The release of the estimated cost of the Coalition's nuclear proposal marks the end of the phony energy war and the start of serious debate. At nearly a third of a trillion dollars, Peter Dutton's nuclear energy plan is the most expensive policy proposal either party has taken to election. Yet the government now has an obligation to show not only that its renewable energy plan is cheaper but that it will actually work. While Dutton can point to dozens of countries that have clean and affordable energy using nuclear, the Prime Minister will struggle to find a single example of a low-carbon electricity system that's managing without it. If anything, the Opposition has undersold its proposal by describing it as a cheaper and cleaner alternative to the government's renewables-only plan. The truth is that nuclear is the only way to deliver low-carbon base-load electricity at scale 24 hours a day. Only nuclear offers a viable alternative to coal, which has been the mainstay of our electric supply for a century and a quarter. Powering the grid with renewables alone may be possible in the middle of the day, and batteries, which are becoming cheaper, could provide a modicum of relief as the sun goes down. Ultimately, however, the only reliable backup for renewables is quick-fired gas generation or diesel. Labor came to power in 2022, brimming with optimism about renewable energy's ability to power Australia and the region. In his first National Press Club address as Energy Minister in June 2022, Chris Bowen set out his vision for Australia at the end of the decade. He predicted Australia would export renewable energy via submarine cables and green hydrogen. "A renewable energy superpower won't be a concept; it'll be a reality,” he said. "By 2030, we will be genuine partners with the Pacific in ambitious action on climate change." Some 30 months down the track, Mike Cannon-Brooke's proposal to install 120 sq km of solar panels in the NT outback and export power to Singapore via a 4,200 km high-voltage cable on the seabed appears hopelessly ambitious in the current investment client. This week, a report into green hydrogen in Germany declared it a non-starter. Increasingly, the big challenge for 2030 is supplying enough power for the domestic market. This week, Chris Bowen pushed back on the Australian Energy Market Operator's aggressive timetable to decommission coal generators, which he once applauded. This week, he backed measures allowing state energy ministers to intervene to delay the closure of coal and gas plants, describing it as a means of achieving a more orderly transition. Bowen also now concedes that there is likely to be a heavy reliance on gas generation up beyond 2050 as a backstop for intermittent wind and solar. Describing his energy policy as "renewables only" turns out to be an oversimplification. Compared to the challenges thwarting Labor's energy ambitions, the Coalition's plans are less complex and carry fewer risks, notwithstanding the $331 billion price tag. Nuclear generation has been developing for more than 70 years, and there are a number of proven technologies from which to choose. The Coalition has not specified which it favours, nor does it need to at this stage. The first step is to lift the moratorium and then invite applicants to step forward. They can expect a strong bid from the Korea Electric Power Company (KEPCO), which is in the final stage of completing the last of four Korean-designed advanced pressurised water reactors, the APR-1400 at Barakah, United Arab Emirates. KEPCO has demonstrated that construction can be completed in 8 years. It was originally costed at $USD 20 billion ($AUD 31 billion) but the final cost is likely to be at least double that. Nevertheless, for a total of 4.6 GW of around-the-clock generating capacity, the cost would be within the Coalition's budget. Canada's homegrown nuclear technology, the CANDU pressurised heavy water reactor, is another likely candidate. It offers the advantage of running on cheaper, unprocessed types of uranium. Reactors can be refuelled without shutting down, allowing them to operate more efficiently. Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has just completed the refurbishment of three of the four CANDU reactors at Darlington within time and on budget, giving the plant another 30 years of operation. OPG is at the forefront of developing small modular reactors (SMR) in North America. It is expecting final regulatory approval for the construction of the first SMR at Darlington in the first half of next year. I visited the site earlier this month and saw the extensive civil engineering work underway. OPG is confident that the first of the chosen reactors, the BWRX-300 designed by GE Hitachi, will be completed by 2027 and connected to the grid the following year. Australia may be late to enter the game but will enjoy the advantages of being able to select tried and tested technology. If the Coalition were to win government with a mandate to remove the nuclear moratorium, the target date of 2037 for the first reactor or 2035 for the first SMR is in line with overseas experiences. The Prime Minister’s knee-jerk criticism of the Coalition’s proposal as “a shocker” was as predictable as it was unenlightening. Labor's ambitious emissions targets are looking hopelessly out of reach, and the government has been far from transparent with the cost of its system. Anthony Albanese's pledge to cut power bills by $275 by the end of his first term ranks among the most cavalier election promises ever made. Australians are looking for an energy plan B. Dutton may just have delivered it.Fingered for thumbnails: Inside one family's digital nightmare

Getting whipped by a downtrodden Oklahoma squad came back to haunt Alabama. So did a historic loss to Vanderbilt. That's because the Crimson Tide (9-3) were passed over for the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff when the selections were announced on Sunday. Alabama appeared in good shape to make the playoffs until visiting the Sooners and losing 24-3 on Nov. 23. Oklahoma finished the regular season with a 6-6 mark. SMU (11-2) earned the final at-large spot despite losing to Clemson 34-31 in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game on Saturday night. "I think it's the right decision," Mustangs coach Rhett Lashlee told CBS Sports said. "... We didn't ever have a bad loss." Selection committee chairman Warde Manuel said it was a tough choice to take the Mustangs over the Crimson Tide. "We looked at the number of wins Alabama had against ranked opponents," Manuel, the Michigan athletic director, told ESPN. "We looked at SMU's schedule and they were undefeated in conference. Their losses were to ranked teams. "We also looked at Alabama's losses to unranked teams. It was quite a debate. We value strength of schedule and that's why Alabama as a three-loss team is ranked ahead of teams that have two losses." SMU's loss to then-No. 17 Clemson came on a last-second field goal in Saturday night's Atlantic Coast Conference title game. The Mustangs also lost 18-15 at BYU on Sept. 6. SMU beat then-No. 22 Louisville on the road and then-No. 18 Pitt in Dallas. "Losing on a last-second field goal ... we felt SMU still had the nod over Alabama," Manuel said of the Mustangs' loss to Clemson. "... It's just looking at the entire body of work over both teams." Alabama's other two losses included the shocking 40-35 stumble at Vanderbilt on Oct. 5 that marked the Commodores' first-ever win over a No. 1-ranked team. The Crimson Tide also lost 24-17 to then-No. 11 Tennessee on Oct. 19. The Crimson Tide posted three ranked victories, beating then-No. 2 Georgia, then-No. 21 Missouri and then-No. 15 LSU. Alabama will face Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa on Dec. 31. It is a rematch from last season when the Wolverines defeated the Crimson Tide 27-20 in the College Football Playoff semifinal game at the Rose Bowl. The second team out was No. 13 Miami (10-2), which saw its chances plummet by losing two of its last three regular-season games. The Hurricanes, who started 9-0, lost 28-23 to host Georgia Tech on Nov. 9 and completed the regular season with a 42-38 road loss against Syracuse. Miami didn't play a Top 25 team this season. Instead of navigating the playoff field, Miami will face No. 18 Iowa State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando on Dec. 28. "Everyone that doesn't get in feels disappointment," Miami coach Mario Cristobal said of being passed over. "We will have the onus of just doing better. Go forward and have the opportunity to get better. ... "We have a ton to play for and we'll thankful for the opportunity." SMU plays No. 6 Penn State in its first-round playoff game on Nov. 21. "We're excited about the challenge and the opportunity to prove that the committee made the right decision," Lashlee said. --Field Level Media

Stocks wavered on Wall Street in afternoon trading Thursday, as gains in tech companies and retailers helped temper losses elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 was down less than 0.1% after drifting between small gains and losses. The benchmark index is coming off a three-day winning streak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 6 points, or less than 0.1%, as of 1:52 p.m. Eastern time. The Nasdaq composite was down less than 0.1%. Trading volume was lighter than usual as U.S. markets reopened after the Christmas holiday. Chip company Broadcom rose 2.9%, Micron Technology was up 1% and Adobe gained 0.8%. While tech stocks overall were in the green, some heavyweights were a drag on the market. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, slipped 0.1%. Meta Platforms fell 0.7%, Amazon was down 0.6%, and Netflix gave up 1.1%. Tesla was among the biggest decliners in the S&P 500, down 1.9%. Health care stocks helped lift the market. CVS Health rose 1.7% and Walgreens Boots Alliance rose 3% for the biggest gain among S&P 500 stocks. Several retailers also gained ground. Target rose 2.8%, Best Buy was up 2.2% and Dollar Tree gained 2.7%. Retailers are hoping for a solid sales this holiday season, and the day after Christmas traditionally ranks among the top 10 biggest shopping days of the year, as consumers go online or rush to stores to cash in gift cards and raid bargain bins. U.S.-listed shares in Honda and Nissan rose 4% and 16%, respectively. The Japanese automakers announced earlier this week that the two companies are in talks to combine. Traders got a labor market update. U.S. applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week , though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years, the Labor Department reported. Treasury yields turned mostly lower in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.57% from 4.59% late Tuesday. Major European markets were closed, as well as Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. Trading was expected to be subdued this week with a thin slate of economic data on the calendar. Still, U.S. markets have historically gotten a boost at year’s end despite lower trading volumes. The last five trading days of each year, plus the first two in the new year, have brought an average gain of 1.3% since 1950. So far this month, the U.S. stock market has lost some of its gains since President-elect Donald Trump’s win on Election Day, which raised hopes for faster economic growth and more lax regulations that would boost corporate profits. Worries have risen that Trump’s preference for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation , a bigger U.S. government debt and difficulties for global trade. Even so, the U.S. market remains on pace to deliver strong returns for 2024. The benchmark S&P 500 is up roughly 26% so far this year and remains near its most recent all-time high it set earlier this month — its latest of 57 record highs this year. Wall Street has several economic reports to look forward to next week, including updates on pending home sales and home prices, a report on U.S. construction spending and snapshots of manufacturing activity. AP Business Writers Elaine Kurtenbach and Matt Ott contributed.FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup

International anti-corruption day: Under AL, ACC became a political weapon49ers coach Kyle Shanahan expresses confidence in struggling kicker Jake Moody

Portfolio talks over, Maha cabinet expansion in Nagpur on Saturday

( MENAFN - Newsfile Corp) Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - December 13, 2024) - Impact Development Group Inc. ( TSXV: IMPT ) (" Impact ", or the " Company "), a leading Panamanian developer of affordable housing solutions, would like to provide updates on its activities in the Republic of Panama in connection with the Housing Solidarity Subsidy (the " Program ") which governs subsidies issued in connection with homes built for social interest purposes. On July 1st, 2024 the Ministry of Housing and Land Management (" MIVIOT ") commenced a comprehensive review of the Program and other subsidies issued in connection with homes built for social interest purposes. MIVIOT has since paused the approval of subsidies in connection with the building and delivery of new homes, and the Program has lapsed effective June 30, 2024. Since August, MIVIOT has maintained a working group with housing developers across the country, generating several proposals for alternatives to the Program, all of which remain under review and have not yet been implemented. There has been no indication from the government of Panama that the Program will be resumed. MIVIOT is currently continuing to honor payments for homes that received certification pursuant to the Program prior to June 30, 2024. As of the date of this news release, the Company has a total of 125 homes that are pending subsidy payments or certification under the Program and 171 homes in inventory, either completed or under construction, that have not yet received MIVIOT subsidy certification under the Program. It is unclear if 171 of those homes will ever receive MIVIOT certification to receive subsidies pursuant to the Program. Given the current circumstances, the Company has been evaluating its strategic objectives as they relate to its operations in Panama to focus on the delivery of existing inventory, pause all new development, and consider opportunities to diversify the Company's business. In alignment with this proposed strategy, the Company recently completed the acquisition of Fusion Software, LLC (" Fusion Software "), a leading US-based platform for managing low-income housing tax credit portfolios for housing developers, syndicators and investors. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in Impact's commitment to affordable housing solutions and expands the Company's capabilities in other markets. For further details regarding the acquisition of Fusion Software, please see the Company's news release dated October 25, 2024. To continue growing and diversifying the business, the Company is evaluating initiatives peripheral to building affordable homes under the Program. This includes evaluating options to expand into new residential or commercial development activities outside of the Program. Any new initiative pursued by Impact will seek to leverage its core competencies developed over the 11 years of its operational success in Panama. Other strategies currently under evaluation by the Company's management include geographic expansion to adjacent markets with similar programs and the diversification into new technology-enabled revenue streams in affordable housing. Any material change to the business following the conclusion of the Company's evaluations will be conducted in accordance with applicable securities laws and regulations of the TSX Venture Exchange. ABOUT IMPACT Impact is a Panamanian based real estate developer that provides affordable housing solutions to Panama's growing middle-class and has historically been supported by longstanding subsidized government programs in Panama. The vision of the Company is effectuated by a vertically integrated model which coordinates all services necessary to develop high-quality residential and commercial buildings, including land acquisition, financing, architectural, engineering, off-site manufacturing, general contracting, property management, and administration. Impact also operates, through its subsidiary, Fusion Software LLC, an innovative software platform designed to streamline the administration of low-income housing tax credits for asset managers, developers and syndicators. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For further information, please contact: Tom Wenz, Director and CEO Phone: + 1 (702) 329-8038 Email: ... FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" that reflect the Company's current expectations and projections about its future results. Wherever possible, words such as "may", "will", "should", "could", "expect", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict" or "potential" or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the Company's business activities in Panama; the Company's plans to continue growing and diversifying the business; the Company's 125 homes pending disbursement of the subsidy or approvals from the Program; and the Company's plans to evaluate its business in light of the recent changes to the Program. The forward-looking statements, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the Company being able to carry out its business plan as contemplated; the Company's ability to grow and diversify its business; the Company's 125 homes pending receipt of disbursements of subsidies or approvals under the Program; and the Company's plans to evaluate its business in light of recent changes to the Program. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, they can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company. Risks and uncertainties exist that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied in the forward-looking statements and information. Such factors include, among others: the limited business history of the Company; the Company's reliance on key management; risks related to the Company's growth strategy, including that previous and future acquisitions do not meet expectations or potential acquisitions cannot be completed; the Company's 125 homes not receiving disbursements of subsidies or approvals under the Program; the business of the Company being subject to broader economic and political factors, including but not limited to decisions made by the government of Panama; disruptions or changes in the credit or security markets; financial results of the Company's operations; unanticipated costs and expenses; and general market and industry conditions. The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit SOURCE: Impact Development Group Inc. MENAFN13122024004218003983ID1108991791 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Faruqi & Faruqi Reminds Celsius Investors Of The Pending Class Action Lawsuit With A Lead Plaintiff Deadline Of January 21, 2025 – CELH

Trudeau told Trump Americans would also suffer if tariffs are imposed, a Canadian minister says

In a surprising turn of events, NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA) witnessed a slight dip of 0.8% in its stock price on Thursday, closing at $139.04. This price movement saw a significant reduction in trading volume, with only about 44.6 million shares exchanged compared to the usual 379.6 million, marking an 88% decline in average daily volume. Analysts’ Optimism Despite the Dip Despite the unexpected stock performance, brokerage firms remain optimistic about NVIDIA’s future. Recent evaluations from firms like Phillip Securities and Oppenheimer highlight an upward revision in price targets. Notably, Stifel Nicolaus and Wells Fargo have set their sights on higher targets, emphasizing a “buy” and “overweight” rating, respectively. Strong Financials Fuel Confidence NVIDIA’s latest earnings report offers even more reason for investor optimism. The company outperformed expectations, with revenue hitting $35.08 billion for the quarter, signifying a significant 93.6% increase from the previous year. Earnings per share also surpassed forecasts, coming in at $0.81 against the anticipated $0.69. Share Buyback and Dividend News NVIDIA has also declared a quarterly dividend and announced a substantial share buyback program worth $50 billion, indicative of confidence in its undervalued stock. This move could potentially drive share prices higher as the company repurchases up to 1.6% of its outstanding shares. Insider Transactions in the Spotlight Recent insider transactions have garnered attention, with directors like Mark A. Stevens and John Dabiri selling significant shares. However, these sales haven’t dampened market sentiment, which continues to view NVIDIA as a strong player with robust growth prospects. Institutional Interest on the Rise Several institutional investors and hedge funds have ramped up their holdings in NVIDIA, underscoring the tech giant’s appeal. With analysts maintaining a “Moderate Buy” rating, NVIDIA remains a compelling investment opportunity amidst temporary market fluctuations. Is NVIDIA a Good Buy Right Now? Analyzing the Latest Trends and Financial Moves NVIDIA, often seen as a cornerstone in the tech industry, recently experienced a slight dip in its stock price, closing at $139.04—a 0.8% decrease from previous figures. Despite this fluctuation, the company’s financial undertakings and market performance continue to capture the attention of investors and analysts alike. Innovative Financial Strategies Provide Stability One of NVIDIA’s most compelling moves is its announced share buyback program worth $50 billion. By repurchasing up to 1.6% of its outstanding shares, NVIDIA sends a strong signal of confidence in its valuation and financial health, which investors regard as a catalyst for potential stock price growth. Solid Financial Performance Amidst Market Challenges In terms of financial performance, NVIDIA has outdistanced previous predictions. The latest quarterly results showcased a revenue influx of $35.08 billion—an impressive 93.6% increase from the year before. The earnings per share also exceeded forecasts, confirming the company’s operational efficiency and market demand. Growing Institutional Interest Signals Confidence The increased interest from institutional investors and hedge funds demonstrates NVIDIA’s resilience and potential long-term value. This uptick in attention shows the company’s promising trajectory and has spurred more confidence among market analysts, maintaining a “Moderate Buy” consensus despite brief stock market volatility. Anticipated Price Increases Reflect Market Faith Analysts from brokerage firms such as Stifel Nicolaus and Wells Fargo have raised their price targets, with “buy” and “overweight” ratings signaling continued confidence in NVIDIA’s future capitalization growth. This positive outlook is bolstered by NVIDIA’s recent financial performance and strategic maneuvers. Examining Insider Transactions: Market Sentiment Remains Positive Recent insider transactions have captured the market’s attention, as significant share sales by directors such as Mark A. Stevens and John Dabiri were observed. Yet, these actions have not overshadowed the prevailing bullish sentiment regarding NVIDIA’s growth outlook. Sustainability Innovations on the Horizon As part of its long-term strategy, NVIDIA is continuously innovating in AI technology and sustainable computing solutions. These developments are expected to drive future revenue streams and align with global trends towards sustainability in tech, ensuring competitiveness in a rapidly evolving sector. Final Insight: Rising Stars in the Tech Market NVIDIA stands out as a robust investment opportunity thanks to its dynamic market approach, financial resilience, and strategic innovations. For more information about NVIDIA’s financial strategies and market presence, visit their official website . In conclusion, NVIDIA remains a favored entity among investors seeking potential growth in the semiconductors and tech industry, suggesting that the current dip might be an entry point for foreseeing investors.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 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 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 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 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 . “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 . 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. 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 , 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. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.

A majority of Supreme Court justices didn't seem convinced Monday that federal regulators misled companies before refusing to allow them to sell sweet-flavored vaping products following a surge in teen e-cigarette use. The conservative-majority court did raise questions about the Food and Drug Administration crackdown that included denials of more than a million nicotine products formulated to taste like fruit, dessert or candy. Teen vaping use has since dropped to its lowest level in a decade, but the agency could change its approach after the inauguration next month of President-elect Donald Trump, who has promised to “save” vaping. Vape companies have long marketed their products as a way to help adults quit traditional cigarettes, and say the FDA changed its standards with little warning and blocked the sale of over a million new flavored products. Justice Elena Kagan, though, was skeptical. “I guess I’m not really seeing what the surprise is here,” she said. “You knew what the FDA’s point of view was ... that blueberry vapes are really problematic in terms of youth smoking." RELATED STORY | Supreme Court decision could have endless impact on transgender medical care The FDA was slow to regulate the now multibillion-dollar vaping market, and even years into the crackdown flavored vapes that are technically illegal nevertheless remain widely available. The agency says the companies were denied because they couldn't show flavored vapes had a net public benefit, as laid out in the law. It has approved some tobacco-flavored vapes, and recently allowed its first menthol-flavored electronic cigarettes for adult smokers after the company provided data showing the product was more helpful in quitting, Deputy Solicitor General Curtis Gannon said. The issue came before the high court when the agency appealed a decision from the conservative 5th Circuit Court of Appeals tossing out one of its denials. While other lower courts rebuffed vaping company lawsuits, the 5th Circuit sided with Dallas-based company Triton Distribution. The decision allowed the sale of e-juices like “Jimmy The Juice Man in Peachy Strawberry" and “Suicide Bunny Mother's Milk and Cookies” which are heated by an e-cigarette to create an inhalable aerosol. RELATED STORY | Could Democrats pressure Justice Sotomayor to step down for replacement? Justice Neil Gorsuch questioned whether the FDA process had given the companies a fair chance to make their claims, given that their businesses were at stake. Conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh expressed concern about what recourse companies have if agencies issue misleading guidance, though he also elicited that the FDA wasn't required to issue the guidance it gave in the vaping case. “I'm trying to figure out what the legal error is here,” he said. The vape companies, he said, can reapply for sales authorization even if they don't win in court. Triton attorney Eric Heyer said that process would take so long that the company could be forced to close. The court has overall been skeptical of the power of federal regulators, including by striking down the so-called Chevron doctrine that had judges deferring to agencies' interpretation of the law. Justice Amy Coney Barrett questioned whether the vaping companies wanted the court to take that concept a step further. “It’s almost a reverse Chevron deference, except we're deferring to the applicant," she said. The court is expected to decide the case in the coming months.

Buy Reliance Industries, target price Rs 1,660: JM FinancialFormal job growth slows in October; EPF and ESIC see decline

Blame it on the food and drink?