Christmas Message 2024: From the CTUSABAustralian golf’s biggest drawcard is also its most influential critic

State-run energy majors, Bharat Petroleum Corp (BPCL) and Coal India (CIL), plan to jointly invest in a Rs 12,000-crore coal gasification project in the Chandrapur district of eastern Maharashtra, sources aware of the development told ET. CIL will hold 51% in the proposed JV, while BPCL will hold 49%, said the sources cited above. ET Year-end Special Reads It's all Gucci for Indians' luxury craving even as economy shows wrinkles Investing in 2025: Will domestic funds continue to counter FPI sell-offs amid rising valuations? 2024 exposed the underbelly of India's Silicon Valley The project will have a debt-to-equity ratio of either 70:30 or 65:35, with each partner contributing equity commensurate with their shareholdings. “The companies plan to commission a detailed feasibility report. Work on the project will start after that,” an industry official said. The project is being set up to support the country's National Coal Gasification Mission to achieve a coal gasification and liquefaction target of 100 million tonnes by 2030, said the official cited above. ET Bureau BPCL aims to produce 1.83 million standard cubic meters of gas per day through coal gasification for both captive and commercial use. Coal gasification converts coal into synthetic natural gas (SNG), offering a cleaner energy alternative. 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Coal gasification can also produce hydrogen that can be used for transportation, electricity generation, industrial processes, etc. For BPCL, the project will help advance its portfolio toward cleaner energy. For Coal India, it is a step toward diversifying coal utilisation and enhancing energy security. CIL accounts for more than 80% of the country's coal production. BPCL and Coal India did not respond to ET’s mailed request for comment. The Centre has approved an incentive scheme of Rs 8,500 crore to provide Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for coal gasification projects for both private and public sector undertakings (PSUs). The VGF is a one-time, or deferred, grant to make a project commercially viable. Viability gap financing "Coal India and BPCL's project in Maharashtra will be eligible for a VGF of Rs 1,350 crore. The project, with a total cost of Rs 12,000 crore, aims for a production capacity of 1.83 MMSCMD of synthetic natural gas," said another industry official. Earlier this month, the government gave letters of award to CIL-BHEL — a consortium of CIL-GAIL, Coal India, and New Era Cleantech Solution — for availing incentives totaling Rs 4,150 crore for setting up coal gasification projects. State-run Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and CIL have joined hands to set up an ammonium nitrate plant through coal gasification (SCG), to revolutionise indigenous technology at the Lakhanpur area of Mahanadi Coalfields, Odisha. The plant's backward integration would help in securing the raw material, reducing the import dependency on ammonium nitrate. CIL and GAIL 's joint venture project in Sonepur Bazari, West Bengal, has been awarded Rs 1,350 crore in the form of VGF. This project will be set up at the cost of Rs 13,000 crore, and will also focus on converting coal into synthetic natural gas (SNG) with a production capacity of 1.83 million metric standard cubic meters per day. Nominations for ET MSME Awards are now open. The last day to apply is December 31, 2024. Click here to submit your entry for any one or more of the 22 categories and stand a chance to win a prestigious award. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )

Identifai CEO Eyal Miller (company pic) has developed AI technology capable of identifying the risk of 250 genetic diseases in a 9-week-old fetus through a simple maternal blood test. The firm states that this is a “first-of-its-kind capability to conduct full genetic sequencing of fetuses” which “increases the number of detectable genetic conditions tenfold” compared to traditional NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing) blood tests. To date, IdentifaI has raised $6.5 million from eHealth Ventures specializing in HealthTech investments, Shizim Fund, and additional investors, along with grants from the Israel Innovation Authority. Every year, millions of babies are born, but many face the risk of inherited genetic diseases. While amniocentesis can accurately diagnose these conditions, it’s a risky procedure. Thankfully, non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) offers a safer option, screening for 25 genetic disorders like Tay-Sachs, cystic fibrosis, and spinal muscular atrophy. Identifai was founded in 2021 based on the research of Professor Noam Shomron from Tel Aviv University, a world expert in genetics and bioinformatics. The aim of the company was to revolutionize early detection of genetic disorders in utero. Based on Shomron’s research, Identifai developed an AI/ML-based technology that analyzes maternal blood samples, isolates fetal DNA from maternal DNA, and performs a full fetal genetic sequencing starting from 9 weeks gestation. This revolutionary technology can predict a fetus’s risk for hundreds of genetic diseases, far beyond what traditional tests can do. By detecting tiny DNA changes, it can identify a wide range of genetic conditions. Identifai provides a detailed report to help parents and doctors understand the potential risks and make informed decisions about the pregnancy. The Israeli technology has already gained international recognition through a study conducted at Beilinson and Meir hospitals, whose results were published as the cover story of the global leading journal for prenatal diagnostics, Prenatal Diagnosis. The study examined 18 pregnant women and their partners, where both partners were carriers of genetic diseases. Identifai’s system analyzed the mothers’ blood samples and predicted fetal risks with 100% accuracy, matching the results from amniocentesis. “Our unique technology has the potential to change the game in the prenatal testing market,” said IdentifAI CEO Eyal Miller. “This market is currently valued at $6 billion annually, with NIPT tests making up 50% of it, and is expected to grow to $19 billion by 2030. Our ability to detect fetal risk for hundreds of genetic conditions will expand this market to hundreds of billions, including early in-utero surgeries and detection of late-stage conditions where amniocentesis is no longer an option. Furthermore, this solution, which does not require FDA approval, will be accessible, convenient, and effective for populations worldwide who avoid amniocentesis for cultural reasons, for millions of pregnancies where the father’s identity is unknown, and in response to new U.S. legislation limiting abortions and amniocentesis tests that might justify terminations.” Following a successful trial at Beilinson and Meir hospitals, IdentifaI is conducting additional trials in the U.S., recently completing a study at Columbia University Medical Center, with results pending. Within two months, seven leading U.S. medical centers will join the trials, providing valuable documentation and support for the technology. IdentifAI is also negotiating with several large corporations considering adopting the technology as a service for their customers.Stock market today: Wall Street’s rally stalls as Nasdaq pulls back from its recordAs we enter 2025, those born under the Ox zodiac sign (Born in 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021) will face many opportunities and challenges that require them to work hard and be patient. The Ox’s inherent traits of being hardworking, loyal, and powerful will be key assets in managing the coming year. Some challenges may come the way, especially in the workplace. It is important to remain rational and rely on one’s personal resources to overcome them. More than anything, your ability to continue will define how successful you are. Also Read 3 Chinese zodiac signs will likely receive financial luck in January 2025 Ox Career Horoscope 2025 For the Ox, 2025 is a year of catching up on opportunities, particularly for those who are looking for new employment prospects. The best time to look for a job is in the year's first quarter. Expect to demonstrate your strengths and readiness to work since employers will seek a reliable and hardworking individual, which the Ox is. Promotion is a real possibility for the Ox in 2025 as long as you take the initiative and leadership role. Your bosses will pay attention to your efforts this year and even acknowledge them. However, to progress through the career ladder, working harder will not be enough; it will be important to work smarter and be ready to go the extra mile. Nonetheless, in 2025, the Ox must be careful of some threats, too. You are usually shy, so you may have to be more aggressive than you would like to get noticed. Moreover, the Ox is vulnerable to burnout as they are willing to work hard and take as much work as possible. You should also avoid overworking yourself and ensure you are not wasting too much time. Ox Money Horoscope 2025 2025 is the year of rationality and a careful approach to financial issues, meaning one must invest wisely. Considering your working traits, it is better to choose reliable, stable types of investment rather than take risks in searching for great profits. It is wise to check the investment portfolio and make necessary changes periodically depending on the market trends and the financial goals. Businesses that provide online learning or educational technology can be an industry to consider investing in since digital learning is rising. These platforms are growing in popularity and will likely be a good investment. Also, during a period of volatility, Ox investors can find refuge in assets such as gold. The Ox may consider it comforting to invest some of their money in gold or other such instruments to hedge against fluctuations in other parts of the portfolio. Ox Love Horoscope 2025 The Ox will experience some changes in 2025. For single Oxen, 2025 is a year to find a partner through various social events with new topics of concern or newly developed hobbies. Get out of your comfort zone and participate in new social events. Your usual shy demeanour may require a little prodding; therefore, do not decline invitations to parties or other social functions, and attend community functions where such people can be found. Look to join clubs, groups, or classes that interest you. For people who are in the process of dating, 2025 is the year to be calm and forgiving. As an Ox, you have a slow nature, which is very effective in the early stage of a relationship, where you need to lay the foundation. For this year, it is suggested to concentrate on communication and trust. Set dates for serious talks and fun moments to bring you two closer. If you are together with your partner for a long time, 2025 is a year when you need to work on your partnership and become better together. This is the best time to remember what was once a common vision and plan. Maybe it is time to start a business partnership or have a big life event, such as purchasing a home or going abroad. These common things can make you even more connected and introduce a new level of passion into your partnership. Ox Health Horoscope 2025 For the Ox, 2025 will be particularly health-sensitive for the neck and shoulders. These areas may become tense if you sit for long hours or perform repetitive tasks or movements at your workplace. It is also important to change the ergonomics of the work area and make breaks to stand up and relax your muscles. In 2025, Ox individuals should pay attention to their blood pressure, as stress and overwork could elevate it. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in potassium and low in sodium is essential. Regular exercise can help regulate blood pressure while avoiding smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption is key. The period critical for the Ox’s health is April and August. In April, Ox people with allergies should prepare for worsening the situation. Regularly clean your living areas to minimise dust mites, and see your doctor about the right medication or remedy.

Wellesley's Andrew Young Launches Personal Blog to Share Insights and Innovations in Biotechnology

3 Breakout Growth Stocks You Can Buy and Hold for the Next DecadeMeet the Stock-Split Stock That Soared 10,610% Over the Past 15 Years. It's Poised to Join Apple, Nvidia, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta in the $1 Trillion Club by 2025.Chandigarh, Dec 25 (PTI) Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya on Wednesday said information technology is the most effective means of ensuring transparency, implementing good governance and curbing corruption. He was speaking at the Good Governance Day event organised at LNJP Hospital, Kurukshetra on the birth anniversary of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Before addressing the event, the governor paid floral tributes to Vajpayee, distributed fruits to patients and extended greetings of the Good Governance Day to the people of the state. He formally inaugurated the Good Governance Day programme by lighting the ceremonial lamp. During the event, he interacted with patients, exchanged views with hospital doctors and staff. Dattatreya noted that the state government is organising programmes in every district on Good Governance Day to reinforce the principles of governance. Reflecting on Vajpayee's legacy, he remarked that the former prime minister dedicated his entire life to society, working tirelessly for the country's progress through inclusive development. Vajpayee was a true patriot who selflessly served the nation and his birth anniversary is now celebrated across the country as the Good Governance Day, said Dattatreya, while emphasising the need for the younger generation to draw inspiration from the leader's exemplary life. The governor further stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following the path shown by Vajpayee, has implemented welfare-oriented policies aimed at eradicating poverty and ensuring holistic development. These initiatives have been coupled with governance reforms and the introduction of Digital India to make such schemes accessible to every citizen, he said. The governor also extended Christmas greetings to the people. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)

Luigi Nicholas Mangione, the suspect in the fatal shooting of a healthcare executive in New York City, apparently was living a charmed life: the grandson of a wealthy real estate developer, valedictorian of his elite Baltimore prep school and with degrees from one of the nation's top private universities. Friends at an exclusive co-living space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Hawaii where the 26-year-old Mangione once lived widely considered him a “great guy,” and pictures on his social media accounts show a fit, smiling, handsome young man on beaches and at parties. Now, investigators in New York and Pennsylvania are working to piece together why Mangione may have diverged from this path to make the violent and radical decision to gun down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a brazen attack on a Manhattan street. The killing sparked widespread discussions about corporate greed, unfairness in the medical insurance industry and even inspired folk-hero sentiment toward his killer. But Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro sharply refuted that perception after Mangione's arrest on Monday when a customer at a McDonald's restaurant in Pennsylvania spotted Mangione eating and noticed he resembled the shooting suspect in security-camera photos released by New York police. “In some dark corners, this killer is being hailed as a hero. Hear me on this, he is no hero,” Shapiro said. “The real hero in this story is the person who called 911 at McDonald’s this morning.” Mangione comes from a prominent Maryland family. His grandfather, Nick Mangione, who died in 2008, was a successful real estate developer. One of his best-known projects was Turf Valley Resort, a sprawling luxury retreat and conference center outside Baltimore that he purchased in 1978. The Mangione family also purchased Hayfields Country Club north of Baltimore in 1986. On Monday, Baltimore County police officers blocked off an entrance to the property, which public records link to Luigi Mangione’s parents. Reporters and photographers gathered outside the entrance. The father of 10 children, Nick Mangione prepared his five sons — including Luigi Mangione’s father, Louis Mangione — to help manage the family business, according to a 2003 Washington Post report. Nick Mangione had 37 grandchildren, including Luigi, according to the grandfather's obituary. Luigi Mangione’s grandparents donated to charities through the Mangione Family Foundation, according to a statement from Loyola University commemorating Nick Mangione’s wife’s death in 2023. They donated to various causes, including Catholic organizations, colleges and the arts. One of Luigi Mangione’s cousins is Republican Maryland state legislator Nino Mangione, a spokesman for the lawmaker’s office confirmed. “Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” Mangione’s family said in a statement posted on social media by Nino Mangione. “We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.” Mangione, who was valedictorian of his elite Maryland prep school, earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a university spokesman told The Associated Press. He learned to code in high school and helped start a club at Penn for people interested in gaming and game design, according to a 2018 story in Penn Today, a campus publication. His social media posts suggest he belonged to the fraternity Phi Kappa Psi. They also show him taking part in a 2019 program at Stanford University, and in photos with family and friends at the Jersey Shore and in Hawaii, San Diego, Puerto Rico, and other destinations. The Gilman School, from which Mangione graduated in 2016, is one of Baltimore’s elite prep schools. The children of some of the city’s wealthiest and most prominent residents, including Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr., have attended the school. Its alumni include sportswriter Frank Deford and former Arizona Gov. Fife Symington. In his valedictory speech, Luigi Mangione described his classmates’ “incredible courage to explore the unknown and try new things.” Mangione took a software programming internship after high school at Maryland-based video game studio Firaxis, where he fixed bugs on the hit strategy game Civilization 6, according to a LinkedIn profile. Firaxis' parent company, Take-Two Interactive, said it would not comment on former employees. He more recently worked at the car-buying website TrueCar, but has not worked there since 2023, the head of the Santa Monica, California-based company confirmed to the AP. From January to June 2022, Mangione lived at Surfbreak, a “co-living” space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Honolulu. Like other residents of the shared penthouse catering to remote workers, Mangione underwent a background check, said Josiah Ryan, a spokesperson for owner and founder R.J. Martin. “Luigi was just widely considered to be a great guy. There were no complaints,” Ryan said. “There was no sign that might point to these alleged crimes they’re saying he committed.” At Surfbreak, Martin learned Mangione had severe back pain from childhood that interfered with many aspects of his life, including surfing, Ryan said. “He went surfing with R.J. once but it didn’t work out because of his back,” Ryan said, but noted that Mangione and Martin often went together to a rock-climbing gym. Mangione left Surfbreak to get surgery on the mainland, Ryan said, then later returned to Honolulu and rented an apartment. An image posted to a social media account linked to Mangione showed what appeared to be an X-ray of a metal rod and multiple screws inserted into someone's lower spine. Martin stopped hearing from Mangione six months to a year ago. An X account linked to Mangione includes recent posts about the negative impact of smartphones on children; healthy eating and exercise habits; psychological theories; and a quote from Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti about the dangers of becoming “well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” Mangione likely was motivated by his anger at what he called “parasitic” health insurance companies and a disdain for corporate greed, according to a law enforcement bulletin obtained by AP. He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive healthcare system in the world and that the profits of major corporations continue to rise while “our life expectancy” does not, according to the bulletin, based on a review of the suspect’s handwritten notes and social media posts. He appeared to view the targeted killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO as a symbolic takedown, asserting in his note that he is the “first to face it with such brutal honesty,” the bulletin said. Mangione called “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski a “political revolutionary” and may have found inspiration from the man who carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology, the document said. Associated Press reporters Lea Skene in Baltimore; Jennifer Sinco Kelleher in Honolulu; Maryclaire Dale in Philadelphia; John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; and Michael Kunzelman in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report.YouTube Channels Every Aspiring Developer Should FollowThe Post and Courier is partnering with the Pulitzer Center's Ocean Reporting Network to highlight critical climate issues. Lire en français Ibrahim Niang could leave Senegal. He knows how to prepare his long wooden boat for the 1,000-mile voyage to the Canary Islands. He’s 34 years old, young enough to make a big move, as so many of his friends have done. He has the skills and equipment to take himself far away — take others too, if he chooses. And there are many reasons to go. The ocean? It’s not the same. The seas are warmer. He has to take his boat farther offshore to find octopus and sardines. And there are those giant commercial fishing boats off the coast, huge floating fish factories that scour the ocean’s marine life on an industrial scale. And aren’t there more opportunities in Europe? North America? Some of his friends have even called him a coward for staying. Niang’s story mirrors ones playing out in different variations around the globe, from struggling shrimpers in South Carolina and New England to cod fishermen in the United Kingdom . Catching fish is inherently unpredictable, but global warming is adding even more uncertainty to an already challenging livelihood. So on a recent afternoon, as Niang took his small pirogue out to sea, he pondered a question that thousands of West Africans have asked themselves during the past decade: Should I go? Ibrahim Niang, a fisherman from Thiaroye Sur Mer, a village near the Senegalese capital of Dakar, has the means, skills and boats to leave Senegal. There are many reasons to stay. Niang lives in Thiaroye Sur Mer, a fishing village on the outskirts of Dakar, Senegal’s capital. His family is in Thiaroye Sur Mer, including his wife and two children. And fishing has been his life, his identity. As with many of his peers, he dropped out of primary school to learn how to fish. Over time, he built and captained his own pirogues — the long banana-shaped boats used by fishermen in West Africa. He was part of something larger. Here off the coast, powerful ocean currents meet and provide a bounty of marine life: sardines, octopus, grouper. An estimated fleet of 19,000 pirogues and other small vessels line Senegal’s coast. At least 86,000 fishermen catch more than 500,000 tons of seafood a year, according to a United Nations estimate. Fish and seafood represent more than 40 percent of the animal protein in the Senegalese diet. Niang was helping to feed his family and the nation. Niang’s day often begins around sunrise, when he motors out to sea. He said he uses lines to hook octopuses one by one, the legal way. Some fishermen use nets, which is illegal, but he doesn’t want to be arrested and lose his fishing gear. Playing by the rules is good for the fish and fishermen, he said. Along Senegal’s coast, communities of fishermen formed associations to manage fishing harvests, including Thiaroye Sur Mer’s Local Artisanal Fishing Council. These councils enacted seasonal fishing bans to allow certain species to reproduce. But no fish means no money and food. So when the sea is off-limits for fishing, some boat captains make money by loading people into their pirogues and taking them to the Canary Islands to start new lives. Niang knows how dangerous the sea can be, another reason to stay. He knows people who have died making these illegal voyages. He knows some trips ended in disasters that generated international headlines. Like one in September, where the Senegal navy found a boat adrift with 30 decomposing bodies off Dakar. And the one in August, where a boat with at least 14 bodies was found drifting off the coast of the Dominican Republic, thousands of miles from home. In just the first five months of 2024, at least 4,800 people died trying to reach the Canary Islands from West Africa, according to a report by Ca-Minando Fronteras , a Spanish human rights group. Niang understands the risks. But there are also powerful forces pushing him to leave. Senegal's Langue de Barbarie area has seen major erosion amid rising seas, threatening fishing villages that have existed there for generations. How heat in seas off West Africa is making the Atlantic’s hurricane season a nightmare The sea is changing. Off the coast of Senegal and Mauritania, winds blowing off the continent push surface waters westward, drawing colder, nutrient-rich waters from the ocean floor. It’s called the Canary upwelling current, and fishermen like Niang depend on this system to fertilize the sea just as farmers fertilize their fields. But a rapidly warming planet has disrupted wind patterns and ocean currents. As the atmosphere warms, those westward winds blowing off West Africa are likely to decrease, possibly slowing that Canary upwelling conveyor belt, researchers at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar and the Sorbonne in France have found. Seas off West Africa have grown warmer, mirroring increases across the planet. During the past two years, scientists have recorded underwater heat waves off West Africa , which can affect everything from sea life to the formation of Atlantic hurricanes. Warmer waters have caused some species to migrate, said Selle Mbengue, director of direction and management of seabed exploitation in Senegal. Fish that need cooler water are moving north, including sardines and mackerel, he said. Coral reefs are bleaching. At the same time, industrial fishing from foreign trawlers has depleted fish stocks, while coastal erosion from rising seas has stolen land from fishing villages that line Senegal’s coast, said Ngoné Ndoye, a founder and director of FEMIDEC — Women, Children, Migration and Community Development. These forces are “washing away our homes, our history, our world. They’re erasing our lives,” she said. Niang feels all of these pressures. And there’s money to be made if he goes. Fishermen in Senegalese villages like Yoff are under pressure from overfishing and changing migration patterns of sea life because of climate change. He knows how it could be done. Like many fishermen, Niang has small boats for short trips and access to larger boats for longer voyages, including the one he motored toward on a recent afternoon. The larger boat was like the smaller pirogue but about 120 feet long. He uses long wires with hooks to catch larger fish. Such boats cost about $15,000 to build with new materials and ones recycled from older boats. He said he’s received plenty of offers to captain such a boat to the Canary Islands. All he would have to do is remove the fishing nets and other gear and use plywood to create seats. Captains typically get 10 seats they can use as they wish — selling them or offering them to loved ones. He estimated that this boat could hold 200 people, including luggage, gasoline containers and motors. There would be little room with so many people, and they’re dangerous to load. Passengers typically are shuttled to these larger boats in smaller pirogues, and people sometimes fall into the water when they try to climb in. And with so many people, the boats can be unstable in the waves. It’s well-known in his circles that many people who make these voyages don’t know how to swim. Even if the boat hugs the coast, a capsize is often a death sentence. He could make extra money taking people away, and this is especially tempting during the seasonal fishing bans. There’s no shortage of people willing to risk their lives to leave. So far in 2024, nearly 40,000 migrants landed in the Canary Islands, Spanish authorities said. This represents a 23 percent increase from 2023 and is likely a vast undercount. "My friends are just waiting for the opportunity to cross to Spain,” he said. Ibrahim Niang, a Senegal fisherman with a big decision to make. Are there other options? Yes, he said, he could stay and work at a seafood processor or some other company on land. Sometimes, officials from companies come to his village seeking workers. The pay is steady but is so low you have little left to save. “With fishing, you can earn 100,000 CFA ($160) in one day and nothing the next day, but during the week, you can save at least 30,000 CFA ($50) on average. This is why we prefer fishing to working in a company.” He also could leave Senegal but do it the legal way: Line up work in Europe first, apply for a visa and then go. He has a family, after all. It’s not cowardly to think about their needs and reduce risks. "Nothing is worth the risk of losing your life for an uncertain future abroad. It is useless." Leaving Senegal is one of many currents he can follow. But there’s also dignity in fishing, dignity in working for yourself instead of someone else. There’s the beauty and challenges of the ocean, like those full moon nights when the sea looks like a mirror, and the shimmering serves as camouflage for the fish. “No,” he said finally, “my boat is not going to Spain.” Hundreds of fishing pirogues crowd the Senegal River on April 28, 2023, in Saint-Louis. Tony Bartelme of The Post and Courier contributed to this report. Will hurricanes hammer the East Coast? We traveled to the Sahara Desert to find answers.Stocks close higher, Gillibrand in SEC pick: Market Domination Overtime

AP News Summary at 3:08 p.m. ESTEarlier cryptocurrencies were primarily considered a niche investment within the mainstream global financial system. Initially, they were mainly utilized by individual investors and tech enthusiasts. Today, however, cryptocurrencies provide exciting opportunities for businesses. From small startups to large multinationals, companies are now recognizing the immense potential of cryptocurrencies to streamline operations, improve financial efficiency, and gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. The greatest advantage of cryptocurrencies for businesses lies in their ability to facilitate fast and efficient transactions. Traditional banking networks often take 3-5 days to process cross-border payments, with associated fees and charges (Source: SWIFT). In contrast, cryptocurrencies enable businesses to conduct cross-border transactions almost instantly, without intermediaries, and at a significantly lower cost. According to a report by Ripple, cryptocurrency-based cross-border payments can reduce transaction times by up to 90% and costs by up to 60% compared to traditional methods (Source: Ripple). Furthermore, the global cryptocurrency market is projected to reach $1.4 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 32.4% (Source: MarketsandMarkets), indicating increasing adoption and potential for businesses to leverage cryptocurrencies for faster and more efficient transactions. Blockchain technology, the backbone of cryptocurrencies, ensures that transactions are processed in real time without waiting for approvals or third-party intervention. This speed can improve cash flow, reduce delays in receiving payments, and enhance overall operational efficiency. By adopting cryptocurrencies, corporates can avoid traditional banking hours, making transactions available 24/7. The significantly lower transaction costs of cryptocurrencies present a substantial benefit for corporations. Traditional financial systems and payment platforms charge hefty fees for processing transactions, particularly cross-border transfers. These costs can quickly accumulate for companies facilitating numerous international transactions. According to a report by McKinsey, the average cost of cross-border payments is around 6-8% of the transaction value (Source: McKinsey). In contrast, cryptocurrency transactions incur significantly lower fees, typically ranging from 0.1% to 1% of the transaction value (Source: BitInfoCharts). Since cryptocurrencies operate on a decentralized blockchain, transactions can be conducted peer-to-peer, eliminating the need for intermediaries like banks and payment processors. This reduction in transaction costs can translate to millions of dollars in savings for companies, especially those handling large transactions , ultimately leading to increased profitability. A study by Juniper Research estimates that blockchain-based cross-border payments can save businesses up to $10 billion in transaction costs by 2025 (Source: Juniper Research). One of the significant things that a business faces today, especially when involving anything financial, is security . As cybercrime advances significantly, organizations have to work to ensure that the organization's financial systems are as secure as possible. In doing so, it gives any financial system a level of security that cannot be easily matched. The blockchain technology for cryptocurrencies is very secure, using advanced cryptographic techniques that will protect transactions. Each transaction is recorded in a decentralized ledger that cannot be hacked or altered in any way. This allows businesses to protect their sensitive financial information from fraud or cyberattacks. Moreover, the transparency of the blockchain allows businesses to track all transactions in real-time, giving them full visibility and preventing fraudulent activities. A good financial system should be transparent. The technology that forms the basis for cryptocurrencies is known as blockchain. This immutable ledger creates a record of every kind of transaction. Once verified, no one can alter or delete these transactions; thus, the authenticity at any given time can be verified between parties. For businesses, this will be a way to increase accountability because tracking payments , receipts, and business operations can become easier. Whether a firm is dealing with suppliers, customers, or partners, blockchain's transparent nature can build trust and reduce the likelihood of disputes. The increased visibility can also help businesses to identify inefficiencies, reduce errors, and improve overall financial management. In today's interconnected world, businesses are increasingly expected to make cross-border payments, with the global cross-border payments market projected to reach $2.2 trillion by 2025 (Source: McKinsey). However, traditional cross-border payment processes can be expensive, with fees averaging around 6-8% of the transaction value (Source: McKinsey), and time-consuming, taking an average of 3-5 days to settle (Source: SWIFT). Cryptocurrencies offer a game-changing solution, enabling businesses to make fast, secure, and cost-effective cross-border payments without the need for currency conversion or intermediary banks. According to a report by Ripple, cryptocurrency-based cross-border payments can reduce transaction times by up to 90% and costs by up to 60% compared to traditional methods (Source: Ripple). With cryptocurrencies, companies can make seamless payments to international partners, customers, and suppliers, facilitating faster globalization and easier entry into new markets. The absence of conversion fees and significantly lowered transaction times make cryptocurrencies an attractive option for businesses looking to streamline their international transactions. Smart contracts are another form of corporate usage. A smart contract is an auto-executing contract where the terms and conditions are written in code and automatically executed upon the meeting of predetermined conditions. Smart contracts can automate everything from payments to supply chain management in a business. For example, a smart contract would be able to automate payment disbursal to suppliers post the delivery and acceptance of goods. This would therefore reduce manual intervention, have fewer opportunities for errors, and hasten the whole process. Businesses increase efficiency while lowering administrative overhead by letting smart contracts work in their operations, thus further lowering the risks of human error. Besides using cryptocurrencies for operational means, many companies are also interested in exploring such potential investment opportunities. These digital currencies have been fast emerging, hence the need to diversify corporate portfolios by allocating investments into such assets and eventually benefiting from the appreciation of price, especially with cases such as Bitcoin or Ethereum investments. This would enable businesses to protect their financial resources by utilizing cryptocurrencies as an inflation hedge and a hedge against currency devaluation. Digital currencies will also become a tool in the treasury management of businesses as more people accept them. Cryptocurrencies are offering significant benefits for corporations looking to improve their financial operations, reduce costs, and enhance security. As technology continues to evolve, even small and medium-sized businesses will adopt digital currencies and blockchain to remain competitive in today's fast-paced, highly globalized economy. According to a report by PwC, 77% of financial institutions are expected to adopt blockchain technology by 2025 (Source: PwC). With cryptocurrencies, corporates can unlock new avenues for growth, streamline transactions, and create a safer and more efficient future for their operations. As blockchain maturity develops, the full potential of cryptocurrencies will be unlocked, enabling businesses to harness its benefits and drive innovation. By 2025, the global blockchain market is projected to reach $39.7 billion, growing at a CAGR of 69.4% (Source: MarketsandMarkets), highlighting the growing importance of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology in the business landscape.

Veeva Systems (NYSE:VEEV) Stock Price Expected to Rise, Needham & Company LLC Analyst SaysStock market today: Wall Street’s rally stalls as Nasdaq pulls back from its recordEarlier cryptocurrencies were primarily considered a niche investment within the mainstream global financial system. Initially, they were mainly utilized by individual investors and tech enthusiasts. Today, however, cryptocurrencies provide exciting opportunities for businesses. From small startups to large multinationals, companies are now recognizing the immense potential of cryptocurrencies to streamline operations, improve financial efficiency, and gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. The greatest advantage of cryptocurrencies for businesses lies in their ability to facilitate fast and efficient transactions. Traditional banking networks often take 3-5 days to process cross-border payments, with associated fees and charges (Source: SWIFT). In contrast, cryptocurrencies enable businesses to conduct cross-border transactions almost instantly, without intermediaries, and at a significantly lower cost. According to a report by Ripple, cryptocurrency-based cross-border payments can reduce transaction times by up to 90% and costs by up to 60% compared to traditional methods (Source: Ripple). Furthermore, the global cryptocurrency market is projected to reach $1.4 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 32.4% (Source: MarketsandMarkets), indicating increasing adoption and potential for businesses to leverage cryptocurrencies for faster and more efficient transactions. Blockchain technology, the backbone of cryptocurrencies, ensures that transactions are processed in real time without waiting for approvals or third-party intervention. This speed can improve cash flow, reduce delays in receiving payments, and enhance overall operational efficiency. By adopting cryptocurrencies, corporates can avoid traditional banking hours, making transactions available 24/7. The significantly lower transaction costs of cryptocurrencies present a substantial benefit for corporations. Traditional financial systems and payment platforms charge hefty fees for processing transactions, particularly cross-border transfers. These costs can quickly accumulate for companies facilitating numerous international transactions. According to a report by McKinsey, the average cost of cross-border payments is around 6-8% of the transaction value (Source: McKinsey). In contrast, cryptocurrency transactions incur significantly lower fees, typically ranging from 0.1% to 1% of the transaction value (Source: BitInfoCharts). Since cryptocurrencies operate on a decentralized blockchain, transactions can be conducted peer-to-peer, eliminating the need for intermediaries like banks and payment processors. This reduction in transaction costs can translate to millions of dollars in savings for companies, especially those handling large transactions , ultimately leading to increased profitability. A study by Juniper Research estimates that blockchain-based cross-border payments can save businesses up to $10 billion in transaction costs by 2025 (Source: Juniper Research). One of the significant things that a business faces today, especially when involving anything financial, is security . As cybercrime advances significantly, organizations have to work to ensure that the organization's financial systems are as secure as possible. In doing so, it gives any financial system a level of security that cannot be easily matched. The blockchain technology for cryptocurrencies is very secure, using advanced cryptographic techniques that will protect transactions. Each transaction is recorded in a decentralized ledger that cannot be hacked or altered in any way. This allows businesses to protect their sensitive financial information from fraud or cyberattacks. Moreover, the transparency of the blockchain allows businesses to track all transactions in real-time, giving them full visibility and preventing fraudulent activities. A good financial system should be transparent. The technology that forms the basis for cryptocurrencies is known as blockchain. This immutable ledger creates a record of every kind of transaction. Once verified, no one can alter or delete these transactions; thus, the authenticity at any given time can be verified between parties. For businesses, this will be a way to increase accountability because tracking payments , receipts, and business operations can become easier. Whether a firm is dealing with suppliers, customers, or partners, blockchain's transparent nature can build trust and reduce the likelihood of disputes. The increased visibility can also help businesses to identify inefficiencies, reduce errors, and improve overall financial management. In today's interconnected world, businesses are increasingly expected to make cross-border payments, with the global cross-border payments market projected to reach $2.2 trillion by 2025 (Source: McKinsey). However, traditional cross-border payment processes can be expensive, with fees averaging around 6-8% of the transaction value (Source: McKinsey), and time-consuming, taking an average of 3-5 days to settle (Source: SWIFT). Cryptocurrencies offer a game-changing solution, enabling businesses to make fast, secure, and cost-effective cross-border payments without the need for currency conversion or intermediary banks. According to a report by Ripple, cryptocurrency-based cross-border payments can reduce transaction times by up to 90% and costs by up to 60% compared to traditional methods (Source: Ripple). With cryptocurrencies, companies can make seamless payments to international partners, customers, and suppliers, facilitating faster globalization and easier entry into new markets. The absence of conversion fees and significantly lowered transaction times make cryptocurrencies an attractive option for businesses looking to streamline their international transactions. Smart contracts are another form of corporate usage. A smart contract is an auto-executing contract where the terms and conditions are written in code and automatically executed upon the meeting of predetermined conditions. Smart contracts can automate everything from payments to supply chain management in a business. For example, a smart contract would be able to automate payment disbursal to suppliers post the delivery and acceptance of goods. This would therefore reduce manual intervention, have fewer opportunities for errors, and hasten the whole process. Businesses increase efficiency while lowering administrative overhead by letting smart contracts work in their operations, thus further lowering the risks of human error. Besides using cryptocurrencies for operational means, many companies are also interested in exploring such potential investment opportunities. These digital currencies have been fast emerging, hence the need to diversify corporate portfolios by allocating investments into such assets and eventually benefiting from the appreciation of price, especially with cases such as Bitcoin or Ethereum investments. This would enable businesses to protect their financial resources by utilizing cryptocurrencies as an inflation hedge and a hedge against currency devaluation. Digital currencies will also become a tool in the treasury management of businesses as more people accept them. Cryptocurrencies are offering significant benefits for corporations looking to improve their financial operations, reduce costs, and enhance security. As technology continues to evolve, even small and medium-sized businesses will adopt digital currencies and blockchain to remain competitive in today's fast-paced, highly globalized economy. According to a report by PwC, 77% of financial institutions are expected to adopt blockchain technology by 2025 (Source: PwC). With cryptocurrencies, corporates can unlock new avenues for growth, streamline transactions, and create a safer and more efficient future for their operations. As blockchain maturity develops, the full potential of cryptocurrencies will be unlocked, enabling businesses to harness its benefits and drive innovation. By 2025, the global blockchain market is projected to reach $39.7 billion, growing at a CAGR of 69.4% (Source: MarketsandMarkets), highlighting the growing importance of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology in the business landscape.For the second straight Major League Baseball offseason, a norm-shattering contract has been the talk of the winter , with Juan Soto agreeing with the New York Mets on a $765 million, 15-year deal that's the richest in baseball history. It comes almost exactly one year after the Los Angeles Dodgers forked out a princely sum of $700 million on a 10-year, heavily deferred deal for two-way Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani. They are believed to be the two richest contracts in pro sports history. The way it's going, a contract approaching $1 billion doesn't seem out of the question. But several factors are working against it — at least in the near future. There's reason to believe the megadeals for Ohtani and Soto are unicorns in the baseball world. Both players are uniquely talented, surely, but both also had unusual circumstances propelling their value into the stratosphere. Ohtani is the greatest two-way player in baseball history, capable of improving any team on both sides of the ball. He's also the rare baseball player who has true international appeal . His every move ( like his unexpected marriage announcement ) is followed closely in his native Japan, adding another 125 million potential fans who buy merchandise, watch him play and help fill the Dodgers' coffers. Then there's Soto — a four-time All-Star and on-base machine who won a World Series with the Washington Nationals in 2019. The X-factor for him is he became a free agent at the prime age of 26, which is extremely hard to do under current MLB rules. Players have to be in the big leagues for six years before testing free agency. The precocious Soto debuted at 19 with the Nats, making him part of a rare group of players who reached the highest level of professional baseball as a teenager. That accelerated his free agency timeline. It's rare for players to debut that young, and rarer still for them to develop into stars and test the open market the first chance they get. Two recent examples are Manny Machado and Bryce Harper, who both reached free agency in 2019. Machado signed a free-agent record $300 million contract with San Diego, and Harper overtook him days later with a $330 million contract to join the Phillies. Most players debut in the big leagues from ages 22 to 26, which means free agency comes in their late 20s or early 30s. A typical example is Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, who is one of this generation's great players but didn't hit the market until he was 30. Judge played three seasons of college baseball for Fresno State before getting drafted by the Yankees in 2013 at age 21 — already two years older than Soto was when he made his MLB debut. It took a few years for the budding superstar to reach the majors, and he was 25 when he had his breakout season in 2018, smashing 52 homers to earn AL Rookie of the Year honors. By the time he reached free agency after the 2022 season, he had already passed age 30. It's a major factor that led to him signing a $360 million, nine-year deal with the Yankees, which seems downright reasonable these days after the Ohtani and Soto deals. Two major trends are colliding that will make it harder for guys like Soto to hit free agency in their mid 20s. First, MLB teams have been more likely in recent years to take college players early in the draft, betting on more experienced talents. Just 10 high school players were drafted among the top 30 picks in the 2024 draft . Second, teams are more eager to lock up young, premium talent on long-term deals very early in their careers, well before they hit free agency. Sometimes before they even reach the majors. Since Soto, just two players have debuted in MLB before their 20th birthday — Elvis Luciano and Junior Caminero. Luciano hasn't been back to the majors since his 2019 cup of coffee. Caminero is now 21 and has only played in 50 big league games. Among those that debuted at 20: Fernando Tatis Jr. signed a $340 million, 14-year deal with San Diego in 2021, years before reaching the open market. Milwaukee's Jackson Chourio got an $82 million, eight-year deal before even reaching the big leagues. Young stars Corbin Carroll ($111 million, eight years with Arizona), Bobby Witt Jr. ($288 million, 11 years with Kansas City) and Julio Rodriguez ($209.3 million, 12 years with Seattle) also got massive guarantees early in their 20s to forgo an early free agency. The exception and wild card: Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will be a 26-year-old free agent next offseason. Guerrero hasn't been as consistent in his young career as Soto, but a standout 2025 season could position him to threaten Soto's deal. More likely is that the player to pass Soto isn't in the majors yet — and might not even be in pro baseball. When 25-year-old Alex Rodriguez signed his record $252 million, 10-year deal with Texas in 2001, it took over a decade for another player to match that total, when Albert Pujols got $240 million over 10 years from the Angels in 2012. For many players, passing up life-changing money in their early or mid 20s is too enticing, even if it means that they might not maximize their value on the free agent market later in their careers. Soto was determined to test the market. He famously turned down a $440 million, 15-year offer to stay with the Washington Nationals in 2022, betting that he could make even more as a free agent. Not many players would turn down that kind of cash. Then again, that's what makes Soto so unique. And it's also why his $765 million deal could be the industry standard for some time. AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

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The so-called “manifesto” of Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old charged with killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan last week, has been leaked to independent reporter Ken Klippenstein. And while Gizmodo can’t independently confirm it’s the real deal, it looks much more authentic than the fake manifesto that was going viral on Monday. The note is 262 words long and some of the hand-written words are transcribed as unreadable. But reading the short manifesto, it’s pretty clear that Mangione was motivated by the tremendous injustices regularly perpetrated by the healthcare industry in the United States. Klippenstein says major media outlets also have the manifesto but have refused to publish it. The reporter says he reached out to the New York Times, CNN, and ABC but hasn’t gotten an explanation for why they would sit on something newsworthy like this. The manifesto in full, according to Klippenstein : Klippenstein had previously been banned from X for sharing a leaked document from the Trump-Vance campaign. Elon Musk, the owner of X, donated over a quarter of a million dollars during this past election cycle to support Donald Trump and other Republicans. And Klippenstein warned people on that platform Tuesday that he could get banned again. A fake manifesto went viral Monday that appeared to originate on Substack. But it was first published after Mangione was arrested. There was also a hoax video that went viral on YouTube but the video-sharing site confirmed to Gizmodo that wasn’t real. Mangione appeared in court on Tuesday and footage captured on his way from a vehicle showed him trying to shout a message to journalists as police physically held him back. He can be heard saying that something is “completely out of touch” and “an insult to the intelligence of the American people,” though the context wasn’t captured by reporters on the scene. Police can be seen holding Mangione by the neck as they force him into the courthouse. People continue to sort through Mangione’s online footprint , which includes posts on Goodreads, X, and others. Mangione also had a Reddit account where he posted about back pain, according to a new report from Forbes . Mangione appears to have been posting on Reddit under the username Mister_Cactus , which has been suspended by the platform. And it’s clear he struggled with serious back problems that brought him into close contact with the healthcare industry. Posting on r/spondylolisthesis, a forum to discuss spinal issues, Mangione’s account gave tips on how to push back against doctors who refuse to help. “Keep trying different surgeons. ‘Nobody will operate on my back until I’m at least 40’ is nonsense coming from a medical professional who lacks perspective,” one of the comments said, according to Forbes. Social media has been absolutely flooded by memes and videos about Mangione, setting off a debate about decorum and whether his alleged actions should be celebrated, even jokingly. Fox News and CNN have been distressed by the jokes, with Jim Acosta and Brian Stelter beside themselves with indignation Tuesday about the tone on social media . “Here is a way for young people out there who are going online and talking about the suspect’s appearance and so on. They can do something with their time other than going on these social media sites and posting these kinds of comments,” said Acosta. “They can go organize. They can do the things that can be done to get legislation passed in this country.” “It might be a lot harder than posting your hot take on social media,” Acosta continued, “but my goodness, that is how you get real change in this country. Not... not doing, not doing what Mangione did and certainly not putting him up on a pedestal.”NoneApple's push for smart home devices might include a smart doorbell. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is working on a doorbell with facial recognition technology that would wirelessly connect to a deadbolt lock and unlock the door for its residents, like Face ID for iPhone. Reports of a smart doorbell comes after Apple's rumored plans to launch a smart home hub and security camera to compete with Amazon Ring and Google Nest. After cancelling its plans for developing some kind of car, and the lukewarm response to Apple Vision Pro, Gurman... Cecily MauranHeavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights