BIRMINGHAM, Ala. , Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- RxBenefits, Inc., the employee benefits industry's first technology-enabled pharmacy benefits optimizer (PBO), announced today that Robert Gamble has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Gamble succeeds Wendy Barnes , who has decided to pursue another professional opportunity. Gamble has also joined the RxBenefits Board of Directors. Gamble , a seasoned leader with more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare and pharmacy benefits industry, has been an integral part of RxBenefits' executive leadership team for the past nine years. Most recently, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). As COO, Gamble led the strategy, technology, operations, and account management functions during a period of significant expansion and growth for the company, including launching new products and entering new market segments. Gamble previously held the position of Chief Financial Officer. "I am proud to take the helm of a company whose sole mission is to be a trusted partner to our clients and transparently deliver pharmacy benefits aligned to their unique goals," Gamble said. "We have a strong leadership team, and more than 1,200 employees focused on helping our clients achieve sustainable savings while delivering robust pharmacy benefits to their members." "Over nearly a decade, Robert has proven his strong ability to drive growth as he has helped scale RxBenefits into the pre-eminent and first technology-enabled pharmacy benefits optimizer," said Mark Taber , a Managing Director at Great Hill Partners and member of the RxBenefits Board of Directors. "We are confident that he is the right choice to lead RxBenefits forward, leveraging his deep, nuanced understanding of the industry and company to deliver greater value to clients nationwide." "We're appreciative of Wendy's commitment to the company as well as her efforts to maintain RxBenefits' status as a leading provider of cost-effective pharmacy benefits solutions and exceptional service to clients," said John Maldonado , Managing Partner at Advent International and RxBenefits board member. "We're excited for Robert to take on his new role and believe he is well-positioned to lead the RxBenefits team and propel the company to its next phase of growth." "I am grateful for Wendy's leadership over the last two years. She accelerated our momentum and prepared us for our next phase of expansion," Gamble added. "We had a strong earnings year in 2024, continuing our track record of robust financial performance. We also have an ambitious strategic plan for 2025 and beyond. I look forward to what we will achieve and how we will increasingly help our clients contain soaring pharmacy benefits costs while taking great care of their members." RxBenefits continues to grow and innovate to meet its clients' emerging needs for cost-effective pharmacy benefits solutions, adding 500 employees just since 2022 while continuing to deliver industry-leading, award-winning customer and member service. About RxBenefits RxBenefits is the nation's first and leading technology-enabled pharmacy benefits optimizer (PBO) with more than 1,200 pharmacy pricing, data, and clinical experts working together to deliver prescription benefit savings to employee benefits advisors and their self-insured clients. Serving more than 3 million members , RxBenefits brings market-leading purchasing power, independent clinical solutions, and high-touch service to its customers – ensuring that all plan sponsors, regardless of size, can provide an affordable and valuable pharmacy benefits plan to their employees. The company is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rxbenefits-inc-appoints-robert-gamble-chief-executive-officer-302332862.html SOURCE RxBenefitsUAAP Finals-bound UP looks to change story of past two seasons
Weakness of opposition poses threat to democracy – ADCUnited Arab Emirates (UAE) telecom operators e& and Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du) are offering free 53GB local data for some of its users to mark the country’s 53rd National Day, also known as Eid Al Etihad. Postpaid customers and Emirati prepaid users of e& will receive 53GB of free local data in the UAE from Saturday, November 30 to Saturday, December 7. E&prepaid expats can enjoy a 53 percent discount on online recharges of Dirham 30 or more, valid for three days and applicable for both local and international calls. Du postpaid customers can enjoy a free 53GB of national data for seven days, valid until Wednesday, December 4. Du customers who have purchased or switched to Prepaid Flexi yearly plans will receive free 53GB national data for a year, valid until December 31. Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO of du said, ” At du, we are passionate about ensuring that every UAE resident and Emirati at home or abroad can feel connected to our cultural roots and participate in the celebrations. Through these exclusive offers, we aim to bridge distances and bring hearts closer, embodying the spirit of unity that defines our nation.”RxBenefits, Inc. Appoints Robert Gamble Chief Executive OfficerCINCINNATI (AP) — The Cincinnati Bengals have found all manner of ways to lose close games this season. Sunday's 44-38 loss to AFC North rival Pittsburgh can be blamed on a defense that missed tackles and allowed 520 yards of offense, and three turnovers by Joe Burrow. It's become a familiar story in this disappointing season. Cincinnati (4-8) keeps scoring lots of points but can't close out games. Seven of the Bengals’ eight losses this year have been by one score. Burrow has stopped talking about the possibility of going on a run and making the playoffs. He'd just like to win another game or two. “Playoffs are the furthest thing from my mind,” the fifth-year quarterback said. “You never know what can happen, so I’ll keep putting one foot in front of the other and try to be the best player I can be for the rest of the season, week in and week out.” The Bengals allowed Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson to throw for a season-high 414 yards and three touchdowns. After Wilson threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown, the Steelers (9-3) scored on seven of their last nine possessions. They didn't punt until early in the fourth quarter. Burrow lost two fumbles and threw an interception. “We haven’t done enough to earn the win,” coach Zac Taylor said. “It’s a simple as that. It’s nobody else’s fault but our own. We haven’t earned it.” What’s working Turnovers aside, Burrow had another strong game, finishing with 28 for 38 for 309 yards with three touchdowns. Burrow is having a great season statistically, and he hasn't hidden his disappointment and frustration about Cincinnati's narrow losses. ... WR Ja'Marr Chase had a touchdown catch to bring his league-leading total to 13. What needs help The defense missed tackles and couldn't hold off the Steelers, even with Burrow keeping the game close. It didn’t help that LB Logan Wilson (knee) and DT Sheldon Rankins (illness) had to sit out. The Bengals have allowed 34 or more points six times, including in four of the past five games. Cincinnati became the first NFL team to lose four games in a season in which it scored 33 points or more. Stock up RB Chase Brown has been dependable as the featured back since Zack Moss went down with a neck injury. He rushed for 70 yards and a touchdown against the Steelers. He also had three catches for 30 yards. The second-year back has 677 yards rushing and six TDs. “He’s really coming along, improving his game every single week,” Burrow said. “Pass game, run game, running hard, understanding his protection responsibilities. He’s a guy that practices hard, plays hard, and a guy you can count on.” Stock down The Bengals' coaching staff. Something has got to give. There was no excuse for the defense to play this badly after a bye week. The unit gave up 500-plus yards for the second time this season. Injuries None were reported in the game. Key number 30.3 — The average points per game by the Bengals against teams with a .500 or better record this season. They are 0-7 in those games. Next steps The Bengals will try to regroup before facing the Dallas Cowboys (5-7) next Monday night. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Mitch Stacy, The Associated Press
In a significant legal victory, Meta Platforms' WhatsApp was favored by a U.S. judge in a lawsuit against Israel's NSO Group. The case involved allegations of NSO exploiting a bug in WhatsApp to install spyware for unauthorized surveillance. On Friday, U.S. District Judge Phyllis Hamilton in Oakland, California, ruled NSO liable for hacking and breach of contract, allowing the case to proceed to trial solely on the matter of damages. NSO Group has yet to respond to requests for comment. The ruling was hailed by cybersecurity experts and WhatsApp officials as a landmark judgment with the potential to reshape accountability within the spyware industry, reinforcing the legal responsibilities of such companies in the context of unauthorized surveillance. (With inputs from agencies.)Washington Commanders release 2023 first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes
Qatar tribune Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Foundation successfully completed the World Math Team Championship 2024, with a closing ceremony attended by Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani. Qatar, the first in the Middle East to host this prestigious event, supported by its destination partner ‘Visit Qatar’, welcomed 800 math students, including 443 international participants, fostering cultural exchange and academic excellence. Over the three days, the Qatar National Convention Centre hosted the championship, celebrating the legacy of the Muslim scholar Al-Khwarizmi, known as the ‘Father of Algebra’, under the theme ‘Algebra and Balancing’. The event emphasized principles of balance and fairness among nations, blending collaboration and competition in an educational environment that fosters both challenge and learning while strengthening cultural connections among participants. Professors from Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, a QF partner university, played a pivotal role in the success of the championship. Hasan Demirkoparan, Layan El Hajj, Niraj Khare, Anthony Weston, and Zelealem Yilma brought their expertise and dedication to crafting the competition’s questions, ensuring high-quality academic rigor and intellectual depth. Their efforts enriched the championship, providing a unique and interactive learning experience for the participating students. After the rounds, top-performing students across all three categories were recognized for their achievements, both as individuals and as teams, receiving multiple medals and awards. The honors covered the junior, intermediate, and advanced levels, celebrating their outstanding performance throughout the event. Among the winners, several Arab and Qatari students distinguished themselves with remarkable accomplishments, earning awards that highlight the growing mathematical talent in the region. Abeer Al-Khalifa, president of Pre-University Education at Qatar Foundation, said: “We are honored to host this prestigious global event in Qatar, which continues to solidify its position as a global hub for innovation and scientific excellence.” Al-Khalifa explained that for over two decades, Qatar Foundation has been a pioneer in supporting local, regional, and international efforts aimed at unlocking human potential and building a knowledge-based, innovation-driven society. “In the Pre-University Education, we are committed to excellence in education and fostering critical and creative thinking skills among young people, preparing them to become outstanding leaders in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through a wide range of specialized initiatives, programs, and competitions.” During the trip, students had the opportunity to visit some of Qatar’s most prominent tourist and heritage sites, as well as participate in unique events, including the ‘Al-Ghorrah’ activity. This event featured a series of activities that allowed students to gain new insights into Qatar’s rich heritage and culture. It also highlighted various cultural and social aspects of the country, offering them a valuable opportunity to explore Qatar’s unique blend of deep-rooted traditions and modern development. The success of this championship was largely attributed to the support of the destination partner, ‘Visit Qatar’, and the sponsorship of various companies, including Mowasalat, Qatar Airways, Qatar Rail, and Baladna. Their contributions, including providing essential facilities and resources, were instrumental in making this year’s event a success. Copy 03/12/2024 10
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Shares of retail giant Costco Wholesale ( COST -0.87% ) jumped 11.2% during November, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence . The company reported monthly sales results early in the month and that's all the encouragement that investors needed to send the stock to an all-time high approaching $1,000 per share. Costco's sales results for October were released on Nov. 6, showing a 7% increase from October 2023. Interestingly, management believes that sales would have been up by an even higher amount. But hurricane preparations in September pulled some sales forward. While a single-digit increase might not seem like much, Costco is one of the biggest businesses in the world with annual sales in excess of $250 billion . Therefore, gaining even a single percentage point translates to billions of dollars. Costco stock has been one of the best performing stocks of the past decade with shares up nearly 600%. And it's also been a great performer in 2024, considering the stock is up 49% year to date as of this writing. And with ongoing strong sales results, investors are reluctant to sell. More all-time highs than one Costco's stock price is hitting all-time highs but so is its valuation. The company went public nearly 40 years ago. But at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 60, Costco stock has never been more expensive than it is right now, as the chart below shows. COST PE Ratio data by YCharts. In fact, the P/E ratio for Costco stock is more than double its all-time average, which is definitely something that investors today need to take into account when making decisions to buy or sell shares. How should investors process this? In investing, there are various risks, including competition, new technologies, and changing regulations. But valuation can also present a risk. If investors today pay more than Costco is worth, they risk seeing little return on their investment even if the business performs well. This is the only pressing risk that I see with an investment in Costco stock today. And that provides a measure of comfort. Consider that the business uses a membership-based model. And right now, retention rates are high, new members are signing up, and the average age of its members is getting younger, which are all really good signs for the long-term health of the business. For this reason, I find it unlikely that Costco would post financial results bad enough to sink shares back down to more reasonable valuations. It's more likely that shares won't pull back unless there's a broad market decline. If I were a shareholder, I'd take comfort in knowing that the business is as solid as ever, and October financial results showed that. Moreover, the company just released its net sales for November, showing another 6% sales jump. So I wouldn't necessarily consider selling. That said, for those looking to buy Costco stock, it may be prudent to wait for a better price with the valuation now at unprecedented levels.Best Weed Pens of 2024 for a Next-Level Vaping Experience
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Russian presence in Syria remains. But it's unclear for how longThe two-row Audi Q8 (and the SQ8 tested here) are not the biggest model in Audi's stable. That honor goes strangely to the lower-numbered, three-row Q7, which is longer, wider and has more cargo space. That said, it's one of the handsomest Audi sells. It's also one of the most technologically advanced, and expensive when options are added on. The Q8 competes with the lower-roofed versions of luxury SUVs like the BMW X6 (almost exactly the same size) and the Mercedes GLE Coupe. All can be optioned well into the six-figure range. What we tested: Newsweek test drove a 2024 Audi SQ8 in Rotor Grey for this review. The two-row SUV has a starting price of $96,600 with a $1,195 destination charge added on. With the Prestige Package and other options this 2024 Audi SQ8 had an as-tested price of $123,990. It's hard not to start with the engine here. The base Q8 features a six-cylinder engine making 335 horsepower but the SQ8 goes further with a 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 delivering a nice round 500 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque. In practice that means the 2024 Audi SQ8 shoots off the starting block with quattro all-wheel drive pushing all four tires. It's enough to throw you and your passengers back in their seats from a stoplight. It also makes for easy passing maneuvers on the expressway when the SQ8's transmission will drop three gears and spring past any slower moving traffic. When in Comfort or Efficiency driving mode the stop/start system is aggressive, killing the engine at almost every stop. In a vehicle with a four-cylinder it's not intrusive but here it rumbles to a stop, which makes the brakes grip harder and throws the drivers head forward. The large, 12.3-inch touchscreen works with either a tap or a press. A light tap will engage whatever icon you need but most screens don't work with gloves. Most glove materials are non-conductive, meaning they can't carry the electrical charge needed to register a touch on a capacitive touchscreen. In the SQ8 the screen can also be physically pressed, and it comes with a satisfying click noting that a button has been hit. In the winter in the north it's always a pain to remove the gloves when using a touchscreen. In southern states it's certainly less of a problem. The 2024 Audi SQ8 is hard to complain about, even with a base price of $96,600. However, with the Prestige package, the S Sport package, the premium sound system and a few other options boxes it has an as-tested price of $123,990 including destination and handling. That is a ton of money for a two-row that can be outdone, utility-wise by a domestic SUV costing a third of the price. Mercedes engines used to sound like NASCAR motors at full tilt. They still sound great, but the smaller V8 is no match for the old German 6.3-liter. Here in the Audi, it's latest V8 sounds like an American hot rod when it's working hard, and when starting up on a cold morning. Luxury vehicle or not, the SQ8 has a flair for the dramatic, not just in looks and lights, but in sound.Braun's cabinet includes fewer positions
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Billionare Gautam Adani today addressed the 51st India Gem & Jewellery Awards in Jaipur. During his speech, Mr Adani responded to the legal matter involving the US Department of Justice. He also spoke about how he made his first commission of Rs 10,000. Here is his full speech: "It is an honour to stand before you today at the 51st India Gem & Jewellery Awards. This is a celebration of India's remarkable heritage in craftsmanship and innovation. My sincere congratulations to all the awardees whose exceptional efforts have carried forward India's rich legacy in jewellery. For centuries, India has been recognized as the undisputed leader in the space of gemstones and as the nation of unmatched artisans. Jewellery in our culture is not just ornamental - it is deeply symbolic, a marker of heritage, emotion, and aspiration. Your work has kept this tradition alive and relevant in an ever-changing world. This industry is a powerhouse, providing employment to over five million Indians - a figure comparable to the workforce of our IT sector. Surat, as the global epicentre of diamond cutting and polishing, employs over a million skilled workers. This industry is not just an economic driver; it is a source of pride for our nation. However, with great success comes an even greater responsibility: to innovate, expand, and lead courageously in the face of disruption. My dear friends, India is the jewel in the global crown of the cut-and-polished diamond market, holding 26.5% of the share, and silver jewellery at 30%. But the recent 14% decline in exports is more than a statistic - it is a wake-up call. It signals a turning point where challenges, both temporary and permanent, demand that we reimagine our approach. We are at the start of a revolution. Sustainability and technology - two forces reshaping industries worldwide - are now at our doorstep. The rise of lab-grown diamonds, the demand for transparency and ethical practices, shifting consumer priorities, and the digital wave are not just disrupting the status quo; they are creating a new blueprint necessary for success. This is therefore our moment to lead. The industry must think differently, act urgently, and innovate courageously. Today's inflection point must be turned into an era of unprecedented opportunity for growth. My dear friends, Allow me to narrate a story to set some context. Over a decade ago, during a trip to California, I saw my first lab-grown diamond. The founder had enthusiastically shared his vision, confident this was the start of a revolution in the jewellery industry. And he was right. As we now know, lab-grown diamonds have evolved from a scientific wonder to a market disruptor. Today, they are officially recognized by the US Federal Trade Commission as real diamonds. These diamonds now cost significantly less than the natural diamonds. Advances in Artificial Intelligence and material science are pushing their quality and precision even further. It's not far-fetched to imagine a future where we design our own diamonds - specifying every detail, from cut to colour, clarity, and carat weight - making each piece uniquely personal. This is the future we must embrace. Also, beyond traditional gems, the concept of jewellery itself is shifting. Watches, smartphones, and wearables are becoming the new personal status symbols, redefining luxury. Younger generations, in particular, are preferring technology and experiences over conventional luxury goods. Another trend reshaping the market is the growing demand for unique, customized pieces, sparking a rise in custom design services. With technologies like 3D printing, CAD software, Virtual Reality, and Augmented Reality, the process of designing, manufacturing, and experiencing jewellery is on the brink of transformation. These trends force us to rethink what we produce. They challenge us to create deeper emotional and traditional connections in line with changing consumer needs and behaviours. It is this spirit of transformation that I want to explore today - what it truly means to Break the Status Quo. Only by challenging the status quo can we unlock new opportunities and shape the future. My dear friends, Let me start with a personal story about the first time that I broke the status quo. This story holds a very special place in my heart. It laid the foundation of who I was to become. Diamond trading was my entry point into the journey I took to become an entrepreneur. In the year 1978, at the age of 16, I left my school, left my home in Ahmedabad, and took a one-way ticket to Mumbai. I had no idea what I would do but I was clear that I wanted to be an entrepreneur. And I believed Mumbai was the city of opportunities that would give me this chance. I got my first opportunity at Mahendra Brothers, where I learned the art of diamond assorting. Even today, I recall the joy of closing my first deal. It was a transaction with a Japanese buyer and I got a commission of 10,000 rupees. That day marked the start of a journey that would shape the way I would live my life as an entrepreneur. I also learned that trading makes a great teacher. What I learned, as a teenager, was that trading does not come with safety nets. In fact, it is a discipline where you must find the courage to fly without any protective nets. You must learn to take the jump and trust your own wings. In this field, hesitation is the difference between winning and losing. Each decision is a test, not just against the market, but against the limits of your own mind. Trading also taught me another priceless lesson. Too much of an attachment to outcomes limits your ability to challenge the status quo. Therefore, my dear friends, To accept the status quo is to settle for a destiny where you stop questioning, stop dreaming, and stop exploring your own potential. The Adani Group stands where it is today because we are not afraid to challenge ourselves. We continuously redefined our boundaries, refused to accept limits, and were comfortable with the discomfort of change. Our journey has been built on the foundation of grit, and a relentless drive to overcome challenges. As I said earlier, I got to Mumbai when I was 16. But, in 1981, just as I turned 19, I was called back to Ahmedabad to help with my family's polymer business. India, at that time, faced a great shortage of raw materials given the intense import controls. I saw, first hand, the struggles that every small-scale industry faced. And then, it was in 1985, under the leadership of Shri Rajiv Gandhi, that India began to take its first steps towards economic liberalization. I saw an early opportunity in these changes, especially with the relaxation of import policies for industries facing raw material shortages. While I had no prior experience in trading polymers, I still took a calculated risk and established a trading organization focused on imports. By 1990, my trading venture was performing well, but then India itself faced a critical moment. The massive foreign exchange crisis of 1991 threatened the entire economy, ultimately leading to a wave of economic reforms initiated by Prime Minister Shri PV Narasimha Rao and then Finance Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. These reforms dismantled the License Raj, opened up the economy to foreign investments, and reduced import tariffs. I saw, in this transformation of the Indian business landscape an opportunity to scale further. In 1991 itself, at the age of 29, I established a global trading house, expanding into polymers, metals, textiles, and agricultural products. In just two years, we became India's largest global trading house, proving that the combination of speed and scale is a powerful driver of growth. However, while the import-export business did very well, I had started questioning the status quo. I began realizing that for the next phase of growth I would need to own assets and build something lasting. In other words, I had to challenge everything I knew. Remember, I had no experience in building anything. We had not even laid a single brick in our life. But opportunities show up for those that seek. And it was in 1995 that a transformative opportunity emerged when the BJP-led Gujarat government announced its port-led industrial development plan under a Public-Private- Partnership mode. To summarize a long story, we quickly moved to establish Mundra Port. This transition, about 30 years back, was the start of our journey into the domain of infrastructure. My dear friends, I tell my team all the time that the future belongs to those who dare to see beyond the present and who recognize that today's limits are tomorrow's starting points. Therefore: - as we took these journeys going beyond our comfort zone, we discovered other new possibilities. Had we remained satisfied with the status quo, these new and adjacent opportunities would have never come our way. Let me now outline a few examples. In the case of logistics, what started as a port jetty, to import coal in 1998, has gone on to become the country's largest port business. This business today - spans a network of 15 national and 5 international ports and thereby allowing us to expand into building a network of integrated logistic nodes. These nodes now are made up of ports, rail, highways, warehouses, inland container depots, fulfilment centres, and trucking in a way no other company has ever achieved in the world. This journey has taken us deep into the Middle East - all the way into the Mediterranean through Israel - and into the heart of Africa. For me, it is no more just about ports. It is now about leveraging India's geographic location and doing our part to help make our nation become the centre of the logistics world. Likewise, what started as a single power plant in 2007, has now become not just India's largest private thermal power generation company but has also allowed us to expand into adjacencies. This expansion has seen us become India's largest private transmission company, largest private power distribution company, largest mine developer and operator, as well as the only company that successfully took up the challenge of cross-border supply of power to help a neighbouring nation. Furthermore, it has allowed us to move into the area of renewable energy. Today, we are India's largest solar panel manufacturing company as well as the world's largest single-site renewable energy facility, well on our way to generate 30 GW of power, spread over a massive single span of land of more than 500 square kilometres. Yet another example of challenging the status quo is our move into the airport business. In less than three years, we became the largest airport operator in the country. We then built our adjacencies that made us the largest airport logistics player with almost 40% of India's air cargo and have now undertaken the world's largest slum redevelopment initiative, the Dharavi project. And, I must add here that, for me, Dharavi is not just about slum redevelopment. It is about restoring dignity, creating a sustainable ecosystem, and changing the status quo for over one million residents. My dear friends, Looking back, while we have had our successes, our challenges have been even bigger. However, these challenges have not broken us. Instead, they have defined us. They have made us tougher and give us the unshakeable belief that after every fall, we will rise again, stronger, and more resilient than before. Let me talk about three examples. First - In 2010, when we were investing in a coal mine in Australia, our objective was clear: How to make India energy secure - and replace every two tons of poor-quality Indian coal with one ton of high-quality coal from Australia? However, the resistance from NGOs was huge and lasted almost a decade. In fact, it was so intense that we ended up funding the entire project of 10 billion dollars with our own equity. While we now have a world class operating mine in Australia and it could be seen as a great sign of our resilience, the fact is that 100% equity funding took away over 30 billion dollars of debt financing from our green energy projects. The next example is from January last year, just as we were getting ready to launch our Follow-on Public Offering. We faced a short-selling attack initiated from abroad. This was not a typical financial strike; it was a double hit - targeting our financial stability and pulling us into a political controversy. All of this was further amplified by certain media with vested interests. But even in the face of such adversity, our commitment to our principles remained strong. After successfully raising 20,000 crore rupees from India's largest-ever FPO, we made the extraordinary decision to return the proceeds. We then further demonstrated our resilience by raising capital from several international sources and proactively reducing our Debt to EBITDA ratio to below 2.5 times, an unmatched metric in the global infrastructure space. Moreover, our all-time record financial results in the same year showcased our commitment to operational excellence. Not a single Indian or foreign credit rating agency downgraded us. Finally, the Supreme Court of India's affirmation of our actions validated our approach. The third example is very recent. As most of you would have read, less than two weeks back, we faced a set of allegations from the US about compliance practices at Adani Green Energy. This is not the first time we have faced such challenges. What I can tell you is that every attack makes us stronger and every obstacle becomes a stepping stone for a more resilient Adani Group. The fact is that despite a lot of the vested reporting, no one from the Adani side has been charged with any violation of the FCPA or any conspiracy to obstruct justice. Yet, in today's world, negativity spreads faster than facts - and as we work through the legal process, I want to re-confirm our absolute commitment to world class regulatory compliance. My dear friends, Over the years, I have come to accept that the roadblocks we face are the price of pioneering. The more bold your dreams, the more the world will scrutinize you. But it is precisely in that scrutiny that you must find the courage to rise, to challenge the status quo, and to build a path where none exists. To pioneer is to embrace the unknown, to break limits, and to believe in your vision even when the world cannot yet see it. Therefore, as I conclude, let me leave you with three guiding thoughts: First, Embrace technology and sustainability as the twin pillars of progress. These are not just trends - they are the foundation of our future. Your success will depend entirely on how boldly and at what scale you integrate these forces into your work. Technology will accelerate possibilities, while sustainability will ensure that your growth is enduring and responsible. Together, they represent the compass for a better tomorrow. Second, Empower and uplift the skilled workforce at the heart of our transformation. These craftsmen and artisans are the custodians of India's rich heritage, carrying forward skills passed down through generations. But for their talents to thrive in the modern world, they need access to new tools, digital platforms, and innovative training. Imagine an ecosystem where a craftsman from a small town uses digital design software to create, market, and sell globally. This is the blend of tradition and technology we must champion. And finally, The future belongs to our youth. The younger generation brings fresh ideas, unshakeable energy, and a willingness to disrupt the old ways of thinking. We must nurture them, and equip them to balance tradition with transformation, culture with innovation, and legacy with sustainability. They are not just participants in the future - they are its architects. Together, let us create an India where the wisdom of tradition, and the promise of innovation come together to challenge the status quo. And let us move forward with confidence to create a future where India's gems illuminate the world with their brilliance. Wish you all the best, Thank you. Jai Hind"This guest essay reflects the views of John R. Durso, president of the Long Island Federation of Labor. As New York State prepares to announce the winners of its fifth offshore wind solicitation, we should remember that the best way to honor the momentum we’ve built is to fully commit. New York is serious about addressing climate change, creating quality union jobs, and ensuring a cleaner, more resilient future for our children. That requires an all-of-the-above energy approach, with significant and continued investment in offshore wind. It would be easy to focus on the obstacles and overlook the immense progress we have made. Nowhere in the United States is this more evident than on Long Island. South Fork Wind is a powerful example of what we can achieve when vision and resilience come together. The project’s success, along with the ongoing construction of the Sunrise Wind project, show what New Yorkers can accomplish when we work together — no matter how challenging the journey. Rebuilding our energy infrastructure to meet the moment and deliver a cleaner, brighter future is a complex and ambitious undertaking. But if there’s one thing history has shown us, it’s that things worth doing are rarely easy. In fact, it’s the challenges that give weight to our victories and meaning to our progress. Offshore wind development isn’t just about hitting renewable energy targets; it’s about investing in our communities, believing in our workforce, strengthening our energy independence, and bolstering national security. New York is on track to be the center of a robust offshore wind industry that will be an integral part of fueling our future. Not only does South Fork Wind represent a new chapter in Long Island’s energy story, it’s one that prioritizes environmental stewardship and economic resilience. From our Editorial Board, get inside the local, city and state political scenes. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy . The Sunrise Wind project is going to be even more impactful. When completed, it will bring power to thousands more homes, put more people to work in good-paying union jobs, and support our climate goals. These projects haven’t come without their challenges. Developers must prioritize displaced workers as the industry footprint continues to grow, and operations and maintenance workers must have the freedom to exercise their rights without fear of retribution. But the progress we’re making shows that these challenges can be met — and that the benefits are substantial. New York’s energy transition offers us a rare chance to reshape our economy in ways that prioritize working people and future generations. Each new wind turbine off our coast reduces our dependence on fossil fuels, enhances our resilience against energy disruptions, and strengthens our national security. For New Yorkers, this means having a reliable energy supply that isn’t subject to the whims of global markets. It’s a vital step toward achieving true energy independence. The challenges facing offshore wind development on Long Island are real and surmountable. Remember: The difficulty of a task does not diminish its value. In fact, the hurdles we’ve overcome to get to this point only reinforce the importance of our efforts. New York has a unique opportunity to lead the nation in offshore wind, to create a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous future for all. But achieving that future requires boldness and ambition. As we prepare for the fifth offshore wind solicitation, I urge New York State to go big — to fully commit to the path of progress, resilience, and opportunity. It’s proof that the path to a better future isn’t always easy, but it is always worth taking. Let’s continue to rise to the challenge and build a legacy of which we can all be proud. This guest essay reflects the views of John R. Durso, president of the Long Island Federation of Labor.
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‘Cobra Kai’: Thomas Ian Griffith’s Infamous Villain Finally Got to Let It Out in Season 6Indian badminton star PV Sindhu is all set to marry Venkata Datta Sai, an executive director at Hyderabad-based Posidex Technologies, on December 22 in Udaipur. The wedding ceremony is planned for December 22, with a reception to follow on December 24 in Hyderabad. Pre-wedding festivities for the two-time Olympic medalist will begin on December 20. Sindhu’s father also confirmed that she intends to resume training shortly after the celebrations, as the upcoming badminton season is critical. Sindhu’s father, PV Ramana, shared that while the families have known each other for some time, the wedding arrangements were finalized only about a month ago. “This was the most convenient time as her schedule will become increasingly packed from January.” Did PV Sindhu Lie To Ranveer Allahbadia About Not Dating Anyone? In 2023, PV Sindhu sat down for a tell-all interview with Ranveer Allahbadia on his podcast TRS Clips. At the time she opened up about her personal life and shed light on her relationship status and views on dating. In a conversation with Ranveer Allahbadia, Sindhu candidly shared that she is currently single. At the time, she said, “Right now, it’s just badminton for me. My ultimate aim is the Olympics,” she said. When asked if she ever feels the need for a partner, Sindhu replied, “I never really thought about it. It’s destiny—whatever is meant to happen will happen.” Addressing whether she has ever been in a relationship, Sindhu responded, “No, not really.” She added, “There’s nothing particularly good or bad about it. Life goes on, and if it’s meant to happen, it will.” Venkata Datta Sai, an executive director at Posidex Technologies, on December 22 in Udaipur, news agency PTI reported. For the unversed, PV Sindhu and Venkata Datta Sai’s family know each other from quite some time but it was only a month ago that everything was finalised. ALSO READ: Who Is Venkata Datta Sai? Hyderabad-Based Businessman To Marry Badminton Star PV SindhuSAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) — As bitcoin reached historic highs, surpassing $100,000 for the first tim e, El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele was triumphant on Thursday about his big bet on the cryptocurrency. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) — As bitcoin reached historic highs, surpassing $100,000 for the first tim e, El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele was triumphant on Thursday about his big bet on the cryptocurrency. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) — As bitcoin reached historic highs, surpassing $100,000 for the first tim e, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele was triumphant on Thursday about his big bet on the cryptocurrency. The adoption of bitcoin — which has been legal tender in the Central American nation since 2021 — never quite matched the president’s enthusiasm, but the value of the government’s reported investment now stands at more than $600 million. Bitcoin has rallied mightily since Donald Trump’s election victory last month, exceeding the $100,000 mark on Wednesday night, just hours after the president-elect said he intends to nominate cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins to be the next chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Just two years ago, bitcoin’s volatile value fell below $17,000. Bitcoin fell back below the $100,000 by Thursday afternoon, sitting just above $99,000 by 3 p.m. E.T. Bukele on Thursday blamed his beleaguered political opposition for causing many Salvadorans to miss out on the bonanza. There were street protests when the Congress made bitcoin legal tender in June 2021, though that move was not the only motivation for the protesters. The tiny Central American country has long used the dollar as currency, but Bukele promised bitcoin would provide new opportunities for El Salvador’s unbanked and cut out money transfer services from the remittances Salvadorans abroad send home. The government offered $30 in bitcoin to those who signed up for digital wallets. Many did so, but quickly cashed out the cryptocurrency. “It’s important to emphasize that not only did the opposition err resoundingly with bitcoin, but rather, differently from other issues (where they have also been wrong), this time their opposition affected many,” Bukele wrote on Facebook. Bukele drew an “impressive” comment from Elon Musk on the social media platform X Thursday. El Salvador’s former Central Bank President Carlos Acevedo pointed out on Thursday that while there has been a gain, it remains an unrealized one until the government’s bitcoin is sold. That said, he credited Bukele’s administration with doing well on the bitcoin move, especially in light of Trump’s election. Acevedo said “the markets’ optimism that a Trump administration will be friendly with the markets and particularly with bitcoin” explained its sustained rally over the past month. But the cryptocurrency’s volatility was a persistent risk, he said. “The average Salvadoran doesn’t use bitcoin, but obviously there are Salvadorans with economic resources who even before had already invested in bitcoin, but it is a small group,” Acevedo said. Esteban Escamilla, a worker in a clothing store in Santa Tecla, outside the capital San Salvador, said he had cashed out the original $30 of bitcoin offered in 2021. “I don’t use bitcoin because I don’t have (money) to invest and speculate with, but I know it has gone up a lot,” he said, recognizing that he would have more money now if he had kept it in bitcoin. Josefa Torres, 45, said as she was doing her grocery shopping that she didn’t have any bitcoin either. “I took out the money and used it for household expenses,” she said. At the conclusion of meetings between the International Monetary Fund and El Salvador’s government in August, the IMF issued a statement that mentioned the country’s bitcoin holdings. “While many of the risks have not yet materialized, there is joint recognition that further efforts are needed to enhance transparency and mitigate potential fiscal and financial stability risks from the Bitcoin project,” the IMf said. AdvertisementThe cost of Thanksgiving dinner is 29% more expensive since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new survey of holiday meal costs by the American Farm Bureau Federation. The Farm Bureau’s annual Thanksgiving dinner price survey found holiday meal staples to serve 10 people total $58.08 nationally. That is down from a record high meal cost of $64.06 in 2022 when the post-pandemic inflation wave was at its highest. But holiday meal prices are still 24% higher than they were in 2020 in the midst of the pandemic’s economic and social shutdowns. Thanksgiving meals cost $46.90 in 2020. Those prices are based on 10 Thanksgiving food items such as turkey, cranberries and pumpkin pie ingredients. But if the food list expanded to include potatoes, green beans and ham the average cost in 2024 is $77.34, according to the Farm Bureau. The same 13 items cost $60.11 in 2020, according to the agriculture group. That’s a 29% rise. Turkey prices have come down compared to 2023. Inflation was a top concern of voters in the 2024 presidential election with economically stressed voters preferring now President-elect Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris. Overall, U.S. prices are up 22% since before the pandemic in 2020. “While inflation has slowed down, it really hasn't slowed down enough to bring costs back down to these pre-pandemic levels. So it's really important to remember that our farmers and ranchers, like our consumers, are also dealing with inflation, so the cost of supplies to grow food has gone up, while USDA predicts that net farm income is going to be down nearly 25 percent compared to just two years ago,” said Bernt Nelson, a Farm Bureau Economist.