Reigning champion Kansas City edged Carolina and Detroit ripped Indianapolis on Sunday to reach an NFL-best 10-1 while Dallas shocked arch-rival Washington to snap a five-game losing streak. Patrick Mahomes threw for 269 yards and three touchdowns and Spencer Shrader kicked a 31-yard field goal on the final play to lift Kansas City over the host Panthers 30-27. Chuba Hubbard's 1-yard touchdown run and a 2-point conversion run had put Carolina level with 1:46 remaining, setting the stage for the Chiefs' seven-play, 57-yard march to set up the winning kick. Joining the Chiefs with a 10th triumph to keep a conference lead was Detroit, with Jahmyr Gibbs rushing for 90 yards and two touchdowns and David Montgomery running for another score in the Lions' 24-6 triumph at Indianapolis. A wild finish with 38 points in the last 5:16 marked the Dallas Cowboys' 34-26 victory at Washington, where the Commanders appeared to have lost, then made an amazing comeback only to fall in the end. Cooper Rush's second touchdown pass, a 22-yarder to Luke Schoonmaker with 5:16 remaining, gave Dallas a 20-9 edge, but Jayden Daniels threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Zach Ertz and ran for a 2-point conversion to pull Washington within 20-17. KaVontae Turpin answered with a 99-yard kickoff return touchdown on the ensuing play, but again the Commanders responded as Austin Seibert kicked a 51-yard field goal and Daniels connected with Terry McLaurin on an 86-yard touchdown pass with 21 seconds remaining. Seibert, however, shockingly missed the conversion kick to keep Dallas ahead 27-26 and the Cowboys added a Juanyeh Thomas 43-yard kickoff return touchdown on the next play to seal victory. At Miami, Tua Tagovailoa threw for 317 yards and four touchdowns to spark the Miami Dolphins over New England 34-15. At Chicago, Minnesota's John Parker Romo kicked a 29-yard field goal with 2:10 remaining in overtime to lift the Vikings over the host Bears 30-27. Sam Darnold threw for 330 yards and two touchdowns as the Vikings improved to 9-2. At Houston, Chig Okonkwo caught a 70-yard go-ahead touchdown pass from Will Levis in the fourth quarter as Tennessee upset the host Texans 32-27. Levis threw for 278 yards and two touchdowns and Tony Pollard ran for 119 yards and a touchdown as the Titans reached 3-8 and Houston fell to 7-5. Tampa Bay's Baker Mayfield threw for 294 yards to spark the Buccaneers over the host New York Giants 30-7. js/sev

UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The search for a woman who is believed to have fallen into a sinkhole in western Pennsylvania shifted to a recovery effort after two treacherous days of digging through mud and rock produced no signs of life, authorities said Wednesday. Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Trooper Steve Limani said during a news conference that authorities no longer believe they will find 64-year-old Elizabeth Pollard alive, but the search for her remains continues. “We’ve had no signs of any form of life or anything” to make rescuers think they should “continue to try and push and rush and push the envelope, to be aggressive with the potential of risking harm to other people,” Limani said. He noted oxygen levels below ground were insufficient. Emergency crews and others have tried to locate Pollard for two days. Her relatives reported her missing early Tuesday and her vehicle with her unharmed 5-year-old granddaughter inside was found about two hours later, near the sinkhole above a long closed, crumbling mine. Rescue workers continue to search for Elizabeth Pollard, who is believed to have disappeared in a sinkhole while looking for her cat, Wednesday in Marguerite, Pa. “We feel like we failed,” Limani said of the decision to change the status of the effort from a rescue to a recovery. “It’s tough.” Limani praised the crews who went into the abandoned mine to help remove material in the search for Pollard in the village of Marguerite, about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh.. “They would come out of there head to toe covered in mud, exhausted. And while they were getting pulled up, the next group’s getting dropped in. And there was one after the next after the next,” Limani said. Authorities said earlier that the roof of the mine collapsed in several places and was not stable. “We did get, you know, where we wanted, where we thought that she was at. We’ve been to that spot," Pleasant Unity Fire Chief John Bacha, the incident's operations officer, said earlier Wednesday. “What happened at that point, I don’t know, maybe the slurry of mud pushed her one direction. There were several different seams of that mine, shafts that all came together where this happened at.” Searchers used electronic devices and cameras as surface digging continued with the use of heavy equipment, Bacha said. In coming days, they plan to greatly widen the surface hole, with winter weather forecast in the region. Rescue workers search through the night in a sinkhole for Elizabeth Pollard, who disappeared while looking for her cat, Tuesday in Marguerite, Pa. Sinkholes occur in the area because of subsidence from coal mining activity. Rescuers used water to break down and remove clay and dirt from the mine, which has been closed since the 1950s. Crews lowered a pole camera with a sensitive listening device into the hole, but it detected nothing. Another camera lowered into the hole showed what could be a shoe about 30 feet below the surface, Limani said Tuesday. Searchers also deployed drones and thermal imaging equipment to no avail. Pollard's family called police about 1 a.m. Tuesday to say she had not been seen since going out at about 5 p.m. Monday to search for Pepper, her cat. The temperature dropped well below freezing that night. Limani said the searchers met with her family before announcing the shift from rescue to recovery. Pollard's son, Axel Hayes, described her as a happy woman who liked going out to have fun. She and her husband adopted Hayes and his twin brother when they were infants. She used to work at Walmart but recently was not employed. Hayes called Pollard “a great person overall, a great mother” who “never really did anybody wrong.” He said at one point Pollard had about 10 cats. “Every cat that she’s ever come in contact with, she has a close bond with them,” Hayes said. The top of a sinkhole is seen Tuesday in the village of Marguerite, Pa., where rescuers searched for a woman who disappeared. Police said they found Pollard's car parked behind Monday's Union Restaurant in Marguerite, about 20 feet from the sinkhole. Hunters and restaurant workers in the area said they had not noticed the manhole-size opening in the hours before Pollard disappeared, leading rescuers to speculate the sinkhole was new. Pollard lived in a small neighborhood across the street from where her car and granddaughter were found by state police. It's unclear what happened to the cat. In an era of rapid technological advancement and environmental change, American agriculture is undergoing a revolution that reaches far beyond the farm gate. From the food on consumer plates to the economic health of rural communities, the transformation of U.S. farming practices is reshaping the nation's landscape in ways both visible and hidden. LandTrust explores how these changes impact everyone, whether they live in the heartland or the heart of the city. The image of the small family farm, while still a reality for many, is increasingly giving way to larger, more technologically advanced operations. According to the USDA, the number of farms in the U.S. has fallen from 6.8 million in 1935 to about 2 million today, with the average farm size growing from 155 acres to 444 acres. This shift has profound implications for rural communities and the food system as a whole. Despite these changes, diversity in farming practices is on the rise. A landmark study published in Science , involving data from over 2,000 farms across 11 countries, found that diversifying farmland simultaneously delivers environmental and social benefits. This challenges the longstanding idea that practices boosting biodiversity must come at a cost to yields and food security. The adoption of precision agriculture technologies is transforming how farmers manage their land and resources. GPS-guided tractors, drone surveillance, and AI-powered crop management systems are becoming commonplace on many farms. These technologies allow farmers to apply water, fertilizers, and pesticides with pinpoint accuracy, reducing waste and environmental impact while improving yields. However, the digital divide remains a challenge. More than 22% of rural communities lack reliable broadband internet access, hindering the widespread implementation of AI and other advanced technologies in agriculture. While technology offers new opportunities, farmers are also facing significant economic challenges. The USDA's 2024 farm income forecast projects a 4.4% decline in net farm income from 2023, following a sharp 19.5% drop from 2022 to 2023. This financial pressure is compounded by rising production costs and market volatility. Climate variability adds another layer of complexity. Extreme weather events, changing precipitation patterns, and shifting growing seasons are forcing farmers to adapt quickly. These factors could reduce agricultural productivity by up to 25% over the coming decades without significant adaptation measures. But adapting requires additional financial resources, further straining farm profitability. In the face of these challenges, many farmers are turning to diversification as a strategy for resilience and profitability. The Science study mentioned earlier found that farms integrating several diversification methods supported more biodiversity while seeing simultaneous increases in human well-being and food security. Agritourism is one popular diversification strategy. In 2022, 28,600 U.S. farms reported agritourism income, averaging gross revenue of $44,000 from these activities. Activities like farm tours, pick-your-own operations, and seasonal festivals not only provide additional income but also foster a deeper connection between consumers and agriculture. The changing face of agriculture is directly impacting consumers. The rise of farm-to-table and local food movements reflects a growing interest in where our food comes from and how it's produced. If every U.S. household spent just $10 per week on locally grown food, it would generate billions of dollars for local economies. However, the larger challenges in agriculture can also lead to price fluctuations at the grocery store. The USDA's Economic Research Service projects that food-at-home prices will increase between 1.2% and 2.2% in 2024. Looking ahead, several innovations are poised to reshape agriculture: The transformation of American agriculture affects everyone, from the food we eat to the health of our environment and rural communities. Consumers have the power to support sustainable and diverse farming practices through our purchasing decisions. As citizens, they can advocate for policies that support farmers in adopting innovative and sustainable practices. The challenges facing agriculture are complex, but they also present opportunities for innovation and positive change. By understanding and engaging with these issues, everyone can play a part in shaping a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system for the future. This story was produced by LandTrust and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Get local news delivered to your inbox!And so it begins. The next two months have the chance to be ridiculously entertaining in Tampa Bay. While they came off the bye week on a four-game losing streak, the Buccaneers have the easiest schedule in the NFL in the final seven weeks of the season. And the playoff push got off to an impressive start Sunday when the Bucs manhandled the New York Giants 30-7 at MetLife Stadium. Tampa Bay played close to error-free football while outgaining New York by more than 200 yards. Bucky Irving gained more than 150 yards from scrimmage while the defense came up with four sacks. It also was the sixth time the Bucs scored 30 points or more under new offensive coordinator Liam Coen. Game ball On a day when the defense played its most complete game of the season, it seems fitting to hand a game ball to the old man in the huddle. Lavonte David had five tackles, one pass defensed and the 31st forced fumble of his career. Since forced fumbles became an official stat in 1993, David is one of only six players to have accumulated at least 10 interceptions and 30 forced fumbles in their careers. Three of the others (Charles Woodson, Julius Peppers and Brian Dawkins) are in the Hall of Fame. Play of the day Where do we start? Baker Mayfield’s diving 10-yard touchdown run? Vita Vea as a fullback? Yaya Diaby’s fourth-down stop? Let’s go with Bucky Irving’s 56-yard run in the fourth quarter. It didn’t lead to a score, but it was still entertaining as heck. On second down from the Tampa Bay 5, Irving sprinted to the left edge and broke a tackle by Darius Muasau at the line of scrimmage, got a block from Jalen McMillan and motored up the middle of the field. Nearly 40 yards downfield, Mayfield blocked cornerback Cor’Dale Flott to spring Irving for another 18 yards. Keep an eye on It’s possible that the Giants are so bad that it’s premature to read anything into this game. But the return of Mike Evans from a hamstring injury seemed to open up the downfield passing attack for Mayfield. Evans caught five passes for 68 yards but, more importantly, he threw 18 passes to his wideouts and 12 to the running backs and tight ends. That’s a much different ratio than recent weeks when Mayfield was more focused on a short, ball-control passing attack. NFC South update Believe it or not, the Bucs can be back on top of the division by next week. Technically, they’d still be behind the Falcons because of the tiebreaker but it would still be a wild comeback for a team that just won its first game since Oct. 13. The Falcons have graciously lost two in a row and have tough games against the Chargers and Vikings coming up after a bye week. Up next Did you find it entertaining to watch the Bucs beat up on a last-place team? Good, because they have another one coming up next week. Tampa Bay travels to Carolina to take on the 3-8 Panthers. Carolina has played better in recent weeks, but the Bucs are 9-2 against their division rivals going back to 2018. ©2024 Tampa Bay Times. Visit tampabay.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Stock analysts at StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Moleculin Biotech ( NASDAQ:MBRX – Get Free Report ) in a note issued to investors on Thursday. The firm set a “sell” rating on the stock. Separately, Maxim Group dropped their target price on Moleculin Biotech from $20.00 to $8.00 and set a “buy” rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, November 12th. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Moleculin Biotech Moleculin Biotech Stock Performance Institutional Investors Weigh In On Moleculin Biotech A hedge fund recently raised its stake in Moleculin Biotech stock. Armistice Capital LLC lifted its holdings in Moleculin Biotech, Inc. ( NASDAQ:MBRX – Free Report ) by 5.1% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 156,000 shares of the company’s stock after purchasing an additional 7,505 shares during the period. Armistice Capital LLC owned about 6.75% of Moleculin Biotech worth $549,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 15.52% of the company’s stock. Moleculin Biotech Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Moleculin Biotech, Inc, a clinical stage pharmaceutical company, focuses on the development of drug candidates for the treatment of cancers and viruses. Its lead drug candidate is Annamycin, which is in Phase 1B/2 clinical trials for the treatment of relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and soft tissue sarcoma metastasized to the lungs. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Moleculin Biotech Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Moleculin Biotech and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .'Open your doors': Notre Dame re-opens after five-year refitJones accounts for 4 TDs, defense adds two TDs, NC Central swamps Delaware State 52-10

Jones accounts for 4 TDs, defense adds two TDs, NC Central swamps Delaware State 52-10

The camera I recommend to most new photographers is $80 off after Cyber MondayIn today’s newsletter, new reporting from Rania Abouzeid on the toll in Lebanon of the Israel-Hezbollah war. But, first, the fresh relevance of the fight for legal birth control. Plus: Sarah Moss’s memoir of self-deprivation Anthony Lane remembers Frank Auerbach The art dealer who wanted to be art Margaret Sanger and Mary Ware Dennett. Margaret Talbot Staff writer It’s remarkable how many of the battles fought by early-twentieth-century birth-control activists are being waged again today. Is any contraception, other than the rhythm method and the like, “unnatural” and therefore suspect? Do states have a stake in promoting fertility, and does that interest allow them to ban or restrict abortion? Can the Comstock statute, a social-purity law from 1873, which plenty of people even then thought was antiquated, be dusted off and used to criminalize the mailing of abortion pills, as Project 2025 proposes? These are all live questions in the post-Dobbs, Trump Round Two era, however successfully the President-elect convinced much of the electorate that he was done messing with reproductive rights. That’s why Stephanie Gorton’s new book, “ The Icon and the Idealist: Margaret Sanger, Mary Ware Dennett, and the Rivalry That Brought Birth Control to America ,” which I review in this week’s issue , is so timely. There’s something to be learned from these earlier struggles and strategies—from the serious mistakes these movement leaders made (Sanger’s embrace of eugenics above all), as well as from their bold commitment to free speech, civil disobedience, and sexual fulfillment. Read the review » From the News Desk The Price Lebanon Is Paying for the Hezbollah-Israel War Although Israel claims to be targeting Hezbollah fighters, to date more than thirty-five hundred Lebanese have been killed, and some fifteen thousand wounded. More than 1.2 million people, about a fifth of Lebanon’s population, have fled their homes. A nurse working in a hospital southwest of Baalbek tells Rania Abouzeid, who reports from the region, “I am seeing wounded babies who have nothing to do with anything.” Read the story » A Novelist’s Unnerving Memoir of Disordered Eating The Art Dealer Who Wanted to Be Art Can Shostakovich Ever Escape Stalin’s Shadow? Why N.S.A. Rules Say No to Smartphones, No to Texting, Yes to Podcasts Frank Auerbach’s Raw Truths Daily Cartoon Link copied Play today’s smallish puzzle. A clue: Lipa who appeared in the film “Argylle.” Three letters. P.S. Before Jessica Tisch , the scion of one of the country’s richest families, was appointed this week by Eric Adams to be the next N.Y.P.D. commissioner, she was the city’s commissioner of sanitation and the brains behind an endeavor she called the Trash Revolution: “Bags off the sidewalks. Clean highways. Citywide organic-waste pickup. Beefed-up enforcement of sanitary laws.” This past spring, Eric Lach reported on her progress . “Trash service,” she told him, “is the last all-you-can-use service in New York City.” 🗑️ Hannah Jocelyn contributed to this edition.Banking and Fertilizer stocks drive KSE-100 index near 100k mark

Attributing his party’s victory in the Channapatna byelection to “direct and indirect” support from JD(S) and BJP leaders and workers, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday said people from across parties helped the Congress in this election. “If the BJP and JD(S) leaders had not supported us directly or indirectly, we would not have got so many votes. I congratulate them,” Mr. Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president told media persons in Kanakapura. “Many people from across parties have helped us in this election (Channapatna). The Congress had polled only 16,000 votes in the previous Assembly election. The number increased in the Lok Sabha election and it has further gone up now,” he siaid. “BJP leader C.N. Ashwath Narayan said on Saturday that he knew about our party candidate C.P. Yogeshwar’s victory beforehand. Is he dumb to say so having been the district in-charge Minister and Deputy Chief Minister? He knew the pulse of the people,” Mr. Shivakumar said. Referring to JD(S) leader G.T. Deve Gowda’s statement that he would join the Congress if people desired so, he said, “It is not just his (Mr. Gowda’s) opinion. A lot of people want him to do it. Many in the BJP have the same thoughts. Could we have won this election if BJP leaders had not supported us?” he said. Asked about Union Minister and JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy’s statement that money power defeated his son, Nikhil Kumaraswamy, in Channapatna, he said, “Then what do you call D.K. Suresh’s defeat in the Lok Sabha election? Mr. Yogeshwar was still in the BJP then. Mr. Kumaraswamy got his brother-in-law elected. How do you explain this?” ‘Promises will be fulfilled’ The Deputy Chief Minister assured the people of Channapatna that all promises made before the byelection would be fulfilled. “The Congress government will fulfil the aspirations of the people of Channapatna. We listened to the problems of the people of Channapatna after the seat was vacated. The people have blessed us now and we will repay that debt through development works,” he said. “District in-charge Minister Ramalinga Reddy has undergone a leg surgery. Before we go for the winter session of the legislature in Belagavi, we will hold a meeting to discuss and initiate all our promises,” he said. ‘Credit goes to all’ Asked about who gets the credit for the victory, he said, “This is not a victory that belongs to one or two individuals. This is a result of concerted efforts by all in the party.” Replying to a query on whether Ramanagara district has become “JD(S)-free” now, he said, “It is not important for us to make Ramanagara JD(S)- mukt . Their tally will go down from 19 to 18 in the Assembly now.” Meanwhile, addressing a women’s convention in Kanakapura, Mr. Shivakumar said the coalition government in Maharashtra copied the Congress government’s Gruha Lakshmi guarantee scheme. “They launched the ‘ Ladli Behna Yojana’ of giving women a financial benefit of ₹1,500 through direct benefit transfer. We had also announced a ‘Mahalakshmi’ scheme and had promised to give ₹3,000. They launched the scheme just six months before the election and this resulted in their victory now,” he said. Published - November 24, 2024 08:40 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Shivakumar seems to be the latest winner in the war over Vokkaliga heartland Channapatna defeat casts shadow on JD(S) and career of Nikhil Bypoll mandate an endorsement of Congress government’s guarantee schemes in Karnataka Karnataka / state politics / Indian National Congress / Janata Dal - Secular / Bharatiya Janata Party

Tua Tagovailoa delivered a four-touchdown performance as the Miami Dolphins picked up their third consecutive win with a 34-15 victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday. Miami (5-6) never trailed in the AFC East matchup, and led by as many as 31 in the second half. Three touchdown passes from Tagovailoa in the second quarter — the first to tight end Jonnu Smith , and two more to running back De’Von Achane — contributed to Miami’s 24-0 lead at the break. Tagovailoa added another touchdown pass to Jaylen Waddle — who had a season-high 144 receiving yards — late in the third to extend the lead to 31-0. Advertisement Tagovailoa’s 317 passing yards and four touchdowns were both season-bests. Miami’s defense — which collected four sacks and a pair of turnovers — held New England (3-9) scoreless until early in the fourth, when Drake Maye ’s 38-yard touchdown pass to Austin Hooper on fourth-and-15 ended the shutout. The Patriots added another score on a 63-yard fumble recovery from Christian Gonzalez . Things we love to see: pic.twitter.com/8SniJHencR — Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) November 24, 2024 Tagovailoa helps Miami’s playoff hopes The Dolphins head into a big Thanksgiving game in Green Bay on a roll and with the playoffs suddenly in sights again after Tagovailoa’s return has helped them win three straight games. Their 1-3 stretch without their starting quarterback set back their postseason aspirations, but suddenly the Dolphins are surging at the right time. A win Thursday night would level them at .500 and keep their wild card hopes in tact. This run has come on the heels of a great return for Tagovailoa. After missing four games due to his latest concussion, Tagovailoa has been on a tear with none better than Sunday’s outing against the Patriots. He completed 29 of 40 passes for 317 yards, four touchdowns, and didn’t turn the ball over. (And that was all produced even while being pulled early in the fourth quarter of a blowout.) In his five games since returning, Tagovailoa has thrown 11 touchdown passes and completed more than 70 percent of his passes in each of those five contests. He’s now a dominating 7-0 in his career against the Patriots. — Chad Graff, Patriots beat writer Achane has another TD! 📺: #NEvsMIA on CBS/Paramount+ 📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/H6ASnKUABz — NFL (@NFL) November 24, 2024 Patriots defense struggles in loss Where to start with the Patriots? How about the defense, which had no answer for an explosive Dolphins offense. The Patriots were totally overwhelmed and another dud from them highlighted just how big of an issue that side of the ball is as the rebuild nears offseason No. 2. Everyone knows the Patriots need offensive reinforcements this offseason, but the scary part in their outlook is that reinforcements are badly needed on defense, too. Advertisement The secondary struggled all afternoon with cornerback Marcus Jones and safety Kyle Dugger being especially bad. The defensive line wasn’t any better and never flustered Tagovailoa. A performance like this is going to raise questions about defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington. So far, Jerod Mayo has been pretty hands off as a head coach, preferring a CEO-type role. But if the defense keeps playing like this, Mayo is going to have to intervene. — Graff New England offense can’t find rhythm Not that the Patriots needed yet another reminder, but Sunday’s game was such a glaring example of the holes on this offense. Their offensive line was totally overwhelmed with none worse than left tackle Vederian Lowe , who committed four penalties in the first half alone. Maye was under constant pressure. Meanwhile, the receivers struggled to get open and Maye was never in a rhythm leading to his worst game in the NFL . There wasn’t just one culprit for this disaster, though. Everyone and every unit had something to do with just how bad that performance was from Mayo on down. The Patriots thought they were building toward something and improving as the season continued. Now there are all sorts of questions for Mayo and his team after such a terrible game. — Graff Required reading (Photo: Megan Briggs / Getty Images)

Triple riding kills one, injures two in Telangana’s SangareddyThe world's most climate-imperilled nations stormed out of consultations in protest at the deadlocked UN COP29 conference Saturday, as simmering tensions over a hard-fought finance deal erupted into the open. Diplomats from small island nations threatened by rising seas and impoverished African states angrily filed out of a meeting with summit hosts Azerbaijan over a final deal being thrashed out in a Baku sports stadium. "We've just walked out. We came here to this COP for a fair deal. We feel that we haven't been heard," said Cedric Schuster, the Samoan chairman of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). An unpublished version of the final text circulating in Baku, and seen by AFP, proposes that rich nations raise to $300 billion a year by 2035 their commitment to poorer countries to fight climate change. COP29 hosts Azerbaijan intended to put a final draft before 198 nations for adoption or rejection on Saturday evening, a full day after the marathon summit officially ended. But, in a statement, AOSIS said it had "removed" itself from the climate finance discussions, demanding an "inclusive" process. "If this cannot be the case, it becomes very difficult for us to continue our involvement here at COP29," it said. Sierra Leone's climate minister Jiwoh Abdulai, whose country is among the world's poorest, said the draft was "effectively a suicide pact for the rest of the world". An earlier offer from rich nations of $250 billion was slammed as offensively low by developing countries, who have demanded much higher sums to build resilience against climate change and cut emissions. UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the revised offer of $300 billion was "a significant scaling up" of the existing pledge by developed nations, which also count the United States, European Union and Japan among their ranks. At sunset, a final text still proved elusive, as harried diplomats ran to-and-fro in the stadium near the Caspian Sea searching for common ground. "Hopefully this is the storm before the calm," said US climate envoy John Podesta in the corridors as somebody shouted "shame" in his direction. Earlier, the EU's climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra said negotiators were not out of the woods yet. "We're doing everything we can on each of the axes to build bridges and to make this into a success. But it is iffy whether we will succeed," he said. Ali Mohamed, the Kenyan chair of the African Group of Negotiators, told AFP: "No deal is better than a bad deal." South African environment minister Dion George, however, said: "I think being ambitious at this point is not going to be very useful." "What we are not up for is going backwards or standing still," he said. "We might as well just have stayed at home then." The revised offer from rich countries came with conditions in other parts of the broader climate deal under discussion in Azerbaijan. The EU in particular wants an annual review on global efforts to phase out fossil fuels, which are the main drivers of global warming. This has run into opposition from Saudi Arabia, which has sought to water down a landmark pledge to transition away from oil, gas and coal made at COP28 last year. "We will not allow the most vulnerable, especially the small island states, to be ripped off by the new, few rich fossil fuel emitters," said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. Wealthy nations counter that it is politically unrealistic to expect more in direct government funding. The US earlier this month elected former president Donald Trump, a sceptic of both climate change and foreign assistance, and a number of other Western countries have seen right-wing backlashes against the green agenda. A coalition of more than 300 activist groups accused historic polluters most responsible for climate change of skirting their obligation, and urged developing nations to stand firm. The draft deal posits a larger overall target of $1.3 trillion per year to cope with rising temperatures and disasters, but most would come from private sources. Even $300 billion would be a step up from the $100 billion now provided by wealthy nations under a commitment set to expire. A group of developing countries had demanded at least $500 billion, with some saying that increases were less than met the eye due to inflation. Experts commissioned by the United Nations to assess the needs of developing countries said $250 billion was "too low" and by 2035 rich nations should be providing at least $390 billion. The US and EU have wanted newly wealthy emerging economies like China -- the world's largest emitter -- to chip in. China, which remains classified as a developing nation under the UN framework, provides climate assistance but wants to keep doing so on its own voluntary terms. bur-np-sct/lth/giv

Global Agriculture Equipment Finance Market Forecast 2024-2033: Market Share, Segments, and Emerging TrendsShare Tweet Share Share Email The fast digitalization of commerce has revolutionized how people and businesses handle transactions. At the heart of this transformation are payment APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). These invisible yet powerful tools enable seamless, secure, and efficient payment experiences. Whether you are shopping online, paying bills, or transferring funds, chances are a payment API is working behind the scenes. By understanding and leveraging the power of payment APIs, businesses can thrive in today’s competitive digital space. These tools are not just technological assets—they are essential for building trust, boosting efficiency, and driving growth . What Are Payment APIs? A payment API is a software interface that allows different applications to communicate and interact with payment gateways. Essentially, it acts as a bridge between a business’s platform and the payment processing infrastructure. By integrating payment APIs, businesses can provide their customers with secure and user-friendly ways to complete transactions. For example, e-commerce platforms use payment APIs to enable customers to pay through various methods like credit cards, mobile wallets, or bank transfers. These APIs are designed to ensure smooth communication while maintaining high-security standards. Why Are Payment APIs Important? The significance of payment APIs lies in their ability to simplify complex payment processes. Without them, businesses would need to develop their payment systems from scratch—a time-consuming and costly endeavor. Payment APIs eliminate these challenges by offering ready-to-use solutions. Moreover, they are crucial for providing a seamless user experience. When transactions are quick and hassle-free, customers are more likely to complete their purchases. In turn, this boosts conversion rates and enhances customer satisfaction. Security is another critical factor. Payment APIs incorporate advanced encryption and fraud detection features, ensuring sensitive customer data remains protected. With growing concerns about data breaches, this level of security is non-negotiable for businesses. Key Features of Payment APIs Not all payment APIs are created equal. High-quality APIs come with features that enhance functionality, security, and adaptability. Below are some of the essential features: Multi-Currency Support As businesses expand globally, accepting payments in different currencies becomes necessary. Payment APIs simplify this by offering multi-currency support. Customers can pay in their preferred currency, and the system handles currency conversions. Multiple Payment Methods Payment preferences vary widely among users. Some prefer credit cards, while others use mobile wallets or direct bank transfers. Payment APIs support a range of methods, making transactions more inclusive. Fraud Detection Security breaches can tarnish a company’s reputation. Many payment APIs include built-in fraud detection mechanisms that identify and flag suspicious activities . This feature minimizes risks and builds trust among customers. Ease of Integration One of the biggest advantages of payment APIs is their ease of integration. Developers can seamlessly embed them into websites or apps using clear documentation and software development kits (SDKs). Customizable Features Businesses often need tailored solutions to meet specific needs. High-quality APIs allow for customization, enabling businesses to adjust payment workflows or add branding elements. Real-World Applications of Payment APIs Payment APIs are more than just technical tools; they power real-world applications that consumers interact with daily. Below are some examples of how they function in various industries. E-Commerce Platforms Online shopping is perhaps the most common use case. Payment APIs enable online stores to accept payments securely and swiftly. Customers can choose their preferred payment method, whether it’s a credit card or a digital wallet like PayPal. Subscription Services Platforms like Netflix or Spotify rely on recurring payments. Payment APIs make this possible by automating subscription billing. This ensures customers are charged accurately and on time without manual intervention. Mobile Applications From ride-hailing apps to food delivery services, mobile apps depend heavily on payment APIs. These APIs facilitate in-app payments, ensuring a seamless user experience. Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems In physical stores, modern POS systems use APIs to process card payments. This integration ensures speed and reliability during checkout. How Payment APIs Enhance User Experience One of the key reasons for the widespread adoption of payment APIs is their ability to enhance user experience. Customers value convenience, and payment APIs deliver just that. Let’s break down how they improve the customer journey. Faster Checkout Processes With payment APIs, transactions are processed in real-time. Customers can complete their purchases quickly, reducing cart abandonment rates. Personalized Payment Options Some APIs allow businesses to offer payment options based on user preferences. For example, returning customers might see their favorite payment method pre-selected. Cross-Platform Compatibility Whether a user is shopping on a desktop, tablet, or smartphone, payment APIs ensure a consistent experience. This flexibility caters to modern consumers who switch between devices. The Future of Payment APIs As technology evolves, so do payment APIs. Emerging trends and innovations promise to make these tools even more powerful and efficient. Here’s what the future holds: AI-Powered Transactions Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionize payment APIs. AI algorithms can analyze transaction data to predict customer preferences and detect fraud more accurately. Blockchain Integration Blockchain technology offers unparalleled security and transparency. Integrating blockchain into payment APIs could eliminate intermediaries, reducing costs and enhancing trust. Voice-Activated Payments With the rise of voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, voice-activated payments are becoming a reality. Payment APIs will play a crucial role in enabling this functionality. Global Standardization As cross-border commerce grows, there will be a push toward standardizing payment APIs. This will simplify global transactions and reduce integration challenges. Challenges in Implementing Payment APIs While payment APIs offer numerous benefits, implementing them is not without challenges. Businesses must navigate these hurdles to unlock their full potential. Regulatory Compliance Different regions have varying regulations regarding online payments. APIs must comply with these rules to avoid legal issues. Integration Costs Although APIs are cost-effective in the long run, the initial integration can be expensive. Small businesses may find this challenging. Technical Dependencies APIs rely on robust technical infrastructure. Downtime or server issues can disrupt payment processes, affecting user trust. Conclusion Payment APIs are the backbone of modern digital transactions. They enable businesses to provide secure, efficient, and user-friendly payment solutions. From e-commerce platforms to mobile apps, their applications are vast and transformative. As technology advances , payment APIs will continue to evolve. Innovations like AI, blockchain, and voice activation will shape the future of payments. For businesses, staying ahead of these trends is crucial for delivering exceptional customer experiences. Related Items: 2024 Technology , Payment APIs , Seamless Transactions Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you PeopleTools ATT: Enhance Your Business Solutions Family Therapy for Teen Behavior Challenges: Understanding the Process Comprehensive Guide to Business License in Dubai and Company Setup in Dubai Comments