
Sean 'Diddy' Combs denied bail by third judge as he awaits sex trafficking trialIt's no secret that Nvidia ( NVDA 0.54% ) is one of the hottest artificial intelligence (AI) stocks in the market. The chip-making juggernaut just reported an incredible Q3, beating Wall Street's sky-high expectations. So why was the stock trading lower on Thursday when the market opened? Although it might seem to defy logic, it's not an uncommon phenomenon. Let's take a look at why it happens and see if the past might shed some light on what happens next. First, let's take a look at Nvidia's quarter. Even for Nvidia, this was a strong quarter Few companies have as much riding on their shoulders as Nvidia does in the current market. The company's performance is seen as a bellwether for the market as a whole. It's a good thing, then, that Nvidia delivered this quarter. Nvidia's data center segment continues to be the driving force behind its success, though its gaming arm is still showing solid growth. Demand for its Superchips and related hardware is at a fever pitch. As CEO Jensen Huang puts it, "The age of AI is in full steam, propelling a global shift to Nvidia computing." The big news is the confirmation that Blackwell, the newest iteration of its Superchips, is on schedule and will be rolled out without a hitch. During the earnings call, Huang made clear that the first chips are already "in the hands of all of [Nvidia's] major partners" and will soon be shipped to end users -- companies like Meta and Microsoft operate massive AI data centers. According to Huang, demand for Blackwell is "staggering"; Nvidia has so many orders it is struggling to keep pace. Despite this, demand for its current Hopper chips remains strong, and Huang indicated he believed orders would continue well into next year. Nvidia's reach is global Beyond the numbers, Nvidia highlighted some important developments that show the growing demand beyond U.S. commercial clients. Denmark just launched its first AI supercomputer driven by Nvidia's Hopper chips. This is an important client base for Nvidia that is often overshadowed by its success with big tech cloud operators. "Sovereign AI" -- world governments running their own computers -- could be a massive industry as nations around the world enter an information arms race. Nvidia is also finding commercial success worldwide, with new private companies in India, Japan, and Indonesia building Nvidia-powered AI data centers. Nvidia's stock dips In the initial hours after the market opened on Thursday, shares of Nvidia slipped, briefly reaching $141 after closing at nearly $146 the day before. Why would this happen after such a strong quarter? This is pretty common if Wall Street's expectations exceed the company's performance, even if that performance is solid. That's not what happened here. Nvidia beat estimates handily, delivering revenues of $35.1 billion and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.81. Consensus targets were $33.2 billion and $0.75, respectively. Here's the thing: market sentiment can exceed even Wall Street estimates. With all the hype around Nvidia and talk of "insane" demand for its new chips, it's becoming increasingly difficult for the company to live up to investors' expectations no matter what numbers it delivers. It's the curse of success. Nvidia has continuously beat estimates, so now, even when it does, it might not be by enough. Certain research has shown that investors tend to put too much faith in past earnings. Over time, this leads to a stock being overbought in the lead-up to an earnings release and a short-term dip after the release. What Nvidia is experiencing is very normal. Don't panic. The long-term potential is where we want to place most of our focus here and this report shows it is still firing on all cylinders. Given other stocks that have been in Nvidia's shoes and Nvidia itself last quarter -- shares dipped 18% in the days after earnings -- history tells us that the stock will be just fine.
CMC Markets (LON:CMCX) Hits New 12-Month High After Dividend AnnouncementThe automobile industry in India had an ordinary year with a growth of just 0.5 per cent in the April-September quarter. The bright spot, however, was the rise in the sales of electric vehicles . ET Year-end Special Reads Take That: The gamechanger weapon's India acquired in 2024 10 big-bang policy moves Modi government made in 2024 How governments tried to rein in the social media beast The government revealed that the number of EVs sold in the country this fiscal year is over 25% more than the same months of the financial year 2023-24. Responding to a query in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Heavy Industries, Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma said 13.06 lakh EVs were registered in the country from April 1 to November 30, 2024. Overall, 18,05,969 EVs have been sold between January and November 2024. This is 7.40% of the total 2.43 million (2,43,98,672 units) vehicles sold across all segments still end-November. EV calculator How much will I save if I choose an electric vehicle? SELECT vehicle type Calculate The electric two-wheeler segment was the biggest driver of this growth. Of the 10,74,008 units sold in the first 11 months of this year, electric scooters, motorcycles and mopeds account for 60% of total EV volumes. 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While electric cars and SUVs, with 89,877 units, account for a 5% share. The rest was covered by electric buses, heavy and light goods carriers. The growth was aided not only by consumer preference, but also by the subsidies provided by the government. PM E-Drive scheme The government launched the PM E-Drive on October 1, with a budget of Rs 10,900 crore for faster adoption of electric vehicles, setting up of charging infrastructure and development of EV manufacturing ecosystem in India. The scheme will be implemented till March 31, 2026. You Might Also Like: Two sectors that rose on India's business horizon in 2024 Under the PM E-DRIVE scheme, subsidies/demand incentives worth Rs 3,679 crore have been provided to insentivise e-two wheelers, e-three wheelers, e-ambulances, e-trucks and other emerging EVs. The subsidy under the scheme for electric two-wheelers has been fixed based on battery power at Rs 5,000 per kilowatt hour but the overall incentive will not exceed Rs 10,000 in the first year. In the second year, it will be halved by Rs 2,500 per kilowatt hour, and the overall benefit will not exceed Rs 5,000.. Three-wheelers, including e-rickshaws, will get a demand incentive of Rs 25,000 in the first year, which will be halved to Rs 12,500 in the second year. You Might Also Like: The men and women India loved and lost in 2024 The scheme further allocates Rs 780 crore towards upgradation of testing facilities, new equipment and technology. Before the PM E-DRIVE scheme, the EMPS-2024 (Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme) had been implemented for the period April 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024. Under the scheme, 3.72 lakh electric vehicles were supported, including 3,33,387 electric two-wheelers, 13,590 e-rickshaws or e-carts and 25,238 electric three-wheelers in the L5 category with an outlay of Rs 493.55 crore. Changing trend in the four-wheeler segment Market leader Tata Motors was given a tough competition this year and its 11-month sales give it a market share of 64%, down from the 70% it had a year ago. JSW MG Motor India, which is benefiting from the launch of the new Windsor EV and its Battery As A Service sales strategy, has seen a strong surge in demand and its market share has jumped to 36% from 13% a year ago. Meanwhile, the seven luxury carmakers have a 3% share of the overall ePV market in the January-November 2024 period. Major EV launches in 2024 Companies launched multiple EVs this year. Tata released the Punch EV and Curvv, Mahindra came up with three EVs, including Mahindra XEV 9e, BE 6e and the updated XUV 400. MG launched the Windsor EV, while Kia launched the EV9. BYD also penetrated the Indian market with BYD Seal. The increasing number of options has also meant that EVs are now launched at a competitive price, making it more affordable for people to buy. You Might Also Like: 2024 exposed the underbelly of India's Silicon Valley Nominations for ET MSME Awards are now open. The last day to apply is December 31, 2024. Click here to submit your entry for any one or more of the 22 categories and stand a chance to win a prestigious award. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )Elon Musk Slams Australia's Plan To Ban Social Media For Kids Under 16Stock market today: Dow drops over 300 points amid a tech stock rout
Pet passports for dogs, cats and ferrets to travel within UK ‘an outrage’NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks climbed Thursday after market superstar Nvidia and another round of companies said they’re making even fatter profits than expected. The S&P 500 pulled 0.5% higher after flipping between gains and losses several times during the day. Banks, smaller companies and other areas of the stock market that tend to do best when the economy is strong helped lead the way, while bitcoin briefly broke above $99,000. Crude oil, meanwhile, continued to rise. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 461 points, or 1.1%, and the Nasdaq composite edged up by less than 0.1%. Nvidia rose just 0.5% after beating analysts’ estimates for profit and revenue yet again, but it was still the strongest force pulling the S&P 500 upward. It also gave a forecast for revenue in the current quarter that topped most analysts’ expectations due to voracious demand for its chips used in artificial-intelligence technology. Its stock initially sank in afterhours trading Wednesday following the release of the results. Some investors said the market might have been looking for Nvidia’s revenue forecast to surpass expectations by even more. But its stock recovered in premarket trading Thursday, and Wedbush analyst Dan Ives said it was another “flawless” profit report provided by Nvidia and CEO Jensen Huang, whom Ives calls “the Godfather of AI.” The stock meandered through Thursday as well, dragging the S&P 500 and other indexes back and forth. How Nvidia’s stock performs has more impact than any other because it’s grown into Wall Street’s most valuable company at roughly $3.6 trillion. The frenzy around AI is sweeping up other stocks, and Snowflake jumped 32.7% after reporting stronger results for the latest quarter than analysts expected. The company, whose platform helps customers get a better view of all their silos of data and use AI, also reported stronger revenue growth than expected. BJ’S Wholesale Club rose 8.3% after likewise delivering a bigger profit than expected. That may help calm worries about how resilient U.S. shoppers can remain, given high prices across the economy and still-high interest rates. A day earlier, Target tumbled after reporting sluggish sales in the latest quarter and giving a dour forecast for the holiday shopping season. It followed Walmart , which gave a much more encouraging outlook. Nearly 90% of the stocks in the S&P 500 ended up rising Thursday, and the gains were even bigger among smaller companies. The Russell 2000 index of smaller stocks jumped a market-leading 1.7%. Google’s parent company, Alphabet, helped keep indexes in check. It fell 4.7% after U.S. regulators asked a judge to break up the tech giant by forcing it to sell its industry-leading Chrome web browser. In a 23-page document filed late Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Justice called for sweeping punishments that would include restrictions preventing Android from favoring its own search engine. Regulators stopped short of demanding Google sell Android but left the door open to it if the company’s oversight committee continues to see evidence of misconduct. All told, the S&P 500 rose 31.60 points to 5,948.71. The Dow jumped 461.88 to 43,870.35, and the Nasdaq composite added 6.28 to 18,972.42. In the crypto market, bitcoin eclipsed $99,000 for the first time before pulling back toward $98,000, according to CoinDesk. It’s more than doubled so far this year, and its climb has accelerated since Election Day. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to make the country “the crypto capital of the planet” and create a “strategic reserve” of bitcoin. Bitcoin got a further boost after Gary Gensler, the chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, said Thursday he would step down in January . Gensler has pushed for more protections for crypto investors. Bitcoin and related investment have a notorious history of big price swings in both directions. MicroStrategy, a company that’s been raising cash expressly to buy bitcoin, saw an early Thursday gain of 14.6% for its stock quickly disappear. It finished the day with a loss of 16.2%. In the oil market, a barrel of benchmark U.S. crude rose 2% to bring its gain for the week to 4.8%. Brent crude, the international standard, climbed 1.8%. Oil has been rising amid escalations in the Russia-Ukraine war. In stock markets abroad, shares of India’s Adani Enterprises plunged 22.6% Thursday after the U.S. charged founder Gautam Adani in a federal indictment with securities fraud and conspiracy to commit securities and wire fraud. The businessman and one of the world’s richest people is accused of concealing that his company’s huge solar energy project on the subcontinent was being facilitated by an alleged bribery scheme. Stock indexes elsewhere in Asia and Europe were mixed. In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury inched up to 4.43% from 4.41% late Wednesday following some mixed reports on the U.S. economy. One said fewer U.S. workers applied for unemployment benefits last week in the latest signal that the job market remains solid. Another report, though, said manufacturing in the mid-Atlantic region unexpectedly shrank. Sales of previously occupied homes, meanwhile, strengthened last month by more than expected. AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Yuri Kageyama contributed.NEW YORK , Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Spyre Therapeutics, Inc. ("Spyre" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: SYRE ). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether Spyre and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about joining the class action] On November 18, 2024 , Spyre disclosed in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission "that the Company's previously issued audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2023 and for the year and the second and third quarter interim periods within the year then ended, and its unaudited consolidated financial statements for the quarterly and year-to-date (as applicable) periods ended March 31, 2024 , June 30, 2024 and 2023, and September 30, 2024 and 2023 (collectively, the 'Affected Financial Statements' and such periods, the 'Affected Periods') should no longer be relied upon" due to "a misapplication of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States . . . as it relates to the Company's exclusion of its Series A and Series B non-voting convertible preferred stock in the calculation of basic and diluted net loss per share and a finding of material weakness in internal control over financial reporting solely related to such matter." Accordingly, Spyre advised that it "intends to file amendments to the Annual Report on Form 10-K and each of the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the Affected Periods to correct the net loss per share figures as soon as possible." On this news, Spyre's stock price fell sharply during intraday trading on November 19, 2024 . Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York , Chicago , Los Angeles , London , Paris , and Tel Aviv , is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz , known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud , breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com . Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: Danielle Peyton Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 646-581-9980 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP
Illinois lawmakers could add internet gambling to state's bevy of betting optionsTo further incentivize mobile wallet usage, some credit card issuers offer bonus rewards when you elect to pay that way. But those incentives can go beyond just higher reward rates. In fact, mobile wallets in some ways are becoming an essential part of activating and holding a credit card. For example, they can offer immediate access to your credit line, and they can be easier and safer than paying with a physical card. From a rewards perspective, it can make a lot of sense to reach for your phone now instead of your physical card. The Apple Card offers its highest reward rates when you use it through the Apple Pay mobile wallet. Same goes for the PayPal Cashback Mastercard® when you use it to make purchases via the PayPal digital wallet. The Kroger grocery store giant has a co-branded credit card that earns the most when you pay using an eligible digital wallet, and some major credit cards with quarterly rotating bonus categories have a history of incentivizing digital wallet use. But again, these days it's not just about the rewards. Mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and PayPal can offer immediate access to your credit line while you wait for your physical card to arrive after approval. Indeed, most major issuers including Bank of America®, Capital One and Chase now offer instant virtual credit card numbers for eligible cards that can be used upon approval by adding them to a digital wallet. Additionally, many co-branded credit cards — those offered in partnership with another brand — commonly offer instant card access and can be used immediately on in-brand purchases. Credit cards typically take seven to 10 days to arrive after approval, so instant access to your credit line can be particularly useful if you need to make an urgent or unexpected purchase. Plus, they allow you to start spending toward a card’s sign-up bonus right away. As issuers push toward mobile payments, a growing number of merchants and businesses are similarly adopting the payment method. The percentage of U.S. businesses that used digital wallets increased to 62% in 2023, compared to 47% the previous year, according to a 2023 survey commissioned by the Federal Reserve Financial Services. Wider acceptance is potentially good news for the average American, who according to Experian has about four credit cards. While that won’t necessarily weigh down your wallet, it can be hard to manage multiple cards and rewards categories at once. Mobile wallets offer a more efficient way to store and organize all of your workhorse cards, while not having to carry around ones that you don't use often. They can also help you more easily monitor your spending and rewards, and some even track your orders' status and arrival time. Plus, paying with a digital wallet offers added security. That’s because it uses technology called tokenization when you pay, which masks your real credit card number and instead sends an encrypted "token" that’s unique to each payment. This is unlike swiping or dipping a physical card, during which your credit card number is more directly accessible. And again, because a mobile wallet doesn't require you to have your physical cards present, there's less chance of one falling out of your pocket or purse. More From NerdWallet Funto Omojola writes for NerdWallet. Email: fomojola@nerdwallet.com . The article Activating Your Credit Card? Don’t Skip the Mobile Wallet Step originally appeared on NerdWallet.hrough several body images, the were released showing a handcuffed inmate who was by prison guards before being stripped to his underwear, a fatal attack that is now being investigated by New York's top prosecutor, , The Post reported. The videos were made public by Attorney General on Friday, showing three correctional officers repeatedly punching, kicking and stomping on in an examination room on December 9 at the in upstate New York. Brooks, 43, who was serving a sentence for assault, . It is unclear what prompted the beating. "My deepest condolences to the Brooks family," James said at a press conference. "I do not take lightly the release of this video, especially in the midst of the holiday season." The brutal beating that killed Robert Brooks The videos, taken by four jail guards, show officers surrounding Brooks, who was handcuffed from behind, in the examination room before , and even in the lower torso. Several other officers could be seen standing around doing nothing even though blood was running down the right side of Brooks' swollen face. During the roughly 30-minute incident, Brooks was manhandled, and a guard appeared to strangle him for a moment as he was forced to sit at the examination table, reported. At one point, Brooks is taken to the wall where officers hold him there for a while, although the officers' bodies obscure what is happening. Brooks was finally taken back to the exam table where he was stripped down to his underwear and , as the video shows. None of the videos include any sound as the cameras were only in standby mode, James explained. Brooks was eventually transferred to Wynn Hospital in Utica and pronounced dead from "asphyxia due to neck compression" in the early hours of December 10, Syracuse.com reported, citing the Onondaga County Medical Examiner's Office. The case is being investigated "thoroughly" and there will be consequences James said his officer is and said his team met with Brooks' family so they could review footage of what happened. Brooks had been transferred on the same day as the incident from , New York, to , approximately 12 miles away, James said. Brooks was serving a after being convicted of first-degree assault in 2017 , the reported at the time. The state prison commissioner, , said he was by what he saw in the footage. "There is no excuse or rationalization for a vulgar and inhumane act that senselessly took a life," Martuscello said. He said the was conducting an internal investigation and would implement changes "to ensure that nothing like this can ever happen again within our facilities". The commissioner also said that, at the request of , he began the process of firing those involved and so far had . One employee resigned, he said. "This was a murder and people will be held accountable," Martuscello said. "These people are not representative of the culture of or anything that DOCCS stands for." , the Brooks family's attorney, said the public New York City officials ramped up security at in anticipation of the release of the images when the came out supporting Brooks on social media, according to police sources who expressed their in the city jail, although Brooks was not a member of the gang.
Two charged in connection with Iran drone strike that killed 3 US troops in the Middle East
Political strategist turned activist Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj has failed to open its account in the bypolls of four Bihar Assembly seats of Tarari, Ramgarh, Belaganj, and Imamganj. Despite two years of groundwork, including an intensive Padyatra across Bihar and a campaign brimming with resources and manpower, Prashant Kishor lost all four seats. Jan Suraaj candidates failed to make a significant impact, finishing third in three constituencies and one in the fourth position. In Tarari, Jan Suraaj's candidate Kiran Devi managed only 5,622 votes while the victorious BJP candidate Vishal Prashant secured 78,755 votes and CPI-ML candidate Raju Yadav garnered 68,143 votes. The difference between the BJP candidate and the Jan Suraaj candidate was 73133 votes in Tarari. In Ramgarh, Jan Suraaj candidate Sushil Kumar Singh garnered 6,513 votes while the BJP candidate Ashok Kumar Singh, secured 62,257 votes and BSP candidate Satish Yadav was closely trailing with 60,895 votes. RJD candidate Ajit Singh is further behind, trailing by 35,825 votes. In Imamganj, Jan Suraaj candidate Jitendra Paswan secured 37,103. He fell behind Deepa Manjhi, the winner by 16,332 votes. In Belaganj, Jan Suraaj's Mohd. Amjad, a Muslim candidate, only received 17,285 votes. READ | Assembly Elections 2024: 10 surprising results from Maharashtra, Jharkhand polls Kishor reacts to bypoll results Talking to reporters shortly after the results were out, Kishor also drew succour from the fact that his fledgling Jan Suraaj won "10 per cent" of the total votes polled in four seats, but rubbished the claim that it had played a role in the RJD's defeat in three of these. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by DNA staff and is published from IANS)PRESBYTERIAN 67, YOUNGSTOWN STATE 42
When most people think about airport operations, they picture planes taking off and landing with precision, bustling terminals filled with travelers, or the meticulous coordination of air traffic controllers . Rarely, however, do we consider the vital safety net that underpins every aspect of air travel: airport firefighting teams. These specialized teams stand ready to respond to emergencies that demand precision, speed, and highly specialized knowledge. I've noticed this happen at airports a few times—firefighting vehicles spraying water in a big arc over a plane as it moves through. It looks really impressive, but I’ve always wondered, why do they do that? Is it some kind of tradition or celebration? Or does it have a more practical purpose? Would love to know! Airports are unique environments where safety is a top priority, and the stakes are incredibly high. A malfunctioning aircraft, a fuel spill, or a fire in a crowded terminal can escalate into a disaster in minutes if not handled expertly. That's where airport firefighters step in. Unlike their counterparts in municipal fire departments, these professionals deal with entirely aviation-centric emergencies—extinguishing fires on aircraft, conducting passenger rescues and managing hazardous materials often linked to jet fuel or cargo. What makes this field particularly fascinating is how tailored it is to the unique needs of aviation. From the equipment they use to the training they undergo, airport firefighters operate in a league of their own. For example, they must meet strict response time requirements, often arriving at an emergency within two to three minutes, as international regulations dictate. This level of preparedness and efficiency is critical, as the lives of passengers, crew members, and airport staff depend on their ability to act quickly and effectively. For all the latest aviation news, follow Simple Flying! Major hubs like London Heathrow Airport (LHR) or Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) see thousands of flights daily, meaning firefighting teams must always be ready for anything. Whether it's a minor technical fire on a taxiing plane or a full-scale disaster involving hundreds of passengers, airport firefighters are the first line of defense. Let's explore five lesser-known aspects of airport firefighting, shedding light on the specialized equipment, training, and regulations that make these professionals some of the most skilled in their field. As airlines and airports draw breath after a busy Easter, the next unexpected event has already been lobbed on their planning desks. 1 Cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing airport firefighting Robots are changing the game Airport firefighting is evolving rapidly thanks to technological advancements like firefighting robots. According to Simple Flying , the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport recently debuted firefighting robots to tackle flames in hazardous conditions with unparalleled efficiency. These robots, equipped with thermal imaging cameras and powerful water cannons, are designed to handle incidents that could be too dangerous for human responders. The incident resulted in the cancelation of the aircraft's return flight. Using robots, airports can address fires in hard-to-reach areas, such as cargo holds or fuel-laden runways while keeping firefighters safe. This technological leap could eventually become a standard across airports worldwide, emphasizing the growing reliance on automation in safety-critical roles. 2 Specialized training prepares airport firefighters for unique challenges From simulations to real-life scenarios Becoming an airport firefighter is more complex than transitioning from a municipal firefighting role. According to the Fire Service College , firefighters undergo rigorous specialized training to address emergencies specific to aviation environments. Costs of Different Airport Firefighting Vehicles Costs of Different Airport Firefighting Vehicles Vehicle Type Initial Purchase Cost (USD) Annual Maintenance (USD) Annual Operational Costs (USD) Lifespan (Years) Additional Costs/Notes ARFF (Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting) Vehicle $750,000 - $1,500,000 $20,000 - $70,000 $15,000 - $50,000 15 - 20 Equipped with foam tanks, water cannons, and thermal imaging. Customization can add $50,000 - $250,000, according Airport Nerd Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV) $150,000 - $300,000 $5,000 - $15,000 $10,000 - $20,000 10 - 15 Smaller, faster vehicle for initial response; often complements larger ARFF units. Firefighting Robot $100,000 - $500,000 $10,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $10,000 10 - 15 Used for hazardous or inaccessible areas; advanced models with AI and sensors cost on the higher end. Water Tender $300,000 - $600,000 $10,000 - $30,000 $10,000 - $25,000 15 - 20 Primarily for water transportation; supports ARFF vehicles in large-scale emergencies. Foam Tender $500,000 - $1,200,000 $15,000 - $40,000 $10,000 - $30,000 15 - 20 Specialized in deploying large quantities of firefighting foam for aircraft or fuel fires. Command and Control Vehicle $500,000 - $800,000 $20,000 - $50,000 $10,000 - $20,000 10 - 15 Mobile operations center equipped with communication and coordination tools. Utility Vehicle $50,000 - $150,000 $2,000 - $10,000 $5,000 - $15,000 10 - 15 Used for transporting personnel and equipment during emergencies. Rescue Stair Truck $250,000 - $400,000 $5,000 - $15,000 $5,000 - $10,000 10 - 15 Allows for rapid evacuation from large aircraft during emergencies. This training involves simulations of aircraft fires, fuel spillages, and rescues, ensuring that responders can handle high-stakes scenarios. At Heathrow Airport, for instance, firefighters use advanced simulators to mimic real-life incidents, as noted by Heathrow Careers . These programs prepare personnel for quick and effective action, often within a target response time of two to three minutes after an alarm. 3 Airport firefighting vehicles are engineered for speed and power Massive trucks with extraordinary abilities The vehicles used in airport firefighting are nothing short of engineering marvels. Known as Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicles, these machines are equipped to respond rapidly to emergencies. According to SKYbrary , ARFF vehicles combine massive water tanks, foam-dispensing systems, and high-powered turrets to extinguish fires quickly and efficiently. The accident led to the death of three firefighters and the loss of the aircraft. Unlike traditional fire engines, ARFF vehicles are designed to operate in off-road conditions, such as runways and grassy areas surrounding airports. Some models can reach up to 80 kilometers per hour despite their size, ensuring they meet aviation safety authorities' strict response time requirements. 4 Stringent global standards guide airport firefighting Compliance ensures consistency and safety Strict international regulations govern airport firefighting to ensure consistency worldwide. As highlighted by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) , these standards dictate everything from the number of personnel on duty to the equipment used. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) provides a framework that airports must follow, ensuring that fire and rescue services are appropriately scaled to the airport's size and traffic. For instance, major hubs like Heathrow must maintain larger and better-equipped firefighting teams than smaller regional airports. This focus on compliance ensures a high safety standard irrespective of the airport's location. Example Costs Over Time (10-Year Period) Vehicle Type Total Estimated Costs Over 10 Years (USD) Key Drivers of Cost ARFF Vehicle $1,400,000 - $2,400,000 High purchase price, maintenance, and foam deployment costs Rapid Intervention Vehicle $300,000 - $550,000 Lower purchase and maintenance; designed for quick response Firefighting Robot $250,000 - $750,000 Advanced technology and upgrades drive higher costs Foam Tender $800,000 - $1,800,000 Foam system upgrades and fuel costs add to expenses Command and Control Vehicle $750,000 - $1,200,000 Technology and software updates increase costs 5 The role is physically and mentally demanding It is not just firefighting—it's emergency management Airport firefighters don't just extinguish fires; they also respond to medical emergencies, hazardous material spills, and disaster scenarios. According to Career Explorer , the role requires exceptional physical fitness, mental resilience, and adaptability. Two unions joined together to help make the aviation industry safer. Airport firefighting teams often conduct routine drills to remain prepared for any eventuality. They also coordinate closely with other airport departments, such as security and operations, to swiftly respond to emergencies. The dual role of firefighter and emergency responders makes this career uniquely challenging and rewarding. Average Annual Salaries of Airport Firefighters by State State Average Salary (USD) Salary Range (USD) New York $88,159 Not specified Florida $60,329 Not specified Iowa $49,368 Not specified California $69,757 Not specified National Average $66,603 $61,346 - $80,176 National Average $59,606 $45,500 - $69,000 National Average $71,635 Not specifiedMobile wallets that allow you to pay using your phone have been around for well more than a decade, and over those years they’ve grown in popularity, becoming a key part of consumers’ credit card usage. According to a "state of credit card report" for 2025 from credit bureau Experian, 53% of Americans in a survey say they use digital wallets more frequently than traditional payment methods. To further incentivize mobile wallet usage, some credit card issuers offer bonus rewards when you elect to pay that way. But those incentives can go beyond just higher reward rates. In fact, mobile wallets in some ways are becoming an essential part of activating and holding a credit card. For example, they can offer immediate access to your credit line, and they can be easier and safer than paying with a physical card. From a rewards perspective, it can make a lot of sense to reach for your phone now instead of your physical card. The Apple Card offers its highest reward rates when you use it through the Apple Pay mobile wallet. Same goes for the PayPal Cashback Mastercard® when you use it to make purchases via the PayPal digital wallet. The Kroger grocery store giant has a co-branded credit card that earns the most when you pay using an eligible digital wallet, and some major credit cards with quarterly rotating bonus categories have a history of incentivizing digital wallet use. But again, these days it's not just about the rewards. Mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and PayPal can offer immediate access to your credit line while you wait for your physical card to arrive after approval. Indeed, most major issuers including Bank of America®, Capital One and Chase now offer instant virtual credit card numbers for eligible cards that can be used upon approval by adding them to a digital wallet. Additionally, many co-branded credit cards — those offered in partnership with another brand — commonly offer instant card access and can be used immediately on in-brand purchases. Credit cards typically take seven to 10 days to arrive after approval, so instant access to your credit line can be particularly useful if you need to make an urgent or unexpected purchase. Plus, they allow you to start spending toward a card’s sign-up bonus right away. As issuers push toward mobile payments, a growing number of merchants and businesses are similarly adopting the payment method. The percentage of U.S. businesses that used digital wallets increased to 62% in 2023, compared to 47% the previous year, according to a 2023 survey commissioned by the Federal Reserve Financial Services. Wider acceptance is potentially good news for the average American, who according to Experian has about four credit cards. While that won’t necessarily weigh down your wallet, it can be hard to manage multiple cards and rewards categories at once. Mobile wallets offer a more efficient way to store and organize all of your workhorse cards, while not having to carry around ones that you don't use often. They can also help you more easily monitor your spending and rewards, and some even track your orders' status and arrival time. Plus, paying with a digital wallet offers added security. That’s because it uses technology called tokenization when you pay, which masks your real credit card number and instead sends an encrypted "token" that’s unique to each payment. This is unlike swiping or dipping a physical card, during which your credit card number is more directly accessible. And again, because a mobile wallet doesn't require you to have your physical cards present, there's less chance of one falling out of your pocket or purse. More From NerdWallet Funto Omojola writes for NerdWallet. Email: fomojola@nerdwallet.com . The article Activating Your Credit Card? Don’t Skip the Mobile Wallet Step originally appeared on NerdWallet.
The boss of the company behind global fashion chain Uniqlo has told the BBC that the Japanese firm does not use cotton from the Xinjiang region of China in its products. It is the first time Fast Retailing's chief executive Tadashi Yanai has directly addressed the contentious issue. China is a crucial market for Uniqlo not just for customers but also as a major manufacturing hub. Xinjiang cotton was once known as some of the best fabric in the world. But it has fallen out of favour after revelations that it is produced using forced labour by people from the Muslim Uyghur minority . In 2022, tough US regulations on the import of goods from Xinjiang came into effect. Many global brands removed products using Xinjiang cotton from their shelves, which led to fierce backlash in China. Brands such as H&M, Nike, Burberry, Esprit and Adidas were boycotted. Sweden's H&M saw its clothing pulled from major e-commerce stores in China. At the time, Mr Yanai - who is Japan's richest man - refused to confirm or deny whether Xinjiang cotton was used in Uniqlo clothing, saying he wanted "to be neutral between the US and China" . His decision not to take a side helped Uniqlo to remain popular in China's huge retail market. But speaking to the BBC in Tokyo about the firm's measures to be more transparent about where the materials in its clothes come from and how they are made, he said: "We’re not using [cotton from Xinjiang]." "By mentioning which cotton we’re using..." he continued, before pausing and ending his answer with "Actually, it gets too political if I say anymore so let's stop here". Isaac Stone Fish, the chief executive and founder of Strategy Risks, a business intelligence firm with a China focus highlights the pressures on firms from both China and the US. "Not a single large company can remain politically neutral anymore," he says. "Both Beijing and Washington want companies to choose sides, and Tokyo will continue to lean closer to the United States in this matter." Even though Uniqlo has been expanding aggressively in Europe and the US, in Mr Yanai's own words, "we are not a known brand globally" and Asia is still its biggest market. The company has more stores in China than in its home country Japan, and Mr Yanai says he does not plan to change that strategy despite challenges in the world's second biggest economy . “There are 1.4 billion people in China and we only have 900 to 1,000 stores," he says. "I think we can increase that to 3,000.” Meanwhile, China is Uniqlo's single biggest manufacturing hub. The company also makes clothes in countries including Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia and India. In 2009, when 80% of its products were made in China , Mr Yanai told the BBC that China was getting too expensive and the firm was shifting production away "to lower-wage Cambodia to keep prices low". He now says it was challenging to repeat China's success as the world's factory in other countries as transferring years of experience proved difficult. Retailers like Uniqlo are also facing intense competition from ultra-fast fashion as brands like China's Shein and Temu gain popularity with price-conscious customers. But Mr Yanai says “I don’t think there’s a future for fast fashion". "They’re producing clothes without any careful consideration which you only wear for one season. That is a waste of the planet’s resources." He adds that Uniqlo's strategy is to focus on essential items that can be worn for years. In the 40 years that he has been in charge of the firm, Mr Yanai has grown the business he inherited from his father from a company with annual sales of around 100 million yen ($656,700; £522,400) to a global chain with 3 trillion yen of revenues this year. The 75-year-old says he aims to overtake Inditex, which owns the global chain Zara, as the world's biggest fashion retailer before he retires. But to achieve that, Uniqlo needs to expand not just in China but also in the West, where shoppers are increasingly conscious of human rights issues such as forced labour. Mr Yanai's ambitions may also face more hurdles as Donald Trump returns to the White House on a pledge to impose much higher tariffs on Chinese-made goods .