e sabong jay costura

e sabong jay costura As 2024 winds down, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the pet products that have truly stood out this year. From innovative gadgets to cozy comforts, these editor-approved picks include something for both dogs and cats. Best of all, most of these items are on sale right now, so it’s easier than ever to treat your furry friends (and yourself) to the best—all conveniently available on Amazon! Let’s talk enrichment for your four-legged friend. This , cleverly designed to rock and roll, is not merely a distraction but a mental workout for your dog. With room for dry treats or kibble, it’s a game of discovery that tailors to canine instincts. It’s conveniently top-rack dishwasher and freezer-safe too. It’s fun, developmental, and refreshingly earth-conscious. One more thing ticked off your list. Picture this: a , fit for every canine pal out there, from the Chihuahua to the Great Dane, and every beloved mutt in between. Its retractable design is your secret to fun, tangle-free outings with your four-legged friend while the quick-lock braking system puts you at the helm, controlling leash lengths at your whimsy. Nighttime walks just got safer with the reflective safety ring and leash tape that ensures visibility. Modern pet parenthood gets a stylish upgrade with this . Choose your personal design, engrave it, make it unique, et voila! A 32oz or 64oz bowl large enough to accommodate food, water, kibble, treats— anything a doggo or kitten heart desires. The best part? An anti-skid rubber ring at the base preventing those oh-so-familiar mealtime messes. Effortless and hassle-free canine potty training? It’s not a myth anymore. Welcome to the dynamic world of the . This intuitive instrument for your furry comrade gives them the ability to signify their restroom needs without the tiresome barking, scratching, or whining we’ve all grown to dread. Easy-to-install and versatile for indoor and outdoor use. Let’s make those stressful days a remnant of the past and embrace the tranquil toilet training era. Train smart, not hard. Take the guesswork out of your fur-buddy’s life with an insightful . Offering insights on a staggering 270+ health conditions, this tool empowers you to be proactive in your pup’s health, jet-boosting your way into early prevention strategies. Additionally, tapping into a database of 350+ breeds, you’ll unpack your pet’s lineage in fascinating detail. Beyond his charming looks, you can explore 55 different traits— shedding habits included! Experience fuss-free hydration for you and your furry friend using this dual-purpose gadget. An impressive 24-oz remains chilled for over 12 hours while also housing a handy 8-oz silicone boot for your pup’s thirst quenching needs. Now, relish those long walks knowing both you and your dog lead the pack in cool comfort! Establish a fuss-free feeding routine with our . It’s fail-safe with anti-jam technology and a safe feeding door. Triple seal freshness locks and desiccant compartments protect food from going stale. This dependable feeder can run on both power cable and batteries, never letting your pet miss a meal. Its tech-savvy features keep you inform of their feeding habits and allow you to customize feeding schedules. Embrace an odorless home with the complete . With a UV light to hunt hidden stains and a pet odor eliminator dispensing sweet citrus scents, you can confidently tackle any malodorous challenge. This product goes beyond household cleaning, making it equally effective for outdoor odors on your garments and trashcans. It’s user-friendly too, a simple shake, spray, and dry is all it takes. Who’s got time for fiddly ear cleanings? Not us, and certainly not our furry friends. These jumbo-sized, oatmeal-scented are here to change the game. They sweep away stubborn wax and lingering odors, all without causing a mess or discomfort. And the best part? They’re hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and packed with soothing aloe vera and chamomile. Feel that dread crawl up when you hear the word ‘litter-box’? Trust me, we’ve all been there. But take a glance at this open-top with an extended capacity. Finally, a litter box that adapts to your busy schedule and multi-cat household. It’s designed with an inclusive sizing and ensures a stress-free environment for your feline. What’s more? It even lets you track your cat’s bathroom habits. As if that’s not enough, it has a self-cleaning feature and a ‘Pull and Wrap’ system, ensuring your home stays fresh. Delight in a fresher, cleaner home with our powerful . A clever cocktail of activated charcoal and baking soda eradicates roughly 96.6% of unpleasantries, ensuring constant freshness in your living space. Crafted from 100% natural minerals, the litter forms clumps swiftly and powerfully, demonstrating an impressive 517% boost to clumping efficiency and subsequently making your life infinitely easier. The dust-free formula safeguards both your lungs and your cat’s tiny nostrils, and neatly sidesteps the pervasive dust issue. When it comes to pet upkeep, nothing quite hits the mark like . Let’s be frank, loose hair is a nightmare but don’t sweat, as this tool brushes through it like a dream, and works wonders on all furry friends – dogs, cats, and even rabbits. The dual-sided design means detangling and shedding is a one-two step process. It comes in handy for all coat types, ensuring stress-free and comfortable grooming. Here’s cheering to healthier pets and cleaner homes! Unleash a box of fun with this fantastic combo of and a sturdy cardboard scratch pad. An irresistible treat for your furry friend, these donut delights are infused with organic, chemical-free catnip sure to captivate your cat’s senses. Plus, with the inclusion of a scratch pad, this box doubles as a wonderful solution to meet your cat’s natural scratching urge. It’s exercise, play and a healthy bite of fun, all wrapped in one neat package. Ever been caught in a fluff-storm after a grooming session with your furry friend? This is where this ultra-quiet comes into play. It takes the fuss out of grooming and, with its 7 diverse attachments, effortlessly allows you to brush, detangle, deshed, trim, and even dry your pet! Thanks to the SilentGroom tech, your pet remains at ease, while the potent motor and HEPA filtration system ensure a near-perfect capture of hair, dust, dander, and pesky fleas. Here’s an unmissable treat for your furry friends: an . This product is packed with ingredients like coconut oil, beeswax, and cocoa butter for soothing relief to cracked skin – no harsh chemicals in sight. It’s a quick fix: just apply, massage for instant comfort, and watch your pet’s happiness bloom. Perfect for healing the toll of seasonal weather on delicate paws, it’s an utterly indulgent remedy for both cats and dogs. Peace of mind in a small tin! Thirst can strike your best bud anywhere–on a hike, during a road trip, or while playing fetch at the park. That’s where this light, foldable, 20-ounce comes in! With a single squeeze, your pet is hydrated, and a release ensures no H20 is wasted. Its brilliant leak-resistant composition ensures a mess-free experience. Crafted from safe, BPA-free, food-grade silicone, it’s top-rack dishwasher friendly and slips easily into cup holders. A carabiner completes the package, making it simple to tote along. Watering your pet has never been this refreshing and effortless. Think your training sessions with your furry friend could use a little spice? Flutter in with the that seamlessly dispenses kibble, adding a burst of fun to your playdates or obedience drills. Crafted from safe, food-grade silicone, this trusty treat pouch ensures durability and boasts controlled dispensing so your pet stays adequately rewarded yet healthy. With a handy carabiner, it hooks onto your belt for rewarding on the run and sports a one-hand operation for uninterrupted fun. It’s effortless, efficient, and seriously entertaining. Let’s be honest, our fluffy companions leave their mark wherever they go. Enter the ultimate – forget those lint rollers of yesteryear. This reusable, no-adhesive roller is poised to rescue your furniture, cars, and carpets from the relentless pet hair siege. Whisk away cat and dog hair with ease, and relax in your freshly reclaimed, fur-free spaces. Its convenient built-in receptacle makes cleanup a breeze – simply press, empty, and go again. Embrace the furry love, not the furry clutter! Looking for a game-changer in maintaining your furniture’s prime condition? Enter, this generously sized . It deters your feline friends from turning your beloved furniture into their makeshift scratching posts while preserving the texture of the fabric, thus giving your investment a fighting chance against those excited claws. However, leather-owners, take a raincheck. Equipped with an easy-to-install self-adhesive pad and supportive twist pins, it’s as low maintenance as it gets. Improve the security of your feline friend with this nifty . This chic accessory is not only fashionable, but also practical – easily housing an Air Tag and boasting a reflective tag for after-dark visibility. The one-size-fits-all design is adjustable from 8.2-inch to 13.7-inch, and its durable Velcro pocket ensures tag safety. Whisking away matted fur from your beloved pets should never be a hun-drum task, thanks to the two-in-one marvel of this . Designed smartly with 9 teeth for soothing de-matting and 17 teeth for efficient thinning and de-shedding, it’s your magic wand for all pet grooming. Its uniquely rounded teeth promise to keep your pet’s skin unscathed and pampered. Fancy a pet-friendly, all-in-one product? Meet the . One application ticks all boxes: it cleans, deodorizes, detangles, moisturizes, and conditions your dog’s coat. It’s all-natural, with an impressive 98.25% of ingredients sourced sustainably. Expect a clean, shiny, and ultra-soft coat, thanks to the miraculous mix of oats and aloe. Ideal for any breed or age over 12 weeks, bonus—it’s free from dyes, MEA, DEA, sulfates, and parabens. Pampering your pet with a blend of prebiotics and probiotics isn’t only indulgent, it’s smart. The canny formula that goes into provides valuable support to your four-legged buddy’s gut and immune system. It uses an effective prebiotic to foster good gut bacteria growth, and a probiotic thrown into the mix ensures smooth digestion and a balanced gut. This is the secret to a healthier pet that deals with fewer environmental stressors and diet changes. You and your pup know what’s essential: comfort, style, and a whole lot of coziness. Enter this extra large, , expertly topped with long-haired faux fur that’s tail-wagging good. It’s a total fit for any home, gracing your couch, bed, car, or dog crate with its luxe feel. Not only does it give your four-legged friend an exquisite snuggly spot, but its non-slip, multilayer bottom keeps your furniture untouched. Plus, staying clean is a breeze! Just unzip, toss in the machine on a gentle cycle, and let it air dry. At ease, pet lovers! Rejoice in an upgraded grooming solution that feels just like a warm, soothing massage delivered by 255 enhanced silicone tips. These easy-fit, brush away grime and ragged curls from your cherished fuzzy companion, effortlessly reaching even those elusive spots like the tail or face. Importantly, a gentle stroke will suffice, no more painful fur removal or unwanted skin scratching. Designed to suit all, with an adjustable wrist strap accentuating the comfort each use. Meet the , your new ally against pesky pet hair. Multitasking is its middle name, with a dual-sided design catering to both thick and thin fabrics. With 50% more grips than similar options, this brush drastically cuts clean-up time. It fearlessly banishes hair from couches, carpets, car interiors – you name it. And durability? It’s covered with interchangeable rubber strips. It’s an essential tool for pet owners, making life just that bit easier. Let’s face it, pet parenting can be stressful. But, a little help never goes amiss, right? These compact, with cranberry extract are made for just that – lending you a helping paw. Geared to bolster your pet’s urinary tract health, our drops are easy to administer; no tussle or fuss. Ideal as a natural dietary aid for kittens to adult dogs up to 36lbs. Misery strikes your heart every time you see your old pal stumped by joint pains. Wouldn’t it be nice to ease all that with a yummy snack? Just a few of these can turn the limping around. They’re packed with joint-soothing compounds like glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM, plus anti-inflammatory turmeric. Crafted to be effective and safe, these treats are perfection—all-natural, No-GMO, and stripped of unnecessary sugars. Ideal for our pawesome friends of all sizes, they’re a tasty, healthier alternative to the traditional, chewable supplement. Brimming with dual-sided brilliance, this efficiently de-clogs your pet’s coat from stubborn mats and tangles, while effortlessly thinning it out. Sharp yet generously rounded teeth ensures unhindered removal of knots and loose hair, without the risk of irritation. Light as air itself with an anti-slip grip, this brush never strays as you groom. Double-coated, thick-furred pets? Fear not. This tool is a godsend, skillfully eliminating hidden dander and dirt. Keep those puppy-dog eyes gleaming. If mucus buildup or red, runny eyes are a constant worry, then this is your friend in need. See it work away tear stains and dissolve crusty discharges with subtle efficiency. Convenient for a daily de-rustle or urgent uses, the antibacterial formula ensures an itch-free, clear-eyed look. Inject a dash of fun and friendly competition into your canine companionship with an . This pet accessory enhances your bond, promotes interactive play, and steps up your dog’s excitement level. It has an ergonomic design that affords you a worry-free tug-of-war session as it ensures safety for your hand from dog’s teeth. Goodness in a bottle – Picture this: your four-legged companion bounding around with the energy of a puppy again. That’s the magic of this . It combines Green Lipped Mussel and Boswellia Serrata, powerhouses of joint health. The blend promotes cartilage development, eases stiffness and enhances overall bone strength. Thoughtfully sourced from non-GMO ingredients and proudly made in the USA, it’s the perfect tool to keep your dog active and happy. Every dog owner knows the thrill their pooch gets from a car ride. But an unrestrained pup can cause dangerous distractions. No need to worry though! Secure your furry friend with this . Made with a solid metal buckle and featuring an Aviation Aluminum carabiner clip, it can withstand a force of over 850+ lbs, offering your dog the security needed to safely enjoy the ride. The best part? It’s adjustable from 16 to 26 inches, ensuring comfort whether your dog wishes to sit, stand, or lay down. Chin up, pet lovers! This raised is here to enhance your furry friend’s dining experience significantly. Its intelligent design ensures food stays centralized, diminishing the struggle of reaching those last kibbles. An ingenious inner lip means no more accidental spills, translating to pristine floors and less clean-up for you. What’s more? It’s crafted from non-absorbent porcelain – both dishwasher and microwave safe. Now, that’s practical, efficient, and stylish! You’ll love these that transform tedious grooming sessions into a breeze. Comprising of naturally-sourced Iceland fish oil, these essentials are compatible with all breeds and ages and come in an easy-to-use pump. Apart from reducing shedding, they replenish the skin and fur making your feline pal appear plush and healthy. The plus point? These products are sustainability sourced, toxin-free, and can help combat allergies and itchiness. Reinvent their grooming routine – make it less messy, more fulfilling. Peeling mounds of pet hair off your favorite chair can be frustrating, but not anymore! Let’s address those daily grooming tasks with ease using this upgraded . Doubling as a bath brush, it gently massages your pet while detangling hair – catering to long, short or curly haired pets alike. The best part? Shedding hair sticks easily to the glove, making disposal a breeze. There’s a surge of joy that comes from watching your canine buddy effortlessly snatch a flying disc mid-air. These promise just that—a blend of durability to sustain eager chomps and lightweight design for impressive flight distances. The added thrill? They float, making them a perfect beach fetch toy! Vibrantly colored, they are easy to spot across distances, while their aerodynamic design maximizes your throw precision. Caught in a tug-of-war struggle of providing a healthy yet satisfying treat for your dog? Trust us, these all-natural, will get their tails wagging in delight. A perfect package of flavour, health, and novelty, it’s a 2-in-1 treat packed with the delightful blend of grass-fed cattle meat and bone. Slow-dried to seal in nutrients, it’s devoid of any artificial nasties. Add a breeze to your pet-caring routine with these . A specially designed brush prevents coat damage while an electric clipper makes grooming straightforward. For an added touch, a nozzle tool and cleaning brush tackle pet hair scattered around your home. Minimize trips to the bin with the substantial 2L dust cup, and give your best friend the haircut they deserve with an array of guard combs. Engineered with a low-noise design, the grooming session becomes a fear-free zone. A detachable soft hose ensures a gentle touch, and the included storage rack tidies up post-groom, keeping everything neatly in place. Admit it, Fido making a mess of his food gets under your skin. Cue this savvy – complete with a spill-containment silicone tray and anti-slide design. Say ‘peace-out’ to your pooch scattering kibble like confetti and hello to a cleaner eating area. Stainless steel bowls offer durability and simplicity (hello, dishwasher-friendly!). Perfect for small dogs and fussy felines alike, it makes feeding not just a task but a convenience. Paws down, this trio of are set to revolutionize your pet-loving life. Designed specifically for varied fabric types, you’ll be skimming hair off everything from rugs to car seats – and those formerly hair-clad clothes? Consider them reborn! Time-saving and infinitely reusable, they’ve got brains and beauty. And forget batteries, rolls or bags; their efficiency is matched only by their simplicity. A must-have in every home – these pet hair removers offer the bliss of a fur-free existence. You, the pet owner, are exhausted. Clingy pets are not a cute sight, particularly when you’re out and about. Here’s your answer – a that fits snugly around your body. It’s a practical width and depth with a secure, long shoulder strap. The security clasp is a genius addition, saying “no” to escape artists under 12 pounds. The material? Breathable, and effortlessly cleanable – because pets aren’t always dust-free angels. When out and about with your furry friend, let’s champion the cause for a cleaner environment by choosing . These sturdy bags are 100% leak-proof, ensuring a mess-free experience. Compact to tote, these extra-long, robust bags are made from 65% post-consumer recycled plastic, giving landfill-bound plastics a second life. They neatly roll out, tear off easily and even let you know when you’re getting low. Truly a dog-walking essential! Nurturing your young fur baby or aiding an elderly canine companion? Make way for this super-efficient . It’s a power pack brimming with proteins, fats, and essential vitamins, literally stepping in as mother nature to fill nutritional gaps. Add to that: supplementary digestive enzymes and immunoglobulin for digestive health, plus calcium for sturdy bones and sparkling teeth. Bonus? It’s tasty and extra digestible. Crafted in GMP-certified conditions, it’s safe and top-grade. Living the pet parent life can be a sneeze-filled saga if you’re amongst the 10% of Americans grappling with pet allergies, and our feline friends seem to be the regular culprits. Here’s a solution to keep the wheezes at bay – a simple, safe . This powerful concoction, recommended by leading veterinarians and allergists, binds and removes pesky allergy-causing proteins, reducing dander levels considerably, even in those finicky furballs that detest bathtime. With easy-to-use mitt and sprayer options, this non-toxic, vitamin-infused product might just be the secret to an allergy-free home. Imagine keeping your four-legged friend close and safe, while also granting them freedom to explore with our . Its unique quick-lock braking system provides effortless length control while the 360° tangle-free swivel clip bends to each exuberant leap or sniff. Combine this with the integrated poop bag holder for easy clean-ups, and our sophisticated leash transforms your daily walks, effortlessly tailoring to both large breeds and the smallest of pups. Just the ticket for thirsty pups on the go, this cleverly designed 22 oz is a boon. Hiking or hitting the road, your one-handed operation allows for minimal water wastage and maximum refreshments. Releasing your grip sends water back into the bottle – genius, right? A leak-tight shut-off valve keeps things dry when not in use, and it’s even car cup holder compatible. Plus, it’s BPA free and delightfully dishwasher safe. Now that’s making hydration a walk in the park! Own a feline? Consider the luxury of a foldable, . Intended for your convenience, the compact design can accommodate two cats and a travel litter box. A waterproof fleece mat takes the stress off of cleaning, and the large, mesh panels ensure optimal ventilation. Safe and reliable, the cage includes nifty zipper locks to prevent any curious paws from escaping. Talk about a game-changer. These slick and sturdy are designed for that dreaded pet owner task. Don’t sweat the mess – with these bags’ smart tab design and top-grade material, you’re handling it like a pro. The best part? You’re also doing Mother Nature a solid with this eco-conscious choice. These bags pack a punch even beyond poop patrol – think cat litter and other pet cleanup. Behold, the two-in-one secret weapon every pet parent needs. An effective that doubles as a pet brush, offering an easy and efficient way to keep your clothes, furniture and car free from fur. Crafted using a durable 100mm stainless steel blade and comfortable plastic handle, this versatile device is gentle on your pet’s skin, stimulating natural oil production for a healthier, shinier coat.Several union ministers, CMs to join world leaders in Davos for WEF meetCambodia’s economy grew 5.6 per cent in 2023 and is projected to rise to 5.8 per cent in 2024, driven by garment, footwear, and tourism exports. In June, the World Bank admired Cambodia’s economic activity, which peaked in the first quarter of 2024, driven by a revival of services and goods exports despite subdued domestic demand. The country’s economic growth has been 5.6 per cent in 2023, which is expected to improve marginally to 5.8 per cent in 2024, strengthen to 6.1 per cent in 2025 and reach 6.4 per cent in 2026. The projections are based on a revival in garment, travel goods, footwear exports, and tourism expected to propel the ongoing recovery. While the international tourist arrivals improved in the first quarter to 84 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, the exports of garments, travel goods, and footwear rebounded with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region emerging as Cambodia’s second largest export market after the US. Rising foreign investment in manufacturing and agriculture also contributed to the recovery. Inflation also declined to zero in March with deceleration in food prices. Later in October, IMF (International Monetary Fund) projected economic growth in 2024 at 5.5 per cent. However, the growth drivers – strong rebound in garment and tourism as also observed by the World Bank, remained common in both projections. The inflation projection is around 1.5 per cent prior to an expected convergence to the long-term trend of 3 per cent. In the first half, the inflation moderated to an average of 1.6 per cent, y-o-y. IMF recommended structural reforms to diversify growth drivers and improve productivity. January-September trade The international sales (exports) of various articles of apparel and clothing accessories – both knitted and non-knitted, footwear gaiters, leather and fur goods, as well as some processed textiles, reached $966.98 million in the month of January, accounting for 49.16 per cent of Cambodia’s total export value of $1,967 million. This was 21.64 per cent up from January 2023 and attributed to the global recovery towards the end of 2023, a decrease in the stock levels of textile products at overseas companies, and revitalisation of global tourism, which boosted the demand for GFT products in key markets of the US, EU, Japan, Canada and the UK. By February end, Cambodia cumulatively exported more than $1.6 billion worth of textile products to international markets, surging by nearly a quarter compared to the same period in 2023. The increase in exports was also due to an increase in shipments to member countries of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Between January and May 2024, Cambodia exported $4.969 billion worth of garments, footwear and travel goods (GFT), growing by 20% y-o-y. In this, combined exports of apparel and textiles accounted for $3.628 billion, rising 22 per cent y-o-y. The positive trend marked a turnaround after 18 months of continuous decline. The GFT sector comprises around 1,680 factories and branches, employing nearly 918,000 workers, mostly female. Export of footwear was worth $615 million—up by 10 per cent YoY, while the figure for travel goods was $726 million—up by 18.8 per cent y-o-y. During the five-month period, the country’s total trade volume increased 12.5 per cent over $19.2 billion during the same period last year. Combining all three quarters from January to September, Cambodia exported textile products, encompassing knitted articles of apparel and clothing accessories (HS Code 61), non-knitted articles (Code 62), other textiles (Code 63), and footwear and gaiters (Code 64), worth $8.758 billion which reflected a 24.51 per cent increase over $7.034 billion (2023). This represented 44.16 per cent of the country’s total export revenue of $19.833 billion. Code 61 products generated revenue of $5.034 billion (up 21.5 per cent), Code 62 amounted to $2.353 billion (up 31.9 per cent), Code 63 accounted for $155.69 million (up 37.7 per cent), and Code 64 brought in $1.214 billion (up 22.4 per cent). The growth in exports over 2023 was largely attributed to Cambodia’s political stability within ASEAN, especially in comparison to Bangladesh and Myanmar. The country’s favourable investment laws, the efficiency of its workers and the availability of skilled labour, the quality and quantity of production, improved transportation infrastructure, and a growing number of international buyers were other major growth drivers. The country also attracted many foreign financiers who are currently investing in textile manufacturing. In terms of country (not region), Canada remained the fourth largest market, after the top three of the US, Japan and Spain, for Cambodian apparel exports during the first six months of 2024. Cambodia’s total apparel exports totalled $5.548 billion, and Canada accounted for 8.29 per cent of the total. During the period, Canada was supplied with apparel worth $452.916 million, with trousers and shorts having the largest share of 36.06 per cent and valued at $163.392 million. Among other apparel categories, jerseys, valued at $74.217 million, had a 16.39 per cent share in total apparel exports; T-shirts amounted to $38.560 million, contributing 8.51 per cent; shirts were worth $31.012 million, had a 6.85 per cent share; and coats, valued at $20.969 million, contributed 4.63 per cent share. EU-switch garment project The four-year tenure of the EU-Switch Garment Project, which promoted sustainable energy practices in the Cambodian garment sector, ended in May. The European Union SWITCH-Asia Grants Programme funded the project. It jointly implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), TAFTAC (Textile, Apparel, Footwear & Travel Goods Association), and Geres in partnership with the MoE (Ministry of Environment) and MISTI (Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology & Innovation). The event was attended by over 100 participants and featured the project’s detailed achievements, and networking opportunities to discuss the future of sustainable garment production in Cambodia. The EU-Switch Garment project aimed to improve the environmental sustainability of the country’s garment industries by offering technical assistance in the form of energy audits, capacity building, technical guidelines, and improved financing access. During the tenure, the Model Green Factory Program—a voluntary tool to become a greener factory—was developed, acknowledged by MoE and MISTI, and adopted by TAFTAC for implementation. The project also contributed to bringing sector stakeholders together to enhance better access to finance. The National Steering Committee held its first meeting on June 20, 2024 in Phnom Penh, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of State, MoE. At the meeting, the Committee members listed work streams for 2024-2025 and decided to focus on two priority work streams that are expected to have a significant impact on Cambodia’s green economic transaction efforts: Enhancing the Government’s technical capacity in economic foresight and fiscal policy: This work stream would support policymakers in using data to make informed decisions and in systematically assessing the economic, social, and environmental impacts of fiscal and economic decisions. Additionally, integrated planning, modelling, and sustainable budgeting would help the Cambodian Government optimise resources, attract new financing, and align with development priorities. Promoting a circular economy with a focus on reducing single-use plastics and implementing the 4R principles within the garment industry: This work stream would aim to decarbonise the garment sector by reducing carbon emissions through technological innovation, aligning with the UNFCCC Fashion Charter principles. It focuses on reducing fabric waste, promoting circular fashion, and supporting the government’s target to reduce plastic use and promote the 4R principles as part of the Circular Strategy on Environment 2023-2028. On the occasion, PAGE (Partnership for Action on Green Economy) also presented a summary brief, developed based on the last year’s policy scoping study conducted in collaboration with the Cambodian Development Resource Institute, outlining five priorities that serve as a roadmap for policymakers and stakeholders to identify the obstacles and opportunities for fostering a green economic transition in Cambodia. Workshop on green initiatives A workshop ‘Reporting on Human Rights Due Diligence (HREDD) and Sustainability Requirements for International Buyers’ was organised on September 19, 2024, by GOPA Consulting Group’s team leading the GIZ-funded project “Services to strengthen capacities for sustainable management in the textile sector” in association with TAFTAC. The workshop marked the end of the project. Held in the headquarters of TAFTAC, the workshop lauded the efforts of 45 TAFTAC member factories for the successful completion of the Model Green Factory Program. The training at the workshop had three main objectives – environmental data management, energy efficiency, and job and data management, which are integral to international sustainability standards. Minimum wages revised The National Council on Minimum Wage (NCMW) – a tripartite body comprising equal representation of labour unions, employer’s associations, and the government, increased the minimum wage for the textile, garment, footwear and travel product industries for 2025, through Prakas 211 which will come into force with effect from January 1, 2025. The new minimum wages will be $208 pm (per month) and $206 pm for regular and probationary workers, respectively. Earlier wages were $204 pm and $202 pm. Prakas 211 also outlined the minimum wage provisions for piece rate workers, who are compensated based on their level of output. These workers have the potential to earn more than the minimum wage if their production yields a higher pay rate. However, if their production results in earnings lower than the minimum wage, their pay is adjusted to meet the minimum wage threshold of $208 pm for regular workers or $206 pm for probationary workers. In addition to the minimum wage, workers will also receive the attendance bonus of $10 pm; travel and accommodation expenses of $7 pm; meal allowances of $0.50 per day; and overtime and seniority bonus of $2 to $11 pm for those between their second to the eleventh year of work. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SB – WE)

Graduation day dawns sunny and warm for the first day of November, but the weather hardly matters for the joint MIT-Georgetown coding class, which takes place at the Correctional Treatment Facility, one of the two facilities that make up the DC jail complex. For twelve weeks, the students worked hard, hunched over laptops, squinting at characters and lines of code. Their work culminated in this: websites built from scratch and a certificate acknowledging their participation in college-accredited courses from these prestigious institutions. Today, they join over 200 other students at correctional facilities across the country who have completed the Brave Behind Bars program since the group’s founding in 2021. A graduation celebration looks different behind bars. Yellow and blue frosted cupcakes lined up next to lemonade and iced tea and chicken sandwiches sit waiting while the students proudly pose for photos with Marisa Gaetz, Brave Behind Bar’s co-founder. The food arrived much later than the students but no one seemed to mind; here you get used to waiting — especially for the rare celebratory occasion. Gaetz made the trek down from Massachusetts, taking a break from her PhD work to be here. She said she didn’t want to miss the chance to shake the students’ hands and tell them face to face all the things she enjoyed about working with each one of them. Her slow, precise way of speaking mirrors the painstaking work that these students have done in writing code to power websites. One by one, the students come up, take their certificate and pose for a photo with the people who made this program possible. The photos will have to do as a keepsake of this moment: the students can’t keep the physical copy – a precaution so no one else duplicates the certificate trying to pass it off as their own, an attempt to demonstrate good behavior to a judge without actually taking the class. These certificates will have to go to the students’ lawyers for safekeeping. It’s just one of the many precautions put in place for this course, one of the newest additions to prison and jail education. Here, safety questions always dominate. Whitelisted sites, limited computer time In a classroom next door, Taylor Swift plays over computer speakers as teams of two hunch over metal boxes and wiring. These students have chosen to learn about another piece of our information economy: repairing telecom equipment. The same tools these students wield to learn this lucrative craft could pose a real danger to their fellow detainees or jail staff outside this classroom. Their teacher, Timothy Saunders, painstakingly checks in and out the tools each class. He proudly tells me they’ve not had any issues on the safety front. Saunders boasts students can employ the skills they learn here to eventually earn six figure jobs. That is, of course, dependent on two things: that they get out, and once they do, that someone will hire them. The class is one of the many available to students in the lower security of DC’s two jail facilities. Administrators and detainees alike are grateful for the opportunities. Study after study shows incarcerated education helps do what citizens and policymakers alike say they want: keep people from committing more crimes. However, getting education for many people behind bars remains a challenge. Thirty years ago, the 1994 crime bill drastically cut funding for prisoner education. And while lawmakers restored this money in 2020 , across the country the gap between what kind of education prisoners would like and what they can access remains vast . This is doubly true because many of those behind bars lack even high school education - to say nothing of college or post-secondary training. The team responsible for education at the DC jail includes Jason McCrady, a former public-school counselor who noticed that so many of his students ended up behind bars that he got hired by the jail system to continue providing what education he could for those students. Technology education efforts got a boost during the pandemic, as visits and in-person services got further curtailed, and jails and prisons incorporated more digital communication tools. In the DC jail, this meant secure tablets. These devices greatly expanded the opportunities those awaiting trial would have for education and communication. At the same time, facilities have put guardrails in place. Communications, much like those over the phone, can be monitored. The functionality is limited. The students in the coding class have even more access to technology but unlike their peers on the outside, they only get limited hours each day on the laptops they use to code and they can only visit a limited number of sites pre-approved by the jail. For Gaetz, and her students, jumping through the hoops is worth it. Not taking education for granted The United States, put plainly, locks up a lot of people. But the people behind bars aren’t evenly distributed across society. This means that many people in the United States don’t have a personal connection to a system that detains and monitors nearly five million people, according to the latest statistics from the Department of Justice. This lack of connection, activists say, is one of the stumbling blocks to reform. For Gaetz, her connection to the correction system began in 2016. Her undergrad philosophy professor, Lee Perlman, taught a course at a local prison and so Gaetz tagged along. “Within minutes of sitting in that class my perception of incarcerated people was transformed,” she recalls. “Someone in that class told me that before he had taken classes while incarcerated no one had believed in him. And this one time a week not only is he treated like a human being but a student and someone whose opinion matters.” She immediately understood the power of education in an entirely different paradigm than her own. “MIT has some of the smartest students in the world,” she says “we all kind of feel like we’d do well and here I was with these students who had never had the encouragement that many of us take for granted.” She signed up to assist in that philosophy class. The years went on, she finished up her undergrad degree in math and philosophy and started a PhD program in theoretical math. She’d dabbled in computer science courses and taught herself to code as a kind of hobby. When the pandemic struck, and jails and prisons began experimenting with more connectivity, Gaetz - along with Emily Harberg and Martin Nisser - launched a coding boot camp in 2021 , first starting with women’s correctional facilities in New England. The program is straightforward. The trio aided by an ever-expanding group of expert mentors teach the students the basics of how to write code, with a bespoke website serving as their final project. But as with any education, along the way, the students pick up additional skills. Coding requires patience and confidence, but also collaboration. “A lot of people on Day One are honest and say they don’t think they can do it,” Gaetz says. ”Seeing that they’re able to do it can be really empowering.” Gaetz understands that some might feel uneasy about teaching even basic coding to people who’ve committed or are accused of committing crimes. But she maintains students graduate with the ability only to build a website, not hack or commit other cybercrimes. Opportunity outside of prison Although there are already rumblings of AI taking away coding jobs, Gaetz says today AI gets used mostly to assist in coding while most software engineering jobs still require an actual person. Besides, some of the students who come to class have little experience with computers, so the course builds literacy, confidence and problem-solving skills alongside the basic coding. All skills that most employers expect their new hires to have. Which leads to the next obvious question: Can these students use these skills to earn a living? In the DC classroom, the students put together websites speaking to their passions or interests. Their topics varied: One student with scotch tape holding his glasses together, created a site to explain the high sociological toll of poverty. Another made a site as a tribute to the positive power of music. The class’s sole female student, Iesha Marks, who goes by Tazz, built a website to help women, like her, who suffer domestic violence. Like so many behind bars, Tazz’s story contains elements of trauma. Her defense team wrote in court documents of her PTSD from a stabbing. And she, in turn, stands accused of causing grave harm. In 2021 she pleaded guilty to attempted assault with a gun. And though she’s professed her innocence, she’s been held on charges of that she shot and killed a man, Donald Childs, on a busy DC street in July of 2023 an offense to which she has pleaded not guilty. Her defense holds up her good record during the year plus of her detention, including her participation in the coding class, as evidence she’s demonstrating stability and should be released with supervision so she can care for her children ahead of the trial. A judge disagreed and ordered her held until her trial date, May of 2026. In between bites of her lunch, Tazz recalled that at the beginning, she wasn’t sure she could tackle this topic. Now scrolling through her site, full of resources for other survivors, she lights up with the possibility: maybe she created space for other women to find help and hope. It’s not just Tazz in DC. Gaetz explains that some of their earliest successes involved working with women behind bars. Some of the coding program’s first students were female inmates in New England. Some of the alumni from this group created and maintain a site called Reentry Sisters devoted to helping women in Maine rebuild their lives when they return to society from long prison stints. The well-designed site has hopeful stories and helpful tips. It also serves as a reminder of the perilous period that awaits even the most diligent student of this program. ‘I have gray hair because of coding’ Steve Johnson, an early graduate of the program, recalls that fear well. Released from prison during 2021 he remembers the fear when his parole officer demanded he get work within two weeks. With a conviction for armed robbery, despite time served, he struggled to land a job. He turned to the internet, searching for someone who could help him find a job or get the education he’d need for this new economy. The search yielded a familiar name: Lee Perlman, Gaetz’s undergraduate professor. “I cold called him,” Johnson recalled and within a day they’d connected, made a plan and got Johnson into the coding program. Johnson loved Brave Behind Bars so much he stayed on after graduation as a teaching assistant. “That role has been very helpful being on the other end, when you’re teaching something to someone you have to know it inside out,” he says. “The thing that I like the most is being able to help someone who is not very proficient and making their life easier by integrating some sort of tech-based solution for them.” Johnson’s story, by many measures, represents a best-case scenario. In the years since his release he learned a top digital skill, is teaching others, and has done numerous contract coding jobs. He loves it because although it’s hard and coding “has given me gray hair” you can work “anywhere with Wi-Fi.” His experience has also led to an appointment on a board that advises governments on how to think about education behind bars - something he evangelizes and deeply hopes to improve. Put simply: Johnson loves finding a problem and working to identify solutions. Yet even with this experience, Johnson worries that his past still holds him back. His jobs have all thus far been with organizations interested in rehabilitation and prison reform. He wonders if they hire him to get some kind of credibility in the space. He longs to be judged, for good or for ill, for his current skill not his criminal record. So now he’s trying for yet another reinvention, a 17-week tech incubator program with Defy Ventures, an organization that teaches formerly incarcerated people business chops. He figures if he can’t convince the boss of his bonafides, maybe he could become the boss himself. Then he could hire whomever he wanted based on what they bring to the job today and not get hung up on anyone’s past. This is what some refer to as a double sentence: the steep hill people returning from prison have to face in order to get jobs or rent apartments. Once you’ve done the time, how do you convince people they can trust you? For Johnson the question is a pragmatic one. “Do you want your neighbor to re-offend?” he muses. The data on this point is clear: better education and job opportunities make that prospect less likely. And here again, Johnson has adeptly identified the problem, but unlike writing a code, this problem lacks a tidy solution. Changing minds takes more time and patience even than fixing buggy code.

Philomena Cunk, aka the hilarious Diane Morgan, is back with a new Netflix special, Cunk On LifePresident-elect Donald Trump has promised swift immigration action during his second term in office. He has repeatedly pledged to seal the U.S.-Mexico border and implement a mass deportation program targeting millions of people who are in the U.S. illegally. On Dec. 8, in a wide-ranging interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Trump suggested he is considering deporting entire families, including children who are U.S. citizens with undocumented parents. “I don’t want to be breaking up families, so the only way you don’t break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back,” Trump said, echoing remarks his border czar Tom Homan made in October. Multiple people on social media claim the president cannot legally deport U.S. citizens because doing so would be unconstitutional. Recent online search trends show many people online are wondering if this is true. THE QUESTION Is it unconstitutional to deport U.S. citizens? THE SOURCES THE ANSWER Yes, deporting U.S. citizens is a violation of the U.S. Constitution. Sign up for the VERIFY Fast Facts daily Newsletter! WHAT WE FOUND The president cannot deport U.S. citizens, including those with undocumented parents, because doing so would be unconstitutional, according to immigration law experts. The U.S. Constitution protects natural-born citizens from being deported by the government. But citizens may choose to renounce their citizenship voluntarily. “It is unconstitutional to deport U.S. citizens,” said Michelle Mittelstadt, a spokesperson for the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute. U.S. citizenship through birth, which is known as “birthright citizenship,” comes via the 14th Amendment , which was ratified after the Civil War to secure citizenship for newly freed Black Americans. It was later, after multiple court challenges, used to guarantee citizenship to all babies born on U.S. soil regardless of the citizenship of their parents. Section 1 of the 14th Amendment reads: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.” Trump has repeatedly said he would attempt to end birthright citizenship through executive action in his second term. However, we previously found that the president cannot end birthright citizenship by executive order because it would also violate the Constitution. Amending the Constitution would require congressional action and ratification by three-quarters of the states. Law experts agree that any executive order by Trump or any president to terminate birthright citizenship would likely be subjected to legal and judicial challenges. On Dec. 8, immigration attorney Allen Orr Jr. wrote on X that a president cannot deport U.S. citizens because “U.S. citizenship cannot be revoked arbitrarily” under the 14th Amendment. Orr added that in 1967, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a landmark case known as Afroyim v. Rusk “that the government cannot involuntarily strip a citizen of their citizenship, meaning a person can only lose their citizenship if they voluntarily relinquish it.” Jean Reisz, a law professor and the co-director of the USC Immigration Clinic, told VERIFY it is unclear if Trump actually plans to forcefully deport U.S. citizens with undocumented parents, which she agrees he cannot legally do because it would be unlawful. “It seems to me Trump is addressing a situation that often occurs in mixed-status families with young U.S. citizen or LPR [legal permanent resident] children, and/or spouses where a noncitizen family member is going to be deported and the family must decide whether they will go with the noncitizen to the country to where the noncitizen is being deported and start a life there, or stay in the U.S. and be separated from the noncitizen,” Reisz explained. VERIFY reached out to the Trump transition team for clarification but did not hear back before publication. Although deporting U.S. citizens is unconstitutional, it has happened illegally in the past, according to Mittelstadt and Maureen Sweeney, the director of the Chacón Center for Immigrant Justice at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. “U.S. citizens have been deported, unlawfully, during prior instances of significant deportations, including during local ‘repatriation drives’ that took place around the U.S. during the Great Depression and during ‘Operation Wetback ’ in the Eisenhower administration,” Mittelstadt said. “These deportations were illegal then, as they would be now,” Sweeney noted. The Associated Press contributed to this report . The VERIFY team works to separate fact from fiction so that you can understand what is true and false. Please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter , text alerts and our YouTube channel . You can also follow us on Snapchat , Instagram , Facebook and TikTok . Learn More » Follow Us Want something VERIFIED? 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In final meeting of 2024, Annapolis City Council bans new drive-thru windows, withdraws tenant funding billIN some nations, private gun ownership is an enshrined right to protect one's family and private property. Long before any organized form of government existed, early settlers defended their loved ones and communities using a range of weapons. In countries like the United States and Mexico, the right to bear firearms is deeply ingrained in their culture and constitutions. Gun ownership aims to deter government oppression or prevent outlaws from attacking peace-loving communities. The World Population Review released the 2017 Small Arms Survey, which inventoried registered and unregistered firearms owned by civilians, the military and police agencies. The data is revealing and insightful. Table 1 shows the top 10 nations with the highest number of civilian-owned firearms. The US leads 217 countries with 393.3 million guns held by civilians, with India trailing way behind with 71.1 million. The Philippines ranked 25th with 3.78 million, a few notches lower than worn-torn countries like Afghanistan, which was 23rd (4.27 million), and Ukraine at 22nd (4.39 million). Filipinos' attraction to firearms represents men's virility and the erosion of trust in the government's ability to protect their citizens. Among Southeast Asian countries in Table 2, the Philippines placed second. The top spot goes to Thailand, which has 10.34 million firearms. Thailand shares borders with three unstable and conflict-affected countries: Myanmar to the west, Laos to the north and east, and Cambodia to the southeast. Thai gun owners are adamant in defending themselves from bandits and intruders. When we consider the ratio of guns to the population size in Table 3, the top 10 countries with guns held by civilians per 100 people are: The Philippines is placed 129th with 3.6 out of 100 people owning firearms. It is lower than Thailand (15.1), Mexico (12.9) and South Africa (9.7). Gun ownership in the Philippines is more concentrated in high-income groups like oligarchs, businessmen, middle-class professionals, celebrities, politicians, private security agencies and even organized crime. Again, the US topped the list with 120.5 per 100 people. Americans like the late singer Elvis Presley loved to own more than one gun. Elvis was reported to own 38 firearms. When he visited then-president Richard Nixon in the White House on Dec 21, 1970, he gifted him with a Colt.45 pistol. The US has less than 5 percent of the world's population but has a 40-percent share of all civilian-owned guns on the planet. It is not surprising why incidents of gun violence — particularly mass shootings, murders and suicides involving guns — are widespread there due to easy gun access. Countries where guns are restricted, like China, Japan, Singapore and Vietnam, have fewer gun-related crimes. Lately, in China and Japan, assailants resorted to blades and improvised weapons in attacking people. For the combined firearms of military and police, Table 4 shows the top 10 countries. The size of state-owned firearms in Russia at 32.7 million and China at 29.4 million dwarfed the US' 5.56 million. Still, the US cannot be displaced as No. 1 in gun ownership among civilians with 393.3 million firearms. The Philippines also placed 42nd place in terms of firearms held by security forces, accounting for nearly 594,000. This pales in comparison to Vietnam (4.1 million), Indonesia (2.1 million), Taiwan (2.098 million) and Thailand (1.28 million). Our military and police are small and insufficient in firepower to defend our land and maritime territory. Critics say that gun ownership is nothing but a misplaced sense of hypermasculinity. Gun ownership in the Philippines is widespread but generally tolerated by the government. In cases of national emergencies, war or invasion, gun ownership among civilians has a multiplier effect on the state's ability to defend its national sovereignty against foreign aggressors. This was seen in the conflicts in Ukraine and Afghanistan. This is fact-checking today's information and knowledge without the hype of politics. P.S. Absolutely refrain from firing your guns on New Year's Eve.Agartala: Veteran communist leader and former chief minister of Tripura, Manik Sarkar , on Saturday accused the ruling BJP and its ally TIPRA Motha of fostering communal divisions along religious and ethnic lines. While BJP aims to create divisions between Hindus and Muslims, TIPRA Motha seeks to divide castes and tribes, he said. Addressing party workers, he said the 25 years of Left Front rule had brought religious harmony and ethnic peace after overcoming numerous challenges with the people's support. Instead of strengthening social order and peace, BJP has, from the beginning, promoted communal hatred and religious division, Sarkar said. "The state, which never faced communal conflicts between Hindus and Muslims, has witnessed a series of such incidents in the six years of BJP rule. The saffron brigades have interfered with food habits, dress, social functions, and customs, which is unfit for a secular democratic country," Sarkar added. He said during the first four years of BJP governance, Tripura experienced a difficult phase where common citizens, opposition party supporters, MLAs, and even former ministers faced physical assaults and attacks. The fundamental rights and personal liberties of citizens were in danger. Although the situation has improved, governance has deteriorated daily, and corruption has become rampant, he said. "People are being deprived of their basic rights and amenities while ministers enjoy cultural shows at public expense. There is no work and no income in rural areas. Health services and education are suffering badly," he added. Sarkar criticised the BJP govt, calling it a "den of corruption" where no work is done without bribes. "The BJP is in power at the Centre and in the state, but there is no work, no jobs. They are conspiring to destroy peace and harmony. They cannot be allowed to succeed," he added. In a counterattack, govt spokesperson and tourism minister Sushanta Chowdhury said, during Sarkar's tenure, the tourism sector had been grossly neglected under the 20-year CPI(M) rule. "The tourism dept was practically defunct. Instead of promoting Tripura's potential, your govt prioritised ideological propaganda, featuring comrade artists singing leftist songs at political meetings. Fear of extremist violence during your tenure kept tourists away from destinations like Jampui, and Dumbur, Chowdhury added.High Run Amid a weak market sentiment, certain stocks are highlighting their strong fundamentals and investor confidence, defying the trend as the Nifty 50 and Sesex are placed around their 200 DEMA levels. The following stocks, complied by domestic brokerage firm Nuvama, from the Nifty 250 universe are near their 52-week highs, showcasing their recent performance and potential momentum: Laurus Labs The shares of Laurus Labs are trading at Rs 587, just 1% shy of their 52-week high of Rs 593. Oberoi Realty Oberoi Realty is currently priced at Rs 2,316, standing 1.5% below its 52-week peak of Rs 2,350. Bajaj Holdings At Rs 11,301, Bajaj Holdings is 2.1% away from its 52-week high of Rs 11,546. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories The stock of Dr Reddy's Labs is valued at Rs 1,389, with a gap of 2.3% to its 52-week high of Rs 1,421. Coromandel International Coromandel International is trading at Rs 1,846, about 2.3% lower than its 52-week high of Rs 1,890. Jubilant Industries Priced at Rs 708, Jubilant Foodworks is 2.4% short of its 52-week high of Rs 725. Indian Hotels Indian Hotels Company shares are at Rs 861, lagging 3% behind their 52-week high of Rs 888. Oracle Financial Services The stock of Oracle Financial Services is currently at Rs 12,647, which is 3% below its 52-week high of Rs 13,046. Wipro Wipro is trading at Rs 309, a 3.5% difference from its 52-week peak of Rs 320. Naukri The shares of Info Edge (India) are trading at Rs 8,637, just 3.5% below their 52-week high of Rs 8,947. Coforge Coforge is priced at Rs 9,451, standing 3.7% away from its 52-week high of Rs 9,799. Lupin Lupin shares are currently at Rs 2,228, which is 3.8% below their 52-week peak of Rs 2,312. ( Disclaimer : Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)

By JILL COLVIN and STEPHEN GROVES WASHINGTON (AP) — After several weeks working mostly behind closed doors, Vice President-elect JD Vance returned to Capitol Hill this week in a new, more visible role: Helping Donald Trump try to get his most contentious Cabinet picks to confirmation in the Senate, where Vance has served for the last two years. Vance arrived at the Capitol on Wednesday with former Rep. Matt Gaetz and spent the morning sitting in on meetings between Trump’s choice for attorney general and key Republicans, including members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The effort was for naught: Gaetz announced a day later that he was withdrawing his name amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations and the reality that he was unlikely to be confirmed. Thursday morning Vance was back, this time accompanying Pete Hegseth, the “Fox & Friends Weekend” host whom Trump has tapped to be the next secretary of defense. Hegseth also has faced allegations of sexual assault that he denies. Vance is expected to accompany other nominees for meetings in coming weeks as he tries to leverage the two years he has spent in the Senate to help push through Trump’s picks. Vice President-elect JD Vance, still a Republican senator from Ohio, walks from a private meeting with President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., center, and Vice President-elect JD Vance, left, walk out of a meeting with Republican Senate Judiciary Committee members, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, departs the chamber at the Capitol in Washington, March 15, 2023. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, center speaks during a Senate Banking Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, March 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, right, speaks with Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, before testifying at a hearing, March 9, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, arrives for a classified briefing on China, at the Capitol in Washington, Feb. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, arrives for a vote on Capitol Hill, Sept. 12, 2023 in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File) FILE – Sen. JD Vance R-Ohio speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Feb. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File) Vice President-elect JD Vance, still a Republican senator from Ohio, walks from a private meeting with President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Vance is taking on an atypical role as Senate guide for Trump nominees The role of introducing nominees around Capitol Hill is an unusual one for a vice president-elect. Usually the job goes to a former senator who has close relationships on the Hill, or a more junior aide. But this time the role fits Vance, said Marc Short, who served as Trump’s first director of legislative affairs as well as chief of staff to Trump’s first vice president, Mike Pence, who spent more than a decade in Congress and led the former president’s transition ahead of his first term. ”JD probably has a lot of current allies in the Senate and so it makes sense to have him utilized in that capacity,” Short said. Unlike the first Trump transition, which played out before cameras at Trump Tower in New York and at the president-elect’s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, this one has largely happened behind closed doors in Palm Beach, Florida. There, a small group of officials and aides meet daily at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort to run through possible contenders and interview job candidates. The group includes Elon Musk, the billionaire who has spent so much time at the club that Trump has joked he can’t get rid of him. Vance has been a constant presence, even as he’s kept a lower profile. The Ohio senator has spent much of the last two weeks in Palm Beach, according to people familiar with his plans, playing an active role in the transition, on which he serves as honorary chair. Mar-a-Lago scene is a far cry from Vance’s hardscrabble upbringing Vance has been staying at a cottage on the property of the gilded club, where rooms are adorned with cherubs, oriental rugs and intricate golden inlays. It’s a world away from the famously hardscrabble upbringing that Vance documented in the memoir that made him famous, “Hillbilly Elegy.” His young children have also joined him at Mar-a-Lago, at times. Vance was photographed in shorts and a polo shirt playing with his kids on the seawall of the property with a large palm frond, a U.S. Secret Service robotic security dog in the distance. On the rare days when he is not in Palm Beach, Vance has been joining the sessions remotely via Zoom. Though he has taken a break from TV interviews after months of constant appearances, Vance has been active in the meetings, which began immediately after the election and include interviews and as well as presentations on candidates’ pluses and minuses. Among those interviewed: Contenders to replace FBI Director Christopher Wray , as Vance wrote in a since-deleted social media post. Defending himself from criticism that he’d missed a Senate vote in which one of President Joe Biden’s judicial nominees was confirmed, Vance wrote that he was meeting at the time “with President Trump to interview multiple positions for our government, including for FBI Director.” “I tend to think it’s more important to get an FBI director who will dismantle the deep state than it is for Republicans to lose a vote 49-46 rather than 49-45,” Vance added on X. “But that’s just me.” Vance is making his voice heard as Trump stocks his Cabinet While Vance did not come in to the transition with a list of people he wanted to see in specific roles, he and his friend, Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., who is also a member of the transition team, were eager to see former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. find roles in the administration. Trump ended up selecting Gabbard as the next director of national intelligence , a powerful position that sits atop the nation’s spy agencies and acts as the president’s top intelligence adviser. And he chose Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services , a massive agency that oversees everything from drug and food safety to Medicare and Medicaid. Vance was also a big booster of Tom Homan, the former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who will serve as Trump’s “border czar.” In another sign of Vance’s influence, James Braid, a top aide to the senator, is expected to serve as Trump’s legislative affairs director. Allies say it’s too early to discuss what portfolio Vance might take on in the White House. While he gravitates to issues like trade, immigration and tech policy, Vance sees his role as doing whatever Trump needs. Vance was spotted days after the election giving his son’s Boy Scout troop a tour of the Capitol and was there the day of leadership elections. He returned in earnest this week, first with Gaetz — arguably Trump’s most divisive pick — and then Hegseth, who has was been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2017, according to an investigative report made public this week. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing. Vance hosted Hegseth in his Senate office as GOP senators, including those who sit on the Senate Armed Services Committee, filtered in to meet with the nominee for defense secretary. While a president’s nominees usually visit individual senators’ offices, meeting them on their own turf, the freshman senator — who is accompanied everywhere by a large Secret Service detail that makes moving around more unwieldy — instead brought Gaetz to a room in the Capitol on Wednesday and Hegseth to his office on Thursday. Senators came to them. Vance made it to votes Wednesday and Thursday, but missed others on Thursday afternoon. Vance will draw on his Senate background going forward Vance is expected to continue to leverage his relationships in the Senate after Trump takes office. But many Republicans there have longer relationships with Trump himself. Sen. Kevin Cramer, a North Dakota Republican, said that Trump was often the first person to call him back when he was trying to reach high-level White House officials during Trump’s first term. “He has the most active Rolodex of just about anybody I’ve ever known,” Cramer said, adding that Vance would make a good addition. “They’ll divide names up by who has the most persuasion here,” Cramer said, but added, “Whoever his liaison is will not work as hard at it as he will.” Cramer was complimentary of the Ohio senator, saying he was “pleasant” and ” interesting” to be around. ′′He doesn’t have the long relationships,” he said. “But we all like people that have done what we’ve done. I mean, that’s sort of a natural kinship, just probably not as personally tied.” Under the Constitution, Vance will also have a role presiding over the Senate and breaking tie votes. But he’s not likely to be needed for that as often as was Kamala Harris, who broke a record number of ties for Democrats as vice president, since Republicans will have a bigger cushion in the chamber next year. Colvin reported from New York. Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A scruffy little fugitive is on the lam again in New Orleans, gaining fame as he outwits a tenacious band of citizens armed with night-vision binoculars, nets and a tranquilizer rifle. Scrim, a 17-pound mutt that's mostly terrier, has become a folk hero, inspiring tattoos, T-shirts and even a ballad as he eludes capture from the posse of volunteers. And like any antihero, Scrim has a backstory: Rescued from semi-feral life at a trailer park and adopted from a shelter, the dog broke loose in April and scurried around the city until he was cornered in October and brought to a new home. Weeks later, he'd had enough. Scrim leaped out of a second-story window, a desperate act recorded in a now-viral video. Since then, despite a stream of daily sightings, he's roamed free. The dog’s fans include Myra and Steve Foster, who wrote “Ode to Scrim” to the tune of Ricky Nelson’s 1961 hit, “I’m a Travelin’ Man.” Leading the recapture effort is Michelle Cheramie, a 55-year-old former information technology professional. She lost everything — home, car, possessions — in Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and in the aftermath, found her calling rescuing pets. “I was like, ‘This is what I should be doing,’” Cheramie said. “I was born to rescue.” She launched Zeus’ Rescues, a nonprofit shelter that now averages 600 cat and dog adoptions a year and offers free pet food to anyone who needs it. She helped Scrim find the home he first escaped from. It was Cheramie's window Scrim leaped from in November. She's resumed her relentless mission since then, posting flyers on telephone poles and logging social media updates on his reported whereabouts. She's invested thousands of dollars on wildlife cameras, thermal sensors and other gear. She took a course offered by the San Diego Zoo on the finer points of tranquilizing animals. And she's developed a network of volunteers — the kind of neighbors who are willing to grid-search a city at 3 a.m. People like writer David W. Brown, who manages a crowd-sourced Google Map of all known Scrim sightings. He says the search has galvanized residents from all walks of life to come together. As they search for Scrim, they hand out supplies to people in need. “Being a member of the community is seeing problems and doing what you can to make life a little better for the people around here and the animals around you,” Brown said. And neighbors like Tammy Murray, who had to close her furniture store and lost her father to Parkinson's disease. This search, she says, got her mojo back. “Literally, for months, I’ve done nothing but hunt this dog,” said Murray, 53. “I feel like Wile E. Coyote on a daily basis with him.” Murray drives the Zeus' Rescues' van towards reported Scrim sightings. She also handles a tactical net launcher, which looks like an oversized flashlight and once misfired, shattering the van's window as Scrim sped away. After realizing Scrim had come to recognize the sound of the van's diesel engine, Murray switched to a Vespa scooter, for stealth. Near-misses have been tantalizing. The search party spotted Scrim napping beneath an elevated house, and wrapped construction netting around the perimeter, but an over-eager volunteer broke ranks and dashed forward, leaving an opening Scrim slipped through. Scrim's repeated escapades have prompted near-daily local media coverage and a devoted online following. Cheramie can relate. “We’re all running from something or to something. He's doing that too,” she said. Cheramie's team dreams of placing the pooch in a safe and loving environment. But a social media chorus growing under the hashtag #FreeScrim has other ideas — they say the runaway should be allowed a life of self-determination. The animal rescue volunteers consider that misguided. “The streets of New Orleans are not the place for a dog to be free,” Cheramie said. “It’s too dangerous.” Scrim was a mess when Cheramie briefly recaptured him in October, with matted fur, missing teeth and a tattered ear. His trembling body was scraped and bruised, and punctured by multiple projectiles. A vet removed one, but decided against operating to take out a possible bullet. The dog initially appeared content indoors, sitting in Cheramie's lap or napping beside her bed. Then while she was out one day, Scrim chewed through a mesh screen, dropped 13 feet to the ground and squeezed through a gap in the fence, trotting away. Murray said Cheramie's four cats probably spooked him. “I wholeheartedly believe the gangster-ass cats were messing with him,” Murray said. Cheramie thinks they may have gotten territorial. Devastated but undeterred, the pair is reassessing where Scrim might fit best — maybe a secure animal sanctuary with big outdoor spaces where other dogs can keep him company. Somewhere, Murray says, “where he can just breathe and be.” Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Brook on the social platform X: @jack_brook96Northern elders, others knock Tinubu for insisting on tax bills

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As per the guidelines of the Andhra Pradesh State Level Recruitment Board (APSLRB), the Guntur district police will conduct Physical Measurement Test (PMT) and Physical Efficiency Test (PET) for the police constable aspirants from December 30, 2024, to January 22, 2025, at the Police Parade Grounds. “In all, 9,084 candidates — 7,483 men and 1,601 women — have qualified for the tests from the district after clearing the preliminary examination,” Guntur Superintendent of Police S. Satish Kumar said in a statement on December 28, 2024 (Saturday). Arrangements had been made to ensure a smooth, transparent and impartial recruitment process, he said. “Candidates are required to report at their allotted time slots between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. They must carry original documents of SSC and Intermediate mark sheets, community certificate, and other relevant credentials as specified in the call letter. Failure to produce the documents will result in disqualification,” Mr. Satish Kumar said. To ensure efficiency and transparency in the process, advanced technology, including CCTV cameras, was being used. Medical facilities, including ambulance service, were also arranged. Step-by-step instructions would be issued to the candidates through display boards at the test venue, he added. Height and chest measurements, a 1,600-metre run, a 100-metre sprint, and long jump would be conducted as part of the tests. Verification of biometric data, NCC certificates, and local status claims would also be conducted, Mr. Satish Kumar said. Assuring that no inconvenience would be caused to the candidates, he advised them to be wary of the fraudulent agents’ claims of securing a job in exchange for money. “Dial 112 to report such activities, or reach out to the local police. Details of the informants will be kept confidential,” he said. “The Guntur police aim to execute a fair and robust recruitment process, while upholding the integrity of the system,” the official said. Published - December 28, 2024 06:28 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Andhra Pradesh / police / physical fitness / test/examinationAlbertsons’ $24.6 billion merger with Kroger blocked by judge

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The Washington Capitals face the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday, Dec. 28 2024 (12/28/24) in a regular season game at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario. How to watch: Fans can watch the game for free via a trial of DirecTV Stream or fuboTV . You can also watch via a subscription to Sling TV , which is offering half off your first month. — DirecTV Stream is offering $30 off on Entertainment with Sports Pack featuring NFL RedZone, BIG Ten Network and more. — Sling TV is offering plans for as low as $20 for your first month Here’s what you need to know: What : NHL regular season Who : Capitals vs. Maple Leafs When : Dec. 28, 2024 (12/28/24) Time : 7 p.m. ET Where : Scotiabank Arena TV : NHL Network Live stream : DirecTV Stream (free trial), fuboTV (free trial) *** Here’s an NHL story via the Associated Press: NEW YORK (AP) — The NHL is partnering with P-X-P to serve the Deaf community, creating an alternate telecast for the Winter Classic that features analysis in American Sign Language. The announcement was made by the league and a company that aims to improve access to ASL in sports. NHL in ASL made its debut when Florida outlasted Edmonton in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, showing two deaf commentators signing during a game for the first time during a major sports event. The groundbreaking concept will return — streaming on Max in the United States and Sportsnet+ in Canada — on Dec. 31 when the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues play at Wrigley Field. “We are proud to continue to demonstrate the league’s commitment to providing a fully immersive and accessible viewing experience that specifically meets the needs of the Deaf community,” said Steve Mayer , the NHL’s chief content officer. “This is an NHL-led production for the Deaf by the Deaf, and we encourage all fans watching at home to tune-in to experience this special telecast.” Hearing commentators are not heard during the NHL ASL broadcasts, which does include natural sound that would be heard in the arena, such as the officials calling a penalty and skates cutting through ice. Graphics such as a crowd intensity meter that measures crowd noise are also shown. Closed captioning has been around for more than four decades, but the boxes of text in English do not provide true access to viewers in the Deaf community . P-X-P chief operating officer Jason Altmann and Noah Blankenship from Denver’s Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services will appear on the right side of a split screen during the Winter Classic, just as they did for seven games during the Cup Final. “The NHL continues to be a sports industry pioneer for Deaf inclusion and accessibility and I am honored to be part of this game-changing initiative,” Altmann said. (The Associated Press contributed to this report) Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.

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A childhood friend of the Quebec man killed in a Florida boat explosion earlier this week says one of the victim’s sisters was among the other six passengers injured in the blast. Thi Cam Nhung Lê says she grew up with Sebastien Gauthier in Quebec City and considered him her best friend. Lê says Gauthier’s older sister was also on the boat in Florida’s Broward County when it exploded and she was taken to a hospital. She says Gauthier’s family was in Florida to celebrate the holidays and that his sudden death feels “unimaginable.” A video posted on social media Monday shows the vessel engulfed in flames following the explosion, with a thick column of black smoke billowing into the sky. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has confirmed that Gauthier died of his injuries, saying a preliminary investigation shows the 37-foot vessel exploded after its engines were started. Lê remembers Gauthier as someone who was always smiling and says she is waiting for answers about what led to her friend’s death.S Naren, Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer of ICICI Prudential AMC, shared his optimistic outlook on Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and office spaces. He emphasized that the best way to leverage these opportunities is through asset allocation via hybrid funds. Naren also discussed his broader market outlook for 2025, highlighting equities and other asset classes he considers promising for the year ahead. Below is the verbatim transcript of the interview. Q: This year the Nifty, at one point, we thought we would run away with the 20% gain. But okay, at 13.5%-14% this year is a fairly decent one. Smallcaps were all the abuse thrown at them and fears that we had is still ending the year with close to 30%. How does 2025 at the outset look to you? A: There were three years when we always used to say, consumers look overvalued and it will underperform, and it kept outperforming. For the last two years, we are the butt of jokes. People saying you are always cautious on mid-caps and small caps, and small caps and mid-caps keep outperforming. So, you have a situation where the only seller in the market is the foreign institutional investor (FII) and FIIs keep selling only large caps. So, the small and midcaps are the biggest outperformers in the market from 2021. So, the small caps and midcaps have become much more overvalued, but they never fall because the FIIs are only selling large caps and that has been the situation from 2021 onwards, that we are the butt of jokes in this entire segment that at all points of time ICICI Prudential is cautious on mid-caps and small caps, but midcaps and small caps always outperform large caps. Q: How will 2025 pan out in terms of this US exceptionalism, which is what drew away all the FII money, or much of it? Does this exceptionalism continue? After all, US growth rates are good and the Trump trade has worked for that country. Do you think 2025 also will continue to see FII drawdowns? A: This exceptionalism cannot continue forever because all said and done, India's growth rate is much higher than the US and it will continue to be because structurally India's growth is much better than that of the US. So, I do not think it can continue forever. Can it continue for a few quarters? Yes, it's possible, but it won't last for a long period because India's macro is in very good shape. If you look at current account deficit or fiscal deficit or inflation, and compare where we are at this point, we are in very good shape. So, I don't think it can go on forever. Also Read: Meet Motilal Oswal's top stock pick for 2025 So, at some point in time, FIIs are likely to come back into the country and that too into large caps, but the real problem at this point is that the domestic investor sees equity as a riskless asset and has been investing, if you look at the number of loss-making companies that domestic investor is comfortable investing into, whether that at some point of time will change is the question that we do not have an answer to and at that point of time there can be a problem because domestic investors are not looking at valuation. The foreign investor is saying, I want my money back in the US at any cost, in dollars. So, they have been digging out money. But the domestic investor is possibly not risk averse at all, and for the last 10 years, we have not had a down year. So, people perceive that equities are a riskless asset, which it is not. Q: There is also one level of scepticism with the domestic market, especially after the recent numbers. We first thought the July-September 2024 (Q2FY25) earnings were bad because of the base effect, and margins and there were a whole lot of other reasons. Then we got the shock of the Q2 gross domestic product (GDP) number going down, and the Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) also said that if you guys do not pay enough, then there will not be enough consumption. Do you worry about the consumption aspect of India, and will that cast a shadow on the way you pick stocks? A: We do not worry so much about all these things because, at the end of the day, the growth is very much there. Look at some of the areas; look at airline passenger growth or total tariffs or something like that, you can look at those areas and be very positive on India. Even if you look at two-wheeler growth this year, it has been very good at this point. So, I do not think we are worried about growth. We have been worried about valuations and not growth and fundamentals, and the fact that people are not discriminating. So, if you look at it, that is the bigger challenge we have been worried about. Also Read: Higher yields, lower barriers: How SM REITs are revolutionising real estate investment We have not been worried about growth at this point, per se, and how all these numbers are calculated is also a challenge. So, if you look at the last quarter's numbers; I mean, some of the oil marketing companies moved from very different numbers one year back to where it is at this point that also reflects the earnings. Look at banking earnings, banking is one of the most important indicators of the economy. I think those numbers were very good. So aren’t banking earnings more important than oil marketing companies? That's how we look at it. So, I don't think we are worried about growth or something like that. We have always been worried about valuations. We are worried about the fact that investor risk appetite domestically is very high, and globally, for India, is not high, it is very low. Q: Let's discuss the domestic themes in that case. You came up with some examples. If you look at airlines and if you look at hotels, Indian consumption looks very good. So, would discretionary be a good theme? And would FMCG or any kind of mass consumption not be your favourites? A: Basically, we are, by nature, contrarian. So, what we do is we try to see where people are not so positive. So, by nature, we like areas like rural or quality stocks or things like that where things have been negative for quite some time and therefore there is opportunity for the future. Whereas we are more negative on things which have done very well. If you look at the hotel stocks at this point, if you look at the five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in hotel stocks, it is outstanding from 2020 to 2024. So, by nature, we believe that some of the very good news gets priced into equities, but that is the nature of the equity market. Whereas if you look at some of the rural areas, stocks like fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and all that; we used to be very negative on FMCG, but over the next few years, maybe FMCG is kind of an area to invest in and cement could be another area to invest in because these are the areas like midcap cement or FMCG and those kind of sectors could be the areas where you should invest in because the maximum prism areas are always the best areas to invest in. In 2020, it used to be metals, telecom, public sector undertaking (PSU) etc. Today it could be something else at this point. Q: What should be the other themes that you will look at? Will you look at electronic manufacturing services (EMS)? Will you look at e-commerce? Train our eyes to other such sectors. A: You are telling me all the areas. EMS is the other area where the PE itself is more than ₹ 200-300. For example, in 2020 people used to tell us, that quality is the area which is most favoured because they will never go out of fashion. So, for the last four years, quality has been the area which has just done the worst. So, we like quality, we like rural, we like all these themes which have done badly and where we think from here on the outlook would be good. Also Read: Kotak's Nilesh Shah says investors must temper return expectations for 2025 In 2020 we used to like all the opposite of these things. We used to like PSUs, we used to like urban consumption. We used to like these sectors. So, I would say that finally, cycles play out. There are cycles which are at the bottom, there are cycles which are at the top. We have to be careful in cycles which are at the top. If you look at EMS, today it is just like 2007 infra. If someone signs an agreement today for the next 10 years profits are already priced into the stock on that day – that is the way the sector behaves and we have seen from our experience of 2007 infra, that there are a lot of things which go wrong five years after the contract is signed. Q: Tell us about asset allocation. I mean, would you take a good look at, say, corporate bonds, fixed income, gold? What would be your asset allocation strategy? A: We are fond of multi-asset because it gives you opportunities in real estate investment trusts (REITs). We have been very positive on REITs. We like the entire office space, for example. We like corporate bonds, for example, but the best way to do it is through hybrid funds at this point. So, over the last few years, we have been trying our best to get money into hybrid funds because people are just not willing to invest in debt funds. So, we thought, at least the way to get money in debt is through investing in hybrid funds. A particular area is multi-asset because that is the way you can get investments, even in REITs, Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), exchange-traded commodities, and derivatives. For example, in gold and silver; you would have never got money easily, but through the multi-asset route we managed to get a lot of money invested in gold and silver in our funds, and luckily, thanks to the good work done by the mutual fund distributors and investors, we managed to make our multi-asset fund a very large fund. Thanks to the work done by them. For the entire interview, watch the accompanying video

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