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KUALA LUMPUR: THE digital economy agenda is proven to have not only raised the living standards of low-income households but also churned many young millionaires.
It is due to the eUsahawan and eRezeki programmes, which seek to develop digital entrepreneurship and assist people to generate additional income from digital technology, respectively.
According to data by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) for a three-year period up to December last year,
eUsahawan roped in 156,580 participants who generated over RM227 million in income.
Meanwhile, between 2015
and December last year, eRezeki saw 151,198 participants generate an income of RM112.9 million.
MDEC chief executive officer Datuk Yasmin Mahmood said the achievement of the digital economy — under the administration of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak — proved the effectiveness of the government’s initiatives to uplift the people’s standard of living and break the cycle of poverty.
She said eUsahawan received positive reception from youth, especially those in Sabah and Sarawak, despite them knowing that the initiative did not promise them business grants.
‘The government does not even give any grant through eUsahawan, because young entrepreneurs are more appreciative of online business and market knowledge compared with grants.
“When (their) businesses grow and they need more capital, only then would we give them a suitable grant.
“Without the vision and
support of Najib, none of the
initiatives, such as eRezeki,
eUsahawan and foreign direct
investment in digital industry,
as well as the Digital Free Trade Zone, would have happened
because he is the man
behind Malaysia’s digital (economy).”
Yasmin said Najib, who had an understanding of the digital world, had shared the knowledge of industry.
She added that youth understood the digital world as they live in it.
Yasmin said this during an interview with the New Straits Times Press Bhd here recently.
Based on the National Transformation Programme (NTP), the eUsahawan and eRezeki initiatives were introduced as part of an economic-strengthening strategy that could reduce rural poverty and raise the standard of living for household urban.
In the NTP report on raising the living standards of low-income households, it stated that the national poverty level dropped to 0.4 per cent in 2016 from four per cent in 2009.
The report said there was an increase in the average monthly income of the Bottom 40 (B40) households from only RM1,440 in 2009 to RM2,848 in 2016.
As of late last year, the 1AZAM initiative succeeded in increasing the income of 100,420 people or 91 per cent of programme’s participants to at least RM300.
Data showed that 30.48 per cent of the participants were no longer categorised as “poor”, with the number of participants in the category decreasing
to 58.69 per cent in 2016 compared with 89.17 per cent in 2009.


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New Logo Outsource Solution from LogoNerds.com Allows Web Designers, Developers to Make More Money
Ontario, Canada -- (SBWire) -- 01/17/2012 --In today’s fickle economy, most companies are pulling in the reigns on spending. These budget cuts may include limiting or eliminating employee raises, implementing mandatory furloughs or putting a freeze on hiring new employees completely.
But while businesses can save money by cutting back on employee costs, they are typically losing money by not being able to take on new business opportunities due to a lack of help.
LogoNerds.com, the premier logo design company for small businesses everywhere, is now offering an outsourcing graphic design solution that allows programmers, printers, Internet marketing companies and web designers to save money while increasing their profits. The new outsource logo design solution gives businesses the opportunity to team up with LogoNerds.com to utilize their superior graphic design skills and quick turnaround times to impress current and new customers. By outsourcing projects to the logo design company, businesses can free up valuable time and resources, all while earning money from additional revenue streams.
As most design firms already know, creating a custom-designed professional logo is no easy task. It requires a good eye for detail, a lot of research and, most importantly, an unlimited amount of time to develop a compelling and powerful logo.
Now with the new outsource logo design solution, businesses can simply relay their graphic design needs to LogoNerds.com and within a few days, the company will provide a few exceptional concepts to share with their customers.
Joseph Messina, founder of LogoNerds.com, said he is confident businesses and their customers will be happy with the company’s top-notch graphic design services and the simplicity of their new re-seller solution.
“Our in-house team of professional logo designers delivers nothing but well researched and outstanding logo designs. We guarantee your customers will be thrilled with their new logo,” said Messina. “So thrilled, that they will be recommending you to all their friends and associates for their logo design needs - resulting in a new revenue stream for your business...and making you more money.”
The outsourcing solution is not limited to logos. Businesses can also utilize the company’s other graphic design services, which includes flyers, web banners, advertisements, templates and more.
For more information about the new graphic design outsource solution, visit http://www.LogoNerds.com/Resellers/
Catering to small businesses across the world, from the USA, to Australia and beyond, LogoNerds.com is a true global company. With their high-quality custom designs, impeccable service and unbeatable prices, LogoNerds.com has quickly become the number one choice of small businesses everywhere. Servicing more than 20,000 businesses to date, the company offers superior logo design services for companies on a budget. In addition, LogoNerds.com creates flyers, web banners, social media templates and more.
Media Relations Contact
View this press release online at: http://rwire.com/122941

domain: news


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CNET editors choose the best 802.11ac networking devices, including wireless routers.
CNET editor Dong Ngo picks a handful of networking and storage products of 2014 he finds most interesting.
We've rounded up a half dozen laptops, desktops, tablets and hybrids that showcase some of the amazing leaps -- and a few of the disappointments -- that the PC market delivered in 2014.
CNET breaks out the most important things to know when shopping for a new television.
It's an unhealthy habit that many people (myself included) do. Here's how to get your phone away from your nightstand for a more restful night's sleep.
From sweating through P90X in the morning to snoozing through a full night of sleep, we put the Microsoft Band through its paces for a full month to see how it held up.
By measuring your sleep quality, this $150 gadget helps you understand what your body is up to while you're unconscious.
The art of retail arbitrage -- buying products from brick-and mortar stores and selling them online for a higher price -- is alive and well.
The Audiophiliac found a lot to like about the Moon Neo 430HA digital converter/headphone amplifier.
CNET goes over the hits and misses that helped define our year in smartphones.
Purported image of a prototype of the next Galaxy smartphone shows a big display, thin bezel and seemingly thin design.


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PayPal's president defends the digital payment provider's place at the forefront of mobile commerce while quipping he welcomes competition too.
After reaching its crowdfunding campaign goal in only 40 minutes, the team behind Coin continues to take preorders and addresses its most-pressing criticisms.
The credit card company takes steps to encourage development of a commercial framework in the U.S. for mobile payments. Key elements include dual-mode chip technology and dynamic authentication.
A flaw in the protocol underlying chip-and-PIN transactions allows an attacker to push through a purchase without a valid PIN.


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Google, Twitter Team Up To Put Tweets In Your Search Results
As a result of a new deal between Google and Twitter, we'll soon be seeing tweets pop up in Google searches just like all other results, if the content is relevant. For Twitter, this is a big move to help bring more people to the site, and generate more pageviews for advertisers, while for Google, it improves its spidering in order to provide more relevant results.
Prior to this deal, Google had to spider Twitter like most other sites, which doesn't give it the accuracy or speed that the company aims for. While it might catch wind of a popular tweet at some point, it's unlikely to be snatched and turned into a search result too quickly. This partnership will improve that vastly, allowing Google to show tweets in searches pretty much instantly.
What's not known at this point is when this integration will kick off, or for how long this partnership will last. We'd have to imagine that if after the first year, both companies consider the partnership to be fruitful, then it'd continue. Interestingly, there's no advertising revenue involved here, although Twitter will receive some data-licensing revenue.
One thing's clear: Twitter's CEO Dick Costolo is serious about getting Twitter seen by more people -- especially non-users -- so it's not likely that this will be the last big partnership we'll hear of in the next little while.


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Full service payment solutions provider, Debitsuccess’ Pay Now feature is going from strength to strength with the recent addition of a Pay Now link in all the company’s SMS overdue messages.
Pay Now gives members the reins, allowing them to go online and pay outstanding fees on their membership at any time, without being restricted by regular call centre hours.
Including a personalised link in Debitsuccess SMS overdue messages is proving increasingly successful in ensuring overdue bills are paid via this medium. Since October 2013, this mechanism has increased payment collection by approximately 20%, while maintaining existing levels of collection through the contact centre.
The introduction of Pay Now has been a success because it’s well understood that consumers are swiftly adopting more of their basic financial activities through their smartphone. It’s immediate, convenient and saves hassle.
While most other direct debit companies are using a pre-debit SMS to remind customers about their upcoming payments, a recent Debitsuccess trial of such a service with a major fitness chain resulted in something surprising.
At the outset, we were anticipating the pre-debit SMS service would be well received and result in more payments being made on time. The outcome was much different; with the reversal rate (payments defaulting) actually increasing by 5% to 15%.
This data suggests that pre-debit SMS reminders will not provide the return on investment you would expect from such a service – however the numbers speak for themselves and the ‘Pay Now’ format is having increasing success.


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North American International Auto Show Set to Launch AutoMobili-D
The North American International Auto Show will be launch AutoMobili-D, a dedicated exposition focused on the rapidly evolving global automotive and mobility landscape.
Spearheaded by NAIAS, AutoMobili-D will run in conjunction with the 2017 auto show this coming January in Detroit and will feature more than 100 companies, including automakers, tier one suppliers and tech startups.
“AutoMobili-D will provide an international look at the ever-changing world of consumer mobility and the ecosystem of companies and innovations that are driving this exciting transformation,” said Sam Slaughter, 2017 NAIAS chairman.
He added, “Being in the Motor City, NAIAS garners the largest industry concentration of any show in the world, bringing in nearly 40,000 executives, engineers, designers and thought leaders. AutoMobili-D will provide the ideal platform for business to business networking and thought provoking demonstrations.”
AutoMobili-D will feature 120,000 square feet and attending executives, industry professionals and journalists will have the opportunity to experience firsthand advanced driver assist and autonomous vehicle functionality on a dedicated test track all in one building.
Unique communities of participating companies and tech start-ups will cover the following five key mobility areas: Autonomous Driving, Connected Car Technologies, E-Mobility, Mobility Services and Urban Mobility
“For the past year we’ve been working on this initiative and traveling the world meeting with automakers, suppliers and partners on this project and the feedback and interest has been phenomenal,” said Rod Alberts, NAIAS executive director.
He added, “With strong support from leading automakers, to the world’s largest suppliers and innovators like ZF, IBM and Schaeffler, all are eager to participate in AutoMobili-D and showcase their advanced technologies and mobility plans. We also have support from the world renowned American Center for Mobility to highlight all of the mobility developments happening here in Michigan.”
Content curation for AutoMobili-D is being led by The House of New Mobility, an internationally recognized thought leader in the mobility and innovation space.
“We’re experiencing a tremendous technology shift in our industry and the American Center for Mobility (ACM) has been established to be the leader in automated and connected car testing, development, and standards-setting at a scale unmatched in the world,” said John Maddox, CEO, American Center for Mobility. “We’re excited about the North American International Auto Show’s AutoMobili-D, as it will provide ACM a global platform to connect and share best practices with leading automakers and suppliers that are breaking ground in the mobility space.”
AutoMobili-D will showcase a special innovation community within the exposition that will feature more than 50 startups. NAIAS partnered with Techstars Mobility, based in Detroit, to curate the roster of participating startups and provide its expertise on innovators looking to disrupt the transportation industry.
Home to an extraordinary array of automotive research and development and advanced manufacturing assets, Detroit and Michigan has quickly established themselves as the global epicenter for connected and autonomous vehicle research and technology. With more than 89,000 engineers, Michigan ranks first in the nation for its concentration of engineering talent and number of automotive related businesses (462). In 2014, Michigan led the United States in connected vehicle projects (45), a growth of 50 percent from the previous year.
“The way the world views mobility is being reshaped and redefined right here in Michigan,” Alberts said.
He added, “There’s unparalleled research, design, testing and infrastructure development happening right in our backyard. When coupled with the global stage NAIAS provides, this creates the ideal venue for both established companies and tech startups alike to showcase their technologies and future products to an unrivaled concentration of industry peers and international media.”


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Rx HealthCare Magic, which runs the portal HealthcareMagic.com, has raised its first round of funding of $2.5 million from Accel India, VCCircle has learned. Kunal Sinha, founder and CEO of Rx HealthCare Magic, has confirmed the investment. The funding will be released in tranches as company meets its milestones.
Bangalore-based HealthcareMagic is a medical consultation and referral portal which allows users to interact live with doctors. It currently has around 50 employees, which include 34 doctors. While some of these doctors are full time employees, others are consultants on contract. The company earns its revenues through medical consultations. The interaction can be done either through internet or through mobile phones.
While payment for online consultations is done through credit cards, for mobile phone HeatlhcareMagic has signed up deals with network operators. The mobile phone consultations are done at charge of Rs 8-10 per minute, said Sinha. HealthcareMagic has tied up with five operators – Reliance Communications, Idea Cellular, Aircel, BPL Mobile and Tata Teleservices, while only BPL is live currently.
The company was providing its services free of cost for 10 months between January and October ’08. “We would be cash flow positive in next 3-4 months,” said Sinha. It has clocked more than half a million medical interactions since its launch.
Sinha expects usage to rise up once the agreements with operators are active. “When we signed up with BPL, there was a surge in mobile calls by more than 8-10%,” adds Sinha.
It has also signed up with insurers like ICICI Lombard and Bajaj Allianz, under which policyholders can consult as part of their policy.
HealthcareMagic plans to invest the funds on technical infrastructure, which involves expansion of internet servers, call centre, call recording etc. The company also plans to expand sales and marketing and invest in operations.
This is the second venture of Sinha, an IIT Kanpur graduate. Sinha had earlier started Techunified, a software product firm, which was sold to Sarabhai Group firm ORG Informatics in 2007.
Accel India, which was known as Erasmic Venture Funds before merging with US-based venture capital firm Accel Partners last year, is investing out of its recently closed $60 million fund
This story has been provided by our content partner VCCircle


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- City Fajr Shuruq Duhr Asr Magrib Isha
- Dubai 05:28 06:47 12:13 15:10 17:33 18:51
Apple has removed the New York Times from its China app store, the tech giant said, after authorities told the company the app breached regulations.
The newspaper said both its English and Chinese-language apps were pulled late last month, blocking one of the few remaining channels for readers in China to access its reports.
"For some time now the New York Times app has not been permitted to display content to most users in China, and we have been informed that the app is in violation of local regulations," Apple spokeswoman Carolyn Wu said in a statement to AFP.
"As a result, the app must be taken down off the China App Store."
When the situation changes, she added, Apple will offer the app again for download in China.
The latest development marks the latest move by Beijing to suppress the newspaper's publications in China, after the government blocked its website following a 2012 Times report saying that former Premier Wen Jiabao's family controlled assets worth $2.7 billion.
Incoming correspondents for The New York Times were not given Chinese residence visas in apparent retaliation.
China's Communist Party oversees a vast censorship apparatus designed to censor online content they deem politically sensitive, while blocking some Western websites and the services of Internet giants including Facebook, Twitter and Google.
In recent months Beijing censors had "struggled" to prevent readers from using the Chinese-language app, the Times reported.
A Times spokeswoman said the company asked Apple to reconsider its decision, it added.
"The request by the Chinese authorities to remove our apps is part of their wider attempt to prevent readers in China from accessing independent news coverage by The New York Times of that country," spokeswoman Eileen Murphy said.
China has seen a sprawling crackdown on dissent under President Xi Jinping, restricting citizens' speech online and jailing hundreds of lawyers who had taken on civil rights cases considered sensitive by the ruling party.
The world's number two economy is a crucial market for Apple products, and a key part of its supply chain.
But sales of the iPhone have slumped lately, with revenues in the key "Greater China" market down 30 percent in the fourth quarter to $8.8 billion, according to Apple's annual report.
Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.


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Around 1,500 medical shops in the district will remain closed on May 10 in response to the nationwide bandh call given by All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) to protest against the ‘unjust’ policies of the government which were detrimental to the interest of drug dealers.
Announcing this at a media conference here on Wednesday, secretary of the Visakhapatnam District Drug Trade Association V. Sitaramaiah said that apart from closure of drug stores, rallies and protests would be organised on that day. He appealed to the public to purchase their emergency drug requirements before the strike. He, however, said that drug stores in government and private hospitals and at some junctions would be kept open on the strike day to avoid inconvenience to the public.
The main demands of the drug dealers include: not to reduce the trade margins on medicines in the forthcoming Drugs (Price Control) Order 2013, to resolve the long pending issue of shortage of pharmacists and suitably amend Rule 65 (15) (c) of Drugs and Cosmetic Rules to permit the partners/proprietor as a qualified person to dispense the medicines, to give relief under Section 19 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 to the dealer to has acted in true faith, if he submits valid documents of transactions and administration without prosecuting him till his guilt was proved and not allowing Foreign Direct Investments in distribution and retailing of medicines as there were over 25 lakh employees were dependent on drug distribution for a livelihood.
Association treasurer K.CH. Butchi Raju and president M.V. Naidu were present.


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Posted 9 September 2013
The winner of a dairy industry trade award sponsored by Harper Adams University has been announced as Ruth Lawson.
Ruth, who works for W.E Jameson & Son Ltd, was presented with the prize at the 2013 Cream Awards at the National Motorcycle Museum near Birmingham.
Harper Adams sponsored the Knowledge Transfer Award; Dairy Nutritionist of the Year category, with around 450 guests in attendance at the event.
The 30 Awards were presented by BBC Countryfile’s Adam Henson, with Dr Gordie Jones from Central Sands Dairy, Wisconsin, giving an inspiring talk about health and welfare on US farms.
Aside from Ruth, Roy Eastlake from Biotal Ltd and Hefin Richards from Profeed Nutrition Consultancy were also shortlisted for the Harper Adams-sponsored award.


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MOORESVILLE, N.C., Dec. 1, 2020 — From financial hardships to the upheaval of traditional gatherings, the COVID-19 pandemic will impact the way thousands of Americans celebrate the holidays this year. In an effort to spread holiday joy to those who need it most, Lowe’s (NYSE: LOW) announced today it will be donating and delivering $1 million worth of pre-lit Christmas trees to families and organizations impacted by the pandemic. Over the next two weeks, Lowe’s will partner with the NFL and nonprofits nationwide to deliver more than 13,000 Christmas trees to homes and facilities in need of extra cheer, from childcare and youth centers to first responder stations and nonprofit housing organizations.
“This has been a tough year for so many people who deserve nothing but joy and festivity this holiday season. I was so touched by what Lowe’s is doing to make the holidays a little brighter for these special families and organizations, and just knew I had to get involved,” said Dak Prescott, quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. “Giving back is what the holidays are all about, and it’s an honor to be a part of these tree deliveries alongside so many other incredible NFL players and organizations.”
Through Prescott’s Faith Fight Finish Foundation, Prescott will partner with six Dallas-area organizations and nonprofits to donate more than 100 pre-lit Christmas trees to deserving families.
In addition to participation from Prescott, NFL players including Jared Goff, Adam Thielen and Andy Dalton are joining Lowe’s to deliver Christmas trees to families through organizations they’ve personally selected within their local communities. Select players from the Lowe’s Home Team, a group giving back to their NFL hometowns throughout the season, such as Kelvin Beachum, C.J. Ham, Calvin Ridley and Robert Woods, are also supporting the initiative different ways, with more details surrounding player involvement to follow.
“At a time when holiday moments at home are more important than ever, we wanted to spread a little joy to those who have been impacted most by the pandemic this year,” said Marisa Thalberg, Lowe’s executive vice president, chief brand and marketing officer. “With the holidays upon us, this initiative is one way we are giving back to ensure even more people can brighten their homes this season.”
With national and local tree lightings cancelled this year, Lowe’s is also encouraging consumers to spread joy by sharing on social media their own tree lighting experience using #HomeUnitesUs on Giving Tuesday and throughout the holiday season. Participating organizations and families receiving trees will also participate on social media, spreading light one community at a time.
To read about some of the families receiving deliveries, visit Lowe’s Newsroom and follow Lowe’s on social media.
Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE® 50 home improvement company serving approximately 18 million customers a week in the United States and Canada. With fiscal year 2019 sales of $72.1 billion, Lowe’s and its related businesses operate or service more than 2,200 home improvement and hardware stores and employ approximately 300,000 associates. Based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s supports the communities it serves through programs focused on creating safe, affordable housing and helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts. For more information, visit Lowes.com.
As First Published on /PRNewswire/


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Nissan’s British production plant in Sunderland, which is widely famous for efficiency and quality, achieves a new production milestone as the six millionth car rolls off the assembly lines. In 2010 alone, the Sunderland plant made 423,262 units, of which 81% were exported. With this new record Nissan maintains its status as UK’s biggest car producer in every year since 1998.
The previous record for production at Nissan Sunderland Plant stood at 386,555 units in 2008, which fell in 2009 as a result of the global financial crisis to 338,150 units. In 2010 production not only recovered but surpassed the previous record by 45,707 units.
One of the models that contributed greatly to this record was the popular Qashqai crossover. A third shift was added to the Qashqai line in May 2010, boosting annual production of Qashqai and Qashqai+2 to 271,188, up from 198,841 in 2009 and 224,989 in 2008. They’ve also made 44,622 Nissan Jukes, 54,580 Nissan Micras, and 52,872 Nissan Notes.
The 6 millionth milestone car is a Force Red Nissan Juke, which passed its final safety and quality checks on January 18.
Nissan’s Vice President for Manufacturing in the UK, Kevin Fitzpatrick, commented: “2010 was a landmark year for the plant and represents a superb achievement by our workforce.
“This performance also reflects the popularity of the models we are producing in Sunderland, especially the Nissan Qashqai and the new Nissan Juke, which have both been designed, engineered and built in the UK.
“By focusing on cost competitiveness, quality and being responsive to fluctuating customer demand, we have experienced significant growth in our operation where others have declined. This winning formula will be the key to securing future new products and continued growth.”
The 2010 calendar year also saw Nissan announce that the 100% electric Nissan LEAF, the new European Car of the Year, would be manufactured at Sunderland from 2013. Construction work is progressing well on the new battery plant at Sunderland, which will produce lithium-ion batteries for the Nissan LEAF. The first UK customers will receive their Nissan LEAF in the coming weeks, having benefited from the £5,000 UK Government Plug-In Car Grant.


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Gregory Birge, founder and managing director at F5 Digital Consulting, looks at how the blockbuster Inception really represents the new marketing challenges.
Gregory Birge, founder and CEO of F5 Digital Consulting in Singapore, is the proud new owner of an iPad following its release earlier this month. Here is why he believes the iPad is going to revolutionise the way we handle computers.
Top news, insights and analysis every weekday
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I came across this article (attached) about a new British company that has recently listed on the Nasdaq. Big questions about whether it can succeed, but it's an interesting take on the possible future of local manufacturing, and not just for vehicles. If successful, it could presumably have an impact on the issues of on-shoring, local community development and not to mention the ESG sector.
Thank you for this email and the attached article from the Times. Here is a section:
One reason why the prediction is more convincing this time can be found on an industrial estate in Oxfordshire. Arrival will start producing electric vans at its first small plant outside Bicester soon in what the company believes will be a turning point for global manufacturing. Avinash Rugoobur, the former General Motors executive who is Arrival’s chief strategy officer, says that not only the motor industry will be watching closely. “Many other industries will say: ‘If Arrival can do it in automotive, why can’t we do it in our sector?’ ”
Valued at about $10 billion after its recent flotation on Nasdaq, Arrival has been working for five years on the necessary technology. Denis Sverdlov, its founder, a Russian telecoms tycoon and former government minister, believes that using highly automated small plants can be dramatically cheaper than traditional large factories. A decentralised model also should reduce carbon emissions and deliver big economic benefits to the microfactories’ communities thanks to localised supply chains.
To apply this approach to vehicles has required a fundamental redesign of the products. Arrival makes its bodies from coloured composite materials, doing away with the metal pressing and painting that take up much of a traditional car plant. Although Arrival makes some use of 3D printing, Rugoobur says that “3D printing can be an enabler of decentralised manufacturing, but is not the only way of getting there”.
During the pandemic, many of these techniques were used by British companies to produce personal protection equipment and medical components when supplies from China were interrupted. In addition to fears about the resilience of supplies, companies have been worried about rising wages in China and the rising costs of transport. The Suez Canal snarl up has heightened concerns. At the same time, many western governments have said that they want to build up domestic manufacturing in critical industries, a resolve only strengthened by the vaccine wars.
One of the most attractive points about electric vehicles is they are much less complicated to manufacture than conventional internal combustion models. That allows for innovation in business models.
Economies of scale models mean every incremental product pays off the investment in infrastructure. If initial investment is low it allows pay back to be achieved earlier but with less room to build on the investment because scale is limited.
Tesla is going for economies for scale. Arrival is hoping to build cheaper by staying small and local. Others will try to create subscription models for vehicles to stretch the maturity and cashflows from products. All of these models look viable in a low interest rate environment because there is less pressure to deliver financial results. Arrival’s $10 billion valuation, with no sales, is a clear example of that.
Bond prices, gold and the largest tech companies peaked within a week of one another in August. Microsoft broke out to new highs last week. Facebook broke out to new highs yesterday. Amazon, Apple, Nvidia, Netflix and others have all firmed from their respective trend means.
Investors have concluded bond yields are less likely to rise further from here so the headwind for growth stocks is likely to moderate. That’s particularly true following the release of the Fed’s minutes which confirmed their statements that rates are not about to rise any time soon.
That’s also positive for the SPACs and IPO ETFs which have reverted to their means over the last couple of months.
It’s also why gold continues to rebound. A bounce from the $1700 area is overdue and a reversion back towards the mean near $1860 appears likely.Back to top


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Northern Nigeria Flour Mills Plc has announced a turnover of N8.533 billion in its audited result for the year ended 31st March 2009
According to the results, the figure reflected an increase by 55%, over the N5.501 billion in 2008.
The leading flour miller in the North also achieved a significant feat in its profit after tax, which improved by 310% to N236.3 million, compared with N57.6 million in 2008.
As a result of the performance, the Company's board of directors have recommended a dividend of 40 kobo per share to its shareholders, with a closure date of September 21, 2009 and payment date of October 30, 2009.
A cursory look at the Company's earnings showed that it had been on the part of growth over the years. Its Q3 earnings report for the period ended 31st December 2008 highlighted significant improvement in its key financial index.
It recorded a turnover of N6.6 billion then, compared with N3.75 billion recorded in same period of 2007. Itsprofit after tax grew from N85.6 million in 2007 to N99.4 million in 2008.
The management of the company has adopted strategies to substantially upgrade its production capacity so as to meet its increasing demand for its products.
NNFM is a subsidiary of Flour Mills Nigeria Plc, which has substantial interest in others industries such as Apapa Bulk Terminal Limited, Flour Mills Registrars Limited, Golden Shipping Company Nigeria Limited, Golden Pasta Company Limited, Niger Mills Company Limited, Nigerian Bag Manufacturing Company Plc, United Cement Company of Nigeria Limited, among others.
Its share price has been stagnant at N18.88 per share since 24th July, 2009.


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Rokt CEO Bruce Buchanan and Sharon Edelson from Forbes recently sat down to discuss the evolution of ecommerce and how AI and advanced technology helps ecommerce businesses increase brand engagement and unlock new revenues in the Transaction Moment while delivering a superior and individualized experience for each customer.
The article delves into Bruce’s background as CEO at Jetstar and the moment he realized how crucial it was for ecommerce businesses to make the Transaction Moment more relevant for brands and consumers. “The economic consequences of solving this problem are enormous,” he said. “We decided when we looked at ecommerce transactions, there were display ads or coupons. We didn’t want to be built around advertising problems. We decided to rethink the way advertising should work in a commerce transaction. We leveraged both contextual and transactional information, resulting in an engagement rate that is about 50 times higher and results in higher revenue for partners.”
Read the full article on Forbes.


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If you've recently broken your iPhone and don't have insurance or AppleCare, you can save yourself some money and purchase a refurbished iPhone directly from Apple.
As MacRumors reported, Apple recently added iPhones to its refurbished storefront for the first time. In the past, Apple has used the same website to sell refurbished Macs, iPads, iPods, Apple TVs, and accessories.
The listings are currently limited to 16GB or 64GB iPhone 6S models, all of which are unlocked and will work on nearly any wireless carrier.
When purchasing a refurbished device instead of a new one, your overall savings depend on the model and storage.
Apple no longer sells a 16GB or 64GB model of either size iPhone 6S, making it tough to do direct price comparisons. However, you most certainly will save money by going the refurbished route if a 64GB phone will work for you.
For example, you can buy a refurbished iPhone 6S Plus with 64GB of storage for $589, or a new iPhone 6S Plus with 32GB of storage for $649.
One of the biggest advantages of buying a refurbished phone from Apple is the fact the company thoroughly tests each device and guarantees it with a full one-year warranty from the date you purchase it. Apple also replaces all outer shells and batteries on refurbished devices, which makes the device feel and function like a new phone would.
Purchasing a refurbished device from Apple may still be more expensive than buying a used phone off Craigslist or eBay, but at least you have the peace of mind in knowing it has been checked, repaired, and certified by Apple.


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As a world first for the worldwide automotive brand, BMW Middle East has launched its very own Esports gaming tournament, and anyone across the GCC can get involved.
BMW’s Battle of the Gamers is the brand’s local initiative to bring Esports in the Middle East to the next level, offering an online-only tournament with a total prize pool of $50,000 (around Dhs183,600) across multiple games.
Not only does the concept include tournaments for Fortnite, Dota 2, Rocket League, Brawlhalla, FIFA and more, but also in-game coaching programmes and monthly podcasts.
Tournaments will be held for three days a week over a three-month period, which started back on May 14 with Dota 2. Selected games will be streamed live, and will include live commentaries.
As for the in-game coaching programme titled The BMW Esports Academy, it welcomes casual players and pros for online classes around gaming topics, including getting insights from coaches, pro gamers and game analysts.
For pro gamers, they can expect preparation and training for tournaments, live chats, Q&A sessions and even club scouting. As for casual players looking to up their game, expect technical coaching, tips, tricks and training sessions, the chance to join 1v1 challenges and playing with a pro coach.
“Despite the Middle East being the world's fastest growing gaming market, Esports is still very much in a development stage,” said sales and marketing director of BMW Group Middle East Lars Nielsen.
“BMW Middle East intends to take the regional gaming ecosystem to the next level. We want to put emphasis on one of the world’s strongest gaming markets, encouraging both professional and casual participation and ultimately bring joy to consumers. We can see the true power of Esports within the region and believe that this project will be a huge success.”
You can find out more by heading here.
For more things on gaming in Dubai and beyond, click here.


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Heineken back on TV
Heineken has launched the second TV ad in its Open Your World campaign.
The 60-second spot is called The Date and tells the story of the “Heineken Legend” taking a woman out on a date.
The ad was shot on location in London and has a Bollywood track as its score.
Premium lagers brands director Bruce Reinders said: “The Date, which follows Heineken’s previous TV ad, The Entrance, attracted more than 4 million hits on YouTube in the first three weeks of its launch when it was released through Video On Demand in January. That number has since risen to almost 10 million hits, and the new six-week TV burst will help to continue to spread Heineken’s Open Your World message throughout the UK.
“Like its campaign predecessor, The Entrance, The Date plays cleverly and effectively on the popularity of ads which use humour and excitement to engage viewers and the brand’s worldly, open-minded and confident personality is perfectly conveyed through the new ad – proving that in every Heineken drinker there is a legendary hero in the making.”
The Date will be shown on ITV1, Channel 4, Channel 5, Sky 1, ITV2 and ITV4.


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Mar 02, 15Abarth 500 Bi-Colore Edition launched in UK
Abarth has launched the 500 Bi-Colore Edition in United Kingdom where it will be available in a limited series of 50 cars.
Feb 24, 15Fiat Doblo Trekking announced
Fiat has announced plans to introduce the new Doblo Trekking at the Geneva Motor Show.
Feb 24, 15Fiat 500 Vintage '57 will bring retro looks to Geneva
The countdown to the Geneva Motor Show continues as Fiat has taken the wraps off the 500 Vintage '57.
Feb 24, 15Fiat Panda K-Way revealed
Set to debut at the Geneva Motor Show, the special edition was jointly-developed with K-Way and features a colorful exterior and a unique cabin.
Feb 19, 152016 Fiat 500 facelift spied inside & out
While there isn't much to see, the pictures suggested the facelifted model will have modified bumpers and a slightly revised grille.
Feb 11, 15Mazda MX-5’s sister car could be a Fiat 124 Spider revival due in 2016
British media is reporting Mazda MX-5's sister car could take the shape of a Fiat 124 Spider revival.
Feb 02, 152016 Fiat 500X priced from $20,000 [video]
Fiat has disclosed pricing details for the 2016MY 500X set to go on sale in United States in the second quarter of the year.
Jan 17, 15Audi interested in buying Q2 and Q4 names but FCA refuses to sell
British media reports there is a bit of a dispute between Audi and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) regarding the "Q2" and "Q4" monikers.
Jan 16, 15Fiat 500 facelift spied in northern Italy
The 2016 Fiat 500 facelift has been spied once again, this time undergoing testing in Turin, northern Italy.
Jan 13, 15Fiat/Abarth Roadster pushed back several months
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne has announced the Fiat/Abarth roadster has been delayed several months.
Jan 09, 15Fiat 500 sets new Guinness World Record for the Tightest Parallel Parking job [video]
Professional stunt driver Alistair Moffatt has set a new Guinness World Record for the tightest parallel parking job.
Jan 04, 15Abarth Roadster rendering previews a Mazda MX-5-based roadster for some markets
Theophilus Chin has created a virtual roadster, based on the Mazda MX-5 that could be sold in some markets with Italian badge
Dec 31, 14Corvette Stingray holds its value the best, Mitsubishi Mirage the worst
The National Automobile Dealers Association has revealed the results of their 2014 retention value report.
Dec 30, 142016 Fiat 500 facelift spied for the first time
Our spies have managed to snap the first photos of the facelifted Fiat 500.
Dec 28, 14Fiat 500 Plus rendered as a Punto successor
Remco Meulendijk of RM Design has digitally illustrated the Fiat 500 Plus as a successor for the aging Punto.
Dec 24, 14Fiat reportedly trademarks 124 nameplate
Fiat has reportedly filed applications to trademark the 124 nameplate which could indicate the company is planning a new model
Dec 19, 14Indian Fiat owner has been driving his car backwards since 2003 [video]
A funny new video shows us a man in India that has been driving his old Fiat backwards since 2003
Dec 11, 14Romeo Ferraris Cinquone introduced with up to 248 PS
Romeo Ferraris has introduced their first homologated production vehicle called the Cinquone.
Dec 11, 142015 Fiat Doblo revealed with revised styling inside & out
Previewed by the Ram ProMaster City, the facelifted Doblo has a new front fascia with a revised grille and restyled headlights.
Dec 03, 14007 to drive a Fiat 500 in upcoming Bond flick
James Bond lost his Aston Martin DB5 at the end of Skyfall but it appears he has a replacement as a new report is indicating the famous Ian Fleming character will drive a Fiat 500 in an upcoming movie...
Dec 02, 1428.5-liter four-cylinder Fiat engine started after 100 years [video]
Duncan Pittway brought back to life the gigantic four-cylinder 28.5-liter engine from a Fiat S76.
Nov 20, 142016 Fiat 500X arrives in L.A. with two engines [video]
Fiat has staged the North American debut of the 2016 500X at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Nov 12, 14Fiat 500X gets Mopar-ized, company to offer 100 styling accessories
Mopar has unveiled a range of new styling accessories for the Fiat 500X.
Nov 12, 14Fiat 600 renderings preview a Punto successor
Designer David Obendorfer is back with new renderings, this time showing a modern successor for the Fiat 600
Nov 11, 14Fiat 500X detailed in 177 photos, goes on sale in first half of 2015
Fiat has released a comprehensive photo gallery with the recently introduced 500X
Nov 10, 14Fiat Bravo facelift revealed in Brazil
Fiat Brazil has introduced a moderate facelift for the locally produced Bravo hatchback.
Nov 10, 14Angry Italian destroys his own Fiat 500 after it failed to start
It was only last week when Consumer Reports named the Fiat 500 L the least reliable car on sale today and now we have the living proof for that
Nov 07, 14Fiat 500 Ribelle & 500L Urbana Trekking announced
Fiat has announced plans to introduce two special editions at the Miami Auto Show.
Nov 07, 14Fiat investing $1 billion in Bravo, Linea and Stilo MultiWagon replacements due 2016
Fiat has announced a $1 billion investment to launch a lineup of compact cars in Europe starting 2016.
Nov 02, 142016 Fiat Strada spied undergoing testing in Germany
A prototype for the 2016 Fiat Strada - or a variant of it - has been spied undergoing testing in Germany.


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Aminaka Wilmont win Fashion Fringe 2007
Design duo Aminaka Wilmont have been chosen as the winners in 2007's Fashion Fringe competition and the pair were delighted when they were presented with the prize trophy designed by Manolo Blanik and presented by Tom Ford. Fashion Fringe's founder, Colin McDowell, welcomed guests to the event which was held in a double venue in Covent Garden.
The first part was the show itself where we got to see the collections created by this year's four finalists, (Graeme Armour, Andrea McWha, De-jan and winners Aminaka Wilmont) in a marquee set up in Covent Garden Piazza. Then after the show, guests which included a very chatty Naomi Campbell, walked across the Piazza to another venue for champagne and nibbles whilst awaiting the result.
Fashion Fringe was set up by esteemed fashion writer Colin McDowell in 2004 to help new designers get their businesses started and for the first year the prize money was a wapping £100k. Basso and Brooke scooped the first award, then Erdem in 2005 and last year Birmingham-born Gavin Douglas. Gavin, Bruno Basso and Chris Brooke all attended the show. Gavin was delighted to tell us about how he came to make his own shoes this season and Basso and Brooke gave us the lowdown on The Memphis Collective, which they, along with Jonathan Saunders and Spijkers and Spijkers have all quoted as inspirations this season.
Aminaka Wilmont met whilst working for Robert-Carey Williams and set up their own name label two years ago. Wedding bells could be ringing soon, apparently the partners told Colin McDowell that they would get married if they won! They will receive support and funding (worth we're told in the region of £100k but this is no longer given as a cash prize and the organisers no longer reveal what money is given directly to the winners) including mentoring and business advice.
Words & photo: Marian Buckley


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Service Robotics sales take off. It sold 4 million of domestic robots and personal in 2013, it is 28% in one year. A turnover of $ 1.7 billion at the global level which may seem but that should grow very rapidly modest. The IFR estimates these robots intended for the general public sales will reach 31 million units between 2014 and 2017. In parallel, the professional market is more progressing with a decrease of 2% in one year. A misleading figure since drops military drones orders hide sharp increases, especially in the logistics market.
Sales of consumer robots are progressing quickly
It is clearly the public that today takes service Robotics market. Robot vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers and small educational robots today represent the majority of sales. The IFR (International Federation of Robotics) considers that the public interest will not falter in the next 3 years with 31 million robots that should sell by 2017.
The professional market is already much more important in terms of value. It already represents 3.6 billion to 21,000 robots only. This market has experienced a slight decrease in 2013, notably because of decreases in military orders. It sold 9,500 military robots in 2013, essentially drones to 8,500 units. Sales decreased by 12%. However land robots, such as robots deminers have increased by 80%, 750 units. With 45% of the number of robots sold, defence remains buyer number 1 robots services, far ahead of logistics, medical applications, in construction or cleaning.
Logistics applications have experienced strong growth in 2013. 1.900 robots or rather logistical systems have been sold in 2013, it is 37% more than in 2012. These bots now represent 9% of the sales of professional service robots.
Big gaps in sales of professional robots
If industrial equip robots to move loads in their factories, it is paradoxically in the countryside found most of service robots. It sold 5.100 dairy milking robots in 2013 (+ 6%). 40,000 would be currently in function in barns while cleaning robots, crop hitting the market.
Finally, the medical robots market has experienced a slight decrease in 2013, with 1,300 robots sold (-2%). Surgical robots accounted for 1,000 of these 1,300 robots. These figures appear low, but these robots have an average price of the order of $ 1.5 million if one includes services and accessories. This market therefore already reached US $ 1.45 billion.
Translation : Bing Translator
“Service Robots: Logistic systems on the rise”, Communiqué de presse IFR, September 30, 2014


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It's a do-or-die week for Nokia Chief Executive Stephen Elop.
Charged with turning around the beleaguered mobile-phone giant 15 months ago, Mr. Elop is counting on a new Nokia smartphone to rival the iPhone in the U.S. market.
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Sharing the seasonal staple is a “great place to get fresh produce and other homemade goods,” Bethany Brady is encouraging area residents to attend this year’s Adairsville Farmer’s Market.
Starting June 6, the north Bartow offering will occur each Saturday through Aug. 29 from 8 a.m. to noon in the Downtown Public Square’s lower parking lot.
“We are excited about the annual Adairsville Farmer’s Market taking place, the majority of last year's vendors have confirmed again for this year,” said Brady, marketing and event coordinator for the city of Adairsville. “… We will be spacing out vendors 6 feet apart to do our part in the social distancing efforts.
“We do encourage attendees to wear a mask and recommend gloves for transactions. The downtown square is large enough to accommodate this outdoor event.”
Like last year, the market will be presented by the city of Adairsville.
“The city handles coordinating the vendors, advertisements, days, times and setup,” Brady said. “Our local farmers rely on these Saturday markets to help with the sale of their produce and homemade goods.
“This is another opportunity for our community to continue to support our local farmers as our community has done an incredible job supporting local restaurants and businesses during this difficult time.”
Further details about the Adairsville Farmer’s Market can be obtained by following the event on Instagram @cityofadairsville and Facebook @cityofadairsville306.
“The city of Adairsville has been and will continue to follow the guidance being provided at the state and federal levels,” Adairsville City Manager Pam Madison said. “We have adjusted operations to be in compliance with the recommendations from both.
“While other events have been canceled or postponed, we believe this outdoor event will be beneficial to our community as we start transitioning back to full operations once the state of emergency is lifted.”


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BlackBerry is reconstructing its management in many parts of the globe and same can be seen in India as well, today Canada based company, BlackBerry has announced that they had appointed Mr. Narendra Nayak as their new Managing Director For India, he has over 30 years’ experience in IT & Telecom business management. Mr. Narendra Nayak is going to take place of Sunil Lalvani who had quite BlackBerry in June this year.
Mr. Nayak will be responsible for driving BlackBerry’s software and services business through all channels in India – direct enterprise customers, network operators, distribution partners and BlackBerry’s growing ecosystem of indirect channels in India, which include Value-Added Reseller (VAR), Systems Integrator and Reseller partners.
Carl Wiese, President, Global Sales, BlackBerry, said: “Narendra joins us at a pivotal time, as we continue to transform our business from one fueled by the sale of smartphones, into the leading enterprise software provider focused on cross-platform mobile security and productivity. These are exciting times for BlackBerry in India, and I look forward to Narendra motivating our team and driving our business in the market forwards.”
Narendra Nayak, Managing Director – India, BlackBerry, said: “I am excited to join BlackBerry, a brand synonymous with mobile security. I look forward to building our business here in India by ensuring we are helping enterprise and government organizations select and implement an end-to-end mobile security strategy – whatever the device or devices they are using.”


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India continues to be one of the main growth markets for DHL Express which opened a new USD 100 million South Asia Hub in Singapore today. India-led South Asian markets accounted for 30 per cent growth in express cargo deliveries for DHL between 2012-15, the company’s executives said, adding that India itself is a double-digit growth market. The company, which inaugurated the new 140 million Singapore dollar (USD 100 million) South Asia Hub here, serves India with two dedicated daily flights to Bangalore and Delhi as well as commercial flights for express cargo deliveries to Mumbai, the officials said.
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The two dedicated flights to Bangalore and Delhi offers 195 tonnes per flight six times a week.
South Asia accounts for 30 per cent of the company’s daily shipment growth between 2012-2015, said Ken Lee, CEO of DHL Express Asia Pacific.
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Oceania accounts 50 per cent and South East Asia about 25 per cent, he said.
“India is a double-digit growth market for DHL Express,” said Sean Wall, executive vice president for network, operations and aviation for Asia Pacific.
The 24-hour express hub facility located within Changi Airfreight Centre at Singapore Changi Airport, spread across 23,600 square metres, is outfitted with the industry’s first fully automated express parcel sorting and processing system in South Asia and is set to boost its operational capacity and efficiency at DHL Express.
“The facility in Singapore processes up to 24,000 shipments and documents per hour and can handle over 628 tonnes of cargo during the peak processing window – tripling our cargo handling capacity and processing shipments six times faster as compared to the manual operations in the previous hub,” said Frank-Uwe Ungerer, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DHL Express Singapore.


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Yesterday we published an article that focused on BlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins suggesting that the tablet market will die out in five years. We did not of course put much stock in that particular assessment. We suspect that research firm IDC probably doesn't put much stock in it either. The company has just come out with its Worldwide Quarterly Tablet Tracker report and all indications are that the tablet market is growing by leaps and bounds.
In fact, according to IDC tablet shipments grew to 49.2 million units - a whopping 142.4 percent increase year over year in Q1 2013. That number was greater than all tablet sales for the entire first half of 2012. As Apple noted during its recent earnings call, the company managed to sell 19.5 million iPads in Q1 2013 - a huge increase in sales of 65.3 percent year over year. That number is notable because there is almost always a fairly significant drop between Q1 and the preceding Q4 - which is the holiday buying season quarter. Sales of iPads were indeed strong.
It is worth noting that Apple continues to dominate among individual vendors - though its overall share of the global tablet market declined - which is hardly surprising and completely to be expected, its own sales skyrocketed along with the tablet market itself.
Samsung on its own - and we suspect primarily on the strength of the marketing buzz it has created around its Samsung Galaxy smartphones, managed to deliver above expectations as well. Though the company "only" sold 8.8 million tablets in Q1 2013, for Samsung it represented a 282.6 percent leap in sales. As did Apple, Samsung also handily beat out its preceding Q4 holiday quarter sales for tablets.
The chart below puts the numbers in perspective for Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, Asus and Amazon - the top five tablet vendors in Q1 2013.
Even the "Others" category grew by over 216 percent. Unfortunately for Heins, his theory on tablets isn't quite going to hold up.
ASUS moved into the number 3 spot and Amazon dropped to the number 4 position. Neither company can even remotely match what Apple is doing with tablet sales or what Samsung is able to pull off.
Tom Mainelli, research director for tablets at IDC suggests that for Apple in particular, "Sustained demand for the iPad mini and increasingly strong commercial shipments led to a better-than expected first quarter for Apple. In addition, by moving the iPad launch to the fourth quarter of 2012, Apple seems to have avoided the typical first-quarter slowdown that traditionally occurred when consumers held off buying in January and February in anticipation of a new product launch in March."
Perhaps the most interesting thing to note is that, as with smartphones, Android is generally now becoming the "collective" market leader in shipped tablets. For some that may scream out as an "Android Kills Off iPad" headline, but we hardly think that is the case. Even at 39.6 percent market share Apple remains the dominant tablet player.
IDC notes that the numbers presented here are preliminary but they will more or less end up reflecting reality. So, what is perhaps the most intriguing number on the chart has to be Microsoft - which has managed to sneak into fifth place on the chart. We don't have any real numbers from Microsoft itself (it didn't provide any during its recent Q1 2013 earnings call) and it has been a speculator's game as to what the Surface Pro and Surface RT numbers might be. Well, IDC has taken its shot - around 900,000 units. IDC further estimates that total combined Windows 8 and Windows RT shipments across all vendors reached 1.8 million units.
Ryan Reith, program manager for IDC's Mobility Tracker program says about Microsoft that, "Recent rumors have circulated about the possibility of smaller screen Windows RT and Windows 8 tablets hitting the market. However, the notion that this will be the saving grace is flawed. Clearly the market is moving toward smart 7-8 inch devices, but Microsoft's larger challenges center around consumer messaging and lower cost competition. If these challenges are addressed, along with the desired screen size variations, then we could see Microsoft make even further headway in 2013 and beyond."
Reith is absolutely right about consumer messaging and costs - issues we've noted often in our own previous analysis. But let's give Microsoft a break. Let's see how the game plays out for the company through the end of the year.
In the meantime, don't let anyone - Heins or otherwise, tell you that the tablet market is headed south. Or that Android is killing the iPad. None of it is true.
TechZone360 Senior Editor
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Fans of a popular food market in Gateshead will find a new addition to the menu when it makes its return for the third year.
The Royal Northern Sinfonia will be helping The Staiths Food Market to hit the right note when it launches on May 12.
The Sage Gateshead-based orchestra will be an added attraction alongside the mix of local artisan food producers and world street food that the market has become known for.
The market takes place on the lower deck of the revamped historic Dunston Staiths - one of Europe’s largest wooden structures - which offers great riverside views.
Regulars often make the most of a visit to explore the site, just a 15-minute walk from the Quayside, and its neighbouring Saltmarsh Gardens.
Then the locally-sourced food at producers’ and street food stalls always offers plenty to explore too, with the likes of specialist meat and game; free range eggs; sauces and preserves; a free-from bakery; cheese, coffee, organic fruit and vegetables plus ales and spirits as well as honey, cakes and patisserie for those with a sweet tooth.
And new additions to this May event will be gourmet grilled cheese, Caribbean BBQ, craft beers, loaded fries and artisan cheesecake.
Sally Vleugels, of Third Space Events which also runs the monthly Low Fell Food Market, said the company is keen to support the work of the Tyne & Wear Building Preservation Trust, which restored the Staiths, to help bring new visitors to the area.
Co-owner and colleague Liz Hall added: “On a sunny day it’s a joy to see families enjoying the space.”
And their visitors on May 12 can do so against a backdrop of music as Royal Northern Sinfonia provides a musical accompaniment to the market.
After that, it will take place on the second Saturday of each month until September.
Gates open at 11am and it runs until 3pm. Entry is 50p and free to under-14s.
For more information see here .


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By now, it’s no secret that Microsoft is purchasing Nokia’s Devices and Services business. With the purchase, Microsoft will integrate Nokia’s hardware business into its own to help push Windows Phone 8 forward. The market isn’t being too kind on the news this morning, but Microsoft assures its investors that the purchase will benefit them in the end.
As part of Steve Ballmer’s email to Microsoft employees this morning, he shared a slideshow that details his company’s rationale for purchasing Nokia’s Devices and Services business. The rationale is split into four areas – accelerate phone share, strengthen overall opportunity, smart acquisition and strong execution plan.
Starting with the first – accelerate phone share – Microsoft says that its Nokia partnership on the Lumia line of Windows Phones has already seen massive success. Since Q3 2012, the number of Windows Phone units shipped has steadily increased each quarter with over 7 million Nokia Windows Phones being shipped in Q2 2013. Microsoft also notes that it has more than 10 percent of the marketshare in nine markets, and is outselling Blackberry in 34 markets.
The second – strengthen overall opportunity – is all about using Windows Phone to improve the health of the entire Windows ecosystem. Microsoft believes that the traditional role of Windows in enterprise software will help elevate Windows Phone into the workplace as well as the home through what it calls the “consumerization of IT” through programs like BYOD. Furthermore, it believes that increased smartphone sales will lead to increased tablet sales and increased tablet sales will lead to increased PC sales.
Interestingly enough, Microsoft notes in this section that it needs to create viable alternatives to services offered by Apple and Google. Microsoft’s current spat with Google over YouTube on Windows Phone is already well known, but it sounds like Microsoft wants to recreate every Google and Apple service for Windows Phone. The more cynical among us will note that Microsoft just wants users to remain in their world, but the company notes that it needs “a first-rate Microsoft phone experience for its users.” Creating its own apps will hopefully accomplish just that.
The third – smart acquisition – assures investors that the purchase of Nokia’s Devices and Services business was a sound decision. The company notes that the purchase used offshore cash so as not to have any impact on investors. It also notes its Windows Phone business will break even through services once it’s able to sell through 50 million devices, and the Nokia purchase will help them reach this threshold faster.
The fourth and final – strong execution plan – is pretty much a repeat of the organizational email Ballmer sent this morning. It notes that Nokia will continue operating as it has been with minimal interference coming from the merger. The Nokia executive team will join Microsoft, but actual phone development will continue unabated in Finland.
On a final note, Microsoft says that it will seek approval for its acquisition from all major international regulatory bodies. If everything goes smoothly, it expects approval by early 2014. By that point, most of the integration should be complete and Microsoft may even have a new CEO.


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Some publishers saw their Facebook traffic nosedive last month, even as Facebook pushes initiatives designed to get users to stay in its app.
A traffic analytics company, speaking anonymously to avoid getting on Facebook’s bad side, said Facebook traffic across clients, representing some of the biggest publishers, declined about 20 percent from January to March. The data showed the biggest drops came from publishers that have been heavily invested in Instant Articles, the fast-loading mobile initiative.
Facebook declined to comment on the record, as did publishers, either to preserve their relationship with Facebook or because they weren’t sure why their traffic was down. But several said they think they’re seeing the flip side of Facebook pushing Instant Articles, along with video. In a sense, that publishers going heavy into Instant would see a decline in referral traffic to their sites is no surprise. Facebook has said that Instant Articles get viewed more than regular old Facebook posts. The issue is that publishers have been limited in their ability to monetize Instant and video.
One publisher, which has been all in on Instant Articles, has seen a commensurate drop in direct traffic, since readers view Instant Articles without leaving the app. “It’s been a shift from bucket to bucket,” this publisher said. Another publisher said traffic from Facebook suddenly fell 25 percent in mid-March and hasn’t recovered. A third said Facebook referral traffic declined by one-fourth in the first three months of the year versus the last quarter of 2015.
Instant Articles launched a year ago with a small group of publishers, and Facebook is about to open it up to all of them. Facebook has also been favoring video and more recently, live video, in people’s feeds.
But Facebook has capped the number of ads publishers can run in Instant Articles, and hasn’t allowed native ads to run there, for example, although that is expected to change with an announcement today. And there’s no clear roadmap for publishers to monetize video.
Not all measurement firms and publishers are reporting the same decline, likely due to different measurement methods and publisher bases.
Chartbeat, which measures publishers including Time, New York Times, The Atlantic and Gawker, found a mixed bag. Anonymized publisher data (which may not include those aforementioned publishers) showed there was a dip in overall Facebook referral traffic for a week in mid-March, but that it later recovered.
Parse.ly found that Facebook referral traffic to publishers (its base includes The Huffington Post, Business Insider and Condé Nast) declined slightly in March to about 45 percent from nearly 50 percent, but has grown over the long term.
The more publishers depend on Facebook for referral traffic, the bigger the impact changes in traffic can have. Last year, Facebook surpassed Google as a referral source for publishers. Some publishers now see upwards of 75 percent of their social traffic coming from Facebook.
When that traffic drops, one way publishers can make up the difference is by paying Facebook to surface their stories in people’s feeds. “People are going to have to buy traffic from Facebook to level out the peaks and valleys,” one of the publishers said. “Long story short, they’re putting a vice around people’s necks.”
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Deeply Concerned By Fires, Amazon Must Be Protected: UN Chief
Friday, August 23, 2019, 8:08 AM
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Discusses key economic indicators and trade statistics, which countries are dominant in the market, and other issues that affect trade.
Panama, home of the Panama Canal, with ports on both oceans and known as the “Hub of the Americas,” is one of the world’s most connected countries. Panama has a dollar-based economy, low inflation, and zero foreign exchange risk. Its government is stable and democratic and actively seeks foreign investment. On July 1, 2019, President Laurentino Cortizo, from the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), was sworn into office for five years. His administration has demonstrated a willingness to fight corruption, tackle inequality, and strengthen Panama’s ability to combat money-laundering. Panama was placed on FATF’s grey list in June 2019 due to years of deficiencies in fighting money laundering and terrorist finance, just one month before Cortizo’s inauguration.
According to the International Monetary Fund, until the COVID-19 crisis, Panama averaged an annual growth rate of 4.6 percent over the last five years. With a GDP of $65.1 billion, Panama was classified by the World Bank as a high-income nation, a country with a gross national income per capita of $12,055 or more. Panama’s per capita income is $15,643. Nevertheless, with more than four million people, the country’s inequalities remain high, with sharp regional disparities. The World Bank maintains that poverty prevails in rural areas, particularly among the indigenous population.
Panamanian officials declared a national State of Emergency on March 13 to address the COVID-19 health crisis and instituted one of the world’s strictest lockdowns to prevent a collapse of the health system. To address the needs of thousands of Panamanians who were unemployed or furloughed, the government executed the Panama Solidarity Plan that provided almost two million eligible individuals with periodic food bags and digital vouchers worth $50-$80. The airport remained closed until early October. The IMF forecasted that GDP would contract up to 10 percent and Panama’s Ministry of Labor forecasted the unemployment rate could reach 25 percent by years end due to the economic crisis
The administration is betting on infrastructure projects such as the 3rd Metro Line, 4th Electrical Transmission Line, and the $1.7 billion Panama Canal Water Management System project to create jobs. The government is also set to announce several public-private partnership projects by the end of the year. Cobre Panama, First Quantum Minerals $6.3 billion copper mine, should jumpstart exports once in full operations. Reports claim copper export will be around $2 billion, and mining activity will contribute to about 10 percent of GDP by 2023.
Panama’s economy is based primarily on a well-developed services sector, accounting for about 80 percent of GDP – with the Panama Canal as the largest economic contributor. The services sector includes the Canal, banking, tourism, logistics, activities in the Colón Free Trade Zone (CFZ), insurance, container ports, and flagship registry. In June 2016, the country completed a $5.25 billion expansion of the Panama Canal, which allows for larger ships (Neo-Panamax ships) carrying 12,000 containers (compared to the 5,000-container limit under the old infrastructure). The expanded locks are crucial for maritime trade. The Panama Canal has 46% of the total market share of containers moving from Northeast Asia to the East Coast of the United States. Toll’s revenue amounted to $2.6 billion in 2019. The Panama Canal serves more than 144 maritime routes connecting 160 countries and reaching some 1,700 ports globally.
This logistical platform has aided the Colón Free Trade Zone (CFZ) success, which is the second-largest in the world and accounts for about 8.5 percent of Panama’s GDP. The CFZ has approximately 3,000 companies and employs about 18,000 people. It has become a vital trading and transshipment center serving the region and the world. CFZ imports – a broad array of luxury goods, electronic products, clothing, and other consumer products - arrive from all over the globe to be resold, repackaged, and reshipped, primarily to regional markets. Because of this product mix, the U.S. brand market share is significant, even if most of those products are made in Asia. The CFZ’s activity has waned in recent years due to more small suppliers procuring directly with China, competition from other regional transshipment hubs, and decreasing demand from Venezuela’s economic deterioration and a trade dispute with Colombia.
The U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) went into effect in October 2012 and will continue to offer U.S. goods a competitive advantage. For 87 percent of U.S.-made goods, tariffs dropped to zero percent immediately, with remaining tariffs phasing out by 2022. In general, the Agreement has been successful for all parties. The U.S. goods trade surplus with Panama was $7.3 billion in 2019, a 13.3 percent increase ($851) over 2018. U.S. exports to Panama were $7.7 billion, up 12.9 percent from the previous year. Corresponding U.S. imports from Panama were $452 million, up 7.5 percent. Panama was the United States’ 35th largest export market in 2019. As for services, U.S. exports of services to Panama were an estimated $2.4 billion in 2019, and U.S. imports were $2.7 billion. Panama has 19 full free trade agreements throughout the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The Cortizo administration paused negotiation for a free trade agreement with China


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It would seem that a simple product like chocolate does not require scientific research to understand the processes that occur in it. German scientists from the national research center of Deutsche Elektronen-Synchrotron, Nestle and Hamburg University of Technology, however, think differently, and decided to take a closer look at this popular delicacy.
I suspect that you have met more than once with the case when, after opening the chocolate package, you see a plaque covered with a strange white coat. This is a process called flowering and fortunately it is not dangerous for our body. This just looks like crystallization of fats contained in chocolate.
Researchers at Nestle, the national research center of Deutsche Elektronen-Synchrotron, and the University of Technology have decided to investigate exactly how this process is going to help prevent this in the future, creating a much better chocolate. They used the DESY PETRA III X-ray machine, equipped with one of the most powerful lamps, to be able to study the flowering of chocolate at the molecular level.
According to Svenja Reinke, head of the mentioned research, the flowering process is completely harmless to humans, yet each year causes millions of dollars in losses for the food industry when consumers do not want such products. The problem is well known, but the cause of its origination is not quite right.


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Nvidia Ceases Their Support for Crypto-Mining
Nvidia, the beast of graphic chip production, was widely involved in the process of crypto-mining through their GPU cards. The graphic cards allowed crypto-miners to execute their operations more efficiently than ever.
As the cryptocurrency industry is growing with incredible velocity, it resulted in a surge in demand that was in Nvidia's favor. The corporation reported a 68% value increase over the period of one year, and they stated that the the increase is predominately owed to the demand on GPU cards.
Another winner of the crypto-mining spree was Nvidia's rival AMD. AMD experienced a 100% increase over the last year because of their AMD fast processing chips. They gave credit to crypto-miners for this win, as well.
With that said, this year, with Bitcoin fluctuating from over 20k down to 6k, Nvidia expected to make a 100 million USD in sales, but they were faced with only 18 million dollars in revenue, which left the crypto-mining project on a downward slope.
The Future of Nvidia
Nvidia stated that their investment in GPU cards helping crypto-miners was only a short-term opportunity for quicker returns, and they've done a great job at it.
They've decided to stop funding this project, with their CEO stating that their main products have shown incredible returns as well, even without them producing GPU cards anymore.
The CEO also said that he realizes the potential in such market, but he chooses to leave the field to the real players who solely focus on that product. He mentions Bitmain in this example, as their main focus is producing ASIC miners which surpass the GPU cards in terms of efficiency.
Nvidia still chooses to focus more on their long-term strong product lines leaving gaming fanatics anticipating new Geforce 20-series chips.


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The US wouldn't uphold a ban on the import of some older versions of Apple iPhone and iPad, but it had no such qualms about banning some older Samsung Android smartphones and tablets from the US market.
Showing results 1 to 20 of 27
The Obama Administration has overturned a sales ban on iPhone and iPad models -- leaving us wondering what the future of trade, IP rights and patents holds.
The Obama administration vetoes a ban handed down by the U.S. International Trade Commission following a patent infringement battle with Samsung.
The iPhone and iPad maker says it will suffer "irreparable harm" if its request for a stay on a ban of older tablet and smartphone sales is not granted.
The U.S. International Trade Commission has issued a limited import ban on some Apple products after ruling the iPhone and iPad maker violated a Samsung patent.
The Korean firm has folded Apple's flagship smartphone into an existing lawsuit covering iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch devices. Meanwhile, a judge has lifted a temporary ban on the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, as a jury found it was not infringing on Apple's patents.
Apple won a major case against Samsung, but all may not be rosy for Apple as patents that HTC owns are holding strong at the moment. Apple screwed up HTC's EVO 4G LTE launch and now HTC may return the favor with the new iPhone.
Catch up on the latest Aussie tech news about tracking stolen iPads, Java vulnerabilities, the Apple and Samsung verdict and changes to the NZ patent laws on this week's Technolatte podcast.
Australia's competition regulator could impose a sales ban on the iPad 3, after it claimed Apple was "misleading" consumers on its 4G LTE capability.
Microsoft is banning its sales and marketing employees from buying Macs and iPads with company money, according to a leaked email.The email was apparently sent by Alain Crozier, the chief financial officer of the Sales, Marketing, Services, IT and Operations Group (SMSG), a week ago.
An alleged internal Microsoft e-mail claims the company's marketing and sales organization is about to halt Mac and iPad purchases made with company funds. Smart or pointless?
Proview, the Chinese company battling with Apple over trademark infringement, has been informed by customs that a ban on iPad imports and exports is unlikely.
Apple's trademark dispute is poised to escalate, as Proview seeks a ban on imports and exports of iPad's from Chinese customs.
Apple was forced to remove several iOS devices from sale on its German online store on Thursday as a result of its patent battles with Motorola.The iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and 3G iPads are currently not available from the company's web store in Germany following a ruling in favour of Motorola relating to FRAND-pledged patents declared essential to 3G standards.
Apple has lost the first round of its quest to ban Motorola Android devices from the United States, after the US International Trade Commission found Motorola was not infringing on three Apple patents.The iPhone and iPad maker can still appeal against the ITC's initial determination but for now Motorola — in the process of being acquired by Android lead Google — is the winning side.
A German court has imposed a preliminary injunction on Apple's 3G-enabled iOS devices across Europe for infringing a Motorola-held patent.
The company has failed to win preliminary injunctions against Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet and three Android smartphones, as it could not convince the judge it would win at full trial
A regional court has temporarily banned Apple from marketing or supplying iPhones and iPads in Germany, following a suit brought about by Motorola.A Mannheim judge issued the default judgement on Friday, after Apple failed to defend itself against Motorola's claims.
Sales of the Galaxy Tab 10.1 can continue everywhere in the EU except Germany, as doubts have emerged over the powers of local courts to ban foreign companies from selling goods across Europe
Samsung has pledged to bring a version of the Android-powered Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet to Australia, despite a legal case brought against it by Apple in the country. But is Samsung breaching undertakings to Apple with such a pledge?
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- 2 Perfectly legal ways you can still get Windows 7 cheap (or even free)
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- 5 So you have an app idea and want to make a bajillion bucks


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Danbury bridal shop makes "Best of Weddings" list
Published 9:12 pm, Thursday, September 26, 2013
Majesty Bridal in Danbury has become a destination for brides throughout the region looking for that perfect dress for their special day.
For three years running, the Main Street shop has been named "Best of Weddings" by The Knot, a premiere wedding-planner website.
Brides from as far away as Stamford and Westchester County have found their way to Majesty Bridal in search of their dresses, Laender said.
"A lot of other bridal shops don't pay attention to the kind of details and offer the kind of personal service that we provide," she said. "It's not just about making a sale, but it's about making the bride happy."
Laender noted that they also carry many of the top wedding dress designers, including Casablanca, Allure and Maggie Sottero.
"Brides usually look online for the dresses they like and then they come to us when they find out we carry that brand," Laender said.
She recommends that brides set up appointments so they can receive undivided attention from their bridal consultant; only one bride has an appointment at any given time.
The shop offers a large, luxurious dressing room for the brides, as well as a seating area and catwalk so brides can show their friends gowns they're wearing.
Tom Devine, chairman of CityCenter and owner of Two Steps Bar and Grille, said when he's catering weddings, he often hears from brides who purchased their gowns from Majesty.
"I can't tell you how many brides have told me they got their gowns from Majesty," he said. "They are always raving about the great customer service and the affordable prices. It's one of the jewels in the city's downtown."
Besides wedding dresses, Majesty Bridal also offers prom dresses and works with customers to ensure that only one of each dress is sold per school.
The majority of customers on The Knot who reviewed the shop gave it five stars.
"They care about your happiness and don't rush you through the process like other shops I had been to," said one reviewer.
Another bride said the store offered the same dress she had seen at a competitor for $400 less.
"I'm a plus-size girl and was very nervous about finding a flattering dress," the bride said. "I didn't know that it was possible to feel so good in a dress."
Majesty Bridal, 181 Main St., Danbury. Open Mon. 2-6 p.m., Tues. through Fri. 11-6 p.m., and Sat. 10-5 p.m. Call 203-730-1784.
email@example.com; 203-731-3358; www.twitter.com/DirkPerrefort


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THE Co-op Superstore closed to the public over a year ago, and the site has sat untouched since – so what is happening?
An increasing number of readers have been contacting us recently and so we have chased up up the landowners and developers for an update.
After over 37 years of trading, the last customers were served and the staff were ushered out of the back doors as the store closed at 4 pm on Saturday 20 January 2018.
The land is still owned by Central England Co-operative Ltd and there were talks of a new retail and leisure complex on the site – but nothing has come of this.
In January 2016, we first reported that Councillors would be discussing a ‘Pre-application report’ relating to the potential development of the Co-op site, including the demolition of the store and petrol station.
In July 2017 we first reported that Central England Co-op had announced that the existing store at Ninian Way, Wilnecote would be closing down and that the company had been working with Hawkstone Vale Developments to look at regenerating the site.
It was announced that they were looking to redevelop the whole site and bring forward a new retail and community facility.
With a proposed name of ‘Skey Park’ there would be an investment of £15.2 million and it was estimated that it would create around 234 jobs directly, with a further 105 jobs created indirectly – creating a net wage of around £1.6 million which could potentially increase expenditure in Tamworth.
As part of the consultation on plans, the company held a public exhibition on 12 July 2017 to show off the plans in store.
More than 140 responses were received as a result of the consultation – many of which supported the plans and comments were also received regarding the loss of the existing Post Office on site.
The formal planning application was submitted to the council in January 2017. Hawkstone Vale Developments said at the time that they expected to start demolishing the Co-op building in the autumn, with building work due to start before the end of the year (2017).
In August 2018, it was announced that the redevelopment had been temporarily shelved after developers withdrew the planning application from Tamworth Borough Council.
Andrew Kirton, managing director of Hawkstone Vale, said: “There were some last-minute objections from the council relating to impact on town centre trade, so we decided to tactically withdraw the plans. We hope to re-submit something soon.
“We want to revise the scheme and submit something that is both viable and gets the support from local authorities.”
But it has all gone quiet and nothing has happened since. So what now?
Well, we contacted Central England Co-operative to ask them if there was an update in relation to the re-development of the site.
A Spokesperson for CEC told Tamworth Informed: “I am unable to provide you with any new information or updates on the site at this time.”
Hawkstone Vale has not replied to our request for an update.
So there you have it, no change and no idea when the site will be developed.


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The online shoppers are moving away from discounts though owing to convenience cash on delivery is here to stay
Brands have passed on inventory just for the sale period at a lower price to sellers at Flipkart and they have also agreed on a lower margin to bring down prices.
The company said: “We have noticed deeply discounted products often do not meet expectations, leading to increased returns and customer dissatisfaction.
With DIPP notifying the rules, any violation of the norms by a marketplace with foreign investment, will be a violation of Fema norms.
Lyf has partnered with Mainland China, Hard Rock Café, California Pizza Kitchen, Café Coffee Day, Little, Uber, Yatra, Myntra, Snapdeal, Ferns & Petals and many others for freebies and offers.
Flipkart will continue to fund discounts to win customers and stay ahead of the competition while investing in back-end operations, Sachin Bansal said.
With winter not making an appearance, Kanpur is not eager to go winter clothes shopping.
What is the key to improving your sales and start making profits? Hippo shares you a few tips and tricks to increase your online sales.
Xerion Retail, which runs Jabong, posted a loss of 43.6 crore on sales of 1,082.9 crore, as per a Registrar of Companies filing.
An unexpected surge in online purchases is putting pressure on UPS and FedEx to get packages out on time this holiday season, and that could result in extra costs for retailers.
The increased attrition and improvement in the job market have forced HR managers to review their employee incentivization programmes.
The web and mobile-based retailer will continue to roll out its discount-heavy sales as per schedule during the festive season.
Retailers across the United States offered early Black Friday discounts to lure bargain-hunters on Thanksgiving eve, but crowds in brick-and-mortar stores were subdued even as online sales jumped.
Making its name in the crowded food-tech space, three-month old startup Pocketin lets you choose the kind of discounts you would like a particular restaurant to give you!
The Black Friday sale will allow buyers in India to avail heavy discounts across categories such as electronics, lifestyle, home appliances, sports and fitness equipment, among others.
Seeking to limit the impact of rising vegetable prices due to heavy rains here, Heritage Fresh Supermarket today said it would offer milk, water and vegetables at discounted rates over the next one week.
Buying fine jewellery remains a touch and feel driven experience in the Indian market, a gap which has been shortened by online-only jewellery brands.


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Want Some Free Marijuana Plants?
Citizens of Thailand are certainly highly excited about next month as the government will be giving away one million cannabis plants for in-house cultivation, totally free of charge.
Anutin Charnvirakul, the Public Health Minister of Thailand, who has been at the forefront of the drive to decriminalize cannabis in the country, is planning to give away as many as one million marijuana plants for free as soon as the use and personal cultivation of the plant are made legal in June, according to reports from Nation Thailand. Speaking to Nation Thailand, Anutin states that it will empower the government and the citizens to generate over ten billion baht per year in revenue from hemp and cannabis.
Additionally, people can showcase their marijuana and hemp-related knowledge and sell their products across the country.
Public Health Minister Anutin’s Enthusiastic Support
Anutin signed a bill in February, officially dropping marijuana, most commonly known as weed, from a list of controlled substances.
Closely regulated marijuana use was decriminalized in 2018, and various prohibitions have subsequently been eased.
Thailand’s officials desire that a new marijuana industry will come forth and not only generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue per year but also attract touring foreigners, who have just recently started coming back in great numbers after being hugely absent during the CoronaVirus pandemic.
As soon as the bill comes into effect on June 9, owning and making use of all parts of cannabis plants, as well as seeds and flowers, will be permitted. Nevertheless, content extracted from the plant will remain illegal if it exceeds 0.2% THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the psychoactive ingredient that makes one feel high.
The bill signed by Anutin in February, taking marijuana off the nation’s narcotics list after medical cannabis use had been legalized in 2020, makes Thailand the first Southeast Asian country to execute the reforms. At the signing ceremony, Anutin stated that marijuana has a lot of medical advantages similar to other herbs, and also that officials are working very hard to make sure that it would benefit people of Thailand both medically and economically.
In a post on Facebook, Anutin stated that Thai people will be permitted to grow as many marijuana plants as they want in their homes as soon as the reforms come into effect. The marijuana grown must be medical grade and strictly for medicinal purposes, but there is no need for registration. It is currently legal for companies that have been registered to sell marijuana products with less than 0.2% THC content.
Keep It Within The Law.
Anutin made a declaration that people will no longer need to get a permit or license to grow marijuana in their homes, as long as it is declared that it is for medical purposes and does not possess THC content higher than the legal maximum. Under the regulations set for the nation, small-scale sellers of cannabis-related products do not have to register with the Food and Drug Administration. However, large-scale businesses must seek government approval.
Anutin declared that there will no longer be a need to obtain a permit for people to grow cannabis at home, as long as it is declared to be for medical use and the THC content does not exceed the legal maximum. Under Thailand’s law, small-scale traders of cannabis-related products do not need to register with the Food and Drug Administration.
However, large-scale businesses are still required to seek permission and get a license from the nation’s Food and Drug Administration to produce marijuana-related products, which are viewed as being used primarily for food additives and medicines.
Peripherals of the New Law
The Food and Drug Administration of the nation had gotten around 4,700 applications by the end of last month for licenses to grow, possess, produce, and import hemp and cannabis, according to reports from the Bangkok Post newspaper.
Large-scale businesses will still have to get authorization from the country’s Food and Drug Administration to make cannabis products, which are viewed as being used mainly for medicines and food additives. Hemp seed oil, dietary supplements, beverages, flavoring sauces, jelly sweets, and instant food are among the products slated for manufacture, according to a Food and Drug Association official.
Anutin’s Bhumjai Thai Party, a major coalition government partner, pushed for cannabis legalization in the 2019 general election, claiming that it would help the farmers in the country. The Minister of Health, Anutin Charnvirakul, in a Facebook post on the 8th of May, made it known that his objective is to make marijuana plants be cultivated like normal household crops.
The updated law, which is to come into effect on the 9th of June, as earlier stated, will permit individuals to cultivate their marijuana plants in the comfort of their homes but only after informing their local government. Under the law, the plants have to be used only for medical reasons and be of medical grade. In addition to that, the marijuana plant cannot be used commercially without receiving the appropriate license.
Thailand’s strategy to market cannabis as a commercial crop has taken another step forward. According to the World Bank, agriculture employs around a third of the country’s workforce. In 2018, Thailand became the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize cannabis for medicinal research and consumption, in a region known for harsh penalties for illegal drugs.
Local marijuana regulations have also been relaxed across the nation. After their use in consumer goods was permitted last year, Thai beverage and cosmetics companies rushed to produce products containing hemp and CBD, a chemical compound that does not have an intoxicating effect on consumers.
The bill is intended to smooth the path for individuals to utilize the plant in medicinal soups or teas. The use of cannabis without a legal prescription or being a patient of some type of illness will still be considered a crime. You are only entitled to grow cannabis and use it any way you like if you have a prescription.
Although recreational usage of the plant is still illegal, marijuana smoking will still happen, and the government can’t do anything to stop it.
THAILAND MOVES ON CANNABIS LEGALIZATION, READ MORE…