Latest news with #PCT
Daily Record
24-06-2025
- Daily Record
POLICE COLUMN: Detective Chief Inspector Barry McDaid
Detective Chief Inspector McDaid spoke on the dangers of cannabis cultivations As the Detective Chief Inspector for Lothians and Scottish Borders Division, this is my first column and I'm grateful to Chief Inspector McArthur-Kerr for allowing me the opportunity to focus on some very serious issues we've been working hard to address. The first is in relation to drug supply and in particular, cannabis cultivations. For a cannabis cultivation to be financially viable, a significant space is required, and thereafter high levels of electricity and water are used to maximise the growth of the plants. What we tend to see is that criminals will either force entry to an unoccupied property, or they will rent a large home or building from an unsuspecting landlord. They will then tamper with electricity meters and plumbing to meet the needs of their cannabis growing operation. Not only is this incredibly dangerous, particularly when you're messing with electricity and water, it ultimately results in significant damage to the properties in question and means that those who own these buildings are left to foot the cost of repairs. Since March 2025, the West Proactive Crime Team (PCT) have been progressing inquiries involving intercepted packages of cannabis going to a variety of addresses in West Lothian, Midlothian, and Edinburgh. Between January and April 2025, UK Border Force intercepted 68kgs for addresses assessed to belong to the group involved. On April 1, West PCT seized a further 25 kgs of cannabis from an address in Livingston with a further 1kg from a neighbouring address. As a result of evidential analysis carried out following these searches, warrants were granted for 15 further properties throughout the Lothians and Scottish Borders Division, and Edinburgh. Three men aged 33, 31 and 24 were subsequently charged in connection with these inquiries. In addition to the 68kgs of cannabis seized by UKBF, police enforcement saw the recovery of 42kgs of cannabis along with around £24,000 in cash. The estimated value of all of the drugs seized attributed to group is around £700,000. On June 10 and 11, two large scale cannabis cultivations were discovered in Livingston and Uphall and after warrants were executed at these addresses, plants worth over £80,000 were recovered in Livingston, while within Uphall the value of the cultivation was totalled to be around £320,000. Within both cultivation addresses, Vietnamese males were discovered and reported being victims of human trafficking. Our inquiries are continuing. This brings me onto the second issue I wanted to discuss, namely human trafficking. Organised criminals continually look to exploit vulnerable people for their own gain and often this takes the form of bringing people from foreign countries into the UK illegally and making them work in squalid and dangerous conditions – usually through fear and intimidation. We treat all reports of human trafficking with the utmost seriousness and work with international partners to return victims to their countries of origin while relentlessly pursuing those responsible for such offences. If you have any concerns relating to organised crime, drug offences or human trafficking, please contact us via 101 or make an anonymous report to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Geek Girl Authority
20-06-2025
- Health
- Geek Girl Authority
Hiking the PCT? Remember These 7 Best Women's Health Practices
What's more exciting than the vastness of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) stretching before you — a wild blend of untouched nature and breathtaking views? For those embarking on this iconic hiking trail from Mexico to Canada, the journey promises self-discovery, perseverance, and a deep connection to the natural world. However, amid the excitement of planning your PCT trip, it's crucial to prioritize your health, especially as a female hiker. This guide explores essential women's health practices to remember as you tackle the PCT, from women's vitamins to recovery tips. 1. Prepare for the Long Haul Before you set foot on the PCT, proper physical preparation is of the utmost importance. Hiking the PCT requires stamina, strength, and endurance, so make sure your body is up to the task. In addition to regular exercise and conditioning, consider incorporating women's vitamins into your routine. These specialized supplements cater to women's unique nutritional needs, providing essential vitamins and minerals that can support their energy levels and overall health. Ensuring your body is adequately nourished and prepared before hitting the trail can significantly impact your hiking experience. 2. Hydration One of the golden rules of hiking, especially on a demanding trail like the PCT, is to stay hydrated. Proper hydration is vital for maintaining your energy, regulating your body temperature, and supporting your overall vitality. As a female hiker, it's important to remember that your water needs are unique. Women tend to have lower total body water content than men, making hydration even more critical. To ensure you stay hydrated on the trail, carry an adequate water supply, use a hydration pack, and consider drinking electrolyte-rich beverages to replenish lost minerals. 3. Pick the Right Gear Choosing the right gear is key to a successful and comfortable hiking experience, especially for female hikers. When it comes to clothing and footwear, opt for items designed to fit the female body. Investing in gear that fits well and is suited to your body type can help prevent discomfort, blisters, and chafing during long days. 4. Fuel Your Adventure Proper nutrition is your fuel for the long journey ahead. Maintaining a balanced diet is required to sustain your energy and support your body's demands during rigorous physical activity. As a female hiker, make sure you're consuming enough calories to meet your energy needs. Pack lightweight, nutrient-dense snacks such as nuts, dried fruits, and energy bars to keep you fueled. Additionally, consider incorporating a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats, and micronutrients to support performance and recovery. 5. Support Your Mental Health While physical preparation is crucial for hiking the PCT, mental wellness is just as important. Long-distance hikes can be mentally taxing, with challenges ranging from physical to emotional fatigue. As a female hiker, prioritize your mental well-being by practicing mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques to stay grounded and centered. 6. Prepare for Feminine Hygiene Needs Maintaining good hygiene on the trail is a practical consideration for all hikers, but women have additional considerations. Proper female-specific hygiene practices are necessary to prevent infections and maintain comfort during extended periods of physical activity. When hiking the PCT, prioritize your personal hygiene by carrying items like biodegradable wipes, menstrual products, and a disposal system for feminine hygiene waste. Practice good hygiene habits to minimize the risk of irritation or infections, and address any discomfort promptly. 7. Rest and Recover Rest and recovery are equally important for maintaining your physical and mental health on the PCT. Adequate sleep supports muscle repair , immune function, and cognitive performance, so create a comfortable sleep setup at your campsite and establish a bedtime routine to optimize your slumber. Additionally, incorporate stretching, foam rolling, and relaxation techniques into your daily routine to support muscle recovery and reduce the risk of injuries. Taking rest days when needed and allowing your body time to recharge can help you stay strong and resilient throughout your journey. Empowering Women Through the PCT Embarking on the Pacific Crest Trail is a breathtaking adventure that promises unforgettable experiences and personal growth. As a female hiker, it's essential to prioritize your health and well-being by embracing these best practices for women's wellness on the trail. By listening to your body, practicing self-care, and staying mindful of your needs, you can make the most of your hiking experience while safeguarding your physical and mental well-being. Remember, the journey is as much about taking care of yourself as it is about exploring the wilderness. Lace up your boots, pack your gear, and hit the trail with resilience and joy. On Location: The Lighterman in Apple TV+'s SLOW HORSES RELATED: Relive The Good Doctor 's poignant series finale with a ride on the C.W. Parker #119 Carousel in our previous On Location article
Indian Express
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Indian Express
WATCH: Cricket's first triple Super Over madness as Netherlands edge Nepal in record-breaking match
Netherlands and Nepal on Monday entered the record books after the Dutch prevailed over their opponents on the back of a historic third Super Over during the Scotland T20 Tri-Series in Glasgow. It was the first time a recognised men's limited-overs match, including both T20 and 50-overs cricket, went into the Super Over tie-break for the third time in a match. Set a target of 153 in regular time, Nepal needed 16 off the final over, pacer Nandan Yadav hit 4, 2, 2, and 4 of the last four deliveries to send the game into a Super Over. The game was a nail-biter, heading into an unprecedented third Super Over. In the first Super Over, left-arm spinner Daniel Doram, who had an excellent regular spell conceding only 14 runs and taking three wickets, was hit for 19 runs with Nepal's Kushal Bhurtel smashing two sixes and a four. The Netherlands responded with Michael Levitt hitting a six off the first ball and Max O'Dowd contributing a six and a four off the last two balls, pushing the match into a second Super Over. WATCH: Three Super Overs in the Netherlands vs Nepal T20I Netherlands vs Nepal Last Over & 3 Super Overs Ball By Ball — PCT Replays 2.0 (@ReplaysPCT) June 16, 2025 The second Super Over saw Lalit Rajbanshi conceding two sixes off his first three deliveries. However, he recovered to restrict the Netherlands to 17 runs. Nepal's chase started with a bang Rohit Paudel struck a first ball six, and Dipendra Airee followed with a four, bringing the equation down to seven runs needed off the final ball. Airee then stunned the Dutchmen as he smashed Kyle Klein over cow corner, forcing a third Super Over. However, it was down to offspinner Zach Lion-Cachet to make the decisive move in the third Super Over. He dismissed both Paudel and debutant Rupesh Singh, constricting Nepal to 0/2. With a run to win, Levitt put an end to the match by slamming Sandeep Lamichhane for a six over long-on. The Nepal-Netherlands humdinger was only the second time a men's T20I match had gone into a second Super Over with the first instance occurring between India and Afghanistan in January 2024, a contest that the Men in Blue eventually won.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The FTSE 100 may be soaring, but these two trusts still look heavily undervalued
The FTSE 100 is trading just shy of its all-time high of 8,885 points reached on 10 June 2025. Investors have finally started returning to the UK market after years of underperformance, driven by stabilising interest rates, undervalued blue chips, and strong earnings in cyclical sectors. Housebuilders have been leading the charge as mortgage rates cool, while precious metals stocks continue to benefit from safe-haven demand. However, not every part of the market has caught up with this momentum. In particular, some investment trusts and closed-end funds (CEFs) remain significantly undervalued, despite holding high-quality assets. Trusts trade like shares but can often lag behind market movements due to their pricing structure — they're based on demand for the fund, not just the value of its holdings. That can create buying opportunities when sentiment is slow to catch up to fundamentals. Two such trusts that currently look like bargains to me are Polar Capital Technology Trust (LSE: PCT) and Unite Group (LSE: UTG). This tech-focused trust gives UK investors rare access to a portfolio packed with high-growth US tech stocks. Despite delivering a staggering 474% return over the past decade — equivalent to nearly 19% annualised growth — it still looks cheap by several key metrics. Its return on equity (ROE) stands at an impressive 33%, showcasing how effectively the trust deploys capital. Meanwhile, its price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of just 3.38 is unusually low for a tech-focused fund, even if it reflects recent weakness in the US tech market. The price-to-book (P/B) ratio of 0.96 suggests the shares are trading close to net asset value, offering investors solid exposure without overpaying. That said, the recent subdued performance of US large-cap tech — particularly the 'Magnificent Seven' — has weighed on short-term returns. If the US market continues to stall, the trust could remain in limbo for a while longer. But for long-term investors willing to ride out the volatility, the trust's low valuation and track record make a compelling case that's worth considering. I covered Unite Group back in May and I still think it's a stock worth considering. As the UK's leading provider of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), it's in a sector with stable demand, strong pricing power, and limited supply. It operates as a real estate investment trust (REIT), focusing on long-term capital appreciation and income. Please note that tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in future. The content in this article is provided for information purposes only. It is not intended to be, neither does it constitute, any form of tax advice. Its 4.4% dividend yield is supported by a very low payout ratio of 38%, giving it room to grow. In fact, dividends have increased by an average of 5.37% annually, underlining its passive income appeal. Of course, any slowdown in student demand or regulatory change to rental laws could pose risks. REITs are also highly sensitive to interest rates, which have improved lately — but we're not in the clear yet. That said, with limited university housing available and growing international student numbers, the outlook remains positive. What really stands out is the underlying efficiency. Unite has a P/E ratio of just 8.77, a P/E-to-growth (PEG) ratio of 0.03 (suggesting rapid growth relative to price), and an operating margin of 55%. Even more impressive, its free cash flow margin is 74.8%, meaning it retains nearly 75p of every £1 of revenue as cash. The post The FTSE 100 may be soaring, but these two trusts still look heavily undervalued appeared first on The Motley Fool UK. More reading 5 Stocks For Trying To Build Wealth After 50 One Top Growth Stock from the Motley Fool Mark Hartley has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. Motley Fool UK 2025
TECHx
13-06-2025
- Business
- TECHx
Khalifa University Wins Global Water Award for Innovation
Home » Green Tech » Khalifa University Wins Global Water Award for Innovation Khalifa University and Green Waste Solutions Trading DMCC have announced major achievements in tackling water scarcity. The organizations revealed innovative technologies that convert seawater and waste into clean water. Khalifa University developed a solar-powered thermal distillation system. This device produces freshwater from seawater without generating brine. It uses sunlight to generate and condense steam directly from the water's surface. This method reduces heat loss and improves energy efficiency. The device was tested with synthetic and real seawater in Abu Dhabi. It demonstrated the ability to produce 2.2 litres of freshwater per square metre per day. The technology has attracted interest from national companies, including ADNOC. It is also registered under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) in the United States. Meanwhile, Green Waste Solutions Trading DMCC, located in Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, introduced an integrated system. It converts organic waste and wastewater into usable resources. The mobile, solar-powered solution includes: Anaerobic digesters and filtration units Power generators with smart monitoring using AI and blockchain The company reported successful implementation in Egypt and Botswana. The system can produce up to 100,000 litres of clean water daily. It has supported over 20,000 people in remote communities. Its flexible design suits refugee camps and underserved areas. Both organizations were honoured at the fourth cycle of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Water Award. The event is organized by the UAE Water Aid Foundation under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. Khalifa University received first prize in the 'Innovative Research and Development – National Institutions' category. Green Waste Solutions won in the 'Innovative Projects – Large Projects' category. A total of 12 winners from eight countries were recognized. These achievements mark a significant step forward in sustainable water innovation.
