#manufacture chief online

[justinssportscorner]

Mira Lazine at LGBTQ Nation:

A Tuesday hearing on gambling addiction turned awry when Senators John Kennedy (R-LA) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) suddenly turned the conversation towards the issue of transgender inclusion in sports.

In a hearing about the Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet Act (SAFE Bet Act) — a law that is meant to discourage sports gambling addiction — the two senators barraged NCAA chief Charlie Baker with questions about “allowing biological males” to play games with “biological females.” Kennedy told him to “stand up in front of God and country” and oppose trans women’s inclusion in sports, and to “stand up and take a leadership position,” as well as to “go to Amazon and buy a spine online.” Hawley then jumped in and repeatedly talked over Baker, raising his voice to claim that “there is no federal law” that allows trans women to play against women and to shout “This is your federal policy that you will not defend because it is indefensible.” He also questioned Baker about recent forfeitures against San Jose State University due to them allegedly having a single trans player on their team. Despite Hawley’s claim, the U.S. Constitution and federal law guarantee equal treatment of college athletes. While this should include trans athletes, there have been recent scientific and political debates about whether trans female athletes have biological advantages over cisgender competitors. Republicans have largely opposed trans inclusion in sports and vilified trans athletes and their allies as harming cis female athletes.

Baker was also asked by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) how many trans athletes there were. Out of 510,000 total athletes, Baker said, there are less than 10 total in NCAA schools (a figure that translates to fewer than 0.002% of all NCAA athletes). Baker also defended trans women, saying it was “debatable” whether they’d always, no matter what have a physical advantage over cisgender women. There is no concrete evidence that trans women have an unfair advantage in sports. A recent study found that trans women have equivalent physical metrics to cisgender women after being on hormone replacement therapy. Few other studies examine trans athletes in comparison to cisgender athletes. Sen. Durbin continued on X, “510,000 NCAA athletes. Ten or fewer transgender NCAA athletes nationwide. Let’s focus on ways to actually improve women’s sports.”

Last week’s hearing that was purportedly about the SAFE Bet Act in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee instead turned into an manufactured temper tantrum session on NCAA policies over trans athletes by GOP Senators on the committee.

NCAA head Charlie Baker testified, and when grilled by Senate Judiciary Chair Dick Durbin (D-IL), Baker stated that there are 10 or so trans athletes in the whole of collegiate sport.

[mariacallous]

In the old ranchlands of South Texas, dormant uranium mines are coming back online. A collection of new ones hope to start production soon, extracting radioactive fuel from the region’s shallow aquifers. Many more may follow.

These mines are the leading edge of what government and industry leaders in Texas hope will be a nuclear renaissance, as America’s latent nuclear sector begins to stir again.

Texas is currently developing a host of high-tech industries that require enormous amounts of electricity, from cryptocurrency mines and artificial intelligence to hydrogen production and seawater desalination. Now, powerful interests in the state are pushing to power it with next-generation nuclear reactors.

“We can make Texas the nuclear capital of the world,” said Reed Clay, president of the Texas Nuclear Alliance, former chief operating officer for Texas governor Greg Abbott’s office and former senior counsel to the Texas Office of the Attorney General. “There’s a huge opportunity.”

Clay owns a lobbying firm with heavyweight clients that include SpaceX, Dow Chemical, and the Texas Blockchain Council, among many others. He launched the Texas Nuclear Alliance in 2022 and formed the Texas Nuclear Caucus during the 2023 state legislative session to advance bills supportive of the nuclear industry.

The efforts come amid a national resurgence of interest in nuclear power, which can provide large amounts of energy without the carbon emissions that warm the planet. And it can do so with reliable consistency that wind and solar power generation lack. But it carries a small risk of catastrophic failure and requires uranium from mines that can threaten rural aquifers.

In South Texas, groundwater management officials have fought for almost 15 years against a planned uranium mine. Administrative law judges have ruled in their favor twice, finding potential for groundwater contamination. But in both cases those judges were overruled by the state’s main environmental regulator, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Now local leaders fear mining at the site appears poised to begin soon as momentum gathers behind America’s nuclear resurgence.

In October, Google announced the purchase of six small nuclear reactors to power its data centers by 2035. Amazon did the same shortly thereafter, and Microsoft has said it will pay to restart the Three Mile Island plant in Pennsylvania to power its facilities. Last month, President Joe Biden announced a goal to triple US nuclear capacity by 2050. American companies are racing to license and manufacture new models of nuclear reactors.

“It’s kind of an unprecedented time in nuclear,” said James Walker, a nuclear physicist and cofounder of New York-based NANO Nuclear Energy, a startup developing small-scale “microreactors” for commercial deployment around 2031.

The industry’s reemergence stems from two main causes, he said: towering tech industry energy demands and the war in Ukraine.

Previously, the US relied on enriched uranium from decommissioned Russian weapons to fuel its existing power plants and military vessels. When war interrupted that supply in 2022, American authorities urgently began to rekindle domestic uranium mining and enrichment.

“The Department of Energy at the moment is trying to build back a lot of the infrastructure that atrophied,” Walker said. “A lot of those uranium deposits in Texas have become very economical, which means a lot of investment will go back into those sites.”

In May, the White House created a working group to develop guidelines for deployment of new nuclear power projects. In June, the Department of Energy announced $900 million in funding for small, next-generation reactors. And in September it announced a $1.5 billion loan to restart a nuclear power plant in Michigan, which it called “a first-of-a-kind effort.”

“There’s an urgent desire to find zero-carbon energy sources that aren’t intermittent like renewables,” said Colin Leyden, Texas state director of the Environmental Defense Fund. “There aren’t a lot of options, and nuclear is one.”

Wind and solar will remain the cheapest energy sources, Leyden said, and a build-out of nuclear power would likely accelerate the retirement of coal plants.

The US hasn’t built a nuclear reactor in 30 years, spooked by a handful of disasters. In contrast, China has grown its nuclear power generation capacity almost 900 percent in the last 20 years, according to the World Nuclear Association, and currently has 30 reactors under construction.

Last year, Abbott ordered the state’s Public Utility Commission to produce a report “outlining how Texas will become the national leader in using advanced nuclear energy.” According to the report, which was issued in November, new nuclear reactors would most likely be built in ports and industrial complexes to power large industrial operations and enable further expansion.

“The Ports and their associated industries, like Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), carbon capture facilities, hydrogen facilities and cruise terminals, need additional generation sources,” the report said. Advanced nuclear reactors “offer Texas’ Ports a unique opportunity to enable continued growth.”

In the Permian Basin, the report said, reactors could power oil production as well as purification of oilfield wastewater “for useful purposes.” Or they could power clusters of data centers in Central and North Texas.

Already, Dow Chemical has announced plans to install four small reactors at its Seadrift plastics and chemical plant on a rural stretch of the middle Texas coast, which it calls the first grid-scale nuclear reactor for an industrial site in North America.

“I think the vast majority of these nuclear power plants are going to be for things like industrial use,” said Cyrus Reed, a longtime environmental lobbyist in the Texas Capitol and conservation director for the state’s Sierra Club chapter. “A lot of large industries have corporate goals of being low carbon or no carbon, so this could fill in a niche for them.”

The PUC report made seven recommendations for the creation of public entities, programs, and funds to support the development of a Texas nuclear industry. During next year’s state legislative session, legislators in the Nuclear Caucus will seek to make them law.

“It’s going to be a great opportunity for energy investment in Texas,” said Stephen Perkins, Texas-based chief operating officer of the American Conservation Coalition, a conservative environmental policy group. “We’re really going to be pushing hard for [state legislators] to take that seriously.”

However, Texas won’t likely see its first new commercial reactor come online for at least five years. Before a build-out of power plants, there will be a boom at the uranium mines, as the US seeks to reestablish domestic production and enrichment of uranium for nuclear fuel.

Texas Uranium

Ted Long, a former commissioner of Goliad County, can see the power lines of an inactive uranium mine from his porch on an old family ranch in the rolling golden savannah of South Texas. For years the mine has been idle, waiting for depressed uranium markets to pick up.

There, an international mining company called Uranium Energy Corp. plans to mine 420 acres of the Evangeline Aquifer between depths of 45 and 404 feet, according to permitting documents. Long, a dealer of engine lubricants, gets his water from a well 120 feet deep that was drilled in 1993. He lives with his wife on property that’s been in her family since her great-grandfather emigrated from Germany.

“I’m worried for groundwater on this whole Gulf Coast,” Long said. “This isn’t the only place they’re wanting to do this.”

As a public official, Long fought the neighboring mine for years. But he found the process of engaging with Texas’ environmental regulator, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, to be time-consuming, expensive, and ultimately fruitless. Eventually, he concluded there was no point.

“There’s nothing I can do,” he said. “I guess I’ll have to look for some kind of system to clean the water up.”

The Goliad mine is the smallest of five sites in South Texas held by UEC, which is based in Corpus Christi. Another company, enCore Energy, started uranium production at two South Texas sites in 2023 and 2024, and hopes to bring four more online by 2027.

Uranium mining goes back decades in South Texas, but lately it’s been dormant. Between the 1970s and 1990s, a cluster of open pit mines harvested shallow uranium deposits at the surface. Many of those sites left a legacy of aquifer pollution.

TCEQ records show active cases of groundwater contaminated with uranium, radium, arsenic, and other pollutants from defunct uranium mines and tailing impoundment sites in Live Oak County at ExxonMobil’s Ray Point site, in Karnes County at Conoco-Phillips’ Conquista Project, and at Rio Grande Resources’ Panna Maria Uranium Recovery Facility.

All known shallow deposits of uranium in Texas have been mined. The deeper deposits aren’t accessed by traditional surface mining, but rather a process called in-situ mining, in which solvents are pumped underground into uranium-bearing aquifer formations. Adjacent wells suck back up the resulting slurry, from which uranium dust will be extracted.

Industry describes in-situ mining as safer and more environmentally friendly than surface mining. But some South Texas water managers and landowners are concerned.

”We’re talking about mining at the same elevation as people get their groundwater,” said Terrell Graham, a board member of the Goliad County Groundwater Conservation District, which has been fighting a proposed uranium mine for almost 15 years. “There isn’t another source of water for these residents.”

“It Was Rigged, a Setup”

On two occasions, the district has participated in lengthy hearings and won favorable rulings in Texas’ administrative courts supporting concerns over the safety of the permits. But both times, political appointees at the TCEQ rejected judges’ recommendations and issued the permits anyway.

“We’ve won two administrative proceedings,” Graham said. “It’s very expensive, and to have the TCEQ commissioners just overturn the decision seems nonsensical.”

The first time was in 2010. UEC was seeking initial permits for the Goliad mine, and the groundwater conservation district filed a technical challenge claiming that permits risked contamination of nearby aquifers.

The district hired lawyers and geological experts for a three-day hearing on the permit in Austin. Afterwards, an administrative law judge agreed with some of the district’s concerns. In a 147-page opinion issued in September 2010, an administrative law judge recommended further geological testing to determine whether certain underground faults could transmit fluids from the mining site into nearby drinking water sources.

“If the Commission determines that such remand is not feasible or desirable then the ALJ recommends that the Mine Application and the PAA-1 Application be denied,” the opinion said.

But the commissioners declined the judge’s recommendation. In an order issued March 2011, they determined that the proposed permits “impose terms and conditions reasonably necessary to protect fresh water from pollution.”

“The Commission determines that no remand is necessary,” the order said.

The TCEQ issued UEC’s permits, valid for 10 years. But by that time, a collapse in uranium prices had brought the sector to a standstill, so mining never commenced.

In 2021, the permits came up for renewal, and locals filed challenges again. But again, the same thing happened.

A nearby landowner named David Michaelsen organized a group of neighbors to hire a lawyer and challenge UEC’s permit to inject the radioactive waste product from its mine more than half a mile underground for permanent disposal.

“It’s not like I’m against industry or anything, but I don’t think this is a very safe spot,” said Michaelsen, former chief engineer at the Port of Corpus Christi, a heavy industrial hub on the South Texas Coast. He bought his 56 acres in Goliad County in 2018 to build an upscale ranch house and retire with his wife.

In hearings before an administrative law judge, he presented evidence showing that nearby faults and old oil well shafts posed a risk for the injected waste to travel into potable groundwater layers near the surface.

In a 103-page opinion issued April 2024, an administrative law judge agreed with many of Michaelsen’s challenges, including that “site-specific evidence here shows the potential for fluid movement from the injection zone.”

“The draft permit does not comply with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements,” wrote the administrative law judge, Katerina DeAngelo, a former assistant attorney general of Texas in the environmental protection division. She recommended “closer inspection of the local geology, more precise calculations of the [cone of influence], and a better assessment of the faults.”

Michaelsen thought he had won. But when the TCEQ commissioners took up the question several months later, again they rejected all of the judge’s findings.

In a 19-page order issued in September, the commission concluded that “faults within 2.5 miles of its proposed disposal wells are not sufficiently transmissive or vertically extensive to allow migration of hazardous constituents out of the injection zone.” The old nearby oil wells, the commission found, “are likely adequately plugged and will not provide a pathway for fluid movement.”

“UEC demonstrated the proposed disposal wells will prevent movement of fluids that would result in pollution” of an underground source of drinking water, said the order granting the injection disposal permits.

“I felt like it was rigged, a setup,” said Michaelsen, holding his 4-inch-thick binder of research and records from the case. “It was a canned decision.”

Another set of permit renewals remains before the Goliad mine can begin operation, and local authorities are fighting it too. In August, the Goliad County Commissioners Court passed a resolution against uranium mining in the county. The groundwater district is seeking to challenge the permits again in administrative court. And in November, the district sued TCEQ in Travis County District Court seeking to reverse the agency’s permit approvals.

Because of the lawsuit, a TCEQ spokesperson declined to answer questions about the Goliad County mine site, saying the agency doesn’t comment on pending litigation.

A final set of permits remains to be renewed before the mine can begin production. However, after years of frustrations, district leaders aren’t optimistic about their ability to influence the decision.

Only about 40 residences immediately surround the site of the Goliad mine, according to Art Dohmann, vice president of the Goliad County Groundwater Conservation District. Only they might be affected in the near term. But Dohmann, who has served on the groundwater district board for 23 years, worries that the uranium, radium, and arsenic churned up in the mining process will drift from the site as years go by.

“The groundwater moves. It’s a slow rate, but once that arsenic is liberated, it’s there forever,” Dohmann said. “In a generation, it’s going to affect the downstream areas.”

UEC did not respond to a request for comment.

Currently, the TCEQ is evaluating possibilities for expanding and incentivizing further uranium production in Texas. It’s following instruction given last year, when lawmakers with the Nuclear Caucus added an item to TCEQ’s biannual budget ordering a study of uranium resources to be produced for state lawmakers by December 2024, ahead of next year’s legislative session.

According to the budget item, “The report must include recommendations for legislative or regulatory changes and potential economic incentive programs to support the uranium mining industry in this state.”

[rjzimmerman]

How Tariffs Could Shock America’s Power System. (Wall Street Journal)

Excerpt from this Wall Street Journal story:

America’s power grid is due for some big investments. Tariffs could now make that much costlier. 

As surging power demand from places such as data centers is set to strain the system, transformers, the nuts and bolts of the power system, look particularly vulnerable. These are devices that step up or down voltages as electricity moves from power plants to homes and factories. New ones are also required every time a new source of electricity—whether wind, solar or natural gas—connects to the grid. The lack of these components can therefore hold up more power from being brought online.

The power industry has already been experiencing a shortage of transformers, for which demand is expected to jump even more in the coming years. Suppliers have been reluctant to invest large sums of capital to expand production capacity because such investments have long break-even timelines, according to a report from Wood Mackenzie.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates that about 55% of in-service distribution transformer units are older than 33 years and approaching their end of life. Distribution transformer capacity might need to increase 160% to 260% by 2050 compared with 2021 levels to meet demand, according to the NREL.

So far, the Trump administration has imposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum, as well as a 10% across-the-board tariff on China. But more could come: The one-month pause on Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico is set to expire in early March. Meanwhile, Trump has ordered federal agencies to explore reciprocal tariffs on trading partners around the world. He has also floated tariffs on copper.

Transformers could become a chokepoint. Only about 20% of transformer demand can be met by the domestic supply chain, according to Wood Mackenzie, which also estimated that transformer prices have already risen 70% to 100% since January 2020 because of inflation for raw materials such as electrical steel and copper. Steel is also an essential component of transformers, and notably, Cleveland-Cliffs is the only domestic producer of grain-oriented electrical steel for them. Assuming that Trump moves ahead with 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, and imposes tariffs on copper as well, Wood Mackenzie estimates that transformer prices could increase by an additional 8% to 9%.

Mexico, Canada and China are important sources of electrical equipment to the U.S. In 2024, China accounted for over 32% of U.S. low-voltage transformer equipment imports and Mexico accounted for 36% of high-voltage transformer imports, according to Wood Mackenzie. Canada accounted for about 16% of U.S. imports of high-voltage switchgear and 100% of imported utility poles. Utilities typically go through a lengthy process to test the reliability of transformers they are purchasing and tend to require custom specifications, so it isn’t an easy process to switch to a new supplier, notes Chris Seiple, Wood Mackenzie vice chairman.

Worth watching is whether tariffs become a tailwind for U.S. manufacturers. GE Vernova said at a conference Wednesday that it is too early to determine what the tariffs’ financial implications are for the company. It does seem less exposed for now: Chief Executive Scott Strazik said Canada, Mexico and China account for less than 5% of its imports into the U.S. The company has transformer factories in the U.S. and Europe. It also announced in January that it would invest nearly $600 million in U.S. factories and facilities over the next two years, including for gas turbines, transformers and switchgears.

[techit-rp]

IoT Security Challenges in India: Protecting Smart Homes & Connected Devices

IoT is transforming the way people live by making their homes smart with devices such as security cameras, smart locks, and voice assistants. In India, IoT technology is adopted at a pace that cyber threats are rising rapidly. With weak security protocols, outdated software, and unawareness, Indian households are vulnerable to cyberattacks. In this blog, we will explore the major IoT security challenges in India and how individuals can safeguard their smart homes and connected devices. If you are looking to strengthen your understanding of cybersecurity, enrolling in a cyber security course can be a game-changer.

The IoT Boom in India

India is witnessing the highest adoption of IoT across homes and businesses. From smart TVs to intelligent thermostats, IoT is revolutionizing life. This booming technology, however, offers a large target size for hackers too who exploit the vulnerability of devices to gain unauthorized access to data.

Fundamental Drivers of IoT Adoption in India:

Increased internet penetration with low-priced data plans

Government initiatives such as Smart Cities Mission and Digital India

Increasing adoption of smart home devices as they become increasingly affordable

Growing application of industrial IoT in health, agriculture, and manufacturing

Chief IoT Security Challenges in India

Poor Authentication & Default Passwords

Most IoT devices have a factory-set password that the user ignores or fails to change. Hackers exploit these default credentials to take over the devices, entry private networks, and crack sensitive information.

Lack of Security Updates & Patches

Most smart devices have limited or no firmware updates, which makes them vulnerable to cyber threats. Many Indian consumers do not check for security updates, leaving their devices susceptible to known exploits.

Data Privacy Concerns

Smart devices collect vast amounts of personal data, from voice recordings to daily routines. Without stringent data protection policies, this information can be misused or leaked by malicious actors.

Botnet Attacks & DDoS Threats

Cybercriminals hijack unprotected IoT devices to form botnets, which are used to launch massive Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. These attacks can cripple networks and cause disruptions to online services.

Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks

Many Indian households rely on poorly secured Wi-Fi connections, providing an easy entry point for hackers. Without encryption or strong passwords, attackers can intercept sensitive information and compromise connected devices.

Absence of Specific Cybersecurity Legislation for IoT

India has advanced in data protection with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, but there is no dedicated IoT security framework. The absence of it leaves the manufacturer to choose cost over security and sell devices which are not so well protected in the market.

How to Secure Smart Homes & Connected Devices

Change Default Credentials

Always change the default usernames and passwords of the IoT after installation. Use strong, unique passwords and implement multi-factor authentication wherever possible.

Update Firmware Periodically

Scan for software and security updates on all smart devices, and install them as soon as they are available. In case your device can no longer get any updates, consider replacing it with a newer version that is at least as secure.

Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

Use a robust Wi-Fi password, and make sure WPA3 encryption is turned on. Limit remote access to your router, and make an IoT-specific network so that those devices can't contaminate your primary network.

Firewall & Security Solutions The use of firewalls and network security solutions monitors traffic and can block malicious activity on IoT networks. 5. Limit Data Sharing & Permissions

Assess permission for smart appliances and reduce or limit the devices from accessing unsecured personal information. De-activate unused add-ons, remote access in devices.

Cyber Security Courses

IoT-based cyber-attacks are minimized if awareness against the threat builds. To boost that awareness further, take time out to become a certified graduate of cyber security by signing for courses in areas like best security practices, principles of ethical hacking, and defending digital systems.

Road Ahead to Improving Indian IoT Security:

The Indian government, device manufacturers, and consumers must take proactive steps to mitigate IoT security risks. Stronger security standards, public awareness, and robust cybersecurity laws are the need of the hour to secure the future of IoT in India.

Conclusion

IoT devices offer incredible convenience but also introduce significant security risks. Protecting smart homes and connected devices requires a combination of best practices, awareness, and robust cybersecurity measures. By staying informed and adopting the right security strategies, individuals can ensure a safer IoT experience.

If you’re passionate about cybersecurity and want to build expertise in protecting digital systems, consider taking a cyber security course to gain hands-on knowledge and skills in ethical hacking, network security, and data protection.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Cecilia Nowell at The Guardian:

Many transgender people in the US are scrambling to shore up their treatments out of fear the incoming Trump administration will follow through on threats to restrict their healthcare. “My goodness this subreddit has exploded ever since Emperor Trump’s ascendency. Literally overnight almost a thousand newcomers,” read a post just after the 5 November election in one Reddit forum dedicated to sharing advice on gender-affirming hormone therapy. A popular underground hormone manufacturer stopped taking new orders in order to get through a backlog. “[We] didn’t expect to be hit as hard as we did after the election,” the manufacturer wrote on Reddit. The provider, Plume Health, which focuses on gender-affirming care, also noticed “a bump” in inquiries after the election, said Jerrica Kirkley, the co-founder and chief medical officer of the virtual clinic.

Throughout his campaign, Donald Trump promised to cut federal funding from healthcare providers offering gender-affirming care, and said he would “sign an executive order instructing every federal agency to cease the promotion of sex or gender transition at any age” on his first day in office. Trans youth may be the hardest hit – a case that the supreme court will hear this week could cement proliferating bans against trans healthcare for minors. In response to his win, online forums show that some people are stockpiling prescriptions in case they have to manage their care on their own in the future, researching online and international pharmacies, and in rare cases even synthesizing their own hormones. (The National Harm Reduction Coalition warns that home-brewed hormones may not contain the same levels as prescribed of hormones patients are used to taking, and could work differently and therefore cause different effects, and side effects.)

“No matter the freedoms lost, no matter the hardships that await, no matter the strength of our enemies, DIY [hormone replacement therapy] will always be an option,” the Reddit note read. While self-managed abortion has attracted a lot of attention since the US supreme court overturned Roe v Wade, less has been paid to self-managing gender-affirming care, despite a rich history. Studies indicate that 31% of transgender individuals in London, 49% in San Francisco and 79% in Rio de Janeiro have managed their own hormones without a prescriber at some point.

[...]

Self-managing safely

Ahead of the election, the National Harm Reduction Coalition authored a 60-page report on best practices for self-managing hormones – including using new supplies, vetting online pharmacies, and tapping into local and online communities. It notes that people trying to care for themselves should be cautious of allergic reactions when using medications from nontraditional sources, be careful to use clean syringes and test their hormones for other drugs, and watch out for side effects that can come from hormone usage, such as dizziness and blood clots. “Talk with others in your community who are taking similar hormones to help figure out which sources are safer for your DIY GAHT,” the guide suggests, using the acronym for do-it-yourself gender-affirming hormone therapy. “If you start to feel unwell when taking DIY GAHT, stop taking it and seek medical attention.” To self-manage safely, transgender people – like many patients managing other aspects of their health – rely on community networks, in person and online. One Reddit community for transgender individuals looking to manage their own care has more than 82,000 members.

“There are a near infinite number of cancer patient communication networks” where people can share information about medication, said Braine. “The sharing of community-based knowledge occurs in a huge number of different contexts. And this is one of them.” According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the world will face a shortage of an estimated 18 million healthcare workers by 2030. Because 400 million people already lack access to essential health services, the organization has developed guidelines for self-care interventions that people can take to promote their own health. Since 2019, those guidelines have included recommendations for self-managing abortion. In 2022, the WHO acknowledged the guidelines should be expanded further to include recommendations on self-managing gender-affirming healthcare.

“Ideally, gender-affirming hormone therapy would take place in the context of a supportive health system. However, many transgender and gender-diverse individuals do not have access to such a supportive system. Instead, they may seek to access such therapy through friends, peers and the internet, without consulting a health worker,” the guidelines read.

Trans people in the USA are scrambling to stockpile medically necessary medication ahead of Donald Trump’s return to office in which he seeks to seriously threaten a ban on gender-affirming care by barring health insurance companies from covering it.

[beardedmrbean]

Finnish President Alexander Stubb's quips on alcohol and double-entendre Estonian words during his state visit to Estonia were not too well-received by some Estonians and Finns, according to an Iltalehti report.

Finnish experts on Estonia suggested to Iltalehti that the jokes were outdated, and hearkened back to the alcohol tourism of the 1990s.

At a dinner on Monday evening at the Tallinn cruise terminal, Stubb mentioned his playlist of Estonian artists like Eleryn Tiit, Stefan and Karl-Erik Taukar. He noted that Taukar has a song called 'Cuba Libre' and Smilers has a song called 'Mojito.'

Stubb then quipped in English, "I wonder when Eleryn Tiit will release a song called Viru Valge?" This remark was met with awkward chuckles, particularly from the Estonians. Viru Valge is a popular Estonian vodka brand.

In his speech, Stubb also mentioned Estonian words that mean something entirely different in Finnish. One of them was 'ämmä' which Stubb explained means a grumpy old woman in Finnish.

Tapio Reini, editor-in-chief of the Finnish-language radio station SSS-radio in Estonia, was among those who felt Stubb's jokes were distasteful and outdated.

"The rule of thumb is that if a Finn starts telling alcohol jokes in Estonia, they always backfire," said Jari Havia, a Finnish non-fiction writer specializing in Estonia.

On Tuesday, Stubb visited the Rakett69 science studio in Tallinn, where Estonian IT guru Taavi Kotka introduced the HK Unicorn Squad, an initiative promoting women in tech. To this, Stubb quipped, "In Finland, the name HK is already claimed by sausage."

This particular HK sausage also represents an unfortunate chapter in Finnish-Estonian economic history, as HKScan, the manufacturer of the HK sausage, owned production units in Estonia for over 20 years but ultimately withdrew from Estonia and the Baltics.

Parties say EU must pay for border fence

The EU should pay for a fence to be built on Finland’s eastern border — this was the opinion of the representatives of all nine parliamentary parties in Ilta-Sanomat’s European election debate on Tuesday.

The debate at Sanomatalo in Helsinki featured several votes where participants displayed their stance on various issues with yes or no placards.

Helsingin Sanomat reported that the question about funding the eastern border fence was the only one to receive unanimous support from all nine parties.

The question read: "Should the EU pay for a fence to be built on the eastern border?"

Those who raised the green placard were Petteri Orpo (National Coalition Party), Antti Lindtman (Social Democratic Party), Riikka Purra (Finns Party), Petri Honkonen (Centre Party), Li Andersson (Left Alliance), Sofia Virta (Greens), Anna-Maja Henriksson (Swedish People’s Party), Sari Essayah (Christian Democrats), and Harry Harkimo (Movement Now).

All parties were represented by their leaders at the event except the Centre Party, which sent former Culture Minister Honkonen.

After the vote, Finns Party chair and Finance Minister Purra said the EU’s border security funding instruments currently do not allow for funding of the fence from union funds, but hopes it could be possible in the future.

Purra added that Finland’s 1,300-kilometer-long eastern border cannot be protected entirely with fences and that such barriers are expensive. Fences are being built only in areas where the Border Guard deems them most beneficial.

The Border Guard plans to build about 200 kilometres of barrier fence on the eastern border from 2024 to 2026. In the first phase, a total of 70 kilometres of border fence will be built at border crossing points and their surrounding areas. The total cost of the project is estimated at 380 million euros.

End of Foodora market

Food delivery service Foodora plans to shut down its online grocery store, Foodora Market, in Finland, as reported by Taloussanomat.

Foodora Market's director Anni Ahnger confirmed to the paper that the company has started layoff talks with employee representatives aimed at ending Foodora Market's operations in Finland. The talks will potentially affect 80 employees.

The company has a total of seven Foodora Market stores in Helsinki, Tampere, Turku, Espoo, Jyväskylä, and Oulu. Products could be purchased from these stores through the Foodora app and then delivered to the customer. The first Foodora Market opened in Helsinki in December 2020.

An Aamulehti report stated several reasons behind the closure of Foodora Markets, with consumers' price consciousness being one of them.

Online grocery shopping has also not developed as hoped in Finland after the boom during the Covid period, compared to other European countries, Ahnger told Aamulehti.

She added that the profitability of Foodora Markets in Finland is impacted by regulation. In Sweden and Norway, Foodora delivers alcohol, tobacco and pharmacy products.

Foodora Market will continue to operate normally in other countries.

Foodora, which is a part of the German group Delivery Hero, has faced significant financial losses in Finland over the past years. In 2022, the company reported a loss of approximately 15.5 million euros despite generating a turnover of around 175 million euros.

Finland among hottest in Europe

Finland is currently basking in some of Europe's warmest temperatures, as reported by commercial broadcaster MTV.

While southern and eastern Europe boast similarly warm or even hotter conditions, cooler air masses dominate in the west.

MTV Meteorologist Aleksi Jokela explains that the reason behind Finland's exceptionally warm May is a high-pressure area formed over northern and eastern Europe and Russia. Continuous cold air flows into Siberia through the high-pressure area, but the high pressure system transports warm heat masses from southern Europe to Finland via eastern Europe.

On Wednesday, some parts of Finland are expected to hit the 30-degree mark.

[f1]

Alpha Tauri wanted Mick Schumacher to replace Pierre Gasly reveals Franz Tost

Alpha Tauri wanted Mick Schumacher to replace Pierre Gasly, reveals Franz Tost - as chief insists the Mercedes reserve is 'significantly better' than what he has shown previously By Dominic Hogan For Mailonline Published: 04:29 EDT, 10 June 2023 | Updated: 04:29 EDT, 10 June 2023 Mick Schumacher could have had a seat after all this season, with Alpha Tauri interested in taking on the former Haas driver - who he believes is far better than current perceptions suggest. Schumacher left American side Haas at the end of the 2022 season after his contract was not renewed following a string of disappointing results, scoring points just twice throughout the year in Formula One. He was replaced by Nico Hulkenberg for 2023, with the German partnering former rival Kevin Magnussen, with the former bringing in six points and the latter just two for Haas. The German ultimately ended up being snapped up by Mercedes as a back-up to Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, but Franz Tost has admitted that he was keen on bringing the 24-year-old to his Alpha Tauri set-up. Tost also suggested that Schumacher - son of all-time great and seven-time world champion Michael - is capable of much better than he has previously shown in Formula One.  Franz Tost admitted that he was keen to take Mick Schumacher on at Alpha Tauri after Pierre Gasly's departure Schumacher was ultimately taken on as a Mercedes back-up after he was released by Haas Instead Alpha Tauri went with Nyck de Vries, who has struggled to make the step up this year 'Initially, it was clear to me that our driver line-up would be Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda,' he told Formel1.de. 'Then suddenly Pierre was assigned to Alpine, and that left a spot open for us. Until Monza, it was completely uncertain who our driver would be. And naturally I thought of Mick Schumacher 'Mick Schumacher didn't secure a cockpit for this year. For us, it was then open after the Pierre Gasly situation came to light. He is significantly better than he is currently perceived in the outside world.  'It was rejected though. We now have Nyck de Vries and there's really nothing more to discuss.'  With Pierre Gasly heading to Alpine to join Esteban Ocon in an all-French line-up for the country's best-known manufacturer, Alpha Tauri ultimately ended up signing Nyck de Vries.  De Vries came into Formula One with plenty of promise, having won the Formula E championship two season before and finishing ninth the following year, but has struggled to make the step up at Alpha Tauri.  In seven races so far for the 2023 season, the Dutchman has managed just five finishes.  He is yet to score a point, either, with his highest finish 12th place, coming at Monaco two weeks ago, although he did manage a ninth-place finish in 2022 at the Italian GP for Williams, picking up two points.  Schumacher scored points just twice over the course of the 2022 season before leaving Haas Share or comment on this article: Alpha Tauri wanted Mick Schumacher to replace Pierre Gasly, reveals Franz Tost via Formula One | Mail Online https://www.dailymail.co.uk?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

[bllsbailey]

Apple Plans Texas Factory for AI Servers, 20,000 Research Jobs

Apple Monday said it plans to help bring online a quarter-million-square-foot factory in Texas by 2026 to build artificial intelligence

servers and will add about 20,000 research and development jobs across the U.S.

Apple said that it plans to spend $500 billion in the United States over the next four years, though that figure includes everything from purchases from U.S. suppliers to U.S. filming of television shows and movies for its Apple TV+ service. The company declined to say how much of the figure it was already planning to spend with its existing U.S. supply base, which includes firms such as Corning, which makes glass for iPhones in Kentucky.

The move comes after media reports that Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook met with President Donald Trump last week. Many of Apple's products that are assembled in China could face 10% tariffs imposed by Trump earlier this month, though the iPhone maker previously secured some waivers from China tariffs during the first Trump administration.

Apple made a similar announcement about its U.S. spending plans during the first Trump administration, at that time saying it planned $350 billion over five years.

Most of Apple's consumer products are assembled outside the U.S., though many of Apple components are still made there, including chips from Broadcom, SkyWorks Solutions and Qorovo. Apple also said that it last month started mass producing chips of its own design at an Arizona factory owned Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC).

Bringing TSMC to Arizona and helping introduce legislation that later became the CHIPS Act to bolster U.S. semiconductor production were two of Trump's biggest industrial policy moves during his first term.

Apple said on Monday that it will work with Hon Hai Precision Industry's Foxconn to build a 250,000-squre-foot facility in Houston, where it will assemble servers that go into data centers to power Apple Intelligence, its suite of AI features that help draft emails and perform other tasks. Those servers are currently made outside of the U.S., Apple said.

Apple also said it plans to increase its Advanced Manufacturing Fund from $5 billion to $10 billion, with part of the expansion being a "multibillion-dollar commitment from Apple to produce advanced silicon" at TSMC's Arizona factory. Apple did not disclose details of its deal with TSMC, but it has in the past used the fund to help partners build out the infrastructure needed to deliver products or services for Apple.

Apple will also open a manufacturing academy in Michigan where its engineers, along with local university staff, will offer free courses for small and mid-sized manufacturing firms in areas such as project management and manufacturing process optimization.

[cepdigivarsity]

Elevate Your Professional Journey with IIT Delhi’s Continuing Education Programs

IIT Delhi, a premier institute of national importance, offers top-tier Continuing Education Programs (CEP) designed to empower professionals with cutting-edge skills. Whether you’re looking to upskill, reskill, or explore new career avenues, IIT Delhi’s CEP provides the perfect opportunity to stay ahead in a competitive job market.

Why Choose IIT Delhi’s CEP?

Industry-Relevant Curriculum – Designed to meet current industry demands, these programs equip learners with practical and theoretical expertise.

Expert Faculty – Learn from IIT Delhi’s renowned professors and industry leaders.

Flexible Learning Modes – With online, hybrid, and weekend learning options, professionals can balance learning with their jobs.

Certification from IIT Delhi – Earn a prestigious certification that enhances career prospects.

Networking Opportunities – Connect with like-minded professionals, industry experts, and IIT Delhi alumni.

Programs Offered

IIT Delhi’s Continuing Education Programs cover a range of executive and industry-focused courses, including:

Executive Management Programme in Supply Chain – Designed for professionals aiming to enhance their supply chain and logistics management expertise. This program provides deep insights into supply chain optimization, inventory control, and global logistics trends.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Programme – A specialized course for finance professionals aspiring to step into CFO roles. This program equips learners with  strategic financial planning, risk management, and corporate leadership skills.

CFO Courses – IIT Delhi offers various short-term CFO courses that cover financial decision-making, investment strategies, and economic forecasting to prepare executives for leadership roles in finance.

Executive Programme in Semiconductor Manufacturing – This program focuses on the growing semiconductor industry, providing technical and managerial knowledge essential for semiconductor manufacturing, design, and supply chain operations.

Who Can Apply?

These programs cater to working professionals, senior executives, and individuals looking for career advancement in specialized domains. Each course has specific eligibility criteria, ensuring learners get the most out of their educational experience.

Benefits of IIT Delhi’s CEP

Enhance Leadership Skills – Courses like the CFO Programme and Supply Chain Management equip professionals with leadership capabilities to drive organizational success.

Access to Cutting-Edge Knowledge – Learn about the latest trends in semiconductor manufacturing, financial management, and supply chain analytics.

Flexible Learning Structure – Designed for working professionals, allowing seamless integration of learning with professional commitments.

Career Advancement – A certification from IIT Delhi significantly boosts professional credibility and career prospects.

How to Enroll?

Visit IIT Delhi CEP Portal.

Browse available courses and select the one that fits your career goals.

Register and complete the application process.

Begin your journey towards upskilling with IIT Delhi!

Final Thoughts

Investing in continued education is a game-changer for career growth. IIT Delhi’s CEP programs provide a unique blend of academic excellence and industry alignment, making them an ideal choice for professionals striving for success.

Stay competitive and future-ready with IIT Delhi’s Continuing Education Programs!

[learnmorewithus]

Top Industries That Value an Executive MBA and Why

An Executive MBA (EMBA) is designed for professionals aiming to elevate their leadership and strategic decision-making skills. Many industries actively seek EMBA graduates due to their ability to drive business growth, manage complex challenges, and lead high-performing teams. Here’s a look at the top industries that highly value an Executive MBA and the reasons behind it.

1. Finance & Banking

Why?

The finance sector requires professionals who understand risk management, investment strategies, and global markets.

An EMBA provides expertise in financial analysis, corporate finance, and strategic planning, making graduates valuable for roles in investment banking, asset management, and financial consulting.

Key Roles:

Investment Banker

Financial Consultant

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

2. Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals

Why?

The healthcare industry is evolving rapidly, requiring leaders who can manage hospital administration, medical technology advancements, and healthcare regulations.

An EMBA equips professionals with the ability to optimize healthcare operations, reduce costs, and implement strategic growth plans.

Key Roles:

Hospital Administrator

Healthcare Consultant

Pharmaceutical Executive

3. Technology & IT

Why?

With the rise of AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, tech companies need leaders who can align business strategy with technological advancements.

An EMBA helps IT professionals transition into leadership roles, focusing on business innovation, product development, and digital transformation.

Key Roles:

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

IT Project Manager

Digital Transformation Strategist

4. Consulting & Business Advisory

Why?

Top consulting firms look for professionals with strong analytical skills, leadership abilities, and problem-solving expertise.

An EMBA prepares individuals to handle business challenges, drive efficiency, and improve organizational performance.

Key Roles:

Management Consultant

Business Development Manager

Strategy Analyst

5. Manufacturing & Supply Chain Management

Why?

Global supply chain disruptions have increased the demand for executives who can streamline logistics, optimize production, and manage resources efficiently.

An EMBA offers insights into operations management, procurement strategies, and supply chain optimization.

Key Roles:

Supply Chain Director

Operations Manager

Logistics Consultant

6. Retail & E-Commerce

Why?

Consumer behavior is shifting towards digital shopping, requiring strategic business leaders who can adapt to market trends, data analytics, and customer experience enhancement.

An EMBA provides skills in business innovation, brand management, and digital marketing strategies.

Key Roles:

Retail Strategy Manager

E-Commerce Director

Marketing Executive

7. Energy & Sustainability

Why?

As the world moves towards sustainability and renewable energy, companies need leaders who understand regulatory frameworks, environmental policies, and sustainable business practices.

An EMBA prepares professionals to lead energy projects, manage sustainability initiatives, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Key Roles:

Energy Policy Advisor

Sustainability Manager

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Director

Final Thoughts

An Executive MBA is a powerful credential that opens doors to leadership roles in multiple industries. Whether in finance, healthcare, technology, or sustainability, companies seek EMBA graduates for their strategic vision, business acumen, and ability to drive organizational success.

Thinking of advancing your career with an Online Executive MBA? Explore the program at Edubex and take the next step towards leadership excellence!

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this New York Times story:

When President Biden signed the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, it was expected to set off a boom in renewable energy, with hefty tax breaks that would make solar and wind power cheaper than fossil fuels.

So far, however, that dream has only come partly true. Solar panel installations are indeed soaring to record highs in the United States, as are batteries that can store energy for later. But wind power has struggled, both on land and in the ocean.

The country is now adding less wind capacity each year than before the law was passed.

Some factors behind the wind industry’s recent slowdown may be temporary, such as snarled supply chains. But wind power is also more vulnerable than solar power to many of the biggest logistical hurdles that hinder energy projects today: a lack of transmission lines, a lengthy permitting process and a growing backlash against new projects in many communities.

If wind power continues to stagnate, that could make the fight against global warming much harder, experts say. Many plans for quickly shifting the country away from fossil fuels envision a large expansion of both solar and wind, because the two sources generate electricity at different hours and can complement each other. A boom in solar power alone, which runs only in daytime, isn’t enough.

Some of the early predictions that the Inflation Reduction Act would help slash U.S. greenhouse gas emissions roughly 40 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 depended on a rapid acceleration of both solar and wind power this decade.

Wind and solar power are often lumped together, but they have important differences that partly explain why one is slowing and the other is thriving right now.

For one, wind power is much more sensitive to location. Wind turbines in a gusty area can generate eight times as much electricity as turbines in an area with just half the breeze. For solar power, the difference between sunny spots and less sunny spots is considerably smaller. That means developers can’t just build wind farms anywhere.

In the United States, the best places for wind tend to be in the blustery Midwest and Great Plains. But many areas are now crowded with turbines and existing electric grids are clogged, making it difficult to add more projects. Energy companies want to expand the grid’s capacity to transport even more wind power to population centers, but getting permits for transmission lines and building them has become a brutal slog that can take more than a decade.

“Getting wind projects built is getting a lot harder,” said Sandhya Ganapathy, chief executive of EDP Renewables North America, a leading wind and solar developer. “The low-hanging fruit, the easier access places are gone.”

The wind industry has also been hampered by soaring equipment costs after the pandemic wrecked supply chains and inflation spiked. While those factors initially hurt solar, too, the solar industry has adjusted much faster, with China nearly doubling its manufacturing capacity for panels over the last two years. Wind supply chains, which are dominated by a few manufacturers in China, Europe and the United States, have yet to fully recover.

The cost increases have been devastating for offshore wind projects in the Northeast, where developers have canceled more than half the projects they planned to build this decade.

Wind isn’t languishing only in the United States. While a record 117 gigawatts of new wind capacity came online last year globally, virtually all of that growth was in China. In the rest of the world, developers weren’t installing wind turbines any faster than they were in 2020.

[dezignlover11]

Welcome to Dezignlover - Your Partner in Customized Furniture and Handcrafted Lighting

We, at Dezignlover, believe in reinventing the modern space through impeccable craftsmanship and innovative designs. It was all this while since the company was founded in 2012, that has branded it as the chief bespoke furniture manufacturer based in Asia as well as a custom-made furniture creator and lighting experts. In simple words, our purpose is to inspire, craft, and deliver exemplary designs that will help transform homes and commercial spaces into inviting environments.

A Legacy of Excellence

Our History

Dezignlover was small when it was founded in 2012, but it is rapidly growing as one of the largest online retail companies that deals with a large range of designer furniture, lighting, and home decor. We have experienced growth by remaining keen on quality and design. Working with trusted manufacturers and holding our products to strict quality control gives our customers beautiful and durable pieces.

Our Expertise

In source sourcing and manufacturing above 15 years, our most experienced professionals boast unmatched experience on the job. Specializing in customized furniture making by working with the best artisans ensures that the pieces reflect customer preferences. Its role as a custom-made furniture manufacturer has further enabled us to provide solutions based on specific house, office, or commercial-establishment needs. Likewise, as a custom lighting house manufacturer, we design lighting fixtures that provide functionality accompanied by aesthetics.

Why Dezignlover Should Be Your Furniture and Lighting Source?

Each one of our custom furniture is epitomized by exceptional handcrafted pieces driven by passion and years spent making them.

All house lighting solutions are customized to enhance ambiance while keeping a watchful eye on the aspect of energy efficiency in design.

Personalized Solutions

Customized solutions to make your vision a reality. Be it a dining table for your home or lighting fixtures for a commercial project, our custom-made solutions are made to fit in seamlessly into your space.

Global Trends and Timeless Designs

Quality That Lasts

We maintain strict quality controls in Europe so that the product is strong yet elegant. From custom furniture to bespoke lighting, the product lines are developed to last long.

Wholesome Services

Dezignlover is not just a product; it offers bespoke consultancy, seamless buying experience, and high-quality after-sales service towards the ultimate achievement of customer delight.

Original Bespoke Furniture Manufacturer: Customizing spaces with a twist.

Here, bespoke furniture is the product itself-it is art, because we, at Dezignlover, design different pieces to keep pace with lifestyle and taste, starting from minimalist contemporary coffee tables to sleek designs in elegant bed frames, which evoke a sense of individual character that fills every living space. From a personal patron who wants one particular piece to be present in your home to a commercial architect who needs the same item in numerous scale plans for interior designs, our bespoke solutions have both been covered.

Custom Made Furniture Manufacturer- Solutions for You

It’s customization at the core of what we do. Being a custom made furniture manufacturer, we enable you to create products that perfectly fit your vision. Our process includes: working with you in understanding the needs; procuring premium material, which ensures durability along with style; and fabricating furniture to suit functionality as much as aesthetic appeal.

Why Custom Lighting Is Important:

It is designed by us to help fit the bill of your specific space’s theme and decor.

Energy Efficiency: State-of-the-art lighting technology to save energy.

Unique Statement Pieces: Designs that make a statement.

Our Commitment to You

At Dezignlover, our commitment goes beyond just delivering products; it is about creating experiences. Here’s what sets us apart:

Free Worldwide Shipping: Hassle-free delivery within 5–20 days.

Extensive Warranty: All our products come with robust warranty options for peace of mind.

Trade Account Program: Special benefits for architects, interior designers, and businesses.

Customization: Solutions to your projects at your homes or businesses.

Designers, Architects, Businesses

We work with designers, interior decorators, architects, hotels, restaurants, and many more. The trade account program ensures competitive benefits and that industry professionals best make use of premium designs and reliable service.

Modern space creation — Deignlover.

Not a bespoke furniture manufacturer, nor is it a specialist in made to order lighting; it’s your partner in creating inspirational modern spaces by fusing innovation with tradition, bringing your design aspirations into reality. With an expanding collection that is relentless in the pursuit of excellence, Dezignlover is changing the future of modern design.

Manufacturer of Custom-made Lighting — Shine Your World

Join us on this journey.

Join us in the pursuit of progress and innovation into the redefinition of modern living. Experience the difference with Dezignlover today, by taking a look inside our carefully crafted collection of possibilities of bespoke furniture and customised lighting designed to fit your specifications.

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] Patna: Riding high on the success of the recent global investors' summit that saw investment proposals worth a staggering Rs 1.80 lakh crore, Bihar is now all set to focus on attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), Industries Minister, Nitish Mishra, said here on Monday.Talking to reporters here at the state BJP office, Mishra said the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry has the Foreign Investment Facilitation Portal (FIFP), which is the online single-point interface of the Government of India for investors to facilitate FDI."We (the Bihar government) are integrating our system with this national portal. Our government's focus is also to attract FDI in Bihar," he said."We are quite confident that the ecosystem that has been created after the recent global investors' summit 'Bihar Business Connect-2024', the state will witness large global giants investing in Bihar in the coming future," said the state industries minister.The state government has signed investment commitments with 423 companies during the two-day summit.The Bihar government signed MoUs to set up 423 units with an investment proposals of Rs 1,80,899 crore at the end of the two-day investors summit."We are overwhelmed with the response from corporates. It is beyond our expectations. We have received investment proposals of over Rs 1.8 lakh crore. Bihar is set to play an important role in becoming the growth engine of the country," the minister said.Under the leadership of our respected Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, the Bihar government has moved forward with the vision of a developed Bihar, he said."Now we are committed to ensuring conversion of all MoUs into investments on the ground. The government has already appointed sectors specific nodal officers for the purpose," Mishra said.Further, to develop more industrial areas in the state, the state government has initiated the process of acquiring 10,000 acres of land for the purpose in the next financial year, the minister said.Adani Group, Sun Petrochemicals and a host of other companies committed to investing a record Rs 1.81 lakh crore in Bihar, across sectors ranging from renewable energy to cement, food processing and manufacturing during the two-day global investors' summit 'Bihar Business Connect-2024', which concluded on December 20, in the state capital.As per the MoUs signed by the investors with the state government, Sun Petrochemicals will invest Rs 36,700 crore in renewable energy projects including pump hydro and solar plants.Adani Group, the largest private investor in the state, committed to investing about Rs 28,000 crore in setting up an ultra-supercritical thermal power plant as well as expanding cement production capacity, food processing and logistics businesses.The maximum investment proposals have come in the renewable energy sector worth Rs 90,734 crore in 17 units. As many as 57 MoUs were signed in general manufacturing for Rs 55,888 crore, followed by the food processing sector for Rs 13,663 crore in 70 units.Besides, 142 MoUs were signed in urban infrastructure with investment proposals of Rs 5,566 crore.  (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Republic and is published from a syndicated feed.) [ad_2] Source link

[news365times]

[ad_1] Patna: Riding high on the success of the recent global investors' summit that saw investment proposals worth a staggering Rs 1.80 lakh crore, Bihar is now all set to focus on attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), Industries Minister, Nitish Mishra, said here on Monday.Talking to reporters here at the state BJP office, Mishra said the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry has the Foreign Investment Facilitation Portal (FIFP), which is the online single-point interface of the Government of India for investors to facilitate FDI."We (the Bihar government) are integrating our system with this national portal. Our government's focus is also to attract FDI in Bihar," he said."We are quite confident that the ecosystem that has been created after the recent global investors' summit 'Bihar Business Connect-2024', the state will witness large global giants investing in Bihar in the coming future," said the state industries minister.The state government has signed investment commitments with 423 companies during the two-day summit.The Bihar government signed MoUs to set up 423 units with an investment proposals of Rs 1,80,899 crore at the end of the two-day investors summit."We are overwhelmed with the response from corporates. It is beyond our expectations. We have received investment proposals of over Rs 1.8 lakh crore. Bihar is set to play an important role in becoming the growth engine of the country," the minister said.Under the leadership of our respected Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, the Bihar government has moved forward with the vision of a developed Bihar, he said."Now we are committed to ensuring conversion of all MoUs into investments on the ground. The government has already appointed sectors specific nodal officers for the purpose," Mishra said.Further, to develop more industrial areas in the state, the state government has initiated the process of acquiring 10,000 acres of land for the purpose in the next financial year, the minister said.Adani Group, Sun Petrochemicals and a host of other companies committed to investing a record Rs 1.81 lakh crore in Bihar, across sectors ranging from renewable energy to cement, food processing and manufacturing during the two-day global investors' summit 'Bihar Business Connect-2024', which concluded on December 20, in the state capital.As per the MoUs signed by the investors with the state government, Sun Petrochemicals will invest Rs 36,700 crore in renewable energy projects including pump hydro and solar plants.Adani Group, the largest private investor in the state, committed to investing about Rs 28,000 crore in setting up an ultra-supercritical thermal power plant as well as expanding cement production capacity, food processing and logistics businesses.The maximum investment proposals have come in the renewable energy sector worth Rs 90,734 crore in 17 units. As many as 57 MoUs were signed in general manufacturing for Rs 55,888 crore, followed by the food processing sector for Rs 13,663 crore in 70 units.Besides, 142 MoUs were signed in urban infrastructure with investment proposals of Rs 5,566 crore.  (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Republic and is published from a syndicated feed.) [ad_2] Source link

[dailyreportonline]

Realme Announces Strategic Rs. 100 Crore Investment to Advance Quad-Curved Display Technology for Its Phones | Daily Reports Online

Realme will invest approximately Rs. 100 Crore towards the betterment of quad-curved display technology for its smartphones globally, the company has announced. This strategic investment will focus on key research and development of advanced display manufacturing techniques. Announcing the investment, Chase Xu, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Realme said, “At realme, our goal has…

[finaxis24]

Best Sample Online project report

Best Sample Online Project Report for Bank Loan: PMEGP, CMEGP, and Mudra Loan. When applying for a bank loan under government schemes such as PMEGP (Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme), CMEGP (Chief Minister's Employment Generation Programme), or Mudra Loan, a project report is required. A well-prepared project report not only raises the likelihood of loan approval, but it also sheds light on the business's viability.default

In this blog, we will discuss the significance of a project report and provide a structure and sample content for creating an effective report for bank loans under various schemes.

Why a Project Report is Important for Bank Loans?

A project report is a comprehensive document outlining your business plan. It helps banks and financial institutions assess the following:

Business Feasibility

Financial Viability

Potential for Profitability

Ability to Repay the Loan

A good project report builds credibility and increases the loan approval chances.

Key Elements of a Project Report

The following are the essential components of a project report for PMEGP, CMEGP, and Mudra loans:

Executive SummaryOverview of the business Nature of the business (manufacturing, trading, or services)

Promoter/Applicant DetailsName, address, and contact details Qualifications and experience of the applicant

Business DescriptionDetailed business profile Products/services offered

Market AnalysisTarget market Demand and supply assessment Competitor analysis

Project Cost & Means of FinanceTotal project cost Contribution of the applicant (Margin Money) Loan amount requested

Financial ProjectionsProfit and loss statement (for 3-5 years) Balance sheet Cash flow projections Break-even analysis

Operational PlanMachinery and equipment requirements Location and infrastructure details Workforce requirement

Repayment ScheduleLoan repayment plan with EMI calculations

Sample Project Report Format for Bank Loan

Below is a sample project report template that can be customized for PMEGP, CMEGP, or Mudra Loans.

1. Executive Summary

Business Name: XYZ Garments Manufacturing Unit Nature of Business: Small-scale garment production unit focused on manufacturing school uniforms and casual wear.

Objective: To set up a garment manufacturing business to cater to local markets and institutional clients.

Total Project Cost: ₹10,00,000 Loan Amount Requested: ₹7,50,000 Applicant Contribution: ₹2,50,000

2. Promoter/Applicant Details

Name: Mr. Rajesh Kumar Address: ABC Colony, New Delhi Contact Number: 9876543210 Qualification: Diploma in Textile Designing Experience: 5 years in garment manufacturing

3. Business Description

The business involves manufacturing high-quality garments, including school uniforms, corporate wear, and casual clothing. The business will utilize modern stitching and finishing equipment to ensure product quality and timely delivery.

4. Market Analysis

Target Market: Schools, corporate offices, and retail garment stores.

Demand: Growing demand for affordable and durable uniforms in the local area.

Competition: Limited local players; the business aims to compete with quality and lower pricing.

Conclusion A well-structured project report is essential for receiving loans under the PMEGP, CMEGP, or Mudra schemes. The sample format supplied above includes all necessary components. Include precise financials and business strategies to guarantee a smooth approval process. Consult with professionals who can personalize the report to your company's needs while still meeting bank regulations. For additional information or assistance, please visit : finaxis Home - Best Consultancy Firm in India 2024 (https://finaxis.in) or call +918989977769