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Current Mortgage Refinance Rates: June 24, 2025 – Rates Dip

Current average refinance rates: 30-year fixed at 6.78%, 15-year fixed at 5.73%, and 20-year fixed at 6.62%.
30-year fixed-rate refinance APR at 6.8%, costing about $134,789 in total interest over $100,000 loan life.
20-year fixed-rate refinance APR at 6.66%, totaling around $81,177 in interest over $100,000 loan life.
15-year fixed refinance APR at 5.77%, resulting in approximately $49,657 in total interest over the loan term.
Jumbo mortgage refinance rates: 30-year fixed at 7.08% and 15-year fixed at 6.43%.
Factors affecting mortgage refinance rates include loan type, term, credit score, and economic conditions.
Refinancing considerations: interest rate comparison, loan balance, term alignment, and cost evaluation.
Tips for finding the lowest refinance rate: maintain good credit, manage debt, and monitor interest rate fluctuations.
Predictions suggest mortgage rates to range in the middle-to-high 6% during the first half of 2025.
Anticipated rate movement dependent on inflation, unemployment levels, and Federal Reserve actions.

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Forbes

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Private Student Loan Rates: June 24, 2025—Loan Rates Decrease

Rates on 10-year fixed-rate private student loans decreased last week, with the average rate at 6.80% for those with a credit score of 720 or higher.
Compared to last year, current rates are significantly lower, offering borrowers better terms.
Financing $20,000 in student loans at the average rate would result in a monthly payment of around $230 and $7,619 in total interest over 10 years.
Average variable rates on five-year loans also dropped to 7.76% from 7.88%.
It's essential to consider federal student loans first due to lower interest rates and more favorable repayment options.
Private student loans can be a good alternative if federal loans are insufficient, but a qualified co-signer is often required for limited credit history.
When applying for a private student loan, consider the total cost, lender support, and only borrow what is essential.
Rates are influenced by credit score and other factors, with better rates available to those with good credit.
Experts recommend not borrowing more than your anticipated first-year earnings post-graduation.
Private student loans offer flexibility with disbursal and borrowing amounts, but federal loans are preferred for their protections and forgiveness programs.

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Forbes

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Mortgage Rates Today: June 24, 2025 – Rates Stand Still

The current average mortgage rates are 6.75% for a 30-year fixed mortgage, 5.72% for a 15-year fixed mortgage, and 7.01% for a 30-year jumbo mortgage.
This week, borrowers will pay less interest, especially on the 30-year mortgage rate which dropped from 6.81% to 6.75%.
The APR for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 6.78%, down from 6.84% last week.
For a $100,000 30-year mortgage at 6.75%, monthly payments are around $648, totaling about $134,118 in interest over the loan's life.
The 15-year fixed mortgage rate is at 5.72%, with monthly payments estimated at $829 on a $100,000 mortgage.
Today's 30-year fixed-rate jumbo mortgage stands at 7.01%, down 0.97% from last week.
Despite some decreases since January 2025, experts don't foresee significant drops in mortgage rates soon.
Factors influencing mortgage rates include Federal Reserve decisions, U.S. Treasury bond yields, and global events like the Covid-19 pandemic.
While major rate decreases are not expected imminently, they may decline if inflation eases or the economy weakens.
Interested buyers can use mortgage calculators to estimate budgets before house hunting.
Mortgage interest rates are influenced by factors like economic conditions and borrower credit.
Conventional home loans require good credit and a 20% down payment, while government-backed loans like FHA, USDA, and VA cater to varying credit and financial circumstances.
FHA loans offer down payments as low as 3.5% with varying credit score requirements and insurance premiums.
USDA loans do not mandate down payments for eligible rural area residents, but guarantee fees are applicable.
VA loans cater to qualifying military personnel with options for zero down payment and one-time funding fees.
The article provides insights into current mortgage rates, factors affecting rates, and options for borrowers based on credit and financial situations.

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Bitcoinist

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War Tensions Shake Bitcoin, But Strategy Announces New $26M Buy

Strategy has announced a new $26 million acquisition of 245 BTC, amidst global tensions affecting the cryptocurrency market.
This marks the fourth purchase by Strategy this month, with its total holdings now at 592,345 BTC, worth $61 billion.
The latest purchase was made between June 16th and 22nd, despite escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.
Bitcoin faced volatility following US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, dropping to $98,000 before rebounding to around $102,800.
According to data from Santiment, retail investor sentiment post-crash indicated heightened fear, with FUD spreading among investors.
The Social Volume metric showed an increase in bearish calls after the US strikes, signaling a significant impact on investor sentiment.

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Forbes

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This Week’s Personal Loan Rates: June 24, 2025—Rates Drop

Personal loan rates dropped last week, making it a good time for qualified borrowers to secure a loan for projects or purchases.
For borrowers with a credit score of at least 720 who prequalified on Credible.com, the average interest rate on a three-year personal loan was 13.38% from June 16 to June 21, marking a 0.21 percentage-point decrease from the previous week.
The average rate on a five-year personal loan increased by 0.30 percentage points, rising from 18.88% to 19.18%.
Qualified borrowers may receive lower rates than average based on various factors like credit profile and lender offerings.
Rates are accurate as of June 21, 2025, and are based on the three-year fixed rate.
Personal loan rates are subject to frequent fluctuations, and individual lenders set their own rates.
Credit score significantly influences the interest rate offered by lenders, with higher scores typically securing lower rates.
It is advisable to compare rates, terms, and offerings from various lenders before selecting a personal loan.
Personal loans should be taken only when necessary, and borrowers should consider their financial needs before applying for one.
Lenders consider factors like loan term and credit history to determine personalized interest rates.
It's important to understand the influence of credit score on personal loan rates and potential long-term savings based on credit score.

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HRKatha

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Marriage leave among other HR reforms for Sharjah government employees

The Government of Sharjah has introduced a new human-resources decree focusing on employee welfare and workplace modernization.
Government employees in Sharjah are now entitled to an eight-day paid marriage leave, a first-of-its-kind initiative.
Female government employees can now avail care leave after delivery for up to three years.
A part-time work system has been introduced in government departments to provide more flexibility.
The decree emphasizes the priority of appointing UAE citizens and children of female citizens to government roles.
A new classification system, structured under Grade A-B format, has been established for government departments.
A veterinary framework has been introduced to improve public-health services and animal care infrastructure.
These reforms demonstrate Sharjah's dedication to supporting families, empowering local citizens, and enhancing government efficiency.
Sharjah aims to create a more resilient and inclusive work environment by prioritizing employee wellbeing.
The new decree aligns human-resource practices with evolving employee needs and societal priorities.

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HRKatha

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Former in-n-out employee sues for 25 crore; alleges hair discrimination

A former employee of In-N-Out Burger is suing the company for $3 million, alleging wrongful termination based on racial discrimination regarding his natural hair.
Elijah Obeng, who worked at an In-N-Out outlet in California, claims he was asked to cut or cover his hair as it grew longer, which he found discriminatory.
Obeng braided his hair in an attempt to comply with grooming policies, but was still dissatisfied by management.
Supervisors reportedly instructed Obeng to cut his sideburns, a demand he viewed as demeaning, leading to mistreatment and singling out by management.
The lawsuit seeks compensation for emotional distress, lost wages, and damages, citing violations of California's Fair Employment and Housing Act and the CROWN Act.
The CROWN Act aims to prevent discrimination based on hairstyle and hair texture, particularly protecting Black employees facing grooming standards issues.
Obeng contends that his cultural identity was compromised by the grooming policy enforcement, while In-N-Out says the termination was due to policy violations.
The case highlights concerns about workplace grooming standards impacting racial and cultural expression.

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Rockpapershotgun

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An entire crab army comes to Total War: Warhammer 3 in the crustacean nation mod

Total War: Warhammer 3 introduces a crustacean nation mod featuring four legendary lords, heroes, 27 crab units, spells, and custom tech and building trees.
Players can lead as King Crab, starting on the eastern coast of the Empire, waging war against a Marienburger lord named 'Simon Crab-Hunter' and Norscans.
Unique campaign mechanics include Gleaming Shells resource for commands like enhancing army movement range and immunity to trespassing penalties.
The mod creator, Pegaz, known for other mods like unique Ogre Maneaters, requires Mixu's unlocker for usage.
The next Total War: Warhammer 3 DLC, Tides Of Torment, is anticipated to reveal the final official faction, with expectations for high elves led by Sea Lord Aislinn.
Rumors suggest a possible announcement regarding Total Warty Thousand by the end of the year or new Total War games during an anniversary showcase.
Fans are eagerly awaiting further details on upcoming content releases and expansions from Creative Assembly.

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HRKatha

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Zepto under fire; former employee exposes food- safety issues

Zepto, the Indian quick commerce firm, is facing backlash over unhygienic operations and food-safety violations.
Maharashtra’s FDA suspended Zepto’s food business license for the Dharavi hub due to alarming violations.
FDA inspection revealed issues like fungus-infected food items, poor sanitation, improper cold storage, and expired stock.
A former Zepto employee's viral Reddit post highlighted disturbing working conditions and alleged malpractices.
The post mentioned monsoon flooding causing gutter water in a warehouse where groceries were packed.
Allegations of rotten produce, expired dairy items, and inadequate safety measures were raised.
Online reactions criticized Zepto, with users sharing their negative experiences.
Consumers reported receiving spoiled goods and facing delayed deliveries.
Zepto will need to restore consumer trust after such allegations.
Regulatory scrutiny is expected to increase, and consumers may prefer platforms with better quality control.
The incident has put Zepto's compliance with food safety protocols under the spotlight.
The company will have to take steps to address the concerns raised and improve its operations.
Public backlash might impact Zepto's standing in the competitive quick commerce sector.
The exposure of food-safety issues could lead to long-term consequences for Zepto's reputation.
The company's response and actions following these allegations will be crucial in rebuilding trust.
Consumers are likely to demand more transparency and accountability from Zepto and similar services.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining high standards in the food delivery industry.

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Nordicapis

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10 Tools for Securing MCP Servers

Model Context Protocol (MCP) links AI-driven tools with organizational resources, necessitating secure MCP servers. Here are ten tools for securing MCP servers:
1. Salt Security MCP Server provides context-aware analysis and threat detection.
2. MCPSafetyScanner offers role-based testing and audit logging.
3. CyberMCP integrates with IDEs and offers natural language querying.
4. Invariant Labs MCP-Scan detects MCP-specific threats like tool poisoning.
5. Kong AI Gateway enables natural language API queries and behavior profiling.
6. MasterMCP provides Python toolkit for MCP security threat emulation.
7. MCP Security Scan is a lightweight, open-source scanner.
8. MCP for Security offers a suite of MCP-compatible functions for cybersecurity professionals.
9. Docker MCP Toolkit provides Docker-native integration and OAuth support.
10. Slowmist MCP Security Checklist offers risk-based assessment tools.

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HRKatha

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The invisible crisis: why workers are quietly checking out

Companies invest in employee engagement, wellness apps, but workers feel a mattering deficit.
Workers quietly withdraw in workplaces, feeling invisible despite competent performance.
The crisis is about whether employees feel they matter individually, not just being productive.
In a volatile world, employees rely emotionally on bosses and workplace for validation.
Technology dehumanizes workplaces, creating a need for genuine human connection.
Workers seek recognition as humans, not just resources, amidst AI and efficiency tools.
Micro-acknowledgments and connecting tasks to larger purpose vital for employee well-being.
Creating space for emotions and authentic connections leads to a sense of significance.
When employees feel they matter, productivity, loyalty, and innovation follow suit.
The solution lies in leaders recognizing the human need to be seen, valued, and recognized.

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Forbes

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Best Credit Cards For Rewards Of 2025

Credit card rewards can be lucrative but come with complexities such as earning rates and redemption values.
Forbes Advisor analyzed over 200 credit cards to determine the best options based on fees, rewards, and promotions.
The selection includes cards catering to different financial priorities to suit individual needs.
Forbes uses data-driven methodologies to provide unbiased ratings and information.
The analysis considered 31 spending categories, 29 loyalty programs, and rated 210 credit cards with 53 years of industry experience.
An example of a featured credit card is the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, offering a high reward rate and a substantial welcome bonus.
The card provides 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels, along with other benefits.
It includes perks like $300 annual travel credit, airport lounge access, and statement credits for dining.
Additional benefits consist of trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental coverage, and no foreign transaction fees.

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HRKatha

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China disrupts global supplychains; 1000s of jobs in India at risk

China has imposed restrictions on the export of rare-earth metals, essential for the electronics industry, disrupting global supply chains.
The restrictions have impacted the Indian hearables and wearables manufacturing industry, forcing Indian device makers to import fully assembled speaker modules from China.
Earlier, rare-earth elements were imported from China to produce high-performance NdFeB magnets used in consumer electronics in India.
Local component manufacturing industries in India are suffering due to the restrictions, leading to a shift towards importing finished goods and putting 5,000 direct jobs at risk.
An additional 15,000 indirect jobs in the southern regions of India and Noida are also at risk due to the disruptions in the supply chain.
China supplies 90% of NdFeB magnets to India, causing a price hike and making these magnets more expensive.
Other exporting nations are unable to meet the growing demand in India, and switching suppliers would not be feasible due to costs.
ELCINA has sought government intervention to enable local production of rare-earth magnets in India to promote self-reliance in the electronics manufacturing sector.

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HRKatha

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Hari Menon takes on GCHRO role at Eternis Fine Chemicals

Hari Menon has been appointed as the global chief human resources officer (GCHRO) at Eternis Fine Chemicals.
Menon holds a coaching skills certificate from the International Coaching Federation and is an alumnus of Bharathiar University and NIILM School of Business.
He started his career in the hospitality sector at Sheraton Hotels & Resorts and later worked at companies like Tata Group and Alstom Power.
Menon held various HR leadership roles at Alstom Power, including HR director for India and later the Asia region HR director.
He moved on to become the vice president of human resources for the Asia Pacific region at Alstom before being promoted to a global role based in Paris, France.
In October 2021, Menon joined CMA CGM as the vice president of human resources international network and also became a member of the Forbes Human Resources Council.
He later joined Mitsui OSK Lines as CHRO before taking on the GCHRO role at Eternis Fine Chemicals.
At Eternis Fine Chemicals, he will lead the HR function and contribute to shaping the future of work.
HRKatha extends best wishes to Hari Menon in his new role at Eternis Fine Chemicals.

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Hootsuite

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TikTok engagement in 2025: Calculator, tips, and strategies to win

TikTok leads in social media engagement with over 1.5 billion active users and high interaction rates.
The article provides a TikTok engagement rate calculator, industry benchmarks, tips, and algorithm updates for 2025.
Engagement metrics on TikTok include likes, comments, shares, saves, watch time, and video completion rates.
Engagement is crucial for visibility, ROI, and shaping marketing decisions based on consumer research data.
Calculating TikTok engagement rates involves likes, comments, shares, and followers, with a rate above 2% considered good.
Tools like TikTok Creator Analytics, Hootsuite, and Mavekite help monitor and optimize engagement on TikTok.
TikTok engages 1.59 billion monthly users, with diverse age brackets, and 48% only consuming content.
TikTok algorithm considers curated content tailored to users' interests, emphasizing relevance over reach.
Tips include engaging with the community, creating quality content, optimizing captions, and jumping on trends early.
It discusses TikTok Live, user-generated content, and common engagement mistakes to avoid for TikTok success in 2025.

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