Latest news with #Assistance
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Maldives keen on India help to combat drug trade fuelling Pakistan-sponsored terror
Prime Minister Modi's Maldives visit emphasizes strengthened security cooperation to combat drug trafficking, a key priority for President Muizzu, which is fueling Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terror. India's support includes potential joint efforts with Maldivian forces and leveraging the Colombo Security Conclave to address regional security threats. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day Maldives visit starting Friday will be marked by the strengthening of bilateral security partnership to counter illicit drug trade in the Indian Ocean Region that is fuelling Pakistan-sponsored cross-border President Mohamed Muizzu has made the fight against drug trade one of his national priorities, and during the visit, he could seek the Indian PM's support to counter this growing against drugs in the Arabian Sea requires interoperability of forces. People said the Indian security establishment could join hands with Maldivian Defence Forces towards this is part of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) that India has put together. The CSC's core objective is to promote regional security by addressing transnational threats and challenges of common concern to member are five pillars of cooperation under the CSC namely Maritime Safety and Security; Countering Terrorism and Radicalisation; Combating Trafficking and Transnational Organised Crime; Cyber Security and Protection of Critical Infrastructure and Technology; and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster CSC, which began as a National Security Advisor-level dialogue between India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives, received momentum since 2020, taking a concrete shape with regular meetings and expansion to include Mauritius besides acting as a platform to provide stability in the western and southern Indian Ocean Region. Bangladesh and Seychelles are observer states of CSC and there are plans to include Oman and Myanmar in CSC at a later Delhi is also an indispensable partner amid Male's fiscal vulnerabilities, the people said. India has helped ease Maldives' economic strain through measures like a $400 million currency swap in 2024, supporting trade and financial stability. Major Indian-backed projects, including the Greater Male Connectivity Project, along with investments in water, health, education, and sanitation are driving sustainable development and regional integration.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Delhi Govt to review welfare schemes to ensure help reaches eligible beneficiaries: CM Rekha Gupta
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Monday announced that all current welfare schemes of the Delhi Government will be reviewed to ensure that only those deserving get help, and directed officials to take steps to improve the implementation of these schemes and ensure transparency and accountability. Gupta also said the process of issuing digital ID cards to Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) will start soon. Taking a dig at the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) regime, Gupta said the former government had cheated the deprived section of society, but her government will not allow such misuse anymore. 'Our aim is to establish a robust, inclusive, and sensitive support system. We will ensure that no deserving individual is left out, and public funds are used responsibly,' the CM said. The chief minister also accused the previous government of consistent fraud and negligence towards Delhi's underprivileged communities. 'Many ineligible individuals benefited from schemes meant for the truly needy,' said Gupta as she alleged there were serious irregularities in the disbursement of widow pensions during the previous administration's tenure. 'Many women who were not eligible were granted pensions unchecked. Our government will not allow such malpractice. Those who are truly eligible will receive financial assistance under all circumstances, but those found ineligible will be excluded from these schemes,' she said Review meeting The CM also held a high-level meeting with officials of the Social Welfare Department and the Department for the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The meeting focused on reviewing ongoing schemes designed to uplift economically and socially marginalised communities. Gupta said the government is not only providing financial assistance but also extending support in the form of rehabilitation, skill development, education, and other essential welfare services. Officials said the Delhi chief minister also reviewed several key welfare schemes designed to support vulnerable sections of society. The Financial Assistance for Senior Citizens scheme provides monthly financial aid to individuals aged 60 and above, especially those from SC/ST communities or economically weaker backgrounds. 'Depending on their age, eligible beneficiaries receive between Rs 2,000 and Rs 2,500 per month. Over four lakh senior citizens have already benefited from this initiative, which is designed to help them live with dignity,' said an official. Another initiative of the Delhi Government is the Assistance to Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), under which individuals with severe disabilities who are unable to support themselves are granted Rs 2,500 per month. So far, around 1.34 lakh people have received this support, which aims to promote their social and economic empowerment. The Delhi Family Benefit Scheme (DFBS) provides a one-time financial assistance of Rs 20,000 to families that have lost their primary breadwinner, said officials. The scheme is currently available to approximately 1,100 dependents, officials said. Additionally, the Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) scheme focuses on rehabilitating individuals involved in begging. It provides essential services, including shelter, medical care, counselling, skill training, and livelihood opportunities, to help them reintegrate into mainstream society with dignity and purpose.
Miami Herald
16-07-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Army COOL-Approved: Education Provider Makes Home Inspection Licensing Faster and More Profitable for Military Members
With over 4 million annual U.S. real estate transactions, a career in home inspection offers steady demand and is a natural fit for military who put prioritize safety and service DENVER, CO / ACCESS Newswire / July 16, 2025 / Military members and their families seeking a new career path should look no further than home inspection. With unlimited earning potential and the flexibility to balance work with life, a career as a home inspector can open up the freedom to shape new careers and achieve success quickly--all with quality education and expert-led support through American Home Inspectors Training (AHIT) by The CE Shop. AHIT is proud to support military transitions with a program designed to ensure success. Students are set up for success with unlimited access to Exam Prep Edge, an online study program specifically designed to help students pass their licensing exams on the first try. As an approved vendor for Army COOL, AHIT also honors our military by encouraging members to pursue credential assistance funds for new inspector training. How to Get Started Soldiers can use the Army IgnitED site to search for credentials they wish to pursue, like Home Inspection with AHIT. Before completing the CA (Credentialing Assistance) request for funds, it's best to first talk with a military counselor to determine eligibility for Army Credentialing Assistance (Army CA) Program eligible, Army CA pays for things like training, exam fees, and other expenses related to the attainment or recertification of credentials up to an annual ceiling of $2,000. Home inspection is a natural fit for those who put safety first, communicate effectively, enjoy solving problems, and take pride in hands-on work. With home inspection, military members can find a natural transition point by channeling their passion for service into another career that really makes a difference. With more than 76,000 Home Inspectors trained since 1993, AHIT's industry expertise is highly respected as one of the first trusted programs in the U.S. Geared toward success beyond required training, AHIT's program is built to guide home inspectors through lucrative careers as industry-leading inspectors with agent preferred report writing techniques. Here are some of the exclusive perks for those that qualify for Army COOL funding for AHIT education: An industry-leading learning platform that accelerates the learning flexibility of self-paced courses that work around individual lifetime instructor support for guidance and training led by experienced and successful video content and interactive coaching that apply to real-life scenarios. Check out a video overview here. The Department of Defense and the Department of the Army are neither affiliated with nor endorse American Home Inspectors Training. About AHIT, by The CE Shop AHIT by The CE Shop is the leading provider of home inspection training, certifications, continuing education, and professional development courses. Between live classroom training and online course options, we offer the flexibility to fit anyone's schedule. Whether you're a seasoned pro or launching a new career, The CE Shop offers online professional education across real estate, mortgage, home inspection, and appraisal throughout the United States. We believe that the right education can truly make a difference. Visit and to learn more. Media Contact:Liz Meitus
Perth Now
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS recalled
Mercedes-Benz is recalling a handful of GLE and GLS large SUVs due to an issue that could prevent their safety technologies from working properly. 'Due to a manufacturing defect, the multi-purpose camera and/or the interior rear-view mirror on the windscreen may not have been bonded correctly and could detach,' the company says in its recall notice. 'If this occurs, the advanced driver assistance systems may not operate as intended and the driver's rear vision may be impaired. 'A loss of these systems or an impaired rear vision could increase the risk of an accident, causing serious injury or death vehicle occupants, other road users and any persons located behind the vehicle.' Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert A total of five vehicles are affected from 2024 The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) list is attached here The original recall notice is attached here If you own an affected vehicle, you'll need to make an appointment with a Mercedes-Benz dealership to have the free fix carried out. If you have any further questions, you can contact the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Centre on 1300 762 718. MORE: Everything Mercedes-Benz GLE • GLS
Forbes
12-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Here's Why You Should Be Wary Of 401(k) Crypto Options
It seems you can't avoid crypto. It's everywhere. In ads. On X posts. And, maybe soon, in your 401(k). But is that a good thing? If you're thinking of dipping your toe into this undeniable buzz, it's crucial you conduct a little due diligence. Professional fiduciaries have been pondering the enigma wrapped in a mystery that calls itself cryptocurrency. What are their feelings about this highly volatile and complex digital asset? Why have so many been so reticent about adding this asset class to portfolios? How might their thoughts inform you? Like any other hot investment, you only see the headlines trumpeting the good news. After all, no one ever goes to a cocktail party and enthusiastically brags, 'You won't believe how much money I lost on this stock!' The truth is, what goes up often goes down. And what goes up dramatically can just as quickly go down dramatically. It's this downside that most alarms (or should alarm) retirement savers. For this reason, the Department of Labor issued a release in 2022 that told 401(k) plan sponsors to proceed carefully before offering investment options based on digital currencies. 'The DOL's Compliance Assistance Release No. 2022-01 cautioned plan fiduciaries to use extreme care when deciding whether to offer 401(k) plan participants cryptocurrency investment options,' says Michelle Capezza, of counsel at Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C. in New York City. 'EBSA raised many concerns, including the possibility of fraud, the speculative and volatile nature of these investments, valuation, custodial and recordkeeping challenges, and difficulty for participants to make informed decisions. EBSA also warned about conducting investigations of plans that offered such investment options and questioned plan fiduciaries on their decisions to offer them in the plan. So, even though financial institutions brought products to market to facilitate these investments, including through digital asset accounts designed to address custody and cybersecurity issues, and through brokerage window models, the DOL guidance had a chilling effect on many plan fiduciaries and raised questions concerning whether they were subject to a new, heightened standard of extreme care review for cryptocurrency investments.' Set aside the idea that this is about digital assets. Think instead about highly volatile stocks. As you approach retirement, you're more appreciative of certainty. The last thing you want is for your retirement savings to take a sudden drop just when you need to start withdrawing funds. That's the way fiduciaries think. They look out for what's best for you. It's what being prudent is all about. Now, there are those who feel it's one thing for a professional you willingly hire to take that demeanor. On the other hand, having the government tell you what to do? That just rankles some the wrong way. In effect, the DOL's 2022 advice merely reiterated what every fiduciary should always do. When the DOL recently rescinded that ruling, it did not remove that duty. The hurdles for adding cryptocurrency to 401(k) investment menus remain today as they always have. 'DOL has now issued Compliance Assistance Release 2025-01, formally rescinding the prior release and, importantly, reaffirming for fiduciaries the legal framework governing the evaluation of what particular investments should be included within a 401(k) plan,' says Max Fuller, senior director of government solutions, TaxBit in Denver, Colorado. 'While the rescission is great, I am not sure it will result in the floodgates being opened for direct crypto investment within 401(k) plans just yet.' It is this 'extreme care' requirement that has fiduciaries walking on eggshells. 'The new guidance opens up a Pandora's box of questions,' says Lyle Himebaugh, managing partner at GGA Retirement in Stamford, Connecticut. 'The first question is liability. I would imagine that most 3(38) investment fiduciaries are not equipped to do due diligence and therefore would not take on the liability.' If fiduciaries continue to shy away from crypto, does that raise a red flag for you? Sure, they might be more concerned about potential liabilities than you might be. But that's precisely where the red flag pops up. Why? The purpose of 401(k) plans is to provide long-term growth and, eventually, stability. This clashes with the inherent volatile nature of cryptocurrencies. The crypto risk magnifies as you approach retirement. But you can realize it at any age. 'Given turnover rates and the volatility of closing prices, there is considerable risk that participants would realize a loss when assets are distributed at separation,' says J. M. 'Jack' Towarnicky, of counsel at Koehler Fitzgerald, LLC in Powell, Ohio. This is the big challenge with cryptocurrencies. They're on 24/7. If you invest in them, you'll have to be on your toes, ever watchful of what's happening in their markets. With digital assets like these, there are no 'closing bells.' Their prices can move at any time, day or night. Still, the positive shift in the regulatory tone means crypto fans may advocate for these investments to be included in their 401(k) plans. While plan sponsors may bow to these demands, their service providers are likely to remain skeptical. 'I am sure some investment fiduciaries will put them in the plan,' says Himebaugh, 'but there are so many unforeseen and incalculable risks that it will have a mild impact.' Because of these issues, don't be surprised if digital assets fail to become a mainstream 401(k) option as quickly as some hope. For one thing, it's not just a decision of whether to include them, it's how to include them. 'The challenges will the same as any asset class consideration,' says Jason Grantz, CEO of Integrated Pension Group in Highland Park, New Jersey. 'They'll have to prudently decide that having crypto available in plans is in the best interest of the participants, without conflict and not solely to appease a small handful of employees who might be clamoring for it. If the asset class does get added, the second hurdle will be even more daunting, which is to decide on which crypt or to simply offer a crypto fund, and that will need to pass Investment Policy criteria like other fund offerings.' There's clearly retail interest in digital assets. It would not be a surprise if that interest spills over into the 401(k) realm. The rescission of the DOL's 2022 advice makes it harder for plan sponsors and their advisers to quickly rule out including cryptocurrency products on the plan's investment menu. The new DOL guidance, however, doesn't remove the best interest standards when evaluating the appropriateness of adding such investments to retirement plans. 'Fiduciaries now face the usual significant challenges in evaluating cryptocurrencies for 401(k) plans,' says Jonathan Rose, CEO of BlockTrust IRA in Beverly Hills, California. 'Issues like volatility, valuation uncertainty, custody risks, and changing regulatory oversight will be the focus, although each of these respective topics are making massive strides. The primary challenge fiduciaries will now face is a lack of experience in the cryptocurrency market itself, as demand from their clients increases. Many retail investors, 401(k) investors in particular, are looking for a solution that offers the unmatched upside of the crypto market with a minimized risk profile.' Are professional fiduciaries the only ones wary of 401(k) crypto? Like annuities, the actual interest in these investments may be smaller than headlines would suggest. 'Prior to the 2022 guidance,' says Towarnicky, 'according to a GAO report, no surveyed 401(k) plan had added crypto as a core option, or a window to a crypto asset trading program, and less than 6 in 10,000 401(k) plans (about 300 total) offered crypto via self-directed brokerage windows.' The regulatory bias against 401(k) crypto may be lifting, but that doesn't mean the fog has dissipated. The underlying risks remain significant. While the DOL has removed its heavy hand, it has not eliminated the fiduciary duty that goes with ERISA plans. Cryptocurrencies expose investors to extreme volatility and difficult pricing mechanisms. The potential for losses at distribution is very real. Does that mean you shouldn't invest a portion of your retirement assets in them? As with all investments, the decision depends on your individual circumstances. Making prudent decisions is the key, as the elements surrounding both your personal conditions and the cryptocurrency market are ever-changing.
