Cincinnati, OH – March 15, 2016 – Government Acquisitions, Inc. (GAI), a leading Federal Information Technology (IT) solutions provider and small business, today announced it has received the 2016 Splunk® Public Sector Buttercup Award for exceptional performance and commitment to Splunk’s Partner+ Program. The Buttercup award recognizes a Splunk partner that exemplifies partnership and a commitment to the Splunk Partner+ Program. This award, not given each year, is highly distinguished and symbolic of Splunk’s core company and partner values.
“We are honored to be the recipient of the highly esteemed 2016 Splunk Public Sector Buttercup award,” said Jay Lambke, president, GAI. “Splunk is the clear market leader and therefore the cornerstone of our analytics strategy. To that end, GAI has made significant investments in the resources and products critical to the Splunk ecosystem. This award recognizes the hard work and success we have had with Splunk over the past year. We are excited to see how we can further the partnership in 2016.”
GAI is a Splunk Elite Partner, the highest partner tier within the Splunk Partner+ Program, and is in an esteemed group of only eight companies nationwide with Elite status. GAI has four Splunk Certified Engineers on staff and 14 certifications company-wide. Splunk is a key partner in GAI’s go to market strategy for big data, cyber security, compliance, and IT operations and they continue to invest and offer solutions to complex problems facing the Government.
“Congratulations to GAI for being named the 2016 Splunk Public Sector Buttercup award winner,” said Dave Schwartz, area vice president, global strategic alliances, Splunk. “The Partner+ Program promotes growth and allows our joint customers to achieve productivity, profitability, security and a competitive edge. The Global Partner Awards highlight outstanding partners like GAI for their commitment to customer success and their close collaboration with Splunk.”
Splunk global partner awards reflect the top-performing partners globally within specific technology markets. All award recipients were selected by a group of Splunk executives and the global partner organization.
GAI is a Federal IT solutions provider with more than 25 years of dedication to Federal mission success, and a performance culture to power real innovation. A mission mindset is in our DNA. We understand that success is driven by partnership, process, and technology. GAI’s experienced team members work side-by-side with Federal IT executives and industry-leading OEM partners to modernize, optimize, and deliver unparalleled mission support. To learn more, visit www.gov-acq.com or call (513) 721-8700.
About Splunk Inc.
Splunk Inc. (NASDAQ: SPLK) is the market-leading platform that powers Operational Intelligence. We pioneer innovative, disruptive solutions that make machine data accessible, usable and valuable to everyone. More than 11,000 customers in over 110 countries use Splunk software and cloud services to make business, government and education more efficient, secure and profitable. Join hundreds of thousands of passionate users by trying Splunk solutions for free: http://www.splunk.com/free-trials.
Splunk>, Listen to Your Data, The Engine for Machine Data, Hunk, Splunk Cloud, Splunk Light, SPL and Splunk MINT are trademarks and registered trademarks of Splunk Inc. in the United States and other countries.


Moving places is expensive as you need to hire the services of the best movers in order to enjoy a hassle free move. However, to have an estimated cost of moving you can use the moving companies estimate calculator that helps in determining the moving expenses so that you can set aside a budget for moving places. The calculator requires details like moving from location and then moving to the destination in order to calculate the moving distance and also the moving size and the packing services required to offer you an estimate on the moving costs.Some movers also require the move date as moving costs may be increased in the weekends due to high demand while discounts are offered in the week days. The estimate cost of moving may vary from company to company and hence before hiring the services of the movers you can actually check out their moving estimates to compare and find one suitable to your needs.
The moving companies estimates differ based on the packing services availed. If you choose none of the packing services you are responsible to pack all the goods and load them into the vehicles while the moving company takes care of the transportation services. But the catch is they are not responsible for any damages as the packing is done by you. The full moving services include the moving company’s expert team to handle all the packing and unpacking of the things bringing in their own packing supplies and also loading and unloading the goods and assembling them in the new place. This service relieves you from the moving stress or hassles and is recommended when you don’t have the experience in handling moving places.
However, you should not go by cheap moving company estimates and should do some research regarding the reliability of the company to handle your move. You should check out if the moving company has a physical address and handles the move without subcontracting to the third party. You should also rely only the moving companies that take the time to physically visit your home to estimate your belongings and offer you a fixed quote without any more hidden charges. It is also better to avail the services of moving companies that are rated by BBB and registered with FMCSA for better services. You should also ensure the move is covered under the insurance by the company so that any damages to your goods shall be compensated by the moving company.


Picture a Village with mixed residential, retail, entertainment and public space; a Village that attracts local residents and tourists alike because of its inviting design and appealing shops and activities. Picture a community center, an academy, excellent places to eat, meet and have fun. This is Freedom Village!
ProjectFREE will implement a new concept of supportive and community living for intellectually and developmentally disabled adults called Freedom Village that will enhance quality of life through independent living, continuing education, vocational/career development, diverse employment choices, and a safe, self-directed, social life.
Freedom Village will include:
1. A home ownership program
2. A long-term lease/rental program
3. Post – Secondary Trade School/Academy with dorms
4. Retail space for integrated employment
5. Conference / Resource Community Center
6. Offices for Non – Profit Agencies
The residents of Freedom Village will live, work, and play in a milieu that bolsters every individual’s opportunity for a satisfying and connected life; ProjectFREE’s goal is to make these opportunities available to high functioning adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have the ability and the desire to be active in planning, directing, and enriching their own lives. The shops, restaurants, and entertainment centers will be self- sustaining businesses. The condos will be state of the art, affordable housing with a mix of owner and renter occupied units. Freedom Village will be on a central artery within walking distance of lively commercial districts and direct access to public transportation and the world beyond.
ProjectFREE will use a Supportive Housing Model as its basis. There is evidence to indicate that a lack of stable housing for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities significantly increase costly interventions in their lives by public agencies (Connecticut Department of Developmental Services). This model builds on a proven and effective means of integrating adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities into mainstream communities by combining affordable housing with services tailored to each individual’s needs. Freedom Village’s supportive, affordable, and permanent housing community will provide opportunities for occupants to have control over their lives and the support to participate in the decisions affecting their community and the larger society. Each individual’s independent living environment will be supported by a program of services including education, employment, and social integration. These services focus on identifying and building on individual strengths, skills and talents so that every person can compete in, and contribute to, their community and society at large.
ProjectFREE will offer Career Development Centers as part of its services. The goal of this innovative component is to offer both first-time job seekers and veteran employees the opportunity to choose their employment and not be placed in jobs. The National Organization on Disability based in Washington, D.C., estimates that about 54 million Americans, 19 percent of the population, have some disability. In a survey completed by this organization, only 16% of those individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who said they were capable of work were able to find part or full-time employment. High rates of joblessness means the American economy loses about $200 billion in taxes and earnings annually, according to the American Association of People with Disabilities in Washington, D.C.
ProjectFREE’s Innovative Career Centers takes vocational training and employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to a new and advanced level. The mixed use of self-sustaining businesses and residences will contribute to the vibrancy of neighborhood life and further the goal of integration and independence. Freedom Village occupants will be able to: explore employment choices; develop entrepreneurial skills; and build on peer and social interactions. A unique element of Freedom Village is the opportunity for both first time employment seekers and experienced employees to explore diverse career options in a variety of skilled, wage earning positions. The development of thousands of square feet for commercial use provides the perfect setting for occupants to experience vocational training, career development, including management, and entrepreneurial skills in on-site, commercial, profit -making enterprises. Each person will then make their own career and employment choices. Specialists will help to develop goals, skills and the ability to attain satisfying, competitive employment. Freedom Village will open 40 businesses’ providing choice and a classified employment section for them. This is freedom, this is Freedom Village. No longer will they be placed in meaningless jobs and they will be paid minimum wage during training and will receive scheduled raises.
Freedom Academy: In an ideal world, young adults spend transition, developmental time in a “cocoon” called college. This environment offers a semi-structured world of learning and fun where they feel comfortable taking risks. Freedom Academy will create this same type of environment for young intellectually and developmentally challenged individuals. The Academy will be located in Freedom Village in a freestanding structure that will include dormitory living. Students will study a core independent living curriculum and be offered the opportunity to pursue Trade Certifications as well as basic liberal arts courses. By combining education with hands on work experiences, Freedom Academy students will be able to confidently apply their knowledge in a practical manner. The use of structured support and employment training available to both the Freedom Academy students and to the Freedom Village larger community will strengthen the positive experiences of learning and work, and facilitate the attainment of employment and educational goals. The Academy will include state of the art classrooms, a resource library, and a computer laboratory to assist students in attaining their educational and vocational goals skills. Freedom Academy will individualize each student’s educational process and offer structured courses to address their ongoing academic and vocational needs. To further aid in the process of socialization, social events, such as clubs, dances, game nights and discussion groups will also be establish and open to the community at large.
ProjectFREE’s goal is to acquire property to construct Freedom Village. The building/s will be developed in a community setting comprised of one and two bedroom condominium units. Accessible housing, which will be on the second and third floors, will include condominiums owned by ProjectFREE and rented or owned by residents of Freedom Village. A percentage of the housing will be utilized to house support staff. The commercial space will span the ground floors of the development.
ProjectFREE is a 501 (c) (3) entity. It is seeking funding through both public and private sources. The principals involved in ProjectFREE are actively seeking United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 811 funding; state, and local funding, as well as support from both private investors and corporate donors. The financial plan allows for three building phases which will be adapted according to the funds secured.
The total estimated cost of 250 supportive housing units with associated commercial and community space is twenty – five million dollars ($25,000,000.). The completed village will consist of attached three story town house style structure (s) including the 250 condominium units, fourteen of which would be section 811 HUD financed. The units will be 1 and 2 bedroom with 650 – 850 square feet of living space. Free standing structures will include Freedom Academy and a Conference Center, with an auditorium/gym, meeting/activity rooms, offices for non – profit agencies, and a kitchen.
Freedom Village is a unique supported housing development that will offer intellectually and developmentally challenged adults who have the ability and the passion to live independently; a life that encompasses career and employment choices; a relevant continuing education curriculum that includes both academic and trade certification; and a connected integrated quality of life beyond the 9 to 5 work day.
It takes the critical mass of Freedom Village to provide the totality of springboard resources to launch and integrate each individual into an independent life beyond the boundaries of its safe, skill-building, supportive community. There is no way that independent living in isolated units or in a small number of supported units within a larger development can provide the opportunities, choices, community involvement, secure future and overall life enrichment that residents of Freedom Village will experience.


Are you seeking a rewarding venture that not only provides financial stability but also allows you to make a meaningful impact in your community? Look no further than starting a tax business. In today’s dynamic economic landscape, the demand for tax services continues to soar, presenting a lucrative opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs. Here, we delve into the compelling benefits of embarking on this journey and why launching your own tax office could be the key to unlocking success.
1. Financial Independence and Stability
One of the foremost advantages of venturing into the realm of entrepreneurship is the potential for financial independence. Starting a tax office offers a pathway to building a sustainable income stream, as tax preparation is a recurring necessity for individuals and businesses alike. By establishing your own tax business, you gain control over your earning potential, allowing you to set your rates and scale your services according to market demand. Moreover, as tax regulations evolve, so does the need for expert guidance, ensuring a steady flow of clientele year after year.
2. Fulfilling Entrepreneurial Vision
For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, the decision to start a tax office can be deeply fulfilling. It presents an opportunity to turn a passion for numbers and financial literacy into a thriving enterprise. Whether you’re a seasoned tax professional or someone looking to explore a new career path, launching your own tax business allows you to take charge of your professional destiny. You have the freedom to design your services, cultivate your brand identity, and create a work environment that aligns with your values and aspirations.
3. Serving Your Community’s Needs
In the realm of taxation, knowledge is power, and many individuals and businesses lack the expertise needed to navigate complex tax laws effectively. By starting a tax office, you become a trusted resource within your community, providing invaluable assistance to clients seeking to fulfill their tax obligations accurately and efficiently. Whether it’s helping small businesses optimize their deductions or guiding individuals through the intricacies of filing their returns, your tax office becomes a beacon of support, easing the burden of tax compliance for those you serve.
4. Flexibility and Work-Life Balance
One of the defining features of entrepreneurship is the flexibility it affords. When you start a tax office, you’re not just creating a job; you’re crafting a lifestyle that prioritizes autonomy and work-life balance. As the owner of your business, you have the flexibility to set your own schedule, allowing you to allocate time for personal pursuits, family commitments, and leisure activities. Whether you prefer a traditional office setup or embrace remote work options, the freedom to structure your workday according to your preferences is a priceless benefit of entrepreneurship.
5. Growth and Expansion Opportunities
The decision to start a tax office is not just a single venture; it’s the beginning of a journey filled with growth opportunities. As your reputation grows and your client base expands, you have the potential to diversify your services, offering additional financial planning, accounting, or consulting services to meet evolving client needs. Furthermore, with advancements in technology and digital marketing, you can leverage online platforms to reach a broader audience and expand your business beyond local boundaries. The possibilities for growth and expansion are limited only by your imagination and entrepreneurial drive.
In conclusion, the decision to start a tax office represents a gateway to a world of opportunity and fulfillment. By embarking on this entrepreneurial journey, you not only gain financial independence and flexibility but also have the chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of those you serve. So, if you’re ready to take the plunge into entrepreneurship, consider the immense benefits that come with starting a tax business. Your future success awaits – seize it today!


The semester ticket’s originally planned discontinuation has been postponed due to the fact that by the end of January 2023 it was not yet clear from when exactly the “Deutschlandticket” will be valid. For this reason, the semester ticket will also be available in the summer semester 2023. That will ensure that you are able to use public transport at a reduced price even before the Deutschlandticket is introduced.
We therefore ask all our students to pay the solidarity fee as requested with their university, as in previous years. Your university will inform you in time, as usual.
We recommend you to think carefully about whether or not and when you need to buy the IsarCard Semester, as it is not possible so far to have it exchanged for a Deutschlandticket. We are, however, along with the AK Mobilität of the Munich student representations, doing our best to make it possible for students to offset the IsarCard Semester as well as the solidarity fee against the Deutschlandticket.


After all is said and done, the last pieces of the stadiums are put into place and the last road has been built, the World Cup in Brazil will be the most expensive World Cup to date.
The Brazilian government estimates they will have spent at least 11 billion dollars to host 64 games for the 32 best soccer teams in the world.
An estimate that’s roughly triple the amount spent by South Africa in 2010 (4 billion) and seven times as much as Germany spent in 2006 (1.6 billion).
Why is hosting the World Cup making Brazil shell out so much money?
Well, the answer is simple and can be summarized in one word “infrastructure”. Brazil’s lack of it, that is.
Brazil’s main issue is spacing and the fact that the country plans to host games in 12 different cities, some of them thousands of miles apart.
So, the investment has weighed heavy on infrastructure (this includes trains, hotels, stadiums).
Germany didn’t spend as much money when it hosted the World Cup because it already had the proper infrastructure to host hundreds of thousands of people and South Africa while it was not as set as Germany, was dealing with much smaller venues.
Of the 11 billion, 32 percent or 3.5 billion has been put into building soccer stadiums. Six of the stadiums are being refurbished, another six are brand new, including the 900 million dollar “Estadio Nacional” in Brasilia which is the second most expensive soccer stadium in the world.
This stadium is becoming the scapegoat for those who blame the government for out of control spending and mismanagement.
According to Fox News, while the stadiums are becoming commonplace for political corruption, 68 percent of the money or 7.5 billion has been invested into infrastructure projects like renovating airports, roads, and improving mass transit options. Other projects have failed, like the one of building a connecting monorail to Sao Paulo.
Fans trying to get tickets at the last minute better have a hefty trust fund because that’s what it’s going to take to get a ticket.
Tickets began at $15 for Brazilians and for international fans group match games began at $90. However, third-party sites like Stub Hub are now reselling tickets for five times that amount. Currently, a group match ticket is reselling for an average price of $553.
The championship match will also cost a pretty penny with starting prices at a whopping $6,000.


by: Frank Varah
The recent identification of chromite deposits in two districts of Manipur, Ukhrul and Chandel, has led the government to grant mining clearances disregarding constitutional provisions. While environmental degradation and tribal displacement due to chromite mining in Odisha is well documented, the administration is yet to learn from Odisha’s mistakes.
Chromite is a versatile element that is used in metallurgical, refractory, chemical and non-ferrous alloy industries. Owing to its multiple uses, chromite is a valuable and strategic raw material. Most of the chromite resources in the world are located in South Africa, that contributes to more than 50% of the world-trade in chromite (Pariser: 2013), and Kazakhstan. In India, more than 93% of chromite deposits are located in Odisha, mainly in the Sukinda valley in Cuttack and Jajpur districts (IBM: 2012).
The world production of chromite increased from 23.5 million tonnes in 2009 to 30 million tonnes in 2010 (IBM: 2012). The production of chromite from Indian mines registered a 24% increase in 2010-11 compared to 2009-10 (IBM: 2012). India accounts for 17% of the world production of chromite, making it a significant exporter of the mineral (USGS: 2011).
The Indian Bureau of Mines 2013 report indicated that Manipur has 6.66 MT (3% of total chromite reserves in India) chromite resources of ophiolite belt in Ukhrul (5.5 MT) and Chandel (1.1 MT) districts (IBM: 2013). Chromite deposits have been found in the villages of Phangrei, Shirui, Lunghar, Chingai, Kalhang Khunou, Poi, Halang, Pushing, Shingcha, Gamnom, Yantem, Hangkao, Apong, Ningthi, Pihang, Chattrick Khunou, Nambisha and Kangpat in Ukhrul District and Kwatha, Sibong, Khulangthabi and Minou-Mangkang villages in Chandel District.
The ore found here is high grade with Cr2O3 (chromium oxide) content varying from 44% to 59% (GSI: 2011). The chromite bearing areas in the two districts have flat topped low hills and rolling grasslands intersected by rivers. The forest cover of the two districts, based on satellite image, is 81.74% of geographical areas measured in square kilometres (FSI: 2011).
Violation of Procedures
The government of India, through the Indian Bureau of Mines and the Ministry of Mines, granted mining leases and licenses to private companies during 2007-2012 in the ophiolite belt of Ukhrul and Chandel districts of Manipur (Fig:1). The provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the government of Manipur and the lessees include transfer of huge amount of land, raw materials, water and the right to mine.
However, the agreement between the Manipur government and the lessees was reportedly signed without informing the people of the land. No proper environmental impact assessment (EIA) was conducted either. Various civil society groups and local people raised objections against the state government for not seeking prior consent from the people.
In India, sanctions for chromite mining depend on both the central and state governments. A clear set of rules for obtaining environmental clearances for industrial and infrastructure related projects is prescribed by the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 1994 issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF). The MoEF is mandated to carry out an appraisal, scoping and screening of projects, conduct public consultations with local communities affected by projects and prepare a report. This is to ensure that mining projects that are ecologically destructive are not permitted. Further these assessments are supposed to identify “no go” areas, factoring effective forest and wildlife acts for protection of biodiversity as well as laws regulating mine closure and mine restoration. The Ministry is also supposed to conduct post-project monitoring.
Coercing the Tribals
The Indian Constitution recognises that tribal lands and forests must be given special protection. The Forest Rights Act, 2006, empowers tribal and forest dwelling communities to play a decisive role in the management of natural resources. In addition to this, the Constitution also appends that land under the fifth and sixth schedules of the constitution cannot be alienated to non-tribals or industries. Despite these enabling provisions in the constitution and the Forest Rights Act, 2006, the rights of the tribals are being undermined by the Manipur state government in order to pave way for the mining industry.
The Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council (Third Amendment) Act, 2008 enacted by the Manipur legislative assembly is partially responsible for this as it discourages the idea of collective land ownership practised by tribals. It takes away land ownership rights from the village chiefs and empowers the members of the Autonomous District Councils to “allot, occupy, use and alienate land” without consulting the local tribal community. Through the provisions of this Act the state government seeks to take control over the tribal land and forests in clear infringement of tribal rights.
Moreover, it appears that the government of India assumes that all minerals found underground are state property. Ownership of the land is irrelevant, and the owner of the land earmarked for mining is not even granted preference in the grant of mining leases. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, provides detailed procedures for a company or individual to obtain permission to search for minerals and to mine them. All power to grant permission rests with the state government, though central government approval is required as well. With such authority vested in it, the government of Manipur has acquired the lands and resources of the tribals without their consent.
However there are several judgments by the Supreme Court which have ruled against such indiscretion of the state. In the recent case of State of Kerela vs Jenmis (Land owners of Kerala) 2013, the Supreme Court ruled that the ownership of minerals should be vested with the owner of the land and not with the government. The three-judge bench headed by Justice R M Lodha noted that “there is no law in the country which declares that state is the owner of sub-soil or mineral wealth”. Referring to various acts regulating extraction of underground natural resources, the bench said that nowhere do the laws declare the proprietary right of the state. It ruled that the assertion of government to collect duty or tax is in the realm of its sovereign authority, but that does not extend it a proprietary right. The court rejected the argument that individual owners cannot claim any proprietary right on the sub-soil resources as section 425 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 prohibits carrying out of any mining activity in this country except in accordance with a permit, license or mining lease.
In areas where industries or mining operations are to be set up, the government often acquires land from the local community by promising them social and economic development of the area along with employment opportunities. But employment trends (in terms of employment) in India show a declining rate of employment despite an increase in industrial and mining activities in the country. This can be somewhat attributed to the use of modern technology which has rapidly reduced the labour requirement per unit of output. In case of mining, the beneficiaries are largely non-local mining experts. Skilled workers such as engineers, technicians, explorer, managers, etc. are usually outsiders. Other than providing manual labour, there is very little opportunity for the local population to find work in mining companies. The extracted ore is usually processed outside the mining belt, further reducing job opportunities for the locals. Transportation of raw materials etc. is usually undertaken by outsiders as the locals do not possess the infrastructure to cater to the transport requirements of the mining industry
Many studies have shown the environmental degradation and health hazards caused by chromite mining. The heavy metal contamination of agricultural soil, plants and water around chromite mining areas in Vietnam (Kien et al.,:2010), Zimbabwe (Maponga and Ruzive: 2002), China (Ma and Garbers:2006) and Pakistan (Kfayatullah et al.:2001) is well documented. Hexavalent chromium or Chromium–IV, one of the most toxic forms of chromium, is produced during smelting of chromite ore. The adverse effects of Hexavalent chromium contaminated water became known in the 1960s in Hinkley, a town in California. It caused an array of health problems such as skin rashes, ulcers, respiratory problems, lung cancer, weakened immune system, alteration of genetic material, kidney, liver damage and more (Fryzek et al.: 2001).
In India, different studies have shown the environmental havoc and sicknesss caused by chromite mining in Odisha (Dubey, et al.: 2001; Das and Singh: 2011), Karnataka (Krishna, et al.: 2012) Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, (Rao, et al.: 2011). The case of Sukinda valley in Odisha may be of interest here. The ore deposits are exploited in this belt using open cast mining methods, and majority of these mines are located upstream of the Damasala Nala catchment areas. Seepage takes place from the mines situated on the bank of Damasala Nala, contaminating the water with heavy metals such as Hexavalent chromium. (IBM: 2013; Dubey et al.: 2001).
The 1995 survey data report from the Odisha Voluntary Health Association (OVHA) showed that more than 85% of deaths in the mining areas, and 86% of deaths in the nearby industrial villages occurred due to diseases caused by polluting activities of the mines in the region. The survey report also revealed that villages within 1 km of the sites were the worst affected, with more than 25% of the inhabitants suffering from pollution-induced diseases (Pal: 2010). However, there has been virtually no attempt to clean up this contamination in spite of the local organisations protesting against the mining activities. The Sukinda valley in Odisha is among the top ten of the world’s 30 most polluted places (Rao, et al.: 2001; Dhal, et al.: 2013).
A similar tale of environmental destruction and degradation looms large over the mines in Manipur. The chromites are located in the densely forested regions inhabited by the tribal people. Mining will not only result in deforestation and destruction of biodiversity but most importantly, the exhaustion of such non-renewable resources. The extraction and dumping of rock on the surface in the mining process will adversely affect livelihood of tribal communities. This will also alter the stability of the rock components thereby affecting the quality of water, soil and air in the area. Since chromite mining will employ the open cast method, it will eliminate existing vegetation, destroy the genetic soil profile, displace or destroy wildlife habitats, alter current land uses, and to some extent permanently change the general topography of the area. Mining will disrupt resources upon which people depend on for their subsistence and also generate discontent among people that shall act as an agent for further conflict.
The districts are also a part of a region known for receiving heavy rainfall throughout the year, making the land more vulnerable to contamination by chromite mine run-offs. In these districts, chromite deposits are largely found below the slanting ridges of the unending hills where hundreds of rivulets flow, providing drinking water to the people. For instance, streams emanating from Shirui Kashong that serves as the main source of water for the neighbouring villages will get highly polluted if chromite is mined in Phangrei. Further this will affect rivers such as Rangazak and Challou, the lifeline of the neighbouring villages cultivating rice. Mining of chromite at Shingcha, Maku, Ningthi, Chingai, Halang and Kalhang Khunou will inevitably affect the pristine rivulets flowing through the region and joining rivers such as Maklang, Tuyung, and Chammu in Ukhrul district affecting the soil in downstream villages.
Development through chromite mining in Manipur is not an answer to its economic woes. Exploiting its mineral resources does not necessarily provide solutions to the economic problems and other social issues. Mineral rich states like, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand are afflicted by poverty, as the revenue generated from mining is not utilised for the welfare of the local people. Large-scale exploitation and economic depravation is one of the causes which has given rise to Maoist insurgency, involving mostly tribal youths, in these regions. Inadequate access to legal means and lack of grievance redressal mechanisms hamper the efforts of the poor tribals to protect themselves from exploitative policies of the state and the corporates. The statutory rights and the constitutional protection given to the tribals are often lost in the pursuit of development. The case of chromite mining in Manipur not only brings to the fore the rights of tribals over their land but also the need for sustainable development.
Disclaimer: The Arek do not claim ownership of this article.
To cite this article: Varah,F. (2014). Mining Without Consent: Chromite Mining in Manipur. Economic & Political Weekly, 49 (25).
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Last week I came across a remarkable teacher at one of my trainings.
She teaches 5 year olds how to run a business. Her methodology is simple:
After placing a small piggy bank in the middle of the room, she asks students to fill it with loose change. The kids go home, find any change they have laying around and bring it back the next day. That’s when the challenge begins.
She tells them that this year they must find a way to turn that change into a highly profitable business that benefits the community. Her one stipulation- whatever you take out of the piggy bank, you must do your best to put back in.
It works. Every year.
Some kids use change to purchase fruit for their smoothie and lemonade stands and increase the money 5 fold. Others use it to purchase beads for their accessory business to market to children in other classes.
To increase community involvement and collective ownership, students are required to ‘pitch’ their ideas to classmates.
Why a Class Businesses Help Prepare Students for the Future
This brilliant kindergarten teacher was on to something. She knew that in today’s uncertain economy, teaching students how to run a class business was as important as teaching them their ABC’s. Here’s why:
#1: Teaches Delayed Gratification
By turning the piggy bank into a class business, students learned to delay immediate gratification for long term success. They saw first hand how money was able to grow. These same principles can be applied later in life when making investments, purchasing a home, or planning for retirement.
#2: Creates Community Ownership
No one individual owned the piggy bank. It was owned collectively by the class. This taught students to view decision making as a collective process with several key stakeholders. Many businesses operate according to the same premise. In order to grow, they have to involve numerous shareholders, from public to private entities. And similar to the class piggy bank, decision making moved away from a narrow focus of profitability to what would work best for the collective good.
#3: Teaches students adaptability
It’s predicted that within five years, close to 50% of the world’s population will be freelancing in some form. What’s even more alarming: millennials tend to hold 3-5 jobs before the age of 30- and that has nothing to do with diminished work ethic; it’s because the world is changing at an alarming rate. So what’s that got to do with a class business? Teaching kids as young as 5 to adapt to uncertainty is the best way to prepare them for it. When running the class business, inevitably some student ideas will fail, forcing them to pivot and pursue new ideas and ventures. This ability to pivot will allow them to adapt to new fields when their current jobs become obsolete.
#4: Numbers make more sense when applied to the real world
I remember hating math as a kid. It was all too abstract. Even word problems were written abstractly, with test writers asking us to use calculus to lean a ladder against the wall. A class business on the other hand helps students get to abstract math concepts in a practical way. Students learn concepts of dividends, diminishing returns, interest (complex and compound), supply and demand, and others necessary to sustain and grow their business.
#5: Exposes students to problem solving and creativity
According to the world economic forum, in the year 2025 problem solving and creativity will be the first and third most important skills respectively. That’s a seven step move for creativity (it was #10 in 2015).
What better way to teach these skills than having students apply them on a daily basis?
As is the case with any business, problems will arise that are natural to sustaining and growing it. Students will be forced to find an appropriate market; create interest around their products; conduct pre- and post analysis when selling their goods; and determine ways to ensure customer satisfaction. Dealing with these problems on a daily basis will create resilience and confidence in students to solve bigger problems later in life.
How to Start Your Class Business
Interested in starting your own class business? You don’t have to go at it alone. There’s a wonderful organization called ‘Real World Scholars’ that helps teachers start their own class enterprises. They provide a starter kit, access to funding, and an online marketplace to sell goods. Check them out at ‘Real World Scholars.’
Have an incredible week leading our future tinkerers, explorers, and entrepreneurs.
Your Innovations Coach and #1 Cheerleader,


It's a crypto trading and charting platform where traders can build strategies and get the latest data regarding market conditions. Altrix Edge also provides helpful learning materials for traders of all skill levels, as well as pricing charts that show real-time fluctuations in cryptocurrency prices.
Thanks to a user-friendly interface, it’s easily accessible, so traders can keep up with their trading activities and modify their strategies from anywhere. In addition to historical pricing trends, Altrix Edge gives insights regarding the latest events that can affect the crypto market, such as government regulation, the launch of new technology, or increased rates of crypto adoption.
Because of these features, it’s suitable for beginners and experienced traders who need an efficient way to look at information and instantly start trading. Traders can also focus on trading different cryptocurrencies to build a diverse portfolio. They can choose from a variety of altcoins or simply opt for Bitcoin trading, considering its reputation as the most favored cryptocurrency.
Besides trading-related features, Altrix Edge also ensures a safe trading experience by employing effective security measures like advanced encryption protocol. It also offers tried and tested payment methods that have been proven safe so that traders can make deposits and withdrawals without worry.
Despite the increasing traction surrounding cryptocurrencies, it’s important to remember that crypto trading can be very difficult and even riskier for traders who aren’t prepared. Without access to the right materials that could enhance their knowledge, traders would need to rely on trial and error to understand what they should and shouldn’t do. But this can be incredibly risky.
To ensure that even beginners know the basics before they go live, Altrix Edge has compiled a selection of different learning materials. These comprise short articles, detailed ebooks, and other forms of content to familiarize new traders with common concepts involved in crypto trading.
Using these resources, traders can understand how to read different charts, what factors to consider when building a strategy, and what the most common chart patterns indicate. Once they know how to read market data and interpret crypto-related news, traders can start forming strategies based on how they think the current data will affect the market.
At the same time, there are informative materials for experienced traders as well. These include case studies and articles that they can go through to build their understanding of the market.
The crypto market is highly volatile, with a number of factors that can affect price movements at a single time. Therefore, it’s important that traders keep up with the latest market events and news before coming up with a strategy and choosing a cryptocurrency to start trading.
When traders don’t have a reliable source where they can get all their crypto-related news, they have to scour through different websites to find information. Even then, there’s a risk of missing something that could potentially affect cryptocurrency prices.
To prevent the hassle associated with looking for relevant cryptocurrency news across different outlets, Altrix Edge has a dedicated section to provide traders with important market insights. This includes the latest news regarding political stances on cryptocurrencies, lawsuits against crypto-related companies, and more.
Viewing this information is critical for performing a fundamental analysis when speculating the future price movement of a cryptocurrency. Otherwise, simply relying on historical trading data and the price action of a cryptocurrency can prevent traders from seeing the complete picture of how current market conditions could eventually impact the value of a cryptocurrency.
Some common examples of events that can affect crypto trading include factors like changing interest rates, unemployment, and inflation. Periods of economic stability in a country can lead to a rise in cryptocurrency adoption. As this happens, more people start acquiring crypto assets, which increases their popularity.
In this situation, the demand for the cryptocurrency increases, which has a major impact on the value. Similarly, many traders wait for major economies like the United States to declare whether it will be increasing interest rates or not. Then, based on this news, they decide whether to go long or short on their trading strategy.
At the same time, it’s unwise to dismiss historical price action information of a particular crypto asset. When conducting a technical analysis to speculate on the price movement of a cryptocurrency, traders must see how the price has changed over time. For this, an accurate charting tool is essential.
It’s why Altrix Edge provides traders with a reliable pricing chart that shows real-time data about the value of a cryptocurrency and how it’s currently moving. Technical analysts believe that historical pricing trends are a strong indicator of an asset’s future movements.
This stems from the concept of market cycles. Many crypto traders are of the opinion that the crypto market will experience a bullish or bearish trend every couple of years, after which prices experience rapid change.
With the Altrix Edge’s charting tool, traders can set their desired time intervals to see how the value of a cryptocurrency has changed over time. Then, they can predict whether the price is set to increase or decrease in the near future, allowing them to start trading accordingly.
Crypto trading is quite complicated as it is, so the last thing traders need is a platform that’s too confusing and complicated to navigate through. To ensure that new traders would spend little time getting used to the platform, Altrix Edge is designed with a user-friendly interface. That means the layout is simple and easy to understand. It also means that the features are labeled properly to help traders access the resources they need.
A great user interface can alleviate the confusion and frustration that comes with trying to understand complex charts and other materials. Because of its clean and minimalist layout, traders can access Altrix Edge on their handheld or desktop devices. The platform maintains a similar user interface regardless of the screen size, so traders don’t need to adjust to different versions of the platform.
It also makes it more convenient to access the platform from anywhere. This is an important feature for many crypto traders today, considering that they may need to log into their accounts from different locations.
To effectively open long and short positions for a specific cryptocurrency, traders need to know how to read crypto charts. Charting is a common component of technical analysis, during which a trader should view a cryptocurrency’s price trend before moving forward.
Charts provide a wide variety of insights regarding the crypto market, which is crucial when traders need to make split-second decisions. Although traders can always customize their charts according to their preferences, there are a few common types of charts they'll come across.
As the name implies, this type of chart includes a line that connects the dots between one closing price and the next. When all these dots are connected with a line, traders can view the overall price movement of a cryptocurrency over time.
It’s the simplest type of pricing chart, but it doesn’t offer any information about how the price moved within a specific period. The only visible data point on this chart is the closing price at the end of a trading period.
Nevertheless, this type of chart is highly useful for traders who want to observe a general price trend to see if the value has gone up or down so far. Therefore, it helps one see the bigger picture with regard to a cryptocurrency’s price movement.
Not to mention, it’s common for some traders to focus more on the closing price of a crypto asset than the opening price, high or low. But this means ignoring some important data points. Specifically, traders end up dismissing price fluctuations that occur during a trading session. And when it comes to a highly volatile asset class such as cryptocurrencies, it could make all the difference in one's strategy.
Compared to a line chart, a bar graph will indicate much more information. It will show the opening price, closing price, or a cryptocurrency, as well as the highs and lows experienced during a trading session. In other words, a bar chart will depict the volatility of a cryptocurrency as well.
Rather than seeing the overall pricing trend, traders rely on bar charts to learn about the price range of the asset during a specific period. Therefore, it’s common to see the bars increasing or decreasing in size over time.
For each bar, the bottom marks the cryptocurrency’s lowest traded price during the session. Meanwhile, the top will mark the highest traded value. The length of the bar itself will show the asset’s trading range. With greater price fluctuations, bars become bigger, and smaller changes result in smaller bars.
This variation in size is because the vertical length of a bar represents the difference between the highest traded price and the lowest traded price during a session. And each bar represents a single session, which can be as long as a few minutes, an hour, or a day.
The candlestick chart is by far the most common chart that traders use to keep track of market data. It’s a type of bar chart because it also shows the opening and closing prices, along with the highs and lows during a specific trading session.
Even though it indicates the same data as a bar chart, it’s much more visually appealing. This makes it more convenient to read, which is essential in crypto trading, where every second counts. Each candle is made up of a larger body and a wick at each end. The wider block in the center of the candle shows the difference between the cryptocurrency's opening and closing prices. Then, the wicks will show how high and low the asset's value went in the specific session.
A major reason that crypto traders prefer using candlestick charts is that they represent market sentiment using colors – most commonly red and green. A red body will show that the closing price was lower than the opening price, indicating a bearish sentiment. And a green body means that the closing price was higher than the opening price at the start of a session, which implies bullish sentiment.
With Altrix Edge, traders can view charts based on their trading preferences. Whether they want to view general price trends or see other data points as well, they can set their desired trading session intervals on the chart. This allows each trader to see the information they’re looking for without any distractions. Not to mention, they can apply specific indicators on the chart to keep track of when a cryptocurrency will reach a specific price.
No, traders don’t need to get a crypto wallet if they want to start crypto trading. This is because trading via Altrix Edge doesn’t require the ownership of a cryptocurrency token. Instead, traders will go long or short on an asset depending on whether they speculate that the value will increase or decrease. Therefore, traders will be able to start crypto trading without paying the high cost of purchasing a token.
It’s not necessary to have stock or forex trading experience when starting crypto trading. However, it’s still important that traders have some knowledge about how the crypto market works. This allows them to get a clearer picture of current market conditions and make decisions accordingly. Otherwise, there’s a risk of taking up positions based on one’s gut feeling, which can increase risk levels.
Yes, Altrix Edge is developed to be compatible with all types of desktop and handheld devices. Because it’s designed with a user-friendly interface, traders can conveniently transition from trading on their computers to their tablets. Also, it’s compatible with all major operating systems, such as Windows, Mac, and Linux.
The most common options include scalping, day trading, and swing trading. Traders should choose a strategy based on their goals and how much time they’re willing to dedicate to monitoring their trades. However, considering the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies, scalping is a suitable strategy. This is because it allows traders to take advantage of minor price fluctuations that occur in the crypto market.
|🤖 Type of Platform
|💰 Cost of Platform
|Free of charge
|📊 Platform Category
|💳 Payment Methods
|Credit Card, Wire Transfer, PayPal, and more
|A wide number of countries (except the USA)


Geoff Moore was invited to sit on the panel of experts to discuss the status of the Charter Market
West Nautical attended the inaugural Superyacht Investor conference held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, London, on March 14th and 15th.
Geoff was joined on the panel by the MYBA President Fiona Maureso and Senior Broker with My Sea Timothy Clark, which was moderated by Alasdair Whyte, Editor and Co-Founder of Superyacht Investor.
The panel had several lively discussions for an hour on subjects such as what an Owner can do to present their yacht in the best manner in what is becoming a very competitive charter market, and what contribution to owning costs can be covered through commercial chartering.
“Since the financial crisis the deal culture has entered every part of our lives,” said Timothy. “Many customers are looking for a deal.” Many newer customers have become fickle. Fiona Maureso agreed: “We still have many clients that have worked with us for years, but there is a trend amongst some to be less loyal to their brokers and shop around. This really did not used to happen as much.”
The panel also discussed the trend of seeing other industries being changed by new technology, such as Uber, AirBNB etc, and whether they worry that clients will one day book all yacht charter online? Whilst it was generally an agreed opinion that customers for a superyacht charter will generally always want the tailored and personal service that a broker offers in order to book such an expensive holiday as a yacht charter, Geoff Moore did add: “I do think that, in the future, a lot more clients will be booking online. We’ve got billionaire clients that will only use their own jets, but we also have billionaire clients that will only fly economy – it’s about choice.”
For any enquiries into charter, please contact our dedicated team at firstname.lastname@example.org


Investing in real estate can be a rewarding endeavor, providing the potential for significant profits and long-term financial stability. However, like any investment, real estate requires careful planning, strategic thinking, and a focus on long-term success. Whether you are a novice investor or experienced in the field, here are some proven strategies to ensure your success in real estate investment.
- Develop a Clear Investment Plan:
Successful real estate investors have a well-defined investment plan. They set clear goals, whether it’s generating rental income, property appreciation, or a mix of both. A defined strategy helps you focus your efforts and resources on properties that align with your objectives.
- Diversify Your Portfolio:
Diversification is a key principle in investment. Spread your investments across different types of properties and locations. Diversifying your real estate portfolio can mitigate risks and enhance your chances of consistent returns, even if one sector experiences fluctuations.
- Research Thoroughly:
In-depth research is the foundation of successful real estate investing. Understand the local market trends, property values, and potential growth areas. Analyze historical data and future projections to make informed decisions. Knowledge about the market gives you a competitive edge and helps you identify lucrative opportunities.
- Financial Prudence:
Maintain financial discipline in your investments. Set a budget, stick to it, and avoid impulsive decisions—factor in all costs, including property acquisition, maintenance, management fees, and taxes. Ensure your investments generate cash flow after accounting for all expenses.
- Understand the Power of Leverage:
Leveraging other people’s money, such as through mortgages, can amplify your investment potential. Mortgages allow you to control a more valuable property with a relatively small upfront investment. However, exercise caution and ensure you can comfortably manage the debt.
- Long-Term Vision:
Successful real estate investors have a long-term perspective. Real estate markets can experience short-term fluctuations, but historically, properties tend to appreciate over time. Adopt a patient approach and resist the temptation to make impulsive decisions based on short-term market movements.
- Effective Property Management:
If you are investing in rental properties, efficient property management is essential. Timely maintenance, responsive communication with tenants, and fair treatment contribute to tenant satisfaction and long-term occupancy. Well-managed properties yield steady rental income and positive tenant relationships.
Investing in real estate is a journey that requires careful planning, research, and a commitment to long-term success. Remember, patience, knowledge, and strategic thinking are your greatest allies in real estate investment.


I grew up in a household where it was normal to bake bread. My Mum stubbornly refused to succumb to the “life is too short” mantra that was persuading many people to get out of the kitchen in the 1970s and to buy convenience food, white sliced “Mother’s Pride” being one of those. I have for many years been interested in the politics of food, how it is sold to us and the effect that it has on our health, happiness and well-being and of course the environment. Bread is the perfect example of how food culture in Britain started to break down in the 1960s onwards and how its production reflected the drive by big food manufacturers to get us out of our kitchens and to embrace any food item that reduced our effort at cooking. Quick was good. In those early days we trusted that what was being sold to us would do us no harm. I grew up in Basingstoke. Money was tight, but it was always important to my Mum that we were well fed with wholesome, home cooked food.
When I had children it was easy to see the impact that good, home cooked food had on them. From lighting up their senses, bringing something smelling delicious and looking delicious from the oven to the table, to seeing their strong, healthy bodies and minds develop over time. It does take time and effort, but you make that time and effort for your loved ones.
I had always had a dream to open a bakery. Bread has a special place in my heart. It was in 2012 that I started to think about making this dream a reality. We had lived in a rural part of Hampshire since 1997 and it was almost impossible to find good quality bread. The supermarkets had their “in store bakeries” but they just provided the illusion of freshly baked bread, bread that looked and smelled good but that was full of additives, emulsifiers and preservatives. If I wanted good bread then I felt that others must want it as well and that there could therefore be a market for it away from the supermarkets. I also wanted to prove that good food, real food could get to the consumer at a reasonable price and that a business doing this could still have principles and ethics and make a profit at the same time. I spoke to a lot of people in the know, people with commercial real bread baking experience. None of them were very encouraging so I didn’t take the plunge.
In 2014 an unloved old coaching inn came on the market in the village of Inkpen. It had a restaurant, bar, tiny kitchen, 10 guest bedrooms and a converted barn where the owner lived. I saw my chance to refurbish this beautiful old pub and use the old barn space for a bakery and small coffee shop and Honesty was born.
Since 2014 we have moved the bakery twice as a result of growing demand for our bakery products and we are now in Turnpike in Newbury producing bread, cakes, pastries, pies, pasties, soups, stews, sandwiches and salads.
Alongside the development of the bakery and kitchen at Turnpike and the pub we now have 10 coffee shops, the first of which opened in 2016. It was a small shop on the high street in the village of Kingsclere near Basingstoke. When the site came up for rent it seemed the perfect place to showcase our bakery range. Most of our shops are on small village high streets, away from the big brands. We sit in the communities in which we serve, adding value and reflecting those communities, not imposing ourselves upon them.
In 2019 we added the wonderful Saddleback FarmShop to our group of businesses. The shop was built from scratch by Claire Whidbourne in a converted piggery and it is now a much loved business in the area, supplying quality local produce, with a cosy tea room and cafe.
In September we took over the running of another village pub in the village of Donnington in Newbury. We have a seasonal menu there that changes weekly and reflects the best of local produce. A small coffee shop selling our Honesty baked produce can be found nestled in the courtyard at the back of the pub building.


At Gentle Family Dentistry, we offer many ways for our patients to finance the dental treatments they need. We always accept the standard forms of payment: cash, checks, and credit cards. We additionally offer a discount incentive for those that pre-pay for treatment in full (some restrictions apply). Keep reading to learn more about our dental insurance and financing options.
Gentle Family Dentistry accepts most PPO insurance plans, but it is best to confirm with our Financial Coordinator. As a courtesy, we can also submit your insurance claims electronically.
One of the most popular and consistent ways to finance any needed dental work is through CareCredit. When using CareCredit, Gentle Family Dentistry offers 12 months of free financing. For many people, CareCredit is the easiest way to get the procedure done when needed and to pay it off throughout the next year, as opposed to saving up for a year and the dental issue worsening during that time.
Dr. Jonathan Garger wants to make it very clear that your dental treatment should never be dictated by your insurance company but instead should be dictated by your dental needs. Our office is committed to ensuring a high standard of care for your important dental health, and you deserve the highest quality of treatment. Through our years of helping out our patients, our team is well versed in the tools needed to assist our patients in receiving the necessary treatments. We will tirelessly work with insurance companies to utilize all of your available benefits and have additional financing options that will allow you to pay the amount not covered by insurance.


Become a Dealer
Interested in retailing the range of Manta Performance products?
Want to get access to our awesome product knowledge & post sales service?
Here’s what sets Manta apart from the rest:
– In business over 40 years. We take the time to understand your needs, and build a long-term relationship that you can trust.
– Only the highest quality. All our products are developed and produced in-house, we make what we sell!
– Australian made & owned. We know what makes the market tick, and we tailor our products and service to suit. We can offer fast turnarounds on bespoke products.
– Competitive pricing, combined with a motivational discount structure to encourage you to get more sales!
– Broad range, backed by the industry’s best warranties. We were the first Australian exhaust manufacturer to offer a 10 year guarantee on stainless steel exhaust systems – showing we back our product!
We can’t wait to hear from you!
Please fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch right away.


Impact of Medicare Rate Cut (PAMA rule)
Reduction of Medicare fees for laboratory tests under new PAMA rule is a major concern for many clinical labs. Medicare is planning to reduce annual payments to medical labs by $680 million. Fee rate changes will be implemented gradually over three years and affect different CPT codes in different ways.
To understand how these changes will affect our clients we have analyzed historical Medicare payments and computed detailed impact on each US medical lab based on the historical mix of CPT codes submitted to Medicare for payments.
Below are aggregated analysis results. To get free detailed analysis report for your lab, complete the request form
GET DETAILED REPORT
Enter your lab billing NPI and your corporate email address to receive detailed PAMA impact report for your lab
In 2018 first phase of rate cuts comes into effect but for most of the labs, the impact will be limited. 50% of labs will see negative revenue impact within $10K, 26% of labs are estimated to have losses from $10 to $50K and 17% of labs will are expected to see revenue drop up to $1m. Two largest national labs will be most impacted with revenue drop over $100 million.
Few labs will see an increase in revenues from the Medicare rate change, some up to $1 million
Our statistical model estimates that in 2019 impact from PAMA rate cut will more than double, increasing Medicare savings from $670 million to over $1.3 Billion.
- The change will mostly impact larger labs what perform the majority of the most common tests such as Comprehensive Metabolic Panel or Lipid Panel tests.
For majority of labs, impact will not significantly change from 2019 to 2020
Our statistical model estimates that in 2020 Medicare will save over $2B from rate cuts assuming Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of test volumes to be at 5%
While two largest national reference labs will experience the majority of impact, the most of Medicare savings will come from a large number of small providers.


By Ron Doyle
In Canada, we have recently seen two well-established companies filing for protection: Hart Stores Inc. and Norgate Metal. In neither case did the creditors nor the credit insurers suspect that the companies were about to file. In the Hart Stores case, two credit insurers reviewed the portfolio just prior to the company filing and found, that while the company had experienced a small loss at year end and another small loss at the end of the first quarter, there wasn’t any reason to reduce coverage. What wasn’t anticipated: these small losses resulted in the company’s bank refusing to renew the Line of Credit and then the company’s inability to find new financing in today’s market.
In the case of Norgate Metal, the company lost money on a contract due to the last minute withdrawal of a subcontractor. The loss caused the debt-to-worth ratio to increase substantially and the company’s bank immediately pulled the Line of Credit. Prior to this one loss, the company had operated successfully for many years and had a reasonable balance sheet.
It appears that the liquidity crisis in the banking system and the banks’ objective of raising Tier 1 capital is forcing banks to focus on credit quality and whereas, they were previously prepared to be patient and waive violations of covenants, they are now reacting more quickly. In a December 1, 2011, article in Canada’s Globe and Mail, Report on Business, Central banks in bid to pull Europe from the doldrums, Marius Kloppers, CEO of BHP Billiton is quoted as saying, “trade finance - a cornerstone of the international banking industry long dominated by European lenders - has become harder to get.” This statement supports the premise of my November 2011 blog post that described how banks are now seeking more support from credit insurance markets to support their normal documentary credit business, which is critical to smooth transaction of international trade.
Credit capacity is a finite amount. This is particularly true in the credit insurance industry. If banks and major commodity exporters use the market to support their sales and lending capacity, credit is going to become scarce very quickly. This situation will be exacerbated if banks become more adverse to risk and begin calling loans or refusing to renew credit lines on reasonable terms. Such a situation would again result in high levels of claims and overdue accounts being submitted to underwriters. As we saw in 2008, a similar situation resulted in a reduction of capacity and the withdrawal of credit limits on buyers around the world.
Credit management in too many companies, especially in North America, is often reactionary and based on historic experience and information. I don’t think even the most optimistic economists are forecasting strong growth over the next five years, which will allow the countries and the banking system to reduce enormous debt loads. The most radical of austerity measures will only reduce the deficits in most countries. The bleeding continues. Now is the time for prudent and professional credit managers to develop a strategy to not only survive, but to improve market share.
The fact that banks are striving for credit quality will result in more companies either having their Lines of Credit pulled or not renewed. The economy suffers. Bankruptcies are going to happen quicker and with less warning. What is your company doing to position itself a winner?
(Ron Doyle is a founder of Millennium CreditRisk Management – credit and political risk insurance specialists – www.mcm.ca. ICBA is the world’s largest team of independently-owned, specialist trade credit insurance brokerages. Partners combine local service with global coordination to provide credit and political risk insurance solutions for multinational companies.)


Betting odds are a fundamental aspect of the gambling industry, reflecting the probability of a particular outcome. They serve as a bridge between the mathematical world of probability and the real-world application of betting. This article explores the intricate process of how betting sites calculate odds, delving into the mathematical models, market influences, and technological tools that shape these numbers.
The Mathematical Foundation
Understanding the calculation of betting odds requires a grasp of the underlying mathematical principles. This section explores the fundamental concepts and models used in determining odds.
Probability and Odds:
Probability is the measure of the likelihood of an event occurring, expressed as a number between 0 and 1. Odds, on the other hand, are a ratio that compares the probability of an event happening to it not happening. The conversion between probability and odds is a crucial step in the calculation process.
Models and Algorithms:
Betting sites often employ complex mathematical models and algorithms to calculate odds. These models take into account various factors such as past performance, player statistics, weather conditions, and more. Algorithms analyze this data to predict the likelihood of different outcomes.
Margin and Overround:
Betting sites add a margin to the odds to ensure profitability. This margin, or overround, is the percentage by which the total probabilities exceed 100%. It represents the bookmaker’s advantage and is a vital component in the odds calculation.
The mathematical foundation of odds calculation is a blend of probability theory, statistical models, and business considerations. The conversion of probabilities into odds, the application of predictive models, and the incorporation of a margin are key steps in this process.
Market Influences and Adjustments
Market forces and human judgment play a significant role in shaping betting odds. This section delves into how external factors and expert analysis influence the odds.
Supply and Demand:
Odds are not static; they fluctuate based on the betting activity. High demand for a particular bet can lead to shorter odds, while lower demand may result in longer odds. This dynamic reflects the supply and demand principles of the market.
Bookmakers often employ experts to analyze games, players, and other factors. Their insights and judgments contribute to the fine-tuning of odds, adding a layer of human expertise to the mathematical models.
The competitive environment among betting sites also influences odds. Bookmakers may adjust odds to attract bettors, align with competitors, or respond to market trends.
Market influences and adjustments add complexity to the odds calculation process. The interplay of supply and demand, expert analysis, and competitive pressures shape the final odds, reflecting both mathematical precision and real-world dynamics.
Technological Tools and Automation
Technology plays a pivotal role in modern betting. This section explores the tools and automation that enable efficient and accurate odds calculation.
Sophisticated betting software integrates vast amounts of data, complex algorithms, and real-time updates to calculate and adjust odds. These tools provide the computational power needed to handle the multifaceted nature of odds calculation.
Automation and Real-time Adjustments:
Automation allows for continuous monitoring and real-time adjustments to odds. As games progress and new information becomes available, automated systems can swiftly update odds, reflecting the ever-changing nature of sports and betting.
Technological advancements have revolutionized the way betting sites calculate odds. From powerful software to automation, technology enables precision, efficiency, and responsiveness in the odds calculation process.
The calculation of betting odds is a multifaceted process that blends mathematics, market dynamics, human judgment, and technology. It’s a delicate balance that reflects the complexity of sports, the unpredictability of outcomes, and the business imperatives of the betting industry. Understanding this process demystifies the numbers that guide the world of betting, revealing a fascinating interplay of art and science, chance and skill, logic and emotion. Whether a casual bettor or a seasoned expert, grasping how betting sites calculate odds offers a deeper appreciation of the game, both on the field and in the numbers.


The heart of Almarai’s success is the trust earned over 40 years of continuous commitment to quality.
Mission To provide quality and nutritious food and beverages that enrich consumers’ lives every day. Values Adaptable Sharing Passionate Innovative Respect Excellence
Vision:To be the consumer’s preferred choice by leading in chosen markets with superior food and beverage products.
Values: Adaptable, Sharing, Passionate, Innovative, Respect, Excellence
Almarai’s core philosophy is commitment to providing excellent quality.
Almarai constantly seeks to provide its consumers with high-quality products; to implement the highest industry standards in every aspect of its operations; and to enhance the brand by building a very advanced infrastructure for production, marketing, and distribution. Since establishment in 1977, Almarai has grown through carefully planned investment to become the Middle East’s first vertically integrated dairy company and the region’s largest producer and distributor of food and drink. Almarai products are market leaders in Saudi Arabia and wider regional markets. Over the years, Almarai has diversified production to enter the juices, bakery, poultry, and infant foods sectors, to become a fully integrated company with regional coverage and market capitalization exceeding $12.5 billion. Within this widespread diversification and expansion, quality is always the founding principle, upholding Almarai’s commitment to achieving the highest standards on behalf of its consumers and justifying its motto: ‘Quality you can trust’.
Sultan bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Kabeer
Renewed trust every day
For four decades, Almarai has been a highly trusted food and beverage brand offering high quality products across the Middle East.
By providing great products that meet people’s needs, Almarai has become an integral part of their daily lives.
Across the Middle East, people trust the Almarai name as a hallmark of quality, a reputation that has been carefully nurtured over the years.
Quality is the highest priority every step of the way, right up until products reach the consumer. It applies equally to the care of livestock on Almarai’s farms, to laboratory research and testing, production control, and management of the retail supply chain.
Because Almarai owns most of its supply chain – from feed production to processing, packaging, and distribution – the company is able to maintain its exacting standards.
Commitment to consumer satisfaction is the company’s main objective, supported by constant innovation. This is complemented by Almarai’s production, marketing, and distribution infrastructure, which enables daily distribution of fresh products to over 110,000 retail outlets across the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Egypt and Jordan.
Founded in 1977, Almarai has grown to become the Middle East’s largest food manufacturer and distributor. Diversification in recent years has added the Almarai range of juices; bakery lines under the L’usine and 7Days brands; poultry under the Alyoum brand; and Nuralac infant formula.
Product innovation and entering new categories are essential to business growth, continuing Almarai’s diversification drive. At any given time, at least 65 new products are under development and being evaluated for market launch.
Only the very best survive the rigorous process of quality assessment that determines the right to earn the coveted Almarai branding – and the consumer trust that it represents.
Dairy has always been the core of Almarai’s business. The vast product range includes fresh milk, laban, flavored milk, milkshakes, UHT and evaporated milk, cream, yoghurts, desserts, natural and processed cheeses, butter, and ghee.
The first diversification in 1999 launched fresh juices, which quickly became market leaders.
Expansion into bakery followed in 2007 with two initiatives – the acquisition of Western Bakeries, and the creation of Modern Food Industries, a joint venture with Chipita of Greece and the Olayan Group.
Almarai launched poultry products in 2009 and has since expanded the range to provide a comprehensive offering to consumers.
The company has also developed specialized packaging to ensure optimum food hygiene and nutritional value
In 2010, a joint venture was formed with Mead Johnson to enter the infant nutrition market. Almarai took full control in 2014, launching its own brands: Nuralac and Nuralac Plus.
Wholesome goodness in every product.
Almarai assures the quality of all its products by using high-standard ingredients and applying stringent measures for food safety, from infant milk to the entire range of nutritional products.
‘Quality you can trust’ is a far-reaching promise that applies to every aspect of Almarai’s business.
Almarai’s motto ‘Quality you can trust’ represents a commitment to implementing the highest levels of quality, thereby earning the trust of all stakeholders. The motto also encapsulates the company’s integral vision, from strategic decision-making by the Board of Directors to administrative and operational principles and practices at production level. Whether dealing with investors and business partners or developing advanced professional skills among employees, rigorous quality control is crucial to all aspects of Almarai’s operations.
Within the work environment, quality is the cornerstone for growth and overcoming its attendant challenges.
In achieving this, Almarai has worked with international experts to merge local skills with global expertise, collectively contributing to the establishment of a multinational work environment.
In terms of products, the quality and development department undertakes responsibility for quality assurance, and for seeking out healthy products that are rich in nutritional value and will satisfy all tastes. The department researches and studies consumer preferences, seeks to understand consumer needs, and analyzes all options that respond to these needs. Innovation in applying the most advanced technologies is therefore considered to be one of the most important elements that contribute to food product diversification and meeting consumer expectations.
Almarai implements the highest standards of health and food safety, demonstrated by the many accreditations granted by the International Standards Organization. This underlines the quality of Almarai’s unique ingredients and infrastructure, which unite the best farmlands, production plants, and modern distribution systems.
Almarai uses the best natural ingredients, sourced locally and globally, while implementing the most modern food technologies and building the most advanced production plants.
1.Crop cultivation and selection
Quality is the focus of all of Almarai’s farming activity, and that means using only the best animal feed. The company imports most of the feed: a crucial step for preserving domestic water resources. A growing proportion of forage already comes from farms in Argentina, the USA, and Europe.
2. Extraordinary care for farm animals.
Almarai’s farms look after their livestock to an exceptionally high standard, ensuring maximum yields and quality. Dairy herds have 24-hour access to professional veterinary support, year-round shaded housing, and air cooling and showering. Poultry flocks receive equal best-in-class care, from highly nutritious feed to best-quality water and air control.
3. Best-in-class manufacturing and processing.
The technology and capacity of Almarai’s manufacturing and processing capabilities are exceptional, with bakeries and factories delivering the highestquality output on a mass scale. Production facilities are constantly being expanded, renovated, and improved, as the company strives to operate to the highest standards of international best practice and meet ever-increasing demand.
4. Exceptional transport and logistics capabilities.
In terms of the scale of assets, distances covered, and quantities delivered, Almarai’s Transport and Logistics division is larger than any logistics company in the Middle East. More than 7,700 trucks and cold trailers deliver close to two billion kilograms of products every day, on time and in perfect condition.
5. Consumer insights and powerful branding.
Almarai has always worked to earn the trust of its consumers, and has become a brand leader that is known and loved by millions. Commitment to quality is at the heart of the company’s status as the Middle East’s leading food and beverage producer and distributor, and feedback is continuously gathered to help increase customer satisfaction.
Care and corporate responsibility.
Understanding the needs of Almarai’s customers is matched by equal commitment to the best interests of employees, its communities, and the environment.
People development is central to Almarai’s philosophy as a responsible corporate citizen.
A range of programs provide career growth. Almarai’s Dairy & Food Polytechnic trains more than 400 students every year, and the Graduate Professional Trainee program employs hundreds of talented fresh graduates.
The Almarai Sales Academy designs and runs competencybased development programs. The aim is to provide the highest standards and enable people to excel in their professions and grow in their careers, while meeting the organization’s succession plans.
The Almarai Driving School provides driving lessons for the lorry and heavy truck drivers who join the company every year as its fleet grows.
Employee welfare is equally important. The company applies international occupational safety and health standards, introduces policies to stimulate employee engagement, reviews wages regularly, and encourages positive communication.
In the broader sense, community involvement focuses on supporting education and excellence through initiatives such as the Almarai Award for Scientific Innovation, the Almarai Education Excellence Award for Arab students in the GCC, and the Almarai Award for Veterinary Excellence.
The entire concept of sustainability management is defined as the integrated management of economic, environmental, and social performance, with the goal of creating value for all stakeholders. Almarai considers this an essential part of business excellence.
Water conservation and sustainable farming methods are central to fulfilling Almarai’s growth strategy. Hence the commitment it made in 2011 to invest significantly overseas.
Alongside water conservation, a review of electricity consumption has led to a substantial reduction in the amount of power used by the company’s facilities, further reducing Almarai’s carbon footprint.
Leadership through discipline.
Almarai is an axiom for corporate excellence, consistently returning impressive yields for investors through unwavering focus on performance.
Powerful strands have been woven together over the years to form Almarai’s organizational robustness.
Financial performance and market leadership are the outward proof, but they are the result of Almarai’s underlying institutional strengths.
Leadership starts from the top, and the Board of Directors and executive team set the tone for the entire business. All directors are highly qualified, with experience at the uppermost reaches of private and public sector governance. They bring a discipline born of many years at the forefront of their professions.
At the next level, members of the executive leadership team are hand-picked from around the world, acknowledged as experts in their respective areas of specialization.
Together, Almarai’s strategic and managerial strengths have been instrumental in achieving compound annual growth of close to 20 percent since 2001, giving Almarai shareholders a 22 percent return on investment since 2005, when the company was listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange.
More than 30 percent of sales revenue is reinvested into business development every year, a firm foundation that helps to ensure continuous growth.
Outstanding boardroom and management performance is complemented by a shared commitment from employees – many thousands of well-trained and motivated people who take pride in their work and make an indispensable contribution.
Such capabilities and cohesion at all levels of the Almarai family – from the executive suite to the factory floor – form a unique asset that is admired throughout the business community.
Almarai’s unwavering focus on quality is also vital to creating such strong and familiar brands, and a business that maintains its consistent record of achievement. In recent years, the company has taken on a new international dimension, entering new regional territories and investing in farmland in the Americas and Europe.
Global recognition has come from respected authorities such as Forbes magazine and the Financial Times, both of which have ranked Almarai highly in surveys of the world’s best-performing food and drinks brands.
” Innovation is at the core of Almarai’s strategy. Consumers continue to benefit from high-quality food and beverages produced by a respected and trusted company.” Georges Schorderet Chief Executive Officer
The economy of scale.
As the world’s largest vertically integrated dairy producer, with a vast regionwide distribution network, diverse stakeholders benefit from the scale of Almarai’s business activities.
Almarai’s production and distribution cover the Gulf states, Egypt, and Jordan. Feedstock farms extend to Europe, the USA, and South America.
Almarai is the largest food manufacturer and distributor in the Middle East, with unique regional coverage and market capitalization of more than $12.5 billion. Since 1999 Almarai has diversified into juices, bakery, poultry, and infant nutrition. Between 1996 and 2006, gross sales doubled to $500 million. Since listing in 2005, sales have grown by 543 percent and net income by 396 percent, soaring to more than $3.7 billion since then. Today, total assets exceed $7.3 billion, with more than $4.2 billion invested in capital expenditure over the last five years.
Almarai’s farms occupy tens of thousands of hectares, and produce hundreds of thousands of tons of alfalfa and soybean every year. This feedstock is shipped to Saudi Arabia and the company’s dairy and poultry farms.
The cattle yards provide shaded housing, air cooling, and showers for Almarai’s herd of 170,000 Holstein cows. A team of 160 veterinary professionals tend to the entire herd, including the 200 calves born every day. Each cow produces more than 40 liters of milk daily, totaling around a billion liters annually. Poultry farms operate to the same exceptionally high standards. The poultry processing plant has production capacity of 200 million birds per annum.
Almarai’s manufacturing and processing capabilities are equally important in the company’s constant capacity growth. Capacity is always growing, such as new production lines that turn out 850 bottles of juice per minute. The company’s plant for infant formula is one of the most advanced in the world, with nutrition experts working tirelessly to create market-leading products.
More than 3,000 staff look after transport, warehousing, maintenance, planning, and 89 sales depots. They supply fresh dairy, juice, bakery, and poultry products to over 110,000 retail outlets – achieving 99 percent on-time delivery. At any given time, there are 1,300 Almarai trucks on Middle East roads.
The scale of operations now dwarfs the original 1976 founding concept, which was visionary in seeking to transform traditional dairy farming in Saudi Arabia to meet the needs of the burgeoning domestic market.
Innovation is a strategy for growth.
Almarai’s constant quest for innovative products, operational improvement, and opening new markets illustrates the core principles embedded in the company’s corporate philosophy.
Almarai has three growth strategies: organic growth, product innovation, and geographic expansion.
The ‘Almarai for Innovation Management’ initiative that began in 2009 has been the main pillar in developing dozens of new products under various trademarks in different categories.
Growth has always been at the core of Almarai’s business, and the engine of its success, and it is now considered as greater priority, with a focus on further vertical integration and increasing market share. This applies to all categories – dairy, juice, bakery, and poultry – where organic growth will be supported by targeted diversification and new product development.
In terms of geographic expansion, Almarai entered Jordan and Egypt as prime territories for sales growth in all categories and is also exporting to other markets.
Quality will always be fundamental, joined by sustainability as an essential prerequisite in implementing each of the three strategies.
Almarai is reducing the impact of its production on water resources in Saudi Arabia, applying an ambitious plan to import most of its feedstock in the near future by investing in farmlands overseas.
Investment in farmland in Argentina and the USA has now expanded to Europe, where large tracts have been secured in Poland and Ukraine, along with partners.
The feedstock, comprising more than 600,000 tons yearly, is shipped to Almarai farms in Saudi Arabia. This strengthens the vertical integration of the company and supports its sustainable growth.
Almarai’s three-pronged strategic plan – organic growth, product innovation, and geographic expansion – will enable the company’s return on investment and achievement of economic targets in its various sectors.
Through continuous plans to achieve sustainable growth, Almarai is always conscious of its responsibility towards consumers, investors, employees, and the community as it realizes its commitment to all, with quality that everyone can trust.


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