsterdam court sentences 5 men over violence linked to Ajax-Maccabi soccer game THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — An Amsterdam District Court has issued sentences of up to six months in jail against 5 men who were involved in violent disorder after a soccer match between the Dutch club Ajax and Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv in November. The riots caused an international outcry and accusations of deliberate anti-Semitic attacks. The violence following a UEFA Europa League match left 5 people in hospital. More than 60 suspects were detained. The court on Tuesday sentenced one man to 6 months in prison, another to 2 1/2 months, two to 1 month and one to 100 hours of community service.
Cosmetic Ingredients Market Set for Rapid Expansion with High CAGR by 2024-2031 | Clariant AG, Solvay S.A., Croda International PLC, BASF SEMilitary courts' verdicts announced under law enacted by parliament: FOWelcome to an early edition of The Weekender (Pre-kender?). We’re posting today in case you are hunting right now for fun stuff to do over the long Christmas weekend — and to wish all of you a very happy holiday season. Related Articles Things To Do | This condiment is the only sauce you’ll need to hack the holidays Things To Do | How to kick back, relax and embrace a less-than-perfect holiday Things To Do | Dick Spotswood: During Marin season of giving, here are a few good nonprofit groups Things To Do | Marin mixologists share 4 holiday cocktail recipes Things To Do | Make a beef tenderloin for that holiday feast Now let’s get to it, shall we? (As always, be sure to double check event and venue websites for any last-minute changes in health guidelines or other details.) Meanwhile, if you’d like to have this Weekender lineup delivered to your inbox every Thursday morning for free, just sign up at www.mercurynews.com/newsletters or www.eastbaytimes.com/newsletters . 1 WATCH: Christmas day movies It’s one of those Hollywood traditions that continues, even if movie-watching habits have changed somewhat: Big, Oscar-hopeful films opening in theaters on Christmas Day. This year, the Xmas openings include the much-buzzed-about “A Complete Unknown,” with Timothee Chalamet playing Bob Dylan. And if horror is your thing, films don’t get much creepier than Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu,” which is getting rave reviews. 2 MAKE & EAT: A whole lotta latkes Hannukah is Wednesday through Jan. 2; so it’s a perfect time to check out this recipe for mouthwatering, crispy-delicious potato pancakes. 3 PLAY: New Year’s Eve fun If you want to get out and hear some live music on New Year’s Eve, you have some awesome choices. And come to think of it, there are a ton of ways to ring in 2025 in the Bay Area. 4 SIP: It’s Bloody Mary season Whether you’re chasing the dog that bit you, looking for a new dog or just love the tangy, spicy taste of a well-made Bloody Mary, we salute you. And we’ve got what you need , if you want to find the Bay Area’s best or make your own. 5 HEAR: The year’s best albums Artists ranging from current pop queens like Sabrina Carpenter to rock veterans like The Cure have one thing in common — they released amazing albums in 2024. 6 MAKE & SIP: Wonderful winter cocktails Yes, there are some cocktails that are just meant to be savored during a chilly winter day. Here’s how to make them. 7 PLAY: Amazing video games The holidays are a great time to unwind with video games — and you might as well try out the year’s best.
Becoming a resident of South Dakota is easy. Some say too easyNASSAU, Bahamas — Anthony Dell’Orso hit five 3-pointers and scored 21 points, Caleb Love added three 3s and 20 points and No. 24 Arizona pulled away for a 104-71 victory over Davidson at the Battle 4 Atlantis on Wednesday night to snap a two-game skid. Trey Townsend added 17 points, Tobe Awaka had 13 points and 10 rebounds and Motiejus Krivas scored 10 points for Arizona (3-2), which shot 57% and made 11 of 22 from 3-point range. Connor Kochera scored 20 points and Bobby Durkin hit five 3s and added 15 points for Davidson (4-1), which shot 38% and made just 11 of 34 3-point tries. Arizona's 17-point second-half lead was cut to six about 7 1/2 minutes into the second half but the team outscored Davidson 36-9 the rest of the way. Arizona led at halftime 49-37. Takeaways Arizona arrived at this tournament after losses to Wisconsin and Duke. Once ranked No. 9 in The Associated Press Top 25 poll, the Wildcats had slipped to No. 24. They're trying to keep alive a streak of having been ranked in the last 61 AP polls. This victory helps but there are more obstacles ahead in this tourney. Key moment Townsend's second 3-pointer to cap an 18-4 run left Davidson behind after it had cut an earlier 17-point deficit to six points. In this handout provided by Bahamas Visual Services, Arizona guard Jaden Bradley goes to the basket as Davidson forward Sean Logan (15) defends during an NCAA college basketball game at the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament in Paradise Island, Bahamas Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024. Credit: AP/Tim Aylen Key stats Though Arizona shot well from the arc, much of its effort went to using its dominance inside to outscore Davidson 50-28 in the paint. It's interior defense helped hold Davidson's top offensive weapon, 6-foot-11 Reed Bailey, a 19 points-per-game scorer, to nine points and 3-of-11 shooting. Up next Arizona takes on Oklahoma, a 79-77 winner over Providence, in the semifinals on Thursday. Davidson will play the Friars in the consolation bracket.
Lewis scores 17 as Marist takes down UMBC 76-73 in OTKhurshid Ganai red flags environmental issues in Kashmir
Another prominent UFC fighter has publicly complained after he was dealt a raw hand by having his opponent pull out at the last minute, being unable to procure a replacement due to NYSAC interference, and the UFC not paying him his show money – or any money. Chris Weidman, who was scheduled to face Eryk Anders at UFC 309, is coincidentally the brother-in-law of Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson, who also got in the news for this in 2023 after Michel Pereira missed weight for their UFC 291 bout. Weidman in fact stated that he believes Thompson got some money from the promotion, but not his full purse. Now, the former defending middleweight champion has expressed the same concerns on The Ariel Helwani Show “I showed up, you guys had that on the budget sheet to begin with, you guys had a great night, why do you keep that money and I dont?” Chris did a lot more than show up. Fighters have to go through a several-week-long training camp (which is not cheap), media obligations every day during fight week, and all the while have to starve and dehydrate themselves to cut weight. To not be compensated at all for that is harsh. Weidman says the UFC’s excuse was, “Their thoughts were, ‘Listen, this happens on like 40% of the cards, and if we paid people to not fight...’ they just want to be consistent.’” The problem with that is simple; what exactly would happen if you paid people to not fight? If this happens once on 40% of cards, that is only about ten fights per year where they would have to pay a fighter their show money. According to Chris, that is their own figure. The Ultimate Fighting Championship is worth $12 billion and has yearly revenues in excess of $1 billion since 2022 . For 2023 that number was $1.3 billion , according to the latest figures, but fighters are only paid 13% now . If they paid approximately ten fighters a year their show money for an opponent pulling out at the last minute, i.e. after the weigh-ins, then the UFC would be out no more than a million dollars a year, unless all ten were veterans with large purses. Chris Weidman has put his blood, sweat, and tears into this company, has had his shin snapped in half in the UFC octagon. He has been a loyal company man and will have health issues from MMA that last his entire life. Yet improving the revenue share to 14% is apparently beyond the pale, as is the UFC treating some of their own longest-tenured fighters fairly. Chris Weidman deserves his contracted UFC 309 ‘show’ money after Eryk Anders had to pull out just hours before their fight. “My show money is my win money. I have guaranteed money. So that was my point—like, I showed up, you guys had that on the budget sheet to begin with, you... pic.twitter.com/7pf1ifIlPeWASHINGTON — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday because of a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop for the airline. The order, which prevented planes from taking off, was issued at the airline's request. The airline said in an email that the problem was caused by trouble with vendor technology that maintains its flight operating system. An American Airlines employee wearing looks toward quiet check-in counters Tuesday in the American terminal at Miami International Airport in Miami. Dennis Tajer, a spokesperson for the Allied Pilots Association, a union representing American Airlines pilots, said the airline told pilots at 7 a.m. Eastern that there was an outage affecting the system known as FOS. It handles different types of airline operations, including dispatch, flight planning, passenger boarding, as well as an airplane's weight and balance data, he said. Some components of FOS have gone down in the past, but a systemwide outage is rare, Tajer said. Flights were delayed across American's major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics company. Out of the 3,901 domestic and international American Airlines flights scheduled for Tuesday, 19 were canceled. Cirium noted that the vast majority of flights departed within two hours of their scheduled departure time. A similar percentage — 36% — arrived at their destinations as scheduled. Meanwhile, the flight-tracking site FlightAware reported that 3,712 flights entering or leaving the U.S., or serving domestic destinations, were delayed Tuesday, with 55 flights canceled. It did not show any flights from American Airlines. Cirium said Dallas-Fort Worth, New York's Kennedy Airport and Charlotte, North Carolina, saw the greatest number of delays. Washington, Chicago and Miami experienced considerably fewer delays. Travelers wait in line for security checks Tuesday at the Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles. Amid the travel problems, significant rain and snow were expected in the Pacific Northwest at least into Christmas Day. Showers and thunderstorms developed in the South. Freezing rain was reported in the Mid-Atlantic region near Baltimore and Washington, and snow fell in New York. Because the holiday travel period lasts weeks, airports and airlines typically have smaller peak days than they do during the rush around Thanksgiving, but the grind of one hectic day followed by another takes a toll on flight crews. Any hiccups — a winter storm or a computer outage — can snowball into massive disruptions. That is how Southwest Airlines stranded 2 million travelers in December 2022, and Delta Air Lines suffered a smaller but significant meltdown after a worldwide technology outage in July caused by a faulty software update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations even more disruptive than during slower periods. That is especially true for smaller budget airlines that have fewer flights and fewer options for rebooking passengers. Only the largest airlines, including American, Delta and United, have "interline agreements" that let them put stranded customers on another carrier's flights. An American Airlines employee wearing a Santa Claus hat walks through the American terminal Tuesday at Miami International Airport in Miami. This will be the first holiday season since a Transportation Department rule took effect that requires airlines to give customers an automatic cash refund for a canceled or significantly delayed flight. Most air travelers were already eligible for refunds, but they often had to request them. Passengers still can ask to get rebooked, which is often a better option than a refund during peak travel periods. Finding a last-minute flight on another airline tends to be expensive. An American spokesperson said Tuesday was not a peak travel day for the airline — with about 2,000 fewer flights than the busiest days — so the airline had somewhat of a buffer to manage the delays. The groundings happened as millions of travelers were expected to fly over the next 10 days. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen 40 million passengers through Jan. 2. Airlines expect to have their busiest days on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. American Airlines employees check in travelers Tuesday in the American terminal at Miami International Airport in Miami. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations more disruptive than during slower periods. Even with just a brief outage, the cancellations have a cascading effect that can take days to clear up. About 90% of Americans traveling far from home over the holidays will be in cars, according to AAA. "Airline travel is just really high right now, but most people do drive to their destinations, and that is true for every holiday," AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz said. Gasoline prices are similar to last year. The nationwide average Thursday was $3.04 a gallon, down from $3.13 a year ago, according to AAA. Charging an electric vehicle averages just under 35 cents per per kilowatt hour, but varies by state. Transportation-data firm INRIX says travel times on the nation's highways could be up to 30% longer than normal over the holidays, with Sunday expected to see the heaviest traffic. "It's not the destination, it's the journey," said American essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson. Ralph clearly was not among the travellers on one of more than 350 cancelled or 1,400 delayed flights after a worldwide tech outage caused by an update to Crowdstrike's "Falcon Sensor" software in July of 2023. U.S. airlines carried nearly 863 million travellers in 2023, with Canadian carriers accounting for another 150 million, many of whom experienced lost luggage, flight delays, cancellations, or were bumped off their flights. It's unclear how many of them were compensated for these inconveniences. Suffice it to say, posting a crabby rant on social media might temporarily soothe anger, but it won't put wasted money back in pockets. Money.ca shares what to know in order to be compensated for the three most common air travel headaches. Bags elected to go on a vacay without you? Check off the following: If you expect a large payout, think again. Tariffs (air carrier contracts) limit the compensation amounts for "loss of, damage to, or the delay in delivery of baggage or other personal property." In the case of Air Canada, the maximum payout is $1,500 per passenger in the currency of the country where the baggage was processed. To raise that limit, purchase a Declaration of Higher Value for each leg of the trip. The charge is $0.50 for each $100, in which case the payout limit is $2,500. For Delta Air Lines, passengers are entitled to up to $3,800 in baggage compensation, though how much you'll receive depends on your flight. Delta will pay up to $2,080 for delayed, lost, and damaged baggage for international travellers, almost half of what U.S. domestic passengers can claim. If your flight is marked delayed for more than 30 minutes, approach the gate agent and politely request food and hotel vouchers to be used within the airport or nearby. Different air carriers and jurisdictions have their own compensation policies when flights are delayed or cancelled. For example, under European Union rules, passengers may receive up to 600 Euros, even when travelling on a non-EU carrier. Similarly, the DOT states that travellers are entitled to a refund "if the airline cancelled a flight, regardless of the reason, and the consumer chooses not to travel." However, US rules regarding delays are complicated. Some air carriers, such as Air Canada, do not guarantee their flight schedules. They're also not liable for cancellations or changes due to "force majeure" such as weather conditions or labour disruptions. If the delay is overnight, only out-of-town passengers will be offered hotel accommodation. Nevertheless, many airlines do offer some compensation for the inconvenience. If your flight is marked delayed for more than 30 minutes, approach the gate agent and politely request food and hotel vouchers to be used within the airport or nearby. In terms of cash compensation, what you'll get can differ significantly based on things like departure location, time, carrier, and ticket class. The DOT offers a helpful delay and cancellations dashboard designed to keep travellers informed about their compensation rights. The dashboard is particularly helpful because, as the DOT states on its website, "whether you are entitled to a refund depends on a lot of factors—such as the length of the delay, the length of the flight, and your particular circumstances." The Canadian Transportation Agency is proposing air passenger protection regulations that guarantee financial compensation to travellers experiencing flight delays and cancellations, with the level of compensation varying depending on the situation and how much control the air carrier had. The proposed regulations include the following: The airline is obligated to complete the passenger's itinerary. If the new ticket is for a lower class of service, the air carrier would have to refund the cost difference; if the booking is in a higher class of service, passengers cannot be charged extra. If the passenger declines the ticket, the airline must give a full refund, in addition to the prescribed compensation. For overnight delays, the air carrier needs to provide hotel accommodation and transportation free-of-charge. Again, if you are unsatisfied, the Canadian Transportation Agency or Department of Transportation may advocate on your behalf. Passengers get bumped because airlines overbook. When this happens, the air carrier must compensate you. For international flights in the US, the rate is 200% of your one-way fare to your final destination, with a $675 maximum. If the airline does not make travel arrangements for you, the payout is 400% of your one-way fare to a maximum of $1,350. To qualify, you must check-in by the stated deadline, which on international flights can be up to 3 hours ahead. Keep in mind that if you accept the cash, you are no longer entitled to any further compensation, nor are you guaranteed to be rebooked on a direct flight or similar type of seat. Don't be too quick to give up your boarding pass. Negotiate for the best compensation deal that would include cash, food and hotel vouchers, flight upgrade, lounge passes, as well as mileage points. But avoid being too greedy—if the gate attendant is requesting volunteers and you wait too long, you'll miss the offer. According to Air Canada's tariff, if a passenger is involuntarily bumped, they'll receive $200, in cash or bank draft, for up to a two-hour delay; $400 for a 2-6 hours delay; and $800 if the delay is over six hours. (Air Canada was forced to raise its payouts in 2013 due to passenger complaints.) The new rules would raise the payout significantly: $900 for up to six hours; $1,800 for 6-9; and $2,400 for more than nine hours, all to be paid within 48 hours. Statistically speaking, Delta Airlines is the carrier most likely to bump. A few years ago, Delta raised its payout maximum to $9,950, while United Airlines tops out at $10,000. This story was produced by Money.ca and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Hemostasis Products Market Set for Exceptional Growth in the Forecast 2024-2032
Lewis scores 17 as Marist takes down UMBC 76-73 in OTPOUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (AP) — Elijah Lewis had 17 points in Marist's 76-73 overtime win over UMBC on Saturday. Lewis had six rebounds for the Red Foxes (8-2). Josh Pascarelli scored 16 points, going 6 of 14 (2 for 6 from 3-point range). Jadin Collins had 14 points and shot 7 of 11 from the field. Bryce Johnson led the Retrievers (7-7) in scoring, finishing with 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. UMBC also got 15 points from Marcus Banks. Louie Jordan had nine points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Global Domestic Tourism Market Projected to Reach $6.73 Trillion by 2030, Driven by Online Bookings and Emerging Trends
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Visa Inc. stands as a dominant player in the financial services sector, offering one of the world's most recognized brands in payment processing. Its solid business model, global presence, and ability to innovate in a competitive landscape make it a strong contender for long-term investment. Here's a deep dive into the reasons why Visa deserves attention from investors. Visa operates as a payment processing company that connects consumers, merchants, and financial institutions. Unlike traditional banks, Visa doesn't issue cards or extend credit. Instead, it facilitates electronic payments and earns revenue through transaction fees, data processing, and value-added services. This asset-light model allows Visa to generate high margins and strong cash flows with limited exposure to credit risk. Transaction Fees : A small percentage of every transaction processed on its network. Value-Added Services : Includes fraud prevention tools, analytics, and loyalty programs. Global Network : Operates in over 200 countries, ensuring revenue diversification. Visa has delivered strong and consistent revenue growth over the years, even during periods of economic uncertainty. Its ability to expand internationally and capture market share has contributed significantly to its top-line growth. Growing Payment Volumes : The shift from cash to digital payments is a key growth driver. According to industry reports, global digital payments are expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.8% through 2030, and Visa is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. Cross-Border Transactions : As international travel rebounds, Visa benefits from increased cross-border payment volumes, which carry higher fees Visa's financials consistently reflect its status as a high-quality investment. Key metrics demonstrate its operational efficiency and shareholder value creation. Revenue and Earnings Growth : Revenue has grown at a CAGR of around 10% over the past decade. Earnings growth has been even higher, fueled by operating leverage. Profit Margins : Visa enjoys operating margins above 65%, one of the highest in the industry. Return on Equity (ROE) : Consistently above 30%, indicating efficient use of shareholder capital. Cash Flow : Visa generates robust free cash flow, enabling consistent dividend payouts and share buybacks. Visa has demonstrated remarkable resilience during periods of economic turbulence. Even when consumer spending slows, Visa benefits from the continued reliance on electronic payments for essential goods and services. COVID-19 Recovery : During the pandemic, Visa saw a temporary dip in transaction volumes but quickly rebounded as economies reopened. Its adaptability and diversified revenue streams contributed to a swift recovery. Inflation and Recession-Proof : As transaction fees are tied to payment volumes, Visa benefits from higher prices during inflationary periods. Additionally, its business model is less vulnerable to interest rate fluctuations compared to traditional financial institutions. Visa consistently invests in technology to enhance its payment ecosystem and stay ahead of competitors. Its focus on innovation has enabled it to adapt to emerging trends in fintech and digital payments. Contactless Payments : Visa has been a pioneer in promoting tap-and-go payment technology, which gained significant traction during the pandemic. Cryptocurrency Integration : Visa is actively exploring blockchain technology and cryptocurrency payment solutions. It has partnered with various crypto platforms to enable seamless transactions using digital assets. AI and Machine Learning : Visa employs advanced analytics and AI to improve fraud detection and optimize payment processes. Visa's international presence provides ample room for growth, particularly in emerging markets. Many countries still rely heavily on cash, presenting significant opportunities for Visa to drive digital payment adoption. Asia-Pacific : With a large unbanked population and rapid smartphone penetration, Visa has been focusing on expanding its footprint in this region. Africa and Latin America : These regions represent untapped markets where Visa can leverage its technology and partnerships to promote financial inclusion. Visa’s competitive moat is built on several factors, making it difficult for rivals to erode its market share. Network Effects : The more consumers and merchants that use Visa, the more valuable its network becomes, creating a virtuous cycle of growth. Brand Recognition : Visa is one of the most trusted and recognized brands globally, giving it an edge over competitors. Partnerships : Strong relationships with banks, fintech companies, and governments enable Visa to integrate seamlessly into various ecosystems. Visa’s commitment to rewarding shareholders makes it an attractive choice for income-focused investors. Dividend Growth : Although its yield is modest, Visa has consistently increased its dividend payouts over the years. Share Buybacks : Visa regularly repurchases shares, enhancing shareholder value and demonstrating confidence in its future growth. Several macroeconomic and technological trends favor Visa’s long-term growth prospects. Shift to Cashless Societies : Governments and businesses worldwide are promoting digital payments to reduce costs and increase transparency. E-commerce Growth : The rise of online shopping has fueled demand for secure and efficient payment solutions, benefiting Visa. Sustainable Payments : Visa is committed to promoting environmentally friendly practices, aligning with the growing emphasis on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors. The attached chart highlights Visa's consistent upward trajectory in stock performance. Analysts predict continued growth, driven by strong fundamentals and favorable market dynamics. Current Price : Approximately Rs. 314.31 Minimum: Rs. 289.00 (-8.05%) Average: Rs. 335.94 (+6.88%) Maximum: Rs. 375.00 (+19.31%) Visa’s ability to outperform the market averages stems from its superior business model, strong execution, and robust growth prospects. Despite its strengths, Visa is not without risks. Potential investors should be aware of the following: Regulatory Scrutiny : As a dominant player, Visa often faces regulatory challenges, particularly in antitrust matters. Competition : While Visa maintains a significant lead, fintech disruptors and digital payment startups are increasing competitive pressure. Currency Fluctuations : With significant international revenue, Visa is exposed to exchange rate risks. Visa remains one of the best stocks to invest in for long-term growth and stability. Its dominant market position, strong financial metrics, and adaptability to changing consumer behaviors make it a compelling choice for investors. While risks exist, Visa’s ability to innovate and expand into new markets ensures it stays ahead of the curve. For those looking to benefit from the ongoing shift toward digital payments, Visa offers an unparalleled investment opportunity.
WASHINGTON — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide Tuesday because of a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop for the airline. The order, which prevented planes from taking off, was issued at the airline's request. The airline said in an email that the problem was caused by trouble with vendor technology that maintains its flight operating system. Dennis Tajer, a spokesperson for the Allied Pilots Association, a union representing American Airlines pilots, said the airline told pilots at 7 a.m. Eastern that there was an outage affecting the system known as FOS. It handles different types of airline operations, including dispatch, flight planning, passenger boarding, as well as an airplane's weight and balance data, he said. People are also reading... Muskogee board rejects Matt Hennesy's return as Roughers' head football coach OU linebacker Kobie McKinzie on fiancée Kinzie Hansen: 'She's the Alpha of my family' The 12 best new restaurants of 2024 Berry Tramel: Barry Switzer's 1980s players salute their lion-in-winter coach. 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Flights were delayed across American's major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics company. Out of the 3,901 domestic and international American Airlines flights scheduled for Tuesday, 19 were canceled. Cirium noted that the vast majority of flights departed within two hours of their scheduled departure time. A similar percentage — 36% — arrived at their destinations as scheduled. Meanwhile, the flight-tracking site FlightAware reported that 3,712 flights entering or leaving the U.S., or serving domestic destinations, were delayed Tuesday, with 55 flights canceled. It did not show any flights from American Airlines. Cirium said Dallas-Fort Worth, New York's Kennedy Airport and Charlotte, North Carolina, saw the greatest number of delays. Washington, Chicago and Miami experienced considerably fewer delays. Amid the travel problems, significant rain and snow were expected in the Pacific Northwest at least into Christmas Day. Showers and thunderstorms developed in the South. Freezing rain was reported in the Mid-Atlantic region near Baltimore and Washington, and snow fell in New York. Because the holiday travel period lasts weeks, airports and airlines typically have smaller peak days than they do during the rush around Thanksgiving, but the grind of one hectic day followed by another takes a toll on flight crews. Any hiccups — a winter storm or a computer outage — can snowball into massive disruptions. That is how Southwest Airlines stranded 2 million travelers in December 2022, and Delta Air Lines suffered a smaller but significant meltdown after a worldwide technology outage in July caused by a faulty software update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations even more disruptive than during slower periods. That is especially true for smaller budget airlines that have fewer flights and fewer options for rebooking passengers. Only the largest airlines, including American, Delta and United, have "interline agreements" that let them put stranded customers on another carrier's flights. This will be the first holiday season since a Transportation Department rule took effect that requires airlines to give customers an automatic cash refund for a canceled or significantly delayed flight. Most air travelers were already eligible for refunds, but they often had to request them. Passengers still can ask to get rebooked, which is often a better option than a refund during peak travel periods. Finding a last-minute flight on another airline tends to be expensive. An American spokesperson said Tuesday was not a peak travel day for the airline — with about 2,000 fewer flights than the busiest days — so the airline had somewhat of a buffer to manage the delays. The groundings happened as millions of travelers were expected to fly over the next 10 days. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen 40 million passengers through Jan. 2. Airlines expect to have their busiest days on Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Many flights during the holidays are sold out, which makes cancellations more disruptive than during slower periods. Even with just a brief outage, the cancellations have a cascading effect that can take days to clear up. About 90% of Americans traveling far from home over the holidays will be in cars, according to AAA. "Airline travel is just really high right now, but most people do drive to their destinations, and that is true for every holiday," AAA spokesperson Aixa Diaz said. Gasoline prices are similar to last year. The nationwide average Thursday was $3.04 a gallon, down from $3.13 a year ago, according to AAA. Charging an electric vehicle averages just under 35 cents per per kilowatt hour, but varies by state. Transportation-data firm INRIX says travel times on the nation's highways could be up to 30% longer than normal over the holidays, with Sunday expected to see the heaviest traffic.
Even with technology taking over much of our day-to-day lives, board games still offer quality entertainment that can’t be beaten. Of course, the popular board games of today are a far cry from the games your parents grew up playing. Board games are perfect for encouraging your family to work together or for bringing your group of friends around the table for an evening. If you’d like to start up a weekly game night, let this helpful list of the most popular board games be your guide. Utter Nonsense Ages 8+ This game will have every player rolling in stitches with each ridiculous phrase that’s uttered. Combine crazy accents and hilarious phrases to impress the Nonsense Judge and win the round. The player with the highest number of wins ultimately wins the game, but the true fun of this card game is listening to your fellow players trying to say some of the most entertaining phrases of all time. This game is perfect for game nights or parties. Speak Out Ages 8+ This hilarious game is perfect if you have teenagers or are hosting a party with all adults. To play, you insert a mouthpiece that alters the sound of your speech, making every word sound silly. Set the timer and read one of the phrases on the cards and try to help your teammate guess what you’re saying. Speak Out easily provides hours of fun that even grandparents will love. Escape Room in a Box Ages 13+ What’s the next best thing to trying to break out of a room? Escape Room in a Box, of course. This thrilling, immersive game involves solving 2D and 3D puzzles in order to prevent a mad scientist from turning you and your friends or family into werewolves. Work together to escape your fate and use Amazon Alexa to enhance the experience. Codenames Ages 14+ This fun strategy game is perfect for anyone with teenagers. Form two teams and select a spymaster on each team. Using clues, spymasters try to help their teammates find all 25 of the agents they’re in contact with, hopefully without selecting the other team’s agents or running into the deadly assassin. This innovative game offers a challenging and rewarding time working together. Harry Potter Clue Ages 9+ Excite your kids on game night with this modern twist on a classic. Play as six recognizable Hogwarts characters — Harry, Hermione, Ron, Luna, Ginny or Neville — to solve the mystery behind a fellow student’s disappearance. It’s up to you to figure out who attacked the student, what bewitching spell they used and where it occurred. Watch out for the Dark Mark, moving staircases and secret passages as you travel along in this magical family game. Pandemic Ages 8+ If you’ve ever wanted to save humanity from a deadly outbreak, you’ll love spending an hour playing Pandemic. You and your teammates must fight to contain four deadly diseases threatening the human race. Players must learn to work with their teammates to control outbreak hotspots and treat diseases. Win the game by curing all diseases without wiping out humanity first. Catan Ages 10+ This tactical 60-minute game will push your imagination to its limits as you embark on a journey across Catan. Acquire crucial resources as you travel, build roads, buildings, and cities, and be wary of the ruthless robber and other players halting you on your own road. Through careful trading and clever decisions, you can lead your travelers to victory in this role-playing game of limitless possibilities. Play again and again. Every game is different. Ticket to Ride Ages 8+ Train lovers will enjoy this innovative board game which has won numerous awards. This cross-country train adventure game mimics the concept of traveling around the world in 80 days. Collect train cars and claim railways across the country. Players earn the most points by establishing long train routes and connecting distant cities. Each game takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes to complete, and every adventure is different. 5 Second Rule Ages 10+ This quick-paced game gives each player five seconds to name items on a certain topic. Although the topics are objectively easy —“Name 3 Mountains,” “Name 3 Types of Hats” or “Name 3 Super Heroes,” the pressure of the time crunch is likely to put you on edge. Race the clock and remain composed to win this game. You can even make up your own topics if you prefer. Half the fun is just hearing what other people blurt out, whether it’s relevant to the topic or not. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.AP News Summary at 3:15 p.m. ESTOLEAN, N.Y. (AP) — Lajae Jones and Chance Moore scored 16 points each in Saint Bonaventure's 71-52 victory over Niagara on Saturday. Jones had eight rebounds for the Bonnies (12-1) and Moore five. Melvin Council Jr. shot 5 for 11, including 4 for 7 from beyond the arc to finish with 14 points. The Bonnies picked up their sixth straight victory. Olumide Adelodun finished with 19 points for the Purple Eagles (5-7). Zion Russell added 11 points for Niagara. Jaeden Marshall finished with 10 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Province unveils new compensation model for primary care
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