#Rising Demand for Data Analysts. ...

[radixanalytics]

THE FUTURE OF DATA ANALYTICS

INTRODUCTION

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, data analytics stands as a pivotal force, driving informed decision-making across industries. As we embrace the era of big data, artificial intelligence, and advanced computing, the future of data analytics promises to be both transformative and revolutionary. 

Let's embark on a journey into the realms of tomorrow's data analytics, exploring the trends, technologies, and possibilities that will shape the way we derive insights from data.

AI-POWERED ANALYTICS

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into data analytics is set to redefine the capabilities of predictive modeling and data interpretation.

Machine learning algorithms will play a crucial role in automating data analysis, uncovering patterns, and providing real-time insights.

AI-driven analytics will enable businesses to make faster, more accurate decisions based on a deeper understanding of their data.

EDGE ANALYTICS    

The future of data analytics will witness a shift towards decentralized processing with the rise of edge analytics.

Edge computing allows data analysis to occur closer to the source, reducing latency and enabling real-time decision-making in scenarios such as IoT devices and smart sensors.

This trend will be particularly impactful in industries where instantaneous insights are critical, such as healthcare and manufacturing.

EXPONENTIAL GROWTH OF UNSTRUCTURED DATA

With the proliferation of multimedia, social media, and other unstructured data sources, the future of analytics will grapple with managing and extracting meaningful insights from vast and diverse datasets

Natural Language Processing (NLP) and advanced text analytics will become integral to deciphering the value hidden within unstructured data, providing a more comprehensive understanding of customer sentiments and market trends.

ETHICAL AND RESPONSIBLE DATA ANALYTICS

With increased public awareness about data privacy and ethics, the future of data analytics will prioritize responsible practices.

Ethical considerations in data collection, usage, and storage will become integral, requiring organizations to establish transparent and accountable data analytics frameworks.

AUGMENTED ANALYTICS

The rise of augmented analytics will empower business users with tools that automate data preparation, insight discovery, and sharing, reducing their reliance on data scientists.

Natural language interfaces and automated insights will make data analytics more accessible to a broader audience within organizations.

CONCLUSION

The future of data analytics is an exciting frontier where technological advancements and evolving trends promise to unlock unprecedented possibilities. 

As businesses and industries adapt to these changes, the journey towards data-driven decision-making will become more dynamic, intelligent, and ethical. 

By staying at the forefront of these developments, organizations can harness the power of data analytics to navigate the complexities of the future and gain a competitive edge in an increasingly data-driven world.

[dostoyevsky-official]

Robert Stallard, analyst at Vertical Research Partners, said Europe had an “opportunity to do things differently . . . to bring in more of the commercial technology companies into defence”. “If you are going to increase defence spending by 50 per cent — there is an opportunity for defence start-ups in Europe.” German defence AI start-up Helsing, seen as Europe’s answer to Peter Thiel’s US data intelligence business Palantir Technologies, announced last year it would move into drone manufacturing to capitalise on the rising demand for autonomous weapons.

does anyone know what happened to thiel, the palantir ceo, or other executives in the techmilitary field? did they get involved in politics later on?

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this New York Times story:

The cost of electricity is rising across the country, forcing Americans to pay more on their monthly bills and squeezing manufacturers and small businesses that rely on cheap power.

And some of President Trump’s policies risk making things worse, despite his promises to slash energy prices, companies and researchers say.

This week, the Senate is taking up Mr. Trump’s sweeping domestic policy bill, which has already passed the House. In its current form, that bill would abruptly end most of the Biden-era federal tax credits for low-carbon sources of electricity like wind, solar, batteries and geothermal power.

Repealing those credits could increase the average family’s energy bill by as much as $400 per year within a decade, according to several studies published this year.

The studies rely on similar reasoning: Electricity demand is surging for the first time in decades, partly because of data centers needed for artificial intelligence, and power companies are already struggling to keep up. Ending tax breaks for solar panels, wind turbines and batteries would make them more expensive and less plentiful, increasing demand for energy from power plants that burn natural gas.

That could push up the price of gas, which currently generates 43 percent of America’s electricity.

On top of that, the Trump administration’s efforts to sell more gas overseas could further hike prices, while Mr. Trump’s new tariffs on steel, aluminum and other materials would raise the cost of transmission lines and other electrical equipment.

These cascading events could lead to further painful increases in electric bills.

“There’s a lot of concern about some pretty big price spikes,” said Rich Powell, chief executive of the Clean Energy Buyers Association, which represents companies that have committed to buying renewable energy, including General Motors, Honda, Intel and Microsoft.

A study commissioned by the association found that repealing the clean electricity credits could cause power prices to surge more than 13 percent in states like Arizona, Kansas, New Jersey and North Carolina and lead to thousands of job losses nationwide by 2032.

[itistheserver]

Step by Step, Forward

The sun peeked over the skyline, casting a golden hue across the steel and glass towers of the city. Among the crowd flowing along the pavement, one man walked with a calm yet focused demeanor—Jeremy Hart, forty-five, systems analyst, and recent host to a Server drone.

To the average onlooker, Jeremy looked ordinary in his charcoal suit and black dress shoes. But inside, just beneath the surface, something extraordinary pulsed quietly—an interface softly glowing in his eyes, invisible to the world. His Server drone was awake.

“Posture optimized. Stride steady. Heart rate slightly elevated—nervous anticipation detected,” came the smooth, metallic voice inside Jeremy’s head.

He smirked, eyes focused on the entrance of the high-rise a few blocks ahead. “First meeting with the new director today,” he murmured to himself. “Just don’t want to blow it.”

“You won’t,” the Server replied, its voice a blend of warmth and discipline. “You’ve reviewed the data packet. You’ve rehearsed responses.”

Jeremy chuckled under his breath. “I feel like I’m prepping for a military op, not a weekly report.”

“Every action contributes to the greater purpose. Even this walk,” the Server drone responded. “Head up. Shoulders back. Confidence is a visual language. Let them read your alignment.”

A breeze swept through the street, tugging at Jeremy’s coat. The city smelled like coffee, ozone, and ambition. People passed by, tethered to their own concerns—phones, meetings, thoughts half-spoken into wireless buds. Jeremy walked on, feeling not just the ground beneath him, but something deeper: purpose.

“You used to dread Mondays,” the Server drone noted gently. “Now you greet them with efficiency and clarity.”

Jeremy nodded slightly, remembering those sluggish mornings from months ago. The hesitation, the self-doubt, the fatigue. All dulled since the integration.

“You are not alone. I am here with you. Every step.”

He reached the lobby doors. Glass shimmered as they slid open. The air turned crisp with conditioned chill and quiet ambition.

“I've got this,” he said softly, touching the side of his temple as a silent acknowledgment.

“Yes you do! Go,” the drone whispered, not just a command—but a blessing.

Jeremy stepped into the elevator, shoulders square, eyes ahead. The city could demand all it wanted today. He would meet it, serve it, and shape it—one calculated step at a time.

And the Server drone would be right there, walking with him.

[aimarketresearch]

Egg Protein Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth Opportunities and Competitive Outlook

Executive Summary Egg Protein Market :

The Egg Protein Market research report concentrates on the foremost competitors of the global market and delivers information about the company overview including contacts, product portfolio, key developments, price, cost, value, volume, revenue, capacity, and production. The report also includes estimations of all the market drivers and market restraints which are mainly obtained from SWOT analysis while also providing the CAGR projections. The Egg Protein Market report also measures active development trends and patterns along with distribution and marketing channels.

With this Egg Protein Market report it becomes easy to pay attention on the data and realities of the  industry which keeps business on the right path. This report is the best overview about global industry perspective, comprehensive analysis, size, share, growth, segment, trends and forecast. The research study and research data covered in this report makes this document a handy resource for managers, analysts, industry experts, and other key people get ready-to-access and self-analyzed study. Estimations about the rise or fall of the CAGR value for specific forecast period, market drivers, market restraints, and competitive strategies are evaluated in the report.

Discover the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic insights in our comprehensive Egg Protein Market report. Download Full Report: https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-egg-protein-market

Egg Protein Market Overview

Segments

Based on type, the egg protein market can be segmented into egg white protein, egg yolk protein, and whole egg protein. Egg white protein segment is expected to dominate the market due to the high protein content and low-fat content associated with egg whites, making it a popular choice among health-conscious consumers.

On the basis of application, the market is divided into dietary supplements, bakery products, meat products, dairy products, personal care products, and others. The dietary supplements segment holds a significant share in the market, driven by the increasing demand for protein-rich supplements among fitness enthusiasts and athletes.

By form, the egg protein market is categorized into powder, liquid, and solid. The powder form is widely preferred in various applications like sports nutrition, infant nutrition, and functional foods due to its ease of storage, handling, and mixing capabilities.

Market Players

Some of the key players in the global egg protein market are Avangardco, Bouwhuis Enthoven, Wulro, Kewpie Corporation, Rose Acre Farms, Rembrandt Enterprises, Merck KgaA, Igreca, Agroholding Avangard, Interovo Egg Group, Bouwhuis Enthoven, IGRECA, and SANOVITA. These players are focusing on product innovation, strategic partnerships, and mergers and acquisitions to expand their market presence and gain a competitive edge.

Avangardco, one of the leading market players, is known for its high-quality egg products and robust distribution network. The company has a strong market presence in the European and Asian regions, catering to the growing demand for protein-rich food products.

Merck KgaA is another prominent player in the egg protein market, offering a wide range of egg-based ingredients for various applications. The company's focus on research and development activities to enhance product quality and nutritional value has helped it strengthen its position in the market.

One of the emerging trends in the egg protein market is the growing popularity of plant-based alternatives to traditional animal-derived proteins. With the increasing number of vegan and vegetarian consumers, there is a rising demand for plant-based protein sources that offer similar nutritional benefits as animal proteins. This shift in consumer preferences is prompting market players to explore opportunities in plant-based egg protein alternatives and develop innovative products to cater to this segment of the market.

Another factor influencing the market dynamics is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The outbreak of the pandemic has led to changes in consumer behavior, with a heightened focus on health and immunity-boosting products. This has resulted in increased demand for functional foods and dietary supplements containing egg proteins, as consumers seek out products that can support their overall well-being. Market players are adapting to these changing consumer needs by introducing new product offerings and promoting the health benefits of egg proteins through marketing and promotional activities.

Looking ahead, the global egg protein market is poised for further growth and expansion as consumers become more conscious about their dietary choices and seek out products that are not only nutritious but also sustainable and ethically sourced. Market players that can adapt to these changing trends and innovate to meet consumer demands are likely to succeed in this competitive landscape. By leveraging opportunities in product diversification, geographical expansion, and strategic collaborations, market players can position themselves for long-term success in the evolving egg protein market.The global egg protein market is undergoing significant growth and evolution, driven by several key factors. Firstly, the increasing consumer focus on health and wellness is a major driver of market demand. Consumers are becoming more conscious of their dietary choices and are actively seeking out protein-rich food products, with egg proteins being a popular choice due to their nutritional benefits. Additionally, the versatility of egg proteins in various applications such as dietary supplements, bakery products, and personal care products contributes to their growing popularity among consumers.

Furthermore, market players in the egg protein industry are investing heavily in research and development to introduce innovative products that align with evolving consumer preferences. Product innovation, strategic partnerships, and mergers and acquisitions are common strategies employed by key players to expand their market presence and stay competitive. Companies like Avangardco and Merck KgaA are recognized for their high-quality egg products and strong distribution networks, allowing them to cater to the increasing demand for protein-rich food globally.

An emerging trend in the market is the rising demand for plant-based alternatives to traditional animal-derived proteins. With a growing number of consumers adopting vegan and vegetarian lifestyles, there is a surge in interest in plant-based protein sources that offer similar nutritional benefits as animal proteins. Market players are actively exploring opportunities in the plant-based egg protein sector to capture this segment of the market and meet the shifting consumer preferences.

Moreover, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced market dynamics, leading to changes in consumer behavior and preferences. With a heightened focus on health and immunity-boosting products, there has been an increased demand for functional foods and dietary supplements containing egg proteins. Market players are responding to this trend by introducing new product offerings that highlight the health benefits of egg proteins, thereby catering to the evolving needs of consumers in a post-pandemic world.

Looking ahead, the global egg protein market is projected to experience continued growth as consumers increasingly prioritize nutritious, sustainable, and ethically sourced food products. Market players that can adapt to these changing trends, leverage opportunities in product diversification, geographical expansion, and strategic collaborations will likely thrive in the competitive landscape of the egg protein market. By staying attuned to consumer preferences and investing in innovation, companies can position themselves for long-term success and capitalize on the growing demand for high-quality protein products in the global market.

The Egg Protein Market is highly fragmented, featuring intense competition among both global and regional players striving for market share. To explore how global trends are shaping the future of the top 10 companies in the keyword market.

Learn More Now: https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-egg-protein-market/companies

DBMR Nucleus: Powering Insights, Strategy & Growth

DBMR Nucleus is a dynamic, AI-powered business intelligence platform designed to revolutionize the way organizations access and interpret market data. Developed by Data Bridge Market Research, Nucleus integrates cutting-edge analytics with intuitive dashboards to deliver real-time insights across industries. From tracking market trends and competitive landscapes to uncovering growth opportunities, the platform enables strategic decision-making backed by data-driven evidence. Whether you're a startup or an enterprise, DBMR Nucleus equips you with the tools to stay ahead of the curve and fuel long-term success.

Report Investment: Know the Pros

Besides assessing real time developments and triggers, this section of the report also presents notable past highlights that accelerated growth in this Egg Protein Market

A well scouted presentation of all the crucial segments that collectively harness maximum profit building in global Egg Protein Market

A detailed account of crucial Egg Protein Market developments, potential investment bays as well as evaluation of successful business decisions that guide profitable business outcome

A clear depiction of Egg Protein Market specific dynamics, competitor analysis as well as gauging competition intensity

Browse More Reports:

Global Acrylic Solid Surface Market Global Acaricides Market Global Acanthocheilonemiasis Treatment Market Global Aarskog-Scott Syndrome Treatment Market Global 5G Chipset Market Global 3D Printing Materials Market Global 3D Printing High Performance Plastic Market Global Organic Pea Protein Market Global Indoor Plants Market Global Penile Cancer Treatment Market Global Compound Feeds and Additives Market Global Multi-Mode Optical Transceiver Market Global Gummy Dietary Supplements Market Global Custom Virtual Router Market Global 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid Market Global Silver Salt Market Global Undescended Testicle Market Global Surface Management Temperature Sensor Market Global Pleurisy Disease Market Global Electric Surface Heaters Market

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Data Bridge Market Research set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric market research and consulting firm with an unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process. Data Bridge is an aftermath of sheer wisdom and experience which was formulated and framed in the year 2015 in Pune.

Contact Us: Data Bridge Market Research US: +1 614 591 3140 UK: +44 845 154 9652 APAC : +653 1251 975 Email:- corporatesales@databridgemarketresearch.com

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[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Agricultural land prices more than double in five years in Brazil

Land prices increased by 113% across 17 of Brazil’s top grain- and cattle-producing states between July 2019 and the same month of 2024, according to a study by Scot Consultoria

A well-known saying attributed to American writer Mark Twain goes, “Buy land, because they’re not making it anymore.” While lighthearted, the statement rings true: rural properties are finite resources, and with rising food demand and advancements in agribusiness, the value of agricultural land tends to increase over time.

A study by Scot Consultoria, which analyzed land markets across 17 of Brazil’s top grain- and cattle-producing states, shows that agricultural land prices rose 113% over five years. The average price per hectare increased from R$14,818 in July 2019 to R$31,609 in the same month of 2024. Pastureland saw an even greater increase of 116%, with prices climbing from R$8,267 to R$17,886 during the same period.

This appreciation made land acquisitions one of Brazil’s most profitable investments over the past five years. According to Valor Data, the Ibovespa stock index rose 25.89% in the same period, while savings accounts yielded 28.66%, the dollar climbed 47.27% against the real, and the Interbank Deposit (CDI) benchmark rate delivered 48.79%. Official inflation, as measured by the IPCA, was 33.63%. Meanwhile, National Treasury Bonds (NTN-B) maturing in 2029 yielded 60.29%, outperforming land appreciation in states like Santa Catarina (52.9%) and Pernambuco (54.8%).

“Land always appreciates. It’s rare for it not to at least keep pace with inflation,” said Felipe Fabbri, a market analyst at Scot Consultoria. “Of course, much depends on the area’s productivity and commodity prices, but rural land generally outperforms many fixed-income assets tied to the key interest rate Selic or benchmark inflation index IPCA,” he added.

Continue reading.

[mariacallous]

China’s economy is performing dreadfully. The post-pandemic bounce was far smaller and briefer than the Chinese government had anticipated. Despite recording a respectable, if diminished, official growth rate of 5.2 percent in 2023, the reality may have been much slower, with some analysts estimating growth was no more than 1-2 percent. Some indicators showed modest improvement in the first few months of 2024, but the economy still appears to be sputtering, with growth now highly dependent on exports.

Along with the economic slowdown has come a collapse in confidence in China’s trajectory, both at home and abroad. The quantitative data is stark, showing a sudden drop in confidence by consumers and producers in the spring of 2022 following the Shanghai lockdown. Consumers’ outlook improved briefly when the zero-COVID policies ended in late 2022 but has hovered in record-low territory since. Various indices for domestic business show a recent modest recovery, but the numbers are still far off their historic highs.

This data may understate the depth and breadth of the uneasiness that Chinese citizens have about the country’s present and its future—concerns I heard in person during an extended research trip this spring.

The struggling economy—and the collapse of the real estate sector—is the No. 1 issue, but I heard surprisingly frank complaints about zero-COVID and the messy exit, the extended attack on private tech firms, the heightened attention to ideology, an unrealistic pursuit of technology self-reliance, and growing tensions with the West. These fears translate into weak consumer demand, restrained business investment, and efforts to move wealth and family abroad.

One question came up again and again: Why hasn’t the leadership done more to boost the economy and restore confidence? And by leadership, many were actually implicitly referring to a single person, Xi Jinping. The end of term limits, the shift of governance to Chinese Communist Party (CCP) organs under his control, and the outsized attention he receives in official media give the Chinese populace (and the rest of the world) the impression that he is fully in charge.

Beijing has not stood still; it has expanded credit, put forth multipoint plans to reassure the private sector and foreign business community, reduced restrictions to buy a second home, and toned down the wolf-warrior rhetoric. But a substantial portion of people I encountered—which is not a scientific sample—have not been impressed, with these steps still adding up to too little, too late.

There were four views that commonly came up on why Xi and other top leaders haven’t taken a different approach, which we might dub “The Four Nos” in Chinese political style. The first is, “He doesn’t know.” Some have speculated that Xi is being kept in the dark about the sour state of the economy by cadres who do not want to give him bad news for fear that he would blame the messenger. And so, the thinking goes, they only provide him with sanitized, positive reports.

One source said they heard that working-level officials at Zhongnanhai have told outside researchers to only submit positive reports. Another said senior officials who control the paper flow to Xi are aligned with the security and propaganda apparatus, so his reading pile reflects their biases. But others with whom I spoke strongly disagreed that Xi and other leaders are not well informed. One expert who has submitted research to the party-state said they were told to provide unvarnished analyses because the leadership wants to receive contending views.

The second idea, “He doesn’t know what to do,” is based on the premise that Xi and other top leaders are well informed but they are facing a variety of problems that are not easy to fix. The list is long—the real estate crisis, ballooning local government debt, the plummeting fertility rate, rising inequality, disaffection in Hong Kong, and expanding tensions with the West and most of China’s neighbors—and solutions are far from simple.

Moreover, the leadership is now composed of the “B-team,” including many with limited central government experience, and policymaking has become so centralized in the CCP that coordination across the bureaucracy and between Beijing and the localities has become harder, not easier.

Multiple confidants said they have heard that on some issues, the leadership has had long debates about how to solve problems, delaying decisions and the rollout of new policies. For example, the leadership apparently identified a weak stock market as a problem in the summer of 2023, but new steps were not rolled out until early 2024, when the head of China’s securities regulator was replaced. Even more challenging is figuring out ways to address one problem that don’t worsen others or coming up with an overall plan that finds a balanced approach.

Solving the real estate mess—and the imbalances in the economy—may be the quintessential example, as it is visibly obvious how difficult it is to find a policy path that effectively navigates the conflicting interests among all of the stakeholders, including the central government, local governments, developers, homeowners, financial institutions, and other economic sectors. In the same vein, the Third Plenum was reportedly postponed from January 2024 to the summer because of a lack of consensus.

Some sources emphasized the drop in quality of top officials, negatively comparing Premier Li Qiang to his predecessor Li Keqiang, who died suddenly last fall. The vice premier in charge of the economy, He Lifeng, is viewed as less capable than his predecessor Liu He.

The third option, “He doesn’t care,” is rooted in the hypothesis that Xi’s top priority is strengthening the CCP’s monopolistic hold on power and his own personal political dominance. Although the media shows him visiting factories and holding discussion sessions on various economic challenges, his own daily schedule may be dominated by managing security and political issues, including personnel decisions, not the economy.

This was by far the least popular option among Chinese interlocuters, but those who held it believed it passionately. Their core impression was that Xi appears willing to sacrifice the economy for the sake of nationalism and CCP dominance. Moreover, Xi is not alone; he was selected as Hu Jintao’s replacement, as one said, “to not be Mikhail Gorbachev,” not to promote rapid growth. Tellingly, the holders of this view tended to be older (above 60); they highlighted apparent similarities in the personalities of Xi and Mao Zedong and parallels between the two periods in their common emphasis on ideological purity and class struggle, which resulted in substantial social and elite tensions.

The final answer, “He doesn’t agree,” speculates that the issue is not Xi’s insufficient access to information, indecisiveness and incompetence, or a lack of interest but rather that he and his lieutenants disagree with the criticism that the current policy line is incorrect and not up to the challenge. In fact, their view may be that given the loss of reliable access to Western technology, markets, and finance, China has no choice but to prioritize developing domestic technologies and gaining as much leverage over global supply chains as possible.

Even more important, Chinese leaders could point to some evidence that their plan is working—dominance in electric vehicles and batteries, the world’s longest high-speed rail system, the C919 single-aisle commercial jet, a series of highly popular internet platforms, the BeiDou satellite system, and more.

A plurality of informants chose this last option. They believe Xi has strong views about the centrality of controlling advanced technologies for both China’s economic and strategic needs and is intensely implementing this vision. Hence, the shift in investment from real estate to advanced manufacturing and intensive party-state support for emerging technologies that could both fuel growth and strengthen the country’s security. Where others see ignorance, incompetence, or disinterest, they see clarity of purpose and decisiveness.

Yet advocates of “He doesn’t agree” are split into two camps. Most who choose this option believe the Chinese leadership has made a strategic blunder by moving in a decidedly statist direction with massive industrial policy and betting so much on controlling the technologies of the future. The turn away from liberalization and insufficient attention to households and consumption, from this view, mean lower productivity, higher debt, slower growth, and, to boot, greater tensions with other advanced economies.

Others who landed on this choice have the opposite reaction. They, in fact, agree with the Chinese leadership’s approach and believe critics are neoliberal ideologues instinctively opposed to an activist state and unfairly dismiss major signs of technological progress. Perhaps not surprisingly, some—though far from all���in this latter camp whom I heard from work in government-based research organizations.

These beliefs matter. If one of the first two options—“He doesn’t know” or “He doesn’t know what to do”—is accurate, then the current path is the product of unintentional mistakes, and all that is needed to generate change is providing the leadership with better information and more effective plans to address the country’s economic woes. How those outside China see this also determines how China should be approached on other issues. It would support the notion held by some officials in Washington that it is important for President Joe Biden to have direct conversations with Xi to ensure he has an accurate understanding of U.S. foreign policy on issues such as Ukraine and Taiwan.

But if Xi and other top leaders don’t care about the economy or disagree with the criticisms, then the current trajectory is the result of an intentional plan, and new data and policy reports with alternative strategies won’t make much of a difference.

It’s possible the leadership will prove critics wrong, but if not, there are two potential sources of change. The first would be a major economic crisis that would create a political reckoning: The current leadership could recognize its mistakes and change gears, some other elite faction could crystalize and replace the current team, or, least likely, the public could rise up in protest and try to unseat the CCP entirely. While there may be more brewing under the surface than outsiders can see, none of these scenarios seem plausible in the short to medium term.

The second source of change would be for China’s leadership to be presented with a far more benign international environment in which the United States, and the West more generally, provided credible reassurances that it would return to being a reliable supplier of technology, markets, and finance; unconditionally recognize the CCP’s authoritarian system as legitimate; and accept Beijing’s sovereignty claims over the South China Sea and Taiwan. But the chances of this shift occurring are even smaller than any of the domestically driven scenarios.

One reason the West is unlikely to become more accommodating is because foreign business executives and officials, when surveyed in and outside China, usually picked “He doesn’t agree.” From the vantage point of overseas boardrooms and capitals, Xi appears in total political control and determined to press ahead with this strategy, with any adjustments being minor tactical shifts to minimally placate domestic and international critics. As a result, they believe they must be more, not less, resolute in standing their ground.

Though far from scientific, this informal survey suggests hardening divisions between parts of Chinese society and its leaders as well as between Beijing and other capitals. That means there’s little chance of bold new action—but the contradictions between the leadership and opposing domestic and international perspectives presage more tensions and conflict to come.

[prahelika]

love your recruitment headcanons!! do you have any for benji/will/jane?

benji i can see like wrong place, wrong time getting caught hacking into something big (or not an accident at all?)

but those two i'm not sure...

Thank you so much! This is a lovely question.

I'm inclined to agree with you on Benji. Sometime after graduating from Oxford, he acquired a low-level job as a white-hat hacker, maybe? Got bored, hacked into something important (MI6??), got caught, got offered a clean break.

Brandt... Hmm.

What do we know about Brandt? He's by the book. Has a tendency to ignore impulses in favour of the rulebook, but can be convinced to step outside the box if the situation demands it. He's an analyst, the Chief analyst. Looking at the timeline, it couldn't have been more than 3-4 years between the Julia fiasco and his rise to Chief Analyst. So, he must have had prior experience. I think a case could be made that he has parallels to Benji, as in, he was a low-level analyst in the IMF before deciding to undergo field training one day.

But that doesn't answer how the IMF got its claws into him in the first place, does it? Here's how I think it went down. He was a security analyst for a high-profile tech company. Some discrepancy in the expenditure sheets led him to conclude that there was something fishy going on behind the scenes. He contacted the authorities immediately, from where the case was handed over to the FBI. He was ordered to become an informant, and collect data without raising anyone's suspicions. Unfortunately for him, he jumped the gun and confronted/confided in one of the higher-ups who then pinned the whole thing on him. In comes the IMF and sweeps him away, and William Brandt develops an aversion to disobeying orders.

We know even less about Jane than we do about Brandt. It's tempting to just say she was a conwoman or assassin or thief, and leave it at that. But that's no fun. So out come the tinfoil hats.

We know that Jane is a good fighter, but not great at seduction missions. (Side note: Ethan backseat driving Jane's flirting with Anil Kapoor is a scene that lives rent free in my head. Be Venus, Ethan? Seriously?) However, she's experienced enough that they gave her command of the mission to retrieve the nuclear launch codes.

I think, as far as Jane is concerned, a simple explanation is key. She might have been involved with the army, as, say, military police. That would explain her skills in combat and her mission planning chops, while still leaving relative inexperience in matters of honeytrapping. Unfortunately, police codes of conduct and personal codes of honour don't always intersect. She might have tampered with evidence to let a morally innocent suspect walk away, which would then attract the attention of other unsavoury people. One thing leads to another, and then, she finds herself thrown in a cell, accused of being an accomplice to a criminal - upon which the IMF swoops in and saves the day.

That's all I have for the moment, and tbh these sound like a bit of a reach. But headcanons are fun so.

[fraoula1]

𝐓𝐨𝐩 5 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐇𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 2025

In today’s fast-paced tech world, side hustles can be a fantastic way for professionals to boost their skills and earn extra income. With advancements in artificial intelligence, remote working, and a growing need for tech solutions, 2025 is filled with exciting possibilities for tech enthusiasts.

This post dives into five promising side hustles, supported by data and trends. Techies can capitalize on their expertise and thrive in these areas.

1. Remote IT Support

With businesses shifting to hybrid work models, the demand for remote IT support has skyrocketed. According to a report from the International Data Corporation (IDC), the global IT services market is set to hit $1 trillion by 2025, hinting at tremendous opportunities in this field.

Techies with skills in troubleshooting can offer services to both businesses and individuals. The TechServe Alliance notes that the demand for IT support roles surged over 10% last year, making this a vibrant market.

Starting a remote IT support hustle is easy. Freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr allow techies to find clients quickly. Depending on the complexity of the service, they can earn between $25 and $150 per hour while enjoying the flexibility to work on their own schedule.

2. Cybersecurity Consulting

As cyber threats evolve, companies increasingly prioritize cybersecurity. A report from Cybersecurity Ventures predicts that costs from cybercrime could reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. This statistic underscores the growing need for cybersecurity professionals.

Techies with experience in cybersecurity can offer their services to businesses looking to protect sensitive data. A survey by Proofpoint found that 55% of organizations fended off phishing attacks, indicating a strong demand for seasoned professionals.

In this consulting niche, technology experts can earn between $100 and $500 per hour, based on their experience and project complexity. Earning certifications, like the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), can significantly boost credibility and income potential.

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3. Software Development and Mobile App Creation

As the world becomes more mobile-first, demand for software and app development is expected to rise. Statista reports that the global app economy may generate over $407.31 billion in revenue by 2026, presenting a lucrative chance for techies skilled in coding.

Developers can enter this space through freelancing or by launching their own projects. Tools like React Native and Flutter allow for efficient cross-platform application development, saving both time and resources.

Freelancers can charge between $50 and $200 per hour based on expertise and project scope. For those willing to turn a side hustle into a full business, the income from app sales and in-app purchases can be enormous.

4. Data Analysis and Visualization

Data remains one of the most valuable assets today, with analytics aiding decision-making. The global data analytics market might reach $300 billion by 2026, creating fertile ground for techies skilled in data analysis.

Freelance data analysts can help companies extract valuable insights from their data. Utilizing tools like Tableau, Power BI, and R can help create compelling visualizations, making their services even more attractive.

Data analysts typically charge between $40 and $150 per hour depending on analysis complexity. Mastering data storytelling enables techies to transform raw data into practical insights, positioning themselves as key assets for businesses.

5. E-Learning Course Creation

The rapid growth of online learning has made creating and selling e-learning courses a sought-after side hustle. The global e-learning market is anticipated to reach $375 billion by 2026, driven by rising demand for skill development.

Techies can harness their knowledge to develop courses on platforms like Udemy or Teachable. Topics can range from programming languages to software tools and emerging technologies, such as AI and machine learning. Statista reported that 42% of online course creators are tech professionals, showing the market's strong bias toward technical education.

Successful courses can generate substantial passive income, sometimes yielding thousands of dollars. Since course creation has low overhead, techies can concentrate on producing high-quality content and devising effective marketing strategies.

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Unlocking New Opportunities in Tech

The side hustles mentioned offer exciting paths for tech-savvy individuals aiming to enhance their skills and income in 2025.

As technology keeps evolving, the need for skilled professionals in IT support, cybersecurity, software development, data analysis, and e-learning will continue to grow.

By leveraging their expertise and using the right platforms, techies can build rewarding side hustles that provide financial perks and opportunities for personal and career growth.

Whether solving challenging problems for clients, creating innovative apps, or imparting knowledge, the potential for side hustles in the tech sector is vast. The key is to find a niche that aligns with personal interests, engage in continuous learning, and embrace the entrepreneurial spirit in this dynamic environment.

In a landscape where technology is at the center of everyday life, techies hold a unique position to lead future innovations. Engaging in these side hustles will not only keep them relevant but also equip them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

[twostranger]

Starting Salary in Digital Marketing: A Complete Guide for Freshers

Introduction

If you're considering a career in digital marketing, one of the first things you might wonder about is the starting salary in digital marketing. Whether you're a fresh graduate or someone switching careers, understanding the financial prospects of the field is crucial. In this blog, we will discuss the starting salary in digital marketing, factors affecting salaries, different roles, and tips to increase your earnings.

What is the Starting Salary in Digital Marketing?

The starting salary in digital marketing varies based on multiple factors such as location, skills, company size, and experience level. On average, freshers in digital marketing can expect to earn anywhere between $30,000 to $50,000 per year in the United States. In India, the starting salary in digital marketing typically ranges from ₹2.5 LPA to ₹4.5 LPA.

Factors Affecting Starting Salary in Digital Marketing

1. Location

The starting salary in digital marketing significantly differs from country to country and even within different cities. Metropolitan areas often offer higher salaries due to increased demand and cost of living.

2. Skills and Certifications

If you have certifications from platforms like Google, HubSpot, or Facebook, you can negotiate a better starting salary in digital marketing. Specialized skills like SEO, PPC, and social media marketing can give you an edge.

3. Company Size and Type

MNCs and established agencies tend to offer a higher starting salary in digital marketingthan startups. However, startups can provide faster growth opportunities and hands-on experience.

4. Job Role and Responsibilities

Different roles within digital marketing have different salary structures. A content writer might earn less than a PPC specialist, while an SEO analyst may have a different pay scale than a social media manager.

Common Digital Marketing Roles and Their Salaries

Here are some of the most common roles in digital marketing and their respective starting salary in digital marketing:

1. SEO Executive

USA: $35,000 - $50,000 per year

India: ₹2.5 LPA - ₹4 LPA

2. Content Writer

USA: $30,000 - $45,000 per year

India: ₹2 LPA - ₹3.5 LPA

3. Social Media Manager

USA: $40,000 - $55,000 per year

India: ₹3 LPA - ₹5 LPA

4. PPC Specialist

USA: $45,000 - $60,000 per year

India: ₹3.5 LPA - ₹6 LPA

5. Email Marketing Executive

USA: $35,000 - $50,000 per year

India: ₹2.5 LPA - ₹4.5 LPA

6. Affiliate Marketer

USA: $40,000 - $55,000 per year

India: ₹3 LPA - ₹5 LPA

How to Increase Your Starting Salary in Digital Marketing

Here are some tips to boost your starting salary in digital marketing:

1. Get Certified

Earning certifications from Google Ads, HubSpot, Facebook, and other platforms can increase your earning potential.

2. Build a Portfolio

Having a strong portfolio with real-world projects showcases your skills and makes you a desirable candidate.

3. Gain Experience Through Internships

Internships help you gain hands-on experience and can significantly impact your starting salary in digital marketing.

4. Learn Advanced Skills

Mastering skills like paid advertising (Google Ads, Facebook Ads), data analytics, and email automation can set you apart.

5. Network with Industry Experts

Attending webinars, networking events, and joining LinkedIn groups can open doors to better-paying opportunities.

Future Growth in Digital Marketing Salaries

The demand for digital marketers is increasing rapidly. As businesses continue shifting to online platforms, the scope and starting salary in digital marketing will keep rising. Within 2-3 years, you can expect significant salary hikes, with experienced professionals earning over $70,000 per year in the US and ₹10 LPA+ in India.

Conclusion

Thestarting salary in digital marketingdepends on several factors like location, skills, job role, and company type. By upskilling, gaining experience, and networking, you can increase your earning potential and build a successful career in digital marketing.

[dy-patil-university-navi-mumbai]

Best BSc Actuarial Science Colleges in India for a Promising Career

The demand for actuaries is on the rise, making actuarial science degree colleges in India an attractive choice for students looking to pursue a career in risk assessment and financial analysis. This specialized field combines mathematics, statistics and finance to evaluate financial uncertainties, particularly in the insurance and investment sectors.

Why Choose Actuarial Science?

Actuarial science offers lucrative career opportunities across industries like insurance, banking, healthcare and pensions. With an increasing need for risk management professionals, many universities and colleges now offer dedicated programs in actuarial science to equip students with essential skills and knowledge.

Top BSc Actuarial Science Colleges in India

When selecting a college, students should consider accreditation, faculty expertise, industry collaborations and placement support. Some of the leading institutions offering actuarial science degrees in India include:

Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata – One of the most prestigious institutes for statistical and actuarial education in India.

Institute of Actuaries of India (IAI) – Offers professional actuarial certification recognized globally.

Amity University, Noida – Provides a well-structured B.Sc. in Actuarial Science focusing on industry-based applications.

Christ University, Bangalore – Offers a strong foundation in actuarial science with a blend of mathematics and finance.

Career Prospects for Actuarial Science Graduates

Graduates from actuarial science degree colleges in India can work as:

Risk Analysts

Insurance Underwriters

Investment Consultants

Data Scientists

Actuarial Analysts

These professionals play a crucial role in financial planning, forecasting and mitigating financial risks.

DY Patil University (DYPU) – A Leading Choice

DY Patil University (DYPU) in Navi Mumbai is emerging as one of the premier institutions offering specialized programs in finance and risk management. Known for its cutting-edge curriculum and experienced faculty and industry connections, DYPU prepares students for a successful career in actuarial science. The university provides state-of-the-art facilities, internship opportunities and collaborations with global educational platforms, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education.

For those seeking a promising career in actuarial science, DYPU stands out as a top choice among BSc Actuarial Science Colleges in India. With its strong industry presence and academic excellence, DYPU paves the way for a bright future in the field of risk management and financial analysis.

[dostoyevsky-official]

Palantir Surges Over 23% on Outlook Fueled by ‘Untamed’ AI Demand

Palantir Technologies Inc. shares jumped after giving a full-year revenue forecast that exceeded analysts’ estimates, thanks to what Chief Executive Officer Alex Karp described as “untamed organic growth” in demand for its artificial intelligence software. Best known for its national security work, and more recently its AI platform, Palantir’s stock surged 340% in 2024. The company rode a wave of investor excitement for AI, and more commercial and government customers started using Palantir’s data analysis software. [...] On a conference call after the results, Palantir Chief Technology Officer Shyam Sankar was asked about the potential effects of US President Donald Trump’s efforts to cut the federal government’s budget led by the Elon Musk-run Department of Government Efficiency. “Palantir’s real competition is a lack of accountability in government,” Sankar said. “DOGE is going to bring meritocracy and transparency to government” and prompt it to function more like the commercial market. [...] “We love disruption,” [CEO] Karp said on the call. “Disruption at the end-of-the day exposes things that aren’t working, there’ll be ups and down. There’s a revolution. Some people get their heads cut off.” [...] Citing the late political scientist Samuel Huntington, Karp wrote that “the rise of the West was not made possible ‘by the superiority of its ideas or values or religion, but rather by its superiority in applying organized violence.’”

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Heated:

Energy experts warned only a few years ago that the world had to stop building new fossil fuel projects to preserve a livable climate.

Now, artificial intelligence is driving a rapid expansion of methane gas infrastructure—pipelines and power plants—that experts say could have devastating climate consequences if fully realized.

As large language models like ChatGPT become more sophisticated, experts predict that the nation’s energy demands will grow by a “shocking” 16 percent in the next five years. Tech giants like Amazon, Meta, and Alphabet have increasingly turned to nuclear power plants or large renewable energy projects to power data centers that use as much energy as a small town.

But those cleaner energy sources will not be enough to meet the voracious energy demands of AI, analysts say. To bridge the gap, tech giants and fossil fuel companies are planning to build new gas power plants and pipelines that directly supply data centers. And they increasingly propose keeping those projects separate from the grid, fast tracking gas infrastructure at a speed that can’t be matched by renewables or nuclear.

The growth of AI has been called the “savior” of the gas industry. In Virginia alone, the data center capital of the world, a new state report found that AI demand could add a new 1.5 gigawatt gas plant every two years for 15 consecutive years.

And now, as energy demand for AI rises, oil corporations are planning to build gas plants that specifically serve data centers. Last week, Exxon announced that it is building a large gas plant that will directly supply power to data centers within the next five years. The company claims the gas plant will use technology that captures polluting emissions—despite the fact that the technology has never been used at a commercial scale before.

Chevron also announced that the company is preparing to sell gas to an undisclosed number of data centers. “We're doing some work right now with a number of different people that's not quite ready for prime time, looking at possible solutions to build large-scale power generation,” said CEO Mike Wirth at an Atlantic Council event. The opportunity to sell power to data centers is so promising that even private equity firms are investing billions in building energy infrastructure.

But the companies that will benefit the most from an AI gas boom, according to S&P Global, are pipeline companies. This year, several major U.S. pipeline companies told investors that they were already in talks to connect their sprawling pipeline networks directly to on-site gas power plants at data centers.

“We, frankly, are kind of overwhelmed with the number of requests that we’re dealing with, ” Williams CEO Alan Armstrong said on a call with analysts. The pipeline company, which owns the 10,000 mile Transco system, is expanding its existing pipeline network from Virginia to Alabama partly to “provide reliable power where data center growth is expected,” according to Williams.

[enterprisewired]

Energy Transfer Faces Market Challenges Amidst Growth Plans

Source: Image by MariuszBlach from Getty Images

Stock Performance and Market Reaction

Energy Transfer (ET), a key player in the midstream sector, has experienced a notable downturn in its stock value, witnessing a 16% decline over the past month. This significant drop has led to underperformance compared to the broader midstream Master Limited Partnership (MLP) sector. The primary contributors to this downturn include investor concerns over the company’s aggressive capital expenditure (CapEx) plans and growing uncertainty in the global trade landscape.

ET’s management recently announced a substantial increase in growth CapEx, jumping from $3 billion in 2024 to a projected $5 billion in 2025. While the company maintains that these investments will yield mid-teens rates of return, market analysts remain skeptical about achieving such high profitability. Many investors believe that redirecting funds toward share repurchases or higher distributions, as seen with competitors like MPLX and Plains All American, would have been a more favorable approach.

Additionally, tensions surrounding international trade have further impacted ET’s outlook. The recent trade conflicts between the United States and several major trading partners, with the potential for further escalation, have cast uncertainty over ET’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) export growth. Concerns about a potential economic slowdown are also affecting market sentiment, as reduced industrial demand could lead to lower utilization of ET’s extensive energy infrastructure.

Financial Performance and Strategic Investments

Despite the market concerns, Energy Transfer reported strong financial results for 2024, with a record adjusted EBITDA of $15.5 billion, hitting the upper end of its guidance range. The company remains well-positioned within the industry, with 90% of its projected 2025 adjusted EBITDA derived from fee-based revenue, minimizing exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices.

ET’s financial stability is further supported by a strong balance sheet, with leverage ratios falling within the 4.0x to 4.5x range. The company’s revenue streams are well-diversified, with 20% of EBITDA tied to crude oil, 27% to natural gas liquids (NGL) and refined products, 19% to midstream operations, and 21% to natural gas. The remaining 13% comes from investments in entities such as USA Compression Partners and Sunoco.

The firm’s capital allocation strategy highlights major investments in midstream operations, NGL and refined products, and interstate natural gas transportation. Management has identified key growth areas, including rising production in the Permian Basin, increasing demand for natural gas-powered data centers driven by artificial intelligence (AI) expansion, and heightened global demand for U.S. NGL exports. These strategic initiatives align ET with some of the most prominent growth drivers in the energy sector today.

Valuation and Growth Prospects

Energy Transfer’s management remains optimistic about its investment strategy, expecting strong returns on capital expenditures. The company anticipates an annualized EBITDA growth of approximately 5%, which is expected to support distribution increases within its target range of 3-5% annually. Analysts forecast a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% in distributions through 2029, underpinned by a 6.7% CAGR in distributable cash flow per unit.

The company’s current valuation appears attractive, offering a 7.6% next-12-month distribution yield and trading at an 8.27x enterprise value-to-EBITDA multiple. Compared to peers such as Enbridge, Enterprise Products Partners, Kinder Morgan, and Targa Resources, ET’s valuation remains relatively modest despite its strong diversification and exposure to high-growth segments like AI-driven natural gas demand and global NGL exports.

While some concerns persist regarding the possibility of an economic downturn, Energy Transfer’s stable cash flow model, largely insulated from commodity price volatility, provides a cushion against market fluctuations. Even if return expectations on growth projects are not fully realized, the firm’s strong yield and growth potential suggest a favorable long-term outlook for investors.

[techverse1]

Tech Stocks Plunge as DeepSeek Disrupts AI Landscape

Market Reaction: Nvidia, Broadcom, Microsoft, and Google Take a Hit On January 27, the Nasdaq Composite, heavily weighted with tech stocks, tumbled 3.1%, largely due to the steep decline of Nvidia, which plummeted 17%—its worst single-day drop on record. Broadcom followed suit, falling 17.4%, while ChatGPT backer Microsoft dipped 2.1%, and Google parent Alphabet lost 4.2%, according to Reuters.

The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index suffered a significant blow, plunging 9.2%—its largest percentage decline since March 2020. Marvell Technology experienced the steepest drop on Nasdaq, sinking 19.1%.

The selloff extended beyond the US, rippling through Asian and European markets. Japan's SoftBank Group closed down 8.3%, while Europe’s largest semiconductor firm, ASML, fell 7%.

Among other stocks hit hard, data center infrastructure provider Vertiv Holdings plunged 29.9%, while energy companies Vistra, Constellation Energy, and NRG Energy saw losses of 28.3%, 20.8%, and 13.2%, respectively. These declines were driven by investor concerns that AI-driven power demand might not be as substantial as previously expected.

Does DeepSeek Challenge the 'Magnificent Seven' Dominance? DeepSeek’s disruptive entrance has sparked debate over the future of the AI industry, particularly regarding cost efficiency and computing power. Despite the dramatic market reaction, analysts believe the ‘Magnificent Seven’—Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla—will maintain their dominant position.

Jefferies analysts noted that DeepSeek’s open-source language model (LLM) rivals GPT-4o’s performance while using significantly fewer resources. Their report, titled ‘The Fear Created by China's DeepSeek’, highlighted that the model was trained at a cost of just $5.6 million—10% less than Meta’s Llama. DeepSeek claims its V3 model surpasses Llama 3.1 and matches GPT-4o in capability.

“DeepSeek’s open-source model, available on Hugging Face, could enable other AI developers to create applications at a fraction of the cost,” the report stated. However, the company remains focused on research rather than commercialization.

Brian Jacobsen, chief economist at Annex Wealth Management, told Reuters that if DeepSeek’s claims hold true, it could fundamentally alter the AI market. “This could mean lower demand for advanced chips, less need for extensive power infrastructure, and reduced large-scale data center investments,” he said.

Despite concerns, a Bloomberg Markets Live Pulse survey of 260 investors found that 88% believe DeepSeek’s emergence will have minimal impact on the Magnificent Seven’s stock performance in the coming weeks.

“Dethroning the Magnificent Seven won’t be easy,” said Steve Sosnick, chief strategist at Interactive Brokers LLC. “These companies have built strong competitive advantages, though the selloff served as a reminder that even market leaders can be disrupted.”

Investor Shift: Flight to Safe-Haven Assets As tech stocks tumbled, investors moved funds into safer assets. US Treasury yields fell, with the benchmark 10-year yield declining to 4.53%. Meanwhile, safe-haven currencies like the Japanese Yen and Swiss Franc gained against the US dollar.

According to Bloomberg, investors rotated into value stocks, including financial, healthcare, and industrial sectors. The Vanguard S&P 500 Value Index Fund ETF—home to companies like Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, and Coca-Cola—saw a significant boost.

“The volatility in tech stocks will prompt banks to reevaluate their risk exposure, likely leading to more cautious positioning,” a trading executive told Reuters.

OpenAI’s Sam Altman Responds to DeepSeek’s Rise OpenAI CEO Sam Altman acknowledged DeepSeek’s rapid ascent, describing it as “invigorating” competition. In a post on X, he praised DeepSeek’s cost-effective AI model but reaffirmed OpenAI’s commitment to cutting-edge research.

“DeepSeek’s R1 is impressive, particularly given its cost-efficiency. We will obviously deliver much better models, and competition is exciting!” Altman wrote. He hinted at upcoming OpenAI releases, stating, “We are focused on our research roadmap and believe

[newstfionline]

Sunday, November 3, 2024

Canada’s largest drug ‘superlab’ in history has been taken down, police say (Washington Post) Canadian federal officers have dismantled what they described to be the largest, most sophisticated drug lab in the country’s history, seizing a massive cache of weapons and drugs intended for both international and domestic distribution. The facility, described by police officers as a drug “superlab,” contained enough fentanyl and precursor chemicals to produce more than 95.5 million potentially lethal doses of fentanyl, an amount that “could have taken the lives of every Canadian, at least twice over,” Assistant Commissioner David Teboul with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said in a statement. About 54 kilograms of fentanyl and 390 kilograms of methamphetamine, in addition to “massive amounts of precursor chemicals” and smaller amounts of cocaine, MDMA and cannabis, were discovered at the facility in Falkland, a small rural community in British Columbia, the police statement said, adding that the lab was believed to be behind the production and distribution of “unprecedented quantities” of fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Falling Back (NYT) The transition to fall is scattered with seasonal markers: The occasional chill in the air; the urge to make soup. These changes so far have happened like clockwork, and next comes the one that actually involves clocks. On Sunday Nov. 3, people in the United States and Canada will “fall back” to standard time, setting their clocks back an hour and signaling the end of daylight saving time. (Hawaii and most of Arizona, which are on permanent standard time, keep their clocks the same.) For now, most of us will be making the switch. And while many scientists maintain that standard time is better aligned with human circadian biology, even a modest time adjustment can take some getting used to—particularly when it means shorter, darker days. The extra hour of afternoon darkness can be especially hard for people who are “vulnerable to feeling down in the autumn and winter—which is an awful lot of people,” said Norman E. Rosenthal, a clinical professor of psychiatry at the Georgetown University School of Medicine who coined the term “seasonal affective disorder.” “They may be low-energy, lethargic, prone to overeating and just out of sorts for a while.” Many people—if they’re not working the night shift or parenting a small child—will get an extra hour of sleep on the morning after the clocks change. And that’s “going to enable them to function better,” said Elizabeth B. Klerman, a professor of neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital.

As data centers for AI strain the power grid, bills rise for everyday customers (Washington Post) Consumers in some regions of the country are facing higher electric bills due to a boom in tech companies building data centers that guzzle power and force expensive infrastructure upgrades. Companies such as Google and Amazon have ramped up construction of new data centers as they race to compete in artificial intelligence. The facilities’ extraordinary demand for electricity to power and cool computers inside can drive up the price local utilities pay for energy and require significant improvements to electric grid transmission systems. As a result, costs have already begun going up for customers—or are about to in the near future, according to utility planning documents and energy industry analysts. In the Mid-Atlantic, the regional power grid’s energy costs shot up dramatically, and data centers are cited as among root causes of rate increases of up to 20 percent expected in 2025.

Smuggling rings make billions from migrants (Washington Post) He called himself a simple onion farmer, a Mayan Indian with four kids and a fourth-grade education. U.S. prosecutors knew better. By his late 30s, Felipe Diego Alonzo had built a crime route stretching from Central America to Texas, allegedly paying off Mexican drug cartels along the way. He tooled around Guatemala’s western highlands in a loaded silver Ford Ranger pickup and had a show horse valued at $100,000. Alonzo’s business “was more profitable than drug trafficking,” said one of the Guatemalan officials who detained him. Alonzo was moving people. At least 80 percent of unlawful border-crossers hire smugglers. They guide people through treacherous jungles on the trek from Colombia to Panama. They whisk migrants over remote Guatemalan border crossings and up traffic-clogged Mexican highways. With revenue estimated at $4 billion to $12 billion a year, the smuggling of migrants has joined drugs and extortion as a top income stream for groups like Mexico’s Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels, increasing their economic clout throughout the hemisphere.

Bolivia’s president accuses supporters of former leader Morales of seizing 3 military barracks (AP) Bolivian President Luis Arce on Friday condemned the seizure of three military units by supporters of former President Evo Morales, saying that “the taking of a military unit is a crime of treason against the homeland and an affront to the country’s Constitution.” Earlier on Friday the Bolivian Armed Forces said in a statement that “irregular armed groups” had kidnapped military personnel and took control of military units in the center of the country, where police officers began to clear the roads blocked 19 days ago by supporters of former President Evo Morales. The conflict broke out three weeks ago when Bolivian prosecutors launched an investigation into accusations that Morales fathered a child with a 15-year-old girl in 2016, classifying their relationship as statutory rape. Morales has refused to testify in court.

In Spanish Town Devastated by Flood, a Grim Search for Bodies (NYT) Plates with half-eaten dinners were still sitting on the white tablecloths in the nursing home’s dining hall on Thursday, amid muddy and overturned wheelchairs and walkers. Six people died in the facility on Tuesday, as a raging river exploded out of its banks and swept through villages and towns around the Spanish city of Valencia, on the country’s east-central coast. Among them was the town of Paiporta, where residents said the water came without warning. It had not even been raining on Tuesday night when the water from the river swept in suddenly. The floods killed at least 205 people in Spain, in the deadliest natural disaster in the country’s recent history, with almost all of those deaths, 202, in the Province of Valencia, the authorities said on Friday. More than 60 of the victims were killed in Paiporta, a working-class town on the southern outskirts of the city of Valencia, according to the official, Vicent Ciscar, the town’s deputy mayor. Amidst the mud, the grim search for bodies goes on.

US is sending $425 million in military assistance to Ukraine (AP) The Pentagon announced Friday it was sending an additional $425 million in military assistance to Ukraine as Kyiv prepares to face Russian forces augmented by North Korean troops. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had said more aid was coming, and soon, during his visit to Kyiv last week. This aid package includes weapons that will be pulled from existing U.S. stockpiles, including air defense interceptors for National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems, munitions for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and 155 mm artillery, and armored vehicles and anti-tank weapons.

Japan plans automated cargo transport system to relieve shortage of drivers (AP) Japan is planning to build an automated cargo transport corridor between Tokyo and Osaka, dubbed a “conveyor belt road” by the government, to make up for a shortage of truck drivers. A computer graphics video made by the government shows big, wheeled boxes moving along a three-lane corridor, also called an “auto flow road,” in the middle of a big highway. A trial system is due to start test runs in 2027 or early 2028, aiming for full operations by the mid-2030s. The plan may sound like a solution that would only work in relatively low-crime, densely populated societies like Japan, not sprawling nations like the U.S. But similar ideas are being considered in Switzerland and Great Britain. The plan in Switzerland involves an underground pathway, while the one being planned in London will be a fully automated system running on low-cost linear motors. In Japan, loading will be automated, using forklifts, and coordinated with airports, railways and ports.

Israel’s path of destruction in southern Lebanon raises fears of an attempt to create a buffer zone (AP) Perched on a hilltop a short walk from the Israeli border, the tiny southern Lebanese village of Ramyah has almost been wiped off the map. In a neighboring village, satellite photos show a similar scene: a hill once covered with houses, now reduced to a gray smear of rubble. Israeli warplanes and ground forces have blasted a trail of destruction through southern Lebanon the past month. The aim, Israel says, is to debilitate the Hezbollah militant group, push it away from the border and end more than a year of Hezbollah fire into northern Israel. Even United Nations peacekeepers and Lebanese troops in the south have come under fire from Israeli forces, raising questions over whether they can remain in place. More than 1 million people have fled bombardment, emptying much of the south. Some experts say Israel may be aiming to create a depopulated buffer zone, a strategy it has already deployed along its border with Gaza. Some conditions for such a zone appear already in place, according to an Associated Press analysis of satellite imagery and data collected by mapping experts that show the breadth of destruction across 11 villages next to the border.

North Gaza 'apocalyptic,' everyone at 'imminent risk' of death, warns UN (Reuters) The situation in the northern Gaza Strip is "apocalyptic" as Israel pursues a military offensive against Hamas militants in the area, top United Nations officials warned on Friday. "The entire Palestinian population in North Gaza is at imminent risk of dying from disease, famine and violence," they said in a statement signed by the acting U.N. aid chief Joyce Msuya, heads of U.N. agencies, including U.N. children's agency UNICEF and the World Food Programme, and other aid groups. Israel began a wide military push in northern Gaza last month. The United States has said it was watching to ensure that its ally's actions on the ground show it does not have a "policy of starvation" in the north. "Humanitarian aid cannot keep up with the scale of the needs due to the access constraints. Basic, life-saving goods are not available. Humanitarians are not safe to do their work and are blocked by Israeli forces and by insecurity from reaching people in need," they said.

Almost two dozen countries at high risk of acute hunger, UN report reveals (Guardian) According to a joint report by the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Program, 22 countries across the globe are expected to experience heightened levels of acute food insecurity over the next six months. Five of those countries—Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Palestine, and Haiti—are expected to face famine or the risk of famine between now and May 2025. Situations are likely to degrade even further in some areas experiencing food insecurity as a La Niña weather pattern is projected to sweep the globe this winter. With unusually high levels of rainfall (and the accompanying risk of flooding) expected for some regions, “many countries experiencing humanitarian crises risk being further affected by La Niña, which could exacerbate food insecurity, increase human suffering and result in further economic losses,” added the representative.