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Report accuses key Trump backer of sex with 17-year-old girlRescuers reassess safety in search for woman they think fell into a Pennsylvania sinkhole
Kylian Mbappe’s spot-kick woe goes on as Real Madrid lose at Athletic BilbaoSunrun's RUN short percent of float has risen 3.82% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 48.18 million shares sold short , which is 25.83% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 5.8 days to cover their short positions on average. Why Short Interest Matters Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. Short selling is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises. Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish. See Also: List of the most shorted stocks Sunrun Short Interest Graph (3 Months) As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Sunrun has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted. Comparing Sunrun's Short Interest Against Its Peers Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis. According to Benzinga Pro , Sunrun's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 9.32%, which means the company has more short interest than most of its peers. Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it. This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.S&P/TSX composite index slightly up Wednesday, U.S. stock markets also rise
TORONTO — Canada's main stock index edged higher in trading on Wednesday, helped by strength in the technology sector, while U.S. stock markets also rose. The S&P/TSX composite index was up 5.45 points at 25,641.18. The index took a “breather” Wednesday ahead of key labour market indicators set to be released both in Canada and the U.S. this week, said Angelo Kourkafas, senior investment strategist at Edward Jones. Statistics Canada will report the latest data from the national labour force survey on Friday, the same day the November jobs report is due in the U.S. “That's the last important data point for the Bank of Canada before they meet next week,” said Kourkafas. November was a strong month for equities, he said, so it isn't surprising that investors are digesting the gains while they await new data. He said it’s expected that Statistics Canada will report an acceleration of job gains after last month brought a “relatively weak reading,” with job gains at about half of what analysts were expecting. While Canada’s central bank is expected to cut its key interest rate a fifth straight time on Dec. 11, the size of the cut could depend on that jobs data, he said. “We're now looking at a rebound, but as the Bank of Canada deliberates between a quarter point cut versus half a percentage point cut, I think what we are going to see in terms of unemployment rate and the base of job gains is going to have a say into that,” said Kourkafas, adding that wage growth is another important metric to watch. “If we see steady job growth and slowing wages, that can potentially tilt the Bank of Canada towards a larger cut.” In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 308.51 points at 45,014.04. The S&P 500 index was up 36.61 points at 6,086.49, while the Nasdaq composite was up 254.21 points at 19,735.12. U.S. markets were propelled by strength in the technology sector, said Kourkafas, highlighting strong results in quarterly earnings released this week by Salesforce Inc. and Marvell Technology Inc. “I think today's results highlight that there is still a long runway and still enthusiasm, excitement about artificial intelligence and kind of that multi-year adoption cycle,” he said. The Canadian dollar traded for 71.09 cents US compared with 71.14 cents US on Tuesday. The January crude oil contract was down US$1.40 at US$68.54 per barrel and the January natural gas contract was up less than a penny at US$3.04 per mmBTU. The February gold contract was up US$8.30 at US$2,676.20 an ounce and the March copper contract was down less than a penny at US$4.20 a pound. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 4, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX:GSPTSE, TSX:CADUSD) Sammy Hudes, The Canadian PressGolden at-bat idea brings critics to the plate: 'Absolutely stupid and ridiculous'
Pender Growth Fund Provides Financial Highlights and Company UpdatesINIA: Bringing Clinic-Level Skincare Home with the Red Light Therapy Mask 12-23-2024 07:20 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: Kjprnews INIA, a beauty and personal care technology company, is changing the way we care for our skin by bringing professional-grade treatments right into the comfort of your home. Inspired by the Amazon River dolphin's smooth skin and graceful curves, INIA embodies radiance, confidence, and a passion for innovation. This commitment is perfectly reflected in their latest breakthrough: the GLOW Wireless Red Light Therapy Mask [ https://theinia.com/products/inia-red-light-therapy-mask-for-face ]. This cutting-edge device delivers clinic-level results without the expense or inconvenience of professional appointments. INIA's Mission: Making Advanced Skincare Accessible to All At INIA, the mission is clear: to make advanced beauty and personal care technology accessible to everyone. INIA believes that everyone deserves the transformative benefits of premium skincare. That's why they've designed at-home solutions that are easy to use and fit effortlessly into daily routines. By focusing on accessibility and simplicity, INIA empowers people to take control of their skincare journeys and achieve noticeable results. Expanding on this vision, INIA has developed a range of innovative products, including a home-use IPL Hair Removal Device [ https://theinia.com/products/inia-haute-pro ] and a facial microcurrent therapy tool [ https://theinia.com/products/inia-microcurrent-facial-device ]. Together with the GLOW mask, these tools create a complete, professional-grade skincare experience at home. Scientific Expertise and Technological Innovation With over a decade of research and development, INIA's team is dedicated to delivering products backed by rigorous scientific validation. Their expertise in photo-rejuvenation and light therapy ensures that each product is not only effective but also safe and reliable. INIA collaborates with renowned experts such as Dr. Amber, Medical Director at Biogenesis Medical and Wellness Center, and Dr. Hendricks, a specialist in nutritional biochemistry and epigenetics. These partnerships bring valuable insights into personalized skincare and treatment responses. All INIA products are also FDA-cleared, reflecting their commitment to safety and quality. INIA GLOW Wireless Red Light Therapy Mask: Your Path to Radiant Skin The GLOW Wireless Red Light Therapy Mask blends advanced technology with user-friendly design, offering a powerful yet simple way to improve your skin. Clinically proven to boost collagen, reduce fine lines, and enhance skin texture, this innovative mask delivers professional results in just 10 minutes per session. Key Features and Benefits: Clinically Proven Results: Backed by clinical research, the mask visibly improves skin tone, texture, and firmness. NIR (Near-Infrared) Technology: Penetrates deep into the skin to enhance collagen production and support natural repair. True Wireless Design: Enjoy complete freedom of movement with the industry's first truly cordless red light mask. Multiple Treatment Modes: Target various skin concerns, including brightening, acne treatment, and anti-aging. FDA-Cleared and Safe: Designed for all skin types, with no UV light or heat, ensuring a gentle and comfortable experience. Image: https://wdcdn.qpic.cn/MTY4ODg1NjU2OTU2OTY3MA_959766_3vVVfoTuPzuZ-WHO_1734331174?w=673&h=670&type=image/png How It Works The INIA GLOW mask uses advanced LED phototherapy to emit clinically proven wavelengths of red (630nm), blue (460nm), yellow (610nm), and near-infrared (850nm) light. These targeted wavelengths stimulate cellular repair, enhance collagen production, and rejuvenate skin. With regular use, the mask helps you achieve firmer, smoother, and more radiant skin. Recommended Use: For best results, INIA recommends using the mask 3-5 times per week for 2-5 weeks, followed by maintenance treatments as needed. The cordless design and snug fit make it easy to use anytime, anywhere. The INIA Difference: Features That Stand Out NIR Technology: Penetrates deeper skin layers for enhanced collagen production. This feature, rare in LED masks under $300, makes INIA GLOW an outstanding value. True Wireless Design: Enjoy the freedom to multitask while treating your skin-no cords, no limits. Dual-Battery System: Comes with two magnetic batteries, allowing for continuous use as one charges while the other powers your session. Protective Eye Shield and Comfortable Fit: A detachable eye shield ensures safety and comfort, while the soft silicone material adapts to all face shapes for a snug, flexible fit. Get Glowing Skin with INIA's GLOW Mask Experience the future of skincare with INIA's GLOW Wireless Red Light Therapy Mask. Transform your routine with professional-grade treatments that you can enjoy from the comfort of home. Thousands are already seeing the INIA difference-now it's your turn. Media Contact Company Name: Theinia Contact Person: Media Relations Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=inia-bringing-cliniclevel-skincare-home-with-the-red-light-therapy-mask ] Country: United States Website: https://theinia.com/ This release was published on openPR.
BALTIMORE — Business leaders praised an executive order signed by Gov. Wes Moore last week in an effort to bump Maryland’s economic growth while state officials face a $3 billion budget shortfall. Moore signed the order, which establishes multiple initiatives seeking to make the state more friendly to business development, at a Friday ceremony in downtown Frederick, against the backdrop of an ongoing hotel and conference center project. It came alongside a rosy November jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with preliminary numbers released on Friday showing that Maryland’s total employment grew by about 7,100 jobs last month. It also came as Maryland lawmakers prepare for a session in which “everything is on the table” as far as addressing a ballooning budget deficit. A number of the state’s economic growth indicators have lagged since 2017, the state comptroller’s office noted in a report early this year, though the state’s budget has increased significantly since then. The order establishes the Governor’s Office of Business Advancement, a new agency within the Department of Commerce that Moore’s office said in a news release will provide “concierge, white-glove service to businesses seeking to relocate or expand in Maryland.” It also creates a new council that aims to streamline permitting and environmental review for major projects. A subcabinet under the governor will focus on economic competitiveness and directs state agencies to leverage their resources to support growth in a number of industries, including life sciences, information technology, aerospace and defense, computational biology, and quantum technology. The Maryland Chamber of Commerce praised Moore’s executive order, with the statewide chamber’s president and CEO, Mary D. Kane, calling it an “an important step forward for Maryland’s businesses, communities, and workforce” in a statement. In a September guest column for The Baltimore Sun, Kane called Maryland’s fall to 31st place in CNBC’s 2024 Top States for Business rankings “a glaring warning sign about our state’s economic competitiveness” that demanded “immediate attention and decisive action.” Moore said in a statement that with his order and partnership with lawmakers in the Maryland General Assembly’s upcoming legislative session, the state has “an opportunity to change the trajectory of the downward decline that our state’s economy has experienced over the past several years.” He said that Maryland must create the climate necessary for business growth and find impediments to growth “for Maryland to win the decade.” The order also requires state agencies to review certain business licensing programs, as well as tax credits and other incentive programs, and issue recommendations on their effectiveness. It establishes a “loaned executive” program that aims to “cultivate a culture of innovation and excellence” at the Maryland Department of Commerce by temporarily assigning private sector executives to the state agency. The November jobs report noted that Maryland’s unemployment rate remained lower than the national average last month despite rising by 0.1%, a minor bump that Maryland labor officials said in a news release was attributed to the state’s labor force growing by an estimated 2,700 new workers. The public sector, as well as professional, scientific, and technical services; the health care and social assistance industry; and retail trade fields grew the most in November, according to the BLS. The administrative and support industry and the waste management and remediation field lost the most jobs. ---------- ©2024 The Baltimore Sun. Visit at baltimoresun.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. — There were 6,519 evictions filed in November of 2024, more than 1,000 fewer evictions filed than in October , according to the Maricopa County Justice Courts. The steep drop-off is normal for November and December, a news release from the justice courts states. In 2023, there were also more than 1,000 fewer evictions filed from October to November. With just one month left in the year, 2024 is on track to see the most evictions filed in almost 20 years. Currently, 2005 holds the top spot with 83,687 evictions filed. In 2024 so far, there have been 79,858 evictions filed. RELATED: Tracking evictions filed in Maricopa County While the housing crisis may in part be driven by the population boom in Maricopa County, the numbers show that it isn't just more people coming to town that is driving up the number of evictions filed. In 2004, the population of Maricopa County was 3.4 million, according to the United States Census Bureau. By November of 2005, there were 76,559 evictions filed. To find out how many evictions were filed per capita in the county, we divided the population using the previous year's census data by the number of evictions filed. That means that 2005 — which will have the second-highest number of evictions filed if 2024 continues its current pace — had approximately 44 evictions filed per capita. In 2024, there were approximately 57 evictions filed per capita. An eviction filed does not mean the person or people being served an eviction notice are forced out of their home, according to the Justice Courts of Maricopa County. In some cases, the eviction is filed and the dispute is handled between residents and landlords out of court. In other instances, the issue is taken to court to be resolved. When a landlord files an eviction, a tenant can still pay the "past-due" amount before a judge issues a ruling. Some tenants may move out before the eviction goes to court. A population increase also tends to lead to increased evictions filed. You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app! The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV . 12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives. Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX." Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account , or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app. Up to speed Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.
In September, an Instagram user contacted Magdeburg police warning of a man on the social media platform X who had said “he’s going to kill random German citizens, please do something and arrest him as soon as possible. Please answer, it’s very urgent.” The message contained screenshots of posts made by the eventual suspect, Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, a psychiatrist from Saudi Arabia, and police sought him out at his workplace, a detox clinic near Magdeburg. A committee of the state parliament of Saxony-Anhalt heard on Monday that complaints had been filed against the man, but the precise reasons for the police interest were revealed only in a closed session. According to German media reports, police officers were unable to locate him at his workplace, a hospital near Magdeburg, and did not follow up. Germany’s central migration body confirmed on Monday that it, too, was contacted by the same person about al-Abdulmohsen but passed the message on to police “as we are not an investigative authority”. In total, police in Saxony-Anhalt made three attempts to contact al-Abdulmohsen in the past 14 months according to state interior minister Tamara Zieschang. As they were unable to contact him, in person or by letter, the investigation was dropped. On the day of the attack, which killed five and left 235 people injured, al-Abdulmohsen left various rambling and threatening messages online. [ Flowers, candles and a deathly silence at Magdeburg Christmas market Opens in new window ] Unnamed Saudi sources have told the AFP news agency that Saudi Arabia had sought his extradition — and sent German security services at least three warnings about him. Without explaining the reasons for the request, the source told AFP that Riyadh had warned the man “could be dangerous”. German’s criminal police have described him as an atypical attacker: an Islamophobic, anti-Islamist former Muslim who came to Germany on a trainee doctor visa, secured residency after claiming asylum and was a fan of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). In 2014 the Saudi-born doctor was found guilty and fined for disturbing the peace in the northeastern city of Rostock after a dispute with a local medical authority. A dispute had arisen between al-Abdulmohsen and a medical specialist examination board in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern over additional proof of his training to be admitted for a psychiatry examination. The court heard that al-Abdulmohsen called the board’s office and threatened an employee. Unless his application was approved within 10 days, he said, “something serious, with international significance” could happen. He asked the woman if she had seen images from the Boston marathon attack the previous day and suggested that “something like that could happen here too”. In court, the doctor said he had been under “huge psychological pressure” because he had no income, had debts and had recently received an email from his homeland threatening to “slaughter” him if he returned. The attack has meant German political parties clashing on migration and security issues, in advance of an early federal election in February. [ German authorities received multiple warnings over Christmas market attack suspect Opens in new window ] Germany’s centre-right Christian Democratic Union, hoping to take back power in Berlin, has called for greater powers for intelligence services to avoid information silos. “We can no longer be satisfied with the fact that information about violent criminals and terrorists often only comes from foreign services,” said Günter Krings, a leading CDU politician. At a rally in Magdeburg on Monday evening Alternative for Germany (AfD) co-leader Alice Weidel attracted controversy for including in her speech a Holocaust-related slogan: “Never again is now.” Meanwhile, police in the northern port city of Bremerhaven said they arrested a man on Sunday night after he threatened to attack a Christmas market there in a TikTok video. Derek Scally is an Irish Times journalist based in BerlinStream It Or Skip It: ‘Christmas on Call’ on Hallmark, In Which First Responders Find Love — And Donna Kelce! — In PhiladelphiaNEW YORK , Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is driving market transformation - The global botanical and plant-derived drugs market size is estimated to grow by USD 20.93 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.18% during the forecast period. Rising government initiatives to promote use of plant-derived drugs is driving market growth, with a trend towards transformation of regulatory landscape in US. However, low acceptance of botanical and plant-derived drugs among physicians poses a challenge. Key market players include Bausch Health Companies Inc., Bayer AG, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Devonian Health Group Inc., Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH and Co. KG, F. Hoffmann La Roche Ltd., Hetero Labs Ltd., Jaguar Health Inc., Jazz Pharmaceuticals Plc, Medigene AG, Merck KGaA, Novartis AG, Pfizer Inc., Pierre Fabre SA, Protalix Biotherapeutics Inc., Riaan Wellness Pvt. Ltd., Wilson Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Zea Biosciences Corp, Sanofi SA, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., and Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.. Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF The botanical and plant-derived drugs market has gained significant attention due to the potential for new market opportunities. In 2004, the US FDA established a pathway for botanical drug approval, receiving 400 IND applications and approving one drug. The FDA now requires prior information on product description, human experience, botanical raw materials, and harvest locations. Regulatory bodies like the EMA and WHO provide guidelines, enabling the development of new botanical drugs. Companies such as Merck KGaA and Hetero Labs Ltd. Offer effective and trustworthy botanical drugs, contributing to market growth. The Botanical and Plant-Derived Drugs market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for natural health solutions. Key trends in this sector include the use of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease as target indications. The global market for these drugs is driven by the discovery and development of new active ingredients from plants and botanicals. Some notable botanicals and their derived drugs include Turmeric for anti-inflammatory properties, Artemisinin from Artemisia annua for malaria treatment, and Quinine from the Cinchona tree for malaria and cardiac disorders. The market is also witnessing an uptick in the use of synthetic derivatives of natural compounds to enhance their therapeutic efficacy. The future of this market lies in the exploration of new botanicals and the development of innovative drug delivery systems. Request Sample of our comprehensive report now to stay ahead in the AI-driven market evolution! • The botanical and plant-derived drugs market faces challenges due to efficacy concerns and safety issues raised by end-users and physicians. An article in The Lancet-Diabetes and Endocrinology highlighted concerns over Ayurvedic drugs, which contain phytochemicals that can have harmful aftereffects and may contain toxic metals exceeding acceptable daily intake. The lack of regulatory oversight for unregulated botanical and plant-derived drugs further adds to the safety concerns. These issues may hinder market growth during the forecast period. • The Botanical and Plant-Derived Drugs market faces several challenges. Drugs derived from plants and botanicals, such as Herbal derivatives and Fungi, play a significant role in healthcare. However, ensuring their quality and consistency can be difficult due to the natural variability of sources. Regarding regulation, there are differences in how various countries classify and regulate these drugs. Additionally, there are challenges in scaling up production and ensuring sustainability of natural sources. Furthermore, the efficacy and safety of these drugs need to be thoroughly studied and proven to gain widespread acceptance. Lastly, the cost of research and development, as well as the competition from synthetic drugs, can be significant barriers to entry in this market. Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now! This botanical and plant-derived drugs market report extensively covers market segmentation by 1.1 Oral 1.2 Injectables 1.3 Topicals 2.1 Infectious diseases 2.2 Central nervous system 2.3 Cardiovascular diseases 2.4 Respiratory diseases 2.5 Digestive diseases and others 3.1 Asia 3.2 Europe 3.3 North America 3.4 Rest of World (ROW) 1.1 Oral- The oral segment of the botanical and plant-derived drugs market includes tablets, capsules, oral solutions, and liquid concentrates. Oral solutions, such as tinctures and syrups, offer accurate dosage control, easy administration, and fast absorption. Companies like Pierre Fabre SA and Bayer AG provide botanical drugs in this form, including Permixon and Iberogast. Capsules and tablets provide standardized dosage, consistent efficacy and safety, ease of use, and improved patient compliance. Major vendors like Bayer AG, Jazz Pharmaceuticals Plc, Pierre Fabre SA, and Jaguar Health Inc. Offer these forms, including Jaguar Health Inc.'s FDA-approved Mytesi. The benefits and research opportunities under the oral segment will fuel the growth of the global botanical and plant-derived drugs market. Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics The Botanical and Plant-Derived Drugs Market encompasses a wide range of therapeutic medicines derived from natural substances, including Humans' use of Medicinal plants, Archaea, Bacteria, Fungi, Algae, and Microscopic fungi for centuries. These botanical drugs, also known as herbal medicines or plant-derived drugs, have gained significant attention in the global market due to their potential efficiency and performance in addressing various Diseases, such as Cardiovascular diseases, Respiratory diseases, and Infectious diseases. FDA-approved botanical drugs have become increasingly popular as alternatives to synthetic medicines, particularly for managing Lifestyle diseases. Terpenes and Steroids are essential natural products found in vegetable material that contribute to the therapeutic properties of these drugs. The Botanical and Plant-Derived Drugs Market encompasses a wide range of therapeutic agents extracted from plants and botanical sources. These drugs have gained significant attention due to their potential medicinal values and minimal side effects. The market is driven by the increasing demand for natural and herbal remedies, advancements in extraction technologies, and growing research and development activities. Major botanical drugs include Artemisinin from Artemisia annua, Taxol from Taxus brevifolia, and Vincristine from Catharanthus roseus. The market also includes plant-derived drugs like Digoxin from Digitalis lanata and Morphine from Papaver somniferum. The market is segmented based on drug type, application, and region. The future outlook of the Botanical and Plant-Derived Drugs Market is promising, with increasing investments in research and development and growing awareness of the benefits of natural medicines. 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation Type Oral Injectables Topicals Application Infectious Diseases Central Nervous System Cardiovascular Diseases Respiratory Diseases Digestive Diseases And Others Geography Asia Europe North America Rest Of World (ROW) 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Company Landscape 11 Company Analysis 12 Appendix Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio
IIIT Manipur’s typewriter-II team triumphs at Smart India Hackathon 2024, bags Rs 1 lakh prizeCrown Prince holds high-level meetings with global leaders during One Water Summit
US President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to demand control of the Panama Canal be returned to Washington, complaining of “unfair” treatment of American ships and hinting at China’s growing influence. Here are five things to know about the waterway connecting the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. – Panamanian operated – The 80-kilometer (50-mile) interoceanic waterway is operated by the Panama Canal Authority, an autonomous public entity. The Central American nation’s constitution describes the canal as an “inalienable heritage of the Panamanian nation” that is open to vessels “of all nations.” The United States is its main user, accounting for 74 percent of cargo, followed by China with 21 percent. Panama’s government sets the price of tolls based on canal needs and international demand. Rates depends on a vessel’s cargo capacity. “The canal has no direct or indirect control from China, nor the European Union, nor the United States or any other power,” Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino said Sunday as he dismissed Trump’s threat. All vessels, including warships and submarines, are given a Panama Canal pilot. – National history – Panama’s independence from Colombia in 1903 is linked to the canal. Following the failure of French count Ferdinand de Lesseps to open a channel through the isthmus, the United States promoted the separation of the province of Panama and signed a treaty with the nascent country that ceded land and water in perpetuity to build it. After 10 years of construction and an investment of $380 million, the canal was inaugurated on August 15, 1914 with the transit of the steamer Ancon. Some 25,000 deaths from disease and accidents were recorded during its construction. The canal “is part of our history” and “an irreversible achievement,” Mulino said. – American enclave – Washington’s establishment of a “Canal Zone” — an enclave with its own military bases, police and justice system — gave rise to decades of demands by Panamanians to reunify the country and take control of the waterway. In 1977, Panamanian nationalist leader Omar Torrijos and US president Jimmy Carter signed treaties that allowed the canal to be transferred to Panama on December 31, 1999. “Any attempt to reverse this historic achievement not only dishonors our struggle, but is also an insult to the memory of those who made it possible,” former president Martin Torrijos, the general’s son, wrote on social media. Under the treaties, supported by more than 40 countries, the canal is deemed neutral and any ship can pass through. The only conditions are that ships must comply with safety regulations and military vessels from countries at war must not pass through at the same time. – System of locks – Unlike Egypt’s Suez Canal, the Panama Canal operates using freshwater stored in two reservoirs. A drought led to a reduction in the number of transits in 2023, but the situation has since normalized. The canal, which has a system of locks to raise and lower vessels, transformed global shipping. Crafts can travel between the two oceans in about eight hours without having to sail all the way around Cape Horn, the southern tip of the Americas. The canal allows a ship to shave 20,300 kilometers off a journey from New York to San Francisco. – Cash cow – Five percent of world maritime trade passes through the canal, which connects more than 1,900 ports in 170 countries. By the early 21st century, it had become too small, so it was expanded between 2009 and 2016. Today, the canal can accommodate ships up to 366 meters long and 49 meters wide (1,200 feet by 161 feet) — equivalent to almost four football pitches. It generates six percent of Panama’s national economic output and since 2000 has pumped more than $28 billion into state coffers. More than 11,200 ships transited the canal in the last fiscal year carrying 423 million tons of cargo. With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.Bluesky finds with growth comes growing pains — and bots