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Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, on Tuesday addressed the media at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi. He provided detailed insights into three major railway infrastructure projects approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) which will significantly boost connectivity in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. While discussing the details of the project and its benefits to the Khandesh region of North Maharashtra and connectivity to the Purvanchal region of Uttar pradesh, the Minister highlighted the significant role of the 375 km multi-tracking projects,which include the Jalgaon–Manmad 4th line (160 km), Bhusawal–Khandwa 3rd & 4th lines (131 km), and the Prayagraj (Iradatganj)–Manikpur 3rd line (84 km). These projects are set to boost connectivity between Mumbai and Prayagraj and aim to facilitate the movement of both passenger and goods trains, thereby driving the socio-economic growth of the region. The Minister further elaborated that these three projects, approved at the Cabinet level, are part of a comprehensive strategy to improve container movement between Purvanchal and Mumbai, including Varanasi. A detailed survey extending to Varanasi was conducted to ensure the corridor caters to the needs of emerging industries. These projects will enhance the logistic capacity to this section. This section will also work as a feeder section to Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC), helping to decongest cities and major railway stations while enhancing connectivity to key ports in Maharashtra, such as Jawaharlal Nehru Port Mumbai and the upcoming Vadhwan Port. This connectivity will facilitate the seamless movement of both agricultural and industrial goods, thus strengthening the logistics ecosystem and supporting economic development. The Minister also emphasized the success of the recently launched Shetkari Samridhi Rail from Deolali to Danapur, which has achieved 200% occupancy since its inception. This innovative train service, with 10 passenger coaches and 10 coaches dedicated to agricultural produce, was introduced based on suggestions from farmers in Nashik. Many small-scale farmers expressed the need for a flexible transportation solution, as they are often unable to book an entire train. The Shetkari Samridhi Rail allows farmers to transport varied quantities, from half a quintal of produce like onions or pomegranates to larger consignments such as 10 quintals of soybeans. He further said that this train has been widely appreciated for its farmer-friendly approach, with positive feedback highlighting its popularity and utility. Encouraged by its success, plans are underway to expand similar services to other regions, enabling more farmers to benefit from affordable and reliable transportation for their agricultural products Answering a question from the media, the Minister discussed the implementation and progress of Kavach technology, aimed at enhancing safety and operational efficiency in the railway network. He highlighted that Kavach Version 3.2, which had been successfully implemented over 1600 km, is now being upgraded to the enhanced Kavach Version 4.0. Kavach Version 4.0 approved on 16th July 2024 by RDSO. The upgraded version incorporates advanced features to further bolster safety and efficiency in train operations. A massive initiative is underway to equip 10,000 locomotives with Kavach technology, with orders already placed and over 9,000 technicians and engineers trained for its installation. Comparing the scale of this project to starting a new telecom company, the Minister shared that testing between Sawai Madhopur and Kota has been successfully completed, and the section is now operational with Kavach 4.0. Additionally, certification for the Mumbai-Vadodara corridor is underway, while installation has commenced on routes such as Delhi-Mathura, Delhi-Alwar, and Delhi-Kanpur. As of now, Kavach 4.0 has been installed over 1,000 km, with plans to extend it to the entire country within the next six years. The Minister highlighted that while India is targeting nationwide coverage in just six years, other countries have taken more than 20 years to implement similar safety systems across their networks. The installation process has been made highly efficient, with Kavach being fitted on a locomotive in just 22 hours post-training. For achieving speeds of 130 km/h and beyond is not feasible without Automatic Train Protection (ATP) systems like Kavach,the Minister added. The Minister also outlined the environmental and economic benefits of the railway projects, emphasizing that the Railways, as an environment-friendly and energy-efficient mode of transportation, will play a crucial role in achieving the country’s climate goals while significantly reducing logistics costs. He highlighted that these projects will contribute to the reduction of 271 crore kilograms of CO2 emissions, which is equivalent to the plantation of 15 crore trees. The total cost of these three projects is approximately Rs 7,927 crore, and they are expected to be completed in four years. The projects will result in incremental loading of 50 million tons of cargo and will save a total of 15 crore liters of diesel per year. This underscores the Government's commitment to sustainable development and economic growth through green and efficient infrastructure. These sections of 375 km of railway line projects will connect key regions, including the Mumbai-Prayagraj-Varanasi route, Mumbai-Howrah golden diagonal, and Mumbai-Manmad-Bhusaval-Khandwa-Satna-Prayagraj-Varanasi route. The projects will enable the operation of additional passenger trains, benefiting pilgrims traveling to Jyotirlingas in Nashik (Trimbakeshwar), Khandwa (Omkareshwar), and Varanasi (Kashi Vishwanath), as well as to religious destinations in Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Gaya, and Shirdi. By improving capacity and operational efficiency, the projects will also enhance connectivity between Khandesh region in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Purvanchal in North India, and Mumbai in the West. In addition to religious and cultural benefits, these projects will promote tourism by improving access to key attractions such as the Khajuraho UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ajanta and Ellora Caves UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Devgiri Fort, Asirgarh Fort, Rewa Fort, Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary, Keoti Falls, Purwa Falls, and more.Gaetz withdraws as Trump's pick for attorney general, averting confirmation battle in the SenateTriumph Gold Corp. ( CVE:TIG – Get Free Report )’s share price traded up 35.3% during mid-day trading on Saturday . The company traded as high as C$0.23 and last traded at C$0.23. 178,150 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 599% from the average session volume of 25,471 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.17. Triumph Gold Price Performance The stock’s 50-day moving average price is C$0.19 and its 200 day moving average price is C$0.19. The company has a quick ratio of 0.01, a current ratio of 0.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 56.37. The firm has a market capitalization of C$9.83 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -7.67 and a beta of 1.64. Triumph Gold Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Triumph Gold Corp., a junior natural resource company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties. The company primarily explores for gold, silver, copper, and molybdenum deposits. Its flagship project is the Freegold Mountain project located in Yukon, Canada. The company was formerly known as Northern Freegold Resources Ltd. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Triumph Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Triumph Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .AP Trending SummaryBrief at 6:25 p.m. EST

A property firm, Sytemap, has stated that 65 per cent of victims of land scams in Nigeria are women. While announcing an initiative designed to empower women through affordable and secure land ownership in a statement, the firm stated that from March 8 to March 14, 2025, women, including professionals in Africa and the Diaspora, will enjoy an exclusive 50 per cent discount on plots from verified estate developers through the Sytemap platform. It stated, “This initiative, themed ‘Her Land, Her Future,’ underscores Sytemap’s commitment to breaking cultural and economic barriers that have historically sidelined women from property ownership. Partnering with over 30 reputable estate developers, Sytemap is creating unprecedented opportunities for women to invest in land with confidence. “For decades, women in Nigeria and across Africa have faced significant hurdles in land acquisition, including high costs, fear of fraud, and societal biases. In fact, studies show that 65 per cent of victims of land scams in Nigeria are women. “This initiative will launch during the ‘Sytemap Land Trade Fair 1.0,’ an event bringing together key stakeholders, women’s organisations, and influencers to celebrate this transformative moment. Women in the Diaspora are encouraged to participate and take advantage of this life-changing opportunity.” Related News Firm unveils new yoghurt brand Firm unveils network to ease cross-border payments Firm partners NexHub to boost creative exports The Chief Executive Officer, Sytemap, Nnamdi Uba, noted that women have been marginalised for too long. He said, “Imagine a future where women are equal stakeholders in property ownership, shaping communities and securing generational wealth. Sytemap invites women across Africa and the Diaspora to claim their space and rewrite the narrative of land ownership. “Women have long been marginalised in land ownership, a critical path to building wealth and security. Our mission is not only to make land ownership accessible but to eliminate the fears and uncertainties that hold women back. With this initiative, Sytemap leverages its reputation for transparency and cutting-edge technology to offer a simple, scam-free, and empowering process for land purchase. “The campaign is designed to resonate with young professionals, particularly women with good-paying jobs who are ready to invest in their future. For women in the Diaspora, the initiative offers tailored support, including seamless international payment options and an innovative plot-monitoring app that allows buyers to manage their investments from anywhere in the world.”I adore the Sony WH-1000XM4 and they’re still at their Black Friday price todayBroadcom Inc. ( NASDAQ:AVGO – Get Free Report ) insider Mark David Brazeal sold 20,168 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $238.79, for a total value of $4,815,916.72. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 321,660 shares in the company, valued at $76,809,191.40. This trade represents a 5.90 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . Mark David Brazeal also recently made the following trade(s): Broadcom Stock Performance Shares of AVGO opened at $241.75 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.94, a current ratio of 1.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02. The stock has a market cap of $1.13 trillion, a P/E ratio of 210.03, a P/E/G ratio of 2.15 and a beta of 1.13. The business’s 50 day moving average price is $185.54 and its 200-day moving average price is $171.21. Broadcom Inc. has a 52 week low of $104.15 and a 52 week high of $251.88. Broadcom Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 31st. Investors of record on Monday, December 23rd will be given a dividend of $0.59 per share. This represents a $2.36 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.98%. This is an increase from Broadcom’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.53. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 23rd. Broadcom’s dividend payout ratio is 191.87%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of AVGO. Castleview Partners LLC raised its holdings in Broadcom by 1,030.8% in the 3rd quarter. Castleview Partners LLC now owns 147 shares of the semiconductor manufacturer’s stock worth $25,000 after acquiring an additional 134 shares during the last quarter. Pin Oak Investment Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Broadcom by 900.0% in the 3rd quarter. Pin Oak Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 150 shares of the semiconductor manufacturer’s stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 135 shares in the last quarter. JDM Financial Group LLC raised its stake in shares of Broadcom by 1,323.1% in the third quarter. JDM Financial Group LLC now owns 185 shares of the semiconductor manufacturer’s stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 172 shares during the last quarter. Tsfg LLC raised its stake in shares of Broadcom by 1,073.7% in the third quarter. Tsfg LLC now owns 223 shares of the semiconductor manufacturer’s stock worth $38,000 after purchasing an additional 204 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cedar Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Broadcom by 900.0% during the third quarter. Cedar Wealth Management LLC now owns 240 shares of the semiconductor manufacturer’s stock valued at $41,000 after purchasing an additional 216 shares in the last quarter. 76.43% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts recently commented on the stock. UBS Group lifted their target price on shares of Broadcom from $170.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Monday, November 4th. Bank of America boosted their price objective on shares of Broadcom from $215.00 to $250.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Friday, December 13th. Morgan Stanley increased their target price on shares of Broadcom from $233.00 to $265.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a report on Friday, December 20th. Truist Financial boosted their price target on Broadcom from $205.00 to $245.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a report on Friday, December 13th. Finally, Benchmark reiterated a “buy” rating and issued a $255.00 price objective (up previously from $210.00) on shares of Broadcom in a report on Friday, December 13th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twenty-four have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $221.88. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on AVGO About Broadcom ( Get Free Report ) Broadcom Inc designs, develops, and supplies various semiconductor devices with a focus on complex digital and mixed signal complementary metal oxide semiconductor based devices and analog III-V based products worldwide. The company operates in two segments, Semiconductor Solutions and Infrastructure Software. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Broadcom Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Broadcom and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

ATLANTA — On Jan. 18 and 19 the AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! will be held at State Farm Arena in advance of the College Football Playoff national championship on Jan. 20. The star-studded lineup was announced Thursday at a news conference at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Performances will include Lil Wayne and GloRilla on Saturday; and Camila Cabello, Myles Smith and Knox on Sunday. On game day, the Allstate Championship Tailgate, taking place just outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the Home Depot Backyard, will feature country acts on the Capital One Music Stage, including global superstar Kane Brown and iHeartCountry “On The Verge” artist Ashley Cooke. The concerts are just two of the festivities visiting fans can enjoy in the days leading up to the big game. The fan experience for both ticket holders and the general public has been a focus for event planners. All weekend long, an estimated 100,000 people from across the country are expected to attend fan events preceding kickoff. “It will be an opportunity for fans of all ages to come together to sample what college football is all about, and you don’t have to have a ticket to the game to be a part of it,” said Bill Hancock, executive director of the CFP in a press release. “We’ve worked closely with the Atlanta Football Host Committee to develop fan-friendly events that thousands will enjoy come January.” On Saturday, Jan. 18, Playoff Fan Central will open at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. The free, family-friendly experience will include games, clinics, pep rallies, special guest appearances, autograph signings and exhibits celebrating college football and its history. That day, fans can also attend Media Day, presented by Great Clips, which will feature one-hour sessions with student-athletes and coaches from each of the College Football Playoff national championship participating teams. ESPN and social media giants X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok will be taping live broadcasts from the event. On Sunday, Jan. 19, the Trophy Trot, both a 5K and 10K race, will wind its way through the streets of downtown Atlanta. Each Trophy Trot participant will receive a T-shirt and finisher’s medal. Participants can register at atlantatrackclub.org . On Sunday evening, the Georgia Aquarium will host the Taste of the Championship dining event, which offers attendees the opportunity to indulge in food and drink prepared by local Atlanta chefs. This premium experience serves as an elevated exploration of local cuisine on the eve of the national championship. Tickets to the Taste of the Championship event are available on etix.com . Atlanta is the first city ever to repeat as host for the CFP national championship. The playoff was previously held in Atlanta in 2018. “We are honored to be the first city to repeat as host for the CFP national championship and look forward to welcoming college football fans from around the country in January,” said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta Football Host Committee. “This event gives us another opportunity to showcase our incredible city.” The College Football Playoff is the event that crowns the national champion in college football. The quarterfinals and semifinals rotate annually among six bowl games — the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential and the Allstate Sugar Bowl. This year’s quarterfinals will take place on Dec. 31, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025, while the semifinals will be Jan. 9-10, 2025. The CFP national championship will be Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For additional information on the College Football Playoff, visit CollegeFootballPlayoff.com . Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!The U.S. leads the world in developing artificial intelligence technology, surpassing China in research and other important measures of AI innovation, according to a newly released Stanford University index. There's no surefire way to rank global AI leadership but Stanford researchers have made an attempt by measuring the “vibrancy” of the AI industry across various dimensions, from how much research and investment is happening to how responsibly the technology is being pursued to prevent harm. “The gap is actually widening” between the U.S. and China, said computer scientist Ray Perrault, director of the steering committee that runs Stanford's AI Index. “The U.S. is investing a lot more, at least at the level of firm creation and firm funding.” The California-based university's Institute for Human-Centered AI — which has ties to Silicon Valley's tech industry — released the report Thursday as government AI officials from the U.S. and several allies met in San Francisco this week to compare notes on AI safety measures. Here's which countries made the top 10: The U.S. ranks No. 1 on Stanford's list and has consistently held that position since 2018 when it overtook China. It has far outpaced China in private AI investment, which hit $67.2 billion in the U.S. last year compared to $7.8 billion in China, according to the report. It also leads in publishing responsible AI research. It's no surprise that the home of commercial AI powerhouses such as Google and Meta, along with relative newcomers like OpenAI and Anthropic, has produced many notable AI models that have influenced how the technology is being developed and applied. The U.S. also gets some points for having a number of AI-related laws on the books, though Congress has yet to pass any broad AI regulations. China has requested far more patents than any other country regarding generative AI, the U.N. intellectual property agency said earlier this year. Stanford researchers counted that as one measure of China's strong growth in AI innovation but not enough to lead the pack. Still, the report says that "China’s focus on developing cutting-edge AI technologies and increasing its R&D investments has positioned it as a major AI powerhouse.” China's universities have produced a large number of AI-related research publications and it has commercial leaders developing notable AI models, such as Baidu and its chatbot Ernie. Coming in at No. 3 is the UK, which also ranked high in research and development, and educational infrastructure due to top computer science universities churning out a skilled AI workforce. It's also home to Google's AI subsidiary DeepMind, whose co-founder recently won a Nobel Prize; and “had more mentions of AI in parliamentary proceedings” than any other country. Last year, the UK hosted the world’s first international AI safety summit. Close behind the UK was India, thanks to a “strong AI research community,” improvements in economic investments tied to AI and a robust public discourse about AI on social media, according to the report. The UAE's deliberate focus on AI appears to have paid off in the Middle Eastern nation's fifth-place score. It was one of the top locations for AI investments. Microsoft earlier this year said it was investing $1.5 billion in UAE-based tech firm G42, which is overseen by the country’s powerful national security adviser. Based in Abu Dhabi, G42 runs data centers and has built what’s considered the world’s leading Arabic-language AI model, known as Jais. Rounding out the top 10 are France at No. 6, followed by South Korea, Germany, Japan and Singapore. France, home to the buzzy AI startup Mistral, ranked high in AI policy and governance. Both it and Germany are part of the European Union's sweeping new AI Act that places safeguards on a range of AI applications based on how risky they are. The EU also follows the U.S. in developing a plan to expand semiconductor production within the bloc.

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In Sept 2023, American optical laser maker Coherent Corp signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Guidance Tamil Nadu and IIT Madras Research Park (IITMRP) to establish a global centre of excellence (CoE) for R&D on EV batteries and semiconductor devices. In Feb 2024, Walmart Global Tech announced a partnership with IIT-M to establish the Walmart Center for Tech Excellence. Its focus: helping MSMEs in manufacturing and retail sectors adopt AI and digital solutions. Earlier this month, Sweden's Epiroc launched an ‘innovation outpost' at IITMRP to drive sustainable solutions for battery energy storage and electrification in minwing and construction. Like Coherent and Walmart, Epiroc too has signed an MoU with Guidance TN and IITMRP. TN's top universities have excellent industry credentials and, in a brand-new strategy, the govt is leveraging them to attract high-end R&D-related investments from companies that have previously had no presence either in the state or in India. "IIT-M has had collaboration with industry for decades, but our point from an investment promotions strategy was how do we use this edge," says Guidance Tamil Nadu CEO Vishnu Venugopalan. These test centres, he adds, "offer familiarity" with the TN ecosystem. MNCs "need an initial understanding of the climate to develop a comfort level about the business ecosystem and the talent pool before they take a decision to establish large scale manufacturing or R&D investments," says Venugopalan. Typically, companies entering TN for the first time would not want to invest heavily from year one. Take Epiroc which has had a presence in Maharashtra (Pune) but not in TN. The test centre allows Epiroc to test the waters before committing bigger capex. "When they decide on investments, having an R&D centre in TN becomes a first mover advantage, which makes it easier for the company to take a decision in favour of TN," adds Venugopalan. In that sense it's a "nudge" which can, and often is, critical. "With these big companies, we're competing with many international investment destinations and they need data to convince their board that TN is the best option." The strategy ties in with investors Team TN has been focusing on – those present elsewhere in India but not in TN, companies that are present in TN and looking to expand and companies that are not present in India but looking at a China +1 alternative. The test centre option is just one of many parallel conversations that Team TN has with a potential investor before the company agrees to come on board. Sometimes, the team establishes contact during road shows. At other times, it's part of an ongoing conversation. Take Epiroc. A high-level delegation from TN led by Guidance met the Epiroc leadership team in April 2023 in Sweden. Subsequently, Guidance connected the company to IITMRP and also facilitated Epiroc's visit to Hitachi Energy Technology Centre and Ola factory & R&D centre. This ties into TN's overall R&D focus and its aspiration to move up the manufacturing value chain. "TN has adopted a targeted and strategic approach to attract R&D and high-end investments across sectors," says industries minister T R B Rajaa. "We are engaging with investors worldwide with high-profile international visits and targeted pitches for high-value sectors such as EVs, life sciences, semiconductors, and aerospace," he adds. Setting up specialised clusters such as the Knowledge City in Uthukottai, for example, is important. As is the state's R&D policy and various sector-specific policies for electronics and space tech. These policies "include incentives and frameworks to attract high-value R&D projects", says Rajaa. The R&D focus led to the setting up of WorkLabs in Guidance in Jan 2022 to promote, facilitate, and expand industry-academia collaboration in new-age sectors to future-proof the workforce of the state by forging strategic alliances among industry, academia, and govt. Academia feels a strategy leveraging TN's academic institutions will encourage localisation and innovation. "In tripartite MoUs IIT-M's role is to make innovation more relevant for TN," says Dr Thillai Rajan A, prof, IIT-M. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .What you need to know about volunteering after retirement

Shooting at Northern California elementary school and suspect is dead, sheriff's department saysHingham Institution for Savings ( NASDAQ:HIFS – Get Free Report ) shares shot up 0.4% on Thursday . The company traded as high as $257.66 and last traded at $257.66. 713 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 95% from the average session volume of 15,166 shares. The stock had previously closed at $256.56. Hingham Institution for Savings Trading Down 1.5 % The stock has a market capitalization of $543.45 million, a PE ratio of 23.97 and a beta of 1.01. The stock’s 50 day moving average price is $271.11 and its 200-day moving average price is $240.37. The company has a quick ratio of 1.57, a current ratio of 1.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.63. Hingham Institution for Savings ( NASDAQ:HIFS – Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 11th. The savings and loans company reported $1.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Hingham Institution for Savings had a return on equity of 2.27% and a net margin of 10.95%. The business had revenue of $15.21 million during the quarter. Hingham Institution for Savings Announces Dividend Institutional Investors Weigh In On Hingham Institution for Savings A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in HIFS. Copeland Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Hingham Institution for Savings during the third quarter worth $61,000. FMR LLC lifted its stake in Hingham Institution for Savings by 27.0% in the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 419 shares of the savings and loans company’s stock worth $102,000 after purchasing an additional 89 shares in the last quarter. Wallace Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Hingham Institution for Savings during the 3rd quarter valued at about $219,000. Quantbot Technologies LP boosted its holdings in shares of Hingham Institution for Savings by 49.1% during the 3rd quarter. Quantbot Technologies LP now owns 950 shares of the savings and loans company’s stock valued at $231,000 after purchasing an additional 313 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Hingham Institution for Savings during the third quarter valued at about $243,000. 49.33% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Hingham Institution for Savings Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Hingham Institution for Savings provides various financial products and services to individuals and small businesses in the United States. It offers savings, checking, money market, demand, and negotiable order of withdrawal accounts, as well as certificates of deposit. The company provides commercial and residential real estate, construction, home equity, commercial, consumer, and mortgage loans. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Hingham Institution for Savings Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hingham Institution for Savings and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

SEATAC, Washington — Background music is no longer an afterthought at many airports, which are hiring local musicians and carefully curating playlists to help lighten travelers’ moods . London’s Heathrow Airport built a stage to showcase emerging British performers for the first time this summer. The program was so successful the airport hopes to bring it back in 2025. Nashville International Airport has five stages that host more than 800 performances per year, from country musicians to jazz combos. In the Dominican Republic , Punta Cana International Airport greets passengers with live merengue music. Tiffany Idiart and her two nieces were delighted to hear musicians during a recent layover at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport . “I like it. There’s a lot of people here and they can all hear it,” said Grace Idiart, 9. “If their flight got delayed or something like that, they could have had a hard day. And so the music could have made them feel better.” Airports are also carefully curating their recorded playlists. Detroit Metro Airport plays Motown hits in a tunnel connecting its terminals. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas has a playlist of local artists compiled by an area radio station. Singapore’s Changi Airport commissioned a special piano accompaniment for its giant digital waterfall. Music isn’t a new phenomenon in airport terminals. Brian Eno’s “Music for Airports,” an album released in 1978, helped define the ambient music genre. It’s minimalist and designed to calm. But Barry McPhillips, the head of international creative for Mood Media, which provides music for airports and other public spaces, said technology is enabling background music to be less generic and more tailored to specific places or times of day. Mood Media – formerly known as Muzak – develops playlists to appeal to business travelers or families depending on who’s in the airport at any given time. It might program calmer music in the security line but something more energizing in the duty-free store. “We see it as a soundscape,” McPhillips said. “We design for all of these moments.” There’s a science to Mood Music’s decisions on volume, tempo, even whether to play a song in a major key versus a minor one, he added. “How do we want to affect their mood at that moment?” McPhillips said. “It’s not just like, ‘Here’s a load of songs.’ It’s a load of songs for that 10-minute segment, and then we move to the next 10 minutes.” At the same time, many airports are going low-tech, hiring local musicians to serenade travelers and give them a sense of the place they’re passing through. Chicago’s O’Hare and Midway airports have more than 100 live performances each year. Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport began a live music program five years ago and now has two stages featuring local artists. Tami Kuiken, the manager of airport music in Seattle, said the Seattle-Tacoma airport launched its live music program about a decade ago after a city commissioner heard live music at the airport in Austin, Texas . “The idea was like, ’Man, why doesn’t Seattle have music? We’re a music city too,” Kuiken said. At first, the airport created a playlist featuring emerging artists along with famous ones like Pearl Jam . Then it decided to try live musicians for a 12-week trial. It was so successful that the airport now features live musicians daily and is building new performance spaces. “People’s anxiety levels are very high when they’re traveling,” Kuiken said. “The feedback that we started getting was that once they got through the checkpoint and they were greeted with music, all of a sudden their anxiety and stress levels dropped.” The programs also benefit musicians, who get paid to perform and gain wider exposure. When Colorado Springs Airport announced a live music program in March, more than 150 musicians applied. It now hosts two two-hour performances each week. David James, a singer and guitarist who plays at Seattle’s airport about once a week, said waking up in time for a daytime gig took some adjustment. But he’s gained new fans from all over the world. “I get really sweet responses from people all the time, saying, ‘That was so soothing to be able to just sit and listen to music in between flights,’” James said. “So it feels like it’s especially therapeutic for people.” Country stars like Blake Shelton and Keith Urban have come through Nashville’s airport and interacted with local musicians, said Stacey Nickens, the airport’s vice president of corporate communications and marketing. Shelton even gave one his guitar. Otto Stuparitz, a musicologist and lecturer at the University of Amsterdam who has studied airport music, said airports should think carefully about their selections. Music that’s meant to be actively listened to – like live music or catchy pop songs – can be very distracting in an already chaotic environment, he said. He has noticed some airports – especially in Europe -- turning off piped melodies altogether. But McPhillips said big spaces like airports can feel cold and unwelcoming without background music. “A well-crafted audio strategy is one that people aren’t particularly cognizant of,” he said. “They just know they’re having a good time and that it’s appropriate.” --DEE-ANN DURBIN and MANUEL VALDES/The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — A top White House official said Wednesday at least eight U.S. telecom firms and dozens of nations were 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. FILE - The American and Chinese flags wave at Genting Snow Park ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics, in Zhangjiakou, China, on Feb. 2, 2022. 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. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File) 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 the number of telecommunication firms and countries impacted could grow. The U.S. believes 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 was briefed on the findings and the White House “made it a priority for the federal government to do everything it can to get to the bottom this.” US officials recommend encrypted messaging apps amid "Salt Typhoon" cyberattack, attributed to China, targeting AT&T, Verizon, and others. The Chinese embassy in Washington rejected the accusations that it was responsible for the hack Tuesday 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 Wednesday. White House officials believe the hacking was regionally targeted and the focus was on very senior government officials. Federal authorities confirmed in October that hackers linked to China targeted the phones of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, along with people associated with Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris. The number of countries impacted by the hack is currently believed to be in the “low, couple dozen,” according to a senior administration official. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity under rules set by the White House, said they believed the hacks started at least a year or two ago. The suggestions for telecom companies released Tuesday are largely technical in nature, urging encryption, centralization and consistent monitoring to deter cyber intrusions. If implemented, the security precautions could help disrupt the operation, dubbed Salt Typhoon, and make it harder for China or any other nation to mount a similar attack in the future, experts say. Trump's pick to head the Federal Bureau of Investigation Kash Patel was allegedly the target of cyberattack attempt by Iranian-backed hackers. Neuberger pointed to efforts made to beef up cybersecurity in the rail, aviation, energy and other sectors following the May 2021 ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline . “So, to prevent ongoing Salt Typhoon type intrusions by China, we believe we need to apply a similar minimum cybersecurity practice,” Neuberger said. The cyberattack by a gang of criminal hackers on the critical U.S. pipeline, which delivers about 45% of the fuel used along the Eastern Seaboard, sent ripple effects across the economy, highlighting cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the nation’s aging energy infrastructure. Colonial confirmed it paid $4.4 million to the gang of hackers who broke into its computer systems as it scrambled to get the nation's fuel pipeline back online. Picture this: You're on vacation in a city abroad, exploring museums, tasting the local cuisine, and people-watching at cafés. Everything is going perfectly until you get a series of alerts on your phone. Someone is making fraudulent charges using your credit card, sending you into a panic. How could this have happened? Cyberattacks targeting travelers are nothing new. But as travel has increased in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, so has the volume of hackers and cybercriminals preying upon tourists. Financial fraud is the most common form of cybercrime experienced by travelers, but surveillance via public Wi-Fi networks, social media hacking, and phishing scams are also common, according to a survey by ExpressVPN . Spokeo consulted cybersecurity sources and travel guides to determine some of the best ways to protect your phone while traveling, from using a VPN to managing secure passwords. Online attacks are not the only type of crime impacting travelers—physical theft of phones is also a threat. Phones have become such invaluable travel aids, housing our navigation tools, digital wallets, itineraries, and contacts, that having your phone stolen, lost, or compromised while abroad can be devastating. Meanwhile, traveling can make people uniquely vulnerable to both cyber and physical attacks due to common pitfalls like oversharing on social media and letting your guard down when it comes to taking risks online. Luckily, there are numerous precautions travelers can take to safeguard against cyberattacks and phone theft. Hackers can—and do—target public Wi-Fi networks at cafés and hotels to gain access to your personal information or install malware onto your device, particularly on unsecured networks. Travelers are especially vulnerable to these types of cybersecurity breaches because they are often more reliant on public Wi-Fi than they would be in their home countries where they have more robust phone plans. This reliance on public, unsecured networks means travelers are more likely to use those networks to perform sensitive tasks like financial transfers, meaning hackers can easily gain access to banking information or other passwords. One easy way to safeguard yourself against these breaches is to use a virtual private network, or VPN, while traveling. VPNs are apps that encrypt your data and hide your location, preventing hackers from accessing personal information. An added bonus is that VPNs allow you to access websites that may be blocked or unavailable in the country you are visiting. To use a VPN, simply download a VPN app on your phone or computer, create an account, choose a server, and connect. Pickpockets, scammers, and flagrant, snatch-your-phone-right-out-of-your-hand thieves can be found pretty much everywhere. In London, for instance, a staggering 91,000 phones were reported stolen to police in 2022 , breaking down to an average of 248 per day, according to the BBC. Whether you're visiting a crowded tourist attraction or just want peace of mind, travel experts advise taking precautions to make sure your phone isn't physically stolen or compromised while traveling. There are several antitheft options to choose from. If you want a bag that will protect your phone from theft, experts recommend looking for features like slash-resistant fabric, reinforced shoulder straps, hidden zippers that can be locked, and secure attachment points, like a cross-body strap or a sturdy clip. For tethers, look for those made of tear-resistant material with a reinforced clip or ring. If your phone falls into the wrong hands, there's a good chance you won't be getting it back. Out of those 91,000 phones stolen in London in 2022, only 1,915 (or about 2%) were recovered. The good news is that you can take precautions to make the loss of your phone less devastating by backing up your data before you travel. With backed-up data, you can acquire a new device and still access your photos, contacts, messages, and passwords. Moreover, if you have "Find My Device" or "Find My Phone" enabled, you can remotely wipe your stolen phone's data so the thief cannot access it. It's safest to back up your data to a hard drive and not just the cloud. That way, if you have to wipe your device, you don't accidentally erase the backup, too. In order for the previous tip on this list to work, "Find My Phone" must be turned on in advance, but remotely wiping your device isn't the only thing this feature allows you to do. The "Find My Phone" feature enables you to track your device, as long as it's turned on and not in airplane mode. This is particularly helpful if you misplaced your phone or left it somewhere since it can help you retrace your steps. While this feature won't show you the live location of a phone that has been turned off, it will show the phone's last known location. With "Find My Phone," you can also remotely lock your phone or enable "Lost Mode," which locks down the phone, suspends any in-phone payment methods, and displays contact information for returning the phone to you. If your phone was stolen, experts caution against taking matters into your own hands by chasing down the thief, since this could land you in a potentially dangerous situation and is unlikely to result in getting your phone back. Strong passwords for important accounts help protect your information while you travel, but it's just a first step. The National Cybersecurity Alliance recommends creating long, unique, and complex passwords for every account and combining them with multifactor authentication to create maximum barriers to entry. If you're worried about remembering these passwords, password managers can be a vital tool for both creating and storing strong passwords. Password managers are apps that act as secure vaults for all your passwords. Some even come with a feature that allows you to temporarily delete sensitive passwords before you travel and then easily restore them once you return. Story editing by Mia Nakaji Monnier. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Tim Bruns. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick. This story originally appeared on Spokeo and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.

Luxury sales in Toronto experiencing a stock market bump, say retailersVICTORVILLE, Calif. (VVNG.com) – Reports of unidentified drone-like objects have surfaced in the Victor Valley region, echoing similar sightings noted across the East Coast and now other parts of Southern California. Residents are increasingly alarmed as these strange occurrences continue to unfold. On the evening of December 19, 2024, five orbs were filmed hovering over Victorville, CA, moving towards Apple Valley around 6:50 PM. The sighting was first reported by Marylynn Cruz, whose son spotted the lights while relaxing in their backyard. “This was our first sighting ever, so please excuse our excitement. The video doesn’t do justice to how bright these orbs were when viewed with the naked eye,” Cruz stated. The video, lasting five minutes, features discussions between Cruz and her son about the orbs’ intensity and their strange disappearances. The footage has since been uploaded to YouTube, inviting a wider audience to witness the phenomenon. In another recent sighting, Brenten Moore recorded a one-minute video from his backyard in Victorville. He declared that the object he saw moving across the High Desert sky was certainly not a star, exclaiming, “Aliens are real, bro.” He described it as a white object gliding overhead. The initial report VVNG received about drone sightings in the area came from a local Oak Hill resident who wished to remain anonymous. He described a colorful bright object he spotted while using the restroom late at night, distinct from known constellations. “The object was changing colors and bounced away just as I tried to grab my phone to record,” he noted, emphasizing that other stars were obscured by fog that night. As these reports grow in Southern California, locals have begun to share videos and images depicting large, car-sized objects traversing the sky. Marylynn Cruz’s YouTube footage of multiple hovering drone-like entities has heightened both curiosity and alarm within the community. The phenomenon first emerged in November near Morris County, New Jersey, as reported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In response to the uptick in reported sightings, the FBI and Department of Homeland Security have stated that the increase may not denote anything unusual. They emphasize that the majority of sightings likely involve lawful commercial and hobbyist drones, alongside a handful of misidentified aircraft and celestial bodies. A joint statement from the DHS, FBI, FAA, and Department of Defense (DoD) was released on December 17, detailing their assessment of ongoing drone-related reports. They confirmed that over one million drones are legally registered in the U.S., with thousands in operation daily. The FBI has received more than 5,000 tips regarding drone sightings within recent weeks and is collaborating with state and local authorities to investigate these incidents. While the agencies continue to monitor drone activity, they have not identified any threats to national security or public safety. However, officials acknowledge the growing concern among residents. They continue to support local authorities with advanced detection technologies and advocate for comprehensive legislation to manage drone activities. As reports of mysterious crafts persist, the community remains on high alert, eager for clarity on the origin and nature of these seemingly uninvited aerial visitors.The latest episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 16 started with host Amitabh Bachchan paying a moving tribute to the courageous heroes of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks , honoring the memory of the innocent lives lost in the tragedy. The episode featured frontline warriors Vishwas Nangre Patil , Additional Director General of Police, Anti-Corruption Bureau, Maharashtra, and Sanjay Govilkar, Additional Superintendent of Police, Anti-Corruption Bureau, Mumbai, who took the hot seat to share their experiences and insights. As Vishwas Nangre Patil took the hot seat, host Amitabh Bachchan asked him if he remembers how his day began on 26/11. He says, "Sir uss raat 9:30 baje tak humari ASL meeting chali (Advanced Security Liasoning) and then I returned home in the inspectors quarters near Metro Theatre My wife was serving me food and exactly at 9:47 my phone rang and I got a call from the then Additional Commissioner of Police called me and asked ,me to reach the Leopard Cafe as there was an incident of firing and one of our constables was injured. I was in uniform, my bodyguard and driver were downstairs and asked them to be ready as we had to leave. I asked them to load their pistols. After my posting in South Mumbai I had issued a Glock pistol as it had 17-17 magazines in them. I loaded the pistol and left and around 9:49 I passed Metro when I started giving instructions on wireless. I asked for Nakabandi, immediately I called the mobile vans near the Leopard Cafe. By then I had got calls from the then DGP and ACP. Both called me informing that there was a blast in Taj, then immediately two other news of firing in Oberoi and CST Station also came in. I asked my driver to drive te\he car fast and take me to the Taj. I audited the security of Taj for 9 hours as per the rare entrance. I entered from the back gate and when he looked around at least 10-12 dead bodies were lying there as they were killing people. Without waiting for a bulletproof jacket and weapons, my bodyguard and I just entered. We countered and fired on them." Big B and the audience gave them a standing ovation. He resumed the game and announced that the winning amount will be donated to Bharat Ke Vaar NGO. The host presented the question for Rs 1000. Along with coconut, an extract from which of these is used in Solkadhi? Vishwas Nangre goes with Option C) Kokam. Vishwas Nangre went on to explain how he and his bodyguard battled the three terrorists and revealed there was a marriage going on at the Taj. He shared he only had two 15-15 Clog pistols while the three terrorists had grenades, AK-47 and RDX. He fired at the terrorist and one of them started limping. As there was too much chaos, Vishwas Nangre shared that to locate the terrorists he with his team of two constables went to the CCTV room. He misfired to make the teerorist come out and they saw in the camera three terrorists in two hotel rooms and they had made 5 people hostages. He immediately informed the then Commissioner of Police on wireless about the number of terrorists and how they had made people hostages. The then Commisioner of Police ordered to keep the terrosit Pin down as the Naval Commandos were reaching and the information was overheard by a media personal who aired it on a TV channel. The handlers sitting in Pakistan shared the information on VOIP phone to the terrorirst and asked them to damage the cameras and burn down the hotel. He also revealed the story of evacuation of the civilians. He praised the management of Taj and shared that with the help of walkie talkie, intercom and mobile phones, they managed to rescue 650 people. Later, the terrorist blasted the dome of the Taj and there was heavy smoke in the CCTV room and there was fire and they could barely see anything, The terrorist fired at them and the team got divided. Big B resumed the game again and asked Rs 10,000 questions. What branch of Mathematics mainly deals with lines, angles, surfaces, and solids? He selects Option D) Geometry. Vishwas Nangre Patil spoke how around 12:30 am he learnt about the demise of ATS Chief Karkare, Vijay Salaskar, Shashank Shinde. He shared that the news got him furious and he decided that he would not spare the terrortist. Vishwas Nangre Pati shared that he went to get the martrayed body of the 21-year-old constable Rahul and saw his eyes were open, he had his rifle on his shoulder and finger on the trigger. Vishwas said, "Ladte Ladte woh shaheed hogaya tha." He further shared that Rahul's village was earlier called Sultanpur but now it is being renamed as Rahul Shinde Nagar, He recited beautiful lines, “Duniya mein mil jayenge aashiq kayi, magar vatan se khoobsurat sanam nahi hota, noto mein simat kar mare, sone mein lipat kar marein hain kayi, magar tirange se khoobsurat kafan nahi hota!”. Reflecting on the loss, Vishwas further shared, “At the time, we found out that many from our team were no longer with us. I was very close to them." He also recounted a deeply emotional moment: “In a bathtub, a mother lay with her 3-year-old child, protecting the child from the attack. I cannot sleep even today when I think about it.” Keep reading this space to know more brave stories about the 26/11 attack. How KBC changed Harshvardhan Nawathe's life...

Run-Out Rumble : Manjrekar and Pathan's Fiery Exchange

FOOTBALLER Marcus Rashford is fighting fit — after taking up boxing and mixed martial arts. The Manchester United and England striker , 27, has been working out in a boxing gym. He has also had sessions with a trainer who specialises in Muay Thai, a form of martial arts favoured by cage fighters. Rashford was left out of the England squad for this month’s Nations League games. Instead, he went to New York and watched a UFC cage fight and basketball game. A source said: “Marcus has really started to get into fighting in recent years. “He’s always enjoyed watching boxing with his mates but he’s also developed an interest in MMA as the sport has become more popular. “The club know and have no problem with it. “They just think it’s great extra fitness training.” Rashford is hoping to win the favour of new head coach Ruben Amorim , who backed his recent trip to New York .GDV Stock Touches 52-Week High at $25.36 Amid Investor OptimismSteelers' TJ Watt And Brother JJ Left Browns' Myles Garrett Seriously Hurt: Poked The Bear'

VANCOUVER, BC , Nov. 26, 2024 /CNW/ - C21 Investments Inc. CXXI and CXXIF (" C21 " or the " Company "), a vertically integrated cannabis company, is pleased to announce that it intends to commence a normal course issuer bid (the " NCIB "), under which it may purchase up to 6,002,390 common shares of the Company (" Common Shares "), representing approximately 5% of the Company's issued and outstanding Common Shares. The Company may purchase Common Shares under the NCIB over a 12-month period beginning on December 2, 2024 and ending on December 2, 2025 . All Common Shares purchased under the NCIB will be purchased on the open market through the facilities of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the " CSE ") or alternative trading systems at the prevailing market price of the Common Shares at the time of purchase and in accordance with the policies of the CSE and applicable Canadian securities laws. The Company will fund the purchases of Common Shares under the NCIB with cash on hand. The exact timing and amount of any purchases of Common Shares made pursuant to the NCIB will depend on market conditions and other factors. The Company is not obligated to acquire any Common Shares and may suspend or discontinue purchases under the NCIB at any time. Any Common Shares purchased by the Company under the NCIB will be cancelled upon their purchase. Under the NCIB, the Company may purchase up to such number of Common Shares equal to 2% of its issued and outstanding Common Shares over any 30-trading day period. The Company intends to commence the NCIB as it believes that the market price of the Common Shares may not fully reflect the value of its business and prospects, and as such it believes that purchasing its own Common Shares for cancellation is an appropriate strategy for increasing long-term shareholder value and represents an appropriate use of the Company's financial resources. The Company has appointed Haywood Securities Inc. as its broker to conduct the NCIB transactions on its behalf. About C21 Investments Inc. C21 Investments Inc. is a vertically integrated cannabis company that cultivates, processes, and distributes quality cannabis and hemp-derived consumer products in the United States . The Company is focused on value creation through the disciplined acquisition and integration of core retail, manufacturing, and distribution assets in strategic markets, leveraging industry-leading retail revenues with high-growth potential multi-market branded consumer packaged goods. The Company owns Silver State Relief and Silver State Cultivation in Nevada , including legacy Oregon brands Phantom Farms, Hood Oil and Eco Firma Farms. These brands produce and distribute a broad range of THC and CBD products from cannabis flowers, pre-rolls, cannabis oil, vaporizer cartridges and edibles. Based in Vancouver, Canada , additional information on C21 can be found at www.sedarplus.ca and www.cxxi.ca . Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements: This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, " Forward-Looking Statements "). Forward-Looking Statements in this news release include, but are not limited to: the timing of commencement and cessation of the NCIB; the means by which the Company will fund the purchases of Common Shares pursuant to the NCIB; and the Company's belief that purchasing its Common Shares under the NCIB is an appropriate strategy for increasing long-term shareholder value and represents an appropriate use of the Company's financial resources. Such Forward-Looking Statements represent the Company's beliefs and expectations regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company's control. Forward-Looking Statements are based on assumptions, estimates, analyses and opinions of management of the Company at the time they were provided or made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, including: achieving the anticipated results of the Company's strategic plans; and general economic, financial market, regulatory and political conditions in which the Company operates. A variety of factors, including known and unknown risks, many of which are beyond the Company's control, could cause actual results to differ materially from the Forward-Looking Statements in this news release. Such factors include, without limitation: risks and uncertainties arising from: the inability to effectively manage growth; inputs, suppliers and skilled labour being unavailable or available only at uneconomic costs; the adequacy of the Company's capital resources and liquidity, including but not limited to, availability of sufficient cash flow to purchase Common Shares under the NCIB and to execute the Company's business plan (either within the expected timeframe or at all); changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; changes in applicable laws generally and adverse future legislative and regulatory developments involving medical and recreational marijuana; the risks of operating in the marijuana industry in the United States , and those other risk factors discussed in the Company's 20F filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Annual Information Form filing on SEDAR+. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the Forward-Looking Statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such Forward-Looking Statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. Should assumptions underlying the Forward-Looking Statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. The Forward-Looking Statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company does not undertake to update any Forward-Looking Statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE C21 Investments Inc. View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2024/26/c7036.html © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Share Tweet Share Share Email In an age where technology continues to redefine the boundaries of possibility, finance stands at the forefront of this revolution. Imagine a world where transactions are not only instantaneous but also transparent, secure, and devoid of intermediaries holding you back. Welcome to the era of smart contract platforms—a game-changing innovation that promises to streamline processes, enhance security, and unlock new levels of efficiency in financial transactions. In this blog post, we’ll delve into how these futuristic technologies are transforming traditional finance landscapes and empowering businesses and individuals alike. Join us as we explore the myriad benefits of harnessing smart contracts in today’s digital marketplace—because when it comes to revolutionizing finance, the future is now! Introduction: Defining Smart Contract Platforms and Their Role in Finance In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, traditional systems are being challenged and transformed at an unprecedented pace. Enter smart contract platforms: digital agreements that automatically execute transactions when predetermined conditions are met. These innovative tools are revolutionizing the way we think about finance, offering a glimpse into a more efficient and transparent future. Imagine a world where complex financial processes can be simplified through automation, reducing the need for intermediaries while enhancing security and trust. This is not just a distant dream; it’s happening right now as businesses and consumers alike begin to harness the power of smart contracts. As we delve deeper into this exciting topic, you’ll discover how these platforms are reshaping the industry, creating new opportunities for growth and innovation while addressing age-old challenges in finance. Get ready to explore the incredible potential of smart contract platforms! The Potential Impact of Smart Contracts on the Financial Industry Smart contracts have the potential to revolutionize how transactions occur in finance. They eliminate the need for intermediaries, reducing costs and speeding up processes. This shift could lead to more efficient trading systems and streamlined settlements. With their inherent transparency, smart contracts can enhance trust among parties involved. Each transaction is recorded on a blockchain, creating an immutable history that stakeholders can verify independently. Moreover, automation reduces human error significantly. Routine tasks like compliance checks and payment processing can be handled seamlessly without manual intervention. Decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms stand at the forefront of this transformation, allowing users unprecedented access to financial services without traditional bank constraints. Lastly, as regulatory frameworks adapt to accommodate these technologies, we could witness broader adoption across various sectors within finance. How Smart Contract Platforms Work: Understanding Automation and Transparency Smart contract platforms operate on blockchain technology, enabling self-executing contracts with the terms directly written into code. This automation eliminates the need for intermediaries, reducing costs and processing times. When a predefined condition is met, the smart contract automatically triggers actions such as payments or data transfers. This level of automation ensures efficiency and minimizes human error. Transparency is another cornerstone of these platforms. All transactions are recorded on a public ledger, accessible to all parties involved. This visibility fosters trust among users since they can independently verify contract execution without relying on third-party validation. Moreover, once deployed, smart contracts cannot be altered easily. This immutability enhances security and accountability in financial dealings. The combination of automation and transparency creates an ecosystem where trust is built through technology rather than personal relationships alone. Real-Life Examples of Smart Contracts in Finance: Use Cases and Success Stories Smart contracts have made significant inroads into the financial sector, showcasing their potential through various applications. One prominent example is the use of smart contracts in trade finance. Companies can automate letter-of-credit processes, ensuring that funds are released only when preset conditions are met. This reduces fraud and speeds up transactions. Another exciting case involves insurance claims processing. Smart contracts can automatically trigger payouts based on verified data feeds, like weather reports for crop insurance. This efficiency not only enhances customer satisfaction but also minimizes operational costs. In real estate, platforms are utilizing smart contracts to streamline property sales. Buyers and sellers engage directly without intermediaries, cutting down on fees while speeding up closing times. These scenarios illustrate just a few ways smart contract platforms are reshaping finance by enabling greater transparency and automation throughout various industries. The Benefits of Adopting Smart Contract Platforms for Businesses and Consumers Smart contract platforms offer a wave of benefits for both businesses and consumers. At their core, they enhance efficiency by automating processes. This reduces the need for intermediaries, cutting down costs and speeding up transactions. Transparency is another crucial advantage. Each transaction recorded on a blockchain is visible to all parties involved, fostering trust. Businesses can confidently engage with clients knowing that terms are immutable and accessible. Additionally, these platforms improve security significantly. Smart contracts use cryptographic techniques to protect sensitive information against tampering or fraud. For consumers, the user experience often improves as well. They enjoy quicker service delivery without unnecessary delays typically caused by manual checks or approvals. Moreover, smart contracts enable innovative business models such as decentralized finance (DeFi). This opens new avenues for investment opportunities and financial services tailored specifically to individual needs. Potential Challenges and Risks to Consider When Implementing Smart Contract Platforms While the advantages of smart contract platforms are compelling, there are challenges to address. One significant concern is security. Vulnerabilities in code can lead to exploitation and substantial financial losses. Another risk involves regulatory uncertainty. Governments worldwide are still figuring out how to classify and regulate these technologies. This lack of clarity can create hurdles for businesses looking to adopt them. Additionally, integration with existing systems poses a challenge. Organizations may face compatibility issues when merging traditional processes with blockchain technology. Finally, there’s the human factor. Misunderstanding smart contracts’ complexities can result in mistakes during deployment or execution, undermining potential benefits. Addressing these risks requires careful planning and a thorough understanding of both technology and legal frameworks involved in this evolving landscape. Leading Platforms in the Market: A Comparison and Analysis When exploring smart contract platforms, several key players stand out in the financial landscape. Ethereum is often regarded as a pioneer, offering robust functionality and a vast developer community. Its flexibility allows for complex contracts but can lead to scalability issues. Then there’s Binance Smart Chain (BSC), which gained traction due to its lower transaction fees and faster processing times. BSC blends ease of use with efficient performance, attracting both developers and businesses looking for cost-effective solutions. Cardano offers a more research-driven approach, focusing on sustainability and security through rigorous peer-reviewed protocols. This differentiates it from other platforms that prioritize speed over reliability. Solana has emerged as an exciting contender with lightning-fast transactions and high throughput capabilities. It caters primarily to applications requiring rapid data transfer without compromising security. Each platform presents unique advantages tailored for different business needs within finance, making careful evaluation essential before adoption. Steps to Incorporating Smart Contracts into Business Processes Incorporating smart contracts into business processes begins with identifying areas where automation can add value. Evaluate your current workflows and pinpoint repetitive tasks that could benefit from increased efficiency. Next, engage stakeholders to ensure everyone understands the potential of smart contracts. This awareness fosters collaboration and support throughout the implementation process. Choose a suitable platform that aligns with your organization’s needs. Research various options, considering factors like scalability, security, and user-friendliness. Then, start small by creating pilot projects. Test these smart contracts in controlled environments to assess their functionality before full-scale deployment. Training is vital for success; equip your team with the knowledge needed to manage these new systems effectively. Continuous evaluation will help you refine processes over time and adapt as technology evolves. By taking measured steps towards integration, businesses can fully harness the power of smart contract platforms for enhanced productivity and transparency. Future Outlook: Predictions for the Evolution of Smart Contract Platforms in Finance The landscape of finance is poised for transformation as smart contract platforms continue to evolve. As adoption increases, we can expect enhanced interoperability among different blockchain networks. This will allow seamless transactions and data sharing across platforms. Artificial intelligence integration could lead to even smarter contracts that adapt in real-time based on external conditions. Imagine a financial agreement automatically adjusting terms according to market fluctuations or regulatory changes. User experience will improve dramatically. Simplified interfaces and user-friendly applications may make it easier for businesses and consumers alike to engage with these technologies. Regulatory frameworks are also likely to catch up, providing clearer guidelines around the use of smart contracts. This clarity could boost confidence among enterprises considering implementation. As we look ahead, it’s evident that the synergy between technology and finance will create unprecedented opportunities for innovation and efficiency in the industry. Embracing the Digital Transformation of Finance Through Smart Contracts The finance industry stands at the cusp of a digital revolution, driven by the innovative capabilities of smart contract platforms. These technologies are not just reshaping traditional processes; they are establishing a new paradigm characterized by enhanced automation and transparency. As businesses and consumers increasingly adopt these platforms, they unlock numerous benefits. From reducing costs associated with intermediaries to improving transaction speed and security, the advantages are compelling. Moreover, real-life success stories demonstrate their potential across various financial services. However, as with any technological advancement, it’s crucial to consider potential challenges and risks. Issues related to regulatory compliance or system vulnerabilities must be navigated carefully for successful implementation. With several leading platforms entering the market, companies have access to powerful tools designed to facilitate this transition seamlessly. By integrating smart contracts into business processes, organizations position themselves favorably in an evolving landscape. Looking ahead, predictions suggest that smart contract technology will continue its upward trajectory within finance—enhancing everything from everyday transactions to complex financial instruments. The path forward is clear: embracing this digital transformation can lead not only to greater efficiency but also create new opportunities for innovation in finance. The journey toward fully leveraging smart contract platforms is just beginning but promises exciting possibilities that could redefine how we think about money and trust in our economic systems. Conclusion Smart contract platforms have the potential to revolutionize the finance industry with their numerous benefits. From increased security and transparency to faster and more efficient transactions, these platforms offer a plethora of advantages for individuals and businesses alike. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial for companies to consider adopting smart contract platforms in order to remain competitive in the ever-evolving financial landscape. With its potential to disrupt traditional financial systems, embracing this innovative technology could lead to a more streamlined and secure future for all parties involved Related Items: automation , finance , Smart contract Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Maximize Your Budget: Top Trends in Digital Expense Management Solutions Navigating Trump’s Second Term: Why a Skilled Financial Planner Is Essential Islamic FinTech: Adapting Financial Technology to Sharia Compliance CommentsBest Internet Providers in New Braunfels, TexasNone