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Daiwa Securities Group Inc. Boosts Holdings in Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:NBIX)
International art school students helping with town’s projectsIndustrial b2b player revives listing ambition
The German government pledged Sunday to fully investigate whether there were security lapses before the Christmas market car-ramming attack that killed five people and injured over 200. Political pressure has built on the question of potential missed warnings about Saudi suspect Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, a 50-year-old psychiatrist who had made online deaths threats and previously had trouble with the law. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and the heads of Germany's domestic and foreign intelligence services are due to answer questions at parliamentary committee hearings on December 30, a senior lawmaker told AFP. Faeser vowed Sunday that "no stone will be left unturned" in shedding light on what information had been available to security services ahead of last Friday's bloody attack in the eastern city of Magdeburg. She stressed that the attacker did "not fit any previous pattern" because "he acted like an Islamist terrorist although ideologically he was clearly an enemy of Islam". Abdulmohsen has in the past called himself a "Saudi atheist" who helped women flee Gulf countries and charged Germany was doing too little to help them. In online posts, he also strongly criticised Germany for allowing in too many Muslim refugees and backed far-right conspiracy theories about the "Islamisation" of Europe. In one post, he wrote: "Is there a path to justice in Germany without blowing up a German embassy or randomly slaughtering German citizens?... If anyone knows it, please let me know." News magazine Der Spiegel, citing security sources, said the Saudi secret service had warned Germany's spy agency BND a year ago about a tweet in which Abdulmohsen threatened Germany would pay a "price" for how it treated Saudi refugees. Die Welt daily reported, also citing security sources, that German state and federal police had carried out a "risk assessment" on Abdulmohsen last year but concluded that he posed "no specific danger". The city of Magdeburg has been in deep mourning over the mass carnage on Friday evening, when an SUV smashed through a crowd at its Christmas market, killing four women and a nine-year-old child and injuring 205 people. Surgeons at overwhelmed hospitals have worked around the clock, and one health worker told local media of "blood on the floor everywhere, people screaming, lots of painkillers being administered". Scholz on Saturday condemned the "terrible, insane" attack and made a call for national unity, at a time Germany is headed for early elections on February 23. But as German media dug into Abdulmohsen's past, and investigators gave away little, criticism rained down from opposition parties. Conservative CDU lawmaker Alexander Throm charged that "many citizens feel... that the Scholz government has completely failed in terms of internal security". He demanded greater police powers to monitor and analyse data from social media platforms, telecommunications and surveillance cameras with facial recognition technology. The far-right AfD called for a special session of parliament, and the head of the far-left BSW party, Sahra Wagenknecht, demanded that Faeser explain "why so many tips and warnings were ignored beforehand". Mass-circulation daily Bild asked: "Why did our police and intelligence services do nothing, even though they had the Saudi on their radar?... And why were the tips from Saudi Arabia apparently ignored?" It charged that "German authorities usually only find out about attack plans in time when foreign services warn them" and called for sweeping reforms after the election for a complete "turnaround in internal security". Senior MP Dirk Wiese of Scholz's Social Democrats said the December 30 hearings will summon the heads of the BND, the domestic intelligence service BfV and the Office for Migration and Refugees. Media meanwhile reported more details on Abdulmohsen, who had worked at a clinic that treats offenders with substance addiction problems, but had been on sick leave since late October. Der Spiegel reported that in 2013 a court fined him for "disturbing the public peace by threatening to commit crimes" after he had darkly referenced the deadly attack on the Boston marathon. The chairwoman of the group Central Council of Ex-Muslims, Mina Ahadi, said Abdulmohsen "is no stranger to us, because he has been terrorising us for years". She labelled him "a psychopath who adheres to ultra-right conspiracy ideologies" and said he "doesn't just hate Muslims, but everyone who doesn't share his hatred." bur/fz/gvThe Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri has said that Nigeria will maximise fossil fuel resources and disregard global campaigns for energy transition and reduction of carbon emissions. The minister said this at the 30th anniversary of the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) in Lagos on Friday. The minister stressed that fossil fuel is here to stay regardless of the campaigns against carbon emissions and calls for improved global investments in renewable energy. Related Stories Minister says Shell, ExxonMobil, others not exiting Nigeria amid concerns around divestment deals TotalEnergies to invest in Bonga North Offshore project, others before the end of 2024 – Oil Minister He said Nigeria is focused on attracting more investments in the oil and gas sector and improving its oil production. “Ignore the rhetoric of fossil fuels going away. Historically, no source of energy has gone away. Our struggle for energy security globally still lies with oil and gas. “While the world may be shifting towards energy transition, fossil fuels remain indispensable, as such, attracting investments to maximize our resources and generate prosperity is paramount,” t he minister said. Appraising Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, he noted that the involvement of indigenous investors and professionals has improved productivity and generally impacted the industry positively. “Our drive for indigenous players in the oil sector has proven immensely productive, drawing the attention of other nations eager to learn from our model. This system has been a cornerstone of our sector’s success, showcasing the strength of local expertise in driving growth and innovation.” The Minister congratulated PETAN, which is a statutory member of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), on its 30th anniversary. He said, “I charge PETAN to view this milestone not as a destination but as the beginning of a greater journey, urging them to aim beyond national boundaries, leveraging their experience and competence to expand their impact globally.” He urged the association to sustain its partnership with the Federal Government for growth in the industry. PETAN is an association of Nigerian Indigenous Technical Oilfield service companies in the upstream and downstream sectors of the Oil industry. The minister has expressed Nigeria’s commitment to exploring its fossil fuel resources amidst the global campaign for energy transition. Climate change activists have intensified campaigns against the emission of greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels. A major talking point in the just concluded Cop29 is about achieving global energy transition, through improved investment in renewable energy sources. While many experts are calling for energy transition for the protection of the planet and environment, others have argued for African countries especially to focus on improved industrialisation for economic growth. Exploring fossil fuels which are deposited in large quantities in Africa is cheaper for accelerated economic growth.Saturday, November 30, 2024 A recent survey by the Development Bank of Japan and the Japan Travel Bureau Foundation has highlighted overtourism as a significant issue for Japan in 2024. Conducted in July , the survey gathered responses from 7,796 foreign tourists aged 20 to 79 across Asia, Britain, France, the United States, and Australia. The findings reveal both challenges and opportunities for Japan’s travel industry, particularly as it prepares for major upcoming events like the 2025 World Expo in Osaka . More than 30% of respondents reported experiencing issues related to congestion during their trips to Japan. This marks a slight increase compared to 30% in 2019 , before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global travel. The problem is most acute in popular tourist areas, where overcrowding diminishes the quality of the experience for visitors and residents alike. Another issue identified by tourists was bad manners , such as littering or entering restricted areas, which detracts from the appeal of Japan’s pristine cultural and natural attractions. These challenges underline the need for sustainable tourism strategies to ensure that Japan remains a desirable destination for international travelers. The survey revealed a promising trend: 63% of respondents expressed a willingness to pay higher fees at tourist destinations and facilities if it would help ease congestion and protect cultural and natural resources. This figure is a notable increase from 43% in 2019 , indicating a growing awareness among travelers of the importance of sustainable tourism practices. Higher charges could fund measures such as: This willingness to contribute financially suggests that many tourists value responsible travel and are open to supporting initiatives that enhance their overall experience while protecting the destinations they visit. The survey also shed light on the untapped potential of rural tourism in Japan. While 97% of respondents expressed interest in exploring regional areas, fewer than 10% had actually traveled to such destinations. This disparity highlights an opportunity for Japan to promote lesser-known regions, thereby alleviating pressure on overcrowded urban centers and iconic landmarks. Rural areas offer unique experiences, including: By investing in infrastructure, marketing, and partnerships with local communities, Japan can attract more visitors to its regional areas and create a more balanced tourism ecosystem. The upcoming 2025 World Expo in Osaka is expected to be a major draw for international tourists. According to the survey, 72% of respondents planning to visit Japan expressed interest in attending the event, with 42% stating it would be the primary reason for their trip. The expo presents an opportunity for Japan to showcase its cultural, technological, and economic strengths to a global audience. For the travel industry, it is a chance to capitalize on increased visitor numbers by offering tailored experiences and encouraging longer stays in other parts of the country. The findings from the survey underscore several critical areas of focus for Japan’s travel industry as it strives to manage growth responsibly while enhancing visitor experiences. The survey results reflect broader trends in international tourism. As travelers become more conscious of their environmental and cultural impact, destinations worldwide are grappling with how to balance growth with sustainability. Japan’s willingness to address overtourism and promote under-visited areas positions it as a leader in this space. For travelers, this means: As Japan navigates the challenges of overtourism, it is clear that thoughtful strategies and investments will be essential to maintain its appeal as a world-class destination. By addressing congestion, promoting rural tourism, and implementing sustainability measures, the country can offer richer and more balanced travel experiences. The insights from this survey provide valuable guidance for Japan’s travel industry, particularly as it prepares for the 2025 World Expo. For travelers, these initiatives promise a more sustainable and immersive journey, ensuring that Japan’s cultural and natural treasures are preserved for generations to come.
Clover Health to Participate in Upcoming 43rd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference
US coach Emma Hayes admits to anthem uncertainty ahead of England stalematePittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens and Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II were not fined by the league for their skirmish at the end of last Thursday night’s game. Cleveland.com reported that the NFL was expected to review the incident. Pickens has already been fined multiple times this season, but his wallet wasn’t docked this time around. On the final play of the game, Pickens tried to throw Newsome into the wall behind the end zone after a failed Hail Mary attempt, similar to what he did at Georgia . The fight wasn’t captured during the broadcast, but Pickens was seen being held back by security near the stands. Newsome called out Pickens after the game. “Fake tough guy,” Newsome wrote on X with three crying laughing emojis. When asked about what happened at the end of the game, Pickens simply said “Nothing.” Pickens feels like the weather played a big part in the loss and the Browns are not a good team at all . Pickens was held to four receptions for 48 yards (12.0 average) in the game. “The conditions were so bad,” Pickens said when asked about a third-quarter missed connection between him and Russell Wilson. “I don’t even think the QB could see sometimes. When you’ve got conditions like that at the opponent’s home field, it kinda plays in their favor. ... “The conditions played a huge, huge part in today’s game. I don’t really think the Cleveland Browns are a good team at all. I think the conditions kinda saved them today.” Speaking with the Pittsburgh media for the first time since his inflammatory post-game comments in Cleveland after the Steelers’ 24-19 loss to the Browns on Thursday Night Football, Pickens declined to comment in the same way that Lynch made famous back in 2015. “I’m just here so I won’t get fined.” This article first appeared on Steelers Now and was syndicated with permission.
Larson Financial Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF ( NYSEARCA:KRE – Free Report ) in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 1,015 shares of the exchange traded fund’s stock, valued at approximately $57,000. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. purchased a new stake in SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF during the second quarter valued at about $50,000. Future Financial Wealth Managment LLC acquired a new position in shares of SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at about $58,000. Family Firm Inc. acquired a new stake in SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $60,000. Bristlecone Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $68,000. Finally, Key Financial Inc raised its holdings in SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF by 1,760.0% in the second quarter. Key Financial Inc now owns 1,860 shares of the exchange traded fund’s stock valued at $91,000 after buying an additional 1,760 shares during the period. SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF Stock Down 0.3 % KRE opened at $67.73 on Friday. SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF has a 52-week low of $44.65 and a 52-week high of $70.25. The company has a 50 day moving average of $60.59 and a two-hundred day moving average of $55.16. The company has a market cap of $3.62 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.36 and a beta of 1.56. SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF Profile SPDR KBW Regional Banking ETF, formerly SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF, seeks to closely match the returns and characteristics of the S&P Regional Banks Select Industry Index. Its approach is designed to provide portfolios with low portfolio turnover, tracking, and lower costs. As of October 27, 2011, the Company’s holding included Privatebancorp Inc, Webster Finl Corp Conn, Umpqua Hldgs Corp, Firstmerit Corp, East West Bancorp Inc, Fifth Third Bancorp, Fnb Corp Pa, Susquehanna Bancshares Inc and Keycorp New and First Rep Bk San Fran Cali. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KRE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF ( NYSEARCA:KRE – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .RIYADH: The Diriyah Co. signed a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones, known as SAFCSP, on Sunday to strengthen the digital security of Diriyah city, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The partnership will enhance cybersecurity measures and safeguard the city’s digital infrastructure as it continues to evolve into a modern hub of culture and heritage, SPA added. Under the agreement, Diriyah Co. will join BugBounty, the Middle East’s first cybersecurity research platform. BugBounty uses the expertise of cybersecurity specialists to identify and address software vulnerabilities, which will allow Diriyah Co. and SAFCSP to implement strategies to mitigate potential digital threats. To further support this, SAFCSP will provide specialized training programs to Diriyah Co. employees, equipping them with cybersecurity skills and raising awareness about the importance of digital security. The MoU will grant the company access to SAFCSP’s database of professionals, facilitating the recruitment of cybersecurity talent. The partnership also enables the design of tailored assessments to evaluate candidates’ suitability for cybersecurity roles. In addition, outstanding students with relevant certifications will be identified for potential training opportunities. Speaking about the collaboration, Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Co., said: “This MoU aligns with Diriyah’s commitment to realizing Saudi Vision 2030, marking a crucial step toward creating a secure and sustainable digital future for Diriyah. Our collaboration with government and private sectors, especially the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones, is essential for empowering the next generation in advanced technology, driving cultural and economic growth.” The partnership will also involve joint cybersecurity projects, including conferences, workshops, and public awareness initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of digital security.
Revealed! NIMC issues new guideline on national ID card
Traditionally, vacation itineraries were packed with daytime activities—visiting monuments, basking on sun-soaked beaches, exploring bustling local markets, or heading on hiking trails. But as the hustle and bustle of the day quiets down, a different side of destinations comes to life, and it’s drawing more people out to explore. This shift towards night tourism is offering travellers the opportunity to experience places in a new light, transforming the way they approach relaxation, exploration, and adventure. Night tourism is more than a trend. As more travellers seek these after-dark adventures, destinations are responding with innovative ways to explore the night. Because some of the most unforgettable travel moments can happen under the quiet, starlit sky, when the world feels a little more magical. For those who prefer to stay awake at night, stargazing is a popular pursuit. Away from the light pollution of urban centres, national parks, mountain retreats, remote villages, and desert resorts worldwide are capitalising on this trend, offering guided stargazing tours, telescopes, and even astronomy classes to help visitors appreciate the cosmos. “Stargazing has been around for quite some time, but only recently has it seen growing interest among travellers of all ages. Until a few years ago, there were few opportunities for people to experience astro-tourism activities,” says Ramashish Ray, founder, Starscapes, which collaborates regularly with the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board to promote astro-tourism in the state. Today, you can enjoy incredible views year-round in places like Mauna Kea in Hawaii or dark sky parks like Galloway Forest Park in Scotland. In India, Spiti and Nubra are well-known spots, but their remote locations can make access challenging. “Even now, many overlook the excellent stargazing spots such as Benital, Jageshwar, Kausani, and Bhimtal in Uttarakhand. The sand dunes near Jaisalmer and the dark skies of Coorg also offer suitable conditions,” says Ray. Among the most breathtaking nocturnal experiences is witnessing the auroras. With its swirling greens, pinks, and violets, it has long captivated travellers. Destinations like Iceland, Norway, Canada, and Finland have seen a surge in tourism. According to Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2025 Report, searches for Tromsø, Norway, soared by 142 per cent on January 1, 2024, compared to the previous year. The report also reveals that for 44 per cent of Indian travellers surveyed, witnessing the Northern Lights has become a top bucket-list experience. “The aurora’s unpredictability makes every sighting feel like a personal discovery,” says Karl Renjik, an independent travel consultant in Tromsø. “Our specialised tours are seeing more visitors each year,” he says. For wildlife enthusiasts, night safaris offer a chance to see creatures rarely spotted during the day. Growing in popularity across Africa, Asia, and Australia, these guided tours reveal the world of nocturnal animals. Under the cover of darkness, species like leopards, owls, bats, and nocturnal reptiles emerge, creating a truly unique wildlife experience. “Using infrared technology and night-vision equipment, guides help visitors uncover the hidden lives of animals that thrive after dusk. These experiences are not only thrilling but also offer deeper insights into the biodiversity and behaviours of wildlife that remain hidden by day,” says Richa Shah, 45, a Noida-based homemaker, who visited Tanzania last year and participated in a night game drive. In a world where sleep deprivation is increasingly common due to stressful work lives and constant connectivity, the concept of travel centred around rejuvenation is gaining traction. Enter sleep tourism, where the primary goal is to catch up on rest, enjoy deep sleep, and fully embrace relaxation. Luxurious resorts, secluded cabins, and wellness retreats around the world now offer sleep-focused packages, featuring everything from sleep trackers and luxury mattresses to blackout shades and sleep programmes curated by sleep experts. It’s a market that is projected to grow by nearly eight per cent, adding over $400 billion between 2023 and 2028, according to HTF Market Intelligence. Among these travellers, Sweden is a hotspot, for blending Nordic wellness with its pristine landscapes. Spain, Japan and South Korea are popular too. “I took off to Stockholm in January for a week. The focus at the sleep resort was on creating an environment that allowed guests to reconnect with their natural sleep rhythms and waking up truly refreshed. The long nights, clean air, peaceful surroundings and cool temperatures provided the perfect backdrop for restorative sleep” says Karan Singh, 32, an advertising professional based in Mumbai.Piemonte Holding launches an asset management company with an initial capital raise of R$1 billion.