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0 plus Argentina's economic activity fell by 0.7% in October compared to the same month last year. This marks the fifth consecutive month of year-on-year contraction, according to the country's official statistics agency, released on Friday. While the decline was notable, it was less severe than analysts' forecasts, which had anticipated a 2.2% contraction. This deviation from predictions highlights potential volatility in economic recovery forecasts. The consistent downturn underscores challenges facing Argentina's economy, as policymakers continue to grapple with financial instability and external pressures impacting growth. (With inputs from agencies.)

The European Commission has approved a Romanian state aid measure worth €790 million (approximately RON 3.9 billion ) to address the exceptional costs associated with the closure of four uncompetitive coal mines in the Jiu Valley — Lonea , Lupeni , Livezeni , and Vulcan . This decision aligns with the European Union’s state aid rules and supports Romania’s efforts to phase out coal production by 2032, in accordance with the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and the Territorial Plan for a Just Transition . The beneficiary of this measure is Societatea Complexul Energetic Valea Jiului S.A. , the operator of the four mines and the Paroșeni power plant . The allocated funds will cover social costs for workers affected by the mine closures, as well as safety and environmental rehabilitation measures. This includes securing mine shafts, repairing environmental damage, and reclaiming land for future use. The aid will be allocated for eligible costs incurred between October 1, 2023, and December 31, 2032 . To ensure transparency and compliance, an independent consultant will be appointed to monitor coal extraction, ensuring it is limited to public safety needs, such as preventing spontaneous combustion. Annual reports will be provided to maintain oversight. “This measure will help Romania carry out the necessary safety and rehabilitation work to facilitate mine closures while mitigating the social impact of the transition. It ensures that no one is left behind in the green transition,” said European Commission Vice-President Margrethe Vestager . The European Commission evaluated the measure under Article 4 of Council Decision 2010/787/EU , determining that the aid strictly covers the exceptional costs arising from the mine closures, with no link to current production. Based on these findings, the Commission deemed the measure compatible with EU internal market rules.Jack Daniel's Gentleman Jack Whiskey slashes 44% off price on ahead of Black FridayDonald Trump Is Picking Fights. Will Anyone Hit Back?

Representative. HYDERABAD: India's tech firms have stepped up their game to draw more millennial and Gen Z employees to their offices. From offering unlimited sick leave to giving them time off to bond with their pets or enjoy the company of their aging grandparents, firms are doing all this and more to retain the young workforce and enhance their productivity. According to the India Technology Industry Compensation Benchmarking Survey 2024 by Deloitte India and Nasscom, many firms earmark "well-being days" and offer joining bonuses, albeit tied to a two-year clawback. The survey was conducted across over 200 tech companies nationwide. "With Gen Z prioritising work-life balance , mental health and professional growth, it's essential for companies to adapt their approaches to attract and retain this emerging talent," states the report. Benefits offered to Gen Z aim toprevent burnout,up productivity These benefits are aimed at preventing "employee burnout" and ensuring a sustainable workforce while enhancing overall well-being and productivity. The other focus areas are helping employees grow by integrating AI skills, improving women's representation within organisations, and offering reward programmes that align with the new generation. "Just this year, our company started observing well-being week. We get a day off to take care of our mental health. The company also reimburses our gym membership and gives Rs 25,000 annually to buy well-being equipment," said Vishal B, a 27-year-old working with an MNC in Hyderabad. Saketh S, an IT professional based in Hyderabad, said his office calendar includes "live music days", apart from a "grandparents' day" and a "journaling day" to keep everyone motivated to turn up at work. "These days help us unwind and return to work with pumped-up energy," he said. Tech company founders admit to being more "accommodating" with Gen Z with an eye on "better output". "I have noticed that Gen Z needs more emotional support. They need their space. Be it in communicating or vacation hours, we are more flexible with them. It is also true that though they might ask for more leave, they give more than 100% when at work," said Gopi Krishna Lakkepuram, founder of Hyperleap AI. The Deloitte India-Nasscom report also highlights how the young resource pool is often given the option to personalise their work hours and even locations to achieve a better work-life balance. Ready to Master Stock Valuation? ET’s Workshop is just around the corner!TikTok, the popular video-sharing platform owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, is poised for a pivotal legal showdown that could determine its future in the United States. The US Supreme Court has agreed to hear TikTok’s appeal in a case that challenges a legislative push to force the app to sell its US operations amid escalating national security concerns. This legal battle is a crucial moment in the growing tensions between the US government and Chinese technology companies, with implications not only for TikTok’s millions of American users but also for the broader tech industry. The controversy surrounding TikTok’s presence in the US has been brewing for years. Lawmakers have expressed concerns that the app could be compelled to share user data with the Chinese government—a claim that TikTok has consistently denied. In 2020, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order that sought to force ByteDance to sell its US operations, citing security risks. Though the order was blocked in court, the issue has not been resolved, with the US government maintaining pressure on TikTok. In response, Congress passed a bill that would require foreign companies, including TikTok, to divest their US assets. The bill stems from concerns that Chinese law could potentially compel ByteDance to share American user data, despite TikTok’s assertions that it operates independently. Proponents argue that TikTok’s ownership structure creates an inherent security risk, while TikTok contends that the legislation violates its rights as a business operating legally in the US. TikTok has taken several steps to address security concerns, including creating a “Transparency Center” and transferring user data to US-based servers. However, these efforts have not been enough to quell the government’s concerns. The US Supreme Court’s decision to hear TikTok’s appeal is now set to determine whether the bill forcing the company to sell its US operations is constitutional. The case could set a major precedent for how the US government regulates foreign-owned technology companies, particularly those from China. Legal experts are divided on the outcome, with some believing the court may side with the US government and grant it broader powers to regulate foreign companies, while others predict a victory for TikTok that could limit the government’s ability to impose such measures. If the court rules in favor of the divestment bill, TikTok would be forced to sell its US operations or face potential shutdown, which could significantly impact its millions of American users. On the other hand, a ruling in TikTok’s favor could embolden other foreign tech companies to challenge similar legislation, sparking a broader pushback against the US government’s regulatory authority. This case is emblematic of a larger shift in US tech policy, particularly in the context of the growing US-China rivalry. With many technology companies caught in the crossfire, the Supreme Court’s decision could shape future regulatory approaches for foreign tech giants, not only in the US but potentially in other markets as well. As the case progresses, all eyes are on the Supreme Court to decide whether the US government can force TikTok to divest its US operations or whether the app will be allowed to continue operating freely in the American market. The ruling will have far-reaching consequences for the tech industry, US-China relations, and the future of digital governance in an increasingly interconnected world.

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IOM and Microsoft Collaborate to Tackle Climate-Induced Displacement with AI and Data InsightsNEW DELHI (AP) — Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist party headed for a victory Saturday in state elections in politically significant Maharashtra while the opposition won mineral-rich Jharkhand state. Polling in the two states are seen as a test of Modi's popularity after his party returned to power in June national elections but was forced to form a coalition government with help from regional partners. India’s Election Commission said Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies have already won 183 of 288 seats and were leading in another 48 seats in Maharashtra, India’s wealthiest state and home to the country's financial and entertainment capital, Mumbai. The opposition Congress party and its allies have won 50 of 81 seats and were leading in another four seats in eastern Jharkhand state, according to the commission. It said vote counting was nearing completion and final results were expected later on Saturday. Modi's BJP and a Hindu nationalist ally currently rule Maharashtra, where Hindus constitute nearly 80% and Muslims 11.5% of its 126 million people. An opposition alliance, including the Congress party, is in power in eastern Jharkhand state. The BJP has used slogans such as, “If you divide, then you will die,” and “If we are united, then we are safe,” to attract majority Hindu votes. The opposition accused it of trying to polarize voters along Hindu-Muslim religious lines. Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi from Congress party, the 52-year-old scion of the Nehru-Gandhi political dynasty, is set to make her debut in Parliament after winning the race against a Communist Party candidate by a huge margin of over 400,000 votes in the Wayanad seat in southern Kerala state. She contested a special election after her brother Rahul, who was elected in two constituencies in June, had to vacate one. Her mother Sonia Gandhi is already in Parliament. The BJP had hoped to attract women with a plan that provides 1,500 rupees ($18) a month to over 20 million women in the 21-65 age group whose annual family income is less than 250,000 rupees ($3,010). The Congress party promised women double that amount and free transportation in government buses. The opposition also hoped to capitalize on the simmering disaffection with high youth unemployment, inflation and low crop prices during the BJP’s rule. In September, Congress was able to secure votes in India’s insurgency-wracked Jammu and Kashmir after a 10-year gap. But Modi’s BJP regained momentum in October and won the Haryana state election even though pollsters had predicted an easy victory for Congress.

Oppenheimer initiated coverage on Rhythm Pharmaceuticals Inc. RYTM , a developer of treatment for rare obesity disorders. The pharmaceutical industry’s focus on weight management is drawing strong investor interest, with Rhythm Pharmaceuticals standing out for targeting rare obesity disorders that standard treatments often fail to address. The company is steadily growing its business through the global rollout of Imcivree, a drug designed for several genetic obesity conditions . Also Read: Novo Nordisk’s Hybrid Weight Loss Drug Falls Short On Expectations, Stock Plunges Revenue from global sales of IMCIVREE was $33.3 million for the third quarter of 2024, an increase of 14% on a sequential basis, primarily driven by sales for BBS. In the third quarter of 2024, revenue of $23.3 million, or 70% of product revenue, was generated in the U.S. Oppenheimer is optimistic about its progress in treating hypothalamic obesity, an acquired condition with high development potential, as Phase 3 trial results are expected in the first half of 2025. Oppenheimer initiated coverage on Rhythm Pharmaceuticals with an Outperform rating and a price target of $76 . Rhythm’s expertise in MC4 biology positions it for long-term success as Imcivree’s approved uses expand, new pipeline drugs with improved efficacy and convenience advance, and the company enhances its efforts to identify patients with genetic obesity. The analyst anticipates significant growth opportunities in 2025 and beyond as Rhythm taps into a multi-billion-dollar total addressable market. The analyst highlights that severe obesity caused by MC4R pathway defects doesn’t respond well to popular GLP-1 drugs like Novo Nordisk A/S’ Wegovy or Eli Lilly And Co’s Zepbound, noting the experts and studies. The MC4R drug market has little competition. Palatin Technologies Inc. markets Vyleesi (bremelanotide) for sexual disorders and is testing it with Zepbound for general obesity, with results expected in early 2025. Palatin is also developing oral MC4R drugs. Price Action: RYTM stock is up 1.71% at $56.43 at last check Friday. Read Next: Innovative Industrial Properties Hit By Cannabis Company PharmaCann’s Rent Default, Stock Plunges Photo via Shutterstock. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

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If we care about the world, every time we spend our money, we should think about the true cost of what we’re buying and whether we’re giving our hard-earned cash to companies that deserve it. Rather than brands and products that just talk a good game when it comes to be greener or kinder, we should invest in gifts which make a positive pledge to planet and people. While it's easy to fall for a bargain, we have to remember that sales are still about the brands making money from flogging us a lot of things we don’t really need; and we’re not truly winners in the end. Have a think about what a supply chain might look like beyond what you want, and the harsh reality of those so-called feel-good items online is that they're often made in a way that involves the exploitation of natural resources and human labour, and result in emissions galore as part of an ugly take-make-waste life cycle. Luckily, there are lots of hero products out there which are actively tackling social, environmental and economic challenges. So let’s spend our hard-earned cash in a way that also gives a salute to the values and messages we want to be amplified in the world, and in turn, it might also make the folks you give these gifts to think a little more deeply about what matters and why. This B Corp-certified brand makes cool contemporary bags from turning waste into fashion before it ends up in landfills. Seriously circular, they used to do this with PET bottles from the beverage industry, now they recycle textile waste as an antidote to the fallout from fast fashion. From €99.99 (£85.65) ucon-acrobatics.com Ethically-sourced charity-supporting chocolate from Arthouse Unlimited is enhanced with art by creatives living with complex neuro-diverse and physical support needs. From £5.25, arthouseunlimited.org Fans of Yuval Noah Harari’s Sapiens book will love this manifesto for better living from the straight-talking Dutch historian, Rutger Bregman. £9.49, uk.bookshop.org Selling affordable accessories from makers who’ve been homeless or who are living in hostels, Pivot's earrings, necklaces and bangles are made from zero waste acetate, recycled sterling silver and responsible brass. We also love their beautiful bookmarks . From £25, madebypivot.com This social-impact homeware brand is now based in E2 on Columbia Road, and its products include beautiful hand-blown tumblers made by artisans in Afghanistan. From £65, ishkar.com These vegan, bio-degradable zero-waste and waterless bars do a great job at cleansing and conditioning your hair. From £5.50, littlesoapcompany.co.uk What’s more eco than giving some living, breathing greenery? Order indoor and outdoor potted plants and Christmas trees — we especially love Patch's 'unkillable' houseplants. From £10, patchplants.com This indie toothbrush brand - a portmanteau of ' sustainable rituals' - considers nature and waste along its supply chain in a way the big-name brands can never compete with. The UV-light case is especially well suited to those on the go. £75, trysuri.com We already loved their climate-positive vodkas and gins which support reforestation with every bottle purchased. Now they’ve only gone and produced a poster spirit for regenerative farming in cahoots with chef and farmer Julius Roberts. This liquid lesson in the importance of restoring the soil to be a carbon sink allows you to taste that it’s made from nutrient-rich grains too. We'll drink to that. From £55, saplingspirits.com Swapfiets offers a shared economy solution for human-powered transport. Its fully-serviced e-bike rentals cost less than £20 monthly. From £18.90 per month, swapfiets.co.uk These resilient brollies are long-lasting, which is not only helpful in extreme weather but also important when you know how many cheap umbrellas end up in landfills. From £70, bluntumbrellas.co.uk These chic, sustainable ceramic stacking bowls are a dream for easy ramens, and provide storage free of plastic. From £24, hokanbowls.com Invest in one of these forever dresses made in London, keep your packing light and wear it over and over again without fear of being part of the fast-fashion churn. Elegant design with highest-quality fabrics let you step out in a dress-up or dress-down style to suit every occasion, whether a beach, bar, or boardroom. From £320, hansineshop.co Social Supermarket is a purveyor of sustainable independent products from pantry to wardrobe. Its ethical hampers or ethical and vegan gift boxes that are guaranteed to leave a good taste in the mouth. From £20.89, socialsupermarket.org Form meets function with these swimsuits and bikinis, which let you ditch waste from feminine hygiene products — especially perfect for teens. From £20, azurebelle.com.au Add some festive fizz to everyday drinks, or stock up for a jollier Dry January thanks to these witty, but responsible Scottish soft drink scamps. From £29 for 12 250ml cans, rapscallionsoda.com More tap water is drinkable than people realise when they wander, but a Water-To-Go purifier bottle helps when you need to play it extra-safe. Or try LARQ for a more luxe edition, which uses UV-C light to neutralise 99.9% of germs and bacteria at the touch of a button. Purifying bottle, from £25, watertogousa.com , and from £58, livelarq.com These Swedish makers really think about circularity when it comes to manufacturing their excellent audio accessories. £89.99, urbanears.com Flaunt your eco values in carbon-negative knitwear made from super-soft Merino wool. Sheep Inc's jumpers teach us about traceability, right down to a cute little QR tag built into every piece. From £290, sheepinc.com Only a lucky few can join the ledger for these limited-edition eaux de parfums from Somerset. Subscribe to Ffern's exceptionally small batch of organic seasonal fragrances and each delivery promises to be an uplifting lesson in transparency and sustainability. Membership from £169, ffern.co For more eco-friendly packing tips and sustainable travel inspiration, go to The Standard’s Sustainable Travel section .

STUART, Fla. , Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Health In Tech, Inc., an Insurtech platform company backed by third-party AI technology, today announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 2,300,000 shares of its Class A common stock, at a public offering price of $4.00 per share. In addition, Health In Tech has granted the underwriter a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 345,000 shares of its Class A common stock at the initial public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions. The shares are expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on December 23, 2024 , under the ticker symbol "HIT". The offering is expected to close on December 24, 2024 , subject to customary closing conditions. American Trust Investment Services, Inc. is acting as the sole book-running manager of this offering. Health In Tech intends to use the net proceeds from the offering towards system enhancements, the expansion of service offerings, expansion of sales and distribution channels, talent development and retention, working capital and other general corporate purpose. A registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-281853) relating to the shares was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and became effective on December 19, 2024 . This offering was made only by means of a prospectus, forming part of the effective registration statement. A copy of the prospectus relating to the offering can be obtained when available, by contacting American Trust Investment Services, Inc., 230 W. Monroe Street , Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60606, or via E-Mail at ECM@amtruinvest.com . This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About Health In Tech Health in Tech, Inc. ("HIT") is an Insurtech platform company backed by third-party AI technology. We offer a dynamic marketplace designed to create customized healthcare plan solutions while streamlining processes through vertical integration, process simplification, and automation. By eliminating friction and complexities, HIT enhances value propositions for employers and optimizes underwriting, sales, and service workflows for Managing General Underwriters (MGUs), insurance carriers, licensed brokers, and Third-Party Administrators (TPAs). Learn more at healthintech.com . Forward-Looking Statements Regarding Health In Tech Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may include estimates or expectations about Health In Tech's possible or assumed operational results, financial condition, business strategies and plans, market opportunities, competitive position, industry environment, and potential growth opportunities. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as "may," "will," "should," "design," "target," "aim," "hope," "expect," "could," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "continue," "predict," "project," "potential," "goal," or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. These statements relate to future events or to Health In Tech's future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Health In Tech's actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond Health In Tech's control and which could, and likely will, affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects Health In Tech's current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to Health In Tech's operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. Investor Contact Investor Relations: ir@healthintech.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/health-in-tech-inc-announces-pricing-of-initial-public-offering-302337631.html SOURCE Health In TechMystery drones over NJ: Biden officials say ‘no evidence’ of ill intent despite few answers( MENAFN - GetNews) Chinese Practice with Chinese Wisdom is a 10-episode TV program produced by Jiangsu Broadcasting Corporation, one of the most influential media groups in China. It gives a vivid presentation of traditional Chinese cultural elements such as poetry, calligraphy, seal-cutting, traditional Chinese operas, dance, and martial arts, aiming to enrich audiences with cultural enlightenment and aesthetic enjoyment. Through questions, disucssions, elaborations, feelings, and stories shared by guests from around the world, the program, which has been aired in some 40 countries and regions including the United States, France, South Africa, Nigeria, will take you on an enchanting journey along Chinese history and culture, bridging ancient and modern times, as well as China and the world. In a remarkable convergence of ideas that span continents and centuries, the philosophies of Confucius from ancient China and Pericles from classical Athens resonate with striking similarity. Both luminaries, thriving in the 5th century BCE, navigated their societies through paths of ethical and civic enlightenment. Despite the geographical distance and cultural differences, Confucius and Pericles championed the pursuit of the common good, a testament to the universal appeal of their wisdom. In the same studio, guests from various fields such as art, culture, education, media, technology, and medicine from around the world engaged in lively and insightful discussions about the Chinese wisdom hidden within ancient Chinese quotes. They shared their personal experience, professional expertise, and understanding of Chinese culture. The TV program consists of ten episodes, each focusing on classic quotes including: Pursuing Common Good for All, Regarding the People as the Foundation of the State, Governing by Virtue, Embracing Innovation, Appointing Officials Based on merit, Harmonizing Humanity and Nature, Continuous Self-improvement, Embracing the World with Virtue, Acting Friendly and with Intergrity, and Cultivating Neighborliness. MENAFN20122024003238003268ID1109018467 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.After recently reporting that the Houston Rockets are interested in pursuing a trade for Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant, NBA insider Marc Stein is now pumping the brakes on that rumor. Stein reported on Sunday that the Rockets' interest in pursuing a trade for Durant "has been overstated from the jump." This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis. For more from Bleacher Report on this topic and from around the sports world, check out our B/R app , homepage and social feeds—including Twitter , Instagram , Facebook and TikTok .