MILAN — Shoppers laden with bags from Fendi, Loewe, Prada and other designer labels clog the narrow sidewalks of Milan's swankiest shopping street, bringing joy to the purveyors of high-end luxury goods this, and every, holiday season. There's even more to celebrate this year: a commercial real estate company crowned Via MonteNapoleone as the world's most expensive retail destination, displacing New York's Fifth Avenue. The latest version of American firm Cushman & Wakefield's annual global index, which ranks shopping areas based on the rent prices they command, is a sign of Via MonteNapoleone's desirability as an address for luxury ready-to-wear, jewelry and even pastry brands. A man walks past a shop Dec. 12 in Monte Napoleone street in Milan, Italy. The average rent on the Milan street surged to $2,047 per square foot, compared with $2,000 per square foot on an 11-block stretch of upper Fifth Avenue. Via MonteNapoleone's small size — less than a quarter-mile long — and walking distance to services and top cultural sites are among the street's key advantages, according to Guglielmo Miani, president of the MonteNapoleone District association. "Not everything can fit, which is a benefit," since the limited space makes the street even more exclusive and dynamic, said Miani, whose group also represents businesses on the intersecting side streets that together with Via MonteNapoleone form an area known as Milan's Fashion Quadrilateral. Women look a shop Dec. 12 in Monte Napoleone street in Milan, Italy. The biggest brands on the street make 50 million euros to 100 million euros in annual sales, Miani said, which goes a long way to paying the rent. Tiffany & Co. is preparing to take up residence on Via Montenapoleone, and longtime tenant Fendi is expanding. The MonteNapoleone District says 11 million people visited the area this year through November, but there's no way to say how many were big spenders vs. window shoppers. The average shopper on Via MonteNapoleone spent 2,500 euros per purchase between August and November — the highest average receipt in the world, according to the tax-free shopping firm Global Blue. The street is a magnet for holiday shoppers who arrive in Maseratis, Porsches and even Ferraris, the sports car's limited trunk space notwithstanding. A mannequin is seen Dec. 12 in a shop in Monte Napoleone street in Milan, Italy. Lights twinkle overhead, boutique windows feature mannequins engaged in warm scenes of holiday fun, and passersby snap photos of expertly decorated cakes in pastry shop displays. A visitor from China, Chen Xinghan, waited for a taxi with a half-dozen shopping bags lined up next to him on the sidewalk. He said he paid half the price for a luxury Fendi coat that he purchased in Milan than he would have at home. "I got a lot," Chen acknowledged. "It's a fantastic place, a good place for shopping." A man waits for a taxi Dec. 12 in Monte Napoleon street in Milan, Italy. A few store windows down, Franca Da Rold, who was visiting Milan from Belluno, an Italian city in the Dolomites mountain range, marveled at a chunky, yardslong knit scarf priced at 980 euros. "I could knit that in one hour, using 12-gauge knitting needles as thick as my fingers, and thick wool. Maximum two hours," Da Rold said, but acknowledged the brand appeal. Buildings are decorated Dec. 12 in Monte Napoleone street in Milan, Italy. Despite upper Fifth Avenue getting bumped to the No. 2 spot on the Cushman & Wakefield list, the organization that serves as the Manhattan street's guardian and chief promoter had praise for MonteNapoleone's achievement. "Milan's investment in its public realm is paying off, which is a win for their shoppers, businesses and city as a whole," said Madelyn Wils, interim president of the Fifth Avenue Association. She also expressed confidence that with new investments and a record year for sales on Fifth Avenue, "we'll be back on top in no time." The holiday season feels a little less jolly considering the amount of waste generated by gift-giving. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the amount of household garbage in the U.S. between Thanksgiving and New Year's. After the decorations come down, all that waste heads to landfills, producing a significant contributor to climate change: methane gas. "Greening" the holidays is essential, and one simple tip is to think more about how sustainable the materials are in your decorations, decor, and, of course, gifts. Instead of plastics, you could opt for items that can be reused, are made of renewable materials or natural fibers that boast a smaller environmental impact in both production and durability. Due to consumers' desires for more eco-friendly goods, sustainable materials are among the biggest trends in home decor. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable—and earth-conscious—home goods that make perfect holiday gifts. rounded up a list of sustainable home decor trends in 2025 that offer dozens of creative options for holiday gift-giving. Each trend includes examples of great gifts for the home and advice for ensuring items are sustainably produced or can help create a more eco-friendly space. In the depths of winter's gray days, it's a real gift to see a little green, which is why indoor gardening gifts are a wonderful idea. Not only are they eco-friendly and promote sustainability—the more food you can grow yourself, the less you have to buy—they also foster an appreciation of nature and bring the natural world indoors to enjoy. Sprouting kits and microgreens require minimal amounts of space and sunlight, but a sunny, south-facing window will permit a small herb garden or leafy greens for salads. If you're not sure what kind of light your recipient has access to, go with gifting indoor grow lamps along with the plants, or pick a hardy, low-water houseplant—some can act as natural air purifiers too. When buying gifts for the home, consider what materials the items are made from and how far away they come from—not only are natural materials like rattan, jute, palm leaves, clay, organic cotton and linen, and ceramics more sustainable, but if they are being used by a local craftsperson, gifters are also saving on fossil fuels for the transportation. Plus, you're helping the local economy by supporting local craftspeople, so it's a win-win. Natural fiber pillows, sheets, blankets, and even doormats offer comfort and consideration of the environment. The most sustainable and eco-friendly gift is one you already have, so get creative about reusing materials already in or around your home (raid the recycling bin, find nice pieces of wood outside, wash out and reuse glass jars) to fashion them into new, thoughtful goods. Similarly, think vintage and secondhand—what items can you give a second life to by passing them along to someone who will find new meaning in them? Some of the most thoughtful gifts are small heirlooms—pieces of jewelry or a beloved ceramic dish—passed along to the next generation that will appreciate them. Green technology offers ways to reduce our carbon footprint in everyday life, and smart thermostats, solar lights, smart sprinklers, and smart plugs all make great gifts, saving people money and conserving our valuable resources. For those looking into home renovations or updating decor, try a new light fixture paired with smart blubs, or a new window treatment with smart shades. Even something as simple as a rain barrel can reduce energy use—and while the technology for that isn't very sophisticated, it certainly is, like composting, "smart." Integrated outdoor living is the ultimate gift, allowing us to bring the natural world into our homes. However, doing so sustainably takes a little more effort than simply leaving the doors to the deck open all the time. First, find eco-friendly and sustainable outdoor furniture, perhaps thrifting it or buying it used and fixing it up for a one-of-a-kind gift. If you can't go secondhand, choose furniture made of sustainable materials such as reclaimed wood, recycled plastic (great for outdoor rugs), or bamboo. For smaller gifts, consider solar lights, a water feature that recycles water, a rain barrel, or even a set of handmade wind chimes made from seashells. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.A report from Alberta’s Auditor General flags loose network controls in three Government of Alberta departments as potential risks for unauthorized access to government data and Albertans’ personal information. In its audit of the province’s consolidated financial statements, the auditor general made recommendations to the Ministries of Technology and Innovation, Children and Family Services (CFS), and Seniors, Community and Social Services (SCSS) to improve network security procedures after finding the departments failed to promptly remove ex-employees access privileges. For both CFS and SCSS, the auditor found that terminated employees retained access to IT applications. Previous reports in 2014 and 2020 made the same recommendation to tighten controls for department information systems, and the auditor said it is repeating that direction because it continues to find “user access exceptions.” “Unauthorized individuals may access the department’s systems and be able to use or change critical personal, business, and financial information. This could result in privacy breaches for the department or create opportunities for identity theft. If information in the financial systems was manipulated, this could impair the integrity of the department’s financial reporting and results,” the auditor general’s report warns. Within Information and Technology, the auditor tested 25 sample accounts, and found 13 of these accounts weren’t removed from the network. Five of the 13 accounts “were used to log into the government’s network after the account holders’ employment ended with government.” Department management verified that the users “mainly accessed their own employment data.” An additional 48 ex-employees held on to logins for 11 departmental IT applications, resulting in one unauthorized access to an IT system. The audit also found the department didn’t complete effective reviews of user access rights for 12 of its IT applications, including three where no review was performed during the 2023-24 audit period. Jonathan Gauthier, press secretary to the Ministry of Technology and Innovation, said the department is working to implement the network security recommendations. “Alberta’s government takes security seriously and is committed to continuous improvement to ensure better user experience and provide common, secure, and streamlined access to government services,” Gauthier said. Many of the concerns outlined in the report have already been addressed, Gauthier said. Contractor accounts are set to be automatically terminated at the end of the contract period, and as of spring 2024, employee account removal has been aligned with payroll termination processes. “The existing Access Controls policy has been updated to increase the frequency of reviews of user account access; from annually to quarterly,” he said. “Technology and Innovation is also developing a tool to track compliance to the policy and provide regular reporting. This is expected to be rolled out in the upcoming months. Further improvements to the periodic review of users’ access rights are underway and will be implemented over the coming years.”During an address in Kuwait, Prime Minister Narendra Modi projected a future where India stands as a global hub for development and a key growth engine worldwide. The event marked the first Indian Prime Ministerial visit to Kuwait in over four decades. Highlighting India's progress, Modi noted its rise as the fifth-largest economy, advancements in fintech, and a robust startup ecosystem. He underscored the nation's potential for global skill supply and technological innovation. Emphasizing strong India-Kuwait ties, Modi praised the Indian diaspora's contributions and outlined prospects for collaboration, especially in fintech and green technology. He invited the diaspora to the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in 2025 for further engagement. (With inputs from agencies.)

Unproven remedies: Tata Memorial Hospital slams Sidhu’s viral ‘diet cure’ cancer claim

Laminated Glass Market Size and Forecast 12-26-2024 04:53 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Verified Market Reports Laminated Glass Market USA, New Jersey- The global Laminated Glass Market is expected to record a CAGR of XX.X% from 2024 to 2031 In 2024, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of USD XX.X Billion. By 2031 the valuation is anticipated to reach USD XX.X Billion. The laminated glass market is expanding steadily, driven by its widespread application across various industries such as automotive, construction, and electronics. Laminated glass is created by bonding two or more layers of glass with an interlayer, providing enhanced safety, sound insulation, and UV protection. The market size is influenced by the growing demand for safety and security features in vehicles and buildings. 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Get a Discount On The Purchase Of This Report @ https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/ask-for-discount/?rid=111333&utm_source=Openpr&utm_medium=288 The following Key Segments Are Covered in Our Report Laminated Glass Market Segmentaion Analysis, By Type Polyvinyl Butyral Ionoplast Polymer Laminated Glass Market Segmentaion Analysis, By Application Building & Construction Automotive Major companies in Laminated Glass Market are: Saint-Gobain, Asahi Glass, Nippon Sheet Glass, Sisecam Group, Taiwan Glass, Guardian Industries, Central Glass, Xinyi Glass Holdings, Csg Holdings, Fuyao Glass Industry Global Laminated Glass Market Regional Analysis North America: North America is a significant player in the global Laminated Glass , with the United States and Canada being major contributors. The region benefits from a robust economy, technological advancements, and a strong consumer base with high purchasing power. 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For More Information or Query, Visit @ https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/product/global-laminated-glass-market-2019-by-manufacturers-regions-type-and-application-forecast-to-2024/ Aqueous Zinc-ion Rechargeable Batteries Market https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/product/aqueous-zinc-ion-rechargeable-batteries-market/ Standard IV Administration Sets Market https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/product/standard-iv-administration-sets-market/ IV Catheters Market https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/product/iv-catheters-market/ PVC IV Bag Market https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/product/pvc-iv-bag-market/ Application Support and Maintenance Service Market https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/product/application-support-and-maintenance-service-market/ "Contact us: Mr. Edwyne Fernandes Verified Market Reports® US: +1 (650)-781-4080 UK: +44 (753)-715-0008 APAC: +61 (488)-85-9400 US Toll-Free: +1 (800)-782-1768 Email: sales@verifiedmarketreports.com Website:- https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com " "About Us: Verified Market Reports® Verified Market Reports is a leading Global Research and Consulting firm servicing over 5000+ global clients. We provide advanced analytical research solutions while offering information-enriched research studies. We also offer insights into strategic and growth analyses and data necessary to achieve corporate goals and critical revenue decisions. Our 250 Analysts and SMEs offer a high level of expertise in data collection and governance using industrial techniques to collect and analyze data on more than 25,000 high-impact and niche markets. Our analysts are trained to combine modern data collection techniques, superior research methodology, expertise, and years of collective experience to produce informative and accurate research." This release was published on openPR.

Simmons scores 29 as Gardner-Webb defeats East Carolina 84-79India has recently taken a significant diplomatic step by reopening its embassy in Pyongyang after a three-year hiatus. This move, occurring in the context of North Korea’s growing military capabilities and its strengthening alliances with Russia, China and Iran, underscores India’s evolving foreign policy priorities. It also aligns with India’s “Act East” policy and reflects its broader strategic interests in Northeast Asia and beyond. Furthermore, the decision has implications for India’s positioning within BRICS and its growing influence in global geopolitics. India’s relationship with North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), has been shaped by a complex mix of historical, ideological and geopolitical factors. During the Cold War, India maintained diplomatic ties with both North and South Korea, reflecting its non-aligned stance. While the relationship with North Korea was never particularly close, India has provided humanitarian aid to Pyongyang over the years and engaged in limited trade, primarily in the form of food and medical supplies. Relations, however, have been strained at times due to North Korea’s nuclear proliferation activities. India has consistently condemned North Korea’s nuclear tests and missile launches, aligning itself with international efforts to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula. Despite these challenges, India has maintained a degree of engagement, recognizing the strategic importance of dialogue and diplomacy in fostering stability in the region. The decision to reopen the Indian embassy in Pyongyang comes at a critical juncture in global geopolitics. Several new factors appear to have influenced this Indian move. India’s “Act East” policy emphasizes strengthening ties with East and Southeast Asian nations to enhance economic and strategic cooperation. While North Korea is not a traditional partner in this framework, engaging with Pyongyang allows India to play a more active role in regional affairs. This engagement also demonstrates India’s commitment to fostering stability in the Korean Peninsula, a key region in Asia. North Korea’s advances in missile technology and nuclear capabilities pose significant challenges to regional and global security. By maintaining a diplomatic presence in Pyongyang, India can gain valuable insights into North Korea’s military developments and its growing defense collaboration with nations including Russia, China, and Iran. This information is crucial for India’s strategic planning, particularly in mitigating the risk that sensitive technology will reach its adversarial states. North Korea’s close ties with Russia and China — two key players in BRICS — provide an additional strategic incentive for India to engage with Pyongyang. By fostering relations with North Korea, India can strengthen its position within BRICS, leveraging this connection to counterbalance Western influence and assert its role as a mediator in global conflicts. This engagement aligns with BRICS’ broader objectives of promoting multipolarity and fostering development in the Global South. India has long been concerned about North Korea’s close ties with adversarial states, particularly those that pose strategic challenges to India’s national security. By maintaining a diplomatic presence in Pyongyang, India can better communicate its positions on critical issues directly to the North Korean leadership. This presence facilitates opportunities to engage in dialogue, offering a platform to clarify India’s stance on matters of mutual interest and concern. Establishing such channels of communication is instrumental in fostering a deeper understanding of India’s security priorities within North Korea’s political framework. Moreover, this engagement provides India with a unique opportunity to build personal rapport with North Korean leaders, which is crucial for cultivating trust and mutual respect. Such relationships can serve as a valuable deterrent, reducing the likelihood that North Korea will transfer weapons or sensitive technology to India’s adversaries. This strategic outreach aligns seamlessly with India’s broader commitment to non-proliferation, reinforcing its efforts to curb the spread of nuclear and missile technology while advancing its aspirations for a leadership role in global arms control initiatives. By embedding itself within North Korea’s diplomatic landscape, India positions itself to play a more active role in promoting stability and security in the region and beyond. Engaging with North Korea provides India with an opportunity to enhance its strategic leverage in interactions with other major powers and key regional players. By fostering dialogue with Pyongyang, India not only positions itself as a responsible and proactive global actor but also gains a multifaceted tool to complement its partnerships with South Korea and Japan, both of which are critical allies in the Indo-Pacific. India’s engagement with North Korea could serve as a demonstration of its ability to act as a stabilizing and balancing force in the region, fostering peace and mitigating tensions. This approach aligns with India’s broader foreign policy objective of promoting a multipolar world order. Such engagement would also showcase India’s diplomatic flexibility and its capacity to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes by maintaining communication with nations across the spectrum, including those considered isolated or adversarial by others. Moreover, India’s outreach to Pyongyang could help it establish a unique role in bridging the divergent interests of regional stakeholders. For instance, while South Korea and Japan prioritize denuclearization and security, China’s relationship with North Korea centers on maintaining stability and strategic depth. India, by maintaining a balanced dialogue with Pyongyang, could subtly influence the convergence of these interests, fostering a more cooperative environment in the region. From an economic perspective, engaging North Korea could also open avenues for low-scale economic interactions, technical cooperation or cultural exchanges, further building India’s soft power. These efforts would need to be carefully calibrated to ensure they do not violate international sanctions but could still yield long-term strategic dividends. India’s constructive engagement with North Korea could enhance its diplomatic toolkit, reinforce its standing as a stabilizing power, and underscore its commitment to regional peace and development, all while complementing and strengthening its strategic partnerships with South Korea, Japan and other Indo-Pacific players. Moreover, India’s unique position of having good relations with both North and South Korea allows it to play a pivotal role in peacebuilding efforts on the Korean Peninsula. With the possibility of renewed peace talks under a future US administration, such as a second Trump presidency, India could act as a neutral mediator, leveraging its diplomatic ties to foster dialogue and confidence-building measures between the two Koreas. Although North Korea’s economy remains isolated and heavily sanctioned, there is potential for limited economic and humanitarian cooperation. India’s experience in providing humanitarian aid and its expertise in agriculture and healthcare could serve as avenues for constructive engagement. Such initiatives could also help build goodwill and trust between the two nations. North Korea presents both significant challenges and unique opportunities for India’s diplomatic outreach. While engagement with Pyongyang can enhance India’s strategic leverage, it must be approached with caution and precision to navigate the complexities of the international and regional landscape. North Korea remains under stringent international sanctions due to its nuclear weapons program. Any engagement by India must adhere strictly to these restrictions to avoid potential repercussions from the global community, particularly the United States and other major powers. India’s actions will need to align with its commitments to upholding international law and ensuring non-proliferation. North Korea’s secretive governance structure poses significant risks to sustained diplomatic engagement. India will need to exercise caution to ensure that its outreach does not inadvertently contradict its strategic objectives or lead to unintended consequences. India’s growing partnership with South Korea is a cornerstone of its “Act East” policy and an essential component of its broader Indo-Pacific strategy. South Korea remains deeply concerned about Pyongyang’s actions, particularly its nuclear ambitions and military provocations. India’s engagement with North Korea must be carefully calibrated to avoid straining its strong and growing ties with Seoul. As the world’s largest democracy, India has a firm commitment to democratic values and institutions. This foundation limits the extent to which India can engage with North Korea, a regime with a vastly different political system, without compromising its democratic principles or its partnerships with other leading democracies such as the United States, Japan, South Korea, and Israel. India can leverage its historical non-aligned stance and diplomatic credibility to promote dialogue and peace on the Korean Peninsula. By engaging with both North and South Korea, India can contribute to confidence-building measures and support efforts toward denuclearization. With strong relations with both Koreas, China, and Russia, India is uniquely positioned to build long-term strategic partnerships in Northeast Asia. This engagement aligns with India’s goal of becoming a key player in regional and global affairs, contributing to a more stable and secure Asia. The decision to reopen its embassy in Pyongyang signifies a calculated shift in India’s foreign policy priorities. By engaging with North Korea, India aims to enhance its regional influence, address proliferation concerns, and navigate the complex dynamics of major power relations. This diplomatic outreach further bolsters India’s position within BRICS, given North Korea’s strategic alignment with Russia and China, highlighting the importance of proactive engagement with Pyongyang. Amid significant political transformations in South Korea, India’s renewed diplomatic efforts are poised to safeguard its interests on the Korean Peninsula and expand its influence in the broader regional landscape.