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Wall Street journal reported, according to America's Treasury secretary, Mr Qin (Steven Mnuchin) agency, the United States trade representative (USTR) trade representative noeleen heyzer Wright (Robert Lighthizer) to a comprehensive economic dialogue Chinese vice premier of the state council, China led letters, liu crane under the government hopes that China would trump part to Japan, South Korea enterprise semiconductor purchase orders to the United States.
The latest industry figures show that South Korea and the United States each have two of the world's top four chip makers.
Global semiconductor industry sales rose 21.7% to $429.108 million annually in 2017, the highest increase in 14 years, IHS Markit said on March 28.Official data showed the U.S. semiconductor and related electronics components index rose 8.2% (2.1%) to 151.8 in February 2018 (2012 =100, seasonally adjusted), the highest annual increase since records began in 1972 and the highest since January 2015.
Samsung electronics (South Korea) replaced Intel (the United States) as the world's new leader in the semiconductor industry in 2017, with sales rising 53.6 percent annually to a record $62.31 billion, accounting for 14.5 percent of the global chip market, IHS Markit said.
Intel Corp, which lost its 25-year title as the world's largest chipmaker, saw its 2017 sales rise 11.7 per cent annually to $61.406bn, with global sales accounting for 14.3 per cent.Intel is celebrating its 50th anniversary in July 2018.
CBS News reported on March 23 that the following U.S. companies are most dependent on the Chinese market (as a percentage of revenue), according to UBS:• Skyworks Solutions, Inc. (80%)• qualcomm (63%)• Qorvo, Inc. (60%)• broadcom (52%)• meguiar's (50%)• Texas instruments (43%)• A.O. Smith Corp. (33%)• Microchip Technology Inc. (31%)• Amphenol Corp. (29%)• Expeditors International of Washington, Inc. (27%)• Xilinx, Inc. (25%)• Intel (23%)• Western Digital Corp. (22%)• Corning Inc. (21%)• Agilent Technologies, Inc. (20%)• Avery Dennison Corp. (19%)• applied materials (18%)• NVIDIA Corp. (18%)• Analog Devices, Inc. (16%)• mettler-toledo International Inc. (16%)


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Specification details for Kawasaki’s upcoming 2019 ZX-6R have been leaked. These details include the upcoming motorcycle’s power, weight, dimensions and top speed. Surprisingly, the figures aren’t as exciting as the outgoing model.
While this 2019 bike is still under wraps, the specifications made their way out because of two sets of official emissions certification documents that have been leaked. The new bike uses a three-way catalytic converter (two-way on the old one) and emissions numbers are said to be down by half. While the current ZX-6R is not Euro-IV compliant, the new model will be. What's also a possibility is that the new ZX-6R could come prepared to meet the Euro V norms that will come into effect by 2020. But doing so will come at a cost, and while this motorcycle still uses its class-leading 636cc engine, there is a drop in power figures and a marginal increase in weight.
The 2019 bike will make 128hp at 13,500rpm, 1hp down from the outgoing bike. However, the figure is still more impressive than the Euro IV figures of the new Yamaha R6 which dropped 5hp, going from 122hp to 117hp to meet the emission target. In terms of weight, the new ABS-equipped 2019 ZX-6R will weigh 196kg, compared to the 194kg of the outgoing ABS-equipped model – the increase in weight is due to the heavier catalytic converter. There is also a difference in the top speed; while the older one did 260kph, the upcoming model is rated at 248kph.
Beyond this, changes in dimensions also suggest that the new supersport could have different bodywork. The new bike will be wider (by 5mm), shorter (by 60mm) and lower (by 15mm). The motorcycle will also have a marginally longer wheelbase, up from 1,395mm to 1,400mm.
The 2019 ZX-6R is expected to make its official debut in October or November this year. While the Japanese 600cc supersport class has traditionally been absent in India, there is the outside possibility that this could change with next-gen 6R. The reason for this is that the Indian government recently proposed a change in the homologation requirements that will allow manufacturers to import a limited 2,500 motorcycles per year without the need to undergo homologation. Instead of demanding a domestic homologation, the proposed regulations state that the process carried out on the machines by a number of recognised foreign bodies will also be accepted.
If these regulations do come through, it would then make the path much easier for Kawasaki to import these bikes for sale in our country. And if the regulations do permit it, the company could even import kits and assemble them locally – as it did with the ZX-10R recently – which would result in a very competitive price. Mind you, supersport 600s aren’t much cheaper than their 1,000cc siblings, but if Kawasaki follows the same road, a price around the Rs 10 lakh mark is possible.
Of course, there’s still a long time to go and many cards need to fall into place for this to happen. But, for the first time in years, there’s finally a glimmer of hope that we might get a proper 600cc supersport in India. Our fingers are crossed!

domain: news


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by Sanjan Kanajanavar
by Zain Rahman
by Ankita Amarnath Kamath
by Richard Munang and Robert Mgendi
by Rohit Yadav and Swati Solanki
by Richard Munang and Robert Mgendi
by Justin Huff
by Ekpali Saint
by Richard Munang and Robert Mgendi
by Irene Zhao
AfCFTA is Good News for Africa
Not every first day of a new year is as important and exciting as the first day of January 2021. January 1, 2021, marks a much-anticipated departure from what will go down in history as one of the most unusual and unfortunate years. The COVID-19 pandemic dominated and influenced most of 2020, disrupted lives and livelihoods, shook businesses and the economies of nations. However, for us Africans, something more interesting makes the start of 2021 remarkable. January 1st, 2021 marks the start of free trading in Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This is good news for a continent in need of economic development.
AfCFTA was established with the goal to create a single continental market for goods and services, with free movement of business persons and investments, paving the way for accelerating the establishment of a future continental customs union. The AfCFTA will bring 55 African nations together, creating the largest free trade area in the world. The World Bank estimates that the agreement will boost Africa’s income by $450 billion by 2035 (a gain of 7 percent) while adding $76 billion to the income of the rest of the world. The AfCFTA agreement will involve two implementation phases. Phase 1 covers trade in goods and services. This involves tariff liberalization, dispute settlement mechanisms, non-tariff barriers, rules of origin, custom cooperation and harmonization of documents, trade remedies, institutional arrangements, banking, insurance, air and maritime transport, tourism, and financial services. Phase II negotiations relate to competition policy, intellectual property rights, and investments.
As the table at the end of this article shows, due to the economic realities of those African countries classified as least developed countries, 32 LDCs have 10 years to achieve 90% trade liberalization under the AfCFTA, in contrast to 5 years for the non-LDCs. The G6 countries – Ethiopia, Madagascar, Malawi, Sudan, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have specific development challenges and have been afforded a 15-year timeline to reach 90% trade liberalization.
I am personally excited about this free trade agreement, not just because of the promises it holds for the continent but also for the institutional frameworks being developed for the agreement to work successfully. At the Africa Business Forum 2020 I attended last year, AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene highlighted that traders will be applicable to reimbursements in a situation where signatory states refused their exports. Wamkele Mene has also made commitments to harmonize custom regulations by socializing national custom authorities to understand the obligations of the AfCFTA agreements. This is in addition to other efforts by Wamkele Mene to prepare governments and private sector actors for the trading which officially begins on January 1, 2021. So far, 34 out of 55 countries have deposited their instruments of ratification. Only 22 were needed for the agreement to come into force.
Here is why the AfCFTA is good news for Africa.
Boosts intra-Africa trade
AfCFTA will boost intra-African trade as it commits countries to remove tariffs on 90% of goods and lifting all barriers to trade within the continent. Prior to now, Africa traded more with countries outside Africa more than within Africa. In fact, intra-Africa trade stands at 16%. In Europe, 70% of trade happens within the continent. In Asia, 51% of trade happens within the region. It is evident that boosting intra-Africa trade is necessary for fostering economic growth on the continent. Poor transport infrastructures, a high level of insecurity, and border conflicts between African countries are some of the factors that have contributed to the low level of intra-African trade. However, with a shared commitment to the implementation and success of this free trade agreement, many hope to see improved intra-African trade. AfCFTA is expected to increase intra-Africa trade from an existing level of about 16% to 25% or more through better harmonization and coordination of trade liberalization. This will be driven forward by the complementary Single African Air Transport Market and the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons.
Creates markets for small and medium-sized business
AfCFTA will create a single market for goods and services and movements of persons and investments, bringing together more than 1.3 billion people and an economic partnership worth in excess of $3.6 trillion. This creates a huge opportunity for the growth of small and medium-sized businesses that will be willing to take advantage of this trade agreement. The agreement is also good news for African informal traders. Informal trade makes up about 60% of trade in Africa and this trade is made up of primarily women and young people. Before now, these informal traders have encountered several challenges from border closures to corrupt custom regimes in countries to gross exploitation of these traders who are mostly women. The launch of the AfCFTA is a gain for these traders who will see trade barriers like border closures removed thereby increasing the ease and volume of intra-cross border trade.
Fosters specialization and boosts industrialization
Asia-Pacific countries like China, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam are proof that industrialization is key to driving economic development and reducing poverty and unemployment. For a continent like Africa, industrialization will boost exports and alleviate poverty and unemployment. Despite the poor level of industrialization in Africa, manufactured goods make up a much higher proportion of regional exports than those leaving the continent—41.9% compared to 14.8% in 2014. Landre Singer notes that AfCFTA will provide African leaders with a greater negotiating power to eliminate barriers to exporting (facilitate negotiations with the European Union, the United States, and China) and further enhance technology transfer to less developed countries.
In terms of industrialization, Aliko Dangote, a Nigerian business mogul, and Africa’s richest man has businesses in the manufacturing sector that cover cement manufacturing, real estate, banking, transport, textiles, oil, and gas. Among industrial projects being completed by the Dangote Group are cement factories in 16 African countries, fertilizer plants, and a crude oil refinery in Lagos which is set to be commissioned at the beginning of 2021. More private sector investments are sure to drive industrialization under the AfCFTA and that is why AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene plans to establish private sector dialogue.
Other benefits that will come from AfCFTA include increased employment and investment opportunities. Following the start of trading, we will continue to see an influx of foreign direct investments from external trading partners including from private businesses in the United States and Europe, and more investments from Chinese state-owned enterprises.
This does not mean that the AfCFTA will not encounter challenges. As earlier stated, the continent continues to grapple with poor transport infrastructure, a human security crisis, and a lack of industrial policy coordination. However, with political will from African statesmen, the agreement has every incentive to succeed. The AfCFTA is here and hopefully, it is here to succeed.
Chimdi Chukwukere is a first year M.A. candidate for the Diplomacy and International Relations program, specializing in International Organizations and Foreign Policy Analysis with a regional specialization in Africa. Chimdi Chukwukere is currently working as a research assistant and is also on the National Security Fellowship at Seton Hall School of Diplomacy.


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If you’ve been feeling the pinch lately then there’s a good reason why. The cost of living has been bumped up by food and energy price hikes, with inflation hitting its highest level in nearly five years in May.
Following May’s high of 2.9%, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) measure of inflation did drop slightly to 2.6% in July*, although the Bank of England has predicted inflation will peak at 3% by autumn**.
Economists have warned that this could just be the beginning, as energy price hikes and rising food costs will see the squeeze on living standards tighten. The rises could be especially noticeable by those of us in retirement, who typically use more energy and get by on a smaller income than people of working age.
Package holidays rise in cost
Unfortunately for anyone planning a getaway, the cost of package holidays saw one of the biggest leaps in the recent price increases, increasing by 0.6% between April and May. The rise has been attributed to other currencies gaining strength against the pound following the collapse of the sterling since Brexit.
In a further blow for jetsetters, experts have predicted that prices of package holidays could jump by 9 per cent next year. According to financial website Thisismoney.co.uk, large travel firms are already marking up prices for next summer.
The hikes come as major currency contracts start to expire, which until now have protected companies and their customers from the currency shocks following Brexit.
Property price boom
If you’ve been feeling the pinch lately, or haven’t been able to do as much in retirement as you’d planned to, then why not consider unlocking a cash lump sum from your home to boost your finances?
By unlocking a percentage of your home’s value, you could afford to take more holidays, make any home improvements your property needs, assist your loved ones financially or simply enjoy having a bigger disposable income every month.
The cost of living may be increasing but the good news is that house prices have been steadily rising for years. If you have owned your own home for a few years now, it could be worth thousands of pounds more than when you bought it.
According to the Nationwide House Price Index, the average home was worth £181,810 just 10 years ago in 2007. Today, it is worth £209,971, that’s £28,161 more equity.
Why arrange a lifetime mortgage?
Calculate how much equity I could unlock
Downsizing to free up some of your equity can be stressful and upsetting, especially if you don’t actually want to move away from the home you love.
With a lifetime mortgage, however, you can:
- Unlock some of your equity from your home’s value
- Spend the money in any way you choose
- Still own 100% of your property
- Never have to make any monthly repayments on the loan
- Repay the loan plus interest in full when your plan comes to an end (usually when you pass away or move into long-term care)
Speaking to an independent specialist is essential if you are considering equity release. A plan will reduce the value of your estate and the amount of inheritance you will leave, so it’s vital you understand all the advantages and disadvantages before making a decision.
For a free, no-obligation initial home appointment or to request your free guide to equity release, please call our friendly UK-based team today on 0800 411 8668.
*Express 13th August 2017
**Financial Times 15th August 2017


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For year-round tips on what to buy when, check out our monthly What-To-Buy archive.
After a solid month of scrambling around shopping malls and scouring online retail sites, you might not feel exactly eager to shop... read more
It’s almost August, which means the time for back-to-school shopping is here. According to Offers.com’s 2015 back-to-school survey, U.S. parents plan to spend more this year than in 2014. And though the... read more
Dell doesn’t go out of its way to tell you about its rewards club. If you blink while scrolling through the company’s website, you’ll probably miss any mention of the Dell Advantage Loyalty... read more
One of the hardest parts of graduating from college was saying goodbye to that handy student discount. That’s why I was so happy to discover Dell’s Membership Purchase Program, which is sort of like a... read more


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The Tesla Model Y is already undergoing its first ramp, with deliveries beginning despite the coronavirus pandemic. Amidst the Model Y’s ramp, automotive firm Edmunds has validated the vehicle’s mainstream appeal, stating that the all-electric crossover will likely be “extremely compelling” for many buyers.
Echoing much of its initial observations about the Model Y, the automotive firm summarized the vehicle as a combination of performance, price, and lots of technology, which gives the crossover a lot of value. That being said, Edmunds did take away some points from the Model Y due to its lack of interior “richness” and its rear visibility, which has areas of improvement.
And this, in a lot of ways, will be a good combination that will give the Model Y the potential to break into the mainstream auto market. Tesla has long been competing in the premium/luxury segment, and for the most part, it has


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Chorley-based essential life safety products and lighting specialist Hispec has increased revenues from £4m to £20m over the last five years.
The business initially launched in 2002 as a supplier of general electrical products before finding success with its range of electronic transformers and began to develop a range of fluorescent lamps and luminaires that evolved into a full lighting range.
During this time, the company also grew beyond the North West to serve the whole of the UK and Ireland while also diversifying its product range to include fire detection, air quality and emergency products.
Since 2019, the business has doubled its product portfolio from 200 to 400 items while its workforce has grown from 13 to 26. It was named as one of the fastest growing companies in 2023.
Chris Loughlin, who was appointed managing director five years ago, said: "The transformation of Hispec has been a collective achievement, with many talented industry leaders joining the team and bringing their skills, enthusiasm and dedication that’s ultimately resulted in Hispec’s growth.
“Acknowledging the need for evolution, we consciously decided to diversify our business into three core areas: wholesale, social housing, and our upcoming venture into the retail sector. As part of our commitment to maintaining momentum, we welcome new team members in the coming weeks. This expansion reinforces our presence and highlights our dedication to delivering exceptional service and upholding the highest standards of quality.”
He added: "As we approach the end of yet another financial year, the figures speak for themselves – they look remarkably robust. However, it's about more than just the financials. The team has an excitable energy, alongside a motivational drive to deliver excellence that sits within our ever-expanding team."
Enjoyed this? Read more from Tim Aldred


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NZ operators move to curb MNP fraud
The New Zealand Telecommunications Forum (TCF) announced operators today (3 June) introduced tougher security measures …
Asia Briefs: Taiwan’s 4G penetration nears 32%, Smart expects remittances to expand 30% next year & more
Taiwan’s 4G penetration nears 32% Taiwan’s operators boosted their 4G numbers to more than 10 …
Vietnam operators delay MNP tests six months
Vietnam’s three largest mobile operators have delayed mobile number portability (MNP) tests by six months …
Asia Briefs: SoftBank to take 40% stake in Snapdeal, India moves close to full MNP & more
In a regular series, Mobile World Live‘s Asia Editor Joseph Waring provides a regional roundup …
India launches MNP
India yesterday started mobile number portability services in a northern state
UK speeds up MNP
British consumers will next year be able to transfer their mobile number to a new provider in just one working day rather than the current two days, the telecoms regulator Ofcom has confirmed.
India delays MNP again
Reports suggest the Indian government has further delayed the launch of mobile number portability services to end-June, 2010.
Indian MNP faces fresh delay
Telecompaper notes that the implementation of mobile number portability in India is likely to be delayed at least until July as a system is not yet in place to roll out the service.
Indian MNP set for more delays
According to the Economic Times, India’s long-awaited introduction of mobile number portability (MNP) looks set to face further delays on the back of security concerns raised by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
India plans mobile number portability by 2009
The Indian regulator unveiled proposals late last week that will see Mobile Number Portability (MNP) introduced in India, the world’s second largest mobile market, by June 2009.
Mobile Mix: Toodle-oo 2022
Mobile Mix: Stresa summits and social stress
FYUZ 22: Day 2 Highlights
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The iOS platform isn't the only way to make money on the mobile apps scene.
Tech news site Electricpig took a look at eight groups that have made it big -- more than six-digits big -- with hit Android apps.
Better Android Apps, for example, has made approximately $1.34 million from purchases of its hits Better Keyboard and Open Home. Yongzh created emulators for the PlayStation, Sega, Nintendo and Atari systems, and gathered about $1.81 million from sales of these apps.
“Conventional wisdom told us that to be successful, we had to focus on iOS. Conventional wisdom was wrong," said Gary Gattis, CEO of Spacetime Studios.
That certainly seems to be true with the tower-defense game Robo Defense. It has also been a big winner, netting creator Lupis Labs more than $2.09 million.
An estimated 3.7 billion Android apps have been downloaded to date, according to AndroLib. Many developers wish that number would rise at a faster rate and are counting on tools like in-app payments to spur app purchases and developer earnings. However, that hasn't stopped developers such as Eddie Kim, creator of Car Locator, or almost anyone else on this list, from netting big profits.
These high sales figures illustrate that Android's app market is finally coming to fruition as a solid distribution platform, where software programmers can make good money. Within months of the opening of Apple's App Store in the summer of 2008, a few lucky programmers quickly struck gold with hot sales of their apps.
Android has been around for about the same time, and only now are we beginning to see comparably high sales figures for Android app makers. Though Google's app market has been slower to mature, these success stories should give programmers more incentive to make killer apps for Android-powered tablets and smartphones.
Beautiful Widgets netted its maker, LevelUp Studio, more than $934,000. Halfbrick Studios (maker of Fruit Ninja) has netted more than $242,000 after porting its iOS favorite to Android.
Other big winners, thanks to pop-up advertising, include Rovio, for (what else?) Angry Birds, and Arron La for Advanced Task Manager.
Spacetime Studios' Pocket Legends, a 3-D MMO, has managed to garner profits of $8,000 per day from in-app payments, making it a shoo-in for six-figure earnings in the not-too-distant future.
“The Android platform has seen phenomenal growth, and it’s great that new avenues for app distribution are opening up,” Rovio CEO Mikael Hed said in a recent news release.
The addition of new marketplaces like Amazon's App Store is proof, showing that Google's OS has the potential to be just as lucrative as Apple's, and companies want to get in on the action.
Spacetime's Gattis summed up the Android app scene pretty nicely: "In some ways, it's kind of like the wild, wild West," he said, "but that's where the Gold Rush people made their claim."
Image: Bad Piggy Bank (Rovio)
Meet The Android App Millionaires [Electricpig via Android Guys]


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A new report today from The Wall Street Journal says Apple's upcoming smartwatch will match the iPhone 6 with a sapphire screen that's more resistant to scratches and other common wear and tear. The Journal claims sapphire glass intended for the watch and phone will begin rolling off production lines at Apple's Arizona factory "this month." Presumably Apple is also sourcing the key component from other manufacturing partners in China, since we've seen at least one convincing leak that showcases the screen's durability. The report goes on to note Apple's significant investment in sapphire; competing smartphone makers will likely have trouble following the company's lead here.
But the report gets a bit confusing when it comes to Apple's plans for sapphire and the iPhone 6 — expected to debut early next month. "Apple is considering using sapphire screens in more-expensive models of the two new, larger iPhones it plans to debut this fall," it says. That seems to imply sapphire may be reserved for iPhones with higher capacity flash storage. And that would be strange, since Apple has never created such a significant divide between iPhone models. In the past, the company has used color choice as one method of upselling consumers, but switching up the glass in different versions of the iPhone would be a new tactic.
Also, it's a bit late for Apple to be "considering" anything at this stage; final decisions about the iPhone 6 were likely made some time ago if the phone is to hit retail soon after September 9th. Of course, there's always the possibility the Journal has it wrong on this point and every model will get the superior screen. We'll know for sure in just a few short weeks.


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CFPB action has refunded $14 million to wronged consumers this year alone
Inside Subprime: September 18, 2017
By Caroline Thompson
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s actions during the first half of 2017 have helped more than 100,000 consumers get back a total of $14 million after being wronged by predatory lenders, big banks, credit card companies, pay-by-phone schemes, and other illegal exploits.
“The Bureau’s recent supervision work has returned $14 million to more than 100,000 consumers, and found companies deceiving consumers and violating the law,” said CFPB Director Richard Cordray. “Through supervision, the CFPB is putting an end to practices that harm consumers and taking proactive steps to prevent future violations.”
A report released last week detailed the CFPB’s regulatory actions and its positive consequences for consumers, who have very little leverage or power when going up against huge corporations on their own. The CFPB is authorized under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to oversee the actions of banks and credit unions with more than $10 billion in assets, and other financial institutions like mortgage companies, student lenders and payday lenders.
The $14 million in consumer relief was a result of the CFPB holding these institutions accountable for shady, often illegal practices. Among the report’s findings in this area were:
- Banks deceiving consumers about fees on checking accounts and overdraft “protection.”
- Credit card companies lying about the cost and availability of pay-by-phone options.
- Car lenders erroneously repossessing borrower vehicles.
- Debt collectors breaking communication laws.
- Mortgage lenders ignoring “Know Before You Owe” disclosure rules, which prevent lenders from charging application fees before potential borrowers agreed to the mortgage transaction.
- Mortgage lenders breaking CFPB servicing laws.
“Today’s report shares information that companies can use to comply with federal consumer financial law,” wrote a spokesperson for the CFPB in a press release. “When CFPB examiners find problems, they alert the company and outline necessary remedies. These steps may include paying refunds or restitution, or taking actions to stop illegal practices and assure future compliance such as implementing new policies, or improving training or monitoring. When appropriate, the CFPB opens investigations for potential enforcement actions.”
To read more about the CFPB, check out these related articles:
- Percentage of student borrowers more than $20K in debt has doubled since 2002
- ‘Frequent overdrafters’ more likely to have subprime credit scores, study finds
- Credit repair scam threatened with shut-down and fined $150,000
- Californians will soon be able to legally sue their banks


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Recode.com/Tech Read More Amazon (AMZN) stock was trading at $27.75, down more than 5%.The stock is still trading below the $27 mark, but is up about 5% in the past 12 months.Shares of Amazon are also up slightly this year, thanks to strong growth in its retail and wholesale businesses.
A few years ago, barberry was the hottest of the herbal remedies.It was one of those rare ingredients that made sense and was well tolerated in a culture where drinking herbal tea was still taboo.Now, the herbs are under assault by new medicines that promise to make them more expensive and dangerous.How do you make […]
The best thing you can use with herbal medicine chest remedies is to wash them in a small amount of distilled water and then store them in an airtight container.This makes it easier to treat and protect the herbal medicines.The best thing to do with herbal medicines that you use is to store them and […]
Health Minister Zuma announced a new government-commissioned panel of experts to study how indigenous communities can better support health and education in the country.“The government is committed to addressing issues like HIV and tuberculosis, as well as ensuring that the community receives adequate medical, education and health services, and that people are not deprived of […]
In an effort to provide information to parents and children about herbal medicine in the United States, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCAM) is publishing a guidebook for children and adults that explains what is and isn’t an herbal medicine.The new edition of the textbook will be published in 2018.“We’re thrilled to […]


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Dec 4, 2013
FDA Clears ARCA Bio To Start Landmark Personalized Medicine Clinical Trial
In September 2013, we wrote a detailed article on the turnaround story emerging at ARCA Biopharma, Inc. .
Wed Nov 27, 2013
Wockhardt's woes continue with another Us Fda import alert
The US Food and Drug Administration has hit Wockhardt with a second import alert this year, this time at its Chikalthana, India facility.
Tue Nov 26, 2013
Wockhardt Shares Plunge After Main Drug Factory in India Hit With FDA Ban
Wockhardt Ltd. was banned from selling some medicines to the U.S. from its most lucrative factory in India after U.S. regulators added it to a list of restricted facilities.
Thu Sep 26, 2013
Urine Spills Staining Image of India's Wockhardt Generic Drugs
The Indian factory that makes copies of a popular heart pill sold in the U.S. turns out to be a jumble of dilapidated buildings with blighted windows connected by flaking pipes and capped by a rusty roof.


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gOS To Support Intel's Moblin Project
Tomorrow at the Intel Developer Forum in Taipei, gOS will announce their support for Moblin in an effort to expand the presence of this web-oriented distribution on netbooks (such as the ASUS Eee PC 901) and nettops. According to a press release we've received they have at least one major yet-to-be-announced OEM partner that will use the Moblin-ized gOS on their Atom products. Expect more information soon.
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HRH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, United Arab Emirates vice president, prime minister and ruler of Dubai, has officially inaugurated Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2012, in the presence of senior government officials, leaders of the regional and international travel industry as well as high-profile participants.
The event programme for day one of ATM brings together some of the most prominent travel and tourism organisations in the Middle East and internationally, from both public and private sectors.
Mark Walsh, portfolio director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, organiser of Arabian Travel Market, said: “As the first promising signs of democratic progression emerge in the Middle East in the wake of the Arab Spring, the region’s tourism figures show that it is growing once again.
“This year’s ATM serves as a timely reminder and strong indicator of the vital role the travel and tourism industry plays in the region’s socio-economic development.
“A recent World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) report showed the direct contribution of the travel and tourism trade to GDP is forecast to increase by 4.6 per cent to over $250 billion over the next decade.”
The 2012 instalment of ATM has seen a 46 per cent rise in visitor pre-registrations, against 2011 figures, for its 19th edition, as well as travel agent registration up by a whopping 213 per cent.
“The record figures we’re receiving for this year’s event reflects the region’s positive approach to the tourism sector as a major economic driver,” added Walsh.
HRH Sheikh Mohammed toured the exhibition with other dignitaries including HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive Emirates Airline & Group and Akbar Al Baker, chief executive Qatar Airways.
This year, ATM features representatives from 87 countries, with 54 national tourist organisations exhibiting at the International Exhibition Centre floor over the next four-days.
United Arab Emirates vice president, prime minister and ruler of Dubai inaugurates ATM 2012 Middle East’s biggest travel and tourism event underscoring importance of sector to regional economies.


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Donald Trump bashed Amazon earlier today. This is, according to CNBC, the fourth time in seven days the POTUS has criticized the Jeff Bezos-owned e-commerce giant. In a Twitter message, the President said that Amazon is taking advantage of the United States Post Office and using it as a “delivery boy.” More importantly, he implied that Amazon is costing American taxpayers “many billions of dollars.” Ironically however, the Trump Administration’s corporate tax cuts have been, are, and unless things significantly change, will continue to do wonders for Amazon. Senior fellow at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, Matthew Gardner, explained this in a February blog post.
“Incredibly, Amazon’s corporate tax goose egg for 2017 doesn’t include the effect of a second big tax disclosure: the $789 million one-time tax break the company projects it will receive due to the new tax law. While the Trump Administration’s corporate tax cuts generally took effect on January 1st, the law includes a grandfather clause for companies that (like Amazon) have managed to defer or postpone tax liability from prior years. Instead of paying these deferred taxes at the previous 35 percent rate, Amazon now gets an extra reward for postponing the taxation of this income: a 40 percent discount from 35 to 21 percent.”
How deep is the President’s understanding of his own economic policies? Furthermore, are his claims about Amazon using the United States Post Office as a “delivery boy” true? An anonymous source, allegedly close to the White House, told Axios that the POTUS doesn’t quite understand “the whole post office thing,” and that it has been “explained to him in multiple meetings that his perception is inaccurate and that the post office actually makes a ton of money from Amazon.”
While it is true that the USPS posted a net loss of $540 million in the first quarter of 2018, that is probably due to their, currently unsustainable, business model, according to an Edward Jones analyst. “Trump is trying to say that Amazon is the reason the Post Office is losing millions of dollars and, in reality, that’s not the case,” Logan Purk told Business Insider today.
I am right about Amazon costing the United States Post Office massive amounts of money for being their Delivery Boy. Amazon should pay these costs (plus) and not have them bourne by the American Taxpayer. Many billions of dollars. P.O. leaders don’t have a clue (or do they?)!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 3, 2018
Only fools, or worse, are saying that our money losing Post Office makes money with Amazon. THEY LOSE A FORTUNE, and this will be changed. Also, our fully tax paying retailers are closing stores all over the country…not a level playing field!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 2, 2018
While we are on the subject, it is reported that the U.S. Post Office will lose $1.50 on average for each package it delivers for Amazon. That amounts to Billions of Dollars. The Failing N.Y. Times reports that “the size of the company’s lobbying staff has ballooned,” and that…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 31, 2018
…does not include the Fake Washington Post, which is used as a “lobbyist” and should so REGISTER. If the P.O. “increased its parcel rates, Amazon’s shipping costs would rise by $2.6 Billion.” This Post Office scam must stop. Amazon must pay real costs (and taxes) now!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 31, 2018
I have stated my concerns with Amazon long before the Election. Unlike others, they pay little or no taxes to state & local governments, use our Postal System as their Delivery Boy (causing tremendous loss to the U.S.), and are putting many thousands of retailers out of business!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 29, 2018
Donald Trump famously promised huge middle class tax cuts via Twitter, but are his policies in line with his rhetoric? In a column published in January, the Atlantic‘s David Graham called Donald Trump “the President who doesn’t understand his own positions,” and argued “if foreign leaders, members of Congress in both parties, and voters cannot tell what the U.S. government’s policy is, the government effectively has no policy at all.”
Corporations may have their own reasons to applaud the Trump Administration’s tax bill, but there has been a lot of criticism. For instance, back in January this year, Senator Claire McCaskill told the Huffington Post that the President’s tax cut is a “debt-inducing, make-rich-people-richer” bill. CNN‘s national poll from December 2017 shows that the opposition to Trump’s legislation keeps growing. At the time, 60 percent of surveyed middle class Republicans were against it, as well as 64 percent of surveyed Independents, and 95 percent of surveyed Democrats.
In an extensive piece published yesterday, Vanity Fair‘s Gabriel Sherman alleged that Donald Trump is contemplating a full-blown campaign against Jeff Bezos and his company. “He gets obsessed with something, and now he’s obsessed with Bezos,” sources told Vanity Fair, adding that the President, referring to Bezos, asked “How can I f*** with him?”
According to Fortune, Jeff Bezos, the world’s richest man, lost over 10 billion in net worth after the President tweeted about his company.


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Framework Digital participated in The Buckinghamshire Digital Summit event on 19 October 2016
The Buckinghamshire Digital Summit was organised by Buckinghamshire Business First and will look at the future of Digital as well as inspiring you to look at what your business could do to capitalise on the digital revolution. With talks from influential speakers in the digital technology market, this event will inspire confidence that the digital revolution belongs to your business.
With talks from Microsoft, Bosch, Google, Hootsuite, businesses picked up top tips and met dozens of digital businesses who lined the foyer of the Waterside Theatre with their stands to network with local business. Even an impromptu fire drill didn’t put people off, it merely created a mass networking group outside the entrance of the theatre!
After the talks Framework Digital delivered a training session about Google AdWords for SMEs (Tomas Pukalski & Catherine Davis)
With us, you can gain competitive advantages and advance online.
Call 01296 320820


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On Friday, Canada announced plans to impose tariffs on $2.7 billion in American goods following 10% aluminum tariffs re-imposed by the Trump Administration.
Trump signed a proclamation on Thursday declaring the reinstitution of the tariffs after they had been suspended a year earlier.
During a lengthy campaign speech at a Whirlpool manufacturing plant in Ohio, Trump claimed “Canada was taking advantage of us, as usual,” adding that “The aluminum business was being decimated by Canada,” which is “Very unfair to our jobs and our great aluminum workers.”
The decision to re-introduce tariffs on Canadian aluminum follows the successful signing of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which aimed to repeal various elements of NAFTA to spur growth in American manufacturing.
This marks a major shift in U.S.-Canada trade policy where President Trump and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau agreed to suspend aluminum and steel tariffs unless “a meaningful surge” threatened domestic markets in either country.
In his recent proclamation, President Trump claims Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross reported that Canadian aluminum imports had “increased substantially” after Trump’s previous move to lift tariffs on Canada.


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McDonald’s is looking to expand their menu a bit, and they’re going to do it in a way that also takes aim at their less obvious competitors.
The fast-food company says they’re planning to roll out a bone-in chicken wing next month that will be available through November, and while other burger joints–like Wendy’s–have also introduced new chicken items recently, experts say McDonald’s has a new spin on it that sets them apart and puts them in line with KFC and Popeye’s.
“Anyone can do nuggets or tenders and almost all burger chains do, but Mighty Wings are different because they’re bone-in chicken,” Scott Hume of Burger Business said. “They’re also tougher to source in large numbers but McDonald’s has the clout to do it.”
The move comes after some testing in limited locations and may be related to one many fast-food companies are making lately–to freshen up their menu and offer more varied choices–but it also could have something to do with the time of year.
“They’re being more innovative, and they’re being more aggressive with the changes on their menu,” Peter Saleh, an analyst at Telsey Advisory Group, said. “This is good news because it’s in conjunction with the football season.”
Of course, it wouldn’t be McDonald’s without a decent price, so the 3-piece version starts at just $2.99. There’s also a five and ten-piece option; the wings are seasoned with cayenne and chili pepper and come with sauces including creamy ranch, honey mustard and tangy barbecue.
The news is the latest in a string of changes made to the fairly sizable menu; in May, the company announced they would be doing away with the Angus burger and introducing three new quarter-pounders. In June, they added breakfast items to the “After Midnight” menu.


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Anyone who owns or leases a 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica that shuts off or stalls while being driven.
What’s Going On?
Fiat Chrysler has been hit with a class action lawsuit alleging that a defect in the cars’ transmissions is causing them to turn off during use.
Fiat Chrysler has been hit with a class action lawsuit alleging its 2017-2018 Pacifica minivans contain a design defect that causes them to shut off or stall without warning.
What Does the Lawsuit Say About the Minivans?
The case claims that the cars are shutting off and/or stalling because of a design defect in their 9-speed transmission. According to the suit, the transmissions have been “plagued by consumer complaints” since their introduction and have even been the center of a number of technical service bulletins.
The lawsuit alleges that the defect causes a total loss of power, resulting in the inability to change speed or steer, often while the car is in traffic and traveling at high speeds. The alleged defect, the case says, is “widespread,” “dangerous,” and “manifests without warning.”
How Could a Lawsuit Help?
If successful, a class action lawsuit could require Chrysler to:
Notify all affected drivers about the alleged issue
Repair the cars
Stop selling the cars until it warns about the alleged defect
Change the cars’ warranties
Were the Pacificas Recalled Over the Reported Stalling Issue?
Yes. In January 2018, Fiat Chrysler voluntarily recalled more than 150,000 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivans to “update certain software.” According to the recall notice, the cars’ engine control modules could “incorrectly assess the engine’s operating status,” potentially causing the engine to stall.
The recall follows pressure from The Center for Auto Safety, a consumer advocacy group, that petitioned the cars be recalled due to the “unreasonable risk” that they pose to the public. According to their petition, which was filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 50 individuals have reported that their 2017 Pacifica minivans have “lost all motive power without warning…at varying speeds, ranging from while the vehicle has been sitting idle to traveling at 40 mph on municipal roads, to 60 miles per hour while driving in a tunnel.”
The recall does not affect 2018 models of the vehicle or hybrid versions; however, attorneys working with ClassAction.org would still like to hear from people with other model year Pacificas as they believe the reported stalling problem may not be not limited to 2017 models.
What Problems Are Drivers Reporting?
The following is a sample of complaints [sic throughout] from Chrysler Pacifica drivers taken from a lawsuit filed in California.
“I was driving on a highway (with my kids in the backseats) and suddenly (for no reason) the vehicle lost all electricity (including, power steering, engine, headlights, dashboard lighting). The dashboard only said ‘put car into park and restart’…This was a scary and dangerous experience.” — NHTSA ID 11011729
“My wife stopped at an intersection and the car completely shutoff…it happened within two weeks of purchasing the vehicle, around 300 miles driven…I contacted Chrysler and they said they would need to reproduce it so wait until it happened again…it appears they are waiting for someone to die to deal with the issue.” — NHTSA ID 11051158
“Not even an hour after leaving the dealership the vehicle stalled, losing all power, and had to be restarted to regain power and driving ability at a stop light. We were not hit, but it is very dangerous to have a vehicle that stalls randomly.” — NHTSA ID 11056049
“My pacifica's engine turned off WHILE I WAS MOVING. I had no warning, just that it stopped accelerating and the screen said that car must be in park to put it in drive. Thankfully I had just turned onto a residential street, however, due to the steering being electronic, I had lost the power steering. I had to coast to a stop, then put it in park and press the on button with foot on brake like normal starting…I am not sure what to do at this point, I'm really nervous about driving it. The tech couldn't tell me anything. I didn't have any warning, and nothing weird happened with the vehicle before the shut off of the engine.” — laprincipessa, Pacificaforums.com
“Purchased a brand new Chrysler Pacifica vehicle 3 wks ago on may 18 2017…May 21 was the first incident on the interstate in chicago we stalled in the middle of traffic for approximately 10 minutes. May 27 we pulled up to a stoplight and the engine stalled out on us that lasted approximately 3 minutes, the same day at a tollbooth we stalled out which lasted about 25 minutes before the car would start again…May 30 we left the grocery store the screen switch to the app page and would not switch back, the brakes locked and we lost engine power. That lasted 20 mins before car would start. June 7 car would not start after coming out of the grocery store waited 20 minutes then tried again car started 30 seconds after the ignition button has been pressed by itself. June 11 car stalled out pulling into the driveway. Took less then a minute to restart this time. We have taken the car into the dealer and the could find nothing and could not replicate…I am so upset and disappointed in this Chrysler product.” — CarProblemZoo.com
If your Chrysler Pacifica stalled or shut off unexpectedly, you may be able to join in on litigation against the automaker.


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Alongside a fresh pair of Galaxy Buds and a new location tracker, the main event at Samsung’s first Galaxy Unpacked of the year was the official unveiling of its Galaxy S21 flagship phone lineup.
As the rumours had already covered in extensive detail, Samsung had three phones to show off as part of the 14 January launch: the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21 Plus (styled at ‘S21+’) and the Galaxy S21 Ultra.
Aside from the new “Contour Cut” camera modules and the new “Phantom” branded colourways, at first glance the S21 lineup doesn’t look markedly different from last year’s S20 family, particularly in terms of attributes like feature set and camera hardware (at least in the case of the S21 and S21+).
While a lot of the technology at play is shared across all three phones – including the latest-generation top-tier Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 or Exynos 2100 processor (depending on the market you’re picking one up in) – there are some key differences to consider.
The standard Galaxy S21 features a 120Hz 6.2in Full HD+ display, a 4000mAh battery, a plastic back and doesn’t include the UWB (ultra-wideband) technology that the other two S21 entries benefit from. Beyond that UWB tech, the S21+ sports a glass back, a larger 6.7in panel and a bigger 4800mAh battery to match, but beyond that is much the same phone as the base S21.
It’s the new S21 Ultra that really sets itself apart. Aside from boasting the largest display of this year’s Galaxy S lineup (6.8in), it also totes a more dynamic AMOLED panel, a bigger 5000mAh battery, it’s the first phone ever to support new, faster WiFi 6E and it packs a completely reworked camera, with a “dual-tele zoom system.”
Unlike the S21 and S21+’s triple rear cameras, which top out at 64Mp, the S21 Ultra has an improved 108Mp primary snapper and two 10Mp telephoto sensors: one 3x zoom lens and one periscopic 10x zoom lens – all with OIS (optical image stabilisation). There’s also a 12Mp ultrawide angle sensor in there too, as on the other S21 models.
This new camera system should offer better low light performance, better quality zoomed photos – at up to 100x magnification – and, thanks to the addition of laser autofocus, faster, more accurate focusing.
The S21 range can also shoot up to 8K video at 24 frames per second and supports 4K video at up to 60fps across all of each device’s myriad of cameras.
S Pen integration also arrives on the Galaxy S family for the first time, with an optional S Pen stylus now supported by the S21 Ultra and able to be stored within new dedicated phone cases, raising yet more question marks about the Galaxy Note 20 family’s 2021 successors.
For more details on everything the Galaxy S21 series brings to the table, check out our in-depth ‘ Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+ & S21 Ultra release date, price, specs & more‘ feature.
Beyond the phones, Samsung also introduced the Galaxy Buds Pro – new in-ear true wireless buds with dynamic noise cancellation – as well as the Galaxy SmartTag, which works with Samsung’s SmartThings Find service to add location tracking to your possessions.
In some markets, both new accessories also serve as pre-order bonuses, while the phones themselves start at £769/€849/US$799.99, £949/€1,049/$999.99 and £1,149/€1,249/$1,299.99 for the S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra, respectively.
Eagle-eyed Samsung fans will notice that all three devices come in at markedly lower starting prices than last year’s S20 series (thought to be in an effort to make them more competitive against Apple’s iPhone 12 line). Also like Apple’s latest phones, Samsung has decided to ditch the power adapter (and headphones) in-box, so buyers can expect smaller packaging that just contains a phone, SIM tool and USB lead.
Whether the new performance, camera features, updated design and lower prices are enough to entice buyers away from Apple’s latest phones remains to be seen, but we won’t have long to wait to find out, with the phones on pre-order following announcement (set to ship on 28 January) and on sale from 29 January.
Read next: Where to buy the Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra


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Boon for farmers who raise indigenous birds in open surroundings
Kerala Feeds Limited (KFL), the government-owned livestock feed producer, is all set to market its nutrient-rich feed for chicken raised by households and farms, at affordable prices.
The feed, made of wholesome ingredients, is meant for country breeds of chicken and is ideal for birds raised specifically for meat, a release said here on Tuesday.
The feed, being unveiled as part of product diversification of KFL, will hit the market by mid-December. It will address the long-felt absence of chicken feed in the market for country breeds, which is a critical component in stepping up the domestic egg production, the release said. The product will be a boon for farmers who rear indigenous breeds of chicken in open surroundings. “The launch of the product meets our firm commitment to back the State government’s policy of supporting over a million dairy farmers and household chicken raisers in Kerala,” KFL chairman K.S. Indusekharan Nair said.
“We will market the best quality poultry feed, which would be made available to farmers at an affordable price. Like our other products, we are confident of maintaining high quality for this one as well,” B. Sreekumar, MD, KFL, said.
Source: Read Full Article


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What you need to know
- The ASUS Zenfone 10 launches with large ambitions in its small 5.9-inch form factor.
- The new is strengthened by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, improving its CPU, GPU, and battery performance.
- The device sports a 50MP Sony IMX766 main camera paired with a 13MP ultra-wide angled lens.
- The Zenfone 10 has a starting price of €799, although U.S. pricing and availability have not been announced.
ASUS has launched its latest flagship, showing us just how big this small phone really is. The Taiwanese company fully launched the ASUS Zenfone 10 during its "Mighty On Hand" live stream event on Thursday morning.
To kick things off, the Zenfone 10 continues to feature its unique 5.9-inch display. While this screen provides a smooth 120Hz refresh rate experience, ASUS states the device can jump to 144Hz but only in Game Genie for a better mobile gaming session.
The display is protected by the tougher Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, which is featured on some of the best Android phones on the market. The device also contains an IP68 water resistance rating.
The back of the device is where the new compact phone differentiates itself from its predecessor, the Zenfone 9. Today's reveal will deliver a 50MP Sony IMX766 primary camera and is made complete by the included 13MP ultrawide lens to round out its dual array. Flipping it over, the Zenfone 10 features a hole-punch 32MP selfie camera on the far left side.
The new phone is pushing the envelope even more regarding camera stabilization compared to its previous iteration. ASUS states the Zenfone 10 features the 6-Axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 2.0 for "smoother videos and shake-free photos" when you're moving. Video recording will utilize an adaptive EIS, which piggybacks off its gyro to detect movements to adjust the field of view, essentially keeping things stable.
The selfie camera has been reworked and now uses RGBW technology. This new sensor for the Zenfone 10 increases captured light by 67% and reduces noise by about 50% when paired up with the phone's new Night mode algorithm for low-light shots.
Internally, the Zenfone 10 is strengthened by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 mobile platform, which provides a 15% increase in CPU performance, 20% for the GPU, and 15% improved battery efficiency.
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That improved power efficiency will surely work wonders on the Zenfone 10’s 4,300mAh battery, which users will remember from its past version. ASUS hasn’t changed its charging capabilities; the latest release brings a 30W HyperCharge experience. However, the new device marks the return of wireless charging at 15W.
ZenTouch 2.0 is also rolling in for the phone, giving users easy access to controls via the side of their phone. Users can access several shortcuts to unlock their phone, video playback controls, and others in the new Edge Tool control panel.
Interested parties of the Zenfone 10 will find it in colorways such as red, black, blue, green, and white. These colors can match up with one of three RAM/internal configurations: 8/128GB, 8/256GB, or 16/512GB. ASUS has not yet given a price or timeframe for when those in the U.S. can expect the device. However, its European prices sit at €799, €849, and €929 for the respective configurations,
Nickolas is always excited about tech and getting his hands on it. Writing for him can vary from delivering the latest tech story to scribbling in his journal. When Nickolas isn't hitting a story, he's often grinding away at a game or chilling with a book in his hand.


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First Look: Casper expanding in physical retail
The fast-growing online company that disrupted the mattress industry has its sights set on brick-and-mortar expansion up north.
Casper, which upended the mattress industry with its bed-in-a-box product, has opened a temporary location in Montréal. It will be followed by a permanent store later this year.
The Montreal outpost comes on the heels of the company’s first Canadian site — and second permanent store to date — which opened in May, at Toronto’s CF Sherway Gardens. Its opening marks the launch of a multi-province retail fleet throughout Canada. Casper will also open a Canadian headquarters, in Toronto.
“We’ve seen tremendous success in Canada with three years of triple digit growth,” said Philip Krim, co-founder and CEO, Casper. “Investing further in the market and expanding our local presence will enable us to bring better sleep to even more Canadians across the country.”
Called Le Chalet Casper, the Montreal store offers an inviting environment inspired by the tranquility of a traditional Québécois summer home. Visitors can test out Casper sleep products in one of three miniature sleeping areas, with the spaces themed around the Canadian summer activities of hiking, sailing and fishing. Product can be purchased for carry out or for home delivery.
“At Casper, we believe that the experience of buying a mattress should be just as comfortable as sleeping on one,” said Nicole Tapscott, senior director and general manager of Casper Canada. “Le Chalet Casper is designed as an oasis for people to relax as they would in a summer chalet to escape the city heat and bustle. We encourage visitors to touch, feel and experience our sleep products in an environment that will leave them with the feeling of a life well slept.”
On the home front, Casper opened some 15 long-term pop-ups across the United States last year. In February, the brand opened its first-ever permanent location, in downtown Manhattan.
Founded in 2014, Casper’s total global revenue since inception has grown to more than $600 million.
For more slideshows, click here.
Physical stores win out over online competitors in this category
Apparel ranks as one of the most purchased categories online, but clothing stores in malls still own a strong advantage over e-commerce competitors.
That’s according to a survey by Valassis, the consumer promotion and coupon company, which surveyed consumers who visited an indoor mall more than times in the past year and found that 60% of them prefer to shop apparel in the physical marketplace. Their chief reasons for doing so: being able to try on items and visit — and compare selections — at several different stores.
The survey found mall shopping also offers other advantages compared to online options including:
• The social aspect of outings with family and friends;
• Convenience for quick gift purchases;
• A full-day experience that may include dining and entertainment; and
• The ability to compare prices and products across multiple stores.
Shoppers preferred online shopping as opposed to a mall, meanwhile, for a broader range of product options, avoiding crowds and parking problems, and reducing the amount of impulse purchases.
Asked what might entice them to visit malls more often, respondents said more discounts (59%), better parking accommodations (20%); events (18%), and grocery options (17%).
Click here for an infographic.
Barnes & Noble widens loss in Q4; to open smaller format
The nation’s largest bookseller reported a wider loss in its fourth quarter over last year amid disappointing sales and charges related to turnaround initiatives.
Barnes & Noble’s net loss for the quarter ended April 28 was $21.1 million, or 29 cents per share, compared to a loss of $13.4 million, or 19 cents per share, in the year-ago period. The loss includes $7.7 million in non-recurring charges. Analysts had expected a loss of 20 centers per share.
Sales fell 3.4% to $786.1 million, which is better than analysts had expected. Same-store sales decreased 4.1%.
On the chain’s quarterly call, CEO Demos Parneros said to improve sales trends, the retailer is focused on enhancing the customer experience, better curation, increasing the value for its members and investing in marketing to drive traffic. It is also “innovating for the future” through newly designed stores.
“We’re excited to open several new prototype stores this year, which will feature a completely new design,” Parneros said. “We see a lot of opportunity for the smaller and more flexible prototype.”
Barnes & Noble’s target size for the new stores is 14,000 sq. ft.
“We are excited to be launching early fall with the first one of these stores and we intend to get great learning and takeaways from these,” Parneros added.
For the full year, Barnes & Noble’s sales fell 6%, to $3.7 billion. Same-store sales were down 5.4%. The retailer sees better days ahead.
“In fiscal 2018 we developed a long-term strategic turnaround plan, which we continue to execute,” said Parneros in a statement. “Our plan, which includes sales improvements and cost reductions, is expected to yield immediate improvement in fiscal 2019, resulting in EBITDA of $175 million to $200 million, and further benefits in the following years.”
Barnes & Noble operates 630 bookstores nationwide.


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WorldCom is to restate its financial accounts by a further $2bn, the third amendment in three months.
The struggling communications company met with the US Securities and Exchange Commission last week, and is expected to push its accounting shortfall up to $9bn. The company is also expected to discuss plans for a goodwill write-down of $50bn.
WorldCom declared a $3.8bn overstatement of profit in June, but this grew to $7.1bn in August when investigators discovered more overstated profits.
But some observers have said by showing willing in correcting its over-aggressive accounting strategies of the past, WorldCom can speed up negotiations with bondholders over a debt-for-equity swap.
Earlier this month the firm announced plans to lay off 2,000 staff across EMEA as part of a business restructuring strategy (CRN, 23 September).
WorldCom executives remain bullish about the future, claiming they expect to be "cashflow-positive" in 2003.
John Sidgmore, chief executive, said: "We have made significant infrastructure investments in EMEA over the past few years. We plan to leverage our solid foundation to ensure our long-term viability in this critical region of the world."
Additional reporting by Sara Yirrell.
Fall in shipments through distribution in first six weeks of Q4 are an indicator that Black Friday could be a damp squib, according to analyst Context
CEO Justin Harling and COO Richard Behan buy out other shareholders
UK chief executive Cindy Rose says the proposed deal is needed to maintain the 'free flow' of data
Contingency plans follow Carillion's demise earlier this year


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The authors of the authoritative magazine Consumer Reports, which specializiruetsya on the related consumer technology, shared his opinion about the iPhone Xs iPhone Xs Max. According to them, one of the most notable improvements in the new Apple smartphones was the battery life. In comparison with last year’s iPhone X Apple new products work much longer.
The authors of the Consumer Reports report that in the test on the autonomy of the iPhone Xs lasted for 24.5 hours, and iPhone Xs Max 26 hours. If you compare the test results of new Apple devices with the results X iPhone, the battery life of new products has increased markedly. Last year, the “jubilee” iPhone lasted the test of autonomy only 19.5 hours.
The main disadvantage of new models authors Consumer Reports called too slow charging. Recall that unlike its competitors, Apple still equips their phones 5-watt adapters. For this reason, the battery is fully charged iPhone Xs takes 195 minutes, and iPhone Xs Max charge from 0 to 100% for 210 minutes.
Thus, despite some disadvantages and the absence of radical changes in the devices, the authors of Consumer Reports put the iPhone Xs iPhone Xs Max a fairly high rating of 82 points out of 100.


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[/blockquote]Microsoft is going back on the deal of offering unlimited OneDrive cloud storage just over a year after since it began for Office 365 subscribers. The Company has realized that many users were misusing this unlimited storage and backing up entire movie collections, hours of recorded video, and entire PC backups. According to the company’s blog, Microsoft has introduced a new limit of 1 TB on OneDrive storage. At the same time, the company has reducing its free OneDrive storage from 15 GB to 5 GB, and removed its 100 GB and 200 GB plans, to be replaced by a new 50 GB plan for $1.99 a month.
Office 365 subscribers with more than 1 TB of files currently stored on OneDrive will at least get a year to move their photos, videos, and documents, and if you’re only subscribed to Microsoft’s productivity suite for the bottomless storage it previously offered, Microsoft will offer you a pro-rated refund on your subscription. So too will people who signed up for a OneDrive account simply for the free 15 GB of storage be given 12 months at the higher limit, while those who signed up for the 100 GB and 200 GB plans before they were spiked will get to keep their existing deals.
1 TB of storage is still more than sufficient for people who simply want a place to upload their photos, but the removal of the unlimited tier takes away a key selling point that Microsoft had over Google and Dropbox, key rivals in the cloud storage market.


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Canadian investors from Sunwing Travel Group have announced plans to build a $250 million hotel in Puerto Morelos,which is part of Mexico’s famed Riviera Maya and borders the Mexican Caribbean in the southeastern state of Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula.
“Sunwing Travel Group CEO Stephen Hunter and vice president Lawrence Elliot revealed the plan to build the hotel during a meeting Monday in Toronto with Mexican Tourism Secretary Claudia Ruiz Massieu,” reports Fox News. “The hotel and tour company plans to build the 1,250-room Royalton Riviera Cancun next year in Puerto Morelos,a city on Mexico’s Caribbean coast.”
Sunwing Travel is one of Canada’s largest airline and tour operators,as well as a major travel agency that is reportedly the number one provider of vacation packages for Canadian travelers heading to Mexico and the Riviera Maya. This new hotel is one of the first for Sunwing,which sent more than 330,000 Canadian travelers to Mexico last year.
The company’s most requested destinations in Mexico are Cabo San Lucas,Cancun,Cozumel,Puerto Vallarta,the Riviera Maya and the Riviera Nayarit. This latest investment announcement is yet another sign of the confidence that foreign investors have in Mexico’s economy and tourism sector. In addition,current President Enrique Peña Nieto has already made enormous strides in creating an environment that will encourage even more direct foreign investment in Mexico.
In fact,Mexico presents an ideal opportunity for travel corporations such as Sunwing,thanks to the nation’s strong and growing economy,fabulous vacation destinations and welcoming business climate. According to Ruiz Massieu,Mexico’s booming tourism sector is currently working to encourage even more competition,which will provide an added boost for anyone who owns Riviera Maya real estate.
Tourism numbers in Mexico have already increased dramatically throughout the first half of 2013,with more than 4.3 million international visitors during the first quarter alone. These numbers are expected to increase as Mexico continues to improve its infrastructure,making it easier than ever to travel between the many coastal towns and resorts that are located in its most popular destinations.
Puerto Morelos is an ideal location for Sunwing Travel’s new hotel,in part because it is conveniently located just south of Cancun,which is home to a bustling international airport. In addition,it lies just north of Tulum,which will soon be home to the region’s second major airport.


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Writer and literary activist, Nduka Otiono, takes a swipe at the publishing industry in this interview with CHUX OHAI
A former General Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Dr. Nduka Otiono, was in Nigeria recently to attend an international conference of the Nigerian Oral literature Association at the University of Ibadan.
But Otiono, who is currently an Assistant Professor in the newly established Institute of African Studies at Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada, returned to his base disappointed that the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities had rubbed off poorly on the conference.
Also, the short visit opened his eyes to a number of challenges affecting literary productivity and research in the country. One of them is what he described as the poor attitude to archiving among Nigerians.
“I have not been able to gain access to most materials that I need because of our attitude to archiving. I had a discussion with a colleague about how to access some of the things that we have published in the past at the Post Express. But I found that it was difficult to get them in the absence of an archive,” the writer says, in an interview with our correspondent.
Although otiono considers the current surge in literary production across the country to be a heart warming development, he thinks that home-grown Nigerian writers are still a long shot away from getting the kind of recognition and attention that they truly deserve.
“From what I have seen and heard, I am happy to note that there is an upswing in the volume of publications. I am encouraged by the fact that more writers are publishing, unlike in the 1990s when very few books were published. This is partly responsible for the kind of literary appeal that has been ignited by the social media.
“But there is still some kind of disequilibrium, in terms of recognition for writers based in Africa and writers in the Diaspora. I think this is something that we must continue to pay close attention to because it will enable us to focus on ways of developing the Nigerian book domestically and creating a proper book chain that allows for either literary agents or obscure writers and having books marketed into excellence,” he says.
Among other dreams, Otiono longs for the day that the Nigerian writer will begin to reap the benefits of a better organised publishing industry and book chain. Yet, painting an unflattering picture of the industry at present, he notes, “I do not think we have something we may consider close to a publishing industry, as we have in the western world, where all that you need do at the right time is to have a manuscript and look for a literary agent who will take care of your business interests. We still have books being published in very limited numbers. Sometimes this creates problems when it comes to monitoring or finding out what books that have been published.
“Unfortunately, what we have witnessed is a situation whereby some local to publishers wait for books that are already professionally edited and published abroad to be released and they republish at home. That doesn’t quite help the book chain, but it helps to make the books available. We should focus attention towards a proper development of the book industry that allows for all of those kind of infrastructure paraphernalia that are necessary for the production of the book.”
Like most other Nigerian writers, Otiono describes the recent adaptation of Chimamanda Adichie’s award winning novel, Half of a Yellow Sun, into film as a good indicator of the promise of the Nigerian book. But he says the development does not signify that the literary production in Nigeria has assumed a higher dimension than ever.


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Prudential powers on with surge in profits
Insurers started to look like a source of strength in a world blighted by instability today, when Prudential lived up to its name with a bumper set of results.
Turning the tables: Prudential boss Mark Tucker has silenced his critics.
With major banks desperately seeking fresh injections of funds to stay afloat and regulators on Wall Street and in the City increasingly concerned, UK insurers look reassuringly solid.
Unveiling a 25% leap in profits for 2007 of £2.5bn, chief executive Mark Tucker said: 'Insurance companies are by and large in robust health. We have a resilient business model and feel very confident that we can outperform in any economic scenario.'
Last year Aviva made a takeover bid, which the Pru was criticised for rejecting out of hand.
Today it seems more likely that a deal would occur in the other direction. Aviva's market value has slumped to £15.5bn, while Pru is now valued at £16.1bn.
Tucker is passing investors a 5% increase in the dividend to 18p a share. He came under fire last year for a sudden U-turn which saw him offload online bank Egg to Citigroup for a cutprice £255m.
That looks like an increasingly good deal given the strife in banking since.
He said of the turmoil: 'We still view this as cyclical rather than structural, but there is no doubt there will be a slowdown.'
Pru's Asian arm is increasingly important, accounting for more than half of new business profits.
Jackson, its US subsidiary, saw profits up 19% at £285m, though the company admits sales are slowing. Meanwhile, the fund management division made £334m, a 28% increase.
The UK arm, which many analysts wish the Pru would just dump, saw a 17% rise to £277m.
Tucker insists the UK business is important and believes that a focus on high-margin products will continue to pay-off.
A shake-up of the UK arm, which is led by Nick Prettejohn, is still in progress.
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Prudential shares have been on an upward curve since Tucker took over three years ago, and surged 3% yesterday as takeover talk re-entered the market.
Prudential is working on plans to distribute the near £9bn of surplus in its with-profits funds. It has hired City solicitor Peter Bloxham to represent policyholders, though critics say that because he is paid by the insurer he can't be considered impartial.
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TORONTO BlackBerry Limited (BB.TO) named Marty Beard as its chief operating officer on Monday, filling a position that had been vacant since November following a management reshuffle.
Beard was most recently chief executive officer of LiveOps Inc, a provider of cloud applications for customer service. Prior to that he was an executive of Sybase, an enterprise software maker that was formerly run by current BlackBerry CEO John Chen.
BlackBerry said Beard in his new role would be responsible for marketing, application development, quality and customer care, among other things.
Former BlackBerry COO Kristian Tear left the company late last year, shortly after Chen took the reins.
(Reporting by Euan Rocha; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)
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LONDON (CNNfn) - Marks & Spencer posted a sharp fall in first-half earnings Monday, though Britain's largest clothing retailer said it had turned the corner after a turbulent 12 months.
Pre-tax profits slid 43 percent to £192.8 million ($318 million) from £337.4 million a year earlier, in line with expectations after the company issued a profit warning in September, its second of the year.
Group sales fell 3.1 percent to $3.69 billion as fierce competition in the U.K. supermarket sector also impacted food sales. However, clothing sales were worst hit, with a 10 percent fall in the 26 weeks ending Sept. 26.
Like-for-like sales across all product lines, a key measure of sales performance, fell 7.9 percent.
Chief executive Peter Salsbury attempted to provide an upbeat assessment of prospects. The troubled company has rapidly lost its mantle as the country's most profitable retailer after a series of unsuccessful acquisitions, criticism of its clothing lines and management squabbles.
Marks & Spencer shares (MKS) fell 3 percent at the open before firming to trade at 281 pence, a loss of 0.5 percent.
Salsbury said M&S, as the company is popularly known, will accept credit card payments for the first time starting in the spring, raise £400 million from property sales and aim to cut £450 million from its annual cost base by 2002.
He said there were signs of improvement in sales after a difficult six months, partly prompted by a round of discounting.
M&S has sought to revamp distribution and supply agreements, shifting its focus to more overseas suppliers. Its international aspirations have also been curtailed under Salsbury. While it has retained its loss-making Brooks Brothers chain in the United States, 25 Kings supermarkets were sold earlier this year.
The remaining overseas operations posting an operating loss of £20.1 million in the first half.


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WHEAT: WORLD MARKETS AND TRADE
MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS: See PDF version for charts
U.S. Imports From Canada Continue to Climb: U.S. imports this month were
revised up to the highest level in 13 years. Canada has a large, better quality
crop this year and imports into the U.S. are allowed to come in duty free. In
recent months, Hard Red Spring and Durum wheats have primarily been imported.
The United States is forecast to be a net importer of durum and products this
year as production has fallen to a nearly 20-year low. Spring wheat supplies are
also tight, with production down as a result of dryness in the Plains states.
U.S. Winter Wheat Area Jumps: The total U.S. winter wheat seeding area is expected to rise 9 percent from the previous year because of elevated prices (10-year highs). Hard Red Winter (HRW) and Soft Red Winter (SRW) are expected to rise 9 and 13 percent respectively from last year. SRW particulary had ideal planting conditions.
Australian Government Grants Two Wheat Export Permits: Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran announced on December 22, 2006 that he granted 2 permits for the export of 300,000 MT of wheat to Iraq by Wheat Australia and 500,000 MT to Indonesia by Cooperative Bulk Handling (CBH) Group, a grower owned and operated cooperative. The government stated that it chose these two because: 1) CBH Group will offer a price premium to Western Australian farmers and 2) Wheat Australia keeps the Iraqi market open for Australian wheat since Iraq will not import wheat from the Australian Wheat Board (AWB) due to its involvement in the UN Oil-for-Food scandal. Currently, supporters of the single-desk believe it was unfair to authorize these export permits because it effectively dismantles the single-desk even before consultations begin between the government and industry over marketing options. Others argue that the decision merely perpetuates the single-desk. The Australian government expects a solution to the single-desk dilemma in May 2007.
Domestic: For December, wheat prices for all classes dropped during the month on very sluggish export sales and shipments as well as expectations for much larger global production in 2007. For the month, Soft Red Winter (SRW) prices fell $25, Hard Red Winter (HRW) fell $23, Hard Red Spring (HRS) fell $17, and Soft White (SWW) prices fell $4.
TRADE CHANGES IN 2006/2007
• Argentina is up 500,000 tons to 10.0 million on very strong old crop exports.
• EU-25 is down 500,000 ton to 15.5 million on tight supplies and sluggish exports licenses which are 1.5 million tons (20%) behind last year’s pace to date.
• Russia is up 1.0 million tons to 9.5 million on higher production and very strong pace of exports to date.
• Ukraine is down 700,000 tons to 2.8 million on the imposition of government export quotas.
• United States is down 1.0 million tons to 24.5 million as high prices have resulted in laggard export sales and shipments to date.
• Iraq is down 500,000 tons to 3.0 million on sluggish buying patterns.
• Pakistan is down 400,000 tons to 200,000 becoming a net exporter as a result of sizeable domestic supplies.
• United States is up 300,000 tons to 3.1 million tons as a result of very large shipments from Canada.
Return to Table of Contents
Last modified: Friday, January 12, 2007


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OTT platforms and the online entertainment industry has got their pace after the Covid outbreak. Several changes happened with the development of the OTT platform, earlier the platforms were releasing the previously published content, and now the platforms are generating fresh content. This shows that the platform is moving forward and exploring various development opportunities. There is a shift that the industry going through. Due to all these developments, the industry is experiencing growth and recent research presents the same.
The Indian entertainment industry is one of the largest industries with around 1,500 to 2,000 pieces of content released in more than 20 languages. As per the data, the media and entertainment industry has a value of USD 28 billion and is supposed to get a value of around USD 100 billion by 2030. These over-the-top platforms or OTT platforms are quite a flexible choice for those who are interested in watching movies, series, and documentaries at their convenience.
As per the recent research by PwC’s Global Entertainment and Media Outlook 2022-2026, the video service is expected to become an industry of around 21 crores by 2026. The exponential growth is all due to the ease of data access, increase in the use of electronic devices, storage facility and ease while transferring the content, Intellectual property laws turn quite crucial for the Indian entertainment industry.
IP Laws And Regulations For OTT Platforms
As per the prevailing industry practice, the OTT platforms namely Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar, etc. came into an agreement with various production houses to get the exclusive rights to host, distribute, and broadcast the content over the internet. under an agreement with various production houses, to host, distribute and broadcast content over the internet.
There are two types of intellectual property deals for the content creation and production vis these production houses which includes:
- Licensing deals when the production house licenses out its IP to the broadcaster to create a final product.
- Co-production deals when the production house coordinates with the broadcasters and the broadcasters decide what type of content they are willing to produce and when they want to produce it.
Apart from this, many other developments are taking place in the industry including the coming of the present production house in the digital entertainment arena including Red Chillies Entertainment and several others.
Relevance Of IP Rules For OTT Platforms
Any direct infringement of the content comes under the copyright act, of 1957. Section 2 of the copyright act of 1957 defines the terms in which 2(m) defines the term “infringing copy”. While on the other hand, section 26, 27, and 29 defines the terms of copyright that includes the OTT content as well.
A direct infringement is initiated when the OTT platforms could lead to civil or criminal liability under section 51 of the act. This section considers the unauthorized posting of the content as an infringement.
Another crucial rulebook for OTT content is Information and Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The said rules put down strict Grievance Redressal Mechanism. It made it crucial for publishers to appoint Grievance Officers to receive complaints and resolve them as soon as possible. The Office is bound to respond to the complaints within 24 hours and shall resolve them or pass an order within 15 days of the complaint.


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Port Washington, New York, April 28, 2015 – By the end of 2014, there were 18.3 million actively connected tablets in the U.S., a 90 percent increase from 2013, according to The NPD Group Connected Intelligence Mobile Broadband Market Share and Forecast Report. Aggressive promotions that heavily discounted or gave away tablets, carrier subsidies, and simplified service plans helped add more than 8.7 million new cellular tablet customers last year.
Over the next couple of years, however, the growth in active cellular tablet subscriptions is expected to slow down. According to the report, the tablet activation growth will slow down to 30 percent in 2015 and then to 10 percent in 2016, compared to the 90 percent growth in 2014. However, cellular connected tablets will still continue to be an important factor in boosting active connection base for U.S. wireless carriers.
“One of the major reasons we expect to see the cellular tablet connection growth slow down over the next couple of years is the cannibalization by larger smartphone screens,” said Brad Akyuz, Director, Connected Intelligence. “As demand for smartphones boasting a large (5.0-inch plus) screen continue to increase, the value proposition of the tablet serving as a second screen diminishes. The new growth opportunities for the carriers will be in the wearables space as cellular embedded wearable devices are poised to be widely available by the end of 2016.”
The Mobile Broadband Market Share and Forecast Report is published quarterly and uses a mix of various proprietary sources including NPD’s consumer panel and point-of-sale data, as well as public sources such as U.S. wireless carrier financial and operational KPI data to size the U.S. mobile broadband market by device type, carrier and revenue.
About Connected Intelligence
Connected Intelligence provides competitive intelligence and insight on the rapidly evolving consumer’s connected environment. The service focuses on the three core components of the connected market: the device, the broadband access that provides the connectivity and the content that drives consumer behavior. These three pillars of the connected ecosystem are analyzed through a comprehensive review of what is available, adopted, and consumed by the customer, as well as reviewing how the market will evolve over time and what the various vendors can do to best position themselves in this evolving market. For more information: http://www.connected-intelligence.com. Follow Connected Intelligence on Twitter: @npdci.
About The NPD Group, Inc.
The NPD Group provides global information and advisory services to drive better business decisions. By combining unique data assets with unmatched industry expertise, we help our clients track their markets, understand consumers, and drive profitable growth. Sectors covered include automotive, beauty, consumer electronics, entertainment, fashion, food / foodservice, home, luxury, mobile, office supplies, sports, technology, toys, and video games. For more information, visit www.npd.com and npdgroupblog.com. Follow us on Twitter: @npdtech and @npdgroup.


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According to Global Market Insights, the rubber processing chemicals market is forecast to exceed US$5.3bn by 2025. This will be primarily driven by the rapidly growing automobile industry as well as growth in the construction market. According to the latest OICA reports, global vehicle sales in 2017 totalled 97 million.
Due to the hazardous nature of rubber chemicals, new regulations are being brought into place. This is likely to hamper product demand over the forecast time period (2018-2025). Furthermore, as the tire industry shifts from conventional tires to green tires, this could further cut sales in the rubber processing chemicals market.
In 2017 accelerator products generated a revenue of over US$1.5bn and are projected to experience the highest CAGR during the forecast period. With increasing application of rubber across the globe, the accelerator market is anticipated to experience a healthy growth in demand in the near future. Anti-degradant rubber chemicals are also likely to experience significant growth over the forecast period.
Tires were the largest application segment for rubber processing chemicals in 2017 and is forecast to grow at the highest CAGR due to escalating automobile sales across the globe.
Asia Pacific is anticipated to grow with the highest CAGR over the forecast timeframe. The vehicle market is the largest consumer in the rubber chemicals market and as 40% of vehicles are produced in China, the Asia Pacific region saw the highest demand in 2017, with a market share of more than 60%. The North American rubber processing market is forecast to grow with a prominent CAGR in near future, due to the presence of many of the major automobile manufacturers in the USA.
Some major players on the rubber processing chemicals market include BASF SE; Solvay; Kumho Petrochemicals; Eastman Chemical Company; AkzoNobel; Emerald Performance Materials; Linkwell; Sumitomo Chemicals; R.T. Venderbilt Holding Company; Merchem; and Pukhraj Additives.
Explore more about the topic by purchasing the full report from Global Market Insights: https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/rubber-processing-chemicals-market.


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(Updated at 9:45 a.m.) Halloween has not been cancelled, but the pandemic is putting a damper on the usual spooky spirit of the holiday.
The owner of a local costume store in the Crystal City Shops told the Washington Post that his sales are down 80%, amid a nationwide drop in Halloween spending. Sales of adult costumes in particular are down significantly, as parties are curtailed.
Overall Halloween spending is expected to fall 8%, according to the Post, citing the National Retail Federation.
Around Arlington, Halloween decorations can still be found, but three-and-a-half weeks out from Oct. 31 it feels like there are fewer ghouls, goblins, fake spiderwebs and pumpkins to be seen.
Are residents reluctant to decorate when trick-or-treating will be much diminished and when fake skeletons feel a bit, well, insensitive? Or is it actually business as usual for most people, despite the deadly global pandemic?
Let’s find out.
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Learn how to maximize the home buying search from the Keri Shull Team’s seminar on January 24 at 6 p.m.
Attorney General Jason Miyares won’t be axing a state investigation into potential housing discrimination against residents of the Serrano Apartments launched under his predecessor. Early last week, the civil rights…
Covid-related staffing shortages are forcing Arlington libraries to shutter some services, including shutting down two branches this week. Cherrydale and Glencarlyn libraries will both be closed through Sunday (Jan. 23),…


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According to documents obtained by French online media Contexte, the European Union plans to impose carbon emission costs on imports of goods, including steel. The leaked documents show that proposal will be regulation, setting up a carbon border adjustment mechanism authority with the measure being phased in from 2023 and a full implementation from 2026. It would apply to steel, iron, cement, fertilisers, aluminium and electricity, according to the documents, which spell out the calculations for embedded emissions in products. It will cover both direct emissions, those involved in the production which the producer has direct control over, including emissions from the production of heating and cooling consumed during the production process and indirection emissions, electricity consumed during the production process of goods.
Importers will need to provide data for imported goods, including a unique identifier assigned by the CBAM authority, the type and quantity, country of origin and what calculation has been used. Importers would be required to buy digital certificates, with each one representing a tonne of carbon dioxide emissions embedded in their imported goods. The price of the certificates will be linked to the cost of permits in the EU carbon market and based on the average price of auctions of EU carbon permits each week.
According to the document, it will not apply to countries within the customs union Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Nor will it apply to EU territories. If countries have similar carbon pricing to Europe, it would also not apply. But countries with high climate ambition, like the US and the UK, are not automatically exempt.
The European Commission is due to propose its carbon border adjustment mechanism on July 14, a move designed to put EU firms on an equal footing with competitors in countries with weaker carbon policies than those of the bloc.