PPP

Statement by SBA Administrator Guzman on Anniversary of American Rescue Plan

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 11, 2024

WASHINGTON, March 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman , head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s more than 33 million small businesses, issued the following statement on the anniversary of President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan:

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, March 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman , head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s more than 33 million small businesses, issued the following statement on the anniversary of President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan:
    “Three years ago, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan which catalyzed our nation’s unprecedented economic recovery – the strongest of any of the world’s major economies.
  • Since then, the United States has enjoyed a historic Small Business Boom with a record 16.5 million new business applications , including 5.5 million in 2023 alone.
  • “None of this tremendous growth would have been possible without the American Rescue Plan and the critical role it played in not only saving but strengthening Main Streets across America.
  • “The American Rescue Plan is foundational to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, and small businesses are at the heart of the country’s unmatched recovery – historically creating two-thirds of net new jobs and over 40% of our nation’s economic output.

MoonLake announces significant improvements with Nanobody® sonelokimab over 24 weeks in active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and other important updates at its R&D Day

Retrieved on: 
Sunday, March 10, 2024

In addition, by week 24, over 80% and 60% of patients treated with sonelokimab achieved Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) 90 and 100, respectively.

Key Points: 
  • In addition, by week 24, over 80% and 60% of patients treated with sonelokimab achieved Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) 90 and 100, respectively.
  • Treatment with sonelokimab resulted in unprecedented improvements in composite scores that reflect responses in different domains simultaneously.
  • In all composite scores, sonelokimab showed 16-29 percentage point differences to the reference adalimumab arm, comparatively higher to competitors using the same reference arm.
  • The discontinuation rate of the second part of ARGO remained low at 5%, in line with other sonelokimab trials.

SEALSQ Announces at LEAP its Intension to Establish an Open Semiconductors Assembly and Test (OSAT) Center in Saudi Arabia

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 4, 2024

SEALSQ is currently in active discussions to launch three major projects across Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East.

Key Points: 
  • SEALSQ is currently in active discussions to launch three major projects across Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East.
  • This paves the way for semiconductors that are quantum-resistant, self-optimizing, and capable of adapting to emerging threats and operational demands.
  • Saudi Arabia's commitment to building smart cities, epitomized by the ambitious NEOM project, underscores the crucial role of semiconductors.
  • As Saudi Arabia strides confidently towards its Vision 2030 objectives, the semiconductor industry emerges as a critical pillar of its economic and technological strategy.

Cemtrex Issues Shareholder Letter and Provides Corporate Update

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 28, 2024

To the Shareholders of Cemtrex, Inc.,

Key Points: 
  • To the Shareholders of Cemtrex, Inc.,
    I wanted to provide you with a detailed update on Cemtrex’s activities over the last several months.
  • We cannot change the missteps we have taken, but we have certainly learned from them and learned how to avoid them in the future.
  • Private companies have certain luxuries that public companies do not have when it comes to building startups, particularly in rising interest rate environments.
  • Out of that purchase price, Cemtrex contributed $1,000,000 of equity, which was paid in the form of Cemtrex stock.

Groundbreaking! Phase II Data of LP-003 Unveiled by Longbio Pharma at AAAAI2024

Retrieved on: 
Sunday, February 25, 2024

The presentation of the poster titled "A Phase II study of LP-003, a novel high-affinity, long-acting anti-IgE antibody for allergic rhinitis" by Longbio Pharma marked a significant moment during the conference.

Key Points: 
  • The presentation of the poster titled "A Phase II study of LP-003, a novel high-affinity, long-acting anti-IgE antibody for allergic rhinitis" by Longbio Pharma marked a significant moment during the conference.
  • This Phase II study shows that 100mg LP-003 significantly improved nasal symptoms (TNSS score) of uncontrolled seasonal allergic rhinitis patients despite SoC treatment.
  • We are honored to unveiled the exciting Phase II results of LP-003, the first registrational clinical trial of anti-IgE antibody for AR conducted in China."
  • As Longbio Pharma charts its course forward, the successful Phase II study of LP-003 in allergic rhinitis represents a pivotal milestone in advancing the treatment landscape for allergic diseases.

HUB INTERNATIONAL EXPANDS ACCESS TO RETIREMENT PLANS FOR BUSINESSES WITH LESS THAN 100 EMPLOYEES WITH ADDITIONAL HUB RETIREMENT SELECT POOLED EMPLOYER PLAN

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 21, 2024

CHICAGO, Feb. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- HUB Retirement and Private Wealth (HUB RPW), a division of Hub International Limited (HUB), announced today the launch of the HUB Retirement Select PEP (Pooled Employer Plan). It is designed for clients with fewer than 100 employees in the U.S. that are seeking to offer 401(k) retirement plans, with the opportunity to reduce costs, complexity, fiduciary responsibility, and administrative burdens. HUB Retirement Select PEP complements the currently available single employer HUB Retirement Select options for small business.

Key Points: 
  • CHICAGO, Feb. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- HUB Retirement and Private Wealth (HUB RPW), a division of Hub International Limited (HUB), announced today the launch of the HUB Retirement Select PEP (Pooled Employer Plan).
  • HUB Retirement Select PEP complements the currently available single employer HUB Retirement Select options for small business.
  • HUB Retirement Select PEP works in partnership with Sallus Retirement, an independent Pooled Plan Provider (PPP) who serves as the lead fiduciary, and Ubiquity Retirement + Savings, an independent retirement plan provider and recordkeeper.
  • In addition to the small business options, HUB Retirement Select 100+ PEP is available for employers with more than 100 employees.

No party won a majority in Pakistan’s contentious election. What happens now?

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 14, 2024

With 98 of 264 seats, independents in Pakistan — who are backed by the imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan’s Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party — won the most seats.

Key Points: 
  • With 98 of 264 seats, independents in Pakistan — who are backed by the imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan’s Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party — won the most seats.
  • The Pakistan Muslim League (PMLN), with 76 seats, trailed behind PTI while the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) won 54 seats.

Coalition speculation

  • There is speculation about a coalition between PMLN and the PPP, with PTI-backed independents joining either party or a smaller party to gain a share of the parliament’s remaining 70 seats.
  • Khan’s PTI leadership is reportedly convening to discuss the results, though it’s signalling it has no intention of forming a coalition government with the PPP and PMLN.
  • Each of them could possibly become the prime minister of a coalition government if an agreement is reached.

Crackdowns cause outrage

  • The unrest continues as citizens hold widespread protests across the country over allegations of vote rigging and vote counts that took as long as three days.
  • With a hung parliament, intensifying political instability and a scramble to attain power are in full force in Pakistan.

Military as the puppet-master

  • Read more:
    As Pakistani election looms, the military maintains its grip on the country's politics

    Using political repression, military generals have controlled the democratic process and electoral outcomes since Pakistan’s foundation in 1947.

  • Khan blamed the military for the overthrow of his democratically elected government in 2022 through a no-confidence vote.
  • In a country where the military reigns supreme, PTI’s performance upended most political predictions that anyone who crosses the military cannot win.

Will the military stand down?

  • Experts believe the military must now seek reconciliation with Khan rather than support an unsustainable coalition against the PTI.
  • Given the growing wave of discontent against the Pakistan army, it would be wise to protect itself against further accusations of political meddling.
  • It’s now up to Pakistan’s major political players to figure out who’s going to lead the country.


Noor Mirza does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Pakistan election results in political instability when the country needed it least

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 12, 2024

Shock results in Pakistan’s national election threaten to see the country free-fall into political crisis.

Key Points: 
  • Shock results in Pakistan’s national election threaten to see the country free-fall into political crisis.
  • Days after the election, it remains unclear which party (or parties) will form a government and who the next prime minister will be.
  • Independent candidates affiliated to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (Pakistan Movement for Justice/PTI), the party of former prime minister, Imran Khan, won 95 of 264 seats.
  • The country has been under military rule for nearly as much time as it has been under a civilian government.

Close contest

  • Behind the scenes, Sharif and his PML-N is negotiating power-sharing with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s Pakistan People Party (PPP).
  • He is also hoping to co-opt some of Khan’s PTI-backed candidates, and is showing some success.
  • If he manages to put together a coalition, Sharif will come to power with much baggage.

Stability is unlikely

  • These results meant the Awami League had won an outright majority to govern the whole of Pakistan.
  • East Pakistan became Bangladesh and West Pakistan simply became Pakistan.
  • Over half a century later, it is unlikely that Khan will stay quiet if his party is denied power.

Pakistan’s economy is in crisis

  • The cost of essentials such as wheat, sugar and vegetables are now unaffordable for many ordinary people whose wages are being stretched to breaking point.
  • The number of people living in poverty in Pakistan has climbed to nearly 40%.
  • And price hikes for electricity and fuel in September 2023 led to protests, with thousands taking to the streets and burning their electricity bills.


Parveen Akhtar has previously received funding from the Economic and Social Research Council and the British Academy.

Pakistan’s post-election crisis – how anti-army vote may deliver an unstable government that falls into the military’s hands

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 12, 2024

But several days later, it remains unclear what the result of the vote will yield.

Key Points: 
  • But several days later, it remains unclear what the result of the vote will yield.
  • Both of the leading contenders have claimed victory, amid allegations of vote rigging and disputed ballots.

Is it clear who will govern Pakistan next?

  • The results as they stand mean that no party is in a position to form a government on its own.
  • The Pakistan People’s Party, or PPP, secured 54 seats, placing it third.
  • This puts it in a position to help another party form a coalition at the federal level.

With the most seats, is the PTI the front-runner to lead a coalition?

  • Even before the final election results became known, the PTI claimed it had won 170 or so seats – enough for it to be able to form a government.
  • This suggests the PTI isn’t ready to accept that it did not get enough votes to form a government outright.

That doesn’t sound very stable. Is it?

  • Pakistan is now entering an uncertain scenario, which is, in effect, a post-election political crisis.
  • The country may need another national vote before too long to secure a more stable and workable government.

The election has been called flawed in the West. Is that fair?

  • There was a terrible attack in the restive province of Baluchistan on the eve of the election that killed 28 people.
  • But fears of widespread violence on the day of the election did not materialize.
  • The country is a military-dominated state, with generals that have long been involved in the country’s politics – and elections.
  • There has been a great deal of criticism in the West about cellphones and mobile internet services being blocked on election day.

Will anyone be pleased with the election result?

  • A split national assembly and weak government plays into the military’s hands.
  • Should the PMLN govern as the major party in a coalition, it will be in a position of relative weakness and will need the army’s support, especially if the PTI engages in widespread protests against the election results.

Are there any positives from the election?

  • But the negatives are seen by most to outweigh the positives and the 2024 elections are being viewed as equally – if not more – manipulated and controlled than the 2018 exercise.
  • The turnout this time around is estimated to be around 48%, which is lower than in 2018 when it was 51%.
  • But what they helped deliver may only help continue Pakistan’s political malaise as it heads into a new, uncertain period.


Ayesha Jalal does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Pakistan’s post-election crisis – how anti-army vote may deliver unstable government that falls into military’s hands

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 12, 2024

But several days later, it remains unclear what the result of the vote will yield.

Key Points: 
  • But several days later, it remains unclear what the result of the vote will yield.
  • Both of the leading contenders have claimed victory, amid allegations of vote rigging and disputed ballots.

Is it clear who will govern Pakistan next?

  • The results as they stand mean that no party is in a position to form a government on its own.
  • The Pakistan People’s Party, or PPP, secured 54 seats, placing it third.
  • This puts it in a position to help another party form a coalition at the federal level.

With the most seats, is the PTI the front-runner to lead a coalition?

  • Even before the final election results became known, the PTI claimed it had won 170 or so seats – enough for it to be able to form a government.
  • This suggests the PTI isn’t ready to accept that it did not get enough votes to form a government outright.

That doesn’t sound very stable. Is it?

  • Pakistan is now entering an uncertain scenario, which is, in effect, a post-election political crisis.
  • The country may need another national vote before too long to secure a more stable and workable government.

The election has been called flawed in the West. Is that fair?

  • There was a terrible attack in the restive province of Baluchistan on the eve of the election that killed 28 people.
  • But fears of widespread violence on the day of the election did not materialize.
  • The country is a military-dominated state, with generals that have long been involved in the country’s politics – and elections.
  • There has been a great deal of criticism in the West about cellphones and mobile internet services being blocked on election day.

Will anyone be pleased with the election result?

  • A split national assembly and weak government plays into the military’s hands.
  • Should the PMLN govern as the major party in a coalition, it will be in a position of relative weakness and will need the army’s support, especially if the PTI engages in widespread protests against the election results.

Are there any positives from the election?

  • But the negatives are seen by most to outweigh the positives and the 2024 elections are being viewed as equally – if not more – manipulated and controlled than the 2018 exercise.
  • The turnout this time around is estimated to be around 48%, which is lower than in 2018 when it was 51%.
  • But what they helped deliver may only help continue Pakistan’s political malaise as it heads into a new, uncertain period.


Ayesha Jalal does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.