April 11, 2024. TOKYO, Japan. JPX Working Papers highlight research and studies on changes in the market and regulatory environment with the aim of raising competitiveness. Conducted by officers and employees of JPX, its subsidiaries, and affiliates, as well as outside researchers, JPX Working Papers are intended to draw comments widely from academia, research institutions, and other market participants and observers. Japan Exchange Group, Inc. (JPX) today published JPX Working Paper, Vol.42 "Impact of optimization of the tick size for TOPIX Mid 400 constituents". * This Japanese version was released on January 31, 2024. JPX Working Papers highlight research and studies on changes in the market and regulatory environment with the aim of raising competitiveness. Conducted by officers and employees of JPX, its subsidiaries, and affiliates, as well as outside researchers, JPX Working Papers are intended to draw comments widely from academia, research institutions, and other market participants and observers.The contents and opinions of the published papers belong to the individual authors and do not represent the official views of Japan Exchange Group, etc. JPX Working Papers https://www.jpx.co.jp/english/corporate/research-study/working-paper/index.html (Reference) Japanese Website https://www.jpx.co.jp/corporate/research-study/working-paper/index.html Contact Corporate Strategy Department, Japan Exchange Group, Inc. TEL:+81-3-3666-1361 Source Link: https://www.jpx.co.jp/english/corporate/news/news-releases/0010/20240411-01.html

April 14, 2024. GUJARAT, India It's time to de-dust your dreams one by one and pack your bags to one destination at a time. Is your Goa trip planned a century ago still on hold? The times are passing so fast, and your travel dreams are rusting in the back of your head. The dreams are meant to be turned into real memories, not unfulfilled regrets. What is the one thing that stops you from booking that flight? Is it money, time, or just laziness? If it's money, then say no more. People these days are more focused on investing in experiences rather than in bank accounts. And, there is an easy way to travel to your dream destination without compromising your financial security or stability. We’ve heard about personal loans and travel loans to fund your travel plans. But what if we tell you there is a better alternative than all those? And it is Gold Loans. We Indians are very much fond of gold as an asset or luxury. Be it a wedding, anniversary, or any other auspicious occasion or celebration, the best choice of gifts for us Indians is Gold. Almost all households must have gold jewelry tucked safely in their cupboards or bank lockers. Although gold is a great asset and increases its value over time, sitting idly at your home or bank lockers will never bring you any kind of interest income. However, it can be used as collateral to get loans by signing up for gold loans. Why should you opt for gold loans over other alternatives? Convenience Gold loans are the easiest and fastest way of availing loan money. You can apply for gold loans online from the comfort of your home, and the money will be disbursed to your bank account within a few hours. Additionally, they only require minimal documentation. Bare minimum eligibility Unlike other loans, you don’t need a job or a minimum amount of salary to apply for the loan. All you need is gold. And considering the quality of your gold, the amount is received accordingly. No credit history required That’s a huge relief for many borrowers. Even if you have very poor credit with low income, if you have gold, you can fund it for your financial needs. This feature sets the gold loan apart from others. Low interest rates Another interesting feature about gold loans is that they’re very affordable with only very low fixed interest rates starting as low as 8% p.a. They have the lowest interest rates among other personal loans. Flexible The repayment methods and tenure terms for gold loans are flexible. You can either opt for monthly EMIs, term repayments or bullet repayments as you may please. More often than not, you can repay easily within the tenure of 6-12 months. By means of taking a gold loan, you can receive your desired amount as fast as the same day the idea of a destination merely crosses your mind. That way, you can even do last-minute trip planning without taking a huge toll on your bank account balance or your mental health. However, gold may be an easy financial solution for short-term financial needs for sure, but it’s essential to be financially responsible while taking loans. We can’t stress this enough- always assess your financial situation before taking a loan. Only go for the repayment options that your income or financial situation allows you to. Also, to have more secure loan terms, it’s important to choose an established trustworthy market leader instead of going for local money lenders. Karnataka Bank, a century-old bank in India, offers gold loans at affordable rates and flexible terms. With their Gold Loan options, you can get the money disbursed to your account quickly and easily. It's time to de-dust your dreams one by one and pack your bags to one destination at a time.Happy Vacation! Source Link: https://karnatakabank.com/blog/Financing-Travel-Adventures-with-GoldLoans

April 15-20, 2024. WASHINGTON DC, US The 2024 IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings will take place from April 15-20. The Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) bring together central bankers, ministers of finance and development, parliamentarians, private sector executives, representatives from civil society organizations and academics to discuss issues of global concern, including the world economic outlook, poverty eradication, economic development, and aid effectiveness. Also featured are seminars, regional briefings, press conferences, and other events focused on the global economy, international development, and the world's financial system. The main ministerial meetings and events will take place April 17-19 with other events and activities taking place during the week, April 15-20. Source Link: https://meetings.imf.org/en/2024/Spring/About

February 27, 2024. SINGAPORE Hyo Joo Kim of South Korea poses with the winner's trophy after winning the HSBC Women's World Championship at Sentosa Golf Club on May 02, 2021 in Singapore. Photo Credit: Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images After a thrilling finish at the Honda LPGA Thailand that saw Patty Tavatanakit win for the first time on Tour since 2021 in her home country, the LPGA Tour heads to Singapore for the 16th playing of the HSBC Women’s World Championship. The event, which is often referred to as “Asia’s Major,” will see a 66-player field compete for a share of a $1.8 million purse and features two-time defending champion Jin Young Ko, Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions winner Lydia Ko and Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings No. 1 Lilia Vu. Take a look at who else is in the field this week at the HSBC Women’s World Championship. Past Champions (3): Jin Young Ko (2023, 2022), Hyo Joo Kim (2021), Jiyai Shin (2009) 2024 LPGA Tour Winners (2 of 3): Lydia Ko (Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions), Patty Tavatanakit (Honda LPGA Thailand) 2024 LPGA Tour Rookies (1 of 26): Mone Inami Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings Top 10 (8 of 10): Lilia Vu (No. 1), Celine Boutier (No. 3), Ruoning Yin (No. 4), Minjee Lee (No. 5), Jin Young Ko (No. 6), Lydia Ko (No. 7), Hyo Joo Kim (No. 9), Xiyu Lin (No. 10) HSBC Women’s World Championship Debuts: Aditi Ashok, Celine Borge, Xingtong Chen (a), Peiyun Chien, Lauren Coughlin, Mone Inami, Grace Kim, Stephanie Kyriacou, Yuna Nishimura, Bianca Pagdanganan, Alexa Pano, Haeran Ryu, Linnea Strom, Albane Valenzuela, Miranda Wang, Chanettee Wannasaen, Ruoning Yin Sponsor Exemptions Xingtong Chen (a), In Gee Chun, Muni He, Emily Kristine Pedersen, Miranda Wang Written By: Sarah Kellam@sarahkellam Sarah Kellam is a Kentucky native and played collegiate golf at Northern Kentucky University. She currently serves as a Manager of Digital Content and prior to the LPGA, Sarah worked as a freelance content creator. Source Link: https://www.lpga.com/news/2024/field-breakdown-2024-hsbc-womens-world-championship

January 31, 2024. IMO video highlight importance of the Maritime Single Window for trade by sea. This year 2024 marks a milestone in the acceleration of digitalization in shipping – the mandatory “Maritime Single Window”. The requirement under the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL), requires Governments to use a single digital platform or “Maritime Single Window” to share and exchange information with ships when they call at ports, since 1 January 2024. This will streamline procedures to clear the arrival, stay and departure of ships and greatly enhance the efficiency of shipping worldwide. The Maritime Single Window is mandatory from 1 January 2024. IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said: “Digitalization is critical for greater efficiency in shipping. The Maritime Single Window delivers information between ships, ports and government agencies quickly, reliably and smoothly.” More than 4.6 million port calls were recorded globally in 2022. Typically, ships spend at least one full day in port (more or less depending on the ship type). IMO has supported countries to implement the Maritime Single Window. In November 2023, a generic Maritime Single Window (MSW) platform was handed over to the Port of Lobito in Angola, following a Single Window for Facilitation of Trade (SWiFT) project which was supported by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and IMO. The initiative built upon an earlier successful project coordinated by IMO that saw successful delivery in 2019 of a Maritime Single Window system in Antigua and Barbuda. The Facilitation Committee of IMO has issued guidelines to assist Member States to implement the MSW, including the revised guidelines for setting up a maritime single window and the guidelines on authentication, integrity and confidentiality of information exchanges via maritime single windows and related services. Facilitation Convention The Facilitation Convention was adopted in 1965 and contains Standards and Recommended Practices with rules and procedures for simplifying formalities, documentary requirements and procedures on ships’ arrival, stay and departure. The Convention has been updated continuously, embracing digitalization and automation for procedures. (Read more) The annex to the Convention makes it mandatory for public authorities to establish, maintain and use single window systems for the electronic exchange of information required on arrival, stay and departure of ships in ports. In addition, public authorities will have to combine or coordinate the electronic transmission of the data to ensure that information is submitted or provided only once and reused to the maximum extent possible. Other amendments to the Facilitation Convention, which entered into force on 1 January 2024, include those addressing lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic and new and amended Recommended Practices to prevent corruption and illicit activities in the maritime sector. Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic The updated annex to the FAL Convention includes provisions derived from lessons learned during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Contracting Governments and their relevant public authorities are required to allow ships and ports to remain fully operational during a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC), in order to maintain complete functionality of global supply chains to the greatest extent possible. Public authorities are also required to designate port workers and ships' crew as key workers (or equivalent), regardless of their nationality or the flag of their ship, when in their territory. Best practice recommendations aim to prevent obstacles to crew movement for repatriation, crew change and travel, and encourage dissemination of information about public health matters and expected protection measures by ship operators. The amendments concerning arrival and departure of persons require public authorities to inform passengers about vaccination requirements sufficiently in advance of departure and vaccinators to use the International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis in order to assure uniform acceptance. Tackling maritime corruption Updates to the FAL Convention take a systemic approach to addressing the issue of corruption associated with the ship-shore interface in ports. Contracting Governments are now required to encourage public authorities to assess the risks of corruption and address them by developing and implementing preventive measures to strengthen integrity, transparency and accountability. Public authorities are required to coordinate efforts to detect, investigate and sanction corruption related to ships' calls in the port, including through national and international cooperation. Video  transcript When ships enter and leave ports, vital information must be exchanged with various entities ashore. Port authorities, pilots, maritime administrations and health authorities require information about the vessel, cargoes, dangerous goods, crew, passengers and more for safety, security and environmental protection reasons. The way this information is shared is crucial. Digitalization is key. It not only reduces errors, it improves the quality of the information being exchanged. Since 2019, IMO requires data related to clearance of ship, cargo and persons to be exchanged electronically between the ships reporting parties, such as the master, ship agents and ship owners and the authorities offshore. And from 1 January 2024, the single window is mandatory in all ports. With a maritime single window, data is submitted through a single portal without duplication and distributed to the correct authorities. To share, exchange and understand the data, ships and ports need to use international harmonized standards, different groups of stakeholders have different objectives and different work processes. That is why IMO and the standards bodies ISO UNECE and WCO have agreed on an IMO data set and an IMO reference data model known as the IMO Compendium, ensuring that IT systems from different stakeholders can exchange data with shared meaning. IMO encourages all stakeholders to adopt the IMO Compendium when building digital systems and their maritime single window. This will make it possible for all to communicate. Because no matter which standard or system is based on, the data can be exchanged. Check IMO guidelines for help on setting up a maritime single window. Learn from the experiences of Member States around the world who have done so successfully and help make simpler, more efficient maritime trade a reality. Source Link: https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/Pages/Maritime-Single-Window-advancing-digitalization-in-shipping.aspx

February 20, 2024. RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil The foreign affairs ministers of the world's main economies will land in Rio de Janeiro for the first G20 ministerial meeting under the Brazilian presidency. The event will have special security arrangements and extensive coverage by the foreign press: around 350 media professionals from the four corners of the world are expected to attend. Among the confirmed authorities are US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Lavrov. Everything is ready to welcome the foreign affairs ministers of the world's largest economies in the Marina da Glória in Rio de Janeiro for the first G20 ministerial meeting under the Brazilian presidency. The guests will participate this Wednesday (21) and Thursday (22) in the most important meeting of the Sherpas Track before the Summit that will bring together heads of State and government in November, also in Rio de Janeiro. Among those confirmed are US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who will visit President Lula in Brasilia before going on to the meeting in Rio de Janeiro, and Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Lavrov. Besides the ministers of Foreign Affairs and representatives from the 19 countries that compose the G20 plus the African Union and the European Union, authorities from the countries invited by the Brazilian presidency and representatives from the twelve international organizations invited will also be present. Foto: Audiovisual/G20 Around 350 press professionals from all over the world have been accredited to cover the meeting. TV, radio, internet portals, printed newspapers, podcasts and social networks from countries such as Russia, Japan, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, China, England, the United States and the United Arab Emirates will be at the event. The youth press from the Andar project, in a partnership between G20 Brasil communications and Rio de Janeiro City Hall, will also be covering the meeting. Given the relevance of the meeting, the Brazilian Intelligence Agency (ABIN) carried out Vulnerability Assessment Reports (RAVs) of the location of the event, the same protocol followed for the next ministerial meeting, this time of the Finance Track, at Ibirapuera Park, in São Paulo, on February 28 and 29. The RAVs aim to point out to those responsible for the organization the main vulnerabilities of the chosen locations, making it possible to mitigate them in advance. The reports are also shared with partner agencies of the Brazilian Intelligence System (Sisbin) in charge of the security of the invited authorities. Program restricted to foreign affairs ministers Tomorrow (Wednesday), the meeting will take place between 14:00 and 18:30. On Thursday (22), the debates occur between 8 am and 1 pm. The meetings are closed, but the foreign affairs ministers of each country decide whether to grant interviews to the press during the program. The Brazilian sherpa, Ambassador Mauricio Carvalho Lyrio, will hold a press conference for journalists accredited at the event today at 3pm, on the expectations of the Brazilian presidency of the G20 for the meeting. Brasil's Foreign Affairs Minister, Mauro Vieira, is expected to give a keynote speech on the first day of the meeting. A dinner will be offered to the foreign affairs ministers at the end of the first day of the event and bilateral or multilateral meetings between countries will happen throughout the event, in a place reserved at Marina da Glória for this purpose, both to build consensus on themes pertinent to the G20 and to sign agreements in different sectors. Continuous programming On Friday (23), after completing the foreign affairs ministers' meeting, the event "G20 Countries and Biofuels Diplomacy", organized by Columbia University in partnership with the Climate Hub, Columbia Global Center Rio and Rio de Janeiro City Hall, will begin in the capital of Rio de Janeiro at the Palácio da Cidade. Among those confirmed are the ambassadors of Indonesia and India, the countries that held the last two presidencies of the G20, the Secretary of Climate, Energy and Environment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago, sherpas from G20 countries and experts on the subject. The seminar seeks to reflect on how the G20 countries can collaborate to accelerate the energy transition. This year, one of the actions of the Brazilian presidency is the Bioeconomy Initiative. Source Link: https://www.g20.org/en/news/final-preparations-the-first-g20-ministerial-meeting-starts-tomorrow-21-in-rio

December 19, 2023. The EIB Group has signed a synthetic securitisation transaction with BNP Paribas for a total amount of €106 million. The EIB Group’s support will enable BNP Paribas to partially release its regulatory capital, so facilitating an additional commitment of about €425 million in new financing for French small businesses and mid-caps. At least €85 million of these funds will be allocated to projects promoting the transition to climate neutrality. The EIB Group (European Investment Bank, EIB, and European Investment Fund, EIF) has signed its fourth synthetic securitisation transaction with BNP Paribas since 2017. Similar to the three previous transactions, its investment will support small and medium-sized companies while contributing to the transition to climate neutrality. The EIF is providing protection on a mezzanine tranche of €106 million (which is in turn counter-guaranteed by the EIB) in the form of an unfunded guarantee. The structure, which features synthetic excess spread, a two-year revolving period and pro-rata amortisation of the senior tranche and the mezzanine tranche (subject to performance triggers), comprises a portfolio of small business, micro and corporate loans originated by BNP Paribas with a total outstanding balance of about €1.4 billion. As part of the transaction, BNP Paribas is transferring credit risk on a mezzanine tranche through the EIF guarantee. The securitised loans portfolio remains on the bank’s balance sheet. The securitisation transaction has been structured to achieve optimal risk-weighted asset relief over the next five years and, consequently, free up lending capacity to further support real economy financing. Under the arrangement, BNP Paribas pledges to supply new lending of €425 million to French small businesses and mid-caps over a two-year period. At least 20% of this financing will be allocated to projects aligned with climate action and environmental sustainability, highlighting the commitment of BNP Paribas and the EIB Group to supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy. Marguerite Bérard, Head of French Retail Banking of BNP Paribas and member of the Executive Committee, remarked: "We are thrilled to now be able to commit, for the fourth time with the EIB Group, to making €425 million in new financing available to small businesses and mid-caps at reduced rates over the next two years. This new financing will further contribute to our customers’ efforts to accelerate their energy transition. This financing comes in addition to our many support schemes for corporate clients designed to accommodate the local economic reality, as closely as possible.” EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle explained: “With their fourth joint securitisation transaction since 2017, the EIB and BNP Paribas are continuing their efforts to facilitate access to finance for small businesses and mid-caps. Financing these entities is an EIB and EU priority — one to be achieved by working with our banking partners to develop attractive credit solutions that help sustain business operations and support investment.” EIF Chief Executive Marjut Falkstedt added: “The EIF is pleased to be working with BNP Paribas to use our securitisation tools to provide additional resources to small businesses and mid-caps. BNP Paribas is a long-standing and trusted partner for the EIF, enabling it to provide effective support to French companies in their search for financing for their investments.” About The European Investment Fund The EIF is part of the EIB Group. Its main goal is to support microenterprises and small businesses by helping them to access finance and venture capital. The EIF also actively supports climate fund investments with a strong focus on environmental sustainability. Its activities foster EU objectives promoting innovation, research and development, entrepreneurship, growth and job creation. About the European Investment Bank The EIB was created by the Treaty of Rome and founded in 1958. It is the long-term financing institution of the European Union, and its shareholders are the 27 EU Member States. The EIB’s remit is to finance projects that contribute to the integration, balanced development and economic and social cohesion of the European Union. It borrows large volumes of funds on the capital markets and lends them on very favourable terms to support projects that help the European Union achieve its major objectives. As the EU climate bank, it aims to encourage the emergence and deployment of new technologies to meet ongoing challenges such as the energy transition to a new low-carbon growth model. In 2022, EIB investments in France for renewable energy, clean mobility and energy efficiency came to €5.9 billion, 70% of the total financing of €8.4 billion for the country. About BNP Paribas BNP Paribas is the European Union’s leading bank and key player in international banking. It operates in 65 countries and has nearly 185,000 employees, including more than 145,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main fields of activity: Commercial, Personal Banking & Services for the Group’s commercial & personal banking and several specialised businesses including BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Arval; Investment & Protection Services for savings, investment and protection solutions; and Corporate & Institutional Banking, focused on corporate and institutional clients. Based on its strong diversified and integrated model, the Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporates and institutional clients) to realise their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and protection insurance. In Europe, BNP Paribas has four domestic markets: Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg. The Group is rolling out its integrated commercial & personal banking model across several Mediterranean countries, Turkey, and Eastern Europe. As a key player in international banking, the Group has leading platforms and business lines in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific. BNP Paribas has implemented a Corporate Social Responsibility approach in all its activities, enabling it to contribute to the construction of a sustainable future, while ensuring the Group's performance and stability. Contact Celine Argy, French Commercial Banking Source Link: https://group.bnpparibas/en/press-release/eib-group-and-bnp-paribas-sign-new-securitisation-transaction-to-support-french-small-businesses-and-mid-caps

January 29, 2024. HA LONG BAY, Vietnam. Leg 5 of the Clipper 2023-24 Race got underway at midnight UTC on 28 January by way of a Le Mans Start to kick off Race 7. A Le Mans Start differs from a traditional Line Start and allows the Race Office to start races remotely. In this case, the fleet had to transit the dangerous Great Barrier Reef under engine before starting the race in safe water. The Le Mans Start is a visually striking spectacle where all eleven yachts are lined up under engines with mainsails raised, and headsails poised. As the official Race Start is declared, the fleet progressively advances with each team raising headsails in a rolling start, creating an impressive demonstration of coordinated sailing expertise as well as an action-packed beginning to the race. The essence of the Le Mans Start lies in fairness. Measures are in place to address any attempts to gain an unfair advantage promptly, and all Race Skippers play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth procedure, addressing any breaches that may occur. What’s more, Clipper Race crew undergo intensive training in the lead up to the race, including practicing the Le Mans Start, during their Level 4 training. On Race 7, it was Ryan Gibson, Skipper of Dare To Lead who led this Race Start. He said: “We just started our first Le Mans Start of the circumnavigation, outside the Great Barrier Reef in a nice steady 15 knots of NNW breeze. Being the Lead Skipper, it was a little stressful making sure everything goes well, but it seemed to go very well so well done everyone and see you all in Vietnam!” Image: Le Mans Start for Race 7 The Le Mans Start Sequence: The Le Mans Start adheres to a meticulous sequence to guarantee a fair and captivating start to the race: Countdown: The standard Clipper Race start countdown of ten minutes, four minutes, one minute, and the start gun initiates the process. Preparation: Prior to the ten-minute signal, all yachts hoist their mainsails, with the size of mainsail previously agreed, hank on headsails, and attach halyards and sheets without hoisting. Engine-powered Line up: Yachts motor slowly, maintaining two to three boat lengths apart in a line abreast on a pre-arranged course heading towards the first waypoint. The speed is set by the Lead Skipper. Signal and Silence: At the four-minute signal, all Race Crew relocate aft of the forward grinder. At the one-minute signal, engines are turned off, and mainsails are trimmed to maintain fleet alignment. Race Start: At the start signal teams can move swiftly forward to hoist and trim headsails. Maintaining Course: All yachts must adhere to the agreed course and separation and sail plan for the initial ten minutes after the start gun. Communication: The Lead Skipper vocally communicates the start sequence on a predetermined VHF channel and contacts the Clipper Race Office within 30 minutes to confirm a successful Le Mans start. In the heat of Race Start, the tactical brilliance of the teams came to the forefront, with strategic manoeuvres and clever plays defining the early stages of the competition. Perseverance, in a move that showcased precision and cunning, strategically concealed a hanked on Yankee 1 beneath its just-raised Yankee 2. The execution was seamless, reflecting the team's meticulous planning by completing the Yankee 1 change immediately after the stipulated ten minutes. The team also chose to follow the Rhumb Line as they surged ahead of the fleet. The line-up in which the boats are staggered for the Le Mans Start is selected by randomly pulling the positions from a hat. This excludes the Lead Skipper, in this case, Ryan Gibson and Dare To Lead who sit in the middle of the line up. Ineke Van der Weijden, Skipper of Perseverance said, “We were lucky enough to draw most windward boat in the boat order, so a great place to be for an upwind start in the direction of PNG. The start went well. Everybody was super excited and did great, giving us a good start. After 10 minutes you are allowed to change headsails and we were the first boat to do so, from Yankee 2 to Yankee 1.” Tom Newsom, AQP on Our Isles and Oceans: “For this start tactically the windward end was favoured, as boats positioned more centrally could be wind shadowed by those above them. We were third to windward which is a good spot, despite having the well-oiled machine of Perseverance and the fast yet variable Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam above us. The ten-minute, four minutes (crew being the coffee grinders), one minute (engine off) start sequence went off without a hitch. We hoisted the staysail and Yankee in good time but had not trimmed on before Perseverance. Zhuhai skipper James Finney added “It’s great just to get going now and feel like we are beginning to make some progress in the right direction towards Vietnam! The first Le Mans Start of the race was a lot of fun and the crew did fantastically at it with a rapid sail hoist and set, working us out of a tricky spot down at the leeward (less windy) end of the starting order.” Image: AQP on Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam, Cameron McCracken Meanwhile, Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam, Zhuhai, and Yacht Club Punta del Este sailed high to free off later, requiring them to navigate through close quarters with Our Isles and Oceans. With that steady 15 knot breeze on their port beams, the teams will continue making their way northeast towards Papua New Guinea and the Doldrums Corridor, just approximately 150 miles away now. The narrow Doldrums Corridor is unique to the Clipper Race and is put in place to assist the fleet in navigating the frustratingly light air band that sits south of the equator here. The teams have the option to use their motor for 4 degrees of latitude within a set time period, to help them should the breeze shut off, and the timing of when and whether to motor is the first big tactical decision of this race to Ha Long Bay. With around three weeks and 4000 nautical miles of racing to go, there’s still plenty of exciting and tactical sailing to come, as well as the much-anticipated visit from King Neptune, when any Pollywogs onboard earn their shellbacks when crossing the equator for the first time. Follow the fleet on the Race Viewer as it makes way for Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. Source Link: https://www.clipperroundtheworld.com/news/article/race-7-endless-discovery-in-ha-long-bay-sets-sail-with-a-thrilling-le-mans-start

January 08, 2024. BEIJING, China Company Vision - To become a first-class new energy unicorn enterprise rooted in China and looking to the world Betavolt atomic energy batteries can generate electricity stably and autonomously for 50 years without the need for charging or maintenance. They have entered the pilot stage and will be put into mass production on the market. Betavolt atomic energy batteries can meet the needs of long-lasting power supply in multiple scenarios such as aerospace, AI equipment, medical equipment, MEMS systems, advanced sensors, small drones and micro robots. This new energy innovation will help China gain a leading edge in the new round of AI technological revolution. Beijing Betavolt New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. announced on January 8 that it has successfully developed a miniature atomic energy battery. This product combines nickel -63 nuclear isotope decay technology and China's first diamond semiconductor (4th generation semiconductor) module to successfully realize the miniaturization of atomic energy batteries. , modularization and low cost, starting the process of civilian use. This marks that China has achieved disruptive innovation in the two high-tech fields of atomic energy batteries and fourth-generation diamond semiconductors at the same time, putting it "way ahead" of European and American scientific research institutions and enterprises. Betavolt atomic energy batteries can generate electricity stably and autonomously for 50 years without the need for charging or maintenance. They have entered the pilot stage and will be put into mass production on the market. Betavolt atomic energy batteries can meet the needs of long-lasting power supply in multiple scenarios such as aerospace, AI equipment, medical equipment, MEMS systems, advanced sensors, small drones and micro-robots. This new energy innovation will help China gain a leading edge in the new round of AI technological revolution. Atomic energy batteries, also known as nuclear batteries or radioisotope batteries, work on the principle of utilizing the energy released by the decay of nuclear isotopes and converting it into electrical energy through semiconductor converters. This was a high-tech field that the United States and the Soviet Union focused on in the 1960s . Currently, there are only thermonuclear batteries used in aerospace. This type of battery is large in size and weight, has high internal temperatures, is expensive, and cannot be used by civilians. In recent years, miniaturization, modularization and civilian use of nuclear batteries have been the goals and directions pursued by European and American countries. China's "14th Five-Year Plan and 2035 Vision Goals" also propose that the civilianization of nuclear technology and the multi-purpose development of nuclear isotopes are future development trends. Betavoltaic nuclear batteries develop a completely different technological approach, generating electric current through the semiconductor transition of beta particles (electrons) emitted by the radioactive source nickel -63 . To do this, Betavolt's team of scientists developed a unique single-crystal diamond semiconductor that is just 10 microns thick, placing a 2- micron-thick nickel -63 sheet between two diamond semiconductor converters. The decay energy of the radioactive source is converted into an electrical current, forming an independent unit. Nuclear batteries are modular and can be composed of dozens or hundreds of independent unit modules and can be used in series and parallel, so battery products of different sizes and capacities can be manufactured. Zhang Wei, chairman and CEO of Betavolt , said that the first product the company will launch is BV100 , which is the world's first nuclear battery to be mass-produced. The power is 100 microwatts, the voltage is 3V , and the volume is 15 X 15 X 5 Cubic millimeters are smaller than a coin. Nuclear batteries generate electricity every minute, 8.64 joules per day, and 3153 joules per year. Multiple such batteries can be used in series and parallel. The company plans to launch a 1- watt battery in 2025. If policies permit, atomic energy batteries can allow a mobile phone to never be charged, and drones that can only fly for 15 minutes can fly continuously. According to reports, the atomic energy battery is a physical battery, not an electrochemical battery. Its energy density is more than 10 times that of ternary lithium batteries. It can store 3,300 megawatt hours in a 1- gram battery . It will not catch fire or explode in response to acupuncture and gunshots. Because it generates electricity automatically for 50 years, there is no concept of the number of cycles of an electrochemical battery ( 2000 charges and discharges). The power generation of atomic energy batteries is stable and will not change due to harsh environments and loads. It can work normally within the range of 120 degrees above zero and -60 degrees below zero, and has no self-discharge. The atomic energy battery developed by Betavolt is absolutely safe, has no external radiation, and is suitable for use in medical devices such as pacemakers, artificial hearts and cochleas in the human body. Atomic energy batteries are environmentally friendly. After the decay period, the nickel -63 isotope as the radioactive source becomes a stable isotope of copper, which is non-radioactive and does not pose any threat or pollution to the environment. Therefore, unlike existing chemical batteries, nuclear batteries do not require expensive recycling processes. Currently, Betavolt has registered a patent in Beijing and will begin to register global PCT patents. In the 2023 Innovation Competition held by China National Nuclear Corporation, Betavolt, as one of the very few external participating companies, stood out among hundreds of companies and research institutions and won the third prize in the competition. It represents China's authoritative nuclear technology companies' investment in Betavolt. Recognition of atomic energy battery technology and products. Betavolt has also communicated with China's professional nuclear research institutions and universities, and plans to continue research on using isotopes such as strontium- 90 , promethium- 147 and deuterium to develop atomic energy batteries with higher power and a service life of 2 to 30 years. Zhang Wei said that the core of Betavolt atomic energy battery is the fourth generation diamond semiconductor, which is the ultimate semiconductor material well known in the industry and another high ground in the global semiconductor field technology competition. Betavolt is currently the only company in the world that can dope large-size diamond semiconductor materials. High-efficiency diamond converters are the key to manufacturing nuclear batteries. Betavolt is not only a new energy company, but also a fourth-generation semiconductor and ultra-long carbon nanotube new material company. Nuclear batteries, diamond semiconductors and supercapacitors are the three major technologies and materials that are linked and integrated to form Betavolt's core technology and innovation capabilities. For more technical and product information about Betavolt, Login website: www.betavolt.tech, Email: zaur@betavolt.tech, Thank you for your inquiry and attention. Source Link: https://www.betavolt.tech/359485-359485_645066.html d Company Vision - To become a first-class new energy unicorn enterprise rooted in China and looking to the world

December 19, 2023. RIYADH, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Tabby, the region’s leading shopping and financial services app, is removing late fees on its Pay in 4 flexible payments solution in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This applies to all Pay in 4 purchases in Saudi Arabia starting December 16, reaffirming its commitment to providing safe and transparent flexible payments guided by Shariah principles. In adherence to our core principles of delivering Shariah-compliant payments and in response to the recent Fatwa issued by the Council of Senior Scholars in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Tabby has taken a decisive initiative by removing late fees in the Kingdom. This move is a testament to Tabby’s continued commitment to offering a Shariah-compliant BNPL service. Hosam Arab, CEO and co-founder at Tabby: “We take pride in our continued commitment to Shariah compliance. The decision to remove late fees reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering safe, transparent, and Shariah-guided flexible payment options for our users. At Tabby, we remain committed to evolving with the dynamic needs of our users while upholding the highest standards of Shariah compliance in our financial services.” About Tabby Tabby creates financial freedom in the way people shop, earn and save by reshaping their relationship with money. Over 10 million users choose Tabby to stay in control of their spending and make the most out of their money. Over 30,000 global brands and small businesses, including SHEIN, Amazon, Adidas, IKEA, H&M, Samsung and Noon use Tabby’s technology to accelerate growth and gain loyal customers by offering flexible payments online and in stores. Tabby is active in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Kuwait, and is now valued at $1.5 billion in its last round of funding from Wellington Management, STV, Mubadala Investment Capital, PayPal Ventures, Arbor Ventures, Bluepool, Hassana Investment Capital, Soros Capital Management and Saudi Venture Capital. Source Link: https://tabby.ai/en-AE/press/no-late-fees

February 01, 2024. MEXICO CITY, Mexico. • The Mexican diplomatic headquarters in Ecuador must stop intervening in the criminal process of the former government official of Rafael Correa, sentenced by the Ecuadorian justice system to eight years in prison for criminal association: Mariana Gómez del Campo, Secretary of International Affairs of the CEN of the PAN. • It is shameful that the Foreign Ministry and the Mexican Government continue to damage bilateral relations with the countries of the region. National Action urgently urges the Mexican Foreign Ministry so that in the case of the former vice president of Ecuador, Jorge Glas Espinel, our Embassy stops being used as a refuge for a fugitive from justice. Since December 17, 2023, Jorge Glas Espinel, former vice president of Ecuador, has been taking refuge in the Mexican Embassy; The former official of Rafael Correa's government was sentenced to eight years in prison for criminal association in the Odebrecht case and for bribery in the 2012-2016 Bribery case. He currently has a prison order. Jorge Glas was serving part of his sentence for corruption in freedom. However, the Prosecutor's Office requested his location to comply with judicial proceedings in the case for which he is being investigated, so he appeared at the headquarters of the Mexican Embassy to request his entry and safeguard; It is unacceptable that in this government he is abusing the figure of political asylum to protect criminals who are fugitives from justice. The Mexican Foreign Ministry must stop obstructing the work of the Ecuadorian Prosecutor's Office immediately. Let us remember that during this administration they have already appointed Ambassadors as 'non grata' people for intervening in local affairs, as has been the case in Bolivia and Peru. Source Link: https://pan.org.mx/prensa/an-exhorta-a-la-cancilleria-mexicana-para-que-la-embajada-de-mexico-deje-de-ser-utilizada-como-refugio-para-un-profugo-de-la-justicia

December 12, 2023. NEWPORT, California. Mr. Mittal, a 16-year veteran of PIMCO, will report to Dan Ivascyn, Managing Director and PIMCO Group Chief Investment Officer PIMCO, a global leader in active fixed income with deep expertise across public and private markets, has named Mohit Mittal, Managing Director and Portfolio Manager, as Chief Investment Officer – Core Strategies. In this role, he will oversee fixed income portfolios across PIMCO’s core suite of strategies - including Low and Moderate Duration, Total Return and Long Duration – and lead the core portfolio management team. Mr. Mittal will report to Dan Ivascyn, Managing Director and Group Chief Investment Officer. Mr. Mittal is a longstanding leader on the trade floor, a member of PIMCO’s Investment Committee and has a strong track record across a broad range of portfolios. He joined the Total Return portfolio management team five years ago and has contributed to PIMCO’s multi sector portfolios including Long Duration, Dynamic Bond, Stable Value and Investment Grade Credit. “Mohit is the rare talent who brings deep quantitative expertise with macro insights to investing while embracing a collaborative approach that harnesses the best investment ideas generated by a team of portfolio managers,” said Mr. Ivascyn. “He’s a welcome addition to PIMCO’s highly experienced group of CIOs and his focus on core strategies further strengthens our leadership in fixed income markets.” PIMCO’s other CIOs include Andrew Balls, Managing Director and CIO – Global Fixed Income, Mark Kiesel, Managing Director and CIO – Global Credit, Marc Seidner, Managing Director and CIO – Non-traditional Strategies, and Qi Wang, Managing Director and CIO – Portfolio Implementation. Professional Biography Mr. Mittal is a Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer – Core Strategies based in the Newport Beach office. He is a member of the Investment Committee, and a portfolio manager for fixed income multi-sector portfolios across the duration and credit spectrum.  As CIO of Core strategies, Mr. Mittal has leadership and oversight responsibilities for strategies across our Low and Moderate Duration, Total Return, and Long Duration strategy suite. Morningstar named him winner of the 2020 U.S. Morningstar Award for Investing Excellence in the Rising Talent category. Mr. Mittal also serves on the board of Orangewood Foundation. He joined PIMCO in 2007 and holds an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and an undergraduate degree in computer science from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Delhi, India. Source Link: https://www.pimco.com.sg/en-sg/our-firm/press-release/2023/pimco-names-mohit-mittal-chief-investment-officer-core-strategies