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Palantir, Anduril sign partnership for AI training in defenseInformation on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page. If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet. FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted. The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.Trudeau told Trump Americans would also suffer if tariffs are imposed, a Canadian minister says

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Central grands and tax allocation should be increased for Kerala, which is reeling under financial crisis. The 16th Finance Commission, which will decide and make recommendations regarding this, will begin a three-day critical visit to Kerala today. Central assistance will be available from 2026 at the rate recommended by the commission. The team headed by Dr Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the Commission and former Vice Chairman of Niti Aayog will reach Kochi today afternoon. Finance Minister KN Balagopal, Chief Secretary Sharada Muralidharan and others will receive them and take them to Kumarakom. The team will visit the Thiruvarpu and Aymanam panchayat areas on Monday morning and reach Kovalam in the evening. They will be received at the conference hall of Kovalam Leela Hotel at 9.30 am on Tuesday under the leadership of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Finance Minister KN Balagopal will deliver the welcome speech. They will then hold a discussion with the cabinet members. From 11.30 a.m. there will be a discussion with State Finance Commission Chairman Dr KN Harilal, representatives of Grama, Block and District Panchayat Associations, Chamber of Municipal Chairman, Mayors Council etc. The Commission will meet the traders and industrialists representatives from 12.45 pm. Meeting with representatives of political parties from 1.45. Then the Chairman will hold a press conference. Other members of the Commission are Ajay Narayan Jha, who was a member of the 15th Finance Commission, Annie George Mathew, former Special Secretary of Expenditure at the Centre, Manoj Panda, former Director of the Institute of Economic Growth, and Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Chief Economic Advisor, SBI Group. Finance Minister KN Balagopal said that the government has taken proper preparations to present the demands strongly and get the rightful financial rights.S Korea political upheaval shows global democracy's fragility - and resilienceArticle content Here’s the latest news concerning climate change and biodiversity loss, from the steps leaders are taking to address the problems to all the latest science. • Rising sea levels could put Vancouver’s airport underwater • Conserving just five per cent of watersheds can protect cities from floods: UBC study • Canadians to spend $801 more on food in 2025 as climate, Trump affect prices: report Human activities like burning fossil fuels and farming livestock are the main drivers of climate change, according to the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. This causes heat-trapping greenhouse gas levels in Earth’s atmosphere, increasing the planet’s surface temperature. The panel, which is made up of scientists from around the world, has warned for decades that wildfires and severe weather, such as B.C.’s deadly heat dome and catastrophic flooding in 2021, would become more frequent and more intense because of the climate emergency. It has issued a “code red” for humanity and warns the window to limit warming to 1.5 C above pre-industrial times is closing. According to NASA climate scientists, human activities have raised the atmosphere’s carbon dioxide content by 50 per cent in less than 200 years, and “there is unequivocal evidence that Earth is warming at an unprecedented rate.” • The Earth is now about 1.3 C warmer than it was in the 1800s. • 2023 was hottest on record globally, beating the last record in 2016. However scientists say 2024 will likely beat the 2023 record. • Human activities have raised atmospheric concentrations of CO2 by nearly 49 per cent above pre-industrial levels starting in 1850. • The world is not on track to meet the Paris Agreement target to keep global temperature from exceeding 1.5 C above pre-industrial levels, the upper limit to avoid the worst fallout from climate change including sea level rise, and more intense drought, heat waves and wildfires. • On the current path of carbon dioxide emissions, the temperature could increase by as much 3.6 C this century, according to the IPCC. • In April, 2022 greenhouse gas concentrations reached record new highs and show no sign of slowing. • Emissions must drop 7.6 per cent per year from 2020 to 2030 to keep temperatures from exceeding 1.5 C and 2.7 per cent per year to stay below 2 C. • 97 per cent of climate scientists agree that the climate is warming and that human beings are the cause. (Source: , , , , ) Vancouver International Airport is at risk of flooding due to climate change, according to a new Senate report that looks at critical transportation infrastructure across Canada to assess how it will fare in the changing climate. Vancouver’s airport, Canada’s second-busiest airport, is on Sea Island in the Fraser River delta, surrounded by 22 kilometres of dikes to keep the river and sea water at bay. But with sea levels estimated to rise by at least one metre in the next 75 years and an anticipated increase in extreme precipitation and storm surges, the report says the island could flood. “The state of the Vancouver airport is Vancouver’s problem, it’s Richmond’s problem, but it’s also a problem for every person in Western Canada who drives through there — and it’s a really important freight airport too,” said Sen. Paula Simons, one of 10 members of the standing Senate committee on transport and communications, which wrote the report. “This isn’t just a question of your ability to go to Maui. It’s a question of how we get goods and services across the Pacific to Asian markets and how we bring our imports in.” Simons was shocked to learn the bustling, economically vital airport is at risk. “As an Edmontonian and a Westerner, I had no idea how vulnerable the Vancouver airport really was,” Simons said. “I was absolutely thunderstruck to realize how vulnerable it is because it’s built on an island. And it’s lovely, but it creates an inherent risk at a time when sea levels are rising.” Food prices in Canada are likely to increase by three to five per cent next year, according to a newly released report, but wild cards like climate change and Donald Trump could have unforeseen impacts. That’s the conclusion of the 15th annual food price report released Thursday by a partnership that includes researchers at Dalhousie University, the University of Guelph, University of Saskatchewan and University of British Columbia. The report’s authors used three different machine learning and AI models to make their predictions, and concluded a Canadian family of four can expect to spend $16,833.67 on food in 2025 — an increase of up to $801.56 from last year. Though it still marks a rise in grocery bills, the rate of food price growth has moderated since the days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when rampant inflation meant Canadians suffered through double-digit year-over-year food price increases. “It would be fantastic if it was even lower, but you know, it’s a step in the right direction,” said Stuart Smyth, the University of Saskatchewan’s campus lead on the project. “I think that consumers can hopefully look forward to a little bit of a flattening out in terms of food price increases for the coming year.” The B.C. government has scheduled a news conference Monday to make a significant announcement about B.C. Hydro’s competitive call for power. Premier David Eby, along with Adrian Dix, minister of energy and climate solutions, Tamara Davidson, minister of environment and parks, and Chris O’Riley, president of B.C. Hydro will make the announcement at 12:30 p.m. In September, it had received 21 applications from independent power producers proposing to supply up to 9,000 gigawatt hours per year of electricity to the utility — enough to power some 800,000 homes — three-times the 3,000 gigawatt hours it sought. This call for power lands at a volatile time for the utility. Successive years of drought that slowed inflows to Hydro’s key reservoirs left it a net importer of electricity in its 2023-24 fiscal year, which ended in March with the corporation importing about 20 per cent of its electricity needs. That has carried over into Hydro’s 2024-25 fiscal year, with its first-quarter financial report showing that it needed imports to fill 17 per cent of B.C.’s needs for the three months between the end of March and beginning of July. B.C.’s Energy Ministry has said Hydro’s critics who warn the utility will run short of power as soon as 2026 rely on “inaccurate assumptions” that underestimate its ability to generate electricity over the summer. Researchers at the University of B.C. say there’s a nature-based way to protect cities from floods, like the 2021 catastrophic flooding in B.C. or more recently the deadly floods that wiped out towns in Spain. A UBC study says preserving just five per cent of watersheds and two per cent of Canada’s land could shield more than half of urban floodplains, saving lives, crops and infrastructure. Matthew Mitchell, the study author who is a UBC forestry expert, says this is the first research of its kind in Canada to explore how ecosystems function as natural flood buffers. Key ecosystems safeguard 54 per cent of built-up areas and 74 per cent of cropland in floodplains, according to the study. When these areas are preserved, they absorb water, slow run-off and reduce the strain on flood defences,” said Mitchell. “Trees and vegetation can capture that rainfall as it comes down. But also one of the major ways beyond that is the soil and having places where it’s not impervious, it’s not pavement or concrete,” he said. “The soil really absorbs and slows it down. So when we get these atmospheric river events there’s a capacity to slow that down and release the water over a longer amount of time, rather than all at once.” Canada faces numerous challenges because of climate change, human alteration of rivers, watersheds and floodplains. With weather patterns shifting fast, projections call for more flooding across the country, which means governments must look at protecting natural ecosystems as part of its adaptation strategy, the study concludes. Two University of B.C. professors have each been awarded $1 million grants from the inaugural Wall Legacy Awards funded by the Peter Wall Endowment. Michelle Tseng, an assistant professor of zoology, will receive the grant for her research on butterflies and biodiversity. Law professor Stepan Wood receives it for his work on how Indigenous and settler laws can work together to promote healthier relationships between humans and nature, and between settler and Indigenous societies, UBC announced Tuesday. Postmedia interviewed Tseng earlier this year after her team noted an estimated 60 per cent drop in observations of cabbage white butterflies across Metro Vancouver this season. Tseng said there are several reasons this could be happening such as a cooler, wetter spring, or it could be related to climate change and extreme changes in temperature, or from spraying invasive species. But scientists want to study this decline to find out for sure. Wood said his work is about bridging two global movements — the ‘rights of nature’ movement and the Indigenous revitalization movement. “You can’t have reconciliation between humans and the Earth without reconciliation between settler and Indigenous societies, and vice versa. The key to both is respect — respect for all beings, and respect for Indigenous laws,” he said in a statement provided by UBC. Negotiators working on a treaty to address the global crisis of plastic pollution for a week in South Korea won’t reach an agreement and plan to resume the talks next year. They are at an impasse over whether the treaty should reduce the total plastic on Earth and put global, legally binding controls on toxic chemicals used to make plastics. The negotiations in Busan, South Korea, were supposed to be the fifth and final round to produce the first legally binding treaty on plastics pollution, including in the oceans, by the end of 2024. But with time running out early Monday, negotiators agreed to resume the talks next year. They don’t yet have firm plans. More than 100 countries want the treaty to limit production as well as tackle cleanup and recycling, and many have said that is essential to address chemicals of concern. But for some plastic-producing and oil and gas countries, that crosses a red line. For any proposal to make it into the treaty, every nation must agree to it. Some countries sought to change the process so decisions could be made with a vote if consensus couldn’t be reached and the process was paralyzed. India, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Kuwait and others opposed changing it, arguing consensus is vital to an inclusive, effective treaty. The world’s top court has begun hearing evidence in a significant case that may clarify the legal responsibilities of governments in relation to climate change, this week. The International Court of Justice in The Hague will hear testimony from nearly 100 countries including Vanuatu, the Pacific island nation that initiated the effort to get a legal opinion, the report said. The hearing will attempt to answer key questions as to what countries should do to fight climate change and, critically, what should they do to repair damages linked to rising temperatures, it added. While the outcome is not legally binding, it could give extra weight to climate change lawsuits all over the world, the BBC writes. The European Union agreed to delay by a year the introduction of new rules to ban the sale of products that lead to massive deforestation, caving in to demands from several producer nations from across the globe and domestic opposition within the 27-nation bloc. Officials said Wednesday that the EU member states, the EU parliament and the executive Commission reached an agreement in principle following weeks of haggling whether the initial rules would have to be watered down even further than the simple delay by one year. Originally, it was supposed to kick in this month. The deforestation law is aimed at preserving forests on a global scale by only allowing forest-related products that are sustainable and do not involve the degradation of forests. It applies to things like cocoa, coffee, soy, cattle, palm oil, rubber, wood and products made from them. Deforestation is the second-biggest source of carbon emissions after fossil fuels. The lead negotiator among the different EU institutions, Christine Schneider, called the delay to implement nature protection rules “a victory,” adding it would give foresters and farmers protection from “excessive bureaucracy.” Starting Jan. 1, every company in Italy must buy insurance to protect its assets from floods, landslides and other natural hazards that have become more common thanks to global warming. It’s the latest sign of Europe’s rising anxiety about climate change. As the fastest-warming continent, its climate losses have increased by 2.9 per cent a year from 2009 to 2023, according to the European Environment Agency. This year alone saw epic wildfires in Greece, a crippling drought in Sicily and costly floods in the U.K., Central Europe and Spain. And there’s still a month left. The biggest danger in Italy is flooding. Companies affected by such events face a 7 per cent higher probability of going bust, and those that survive typically suffer a 5 per cent average decline in revenue within three years, according to a 2024 study published by the country’s central bank. Most Italian businesses — especially small and mid-sized ones — have no protection at all. The new law will require companies to buy coverage and insurers to write policies or face fines. The plan is backed by a €5 billion reinsurance fund, set up by a state-controlled financial institution. But there are rumblings the plan’s rollout may be delayed. One concern is that one big catastrophe could overwhelm the new fund. Another is that insurers will abandon the country’s riskiest areas, as is happening in the US. Standing shoulder to shoulder with his employees, Chris Wright, chief executive officer of oilfield services company Liberty Energy Inc., held up his glass in a toast. “To your health and the longer lives and healthier lives of billions of people around the world from oil and gas,” Wright said. Then he gulped down a shot of fracking fluid. By quaffing the chemical cocktail of water, bleach, soap and other substances in a 2019 Facebook video, Wright, Donald Trump’s nominee for energy secretary, sought to refute fracking opponents who argued it would poison aquifers. Five years later, the stunt suggests how he might carry out US energy policy: with a flair for showmanship and an appetite for confrontation. In a slew of TV interviews and speeches, Wright has proclaimed the moral virtues of fossil fuels and championed them as a way to lift people out of poverty. A few years ago, he picked a public fight with The North Face Inc. after the outwear maker declined to make a co-branded jacket with a Liberty competitor because of its oil-industry links. (Wright commissioned billboards that said: “That North Face puffer looks great on you. And it was made from fossil fuels.”) He has called greenhouse-gas reduction goals “perverse,” questioned the environmental benefits of electric vehicles and attacked subsidies for wind and solar projects. His outspokenness is poised to set him apart from Trump’s previous energy secretaries, the comparatively buttoned-up Rick Perry and Dan Brouillette. But Wright, an industry insider who would be taking on his first political role, can be nuanced. A self-professed “nerdy guy,” he frequently gives lectures about the global energy system, using data-heavy charts to illustrate his points. Rather than deny climate change outright, he characterizes it as a “modest phenomenon.”

By AAMER MADHANI, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official on Wednesday said at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations have been impacted by a Chinese hacking campaign. Deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger offered new details about the breadth of the sprawling Chinese hacking campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Neuberger divulged the scope of the hack a day after the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued guidance intended to help root out the hackers and prevent similar cyberespionage in the future. White House officials cautioned that a number of telecommunication firms and countries impacted could still grow. The U.S. believes that the hackers were able to gain access to communications of senior U.S. government officials and prominent political figures through the hack, Neuberger said. “We don’t believe any classified communications has been compromised,” Neuberger added during a call with reporters. She added that Biden has been briefed on the findings and that the White House “has made it a priority for the federal government to do everything it can to get to the bottom this.” The Chinese embassy in Washington on Tuesday rejected the accusations that it was responsible for the hack after the U.S. federal authorities issued new guidance. “The U.S. needs to stop its own cyberattacks against other countries and refrain from using cyber security to smear and slander China,” embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said. The embassy did not immediately respond to messages on Wednesday. Associated Press writer David Klepper contributed reporting.

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If you’ve never heard of Final Audio, well, they have been around for 50-years and make some excellent Hi-Fi gear. The company has just announced the new Final Audio D8000 DC and DC Pro flagship headphones. The D8000 planar-magnetic headphones were first launched seven years ago, and brought with them an entirely unique driver technology which revolutionized the capabilities of planar. Estimated reading time: 5 minutes Since then, Final Audio has further developed these techniques, inventing new technology and improving their early designs, paving the way for the D8000 DC and DC Pro. Here’s what the rest of the press release had to say about these new devices. The Final D8000 DC and DC Pro will be available to purchase from selected retailers in the UK now and available to pre-order in the US (Shipping mid-December) – D8000 DC Pro $4,799/€4,799/£4,499 – D8000 DC $4,299/€4,299/£3,999. Final Audio D8000 DC and DC Pro Headphones The new Final Audio D8000 DC and DC Pro headphones bring new possibilities to planar magnetic audio with an advanced iteration of its proprietary Air Film Damping System (AFDS) technology. The “DC” in D8000 DC stands for “Da Capo”, symbolizing a return to the beginning – a complete reconstruction of Final’s flagship headphones with a fresh, innovative approach. Initially developed seven years ago to address limitations in low-frequency response, Final’s AFDS uses air’s natural characteristics to regulate diaphragm movement, providing richer, distortion-free bass reproduction. By overcoming typical planar magnetic constraints, AFDS allows for a deep, balanced soundstage that captures audio with remarkable accuracy across the spectrum. For the latest D8000 DC and DC Pro models, Final Audio has taken AFDS one step further. Every element of the metal mesh structure surrounding the diaphragm, including its hole diameters, pitches, and patterns, has been thoroughly redesigned. Distinctive mesh patterns placed in front of and behind the diaphragm create an organic, open bass response, while Final’s breathable ‘washi paper’ ear pads add to the sense of depth and spatial clarity. Years of advanced research and engineering has enhanced the D8000 DC and DC Pro’s capacity to deliver a listening experience like no other. At the heart of the D8000 DC’s sound signature is an ultra-lightweight diaphragm, crafted from etched aluminum foil. This design reduces the weight of the vibration system by about one-third, ensuring fast responsiveness to audio signals. The result is a sound profile that captures delicate high-frequency details with superior precision, bringing an airy, refined quality to the headphones. With these enhancements, the Final D8000 DC and DC Pro stand as a breakthrough in high-end planar magnetic technology, offering a dynamic, authentic listening experience for audiophiles. Final takes pride in its Japanese heritage, which shows in how the D8000 DC has been produced. Manufactured at Final’s headquarters in Kawasaki, the precision of the product assembly relies on the quality of the machinery involved in production. This is why Final Audio develops its own equipment, such as production jigs, diaphragm molding machines, and many of the measuring instruments used to create a consistently precise and scientifically controlled manufacturing environment. With the launch of the D8000 DC and D8000 DC Pro, Final Audio has made sure to consider the use cases of this headphone. The D8000 DC has tuning that is intended to be enjoyed, and while the standard DC model will suit the tastes of many pro users, it is the music listening experience where these have been designed to shine. The D8000 DC Pro Edition retains the delicate sound quality of the D8000 DC, while being adjusted to suit human hearing characteristics, where bass becomes more prominent as the listening volume increases. Please choose the model that best matches your preferred listening volume and sound quality. Both models come supplied with two cables – 1 x 4.4mm and 1 x 4-pin XLR. The D8000 DC Pro has the added benefit of utilizing Final’s silver braided cable for increased performance and added value. Key Features Air Film Damping System (AFDS): Redesigned planar magnetic driver for improved transient response and reduced distortion. Re-engineered Acoustic Chamber: Unique chamber design and reshaped ear pads for optimal sound performance. High-Quality Washi Paper Ear Pads and Headband: Lightweight and durable material for enhanced comfort. Weight Reduction: 120 grams lighter than the original D8000 model. Distinctive Finishes: Available in refined matte-silver or matte-black. Premium Silver-Coated Cable (D8000 DC Pro only): Includes a balanced 4.4mm TRRRS terminal and a 4-pin XLR connector for high-purity signal transmission. Enhanced Playback Performance: Designed to handle higher volumes with minimized rattling and sound degradation. Comfort Optimized Clamping Force: Fine-tuned headband clamping for long-lasting, stress-free listening. “Da Capo” Redesign: Complete reconstruction of the D8000 series from the ground up for enhanced performance. Made in Final’s Workshops: Meticulously crafted with innovative technology and premium materials in Japan. Tech Specs Chassis: Aluminum Magnesium Alloy Driver: AFDS Planar Magnetic Type Sensitivity: 90dB/mW Impedance: 50 ohms Weight: 431g D8000 DC Cable: OFC Cable (4.4mm/1.5m, XLR/3m) D8000 DC Pro Cable: Silver-Coated Cable (4.4mm/1.5m, XLR/3m) In some of our articles and especially in our reviews, you will find Amazon or other affiliate links. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases. Any other purchases you make through these links often result in a small amount being earned for the site and/or our writers. Techaeris often covers brand press releases. Doing this does not constitute an endorsement of any product or service by Techaeris. We provide the press release information for our audience to be informed and make their own decision on a purchase or not. Only our reviews are an endorsement or lack thereof. For more information, you can read our full disclaimer .Mexico, the 51st US state? Trump says maybe it should beSenior MP invites Elon Musk to UK and warns Tech Secretary Peter Kyle - 'I'll be on your case'

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Global trade is poised to hit a record $33 trillion in 2024, showcasing remarkable resilience despite persistent economic and geopolitical challenges, a UN report revealed on Thursday. However, concerns loom for 2025, where the risks include escalating trade wars, geopolitical tensions and shifting policies, clouding the outlook. According to the UN trade and development body (UNCTAD)’s Global Trade Update, the projected figure for this year marks a $1 trillion increase over 2023, driven by robust 3.3 per cent annual growth. A significant contributor was trade in services, which surged by seven per cent, accounting for half of the total expansion and adding $500 billion to global trade value. Goods trade, while growing at about 2 per cent, has remained below its 2022 peak. While 2024’s trade performance reflected resilience, the outlook for next year is uncertain, primarily due to potential policy changes in the United States under the incoming administration. “The 2025 trade outlook is clouded by potential US policy shifts, including broader tariffs that could disrupt global value chains and impact key trading partners,” UNCTAD said. Such measures risk triggering retaliation and ripple effects, affecting industries and economies along entire supply chains. “Even the mere threat of tariffs creates unpredictability, weakening trade, investment and economic growth,” the UN body warned. Countries most exposed to changes in US trade policy are likely those with large trade surpluses with the country and higher tariff barriers. Based on 2023 figures for trade in goods, these include China (about $280 billion trade surplus), India ($45 billion), the European Union ($205 billion) and Viet Nam ($105 billion), according to UNCTAD. Other nations with trade surpluses, including Canada ($70 billion), Japan ($70 billion), Mexico ($150 billion) and the Republic of Korea ($50 billion), may also face some risks, despite imposing relatively lower tariffs on US imports or having established trade agreements with the country. Adding to the uncertainty is the trajectory of the US dollar and macroeconomic policy shifts, add to global trade concerns. According to the report, developed economies led the growth in the third quarter of 2024 on the back of stable demand and favourable business conditions. In contrast, developing economies, traditionally strong drivers of global trade, faced headwinds with contracting imports and a decline in South-South trade. Other sectors also faltered, with energy trade declining two per cent in Q3 and an overall seven per cent over the year. Metals trade also contracted three per cent – both quarterly and annually, while the automotive sector posted a three per cent drop in the quarter, despite an anticipated four per cent annual growth. High-growth sectors like information and communications technologies (ICT) and apparel, recorded strong growth, surging 13 per cent and 14 per cent over the third quarter. On a national level, Japan led with a five per cent increase in goods exports and a 13 per cent annual rise in services exports. The United States also recorded a four per cent rise in merchandise imports on both a quarterly and annual basis. The European Union sustained growth in services traded, with positive projections for the year. However, developing economies struggled, with China recording an exports’ decline of two per cent for Q3, although its services sector saw a 9 per cent annual rise in exports. India also faced quarterly declines in goods trade but posted modest annual gains, while trade in East Asia largely stalled, with flat imports and a marginal one per cent growth in exports. UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan emphasised the importance of strategic policy action in developing economies to enhance trade diversification and invest in high-value sectors to mitigate risks. “Trade remains a cornerstone of sustainable development,” she said. “To seize the opportunities in 2025, developing economies need coordinated support to navigate uncertainty, reduce dependencies and strengthen their links to global markets.” Source: UNCTADNone

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Hinson defends Ernst over senator’s hesitancy to back Trump’s defense secretary pickHouston Medicaid Planning Attorney Whitney L. Thompson Unveils New Article on Medicaid Planning in Texas 12-02-2024 11:44 PM CET | Politics, Law & Society Press release from: ABNewswire Houston Medicaid planning attorney [ https://www.wthompsonlaw.com/houston-medicaid-planning-attorney/ ] Whitney L. Thompson of The Law Office of Whitney L. Thompson, PLLC, has published an insightful article on Medicaid planning in Texas. This resourceful piece explores the financial challenges older adults face when planning for long-term care and highlights strategies for managing Medicaid eligibility while protecting hard-earned assets. "People are living longer today, often into their eighties, nineties, and beyond, which is a wonderful thing," says Houston Medicaid planning attorney Whitney L. Thompson. "However, with increased longevity comes the challenge of affording long-term care, which can quickly deplete financial resources. Medicaid planning is essential to help families protect their assets while ensuring their loved ones receive the care they need." The article by the Houston Medicaid planning attorney sheds light on the growing financial vulnerability of older Americans, many of whom find themselves unable to afford the high costs of nursing home care. In Texas, the average cost of assisted living is $3,988 per month, or over $47,000 per year, leaving many families struggling to cover these expenses. Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover nursing home care, pushing families to rely on costly insurance policies or out-of-pocket savings. Whitney L. Thompson emphasizes the importance of proactive planning. "Many older adults are caught in a difficult position-having too many assets to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford long-term care. This is where Medicaid estate planning becomes crucial to help families navigate eligibility requirements while preserving what they've worked so hard to build." Medicaid is the largest provider of nursing home benefits in the United States, but qualifying for these benefits in Texas is no simple task. The program imposes strict income and asset caps, making it inaccessible to many older adults without proper planning. Furthermore, Medicaid's five-year look-back period penalizes individuals for any asset transfers made prior to applying, further complicating the process. The article discusses various strategies to preserve assets while ensuring eligibility for Medicaid benefits. These include creating irrevocable trusts, utilizing Medicaid-compliant annuities, and implementing strategic asset spend-downs. Additionally, Thompson highlights the importance of considering exemptions, such as the value of a primary residence (up to $636,000) and personal belongings, which do not count toward Medicaid eligibility limits. "For families, it's not just about qualifying for Medicaid-it's about doing so in a way that protects their financial well-being," explains Thompson. "Having a plan in place ensures that spouses and other family members aren't left financially vulnerable while ensuring the applicant receives the care they need." Managing Medicaid's complex rules and regulations can be overwhelming without guidance. Thompson's article underscores the importance of working with an experienced Houston Medicaid planning attorney to develop a strategy tailored to a family's unique needs. Planning for long-term care is an essential part of securing a loved one's future. With the guidance of a Houston Medicaid planning attorney, families can manage Medicaid eligibility and protect their financial resources. Thompson's article serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to better understand Medicaid planning and the steps necessary to safeguard their assets. About The Law Office of Whitney L. Thompson, PLLC: The Law Office of Whitney L. Thompson, PLLC, serves families throughout Houston, focusing on Medicaid planning, elder law, and estate planning. Led by Whitney L. Thompson, the firm is dedicated to helping families protect their assets while ensuring their loved ones receive quality care. Their compassionate approach and in-depth knowledge of Medicaid regulations make them a trusted ally for families handling the challenges of long-term care planning. Embeds: Youtube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2NIBJLilRE GMB: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=9428708165305469162 Email and website Email: info@wthompsonlaw.com Website: https://www.wthompsonlaw.com/ Media Contact Company Name: The Law Office of Whitney L. Thompson, PLLC Contact Person: Whitney L. Thompson Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=houston-medicaid-planning-attorney-whitney-l-thompson-unveils-new-article-on-medicaid-planning-in-texas ] Phone: (281) 214-0173 Address:4201 Farm to Market 1960 Rd W Suite 360 City: Houston State: Texas 77068 Country: United States Website: https://www.wthompsonlaw.com/ This release was published on openPR.

Article content KINGSTON, Ont. — Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks head coach Michael Faulds feels his team plays its best football when the competition is tough. The unbeaten squad should be put to the test Saturday against the Quebec powerhouse Laval Rouge et Or in the Vanier Cup. “We’ve been saying to the guys all week that it was very fitting that the Yates Cup had to go through the Western Mustangs, the team that has won the most (Ontario titles),” Faulds said. “And it’s very fitting, too, that the Vanier Cup has to go through the Laval Rouge et Or, the team that has won the most Vanier Cups. “Our guys are excited. We respect the heck out of Laval and know it’s going to take all four quarters.” Led by Hec Crighton Trophy winner Taylor Elgersma at quarterback, the Golden Hawks have outscored the opposition 128-76 over three playoff wins after an 8-0 regular season. Rouge et Or quarterback Arnaud Desjardins, a finalist for the outstanding player honour, leads a Laval team that needed two close victories to reach the Canadian university football title game. Laval boasts a stingy defence that led U Sports with only 106 points against over a 7-1 campaign. The Rouge et Or are looking for their second Vanier Cup title in the last three years. “We’re definitely a younger edition, but we’ve grown and tomorrow is our final exam,” said Laval head coach Glen Constantin. “So we’re looking forward to playing really good football against a quality opponent.” The Golden Hawks held a walkthrough for about an hour on Friday morning at Richardson Stadium in rainy, windy conditions. The clouds mostly cleared for the Rouge et Or session in the afternoon. A sellout crowd at the 8,000-seat Queen’s University stadium is expected with cool, overcast conditions in the forecast. “It’ll be a real celebration of football here in Canada,” Faulds said. “With the Grey Cup being last weekend, this is the last football game in Canada in 2024 and what a matchup.” Laurier enjoyed home-field advantage in a 29-21 win over Queen’s in the Ontario semifinal before topping Western 51-31 in the conference championship. The Golden Hawks looked just as strong on the road, handing the Atlantic champion Bishop’s Gaiters their first loss last weekend with a 48-24 rout. Laval, meanwhile, opened the playoffs with a comfortable 41-18 victory over Concordia. The Rouge et Or beat the 2023 Vanier champion Montreal Carabins 22-17 for the Quebec title before edging the Canada West champion Regina Rams 17-14 last week at Mosaic Stadium. A fourth-year kinesiology and physical education major from London, Ont., Elgersma led U Sports in passing yards and touchdown completions. He also rushed for seven TDs himself. Receiver Olivier Cool and running back William Tremblay have four playoff touchdowns apiece for Laval. Tanner Nelmes and Tayshaun Jackson have been productive out of the Laurier backfield while Ryan Hughes has been one of Elgersma’s favourite targets. The Golden Hawks, who last won the Vanier Cup in 2005, have a 2-3 all-time record in the national championship game, while Laval is 11-2. “We have a culture of playing good disciplined football,” Constantin said. “If we stick to the process, then we believe we have a good chance.” The Rouge et Or have won both previous meetings against the Golden Hawks. Laval beat Laurier in the Uteck Bowl in 2004 and 2016 at Quebec City.Samajwadi Party threatens to quit MVA over Babri demolition tweetRescuers reassess safety in search for woman they think fell into a Pennsylvania sinkhole

NoneLUQUE, Paraguay — Sake is perhaps more Japanese than the world-famous sushi. It's brewed in centuries-old mountaintop warehouses, savored in the country’s pub-like izakayas, poured during weddings and served slightly chilled for special toasts. The smooth rice wine that plays a crucial role in Japan's culinary traditions was enshrined on Wednesday by UNESCO on its list of the “intangible cultural heritage of humanity." At a meeting in Luque, Paraguay, members of UNESCO’s committee for safeguarding humanity's cultural heritage voted to recognize 45 cultural practices and products around the world, including Brazilian white cheese, Caribbean cassava bread and Palestinian olive oil soap. Unlike UNESCO’s World Heritage List, which includes sites considered important to humanity like the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the Intangible Cultural Heritage designation names products and practices of different cultures that are deserving of recognition. A Japanese delegation welcomed the announcement in Luque. “Sake is considered a divine gift and is essential for social and cultural events in Japan,” Kano Takehiro, the Japanese ambassador to UNESCO, told The Associated Press. The basic ingredients of sake are few: rice, water, yeast and koji, a rice mold that breaks down the starches into fermentable sugars like malting does in beer production. The whole two-month process of steaming, stirring, fermenting and pressing can be grueling. The rice — which wields tremendous marketing power as part of Japan's broader cultural identity — is key to the alcoholic brew. For a product to be categorized Japanese sake, the rice must be Japanese. The UNESCO recognition, the delegation said, captured more than the craft knowledge of making high-quality sake. It also honored a tradition dating back some 1,000 years — sake makes a cameo in Japan’s famous 11th century novel, “The Tale of Genji,” as the drink of choice in the refined Heian court. Now, officials hope to restore sake's image as Japan's premier alcoholic drink even as the younger drinkers in the country switch to imported wine or domestic beer and whiskey. Japanese breweries also expressed hope the listing could give a lift to the country's export economy as the popularity of sake booms around the world and in the United States amid heightened interest in Japanese cuisine. “I hope that this will also be an opportunity for Japanese people to take another look at sake, shochu and awamori, which are the essence of their culture," Hitoshi Utsunomiya, director of the trade group Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association, said in Tokyo. "I would like them to try it even once and see what it tastes like,” he said. Sake exports, mostly to the U.S. and China, now rake in over $265 million a year, according to the association. Japan's delegation appeared ready to celebrate Wednesday — in classic Japanese style. After the announcement, Takehiro raised a cypress box full of sake to toast the alcoholic brew and cultural rite. “It means a lot to Japan and to the Japanese,” he said of the UNESCO designation. "This will help to renew interest in traditional sake elaboration.” In Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said he was “delighted” by UNESCO's recognition of traditional sake-making techniques, and he congratulated those dedicated to preserving and promoting the tradition.Manulife cautions investors regarding New York Stock and Bond LLC offer for shares