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As Americans are beyond burned out, Tricia Hersey’s Nap Ministry preaches the right to restGames to snuggle up with this holiday seasonImagine turning a modest investment into a substantial fortune this winter. There are five lesser-known cryptocurrencies that analysts predict could see massive growth soon. With only a small stake, these digital assets have the potential to deliver extraordinary returns. Discover these hidden opportunities poised to surge and learn how to get involved before they take off. Score Big This Holiday Season with XYZ: The Next Meme Coin Champion! The game is on, and XYZ is here to light up the holidays with unstoppable momentum! This sensational all-sports meme token is sleighing the competition, leaving weak cryptos and scams buried like snowdrifts. As it runs, XYZ is ready to bring in some jaw-dropping gains, leaving BOME and WIF far behind. With eyes on a staggering 7,400% growth , XYZ is ready to claim the meme coin crown in the 2025 crypto bull marathon! XYZ is the star player in XYZVerse, an award-winning meme coin project that blends the thrill of sports and meme culture. This community-centered ecosystem is the perfect playground for crypto degens and sports fans alike. Think back to Polymarket's $1 billion trading volume during the US elections betting frenzy, and now imagine that on steroids with XYZVerse. With millions of sport bettors getting ready to jump in the action, opportunities for early investors in XYZ are really huge! XYZ is currently undervalued , and with major listings on the way, presale participants stand to secure life-changing gains. >>>2025 Could Be Your Best Year Yet! Make All Your Wishes Come True with the XYZ winning team!
I work at a school as a teacher and have struggled over the years with how cliquey the other teachers have been. Shortly after I started there, the pandemic happened, and many people friended each other on Facebook. Because that was the only source for a sense of community as we went through those first few dark months, I accepted many of the friend requests, and that felt good. However, a couple of years later I couldn't help but notice how people commented on each other's posts and tagged each other like they were friends in real life but never with me. I had gone through cancer during the pandemic, which few people know about, and I missed out on many of the social events that solidified those friendships. So I had some understanding, but I figured after a while I would be invited in. That never happened, and I felt excluded by the number of posts that would show up in my feed between co-workers. I made the decision after a couple of years to unfriend/block many people on Facebook from my work so I didn't have to see that and feel bad. When staff functions or happy hours are advertised, I go and socialize and ask questions of others and show that I am interested in what they have to say and in them as people. However, people generally do not seem interested in me in any way, and I often leave feeling dissed. Over the years, I have invited people who I have gotten to know from work over for dinner at my home with my husband (and even to our wedding), and although the couples gladly accepted our invitations and we had a pleasant and fun time, a return invitation has never occurred. This week I found out that there was a celebration for one of the teacher's birthdays last weekend, and many other teachers were invited, but I was not. I sit near this teacher at lunch at the break table most days and converse pleasantly with him and listen to his stories, so it stung a bit that I wasn't invited. The office staff is no better. They don't smile or say hello to me except for one of the women. I am beginning to think I am some sort of pariah at my work, and I don't know why. I have made friends through other avenues, hobbies and organizations, and have other long-lasting friendships and have a happy and healthy home life, but it is troubling that my workplace feels so cold and exclusive. I am considering looking for a job elsewhere, but I like the school, the leadership and the students, so I would like to stay. But deep down, I am also wondering if I am the problem and have some sort of off-putting characteristic or some reputation that drives would-be-work-friends away. I have started therapy for other reasons but plan to discuss this as well and am wondering what advice you have for how I might go about understanding how to perceive this feedback at work. — Not Welcome in Washington It's completely understandable that you feel hurt by the way your co-workers have treated you. My guess is that this may have more to do with the fact that you're new and joined during a challenging time, making it harder to integrate yourself. Building relationships takes time, and it's natural for people to need a while to get to know one another. If you love the school, the leadership and the students, that's a great reason to stay. Faculty dynamics can change, and you may meet new colleagues or form connections with the existing ones over time. Remember, we can't control other people's actions — only how we react to them. Sometimes, what feels like rejection is actually redirection. Perhaps you weren't meant to be part of that group or party, and that's OK. Congratulations on taking the step to go to therapy and staying curious about yourself! By continuing this journey of self-growth, you'll likely find that meaningful friendships will naturally come into your life. Try not to get too fixated on how those friendships should look or where they need to come from. You don't have to be friends with your coworkers; you can build connections outside of work. For now, focus on what you enjoy about your job: the students, the leadership and the school itself. Those are excellent reasons to stay and thrive in your role. Send your questions for Annie Lane to . COPYRIGHT 2024FDA Approves Groundbreaking Heart Drug: Bridging New Frontiers
Increasingly, society has evolved into one where automation and technology rule the day. In this digital society, IT and cybersecurity risk management must be elevated to the same level as market risk, compliance risk, operational risk, and so on. Another area undergoing considerable change is third party risk management . What does the next year have in store for third party risk management? Considering this for Digital Journal is Brad Hibbert, Chief Strategy Officer & Chief Operating Officer at the company Prevalent . Hibbert divides his assessment into two key areas: the maturity of third party risk management and the necessity of transforming the process into ‘third party lifecycle management’ (and with this achieving greater stability). Third party risk management matures from experiment to expectation According to Hibbert, the year has been a record one “for third-party security incidents , with breaches such as MOVEit dominating the headlines.” In response there has been “regulatory pressure from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and several European entities to improve the governance over third-party outsourcing arrangements is also driving the evolution of third party risk management from a project that aims to manage risks to a program that addresses risks across a third-party lifecycle.” In other words, explains Hibbert, “third party risk managementis no longer an experiment; it’s an expectation. This maturation has solidified its position as a table stakes element in organizational risk management decision making.” So what does this mean for an enterprise? Hibbert suspects “despite economic uncertainty, inflation, and labor shortages, investment in third party risk management is expected to remain consistent into 2024. Board-level and executive-level engagement in third party risk management will persist due to continued third-party security incidents and regulatory pressure. While challenges in finding skilled third party risk management practitioners may continue, efficiency and effectiveness in third party risk management programs will improve thanks to generative AI, machine learning, data analysis, enhanced automation, and program outsourcing.” Engagement from multiple internal teams will transform third-party risk management into third-party lifecycle management For the second area of inquiry, Hibberts predicts a transformation in third party risk management. He considers: “It’s not enough to manage risks, you have to manage the lifecycle of a vendor relationship to understand the context of the risks your organization is exposed to. Otherwise, third party risk management devolves into a check-the-box exercise. This will require third party risk management program owners to expand the scope of their efforts to include all parties that interact with third-party vendors and suppliers.” Why a lifecycle-based approach? According to Hibbert: “The third-party lifecycle encompasses all activities related to a vendor from cradle to grave – including vendor onboarding, ongoing monitoring, compliance, risk management, and offboarding. This evolution is driven by different personas and departments, each with their specific needs and interests.” As to internal firm dynamics, Hibbert predicts: “procurement is expected to play a more prominent role in driving third-party lifecycle management. Legal departments will automate clause detection and comparative analysis. Risk management will continue to be a core player, while operations will use data sets from various sources to enhance operational resilience and ensure quality. Audits will persist, as compliance and regulatory mandates become more complex. The involvement of various business areas in third-party lifecycle management is a trend that is set to continue.” Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news.Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.
A new look, same goodness: Malta Guinness reintroduces itself with styleThe Washington Commanders are facing some uncertainty at the running back position due to injuries in Week 12 to Brian Robinson, Jr. (ankle) and Austin Ekeler (concussion protocol). In the meantime, they've signed Chris Rodriguez, Jr., who was just waived by the team days ago. Rodriguez was a sixth-round pick by the Commanders in 2023, and had spent most of the 2024 season on Washington's practice squad prior to this past week. Now he'll have a chance to join the active roster, and may be asked to play a featured role depending on the health of Robinson and Ekeler. Rodriguez has only appeared in four games for the Commanders this season, and only taken non-special teams snaps in two of them. In one of those games, against the New York Giants in Week 9, Rodriguez rushed 11 times for 52 yards. Jeremy McNichols would presumably get most of Washington's carries if both Robinson and Ekeler are unable to go on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, but Rodriguez would likely be asked to chip in with a sizable workload. It could be the best opportunity of his young career. What Rodriguez's signing means for Robinson and Ekeler is unclear. There's a chance that either of them could still play and Rodriguez's presence is merely precautionary. If not, though, it's next man up.The Washington Commanders are facing some uncertainty at the running back position due to injuries in Week 12 to Brian Robinson, Jr. (ankle) and Austin Ekeler (concussion protocol). In the meantime, they've signed Chris Rodriguez, Jr., who was just waived by the team days ago. Rodriguez was a sixth-round pick by the Commanders in 2023, and had spent most of the 2024 season on Washington's practice squad prior to this past week. Now he'll have a chance to join the active roster, and may be asked to play a featured role depending on the health of Robinson and Ekeler. Rodriguez has only appeared in four games for the Commanders this season, and only taken non-special teams snaps in two of them. In one of those games, against the New York Giants in Week 9, Rodriguez rushed 11 times for 52 yards. Jeremy McNichols would presumably get most of Washington's carries if both Robinson and Ekeler are unable to go on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, but Rodriguez would likely be asked to chip in with a sizable workload. It could be the best opportunity of his young career. What Rodriguez's signing means for Robinson and Ekeler is unclear. There's a chance that either of them could still play and Rodriguez's presence is merely precautionary. If not, though, it's next man up.
UNCASVILLE, Conn. (AP) — Jackie Johnson III led Fordham with 29 points and Joshua Rivera hit the game-winning 3-pointer with eight seconds left as the Rams knocked off Bryant 86-84 on Saturday. Johnson added four steals for the Rams (7-5). Rivera scored 17 points and added five rebounds. Japhet Medor shot 5 for 12 (0 for 3 from 3-point range) and 7 of 8 from the free-throw line to finish with 17 points. The Bulldogs (6-7) were led in scoring by Kvonn Cramer, who finished with 23 points. Bryant also got 21 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and two steals from Earl Timberlake. Barry Evans had 10 points, nine rebounds and two steals. Medor scored 12 second-half points for Fordham. Up next for Fordham is a matchup Saturday with Albany (NY) at home. Bryant visits Towson on Sunday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Trump's threat to impose tariffs could raise prices for consumers, colliding with promise for relief
Lewandowski joins Ronaldo and Messi in the Champions League century club with goal No. 100When a scholarship application asked how he’s already started on such an endeavor, the teen talked about his younger brother and how he’s guiding his little sibling to being a good person. “Whatever good person means — there's a lot of variants of that — but change has to start with you...I also want my brother to do that as well, and that's how I framed that question, as something I'm working on to make the world a more positive place, and that's my brother,” said Prince. The Schenectady High graduate and RIT freshman nabbed the scholarship, one of just 40 students nationwide to do so. He was awarded $10,000 toward his education from Sallie Mae as part of the Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program. The boost in funding is a step toward his own goal of making education more accessible. Prince, who moved to the U.S. from Guyana when he was 10, said the lack of sufficient access to higher education taught him the importance of virtue and how it’s critical to developing an understanding of how the world works as well as critical thinking skills. In pursuit of making the most of his education, Prince enrolled in the Smart Transfer program, a partnership between SUNY Schenectady County Community College and Schenectady High School that allows students to earn college credits while still in high school and grants them an associates degree along with their diploma. With those early credits under his belt, Prince is on his way to graduating with both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just four years. Only three of those years will be purely academic due to RIT’s co-op program, where students gain work experience Though the co-op program is a couple semesters away for the first-year student, he plans to complete his first one in the automotive industry and dreams of ultimately landing an opportunity at NASA. “I want to work in a team that is focused on making parts of these airplanes and spacecrafts using greener technology, rather than burning fuels and just impacting the environment in a negative way,” he said. “Because pollution is a very, very big problem, one that I look forward to fixing as I get older.” As a mechanical engineering major, Prince hopes to go into aerospace engineering as a way to actualize his passion for environmentalism. He plans to use his degree to go into the technology field, specifically working with greener energy sources to lessen carbon emissions and combat climate change. In addition to excelling in math and science, the Schenectady graduate has a passion for music. “Music is a big, big, big part of my life. I think it's the most important part of my life,” he said. His earliest memories include many mornings where his dad blasted tunes on the way to school. A favorite of his is sitting with his sister in the backseat of their dad’s car, as Bob Marley’s “Could You Be Loved” emanated from the speakers during the dead of night one winter. “Now that song is related to his positive memory and I think that's what music is for me, memories,” he said. “I think music is a beautiful way to appreciate life.” In high school, he participated in a band as a singer through his church. Currently, he participates in a “Formula One” club, where students design small cars and compete in races. Prince’s goal for the spring term is to branch out in terms of networking and extracurriculars. For now, he’s focusing on immersing himself into college life and getting acclimated to living on campus as he dives into academics. “I really feel like education is the key to changing the world, hopefully in a positive way,” he said. Sign Up: The Daily Gazette's Schenectady weekly newsletter in your inbox The Sallie Mae Fund’s Bridging the Dream Scholarship Program aims to assist outstanding students from under-resourced and underrepresented communities in achieving their educational goals. In partnership with Thurgood Marshall College Fund, 120 scholarships totaling $1.15 million have been awarded to high school seniors nationwide since the program’s inception in 2021.
By KRISTEN WOOD Chilly weather and early nights make the holiday season the best time of year for cuddling up with your favorite games. From enjoying a quiet afternoon alone to gathering with family, these board, video and card games will bring cozy vibes to your holiday gaming. The holidays are prime time for coziness. Cold weather, hot drinks and days off work or school are perfect for snuggling up under a blanket. With many games designed to be cozy, relaxed and lighthearted, accompanying your cozy afternoons with a game might be your new holiday tradition. Many holidays bring together friends and family as well. While some families may look forward to feuding over the Risk board or resources in Settlers of Catan, more low-key games can be an opportunity to bond with loved ones. Cooperative games or games with a bit of friendly competition let you focus on who you’re playing with. Since these cozy games often have easier instructions, everyone can get involved. A busy holiday season also benefits from rest. Take a break from shopping, cooking, traveling and other holiday tasks with some games. Stress-busting games let you enjoy a couple of hours of quiet gameplay or raucous laughter, both sure to provide some relaxation. Relaxing board games are great for a lazy afternoon with friends or after dinner at a holiday party. These games often feature cooperative play or minimal competition, beautiful artwork and straightforward gameplay ideal for all ages. For the holidays, these games provide a whimsical escape from seasonal chaos. Patchwork Patchwork is a chill two-player puzzle game where you and your opponent compete to create the best quilt. The tactile experience and cozy results are relaxing on a chilly day. If you have more than two players, try Calico instead where you’ll create quilts for cats. Carcassonne In Carcassonne, players compete to build Medieval cities and fields by laying tiles. The game takes a bit of strategy and luck, and it will generate some friendly competition among children and adults alike. The charming artwork of parks, featuring America’s national parks, will also transport you on a road trip from the comfort of your home. Everdell and Flamecraft For those looking for longer gameplay, Everdell will have you playing as cute forest creatures building new cities during a game that averages a little over an hour. Flamecraft is another delightfully whimsical game where players try to attract dragons to improve the reputation of their shops. Each of these games is simple to pick up and, with every playthrough offering something new, they’ll get you through the entire holiday season. Parks, Everdell and Flamecraft can also be single-player games if you need a break from socialization. Snuggling up on the couch with a video game is inherently relaxing. Whether you enjoy mobile, computer, handheld or console games, the cozy game genre provides dozens of options. This season, try games ranging from relaxing to enchanting. If having everything in its place provides calm in the chaos of the holiday season, you’ll love Unpacking. This puzzle game, available on Switch, PC and Xbox, has you unpacking boxes and putting items away. Playing games like Unpacking can be a meditative experience. Other puzzle games like A Little to the Left and Spiritfarer blend stories into the gameplay. For spooky autumn vibes, try Strange Horticulture and play as the owner of a plant shop and potion maker. Maintaining a virtual farm or building a make-believe castle from your sofa can be a great stress reliever. Stardew Valley is a quintessential farming game surrounded by charming townspeople. With the highly anticipated November update, you can now play on console, mobile and PC. Palia , a massively multiplayer online game, features farming, quests and community building with other players. It’s also free. For those with a Nintendo Switch, the Animal Crossing series has you interacting with other animal players in a peaceful village. With multiplayer modes, these games are great options for playing with friends and family from afar during the holidays. For a single-player escape, try the recently-released Tiny Glade on PC where you’ll build castles. This cozy game’s detailed artistry and conflict-free gameplay will bring hours of relaxation. Or build a world from tiles in Dorfromantik. The game can be entirely chill or provide a bit of strategy if you want to go for a high score. A pack of cards is reliable entertainment at any gathering. From classics to innovative new card games, having a few in your game collection can be worthwhile. Card games can range from simple to complex, a few minutes to a few hours and single-player to dozens of players. If you have a standard deck of playing cards, Blitz is a great option for any number of players. Also known as Thirty One, this game gives every player three cards and lets them trade out a card on each turn, trying to get a value of thirty-one. President is another simple social card game where players race to get rid of their cards in ascending order. If you are imbibing this holiday season, some people play it as a drinking game. For a two-player card game, try The Fox in the Forest. This trick-taking card game features cozy graphics, and its fast, simple gameplay is perfect for a winter date night. For two to four players, Arboretum has darling tree graphics on its cards. Players lay cards down with the goal of creating a beautiful garden. This holiday season, be sure to take time to connect with loved ones and catch a few moments to yourself. Cozy games are a lighthearted escape. As the genre grows, there are options for everyone this season, from mindless games to those that require a touch of strategy – perfect for any mood or moment. Kristen Wood is a writer, photographer, avid cozy gamer and creator of The Cozy Gaming Nook , your source for everything cozy games. Her work has been featured in various online and print publications, including Elle, NBC, Forbes, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, Seattle Times and more.
There is a reason International Fraud Awareness Week wraps up just before the busiest shopping month of the year. Fraud investigators with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Economic Crimes Division are nervous. “We do see more identity thefts, a lot more thefts of credit cards, and even packages being stolen from people’s homes, those tend to increase during the holidays,” warned Luis Mendez, one of the many fraud investigators with the DA’s office. 24/7 San Diego news stream: Watch NBC 7 free wherever you are He added that for the last nine years, he and his team have been keeping up with an ever-evolving workload. “It has become a lot more complex and more high-tech,” he said stressing that the DA’s office and everyone with a pulse needs to stay vigilant. According to the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker, the most common holiday scams include - Fake Social Media Ads - Buyers receive counterfeit items if anything at all after sending the seller money. Fake Toll Collections - These are official-looking texts or invoices by mail showing you owe money for one or several toll violations during your travels. Free Gift Cards - They are offered by impersonators pretending to be from a company supposedly promoting its products. Fake Temporary Holiday Jobs - Imagined employment opportunities are offered to those hoping to make extra cash during the next few weeks. Fake Shipping Notifications - They will usually pop up as texts and catch those awaiting or sending gifts. Fake Charities - These will take advantage of the spirit of giving that many will have during the holidays. The DA’s office says you should file a police report if you lose money to a scam and even if you’re targeted by one. Local Holiday market and tree lighting kick off holidays in Chula Vista Group collects signatures in support of La Jolla becoming its own city “We have investigators in our office who are very diligent, who work very hard, if there is a lead they can follow, they will follow that lead,” said Mendez. He explained that In 2023, the Economic Crimes Division filed criminal charges against 222 defendants, obtaining 206 convictions. From those convictions, he said that defendants were ordered to pay $3 million in restitution, and more than $1 million was given to victims. You can avoid having to file a report altogether by avoiding losing money to a scam in the first place - Do not click on links sent to you in a random text saying your delivery is stuck somewhere Never listen to anyone who pressures you to send money without giving you a chance to call someone you trust. When it comes to job or promotional offers, remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Finally, keep track of your credit card statements, just in case someone else is using your credit for THEIR holiday shopping. By staying vigilant, Mendez says scammers will find it difficult to rob you of your money and your holiday joy.Penn State wins trademark case over retailer's use of vintage logos, images
LoP Bauri eyes victory in Chandankiyari as exit polls hint at BJP-led alliance triumph in JharkhandSustainability industry, Indonesia's next global competitive strategy
Elevate your holiday entertainment with XGIMI’s projectorsRequirements for the integration of environmental concerns, human rights issues, fair labour conditions and good governance in industrial development are significantly affecting the business sectors in developing and transitioning countries. FROM the lofty towers of policymakers and implementers to the profit-driven boardrooms of corporations and conglomerates, the increasingly familiar term ‘green’ or ‘greening’ has become a buzzword. It has gained popularity and traction in both the public and business spheres, and is used interchangeably depending on the situation. It’s even made its way onto the cheeky local burger menu! It is fashionable and trendy to speak or write of ‘greening’ in mission statements and CSR programmes. The media, not to be left out of the linguistic vogue, have joined the chorus and are contributing to amplifying the voice on greening as well as broadening the public and cross-sector support for the greening narrative. However, there is a larger and more comprehensive story behind the ‘green’ or ‘greening’ movement, which frequently emerges as a daring declaration of a new civic awakening in the cause of ensuring environmental sustainability, even as we advance the rhetoric as a united campaign to counteract the greenhouse effects of climate change on our environment. Yes Minister, as we delve deeper and explore further, we would find that the much-spun narrative on environmental sustainability in our society is more complex and intriguing than a well-written treatise can explain. Let’s start by posing the following question: What does it mean to ‘green’ business, society, industry, or even human-instituted organisations? One way to achieve sustainable economic growth and support sustainable economies is through the greening of industry. It encompasses resource-efficient productivity, enhanced industrial production methods, and policymaking. Carbon neutrality by 2050 The five-year 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), introduced by the government back in September 2021, aims to achieve economic growth and transform Malaysia into ‘a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable country’. Goals include achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, increasing the total installed capacity of renewable energy, enhancing green financing and incentives, and promoting the circular economy. Sarawak, with the passing of the Natural Resources and Environment Bill in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) in November this year, will assume full regulatory authority over the environment. The piece of legislation reaffirms the authority and commitment of the Sarawak government to manage the environment sustainably without compromising its economic development agenda and industrial plan. Regulatory authority on the environment was transferred to Sarawak in phases since 2022. The recently-passed Bill gives Sarawak full authority over resource conservation, environmental management, pollution control and sustainable development. These provisions are intended not only to safeguard Sarawak’s natural assets but also to promote responsible development in alignment with global environmental standards. This would include determining the use of natural resources, issuing directives on environmental management practices, and setting environmental quality goals. Yes Minister, the rise in importance of environmental, social, and governance standards comes as consumers are growing more concerned about the environment and demand institutions to behave in ways that align with what they believe is socially responsible. An investing principle that prioritises social, environmental, and corporate governance is known as environmental, social and governance – or ESG. Other terms for investing with ESG considerations include impact investment or responsible investing, which is used in more aggressive circumstances. Ethical concern More and more investors are making social and environmental performance a primary factor in their selections. In recent years, ethical concern has become increasingly ‘mainstream’, even though this has played a role in ethical funding. Nowadays, requirements for the integration of environmental concerns, human rights issues, fair labour conditions and good governance in industrial development are significantly affecting the business sectors in developing and transitioning countries. This is referred to as corporate social responsibility (CSR). In this regard, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) is developing a framework for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) that aids in converting CSR principles into a pertinent SME viewpoint, improving their market access and competitiveness. Through a number of research projects, global forum events, and technical assistance programmes, UNIDO provides SMEs and the organisations that support them with an easy-to-implement method of meeting the social, environmental, and productivity/quality demands of stakeholders in this field. Yes Minister, it is all well and good to have the legislation and the enforcement agencies in place to make sure that the established guidelines for the dos and don’ts related to environmental sustainability and health are not broken. More than legislation, enforcement Yes Minister, green sustainability is more than just legislation and enforcement, and it requires a variety of efforts to ensure a sustainable future. When environmental requirements are imposed by governments, businesses are encouraged to spend on research and development to meet them. This could lead to the development of new, environmentally friendly processes and technologies. Consumers can help by reducing waste, choosing sustainable options, and buying from local and sustainable sources. They must be encouraged and reminded to do so from time to time, with the local community leaders and the media playing an important role. Companies can assist by recognising the effects that their goods and services have on the environment and society, and by developing innovative approaches to sustainable production and consumption. To guarantee adherence to laws and regulations, government officials can step up enforcement actions. To guarantee more compliance, they can also extend guided self-regulation across industries. Beyond all the aforesaid is the pivotal importance of sustainability benchmarking. Yes Minister, sustainability benchmarking plays a crucial role in guiding companies towards more responsible and efficient operations. By comparing their ESG performance against industry standards and peers, organisations can uncover valuable insights and opportunities for improvement. Sustainability benchmarking One of the main advantages of sustainability benchmarking is the ability to pinpoint areas that require improvement. It pushes businesses to innovate and embrace best practices, which results in sustainability breakthroughs that can save expenses, boost productivity, and boost overall performance. By analysing their position in relation to their counterparts, businesses can obtain a competitive advantage through benchmarking. This information can be used to guide strategic choices, giving companies a competitive edge by showcasing their dedication to sustainability. Investors and customers are increasingly prioritising sustainability in their decision-making processes. Companies that perform well in sustainability benchmarks can attract investment and customer support by showcasing their commitment to responsible practices. Setting goals Establishing attainable, realistic sustainability targets is made easier with the use of benchmarking. Knowing where they stand allows businesses to set specific goals for improvement and track their success over time, guaranteeing ongoing development towards sustainability. Yes Minister, to enhance their ESG effect, businesses are called upon to measure sustainability performance accurately. In order to give a thorough picture of a business’s sustainability initiatives, this method uses a range of measurements and technologies. Yes Minister, the core of monitoring sustainability is Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Metrics pertaining to energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, water use, trash management, and social aspects like community impact and staff involvement may be among them. In this sense, companies are using environmental audits – often known as green auditing – more and more to boost investor trust and satisfy other stakeholder needs. Why conduct a social and environmental audit? It is crucial because stakeholders and investors are starting to place equal weight on an organisation’s environmental impact as they do on its financial performance. Limitations and challenges Before getting entangled in the web of rhetoric and syntax, we need to define what constitutes the mandatory standards and benchmarks important to green auditing. Unlike financial audit, a lack of mandatory standards means that the value of these greening of environmental audits is disputed, but it is generally agreed that more knowledge and information on any aspect of governance is better than less. Obviously, there are challenges and limitations of environmental auditing. Lack of standardised practices and guidelines is one of the key challenges in greening audits. This can lead to inconsistencies in the assessment of environmental performance. The complex process of data collection; the limited scope of operations, the procedure, especially for multinational or multi-site businesses; the interpretation of results, which necessitates knowledge of environmental legislation; and continuous monitoring and development, are the additional challenges. An environmental audit is a continual procedure as opposed to a one-time event. In light of the audit findings, organisations need to establish mechanisms for continuous monitoring and improvement. All these point to education where people from the top and lower rungs must be trained and be instilled with the knowledge and values pertinent to ‘greening’ control. * Toman Mamora is ‘Tokoh Media Sarawak 2022’, recipient of Shell Journalism Gold Award (1996) and AZAM Best Writer Gold Award (1998). He remains true to his decades-long passion for critical writing as he seeks to gain insight into some untold stories of societal value.
The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) has issued a directive mandating banks to include simplified forms in contracts for banking products and services. These forms, provided as appendices, will outline the essential details of the offered products or services, including all associated expenses, commissions, and key terms and conditions. This move aims to enhance transparency and ensure customers have a clear understanding of their banking agreements. To facilitate the implementation of this decision, banks have been granted a six-month grace period to comply. According to the CBE, these appendices must also include any new provisions not originally specified in the contracts, provided that the customer’s consent is obtained through a signature. This ensures that any updates or changes to the agreement are clearly communicated and acknowledged. The CBE emphasized the importance of declaring customers’ financial rights, including the value of commissions and expenses for any banking product, as well as the applicable interest rates. Customers must also be informed of any changes to these rates in a timely manner. In addition, customers have the right to: The CBE also issued a warning to customers against sharing personal or banking information. It stressed that banks will never request such information through phone calls, text messages, emails, or social media platforms. This reminder aims to safeguard customers against fraud and unauthorized access to their financial data. This new regulation underscores the CBE’s commitment to protecting consumer rights and fostering a more transparent and secure banking environment in Egypt.
Manchester City threw away a 3-0 lead to draw with Feyenoord and see their Champions League hopes take a hit. Erling Haaland had given the Blues a 1-0 advantage at half-time with a coolly-taken penalty, and Ilkay Gundogan quickly added to the scoreline after the break. When Haaland turned in a third before the hour mark, Pep Guardiola's side were cruising. However, more defensive errors bubbled up towards the end of the match to allow Feyenoord to score not once but twice to set up a nervy finish and a third goal in 14 minutes silenced the Etihad with just five minutes left to play. City were unable to respond and here is how the players rated. ALSO READ: Man City vs Feyenoord as it happened ALSO READ: Objects thrown as Man City and Feyenoord fans clash during Champions League tie Ederson: Alert when he needed to be, keeping his cool whenever there was a slip from his defenders until he ruined it by charging out rashly for the third. 5 Lewis: Earned Guardiola's frustration early on and while he was much improved on Saturday he still could not prevent the equaliser. 5 Akanji: Made a few errors that nearly let Feyenoord in but is surely nailed for a start at Anfield on the basis he can play 90 minutes. 5 Ake: A welcome sight on the pitch, even if he hasn't completed 90 minutes yet this season. 6 Gvardiol: Another two errors leading to goals won't do his confidence any good. 4 Gundogan: Scored one and helped tee another one up, but he remains a worry defensively in the holding role. 6 Nunes: Quiet in the first half but stepped up and was excellent for the third goal, bringing energy and a directness. 7 Foden: Worked hard and linked well but still isn't doing enough - and what he can do - in the final third. 6 Silva: Not a standout again but nobody else in the team can move so seamlessly from defensive midfield to right wing in a matter of days. 7 Grealish: Unlucky when Foden diverted his volley wide and a decent performance on his return, although he still looks destined not to score. 6 Haaland: Saw a header bounce off the post, kept his cool for the penalty and looked more confident with a classy third. 8 Substitutes Simpson-Pusey (for Ake, 68) Not a great part in the Feyenoord goal. 5 De Bruyne (for Foden, 69) Plenty of glimmers but nothing came off. 6 McAtee (for Gundogan, 69) Charged about without much luck and was booked. 5 Not used: Ortega, Carson, Walker, Dias, Wilson-Esbrand, Wright, O'Reilly, Savinho