mnl168 website registration Bengaluru: Days after electricity supply companies (Escoms) filed a petition before the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) seeking a revision of tariff, the state govt data revealed that the power supply entities are reeling under a debt burden of Rs 40,000 crore. The debts, according to the govt's revelations, include borrowings to fund various capital expenditure exercises and arrears towards the purchase of power from the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL). Over the past few years, the Escoms have taken up several works, including the conversion of overhead cables into underground ones, upgradation of billing software, and adopting technology to manage power distribution. The repeated spending on these works also contributed to the accumulation of debt. Out of the five Escoms, Bescom has the highest borrowings at Rs 18,096 crore, followed by Hubballi Electricity Supply Company (Hescom) at Rs 10,332.4 crore. Even as many energy experts said privatisation of Escoms is the only way forward, the govt, during the winter session of the state legislature in Belagavi, clarified that the situation is under control. Despite KERC's regular revision of tariffs and approval of fuel adjustment charges on a quarterly basis, the Escoms continue to be in debt. "The state govt is standing guarantee for all borrowings of the Escoms. Hence, there is no question of their bankruptcy. Also, the Escoms have secured good rankings at the national level for their operations. Besides, the state govt is also paying off the subsidy on irrigation pumpsets in a phased manner and cleared all dues of the Gruha Jyothi guarantee scheme. Due to this financial assistance, there is no concern over the financial positions of the Escoms," energy minister KJ George said in the assembly. In addition to capital expenditure, Escoms' frequent buying of power from the open exchange and generation companies has also contributed to its debts. Bescom alone has to clear dues worth Rs 8,360 crore towards its power purchase. The financial positions of the Escoms were also referred to by the Gurucharan committee as one of the major concerns of the energy sector. The committee had recommended "renegotiation of all the high-cost power-purchase agreements, mandatory rule-based payment protocol and govt's financial support for the social schemes." ——- Power & liabilities Escoms Total debt (in Rs crore) Bescom Rs 18,095.8 Chescom Rs 4,348.5 Mescom Rs 1,623.3 Hescom Rs 10,332.4 Gescom Rs 4,624.5 Figures as of March 2024; Source: Energy dept, GoK EoM //---- MSID:: 116687126 413 | Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , Location Guesser and Mini Crossword .American Airlines has recently taken delivery of a new Boeing 737 MAX 8 , registered as N315UA —a tail number once used by United Airlines . The aircraft, which arrived in the airline's fleet on December 24, 2024, marks an interesting chapter in American’s fleet expansion, particularly given the significance of its tail number’s previous ownership. FlightAware data shows that on December 24, the aircraft was ferried from Boeing Field in Seattle (BFI) to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), where it officially entered service with American Airlines. The flight, AA9825, took off from Boeing Field at 12:35 local time and landed in Dallas at 18:05 local time. What are the possible reasons? While the aircraft is undeniably new, its registration number—N315UA—has raised eyebrows, as it was once worn by a United Airlines Boeing 737-300 , according to the data on planespotters.net . This earlier iteration of the aircraft first flew for United in December 1987, where it operated for over two decades before being retired and ultimately scrapped in late 2009. For aviation enthusiasts and industry observers, the decision by American Airlines to register its new aircraft with the old United tail number is notable for a few reasons. JonNYC, a well-known aviation watchdog, speculated that American might have opted for this specific registration because of the limitations in its existing number pool following the merger. He explained on social media that the airline likely wanted to maintain a certain nose number on the registration, but the options were limited, leading to the reuse of a number from United’s former aircraft. The N number seen on the aircraft is assigned to aircraft registered in the United States . The United States was given the designation "N" as its nationality under the 1919 International Air Navigation Convention. In general aviation aircraft, the nationality is indicated by a single letter, followed by four or five identity letters and a hyphen. American's new Boeing 737 MAX 8: The aircraft, now part of American’s growing 737 MAX fleet, is the airline’s 66th MAX delivery, further solidifying its commitment to modernizing its fleet with more fuel-efficient and technologically advanced aircraft. Passengers may enjoy a contemporary and cozy experience in the Boeing 737 MAX 8 cabin operated by American Airlines. According to the company's website , it features 172 seats in total and is separated into three sections: Main Cabin, Main Cabin Extra, and First Class. The 16 seats in First Class have a roomy 37-inch pitch and 21-inch seat width, providing plenty of legroom and entertainment for personal devices. The main Cabin Extra, which has 24 seats with a 33-inch pitch and slightly larger seats (16.6–17.8 inches), is in the bulkhead and exit rows. With a 30-inch pitch and seat widths varying from 16.6 to 17.8 inches, the Main Cabin can accommodate 132 passengers. Wi-Fi and entertainment for personal devices are available in every area, ensuring a connected and pleasurable flying experience. Furthermore, there are power outlets all around the cabin, enabling travelers to charge their electronics while traveling. The Oneworld Alliance member, commands second overall total capacity at the Arizona airport. Fleet expansion and future deliveries As of the end of 2024, American Airlines has a total of 66 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft in its fleet. Of these, 64 are currently in service, while 2 are parked, planespotters.net information shows . The airline expects to take delivery of an additional 6 MAX 8s in the near future, continuing its fleet modernization efforts. With an average age of just 4.2 years, the 737 MAX 8s are relatively new additions to American’s fleet, offering improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced passenger comfort compared to older models. These aircraft are a central part of the airline's strategy to modernize its narrowbody fleet and improve overall operational efficiency. In March 2024, American ordered 260 new narrowbody planes , including 85 of Boeing’s long-delayed 737 Max 10. The carrier also said that it would also convert orders for 30 Boeing 737 Max 8 planes, a model that is already in its fleet, into the larger variant Boeing 737 MAX 10 s.Girls Basketball: Ottawa-Glandorf tops Crestview to stay perfect

Social Security has two surprises in store for retirees starting January 1, 2025A long-awaited restoration is about to start in the upper Murrumbidgee River that flows through the ACT as part of a deal struck by ACT independent senator David Pocock. Black Friday Sale Subscribe Now! Login or signup to continue reading All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper Breaking news alerts direct to your inbox Interactive Crosswords, Sudoku and Trivia All articles from the other regional websites in your area Continue Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek will on Sunday announce the start of work on a $20.26 million project to improve the health and sustainability of the neglected stretch of river between Tantangara Dam and Burrinjuck Dam. Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek and, inset, ACT independent Senator David Pocock. Picture by Keegan Carroll, inset supplied "We want to see more drinkable and swimmable water in the Murrumbidgee," Ms Plibersek said. "We want to see our native species, like the Macquarie Perch, thrive too." The restoration program and improved monitoring will boost river health and improve wildlife habitats, while $5 million over the next five years will be used to increase knowledge of water quality, riparian health and the status of the native species. Half a million dollars has been allocated to support traditional owners to take part in a review of the Snowy Water Inquiry Outcomes Implementation Deed. With fewer than 10 per cent of inflows at Tantangara Dam being released downstream into the upper Murrumbidgee, declining river health has placed native species, including the endangered Macquarie Perch, at risk and could threaten water supplies, with the stretch of river serving as the ACT's third source of drinking water. Senator Pocock welcomed the news, saying it was great to see the imminent start of programs to restore the "mighty Murrumbidgee", funded as a result of the $55 million deal he struck last year . "ACT residents should be assured that we see improvements in the health of one of our most beautiful rivers and have access to water for critical needs." But, he said, the underlying need for higher flows into the river needed to be addressed if the river was to be protected. "This means progressing promised reform of the intergovernmental agreement that governs water releases into this incredible river and revising the Statement of Expectations for Snowy Hydro," Senator Pocock said. "The government has committed more than $7 million to undertake this process, and I will be pushing for it to be completed as soon as possible." As part of the deal, the government has put $30 million aside in its contingency reserve to be drawn upon for additional water in the Upper Murrumbidgee during drought-like conditions, but no extra water is being added now as such conditions have not eventuated. Senator Pocock said he would like to see the $30 million used or redirected to increase flows, "potentially through an upgrade of water release infrastructure at Tantangara Dam." "In the Murrumbidgee and beyond, our rivers are being destroyed by invasive carp. With the development of a herpes virus that can address this epidemic and lots of promises from successive governments, more work needs to be done in implementation." The project is being delivered by the territory and NSW governments, with Commonwealth funding promised last year in exchange for Senator Pocock supporting changes to the Murray Darling Basin. ACT Environment Minister Suzanne Orr said the project was "a great opportunity to work ... to restore the health of the river which is such an iconic part of the landscape and important to many communities." "Water has no borders and it requires a whole of government, community and industry partnership to get the best environmental and social outcomes from our regional waterways," Ms Orr said. "We must all work together to protect the Murrumbidgee River for not only ourselves but future generations." NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said the program would "provide significant benefits to NSW by investing in on-ground works that will improve water quality and habitat for endangered and native aquatic species, while also support research and monitoring projects". Share Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Email Copy Dana Daniel Senior Political Reporter Dana Daniel is Senior Political Reporter for The Canberra Times. She investigates and writes about federal politics and government from the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery. Dana was previously a Federal Health Reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age and has also been a Media Reporter at The Australian and Finance Editor at news.com.au. Contact her on dana.daniel@canberratimes.com.au Dana Daniel is Senior Political Reporter for The Canberra Times. She investigates and writes about federal politics and government from the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery. Dana was previously a Federal Health Reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age and has also been a Media Reporter at The Australian and Finance Editor at news.com.au. Contact her on dana.daniel@canberratimes.com.au More from Canberra Chinese tech firms lobby influence raises alert in Canberra 8m ago No comment s 'Mighty Murrumbidgee' gets some long-awaited care as river restoration begins 8m ago No comment s Albanese facing a new mood of pick and kick 8m ago No comment s 'A ballroom of activity': How Black Friday is hitting those closer to home 8m ago No comment s PM's XI shifts to 50-over format as day one abandoned; What Kohli said to Albo No comment s 'I thought the opportunity had passed': Boland closes in on Test comeback No comment s Newsletters & Alerts View all DAILY Your morning news Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. Loading... WEEKDAYS The lunch break Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. Loading... DAILY Sport The latest news, results & expert analysis. Loading... 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Vance takes on a more visible transition role, working to boost Trump’s most contentious picks

Ald S.A. ( OTCMKTS:ALLDF – Get Free Report ) was the recipient of a significant growth in short interest in the month of November. As of November 15th, there was short interest totalling 11,500 shares, a growth of 130.0% from the October 31st total of 5,000 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 500 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 23.0 days. ALD Price Performance Shares of ALD stock opened at $7.13 on Friday. ALD has a 1 year low of $6.19 and a 1 year high of $8.14. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $7.08 and a 200 day moving average price of $6.94. About ALD ( Get Free Report ) Read More Receive News & Ratings for ALD Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ALD and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Botafogo overcame playing with 10 men to win its first Copa Libertadores title after beating fellow Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro 3-1 in the final at Monumental de Nunez Stadium on Saturday. After just 30 seconds, midfielder Gregore, one of Botafogo's best players, hit the head of Fausto Vera with his foot and was given a straight red card. Brazil was assured of a sixth consecutive Copa Libertadores title and the 24th in history, just one less than Argentina. It was also the third straight title for Rio de Janeiro clubs, after Fluminense in 2023 and Flamengo in 2022. Winger Luiz Henrique scored the first in the 35th minute from close range, and was fouled for the penalty shot converted by Alex Telles in the 44th. Eduardo Vargas headed Mineiro's only goal in the 46th while Junior Santos, the top scorer in the Copa Libertadores with 10 goals, capped Botafogo's historic night with the third in injury time. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Central govt. capex to surge by 25 pc YoY in second half of FY25: Jefferies

J ustin Trudeau had an “excellent conversation” with Donald Trump at the president-elect’s Florida estate, Canada’s prime minister said Saturday, as the United States’ neighbors scramble to blunt the impact of Trump’s trade threats. Trudeau flew for a dinner at Mar-a-Lago on Friday, after Trump earlier this week announced plans for import tariffs against Canada and Mexico and rival China. “It was an excellent conversation,” Trudeau told reporters Saturday morning as he was leaving a hotel in West Palm Beach to catch a flight back to Canada. Trudeau was the latest high-profile guest of Trump, whose impending second term — which starts in January — is already overshadowing the last few months of President Joe Biden’s administration. A photograph released by Pennsylvania Senator-elect David McCormick showed Trump and Trudeau side-by-side at table, surrounded by a dozen guests including Howard Lutnick, Donald Trump’s pick for commerce secretary, and Mike Waltz, his choice for national security advisor. In a social media post on Monday, Trump said he would slap a 25 percent tariff on Mexico and Canada, accusing the two US neighbors of allowing an “invasion” of the United States by illicit drugs, namely fentanyl, and undocumented migrants. You Might Be Interested In Crystal Beckles-Holder, 2nd runner up in regional competition Business owners disappointed Police investigate shooting Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum spoke with Trump by phone on Wednesday, though the two leaders’ accounts of the conversation differed drastically. Trump claimed that Mexico’s left-wing president had “agreed to stop migration through Mexico, and into the United States, effectively closing our Southern Border.” Sheinbaum later said she had discussed US-supported anti-migration policies that have long been in place in Mexico. She said that after that, the talks had no longer revolved around the threat of tariff hikes, downplaying the risk of a trade war. – Billions in trade – Biden warned that same day that Trump’s tariff threats could “screw up” Washington’s relationships with Ottawa and Mexico City. “I think it’s a counterproductive thing to do,” Biden told reporters. For Canada, the stakes of any new tariffs are high. More than three-quarters of Canadian exports, or Can$592.7 billion ($423 billion), went to the United States last year, and nearly two million Canadian jobs are dependent on trade. A Canadian government source told AFP that Canada is considering possible retaliatory tariffs against the United States. Some analysts have suggested Trump’s tariff threat may be bluster, or an opening salvo in future trade negotiations. But Trudeau rejected those views when he spoke with reporters earlier in Prince Edward Island province. “Donald Trump, when he makes statements like that, he plans on carrying them out,” Trudeau said. “There’s no question about it.” SOURCE: AFP

None“The winner toppled a tyrant and seems headed for something better”, The Economist Bangladesh has been declared The Economist’s “Country of the Year” for 2024, an annual accolade given to nations that show remarkable progress within a year. The recognition highlights Bangladesh’s student-led protests in August that ended the 15-year authoritarian rule of Sheikh Hasina, ushering in a temporary technocratic government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, once lauded for rapid economic growth, was increasingly characterized by election rigging, suppression of dissent, and systemic corruption. Her removal marked a turning point in Bangladesh’s political history. The interim government, backed by students, the military, business leaders, and civil society, has restored order, stabilized the economy, and initiated reforms aimed at fostering a more liberal and democratic governance system. Major tasks ahead include repairing strained ties with India, ensuring judicial neutrality, and paving the way for free and fair elections in 2025. Bangladesh emerged as the winner from a robust shortlist of 5 countries that made notable strides in governance and reform. The other countries on the shortlist were South Africa, Poland, Argentina, and Syria. South Africa, where the African National Congress (ANC) lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since the end of apartheid in 1994. A coalition government with the Democratic Alliance offers hope for better governance, though challenges like unemployment and crime persist. Poland, where Donald Tusk’s new administration began reversing damage caused by the populist Law and Justice Party, which had eroded democratic institutions over its eight-year rule. Tusk’s government also strengthened Poland’s role in European security, although relations with Germany remain strained. Argentina, where “anarcho-capitalist” President Javier Milei implemented radical free-market reforms, including slashing public spending and deregulation. While inflation and borrowing costs have fallen, the sustainability of these reforms remains uncertain. Syria, which witnessed the dramatic ousting of Bashar al-Assad on December 8, ending a half-century of brutal dictatorship. The new reality, however, is fraught with uncertainty as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a rebel group with a repressive history, wields significant influence. Bangladesh’s progress stands out due to its history of violent political transitions and entrenched political corruption. Despite these risks, the current technocratic government has stabilized the nation and garnered support across multiple sectors. However, challenges loom large, including the potential resurgence of political vendettas, the threat of Islamic extremism, and the need to rebuild democratic institutions to ensure a smooth electoral process. This recognition adds Bangladesh to a prestigious list of past winners, including Greece (2023) for overcoming a financial crisis, Malawi (2020) for democratization, and Ukraine (2017) for its resilience against external aggression. The Economist’s award does not measure wealth or happiness but rather celebrates nations that exemplify transformative change. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );