World’s fastest high-speed train prototype unveiledIn an age defined by globalization and technological advancement, over 40,000 residents of Char Asariadaha union in Rajshahi's Godagari upazila continue to live without electricity, relying on candles, kerosene lamps and hurricane lanterns for light. Located just five kilometers from Pirizpur, a well-connected area with electricity and internet access, Char Asariadaha remains untouched by modern infrastructure. The lack of electricity has severely hampered the union's progress, leaving its residents isolated from the benefits of contemporary civilization. The residents said that in 2015, the non-governmental organization Avha, with technical assistance from the government’s Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL), established a solar power plant in the union under the Avha Mini-Grid Project. The project provided electricity to 1,300 households, but residents faced exorbitant rates—more than double the regular electricity cost—while enduring inconsistent power supply. The initiative was discontinued in mid-June this year due to financial losses, leaving the union entirely without electricity once again. Imam Hossain, a Dhaka University student and resident of Char Asariadaha, described the challenges, "The mini-grid project didn't benefit the majority. Out of 100 homes, perhaps only 20 had access, and even they didn't receive uninterrupted power. Our union needs 7 to 10 megawatts of electricity but the project provided only 60 kilowatts." Efforts to secure a sustainable power solution have been ongoing, with residents appealing to the Northern Electricity Supply Company (NESCO). However, proposals to establish a solar plant have raised concerns due to the potential impact on agriculture, as such projects require large tracts of land. Instead, residents advocate for a 10-megawatt power line via submarine cables across the Padma River. Char Ashariadaha Union Parishad chairman Ashraful Islam stated that discussions with NESCO are ongoing. "NESCO is conducting surveys and considering options such as solar plants, towers, or cables. A final decision is pending," he said. Yasir Arafat, the supervising engineer for NESCO's Rajshahi region, confirmed that plans are under review. "Our chief engineer, Mizanur Rahman, is overseeing the matter. We are evaluating permanent solutions, such as submarine cables or other methods, to ensure sustainable electricity for the area," he said.
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The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) denies it has been lobbied to change a commissioner to sway an investigation into former premier Thaksin Shinawatra 's police hospital detention. NACC secretary-general Sarote Phuengramphan, who is also the agency's spokesman, denied lobbying had taken place to change the commissioner in charge of the case, as reported. The lobbying was alleged by activist and former red shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan who claimed during a live session on Facebook on Dec 25 that an attempt was made to coax Ekkawit Watchawanku into stepping aside as commissioner in charge of the Thaksin hospital detention case. Mr Sarote said on Sunday the NACC has accepted the case for probe with the entire panel of commissioners supervising the process. The NACC earlier this month agreed to investigate officials accused of letting Thaksin stay in relative comfort at the Police General Hospital (PGH) instead of prison. Thaksin, sentenced to eight years in prison across three cases before receiving royal clemency, reducing his term to one year, was detained in a ward on the 14th floor of the hospital for approximately six months. He was paroled and discharged from the PGH on Feb 18, completing his one-year prison term on Aug 31. The commission decided to take up the case in response to claims that officials at the Department of Corrections and the hospital sent Thaksin to the PGH so he did not have to serve his term in prison. Thaksin spent 180 days at the PGH, although he was believed not to have been seriously ill. The NACC said it had gathered enough facts, witnesses and evidence to conduct the probe so decided to proceed with the case. The investigation would focus on 12 officials at the Department of Corrections and the PGH, the commission said. On his Facebook session, Mr Jatuporn said Mr Ekkawit was subject to lobbying to stand down in favour of another commissioner. The activist suggested the lobbying may have come from someone within the commission. He said Mr Ekkawit, a former Supreme Court chief justice, assumed a prominent role in the probe and it was natural for him to be target of lobbying to have him sidelined. Although a switch of commissioner in charge may not end in the case being dropped, it would at least delay the investigation, Mr Jatuporn said. However, Mr Jatuporn said it was up to Mr Ekkawit if he would cave in to pressure. "My message to NACC is simply this. The country had endured enough tribulations. The agency must recognise that there are no secrets in the world," he said.Benching To Love Bombing, 7 Online Dating Terms That Ruled 2024
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Companies today constantly look for ways to improve their work with customers and perform better overall. The transition to a more digital approach has become important for businesses that want to stay ahead in the market. A big part of this change is using customer relationship management (CRM) systems. Salesforce is one of the top choices for CRMs because it offers a wide range of features that can be adapted to different industries. This article will explore how using Salesforce can help drive digital transformation in organizations. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Understanding Digital Transformation Digital transformation involves integrating technology into various aspects of business operations to change how companies function and fundamentally provide value to customers. It encompasses a culture shift that requires organizations to question traditional approaches, test new technologies, and adjust to evolving market trends. 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And, Too, the Fox By U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón and illustrated by Gaby D'Alessandro And, Too, the Fox By U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón and illustrated by Gaby D'Alessandro The fox meanders through a landscape set in Kentucky, Limón's home state. Flora and fauna from other poems in The Hurting Kind adorn every spread, incorporating more of Limón's work within the woodlands, prairie, and suburbs pictured. Readers watch the fox enjoy tender moments of rest in soft grasses, swift hunting on bouncy feet, and furious digging. Limón maintains a sense of respectful distance between the reader and the fox, pondering his unconcerned, private existence. Gentle, precise poetry meditates on the quiet spaces the fox inhabits, while D'Alessandro's fluid brushstrokes flush each page with life and movement. The artwork's use of light and color offer blushing sunsets, hazy blue skies, and mystic evenings which evoke a sense of magic in the world's most peaceful moments. This heartfelt story will appeal to poetry and nature lovers of all ages. Praise for And, Too, The Fox : "The wonder and reverence conveyed through the text and the fluidity of the illustrations result in a smooth and calming experience that will leave readers awed at the beauty of nature. A grounded yet ethereal blend of verse and vulpine sentiments."-starred, Kirkus Reviews "Children will be captivated by Fox as they join him on a joyful romp through his world." -starred, School Library Journal "In soaring lines of poetry that feel as graceful as the creature they describe, Limón ( In Praise of Mystery ) considers a fox seen in a fenced backyard . . . The sense of having entered the world of a wild animal for a few unexpected moments lingers in this refreshing picture book encounter."- Publishers Weekly About the Author and Illustrator: Ada Limón is the author of six books of poetry, including The Carrying , which won the National Book Critics Circle Award for Poetry. Her most recent book of poetry, The Hurting Kind , was shortlisted for the Griffin Poetry Prize. She is the 24th Poet Laureate of the United States and the recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship. As the Poet Laureate, her signature project is called You Are Here and focuses on how poetry can help connect us to the natural world. Gaby D'Alessandro is a Dominican illustrator based in NYC. She attended Altos de Chavón in the Dominican Republic and moved to New York to complete her studies at Parsons School of Design. Gaby's work has been recognized by Communication Arts , The Society of Illustrators , 3x3 , American Illustration, and Latin American Ilustración. Her illustrated books include The Cot in the Living Room and Stolen Science . About the Publisher: Carolrhoda Booksâ, an imprint of Lerner Publishing Group TM , has been publishing high-quality, award-winning books since 1959. Our picture books spark children's imaginations and offer new ways of looking at the world. Our middle-grade books stand out not only for their quality, but also for the breadth of genres encompassed, from coming-of-age stories to exceptional nonfiction to mysteries. Carolrhoda authors and illustrators have been honored with awards such as a Caldecott Honor, the Coretta Scott King Book Award, the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal, and the Jane Addams Children's Book Award. We believe that all children should be able to find themselves in the pages of a book. Find us on all social media platforms at @LernerBooks and look inside at lernerbooks.com. And, Too, the Fox January 2025 $18.99 Hardcover, Jacketed eBook Also Available Ages 5 - 9 HC: 979-8-7656-3925- 2 32 Pages ● 9 3/4 x 9 3/4 Attachments And, Too, the Fox And, Too, the Fox CONTACT: Lindsay Matvick Lerner Publishing Group 6123323344 [email protected]Global central banks urge caution before Trump arrival
You can’t blame investors for a bit of giddiness. The S&P 500 is on pace to notch its second consecutive year with returns above 20%, and with the index hitting all-time highs, many investors' account balances are similarly skyrocketing. There have been have’s and have-nots, though. Much of the return is because of seemingly insatiable interest in the so-called Magnificent Seven stocks, a group of large-cap technology stocks comprising the likes of Alphabet, Microsoft, and Apple. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Thanks for the feedback.Heavy ground game gives Anthony Richardson a chance to shine in Colts’ latest victoryThis year, Christmas Eve has caused a little confusion among American consumers. Normally, December 24 is considered a regular business day, while December 25, Christmas Day, is a federal holiday. However, President Joe Biden issued an executive order giving federal employees a day off. So, what businesses will still be open in 2024? Find out if you can still send and receive mail, shop at local grocery stores and more on Christmas Eve 2024, below. What Grocery Stores Are Open on Christmas Eve? When it comes to privately owned grocery stores , you’ll need to check your local stores’ Christmas Eve and Christmas Day hours. But according to CNN , large chains such as Safeway, Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, ACME, Randalls, Shaw’s and Vons will have limited hours on December 24, 2024. Depending on the location, customers should check with their local grocery store chains. Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods are open on Christmas Eve with reduced hours as well. Walmart will be closed at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve, according to CNN. Meanwhile, Target will closed at 8 p.m. on December 24. Are Pharmacies Open on Christmas Eve? Most pharmacies will be open during regular business hours on December 24. Per CNN, Rite Aid and Walgreens will be open on Christmas Eve, but hours may differ on Christmas Day. CVS informed customers to check their local stores for businesses hours. Mail Delivery on Christmas Eve The USPS will be operating as normal on Christmas Eve 2024, its website indicates. Most UPS and Fedex services will also be functioning on December 24, but not on Christmas Day. Are Banks Open on Christmas Eve 2024? It depends on your local banks , but every customer should check their branches for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day hours. Capital One, Bank of America, PNC, Truist and CitiBank will be open on December 24, they confirmed to USA Today . Some branches of Truist and PNC, however, will close at 2 p.m. local time on Christmas Eve, the outlet reported. Is the Stock Market Open on Christmas Eve 2024? According to USA Today , the stock market will be open on Christmas Eve, but some markets will close at 1 p.m. ET on December 24.