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Keeping in pace with UAE Deputy Prime Minister H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s vision, the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) recently launched its Financial Infrastructure Transformation Programme (FIT programme) to speed up the digital transformation in the Kingdom’s banking sector as part of a larger strategy aimed at enabling the CBUAE to be among the top financial institutions globally.
By encouraging innovation, collaboration, and competition in the financial sector, the FIT Programme seeks to support the financial services sector, promote digital transactions, and enable the UAE’s competitiveness to become the economic and digital payment hub and a centre of excellence for innovation and digital transformation.
Nine major initiatives are implemented as part of the programme. Several digital payment infrastructures and services, including the introduction of a domestic card scheme, an Instant Payments Platform, and the issuing of Central Bank Digital Currency for domestic and international use, are included in the first stage. These digital payment projects are projected to advance the ideas like a cashless society, financial inclusion, payment innovation, security, and efficiency.
To undertake effective supervisory procedures and guarantee financial stability, the CBUAE will strengthen its digital leadership as part of the FIT Programme by using cutting-edge supervisory technologies and data management systems.
The FIT Program’s next phase will create and put into place a range of digital infrastructures, including the creation of Financial Cloud, eKYC, and Open Finance Platforms, to help the financial sector advance into the digital decade.
These digital infrastructures will, among other things, raise their security and operational resilience, increase innovation and customer experience, save operating costs, and improve regulatory compliance, as per reports.
The FIT Programme establishes a robust platform supporting the nation’s “We the UAE 2031” vision and National Digital Economy Strategy, with complete integration scheduled for 2026.
Additionally, it furthers the CBUAE’s goal to improve monetary and financial stability and consumer protection through a robust financial system and digital technology.
“The FIT Programme embodies the directions and aspirations of our wise leadership towards digitising the economy and developing the financial sector,” CBUAE Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama said.
“We take pride in developing the infrastructure necessary to support the development of a robust financial sector in the United Arab Emirates. To implement the Program, accomplish its objectives, hasten the adoption of digital services in the financial industry, and draw in the most incredible people, we will work with our partners,” he concluded.


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[This is the first in an ongoing VentureWire series that will examine entrepreneurs and the new, potentially disruptive technologies they are working on.]
One relatively quiet upstart in the field, CrowdOptic Inc ., is making its presence felt, one stadium and one Hollywood event at a time. The company's mobile app, which has been used at events ranging from the Super Bowl to the Academy Awards, enables users to point a mobile camera at people or things of interest to learn more about them. It also connects users automatically when their cameras are pointed at the same thing.
Unlike many companies using location services to enhance social experiences, CrowdOptic is licensing its app to enterprises, namely event promoters and venue owners to help them engage with and understand their customers or attendees.
As a child of two professors, Fisher never cared about business growing up. He laughs about being "brainwashed" when he took a semester off college to sail with his best friend. The friend's father captained the 53-foot yacht they took from Hawaii to Bora Bora-- and also ran North American sales for Oracle Corp.
"I vowed to get into tech because of all his stories...Then, I ended up trying to sell my first company to Oracle . They didn't buy. But we put a deal together in 2007," Fisher said.
In that deal, a fraud-prevention company Fisher founded, Bharosa Inc., sold to Oracle for between $50 million and $100 million, people familiar with the matter said. Fisher raised just $3 million to build that business.
Fisher's first angel investor in both Bharosa and now CrowdOptic was Ray Lane, the former Oracle chairman and longtime venture capitalist with Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers . Lane has put $100,000 into CrowdOptic--having carried the shares over from earlier investments in Fisher-founded businesses. CrowdOptic has raised a total of $2 million in venture and angel funding, with a Series A led by Bowman Capital, joined by the Acorn Fund, in April 2011.
Lane has invested in three Fisher-founded companies--CrowdOptic, Bharosa and NetClerk Inc., a construction-industry software company--while making only five angel investments in companies founded by other entrepreneurs.
"There's an old saying in my industry: You bet on the horse, or you bet on the jockey," Lane said. "The horse is the idea of the business. In that case you know everything there is to know about that idea, the technology, the competition, the market…I'm betting on the jockey here. Jon…is a dedicated, and idea-driven entrepreneur. He's incredibly perseverant."
Fisher is a bit of an odd duck in Silicon Valley in that he's not interested in building the "billion-dollar business." Instead, he says: "I pay attention to economic cycles. I build something two to three years ahead of the highest-propensity acquirers. That's how I make a living."
He's all about making a great return on investment for his backers, quickly, even if that means selling for a lower price than an IPO or later exit could return, he said.
In fact, in 2009 he told The Wall Street Journal that Oracle was "the new IPO," when the business software giant was in the midst of an acquisition spree.
With CrowdOptic, he thinks he's on to something bigger than he's ever created before. In an era where people Tweet what they eat, even at fine dining establishments, the app could enhance a live event experience, Fisher and his clients believe.
With CrowdOptic, for example, concertgoers can point their camera viewer at a band to figure out what song they're playing at that moment. The app could then take data supplied by a venue or the band's management, such as a set list, and layer it over the image.
CrowdOptic users are also joined to "discussion pages," connecting them with other attendees in the same location who have pointed their cameras at the same thing. The discussion pages form instant, mini fan clubs or social networks, as well as user-generated live blogs with plenty of visual content.
"We're bringing context to social," says Fisher.
A slew of players who have already made moves in this new frontier of mobile-social and augmented reality include Google , Scvngr, Skout, Simple Geo (acquired by Urban Airship ), Kooaba, Color, CityMaps, Highlight and Glancee. Most have been trying to build a huge user base, and offering some version of their apps for free.
With CrowdOptic, event producers and venue owners can license the app either as a standalone, or integrate it into their own, event-specific apps. They pay $5,000 per event or have an option to forge an annual agreement with CrowdOptic.
Nine major event businesses have signed on to use CrowdOptic already, ranging from IMG, the largest sports management company in the U.S., and Andrews International , which provides security services at about two thousand events each year.
The latest to sign on is Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, in Northern California. The facility has a 2.5-mile racetrack with plenty of hills and turns. Fans who go there try to position themselves for the best view of their favorite racers. But sometimes, they don't catch all the action up-close.
Infineon will give attendees free downloads of CrowdOptic to use during the forthcoming Nascar races there, in June. Through the app, attendees will be able to point their cameras at any point on the track to learn what events took place there, historically.
Steve Page, president and general manager of the automotive sports and motor racing venue, says the app "wowed" his staff in demonstrations, because its discussion pages enhance the experience.
Page sees the potential to be able to use the app to give people even "more of a reason to be there live," rather than watching online. He would like to be able to deliver, through apps like CrowdOptic, real-time coupons or deals in the venue, tailored to event-goers' interests.
The potential of real-time ads linked to location has caused some tech bloggers to accuse CrowdOptic of providing "ad creep" in the palm of your hand. But Fisher, a basketball fan, says people like to be able to check game scores, learn player stats and more, whether they're courtside, ringside, or by the red carpet. If the production of the interesting content requires a sponsorship, he says, so be it.
Further, he says, there are no contact lists generated or personal data shared by the app with sponsors, or clients. There are also no followers in CrowdOptic's interest-oriented social networks. The networks created at each event are content-based and don't import or reveal data from social maps, Twitter, Facebook or the like.
As far as mobile-social experiences go, Fisher says, "CrowdOptic's not about connecting you with someone just passing you by on the street …it's about a shared interest. No hashtags required."
Fisher says the 15-employee CrowdOptic will be profitable next quarter, though it only launched its app in July 2011. Within the next year, he said, he wouldn't be surprised to get acquired by a major player in social networking or media who wants to "own context." He and Lane won't say if anyone has made a bid already.
With five hundred major, world stadiums producing hundreds of thousands of events in North America each year, there's a potential market opportunity over $1 billion annually for CrowdOptic, Fisher says.
Chris Grayson, the director of digital at Humble.TV and a blogger on augmented reality who speaks at industry events, says CrowdOptic is one of the earliest players in what he expects to be a huge field.
"Imagine your heightened awareness of your surroundings," he said. "In effect, CrowdOptic does this for your smart phone. It essentially creates a local web of real-time sensory data. The ramifications of the technology are very broad in scope."

domain: news


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After 1-522: Discussing a national solution
Washington voters have rejected a ballot initiative that would have required the labeling of certain products containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the state. Ballots are still being counted, but the current count shows 52 percent of Washington voters voted “no,” while approximately 48 percent said “yes” – a margin that cannot, statistically, be overcome.
If it had passed, Initiative 522 would have made Washington the first and only U.S. state to require such labeling. Legislation passed in Connecticut and Maine would require additional actions, such as neighboring states passing similar measures, before taking effect – and that hasn’t happened.
But proponents say they’ll be back. They argue such measures would support a consumer’s “right to know” – and dismiss concerns about setting such standards at the state level. Opponents counter that a state-by-state approach could result in a patchwork of different labels in different states based on differing standards that would increase the cost of products for companies and consumers alike.
General Mills has long opposed state-based labeling, and we did oppose I-522, as we disclosed and discussed on GeneralMills.com.
But the results in Washington also reinforce the need for discussion of a national solution – and we’ve spoken out on that as well.
Currently, there is no national, government-approved standard for labeling non-genetically modified (GM) products in the U.S. The lack of a national standard complicates the matter for businesses that may wish to produce non-GM foods, and a patchwork of differing state standards would only confuse consumers wishing to buy them.
A government-approved national standard for labeling non-GM products does exist in Europe and Canada, and General Mills believes a national standard for labeling non-GM products would benefit American consumers as well.
The labeling standard for organic food products in the U.S. could be an excellent model for such an approach. Organic labeling standards are established at the national level, and administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These standards allow organic food producers to certify and label their products as “organic” in a manner that is nationally regulated, reliable and meaningful to consumers.
Organic certification already serves as something of a proxy for a federally regulated non-GMO label. The organic standards prohibit the use of genetic modification, among other requirements, enabling General Mills to offer organic alternatives in most of our major categories in the U.S., which by definition cannot use GM ingredients.
An affirmative, nationally-standardized non-GMO label would help interested consumers reliably identify products that are made without the use of biotechnology, if that is their preference, while allowing companies to reliably market and label products to meet those consumers’ needs.
It’s not a question of safety. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.N. World Health Organization, the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, the European Food Safety Authority, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Health Canada all agree that foods produced through approved biotechnology are as safe and essentially identical to their non-genetically modified counterparts. Global food safety experts also note that not a single incident of harm to health or safety has been demonstrably linked to the use of GMOs anywhere in the world.
For the record, biotech seeds have been approved by global food safety agencies and widely used by farmers for almost 20 years. In the U.S., for example, because U.S. farmers often use GM seeds to grow certain crops, 70 percent of foods on U.S. grocery store shelves likely contain GM ingredients – and have for years.
We know this debate will continue. But we also feel that a national standard that would enable companies to reliably label and market products as non-GM for those consumers seeking that choice – makes sense.
And this may be the perfect time to give that suggestion some serious thought.


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Cheshire based cleaners Johnson Service Group are closing 100 stores as part of a restructuring that will cost the company almost £24 million.
Johnson has already closed more than 50 outlets in recent years as it battled tough conditions on the high street.
The group said a typical store has one full-time and two part-time employees, while there will also be cut-backs in back office and warehousing staff, suggesting that at least 300 jobs will go in total by the end of 2012.
None of the locations earmarked for closure have been revealed but they are understood to be mainly outside London and south-east England.
We believe that the measures we have taken will refocus the group into a more streamlined and profitable business."We have confidence that our continuing dry cleaning estate will not only be able to withstand the current retail environment but make a telling contribution to the group's future performance."
More top news
In the lead up to the Centenary of The Battle of the Somme, a Granada Reports viewer got in touch to tell us her grandfather's story.
Somme Thiepval: A century to the day after the bloodiest battle in our history, event in France marks 100 years since the Somme.
The UK will commemorate the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme in Manchester.


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FREE WEBINAR | Recovery strategies for struggling supply chains
Join the fourth ‘Absa Business Day Supplier Development Dialogue’ at 9.30am on July 8
As the economy opens up, many companies will be reflecting on their businesses pre-Covid-19, and how the lockdown has forced them to rapidly adapt to resume operations in a post-lockdown environment.
Business leaders have had to make important business decisions quickly; actioning plans that may have been in the pipeline but not prioritised as highly as they have been over the past few months. Covid-19 and the global and national lockdowns have been a catalyst for the transformation of many businesses that would otherwise have implemented change at a far slower pace.
McKinsey reported: “Business leaders now have a better sense of what can, and cannot, be done outside their companies’ traditional processes. Many are beginning to appreciate the speed with which their organisations can move once they change how they do things.”
In short, the coronavirus is forcing both the pace and scale of workplace innovation. As businesses learn to do more with less, many are finding better, simpler, cheaper and faster ways to operate. Businesses are bridging the digital divide, building collaborative partnerships — not just relationships — with suppliers, and working together to retool for a competitive future.
According to Vusi Fele, chief procurement officer at Absa: “There is no doubt that after Covid-19, supply chains and the way we do business will never be the same as before the pandemic. While it is uncertain how and when we will finally emerge from this crisis, there is a growing consensus that it will have a lasting effect. It is likely to fundamentally transform how we live, work and interact. It will accelerate some trends that were already occurring, and to which we had been responding, such as increased digitisation and innovation.”
“The importance of supplier development, particularly in the SA context of Covid-19 and beyond, cannot be underestimated. We believe that opening up opportunities for SMEs to access corporate supply and delivery chains is an efficient and consistent way in which established corporates can contribute to sustainable entrepreneurship development. This will be even more crucial in the post-Covid-19 economic recovery environment.”
“In times like these SMEs become critical in supporting the value chains of the mainstream economy. They can help drive the economic revival post the disruptive shocks caused by the pandemic, absorbing or shoring up a portion of the huge number of the jobs lost in bigger corporates due to the self-preservation and survivalist stance adopted by mainstream corporates.”
“At Absa we are truly proud to be a partner of the Absa Business Day Supplier Development Awards, which recognise and honour some of the country’s leading champions (both individuals and corporates) of enterprise and supplier development.”
In the fourth Absa Business Day Supplier Development Dialogue on July 8 2020 at 9.30am, the panel of experts will explore “Post-corona: recovery strategies for struggling supply chains”, and share how leading corporates are rebuilding and establishing more resilient supply chains, while growing the supplier development ecosystem.
It’s an opportunity for supplier development managers, practitioners, suppliers and SMEs to participate in a critical discussion that can help businesses achieve longevity.
About the “Absa Business Day Supplier Development Dialogue” series:
The Absa Business Day Supplier Development Awards in partnership with Fetola, Cold Press Media and Arena Holdings recognises the necessity to bridge the gap between suppliers and corporates and collaborate over this critical time.
The “Absa Business Day Supplier Development Dialogue” series brings together thought leaders and supplier development managers, corporates, suppliers and SMMEs to host critical discussions on supporting the global and domestic response to our current crisis and to reignite growth.
For more information on future “Absa Business Day Supplier Development Dialogue” series topics, visit www.sdawards.co.za.


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In case you forgot, Caitlyn Jenner has a shiny gold medal in her makeup drawer, which she won for being an Olympic baller back in the days of yore (read: the roaring '70s). The trans activist is known for her love of athleticism, so it's hardly a surprise that she's the new face of H&M Sport.
Caitlyn announced the partnership with the fashion giant on Instagram, posting a photo of herself looking stunning in the brand's line of athleisure.
Lest you forget, Caitlyn is also has a MAC collaboration in the works, so she's basically winning at life. And if buying this H&M line will turn us into an Olympian with flawless gym hair, sign us up for all the clothes, k thx bye.
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.


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Oppo K3 is reportedly having a application update in India that allows Wi-Fi calling assistance for the phone. In accordance to a report, the Android ten-centered ColorOS 7 update enhances the phone’s overall performance along with other bug fixes. It was added that the process update is currently rolled out in a staggered method and extra consumers are anticipated to receive it in the coming days. Apparently, Oppo in early Could had declared that Oppo K3 consumers will receive the secure Android ten-centered ColorOS 7 update on Could 29, consequently, the present update appears to be achieving pick out consumers forward of the scheduled start.
Oppo K3 Android ten-centered ColorOS 7 Update functions
In accordance to a report by PiunikaWeb, the Oppo K3 process update carries the application model CPH1955_eleven_C.02 and the firmware is 467MB in dimensions. From the changelog that was added to the report, we can see the


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Australian manufacturers are now facing more challenges than ever before.
The robust Australian dollar, cheap overseas labour, cheap imports, chronic skills shortages and more recently the global economic crisis has put enormous pressure on many businesses to survive.
To survive, companies must be innovative.
Established in Australia 43 years ago, Inductotherm now employs 49 people at its Melbourne plant including administration staff, sales and design engineers, a full service department and a factory with about 20 tradespeople of various disciplines.
"I am an engineer, I like to build things," Bill Henry, managing director of Inductotherm Group Australia said.
"Yes, with Australian manufacturing economy sliding downwards and the strong Australian dollar making our costs higher, it can be difficult, but we're here to stay."
Inductotherm is part of the global Inductotherm Group, which turns over more than $750 million in sales annually and employs over 4000 people worldwide.
"It is all part of the global yet local approach that has been so successful for us over the years," he said.
Inductotherm offers a wide range of equipment for the thermal processing industry, including furnaces for melting metals from gold to steel and aluminium to zinc, as well as forging systems, annealing systems, welding systems, brazing (air and vacuum) systems, heat treatment systems, cap sealing systems, pipe heating systems and more.
The company recently made the furnace for the Perth Mint so that they could make the world's largest coin, weighing more than 1 tonne of pure 24k gold.
"One of our best products is our high speed ACR copper tube annealing line," Henry said.
"We specially developed this product here in Australia and we are now exporting this all over the world.
"Almost every air conditioning system uses copper tube, and that copper tube needs to be annealed to form the coils in the air conditioning systems.
"With global warming, the world is getting hotter, and when you start to think of the number of air conditioners currently sold around world, you can see why we are busy with this product at this time."
Around 20-30 per cent of the company's work is local, with exports throughout the world, mainly to south-east Asia.
"We have recently exported copper tube annealing lines to Chile and China and furnaces for melting gold and silver to Mexico and the UAE and iron melters to Saudi Arabia," Henry said.
To control our costs Henry says the company imports equipment and sub-assemblies from sister companies in the US, UK, China, India, and even Turkey.
Inductotherm also offers an outstanding support service: as well as its Melbourne headquarters, Inductotherm has service experts in Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Auckland, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila and Bangkok.
This is a key to the company's huge success, Henry says.
"It's the support that we can provide that makes our customers confident and is often the key to the project."
Henry says there are not many suppliers in today's market place that really understand their products.
"These are our challenges as we move deeper into the 21st century," he said.
"In our planning for the future, we know that there will be all these pressures as well the continual pressure to reduce our costs and improve the efficiency and reliability of our products.
"Our goal is to grow, not just survive, and we are now trying to broaden our market.
"Induction heating is perfectly controllable to a place, temperature and time – a precision heating process that can be used time and again to minimise energy loss, reduce manufacturing time, and maximise productivity.
"We find new applications almost every day, and are willing to talk to anyone who needs some sort of thermal processing."


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* Q4 EPS $0.74, previous forecast was $0.71 to $0.73/share
* Lululemon CEO says calendar "compressed" holiday season
Jan 14 (Reuters) - Canada's Lululemon Athletica Inc
said on Monday it expected to show a sharp slowdown in sales at
its established yoga-wear shops for the quarter that includes
the crucial holiday shopping season and its shares tumbled.
The company, which updated its quarterly guidance after
regular stock-market trading, sees same-store sales growth "in
the high single digits" - well below the 26 percent growth in
the comparable quarter last year.
While that is identical to the company's forecast when it
reported third-quarter earnings on Dec. 6, the update came as a
surprise to the market. Lululemon tends to be conservative in
its outlooks and many expected the retailer to outperform its
The Nasdaq-listed stock dropped 7.3 percent to $67 after the
bell. The shares slid even though Chief Executive Chistine Day
said gross margins were slightly ahead of forecast and inventory
trends were favorable. The company did not disclose specific
figures for either metric.
The bottom line appears strong as well. Lululemon expects to
post earnings of 74 cents a share for the fourth quarter to Feb.
3, well above the 51 cents a share reported for the quarter last
year. It previously forecast earnings between 71 and 73 cents a
Lululemon sees revenue "at the high end" of its previous
forecast range of $475 million to $480 million. Revenue in the
fourth quarter a year earlier was $371.5 million.


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The 5 Star Music boss Emeka Okonkwo who’s famously referred to as E-money has joined Davido to be the primary African to Acquires 2021 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge, We reported early that E-money has acquired 2021 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge and shipped it to Nigeria already,
A video on Instagram @SupperCarsNigeria confirmed a Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge was been offloaded, @SupperCarsNigeria on Instagram reached out to davido if it’s his 2021 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge that has simply arrived, Davido confirmed he’s flying his personal, On that chat has it that its E-money (Kcee brother) personal that simply arrived, Now it’s official that E-money has Acquires and shipped his 2021 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge to Nigeria as Obi Cubana was seeing praying for E-money over the brand new Acquired car.
The Cullinan additional stands out with suicide rear doorways and non-obligatory cargo-area seats that pop up if you open the liftgate. By the way in which, the identify of this SUV comes from the biggest tough diamond ever found. This 2021 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge hasn’t been crash-tested by the Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS). The Rolls-Royce SUV has a number of driver-assistance know-how, together with evening imaginative and prescient.
2021 2021 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge Value
The 2021 Rolls-Royce Cullinan has a Beginning Value of ₦228,120,337.50, However there are lots of choices on provide which may simply add to the worth, whereas the extra highly effective 2021 Rolls Royce Cullinan Black Badge has a beginning value from ₦280 million >> 2021 Rolls Royce Cullinan Value, Assessment, Inside: Most Prestigious Luxurious Automotive


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South Koreans boycott Japanese products
Singapore is set to host talks this week on the Trans Pacific Partnership.
Currently a small trade group, there are plans to expand it into a global pact that would have members including the US, Australia and Japan.
However, it won't be easy, because Asia has plenty of trade spats bubbling.
Lucy Williamson looks at a trade row that has been building between South Korea and Japan.
04 Mar 2013
- From the section Business


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bitcoin - All posts tagged bitcoin
Aug 6, 2014
1:05 PM ET
The U.K. government is stepping up its focus on virtual currency to potentially revolutionize how businesses and people operate to grow the British economy.
Without mentioning bitcoin specifically, the U.K. chancellor George Osborne said Wednesday that alternative payment systems are popular because they are quick, cheap, and convenient.
“The world of finance as we know it is changing in front of our eyes,\” Osborne said.
Jun 30, 2014
4:11 PM ET
The results of the U.S. government\’s bitcoin auction are trickling out, and it looks like there was strong demand for the government\’s stash of digital currency.
The U.S. Marshals Service held a series of auctions on Friday to sell nearly 30,000 bitcoins that it gained when it seized Silk Road, an Internet-based drug market that accepted bitcoins as payment.
Jun 18, 2014
11:56 AM ET
The digital currency bitcoin and college football games have at least one thing in common: They both attract a lot of men.
Now BitPay, a bitcoin company, is hoping to lure some of college football\’s male fans to the bitcoin world through a sponsorship deal. The annual bowl game held in St. Petersburg, Florida, will now be known as the Bitcoin St. Petersburg Bowl.
\”Our goal is to continue to move bitcoin into the mainstream and sponsoring the St. Petersburg Bowl offers us that opportunity,\” Tony Gallippi, executive chairman for BitPay, said in a statement. \”College football fans and the bitcoin community represent a similar target demographic – tech-savvy men between the ages of 18 and 40.\”
Jun 16, 2014
11:38 AM ET
BitGo, a bitcoin security platform that operates an online wallet for individuals, said Monday it raised $12 million in Series A funding in a round led by Menlo Park, Calif.-based Redpoint Ventures.
Redpoint has backed companies including Zendesk and the payments company Stripe. New investors in the round included Ashton Kutcher\’s A-Grade Investments, Peter Thiel\’s Founders Fund, Radar Partners, Barry Silbert\’s Bitcoin Opportunity Corp., Liberty City Ventures, and Crypto Currency Partners. Existing investors Bridgescale Partners, Jeff Skoll, Bill Lee, and Eric Hahn also took part in the round.
\”BitGo’s mission is to secure the world’s Bitcoin,\” said Will O’Brien, chief executive and co-founder of BitGo, in a statement. \”By solving Bitcoin’s early security concerns for our customers and industry partners, BitGo is excited to help the Bitcoin industry grow with what we believe will be a speed and scale comparable to the Internet itself.\”
Jun 11, 2014
9:10 AM ET
Expedia Inc. said Wednesday it will now accept bitcoin payments, allowing customers to pay for hotels using the digital currency.
If the move to enable bitcoin payments for hotel purchases starts attracting a new type of customer or results in an uptick in usage, Expedia could begin accepting bitcoin in its car and flight units as well, said Michael Gulmann, vice president of global product at Expedia.
\”We wouldn\’t be jumping into something that we didn\’t think had legs. Bitcoin seems like a very viable currency,\” he said.
Jun 5, 2014
4:10 PM ET
EBay Chief Executive John Donahoe is once again talking about the company\’s interest in bitcoin.
\”Digital currency is going to play an important role going forward, and at PayPal we’re going to have to integrate digital currencies into our wallet,\” the eBay chief executive told CNBC on Thursday.
He\’s addressed bitcoin, especially in relation to eBay\’s PayPal unit, a few times in the past year. He even owns some of the digital currency, so that he can better understand how it can be used, he said in the Thursday interview.
Jun 3, 2014
4:45 PM ET
You may soon get a Facebook notification announcing the arrival of a bitcoin.
QuickCoin, a startup based in San Francisco, is betting that sending bitcoins through Facebook will help spur broader adoption. The company has rolled out a social wallet for bitcoins built on Facebook’s API that allows users to send bitcoins or fractions of bitcoins to their Facebook friends, automatically creating a wall post and message for each transaction. (You can disable the automatic wall posts.)“It makes it a lot friendlier for people,” said Nathan Lands, chief executive and co-founder of QuickCoin. “If you really want to take bitcoin mainstream, there’s not better platform in the world,” he added, referring to Facebook.
May 23, 2014
10:43 AM ET
Bitcoin prices have taken off in the last few days.
In recent action, bitcoin rose to $532.13. That\’s up about 20% since last Friday\’s level of $445.01 according to CoinDesk\’s bitcoin price index, which tracks prices on three exchanges.
May 21, 2014
12:09 PM ET
Peter Schiff will now let investors buy gold with bitcoins, fulfilling the dreams of central bank haters everywhere.
Euro Pacific Precious Metals, which Schiff founded in 2010 to sell gold and silver, said Wednesday it will accept bitcoin for payment through a partnership with BitPay.Bitcoin, of course, is a digital currency that is created through a cryptographic process rather than by a central bank. The decentralized network that transmits bitcoins has been touted as a more efficient way to send money around the world.
May 16, 2014
11:49 AM ET
Circle Internet Financial, the bitcoin company that has raised $26 million in total funding, is betting that young consumers will be the key to mainstream adoption of bitcoin.
It unveiled its first product on Friday, which is free and will allow people to get instant access to bitcoin and send it to Circle users around the world. It is currently in an invitation-only phase.
\”We are focused on young consumers [who] are digital natives,\” said Jeremy Allaire, founder and chief executive of Circle, in an interview. These users already consume digital media and digital communications, making them likely candidates for adopting so-called digital money, he said. Digital money is the general term used by Circle to describe bitcoin.
- « Previously in bitcoin
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Your CBD Store coming soon to Woodforest
Your CBD Store, which already has a Conroe location (shown), is planning a second location in Woodforest.
Owner Jen Harris plans to open a second branch of her local franchise Your CBD Store at 2300 Woodforest Pkwy. N., Ste. 200, Montgomery on June 1. The shops offer hemp and cannabis oils, pain creams and animal products. The focus is on helping people suffering from chronic pain and other ailments in the wake of the opioid crisis as well as removing the stigma surrounding hemp products with education, according to Harris, who said the new location will stock 10 new products since the Conroe location opened. 936-494-0959. www.cbdrx4u.com/find-us/texas/conroe


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The X3D processors from the company will be available later in the year, coinciding with Intel’s debut of Arrow Lake.
AMD is now working hard on the development of its Zen 5 Ryzen CPUs, and Intel is working hard on its Arrow Lake architecture. Both companies are slated to deliver brand-new architectures this year. It is expected that Zen 5 will be released in September of this year, given that AMD typically follows a two-year cadence. However, a fresh rumour suggests that AMD has rescheduled the debut of Zen 5 to take place in April than September. In the latter part of this year, it will follow up with the X3D processors, which will come just in time to undermine Intel’s debut of the Arrow Lake computing platform. This is a really astute technique that appears to be geared to extract the maximum punishment possible on its competitor.
A Twitter and YouTube account that maintains a regular posting schedule regarding incoming silicon is the source of the information regarding AMD’s impending plans. According to High Yield, there will not be any significant alterations made to the architecture of AMD’s next-generation processor, which will be referred to as Ryzen 9000. All of the major specifications from Zen 4 will remain the same, according to their leaked specifications, which hint that AMD will employ TSMC 4nm silicon. It will continue to achieve a maximum of sixteen cores, utilise the same 6nm I/O die, maintain the same chiplet design, and provide clock speeds that are comparable. It is expected to achieve a “double-digit” increase in IPC over Zen 4, which is between 10 and 20%, according to the source, despite the fact that it does not contain any significant changes.
The best desktop central processing units (CPUs) for Zen 5 are rumoured to be launched by AMD in April, which is well ahead of schedule. Taking advantage of the lack of enthusiasm for Intel’s Raptor Lake upgrade, which has put the business in a vulnerable position due to the fact that it is an unimpressive product cycle for Intel, appears to be the logic behind this decision. It is also rumoured that AMD will introduce its X3D processors later in the year in order to steal the thunder from Intel’s launch of its Arrow Lake central processing unit. Consequently, this would indicate that we would most likely see them around the month of September, with Intel’s CPUs following closely behind.
Other famous tech leakers have challenged this launch date, claiming that AMD would follow the same cycle as it did with Zen 4 by launching conventional chips later this year, followed by X3D at CES 2025. It is believed that AMD will follow the same cycle as it did with Zen 4. The next-generation AM5 chipset is another issue that is not covered in this most recent roundup. According to reports, it will not be available any time soon, and it may not even be available at all. Existing X670 and B650 motherboards will be used instead because the input/output (I/O) is not going to be altered. The rates of DDR5 RAM will continue to increase until they reach DDR5-6400, but that is about it.
As a result, everything appears to be a little underwhelming. We had anticipated that AMD would make a node jump from TSMC 5nm to 3nm, but given the timing and the likely cost, it is possible that this has not yet occurred. It is also possible that AMD will use TSMC 4nm in order to save some money, and it is not as if the company requires something that is truly next-generation in order to compete with the Raptor Lake upgrade.
A tile-based design, backside power delivery, and the use of Intel 20A with RibbonFET transistors are some of the distinguishing characteristics of Arrow Lake, which is a new kettle of fish. For the time being, it is unknown whether or not X3D will be able to have its meal. The V-Cache chips manufactured by AMD, on the other hand, have consistently outscored those manufactured by Intel in games while consuming less power. As a result, we anticipate AMD to steal the thunder from Intel later this year, even with a “refresh” of its own.


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AIT Worldwide Logistics Expands to Open Canadian Office in Toronto
ITASCA, ILLINOIS (August 6, 2013) – With today’s opening of the company’s newest international office in Toronto, Ontario, global expansion continues to be the defining theme for AIT Worldwide Logistics.
The first-ever Canadian location in AIT’s network is headed by Independent Contractor Branko Burazin. A logistics expert with almost three decades of operations experience, Burazin has dedicated his entire career to serving the ‘Golden Horseshoe’ region of southern Ontario which encompasses more than 25% of the country’s population. “AIT-Toronto will combine entrepreneurial passion with the global reach of an established leader in transportation management to deliver a solutions-based approach to logistics,” he said. Burazin added, “I’m thrilled to be part of an organization that, at the very core, is built on a tradition of family values.”
“The establishment of this location in the commercial and financial center of the United States’ largest trading partner is an integral step in our expansion strategy,” said AIT’s Executive Vice President, Ray Fennelly. “We are ecstatic to have a true industry professional in Branko supporting our growth and our customers in the region.”
Vaughn Moore, President and CEO of AIT commented, “Our company places a high value on the vast experience that Branko brings to the AIT family and we offer him our warmest welcome. The Toronto office not only helps to extend AIT’s global footprint, but it will also strengthen the relationships with our Canadian customers and partners, generating many exciting new opportunities.”
AIT-Toronto is a 5,000 square foot facility serving the fifth most populous city in North America and positioned adjacent to Toronto Pearson International Airport, one of the 20 busiest airports in the world. Among its full range of supply chain services, the location specializes in time-sensitive transportation and third-party logistics (3PL) offerings including warehousing, fulfillment and asset destruction:
AIT Worldwide Logistics
1745 Bonhill Road, Unit 5
Mississauga, Ontario L5T 1C1
Phone: +1 (905) 565-6515
Fax: +1 (905) 565-5930
Toll free: +1 (855) 565-6515
About AIT Worldwide Logistics
Founded in 1979, Itasca, Illinois-based AIT Worldwide Logistics is a full service transportation management provider. AIT’s 42 offices join 190 global service centers to form a vast partner network spanning six continents. By coupling a flexible non-asset based business model with robust technology that presents end-to-end shipment visibility, AIT delivers precisely tailored supply chain enhancements for almost every industry imaginable. With creative, competitively priced multimodal solutions, AIT removes the complexity from global logistics puzzles, helping companies thrive by regaining focus on the core goals of their business. For more information, visit www.aitworldwide.com.
At AIT, we passionately value our co-workers, partners and communities while vigorously seeking opportunities to earn our customers' trust by delivering exceptional worldwide logistics solutions.
AIT Worldwide Logistics, Inc.
P.O. Box 66730
Chicago, IL 60666-0730


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More alcohol producers turn to organic ingredients
ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Leah Caplanis used to haul a cooler of organic vegetables around Chicago. It was the holistic remedy she turned to after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer at the age of 26.
Currently 31 and cancer-free, Caplanis has turned her organic focus to alcohol.
She's the CEO of Social Enjoyments, which brews a pair of sake wines out of the Third Street Brewhouse in Cold Spring, Minn., using only certified organic products.
"It's a way of looking at alcohol with new eyes," said Caplanis, who abstained from alcohol for three years during cancer treatment.
Alcohol producers are starting to see things the same way.
Some breweries, wineries, distilleries, tequilerias and other liquor producers have turned to all organic ingredients. Third Street also contract-brews a non-alcoholic organic soda called Gusto.
"There's a sense that it's a growing industry," said Matt Krajnak of Milwaukee's Lakefront Brewery Inc., which is credited with creating the first U.S. Department of Agriculture-certified organic beer when they released the Organic ESB (Extra Strong Bitter) in 1996.
"If I had to make a call, it's probably going to move a lot slower than organic food has over the last few years. But eventually people will wake up to it."
Lakefront has since discontinued the ESB, but continues to brew multiple certified organic beers.
Last week, the brewery released an organic barleywine aged in organic rye whiskey barrels from Virginia-based Catoctin Creek Distilling Co. Krajnak said the beer is the first of its kind and is distributed in Wisconsin and Illinois.
"One thing we've noticed is there wasn't a whole lot to work with back (in 1996) — maybe only five total types of malt and hops to work with," Krajnak said. "Now, there's hundreds of malts and thousands of hops that are certified organic.
"It creates more variety and the opportunity for more diverse styles. The possibilities are now endless."
Scheduled to be a year-round offering, Hopvale uses organic lemon peels in addition to organic malt and hops.
Summit experimented with all-organic ingredients in 2013 as part of its limited release Unchained series.
"There's a real vibrancy to the aroma and flavor you get from organic ingredients," said Summit's head brewer Damian McConn, who visited the farms that produce Hopvale's ingredients.
"What amazes me is how hands-on these growers are and their attention to detail. With Hopvale we really wanted to showcase the quality of organic ingredients available to brewers today."
For Caplanis, her Social Enjoyments inspiration came from applying her holistic eating habits to her favorite drink — a vodka soda.
She ended up pursuing sake wines because sake is also naturally gluten-free.
Social Enjoyments has released two flavors, hibiscus cucumber and toasted coconut almond, and is constantly experimenting with new flavors. It recently expanded distribution within the Midwest, including Minnesota.
Each Social Enjoyments can features a full nutrition listing, something Caplanis hopes catches on in the alcohol industry. Both flavors on the market contain 88 calories per serving, one gram of sugar, one gram of carbohydrates and 4 % ABV.
"People in Chicago have become cult followers," Caplanis said. "And now they are predicting the organic beverage industry to see some of the biggest growth. I'm excited to see the industry grow."


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- Middle East
- Saudi Arabia
- Dtec, OQAL Angel Investors Network Saudi Arabia & Bahrain to support venture investments for sta ..
Dtec, OQAL Angel Investors Network Saudi Arabia & Bahrain To Support Venture Investments For Start-ups
Muhammad Irfan 28 days ago Mon 15th March 2021 | 04:00 PM
DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 15th Mar, 2021) Dubai Technology Entrepreneur Campus (Dtec), the largest tech hub and co-working space in the MENA region wholly owned by Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with OQAL Angel Investors Network, the leading early-stage investor group in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, to enhance the venture investment culture in start-ups and support young entrepreneurs.
The MoU aims to strengthen cooperation between Dtec and OQAL, to support entrepreneurs in the GCC with innovative and bold ideas, through bridging the communication gap between them and the various business sectors. Under this agreement, entrepreneurs will have the chance to meet angel investors, elite experts and specialists, and schedule meetings and agreements.
William Chappell, CFO and Executive Vice President for Technology and Entrepreneurship at DSOA, and Faris Al Rashid, Founder & Chairman of OQAL Org, Khaled Zainalabedin, Founder & President of OQAL Bahrain and Latifa BaNasr, the Chief Executive Officer of OQAL Org in Saudi Arabia, signed the MoU from both parties.
According to the MoU, Dtec and OQAL will be key partners who will support, mentor, and provide special consideration for investments to OQAL and Dtec-based entrepreneurs who would pitch and participate in joint demo day events. The two parties will participate in events aimed at encouraging bold investments, angel investing and establishing a culture of entrepreneurship, to highlight innovative start-ups executed by entrepreneurs and introduce investment companies to them.
In addition to investment considerations, the MoU sets out the general frameworks for supporting cross-pollination for a new market entry and scale of target start-ups to both the UAE, Saudi and Bahrain markets.
On this occasion, Chappell said, "The agreement supports entrepreneurs in Dtec and the wider UAE. It also opens new financing opportunities for them, especially in the fields of new technology and work trends based on technology solutions and innovative applications."
Al Rashed, the Chairman of OQAL, said, "Access to early-stage smart capital and angel investment is key to help nurture start-ups, and our partnership with Dtec, a strong backer of UAE and regional start-ups is invaluable."
Zainalabedin, President and Founder of OQAL in Bahrain, said, "We are very excited about this collaboration, which opens doors for GCC entrepreneurs and Start-ups to a significant source and access to both financial and business support."
OQAL group facilitates the link between entrepreneurs who have innovative ideas and promising projects and financiers to achieve economically feasible partnerships.


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Ola Electric has raised about USD 200 million (around Rs 1,500 crore) from a clutch of investors in a fresh funding round, valuing the electric vehicle maker at over USD 5 billion, according to sources. Ola Electric has closed a USD 200 million round at over USD 5 billion valuation - a jump of almost 70 per cent from the previous round, they added.
The latest round saw participation from existing investors and some US-based bluechip tech funds, the sources said.
When contacted, Ola declined to comment. On September 30, Ola had announced raising over USD 200 million in funding from Falcon Edge, SoftBank and others, valuing it at USD 3 billion.
While the round was closed around June, the official announcement was made recently.
The company has previously raised over USD 600 million from investors, including Tiger Global and Matrix India. This included a USD 100 million debt from Bank of Baroda that was announced in July.
The fresh funding will help Ola Electric to accelerate vehicle development across its range of scooters including mass-market scooters, motorbikes, 4Ws and other vehicle form factors.
In September, Ola had stated that the sales of its S1 electric scooters crossed Rs 1,100 crore in two days. The two e-scooters - Ola S1 and S1 Pro - were unveiled in August this year. The purchase window will re-open in November.
Ola has completed phase I construction of its manufacturing plant, spread across 500 acres, in Tamil Nadu. The company had announced an investment of Rs 2,400 crore towards the facility. The factory will be run entirely by women and employ over 10,000 women at full scale.
The company had previously stated that it would initially start with a 10 lakh annual production capacity and then scale it up to 20 lakh, in line with market demand, in the first phase.
Ola Electric had claimed that its plant - when fully completed - would have an annual capacity of one crore units, "that is 15 per cent of the world's entire total two-wheeler production". Also read:
“Ola Future factory which is the largest two-wheeler factory in the world, is our global manufacturing hub. We will take the products all around to newer international markets and across Europe, UK, ASEAN and south-east Asia as well.”
"Ola Cars will begin with pre-owned and, over time, Ola will open it up for new vehicles from Ola Electric and other automotive brands as well...Starting with 30 cities, Ola Cars will soon scale up to over 100 cities by next year," it said in a statement said on Thursday.
We are extremely saddened to inform the untimely demise of Vikram S Kirloskar, Vice Chairman, Toyota Kirloskar Motor on 29th November 2022. At this time of grief, we request everyone to pray that his soul rests in peace. Last respect can be paid at Hebbal Crematorium, Bengaluru, at 1 pm on Wednesday, Toyota said.
According to ETAuto sources, the raid began at the company’s Corporate office in Gurgaon around 3:00 PM and continued till the story is filed. The latest development comes in light of heightened scrutiny by law-enforcement agencies on companies operating in India which have links with neighboring country, China.


text: Apparently, retailers’ extensive prep work – including shoring up their fulfillment and shipping processes – will pay off in online sales. Holiday e-commerce sales are expected to soar 15 percent this year to $78.7 billion, according to numbers released this week by Forrester Research. The Forrester projection is somewhat in line with other researchers’ estimates: EMarketer also projects that U.S. holiday e-retail sales will increase 15.1% this year, while Deloitte LLP predicts a 12.5 percent to 13 percent increase in U.S. non-store sales, which primarily consists of online sales. “Strong economic growth and low unemployment rates project a healthy playing field for online holiday sales and outweigh any lingering dampening effect of the government shutdown,” the Forrester report stated. “This strength is even more evident online than it is offline, as consumers continue to shift their spending to multiple digital devices from stores.” More consumers are shopping online this year because, essentially, they believe the process is cheaper and easier. 61% of U.S. consumers surveyed by Forrester said they shop online because it is easier than going to stores. As we have discussed here previously, free or inexpensive shipping is not hurting e-commerce sales either. 50 percent of shoppers said they would consider buying from an internet retailer they have never purchased from before if they offer free shipping or the lowest shipping costs. In addition, 51 percent said they will buy from a new e-tailer when they offer lower prices than other retailers and 42 percent consider new retailers when they offer the “best deals”, which includes coupons and promotions. Online retailers’ reputations also play a factor in consumers’ choice to buy from them. 39 percent said they will purchase products from new e-tailers that are well-known and have a good reputation and 39 percent said they will buy from those that offer free returns by mail. Another factor driving e-commerce sales this holiday season is the significant growth of shopping via mobile devices. Forrester projects that 186 million U.S. consumers will own smartphones by the end of the holidays, and 87 million will own tablets. “In the 2013 holiday season, mobile’s biggest impact will be facilitating cross-channel experiences, as consumers are more likely to use mobile devices to research a product and read customer reviews than to actually make purchases on their devices,” the report said. We believe that many more shoppers than projected will be using mobile for more than just research. The major brick-and-mortar and online retailers have just made it so easy – with improved functionality on their web sites and mobile apps – for consumers to place orders via their smartphones and tablets. We think that analysts and research firms will end up being surprised by the huge number of mobile orders that are fulfilled this holiday season. Do you agree?


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Ever since we left the barter system behind, customers have used money to pay for things. The way money has changed hands, however, has changed drastically over time. Coins and cash evolved into checks and wire transfers. Then came credit cards and debit cards. In today’s digital age, payments are changing even more rapidly. New payment mediums—including NFC services like Apple Pay, contactless credit cards, and cryptocurrencies like bitcoin—are becoming increasingly popular with each passing day. In the fintech-driven mobile era, payment technology continues to move forward.
Customers today demand personalized experiences. When it comes to payments, this means that they’d like to be able to pay for things using whichever payment mediums they prefer. Stay on top of these six trends to give your customers more payment options and meet their expectations in 2019 and beyond.
1. More and more Americans will stop using cash
Cash has been disappearing from American wallets for quite some time. But according to a recent report by Visa, the situation is getting more pronounced. In fact, 29 percent of Americans don’t buy anything with cash. Conversely, the number of Americans who buy everything with cash has dropped from 24 percent to 18 percent since 2015.
In other words, stores that only accept cash will see their customer base dwindle. To prepare for the future, merchants need to move to new POS systems that accept modern payment methods, including NFC payments, mag stripe, and chip cards.
2. Contactless payment cards will become increasingly common
Contactless credit cards—cards that use NFC technology and don’t need to be swiped or inserted into a chip reader—are being used more often around the world. During the most recent World Cup in Russia, for example, 45 percent of all Visa purchases were made via contactless cards. In the United States, 99 percent of the top 200 retailers now accept contactless payments. You can expect this trend to accelerate as customers get more familiar with NFC payment methods.
3. New payment forms will continue to emerge
Just as digital wallet services like Apple Pay and Google Pay have come online in recent years, new payment forms will continue to emerge. For example, on Singles’ Day in China, 60 percent of shoppers paid by taking a selfie or using a fingerprint scan. Additional biometric payment forms may emerge in the future, too. Is it impossible to imagine a device that accepts payment by scanning your eyes?
4. Digital wallet adoption will grow
To date, digital wallet adoption has grown slowly because customers aren’t quite ready to change their payment behaviors. Still, more and more consumers are expected to use this payment medium over the next few years as younger customers accumulate more purchasing power. Merchants who are in the position to take payments from digital wallets stand to benefit, but those who still rely on old-fashioned POS systems will have to turn at least some customers away.
5. Security will remain a top priority for merchants
In recent years, several brand-name companies have suffered massive data breaches—and have therefore been forced to deal with the pricey consequences. For this reason, it comes as no surprise that the cybersecurity market is booming as many shrewd business owners move to protect personally identifiable information (PII). Merchants wishing to protect this data will increasingly move to modern payment solutions that are PCI-compliant and include built-in security features out of the box. In doing so, they’ll get the peace of mind that comes with knowing their sensitive data is secure.
6. Merchants will use apps designed to support their workflows
Businesses in all industries are using modern solutions that help them get more done more efficiently. In this light, as more and more retailers move to smart payment solutions, they will extend their investments by adding third-party apps to their POS systems to make managing their businesses easier.
For example, apps like Homebase make time management easier, and apps like Paya enable business owners to create and manage loyalty programs in just a few clicks.
Prepare for the future with a smart payment solution!
If your retail business is still relying on the same cash register or POS system you’ve been using for many years, it’s time to upgrade to a smart payment solution designed to scale with your business and prepare you for the future. In doing so, you’ll be able to meet your customers’ expectations by giving them access to modern technology and more payment options while expediting the checkout process and ensuring that transactions are secure.
Add it all up, and you improve the overall customer experience—delighting your customers while strengthening your bottom line.


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WABCO Holdings Inc. Thursday announced that it has been awarded a new long-term agreement by a major manufacturer of commercial vehicles headquartered in Europe.
WABCO will supply brake actuator technologies for a new truck platform that will enter into new markets in Southeast Asia. Series production is expected to begin in 2016 at the customer’s plant in Thailand.
Designed by WABCO engineers in India, these brake actuators have been optimally adapted for the customer’s local product applications in the region of Southeast Asia, the company says.
At the same time, WABCO will supply its products from its factory in Rayong, Thailand. Opened in 2013, it is WABCO’s newest factory within its global manufacturing network in 11 countries on 4 continents. Even though newly inaugurated, WABCO’s factory in Rayong already delivers superlative quality through zero defects for every million parts produced.
“This new long-term contract demonstrates how we have further leveraged the global power of WABCO through outstanding engineering and design capabilities in India combined with newly established world-class manufacturing capacity located in Thailand,” says Leon Liu, WABCO President, Truck, Bus & Car Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) Division. “What differentiates WABCO is the power of our globalization and, as anticipated, we are helping a major European commercial vehicle maker to further expand its success in Southeast Asia.”


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Following up on the release of today’s Twitter Lite launch, the company has laid out new plans in launching a new developer API experience later this year. According to Twitter, they will be unifying the API platform so that businesses and developers can scale new applications. Citing companies like Sprout Social and the USGS, Twitter hopes to refine the platform’s API to help these businesses innovate.
Twitter’s API has been a point of contention between the company and developers. Many third-party Twitter apps have gone so far as building out their own custom systems to parse through the Twitter data they want. With today’s announcements, Twitter is redefining the API experience by making it easier for developers to get and parse through that data.
In creating a unified API experience, developers will be able to filter data from Twitter, easily search through Twitter archives, and even get realtime account data like Likes and Follows. This of course means that depending on the type of business the developer is building for, they may need different levels of scale for the data. Twitter is offering free access and paid access, depending on the developer’s current and future needs.
On top of an API overhaul, Twitter is also set to build out new products and solutions based on the data they have. Noting that Twitter “represents the largest openly searchable corpus of human conversation in history,” Twitter will be launching a new API to help developers parse through this data. With their new offering, the company will help businesses discover what “products to build, how to market them, who their customers are, and what people think of their products and services”.
One strong point of discussion from today’s announcements also points to improvements in the way businesses interact with customers. Twitter will be launching new APIs that developers can create applications around that help foster the “next generation of customer experiences” combining “human service and automation”.
An updated and improved Twitter API means that third-party applications would be able to better integrate and improve their product offerings. Apps like Tweetbot and Twitterific will be able to further refine their code, but more importantly create new experiences that weren’t possible before.
These updates from Twitter today represent what looks to be a new direction in developer relations from the company. Not everything announced today will be available immediately, but it does show signs that they’re actively working on improving the overall third-party experience.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.


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21 September 2020 - Deborah Wilkes
Europe’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has confirmed its recommendation that all medicines containing ranitidine should be suspended in the European Union.
The CHMP re-examined its recommendation following a request from a company marketing ranitidine medicines (click here to read the News story).
Announcing the suspension in April 2020, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) said the move was a “precaution” due to the presence of low levels of an impurity called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which is a probable human carcinogen (click here to read the News story).
Follows action in the US
The suspension was announced just one month after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asked manufacturers to withdraw all prescription and OTC medicines containing ranitidine from the market immediately (click here to read the News story).


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Next gen talk is continuing to ramp up with each passing day. Recently, Sony revealed new details on the upcoming PS5, which we now know is officially coming out in Holiday season of 2020, while Sony have also confirmed that the console will be unveiled in full next year as well. And as next gen approaches, discussions of what it will enable developers to do with new hardware are becoming more pertinent.
We recently conducted an interview with Grzegorz Kurek and Andrzej Sugier, game director and game designer respectively at Mass Creations – who’re at work on the upcoming beat ’em up Shing! After speaking about their game for a bit, we eventually moved on to next-gen talk, and when asked about what difference PS5’s AMD Zen 2 CPU in particular will make in particular, their response was simple: “Physics, physics and physics!”
“CPU power in today’s games is mostly used to handle physics, CPU particles and animations,” they said. “New CPUs will allow for higher fidelity in the worlds we create. More stuff could animate, interact with each other, be destroyed or moved. We use physics in Shing! for fighting. When you hit an enemy, you apply actual force to his body – it feels better but at the same time it is heavy on the CPU.
“Also the chopped off parts are physical objects, so we have to manage how many of them can be on screen at the same time. We had to pass on an option to cut the same enemy more than once when it dies, because it generated a lot of stress for the CPU. On new platforms it shouldn’t be such big of a deal.“
With a reveal for the PS5 – and the Xbox Scarlett – not too far away, we will likely find out soon enough just what these consoles will be able to do, not just in theory, but in practice as well. The possibilities for now seem exciting, so here’s hoping they live up to the expectations.
Meanwhile, Mass Creations’ Shing! is due out in 2020 for the PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Our full interview with Mass Creations will be live soon, so stay tuned.


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By Russ Gager
Although shopping centers and malls may be built out in the United States, there still are opportunities to renovate them and take them more upscale through the addition of new tenants and improved amenities, David Contis, president of Simon Property Group told the 235 attendees at the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) at the 2012 Research Connections conference at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago Oct 1.
With 164 malls worldwide and 34 properties, Simon Property Group is adding upscale tenants and sliding doors, better seating and bathrooms, and children’s playgrounds to more than half of its retail portfolio to improve the properties’ market shares, Contis said in a wide-ranging discussion moderated by John Riordan, ICSC past president and lifetime trustee.
Contis also is bullish on incorporating mobile retailing into the brick-and-mortar shopping experience. He pointed out that Amazon.com wants a retail store and Apple relies on them. “At the end of the day, the Internet is moving more in our favor,” Contis asserted. “People still want to touch the merchandise.”
He used as an example a banner that pops up on a retailer’s website when a customer is ordering online that asks whether the customer would like to pick up the item at a nearby mall’s store instead of shipping it. Contis also pointed out how Apple uses its in-store computer classes to soft-sell additional hardware and software, something it cannot do on the Internet. Geofencing can be used to restrict customers’ in-store Wi-Fi access, he said, but he stressed positive synergies with online and mobile retailing.
Contis acknowledged the current trends toward building and converting malls to lifestyle centers and outlet malls or hybrids of conventional and outlet stores, but predicted that growth of those eventually would slow. He also praised the growth of retailing in Brazil and China, and the collection of sales taxes on Internet purchases to level the playing field with brick-and-mortar stores. Overall, his message was to take advantage of the changes in retailing by innovating rather than trying to block, ignore or reverse them.
Russ Gager is the editor-in-chief of Retail Merchandiser magazine. He can be reached at email@example.com.


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At the heart of Evonik Industries AG’s diversification from basic chemicals to dietary supplements lies the humble Scandinavian bilberry.
The fruit forms the basis of Medox, the Essen, Germany-based company’s first consumer product that’s being rolled out in Germany and promoted for its health benefits. Like the diminutive blueberry, Evonik’s nascent operation is small—generating just a few million euros so far—yet strategic as the firm makes the leap into online marketing.
“This isn’t huge but we learn a lot for almost every business,” deputy CEO Harald Schwager says. “If you can’t manage a three-click sales approach, you will not be successful in business-to-business either.”
Evonik’s move into retailing mirrors Royal DSM NV, a rival Dutch chemical maker that has built a supplements business worth more than 275 million euros (US$321 million) annually. It also provides a training ground for online sales of industrial chemicals and materials, which form the backbone of the company’s business. The $4 trillion global chemical sector embraced internet sales relatively late, partly due to the logistics challenges posed by the distribution of potentially toxic or volatile substances.
Lining up the next ‘Chemazon’
“E-commerce in chemicals is a big thing,” said Deloitte LLP partner and chemical specialist Wolfgang Falter. “Who will be the new Chemazon?”
Evonik is among chemical makers exploring e-commerce platforms like Alibaba.com and Amazon Business. It also set up a portal called OneTwoChem used by buyers, distributors and other rival suppliers. Medox highlights the opportunity of online sales. Since acquiring the brand in 2016, sales have grown at a double-digit pace to about 15 million euros annually as it expands in Germany and China, encouraging Evonik to go further.
Schwager joined Evonik a year ago from BASF SE, the world’s biggest manufacturer of chemicals and also based in Germany. In addition to modernizing sales channels, he’s also charged with executing CEO Christian Kullmann’s 200 million-euro cost cutting plan that will lead to 1,000 job cuts.
The 171-year-old company is steeped in tradition as well as complexity. The overhaul aims to streamline the portfolio to 17 business lines from 22, and sell a commodity methacrylates business. Investors are beginning to take note, with Evonik stock up 10% in the past year. The shares traded 0.3% higher at 32.60 euros as of 9:52 a.m. on Sept. 21.


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Cannabis events, top CBD products for moms, and investing in the cannabis industry top Medical Marijuana, Inc.’s headlines this week.
Medical Marijuana, Inc. and our family of companies continue to be leaders in the cannabis industry, as demonstrated by the inclusion of our companies in a number of news stories this past week. Here are our highlights.
Medical Marijuana, Inc. and our CEO Dr. Stuart Titus were included among the ten top cannabis companies and their leadership in an article in Entrepreneur Magazine that investigated the potential effects stemming from the resignation of Jeff Session, the nation’s former Attorney general.
In the article, Dr. Titus was quoted saying, “The unexpected resignation of U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions represents another positive event for the cannabis industry. Sessions’ stance on cannabis had been a major impediment toward cannabis reform, and now industry participants hold new hopes for sweeping change at the Federal level. Along with the defeat of Pete Sessions in the U.S. House of Representatives, there is renewed enthusiasm for cannabis-friendly legislation to be passed in the coming year.”
With the exit of Jeff Session and the introduction of Matthew Whitaker as U.S. Attorney General, the cannabis industry is forced to play a waiting game until his approach to legal cannabis is revealed. However, according to the article, “One thing is clear based on these ten cannabis executives’ perspectives. The resignation of Attorney General Jeff Sessions is expected to be a positive change for the marijuana industry.”
You can find the latest cannabis industry news here.
Medical Marijuana, Inc. Listed as Investment Opportunity
A recent article posted on Equities.com looks at the recent cannabis stock boom and the companies worth investing in across the cannabis sector. While recognizing the risk behind investing in products that are controlled at the national level, the article also points out the immense potential for growth in this rapidly expanding industry.
The article reads, “There are some risks. It’s a volatile market, and there will likely soon be too much product in Canada as supply overcompensates for demand. Timing will prove vital, as federal laws could relax, or states could vote to legalize, at least in part, some drugs. The opportunity for investment, however, is still currently viable.”
You can learn more about investing in Medical Marijuana, Inc. here.
Popular parenting site Daily Mom featured CBD oil products from Kannaway as among the 22 best on the market in an article titled, “22 CBD Products That Will Change Your Life”. The article features a wide range of CBD from top manufacturers, including two brands from Kannaway: the company’s Rev!ve CBD tinctures and Essential Oils.
Of Kannaway’s Rev!ve line, the article said, “Give yourself a boost of energy every morning with Rev!ve AM from Kannaway, or help yourself fall asleep with Rev!ve PM. Rev!ve AM contains 10 mg of CBD oil along with their Bîbong Blend of astragalus, ginseng, goji berry, licorice root, and other unique blends to create an energizing morning. Rev!ve PM contains 16.67 mg of CBD oil along with ginseng root, euphoria root, and other unique blends to create a peaceful night’s rest. Both are taken orally.”
“Cannabis oil can be used in a variety of ways, and every day essential oils will help keep everyone in the family feeling like their best selves,” the article continues. “This essential oil trio from Kannaway helps with energy, tranquility, and immunity – all the things a busy family needs during their daily lives. These oils can be diffused in an essential oil diffuser or applied topically if diluted with coconut oil in a roller.”
You can learn more about Kannaway here.
Cannabis Stock Reporters Take Notice of HempMeds® Events
Last week, MMJ Reporter looked at recent activity from the Medical Marijuana, Inc. portfolio of companies, including the participation of HempMeds® in the recent Supplyside West event in Las Vegas. A business-to-business event, Supplyside West allowed HempMeds® to demonstrate its line of bulk CBD products as a potential ingredient in a wide range of finished products. The event expected 16,000 attendees throughout the event.
“We are delighted to exhibit our line of our award-winning CBD products at this year’s conference,” said HempMeds President Todd Morrow in the article. “We are committed to supplying the highest quality CBD to retailers and wholesalers throughout the U.S. and this event will offer invaluable opportunities to network and expand our reach.”
The article continues, “Medical Marijuana Inc (OTCMKTS:MJNA) generated sales of $14.8M, according to information released in the company’s most recent quarterly financial report. That adds up to a sequential quarter-over-quarter growth rate of 40.5% on the top line. In addition, the company has a strong balance sheet, with cash levels far exceeding current liabilities ($3.8M against $2.1M).”
You can find more Medical Marijuana, Inc. portfolio news here.


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Get ready for gradual end of LDC-specific support: Tipu Munshi.
Bangladesh should start preparing for the gradual withdrawal of international supports as the country is set to graduate from the group of least developed countries, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said yesterday. The country should move towards signing of free trade agreements (FTAs) or preferential trade agreements (PTAs) to cope with the post-graduation scenario, he said. He was addressing a virtual workshop on “Effective Partnership with the Private Sector for Sustainable Graduation”. The Support to Sustainable Graduation Project of the Economic Relations Division (ERD) organized the event.
The graduation is likely to create new dynamics in international trade and businesses due to the loss of LDC-specific supports, speakers said. “Likewise, we would be able to adjust very well with the upcoming dynamics,” said Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal. The minister called on the private sector to enhance research and development capacity to cope with the upcoming Fourth Industrial Revolution and the LDC graduation. ERD Secretary Fatima Yasmin said the government would prepare a smooth transition strategy in consultation with the stakeholders, including the private sector to grab the opportunities and cope with the challenges of graduation. Abdur Rouf Talukder, senior secretary of the finance division, emphasised intensifying skills development programme to increase the productivity of the workforce. He called for necessary improvement of the education system, providing special incentives to explore new export markets, extending support to start-ups, and improvement of the country’s position in the Ease of Doing Business ranking.
Loans to weak sectors face significant pressure: Moody’s.
Non-performing loans may increase in coming quarters as recovery from pandemic remains slow. Loans to the vulnerable sectors in Bangladesh such as garment, textile, cement and tanneries will face significant pressure as they are yet to see expected recovery from the shock of the coronavirus pandemic, Moody’s said. “The true asset quality of loans will emerge across all sectors, and we expect significant pressure in loans to vulnerable sectors such as readymade garment and textile,” said the global credit rating agency in an analysis.
Between July and January, the first seven months of the fiscal year, the shipment of garment declined 3.44 per cent year-on-year to $18.40 billion as Bangladesh’s key export destinations have been struggling to contain the impacts of the pandemic for more than a year, data from the Export Promotion Bureau showed. Of the earnings from the apparel export, $9.98 billion came from the knitwear shipment, which was up 3.84 per cent. The export of woven items declined 10.85 per cent to $8.41 billion.
“We also expect loans in sectors such as cement manufacturing and tanneries to contribute to asset-quality stress because they have yet to recover from the economic slowdown,” Moody’s said. The analysis said non-performing loans would increase in the coming quarters because of the expiration of credit moratorium period and weakening of the repayment capacity of borrowers as a result of the coronavirus shock. NPLs stood at Tk 94,440 crore as of September, the latest for which data is available. This is down 1.74 per cent from three months earlier and 18.73 per cent year-on-year.
Steel exports jump 83pc.
Bangladesh’s steel export, mainly semi-finished casting products, leaped 82.91 per cent year-on-year during the July-January period of the ongoing fiscal, interestingly coinciding with the ongoing pandemic-induced economic slowdown. Of the export, $10 million worth of goods went to China. Bangladesh’s steel mills primarily import scrap metal to produce the intermediate casting products which need further processing to be turned into finished goods. The industry deals with ferrous waste and scrap, re-melted ingots and products made from such metal of all shapes and sizes such as angles, rods, plates and pipes.
The export destinations are mainly the United Arab Emirates, India, Malaysia, Japan, Thailand, Pakistan and Myanmar. “The export increased due to a leading steel maker exporting around 45,000 tonnes of billet during the pandemic which showed a big jump in steel export,” said Manwar Hossain, president of Bangladesh Steel Mills Owners Association. The leading steel makers tried to bring in cash instead of making a profit by selling at less than the production cost as the situation was not favourable during that time, he said. Shahriar Jahan Rahat, deputy managing director of Kabir Steel Re-Rolling Mills Group said the sector was dependent on importing the raw materials. Rahat said Bangladesh’s annual consumption had risen by 15 per cent to 20 per cent between 2017 and 2019 whereas earlier it was increasing by some 10 per cent.
There are about 40 active manufacturers with a combined capacity to produce nine million tonnes of steel a year. Of them, Abul Khair Steel, GPH Steel, BSRM and KSRM meet more than half of the annual demand of eight million tonnes.
NRB Bank gets new MD
NRB Bank has recently witnessed the appointment of a new managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO). The appointee, Mamoon Mahmood Shah, joined the bank as an additional managing director in 2019, according to a statement. He started his banking career as a probationary officer of IFIC Bank. Shah also worked at EBL, HSBC, Standard Chartered and ANZ Grindlays. He held the position of MD and CEO at ICB Islamic Bank, National Finance and GSP Finance. Shah attained a postgraduate degree in accounting from the University of Dhaka.


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Apple’s Brand Value Now Second Only To Coca-Cola, Survey Reveals
Although there’s little doubt Apple has delivered the goods on countless occasions with regards to its product ranges, it’s fair to say that at times, the Apple brand / logo has carried a sizeable chunk of total sales. Brand power is certainly not infallible, but it is a real reflection on a company’s marketing ability, and although Steve Jobs – one of the best sellers / marketers of Apple-branded products – unfortunately passed away an year ago, the brand of the company he left behind is as strong as ever, with an estimated value now eclipsing that of every other company in the world bar Coca-Cola.
Coca-Cola has long since been used as an example of how a brand, along with persistent marketing, can survive long-term in a market strewn with similar products, and despite the fact that Apple sat a mere 20th place back in 2009, the company’s brand worth is now only $1.3 billion behind the iconic fizzy drinks company.
The survey itself was carried out by Interbrands in order to gauge which brand reigns supreme, and while Coca-Cola is valued at $77.8 billion, Tim Cook’s company isn’t far behind at $76.5 billion. Even though the leap over the last three years has been astonishing in itself, Apple was also placed in seventh only last year, and it would take a brave man to bet against the Apple brand topping the pile when Interbrands fires up its research kit once again next year.
Aside from Coca-Cola, there are a bunch of other companies one may have expected to fend off Apple. As well as the obvious tech giants in IBM, Intel, Google and Samsung, there’s also McDonald’s and General Electric, and the massive gains Apple has made have also earned the company a “top riser” label from Interbrand.
Although Google and Samsung both seem to have the upper hand in the smartphone arena, it appears neither can match the company’s brand appeal. Still, being the number one in terms of devices running its software (Google) and manufacturing numbers (Samsung), it’s unlikely either will be too fazed by the findings. Indeed, with the momentum both companies have gathered over the past 12 months – and with a host of Nexus devices on the horizon – don’t be surprised to see both companies creep up the charts come next year.


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There must be some bizarre advanced political calculus behind this move, because it makes no logical economic or public safety sense. A weak dollar and a high generic dispensing rate imply that even the theoretical financial benefits are minuscule, so the diversion dangers from this bill would never justify the risk. The chart below tells the story.
I don’t see this legislation moving forward, but then again, drug importation has been declared dead more times than an orange parka clad Kenny McCormick. So here’s a brief review of the economic and safety issues. You can also revisit previous Drug Channels articles tagged with Importation.
IMPORTATION WILL BE UNSAFE.
My reasoning is quite simple:
- Diversion is the sale of a drug outside of the distribution channels for which it was originally intended, as in “made to be sold in Europe but diverted to the U.S.”
- Drug diversion is the primary way that counterfeit drugs get into legitimate pharmacies.
- Importation and parallel trade are—by definition—diversion.
Are all diverted drugs counterfeit? No.
Does the risk of counterfeiting rise dramatically with diversion? Yes.
Why else do you think that the European Parliament has voted yesterday for the Falsified Medicines Directive, which will hopefully reduce counterfeit medicines in Europe due in part to a standardized serialization system. See Europe votes in new anti-counterfeit law.
The U.S. still has a crazy patchwork of pedigree, serialization, and licensing laws across the 50 states. The FDA does not have the authority to put a national system in place. Check out this review of the February 2011 FDA meeting on track-and-trace from Pharmaceutical Commerce.
IMPORTATION WILL NOT SAVE MONEY.
I am amazed at Senator Snowe’s apparently willful disregard for today’s healthcare realities. The new bill, like its infamous predecessors, excludes biologicals and therefore most specialty drugs. So, we are talking about importing traditional brand-name drugs, which are a diminishing part of the industry as the generic dispensing rate climbs.
The chart below tells the story. The value of drug importation declines as we move toward the lower right portion of the chart.
But wait, there's more! Cross-border trade can create shortages if a country happens to be “low cost” based on current exchange rates. Yes, this matters because the U.S. is a nearly bankrupt republic with a debased currency. And any remaining price differences will be absorbed by the middlemen—retailers and wholesalers —while manufacturers and consumers would bear the risks and costs. See my 2007 editorial Importation Illusions.
In December 2009, an aide to President Obama stated the White House still favors drug importation. (source). Let’s hope that the POTUS gets busy with legitimate matters—like, say the long-term fiscal health of our country—instead of this fraudulent and dangerous bill.


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Local artists, musicians and authors will sell their works at a new downtown pop-up store.
The KC Annex at the Garment District Boutique plans to open Friday. It will be in the Garment District Boutique, at 1350 Main St. in the Power & Light District.
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KC Annex will feature works from more than 30 local artists, musicians and authors, including handmade scarves, jewelry, wooden bowls, steel furniture, lighting fixtures, housewares, prints, letterpress cards, books, CDs and more. Prices will start around $10.
Even the shop’s retail displays were handcrafted by students from the Kansas City Design Center using recycled materials.
Amanda Graor, artist liaison and concept developer of the KC Annex, said the collective will give artists more opportunities to sell their works since it will offer set hours and a set location through the holidays.
“There’s not really local art in the Downtown Loop where people can easily access it,” Graor said. “It’s a really good opportunity to show off local work to people who come down to the Sprint Center, the Power & Light District, and who don’t go out of the area.”
KC Annex will host events throughout the holiday season, including talks, live music and demonstrations. Shoppers also will be able to purchase a handcrafted cocktail or a glass of wine from the full-service bar in the center of the Garment District Boutique.
Its lease runs through the end of the year.
The Garment District Boutique is a collective of eight locally owned boutiques. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.


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As we are already used to it, MAC is launching one collection after another and the new rumor is that we will be seeing a NEW MAC Lightfully with Marine Bright Formula Collection for Spring 2012 which will be a permanent collection.
U.S. – 23 February 2012
Asia – March 2012
Take a look at the entire collection right after the cut. Continue Reading


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Malaysian firm develops package-less packaging26 May 2020
A group of Malaysian Ph.D. students won the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Save our Seas global engineering challenge with their new bagless approach to food packaging called the PICAS block. The competition is hosted in partnership with Greenpeace.
This new plastic-less packaging is constructed out of carrageenan – edible red seaweed – and starch to create food blocks that are dissolvable with the application of hot water. While the solution is currently designed for loose, green foods such as beans, the team will begin experimenting with the implementation of this packaging system for grains and lentils.
The problem statement for this most recent challenge asked competitors to design new reusable packaging or reimagine the approach of British supermarkets to dramatically reduce their need for single-use plastic packaging.
In the approach used by NanoMalaysia, the winning team in the competition, the beans are immobilized in a binding starch solution and then encased in carrageenan to prevent any moisture from reaching the product. The design also imparts tensile strength to the packaged beans thereby enabling them to be placed directly into a shopping basket from the shelf without any other protective packaging.
When submerged in boiling water, the starch-seaweed layer can be peeled back and the encased beans are released for cooking. The starch is tapioca-based rather than gelatin-based to make the packaging a viable alternative for all consumers.
Although single-use plastics provide convenience to consumers, they have fallen out of favor in recent years due to concerns about environmental sustainability. An EcoFocus Trends Survey from earlier this year showed a majority of US shoppers feel that healthy products should come with healthy and more sustainable packaging standards, which includes alternatives to plastic.
However, not only are consumers demanding more eco-friendly solutions, but they are willing to pay more for them, too. According to the survey, 64% of millennials say that "to them it is worth paying more for eco-friendly products," which is up 26% compared to the Baby Boomer generation.
Seaweed is a unique choice for this award-winning packaging alternative, albeit one that is growing in popularity. Edible and biodegradable packaging options have come into vogue in recent years and were even spotlighted as one of the top packaging trends for 2020. However, the idea was already in the works as early as 2017 when an Indonesian-based startup called Evoware debuted its edible wrapper made from seaweed. The company’s packaging can be eaten solid, or, much like NanoMalaysia’s solution, can be dissolved in boiling water.
While the idea for edible or biodegradable sustainable packaging is nothing new, it is one that will likely continue to gain steam as consumers continue to look for creative solutions from companies that promote both eco-friendly practices and convenience.
PepsiCo trials digital watermark to facilitate recycling in EU
18 Sep 2020
To help tackle the looming issue of waste management in the European Union, PepsiCo is partnering with a consortium of 85 industry stakeholders and the European Brands Association (AIM) to pilot a digital watermark technology aimed at making recycling ...Read more
PepsiCo’s Naked smoothies switch to 100% recycled plastic in the UK
9 Sep 2020
In the UK, Naked smoothies, including Naked Machines, Naked Lean and Naked Zing are now rolling out in bottles that are made from 100% recycled plastic. PepsiCo also updated the labels on these bottles to attract consumers attention to the use of the r...Read more
Nestlé launches plant-based tuna alternative, Vuna
7 Sep 2020
Nestlé is taking a dive into the plant-based seafood market with its new faux tuna brand Vuna. The plant-based tuna debuted in Switzerland in August under the company’s Garden Gourmet line where it is available for retail as well as sold in pre-made sa...Read more
Israeli biotech startup prints carpaccio
3 Sep 2020
Israeli startup MeaTech 3D has just produced the first building block to create the holy grail of alternative proteins: steak. The biotech startup successfully printed a layer of muscle tissues that resembled carpaccio and proved that sorting muscle an...Read more
New alternative protein fund raises $23 million in capital
2 Sep 2020
New alternative protein venture capital fund, Lever VC, announced that it has $23 million in commitments. The fund will focus on investing in early stage plant-based and cell-cultivated meat and dairy companies. The company said that it remains open to...Read more
Coca-Cola introduces recyclable paperboard rings on its multi-packs
31 Aug 2020
As a result of its effort to remove all unnecessary hard to recycle plastic from its portfolio in Western Europe, Coca-Cola is introducing a paperboard packaging alternative called CanCollar in Spain.Read more
Germany working to impose human rights and environmental supply chain protections by 2021
25 Aug 2020
Germany is taking the lead on human rights and environmental protections in the European Union. The country plans to pass a Supply Chain Law that will oblige companies to analyze whether their business activities have an adverse effect on recognized hu...Read more
Blue Apron co-founder raises $10M to breed a superior chicken
31 Jul 2020
For decades the American poultry breeding business has been dominated by Cobb and Aviagen. However, Cook Ventures, a new breeder focused on slow-growth, heirloom chickens, may give its two major competitors a run for their money.Read more
Study: 2% of Brazil’s soybean farms are responsible for 62% of deforestation
29 Jul 2020
A new study published in the Journal of Science found that 20% of soy and 17% of beef imports into European from Brazil may be contaminated with illegal deforestation. Although a substantial figure, this deforestation is linked to a small number of far...Read more
Two plant-based investment arms are created and invest in ice cream
28 Jul 2020
Two plant-based startups have migrated into the ranks of venture capitalists. Perfect Day recently created The Urgent Company in order to develop CPG products from its animal-free dairy proteins, and Jason Karp, the co-founder of Hu snacks started Huma...Read more
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Around the world, multiple mobile network operators (MNOs) shut down 2G and 3G networks or have plans to do so in the coming years.
This Global Trends report details the status of 2G and 3G switch-offs worldwide, outlining the factors that contribute to accelerating or decelerating switch-offs in specific regions.
- Several countries in the Asia-Pacific region turned off their 2G networks a few years ago, and the 3G switch-off is likely to speed up soon.
- In the Americas, operators in the US and Canada have already switched off their 2G networks, but only the US has shut down 3G services.
- In Europe, many operators are planning to turn off their 3G networks or have already done so.
- Only a few operators in the Middle East and North Africa have shut down or announced they will shut down their 2G and 3G networks.
- Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to take longer to switch off 2G and 3G services, considering their relevance for consumers in the region.
22 September 23
Battery passports become mandatory from 2027 for EV and industrial batteries
The Batteries Regulation entered into force on 17 August 2023, replacing the previous Batteries Directive (2006/66/EC). The requirements of the regulation will be phased in over time from 18 February 2024. Our Tracker provides a handy overview on this regulation.
20 September 23
New Global Trends research on tower companies
Tower companies (TowerCos) build and operate towers which are used as passive infrastructure to host active elements of one or more telecommunications networks. Cullen International’s latest research provides an overview of the TowerCo ecosystem across 12 jurisdictions around the world.
18 September 23
Are governments around the world in control of online content moderation?
Freeing the internet from content that is widely perceived as unwanted has become a priority worldwide. This Global Trends report discusses how a more supervised online environment has evolved across borders through the implementation of online content moderation (OCM) regimes.