However, summer is only six months away and I recently attended a seminar which explained about Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters and the service which is due to be switched off in June. The RTS system, which uses long-wave radio signals to tell some electricity meters to switch between on and off-peak, is a legacy technology and no longer viable. Without a meter upgrade, some affected homes, schools and businesses could be left without heating and hot water, or unable to turn off their heating. Ofgem has been working with suppliers and consumer groups in tackling the challenges of migrating households which have an RTS meter before the service ends on June 30. Ofgem are keen to stress the importance of getting your RTS meter replaced and have called for suppliers and stakeholders to come together and combine resources to try and reach as many households as possible before the service is switched off. Energy suppliers have been contacting customers since 2023 about the issue. I understand that some of my constituents may be cautious about acting on communications received from energy suppliers; however, this issue is real and the industry has asked for help in getting consumers to contact their suppliers to arrange for an upgrade before the switch-off. If you haven’t already been contacted, I urge all of you who may be impacted to contact your supplier now for advice on how to get an upgrade. Even if you live in privately rented accommodation and have an RTS meter, your supplier is obliged to replace this. From January, there will be large-scale public awareness on consumer engagement via TV and radio to alert energy consumers to this serious issue and to encourage them to contact their supplier to find out if their meter requires upgrading. The industry has also signed up to the RTS Call To Action, which is a collective commitment to rapidly increase the pace and number of RTS upgrades and to prioritise known vulnerable consumers. This will also ensure customers have working heating and hot water after June 30 and inform them of the risks of rejecting an upgraded service. If you have, or think you may have, an RTS meter, please get in touch with your supplier now.
West Lafayette, INDIANA — Imagine this: Two days before your family holiday party, you get a text about an online order you placed a week ago, saying the package is at your door. It comes with a photo – of someone else’s door. When you click the attached link, it takes you to the online store, where you enter your username and password. Somehow that doesn’t work, even though you answered your security questions. Frustrated, you call customer service. They tell you not to worry since your package is still on the way. You receive your package a day later and forget all about the earlier hassle. In the end, it was just a mistake. You are unaware of the terrifying thing happening in the background. You’ve fallen for a classic package-delivery scam , and a form of “ smishing ,” or SMS phishing. And you’re not alone. One in three Americans have fallen victim to cybercrime, according to a 2023 poll. That’s up from 1 in 4 in 2018. As cybersecurity researchers , we want to spread the word to help people protect themselves. Old-fashioned threats haven’t disappeared – identity thieves still steal wallets, dumpster dive for personal information and skim cards at ATMs – but the internet has made scamming easier than ever. Digital threats include phishing attacks that use fake emails and websites, data breaches at major companies , malware that steals your information , and unsecured Wi-Fi networks in public places. A WHOLE NEW WORLD OF SCAMS Generative AI – which refers to artificial intelligence that generates text, images and other things – has improved dramatically over the past few years. That’s been great for scammers trying to make a buck during the holiday season. Consider online shopping. In some cases, scammers craft deepfake videos of fake testimonials from satisfied “customers” to trick unsuspecting shoppers. Scam victims can encounter these videos on cloned versions of legitimate sites, social media platforms, messaging apps and forums. Scammers also generate AI-cloned voices of social media influencers appearing to endorse counterfeit products and create convincing but fraudulent shopping websites populated with AI-generated product photos and reviews. Some scammers use AI to impersonate legitimate brands through personalized phishing emails and fake customer service interactions. Since AI-generated content can appear remarkably authentic, it’s become harder for consumers to distinguish legitimate online stores from sophisticated scam operations. But it doesn’t stop there. “ Family emergency scams ” exploit people’s emotional vulnerability through deepfake technology. Scammers use AI to clone the voices of family members, especially children, and then make panic-inducing calls to relatives where they claim to be in serious trouble and need immediate financial help. Some scammers combine voice deepfakes with AI-generated video clips showing the “loved one” in apparent distress. These manufactured emergency scenarios often involve hospital bills, bail money or ransom demands that must be paid immediately. The scammer may also use AI to impersonate authority figures like doctors, police officers and lawyers to add credibility to the scheme. Since the voice sounds authentic and the emotional manipulation is intense, even cautious people can be caught off guard and make rushed decisions. HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF Protecting yourself against scams requires a multilayered defense strategy. When shopping, verify retailers through official websites by checking the URL carefully – it should start with the letters “HTTPS” – and closely examining the site design and its content. Since fake websites often provide fake contact information, checking the “Contact Us” section can be a good idea. Before making purchases from unfamiliar sites, cross-reference the business on legitimate review platforms and verify their physical address. It’s essential to keep all software updated, including your operating system, browser, apps and antivirus software. Updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities hackers could exploit. For more information on the importance of software updates and how to manage them, check out resources like StaySafeOnline or your device manufacturer’s official website. Regular updates are a crucial step in maintaining a secure online shopping experience. Make sure you only provide necessary information for purchases – remember, no one needs your Social Security number to sell you a sweater. And keeping an eye on your bank statements will help you catch any unauthorized activity early. It may seem like another chore, and it probably is, but this is the reality of our digital world. To protect against family emergency scams, establish family verification codes, or a safe word, or security questions that only real family members would know. If you do get a distressed call from loved ones, remain calm and take time to verify the situation by contacting family members directly through known and trusted phone numbers. Educate your relatives about these scams and encourage them to never send money without first confirming the emergency with other family members or authorities through verified channels. If you discover that your identity has been stolen, time is critical. Your first steps should be to immediately contact your banks and credit card companies, place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus, and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission and your local police. In the following days, you’ll need to change all passwords, review your credit reports, consider a credit freeze , and document everything. While this process can be overwhelming – and extremely cumbersome – taking quick action can significantly limit the damage. Staying informed about AI scam tactics through reputable cybersecurity resources is essential. Reporting suspected scams to relevant authorities not only protects you, but it also helps safeguard others. A key takeaway is that staying vigilant is critical to defending against these threats. Awareness helps communities push back against digital threats. More importantly, it’s key to understand how today’s scams aren’t like yesteryear’s. Recognizing the signs of scams can provide stronger defense during this holiday season. And as you develop your threat identification techniques, don’t forget to share with your family and friends. Who knows? You could save someone from becoming a victim.After weeks of fear and bewilderment about the drones buzzing over parts of New York and New Jersey , U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer is urging the federal government to deploy better drone-tracking technology to identify and ultimately stop the airborne pests. The New York Democrat is calling on the Department of Homeland Security to immediately deploy special technology that identifies and tracks drones back to their landing spots, according to briefings from his office. Schumer’s calls come amid growing public concern that the federal government hasn’t offered clear explanations as to who is operating the drones, and has not stopped them. National security officials have said the drones don’t appear to be a sign of foreign interference. “There’s a lot of us who are pretty frustrated right now,” said Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, on Fox News Sunday. “The answer ‘We don’t know’ is not a good enough answer.” President-elect Donald Trump posted on social media last week: “Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge? I don’t think so. Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down.” Certain agencies within the Department of Homeland Security have the power to “incapacitate” drones, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos on Sunday. “But we need those authorities expanded,” he said, without saying exactly how. The drones don’t appear to be linked to foreign governments, Mayorkas said. “We know of no foreign involvement with respect to the sightings in the Northeast. And we are vigilant in investigating this matter,” Mayorkas said. Last year, federal aviation rules began requiring certain drones to broadcast their identities. It’s not clear whether that information has been used to determine who is operating the drones swarming locations in New York and New Jersey. Mayorkas’ office didn’t immediately respond to questions about whether they’ve been able to identify drones using this capability. Schumer is calling for recently declassified radar technology to be used to help determine whether an object is a drone or a bird, identify its electronic registration, and follow it back to its landing place. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Sunday said federal officials were sending a drone detection system to the state. “This system will support state and federal law enforcement in their investigations,” Hochul said in a statement. The governor did not immediately provide additional details, including where the system will be deployed. Dozens of mysterious nighttime flights started last month over New Jersey, raising concerns among residents and officials. Part of the worry stems from the flying objects initially being spotted near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility and over Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use, but they are subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified.After weeks of fear and bewilderment about the drones buzzing over parts of New York and New Jersey , U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer is urging the federal government to deploy better drone-tracking technology to identify and ultimately stop the airborne pests. The New York Democrat is calling on the Department of Homeland Security to immediately deploy special technology that identifies and tracks drones back to their landing spots, according to briefings from his office. Schumer’s calls come amid growing public concern that the federal government hasn’t offered clear explanations as to who is operating the drones, and has not stopped them. National security officials have said the drones don’t appear to be a sign of foreign interference. “There’s a lot of us who are pretty frustrated right now,” said Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, on Fox News Sunday. “The answer ‘We don’t know’ is not a good enough answer.” President-elect Donald Trump posted on social media last week: “Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge? I don’t think so. Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down.” Certain agencies within the Department of Homeland Security have the power to “incapacitate” drones, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos on Sunday. “But we need those authorities expanded,” he said, without saying exactly how. The drones don’t appear to be linked to foreign governments, Mayorkas said. “We know of no foreign involvement with respect to the sightings in the Northeast. And we are vigilant in investigating this matter,” Mayorkas said. Last year, federal aviation rules began requiring certain drones to broadcast their identities. It’s not clear whether that information has been used to determine who is operating the drones swarming locations in New York and New Jersey. Mayorkas’ office didn’t immediately respond to questions about whether they’ve been able to identify drones using this capability. Schumer is calling for recently declassified radar technology to be used to help determine whether an object is a drone or a bird, identify its electronic registration, and follow it back to its landing place. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Sunday said federal officials were sending a drone detection system to the state. “This system will support state and federal law enforcement in their investigations,” Hochul said in a statement. The governor did not immediately provide additional details, including where the system will be deployed. Dozens of mysterious nighttime flights started last month over New Jersey, raising concerns among residents and officials. Part of the worry stems from the flying objects initially being spotted near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility and over Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. Drones are legal in New Jersey for recreational and commercial use, but they are subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions. Operators must be FAA certified.
Croatia’s incumbent President Zoran Milanovic won most of the votes in the first round of a presidential election on Sunday but must face a runoff against a ruling party candidate to secure another five-year term. With nearly all of the votes counted, left-leaning Mr Milanovic won 49% while his main challenger Dragan Primorac, a candidate of the ruling conservative HDZ party, trailed far behind with 19%. Pre-election polls had predicted that the two would face off in the second round on January 12, as none of the eight presidential election contenders were projected to get more than 50% of the vote. Mr Milanovic thanked his supporters but warned that “this was just a first run”. “Let’s not be triumphant, let’s be realistic, firmly on the ground,” he said. “We must fight all over again. It’s not over till it’s over.” Mr Milanovic, the most popular politician in Croatia, has served as prime minister in the past. Populist in style, the 58-year-old has been a fierce critic of current Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and continuous sparring between the two has been a recent hallmark of Croatia’s political scene. Mr Plenkovic has sought to portray the vote as one about Croatia’s future in the EU and Nato. He has labelled Mr Milanovic “pro-Russian” and a threat to Croatia’s international standing. “The difference between him (Mr Primorac) and Milanovic is quite simple: Milanovic is leading us East, Primorac is leading us West,” he said. Though the presidency is largely ceremonial in Croatia, an elected president holds political authority and acts as the supreme commander of the military. Mr Milanovic has criticised the Nato and European Union support for Ukraine and has often insisted that Croatia should not take sides. He has said Croatia should stay away from global disputes, thought it is a member of both Nato and the EU. Mr Milanovic has also blocked Croatia’s participation in a Nato-led training mission for Ukraine, declaring that “no Croatian soldier will take part in somebody else’s war”. His main rival in the election, Mr Primorac, has stated that “Croatia’s place is in the West, not the East”. However, his bid for the presidency has been marred by a high-level corruption case that landed Croatia’s health minister in jail last month and which featured prominently in pre-election debates. Trailing a distant third in the pre-election polls is Marija Selak Raspudic, a conservative independent candidate. She has focused her election campaign on the economic troubles of ordinary citizens, corruption and issues such as population decline in the country of some 3.8 million. Sunday’s presidential election is Croatia’s third vote this year, following a snap parliamentary election in April and the European Parliament balloting in June.
New Delhi, Dec 24 (IANS): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday asked Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to make efforts to fill the gaps in technology and other areas for implementation of the three new criminal laws in all police stations of the state. Chairing a review meeting on the implementation of three new criminal laws in Uttarakhand, HM Shah reviewed the implementation and current status of various new provisions related to police, jails, courts, prosecution and forensics in Uttarakhand. Emphasising on the use of technology, the Home Minister said that more than one forensic mobile van should be available in every district of the state. He said that the Uttarakhand Chief Minister should review the progress of implementation of the three new laws every 15 days and the Chief Secretary and DGP once a week with the officials of all the departments concerned. Union Home Secretary, Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP) of Uttarakhand, Director General of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), Director General of the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) and several senior officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the State government were present in the meeting. During the discussions, HM Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the three new criminal laws are becoming the protectors of civil rights and the basis of 'ease of justice'. The Home Minister asked CM Dhami to implement the new criminal laws fully and across all parts of the state as soon as possible. HM Shah said that the new laws are victim and citizen-centric and they need to be implemented promptly with this spirit. The Union Home Minister said that the state government should give priority to the implementation of the new laws in all police stations and jails in areas where more FIRs are registered. HM Shah said that for forensic visits, teams should be divided into three categories -- serious, normal and very normal -- so that resources can be utilised better. Along with this, the Home Minister also emphasised that a protocol should be made to decide the designated place for video conferencing and the cameras installed at all places should be of excellent quality. The Home Minister said that there should be regular and continuous monitoring of how many of the total Zero FIRs registered have been brought to justice and how many FIRs have been transferred to the states. HM Shah suggested the Uttarakhand DGP to ensure that all the Superintendents of Police investigate the cases within the prescribed timelines.It’s a good idea to get started investing early, even if you’re moving ahead with a relatively small amount (think $2,000). Indeed, you won’t be able to make a considerable amount with a limited sum, but you will be able to build a nice investing foundation for yourself early on. As your knowledge base builds up after having the opportunity to better learn the ropes in markets, you’ll eventually feel more comfortable picking and choosing your own stocks with future contributions. Indeed, it’s never too early to get started investing. In this piece, we’ll look at two beginner-friendly stocks that could make sense to check out as you begin a journey that may very well lead you to a comfortable retirement. If your bank or brokerage requires you to have a minimum deposited amount (let’s say $10,000 or so) to avoid added service fees, it may make sense to stick with TSX Index or S&P 500 index funds until you’ve got five figures to put to work. However, if there’s no minimum or you can pick up partial shares of companies for little or no commission, the following two picks, I believe, are worth buying or watching closely going into a new year. Fairfax Financial Holdings ( ) is arguably one of the better beginner stocks out there. It’s an insurance and investment holding company run by a brilliant investor named Prem Watsa, a man that some may refer to as Canada’s Warren Buffett. With a diversified book of businesses and an improving insurance operation, Fairfax is a pretty diversified one-stop shop for Canadian investors looking for ways to outdo the TSX Index over many years. In the past five years, shares have more than tripled to a 236% gain. Though past performance may not suggest what’s up ahead, I like the momentum, valuation (8.65 times trailing price to earnings), and dividend (1.01% yield). Of course, Fairfax may not be able to work its way into the TSX 60 Index anytime soon. Either way, I think the name will be a worthy addition if its winning streak continues for another year. At just shy of $2,000 per share, you’ll probably only be able to pick up one share of the stock. However, I think it’s a great place to start if you’re looking to invest under one of the most respected investors in the country. Alphabet ( )( ) is a U.S. tech firm in the Magnificent Seven that I still view as a strong buy for Canadian investors at today’s modest multiples. The and search giant recently impressed Wall Street with its quantum computing chip “breakthrough” named Willow. Even Elon Musk sounded impressed by the innovation. Indeed, Alphabet has many innovations up its sleeves, AI being just one of them. Whether we’re talking about quantum computing innovations, its autonomous vehicle business Waymo, or its Gemini language model, you’re getting so much forward-thinking innovation from the name. For now, Google Search and YouTube are cash cows, but in a few years’ time, look for new money-makers to step up. Either way, the stock’s absurdly cheap at 24.7 times trailing price to earnings, making the $2.2 trillion firm worth looking at even with today’s unfavourable Canadian dollar to U.S. dollar exchange rate.
Healthcare Consulting Services Market to Witness Stunning Growth | Major Giants Deloitte, PwC, EY 12-24-2024 05:44 PM CET | Advertising, Media Consulting, Marketing Research Press release from: HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Pvt. Ltd. Healthcare Consulting Services Market HTF MI recently introduced Global Healthcare Consulting Services Market study with 143+ pages in-depth overview, describing about the Product / Industry Scope and elaborates market outlook and status (2024-2032). The market Study is segmented by key regions which is accelerating the marketization. At present, the market is developing its presence. Some key players from the complete study are McKinsey & Company, Deloitte, PwC, GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthineers, KPMG, Bain & Company, Cognizant, Boston Consulting Group, EY, Huron Consulting Group, Medtronic. Download Sample Report PDF (Including Full TOC, Table & Figures) 👉 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/4119003-healthcare-consulting-services-market-2?utm_source=Akash_OpenPR&utm_id=Akash According to HTF Market Intelligence, the Global Healthcare Consulting Services market is expected to grow from 45 Billion USD in 2024 to 120 Billion USD by 2032, with a CAGR of 12.5% from 2024 to 2032. The Healthcare Consulting Services market is segmented by Types (IT Consulting, Strategy, Operations, Regulatory Compliance), Application (Hospitals, Clinics, Life Sciences, Pharma) and by Geography (North America, LATAM, West Europe, Central & Eastern Europe, Northern Europe, Southern Europe, East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, Oceania, MEA). Definition: This market provides consulting services to healthcare providers, helping improve operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and patient care quality. Dominating Region: • North America Fastest-Growing Region: • Asia-Pacific Market Trends: •AI Integration, Value-Based Care, Digital Patient Records Market Drivers: •Digital Health, Regulatory Changes, Rising Healthcare Costs Market Challenges: •High Costs, Regulatory Challenges, Client Buy-In Have a query? Market an enquiry before purchase 👉 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/4119003-healthcare-consulting-services-market-2?utm_source=Akash_OpenPR&utm_id=Akash The titled segments and sub-section of the market are illuminated below: In-depth analysis of Healthcare Consulting Services market segments by Types: IT Consulting, Strategy, Operations, Regulatory Compliance Detailed analysis of Tank Container Shipping market segments by Applications: Hospitals, Clinics, Life Sciences, Pharma Geographically, the detailed analysis of consumption, revenue, market share, and growth rate of the following regions: • The Middle East and Africa (South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, Egypt, etc.) • North America (United States, Mexico & Canada) • South America (Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, etc.) • Europe (Turkey, Spain, Turkey, Netherlands Denmark, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Russia UK, Italy, France, etc.) • Asia-Pacific (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Japan, Philippines, Korea, Thailand, India, Indonesia, and Australia). Buy Now Latest Edition of Healthcare Consulting Services Market Report 👉 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=4119003?utm_source=Akash_OpenPR&utm_id=Akash Healthcare Consulting Services Market Research Objectives: - Focuses on the key manufacturers, to define, pronounce and examine the value, sales volume, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis, and development plans in the next few years. - To share comprehensive information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (opportunities, drivers, growth potential, industry-specific challenges and risks). - To analyze the with respect to individual future prospects, growth trends and their involvement to the total market. - To analyze reasonable developments such as agreements, expansions new product launches, and acquisitions in the market. - To deliberately profile the key players and systematically examine their growth strategies. FIVE FORCES & PESTLE ANALYSIS: In order to better understand market conditions five forces analysis is conducted that includes the Bargaining power of buyers, Bargaining power of suppliers, Threat of new entrants, Threat of substitutes, and Threat of rivalry. • Political (Political policy and stability as well as trade, fiscal, and taxation policies) • Economical (Interest rates, employment or unemployment rates, raw material costs, and foreign exchange rates) • Social (Changing family demographics, education levels, cultural trends, attitude changes, and changes in lifestyles) • Technological (Changes in digital or mobile technology, automation, research, and development) • Legal (Employment legislation, consumer law, health, and safety, international as well as trade regulation and restrictions) • Environmental (Climate, recycling procedures, carbon footprint, waste disposal, and sustainability) Get 10-25% Discount on Immediate purchase 👉 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/request-discount/4119003-healthcare-consulting-services-market-2?utm_source=Akash_OpenPR&utm_id=Akash Points Covered in Table of Content of Global Healthcare Consulting Services Market: Chapter 01 - Healthcare Consulting Services Executive Summary Chapter 02 - Market Overview Chapter 03 - Key Success Factors Chapter 04 - Global Healthcare Consulting Services Market - Pricing Analysis Chapter 05 - Global Healthcare Consulting Services Market Background or History Chapter 06 - Global Healthcare Consulting Services Market Segmentation (e.g. Type, Application) Chapter 07 - Key and Emerging Countries Analysis Worldwide Healthcare Consulting Services Market Chapter 08 - Global Healthcare Consulting Services Market Structure & worth Analysis Chapter 09 - Global Healthcare Consulting Services Market Competitive Analysis & Challenges Chapter 10 - Assumptions and Acronyms Chapter 11 - Healthcare Consulting Services Market Research Methodology Key questions answered • How Global Healthcare Consulting Services Market growth & size is changing in next few years? • Who are the Leading players and what are their futuristic plans in the Global Healthcare Consulting Services market? • What are the key concerns of the 5-forces analysis of the Global Healthcare Consulting Services market? • What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors? • What are the different prospects and threats faced by the dealers in the Global Healthcare Consulting Services market? Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter-wise sections or region-wise report versions like North America, LATAM, Europe, Japan, Australia or Southeast Asia. Nidhi Bhawsar (PR & Marketing Manager) HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited Phone: +15075562445 sales@htfmarketreport.com About Author: HTF Market Intelligence Consulting is uniquely positioned to empower and inspire with research and consulting services to empower businesses with growth strategies. We offer services with extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events, and experience that assist in decision-making. This release was published on openPR.
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