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Washington: In the heat of the 2000 presidential campaign, Democratic candidate vice president Al Gore took a break from barnstorming battleground states to attend a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee in East Hampton, New York. Standing behind Gore onstage was Scott Bessent, a hedge fund manager and — at the time — a major donor to Democrats who cohosted the event at his home. On Saturday AEDT, Bessent was tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to be his Treasury secretary. Having won the trust of Trump and his inner circle, Bessent would lead a Republican economic agenda of cutting taxes, culling federal regulations and enacting sweeping tariffs. As Treasury secretary, Scott Bessent would help Donald Trump as he attempts to remake the US economy. Credit: AP The selection caps an extraordinary career arc for an investor who was once a protege of liberal billionaire philanthropist George Soros and gave money to top Democrats, including Hillary Clinton, John Kerry and Barack Obama. “He was very supportive of the causes and the people that we supported,” said Will Trinkle, a Democrat who cohosted the event with Gore. He noted that Bessent, who would be the first openly gay Treasury secretary, was a strong advocate for gay rights and marriage equality. If confirmed by the Senate, Bessent would help Trump as he attempts to remake the US economy. As Treasury secretary, Bessent would work to steer tax cuts through Congress, lead trade negotiations with China and help cull federal regulations that Trump believes are stifling the economy. Bessent, 62, declined to be interviewed. But friends and former colleagues described him as driven by data and as intellectually curious, with an ability to work with people from across the ideological and political spectrum. Raised in a fishing village in South Carolina, Bessent is the son of a real estate developer who experienced several of his own financial booms and busts. He went on to Yale University, where he was class treasurer, wrote for The Yale Daily News and wanted to become a journalist. In college, Bessent reflected on the challenges of being a Southerner in New England, writing in the paper in 1981: “I was the only one in the dorm who was heartbroken when George Wallace decided not to run for president.” Bessent studied political science but ended up working in finance after getting an internship with Jim Rogers, an investor and business partner of Soros’. In the 1990s, he worked as a partner at Soros Fund Management, gaining notoriety by betting against the British pound and earning the firm $US1 billion. After leaving to start his own fund, Bessent returned in 2011 to become Soros’ chief investment officer. By then, Bessent had become a major donor to Republican candidates. According to a summary of his donations provided by his office, Bessent has given about $US15 million ($23 million) to political causes over the years, and all but $US300,000 has gone to Republicans. He gave $US1 million to Trump’s inauguration in 2016. Scott Bessent has described tariffs as a useful tool for achieving foreign policy objectives. Credit: Bloomberg Bessent was not part of Trump’s political orbit during his first campaign or term as president but has known the Trump family for decades and was close friends with the president-elect’s late brother, Robert. This past spring, when many business leaders were hesitant to back Trump publicly as his legal troubles mounted, Bessent took a different view. He saw Trump as a “stock that goes up on bad news”, as he explained it to political analyst Mark Halperin last month, because every apparent setback appeared to strengthen his candidacy. Concerned about the exploding national debt and the need to change the international trading system, Bessent set up a meeting with Trump and started exchanging economic policy ideas. In recent months, Bessent has pitched a “3-3-3” plan that would aim for 3 per cent economic growth, reduce the budget deficit to 3 per cent of gross domestic product and increase domestic oil production by 3 million barrels per day. He also came up with an idea that would allow the president to essentially sideline the chair of the Federal Reserve, although he has backed down from that proposal in the face of opposition. In some policy areas, Bessent has demonstrated an inclination to temper Trump’s economic impulses. He suggested that Trump’s idea of assigning a 15 per cent tax rate to companies that produce their products in the US could run afoul of international trade laws. And he has described Trump’s plan for blanket tariffs as a “maximalist” negotiating strategy, suggesting that tariffs should be phased in to give markets time to adjust. Bessent was chosen after an internal tussle among Trump’s aides over the job. Howard Lutnick, Trump’s transition team co-chair and chief executive of Cantor Fitzgerald, made a late pitch to secure the Treasury secretary role for himself. As Trump was deciding, sceptics of Bessent raised concerns about his ties to Soros and suggested he was not a true believer in tariffs. However, he won the public support of key advisers to Trump such as Larry Kudlow and Steve Bannon, who viewed him as the best choice. For Bessent, the challenge now will be remaining in Trump’s good graces as the president-elect once again looks to upend the international trading system and rewrite the tax code. Trump’s first Treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, often tried to dissuade Trump from imposing new tariffs and would attempt to calm markets as trade tensions flared. Still, he managed to maintain Trump’s trust. Stanley Druckenmiller, a hedge fund investor who worked with Bessent at Soros Fund Management, said that although Bessent is soft-spoken, he can also be “tough and persuasive” and that he has the right temperament to work for a demanding boss such as Trump. “If anybody can handle it, it’s Scott,” Druckenmiller said. This article originally appeared in The New York Times .Late kickoff return TDs by Turpin and Thomas spark the Cowboys as they end their 5-game skidBy Kanishka Singh (Reuters) - The Canadian government condemned China on Tuesday for taking steps against two Canadian institutions and 20 people involved in human rights issues concerning the Uyghurs and Tibet. China announced the measures, which included asset freezes and bans on entry, on Sunday. Its targets included the Canada-based Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project and the Canada-Tibet Committee, China's foreign ministry said. "Global Affairs Canada expresses solidarity with the members of the Canadian Tibet Committee and the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project and condemns the decision by the Chinese Government to punish them for speaking out for human rights," the Canadian government said in a statement. The Canadian statement urged China to respect its obligations under international law while also urging Canadians to exercise a high degree of caution in China due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Rights groups accuse Beijing of widespread abuses of Uyghurs, a mainly Muslim ethnic minority that numbers around 10 million in the western region of Xinjiang, including the mass use of forced labour in camps. Beijing denies any abuses. China seized control of Tibet in 1950 in what it describes as a "peaceful liberation" from feudalistic serfdom. International human rights groups and exiles, however, have routinely condemned what they call China's oppressive rule in Tibetan areas. "The Government of Canada will not tolerate any threats, acts of violence or harassment of people in Canada or their family and friends because of their political opinions or to silence dissenting viewpoints," the Canadian government said. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Richard Chang)

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Seer, Inc. (Nasdaq: SEER), a leading life sciences company commercializing a disruptive new platform for proteomics, today announced it ranked No. 57 on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 TM, a ranking of the 500 fastest-growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences, fintech, and energy tech companies in North America, now in its 30th year. Seer grew 2,440% during this period. Seer’s President and CFO, David Horn, credits increased adoption of Seer’s Proteograph Product Suite, as well as new discoveries made by its customers across neurodegenerative disease, cancer, and metabolic disease, with the company’s 2,440% revenue growth. "This has been an exciting year for Seer, from the launch of our technology access center in Europe, to seeing our Proteograph platform used by astronauts on the SpaceX Inspiration4 mission, to the recent announcement of our co-marketing and sales agreement with Thermo Fisher Scientific,” Horn said. “We’re proud to see continuing validation of our work providing customers and the broader scientific community with the power to enable deep proteomic insights at a scale and price point that hasn’t been possible before." Seer previously ranked No. 5 as a Technology Fast 500 award winner for 2023. Overall, 2024 Technology Fast 500 companies achieved revenue growth ranging from 201% to 153,625% over the three-year time frame, with an average growth rate of 1,981% and median growth rate of 460%. About the 2024 Deloitte Technology Fast 500: Now in its 30th year, the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 provides a ranking of the fastest-growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences, fintech, and energy tech companies — both public and private — in North America. Technology Fast 500 award winners are selected based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth from 2020 to 2023. In order to be eligible for Technology Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or technology that is sold to customers in products that contribute to a majority of the company’s operating revenues. Companies must have base-year operating revenues of at least US$50,000, and current-year operating revenues of at least US$5 million. Additionally, companies must be in business for a minimum of four years and be headquartered within North America. About Seer: Seer is a life sciences company developing transformative products that open a new gateway to the proteome. Seer’s Proteograph Product Suite is an integrated solution that includes proprietary engineered nanoparticles, consumables, automation instrumentation and software to perform deep, unbiased proteomic analysis at scale in a matter of hours. Seer designed the Proteograph workflow to be efficient and easy to use, leveraging widely adopted laboratory instrumentation to provide a decentralized solution that can be incorporated by nearly any lab. Seer’s Proteograph Product Suite is for research use only and is not intended for diagnostic procedures. For more information, please visit www.seer.bio . Media Contact: Patrick Schmidt pr@seer.bio Investor Contact: Carrie Mendivil investor@seer.bio About Deloitte: Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world’s most admired brands, including nearly 90% of the Fortune 500® and more than 8,500 U.S.-based private companies. At Deloitte, we strive to live our purpose of making an impact that matters by creating trust and confidence in a more equitable society. We leverage our unique blend of business acumen, command of technology, and strategic technology alliances to advise our clients across industries as they build their future . Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them. Bringing more than 175 years of service, our network of member firms spans more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte’s approximately 460,000 people worldwide connect for impact at www.deloitte.com . Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee (“DTTL”), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the “Deloitte” name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms.

The BJP logged the highest vote share of 26.77 per cent in the Maharashtra assembly elections, winning 132 out of 149 seats it had contested and garnering 17,293,650 votes, as per ECI data. The BJP's 132-seat haul marked a hat-trick of crossing the 100-seat mark in assembly elections. The saffron party had bagged 122 seats in the 2014 elections, which it contested solo without undivided Shiv Sena, and 105 seats in 2019 polls which it faced with the former ally Shiv Sena on its side. The BJP's stellar performance at Maharashtra hustings, results of which were declared on Saturday, saw the party reaping a rich harvest of 132 seats in the 288-member House. Its Mahayuti partners Shiv Sena and NCP led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar won 57 and 41 seats, respectively. The Congress, which won only 16 out of 101 seats it had contested, came a distant second with a 12.42 per cent vote share. The Grand Old Party polled 8,020,921 votes. The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena's tally of 57 seats out of 81 it had contested saw a vote share of 12.38 per cent and 7,996,930 votes. Interestingly, the vote share of NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) and the quantum of votes polled for the party surpassed the rival NCP faction despite the former's rout in the elections. The NCP (SP) contested 86 seats but won only 10 with an 11.28 per cent vote share and 7,287,797 votes. In contrast, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP registered a 9.01% vote share despite winning 41 of the 59 seats it had contested and polling 5,816,566 votes. The rival Shiv Sena (UBT), which won 20 seats, logged a vote share of 9.96 per cent and polled 6,433,013 votes. At 4,61,886, NOTA votes dropped to 0.72 per cent in Maharashtra. A voter turnout of 66.05 per cent was recorded for the state assembly elections held on November 20, up from 61.1 per cent in 2019, according to Election Commission officials. Follow us on: Facebook , Twitter , Google News , Instagram Join our official telegram channel ( @nationalherald ) and stay updated with the latest headlinesCal staves off Sacramento State for third straight winPatrick Mahomes Fined Over $14,000 for ‘Violent Gesture’ During NFL GameHeavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights

Wednesday, December 25, 2024 Thailand’s tourism sector, a cornerstone of its economy, is set to achieve a significant milestone in 2025, with projections of 200 million domestic trips. This ambitious target reflects the government’s proactive strategies to revitalize the local tourism industry, fostering economic growth and encouraging Thai residents to explore their own country. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced its goal of reaching 200 million domestic trips next year, a substantial increase driven by nationwide promotional campaigns, regional travel incentives, and enhanced infrastructure. The focus on domestic tourism comes as the country aims to balance its reliance on international visitors with robust local participation. Airline Route Frequency Aircraft Type Thai Airways Bangkok (BKK) – Chiang Mai (CNX) Daily Boeing 777 Bangkok Airways Bangkok (BKK) – Phuket (HKT) Daily ATR 72 Nok Air Bangkok (DMK) – Krabi (KBV) Daily Boeing 737 Thai Vietjet Air Bangkok (BKK) – Surat Thani (URT) 5 times per week Airbus A320 Thai Lion Air Bangkok (DMK) – Hat Yai (HDY) Daily Boeing 737 Several factors are expected to contribute to this remarkable surge in domestic travel: Discover everything and anything about travel , tourism , trade shows at the Travel And Tour World , including breaking travel news and weekly travel updates for travel trade , airlines , cruise , railways , technology , travel association , DMCs, and video interviews and promotional videos . The anticipated 200 million domestic trips in 2025 are projected to generate significant economic benefits for Thailand. Local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and retail outlets, are expected to thrive as domestic travelers spend more on accommodations, dining, and activities. TAT predicts that domestic tourism will contribute over 1 trillion Thai baht to the country’s GDP in 2025. This surge in economic activity will provide a lifeline to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in rural areas, ensuring the equitable distribution of tourism revenue. Thailand’s domestic tourism strategy emphasizes sustainability, aligning with global trends. Eco-tourism initiatives are being prioritized to protect natural resources and promote responsible travel. Communities in regions such as Chiang Mai, Krabi, and the Isan provinces are adopting sustainable practices, such as waste reduction, wildlife conservation, and community-led tourism projects. For example, the Green Tourism Campaign encourages travelers to explore eco-friendly destinations while minimizing their environmental impact. Such initiatives resonate with the growing number of environmentally conscious tourists. To achieve the ambitious target of 200 million trips, TAT is focusing on promoting regional destinations that are often overshadowed by popular cities like Bangkok and Phuket. Regions such as: While the domestic tourism push is promising, challenges remain. These include addressing overcrowding at popular destinations, managing seasonal travel patterns, and ensuring the safety and satisfaction of travelers. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation in managing tourism flows, enhancing customer experiences, and leveraging technology for seamless travel planning. TAT has partnered with private-sector stakeholders to overcome these hurdles, investing in digital platforms for trip planning, real-time updates, and personalized travel recommendations. By integrating technology, the tourism sector aims to provide a more efficient and enjoyable experience for domestic travelers. Discover everything and anything about travel , tourism , trade shows at the Travel And Tour World , including breaking travel news and weekly travel updates for travel trade , airlines , cruise , railways , technology , travel association , DMCs, and video interviews and promotional videos . The focus on domestic tourism represents a strategic shift in Thailand’s overall tourism approach. While the country remains a global hotspot for international visitors, the emphasis on local travel ensures resilience against external disruptions, such as economic downturns or global crises. By fostering a culture of domestic exploration, Thailand is not only boosting its economy but also nurturing a sense of national pride and community among its residents. The anticipated 200 million trips in 2025 underscore the potential of domestic tourism as a sustainable and impactful pillar of the country’s tourism industry. Thailand’s ambitious goal of 200 million domestic trips in 2025 reflects its commitment to revitalizing the tourism sector and promoting economic growth. Through innovative campaigns, improved infrastructure, and a focus on sustainability, the country is well-positioned to achieve this milestone. As Thai residents rediscover their homeland’s beauty and diversity, domestic tourism is set to become a driving force in shaping the future of Thailand’s economy and cultural identity. By leveraging the potential of local travel, Thailand continues to strengthen its position as a leader in global tourism while ensuring a bright and sustainable future for its people. 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