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NoneBuenos Aires, Argentina–(Newsfile Corp. – December 27, 2024) – Central Puerto , (NYSE: CEPU) a leader in electricity generation in Argentina, continues to consolidate its investment strategy in the forestry and mining sectors and announces today a strategic investment in the “3 Cruces” lithium mining project, located in the province of Catamarca. This initiative reaffirms the company’s commitment to boost the Argentine mining industry, especially in those projects linked to the production of critical elements for the energy transition, which also represents a significant improvement for the economic and social development of the province of Catamarca. With this investment, Central Puerto acquires a 27.5% stake in the “3 Cruces” project, recognizing its great potential as a future lithium-producing mine in the highest-grade basin discovered in Argentina. This decision is aligned with the company’s vision of focusing on export industries that show high comparative advantages and consolidating itself as a key player in the value chain of electric mobility and renewable energies. Nevado Tres Cruces, Catamarca, Argentina To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11112/235397_2b4c2422542bd8e5_002full.jpg Fernando Bonnet, General Manager of Central Puerto, said: “This investment not only represents an important milestone in Central Puerto’s growth strategy, but also a unique opportunity to promote the development of the southern region of the Province of Catamarca. The “3 Cruces” project will generate quality employment for the inhabitants of the region, promoting economic and social growth. In addition, as part of this project we are committed to contributing all our capacity to collaborate in carrying out this project responsibly, respecting the environment and working closely with local communities”. Lithium is a strategic mineral for the future of energy and mobility, and we are convinced that “3 Cruces” has the potential to become a benchmark project for the region. With this initiative, Central Puerto reaffirms its objective of becoming an essential player, as an Argentine company, in the development of mining in the country and as a protagonist in the challenges posed by the energy transition. About the “3 Cruces” project 3C is a recently discovered high-grade lithium project in Argentina. It is located in the Province of Catamarca, Argentina. Approximately 30 km from the Chilean border and 154km from Fiambala. The company already owns 100% of a total of 27,540 ha adjacent to the 3Q project of the former Neo Lithium Corp., now Zijin Corporation; and controls another 50,000 ha of neighboring areas. Initial work began in December 2023, with the consolidation of mining rights with its epicenter at the Tres Cruces Volcano and the alluvial cone right next to the Tres Quebradas salt flat. The preliminary results of Geophysics also confirm a geology shared with Tres Quebradas, so high grades and low impurities are expected. About Central Puerto S.A.: Central Puerto is a leading company in the production of electricity in Argentina that has 14 generation plants of various technologies, more than 1,600 employees and reaches a 20.13% market share thanks to its operational excellence and profitability. Its mission is to produce electricity in an efficient, sustainable way and in harmony with the environment. At the same time, it seeks to contribute to the supply of demand, managing businesses in a way that creates value not only for the company, but also for society. Currently, it has an installed generation capacity of 6,703 MW. For more information, please visit: www.centralpuerto.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/235397 #distro
3 excellent ASX ETFs to buy for 2025 and beyondPep Guardiola’s side avoided the indignity of a sixth successive defeat in all competitions and looked on course for a welcome victory thanks to a double from Erling Haaland – the first from the penalty spot – and a deflected effort from Ilkay Gundogan. Yet Guardiola was left with his head in hands as Feyenoord roared back in the last 15 minutes with goals from Anis Hadj Moussa, Sergio Gimenez and David Hancko, two of them after Josko Gvardiol errors. Arsenal delivered the statement Champions League win Mikel Arteta had demanded as they swept aside Sporting Lisbon 5-1. Arteta wanted his team to prove their European credentials, and goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard got their continental campaign back on track in style following the 1-0 defeat at Inter Milan last time out. A memorable victory also ended Sporting’s unbeaten start to the season, a streak of 17 wins and one draw, the vast majority of which prompted Manchester United to prise away head coach Ruben Amorim. Paris St Germain were left in serious of danger of failing to progress in the Champions League as they fell to a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. Kim Min-jae’s header late in the first half was enough to send PSG to a third defeat in the competition this season, leaving them six points off the automatic qualification places for the last 16 with three games to play. Luis Enrique’s side, who had Ousmane Dembele sent off, were deservedly beaten by Bayern who dominated chances and possession. Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid were 6-0 winners away to Sparta Prague, Julian Alvarez and Angel Correa each scoring twice whilst there were also goals from Marcos Llorente and Antoine Griezmann. Barcelona ended tournament debutants Brest’s unbeaten start with a 3-0 victory courtesy of two goals from Robert Lewandowski – one a penalty – and Dani Olmo. Lewandowski’s first was his 100th Champions League goal, only the third man to reach the mark after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. A Castello Lukeba own goal saw Inter Milan go top of the standings with a narrow 1-0 win over RB Leipzig at San Siro, whilst Bayer Leverkusen were emphatic victors against Red Bull Salzburg, Florian Wirtz scoring twice to move Xabi Alonso’s side into the automatic qualification places. Atalanta continued their strong start, albeit whilst conceding a first goal in Europe this season in a 6-1 win away to Young Boys, whilst Tammy Abraham scored the decisive goal as AC Milan beat Slovan Bratislava 3-2.
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The NFL suspended Tennessee Titans safety Julius Wood six games on Tuesday for violating the policy on performing-enhancing substances. There are five games remaining this season for the Titans (3-9), so Wood's suspension will bleed into Week 1 of 2025. Wood, 23, went undrafted this spring and signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent. They waived him in August, and he caught on with the Titans, who claimed him off waivers. Wood appeared in nine games, almost exclusively on special teams, and has recorded two tackles. --Field Level Media
1 2 Bhubaneswar: Seven students from three govt schools in Balasore's Soro block recently launched a satellite prototype after working on a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) project for around a month. The satellite, equipped with sensors and communication technology, was launched using a helium balloon from Radhanath Vidyapitha, Soro. It went up 12 km into the air and measured temperature, humidity, altitude and air pressure, sending the information back to the ground station. Around 3,000 people gathered to witness the launch at TinkerFest-2024, marking the end of one month of teaching and learning to build YTSAT 1.0, a CubeSat (a cube-sized satellite). A digital countdown on a large screen showing the balloon ascending was a big draw for the gathering. Mentored by teachers of Young Tinker Foundation, the children, from classes VIII and IX, worked beyond school hours to build the prototype. The team included five students from Satyananda High School, Soro, and one each from BB Nodal UP School, Soro, and GN High School, Kudei. "I used to take classes after school and sometimes online. It was easy to train them as they have the hunger to learn," said Anil Pradhan, the foundation's founder. The children were asked to research how to build a satellite prototype and create a PowerPoint presentation. Data collected was improved upon by their mentors. Each child was given a different task to accomplish. Digvijay Sahu headed the team, Rutuparna Jena was the parachute lead, Satyajit Moharana was the structural lead, Koushik Kar was the design lead, and Chiranjib Barik was the 3D printing lead, all from Satyananda High School. Archana Jena from GN High School was a part of the launch team, while Jigyasa Sahoo of BB Nodal UP School was the media lead. "I got an opportunity to learn something outside our curriculum," said Rutuparna. Her classmate Satyajit was happy to learn about electrical circuits. "We had either read or heard about a satellite. Making a prototype ourselves was a new experience. The project improved our presentation style and our confidence," he said. The audience, which included children from nine schools and nearby villagers, were given a chance to make paper helicopters. Children presented Odissi and Sambalpuri dances during the event. The programme was supported by Chicago-based entrepreneur Nihar Rout, an alumnus of Radhanath Vidyapitha. "My dream is to help these students learn and become torch-bearers of the future," he said. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss the yearly horoscope 2025 and Chinese horoscope 2025 for Rat , Ox , Tiger , Rabbit , Dragon , Snake , Horse , Goat , Monkey , Rooster , Dog , and Pig zodiac signs. Spread love this holiday season with these New Year wishes and messages .
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Hallmark Fave Andrew Walker Goes Inside His Skincare Line and Shares Holiday Plans (VIDEO)OTTAWA — The statistics don’t lie: far more illegal drugs and migrants are caught entering the United States from Mexico than from Canada. But the numbers from Canada have increased. And Donald Trump is noticing. On Monday evening, the incoming U.S. president dropped a stink bomb on Canadian politicians and businesses when he vowed to slap a punishing 25-per-cent tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico. His reason? “Thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing Crime and Drugs at levels never seen before,” Trump wrote on . He said the tariffs would remain until drugs — in particular, fentanyl — and “all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!” Members of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet responded Tuesday by stating they share concerns about border security. At least one of them, however, noted that Mexico is a much larger source of Trump’s concerns than Canada. “It’s the equivalent, on a yearly basis, of a significant weekend at the Mexico border,” said Immigration Minister Marc Miller. How bad is the problem with drugs and illegal immigrants crossing over from Canada into the U.S., especially compared to the flow of each from Mexico? According to from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the enforcement agency responsible for American borders, hundreds of thousands of pounds in illegal drug imports have been seized in recent years. Drugs seized in the northern border region are a small slice of that, one that has dropped since the 2022 fiscal year, which the U.S. border agency counts from October to September. For 2022, the agency seized roughly 60,000 pounds of drugs in its northern border region, representing about nine per cent of the yearly total of 656,000 pounds of drugs. The following fiscal year, about 55,000 pounds of drugs were seized in the northern border region, or about 10 per cent of the annual total in the entire U.S. Then in the 2024 fiscal year, which ended in September, U.S. border agents seized about 11,600 pounds of drugs. That’s about two per cent of the year’s total. But Trump mentioned fentanyl specifically in his justification for the big tariff on everything. The potent opioid is so powerful that just a few grains can be fatal, according to , which blames the drug for “causing high rates of overdose and overdose deaths.” Most of the drugs seized in the northern border region in recent years, by weight, have been marijuana, cocaine, khat and other drugs like amphetamines, hashish and opium, the agency’s statistics show. At the same time, in this region was a fraction of the amount of the drug that the border agency has obtained each year, both in weight and by number of doses. In the 2023 fiscal year, the agency seized 1.2 billion doses of fentanyl; 239,000 of them, or 0.02 per cent, were found in the northern border region. The following fiscal year, which ended in September, the number of fentanyl doses seized at the northern border jumped to 839,000, a number that represented about 0.07 per cent of the annual total. Fentanyl seized in the southwest border region, meanwhile, was more than 91 per cent of the border agency’s haul of the drug in 2023, and more than 82 per cent in the 2024 fiscal year. On Parliament Hill, Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc told reporters Tuesday that Canada is prepared to beef up resources at the border, but generally defended Canada’s efforts to ensure illegal goods don’t cross it. “We absolutely share the Americans’ concerns around security at the border,” he said, noting in particular that law enforcement agencies in both countries share intelligence on how to stop the flow of fentanyl. Bottom line: Fentanyl seizures in the U.S. northern border region spiked over the past year, but still represent a fraction of the total that the American border security agency has intercepted over the past two years. The same border agency that tracks drug seizures also on “encounters” with people who are apprehended, turned away and expelled after entering the U.S. — a number that jumped from about 109,000 at the northern land border in 2022 to almost 200,000 in the 2024 fiscal year. But to know the exact number of illegal immigrants entering the country from Canada is not easy, since the published statistics don’t reflect that exact category. The more precise statistics on the U.S. Border Patrol’s apprehensions at the northern border can give an idea. And this number, though it remains a small fraction of those at the border with Mexico, has also increased significantly in recent years. In , U.S. border agents apprehended 916 people in the northern border region under their “Title 8” authority, which means detaining someone who is not allowed in the U.S., compared to more than 1.65 million apprehensions at the southern border. Two years later, in the 2023 fiscal year, the number of Title 8 apprehensions at the northern border had jumped to 9,514, compared to more than 1.49 million at the U.S. border with Mexico, U.S. border agency . The number increased further during the 2024 fiscal year, to 23,721 U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions at the northern land border, while the southern border saw more than 1.53 million U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions. LeBlanc said Canada is prepared to add technology like drones to improve surveillance and add personnel to address illegal border crossing. Miller said that while the numbers are smaller at the U.S.‘s northern border, Canada still needs to take American concerns seriously. “There’s work to be done here to make sure that people aren’t going in irregularly into the U.S., and we would ask the same of the Americans,” he said. “So, sit down with them when we get the opportunity, work on our common plans, and make sure that we do have a secure border.”
The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) stands as a powerful testament to Pakistan’s commitment to social justice and social protection. The very idea of social safety programme was conceived by ex-Prime Minister of Pakistan Mohtarma Shaheed Benazir Bhutto during her time in exile, the idea aimed to provide economic relief to the country’s most vulnerable population, particularly women, who often bore the brunt of socio-economic inequities. After her unfortunate assassination, Pakistan People’s Party-led Federal Government launched BISP in 2008 and her vision was transformed into reality under the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari. Today, BISP through quarterly cash grant supports 9.6 million households, a number set to increase to 10 million by June 2025, becoming Pakistan’s largest and most influential social protection programme. This ambitious programme, designed to offer direct financial assistance to the poorest families through Benazir Kafalat programme, has been particularly transformative for women, positioning them as heads of their households in a country where women have historically been sidelined in economic, social, and political decision-making. From providing cash transfers and promoting maternal and child health through programmes like Benazir Nashonuma, to investing in education with the Benazir Taleemi Wazaif initiative, and now implementing a skill development programme to ensure poverty graduation through global employability of beneficiaries & their families, BISP continues to break barriers, offering financial inclusion and social empowerment to millions across Pakistan A journey of learning and leading Once a learner, BISP now stands as a leader in global social protection, setting an example for developing countries to follow. For years, BISP has looked beyond its borders to draw lessons from international models of social protection, adapting and refining its own initiatives. But in a remarkable turn of events, developing countries from across the globe are now visiting Pakistan to study BISP’s practices, which have gained recognition worldwide for their success in empowering marginalized populations. Recently in October, 2024, a 21-member Ugandan delegation, led by Lucy Nakyobe Mbonye, Secretary of Public Service, paid four-day study visit to the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). While briefing the delegates, Dr. Tahir Noor, Additional Secretary BISP, attributed BISP’s success to its scientific, and objective targeting, technology based payment mechanisms, the trust of international development partners, and independent third-party monitoring. Ms. Coco Ushiyama, Country Director of the World Food Programme, also commended BISP’s evidence-based database and its role in providing timely assistance during natural disasters. This shift represents a significant milestone not only for BISP but also for Pakistan’s growing influence in the global development sector. At the South-South Cooperation Forum held in Islamabad on November 14, 2024, Pakistan’s success story was showcased as a model for social protection systems across the globe. Representatives from West African nations, including Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Senegal, gathered in Islamabad to learn firsthand from Pakistan’s pioneering work in social welfare. Delegates were particularly impressed by BISP’s ability to integrate women into the economic mainstream, a critical step toward achieving long-term social and economic stability. “Today, we are not just learning from others; we are teaching others,” said Secretary BISP Amer Ali Ahmad during his address at the event. He proudly highlighted BISP’s transformation over the years—from a fledgling initiative in 2008 to a globally recognized model of inclusive social protection. The programme’s emphasis on empowering women through direct cash transfers, health and nutrition programmes, and educational incentives has not only supported millions of under-privileged but has also set a new standard for how social welfare can contribute in generating socioeconomic activities in less developed areas as major part of BISP Rs 598 billion budget is pumped into local economy through these quarterly cash grants to more than 9.6 million families across the country. BISP’s global impact: a beacon for social protection The South-South Cooperation forum, which brought together global development partners such as the World Food Programme, World Bank, UNICEF, KfW, GIZ and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), was recognition of the profound impact BISP has had, not just within Pakistan but across the world. The participating countries, each grappling with their own poverty and development challenges, came to Pakistan seeking solutions that could be adapted and implemented in their respective contexts. The delegation from Mali, led by Redouwane Mohamed Ali, Minister of Food Security, praised Pakistan for its robust social safety net, particularly BISP’s ability to deliver aid efficiently through its innovative payment mechanisms, such as biometric verification, mobile banking, and dynamic data registry mechanism. BISP’s cutting-edge approach to cash transfers has streamlined the process, combating corruption and ensuring that the right individuals benefit from the programme. BISP has advanced its digital payment systems by introducing biometric-enabled transactions in collaboration with six banks, improving security, transparency, and access for beneficiaries. Additionally, a pilot savings scheme offers a 40% quarterly bonus to encourage a culture of saving amongst these vulnerable segments of society. The future plan of BISP to phase out POS agents will empower women to independently access their social security funds, enhancing their financial autonomy. Similarly, Amedee Bamouni, Secretary of the National Council for Social Protection of Burkina Faso, commended BISP’s dynamic registry centers and national socio-economic database, which track the financial status of beneficiaries, ensuring that aid reaches the most deserving families. He emphasized how BISP’s transparent systems and use of technology could serve as a valuable blueprint for social protection programmes in Burkina Faso and other countries facing similar challenges. In addition to financial transfers, BISP’s focus on maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) was another key area of interest for the visiting delegates. The Benazir Nashonuma Programme, which provides cash incentives linked to health and nutrition outcomes, has helped combat malnutrition and stunting among new born children and has improved health of mothers, particularly in rural areas. BISP has allocated PKR 42 billion (approx. USD 144 million) to the Program, benefiting 2.6 million pregnant and lactating women, contributing to better maternal and infant health outcomes. This programme’s success, supported by the World Food Programme (WFP), has demonstrated how integrating health and nutrition with cash transfers can lead to long-term improvements in the health of entire communities. A vision for the future: expanding global cooperation As Pakistan continues to advance its social protection agenda, the importance of global collaboration cannot be overstated. The South-South Cooperation forum marks the beginning of a new chapter in Pakistan’s social welfare journey, one that involves sharing lessons learned with other developing nations while also learning from their unique challenges and solutions. The exchange of knowledge between Pakistan and West African countries promises to deepen the understanding of how social protection systems can be tailored to the needs of local populations, addressing challenges like poverty, malnutrition, and gender inequality. Through mutual cooperation, countries can build stronger, more resilient social safety nets that lift people out of poverty and empower them to contribute to their countries’ economic development. As Senator Rubina Khalid, Chairperson of BISP, aptly put it during the forum: “The success of BISP is not only a significant achievement for Pakistan, but it has also brought in international recognition as a model of effective social protection. It is a moment of immense pride for our nation to witness our social protection program being studied and admired by countries worldwide. I am delighted to see the vision of Benazir Bhutto Shaheed transforming into a tangible reality, now celebrated on the global stage. This is a testament to how visionary leadership can shape the priorities of a nation. BISP has become a flagship programme and a case study for many countries striving to establish their own social protection systems.“ The Recognition of BISP as a model for social protection is a testament to Pakistan’s ability to create meaningful change at both the national and international levels, BISP is not just shaping Pakistan’s future but also contributing to UNDP global goals of No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health, Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Growth & Reduced Inequalities for a more inclusive Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2024
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By Hannah Gaskill, Baltimore Sun (TNS) Gov. Wes Moore signaled support Wednesday for 2025 legislation that would allow Maryland grocery stores to sell beer and wine. “We are the only of our neighboring states to ban the sale of either in grocery stores — resulting in less consumer choice and putting our stores at a disadvantage,” Moore, a Democrat, said in a statement. “Lifting this ban puts the consumers first, and ensures fair competition in the marketplace.” Maryland is one of three states that prohibits the sale of beer and wine in its grocery stores. The governor said Wednesday that he anticipates the Democratic-majority General Assembly will be able to address opponents’ concerns during the 2025 legislative session, which begins Jan. 8. “I look forward to working with our legislative partners to advance this overdue change in policy to advance consumer choice and economic competitiveness that enjoys the support of the vast majority of Marylanders across political parties and regions across the state,” Moore said. ©2024 Baltimore Sun. Visit baltimoresun.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. More in Nation-World News Driver charged with homicide, manslaughter in crash that killed NHL star FBI director says he intends to resign in January Gun found on Luigi Mangione matches shell casings at scene of CEO killing, police say
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