Latest news with #Determination
Hindustan Times
23-04-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
SNAP payments arriving this week for Texas residents: Find out when and how much you will receive
Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps individuals and families with low income buy healthy food U.S. Beneficiaries with the Lone Star Card receive their payments on the card, which then works as a debit card to buy basic and essential food items like fruits, vegetables, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The card with the monetary funds in it cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco, or hot food in restaurants as it goes against SNAP's policies. Unemployed individuals, low-income households, or people living with special needs may qualify for this card and the monthly payments sent to it. An individual can receive monetary assistance through SNAP if they earn less than $2,005 monthly. The payment dates for SNAP's benefits are set according to the beneficiary's Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number, which is found on their official SNAP documents. In Texas, payments will be delivered to the respective range of EDG numbers this week: - SNAP EDG Number 72-74: April 21 - SNAP EDG Number 75-78: April 22 - SNAP EDG Number 79-81: April 23 - SNAP EDG number 82-85: April 24 - SNAP EDG Number 86-88: April 25 - SNAP EDG Number 89-92: April 26 - SNAP EDG Number 93-95: April 27 Also Read: Your Social Security payment, tax refunds could reduce significantly in May, here's why SNAP was created in 1964 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty. Since then, it has evolved from paper coupons to modern Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards and helped families during the Great Recession in 2008, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and now the rising food inflation in 2025. Your EBT card is reloaded with monetary funds automatically on the assigned dates every month, with which, you can use it at: - Major grocery stores - Farmer's markets - Online retailers like Amazon and Walmart SNAP's benefits are solely based on household size and monthly income. Here are the maximum monthly allotments for the number of family members in a single household: - 1 member: $291 - 2 members: $535 - 3 members: $766 - 4 members: $973 - 5 members: $1,155 - 6 members: $1,386 *Is your SNAP benefit delayed?* - Recertification pending (required every 6–12 months) - Address or household income change - State processing delays - EBT system outages Here's what you can do if your SNAP benefit is delayed: - Call your state's EBT customer service - Log in to your local SNAP portal - Speak with your caseworker directly
Hi Dubai
26-03-2025
- Health
- Hi Dubai
EDB Launches UAE's First AI Lab for People of Determination
In a landmark move, Emirates Development Bank (EDB) has launched the UAE's first-ever AI lab dedicated to People of Determination at the Emirates Down Syndrome Association in Dubai. As part of its 'UAE Develops with Kindness' campaign, this initiative underscores EDB's commitment to fostering national development through technology-driven solutions. The opening ceremony was attended by Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of EDB, and Eng. Marwan bin Ghalita, Acting Director General of Dubai Municipality, along with senior dignitaries, highlighting the importance of this milestone. The AI lab is designed to equip individuals with Down Syndrome with cutting-edge tools, enabling them to explore AI and robotics, build confidence, and engage in innovation-driven fields. By integrating technology with inclusivity, the initiative empowers participants to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. 'In the spirit of Ramadan, we are proud to launch this pioneering AI Lab, reflecting EDB's mission to support vital sectors while enhancing lives through innovation,' said Al Naqbi. Dr. Manal Jaroor, Chairperson of the Emirates Down Syndrome Association, hailed the initiative as a transformative step in unlocking potential and fostering skills development. This initiative aligns with the UAE's 'Year of the Community', reinforcing EDB's focus on strengthening social impact through strategic partnerships. Throughout Ramadan, the 'UAE Develops with Kindness' campaign has introduced various community-focused projects, further solidifying EDB's role in driving progress and inclusion across the UAE. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Zawya
25-03-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Emirates Development Bank launches UAE's first AI Lab for People of determination at Emirates Down Syndrome Association
Dubai, UAE: As part of its 'UAE Develops with Kindness' campaign, Emirates Development Bank (EDB) has launched the nation's first-ever AI lab dedicated to People of Determination at the Emirates Down Syndrome Association in Dubai, marking a significant step in advancing healthcare and technology in the country. This pioneering initiative reflects EDB's commitment to supporting mission-critical sectors that drive national development and create a more resilient future for the UAE. The opening ceremony was attended by H.E. Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of Emirates Development Bank, and H.E. Eng. Marwan bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Land Department and Acting Director General of Dubai Municipality, along with senior leaders and dignitaries from EDB and the Emirates Down Syndrome Association, underscoring the significance of this milestone initiative. The AI Lab is designed to equip individuals with Down Syndrome with the tools and opportunities to thrive in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world. Emphasizing inclusion, the lab offers access to innovative educational tools and hands-on experience with AI and robotics – enabling participants to explore their potential, build confidence, and engage in fields of innovation and technology. H.E. Al Naqbi said: "In the spirit of Ramadan, we are proud to continue our 'UAE Develops with Kindness' campaign by launching the first AI Lab of its kind in the UAE. This initiative reflects EDB's mission to empower sectors that are vital to the nation's growth while improving lives through technology-driven solutions. By combining innovation with compassion, we are advancing healthcare and technology in a way that truly serves our community." Dr. Manal Jaroor, Chairperson of the Emirates Down Syndrome Association, commented: "This lab represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to empower children with Down Syndrome, offering them exciting new opportunities in the fields of innovation and technology. We believe in our children's remarkable potential, and this lab will be a cornerstone in building their future, enhancing their skills, and strengthening their confidence. With the support of Emirates Development Bank, this full-fledged AI Lab that will empower our children to explore, innovate, and thrive. We are deeply grateful to Emirates Development Bank for believing in our vision and supporting this vital initiative." The launch of the AI Lab underscores EDB's focus on supporting the healthcare and advanced technology sectors—both designated as mission-critical to ensuring a resilient UAE economy. This milestone initiative is aligned with the UAE's 'Year of the Community' and EDB's broader commitment to strengthening social impact through meaningful partnerships. The 'UAE Develops with Kindness' campaign has seen EDB launch multiple initiatives throughout Ramadan, including community engagement activities, support for families in need, and efforts to deepen ties with key industry sectors. Through initiatives that enhance lives and drive progress, EDB continues to play a vital role in moving the UAE forward. About the Opening Ceremony The ceremony occurred on Monday 24th March, 2025 and was attended by senior leadership and dignitaries from Emirates Development Bank and Emirates Down Syndrome Association (EDSA): H.E. Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi – CEO of Emirates Development Bank (EDB) H.E. Eng. Marwan bin Ghalita – Director General of Dubai Land Department and Acting Director General of Dubai Municipality H.E. Haitham Al Rais – Deputy Chief of Strategy at the Prime Minister's Office H.E. Mona Al Yafei – Director General of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services Dr. Manal Jaroor – Chairperson of EDSA Shaker Zainal – Chief Business Officer (EDB) Dr. Abeer Al Sumaiti – Chief Human Resources Officer (EDB) Mrs. Nawal Al Nasser – Vice Chairperson of EDSA Eng. Osama Alsafi – Board Member of EDSA Mrs. Alya Hussein – General Secretary of EDSA Mrs. Mona Al Hadad – Board Member of EDSA Dr. Mohammed bin Jarsh Al Suwaidi – Cultural Advisor of the Emirates Creativity Association Miss Salma Kanaan – CEO of EDSA About Emirates Development Bank: Emirates Development Bank (EDB), the UAE's development bank, is a key financial engine for the UAE's economic development and industrial advancement. EDB provides financial and non-financial support to businesses of all sizes—from start-ups and SMEs to corporates—driving economic competitiveness across five strategic priority sectors: advanced technology, food security, healthcare, renewables, and manufacturing. As the first local bank in the UAE to be Great Place to Work-certified, EDB nurtures a high-trust, high-performance culture that drives both business growth and social impact. EDB was established under Federal Law by Decree No. 07 of 2011 issued by the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and became operational in June 2015.
The Guardian
22-03-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Peter Dutton's taxpayer-funded flight to ‘long lunch' on Noosa River was investigated by expenses watchdog
The expenses watchdog launched an investigation into then-home affairs minister Peter Dutton's use of a taxpayer-funded flight to attend a 'long lunch' on a luxury island on the Noosa River in 2019, internal documents reveal. Dutton billed taxpayers $465 for a flight from Sydney to Maroochydore on 19 July 2019, the same day he was to appear alongside the then-Queensland opposition leader, Deb Frecklington, as a special guest at a private event on Makepeace Island, a resort island part-owned by Richard Branson. The invitation to the event, seen by Guardian Australia, describes it as an 'exclusive long lunch on Makepeace Island with special guests Hon. Peter Dutton MP, minister for home affairs, and [redacted]'. Guests were ferried to the private island from the Noosa marina at 12pm, returning at either 4pm or 4.45pm. The drive from the Sunshine Coast airport – where Dutton landed – to the Noosa marina takes about 30 minutes. Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email The investigation found that Dutton's use of expenses was within the rules, and Guardian Australia is not suggesting otherwise. The rules state that parliamentarians are required to use expenses in good faith, 'for the dominant purpose of conducting parliamentary business' and in a way that achieves 'value for money'. Documents obtained under freedom of information by the Guardian and former freelance journalist William Summers show the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (Ipea), which oversees MPs' expense claims, conducted a preliminary assessment of Dutton's travel following Guardian's reporting in 2021. The preliminary assessment concluded that Dutton had used parliamentary business resources for the trip and recommended that a more thorough investigation, known as an assurance review, be conducted. The documents show the full review was completed six months later, on 9 September 2021, and determined that Dutton's expense claim was in accordance with the rules. That was because the invitation to the event 'addressed the Minister as Minister for Home Affairs' and 'the Minister was an invited guest to the 'Long Lunch on Makepeace Island' event, which he attend in his official capacity as a Minister'. This made the trip parliamentary business and entitled Dutton to claim travel in association with it, the watchdog ruled. It found he had not used taxpayer funds 'for his travel from Maroochydore to Makepeace Island or from Makepeace Island to his home base of Brisbane'. 'On the basis of the assessment conducted, IPEA has concluded the travel was for parliamentary business as defined in Schedule 4(b) of the Determination, as the Minister was an invited guest to the 'Long Lunch on Makepeace Island' event, which he attend in his official capacity as a Minister,' the watchdog ruled. Ipea declined to comment further on its ruling. Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion There was little other indication from Dutton's social media accounts of him attending community events in or near Maroochydore at the time. On 19 July 2019 he posted a video filmed in the outer Brisbane suburb of Ironbark Gully, which is in his electorate of Dickson, 100km from Maroochydore. It featured an RSL sub-branch president, whom he hailed as one of 'Dickson's heroes'. The website for Makespeace Island describes it as a 'private luxury resort home, set on an exclusive-use island and nestled in the tranquil waters of the Noosa River'. The island is used for corporate retreats and functions, among other things. For those staying overnight, a master villa attracts a nightly rate of $19,950 for eight guests. Anthony Whealy, a former New South Wales supreme court judge and current chair of the Centre for Public Integrity, said the expenses system needed review. He said it allowed a grey area for MPs to claim travel in circumstances the public would not always accept as fair. 'I think the public demand that these sorts of systems be shaken up every now and again because clearly they're not satisfactory,' Whealy said. 'There's always this grey area where integrity is being threatened. That's because people slot their behaviour into systems and rules without those systems being examined closely enough.' Dutton's office did not respond to a request for comment.
