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South African consumers are running out of ways to survive amid constant price hikes
- 08 April 2022 / News / 391 / Fares RAHAHLIA
Consumers have been grappling with consistent petrol price hikes for over a year, and the price to fill up a car has reached all-time highs of R21.96 per litre for 95 octane petrol, says Neil Roets, the chief executive officer of Debt Rescue.
“There has been an unprecedented increase of 46% over fifteen months, and all indications are that petrol prices will keep rising in the months to come.”
He pointed to the knock-on effect of the previous price hike on the Household Affordability Index food basket, released by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD) in March, which increased by yet another R94.39 to R4,450.09, up 2.2% from R4,355.70 recorded in February – with all indications that Russia’s war in Ukraine will likely worsen matters for consumers in the coming months.
“One of the biggest threats lies in the expected escalation in the price of wheat, which is predicted to skyrocket, and this will most likely push up local bread prices – the very staple that the average South African relies on most for their daily meals. How will parents explain to their children that they can no longer pack a sandwich for their school lunch?”
Despite finance minister Enoch Godongwana announcing a temporary reduction of the general fuel levy in the basic fuel price by R1.50 per litre between 16 April and 31 May 2022, Roets stressed the need for a permanent solution as consumers would continue to face negative consequences when purchasing fuel at the pumps.
“Although we welcome any move by the government to rescue consumers – such as the lifting of the state of disaster and the subsequent reopening of parts of the economy – this may well be a case of too little too late,” said Roets.
Iain Power of asset management firm Truffle, in conversation with Nedgroup Investment, said that South Africa is on the cusp of stagflation, where there is slow economic growth, high inflation and high unemployment.
According to the latest Quarterly Employment Statistic published by Statistics South Africa, unemployment has increased to an all-time high of 35.3%.
And although the rand has been a good performer this first quarter and the resource nature of South Africa has made the country benefit from commodity prices remaining high, he said that global inflation stemming from the Russia-Ukraine war, Covid-19 and supply chain issues have all contributed to costs accelerating.
“From a rate hike cycle, growth has been slow, consumers’ price elasticity is short, and they are already struggling to purchase things,” said Power.
Slower demand from consumers will negatively impact the growth of the local economy. Alongside increasing fuel prices, the price of consumer goods and electricity have followed in a similar direction.
Consumer goods in South Africa are set to face additional price hikes as global supply chain backlogs show no signs of easing and are likely to worsen for the rest of 202.
According to Sebastiano Lorio, chief executive of logistics company Cargo Compass South Africa, while electronics, clothing, and essential imported food products are not yet in short supply – they will be later this year.
These possible shortages would significantly impact the country’s already fast-rising inflation rate, he said.
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) meanwhile, has approved a 9.6% tariff increase for Eskom; this increase took effect on 1 April and affects Eskom customers directly.
Nersa is also proposing an average increase of 7.47% in municipal electricity tariffs from 1 July 2022.
The Democratic Alliance said that consumers are already struggling to keep the lights on at current electricity prices and due to the limited ability of municipalities to absorb costs, the costs will pass on to the consumer.
The situation is out of control and consumers are running out of ways to survive, and for many, the only way out seems to be to actively seek out more credit,” said Roets.
“Sadly, this only exacerbates the situation, leading to a debt trap that is difficult to escape.” Roets said that Debt Rescue has seen a year-on-year increase in the number of South Africans seeking debt relief.
Algeria, Economic intelligence and sustainable development: reconciling profitability and the preservation of resources for future generations
- 14 May 2023
An international symposium under the theme: "economic intelligence and territorial intelligence at the service of sustainable development" was held today at the School of Advanced Business Studies (EH...
Algeria: Ooredoo Algeria posts 1.4% growth in the first quarter of 2023 thanks to its digitization strategy (press release)
- 09 May 2023
The Ooredoo Group shows solid growth in the first quarter of 2023, according to financial results released yesterday. Ooredoo Algeria records positive financial indicators compared to the same pe...
South Africa, This is how South Africa’s greylisting could hit these industries: PwC
- 26 April 2023
South Africa has a more globally integrated financial system when compared to other countries that have been previously greylisted, and, as a result, it must be treated uniquely, says financial servic...


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Goods Checker took on the role of an innovation partner at the annual conference “DistributionMaster: Challenges and Solutions of New Reality” in Ukraine. This conference is a venue for major manufacturers, distributors, merchandising agencies and other players in the country’s FMCG market. In 2023, the conference in Kyiv pulled together over 300 participants from across Ukraine, as well as foreign delegates.
This conference contributes to discovering more about other participants and developing partnering relationships. At the conference, the participants discussed the market development trends, shared their practices and the latest ideas about developing business in challenging environment, as well as methods to get a situation under control.
Goods Checker holds promise in the Ukrainian market. Now this solution is used by one of the major Ukrainian merchandising agencies to the best advantage and recognises goods on shelves in more than 4,500 retail outlets. This solution made it possible for the agency to reduce outlet audit time up to 50%, and the merchandisers’ time to prepare reports decreased by almost 3 times.
Please recall that this year the Goods Checker team has already participated in two events in Europ: it visited Croatia in March and attended the Poland & CEE Retail Summit 2023 in April.

domain: news


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Almost 1,200 Irish-based subscribers have paid thousands of euros to Ashley Madison, the dating website for people seeking extramarital affairs, including one Dubliner who spent almost €10,000.
An analysis by The Times of the hacked and leaked details of millions of credit card transactions on the Canadian-based website over the past eight years has shown that there were more than 6,150 financial transactions by Irish-based subscribers of the adultery website since 2008.
These relate to payments by 1,167 unique users around the country. The overwhelming majority are male with 44 female names contained on the list – just under 4 per cent of the total.
Last month, hackers leaked a dump of the company’s data online, including the personal details of some 37 million users.…


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Back in the classroom, students decide which kinds flowers they want to purchase and grow. KELLY ZEGERS SONY DSC
Remsenburg-Speonk Elementary School student Delilah Tunney uses a walkie-talkie at a demonstration about life as part of the ANG's 106th Rescue Wing. BY ERIN MCKINLEY
The Friendly’s in Hampton Bays will serve up its last scoop of ice cream before month’s end.
Citing rising rent and a lack of business, franchise owner Joe Vitrano—the exclusive Friendly’s franchisee in both Nassau and Suffolk counties—said last week that he intends to close his restaurant, which opened its doors on West Montauk Highway in 2006, before the end of July—though he declined to offer an exact date.
“We’ve run it really well, but for some odd reason the traffic isn’t there, to tell you the truth,” said Mr. Vitrano on July 20, later adding that the location would be closing in about two weeks. He is a franchise owner with J&B Restaurant Partners of Long Island LLC, though he declined to disclose how many locations he now operates.
Rumors of the restaurant’s pending closure were confirmed when the property owner, Joseph Malvasio of Florida, according to town records, had a large wooden sign installed outside the business reading, “Commercial Property For Sale/Lease By Owner.”
Gary Moore of Baldwin, who has the listing for the commercially zoned 3-acre property, declined to share the price for the parcel, and refused to share lease rates.
Likewise, Mr. Vitrano declined to say how much rent for the building has gone up, offering only that his most recent five-year lease is coming to an end.
The news did not come as a surprise to restaurant regulars, many of whom noted the recent disappearance of the large ice cream freezer that once stood near the eatery’s entrance. Also, waitstaff had also dropped hints to their customers in recent weeks.
Anne and Jerry Murphy, longtime residents of Hampton Bays who visited the Friendly’s at least once a month, said this week that they were disappointed during a recent visit to learn from an employee that the restaurant known most for its signature ice cream brand would be closing for good.
“I was sad,” Ms. Murphy said. “I was sorry to see them go. We don’t have much like this in Hampton Bays.
“I loved Friendly’s burgers,” she added.
Ms. Murphy also lamented the loss of yet another eatery in her hometown, pointing out that the nearby Hampton Bays Diner closed for good almost two years earlier. The owners of the former diner, Frank and Maria Vlahadamis of Hampton Bays, closed after filing for bankruptcy, according to court documents.
News that the Hampton Bays Friendly’s will soon be history came as somewhat of a surprise: Two years earlier, the location survived a round of closures across Long Island when seven groups operating under the J&B umbrella filed for bankruptcy protection. The Friendly’s in Hampton Bays is the solo location closing this time, Mr. Vitrano said.
Established in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1935, Friendly’s has hundreds of restaurants along the Eastern Seaboard, from Maine to Florida.
Ms. Murphy said she hopes that a new business occupies the Friendly’s soon, noting that the diner building is still vacant and there are still a number of empty spaces in the shopping center across the street. “I feel like this is just another establishment closing and nothing is opening,” she said.
While it is unclear if the building’s owner has any potential businesses lined up, at least one thing is for certain:
“It will not be a Friendly’s,” Mr. Vitrano said.
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Thursday, December 20, 2012
Adlucent: New Google Shopping Changes Driving Conversions
The new changes to Google--which has changed over Google's shopping results to be driven by paying advertisers, rather than just pure search results--is driving conversions and sales for retailers, according to advertising technology and analytics provider Adlucent. Adlucent says there has been an "expolosive growth" in Google Shopping Product Listing Ads (PLAs), with click-through rates on the ads about 95% higher than text ads, and CPCs 7% higher. Adlucent said its numbers find that conversions are about 123% higher than text-based ads. Adlucent provides products aimed at those retailers to help them manage that advertising. Google's switch to paid listings--away from what had previously been an algorithmically determined pricing comparison service--has drawn quite a bit of attention, with competitor Bing even running a campaign called "Don't Get Scroogled" by Google, claiming Google's switch from fairly determined, algorithmic shopping results to paid shopping ads is deliberately misleading and a detriment to consumers.


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PH Internet Economy Growth Outruns SEA Neighbors
The Philippines demonstrated the biggest growth in the number of new internet users in Southeast Asia (SEA) during the pandemic, according to a report recently released by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company.
The report, the sixth edition of the e-Conomy Southeast Asia (SEA) Report titled “Roaring 20s: The SEA Digital Decade,” revealed that new digital consumers in the Philippines reached 12 million since early 2020, when the pandemic first erupted, up to first half of 2021. Of the total new internet users, 63% resided in non-metro areas.
The growth is a result of the changes in consumer and merchant behavior, as well as strong investor confidence, the report added.
On the other hand, digital financial services in the Philippines also grew rapidly this year. Of the 3,000 digital merchants surveyed, about 97% now accept digital payments, while 67% have begun offering digital lending solutions. Of the total surveyed, about one-third believe they would not have survived the pandemic without digital platforms.
Overall, the digital economy reflected a 24% compounded annual growth rate and is seen to be valued at $40 billion by 2025.
In the bigger SEA region – encompassing Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia – internet users from the non-metro areas also made up most new joiners, with 99% planning to continue staying connected.
Since the pandemic began, SEA saw 60 million new digital consumers, of which 20 million joined in the first half of 2021 alone. Significant growth is still expected as only 68% of internet users in SEA use online services.


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Sarawak, 9 June 2023 – Rhino Motors Sdn Bhd – ISUZU Malaysia’s Kuching-based dealer – has launched its brand-new 3S showroom and service centre located on the strategic Jalan Tun Jugah in Kuching, Sarawak. The new 3S centre is the first in East Malaysia to feature Isuzu’s contemporary retail showroom design, which flaunts a fresh façade with vibrant brand identity and an interior that aims to offer visitors and customers a crisp, new appeal, greater comfort and quality service in their vehicle purchase and ownership experience.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of ISUZU Malaysia, Shunsuke Okazoe shared, “This modern showroom design is an initiative aimed at bringing us closer to our potential customers in the region, through the provision of fresher appeal and differentiated experiences that we look forward to deliver throughout their journey to becoming proud owners of Isuzu products.
“In addition to offering the market better accessibility to Isuzu products and expertise, I believe this 3S Centre will also play a significant role in the life of our customers. In this regard, I would like to congratulate Rhino Motors on the launching of this centre. I’m confident it will perform competently in delivering excellent service quality and vehicle ownership experiences from beginning to end.”
For any visitor planning to drop in at the newly-launched 3S Centre, a modern façade and brand distinctiveness of the Isuzu retail outlet will be the visual treat that awaits them upon arrival. Designed for the customers’ comfort in mind, the interior is fixed with cozy lighting and air conditioning all around, exuding an inviting, cooling and comfortable ambience to serve any purpose of the visit.
The spacious floor has a designated service reception and lounge area to welcome visitors for a discussion, a vehicle display area including a section where a ‘hero’ vehicle will be on prominent display for customers to view and inspect, a dedicated delivery bay for handover of new vehicle to customers and also a merchandise corner for Isuzu’s enthusiasts.
In addition, easy-to-use digital information panels are installed to provide customers with Isuzu’s product information at the touch of a button, thus saving their time and the environment with this paperless approach.
Understanding customers’ demands for efficiency and uptime of their vehicles, the new Isuzu 3S Centre caters for aftersales care with skilled technical team on hand, and nine service bays comprising four bays for commercial trucks and five bays for light commercial vehicle, which is the Isuzu D-Max.
Sharing his thoughts, Rhino Motors’ Managing Director, David Tay said, “The new Isuzu 3S Centre is now fully ready to assist buyers and customers with the best guidance on Isuzu vehicles that can efficiently cater for their business needs, including any service work they may need.
We offer the full range of Isuzu products and services ranging from the Isuzu D-Max pick-up trucks to light-, medium-, heavy-duty and prime movers to meet the diverse needs of customers. Combined with all the other offerings in our new Centre, the strategic location, comfortability factor and ample service bays, plus the team’s commitment and readiness to serve the market, I am confident we will fully satisfy our customers’ requirements whilst at the same time, enabling us to further expand our customer base as well,” he added.


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A leak has revealed three free games that will be coming to PlayStation Plus in July 2022.
These are the games that Sony has announced will be coming to the new PlayStation Plus subscription service on launch day.
Here are the free PS Plus games that you can add to your games library from 3 May.
New details have emerged regarding migrating and upgrading an existing PS Plus subscription to the new refreshed service once it launches.
Sony has announced which three games will be available for free in April to PlayStation Plus subscribers.
The April free games for PlayStation Plus have been leaked by a reliable source.
Sony has announced that PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now will be merging into one service.
The next-gen versions of GTA V and GTA Online have been released on PS5 and offer improved features.
Sony has launched a PlayStation Plus promotion which offers gamers extra value.
Check out what Playstation gamers can enjoy for free this month!
Powers and painting!
Sony has announced that its PlayStation Plus prices for South Africa are set to increase at the end of August.
Bombs and booty await!
Here’s what you can expect on PS Plus this month!
Here are the free games PS Plus members can get their hands on this month!
Here are the free games PlayStation Plus subscribers can enjoy this month.
You may want to reconsider your PlayStation Plus subscription in 2017.
These are the games Sony is giving PlayStation Plus subscribers this month.
Horror and disguises await us in October’s free PS Plus games.


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In light of heavy criticism by the EU socialists in the revived glyphosate debate, EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Vytenis Andriukaitis told EURACTIV.com that political opinions cannot outweigh broadly-agreed scientific opinions.
Germans love to do their food shopping at discount retailers. But the costs incurred in order to provide such cheap prices are enormous and society is paying through the nose for it. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan called yesterday (28 March) for investment in developing countries in order to “produce more food with fewer resources”, while making agriculture more sustainable.
The UN’s special rapporteur on the right to food has issued a damning indictment of the harmful effects of pesticides on flora, fauna and human beings. EURACTIV’s partner Journal de l’Environnement reports.
Food quality in Western Europe can differ greatly to what Central and Eastern European shops stock on their shelves. S&D group MEP Daciana Sârbu spoke to EURACTIV Romania about the issue and promoting local produce.
Global trade has its ups and downs and the numbers involved are often difficult to comprehend. EURACTIV's partner EFEAGRO visualises EU agri-trade, with a focus on Spain's contribution, in this infographic.
Spain's agricultural sector has used exports as a way to escape from financial crisis and it has emerged as a real engine of the economy since 2008. Growth continues unabated and numerous records have been broken. EURACTIV's partner EFEAgro reports.
Bacteria are becoming more resistant and only a few new types of antibiotic have been introduced in recent decades. Humanity could once again suffer millions of deaths each year from infectious diseases, warn Lars Adaktusson and Magnus Oscarsson.


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Deals, deals, deals!
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has partnered with coupon site Mydala to offer deals and offers across categories like food & beverages, beauty, health & wellness, tattoos & retail shopping to its customers, reports YourStory. The new site will be accessible at: http://www.mydala.irctc.co.in/. Users will be able to make use of the deals while booking train tickets, the report adds.
It is not clear how IRCTC will monetise these transactions. We’ve reached out to Mydala for information and will update the article once we hear from them.
Flashback FYI: On 1 April this year, the IRCTC witnessed a grand booking of 1.3 million tickets on its portal, the same day when the 120-day advance booking rule came into effect. The TOI had reported that last month, IRCTC clocked 1.1 million ticket bookings on 2 April.
IRCTC’s mega-modernisation seems to be a part of this year’s Railway Budget. This partnership might turn out to be a massive win for Mydala since IRCTC sees over 1.2 million users everyday. Mydala claims to have over 4 million ‘transacting customers’ every month and processes over 6.6 million transactions per month, of which 80% come from mobile platforms. The company told Medianama that it sees 50 million unique visitors monthly and has ~25 million registered users. The IRCTC also has over 20 million registered users and for Mydala, capitalising on those, especially in Tier II and III cities, will be way easier post this partnership.
In March this year, Mydala partnered with Airtel to provide deals and offers to its subscribers when recharging their accounts using the ‘My Airtel’ mobile app. In September last year, Mydala launched a grocery vertical for its website and mobile app. The website claimed that the service would allow shoppers to view offers on grocery items from local kirana stores.
IRCTC is ramping up majorly, customers win
– Earlier this month, IRCTC added Paytm wallet as an option for its users to pay for train tickets online. Through this partnership, Paytm would be able to expand its reach to Tier II and Tier III markets, like Mydala, where trains form the primary mode of long distance travel and IRCTC the default train booking platform.
– In March, IRCTC roped in Pizza Hut and KFC in order to deliver pre-ordered meals to its passengers. Passengers would need to order the food from the IRCTC website 48 hours prior to the date of the journey after which a password would be sent to the passenger’s mobile phone from the vendor.
– In the same month, IRCTC also partnered with Union Bank of India (UBI) to offer a RuPay prepaid card which would let users book train tickets and buy goods or services from the IRCTC portal. The card was developed jointly by IRCTC, UBI and National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI).
– IRCTC also tied up with Amazon.in to sell various products to IRCTC customers. However, the products were not sold on IRCTC’s website, instead clicking on ‘Shop by Amazon’ redirected users to Amazon.in, which sported an IRCTC logo on it.
– Earlier in February, IRCTC tied-up with Jubilant Foodworks to deliver Dominos’ pizza to the passengers’ seats if they were traveling across selected stations in India. In the same month, Last month, IRCTC tied-up with BookMyTrain.com to introduce cash on delivery (CoD) payment mode for buying train tickets.
– IRCTC had also introduced an EMI for train tickets last year.


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地平线即将完成6亿美元融资，或创AI芯片融资纪录 – Chedongxi
What happened: Horizon Robotics, a Chinese AI chip company, is about to close its $600 million Series B. The company founder and CEO Yu Kai on Monday said the fundraising would be “closing soon.” Yu made the comment at the launch event for its Silicon Valley-based research institute during the consumer electronics gala CES in Las Vegas. According to the company, major investors include “leading players in the automotive and semiconductor industries.” A spokesperson refused to comment when contacted by TechNode.
Why it’s important: Founded in 2015 by Yu Kai, former head of Baidu’s Institute of Deep Learning, the company has been focusing on developing AI chips for self-driving vehicles, surveillance cameras, and other internet-connected smart devices. It launched a prototype of an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) with Intel during CES 2017. This was followed by two embedded vision chips designed for autonomous vehicles. So far, the company has been financed by Intel Capital, the chip giant’s investment arm, and venture capital fund Sequoia Capital China, among others.


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According to a report published by the Chicago Tribune this morning, Northfield, Ill.-based Kraft Foods has selected Mary Beth West, chief marketing officer, to oversee its confectionery and biscuit global category teams.
The global category teams work within the business units in ensuring best practices, a Kraft spokesperson explained to Candy Industry. West will not, however, be involved in running the business units, which encompass Cadbury's recently acquired gum, candy and chocolate segments as well as its pre-existing chocolate and European biscuit businesses.
Prior to taking over marketing duties at the company, West ran Kraft’s North American beverage divisions. According to the Chicago Tribune report, West is “widely credited with restoring Kraft’s marketing credentials.”
For more information about Kraft Foods, visit www.kraftfoodscompany.com.


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Sony’s PlayStation 3 finally launched last night, with early-adopters and hardcore gamers among the first people in Australia to own the console.
Over 500 retailers around the country threw open their doors as the clock struck 12:00am, expecting the frenzy that accompanied the games console’s overseas debuts.
But most stores were virtually deserted, despite the 20,000 pre-orders Sony said it had received.
Even at the official launch event held at Myer’s Pitt Street store in Sydney’s CBD and attended by Sony’s local managing director, Michael Ephraim, media and security outnumbered PS3 fans until at least 11:00pm.
The scene was a stark contrast to the US launch in November last year, where one man was shot by thieves and fights broke out over limited stock.
From today, Sony will launch into its $6 million marketing campaign, which it hopes will convince the public that the PS3 is not just a games machine but an all-in-one home entertainment system.
The campaign will stress the inclusion of a high-definition Blu-ray disc player, sleek design, 60GB hard drive, web browser and, most importantly, the PS3’s ability to act as a multimedia hub for organising photos, music and movies.
Related Links: Kotaku
, PS3: PlayStation Australia


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Coffee Supreme, New Zealand’s iconic coffee brand, today announced the appointment of Jesse Newson as the company’s new chief executive.
Newson joined Coffee Supreme five years ago as group commercial director and has served as co-leader of the company for the last 18 months alongside group operations director Heath Cater.
Chris Dillon, founder and board chair of Coffee Supreme, stated that Newson was instrumental in navigating the company through Covid-19 and was a key driver of the company’s transformation.
“Jesse has aided in the growth of our 28-year-old coffee roasting business from a wholesale café supplier to one with a sizable direct-to-consumer e-commerce presence in New Zealand and Australia, as well as a growing presence in over 200 New Zealand supermarkets.” We’re looking forwards to seeing Jesse continue to grow,” he said.
While the last 18 months have been devastating for hospitality businesses, Newson stated that Coffee Supreme’s primary focus has been on keeping its people and business healthy in order to assist in rejuvenating its customers and industry.
“We’ve concentrated on supporting our cafés across the country during this trying time, while also steadily expanding our e-commerce capabilities so our loyal customers can drink Coffee Supreme at home, at work, or at their favourite café,” he explained.
Dillon stated that the appointment represents a watershed moment in the evolution of a great business and a beloved brand. “We are confident that Jesse is the ideal person to lead Coffee Supreme, nurture our wholesale customers, and propel us forwards during the exciting multi-channel growth period ahead.”
Coffee Supreme is one of Wellington’s original ‘big three’ roasting businesses, which helped shape New Zealand’s café culture in the 1990s and 2000s.


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John Venhuizen will take over as CEO of Ace Hardware. (HANDOUT)
Ace Hardware Corp. President and Chief Executive Ray Griffith said he plans to retire in March, after which Chief Operating Officer John Venhuizen will step into the CEO spot, the company announced Tuesday.
Venhuizen, 42, who has been with Ace for more than 20 years, assumed the role of president Sept. 1. He will continue in his COO duties until taking over as CEO. Griffith will act as CEO until his retirement.
Ace's board developed the succession plan over three years, the company said in a statement.
"Ray's decision to retire and spend more time with his family has been a deliberate and well-thought-out process," said board Chairman David Ziegler. "John (Venhuizen) has worked side by side with Ray for the past 14 years and has unquestionably proven his leadership abilities."
Griffith joined Ace in 1994. During his tenure, he boosted Ace's international presence and made "significant progress" in the company's core business strategy, bringing renewed focus to Ace Hardware's new store expansion efforts, the company said in a statement.
Ace Hardware reported net income last year of $77.6 million on sales of $3.7 billion, compared with net income the year before of $75.1 million on sales of $3.5 billion.
The 85-year-old company's market share has declined to 4.1 percent of the total home improvement market, according to Eben Jose, a research analyst at market researcher IBISWorld. Ace ranks third behind home fix-it giants Home Depot and Lowe's, which claim 41 percent and 32.6 percent of the industry's revenues, respectively, Jose said.
Ace, which operates as a cooperative, has more than 4,600 hardware stores locally owned and operated worldwide. Along with its subsidiaries, it operates 14 distribution centers in the U.S. The company also has distribution capabilities in China, Panama and the United Arab Emirates.
In 2008, Ace said it would restate its financial results for three years to reflect a $152 million accounting shortfall that the company attributed to "lack of controls and human error over a period of years," Griffith told the Tribune at the time.
The company has been under scrutiny recently as three lawsuits, including one in Illinois, allege that Ace Hardware provided misleading financial information in an effort to woo franchisers. Ace Hardware declined comment.


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Dodging carts and strollers while shopping at Target might have you feeling like your in some kind of video game.
Soon, you might be.
A genius (and most likely gamer) over at Target decided to turn those red shopping carts in Super Target Karts, a tribute to Mario Kart.
Target is celebrating the release of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for the Nintendo Switch on April 28.
While this doesn’t exactly give you permission to race carts around the stores, we expect that chaos will ensue from gamers, especially in the produce section. Banana peels anyone?
Scott Nygaard, Target’s senior vice president of merchandising, said that the idea is more about the overall “experience.”
“We’re delivering the fun like only Target can, giving generations of Mario fans a shopping trip they won’t soon forget,” he said in a statement.
Kart designs, which are being changed out for the very first time, will incorporate characters Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach.
And remember when the red Target spheres turned into Pokeballs during the Pokemon Go obsession? Well now they’re being overlaid with images of Mario and Luigi.


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In recent months, several payments industry players have expanded north into Canada, benefiting from the country's similar financial landscape and largely absent language barrier, but sometimes slowed by differences in regulation and technology.
Square Inc., the mobile card-acceptance provider that has been promising to expand beyond the U.S. since it received a $25 million investment from Starbucks Corp., said this week it is seeking merchant clients in Canada. Stripe, which facilitates online payments for developers, expanded to Canada last month. And video banking provider uGenius Technology is bringing 15 personal teller machines to the provinces.
uGenius' personal teller machines are ATM-like devices that allow financial institutions to connect with remote customers face-to-face through video. The machines provide conventional ATM services, such as accepting deposits, as well as branch services such as handling account and loan applications.
North Peace Savings and Credit Union, headquartered in Fort St. John, British Columbia, partnered with uGenius to provide a PTM in Taylor, British Columbia. The credit union was able to provide banking services to the community whose population of about 1,200 people couldn't support a traditional brick-and-mortar institution, says Paul McAfee, vice president of service at North Peace.
"Canada is a logical second market for many US companies given the many similarities between Canadian and US consumers," says Tracey Black, consultant at GFH Group Inc. who sits on the Advanced Card Technologies (ACT) Canada board.
Jed Taylor, president at Utah-based uGenius, agreed, saying U.S. companies don't have to translate their product or documentation in the country, plus Canada's financial system is comparable to that of the U.S.
uGenius' technology "gives financial institutions the ability to use one person across multiple locations based on skill set or language," says David Albertazzi, senior analyst at Aite Group.
The product fits well with the Canadian market, says Taylor, since the country has vast amounts of rural space.
"Canada is a less complex market because there are fewer players/partners which can make for a relatively straightforward entry," Black says. "However, this lack of complexity may also create some challenges in creating traction for a new entrant."
In the past month, both Stripe and Square have also broadened their reach into Canada.
"Canada is a big step for us … but it's only a small piece of what we have in mind," Stripe's Sheena Pakanati wrote on the company's blog. "We grew up in countries from Honduras to Kenya, and a large part of why we're so eager to build Stripe is to help those outside the US to participate as first-class citizens in the Internet economy."
During an interview with Quartz, Stripe co-founder Patrick Collison said Canada's rules and regulations for accepting credit cards are arduous, though this also creates an opportunity to offer a simpler process for handling payments.
"In Canada we have a small number of large players in both the issuing and acquiring industries, and that can make market entry challenging for startups," Black says. The dynamic Canadian payments market surely has a lot of red tape, she adds.
Plus Canada is ahead of the U.S. in EMV chip-card adoption, so for card technology companies the transition might be more complicated.
But Black says this offers U.S. payments companies expanding to Canada a close business partner to launch EMV and contactless products before they're adopted in the U.S.
"I am curious to see if Square will opt to leverage contactless here – the majority of payment cards in Canada support EMV contactless payments, and mobile payments should be commercially available in the market very soon," Black says.


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The current over-consumption of animal protein has negative impacts not only on animal and human health but also on the planet, as animal agriculture and the demand for animal protein are driving forces behind climate change.
Cultivated meat could contribute to closing the gap between the amount of animal protein that can be sustainably produced and the actual global demand.
Cultivated meat or “cell-cultured meat” is real meat, originating from an animal, but without the need to maintain large numbers of animals under industrial conditions. The growth and development process takes place in bioreactors. The original animal cells are obtained humanely from living animals through biopsies, and placed in a growth medium.
GAIA and Eurogroup for Animals welcomed the audience at the Museum of Natural Sciences where, after an introduction from Dr. Jane Goodall, scientists and industry representatives addressed the key topics on the novel food technology: state of the art, existing barriers, environmental and social benefits. The consumers' perception and demands were debated in a panel discussion.
Indeed, while plant-based products appeal to some consumers, meat is still perceived as a unique food product. The potential of cultivated meat is that it will have the desirable properties of conventionally produced meat, and appeal to groups of consumers who are not willing to adopt an only plant-based diet.
Moreover, it offers an opportunity to decrease antibiotic use and mitigate risks for the spread of zoonoses, of which current animal production is a driving force and it is also free from pathogens such as salmonella.
“Cultivated meat could radically change our relationship with farmed animals and contribute to saving the planet, thanks to its lower environmental impact and to the reduction in the number of animals raised for food. Instead of producing feed for intensely farmed animals, we could divert resources to produce food to feed people”, commented Reineke Hameleers, CEO, Eurogroup for Animals.
“We need to fully commit to new, sustainable and animal-friendly technologies to produce food. A transition which could create such a great upheaval, for the animals and for the planet. Modern science carries enormous potential, it would be remiss to look the other way. That’s what we learned again today, from all the experts who came to speak here at the symposium.”, added Ann De Greef, General Director, GAIA
“Despite the rise of plant-based proteins, demand for meat remains high. Unlike plant-based products, cultivated meat is made from animal cells to produce a taste and texture almost identical to conventional meat, with many possible advantages: it reduces the need to raise animals for food, its production can be more environmentally friendly and also minimise food safety issues. As society, we must walk towards mainstreaming plant-based proteins that prove to be more sustainable and that do not harm animals.", commented Francisco Guerreiro MEP, Greens/EFA, PT.
“The way animal proteins are produced and consumed today has a major impact on the health of the planet. In Europe, current levels of meat consumption are unsustainable. Yet we know that one of the most effective ways to tackle the climate crisis is to transform our food system: cultivated meat could be an important piece of this puzzle. It will meet the demand for meat using less land and create room for more sustainable farming practices. Cultivated meat is a win for animals and the environment.”, added Niels Fuglsang MEP, S&D, DK.
Precision fermentation : It is a process that "programs" microorganisms to produce any complex organic molecule.


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ALERT: Food Delivery Workers Should Beware of Car Thefts
Are you a driver for a food delivery company like Doordash, Grubhub, or UberEats? The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has seen a rise in car thefts involving food delivery drivers because drivers are leaving their cars idling, with keys in the ignition, ripe for theft while the driver is dropping off food.
MPD informed OAG that since April 1, 2020, the District has experienced 876 motor vehicle thefts, where the vehicle was either left running, unattended with the keys in the vehicle, or both. Of these, 309 have been confirmed to involve delivery companies. However, the true number is likely much higher, as the information on whether a delivery company was involved has not consistently been captured in reports. We know that many of these vehicles have been involved in additional crimes, including violent crime.
To protect your vehicle, turn off and lock your car when making a delivery or otherwise leaving your car.
What should I do if my car is stolen?
If your car is stolen, report it to the Metropolitan Police Department at (202) 727-9099.
If you experience any other issue involving your rights as a consumer, tenant or employee, please call OAG’s Office of Consumer Protection at (202) 442-9828, submit a complaint at firstname.lastname@example.org or fill out an online form.
Learn the latest news and tips from the Office of the Attorney General by reading the OAG Blog.


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Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced on Tuesday, October 27 that Century 21 Department Stores have promised to protect the rights of nursing mothers seeking to breastfeed at its stores citywide.
The announcement comes on the heels of an investigation into the company that began after a complaint went public alleging that, in July, 2015, an employee at the Cortlandt Street store told a mother breastfeeding her child on the sales floor that she must go into the fitting room. Furthermore, the mother alleged that she filed a complaint through Century 21’s website but never heard from the company.
“Time and again, research has shown that the benefits of breastfeeding to mother and child are innumerable, and mothers who choose to nurse their babies must have their rights protected,” Schneiderman said, applauding Century 21 for taking the steps to ensure that the rights of nursing mothers are fully protected across the board. “Nursing mothers have the right to breastfeed their babies in public without interference or harassment.”
Under New York State law, a mother may breastfeed her baby in any location, so long as she otherwise has the right to be there, regardless of whether she is covered while nursing.


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The National Indian Gaming Commission reported this week that America’s tribal video gaming operators collectively generated $31.2 billion in gross gaming revenue, a 4.4 percent increase over 2015.
Harrah’s Resorts SoCal is just example of a joint-venture from a operator that is tribal a Vegas casino company that delivers a style of Las Vegas over the Nevada edge.
The biggest development, year over 12 months, for tribal gaming nationwide was the Sacramento, California region, with an increase of 6.3 percent to $8.4 billion. Meanwhile, the Phoenix region exhibited fourth-best revenue enhance in the US, growing 4.4 percent to $2.9 billion.
It’s clear Indian casinos in states bordering Nevada are enjoying health that is robust but what impact is this having on the Silver State’s casino sector? Is tribal gaming a hazard to Nevada?
Tribes Thinking Big
Well, not so much to Las Vegas, gaming analysts told the Las Vegas Review-Journal this week, but it’s really likely having an effect that is negative the north Las vegas, nevada sector and the Reno and Laughlin areas in particular, forcing those cities to rethink their approach.
Bo Bernhard, executive director of UNLV’s International Gaming Institute, thinks that the Laughlin and Reno markets have certainly been adversely affected by competition from Indian gaming properties, which are now actually matching their commercial counter Continue reading


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It’s a new financial year and, like clockwork, NSW, Queensland and South Australian consumers have faced rising electricity costs. In south-east Queensland, July 1 also marked the commencement of deregulation in retail electricity prices for the Energex network, bringing south-east Queensland into line with Victoria (January 2009), South Australia (February 2013) and NSW (July 2014).
What does this mean?
The Queensland Competition Authority (QCA) no longer sets a benchmark electricity offer for you as a residential or small business customer, an offer that all energy retailers need to provide. According to the Queensland Productivity Commission (QPC), this will result in “increased competition with the entrance of new energy retailers and lead to potentially lower prices”.
Now, I completely agree with the first part of the QPC’s reasoning for deregulation. Yes, new retailers will enter the retail electricity market on the Energex network. Allowing a business to independently set a price for its product or service creates a far more enticing environment in which to operate. There is also strong evidence to support this outcome from earlier deregulation in the other states.
As for the second part of the reasoning for deregulation, it’s worth highlighting the QPC’s use of the words “potentially lower prices”. Electricity prices across all deregulated states have done anything but go down since deregulation. In fact, year-on-year prices have only increased since deregulation.
Why is this happening?
The rises cannot be attributed solely to deregulation, of course, but there is another price outcome for consumers that can be.
Consumer choice in an energy retailer does come at cost. Evidence of this is that, despite an increase in competition and the number of offers available to consumers in deregulated states, the difference between the best and worst offers has also dramatically increased. As of June 2016, there was a $340 difference between the best and worst offer available to residential customers on the Energex network (using average annual usage for a four-person household).
At the same time, in the deregulated and most competitive retail energy state of Victoria, the difference between the best and worst offer was $633, nearly twice that amount. So in terms of savings, if Victorian households don’t pay attention and shop around from year to year for a better than average offer, they’ll find themselves losing out by roughly the same amount as a household in south-east Queensland pays with the absolute worst on-market offer.
The argument for deregulation
The big question we need to answer is: does having a deregulated price result in a lower price of electricity for consumers? On average, it would seem not. However, this is a complex question to answer. Obviously, aside from deregulation, there are more significant factors that influence the price we pay.
Over the past decade, significant upgrades and maintenance have led to electricity supply charges increasing significantly across all networks that make up the national electricity market (NEM). Supply charges now account for about 20% of the average household or small business electricity bill.
More recently, however, wholesale energy prices (the price retailers pay for the energy that they sell to you) in all NEM states have experienced a significant jump due to sustained record gas prices in Victoria, NSW and South Australia. This was a result of gas supply to gas-fired generators and markets being trumped by the price for and demand from the LNG export terminals in Gladstone. Having our wholesale energy markets compete directly with the export price for gas, without having established a domestic gas reserve, is proving costly.
How much are we paying for electricity?
So given the price rises, let’s make sure that you don’t end up paying more than necessary on your household’s or small business’s electricity this financial year. In summary:
- In NSW, households have been slugged an extra yearly $192 on average, as the major retailers lifted their standard prices 9.3% on average.
- Households in south-east Queensland (Energex) have fared better than those in NSW, slugged on average an extra $95 a year, as the major retailers lifted their prices an average 4.4%.
- Regional Queensland (Ergon) hasn’t made it into the new financial year unscathed. The QCA announced that a typical residential bill will rise by 2.8%, and a typical small business customer will be slugged with a very unwelcome increase of 11.2%. For the time being, the QCA will regulate prices for rural customers on the Ergon network. But this may soon change as new laws passed in mid-July allow the merger of Energex and Ergon to form Energy Queensland. State Energy Minister Mark Bailey says the merger will deliver greater efficiency for taxpayers by removing “duplication in areas like administration, shared services, boards, management, and corporate costs”.
- In South Australia, the vast majority of residential electricity customers face an average annual price hike of a whopping $251 (10%) for the year ahead.
How can I ensure I’m not paying too much?
So shop around and visit EnergyMadeEasy to compare offers. For anyone who struggles to understand their electricity bill, you can find a great guide there as well. Keep an eye out for the release of the “big energy switch” offers from One Big Switch. Its campaign offers tend to beat the best on-market offers at the time of their release. Better still, if you’ve got a good understanding of your bill, use the One Big Switch offer to demand an even better deal from your current retailer if they wish to keep you.
This article first appeared in Money Magazine on 20 October 2016.


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January 2023 marked the 30th anniversary of the EU Single Market. The Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) in the European Parliament adopted a new motion for a resolution to address new challenges. This draft resolution stresses the importance of more circularity in the Single Market and the essential role of public procurement in the transition towards a sustainable and circular economy. Once again, there is also a focus on the removal of unjustified barriers for the free movement of professionals, including an appeal to the European Commission to pursue infringement procedures where Member States do not comply with EU legislation on the recognition of qualifications.
More information on the draft resolution and on the celebration of the anniversary of the Single Market can be found under this link.
You can also access information concerning EU Single Market events and initiatives on the newly created websites here. Some upcoming events to look out for include exhibitions from April 2023, the Hannover Messe from 17-21 April and the Single Market Forum in May 2023.


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Press Conference on China Machinery Brand Show 2017 Held in Moscow
On October 13, CCCME held a special press conference on China Machinery Brand Show 2017. CCCME Vice President Liu Chun, Commercial Counselor Zhao Qiuyan of Chinese Embassy to Russia, leaders of Russian Investment Promotion Agency, Messe Frankfurt Russia attended the conference and answered questions from the media.
Commercial Counselor Zhao Qiuyan pointed out that China-Russia economic and trade cooperation has maintained a sound momentum against the backdrop of lackluster international trade. Vice President Liu Chun mentioned that around 130 Chinese enterprises from Shanghai, Zhejiang, Sichuan and other Chinese provinces were to attend the first Chinese Machinery Brand Show in Moscow.
The Second (Extended) Session of the Second Council Meeting of CCCME Low-voltage Appliances Branch Held in Yueqing, Zhejiang2018-06-21


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Q3 2023 highlights Dimitri de Vreeze, CEO, commented: “In the current global economic environment we are working hard to mitigate the effects through strong internal actions. To this end, we are driving a broad range of self-help measures, with the largest contributor being the vitamin transformation program. In addition, we have pushed harder on cash
The Dilmah Ceylon Iced Tea range is growing and we are proud to present our new 330ml Cans. Available in three amazing new flavors – Green Tea Jasmine, Black Tea Lemon and Black Tea Lychee – each delicious blend begins its journey on Dilmah’s verdant tea estates, just like our artisan bottled Iced Tea. Ethically grown, hand-picked and
For the fourth consecutive year, AIMPLAS presented its sustainability report, prepared in accordance with GRI standards, in which it takes stock of its activity in 2022 based on ESG criteria and renews its commitment to the ten principles of the UN Global Compact and the SDGs. AIMPLAS’ ESG report highlights some of the centre’s milestones,
📣 Hot Off the Press! 🍽 Exciting news! The latest ASIA & Middle East FOOD TRADE Journal edition is out, offering a glimpse into the evolving food and beverage industry. 🍽 🔥 Dive into the latest trends, innovations, and events shaping the food & beverage industry: Read Now Your feedback is our secret ingredient – share your thoughts after reading!
Provisur® Technologies, the leading industrial food processing equipment manufacturer headquartered in Chicago, USA, with subsidiaries across Europe and an Innovation Center in France, will present an exciting range of machinery and innovations at CibusTec in Parma, Italy, from 24th to 27th October 2023. The company booth will showcase cutting-edge systems and advanced technology from Provisur’s
The performance of end-of-line packaging systems plays a key role in ensuring efficient production, capable of quickly adapting to market changes and improving the quality and sustainability of the final packaging of beverages, food, detergents, and chemical products. SMI automatic palletizing systems from the APS ERGON range represent the ideal solution for managing an uninterrupted,
When Exhibition Centre Nuremberg welcomes industry professionals to the two-day European Heat Pump Summit on 24 and 25 October 2023, the regulations resulting from the energy transition, and sustainable heat pumps, will be among the topics on the agenda. Participants from all over Europe can not only expand their knowledge in the 39 presentations by
Rise in demand for stand space at the leading trade show for the global fresh produce business. FRUIT LOGISTICA which takes place from 7 to 9 February 2024. recorded a major increase in requests for exhibition space at its upcoming event. And while there is still time for late exhibitor registrations, next year’s stand bookings
New Clear Cut cutting system from K+G Wetter offers decisive benefits for grinding Significantly greater processing power, better cutting pattern, lower energy consumption: The new Clear Cut knife from K+G Wetter achieves significantly improved grinding results, the likes of which have never been achieved before. Lower energy consumption and wear also ensure cost savings when
Tate & Lyle, a world leader in ingredient solutions for healthier food and beverages, has announced the launch of a new formulation initiative called ‘Challenge Accepted’. The initiative invites food and beverage manufacturers to submit their most complex product formulation challenges to be addressed by the Tate & Lyle technical team at the Gulfood Manufacturing:
Robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and automated order and payment processes: digitalization is on the rise. Digitalization is also one of the key focus topics at iba. Visitors will discover new opportunities, the right partners and practical examples in the iba.DIGITALISATION AREA. Offering a wide range of opportunities, the aim of the new iba.DIGITALISATION AREA supported
NORD DRIVESYSTEMS solutions for parcel logistics Efficient drive technology for conveyor systemsWith its tailor-made drive solutions, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS supports operators of parcel distributioncentres in increasing the energy efficiency of their conveyor systems and thus reducing their CO2emissions. A maximum load of 35 kg per metre is considered a realistic default value for most parcel distributioncentres.
Founded in 1946, the Culinary Institute of America is the world’s leading culinary school. The independent, nonprofit CIA offers up to master’s degrees in culinary arts, baking and pastry, food management, hospitality, culinary arts and applied food science and is dedicated to developing leaders in the food service industry. The college also offers continuing education
The event served as a platform to showcase halal products made in Brazil to foreign markets with a significant Muslim population. To gain added value in Brazilian exports to Muslim markets, earlier the project encouraged Brazilian food companies to get halal certification for a portion of their product lines. The Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, in
Less than twenty-four hours to go before the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Host 2023, at fieramilano in Rho which will take place from Friday, 13 October, to Tuesday, 17 October. Among the industry operators, there is great anticipation for a 43rd edition that will be on the starting line with numbers comparable to those of the


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While global notebook sales in 2013 are expected to significantly decrease on year mainly due to fast growing demand for tablets, it is impossible for tablets to replace notebooks because notebooks are a tool used for work, Quanta Computer chairman Barry Lam said at a November 14 investors conference, adding that 2014 global notebook shipments will drop slightly on year.
Commenting on rumors that Samsung and Apple are considering large-size tablets, and Quanta would be the ODM for Apple’s large-size tablet, Quanta vice chairman CC Leung refused to talk about the company’s clients and only pointed out that if tablet display sizes become too large, prices will be similar to those of notebooks, reducing their appeal to consumers.
Leung also noted that Quanta’s notebook orders are mostly for 14- and 15-inch models, showing that consumers still prefer larger displays for work and browsing. However, the larger the display, the higher costs are, and touchscreen notebooks are also having similar issues because touch panels greatly increased costs, pushing consumers away.
As for wearable devices, Leung pointed out that many brand vendors are eager to try the new industry, but so far there is no killer application and most available products on the market are still expensive. Unless prices can drop to a more friendly level, they are unlikely to attract consumers.
TomTom, which is aggressively trying to enter the wearable device market is a client of Quanta, some market watchers pointed out.
Meanwhile, Compal Electronics president Ray Chen believes notebook shipments have a chance of reaching 40 million units in 2014, up 5% on year due to an expected PC replacement trend in the enterprise market.
Wistron and Inventec are both conservative about their notebook shipments in 2014 with Wistron expecting its volume to drop from 23-24 million units in 2013 to only 20 million in 2014.
Market watchers pointed out that notebook brand vendors are now adopting a strategy to accumulate their orders with only 1-2 ODM partners to save costs. Since ODMs with larger scales are able to provide better support and lower quotes, orders have started to accumulate with the top-two ODMs for 2014.


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Categories Tech News
The first smart deadbolt capable of wireless charging is coming this year
January 7, 2023
The first wirelessly powered smart deadbolt is launching later this year — but you’ll have to wait for the wireless power. The Alfred DB2S is the first DIY-installable smart lock that can charge via infrared power transmission, and Alfred says it’ll be available for $299 at The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and other retailers in early Q2.
There’s a slight catch, though: that $299 doesn’t get you wireless charging, at least not yet. For that, you’ll need a Wi-Charge charging kit, which won’t be available through consumer channels until the second half of 2023 at the earliest. Pricing for the kit has not been set.
When it is available, the charging kit will consist of a replacement backplate for the lock with a built-in Wi-Charge receiver, as…


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Named as brand ambassador by Simba Group, the choice of two-time African Footballer of the Year and former Super Eagles captain, Nwankwo Kanu, was a masterstroke, reports MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN.
With the increasing recognition of sports sponsorship as a strategy through which firms can generate significant marketing advantages many companies have taken up the opportunities of using it to attract brand loyalty.
Some have even gone further to appoint brand ambassadors to help raise brand awareness and increase sales and it’s therefore not a surprise that the Simba Group, distributors of Nigeria’s leading brands in the tricycle, motorcycle and power bike sector has embraced this model.
Over the years, the company has been sponsoring the Nigerian national teams including the three-time African champions the Super Eagles and the record African women’s football champions, the Super Falcons.
To consolidate their relationship with the country’s football, the company on Wednesday unveiled Nigerian soccer legend, Kanu Nwankwo, its brand ambassador.
Kanu’s entrance to the Lagos corporate office of the Simba Group was triumphant as he stood out practically like a king in his well-styled black Kaftan outfit which complimented his red-coloured baseball cap.
The heroic welcome for Papilo by the management and staff of Simba Group was more than the ordinary as it was a microcosm of the reception accorded the national Under-23 soccer team when the former Arsenal striker led Nigeria win Africa’s first soccer Gold medal at theAtlanta’96 Olympics.
The whole environment was bursting as the seamsand what an Olympic feelings for both the management and staff of Simba when the long-awaited August visitor was finally driven to their Lagos Corporate Headquarters .
With a ‘ guard of honour’ mounted by the staff, Papilo went round shaking hands ( in knuckles as per COVID-19 protocols) smiling and taking selfies, the management were already congratulating their choice of him as their brand ambassador.
The choice of Kanu is not far-fetched being one the most decorated Nigerian footballers of all times winning a total of 14 major trophies in clubs and country colours but this particular unveiling was a classic of using a stone to kill two birds.
Unlike a typical signing that involves just appending of signatures, Kanu went on tour of the factory and had a feel of virtually all its products as he sat comfortably on several displayed models of motorcycles and tricycle to the amazement of mesmerised staff of the company.
But the import of this ceremony was not lost on Mr. Mahendra Pratap, Business Head of Simba TVS by reiterating the choice of Kanu as the Simba TVS Ambassador.
“We are honoured and humbled that the legend of Nigerian football, Kanu Nwankwo, is endorsing TVS King Tricycles and motorcycles, emphasising that the two-time African player of the year embodied our brand’s core values of trust, value and service through his dedication to this great nation,”remarkedthe genial Pratap with his boyish smiles during the formal signing.
Though the Simba Group berthed in Nigeria in 1988, they furthercemented their relationship with Nigerian football shortly before the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup when they formalised an agreement with the NFF to make TVS the Official Motorcycle and Tricycle Partner of the Super Eagles.
Yet, Simba Group ‘s Marketing Head, Mr. Karthik Govindarajan, was all over the moon with the choice of Kanu as the company’s Ambassador.
“As the official motorcycle and tricycle of the Super Eagles, Simba TVS already has a close association with football, a sport that is close to every Nigerian,” he offered.
“With the ambassadorship of Kanu Nwankwo himself, we are happy to take that association even further because Papilo is a respected figure in Nigerian football and we are really looking forward to working with him to drive our vision of promoting our products as well as Nigerian football.”
But how does Kanu himself feel about this particular ambassadorial position?
“I am extremely happy to be associated with Simba TVS;I know the company and have seen their contributions to both the development of the motorcycle and tricycle sector, and especially their empowerment programme for dealers, customers and riders who patronise their products,” offered the two-time African Footballer of the Year in his acceptance speech .
While endorsing Simba’s products, the soccer legend thanked the company for their support for football in Nigeria through their sponsorship of the Nigerian National team, the Super Eagles.
He explained: “I have the singular honour and privilege of recommending their products- the TVS King tricycle, the HLX+ motorcycle and the apache power bike, first and foremost because of their quality and as well for their after sales service policy as demonstrated in their workshops spread all over Nigeria.
On why he took up the prestigious role, Kanu regarded as the greatest player of his generation and one of Africa’s best ever said being distributors of the best products in their categories in the country, it was only a matter meet and proper for him to associate with them. Says he:
“They are number one and best in their areas of business and so our relationship is bound to be an interesting one; I am also doing this because of their quality and after sales services as the company places a strong emphasis on empowerment, and runs specific programs targeted at empowerment of women and the youth, as well as provides welfare for the mechanic and rider communities.”
Kanu added matter-of-factly that his role was to project the image of the company and create the awareness for their brands:“ How many Nigerians know all about what Simba TVS has been doing for Nigerian football? So, my coming in part will also make Nigerians appreciate what they have been doing in this all important area.”


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Toikido Names MD for The Americas
Toikido today announces the appointment of industry veteran Darryl Lai as its new Managing Director for the Americas. This strategic move establishes Toikido USA. Lai will report to Will Ochoa, the company’s Chief Commercial Officer.
Founded in 2020, London-based Toikido has experienced rapid success since its inception, already selling nearly 20 million products, across 75 countries in more than 100,000 stores.
In preparation for the rollout of the hotly-anticipated Piñata Smashlings™, its first of many in-house IPs, Toikido has secured a range of licensing and marketing partnerships to fortify its position within key markets ahead of the official launch of the brand’s licensing program this July.
A respected business leader with an illustrious career in global licensing and operations, Lai previously served as Senior Vice President (Americas) at global licensing and product solutions agency, Maxx Marketing, where he led global development and the retail product division for toys & collectibles. During his tenure at the company, he led high- performing teams across various continents and worked with the biggest brands and companies in entertainment, including The Walt Disney Company, Netflix, Marvel, Paramount, WB, and Crunchy Roll.
“I’m delighted to be joining Toikido as Managing Director for the Americas,” said Lai. The company has a reputation for excellence and is comprised of an elite team of passionate and driven professionals who share my love for toys and gamifying everything, and most importantly, pushing creative boundaries. I look forward to working closely with my UK colleagues to exceed the expectations of our clients and fulfil Toikido’s clear growth potential.”
“We are delighted to establish Toikido USA and bring Darryl into the rapidly-growing Toikido business,” said Ochoa. Darryl brings a wealth of experience, having spearheaded the launch of YuMe toys in the market for many years. He also provides a vital direct presence for us in North America, as we support Retail Monster and PMI to launch our Piñata Smashlings IP, and set the stage for the launch of multiple other new Toikido IP to be announced soon.”
Lai is expected to be the first of many senior-level global hires who will play a fundamental role in establishing Toikido as a worldwide entertainment and merchandising empire.


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3 upsets that will happen in Week 13 of college football
We're oh so close to rivalry week, meaning there will be upsets abound this week.We're oh so close to rivalry week, meaning there will be upsets abound in what's become one of the most unpredictable slates on the college football schedule. While coach-speak may convince you these top-ranked teams are focused, never forget that they're comprised of 18-22 year olds. There are distractions aplenty, and this trio is about to get burned.
Legal sales of recreational marijuana are set to begin Dec. Here ' s what you need to know . Who can legally buy weed in Michigan and Illinois ? Anyone over the age of 21 with a valid state ID or driver's license can purchase recreational marijuana from licensed retailers.
Michigan ’ s recreational marijuana law, officially known as the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act, goes into effect today. But not everything goes into effect right away. Here are five things you need to know before lighting up this week. 1. You can smoke weed, but you can’t buy it.
Two Midwestern states are breaking into the recreational marijuana market, and dispensaries are expecting huge crowds.
Legal weed sales are, where a handful of dispensaries in Ann Arbor plan to be open for business. The landmark moment in the state's cannabis industry comes amid a on the sale of vaping devices in Michigan as health officials investigate the causes of nationwide.
In Illinois, where officials are grappling with a lack of racial equity in the cannabis industry, sales are.
California officials side with marijuana company in new fight over home deliveries
Escalating a legal battle with California cities and counties over where marijuana can be sold, state officials are intervening in a new court fight over home delivery of cannabis in communities that have banned or restricted pot shops. Earlier this month, Attorney General Xavier Becerra filed a motion on behalf of the California Bureau of Cannabis Control to join a lawsuit by Salinas-based East of Eden Cannabis Co. against Santa Cruz County, which has banned deliveries by companies it has not licensed.
Things to know about marijuana legalization in Illinois , including who can grow and sell it, how much someone can possess and how lawmakers voted. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation that makes recreational marijuana legal in Illinois . After debate in Springfield earlier this year — during which
Now that it ’s legal , here ’ s what you need to know about marijuana : Where can I get my hands on weed? Marijuana won’t be commercially available for sale until state regulators draft rules and regulations for the recreational market. They have until December 2019 and then they can begin to
The states are the 10th and 11th nationwide to allow recreational marijuana sales.
allow the sale of marijuana for medical use, which Michigan legalized in 2008, followed by Illinois in 2013.
Here's what you need to know.
Who can legally buy weed in Michigan and Illinois?
Anyone over the age of 21 with a valid state ID or driver's license can purchase recreational marijuana from licensed retailers.
In Michigan, residents can legally possess, or up to 10 oz at home.
In Illinois, residents will be able to have up to 30 grams of cannabis flower, 5 grams of concentrate and 500 milligrams of THC in products such as edibles. Non-Illinois residents in the state may possess up to only half as much as residents.
Biden rolls back stance on marijuana being a "gateway drug"
The former vice president wrongly claimed that he had never said so in the first place. © CBS News screen-shot-2019-10-28-at-12-29-08-am.png "I don't think it is a gateway drug. There's no evidence I've seen to suggest that," Biden said in a conference call with reporters. Biden claimed that he never said marijuana was a gateway drug, only that "some say" it is. When asked about legalizing weed, Biden said "some in the medical community" say pot needs to be studied more to determine whether it is a gateway drug or could be harmful when combined with other substances.
Illinois ' governor signed a law legalizing recreational marijuana . Here ' s what that means for Wisconsin is now an island surrounded by legal weed; three out of four border states — Michigan While more and more state legislatures are embracing legal marijuana for medical or recreational
Marion County will no longer prosecute a simple marijuana possession charge, Prosecutor Ryan Mears said. Here ' s why. Dwight Adams, firstname.lastname@example.org.
However, some restrictions still apply. Landowners can ban cannabis use, and employers can prohibit employees from having THC in their systems.
It's illegal to drive while impaired and to possess marijuana on federal land and federally funded facilities, including some hospitals, public housing and more.
Michigan's medical marijuana industry serves nearly 300,000 people but could serve about, according to estimates from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Illinois has a much smaller medical marijuana industry, serving. The state's recreational marijuana industry could serve living in the state, compounded by millions of tourists annually, according to a report by cannabis consulting firm Freedman & Koski.
Illinois city approves using marijuana taxes to fund reparations program
Lawmakers in a Chicago suburb earlier this week approved using taxes from recreational marijuana sales to establish a local reparations program. The money will go toward job training and other benefits for Evanston's black population, the Pioneer Press reported.“We can implement funding to directly invest in black Evanston,” said Ald. Robin Rue Simmons, who proposed the reparations bill.Simmons said the source of the funds was especially appropriate, citing the "war on drugs" that has led to increased incarceration rates among African-Americans, particularly for marijuana-related offenses.
Here are the answers to commonly asked questions about what the new law will mean for Illinoisans Medical marijuana dispensaries will be the only legal sellers of marijuana for recreational use in Where can I smoke legally ? It will be legal to smoke in one’ s own home and on-site in some
Recreational marijuana is legal today in Michigan . Here are 5 things to know before lighting up. Michigan ’ s recreational marijuana law, officially known as the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act, goes into Recreational marijuana sales in Michigan are a step closer to reality.
Who's selling in Michigan and Illinois?
In Michigan,are ready to go on day one, and they're all in Ann Arbor: Exclusive Brands, Arbor Wellness and Greenstone Provisions.
At 10 a.m., the retailers are expected to begin transferring up to 50% of their products from the medical side of the business to the new recreational market.
In Illinois, sales are scheduled to being at 6 a.m. Jan. 1, 2020. The state has 55 existing medical dispensaries, but regulators haveso far, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Can you transport weed out of state?
No, weed is still illegal at the federal level and cannot be taken across state lines — by any form of transportation.
Are communities buying in?
It doesn't seem like it.
Since Michiganders voted to approve legalizing recreational marijuana about a year ago,in the state have opted out of allowing recreational sales in their communities. In early November, the out of the recreational business until Jan. 31.
Michigan, Illinois set to usher in recreational pot sales
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — James Daly is eager to make marijuana history on Sunday, when he plans to open the doors to Arbors Wellness, beckon the lengthy line outside and legally start selling recreational pot for the first time in the Midwest. © Provided by Associated Press This Nov. 25, 2019 photo shows marijuana on display at Arbors Wellness in the medical marijuana shop in Ann Arbor, Mich. Adults age 21 and over will be able to buy marijuana for recreational use starting Sunday, Dec. 1 in Michigan.
Cannabis in Illinois is legal for medicinal use and will become legal for recreational usage on January 1, 2020. As of November 2019, nearly 93
Here ' s a look at some questions and answers in the wake of voters passing the measure: When will marijuana be legal ? Ten days after the election results are The tax in Michigan 's ballot proposal would be one of the lowest of the 10 states that have now legalized marijuana for recreational use.
In Illinois, where the state legislature easily approved the sale of recreational marijuana this past spring,to allow businesses in their own backyards, particularly in the suburbs. While Chicago plans to allow cannabis sales, local aldermen may seek to opt out individual precincts.
Illinois law expunges drug offenses
The Illinois lawby giving a leg up to minority entrepreneurs disproportionately impacted by poverty and the war on drugs.
The law expunges certain drug-based criminal records and establishes a fund to provide financial resources for business start-ups.
Theapplies to people convicted of possessing a small amount of the drug who were not associated with violence, meaning that could have their convictions expunged, according to ABC News.
Some Illinois residents and politicians, however, say that minority groupsof the process. Earlier this month, a lottery to determine which businesses would gain the right to sell marijuana in Chicago when a viral photo posted to social media appeared to show a group of predominantly white men gathered in the room.
Hundreds wait in line for first day of legalized recreational marijuana sales
Michigan logged its first day of recreational marijuana sales Sunday, attracting long lines to three shops in Ann Arbor.And Nick St. Onge was the first in line, arriving from his Clinton Township home shortly before 7 a.m.
Recreational marijuana is just a signature away from being legal in Illinois , and dispensaries are staffing up, remodeling, and wasting no time preparing for new foot traffic. Illinois lawmakers approved a bill Friday that , with Gov. J.B. Pritzker’ s promised signature, will allow the state’ s 55 medical
Recreational marijuana is now legal in Michigan . Here ' s what it means for Indiana. Medical marijuana is also legal in Illinois and Ohio. But Michigan is the first state that borders Indiana Eric Holcomb signed a measure legalizing low-THC cannabidiol oil, known as CBD oil, in Indiana.
That same afternoon, Mayor Lori Lightfootthat she was "not satisfied with the current state of equity in the cannabis industry."
This picture is telling a whoooole story— Antonia Hylton (@ahylton26)
Where else are recreational sales legal?
In addition to Michigan and Illinois,have legalized the sale and use of recreational marijuana for adults: Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Oregon, Nevada, Vermont and Washington, along with the District of Columbia.
Efforts toand failed earlier this year.
How vaping deaths have chilled the industry
The legalization of recreational marijuana sales comes amid a national vaping epidemic that has caused— including 47 deaths — in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
On Nov. 22, Michiganof the sale of marijuana vapes and ordered that a portion of existing cannabis-infused vape cartridges get retested to ensure they don't contain an additive. that vitamin E acetate, an additive used in THC oil, may be linked to the illnesses.
One retailerthat vape sales make up 30% of his business, raising questions about how the mandate may affect Michigan's recreational market.
At leastand three in Illinois have died from a vaping-related injury.
In September, President Donald Trump announced that he would ban flavored vaping products other than menthol and tobacco but has yet to do so. Earlier this month, hewith industry and advocacy groups.
Weed in Indiana:
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:
78-year-old poet makes 1st purchase of legal recreational weed in Michigan .
People lined up at dispensaries in Michigan to buy recreational weed."It went swiftly. I got some weed over the counter," Sinclair told ABC News when reached by phone. "It's about time. I've been waiting for this for 50 years.


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Selling cheap phones to India: not a new strategy but one Nokia and Samsung have banked on to push sales of entry-level phones up. Google is also planning a sub-US$50 for the Indian market, after recently launching a slightly pricier US$185 phone with the Pixel V1. It's now having a relook at its entry-level model Android One and how it's selling the phone particularly in India.
Google's usual distribution method for its phones - via online sales - didn't work well in India where offline retailers still outnumber online sellers. Not to mention the ease of access of these smaller retail outfits than the Internet.
Expect Google to tweak its plans for Android One and make an even cheaper phone that's easier to procure. The rest of us just wish we could get Nexus phones when we wanted them.


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VGP – A ten-year stretch is just a dot of the lifeline but it is enough to recognize the prime achievements brought back by the Việt Nam-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).
The two countries set up diplomatic ties since 1995 but the ties would be officially and completely formed since the BTA came into effect since 2001.
The agreement opened up vast opportunities for trade and economic linkages, and as a result, it helped expand exchanges in other areas between the two countries.
Secondly, the BTA has partly driven the Vietnamese economy forward as seen in many aspects.
The agreement includes the World Trade Organization (WTO) trade standards and norms recognized and observed by the international community. Based on the Vietnamese National Assembly’s general review in 2001, during the term 2001-2005, the legislative body quickly amended or issued a series of laws to make sure that foreign and domestic investors are equally treated and protected.
Now, Vietnamese legal system is basically matched with the WTO’s regulations. The problem is how Việt Nam pushes up legal enforcement. This can be regarded as the biggest success of the economic integration cause.
In the agreement, Việt Nam commits to a transparent and open legal system that is developed with widespread participation of its citizens.
Thanks to fast advancement of the Internet and information technology, people are increasingly engaging in law-making process through various means and forms.
Contribution to the formation of Vietnamese businessmen
There appears a boom of Vietnamese businessmen now compared to ten years ago. They are young and featured with a growing interest in the US-style business.
Many of them have traveled to the US on fact-finding tours to study the business environment and scatter economic and trade seeds there.
For the past decade, Việt Nam ranked 10th in terms of the number of students in the US. They will further bridge the bilateral trade and economic ties in the near future.
Expansion of export
Export turnover to the US has accelerated far more than optimists can imagine. The figure rose to US $13 billion in 2009 from just US $400 million in 2000.
Việt Nam becomes the US’s 26 biggest providers of consumption goods, including garments and textiles, footwear, and wooden products.
In 2009 alone, Việt Nam’s export of these commodities outpaced Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Italy, gaining some US $1.4 billion.
Export to the US has contributed to the formation of new manufacturing industries like wood processing, elastics, electric-cable, while pushing up agricultural-aquaculture-tourism sectors.
Paving the ways for US investment in VN
Việt Nam has not signed any trade agreement that includes such a long “development of investment relations” chapter like its BTA with the US.
The US became Việt Nam’s top foreign investor in 2009 after a nearly decade of timid investment.
Multinational groups like Intel and Ford already have large-scale projects in the Southeast Asian country and many others are expected to do practical investment moves in the near future.


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The crypto asset markets are going through their so-called “third winter”. Two things are needed to see them come out stronger: smart regulation and moves by big-name industry players to win back consumer confidence.
In the wake of the insolvencies of crypto service providers FTX and BlockFi and the collapse of TerraUSD (UST) and Terra (LUNA), the global crypto market capitalization fell to $858.43 billion on December 1, 2022, from highs of $3 trillion. in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Understandably, such high-profile flaws have unnerved investors ever since, but more than 300 million people use crypto worldwide, drawn by the transparency of transactions, efficiency by avoiding intermediaries, speed, and lower fees. low compared to traditional banking.
As the use case becomes clearer, companies that stay on the right side of the law are eager to regain investor confidence in the crypto space as a whole.
In parallel, financial regulators are stepping up their efforts to improve consumer protection in crypto markets and bolster stability.
Leading the way is the EU, which in September finalized the text of its Crypto Asset Markets (MiCA) regulation, which is expected to come into force in 2024. As part of the EU’s digital finance strategy, MiCA will regulate money email of crypto assets. tokens and asset-referenced tokens, which are commonly known as stablecoins, and crypto service providers.
Meanwhile, in the US, an executive order on “Ensuring the Responsible Development of Digital Assets” released in March outlined the government’s approach to “addressing the risks and harnessing the potential benefits of digital assets and their underlying technology”.
Moving forward with sensible regulation
Major cryptocurrency companies, including Binance, which operates the world’s largest bitcoin and altcoin exchange, welcome the advent of sensible regulations that increase consumer confidence in cryptocurrency assets and enable responsible innovation across the board. industry. In fact, Binance argues that if these regulations had already been in place, along with proper risk management and corporate governance practices, some of this year’s market disruptions could have been avoided.
However, given the potential for divergence in regulations between different jurisdictions, Steven Christie, Binance’s senior vice president of compliance, says the frameworks need to be “comprehensive and consistent” and align with the work done by global standard-setters like the International Financial Action Task Force. .
Regulators must work hand in hand with business on implementation to ensure a level playing field across the board and create the framework that encourages innovation rather than hinders its opportunities. Binance also believes that it has a fundamental responsibility to work with regulators, and a well-regulated crypto market provides greater protections for everyday users.
Steven Christie, SVP of Compliance at Binance
Christie says that Binance and its local entities “have a policy of cooperation and compliance” with all legal information requests and legal inquiries from the government, local regulatory authorities, and law enforcement authorities related to investigations, prosecutions, and forfeiture actions.
The next generation of the internet
Regulation of the crypto-asset market is essential for innovation, including the third iteration of the Internet, Web3, to accelerate. Only when users have full confidence in the technology can there be mass adoption.
Web3 has the potential to shift power away from big tech platforms and back to users who can take control of their interactions through decentralized blockchains and smart contracts. This creates the opportunity to return revenue to content creators and users who would have incentives to innovate, test, build, and scale.
According to consulting firm McKinsey, Web3 “could mark a paradigm shift in the business model of digital applications by making disintermediation a core element,” but note that scaling up requires proper regulatory oversight.
There is no greater opportunity right now than in Web3, the next generation of the Internet. Binance’s mission is to be the infrastructure provider of the blockchain ecosystem. We are working on many Web3 experiences and solutions that will be transformative for billions of people, starting with the freedom of money.
Mayur Kamat, Head of Product at Binance
“The biggest opportunities often lie in the emergence of new and disruptive technologies,” says Mayur Kamat, head of product at Binance. “And there is no greater opportunity right now than in Web3, the next generation of the Internet. Binance’s mission is to be the infrastructure provider of the blockchain ecosystem. We are working on many Web3 experiences and solutions that will be transformative for billions of people, starting with the freedom of money.”
A thriving, innovation-friendly Web3 ecosystem, fueled by sound regulatory frameworks, could propel countries to global leadership in the next wave of technology revolution.
Globally, Web3 startups have generated $89 billion in venture capital funding and can attract top talent.
Meanwhile, the growth of blockchain technology will become a core differentiator and critical measure of international competitiveness over the next decade. By 2030, the blockchain market could boost global gross domestic product by $1.76 trillion.
Blockchain has boosted the US GDP by $407 billion, Germany by $95 billion, and the UK and Japan by $72 billion each.
A framework for stablecoins
MiCA will protect users of electronic money tokens, which are an essential part of the crypto economy because they provide stability and strength to the market.
E-money tokens are pegged to fiat money such as the US dollar or the Euro. They have the potential to transform cross-border payments on the wholesale, retail and remittance fronts.
Stablecoins bring significant cost, time, access and transparency benefits to cross-border payments, in line with the recommendations of the Financial Stability Board, with the added benefit of value stability compared to unbacked crypto assets.
These are all factors that have seen the market capitalization of stablecoins rise from €23 billion in early 2021 to just under €150 billion in Q1 2022.
MiCA will protect consumers by requiring issuers to accumulate a sufficiently liquid reserve, with a 1:1 ratio and partly in the form of deposits.
Each e-money token user will be offered a permanent fiat redemption right free of charge. In addition, the new rules will place important electronic money tokens under the supervision of the European Banking Authority.
Enabling responsible innovation
Future EU crypto regulation will also focus on the sector’s climate and social impact to encourage more environmentally friendly practices and limit money laundering.
Crypto asset issuers will be required to disclose information on mining energy consumption and adverse climate and environmental impacts. Increased energy efficiency will benefit cryptocurrency users and the entire blockchain industry. In addition, it will enhance the environmental credentials of the sector through sustainable innovation.
The regulation will also be designed to counter concerns about the potential use of crypto assets for money laundering for drug organizations and others, and the funding of what the US government calls “rogue regimes.”
Crypto asset service providers are considered “reported entities” under the EU’s anti-money laundering (AML) rules. They will be subject to customer due diligence, transaction tracking, reporting and other AML requirements that, in some cases, go beyond the rules for payment service providers.
These provisions are in line with existing Binance policies. The company has one of the strictest AML policies in the fintech industry and plays an important leadership role in helping law enforcement combat cyber and financial crime and terrorism.
Binance also leverages blockchain technology for social responsibility through Binance Foundation programs.
A legitimate system
A smart regulatory regime that emerges from constructive conversations between policymakers and industry players, and based on global standards, will improve the crypto asset space.
Users will not only feel more secure in participating in the marketplace, but providers will be able to follow through with new and exciting innovations that support an efficient and modern financial architecture.
Binance is committed to working with regulators and lawmakers to design policies that protect consumers, encourage innovation, and legitimize this important sector.
Steven Christie, SVP of Compliance at Binance


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Elon Musk is not about to get a public fight between the Ford F-150 and Tesla’s Cybertruck—not legitimately, anyway. While VP Sundeep Madra (the venture incubator of Ford) recommended that he would like a face-to-face test of the two vehicles, a spokesperson claimed to the media that the tweet by the exec was only a lighthearted remark highlighting out the “irrationality” of a video displaying the Cybertruck winning a battle with the F-150. Efficiently, Ford felt it had nothing to demonstrate. “We have always aimed on serving our truck users irrespective of what other claim or do,” the spokesperson claimed to the media.
Ford claimed that it was going to have electric trucks anyways, comprising a fully electric F-150 in “coming years” and a hybrid F-150 by next year.
There may not be an obvious winner if there is an official duel. As per Neil deGrasse Tyson (the astrophysicist), the Cybertruck won pre-recorded battle by Tesla due to its intrinsically heavy design made the most of the vehicle’s high torque. The F-150, in the meantime, had comparatively little weight over its back wheel drive system and hence did not have the traction required to retaliate. Completely loading both might still favor the Cybertruck, but there can be cases where Ford’s vehicle appeared to be victorious.
On a related note, the app-located car subscription platform that joins hand with Uber, Fair, earlier decided to purchase a similar platform by Ford. The Santa Monica-located firm previously declared that it has brought Ford’s Canvas for an anonymous sum. Since few years, Canvas provided variable-term leases in San Francisco for Ford owners, ultimately extending to Dallas and Los Angeles. A sum of 3,800 users employed Canvas to purchase new Ford cars. Fair will purchase all assets of Canvas and almost 100 of its workers.


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6 Things You Should Never Touch in Public, According to the CDC
The COVID-19 pandemic has made these surfaces even riskier than they were before.
The spread of COVID-19 has made everyone more aware of just how germ-ridden the public spaces we share are. Even at a time when "wash your hands" seems to have become a new national mantra, it can be difficult to know how you can reenter the world without putting yourself at risk of infection. So how can you stay safe without always staying indoors? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released an updated set of guidelines that spells out which surfaces you should try to avoid coming into contact with when out in public. Besides wearing your face mask and bringing along hand sanitizer, you can help cut down your risk by steering clear of these objects. And for more things you should avoid contact with, check out 7 Things You'll Never Want to Touch Again After the Coronavirus.
Whether you're going to pay for your garage parking, withdraw cash from an ATM, or enter a PIN in the grocery store checkout line, it's almost impossible to run an errand without having to touch a communal screen or keypad. If you can't avoid placing your fingers on these surfaces, consider using a gloved hand to complete your transaction. But if you're stuck without a pair to protect you, just be sure to use sanitizer or wash your hands as soon as possible after touching one. And for more guidance about glove use, check out 10 Awful Mistakes You're Making With Your Gloves Every Day.
The hardest thing about avoiding turnstiles is that they're actually designed to touch as many people as possible to control movement. If you find yourself entering a building where one is present, do your best to avoid pushing them forward with your hands as you walk through, and sanitize your hands immediately if you do. And for more tips about hand sanitizer you need to know, check out 6 Subtle Signs You Need to Replace Your Hand Sanitizer.
There's something ironic about not being able to touch something that was designed to put your hands on. But the coronavirus's ability to spread by surface contact makes them a potentially dangerous surface that you should avoid at all costs.
Let's be honest: Even on a good day, spending time in a public restroom is not anyone's idea of a great time. Besides the typical microbial dangers that are present there, the COVID-19 pandemic has given us an entirely new set of reasons to avoid touching surfaces in communal bathrooms, including doorknobs, stall handles, flushers, and countertops. The one upside? You'll be able to wash your hands with running hot water and soap. And for more on safely using the bathroom amid the pandemic, check out The Bathroom Habit That Dangerously Spreads the Coronavirus.
Just like touchscreens and keypads, elevator buttons can see hundreds of touches in the span of a few hours. Try minimizing your risk of exposure by using a gloved hand, a sleeve, or your elbow to select your floor—and never enter an elevator it already has more than one or two passengers inside.
While they may normally be a welcome sight when you're on a walk through the park or waiting for a bus, benches now present a potentially dangerous risk of contamination. Try to avoid the temptation to take a load off, but if you simply must sit down, spray the bench down with disinfectant before you do or sanitize your hands once you get up.