Latest news with #50
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Out Of Touch Or On A Mission? Patrick's Anti-THC Rant
In a press conference held this week, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick continued to staunchly defend Senate Bill 3 (SB 3), legislation aimed at banning all consumable THC products in the state. Patrick spoke to a room full of reporters about the bill's intent to protect the overall health of Texans, particularly for minors in the Lone Star State, by cutting all access to THC products that have continued to grow in popularity since the state-wide legalization of hemp in 2019. On a city-wide level, as previously covered by The Dallas Express, Dallas voters passed Proposition R in November of last year, making possession of under 4 ounces of marijuana the 'lowest priority' for local law enforcement. However, both efforts have continued to receive pushback from Patrick and other leaders like Attorney General Ken Paxton. Paxton's office has even sued a handful of municipalities for approving the relaxed laws on marijuana enforcement. 'This unconstitutional action by municipalities demonstrates why Texas must have a law to 'follow the law.' It's quite simple: the legislature passes every law after a full debate on the issues, and we don't allow cities the ability to create anarchy by picking and choosing the laws they enforce,' Paxton said in a press release published last year. SB 3, which has passed both legislative chambers, now seeks to ban all forms of THC, including Delta-8 and Delta-9 variants, currently sold regularly in gas stations and 'smoke shops,' while exempting 'non-intoxicating' cannabinoids like CBD and CBG. However, some details surrounding the bill seem to remain a bit cloudy. The bill will also allegedly allow for the state to maintain and continue running its Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Program, allowing limited medical use of low-THC cannabis products. However, Patrick has not yet clarified if the bill will impact the application process for the program. Critics argue that the ban could have significant economic repercussions, as previously reported by The Dallas Express, potentially dismantling Texas's $8 billion hemp industry and cutting off nearly 50,000 jobs. 'If this ban is passed, it would criminalize both consumers as well as sellers/distributors. Businesses in Texas would have to stop selling these products altogether, which would likely result in a lot of businesses closing up shop altogether,' Ben Michael, an attorney at Michael & Associates, previously told DX. 'This would also likely mean that larger companies based in other states would be limited with where or who they could sell to, leading to potential legal battles. Consumers in Texas could also face fines or charges for buying these products, even if they are for medical purposes, because it seems as though the ban essentially has no exceptions,' Michael added. Yet, Patrick seems deadset on pushing the ban forward. 'We cannot in good conscience leave Austin without banning THC, which is harming our children, and destroying Texans' lives and families,' The Texas Lieutenant General declared via X. Governor Greg Abbott has yet to say whether he will sign SB 3 into law. If enacted, the ban will take effect in September of this year.


Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Market surge leads to Rs 50,000 crore worth stake sales by promoters and shareholders
While policy announcements from the US remain unpredictable, the momentum in open-market transactions looks likely to continue, he said. Shareholders are selling company stakes. This follows a stock market recovery. Over ₹50,000 crore in shares have been sold this month. Deals involve companies like ITC, Bharti Airtel and IndiGo. Experts believe this trend will continue. Positive market sentiment and easing global concerns are driving the sales. Several companies are planning to raise funds soon. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Mumbai: The stock market rebound in the past few months has prompted dominant shareholders and promoters of companies to trim their far this month, they have sold shares worth over ₹50,000 crore through bulk and block deals on the bourses after a lull, continuing from where they left off before October, when the stock market was in the midst of a bull to exchange data, prominent shareholders and promoters divested stakes in ITC InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo), PNB Housing and One 97 Communications (Paytm) this month, along with Kfin Technologies , KPR Mill and PG Electroplast. The divestments ranged from ₹1,133 crore to ₹12,941 crore since May 1."A significant amount of domestic liquidity had been waiting on the sidelines for market stability," said Ajay Saraf, ED and head of investment banking at ICICI Securities. "With foreign funds turning positive on India's secondary market and key overhangs like geopolitical tensions and tariff concerns easing, the deal market has roared back to life."This momentum is expected to continue as long as the current positive sentiment holds and no major crisis disrupts the environment, said the largest deals, British American Tobacco sold 2.5% of its stake in ITC , worth ₹12,941 crore while Singtel affiliate Pastel Ltd sold Bharti Airtel shares worth ₹12,880 crore. BAT is the largest shareholder in ITC, while Singtel is part of the promoter group of Bharti. InterGlobe Aviation promoter Rakesh Gangwal and his family trust sold a 5.72% stake for about ₹11,564 equity firm Carlyle's subsidiary, Quality Investment Holdings, offloaded its entire stake of 10.4% in PNB Housing Finance worth ₹2,713 crore. Ant Financial, the fintech subsidiary of Alibaba Group, sold shares of One 97 Communications worth ₹2,104 crore through open-market Technologies promoter General Atlantic Singapore Fund Pte sold shares worth ₹1,790 crore."The resurgence in Indian equity capital market deals is being driven by a confluence of positive factors - stabilising geopolitical tensions, easing trade uncertainties, encouraging full-year corporate earnings, improving high-frequency macro indicators, renewed FII interest, and sustained retail inflows into domestic mutual funds," said Ranvir Davda, co-head of investment banking at HSBC India. "We believe that IPOs, blocks, and follow-on activity in the second half of calendar year 2025 will be significantly higher compared to the first half, with multiple companies having already received Sebi approval and several other listed companies having announced plans for fund-raising."The selling in the secondary market was not limited to large caps and extended to small and midcap companies such as PG Electroplast and KPR Mill, in which promoters reduced stakes by selling shares worth ₹1,132 crore and ₹1,232 crore, respectively. So far in May, the Nifty 50 has gained 2.05% while the Nifty Midcap 150 has risen 6.5% and the Smallcap 250 has advanced 9.2%."FY24 saw an all-time high in promoter exits, which was also on the back of a bullish market," said Pranav Haldea, MD, Prime Database Group. "While promoter buying is always a good sign, reasons for exit can vary and range from cashing out due to good valuation, setting up other businesses, debt reduction and personal reasons."While policy announcements from the US remain unpredictable, the momentum in open-market transactions looks likely to continue, he said.


Mint
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Survivor 50 cast unveiled: Mike White, Cirie Fields, Ozzy Lusth and more return; Watch all season recap here
The Survivor Season 50 has been confirmed officially by the makers. Recently, the show host Jeff Probst announced the 24 returning players who will be starring in the upcoming season. As quoted by Variety, the upcoming season is set to 'push the series into uncharted territory and impact the players like never before.' For the first time in the history of the show, fans were given the power to decide the fate of the game. Earlier this year, viewers voted on major elements of the upcoming season, including the presence of hidden idols, the continuation of fire-making challenges, and the return of the live finale and a reunion in Los Angeles. Speaking at a recent panel for the CBS series, the host shared his surprise to fans voting in favour of a twist-free Season 50. 'Maybe there's some of you here today who want a season with no idols, no switches. I'm pretty sure it's gonna be more boring than you think,' he said as per Variety. 'So I'm hoping people vote to let the players play, and that they want idols in the game, but we'll see. It's fun to watch the tallies. We've done a couple. You voted on things already. It's very fun to see. I nervously click the link sent to me, thinking, 'Please be something fun.'' The Survivor first debuted in 2000. The winner of Season 50 will take home the title of Sole Survivor and the $1 million prize. The Survivor Season 50 cast includes: Jenna Lewis-Dougherty - Seasons 1, 8 Colby Donaldson - Seasons 2, 8, 20 Stephanie LaGrossa Kendrick - Seasons 10, 11, 20 Cirie Fields - Seasons 12, 16, 20, 34 Ozzy Lusth - Seasons 13, 16, 23, 34 Benjamin 'Coach' Wade - Seasons 18, 20, 23 Aubry Bracco - Seasons 32, 34, 38 Chrissy Hofbeck - Season 35 Christian Hubicki - Season 37 Angelina Keeley - Season 37 Jonathan Young - Season 42 Dee Vallardes - Season 45 winner Emily Flippen - Season 45 Tiffany Ervin - Season 46 Charlie Davis - Season 46 Genevieve Mushaluk - Season 47 Kamilla Karthigesu - Season 48 Kyle Fraser - Season 48 winner Joseph Hunter - Season 48 In addition to these names, there will also be two players who competed in the upcoming Season 49. Survivor Season 50 will premiere on CBS in Spring 2026. Meanwhile, all 48 seasons of Survivor are currently available on Paramount+.


New Indian Express
4 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Sikkim poised to become global tourism, Green Model hub: PM Modi
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday declared that Sikkim is the pride of India and that the government envisions transforming the state into a global tourism destination and a Green Model State for the world. Addressing the 'Sikkim\@50' event in Gangtok via videoconferencing, due to adverse weather conditions preventing his travel to the venue, Modi said, 'We are advancing the 'Act East' policy with the spirit of 'Act Fast' and Sikkim and the entire Northeast are emerging as a shining chapter in India's progress.' He emphasised the Centre's ambition to make Sikkim an international tourism hub, highlighting the state's potential and natural assets. 'In the coming years, India is poised to emerge as a global sports superpower. The Yuva Shakti of the Northeast and Sikkim will play a pivotal role in realising this dream,' he said. He further reiterated, 'Our vision is for Sikkim to become a Green Model State not just for India but for the entire world.' Reflecting on Sikkim's journey over the past five decades, Modi said, 'Fifty years ago, Sikkim charted a democratic future for itself. The people of Sikkim not only connected with India's geography but also with its soul.' He noted that the nation has witnessed the fruits of this trust in the state's remarkable development. 'Sikkim is the pride of the nation,' he reaffirmed, adding that the state has become a model of progress in harmony with nature. Highlighting its economic success, he said, 'Sikkim is among the states with the highest per capita income in the country. These achievements are a testament to the capabilities of the people of Sikkim.' The Prime Minister also underlined the importance of inclusive development, saying that since 2014, the government has worked with the principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, development for all, with everyone's support. He added, 'A developed India requires balanced growth, ensuring that no region is left behind while others forge ahead.' He remarked that every region in India has unique strengths and the government has placed the Northeast at the centre of development over the past decade. 'Sikkim, along with the entire Northeast, is becoming a shining chapter in India's development story,' Modi said. 'Where once the distance from Delhi posed a barrier to progress, the same region is now opening new doors of opportunity.' He stressed that the key driver behind this transformation has been improved connectivity, which the people of Sikkim have directly experienced.


Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Australian shares pare early gains after core inflation nudges up; RBNZ cuts rate
Australian shares pared some early gains on Wednesday after monthly inflation report showed that consumer prices rose above forecast in April, while New Zealand shares extended their fall as the country's central bank cut its cash rate. The S&P/ASX 200 index was up 0.2% at 8420.5, as of 0239 GMT. It ended 0.5% higher on Tuesday. Earlier in the session, the benchmark rose as much 0.5%, touching its strongest level since February 19. Australian shares end little changed as miners fall offsets broader gain The April consumer price index (CPI) data revealed that consumer prices rose 2.4% in April compared with a year ago, eclipsing a market estimate of 2.3%. The trimmed mean measure of core inflation increased by an annual rate of 2.8% in April from 2.7% in March. A rate cut from the central bank's next meeting in July is now priced at a 67% probability, with a total of 80 basis points in easing expected by early next year. Financials gave up early gains to fall 0.1%, with three of the country's four largest banks trading in the red. Miners lost 0.3% with sector giant BHP Group shedding 0.5%. Local oil stocks advanced 1.7% on the back of higher oil prices. Sector heavyweights Woodside and Santos rose about 1.2% each. Tracking overseas counterparts, technology stocks advanced 1.8% to a more than three-month high, and were set for a fourth consecutive session of gains, if the momentum sustained. Across the Tasman Sea, New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index extended its losses, down 1.8% at 12355.19, after the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, in a widely expected move, cut its rate by 25 bps, while flagging chances for further cuts in the future.