Latest news with #CDI
Euronews
15 hours ago
- Climate
- Euronews
More than 40% of Europe is facing drought, latest update shows
More than 40 per cent of Europe is currently facing some form of drought, the latest official update reveals. Pockets of south-eastern Spain, Cyprus, Greece, and areas across the south-eastern Balkans are under the highest form of 'alert' according to the European Drought Observatory (EDO)'s report for 11-20 May. But a drought 'warning' is also in place across large swathes of northern and eastern Europe, following a record-breaking hot and dry spring, driven by climate change. March was Europe's warmest on record, and some countries saw their driest March, Europe's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) previously reported. In total, 1.6 per cent of the 27 EU countries (excluding Madeira, Azores, and Canary Islands) plus the UK is in alert conditions. As per the EDO's classification, this means that vegetation is showing signs of stress, as well as the soil lacking moisture - which places an area under a warning - and less than normal rainfall. The situation is particularly acute in some Mediterranean areas favoured by holidaymakers, such as the Greek islands of Santorini and Mykonos. Here, water is having to be shipped in from Athens or filtered by desalination plants to fill swimming pools and showers. Overtourism is being blamed for exacerbating the issue. "The tourist sector is unsustainable and there is no planning,' Nikitas Mylopoulos, professor of water resource management at Thessaly University, told the UK's Sky News. '[This is] leading to a tremendous rise in water demand in summer.' However, he added, agriculture is a far bigger drain on the country's water resources, amplified by waste and a lack of effective policies. Alert conditions are rapidly emerging in large areas of Ukraine and neighbouring countries, impacting crops and vegetation, EDO warns. Ukraine is one of Europe's fastest-heating countries, hitting 2.7°C above the 1951-1980 average in 2023. As a major exporter of grain, drought here has serious ramifications for global food supplies. Parts of Poland and Slovakia are suffering from the dry spell, too. Alert conditions also persist in western, south-eastern and central Türkiye, northern and western Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, parts of Jordan, northern Iraq, Iran and Azerbaijan. In northern Africa, alert and warning conditions have clung on for more than a year. According to the EDO's Combined Drought Indicator (CDI), 39.6 per cent of the EU-27 and the UK have a drought warning. This orange patch on the map stretches from Ireland to the northern slopes of the Alps, across to Finland, southern Russia and Türkiye. During the 10-day period from 11 to 20 May, temperatures have been above the seasonal average in northern Europe. As well as the agricultural impacts, there are concerns for hydropower. The International Hydropower Association has said that drought and intense rain - an example of 'climate whiplash' - are pushing power plants to "operate at the limits of their existing equipment". Global warming is exacerbating drought in some parts of the world, including around the Mediterranean. Scientists at the World Weather Attribution found that the widespread drought of 2022, for example, was made 20 times more likely by climate change. It will take time to do a similar study for spring 2025, but there is no doubt that climate change is making droughts worse by increasing temperatures and changing 'precipitation regimes', in the words of Andrea Toreti, coordinator of the Copernicus European and Global Drought Observatories. Regions that would usually have a chance to recover or balance a lack of water in warmer seasons and prepare for summer cannot depend on rainfall in the same way, Toreti previously told Euronews Green. 'Nowadays, this sort of equilibrium has been modified.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
LAPD reserve officer, brother charged with insurance fraud in Bentley crash
A reserve Los Angeles Police Department officer and his brother are facing felony charges after they allegedly committed insurance fraud with a Bentley convertible. Eric Benjamin Halem, 37, and his 32-year-old brother Jacob Halem were investigated by the California Department of Insurance, the agency said in a news release. The elder Halem, who serves as a reserve officer for the LAPD but was formerly a full-time officer, is accused of falsely reporting a crash involving a 2020 Bentley Continental GT, officials said. According to CDI officials, Benjamin Halem claimed his brother Jacob was the one driving the luxury vehicle when it was involved in a single-vehicle crash on Jan. 5, 2023. The Bentley, however, had been rented out through Ben Halem's company, Drive LA, which offers exotic car rentals and other services. Drive LA's website shows a Bentley Continental GTC available to be rented for $875 per day. It was during a rental period three days before the reported crash that the damage was actually done, CDI said, and it was the unnamed renter, not Jacob Halem, who was driving at the time. After the driver's insurance claim was denied by their company, Ben Halem 'allegedly filed a fraudulent claim with his insurance company on his personal policy, misrepresenting the accident details,' the release explained. 'He claimed that his brother, Jacob Halem, had been driving the vehicle at the time of the crash. To support their false claim, Eric and Jacob Halem submitted staged photographs of the damaged Bentley on a tow truck near the alleged accident location,' CDI said. Jacob Halem also 'provided a false statement to the insurance company investigator in an effort to corroborate his brother's fraudulent claim,' officials said. Their attempt was unsuccessful, however, as insurance adjusters used body-camera footage from Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies responding to the real crash to demonstrate that the damage to the vehicle was done in the renter's crash on Jan. 2, 2023, not three days later. State officials said the fraud could have cost the insurance company more than $229,000. 'Insurance fraud impacts all Californians by driving up costs for consumers and businesses,' CDI said. 'If you suspect insurance fraud, report it to the California Department of Insurance at 800-927-4357 or visit Jail records show Ben Halem was arrested on March 27 and is free on $50,000 bond. Jacob Halem did not appear in a search of the records. The two men have been arraigned, CDI said, but no court information was available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
India.com
4 days ago
- General
- India.com
Dine in Style: Elegant & Durable Dinner Sets for Every Occasion
A well-set dining table is more than just plates and spoons it's a reflection of your personal taste and hospitality. Whether it's a festive meal or an everyday dinner, the right dinner set can elevate your dining experience. From glossy melamine finishes to timeless ceramic designs, Myntra offers a variety of beautiful and functional dinner sets perfect for modern homes. Discover top-rated picks that combine style, utility, and long-lasting quality all from trusted brands. MARKET99: Green 20 Pieces Melamine Glossy Finish Dinner Set Image Source: Order Now This MARKET99 20-piece dinner set adds a refreshing splash of green to your dining table. Made from durable melamine, it features a glossy finish that enhances visual appeal and is easy to clean. Ideal for families or small gatherings, this lightweight set is perfect for daily meals while still looking festive for guests. Key Features: Glossy melamine finish for a shiny, modern look Stain and scratch-resistant surface Lightweight yet durable—easy to handle Includes full tableware essentials for four Not microwave-safe due to melamine material. Aura: Black & Gold-Toned 33 Pieces Printed Opalware Dishwasher & Microwave Safe Dinner Set Image Source: Order Now The Aura Black & Gold Opalware Dinner Set combines elegance and functionality in a 33-piece layout. Its sleek black base with gold-toned prints gives it a royal charm. Made with high-quality opalware, it's both dishwasher and microwave safe—ideal for modern kitchens that value convenience and beauty. Key Features: Stunning black and gold design for festive dining Opalware build lightweight, strong, and chip-resistant Dishwasher & microwave safe for easy cleaning Includes plates, bowls, serving dishes & more Prints may fade over time with rough dishwashing. CDI: White 40-Pieces Ethnic Motifs Printed Melamine Glossy Dinner Set Image Source: Order Now With traditional charm and modern durability, the CDI 40-piece white melamine dinner set is ideal for large families or entertaining guests. Ethnic motifs printed across a glossy surface add a festive flair, while the sturdy melamine ensures long-term use. It's an excellent pick for traditional homes that host often. Key Features: Ethnic Indian design on glossy melamine 40 pieces to serve up to 8 guests Break-resistant and kid-friendly Perfect for everyday and festive meals Doesn't include microwave-safe features. CLAY CRAFT: Set 40 White & Pink Ceramic Dinner Set Image Source: Order Now The CLAY CRAFT 40-piece ceramic dinner set brings soft pink hues to classic white ceramic, creating a charming and timeless table setup. Made with high-quality ceramic, it offers strength and beauty in equal measure. Ideal for daily use or special occasions, this set is a lovely gift choice too. Key Features: Elegant ceramic craftsmanship Microwave and dishwasher safe Attractive pink floral design Includes dinner plates, side plates, bowls & serving dishes Heavier compared to melamine or opalware alternatives. Whether you prefer glossy melamine or timeless ceramic, the perfect dinner set not only makes mealtime special but also elevates your hosting game. These top-rated dinner sets from MARKET99, Aura, CDI, and CLAY CRAFT bring style, convenience, and variety to your table. Designed for modern households, they cater to different family sizes and decor preferences. All products are available only on Myntra, making it easy for you to shop quality without compromise. Invest in a dinner set that matches your home aesthetic and makes every meal a little more special. Disclaimer: At IDPL, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. It should not be construed as an endorsement to buy. IDPL may make a very small commission from its sale if one chooses to buy the product from any of the links in this article.
Newsweek
20-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
State Farm Asks to Increase California Insurance Prices Again
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. California insurer State Farm is asking regulators for another rate hike, less than a week after it was granted permission to temporarily charge an extra 17 percent for homeowners' insurance policies. The company, the largest home insurer in the state, wants the California Department of Insurance (CDI) commissioner Ricardo Lara to approve an additional 11 percent increase for homeowners, and significant hikes for renters and condo owners, according to The San Francisco Chronicle. Newsweek contacted State Farm and the CDI for comment on Tuesday outside of regular working hours. People search through the remains of their home that was destroyed in the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, earlier this year. People search through the remains of their home that was destroyed in the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, earlier this It Matters Several major insurers, including State Farm, cut coverage across the state's most at-risk areas over recent years, citing growing costs and rising catastrophe exposure. Their withdrawals have left California homeowners scrambling for alternatives in a private market with shrinking availability. Many have had no other option but to turn to the state's fire insurer of last resort, the Fair Plan, even though its policies are often less extensive than those offered by private providers. State Farm says its footing in the state is increasingly shaky and needs to charge more to improve its financial conditions. For California regulators, granting such a request is a difficult choice between shielding homeowners from unreasonable rate hikes and ensuring carriers continue offering coverage in the state. What To Know State Farm has long been seeking significant rate hikes in California, where strict regulations have kept premiums artificially low for decades. In late 2023, the company got the green light to increase its homeowners' policies by an average of 20 percent starting from March 15, 2024. In late June 2024, the company asked for another rate hike of 30 percent for its homeowners' policies, 52 percent for renters, and 36 percent for condo owners. These requests were still pending when the L.A. County fires broke out in January, affecting thousands of State Farm policyholders in the area. The insurer said it has received over 12,692 claims related to the blazes and has already paid more than $3.5 billion. It expects to pay a total of $7.6 billion in claims related to the fires. Following the devastating wildfires, State Farm asked for a temporary emergency rate hike of 22 percent for its homeowners' policies, 15 percent for renters and condo owners, and 38 percent for rental dwellings, claiming the increases were necessary to stabilize the company's weakened financial position. After a judge's independent review concluded that State Farm was justified in its request, Lara approved the hikes last Tuesday, saying it was crucial to maintain "the integrity" of California's insurance market. These increases will come into effect starting June 1. What People Are Saying Deputy Insurance Commissioner Michael Soller said in a statement on Monday: "They want more? We want more — more data, more transparency, more policyholders served, and more policies written in wildfire distressed areas. Wanting doesn't change the law. All rates must be justified so consumers don't pay more than is required." State Farm said in a statement last week following the regulators' approval of its emergency rate hikes: "We remain deeply concerned about the financial position of State Farm General, as it is difficult to match price to risk in California. As we continue to emphasize in our ongoing interim rate filing, we need immediate rate increases to help stabilize State Farm General's financial condition to be able to serve our California customers for the long-term." What Happens Next State Farm will be asked to justify its rate hike requests in a hearing this fall. If its requests are found to be excessive and unreasonable by a judge, the commissioner could order the carrier to refund policyholders for the emergency hikes already approved, while the additional increases might never be implemented. Are you a California homeowner? Let me know what you think of State Farm's rate hike requests by contacting me at
Business News Wales
16-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Wales 'Must Invest in Career Development' to Meet its Potential in Key Sectors
Wales must strategically invest in career guidance to ensure it meets its potential in sectors including technology, green energy and advanced manufacturing. That's according to the Career Development Institute (CDI), which has launched its Valuing Careers campaign at the Senedd. The Valuing Careers campaign is underpinned by a comprehensive UK-wide YouGov survey of 5,004 working-age adults commissioned by the CDI, and aims to highlight the pivotal role of career development in supporting individuals, strengthening the economy, and addressing key challenges. Although the Valuing Careers research covers the whole UK, the approach to career services differs across nations. People in Wales can benefit from support from Careers Wales, a national, government-funded, all-age guidance service. This provides a more integrated structure, and the CDI's findings emphasise that continued strategic investment and policy focus are essential to ensure career development effectively addresses skills challenges and supports individuals and the Welsh economy. David Morgan, Chief Executive of CDI, said: 'Wales is brimming with potential in sectors like technology, green energy and advanced manufacturing. To fully capitalise on this potential, it must continue to strategically invest in career guidance for young people and adults. Career development support empowers individuals, enabling them to develop the right skills to navigate this rapidly changing landscape.' The CDI's UK-wide research reveals that while 66% of adults feel positive about their careers to date, only 54% feel optimistic about their future prospects. Specific findings for Wales show similar trends, though often related to a slight shift towards lower socio-economic groups. For example, 64% of adults in Wales feel positive about their career to date (vs 66% UK), and 49% feel positive about their career prospects (vs 54% UK). However, despite eight in 10 UK adults having career aspirations or anticipating barriers, only 15% have accessed professional career guidance since leaving education. Encouragingly, 73% of people in Wales feel they know their strengths and weaknesses and state they take courses, attend networking events, and update their CVs at rates similar to the UK average. Crucially, 86% of those across the UK who do receive professional career guidance report a significant benefit, underscoring the transformative power of this support. This highlights the importance in Wales of recognising that those facing the most barriers often have the least propensity to seek help, and the CDI says this is a key challenge to be addressed as the Welsh Government continues to address inequality. Nikki Lawrence, Chief Executive of Careers Wales, said: 'The Valuing Careers research highlights what we see at Careers Wales every day – that high-quality, person-centred careers guidance transforms people's lives. 'We commit to putting the customer at the heart of everything we do, making sure people get the right impartial support, at the right time, in a way that works for them. 'From school pupils making those initial decisions about their next steps, through to adults considering career changes, facing redundancy or needing employability support, our all-age, bilingual service helps individuals to build brighter futures, and contribute to the economy of Wales.' The Valuing Careers campaign advocates for: Increased access to high-quality, professional career development for individuals at all career stages, so they are well equipped to manage their careers throughout life. Stronger collaboration between educators, employers, career development professionals, and policymakers to align skills development with evolving industry needs and labour market trends specific to Wales. Policy recognition and further investment in career development as a key driver of economic growth, workforce resilience, and social mobility in Wales. The CDI's recommendations to address the gaps in career support identified by the research are detailed in the full report and include: Increasing awareness and understanding of career development services, including those provided by Careers Wales and other partners, particularly among those facing systemic barriers. This includes actively promoting the benefits of such services to encourage uptake among harder-to-reach groups. Integrating career management skills during education to prepare individuals for lifelong career development.
