In recent months, the city of Damascus in Syria has been experiencing a period of relative calm, with no large-scale clashes reported in the area. However, the situation remains tense as small-scale disturbances and sporadic violence continue to disrupt the daily lives of its residents.Ranchi, Nov 23 (PTI) Call it a charismatic show by the power couple - Hemant and Kalpana Soren, whom the BJP had dubbed as 'Bunty aur Babli’ - or a vote for continuity, Jharkhand’s JMM secured a second consecutive term as part of the INDIA bloc. Both Chief Minister Hemant Soren and his wife, legislator Kalpana Soren, who entered politics after her husband's arrest earlier this year, held nearly 200 election rallies after the elections were announced. Ecstatic party workers celebrated the resounding victory, bursting crackers, playing with colours and distributing sweets. According to the Election Commission, JMM won 34 out of the 43 seats it contested. In 2019, the JMM had bagged 30 seats. The electoral success is notable given the challenges faced by the party. Two of its legislators, Nalin Soren and Joba Majhi, contested the Lok Sabha elections and won. Additionally, prominent figures such as Sita Soren, Champai Soren and Lobin Hembrom switched allegiance to the BJP. The power couple was seen relaxing on Thursday after the polls, playing with their pet dogs, pictures shared by Hemant Soren on X showed. On Saturday, they posted pictures with their children from the airport, where Hemant Soren had gone to receive Kalpana following the victory. The couple later sought blessings from JMM supremo Shibu Soren and his wife Rupi Soren. JMM’s return to power in Jharkhand also signifies the deepened influence of the Sorens among the tribal communities, as they successfully mobilised tribal sentiments following Hemant Soren’s arrest on January 31 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a money-laundering case linked to an alleged land scam. Both Hemant and Kalpana managed to create a wave of sympathy among the tribal electorate, and despite the anti-incumbency sentiment, the BJP failed to capitalise on it and form a government, according to poll analysts. Soren won from the Barhait seat by a margin of 39,791 votes, defeating BJP’s Gamliyel Hembrom, asserting that they passed the examination of democracy. Kalpana Soren won the Gandey seat by a margin of 17,142 votes, handing defeat to BJP’s Muniya Devi. A JMM worker said Kalpana Soren was referred to as "helicopter madam" in Gandey, a term used by the BJP to suggest that she was an outsider, as she isn’t a local resident, unlike Muniya Devi. The JMM’s campaign focused on promises of welfare schemes, and accusations against the BJP-led Centre for “using” the ED and CBI as tools to target rival parties. Hemant Soren also accused the BJP of spending over Rs 500 crore on "malicious campaigns" against him. Top BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and BJP president J P Nadda addressed extensive rallies, attacking the JMM-led coalition over allegations of corruption and infiltration. A key plank of the BJP's campaign was the removal of Champai Soren as chief minister shortly after Hemant Soren’s release on bail in June, underscoring how a tribal leader had been “insulted” by the JMM-led coalition. JMM’s populist schemes like the ‘Maiyan Samman Yojna’, which provides financial assistance of Rs 1,000 to women in the 18-50 years age bracket and promises to increase it to Rs 2,500 post results, went well with the masses across the state. Soren also waived farm loans up to Rs 2 lakh, aimed at benefiting over 1.75 lakh farmers. Additionally, his government waived outstanding electricity bills and introduced a scheme providing free electricity up to 200 units, besides welfare programmes like universal pension. (This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)India’s growing influence in the global innovation and intellectual property (IP) landscape has been highlighted in the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s (WIPO) World Intellectual Property Indicators (WIPI) 2024 report. The country’s impressive performance across key IP categories—patents, trademarks, and industrial designs—signals its emergence as a powerful global player in innovation. The 2024 WIPO report underscores India’s remarkable strides in IP filings, further solidifying its position as a global leader in intellectual property. India has made remarkable strides in global patent applications, securing the 6th position in the 2024 World Intellectual Property Indicators report, with 64,480 patent filings in 2023. This impressive achievement places India alongside leading intellectual property powerhouses like China, the United States, Japan, and South Korea. The country’s rise in the global rankings reflects its broad and diverse economy, ranging from agriculture to high-tech sectors like pharmaceuticals, information technology, and renewable energy. This growth highlights India’s growing influence in global innovation and IP. India’s rapid advancement in intellectual property is particularly evident in its performance in patent filings. The country recorded a remarkable 15.7 per cent increase in patent applications in 2023, the fastest among the top 20 global economies. Notably, India’s residents accounted for over half of all patent filings (55.2per cent), marking a significant milestone. The Indian Patent Office granted 149.4 per cent more patents in 2023 compared to the previous year, demonstrating the rapid development of the nation’s IP ecosystem. This growth is further reflected in a steady increase in industrial design applications, which rose by 36.4 per cent, showing a rising focus on product design and manufacturing within the country. The World Intellectual Property Organisation report also highlights India’s expanding influence in trademark and industrial design applications. India ranked 4th globally in trademark filings, with a 6.1 per cent increase in 2023. The majority of these filings (nearly 90 per cent) were made by residents, driven by key sectors like Health, Agriculture, and Clothing. India’s trademark office now holds the second-largest number of active registrations worldwide, with over 3.2 million trademarks in force. This underscores the country’s robust position in global brand protection and IP management. Between 2018 and 2023, India’s patent, trademark, and industrial design applications grew significantly, with patent filings more than doubled and trademark filings increasing by 60 per cent. These figures demonstrate India’s growing emphasis on IP and innovation. The country’s patent-to-GDP ratio has also seen substantial improvement, rising from 144 to 381 in the past decade, further indicating the close link between India’s economic expansion and its evolving IP activity. The WIPO report emphasises that India’s strong IP performance is a testament to its increasing role as a global innovation leader, bolstered by government initiatives to foster domestic innovation. India has witnessed a remarkable 36.4 per cent increase in industrial design applications in 2023, signalling a growing emphasis on creativity and design innovation across various industries. This surge highlights the country’s shift towards not just manufacturing but also product development, with an increasing focus on blending functionality and aesthetics. The rise in design applications is a direct reflection of India’s evolving capabilities in developing value-added products that meet both domestic and global market demands. The primary sectors driving this growth are textiles and accessories, tools and machines, and health and cosmetics. These industries account for nearly 50 per cent of all industrial design filings, showcasing India’s strength in traditional sectors like textiles, as well as emerging ones such as health and cosmetics. The integration of design thinking in these sectors is enhancing India’s ability to cater to modern consumer preferences, combining innovation with India’s deep cultural and manufacturing roots. This surge in industrial design filings is a crucial indicator of how India’s manufacturing sector is evolving. There is a clear shift from traditional mass production to creating products that prioritise design excellence, user experience, and functionality. This transformation is making India a more attractive destination for high-value, design-driven industries, positioning it as a global manufacturing hub with a keen eye on both aesthetics and production efficiency. When compared to global trends, India’s growth in industrial design applications stands out. While global leaders like China and the United States continue to dominate in patents and trademarks, India’s rise in design filings suggests its increasing competitiveness in industrial design. This trend is in line with the global shift towards recognising industrial design as a key strategic asset for enhancing product differentiation, driving innovation, and contributing to overall economic growth. India’s impressive performance in global trademark filings highlights its growing importance in the realm of intellectual property. In 2023, the country ranked 4th globally in trademark filings, with a notable 6.1 per cent increase from the previous year. This surge reflects India’s increasing emphasis on brand protection as a vital component of business strategy. As both domestic and international businesses continue to expand, the role of trademarks in safeguarding brand identity and ensuring consumer trust has become even more critical. India’s upward trajectory in trademark filings underscores its development as a key player in the global market. The dominance of resident filings in India is another notable trend, with nearly 90 per cent of trademark applications originating from Indian residents. This shift indicates a growing awareness among Indian businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups about the importance of intellectual property in protecting their innovations. As more Indian companies turn to the trademark system, there is a clear indication that the country’s business ecosystem is becoming more IP-savvy, thus ensuring the long-term viability and growth of homegrown brands. India’s robust trademark landscape is further exemplified by its position as the second-largest holder of active trademark registrations globally, with over 3.2 million trademarks in force. This considerable volume of active registrations illustrates a dynamic and competitive domestic marketplace where businesses are continually striving to protect their intellectual property. As India’s economy becomes more innovation-driven, the growing number of trademark registrations reflects the significant role intellectual property plays in securing a competitive advantage both within the country and on the international stage. Sector-specific trends also shed light on the driving forces behind India’s trademark filings. Sectors such as Health, Agriculture, and Clothing emerged as the top contributors to trademark applications, accounting for 21.9 per cent, 15.3 per cent, and 12.8 per cent, respectively. These figures demonstrate India’s leadership in industries like pharmaceuticals, food production, and fashion, which have gained global recognition for their quality and innovation. As demand for Indian products increases worldwide, trademarks serve as crucial tools for maintaining brand equity and ensuring that Indian businesses retain their competitive edge in increasingly crowded international markets. India’s surge in IP filings contributes significantly to the global increase in intellectual property activity. In 2023, a record 3.55 million patent applications were filed worldwide, with India playing a key role in this growth. The rise in resident filings across patents, trademarks, and industrial designs reflects a broader global trend of strengthening local innovation ecosystems, a shift that is particularly evident in emerging markets like India. India’s intellectual property growth is significantly propelled by government initiatives like the National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy. Launched in 2016, this policy aims to enhance IP awareness, strengthen the ecosystem, and foster innovation by providing better access to IP services and protection mechanisms. By covering all types of intellectual property—including patents, trademarks, copyrights, industrial designs, and geographical indications—the policy strives to create a robust and efficient IP environment. A key feature of the policy is the modernisation and digitisation of IP offices, streamlining workflows to reduce processing times and improve efficiency in handling applications. Moreover, initiatives like the National Intellectual Property Awareness Mission (NIPAM) have expanded IP awareness, targeting educational institutions and businesses. This approach has been complemented by the creation of Technology Innovation Support Centres (TISC) in universities to facilitate IP filings and promote the commercialisation of patents. The government’s support for intellectual property is also evident through the Scheme for Pedagogy & Research in IPRs for Holistic Education and Academia (SPRIHA), which integrates IPR education into India’s higher learning institutions. By establishing IPR Chairs in universities, the initiative facilitates specialised research, teaching, and training, allowing faculty and students to explore the role of IP in driving innovation. Beyond academia, India’s growing startup ecosystem is another catalyst for increased IP activity. Initiatives such as Startup India, Digital India, Make in India, and the Atal Innovation Mission have created a nurturing environment for entrepreneurship, technological advancement, and research. Since its launch in 2016, Startup India has recognised over 1.4 lakh startups, reflecting the increasing role of innovation in India’s economy. The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), also launched in 2016, plays a crucial role in shaping India’s innovation landscape. With a focus on fostering a culture of problem-solving and entrepreneurship, AIM has established over 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs in schools and incubated more than 3,500 startups through Atal Incubation Centres. These efforts have not only encouraged young innovators but also created more than 32,000 jobs within the innovation ecosystem. Collectively, these initiatives are contributing to a more dynamic, IP-driven economy, underscoring the government’s commitment to transforming India into a global hub for innovation and intellectual property. India’s innovation journey is not only reflected in its IP filings but also in its performance in the Global Innovation Index 2024. India has made remarkable progress, jumping to 39th place globally from 81st in 2015. This leap underscores the country’s growing capabilities in innovation, driven by a combination of strong policies, strategic investments in R&D, and a thriving startup ecosystem. India now ranks 1st among lower-middle-income economies and 1st among 10 economies in Central and Southern Asia. India’s stellar performance in the 2024 WIPO report and the GII ranking showcases the country’s rapid evolution into a global innovation powerhouse. With significant advancements in patents, trademarks, and industrial designs, India is solidifying its place as a key player in the global IP landscape. As the country continues to scale up its innovation capabilities, supported by a strong policy framework and a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, India is poised to maintain its leadership in intellectual property, shaping the future of industries worldwide. India’s stellar performance in the Global Innovation Index 2024 underscores its strategic focus on leveraging innovation as a key driver for economic growth and global competitiveness. The nation’s ability to rapidly climb the rankings reflects its concerted efforts to foster a robust ecosystem that encourages technological advancements, research and development, and entrepreneurship. Looking ahead, India’s sustained focus on innovation will be vital as the country seeks to capitalise on emerging technologies, expand its influence in the global tech industry, and foster inclusive growth. With continued policy support and an evolving talent pool, India is not just poised to maintain its leadership among lower-middle-income economies but also to emerge as a global powerhouse of innovation, driving advancements that could shape the future of industries worldwide.
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Furthermore, strengthening countercyclical adjustment also requires close monitoring of economic indicators and timely responses to changing conditions. With the rapid advancement of technology and the interconnected nature of the global economy, policymakers need to be vigilant and adaptive in their decision-making processes. Data-driven analysis, scenario planning, and risk assessments will play a crucial role in effectively managing economic risks and uncertainties.As the cold front continues to sweep across Beijing, the capital city is facing a significant drop in temperatures in the next two days. Mornings and evenings will be particularly chilly, warranting extra caution and measures to stay warm and protected against the biting cold.
1. **Steady Recovery in Key Sectors**: Analysis of the value-added tax invoice data revealed a steady recovery in key sectors such as manufacturing, services, and consumption. The increase in the number of invoices issued indicates a rise in production and business activities, reflecting a gradual rebound in demand and economic vitality.
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Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves FREE LIVE STREAM (12/2/24): Watch NBA regular season game | Time, TV, ChannelFossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists together accounted for the largest delegation at this week’s plastics treaty negotiations in Busan, in South Korea, new analysis has found. The findings, which the Center for International Environmental Law (Ciel) released on Wednesday, revealed that 221 fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists are registered to attend INC-5 — the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on plastic pollution. This is the highest number at any negotiation for the plastics treaty that Ciel has analysed so far. The previous high of 196 lobbyists was identified at INC-4 in Ottawa in April. The analysis, based on the UN Environment Programme’s provisional list of INC-5 participants, comes midway in the final negotiations, during which a global plastics treaty is expected to be finalised. In 2022, the UN Environment Assembly launched a two-year process to establish a first-of-its-kind, legally binding global treaty that would address the full life cycle of plastics from production to disposal. INC-5 marks the fifth and final round of negotiations. The figure of 221 lobbyists is likely to be conservative because the methodology relies on delegates at the talks disclosing their ties to fossil fuel or chemical industry interests, and some lobbyists “may choose not to disclose their connection”, the non-profit environmental law organisation said. For its analysis, Ciel collaborated with Greenpeace, the Break Free From Plastic movement, the International Pollutants Elimination Network, the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, the Environmental Investigation Agency and the Scientists’ Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty, among other civil society groups. ‘Industry influence’ They called on the assembly “to safeguard the negotiating process from industry influence ” and to implement strong conflict of interest policies “so that the plastics treaty negotiations do not become the same kind of stalemate” seen in climate negotiations. Ciel’s analysis showed fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists, taken together, would be the “largest single delegation” at INC-5, significantly outnumbering the 140 representatives from host South Korea. Lobbyists also outnumber the delegations from the EU and all of its member states combined (191) as well as the 89 delegation representatives from the Pacific Small Island Developing States and the 165 from Latin American and Caribbean countries. The analysis identified 16 lobbyists in national delegations, including those from China, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, Finland, Iran, Kazakhstan and Malaysia. Dow (5) and ExxonMobil (4) were among the “best-represented fossil fuel and chemical companies with numerous lobbyists” attending the talks. Similarly, chemical and fossil fuel industry lobbyists outnumber the Scientists’ Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty by three to one and the Indigenous Peoples’ Caucus by almost nine to one. “With each INC, we have seen an increase in the number of fossil fuel and petrochemical industry lobbyists but the efforts to effect the future treaty extend well beyond the negotiations themselves,” the groups said. “Reports of intimidation and interference have surfaced, including allegations of industry representatives intimidating independent scientists participating in the negotiations and pressure on country delegations by industry to replace technical experts with industry-friendly representatives.” ‘Undue influence’ The Mail & Guardian has reported on concerns raised by a civil society coalition composed of, among others, WWF South Africa, groundWork South Africa and the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, that the department of forestry, fisheries and the environment has given undue influence to the plastics and chemical industries in its global plastic pollution treaty delegation and in national policy work. According to the coalition, Plastics SA, which describes itself as the mouthpiece of South Africa’s plastic industry , “continues to have increased access and visibility” with the government. The coalition said that it is important for the plastics industry to participate in the national consultation for the treaty, “however, their influence over the South African position should be limited”. It cited “conflict of interest given the industry’s vested interests and their profits ”, which are directly linked to the plastic pollution crisis. This limited influence has “not been kept in check”, with recent changes and new appointments in South Africa’s delegation to INC-5. “There is growing concern that previously progressive technical experts have been replaced with experts more aligned with the petrochemical industry position,” the coalition said. It has also emerged that Thokozani Masilela, the director of plastics at the department of trade, industry and competition — who is also the deputy chairperson of Plastics SA — was on the country’s delegation to INC-3, INC-4 and is now, for INC-5. Both Plastics SA and the department strongly denied allegations of improper behaviour or conflict of interest and said that neither Plastics SA nor the broader industry has had preferential access to the SA INC delegation or to government officials. “[Masilela] participates in the South Africa INC delegation as a government official,” said Peter Mbelengwa, the department’s spokesperson. “Both civil society groups and plastics industry/business have equal access to engage the South African delegation prior and during the INC sessions.” How stakeholders view the treaty does not automatically translate into South Africa’s negotiating position, he said. The Constitution, National Environment Management Act and other pieces of legislation “guide the interest and inform the position”. “The role of the department and other government departments is to listen and consider all the views of all stakeholders in informing the South African position. “In areas where the department does not agree with any of the stakeholders, the department always makes it clear through explanation and robust engagement. The department represents all sectors of the society, including the vulnerable.” Toxic impacts Plastic’s toxic impact permeates every stage of its life cycle, Andrés Del Castillo , a senior attorney at the Ciel, wrote last week. With plastic recycling rates below 10%, downstream measures are “wholly inadequate” to address this crisis. “The solution must begin at the source. We need a treaty that caps plastic production ... A treaty that fails to limit plastic production at its source will not only fall short of its mandate to end plastic pollution, it will fail humanity at a critical juncture. To meaningfully address this crisis, a global reduction target must be paired with ambitious, binding national commitments.” Ahead of INC-5, the World Plastics Council and Global Plastics Alliance members called on the South African government “to help secure a treaty to end plastics pollution”. The final agreement shaped in Busan “should strike the right balance” between global obligations and national measures. “It should require countries to develop national action plans so they can deploy tailored solutions most effective for their circumstances.” They are pushing for an “ambitious and implementable agreement that dramatically scales up waste management and recycling”. “Countries face very different challenges and require different solutions,” World Plastics Council chairperson Benny Mermans, who is the vice president of sustainability at Chevron Phillips Chemical, which provides polymers and petrochemical products, said in a statement. “A one-size-fits-all global approach to policy and regulation cannot work. The treaty should therefore provide each country and region with the flexibility to meet the objectives of the agreement in ways which make most sense for them.” Anton Hanekom, the executive director of Plastics SA, said: “Building circularity into the entire life cycle of plastics — from design to recycling to responsible end-of-life —and developing fit-for-purpose waste management systems, should be the cornerstone of the agreement.” The most effective way to achieve the objectives of the agreement, while maintaining the utility that plastics offer, is “to make plastic waste a commodity with real value”. ‘Obstruction, distraction, misinformation’ Delphine Levi Alvares, the global petrochemical campaign coordinator at the Ciel, said: “From the moment the gavel came down at Unea-5.2 to now, we have watched industry lobbyists surrounding the negotiations with sadly well-known tactics of obstruction, distraction, intimidation and misinformation.” This strategy, “ lifted straight from the climate negotiations playbook ”, is designed to preserve the financial interests of countries and companies who are “putting their fossil-fuelled profits above human health, human rights and the future of the planet, she said. The mandate for the plastics treaty is very clear — ending plastic pollution, she said. “Ever-growing evidence from independent scientists, frontline communities and indigenous peoples clearly shows that this won’t be achieved without reducing plastic production.” Recent research conducted by the London-based Environmental Investigation Agency identified four themes employed by the industry lobby vis-à-vis the plastics treaty. These were an “outsized presence” at the global plastics treaty negotiations; the promotion of false solutions and unproven technologies ; the promotion of industry-funded scientific research and studies and lobbying of domestic governments. “The corporate lobbying playbook is being deployed in full force to undermine an effective instrument and we urge greater scrutiny on the participation of industry in this process and a restriction on the access of major polluters to decision-makers,” it said. On the plastic industry’s focus on downstream measures, such as waste management and recycling, and not capping plastic production, Alvarez added: “... As we are nearing the end of negotiations there is more at stake, it’s becoming more serious. It’s clear there is an even bigger temptation to really keep the focus on what seems easy and is not going to come in contradiction with any commercial interests.”
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In the end, it is not just about winning or losing—it is about the spirit of competition, the thrill of the contest, and the joy of the beautiful game. This match between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid will be etched in our memories forever, a timeless reminder of the magic and wonder of football.
As one of the leaders on the team, Gobert has taken on the responsibility of setting the tone for his teammates both in practices and during games. His work ethic and dedication serve as an inspiration for the younger players on the roster, motivating them to push themselves to new heights. Gobert's presence in the paint not only impacts the team's defense but also provides a spark on the offensive end, creating opportunities for his teammates to score and succeed.Moreover, the slowing global economy and weak demand for oil due to the COVID-19 pandemic have further exacerbated the situation. As travel restrictions and lockdown measures remain in place in many parts of the world, the demand for gasoline and other oil products has plummeted, leading to a surplus in supply and a subsequent drop in prices.Inter Milan, led by their talismanic forward Romelu Lukaku, have been in scintillating form in Serie A this season. The Nerazzurri currently sit at the top of the league table, showcasing a blend of attacking flair and defensive solidity that has made them a formidable force in Italian football. With players like Lautaro Martinez, Nicolo Barella, and Achraf Hakimi in top form, Inter Milan have been able to string together impressive results and maintain their position as title contenders.
The Argentine superstar's return couldn't come at a better time for Barcelona, as they find themselves in the midst of discussions about their future. The recent performances of the team have raised questions about their ability to compete at the highest level and the need for strategic planning moving forward. With Messi back in the squad, Barcelona will undoubtedly look to him for leadership and guidance in navigating through these uncertain times.
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Opening a hotel in a county town can be a promising entrepreneurial venture, but it also comes with its own set of challenges and uncertainties. As more and more chain hotel brands are setting their sights on expanding into county towns, the landscape of the hospitality industry is rapidly evolving.
Looking ahead, the sustained growth momentum in value-added tax invoice data bodes well for the overall economic outlook in the coming months. The gradual recovery in economic activities, coupled with the positive impact of policy initiatives, is likely to support a continued upward trend in key economic indicators, such as GDP growth, industrial output, and employment.Vikings QB Sam Darnold practices, ready for Bears