NEW YORK , Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Monteverde & Associates PC (the "M&A Class Action Firm"), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm by ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating: The Duckhorn Portfolio, Inc. (NYSE: NAPA ), relating to its proposed merger with Butterfly Equity. Under the terms of the agreement, all Duckhorn Portfolio common stock will be automatically converted into the right to receive $11.10 in cash per share. ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for December 23, 2024 . Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/duckhorn-portfolio-inc/ . It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you. Profire Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: PFIE ) , relating to a proposed merger with First CECO Environmental Corp. Under the terms of the agreement, a subsidiary of CECO will commence a tender offer to acquire all issued and outstanding shares of Profire common stock at a price of $2.55 per share. ACT NOW. The Tender Offer expires on December 31, 2024 . Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/profire-energy-inc-pfie/ . It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you. Universal Stainless & Alloy Products Inc. (Nasdaq: USAP ), relating to its proposed merger with Aperam US Absolute LLC. Under the terms of the agreement, all USAP shares will be automatically converted into the right to receive $45.00 per share. ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for January 15, 2025 . Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/universal-stainless-alloy-products-inc/ . It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you. Nabors Industries Ltd. (NYSE: NBR ), relating to its proposed merger with Parker Wellbore Co. Under the terms of the agreement, Nabors will acquire Parker Wellbore's issued and outstanding common shares in exchange for 4.8 million shares of Nabors common stock, subject to a share price collar. ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for January 17, 2025 . Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/nabors-industries-ltd-nbr/ . It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you. NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask: About Monteverde & Associates PC Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders...and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in any of the above listed companies and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 971-1341. Contact: Juan Monteverde, Esq. MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC The Empire State Building 350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740 New York, NY 10118 United States of America [email protected] Tel: (212) 971-1341 Attorney Advertising. (C) 2024 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC ( www.monteverdelaw.com ). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. SOURCE Monteverde & Associates PCWe regularly answer frequently asked questions about life in the era of COVID-19. If you have a question you'd like us to consider for a future post, email us at goatsandsoda@npr.org with the subject line: "Coronavirus Questions." See an archive of our FAQs here. I just never got the latest COVID booster. Should I go for it? And when should I get it for maximum holiday protection when traveling and partying? If you're among those who haven't rolled up a sleeve for the latest version of the vaccine — which rolled out in September — you've got plenty of company. A December 2 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that in the U.S., for example, just under 20% of eligible people have gotten the updated vaccine, which was formulated to include a strain of the original virus and one from recently circulating variants. "That uptake is nowhere near where it should be," says Dr. Robert Hopkins, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. And who's eligible? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection, everyone 6 months and older. You may be wondering: Do I really need it if I'm in good health? Data shows that COVID vaccines are protective against severe disease and long COVID, reducing the risk of an emergency room or clinic visit — and the risk of death. Plus, "potentially preventing any COVID infection keeps you from being sick, getting long COVID and making someone sick who could really be at risk," says Jeffrey Townsend, a professor of evolutionary biology and head of a lab at the Yale School of Public Health that has been studying COVID throughout the pandemic. But maybe you've just had COVID...And you're wondering. Isn't that giving me enough protection? Just as protection from the COVID-19 vaccine decreases with time, so does immunity after an infection.. If you're ready to go for a jab, you might have a few questions. Like: Which of the three available vaccines to go for? There are MRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna and a non- MRNA version from Novavax. (mRNA vaccines use mRNA created in a laboratory to teach our cells how to make a protein — or even just a piece of a protein — that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. The Novavax vaccine is based on an older technology. "Between the two mRNA vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer, there is no reason to get one over the other," says Andrew Pekosz, vice chair of the Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. "The [MRNA vaccines] target the same variant, are similarly effective and elicit similar side effects." Pekosz adds that the Novavax protein-based vaccine will also "generate immune responses that recognize current variants," noting adding that people who have had a particularly adverse response to a previous mRNA vaccine might consider the Novavax vaccine as an alternative, as protein-based vaccines generally don't induce as strong side effects. As for timing, if you'd like maximum protection for end-of-year travel and partying, keep in mind that it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to be fully effective. And while COVID isn't surging at the moment in the U.S. and other places, Dr. Hopkins says winter outbreaks are expected — a winter surge has always been part of COVID's timetable. Meanwhile, if you've had a recent COVID infection you have a different vaccine timeline. Because you develop antibodies to the virus after a COVID infection, the CDC says people "may wait" three months after an infection to get the vaccine. That's because the immune response to the new dose will be strongest if your antibodies are waning. There's a new study that looks at vaccine timing. The study is geared toward a future time when COVID has a clear season where it regularly peaks (as flu does), but it does contain relevant info on so-called "breakthrough" infections — when you catch COVID soon after being vaccinated. In the study, published in Clinical Infectious Diseases , study author Jeffrey Townsend and his team recommend a timetable: for someone who got a booster in September, then caught COVID between October and April. The optimal time for the next dose is the following mid-to-late September. For breakthrough infections between mid-May and early September, the wait time before the next booster falls to six months because of the likelihood of a winter outbreak. Townsend says the study's recommendations are different than the CDC's because the agency looked at when antibodies begin to fall, and the study looked at when antibodies fall to the level where you'd be vulnerable to reinfection. But the study does not offer official guidance so a conversation with your doctor might be in order. "Many of my colleagues have discussed that timing of vaccination relative to infection is something we need to be taking into account more," says Dr. Abraar Karan, an infectious disease researcher at Stanford Medical School. He advises people to test if they have COVID symptoms in part so they can fine tune their vaccine schedule. "Doctors have to take into consideration what's unique to the patient in front of them," says Amesh Adalja, senior scholar at the Center for Health Security at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health For example, people who are immunocompromised may be advised to boost more frequently since their antibodies can wane faster. And people who are 65 and older have been advised by the CDC to get a second dose of the new booster six months after the first. Of course, even having a debate over whether to get an updated vaccine is a rich world problem. Rachel Weintraub, an associate professor of global health and social medicine at Harvard Medical School says that while most countries haven't reported their uptake of booster doses, the educated guess is that boosters are not widely available in low- or middle-income countries. For one thing, COVAX, the program that deployed vaccines in lower- and middle-income countries, closed up shop at the end of 2023. "In many countries," says Weintraub, the COVID vaccine shifted into the regular immunization program with some countries choosing to prioritize vaccines for other conditions." Weintraub says that when COVAX closed, only 57% of eligible folks had received two doses in low- and middle-income countries, compared to a global average of 67%. And even in the U.S. there's no guarantee that the supply of boosters or messaging to promote them will continue. Jennifer Kates, senior vice president and director of the Global Health & HIV Policy Program at health research group KFF, says the next administration "has significant authority to affect both the availability of COVID vaccines and messaging about their importance, authority that will undoubtedly influence individual behavior and state and local decisions." Kates says the FDA Commissioner has the authority to approve and authorize new formulations of COVID vaccines and the CDC Director has the authority to set recommendations for the public. "Messaging around vaccines is an important [U.S. Department of Health and Human Services] function, and the frequency, cadence, content, and channels of such messaging will set the scene for how vaccines are received by the public." And while doctors' offices often no longer stock COVID vaccines, says Rebecca Weintraub, many pharmacies do, and you can often schedule an appointment on line. If you are insured, your insurance will cover the cost so long as the pharmacy or doctor is in network. No insurance? Call your local health department to ask about free or low-cost options. (Without insurance the cost is over $200 — the federal government no longer covers the cost for everyone as it did at the height of the pandemic.) Fran Kritz is a health policy reporter based in Washington, D.C., and a regular contributor to NPR. She also reports for the Washington Post and Verywell Health . Find her on Twitter: @fkritzA designated disability minister will be appointed to each Government department to “champion disability inclusion and accessibility”, the Government has announced. Work and pensions minister Sir Stephen Timms said the move aims to drive “real improvements” for disabled people, whom the ministers will be encouraged to engage with on a regular basis. He told the Commons: “I am very pleased to be able to announce today the appointment of new lead ministers for disability in each Government department, they will represent the interests of disabled people, champion disability inclusion and accessibility within their departments. “I’m going to chair regular meetings with them and will encourage them to engage directly with disabled people and their representative organisations, as they take forward their departmental priorities. “And I look forward to this new group of lead ministers for disability together driving real improvements across Government for disabled people.” This came during an adjournment debate on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, where Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling raised concerns about “floating bus stops”, which have a cycle lane between the stop and the pavement. Intervening, the MP for Torbay, who is registered blind, said: “The Government needs to ban floating bus stops.” Sir Stephen said: “I do think this issue about floating bus stops is an important issue which we need to work across Government to reflect on.” Labour MP Debbie Abrahams, who led the debate, had earlier criticised the lack of accessibility for disabled people on trains. The Oldham East and Saddleworth MP said: “Our train network does not have level access, and we heard Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson from the other place make this plea back in the summer, absolutely outrageous what she was put through. “But I was absolutely shocked to find, when I had a presentation of the TransPennine route upgrade, that the rolling stock yet to be commissioned is not going to provide that level access. “It’s absolute nonsense, it’s not even in the design of that procurement, so we must do better than this.”

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The Federal Reserve may not have as much room to as it thinks, and central bankers would be better off skipping another decrease in December, according to one JPMorgan bond expert. Bill Eigen, the head of the Absolute Return and Opportunistic Fixed Income team at JPMorgan Asset Management, cautioned markets ahead of the Fed's next meeting, adding that he believed the central banks should pause cutting . That's due to a handful of signs the economy is starting to heat up again, he added, pointing to strong GDP growth, slightly hotter-than-expected inflation data last month, and . "We're growing at 3.2% this quarter, just grew at 3%. Inflation dropped into the mid-2s, and is now turning up into the 3s. We've got an equity market at all-time highs, up 30%, and crypto going through the roof," Eigen said, speaking to CNBC on Friday. "You would say, 'Oh, the Fed's tightening, right?' No. They're going the other way. They're cutting into an accelerating economy with inflation turning up." rose 2.6% year-over-year in October, hotter than the prior month's 2.4% pace of growth. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, rose 3.3%, the same rate recorded in the prior month. Wages, services, and shelter inflation look particularly sticky or are potentially even rising, Eigen added. Shelter prices remained one of the largest drivers of inflation in October, rising 4.9% year-over-year. "I really think they need to reconsider this cutting path they're on given the data. They said they're paying attention to the data," he said. "So, as far as next week, what are they going to do? I know what I think they should do. I think they should stop." The Fed, which has cut interest rates 75 basis points so far this year, could also be closer than it thinks to the neutral rate — a hypothetical interest rate level that causes the economy to neither expand nor contract, Eigen added. Traders, though, are growing increasingly bullish on the prospect of another 25 basis point cut from the central bank when it meets for its policy meeting this month. Markets seen an 89% chance the Fed will trim its target rate another quarter-point, according to the CME FedWatch tool, up from 66% a week ago. The interest rate outlook remains mixed on Wall Street, with some forecasters expressing hesitation at the possibility of taking interest rates much lower. Deutsche Bank suggested the Fed may not be able to at all in 2025, thanks to higher inflation risks stemming from some of Trump's proposed policies. Goldman Sachs, meanwhile, foresaw rates dropping to as low as 3.25% by the end of 2025, suggesting that the Fed will need to loosen monetary policy to address growth headwinds from Trump's tariff plan. Read the original article onAutomotives Cybersecurity Market Analysis, Size, Growth, Competitive Strategies, and Worldwide Demand

Enforced disappearances of citizens: Issue should be resolved by calling general or joint session: SCFrom Tony John, Port Harcourt Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has pledged to implement the recommendations of the report submitted to him by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Arson, Killings, and Wanton Destruction of Property at some local government council headquarters on or around Monday, October 7, 2024. Governor Fubara gave the assurance when the seven-member commission, led by the Chairman, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, submitted four volumes of reports of their investigation and recommendations to him at Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. The governor declared that his administration will neither tolerate nor allow such level of violence in the State anymore because it is not profitable or productive. “We are not going to be part of any system that would encourage any destruction in this State. And for that reason, we had to inaugurate this commission, so that this commission should look into the remote and immediate causes of this problem,” Fubara stated. “And I believe that the recommendations of this commission, with the help of God and the support of everyone, we will make sure that we implement the recommendations.” The governor added: “We are going to take it to the next stage. The report will be presented to the Executive Council, and there, we will surely come out with the White paper and with the White Paper, I can assure you, we are going to follow it to the end. “Nobody is above the law, including me. So, provided what we are doing is within the confines of the law, we will do it with the help of every one.” Governor Fubara recalled how, before 2014, a group of persons had run wide recklessly in the State, burning down court buildings. He noted that it is such persons, who had recently surfaced with their destructive tendencies, and have extended the violence to local government councils, killing people and destroying government property. Governor Fubara wondered why somebody will spend so much money to build a structure intended to last as legacy of the administration, but would eventually be part of its destruction in the name of politics. Governor Fubara clarified that he has never been part of such destructive politics that continue to set the State backwards and frustrate progressive development strides. Governor Fubara said: “I make bold to say it, I have never been and will never be a party to anything that will bring shame, disgrace, destruction to our dear State. “It is our State. If it is well with us, it will be well with everybody. As a matter of fact, why should I encourage destruction, when I know that when you finish spoiling things, you still need money to rebuild them. “I am an accountant, I know the importance of how we can manage money. Rather than spoil, you should use that money to do a new thing for the State.” Governor Fubara vowed: “So, I am going to ensure that we put a stop to that level of violence or such unreasonable violence. I call it unreasonable violence because it doesn’t mean anything in politics. “Politics is a business of interest. There is no permanent friend, no permanent enemy. Some persons who were not even in our support, today, they are here following us because their interest is the most important thing. “Likewise tomorrow, if the interest changes, they will also go their different ways. So, why burn down the house?” Governor Fubara thanked members of the commission for being bold, focused, and accomplishing their task with determination in the face of physical and legal threats. In her presentation, chairman of the seven-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry, Justice Ibi Minakiri, said they had put their findings into four volumes, including the recommendations. Justice Minakiri explained: “We have here four volumes of the report. We have the memoranda, which is the memoranda we got after we made our publications. “We also have the exhibits that came with the memoranda. We have the proceedings and the records. At the end of the day, we came up with the main report.” Justice Minakiri advised that the recommendations of the report should be studied and implemented so that people can be deterred from such callous acts and the sought-after peace secured for the state.

MUMBAI: An additional commissioner of Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC), who found himself at the centre of a controversy after unidentified miscreants uploaded morphed photos of him and his wife on social media, has claimed that he is being targeted for acting against illegal constructions within his jurisdiction. “I am being targeted as I have started a demolition drive and am taking stringent action against unauthorised constructions in Vasai-Virar. I have approached the police as they defamed my wife as well now,” the additional commissioner, who had ordered the demolition of 41 illegal buildings in Nalasopara following a supreme court order, told Hindustan Times on Monday. His identity is being withheld as miscreants have uploaded morphed, obscene photos of his wife, also a civic official. On Sunday, Bolinj police booked an unidentified person for allegedly morphing and uploading obscene photos of the additional commissioner and his wife on social media. On November 18, the additional commissioner came across a social media post by one Kavya Mehta containing morphed photos of him and his wife, he told the police in his complaint. The photos were accompanied by a message, saying, ‘Sabhi avaidh nirman surakshit hain, agar aisa hi chala toh ab main kuch apne hisab se accha karunga’ (All unauthorised and illegal constructions are safe. If this goes on, I will take matters in my own hands). The same photos and message were shared in four Latur-based social media groups as Latur is the civic official’s native place. He also received a text message from an unknown mobile number, saying the secret of his wife’s successful career would be revealed by an article soon and everyone would know the secret. Based on the official’s complaint, police have booked an unidentified person under sections 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 353(2) (public mischief) of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita and relevant sections of the Information Technology Act. “We suspect that the accused tried to threaten the VVCMC additional commissioner and defame him in his native village for delaying action on unauthorised buildings in Vasai-Virar, including the 41 buildings in Nalasopara,” said a police officer. As reported by HT earlier, the supreme court had ordered demolition of the 41 illegal buildings in Nalasopara in October while rejecting the special leave petition filed by affected families. Seven of the 41 buildings were demolished last week after delays, also owing to the imposition of the model code of conduct prior to the assembly polls. Eviction notices have been served on all 2,500 families residing in the 41 buildings.Matthews International starts strategic review of industrial-technologies business

This story is a story of passion, determination, and success. Published: December 10, 2024 1:14 AM IST By Edited by The life story of Roman Saini teaches us, ‘Don’t try to be a successful person, but be a valuable human being.’ The Roman Saini story has inspired many. This story is a story of passion, determination, and success. Roman is the co-founder of Unacademy. Unacademy is one of the largest edtech companies in India. Roman is a native of Raikaranpura village of Kotputli in Rajasthan. Roman’s mother is a housewife and father is an engineer. Let’s know here the success story of Roman Saini which can be an inspiration for many. Roman’s journey was from doctor to IAS officer and then to an entrepreneur. At the age of 16, he passed the AIIMS entrance exam. By the age of 21, he had earned an MBBS degree. He started working as a doctor. But soon he felt he had to do something bigger. Roman then decided to prepare for one of India’s toughest exams, UPSC-CSE. In 2013, he cleared the IAS examination at the age of 22, became an IAS officer. He started working as a District Collector in Madhya Pradesh. The job of an IAS officer is very prestigious. Roman wanted to do something big and so he also left the IAS job. In 2015, he started his own academy with Gaurav Munjal and Hemesh Singh. Unacademy belongs to the Sorting Hat Technologies company. Initially, Unacademy was a YouTube channel. There was great study material here. Gradually, Unacademy has become a large edtech platform. Today, it is worth Rs 26,000 crore. It provides affordable education to those preparing for competitive exams like UPSC. Thousands of students get coaching from Unacademy. Roman’s vision and hard work have contributed a lot to Roman’s success. According to media reports, Roman Saini’s salary in 2022 was Rs 88 lakh. For breaking news and live news updates, like us on or follow us on and . Read more on Latest on . TopicsCLEVELAND (AP) — Only the Cleveland Browns. Only a team beset by perpetual problems at quarterback for the better part of two decades can get a record-setting 497-yard, four-touchdown, jaw-dropping, where-did-that-come-from performance on Monday night from Jameis Winston — and still lose. History wrapped in misery. Only the Browns. Winston spoiled a high-level performance in Denver's thin air by throwing a pair of pick-sixes — the second with 1:48 remaining — as the Broncos rode big plays to a 41-32 win over the Browns (3-9), who have to wonder what their disappointing season might look like if Deshaun Watson had been benched before getting hurt. The loss ended any illusions the Browns had of making a late playoff push like they did a year ago. It also clinched the team's 22nd losing season since its expansion rebirth in 1999. In his fifth start this season, Winston provided further evidence that the Browns made a major mistake by not switching QBs long before Watson ruptured his Achilles tendon on Oct. 20 against Cincinnati. Cleveland's offense has come alive behind Winston, who has thrown for over 300 yards three times, something Watson didn't do in 19 starts over his three suspension-shortened, injury-riddled seasons with the Browns. While there were some positives, Winston's turnovers were too costly. "You’re not going to play perfect at the quarterback position. He knows that," coach Kevin Stefanski said Tuesday on a Zoom call. “I know that ultimately he wants to do anything in his power to help this team win and that’s going to be taking care of the ball. But he also had moments there where he was moving that offense and did a nice job.” Winston may not be the long-term answer for the Browns, but he's showing he can at least give them a viable option for 2025 while the club sorts through the tangled Watson situation, which continues to have a stranglehold on the franchise. In all likelihood, and assuming he's fully recovered, Watson will be back next season in some capacity with the Browns, who are still on the hook to pay him $92 million — of his fully guaranteed $230 million contract — over the next two seasons. Releasing Watson would have damaging salary-cap implications, and while that would be a bitter financial pill for owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam to swallow, it could the Browns' safest and easiest exit strategy. And if they needed any proof that such a strategy can work, the Browns only had to look across the field at the Broncos, who got out from under QB Russell Wilson's monster contract by cutting him, taking the financial hit and drafting Bo Nix. After some common early growing pains, Nix has settled in and the rookie has the Broncos in the mix for a postseason berth. It wasn't long ago that the Browns thought their quarterback concerns were behind them. Instead, they lie ahead. Stefanski's decision to hand over the play-calling duties to first-year coordinator Ken Dorsey has been a positive. While the move hasn't led directly to many wins, the Browns have moved the ball much more effectively and scored at least 20 points in three of five games since the switch after not scoring 20 in their first eight. An issue all season, Cleveland's defense was again gashed for long plays and TDs, including a 93-yard scoring pass in the third quarter. The Browns have allowed 48 plays of 20-plus yards and 12 of at least 40 yards. WR Jerry Jeudy. His return to Denver was a personal and professional triumph — except on the scoreboard. Vowing revenge on the Broncos, who traded him to the Browns in March, Jeudy had the best game of his career, catching nine passes for 235 yards and a TD. Since Winston took over as Cleveland's starter, Jeudy leads the league with 614 yards receiving. Jeudy just might be the No. 1 receiver the Browns have needed following Amari Cooper's trade. Jordan Hicks gets an honorable mention after recording 12 tackles. K Dustin Hopkins. He missed a 47-yard field goal to end Cleveland's first drive, setting the tone for a night of missed opportunities. After making 33 of 36 field goal tries in his first season with the Browns, Hopkins is just 16 of 23, with his inaccuracy raising questions why the team signed him to a three-year, $15.9 million contract in July. Stefanski had no updates from the game. ... LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah remains sidelined with a neck injury suffered on Nov. 2. Stefanski ruled him out again for Sunday's game at Pittsburgh. 552 — Yards of total offense for the Browns, just 10 shy of the single-game franchise record set in 1989. A short turnaround before visiting the Steelers (9-3), who will be looking to avenge their 24-19 loss in Cleveland on Nov. 21. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflTrump taps forceful ally of hard-line immigration policies to head Customs and Border Protection

Damoh: A 15-year-old girl committed suicide after being gangraped by two minor boys in Damoh district of Madhya Pradesh, a police official said on Friday. Amid her father’s efforts to settle the issue with the kin of the accused, the girl ended her life believing the incident had become public, he said. Two persons have been booked after the girl’s parents filed a complaint during the day, Inspector Sudhir Vengi said. “The girl hanged herself in her house on Thursday night hours after her father sent her brother to the houses of the two accused to bring them and their families to his place to sort out the case mutually. The girl’s family feared her reputation would be harmed if people got to know of the gangrape,” Vengi said. The father believed the accused had videoed the incident to blackmail her and to make it public in case she or her kin approached police, the official said. “When a visitor reached the girl’s home and her father sent her brother to the houses of the two accused, she felt the incident had become public. Distressed, she hanged herself. She was gangraped while going to school on Monday. She later told her mother about the incident. Her mother told her father on Thursday,” Vengi informed. Efforts are on to nab the two accused, said Superintendent of Police Shrut Kirti Somvanshi.

OpenAI's legal battle with Elon Musk reveals internal turmoil over avoiding AI 'dictatorship'Combination brings emerging leader in Italian natural gas and renewable natural gas to public markets Shares of AleAnna, Inc. to begin trading on Nasdaq on December 16 under the ticker symbol "ANNA" AleAnna stands on the cusp of a major milestone, with the first phase of natural gas production from the Longanesi Field projected to commence in Q1 2025 DALLAS and VANCOUVER, British Columbia and ROME, Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AleAnna, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, "AleAnna" or the "Company"), an emerging leader in Italy's energy landscape, announced the completion of the previously announced business combination (the "Business Combination") between Swiftmerge Acquisition Corp. IVCP ("Swiftmerge"), a special purpose acquisition company, and AleAnna Energy, LLC ("AleAnna Energy"). Concurrent with the completion of the Business Combination, Swiftmerge has changed its name to AleAnna, Inc. Commencing at the open of trading on December 16, 2024, the Class A shares of common stock and warrants of AleAnna are expected to begin trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker symbols "ANNA" and "ANNAW", respectively. The transaction was unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of Swiftmerge and was approved at an extraordinary general meeting (the "Shareholders Meeting") of Swiftmerge's shareholders on December 12, 2024. Former equity holders of AleAnna Energy rolled 100% of their equity interests into the combined company. Prior to the execution of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated June 6, 2024, AleAnna Energy's equity holders contributed over $60 million in cash, bringing the company's total cumulative investment to nearly $175 million. This infusion of capital enabled the completion of the Longanesi Field tie-in and the acquisition of initial renewable natural gas ("RNG") assets, both finalized in Q3 2024. Additionally, the investment covered expenses related to the business combination and provided funding for general corporate liquidity. As of the transaction close, AleAnna had approximately $28 million in cash and cash equivalents on its balance sheet and no debt. This disciplined approach to financial management has empowered AleAnna to allocate significant capital to innovative exploration and development projects while preserving financial flexibility. Long History In Developing Resources in Italy AleAnna has a distinguished history in Italy, having been a leader in energy exploration and development for over a decade. Since its founding in 2007, the company has been dedicated to unlocking the significant potential of Italy's natural gas reserves through the application of cutting-edge seismic imaging and environmentally responsible practices. AleAnna holds one of the largest portfolios of exploration permits and production concessions in Italy, spanning over 2.3 million acres. By combining advanced technology with a deep respect for Italy's cultural and environmental heritage, AleAnna is expected to play a pivotal role in bolstering the nation's energy independence and economic growth, earning its reputation as a trusted partner in Italy's energy future. Positioning itself as a leader in both onshore conventional natural gas and renewable natural gas (RNG) production, AleAnna is at the forefront of building a secure and reliable domestic energy supply for Italy and the broader European market. The company stands on the cusp of a major milestone, with the first phase of natural gas production from the Longanesi Field projected to commence in Q1 2025. Alongside this, additional gas discoveries at Gradizza and Trava, 13 development prospects in various permitting stages, and leases covering approximately 2.3 million net acres underscore AleAnna's commitment to future exploration and development. AleAnna is also helping drive the European Union's clean energy transition through its innovative approach to RNG. Leveraging the strategic overlap between its conventional and renewable assets in the Po Valley, AleAnna is transforming agricultural waste into renewable energy. With three RNG facilities operational and over 100 additional opportunities identified, AleAnna is poised for significant expansion in this sector. Guided by a commitment to corporate responsibility and a vision for a sustainable future, AleAnna integrates conventional and renewable energy solutions to reduce Europe's carbon footprint and advance its clean energy objectives. By delivering innovative energy solutions, AleAnna continues to shape Italy's energy landscape and support the EU's transition toward a greener future. Experienced Management And Board Of Directors The combined company will be led by William Dirks as Executive Director and Marco Brun as Chief Executive Officer, supported by a seasoned and highly skilled executive team. AleAnna's leadership team brings extensive expertise gained from top-tier energy companies, including Shell, Eni, and Exxon. This seasoned group combines in-depth knowledge of energy technology, operations, and business development with well-established regulatory and industry networks in Italy. Their collective experience equips AleAnna to effectively navigate the dynamic and rapidly evolving energy landscape. The Board of Directors, which will include Graham van't Hoff, William Dirks, Marco Brun, Duncan Palmer, and Curtis Hébert, collectively brings a wealth of experience spanning global energy markets, technical and operational expertise, European energy development, financial management, governance, and regulatory policy. This diverse set of skills and perspectives ensures comprehensive strategic oversight and positions AleAnna for sustained growth and success. With over 15 years of investment and operational experience in Italy, AleAnna has a competitive advantage in securing critical permits and approvals, positioning it ahead of its peers. The company's approach integrates cutting-edge technologies and industry-leading practices with strategic capital allocation to maximize the value of its conventional and renewable natural gas (RNG) assets. AleAnna is dedicated to sustainable, low-cost growth while maintaining strict capital discipline. By prioritizing innovation, efficiency, and long-term shareholder value, AleAnna is well-positioned to lead the next phase of Italy's energy transformation. Management Commentary Bill Dirks, Executive Director of AleAnna, commented, "Our investment in state-of-the-art subsurface technology has been a game-changer for AleAnna. By leveraging advanced seismic imaging and cutting-edge data analysis, we have achieved unparalleled accuracy in identifying and developing Italy's natural gas resources. This technology not only enhances our operational efficiency but also ensures that our exploration and development activities are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner, aligning with our commitment to sustainability and innovation in the energy sector." Marco Brun, AleAnna's Chief Executive Officer, added, "We stand at a pivotal moment in AleAnna's journey. As we gear up for production at Longanesi and scale our renewable natural gas (RNG) operations, we are proud to be at the forefront of driving a sustainable energy future. This strategy not only delivers value to AleAnna shareholders but also plays a key role in reshaping the energy landscape for generations to come." About AleAnna, Inc. AleAnna is an innovative energy company dedicated to unlocking Italy's extensive natural gas reserves and advancing renewable energy solutions to address the country's energy needs and support Europe's sustainability and energy security goals. With a vast portfolio encompassing over 2.3 million acres of potential resources and state-of-the-art technologies, AleAnna is poised to lead Italy's energy transition. Guided by a commitment to environmental responsibility and operational excellence, AleAnna is shaping a sustainable and secure energy future. The company operates regional headquarters in Dallas, TX, and Rome, Italy, serving as strategic hubs for its global and local initiatives. Forward-Looking Statements The information included herein contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Certain statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included herein, regarding the Business Combination, the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination, AleAnna's future financial performance following the Business Combination, as well as AleAnna's strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used herein, including any statements made in connection herewith, the words "could," "should," "will," "may," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "project," the negative of such terms and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. However, not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on AleAnna management's current expectations and assumptions about future events. They are based on current information about the outcome and timing of future events. You should not place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, AleAnna disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. AleAnna cautions you that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of AleAnna. These risks include, but are not limited to, general economic, financial, legal, political and business conditions and changes in domestic and foreign markets; the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination and any transactions contemplated thereby, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of AleAnna to grow and manage growth profitably and retain its management and key employees; AleAnna's need for additional capital to execute its business plan and support its anticipated growth; costs related to the Business Combination; the risks associated with the growth of AleAnna's business and the timing of expected business milestones; AleAnna's ability to identify, develop and operate new projects; the reduction or elimination of government economic incentives to the natural gas market; delays in acquisition, financing, construction and development of new projects; decline in public acceptance and support of renewable energy development and projects; the ability to obtain necessary regulatory and governmental permits and approvals; uncertainty regarding the EU's clean energy transition, including existing regulations and changes to regulations and policies that affect AleAnna's operations; the ability to maintain the listing of AleAnna's securities on a national securities exchange; and the effects of competition on AleAnna's future business. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, and should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described herein and in any statements made in connection in addition to these occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that AleAnna does not know or that AleAnna currently believes are immaterial that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning these and other factors that may impact AleAnna's expectations and projections can be found in filings it makes with the SEC, including the definitive proxy statement/prospectus filed by Swiftmerge and AleAnna Energy with the SEC on November 21, 2024, including those under "Risk Factors" therein, and other documents filed or to be filed with the SEC by AleAnna. SEC filings are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov . Investor Relations Contact For AleAnna, Inc.: Bill Dirks wkdirks@aleannagroup.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Authored by Lance Roberts via RealInvestmentAdvice.com, Corporations are currently producing the highest level of profitability, as a percentage of GDP, in history. However, understanding corporate profitability involves more than glancing at quarterly earnings reports. At its core, the Kalecki Profit Equation provides a valuable framework, especially when exploring the reasons behind today’s elevated profit margins and what could disrupt them. James Montier discussed the Kalecki profit equation in 2012 in a post entitled “What Goes Up, Must Come Down.” However, that has not been the case, as noted recently by Albert Edwards at Societe Generale: “Companies have been able to push through profit‐margin‐expanding price increases under the cover of two key events, namely 1) supply constraints in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic and 2) commodity cost-push pressures after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But we still emphasise that one of the main sources of the recent surge in profit margins is massive fiscal expansion. In short, the government has been spending more to the benefit of corporates . “ It is that last statement that is most crucial for investors and the incoming Trump administration. However, we need to understand the Kalecki Profit Equation. Some economic equations or relations are inspired by guesswork and may not describe the real world precisely. Other equations always hold since they are simple accounting identities. The Kalecki Profit Equation is of the latter type. It describes precisely the factors that determine corporate profits. Knowing this relation can give investors a leg up in predicting earnings. Named after the economist Michal Kalecki, this equation deciphers the macroeconomic elements that shape business earnings. Corporate profits derive from combining investment, government and household savings behaviors, dividends, and trade flows. Profits = Investment – Household Saving – Foreign Saving – Government Saving + Dividends Kalecki’s formula states that net investment, household and government savings, foreign trade balances, and corporate dividend payouts determine total corporate profits. The equation underscores how interconnected economic activities translate into business revenue. For example, when governments run deficits, they inject money into the economy, boosting overall demand and, by extension, corporate earnings. Conversely, business profitability can take a hit when households save more or governments cut spending. As shown, after a massive spike in household savings during the pandemic, the surge in corporate profitability was unsurprising as households went on a shopping spree. It is crucially important to understand the bolded statement above. Many economists and analysts are raising alarm bells about increasing government spending and deficits. However, over the past decade, record profit margins have become a hallmark of corporate America as politicians continue to “UN-save” by running more significant deficits. Therefore, corporate profit margins have averaged far higher than the historical norm, with both households and the government “dis-saving” at an increasing pace. From the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis through the pandemic stimulus programs, fiscal policy has kept money flowing and profits robust. As discussed previously, massive government interventions have kept economic growth humming for the last two decades. While the incoming Trump administration suggests cutting spending and the deficits, the consequences, which are long-term beneficial, will be painful in the short term. Government spending isn’t the sole contributor to recent profitability highs. Investment dynamics and changing consumer behavior have played critical roles. The post-pandemic stimulus created a consumption boom, reinforcing corporate earnings. Additionally, low interest rates over the last decade fueled significant business investment and stock buybacks , another source of profit strength. As Montier warns, record corporate profit margins can not last indefinitely. “If the era of big government is here to stay then profits as a percent of GNP can remain higher than in the past. However, it should be noted that economic theory offers no reason as to why profit margins should mean revert. It is the return on capital, not the return on sales, that ‘should’ mean revert. Of course, because capital is not observable, we are forced to proxy it. From a simple profit margins perspective, we can examine the Shiller P/E. This measure attempts to smooth out the cyclical elements of profitability by following Ben Graham’s advice to use 10 years of earnings in the denominator of the P/E. This makes it interesting to us in the current context as it automatically builds in the fact that profitability has been higher over the last 10 years. So even if one believes that fiscal deficits are here to stay and that profitability is structurally higher as a result, the U.S. market is still trading at around 35x. This dooms investors to low long-run returns. Even if we don’t get any valuation or margin mean reversion, investors are facing a return of around 3% real – hardly likely to be sufficient recompense for the risk of owning equities.” Since the “Financial Crisis,” massive Government spending has corresponded to a persistently elevated market valuation multiple. Another anomaly caused by the massive surge in Government and Household spending (dis-saving) has been the detachment of margin-adjusted valuations from earnings-driven valuation measures. As Montier noted in his research: “In the past both John Hussman and I have shown that various measures of margin-adjusted CAPE have performed better than standard CAPE as predictors of returns – naturally due to the mean reversion of margins over time. They show how if margins were to revert to their ‘normal/historical levels,’ then the CAPE would be much higher than the standard CAPE shows – margin-adjusted measures of CAPE are around 50x today! If you believe in full reversion of both valuations and margins,then your return outlook would be exceptionally downbeat.” Of course, if we get valuation mean reversion, investors will face long-run returns significantly worse than 3% on an inflation-adjusted basis. What would cause such a reversion? Any action that increases Government savings. As governments worldwide grapple with inflation and rising debt burdens, austerity measures may come into play. Consider the U.S. budget discussions around reducing expenditures on social programs and infrastructure. Any significant cuts could reduce aggregate demand, impacting corporate revenues. Household savings trends are another factor to watch. As inflation erodes purchasing power and consumers face higher borrowing costs, the impulse to save rather than spend intensifies. This behavior can create a feedback loop in economic downturns, as lower consumption hits businesses, leading to reduced hiring and investment, further dampening growth. Remember, in the Kalecki framework, rising household savings represent a direct drag on profits. The Kalecki Profit Equation clearly explains that while debts and deficits erode economic growth and are deflationary through the diversion of capital from productive investment, a reversal of deficit spending suggests risk for investors. Valuations are high, partly because investors assume elevated profit margins will persist. However, the cumulative change of the inflation-adjusted price of the market significantly exceeds the profits being generated. Previous such deviations have not ended well for investors, which is what the Kalecki equation suggests. We see the same evidence in the correlation between corporate profits to GDP ratio vs the inflation-adjusted market price. If economic conditions worsen or fiscal policies tighten, we could see a significant reset. Earnings projections would likely be revised downward, dragging down equity prices. As Montier suggests, long-term returns for U.S. equities look grim even under optimistic assumptions. He points out that price-to-earnings ratios reflect these outsized profit margins, leaving little room for error. Importantly, as opposed to Yardeni’s more ebullient forecasts , as we addressed last week, history suggests that periods of high profitability are not indefinite. From a macroeconomic perspective, unsustainably high margins eventually face downward pressure from mean reversion. The Shiller P/E ratio, which adjusts earnings to a 10-year average, remains elevated, implying rich valuations without much margin of safety. In other words, any move toward fiscal restraint or consumer belt-tightening could usher in a profit decline. As always, the future of corporate profits and market performance remains unpredictable, but understanding the forces at play provides an edge. Acknowledging the interdependency of government policy, household behavior, and corporate actions is crucial for investors. The coming years may test the resilience of today’s profit levels, and prudent investors should prepare for a range of outcomes. * * * For more insights on market trends and strategic advice, visit RealInvestmentAdvice.com .Top banker Dr. Illesinghe appointed to BOC Board

How to Watch Top 25 Women’s College Basketball Games – Saturday, December 14

Ahmedabad: What if the apron used in the kitchen is made of a fabric that can withstand occasional exposure to flame or an accidental oil splash? A project by Khyati Gohil at NIFT Gandhinagar's graduation show included such a fabric to provide the first layer of security in the kitchen. Likewise, Prateeksha Chaudhary, another student, prepared a mix of fire-retardant yarn and nylon to create aesthetically pleasing clothing. On the other hand, a project by Pratiksha Yadav explored natural cooling fibres and pocketed fabric for the scorching heat of regions like Gujarat, where the wearer can get some respite with embedded cold packs . These were some of the highlights of the graduation show at NIFT Gandhinagar, as 249 students graduated from the premier institute on Friday. The students were from disciplines such as accessory design, fashion communication, fashion design, textile design , fashion technology, and fashion management, among others. The event had Sunaina Tomar, ACS (higher and technical education), as the chief guest, with Prof Sudha Dhingra, dean (academics), and Prof Shinju Mahajan, head of academic affairs, also participating in the ceremony. Prof Sameer Sood, director of NIFT Gandhinagar, in his address, mentioned that the institute participated in a G20-themed fashion show, entered into strategic collaborations with EDII, NID, and ATIRA, hosted an international sustainability conference, and engaged in global exchange opportunities in the past year. He added that the institute achieved a 91% placement rate with the highest salary of Rs 24.5 lakh per annum. The textile design student groups also worked on special projects to revive and reinvent crafts based in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. Three groups worked on traditional crafts of Sodagari, Pithora painting, and Sadeli, said Dr Shubhangi Yadav, project guide. "Two student groups also worked on weaver groups at Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, who reimagined gamchha design to create saris and home furnishing products," she said. Some students also worked on different forms of textile and fabric, clothing designs, and utility. "I worked on the concept of fabric sensitive to decibel levels — when the noise increases beyond a certain level, it lights up, giving a visual cue in places such as hospitals or schools to reduce noise," said Miha Patel, a student. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .