
Dorocubicel by ExCellThera for Myelodysplastic Syndrome: Likelihood of Approval
Early reactions to Disney's highly anticipated animated sequel, Moana 2, are trickling in, and they paint a promising picture for fans of the original film. While the movie hasn't officially hit theaters yet, critics and early viewers have shared their initial thoughts on social media, offering a glimpse into what to expect. The consensus seems to be that Moana 2 delivers a delightful and heartwarming adventure, continuing the spirit of the first film. The animation is praised for its stunning visuals and vibrant colors, immersing viewers in the enchanting world of the Pacific Islands. The story is described as strong and well-crafted, offering a fresh perspective on Moana's journey as she explores new lands and faces new challenges. Moana 2 gets a thumbs-up from critics One of the highlights of the sequel appears to be the dynamic duo of Moana and Maui. Their banter and chemistry are said to be as captivating as ever, providing plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments. Additionally, the introduction of new characters, particularly Moana's younger sister, Simea, has been met with positive feedback, adding depth and humor to the story. Amongst some of the top reactions, critics said, "The animation is breathtaking, and Moana's ensemble crew is fantastic”, “Hilarious, great music & tons of [heart]”, “Moana and Maui are still an infectious pair, delivering hilarious gags and heartfelt moments”. Based on the early buzz, it seems that Disney has crafted another magical and empowering tale that will resonate with audiences of all ages. More about Moana 2 Moana 2 takes place in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, where a young woman named Moana embarks on a daring journey to save her people. Beyond the serene shores of her island home, she encounters the charismatic demi-god Maui, voiced by the iconic Dwayne Johnson. Their adventure, filled with mythical creatures and breathtaking landscapes, is more than just a quest for treasure; it's a profound exploration of self-discovery, courage, and the importance of asking for help. Walt Disney Animation Studios' epic animated musical Moana 2 premieres in theatres in India on November 29, 2024. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Hollywood, Entertainment News and around the world.
Hyderabad: 6 arrested for gambling, Rs 20K recoveredThe NFC’s No. 1 seed will come down to the final week when the Detroit Lions host the Minnesota Vikings. The winner takes the NFC North and gets a first-round playoff bye and home-field advantage until the Super Bowl. The loser becomes the No. 5 seed and must play on the road in the wild-card round. The Vikings (14-2) held on for a 27-25 victory over the Green Bay Packers to set up the high-stakes showdown in Week 18. The Lions (13-2) visit the San Francisco 49ers (6-9) on Monday night in a rematch of the NFC title game. Win, lose or tie, they have to beat the Vikings again. Detroit beat Minnesota 31-29 in Week 7. The Philadelphia Eagles clinched the NFC East and locked up the No. 2 seed with a 41-7 rout of the Dallas Cowboys. However, coach Nick Sirianni has a tough decision to make this week. Saquon Barkley is 101 yards away from breaking Eric Dickerson’s single-season record for yards rushing in a season. Sirianni has to decide whether to rest Barkley and most of his starters to prepare for the playoffs or let his star try for the 40-year-old record. The Los Angeles Rams (10-6) were on the verge of clinching the NFC West. They would lock it up Sunday night if the Commanders beat the Falcons. The outcome of the Atlanta-Washington game has a major impact on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7). If the Falcons win, they’d remain first in the NFC South and would win the division with a victory against Carolina next week. If the Falcons lose, the Buccaneers would take over first place and would secure the division with a victory over New Orleans next week. The Commanders would secure a wild-card spot with a win against Atlanta. If they lose, Seattle stays mathematically alive for a wild card and the Buccaneers could also find a path to the playoffs as a wild-card team. Three teams in the AFC have already secured their seeds. The two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs (15-1) won the AFC West weeks ago and clinched the No. 1 seed. The AFC East champion Buffalo Bills (13-3) are the No. 2 seed. The AFC South champion Houston Texans (9-7) are the No. 4 seed. The Baltimore Ravens (11-5) would win the AFC North and get the No. 3 seed with a win or tie against Cleveland next weekend or a loss or tie by Pittsburgh, which hosts Cincinnati. If they don’t win the division, the Steelers have already clinched a wild-card berth. The Los Angeles Chargers (10-6) also secured a wild-card spot. They’ll be no lower than the sixth seed. The final AFC playoff spot comes down to the Broncos (9-7), Dolphins (8-8) or Bengals (8-8). Denver clinches with a win or tie against the Chiefs. The Dolphins need the Broncos to lose and they must beat the Jets on the road to get in. The Bengals must win and the Broncos and Dolphins have to lose for them to get in. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Argentina Outshines Brazil In Investment Arena
Environment Canada forecasts mix of freezing rain and rain for parts of Maritimes FREDERICTON — Some nasty weather is headed toward parts of the Maritimes over the next few days, bringing with it a mix of freezing rain, rain and snow. Canadian Press Dec 28, 2024 11:32 AM Dec 28, 2024 11:50 AM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message A person cleans snow off their car following the first significant snowfall of the season in Halifax, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese FREDERICTON — Some nasty weather is headed toward parts of the Maritimes over the next few days, bringing with it a mix of freezing rain, rain and snow. Environment Canada says Fredericton could see freezing rain Sunday, followed by rain and a mix of rain and snow late on New Year's Day. The forecast for Charlottetown includes periods of freezing drizzle for Sunday and then rain until the end of the year, with temperatures going up to 8 C. Halifax is also expected to see periods of drizzle and rain through New Year's Day with the mercury set to reach 8 C on New Year's Eve. Donald Wright, a professor of political science at the University of New Brunswick and a contributor to Yale Climate Connections at Yale University, says the Maritimes – like the rest of Canada – are not immune from a warming climate. He says long-term weather patterns in New Brunswick are changing due to global heating caused by the burning of fossil fuels. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 28, 2024. The Canadian Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Weather News Several tornadoes hit Houston area as thunderstorms move through Dec 28, 2024 11:48 AM Drought, fires and deforestation battered Amazon rainforest in 2024 Dec 28, 2024 6:35 AM Drought, fires and deforestation battered Amazon rainforest in 2024 Dec 28, 2024 6:30 AM
Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who won the presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, endured humbling defeat after one tumultuous term and then redefined life after the White House as a global humanitarian, has died. He was 100 years old. The longest-lived American president died on Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care , at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023 , spent most of their lives, The Carter Center said. “Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia,” the center said in posting about his death on the social media platform X. It added in a statement that he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. x Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia. pic.twitter.com/aqYmcE9tXi — The Carter Center (@CarterCenter) December 29, 2024 Businessman, Navy officer, evangelist, politician, negotiator, author, woodworker, citizen of the world — Carter forged a path that still challenges political assumptions and stands out among the 45 men who reached the nation’s highest office. The 39th president leveraged his ambition with a keen intellect, deep religious faith and prodigious work ethic, conducting diplomatic missions into his 80s and building houses for the poor well into his 90s. “My faith demands — this is not optional — my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have to try to make a difference,” Carter once said. A moderate Democrat, Carter entered the 1976 presidential race as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad smile, outspoken Baptist mores and technocratic plans reflecting his education as an engineer. His no-frills campaign depended on public financing, and his promise not to deceive the American people resonated after Richard Nixon’s disgrace and U.S. defeat in southeast Asia. “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” Carter repeated before narrowly beating Republican incumbent Gerald Ford, who had lost popularity pardoning Nixon. Carter governed amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over racism, women’s rights and America’s global role. His most acclaimed achievement in office was a Mideast peace deal that he brokered by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at the bargaining table for 13 days in 1978. That Camp David experience inspired the post-presidential center where Carter would establish so much of his legacy. Yet Carter’s electoral coalition splintered under double-digit inflation, gasoline lines and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His bleakest hour came when eight Americans died in a failed hostage rescue in April 1980, helping to ensure his landslide defeat to Republican Ronald Reagan. Carter acknowledged in his 2020 “White House Diary” that he could be “micromanaging” and “excessively autocratic,” complicating dealings with Congress and the federal bureaucracy. He also turned a cold shoulder to Washington’s news media and lobbyists, not fully appreciating their influence on his political fortunes. “It didn’t take us long to realize that the underestimation existed, but by that time we were not able to repair the mistake,” Carter told historians in 1982, suggesting that he had “an inherent incompatibility” with Washington insiders. Carter insisted his overall approach was sound and that he achieved his primary objectives — to “protect our nation’s security and interests peacefully” and “enhance human rights here and abroad” — even if he fell spectacularly short of a second term. Ignominious defeat, though, allowed for renewal. The Carters founded The Carter Center in 1982 as a first-of-its-kind base of operations, asserting themselves as international peacemakers and champions of democracy, public health and human rights. “I was not interested in just building a museum or storing my White House records and memorabilia,” Carter wrote in a memoir published after his 90th birthday. “I wanted a place where we could work.” That work included easing nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, helping to avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and negotiating cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, The Carter Center had declared at least 113 elections in Latin America, Asia and Africa to be free or fraudulent. Recently, the center began monitoring U.S. elections as well. Carter’s stubborn self-assuredness and even self-righteousness proved effective once he was unencumbered by the Washington order, sometimes to the point of frustrating his successors . He went “where others are not treading,” he said, to places like Ethiopia, Liberia and North Korea, where he secured the release of an American who had wandered across the border in 2010. “I can say what I like. I can meet whom I want. I can take on projects that please me and reject the ones that don’t,” Carter said. He announced an arms-reduction-for-aid deal with North Korea without clearing the details with Bill Clinton’s White House. He openly criticized President George W. Bush for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He also criticized America’s approach to Israel with his 2006 book “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid.” And he repeatedly countered U.S. administrations by insisting North Korea should be included in international affairs, a position that most aligned Carter with Republican President Donald Trump. Among the center’s many public health initiatives, Carter vowed to eradicate the guinea worm parasite during his lifetime, and nearly achieved it: Cases dropped from millions in the 1980s to nearly a handful. With hardhats and hammers, the Carters also built homes with Habitat for Humanity. The Nobel committee’s 2002 Peace Prize cites his “untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” Carter should have won it alongside Sadat and Begin in 1978, the chairman added. Carter accepted the recognition saying there was more work to be done. “The world is now, in many ways, a more dangerous place,” he said. “The greater ease of travel and communication has not been matched by equal understanding and mutual respect.” Carter’s globetrotting took him to remote villages where he met little “Jimmy Carters,” so named by admiring parents. But he spent most of his days in the same one-story Plains house — expanded and guarded by Secret Service agents — where they lived before he became governor. He regularly taught Sunday School lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church until his mobility declined and the coronavirus pandemic raged. Those sessions drew visitors from around the world to the small sanctuary where Carter will receive his final send-off after a state funeral at Washington’s National Cathedral. The common assessment that he was a better ex-president than president rankled Carter and his allies. His prolific post-presidency gave him a brand above politics, particularly for Americans too young to witness him in office. But Carter also lived long enough to see biographers and historians reassess his White House years more generously. His record includes the deregulation of key industries, reduction of U.S. dependence on foreign oil, cautious management of the national debt and notable legislation on the environment, education and mental health. He focused on human rights in foreign policy, pressuring dictators to release thousands of political prisoners . He acknowledged America’s historical imperialism, pardoned Vietnam War draft evaders and relinquished control of the Panama Canal. He normalized relations with China. “I am not nominating Jimmy Carter for a place on Mount Rushmore,” Stuart Eizenstat, Carter’s domestic policy director, wrote in a 2018 book. “He was not a great president” but also not the “hapless and weak” caricature voters rejected in 1980, Eizenstat said. Rather, Carter was “good and productive” and “delivered results, many of which were realized only after he left office.” Madeleine Albright, a national security staffer for Carter and Clinton’s secretary of state, wrote in Eizenstat’s forward that Carter was “consequential and successful” and expressed hope that “perceptions will continue to evolve” about his presidency. “Our country was lucky to have him as our leader,” said Albright, who died in 2022. Jonathan Alter, who penned a comprehensive Carter biography published in 2020, said in an interview that Carter should be remembered for “an epic American life” spanning from a humble start in a home with no electricity or indoor plumbing through decades on the world stage across two centuries. “He will likely go down as one of the most misunderstood and underestimated figures in American history,” Alter told The Associated Press. James Earl Carter Jr. was born Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains and spent his early years in nearby Archery. His family was a minority in the mostly Black community, decades before the civil rights movement played out at the dawn of Carter’s political career. Carter, who campaigned as a moderate on race relations but governed more progressively, talked often of the influence of his Black caregivers and playmates but also noted his advantages: His land-owning father sat atop Archery’s tenant-farming system and owned a main street grocery. His mother, Lillian , would become a staple of his political campaigns. Seeking to broaden his world beyond Plains and its population of fewer than 1,000 — then and now — Carter won an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1946. That same year he married Rosalynn Smith, another Plains native, a decision he considered more important than any he made as head of state. She shared his desire to see the world, sacrificing college to support his Navy career. Carter climbed in rank to lieutenant, but then his father was diagnosed with cancer, so the submarine officer set aside his ambitions of admiralty and moved the family back to Plains. His decision angered Rosalynn, even as she dived into the peanut business alongside her husband. Carter again failed to talk with his wife before his first run for office — he later called it “inconceivable” not to have consulted her on such major life decisions — but this time, she was on board. “My wife is much more political,” Carter told the AP in 2021. He won a state Senate seat in 1962 but wasn’t long for the General Assembly and its back-slapping, deal-cutting ways. He ran for governor in 1966 — losing to arch-segregationist Lester Maddox — and then immediately focused on the next campaign. Carter had spoken out against church segregation as a Baptist deacon and opposed racist “Dixiecrats” as a state senator. Yet as a local school board leader in the 1950s he had not pushed to end school segregation even after the Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education decision, despite his private support for integration. And in 1970, Carter ran for governor again as the more conservative Democrat against Carl Sanders, a wealthy businessman Carter mocked as “Cufflinks Carl.” Sanders never forgave him for anonymous, race-baiting flyers, which Carter disavowed. Ultimately, Carter won his races by attracting both Black voters and culturally conservative whites. Once in office, he was more direct. “I say to you quite frankly that the time for racial discrimination is over,” he declared in his 1971 inaugural address, setting a new standard for Southern governors that landed him on the cover of Time magazine. His statehouse initiatives included environmental protection, boosting rural education and overhauling antiquated executive branch structures. He proclaimed Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the slain civil rights leader’s home state. And he decided, as he received presidential candidates in 1972, that they were no more talented than he was. In 1974, he ran Democrats’ national campaign arm. Then he declared his own candidacy for 1976. An Atlanta newspaper responded with the headline: “Jimmy Who?” The Carters and a “Peanut Brigade” of family members and Georgia supporters camped out in Iowa and New Hampshire, establishing both states as presidential proving grounds. His first Senate endorsement: a young first-termer from Delaware named Joe Biden. Yet it was Carter’s ability to navigate America’s complex racial and rural politics that cemented the nomination. He swept the Deep South that November, the last Democrat to do so, as many white Southerners shifted to Republicans in response to civil rights initiatives. A self-declared “born-again Christian,” Carter drew snickers by referring to Scripture in a Playboy magazine interview, saying he “had looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times.” The remarks gave Ford a new foothold and television comedians pounced — including NBC’s new “Saturday Night Live” show. But voters weary of cynicism in politics found it endearing. Carter chose Minnesota Sen. Walter “Fritz” Mondale as his running mate on a “Grits and Fritz” ticket. In office, he elevated the vice presidency and the first lady’s office. Mondale’s governing partnership was a model for influential successors Al Gore, Dick Cheney and Biden. Rosalynn Carter was one of the most involved presidential spouses in history, welcomed into Cabinet meetings and huddles with lawmakers and top aides. The Carters presided with uncommon informality: He used his nickname “Jimmy” even when taking the oath of office, carried his own luggage and tried to silence the Marine Band’s “Hail to the Chief.” They bought their clothes off the rack. Carter wore a cardigan for a White House address, urging Americans to conserve energy by turning down their thermostats. Amy, the youngest of four children, attended District of Columbia public school. Washington’s social and media elite scorned their style. But the larger concern was that “he hated politics,” according to Eizenstat, leaving him nowhere to turn politically once economic turmoil and foreign policy challenges took their toll. Carter partially deregulated the airline, railroad and trucking industries and established the departments of Education and Energy, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He designated millions of acres of Alaska as national parks or wildlife refuges. He appointed a then-record number of women and nonwhite people to federal posts. He never had a Supreme Court nomination, but he elevated civil rights attorney Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the nation’s second highest court, positioning her for a promotion in 1993. He appointed Paul Volker, the Federal Reserve chairman whose policies would help the economy boom in the 1980s — after Carter left office. He built on Nixon’s opening with China, and though he tolerated autocrats in Asia, pushed Latin America from dictatorships to democracy. But he couldn’t immediately tame inflation or the related energy crisis. And then came Iran. After he admitted the exiled Shah of Iran to the U.S. for medical treatment, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun in 1979 by followers of the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Negotiations to free the hostages broke down repeatedly ahead of the failed rescue attempt. The same year, Carter signed SALT II, the new strategic arms treaty with Leonid Brezhnev of the Soviet Union, only to pull it back, impose trade sanctions and order a U.S. boycott of the Moscow Olympics after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan. Hoping to instill optimism, he delivered what the media dubbed his “malaise” speech, although he didn’t use that word. He declared the nation was suffering “a crisis of confidence.” By then, many Americans had lost confidence in the president, not themselves. Carter campaigned sparingly for reelection because of the hostage crisis, instead sending Rosalynn as Sen. Edward M. Kennedy challenged him for the Democratic nomination. Carter famously said he’d “kick his ass,” but was hobbled by Kennedy as Reagan rallied a broad coalition with “make America great again” appeals and asking voters whether they were “better off than you were four years ago.” Reagan further capitalized on Carter’s lecturing tone, eviscerating him in their lone fall debate with the quip: “There you go again.” Carter lost all but six states and Republicans rolled to a new Senate majority. Carter successfully negotiated the hostages’ freedom after the election, but in one final, bitter turn of events, Tehran waited until hours after Carter left office to let them walk free. Jimmy Carter speaks on Feb. 3, 2016, at the House of Lords in London. At 56, Carter returned to Georgia with “no idea what I would do with the rest of my life.” Four decades after launching The Carter Center, he still talked of unfinished business. “I thought when we got into politics we would have resolved everything,” Carter told the AP in 2021. “But it’s turned out to be much more long-lasting and insidious than I had thought it was. I think in general, the world itself is much more divided than in previous years.” Still, he affirmed what he said when he underwent treatment for a cancer diagnosis in his 10th decade of life. “I’m perfectly at ease with whatever comes,” he said in 2015 . “I’ve had a wonderful life. I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.”A user opens SK Telecom's conversational AI agent adot.ai service via a smartphone. Courtesy of SK Telecom SK Telecom topped the industry-wide National Customer Satisfaction Index (NCSI) rankings for the 27th year, according to the Korea Productivity Center (KPC) on Friday. Securing over 80 points this year, the company has topped the mobile carrier category for 27 years since the KPC started the list in 1998. “SK Telecom has continuously done its best to satisfy the needs of our customers," SK Telecom said in a press release. “We believe the list has reflected our long(-term) efforts.” In a bid to maximize its customers' experience with artificial intelligence (AI), SK Telecom updated its conversational AI service, adot.ai, in August. The update includes upgrading its large language model (LLM) to offer a more natural conversation experience with users, strengthening its calendar scheduling service and revamping the app’s user interface. Thanks to the upgrade, customers can now use the world’s cutting-edge LLM agents such as Perplexity, ChatGPT, Claude and A.X. The adot.ai agent also allows them to use customized services in music and media recommendations as well as stock investment. In September, SK Telecom also released the iOS version of the ZEM app, a self-monitoring app for customers aged under 14. Via the app, users can plan how much they will use their smartphone and what apps they will use during the day. Up to five guardians, who install the ZEM-For Parents app, can monitor the amount of time their kids spend on their smartphones and which apps they use. SK Telecom is the only mobile carrier that provides such services both on iOS and Android platforms. Last year, it also introduced a service plan exclusively designed for customers aged under 34 to offer up to 50 percent more 5G data in its package along with various coffee and movie ticket vouchers. According to the mobile carrier, seven out of 10 customers under 24 are using the plan. Hy Central Laboratory in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province / Courtesy of hy Dairy producer hy also topped the NCSI rankings for the 27th year in the milk/fermented milk category, the KPC said. It has held the top position on the list since the KPC began announcing rankings in 1998. The company stated in a press release that its relentless efforts to strengthen its probiotic technology are the reason behind its dominant position on the list. “Hy has continuously worked on its probiotics technology to compete in the global market,” hy Central Laboratory head Lee Jae-hwan said. “Hy has been the No. 1 brand in fermented milk. We will continue our efforts to introduce better products in the future.” Hy was the nation's first food company to establish a research center focused on dairy production technologies in 1976. Approximately 90 percent of the company's workforce hold master's or doctoral degrees. In a bid to strengthen its competitiveness, it also formed the Future Insight Advisory Committee, a joint study group with outside scholars to comprehensively analyze the dairy producer’s various probiotics. Renowned scholars, including Kim Yeon-soo, former Seoul National University Hospital head, and Gloria Kim, a cognitive science professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, are part of the group’s advisory members. Samsung Card's promotional image for its new credit card lineup / Courtesy of Samsung Card Samsung Card also secured the top position in the industry-wide NCSI rankings in the credit card category for the 11th consecutive year, according to the KPC. The company’s strong performance reflects its unwavering commitment to safeguarding customers from the possibility of fraud. The credit card issuer also provides a comprehensive expenditure monitoring service to customers via its recently renovated in-app user interface. Collecting related data from its sister firms, Samsung Life, Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance and Samsung Securities, it allows customers to get a wide range of financial analytic services in consumption, insurance, investment and pensions. In 2021, Samsung Card introduced the Samsung iD Card, a custom-made credit card designed by each cardholder. Each card is made with reusable plastic and low-carbon paper, a measure to fulfill its commitment to conserving environmental resources. To assist hearing-impaired customers, Samsung Card has provided an instant messaging service and a video-calling service. For disabled and older adult customers, its employees visit their houses during the credit card application review process. Samsung Securities employees consult a customer in asset management. Courtesy of Samsung Securities Samsung Securities claimed the top spot in the NCSI in the overall Securities and consignment trading category, according to the KPC. The brokerage said in a statement that it offered differentiated asset management services for customers thanks to its diverse investment experts at home and abroad. “Samsung Securities specializes in asset management for corporate customers,” a Samsung Securities official said. “We also provide networking events for CEOs and chief financial officers of renowned businesses here.” It also offers custom-made digitalized asset management services for the mid and lower-income brackets as well as those in younger generations who just landed a job. Studying and analyzing each customer’s income and consumption flow, the firm’s one-stop digitalized consulting agent offers an ideal financial product for each customer. The brokerage also regularly collects each customer’s feedback to optimize the firm’s service structure, the official added. NCSI logo Surveying over 300 companies, colleges and state-run institutions in over 80 industry sectors, the KPC has collected and studied related data to release the NCSI rankings with customer evaluations of products and services since 1998. This year’s overall customer satisfaction index averaged 78 points in 2024, down 0.2 points from the previous year. “The NCSI has experienced a decline in two consecutive years,” the KPC said in a press release. “The prolonged downturn followed by low consumption adversely influenced the figure." To remove this article -
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 24, 2024-- Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin AbdulAziz Al Saud, the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) and Invest Saudi are organizing the 28th annual World Investment Conference (WIC) from November 25 to 27, in Riyadh. This prestigious event will gather global leaders in investment, government, and international organizations to address the theme, ‘Harnessing Digital Transformation and Sustainable Growth: Scaling Investment Opportunities’. His Excellency Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia, commented: “Under the wise leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; King Salaman bin AbdulAziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman bin AbdulAziz Al Saud, the Kingdom, driven by its ambitious “Vision 2030”, has become a premier world investment destination and is experiencing unprecedented growth in overall investment amounts and diversity.” “This year’s World Investment Conference in Riyadh will be a platform for sharing our nation’s strategic vision with our partners, and an invaluable opportunity to highlight our status as a trusted partner for sustainable economic growth. We look forward to welcoming investment leaders from around the world to forge partnerships that will benefit both the Kingdom and global economies.” Al-Falih added. Saudi Arabia has become a prime destination for international investors, issuing over 28,900 foreign investment licenses, thanks to reforms under Vision 2030. These reforms, including allowing 100% foreign ownership in specific sectors and streamlining business and visa procedures for rapid approvals, have significantly boosted investor confidence. This investor friendly climate, especially in sectors like renewable energy, logistics and AI, reflects the Kingdom’s dedication to creating an attractive and efficient business environment, and helps to build a resilient economy for Saudi Arabia that stands at the forefront of global innovation and development. Ismail Ersahin, Executive Director and CEO of WAIPA said: “WAIPA is excited to bring the 28th WIC to Riyadh, a city that perfectly embodies the future of investment. The conference will provide a crucial platform for Investment Promotion Agencies and investors to discuss emerging opportunities in a rapidly evolving global landscape. We deeply appreciate Saudi Arabia’s vision and leadership, which will ensure that this edition of WIC is an impactful gathering for all participants.” Key highlights of WIC 2024 will include a range of conference tracks, such as high-level government dialogues, insightful sessions on technology, sustainability, and economic cooperation, as well as practical masterclasses for investment professionals. A dedicated entrepreneurship track will emphasize the transformative role of startups and innovators, while exclusive matchmaking sessions will facilitate strategic partnerships between investors, SMEs, and potential collaborators. Participants will also have the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Investment Promotion Agencies through the Awards Track, honoring innovation and excellence in investment facilitation. This year’s WIC promises to be a pivotal forum aligned with global investment drivers: the disruptive influence of technology and artificial intelligence (AI), global supply chain resilience, energy transition towards sustainability, and the transformative role of entrepreneurs and startups in reshaping investment landscapes traditionally led by multinational corporations. Leaders and stakeholders will discuss and explore how these factors are redefining economies and driving forward-looking investment models worldwide. With its focus on scaling investment opportunities, WIC 2024 is designed to empower attendees with the tools, knowledge, and connections necessary to drive meaningful economic impact. About WIC: https://waipa.org/wic-info/ *Source: AETOSWire View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241124564843/en/ CONTACT: For media inquiries: WIC28media@apcoworldwide.com KEYWORD: MIDDLE EAST SAUDI ARABIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: FINANCE BANKING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ASSET MANAGEMENT SOURCE: World Investment Conference Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/24/2024 10:06 AM/DISC: 11/24/2024 10:06 AM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241124564843/en
Longest-lived US president was always happy to speak his mind
HORIBA, Ltd. (OTCMKTS:HRIBF) Short Interest Update
Under the Patronage of HRH the Crown Prince, Saudi Arabia is readying to Host Landmark World Investment Conference (WIC) 2024 in Riyadh.Wollaston Aldi extension: Cat Eccles MP clears stance on plansHoliday Mix & Match Deal puts tech and accessories under your tree for $200 or less! DETROIT , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This holiday season, Human-I-T, a nonprofit dedicated to providing equitable access to technology, is making it easier than ever for holiday shoppers to access affordable tech while giving back to their community. The "Mix and Match Deal," allows individuals to purchase devices and accessories at prices that fit any budget—all while supporting efforts to close the digital divide. "For the past 12 years, Human-I-T has been laser-focused on three things: making technology accessible and affordable, offering digital navigation support to those who need it most, and saving our planet by keeping e-waste out of landfills," said Graeme Jackson , Marketing and Content Manager at Human-I-T. "The 'Holiday Mix & Match Deal' helps us achieve all three goals, and the best part is that everyone benefits." Available from Friday, November 29th , through Monday, December 30th , the deal offers customers the chance to bundle one device—a tablet, Chromebook, or 2-in-1 device—with one accessory of their choice, including JBL speakers, headphones, a protective laptop sleeve, or a wireless keyboard for $200 or less. For families, students, or job seekers who may struggle to afford essential technology, this initiative is more than a sale—it's a lifeline. Human-I-T believes that in today's digital world, access to reliable technology isn't a luxury; it's a basic human right. "This isn't just about shopping," added Jackson. "It's about providing hope, opportunity, and connection to those who need it most. When you shop with us, you're not only getting a great deal—you're helping to change lives." The Mix & Match Deal is only available for a limited time. By shopping at Human-I-T's online store customers can brighten their holiday while directly supporting underserved communities. Don't wait—login to the Human-I-T store today and give the gift of technology that gives back! View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sleighing-the-digital-divide-with-black-friday-tech-deals-302314632.html SOURCE Human-I-T