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Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, one of Asia's richest men, may be facing his biggest challenge yet with an indictment by U.S. prosecutors for alleged fraud and bribery. But it's unclear just how the case will affect his businesses and own future — as well as the Indian economy and government. On Friday, shares in some of the Adani Group's companies began ticking back up after plunging a day earlier following the announcement of the charges in New York. The stock prices of six of his 10 listed companies rose slightly, between one per cent to nearly four per cent. Adani, a major power player in India perceived as close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was charged Wednesday with securities fraud and conspiracy to commit securities and wire fraud at a court in Brooklyn, N.Y. The test for the tycoon and his multibillion-dollar empire, which encompasses everything from energy and ports to media and agriculture, comes just after the 62-year-old founder and his holdings had bounced back after losing more than $60 billion in market value in early 2023 following allegations of stock price manipulation and fraud by the short-selling firm Hindenburg Research. It also raises questions about corporate governance and crony capitalism in India's economy, which Modi has vowed to make the world's third-largest, and intensified scrutiny on the outsized influence of large, family-run conglomerates. Asia's richest man is another Indian billionaire, Mukesh Ambani of Reliance Industries. Canada's top pensions have trillions in assets. Should they do more to fuel the energy transition? How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani lost half his fortune in a flash, triggering political fallout Prosecutors allege that Adani duped investors in a massive solar project in India by concealing that it was being facilitated by bribes. Seven other executives connected to Adani's massive business holdings also face charges, including three former executives from Quebec's largest pension fund, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ). The indictment outlines an alleged scheme to pay about $265 million in bribes to government officials in India. Cyril Cabanes, Saurabh Agarwal and Deepak Malhotra, who all held high-ranking positions at CDPQ, are reportedly accused of obstructing a grand jury, the FBI, and the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission. "CDPQ is aware of charges filed in the U.S. against certain former employees," a spokesperson told CBC News. "Those employees were all terminated in 2023 and CDPQ is co-operating with U.S. authorities. In light of the pending cases, we have no further comment at this time." Group denies allegations against green energy arm The Adani group denied the allegations against directors of Adani Green Energy, its renewable energy arm, as "baseless" and said they will be seeking legal recourse. Shares in Adani's green energy venture, which is at the centre of the case, dropped eight per cent on Friday. None of the people charged in the case have been arrested. "For Adani, this hits hard, no matter how you slice it," said Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center. "His public relations machine was in overdrive for nearly two years rehabilitating his image following the Hindenburg allegations. This indictment came like a bolt from the blue and instantly reversed all recent progress in salvaging his reputation and business empire," Kugelman said. Adani's imprint across the Indian economy runs deep. He is the country's largest operator of coal mines and infrastructure developer, operates several ports and airports, and employs tens of thousands of people. Despite his fossil fuel roots, Adani has ambitions to become the world's largest player in renewable energy by 2030. WATCH | How Adani Group lost half its stock value after fraud accusations: India’s Adani Group loses half its stock value after fraud accusations 2 years ago Duration 2:02 Indian billionaire Gautam Adani saw his net worth rapidly plummet after accusations of fraud triggered a steep drop in stock prices for his group of companies, Adani Group. Now, protestors and opposition parties are calling for an investigation. Analysts say a key factor in his meteoric rise over the years has been his knack for aligning his group's priorities with those of the Modi government, investing in key industries like renewable energy, defence and agriculture. Before Modi, Adani was friendly with other parties in power. The latest controversy is likely to put Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party-led government, seen as close to Adani, in an awkward spot. Amit Malviya, the BJP's IT head, said in a post on X that the U.S. charges are "allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty," which critics interpreted as a show of support for the Adani group. The main opposition party has seized on the controversy, demanding Adani's arrest and accusing Modi, who has at times campaigned using an Adani jet, of protecting him. Opposition lawmakers are likely to escalate pressure on Modi when the winter session of parliament begins next week. The controversy has already affected Adani's interests overseas. Kenya's president cancelled multimillion-dollar deals with the Adani group for airport modernization and energy projects. Adani is likely to also face scrutiny in Bangladesh, where a court on Tuesday ordered an inquiry into an energy project. His troubles might complicate India's ties with other countries, such as Sri Lanka, where New Delhi is competing with rival Beijing for strategically important markets. There's no doubt this is "bad timing for New Delhi," said Kugelman, as it comes at a moment "when it's trying to capitalize on the business world's desire to move production out of China and find alternate investment destinations." Could Trump intervene? As for India-U.S. ties, some analysts believe president-elect Donald Trump may intervene. "India would like nothing more than for Trump to halt the investigation once he takes office. That's unlikely. Trump, however, could take a positive view of Adani, a fellow businessman who has praised Trump effusively," said Kugelman. The case highlights business risks in India, though experts believe the impact on investors will be limited mainly to the Adani group. "There are no fears of a financial contagion — at this point, the effect is centred on the group rather than the market. It could slow down the group's expansion and growth as it will become more difficult for Adani to raise funds," said Ambareesh Baliga, an independent market analyst. Still, for many in India, the news isn't that startling. Investors already know "just how ingrained this (bribes and corruption) is in the fabric of the Indian economy — you can't miss it," Baliga said. "Initially, investors may stay away for a while but at the end of the day, they will come back (to Adani). This isn't some small or medium-sized group they can ignore."Zero Investment, Maximum Savings: Powerdown220 Revolutionises Energy Solutions for Schools and Manufacturing Facilities 12-04-2024 11:02 PM CET | Advertising, Media Consulting, Marketing Research Press release from: ABNewswire Powerdown220, a leader in energy efficiency technology, is transforming how schools and manufacturing facilities approach energy savings. With their fully funded voltage optimisation (VO) solutions, these sectors can reduce electricity costs, improve equipment lifespan, and cut carbon emissions-all without any upfront investment. Here's how Powerdown220 is driving change in two critical industries. Revolutionising Energy Solutions for Schools Schools face increasing pressure to reduce operational costs and carbon emissions, but limited budgets often prevent them from making large-scale energy efficiency upgrades. Powerdown220's fully funded voltage optimisation solution offers a game-changing opportunity for educational facilities to save money while meeting sustainability goals. Voltage optimisation works by reducing the excess voltage supplied by the National Grid to the optimal level required by equipment. In the UK, the average supply voltage is 242V, but most electrical devices operate efficiently at 220V. By managing and optimising this supply, schools can save up to 8-12% on their electricity bills, extend the lifespan of their electrical equipment, and lower their carbon footprint. The benefits extend beyond financial savings. By adopting voltage optimisation, schools can align with government initiatives to promote greener practices, setting a positive example for students while helping meet the UK's Net Zero targets. A recent success story involves a secondary school in Cheshire that implemented Powerdown220's solution. Within the first year, the school reported a 10% reduction in energy costs and significant savings on maintenance due to reduced equipment wear and tear. These results demonstrate how voltage optimisation can alleviate financial pressures while enabling schools to invest more in their students' education. Empowering Manufacturing Facilities with Fully Funded VoltageOptimisation Manufacturing facilities often struggle with high energy consumption due to the intensive power demands of machinery, conveyor belts, and HVAC systems. For these facilities, voltage optimisation provides an immediate and effective way to reduce energy costs without disrupting operations. Powerdown220's fully funded model ensures that manufacturing businesses can implement energy-saving technology without the burden of upfront costs. Instead, the savings generated by the voltage optimisation unit pay for the system, making it a risk-free investment. By stabilising and reducing the incoming voltage, manufacturing facilities can achieve several key benefits: * Significant energy savings: Facilities typically see energy cost reductions of up to 12%, which can amount to tens of thousands of pounds annually for large-scale operations. * Enhanced equipment performance: Excess voltage accelerates wear and tear on industrial equipment. Voltage optimisation reduces this strain, extending equipment lifespan and lowering maintenance costs. * Sustainability improvements: Lower energy consumption directly reduces carbon emissions, helping manufacturers meet environmental regulations and corporate sustainability goals. One manufacturing facility in Birmingham partnered with Powerdown220 to optimise its energy use. After installing the system, the plant experienced an 11% reduction in energy costs and enhanced operational efficiency, making it easier to reinvest savings into production improvements. Conclusion: Zero-Cost Energy Efficiency with Tangible Results Whether for schools looking to prioritise education budgets or manufacturing facilities aiming to lower operating costs, Powerdown220's fully funded voltage optimisation solutions offer a proven path to energy efficiency. By removing the barrier of upfront costs, these solutions allow businesses and institutions to save money, enhance equipment performance, and reduce their carbon footprint. Discover how Powerdown220 can transform your energy management strategy at Powerdown220.co.uk. Media Contact Company Name: Catalyst Creative Marketing Contact Person: Nick Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=zero-investment-maximum-savings-powerdown220-revolutionises-energy-solutions-for-schools-and-manufacturing-facilities ] Country: United Kingdom Website: https://catalystcreativemarketing.co.uk/ This release was published on openPR.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump on Sunday pushed Russian leader Vladimir Putin to act to reach an immediate ceasefire with Ukraine, describing it as part of his active efforts as president-elect to end the war despite being weeks from taking office. “Zelensky and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness," Trump wrote on social media, referring to Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Is Secret Santa stressing you out? Here's your holiday gift-exchange survival guideMy Special Aflac Duck® lands in the Sacramento Valley

Dow ends at fresh record as oil prices pull back on ceasefire hopes

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California lawmakers are rushing to introduce legislation that reaffirms the state's role as a reproductive rights "haven" as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House and abortion-rights advocates warn of an uncertain future. Abortion remains legal in California, home to the strongest reproductive rights in the nation — unlike in some states, there is no required waiting period or counseling before the procedure, and minors can get abortions without parental involvement. In 2022 , voters solidified abortion access in the state constitution after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the federal right, limiting healthcare for millions of women. But as Trump prepares to take the White House again, California's Democratic leaders are adamant that not enough has been done to secure reproductive access in case of further federal rollbacks. "The truth is, this is an urgent and dangerous situation," California Attorney General Rob Bonta said at a news conference in Sacramento on Monday, pointing to renewed legal challenges to the distribution of abortion pills. "The right-wing extremists continue to wage attack after attack on our bodily autonomy at the expense of the health or life of pregnant persons." Bonta, a Democrat, said new legislative proposals will make reproductive rights in California "ironclad." Gov. Gavin Newsom's earlier focus on abortion rights after Trump's first term — including ad campaigns in red states — have drawn criticism from California Republicans skeptical of his national political motives and praise from advocates who say it is better to be safe than sorry. While he has signed dozens of bills firming up abortion access in recent years, some of his plans have proved to be more flash than substance. A temporary law allowing doctors licensed in Arizona to provide abortions in California, for example, expired without any doctors using it. "He makes the big pronouncements, but he's not a very good executor of those policies," said Assembly Republican leader James Gallagher of Yuba City. "It's kind of become his M.O. to make a big splash, and then nothing really ever comes of it." Democrats, however, see the need to shore up abortion access given the uncertainty of Trump's plans. A bill introduced this week aims to ensure availability of mifepristone and misoprostol — the commonly used two-step medication abortion process — even if the Trump administration attempts to interfere. At issue is how anti-abortion government officials could revive and interpret the Comstock Act , a federal law that once banned the mailing of "obscene" materials related to abortions. While Trump has said he has no plans to ban abortion nationwide, he has repeatedly flip-flopped on the issue and taken credit for appointing conservative Supreme Court justices who reversed the federal right to abortion with their decision in the landmark Dobbs case. Reproductive health advocates are worried that under his second term, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration could limit access to abortion medication. To lead the FDA, Trump has tapped Dr. Marty Makary , who has echoed antiabortion messages on Fox News about fetal pain — something disputed by major medical organizations. The California bill by former Planned Parenthood attorney and legislative newcomer Assemblymember Maggy Krell , D-Sacramento, aims to ensure that Californians continue to have access to medication abortion for the foreseeable future and protects "manufacturers, distributors, authorized healthcare providers and individuals" from any legal action for distributing or administering the pills. "There are emerging threats to the availability of mifepristone and misoprostol, and California may not be able to guarantee a continued supply," the bill states. "Previously, Governor Newsom implemented a plan to stockpile doses of misoprostol. While this effort was successful, the Legislature finds that the state needs to renew its stockpile to ensure that Californians can continue to exercise their constitutional rights." Last year, Newsom rushed to stockpile hundreds of thousands of abortion pills after a Texas judge ruled against the authorization of the medication. "We will not cave to extremists who are trying to outlaw these critical abortion services. Medication abortion remains legal in California," Newsom said then. But, facing expiration dates, the state released the stockpile to the public before the U.S. Supreme Court decision that rejected the Texas court's ruling. In Washington, Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee chose to hold onto a similar stockpile in case Trump was reelected. A spokesperson for Newsom said California "remains ready" to procure more pills if needed. In another precautionary move last year, Newsom signed a law that allowed abortion providers in Arizona to temporarily practice in California. The action came after the Arizona Supreme Court reinstated an 1800s law that essentially banned all abortions. No Arizona providers ended up using the program, which expired Dec. 1, according to the California Department of Consumer Affairs. Concerns settled in Arizona after Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs signed a bill that repealed the court decision, and voters last month passed a state constitutional amendment guaranteeing a right to abortion . The California legislation "was designed to serve as a swift stop gap measure to preserve continued access to abortion care, if necessary, during this very precarious moment," California Department of Consumer Affairs spokesperson Monica Vargas said in an email when The Times asked for data about the program's use. Newsom also signed a law last year that allowed medical residents from states with "hostile" laws to get abortion training in California. The state does not require the California Medical Board to track whether that program is being used as intended, a spokesperson said. For Republican critics like Gallagher, those programs are instances of "political theater" meant more to draw attention to an issue than provide substantive policy. Newsom this week called a special legislative session in Sacramento to prepare for legal combat with Trump on issues such as abortion and immigration — a move heralded by liberals as smart preparation for an unpredictable president and criticized by conservatives as unnecessary panic. "In California, abortion is constitutionally protected, and you have a president-elect who has said very clearly he will not support any national abortion ban," Gallagher said. "This perceived threat that they're trying to make into a political volley ... it's just Newsom drawing attention to himself." Some abortion advocates said that they'd rather have a nimble governor like Newsom and be cautious even if the emergency plans don't always pan out. "Now more than ever is the time for innovative policy solutions," said Shannon Olivieri Hovis, a spokesperson for Essential Health Access. "And inevitably, it is going to be the case that not all solutions we put forth will be equally effective." Other bills introduced this week seeking to fill California's reproductive health access gaps include a proposal to financially penalize cities and counties that block the building of abortion clinics, as has happened in Beverly Hills and Fontana. Assemblymember Mia Bonta, D-Oakland, introduced a package of bills that ensure hospitals enforce laws that require emergency rooms to provide abortion care; make it easier for Medi-Cal recipients to get birth control; and prevent birthing centers from closing. About 40% of California counties don't have abortion clinics, including rural areas where transportation can be a hurdle. In September, the state sued a Humboldt County Catholic hospital after a patient said she was denied an emergency abortion even as she feared for her life because of miscarriage risks. "We have to be absolutely clear-eyed about the political and social moment we're in right now... when we have a proven misogynist as a president," said Mia Bonta, who is married to the attorney general, referring to Trump's sexual abuse allegations and "your body, my choice" refrains that surged after his election. "I think while California has done an amazing job, we still have a lot of work to do to shore up the infrastructure of support for people who are seeking health care and abortion access and protection of our reproductive and sexual freedoms." ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, currently on a three-day official visit to India, participated in a discussion with leading Indian business representatives on Monday (16) in New Delhi. This discussion, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), brought together some of India’s most prominent entrepreneurs. President Dissanayake highlighted the investor-friendly environment in Sri Lanka and invited Indian entrepreneurs to explore investment opportunities in the country. The discussion, aimed at strengthening investment and trade relations between the two nations, focused on key areas such as the digital economy, tourism, renewable energy, and information technology. The conversation also emphasized expanding investment opportunities in Sri Lanka by leveraging trade between the two countries. During the meeting, Indian business leaders expressed their willingness to invest in Sri Lanka, and the Sri Lankan government pledged to provide necessary investment facilitation. Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando also shared his insights during the discussion.Sundog Theatre to perform ‘A Christmas Carol’ at the Empire Outlets Dec. 7

A 26-year-old man who crashed his car into a fence and a parked car while more than four times over the legal limit will be off the road for nearly two years. or signup to continue reading The impact of the crash pushed the parked car into a wall of a house, with the occupants woken by a "loud bang". The man, who cannot be named due to a non-conviction, pleaded guilty in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on November 22 to drink driving after a night at a friend's house ended with a broken clavicle and thousands of dollars in damage to the car and the house. The court heard he had been drinking with friends on the night of July 28, with the group finishing off two bottles of spirits and numerous bottles of beer. At around 4:20am on July 28 the man was driving home on Hope Street towards the intersection with Drought Street. Given the wet conditions and his state of intoxication he failed to stop at the intersection and drove through the fence of a Drought Street property, the court heard. The man's car then collided with a car parked at the home, with the stationary car pushed into the wall of the house. It was estimated the damage to the car and home was around $10,000 and $5000, respectively. The court heard that if the victim's car had not been parked there the man could have ploughed straight into the house, with the chance somebody could have being killed. After the occupants of the home were awoken, they went outside to investigate saw the 26-year-old in pain. He had a broken clavicle and when police arrived he had slurred speech and was taken to hospital. The court heard a blood sample was taken which later returned a positive reading of 0.206. During his interview with police the man said he was afraid he was going to hit a tree and ended up colliding with a curb before crashing through the property's fence. Magistrate Megan Aumair labelled his actions on the night "outrageous" and "spine-tingling" and said "the community expects" serious matters of drink driving to be punished. "There must be a message sent to you and others who think this is a good idea," Ms Aumair said. After being assessed for a community corrections order the man was sentenced to stay off the roads for 20 months. He was also sentenced to a 12-month community corrections order which included 150 hours of community work and the need to undergo alcohol abuse counselling. The man was not convicted as it would interfere with his visa and any future applications he needed to make. WA boy in Bendigo, happy to be in Central Victoria. WA boy in Bendigo, happy to be in Central Victoria. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. 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DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!Palantir Technologies Inc PLTR stock surged an eye-popping 350% year-to-date. But just as retail investors celebrate their portfolios swelling, company insiders — including CFO David A. Glazer and CTO Shyam Sankar — are selling millions of dollars worth of shares. What Happened : In December alone, Glazer sold $23 million worth of shares, while Sankar offloaded a staggering $367.9 million following an exercise of stock options. Even CEO Alex Karp joined the selling spree last month, cashing in $132.8 million worth of shares. Despite the eye-catching totals, these transactions represent a tiny fraction of their overall holdings. So, are they losing faith — or just diversifying? Read Also: Super Micro Drops Below 50-Day Average, Faces Nasdaq 100 Removal Just Months After Entry PLTR Stock’s Bullish Trend From a technical perspective, Palantir’s stock seems unshakable. Chart created using Benzinga Pro It's trading well above its eight-day, 20-day, 50-day and 200-day moving averages, signaling robust bullish momentum. The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator, at 5.30, screams “bullish.” Yet, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) is at 66.20, teetering on overbought territory. What’s Next : The charts suggest the stock has more room to climb. But with the stock price 313% higher than a year ago, some are questioning how much gas is left in the tank. So, should you ride the wave or cash in like the execs? While Palantir's future may still be dazzling, history shows insider selling is often a cue to exercise caution—or at least re-evaluate your risk appetite. Read Next: Jim Cramer Highlights ‘Cult Stocks’ Like Tesla, Palantir, Netflix As 2025 Investment Strategy Image: Shutterstock © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.