Africa’s Venture Capitalists Urged to Focus on Climate-Tech Startups to Combat Environmental Crisis
Boxing Day shopper footfall was down 7.9% from last year across all UK retail destinations up until 5pm, MRI Software’s OnLocation Footfall Index found. However, this year’s data had been compared with an unusual spike in footfall as 2023 was the first “proper Christmas” period without Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, an analyst at the retail technology company said. It found £4.6 billion will be spent overall on the festive sales. Before the pandemic the number of Boxing Day shoppers on the streets had been declining year on year. The last uplift recorded by MRI was in 2015. Jenni Matthews, marketing and insights director at MRI Software, told the PA news agency: “We’ve got to bear in mind that (last year) was our first proper Christmas without any (Covid-19) restrictions or limitations. “Figures have come out that things have stabilised, we’re almost back to what we saw pre-pandemic.” There were year-on-year declines in footfall anywhere between 5% and 12% before Covid-19 restrictions, she said. MRI found 12% fewer people were out shopping on Boxing Day in 2019 than in 2018, and there were 3% fewer in 2018 than in 2017, Ms Matthews added. She said: “It’s the shift to online shopping, it’s the convenience, you’ve got the family days that take place on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.” People are also increasingly stocking-up before Christmas, Ms Matthews said, and MRI found an 18% increase in footfall at all UK retail destinations on Christmas Eve this year compared with 2023. Ms Matthews said: “We see the shops are full of people all the way up to Christmas Eve, so they’ve probably got a couple of good days of food, goodies, everything that they need, and they don’t really need to go out again until later on in that week. “We did see that big boost on Christmas Eve. It looks like shoppers may have concentrated much of their spending in that pre-Christmas rush.” Many online sales kicked off between December 23 and the night of Christmas Day and “a lot of people would have grabbed those bargains from the comfort of their own home”, she said. She added: “I feel like it’s becoming more and more common that people are grabbing the bargains pre-Christmas.” Footfall is expected to rise on December 27 as people emerge from family visits and shops re-open, including Next, Marks and Spencer and John Lewis that all shut for Boxing Day. It will also be payday for some as it is the last Friday of the month. A study by Barclays Consumer Spend had forecast that shoppers would spend £236 each on average in the Boxing Day sales this year, but that the majority of purchases would be made online. Nearly half of respondents said the cost-of-living crisis will affect their post-Christmas shopping but the forecast average spend is still £50 more per person than it was before the pandemic, with some of that figure because of inflation, Barclays said. Amid the financial pressures, many people are planning to buy practical, perishable and essential items such as food and kitchenware. A total of 65% of shoppers are expecting to spend the majority of their sales budget online. Last year, Barclays found 63.9% of Boxing Day retail purchases were made online. However, a quarter of respondents aim to spend mostly in store – an 11% rise compared with last year. Karen Johnson, head of retail at Barclays, said: “Despite the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, it is encouraging to hear that consumers will be actively participating in the post-Christmas sales. “This year, we’re likely to see a shift towards practicality and sustainability, with more shoppers looking to bag bargains on kitchen appliances and second-hand goods.” Consumers choose in-store shopping largely because they enjoy the social aspect and touching items before they buy, Barclays said, adding that high streets and shopping centres are the most popular destinations.Terns Pharmaceuticals Reports Inducement Grant to New Employee Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(C)(4)Seahawks place RB Kenneth Walker III (ankle) on injured reservePhillips 66 stock rises Tuesday, outperforms market
'Wicked' Face Paint Not Flying at AMC With Fans Asked to Wash Green OffGiants star WR Malik Nabers (toe) says he's a game-time decision
Monogram Technologies Announces Management and Related Parties Complete Open Market Purchases of MGRM Common Stock Totaling $1 Million
The Fiji men’s rugby sevens head coach, Osea Kolinisau, is not going to rest despite winning the Dubai Sevens tournament yesterday morning (Fiji time). The Fijians beat Spain 19-5 in the Cup final to end their 22-HSBC SVNS tournament losing streak. “It been a long time coming,” Kolinisau told World Rugby. “I’m so happy that we’ve got the monkey off our back now.” The 39-year-old said from now he wants consistency. Kolinisau highlighted that now he wants Fiji to challenge and win more titles this season. “We’ve worked really hard this last six months. We were disappointed at the Olympics. I told the boys hard work pays off and it paid off here.” An added bonus to Fiji’s win was when utility back Filipe Sauturaga was named Player of the Final. Debutant Kavekini Tanivanuakula said it has been a learning experience. “I’m thankful to God for his guidance as I’ve reached a good place in terms of my rugby career,” the Suva soldier said. “I’ve come to learn a lot of things, which improved my game. I’m thankful to the coaches and team-mates for giving in their time and effort.” Tanivanuakula said it was dream come true for him to win the tournament in his debut. “My favourite moment of this Dubai tournament is when I held the trophy. I hope to improve the way I play in the next tournament in Cape Town, South Africa.” Tanivanuakula said the standard set by the coach and senior players was a different level. “I thank my family and friends for their support and well wishes,” he added. Newcomer George Bose acknowledged divine intervention in their win. The last time Fiji won the Dubai tournament was in 2016. “I had observed the change in the (sevens) game as the other teams have showed class and experience,” he said. “Our bond on the field was the strength behind the win in the final.” Bose said they had to improve their defence going into the final day of the competition. “We hope to further improve our defence in the Cape Town tournament. “To be in the national sevens team is a different level and we should change our mindset when we are at this level. “If we don’t change our mindset it could result a drop in standard for the national sevens team. “At this moment we want to progress further.” Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fjThe holiday gifting season is upon us, and you still have time to shop for everyone on your list slowly and mindfully. If you shop at stores that have membership programs, you can take advantage of these programs to maximize savings. Target is running multiple deals for its Circle Members, from Target gift cards for making qualified purchases, to select gift card deals for up to 10% off . The latter makes an excellent gift for picky loved ones who could use the independence of choosing their own items. You have until tomorrow, Sunday, Dec. 8 to snag either one of these deals. We'll explain terms and conditions below. Why this deal matters Target Circle already allows members to nab exclusive deals that make the membership cost worth it. Right Target is offering two kinds of gift card deals for members. Qualifying purchases can help you score gift cards worth between $5 and $20. These extra gift cards are a great way to rack up savings for well after the holidays. If you prefer buying gift cards for loved ones, you can save 10% on Target gift cards as a Circle Member. Both of these deals are available until tomorrow Sunday, Dec. 8. Target Circle Members can currently score a gift card worth $5 when you buy 4 or more hair care items. If hair care items aren't your cup of tea, you can grab a gift card worth $10 when you buy 3 or more home essential items, such as toilet paper, laundry detergent, dishwasher items, paper towels, trash bags and more. Parents with a Target Circle membership can score a $20 gift card with a $100 purchase of diapers and baby wipes. If you're in the market for a large number of gifts or a big purchase, such as a TV or tech gear, then you might appreciate this next offer. Circle Members can also save 10% on gift cards to Target as a part of this weekend's deals. These cards come in many adorable designs and make great gifts for teachers, quick last-minute stocking stuffers, Secret Santa gifts and loved ones with varying tastes. Remember that you have until tomorrow, Dec. 8 to take advantage of these offers. You must a Target Circle Member or sign up to receive these deals. If you aren't sure if any of these deals are for you, we have a list of 62 holiday gift ideas so you can find something for everyone on your list. CNET is always covering a wide array of deals on tech products and much more. Start with the hottest sales and discounts on the CNET Deals page , and sign up for the CNET Deals Text to get daily deals sent straight to your phone. Add the free CNET Shopping extension to your browser for real-time price comparisons and cash-back offers. And peruse our gift guide , which includes a full range of ideas for birthdays, anniversaries and more.
Middle East latest: Israeli strikes kill a hospital director in Lebanon and wound 6 medics in GazaOp-Ed | Why do we allow criminals to steal millions from the poorest New Yorkers?
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh , who died at 92 on Thursday night, was a man of many legacies in a political firmament in which far more entrenched career politicians struggle to make a mark. He first secured his spot in India’s political map as executor—under the stewardship of PV Narasimha Rao—of the landmark economic liberalisation programme that broke the shackles of the licence raj and opened up India’s socialist-oriented economic policies to the free market, ushering in the era of rising economic growth and the emergence of the aspirational Indian. Those policies would ultimately result in India becoming one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. ET Year-end Special Reads Corporate Kalesh: Top family disputes of India Inc in 2024 The world of business lost these eminent people in 2024 Fast, faster, fastest: How 2024 put more speed into your shopping He was finance minister in the Rao government from 1991 to 1996, having been RBI governor in 1982-85 as well as CEA in the 1970s. He would go on to serve as PM from 2004 to 2014. Story of Grit and Determination Singh was the first Indian technocrat to reach the pinnacle of power in the political world, becoming the longest-serving Congress Prime Minister from outside the Nehru-Gandhi family, that too with two consecutive full terms, something that no one had achieved after Jawaharlal Nehru, before Narendra Modi equalled the first PM’s three consecutive electoral victories this year. What many dyed-in-the-wool politicians admired, and envied, was what they saw as his amazing fate line, packed with serial lucky breaks that took him to the top political office of the country, without having any hands-on experience in realpolitik, despite being a Rajya Sabha and CWC member. He also didn’t enjoy mass appeal or have a social base. In fact, he lost the only election he contested—he came to parliament through the Rajya Sabha. His entry into the political arena came as finance minister after Rao’s first choice for the job, ex-RBI governor IG Patel, declined the post. Singh’s biggest break, becoming Prime Minister, came after the triumphant UPA-Left alliance’s unanimous choice Sonia Gandhi turned down the top post in 2004. One can safely say that Singh was a leader who often had greatness thrust upon him. Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrows Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program The dominant view then, and now, was that the real reason that made Sonia Gandhi nominated Singh as Prime Minister—besides his stature, clean image, decency and administrative experience—was his absolute trustworthiness due to his total dependence on her in the Congress party ’s world of intrigue. If not Singh, Sonia Gandhi might have had to pick from the likes of seasoned and skilful politicians such as Pranab Mukherjee or Arjun Singh. Having experienced how another skilled Congress ‘insider’ Narasimha Rao had completely taken control of the government and party as Prime Minister, Sonia Gandhi would not have risked another spell of isolation under a far more political PM, more so when son Rahul Gandhi’s grooming for succession had started. While much was later written about how Sonia Gandhi and those around her in the Congress had tried to remote-control Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, there is unanimous agreement among politicians that Singh wouldn’t have survived as the PM but for the unflinching support she extended to him. No one would have understood that better than Singh himself. Many were of the view that, having been a trained bureaucrat, expert in the craft of surviving through pragmatic flexibility, Prime Minister Singh would have been prepared to make concessions, including sharing political authority That is why, many Congress and UPA leaders of that time felt Singh did not resist when a parallel superbody was erected—the Sonia Gandhi-led National Advisory Council. Or, when most of his ministerial choices and their portfolios were decided by the Sonia/Congress establishment. That was also the reason then ‘heir apparent’ Rahul Gandhi could get away with tearing up the ordinance protecting legislators from being disqualified without inviting Prime Ministerial ire. That was the price a nominated PM had to pay—merit and excellence notwithstanding. Still, he showed his resilience and determination in the way he handled the India-US civil nuclear deal , braving the scepticism of the Congress leadership, the dogmatic opposition of the Left and even facing a touch-and-go trust vote that saw the same party establishment unleash every weapon in its arsenal to prevent the government from falling. The clinching of the nuclear deal would have been the high point of Singh’s Prime Ministership—even greater than the deft manner in which he and his team helped India remain mostly unscathed through the global financial crisis of 2007-8 and its aftermath—but for the dramatic political and administrative meltdown of the UPA-2 in the wake of serial corruption charges. That marred the record of Singh’s Prime Ministership and the UPA government, despite their many creditable achievements, many of which have stood the test of time and been adopted by his successor The Anna Hazare-led anti-corruption movement laid the ground for the resurgence of the BJP under Narendra Modi ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, with the NDA and its allies decimating the Congress coalition. That watershed was also testimony to the dramatic mood swing in the Indian middle class, which had once hailed Singh as their hero. Singh’s long and illustrious career was also the dramatic story of a lower-middle class village child scaling the glittering heights on the strength of his merit, grit and determination. A story that will continue to fire many a dream of India’s aspiring youth, beyond the ups and downs of Singh’s political life. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )None
JINYOU Showcases 3rd-generation Filtration at 30th Metal Expo MoscowKeche quits politics, rues not contesting polls as Independent
( MENAFN - GlobeNewsWire - Nasdaq) NEW YORK, Dec. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., a nationally recognized stockholder rights law firm, announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Zeta Global Holdings Corp. (“Zeta” or the“Company”) (NYSE: ZETA) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of all persons and entities who purchased or otherwise acquired Zeta securities between February 27, 2024 and November 13, 2024, both dates inclusive (the“Class Period”). Investors have until January 21, 2025 to apply to the Court to be appointed as lead plaintiff in the lawsuit. Click here to participate in the action. On November 13, 2024, Culper Research published a report alleging that the“integrity of the Company's data collection and reported financials” is severely undermined by two factors. First, the report alleged that“Zeta has formed 'two-way' contracts with third party consent farms wherein the Company simultaneously acts as both a supplier and a buyer of consumer data,” allowing the Company to“flatter reported revenue growth” and indicating possible“round-tripping” of revenue. Second, the report alleged that Zeta collects the majority of its customer data from a network of“sham websites that hoodwink millions of consumers each month into handing their data over to Zeta under false pretenses.” For example, the report alleged the Company and its subsidiaries operate a number of fake job boards which are designed to trick individuals into submitting personal data under the pretense of job applications. The report further alleged that the Company's“most valuable data” comes from these predatory websites, dubbed consent farms, which are“responsible for almost the entirety of the Company's growth.” On this news, the Company's stock price fell $10.46, or 37.07%, to close at $17.76 per share on November 13, 2024, on unusually heavy trading volume. The complaint filed in this class action alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants allegedly failed to disclose to investors: (1) that Zeta used two-way contracts to artificially inflate financial results; (2) that Zeta engaged in round trip transactions to artificially inflate financial results; (3) that Zeta utilized predatory consent farms to collect user data; (4) that these consent farms have driven almost the entirety of Zeta's growth; and (5) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. If you purchased or otherwise acquired Zeta shares and suffered a loss, are a long-term stockholder, have information, would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Brandon Walker or Marion Passmore by email at ... , telephone at (212) 355-4648, or by filling out this contact form . There is no cost or obligation to you. About Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C.: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is a nationally recognized law firm with offices in New York, California, and South Carolina. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in commercial, securities, derivative, and other complex litigation in state and federal courts across the country. For more information about the firm, please visit . Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Contact Information: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. Brandon Walker, Esq. Marion Passmore, Esq. (212) 355-4648 ... MENAFN26122024004107003653ID1109033711 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Sports on TV for Sunday, Dec. 22Best Weed Pens of 2024 for a Next-Level Vaping Experience
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers returned to the state Capitol on Monday to begin a special session to protect the state's progressive policies ahead of another Trump presidency. The Democratic governor, a fierce critic of President-elect Donald Trump, is positioning California to once again be the center of a resistance effort against the conservative agenda. He is asking his Democratic allies in the Legislature, who hold supermajorities in both chambers, to approve additional funding to the attorney general's office to prepare for a robust legal fight against anticipated federal challenges. Democratic Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel on Monday introduced legislation to set aside $25 million for legal fees to respond to potential attacks by the Trump administration on state policies regarding civil rights, climate change, immigration and abortion access. “While we always hope to collaborate with our federal partners, California will be ready to vigorously defend our interests and values from any unlawful action by the incoming Trump Administration,” Gabriel said in a statement. California sued the first Trump administration more than 120 times to various levels of success. “We’re not going to be caught flat-footed,” Newsom said at a recent news conference. Trump often depicts California as representing all he sees wrong in America. Democrats, which hold every statewide office in California and have commanding margins in the Legislature and congressional delegation, outnumber registered Republicans by nearly 2-to-1 statewide. Trump called the Democratic governor “New-scum” during a campaign stop in Southern California and has relentlessly lambasted the Democratic stronghold over its large number of immigrants in the U.S. illegally, homeless population and thicket of regulations. Trump also waded into a water rights battle over the endangered delta smelt , a tiny fish that has pitted environmentalists against farmers and threatened to withhold federal aid to a state increasingly under threat from wildfires. He also vowed to follow through with his campaign promise of carrying out the mass deportation of immigrants without legal status and prosecuting his political enemies. Before the special session was set to begin, state lawmakers swore in more than two dozen new members and elect leaders for the 2025 legislative session. Hundreds of people also demonstrated around the Capitol on Monday to urge the Legislature to try to stop Trump's mass deportation plans . They carried banners that said “Not one cent for mass deportation” and “MAGA out of California.” “With the results of the presidential election, we need our state elected officials to use every tool and every resource they have available to them to protect our immigrant Californians,” protester Deborah Lee said. State Attorney General Rob Bonta said his office will protect the state’s immigration population, while Newsom last week unveiled a proposal to revive a rebate program for electric vehicle purchases if the incoming Trump administration eliminates a federal tax credit for people who buy electric cars. Newsom is also considering creating a backup disaster relief fund for the wildfire-prone state after Trump’s threats. Bonta announced legislation Monday aimed at bolstering reproductive rights in the state, including by allowing the attorney general to seek monetary penalties against local governments that infringe on those rights. The proposals are part of the state's efforts to safeguard against threats to abortion access after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade . Republican lawmakers blasted Newsom and his Democratic allies over the special session. Rep. Vince Fong, who represents the state’s Central Valley farm belt, said California should work with the incoming Trump administration instead. “Gavin Newsom’s actions are tone-deaf to the concerns of Californians who disapprove of the direction of our state and country,” Fong said in a video on social media. Legislators also are expected to spend the year discussing ways to protect dozens of laws expected to be targeted by the Trump administration, including one that has made the state a sanctuary for people seeking abortions who live in states where such practices have been severely limited. California, the nation’s most populous state, was the first to mandate that by 2035 all new cars , pickup trucks and SUVs sold in California be electric, hydrogen-powered or plug-in hybrids. The state also extends state-funded health care to all low-income residents regardless of their immigration status. Newsom hasn't provided details about what actions the lawmakers will consider but said he wanted funding in place before Trump's inauguration day, Jan. 20. The state spent roughly $42 million in litigation costs during the first Trump administration, officials said. California is projected to face a $2 billion budget deficit next year, with bigger shortfalls ahead. Gabriel, who sued the first Trump administration in 2017 when it tried to end a program to shield young immigrants from being deported, said lining up the funding now is “a wise investment." California successfully clawed back $57 million between 2017 and 2018 after prevailing in a lawsuit to block the Trump administration from putting immigration enforcement conditions on certain federal law enforcement grants. Another legal victory over the citizenship question in the 2020 census forced the federal government to return $850,000 to the state, according to the attorney general's office. “We are positioned, if necessary, to be the tip of the spear of the resistance and to push back against any unlawful or unconstitutional actions by the Trump administration,” said Gabriel, who chairs the budget committee. During Trump’s first presidency, Democratic attorneys general banded together to file lawsuits over immigration, Trump’s travel ban for residents of Muslim countries, the environment, immigration and other topics. But Trump has one possible advantage this time around: He was aggressive in nominating conservative jurists to federal courts at all levels, including the Supreme Court. ___ Associated Press journalists Haven Daley and Sophie Austin contributed to this report. Trân Nguyễn, The Associated Press