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The store joins six other brand shops located at Junction Mall, Westgate Mall, Thika Road Mall, Ridgeways Mall, Tom Mboya Street (Ambassadeur House) and Nyali Mall (Mombasa).
Robert Ngeru, Samsung Electronics East Africa chief operating officer (COO), said at the launch: “The idea behind our brand stores is to change a dull retail shopping trip into an interactive, cheerful experience which is now known as retailtainment, the future of shopping,
“Our customers in Karen, Lang’ata and Rongai regions now have an ideal location to experience the premium Samsung product range including mobile phones, tablets, professional and digital cameras and laptops at their leisure.”
Ngeru added that, aside from the brand shop at Galleria, Samsung East Africa is also developing three more brand shops to be opened in Nairobi’s Central Business District, Mombasa, Kisumu and Eldoret in coming months.
“Our retail development strategy is anchored on a commitment to ensure that we are within the reach of our growing customer base,” he said. “To meet this commitment, we are actively developing branded Shops, Mobile Plazas and Service Centers.”
The launch of the Samsung brand shop comes after the company unveiled its range of premium products in Kenya, including the Galaxy S4, Galaxy Note 8.0, Galaxy Grand Duos and Smart cameras.


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The official lineup for ShipRocked 2017 is now available for viewing.
Strange Music artist Rittz has recently expressed interest in working with Jacoby Shaddix! The connection started when the Papa Roach singer posted on his personal Twitter account, saying that he had recently been discovering some new music, including Rittz.
Posted on Youtube July 23rd by Maxim, an online Russian magazine for men, Papa Roach is featured in a Videosalon Challenge video.
What do y’all think? Would ya like to see Papa Roach and Tech N9ne do some work together?

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Litify, a law firm practice-management technology built on top of the Salesforce.com platform, has raised Series A funding of $50 million in a round led by Tiger Global Management, the company said this morning.
The company will use the financing to create a product for corporate legal departments, as well as an “off-the-shelf” product for smaller law firms.
“This infusion will allow us to increase our investment in our customers’ success including accelerated migrations and a broader product offering, expand our platform to service a larger set of law firm types and sizes, and support our vision ot transform the way law firms operate,” founder Reuven Moskowitz said in a tweet.
Litify previously closed a $5 million funding round in 2017 and $2.5 million in 2018.
Law firms can use Litify’s platform to automate marketing, client management, intake, matters, documents, referrals, reporting, and finance.


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The production version of the 2013 Infiniti JX crossover makes its debut at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show as a production model a few months after the JX Concept debuted at Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance in August.
Read This Article
The 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show is fast becoming memory as we occupy our minds with filling Thanksgiving tables with mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, and the now-traditional turducken.
Infiniti has been busy over the past few weeks.
Infiniti, Nissan's luxury brand, has ambitious plans for the future: Triple global sales by 2016.


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Aéro Montréal receives $3M from Feds
Aéro Montréal, a think tank created in 2006 to represent the interests of Québec's aerospace sector, received $2.977 million in funding to support the development of the StartAero360° initiative. The funds, announced in in Gaspé by Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, are part of a federal strategy for innovation and growth of Québec regions.
November 12, 2018 By Wings Staff
The StartAero360° initiative aims to support Québec aerospace technology SMEs in the pre-commercialization phase of their innovative products, collaboratively responding to a business opportunity that requires the development of an industrial proof of concept. The initiative, according to Aéro Montréal, aims to support 30 SMEs over three years with a total budget of $4.385 million, of which $1.4 million will be provided by the private sector.
The initiative aims to promote and accelerate the adoption of breakthrough innovations on the market; support entrepreneurship and job creation in Canada by enabling SMEs to grow through the commercialization of new products; and boost the presence of Canadian industry internationally through the adoption and export of new and innovative technologies.
Aéro Montréal points to helping with breakthrough products like digital technologies, metadata, artificial intelligence and additive manufacturing. “Our technology SMEs are still struggling to get past the pre-commercialization phase, which is necessary to ensure their commercial success,” said Suzanne Benoît, president of Aéro Montréal. “The StartAero360° initiative has been developed to give our SMEs the support they need to pre-commercialize their most innovative products.”


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With every passing year, Apple continues to amaze the world as it continues to break records consistently, on an annual basis. This is further proven by UBS analyst, Steven Milunovich, which has gathered the sales chart of the iPhones back in Q4 last year.
The research revealed that ever since the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus were launched back in September last year, the device managed to bag a whopping $68billion in profits. The sales figure was gathered from the day the iPhone 6 made its debut, all the way until the last day of 2014.
In figures, this is a sharp rise from the $57.6billion mark on the previous year. Furthermore, this surpasses Wall Street’s estimation of $65.5billion. It can also be said that about $20million was made on a monthly basis from the iPhones.
If the pattern is to continue for the years to come, then we could see Apple overshadowing the Android platform. At the moment, the iPhones is not far behind the Android market share. Also, China is being tipped to up their supply for future iPhones from 22% to 35%.


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Microsoft used “Project Scorpio” as the code name for the Xbox One X, its powerful new gaming console set to release on November 7th. According to a couple of leaks on German website Xbox Dynasty, the company will celebrate the launch with a new day one-style model in which the codename will show up on the console itself. The images show a clear “Project Scorpio” embedded vertically on the Xbox controller, along with a stippled pattern for the rectangular console itself. The specs also show a 1TB capacity, which should make space-hungry gamers happy.
It makes sense for Microsoft to commemorate the release of its powerful new console, of course, though it’s kind of funny that they’re making the codename somewhat official. This isn’t the first time Microsoft has released a special edition on launch day, either. The company released a limited edition of the anticipated gaming box in June of 2013, complete with an embossed “Day One 2013” controller. This previous day one special edition also came with a unique Xbox Live achievement, too, though the leaked information doesn’t mention one for this new edition.


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Thursday, February 3, 2005
DexCom Files For IPO
San Diego-based Dexcom, a medical device developer, announced yesterday that it has filed for an IPO. Dexcom is looking to raise up to $70M for its implantable glucose sensors for diabetes. The company's sensors are intended for long term use for continuous monitoring of glucose levels. DexCom is backed by Canaan Partners, Federated Kaufman Fund, Fog City Fund, Invesco, RWI Group, St. Paul Venture Capital, Warburg Pincus, and Windamere Venture Partners. The company is pre-revenue and lost $17M in 2004.
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Two Years After Killing The Print Edition, NYLON Media is Bringing Back NYLON Guys
NYLON MEDIA RE-LAUNCHES NYLON GUYS IN 2017
The hugely successful men’s focused supplement returns to the pages of NYLON after a brief hiatus with a bi-monthly issue roll out
New York, NY (December 13, 2016) - NYLON Media is excited to announce the revival of NYLON Guys, as a supplement to NYLON’s March, June/July and September issues this year, moving to a bi-monthly issue roll out in 2018 and beyond.
“We are extremely excited to be bringing NYLON Guys back by popular demand from both advertisers and NYLON’s ever-growing audience,” says NYLON’s President Jamie Elden. “In a market where large publishing houses are consolidating print and increasing digital, social, and content platforms, NYLON in the last year has seen significant rise in its print business as part of its explosive growth in its own digital, social, and content platforms.”
NYLON Guys had an enormously successful launch in 2004 and lasted through May 2015, at which time NYLON decided to focus its efforts on its core young female audience. Over the last few years, the men’s fashion and lifestyle consumer print business has seen huge consolidation, which has left many brands and advertising agencies looking for unique, custom ways to reach consumers around quality editorial content.
"We recognized a dearth in the media landscape of the kind of content NYLON Guys did best—smart but unstuffy storytelling and style for the coolest guys on the planet,” says Melissa Giannini, Editor-in-Chief.
"NYLON's readership is roughly 20 percent male, and likewise, NYLON Guys, despite—or maybe because of—its cheeky 'not for girls' tagline, had a significant female audience. Melding the titles into one double-issue, and kicking it off with our annual Spring Fashion issue, is a nod to the fresh ideas that are taking over fashion right now, like gender-neutral style, which we've championed since long before it was an industry trend. It also did not go unnoticed that one of our most popular issues of 2016 featured Jaden Smith as NYLON's first solo male cover star,” says Giannini.
Along with the NYLON Guys print re-issue, NYLON will also be carrying the launch across its extensive digital, mobile, desktop and social platforms reaching over 35M consumers monthly.
NYLON Guys hits newsstands in the Spring issue of NYLON Magazine on February 21.
Two Years After Killing The Print Edition, NYLON Media is Bringing Back NYLON Guys Reviewed by Editor on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 Rating:


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Job listings hint at official Reddit apps for Android and iOS
According to a new job listing, official Reddit apps are in the works for Android and iOS. Reddit is a super-popular social networking site focused on news aggregation alongside general findings that people come across. The job posting was published by Reddit admin taxidermyunicornhead in the For Hire subreddit.
Both Android and iOS have been mentioned on the skill requirement list with Java and Objective C highlighted. We can look to expect a similar, unified experience across the board with the new apps with the addition of location-based advertising and the ability to post content to social networking accounts.
It is still early days, but we'll keep a lookout for more details. Are you interested by an official Reddit app or are you content with the plethora of third-party alternatives already available?
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Today is February 22nd, and in case you don’t remember that means today is the day you can apply for a ticket to attend Google I/O 2017.
Amazon is celebrating its position at the top of a corporate reputation poll by giving its customers $8.63 back off a purchase of $50 or more.
Instagram is about to get a lot more dynamic. Now, one post can house multiple photos and videos.
A full press render of the LG G6 has leaked in the wild, giving us a good look at the upcoming phone before its announcement in a few days.
The Holidays are mostly over and now we’re left with the cold of winter. The best thing to do while you’re snowed in is cozy up with your phone or tablet and play some games.
Firms like CrucialTec are aiming to commercialize finger-reading screen technology as soon as this year.
With the LG G6, LG is set to debut a unique 1:1 shooting mode for the camera. This is what it’ll look like once you get your hands on it.
The latest update to Google’s standard dialer app — Phone — seems to be causing more issues than it claims to solve.
The LG G6 has been leaked more than a faucet, but we’re very close to the official announcement. LG is already revving up the hype train by getting world renowned designers to weigh in on the design.
Yesterday, a report from South Korea suggested Samsung would look to sell refurbished Galaxy Note 7 units in emerging markets like India and Vietnam. Today, Samsung denies that report.
Motorola can now guarantee a solid 12 Moto Mods will launch in 2017.
App releases slowed down a bit during the Holidays, but they’re picking up speed again now. If you’re currently snowed in, we’ve got a great list of apps for you to check out.
The latest LG G6 leak shows the upcoming phone alongside last year’s LG G5. While the G6’s display is .4-inches larger than the G5’s the two phones appear to be quite close in size.
Following yesterday’s leak which gave us out first look at the on-screen “Back” button that will make its debut on Samsung’s Galaxy S8 phones, we now have another image which shows off the on-screen “Home” button for the two phones.
Some phones come with ugly and over complex camera apps that can get in the way of getting the perfect shot. Thankfully, everything in Android can be easily replaced by something better.
LG is teasing more features of the LG G6, this time highlighting what seems to be a focus on water/dust-proofing. The phone will be unveiled on February 26th.
Well, the cat’s just out of the bag now. Renders and prototypes, and now even Samsung-made diagrams are spilling the beans on what the Samsung Galaxy S8 will look like.
Yahoo is still working through a world of nightmares after having revealed high-volume security breaches, so Verizon wants a discount.
The Honor V9 is finally official, and boy is it a looker. If Honor started as a premium mid-range brand, the Honor V9 breaks those expectations and picks itself up a proper flagship.
Count Sprint as the latest major US carrier to roll Nougat out to the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge.
The Huawei Mate 8 is the latest superphone from the Chinese manufacturer. On paper, the Mate 8 is actually better than the Nexus 6P in almost every category. Some would assume that automatically makes the Mate 8 the new king of Android. It’s not that easy.
Trying to keep track of all your favorite RSS feeds can be a pain. Luckily there are a ton of options on the Google Play Store and we take a look at a few of the best.
Samsung is communicating to users that all Windows 10 PCs will be given access to their Samsung Flow app in April.
It seems that update was the pick-me-up it needed as Pokemon GO has once again made it to the top charts of both Apple’s App Store and Google Play.


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If you care about gaming at all, it's impossible to ignore Apple.
The consumer electronics powerhouse is expected to announce a new iPhone today, and could also announce a long-rumored wearable device. Remember when having all your data in your pocket was enough? Now it's time to put it on your wrist, accessible at all times. These are phones and weird watches though, right? How does this impact the world of gaming?
The numbers point the way
Applying sales numbers to an industry debate quickly becomes an issue of asking if you'd prefer apples or oranges, but in this case it's worth doing, just to prove the size and weight of Apple's penetration into the pockets of the world. If you look at the life-to-date sales numbers of all models of the Nintendo 3DS line of handhelds through June of 2014, you see Nintendo has sold 44 million units. That's a monstrous success by any measure.
These markets aren't far from each other
Sony doesn't like to break out sales numbers of the PlayStation Vita, for obvious reasons, so we can assume far fewer units have been sold to date.
In the quarter that ended June 28, Apple sold 35.2 million iPhones. In one quarter. That's a 12 percent jump from the previous year, and that number actually failed to beat analysts' estimates. The sales numbers of iPhones are so high that 35.2 million in one quarter is seen as disappointing in some circles. Apple sold 9 million iPhone 5S and 5c models in three days back in 2013. This is the power of a new model of iPhone.
We track console sales in the hundreds of thousands to low millions per month. Apple tracks its launch sales in millions per day, and these spikes happen at least once a year. Even console launch weekends can't compete. The PlayStation 4 sold 10 million consoles in nine months, for comparison. And yes, these devices are competing. Phones and tablets eat your time and money, and both are a zero-sum game in most households.
These markets aren't the same, but they're not far from each other. And the volume of sales are so heavily weighted in Apple's favor that it's hard to even take the competition seriously.
It's not about apples, it's about opportunity
Of course we're measuring apples to oranges. Your iPhone and iPad allow you to do everything from making calls to reading comic books to playing games to taking pictures and sharing them. I grew up with a digital 8-track recorder in a dumpy basement studio with my guitar and a few drums; that's how I recorded music. My son can do the same thing on his tablet.
The number of devices that smartphones and tablets have eaten is amazing. Apple looks at industries and turns them to dust. Our phone is our preferred camera. It's our Walkman. It's our camcorder. It's our Game Boy. Of course this isn't a fair fight; for most people, good enough is exactly that, and dedicated devices lose almost every time.
"If it wasn't obvious before, it's crystal clear today. The dedicated portable GPS device is dead, with Apple and Google playing pallbearer to Garmin, Magellan and TomTom's hardware businesses," Wired wrote back in 2012 when GPS functionality was added to mobile devices. Who needs to buy a dedicated GPS device when you can download an app, or use the free functionality that comes with your device?
This is where we are with gaming, and it's important to pay attention and treat it with respect. You may personally prefer the bigger screens and dedicated buttons you get with your 3DS and PS Vita — I do too — but what people who write for or read gaming sites don't impact is the overall market. Apple is putting a gaming device into the pockets, hearts and minds of damned near everyone on the planet, and Google is doing the same thing, albeit with a much weaker for-pay app ecosystem on Android.
Apple has created a strong ecosystem for games, and now more people have access to inexpensive, easy-to-play games than ever before. Your parents play games on their phones, and you likely do as well. When it comes time to buy a portable gaming device, or even a console, everyone with a smartphone has to decide if their device doesn't handle games well enough to justify the purchase price of a whole new piece of hardware.
Nintendo has no place to go
You need only look at how much Nintendo is losing quarter after quarter to realize the dangers of pushing devices, and being a company, that only focuses on gaming.
The Wii U is struggling, and the dedicated portable market is softening. If gaming disappeared tomorrow Microsoft would still have its Enterprise division and we need to remember that Sony makes most of its money from selling insurance.
If unitasking devices are falling out of favor, unitasking companies aren't far behind. This is why Apple has its fingers in so many kinds of electronics and businesses. If gaming tanks, if dedicated devices go the way of the GPS, Nintendo has no place to go.
Why today is important for gaming
The idea of dedicated portable gaming devices with buttons and everything is already alien to children who are growing up around multitasking machines and touchscreens. So you can try to ignore the crush of Apple news today, but it will be impossible. For gaming, it's important to pay attention.
Today is going to be a big day for consumer electronics in general, and gaming is going to get hit in the crossfire, for better or worse. You can follow along with the event live at the Verge, and we'll have our own coverage after the event concludes. If Apple is able to do for wearables what it did for portable music players, many things are about to change.
You may not like Apple, and you may not like the style of games that are played on these devices, but the company is about to announce something that will likely eclipse the year's sales of "standard" gaming portable devices in a few hours.


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Wireless carriers balked at allowing Samsung Electronics Co to load its Galaxy S10 device with an app search capability that Google lacked, due to potential conflicts over their contracts with Google, a former Samsung investment adviser said at the search giant’s antitrust trial.
“The carriers had concerns it cannibalised their existing search revenues,” said Patrick Chang, a former director at Samsung Next Ventures, a US-based venture capital arm of the South Korean electronics company.
Samsung Venture officials considered the across-apps search function devised by Branch Metrics to offer “a huge potential opportunity” because Google at the time couldn’t do that, Chang said.
Founded in 2013, Branch Metrics raised $650 million from New Enterprise Associates Inc, Samsung Next Fund and other venture capital investors to build a search engine for mobile apps.
Alex Austin, a Branch Metrics co-founder, earlier told the court that Samsung restricted some functionality because of concerns about its contract with Google. The product was only allowed to search 25 apps and hid results from any apps not already installed on the phone, Austin said.
“Google is clearly buying its way to squelch competitors,” David Eun, who was president of Samsung Next at the time, said in a 2020 email to Chang.


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CSG UK’s 2014 Product Launch is just over a week away and – due to high demand – the distributor has extended opening hours in to the evening – as well as adding a highlights presentation and treating dealers to a slap up buffet.
The shows are returning to the venues of the Manchester Velodrome and Mercedes Benz World – the latter has proved so popular that Wednesday spaces are now filled – Thursday hours have been extended into the evening to cope with demand.
Northern Show: National Cycling Centre Manchester:
Sunday 11th August 10am-6pm, presentation 11am
Monday 12th August 10am-6pm, presentation 11am
Southern Show: Mercedes Benz World Weybridge:
Wednesday 14th August 5pm-8pm, REGISTRATIONS NOW CLOSED
Thursday 15th August 10am-8pm, presentation 11am
Friday 16th August 10am-4pm, presentation 11am
Existing dealers, media and new business customers should register at: http://www.cyclingsportsgroup.co.uk/product-launch
The show will see 2014 bicycle lines from Cannondale, GT, Mongoose and Wethepeople, the new GT and Cannondale P&A, Sugoi Spring/Summer ‘14 apparel and lines from Muc-Off, Salt, Xposure and Eclat.
40+-year-old Californian brand GT will be showing the new Fury DH bikes that have been flying high on the World Cup circuit and winning dual National Championship titles under the control of Rachael and Gee Atherton, as well as the all new Sensor and Force 650B trail bikes. GT also have a revamped urban line to support dealers with their daily commuter sales.
Fresh from Peter Sagan winning the Green Jersey at the Tour De France, Cannondale’s highlights will be the all-new Synapse, described by the media as ‘an endurance bike game changer’ and new Evo road models at never-before-seen opening price points.
Charge Bikes will debut an extended but simplified range that the brand is proclaiming to be the most consumer-friendly on the market. They will also show the new Cooker Maxi ‘fat bike’ that has been spied on the web.


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Two out of three executive leaders believe their current CRM system is not enough for their future customer engagement needs, according to a recent survey.
In a Facebook Live session, Volker Hildebrand, global vice president of Strategy, SAP Hybris, shared his perspectives on why companies have to look beyond traditional CRM in order to adequately meet the needs for their customers in today’s digital economy.
Data and customer engagement: Businesses need to think beyond traditional CRM
With the evolution of technology, consumers are more connected to information than ever before. And because of this, businesses need to understand and innovate based on what their customers want, and in real time.
“There’s a paradigm shift from customer relationship management,” said Hildebrand. “It’s shifting away from managing those relationships towards a customer engagement, where you can really engage with your customers in the moment when it matters to them, as opposed to following your internal processes. You’ve got to think beyond the silos of commerce, marketing or service.”
If service isn’t convenient, you could be losing revenue
Because of hyper-connectivity, consumers today don’t have time to waste – and neither does the company that is trying to serve their needs. According to Hildebrand, convenience is a “huge competitive differentiator” when it comes to powerful and effective customer engagement. “Consumers are saying ‘if you make my life easy for me, then I’d rather do business with you than anybody else,’” Hildebrand explained.
There’s a business imperative, then, that companies must understand and leverage the access points where customers are making inquiries on their products. Gone are the days when sending an email to an identified group was enough to secure a sale. “Traditional methods of mass-marketing doesn’t resonate anymore, and they’re being ignored by the audience,” Hildebrand explained.
So how do companies get the attention of the consumers they are trying to reach by harnessing data and customer engagement? They must “blur” the lines of reaching the customer. For Hildebrand, it’s about connecting “unassisted and assisted service” to the customer so they feel more confident with the purchase they are about to make.
Customer service, for example, has traditionally been a touchpoint post-sale; now these reps are central to helping customers have the information they need to confidently make purchases.
“Data is the fuel for customer engagement and being able to pull together all the relevant information about in real-time,” Hildebrand said.


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Patagonia Plans to Donate $2 Million from Black Friday Sales
While other stores close their doors for the day, Patagonia will stay open and give away every cent of what it earns to environmental nonprofits
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Black Friday sales are huge boons to retailers and make up a significant portion of their income. But Patagonia has decided to forgo any profits this year and instead donate 100 percent of the money it brings in on this one day (through both its stores and website) to grassroots environmental organizations working on conservation issues related to climate change and soil, water, and air quality.
Patagonia estimates sales on Black Friday to reach more than $2 million, which will make this one of the company’s largest one-time donations. The list of potential grant recipients is long and varied and includes places like the Grand Canyon Wildlands Council, the California Coastkeeper Alliance, Winter Wildlands Alliance, 350.org, Access Fund, Surfrider Foundation, and many more.
“These are small groups, often underfunded and under the radar, who work on the front lines,” Rose Marcario, CEO and president of Patagonia, wrote in a statement. “The support we can give is more important now than ever.”
Patagonia, a founding member of 1% for the Planet (a coalition of companies that give at least one percent of their annual net revenues to environmental organizations), has stuck to this cause and donated more than $74 million since 1985.
Durango, Colorado–based Conservation Lands Foundation, which works to protect public lands, has received hundreds of thousands of dollars from Patagonia over the past five years and could be on the list to receive more from this week’s Black Friday sales. “Right now, we’re losing open space at a rapid pace, and we’re seeing a huge decline in wildlife across the globe,” says Brian O’Donnell, executive director for the foundation.
Patagonia isn’t the only outdoor company rethinking Black Friday. REI will again be closing all of its 149 stores and shutting down its website to encourage customers and employees to head outside. Outdoor Research will also be closing its Seattle headquarters and retail store on Friday and plans to donate up to $5,000 to an adaptive sports nonprofit. And for the third year, Arcade Belts is promoting White Friday and will donate $5 for every belt sold through Thanksgiving weekend to the nonprofit organization Protect Our Winters.
“We have made so much progress on climate recently, but with the recent election results, we stand a good chance to losing much of that progress,” says Chris Steinkamp, executive director of Protect Our Winters, which also receives funding from Patagonia. “The companies that are standing up and sacrificing profits this week are making a bold statement that the planet comes first. And we truly appreciate that.”


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Singaporean media giant Mediacorp has hired former Twitter and Apple exec Parminder (Parry) Singh as its chief digital officer.
Singh’s most recent position was MD, Southeast Asia, MEA, Africa and India at Twitter. Prior to that he was a sales MD at Google, covering the Asia Pacific region.
At Mediacorp he will be chief digital officer, a new role that combines what was previously two positions at the company, which has a raft of free TV, pay TV and digital interests in Singapore and Malaysia.
“Our monetisation efforts need to be more closely aligned with our digital product development, operations, audience acquisition and content marketing efforts,” said Shaun Seow, CEO, Mediacorp.
“In our continuous search for talent, this meant that if we found a candidate qualified and willing to head the Commercial and Digital groups, we would combine the leadership roles to accelerate our progress in both areas. Parry will help us chart our digital roadmap ahead, broadening and deepening our engagement with online audiences.”
Singh added: “The convergence of online and offline offers exciting possibilities. I’m particularly thrilled by the opportunity to combine Mediacorp’s digital and mainstream media assets to deliver more complete and compelling solutions for our clients.”


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Firefighters worked more than four hours to retrieve the body, which showed “no signs of life,” Agence France-Presse said, citing the Wuhan Evening News.
The Chinese newspaper cited unnamed individuals saying maintenance workers at the Anliang shopping mall in Jingzhou in Hubei had just finished working on the escalator and had neglected to screw the floor plate back into place.
By Monday, the news had been seen by millions on China’s social media site Sina Weibo. Many expressed anger over the shopping mall’s negligence.
“Why didn’t the staffers stop customers at the entrance to the machine or just turn it off?” one wrote, according to AFP. “The department store is definitely responsible.”
Others were inspired by the mother’s heroic actions.
“I was appalled when I saw her sink and at the same time felt the greatness of maternal love — the mother wasted no time pushing the child out when it happened,” one said.
Family members told the South China Morning Post that Xiang was shopping with her husband, who had not yet made his way up the escalator.
Such accidents are not unheard of in China, where “regulations and standards are often flouted and enforcement is lax, sometimes due to corruption,” according to AFP.
The mall has not yet released a statement about this weekend’s accident.


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Tourism booming in Lebanon
With over a million tourists visiting Lebanon in 2003, the country’s vision to build a powerful economy based on exports, services and luxury travel is moving closer to reality, says a major hotel group.
According to the InterContinental Hotels Group, the country's progress towards a bright economic future is being accelerated by booming tourist traffic from the Gulf countries and a sustained recovery from civil war which is now attracting investment.
The company, which operates five properties in Lebanon out of 71 InterContinental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn hotels and resorts in the Middle East and North Africa region, says Lebanon's revival is characterised by the reconstruction of Beirut, the redevelopment of its international airport and more airlines bringing more visitors.
“Lebanon is rapidly becoming an important international destination, and business is increasing in general, most specifically in the luxury niche,” said Chris Moloney, chief operating officer, InterContinental Hotels Group, Middle East and Africa.
'Over the last two years the country has been re-discovered by wealthy tourists from the Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE. What they found was above their expectations – great weather, mountain and sea resorts, great food, European architecture, exciting night life, casinos, international hotels and their own language being spoken. All these elements have contributed to the destination’s success.'
Moloney said families in the region are now returning to Lebanon repeatedly throughout the year.
Arrivals in Lebanon grew from 741,648 in 2000 to 1,015,793 last year, the first time the one million mark had been broken since 1974.
The time is right for Lebanon to reposition itself as an economic leader in the region, added Moloney. “The popular vision of Beirut is of a city combining Arab and Mediterranean culture, and creating a highly-successful economic model based on exports, tourism and services like banking, insurance, re-export, trade, health, and media.”
Many new projects are adding retail outlets, offices, entertainment and leisure facilities and luxury apartments.
The new wing of Beirut International Airport is now in service with a brand new duty free complex. New airlines like Etihad Airways and Air Arabia are flying to Lebanon, while Lebanon’s MEA is operating a brand new fleet.


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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) – It’s been well-documented that COVID-19 shut down a large swarth of the country’s retail industry. Northwest Arkansas’ retailers may be suited for a quicker recovery than other areas, a University of Arkansas finance professor said.
Dr. Tomas Jandik has taught at the UofA for 20 years, and many of his students work for Walmart or its partners. He said the Bentonville-based corporation is one of the few retail companies continuing to thrive during this pandemic, similar to how it fared during the 2007-09 economic downturn.
The success of Walmart emanates in other Northwest Arkansas businesses, Jandik said, and the area’s avoided major retail layoffs and furloughs compared to the rest of the country and even state. Because of this, most Northwest Arkansans will come out of this relatively okay.
While the science element of reopening the economy is beyond Jandik, he said, the sooner the economy can reopen, the better.
“Because the layoffs didn’t happen yet, at least on the scale of other states, I think that the recovery may be a little bit faster,” Jandik said.
The rest of Arkansas may take longer to recover, Jandik said. His biggest concern is investors deciding to avoid putting money into new businesses. He also worries that people may decide to put their money back in case something like this happens again, putting banks and businesses into an uphill battle for early profitability.


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This is the second in a series analysing fashion education’s impact on the future of the industry. Read part one here.
For generations of fashion students, the lives and creative work of designers such as Christian Dior, Coco Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent have exerted a powerful fascination, in turn reinforcing the dominance of a white and Western-driven fashion narrative. However, many fashion schools and colleges, inspired by their Gen Z students, are now rethinking their remit. A process of decolonising the curriculum is underway, with far-reaching implications for the luxury sector in the years ahead.
Gen Z students have a more critical approach to the Western-dominated narrative, opting to give more credit to previously overlooked creatives, including designers of colour and from non-Western countries.
The decolonisation process is about more than diversity and inclusion initiatives, however. It addresses the structures that are perceived by many academics to uphold racism. “Decolonisation is acknowledging and addressing all of the systemic barriers that were created through the legacy of colonialism and imperialism,” explains Kim Jenkins, a fashion scholar, consultant and founder of the Fashion and Race Database. The aim is to disrupt the power structures that have benefitted dominant groups at the expense of ethnic minority communities (now often described by academics as “global majorities”), she says.
While theorists argue that total decolonisation would require an entirely new social and economic structure, many fashion academics insist decolonisation is not about erasing Western fashion history. Instead, they argue that decolonisation is additive — it’s about filling in the gaps in our understanding of history; adding context to better understand the impact of colonialism; and acknowledging how people of colour have played key roles in developing the fashion system. “You hear about the brand name but you don’t hear about the designers and workers of colour who are heading the design aesthetic for that brand,” says Elka Stevens, associate professor and coordinator of fashion design at Howard University in Washington DC, a top HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). “We have to begin to decloak the myth of luxury brands — there are people of colour within those spaces, even if you don’t know who they are by name.”
Academics say that students are increasingly questioning the iconic names that dominate conventional fashion history. “The histories of fashion that have been told, which tend to centre on Western Europe and North America, don’t adequately reflect students' interests,” says Elizabeth Kutesko, course leader for the fashion critical studies MA at London’s Central Saint Martins, who has renamed a key module ‘Reimagining Fashion Histories’ to reflect a broader, more critical perspective.
What should Western luxury brands do?
Western luxury brands should embrace, rather than resist, the new ideas emerging, says Raissa Bretaña, who teaches fashion history at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology and Pratt Institute. “Heritage brands have to reckon with the less savoury aspects of their history,” she says. “It’s an incredible opportunity to be on the right side of history going forward — and [to] recognise that they need a more diverse pool of creatives and advisors.”
An open-minded approach is driving the most inspired new teaching. “When I’m teaching students about [Western] designers, I do my best to dismantle the genius narrative,” Bretaña says. “I’ll gratefully acknowledge their accomplishments, but I try my best to show that these designers are not infallible — in fact, many of them were very problematic.”
Heritage is an important component of any luxury brand story, but selective presentation of heritage might backfire in future as consumers become more questioning of conventional narratives. “You have to be careful what you wish for. [Relying on heritage] has given a licence for consumers to not only look at the version of the heritage that the brand wants to provide — a whitewashed one, most likely — but also some of the negative aspects of a brand’s history,” says consumer psychologist Michael Solomon.
Leading luxury brands are developing an awareness of the challenges ahead. “No fashion brand wants to be accused of racism. Making this industry aware of their responsibilities is key,” says activist Bethann Hardison, who is executive advisor of global equity and culture engagement at Gucci.
Decolonising in practice: Improving access
For the luxury sector, the changes of approach in academia are being translated into practical initiatives. Top of the list of priorities: improving access and acknowledging the contributions of people of colour to the fashion industry.
In this process, connections between brands and universities can help. Brands are partnering with universities to support diverse new talent from the next generation. “The cooperation between brands and Black designers stimulates both sides,” says Stevens of Howard University. “It increases the longevity of brands because they’re tapping into a different map and market share, and as they begin to improve diversity and support, they increase access. This is a win-win for all of us.”
The Gucci Changemakers scholarship programme, now in its third year, distributes $50,000 grants to grassroots organisations and offers 10 US-based students from underprivileged backgrounds $20,000 one-year scholarships. “These engagements not only ensure we as a brand are accessible to our partner and communities, but also that we are able to learn about what’s important to the communities we serve,” says Antoine Phillips, Gucci Americas VP of brand and culture engagement, who oversees the Changemakers initiative. “It’s all about creating authentic, real relationships within the BIPOC [Black, Indigenous and People of Colour] space and beyond.”
A focus on improving hiring practices is considered essential, both in junior and senior positions, say academics. “The decision-making spaces of brands are not diverse enough. If you have a homogenous community making decisions, they’re less likely to catch the most common mistakes, such as cultural appropriation, that get brands in trouble and make them seem tone deaf,” says Jenkins of the Fashion and Race Database.
Feben, an emerging London designer supported by the British Fashion Council’s NewGen programme, says the wider industry should be prioritising community. “We’ve improved with talking about sustainability [in terms of] the materials, but brands never talk about the sustainability of who we work with. Do we have a sustainable workforce? Who can I employ that can reinforce their community so we can learn from them?”
Feben, who was born in Pyongyang and raised in Sweden by her Ethiopian mother before moving to London, collaborates with artisans in Ghana and Peru, hoping to support communities in those countries. She has also collaborated with photographer Dexter Lander to create T-shirts donating proceeds to UK mental health charity Black Minds Matter. Feben would like to see the major players in the luxury industry do much more. “It’s easier for younger brands to talk about social issues and social justice — but the big players are the real gatekeepers,” she says.
The principal criticism voiced against bigger luxury brands by activists and academics is that their initiatives are fundamentally performative rather than wholeheartedly integrated. “There are a number of very well-known luxury brands that demonstrate what I would call a performance of anti-racism and social justice, where they use Black and brown bodies to justify a more inclusive set of buying choices,” says Aisha Richards, director of Shades of Noir, the Centre for Race and Practice-Based Social Justice at University of the Arts London. “However, when you look at their design teams, how they pay or don’t pay their manufacturing staff, and how they source ideas, that’s when big questions come up.”
Learning from fashion’s history
The decolonisation process involves reassessing the voices that have been silenced in history. This can be stimulating for the creative process. Young designer Tia Adeola, who has dressed the likes of Dua Lipa and model Gigi Hadid, is heavily influenced by the Renaissance era, but with a modern perspective. “What’s missing from Renaissance paintings is people like myself. When they are in these paintings they’re often depicted as jesters or maids,” she says. “I wanted to take the ‘fashion trends’ of that time and modernise them for every girl to be able to wear today.”
Jenkins of the Fashion and Race Database recommends brands work with experts to excavate their histories and evaluate problematic or insensitive messaging around their heritage. She set up consultancy Artis Solomon in 2021 to help brands become more culturally aware. Full transparency, perhaps including the release of public statements, is advised, particularly for the oldest heritage brands that might have benefitted directly or indirectly from slavery.
“Once you can digest that and be courageous enough to say, ‘this was our past but that is not our present nor our future’, you’ll get a lot of respect from customers and may even get a broader customer base as a result,” she says. Transparency allows brands to redefine their narrative and recontextualise their heritage — before they’re called out online.
A decolonised education for students can help the industry to move forward, says Jenkins. “If you’ve got a good fashion education that’s telling students the whole history of the industry from around the world, you’re going to have a crop of students who are also making wiser and more informed decisions.”
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BENSENVILLE — Shoppers might soon get some extra bang from the bucks they spend in Bensenville if the Village Board approves a new economic incentive program.
Dozens of merchants have signed onto the Bensenville Bucks program, said village special events coordinator Stan Urban.
Urban is asking trustees to allocate $7,000 in seed money for the program. About $5,000 of that would provide Bensenville Bucks--$1 gift certificates that participating businesses could redeem for cash at Village Hall. The remaining $2,000 would pay for postage and advertising costs.


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Confused.com will be hoping to reclaim the top spot in the fiercely competitive price comparison market with a new campaign staring Cara, its animated logo.
A new television advertisement starring the character will launch on Saturday (11 September) during the X Factor on ITV1.
Mike Hoban, who was hired as the comparison sites’ first chief marketing officer in July, says the campaign aims to put the site front of mind.
“Confused.com was the UK’s first price comparison website to offer car insurance and this new campaign will remind consumers that Confused.com is the first site to think of if they want a cheap deal on their car insurance.”
The new ads mark a departure from Confused.com’s recent campaign, which featured stories of people who could have bought discretionary items such as a guitar with the money they would have saved by using the comparison site.
The new push comes just weeks after parent Admiral Group admitted it had lost its lead in the sector to GoCompare.
The two have been locked in a battle alongside rivals Comparethemarket and Moneysupermarket for share and all have launched high-profile ad campaigns with colourful brand characters to differentiate themselves.
Competition has led to significant outlay. GoCompare spent £28.15m on advertising featuring opera singer Gio Compario in the year to August 1, according to Nielsen, while Confused.com spent £22.5m.
Comparethemarket, with the popular Meerkat character spent £16.4m, while Moneysupermarket spent £24m.
The new Confused.com ads were created in-house in collaboration with New York animators Hornet.


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From rogue USB sticks to Chrome extensions gone wild, here is a quick guide to some basic security risks you should look out for.
Apple apologized on Wednesday for letting contractors listen to commands that users give to its voice assistant Siri. The company is now promising changes.
Google is adding a built-in data breach notification service to the Chrome browser that will alert users when they are logging into sites with credentials that have been exposed by breaches.
Hackers have stolen thousands of photos of travelers and their license plates from a subcontractor of Customs and Border Protection on Monday.
Facebook users are being interrupted by an interstitial demanding they provide the password for the email account they gave to Facebook when signing up.


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Variety is what consumers are after, according to Mars Wrigley, and to meet that demand it has developed Skittle Giants Crazy Sours.
Ferrero has joined forces with Coca-Cola for the launch of a limited edition Tic Tac flavour
Halloween is big business for confectionery, and Perfetti Van Melle reckons it’s well-equipped to capitalise on this year’s spooky celebration.
Swizzels supporting retailers with a new holiday competition this month
Soft drinks brand Vimto has been seeking to reinvigorate its confectionery licence business through a new partnership with IB Group
Jelly Belly is intent on confusing consumers again with the launch of the fifth edition of its BeanBoozled Collection .
Perfetti Van Melle says it is crucial to offer a range of reduced sugar options .
Maynards Bassetts has just released its first ever sour soft jelly: Fizzy Fish .
Kervan Gida has reached an agreement to license Cartoon Network’s Dexter’s Laboratory brand .
Swizzels has been expanding popular brands with new flavours and formats .
AFFORDABLE sweet treats is how Dexters describes its latest range
SPANISH confectionery manufacturer Fini Sweets is looking to take the Scottish c-store market by storm with the roll out of its Smooth Pencil range in a price-marked pack
Music giveaway featured on sweet bags
A CONFECTIONERY brand founded under the reign of Queen Victoria has been heaping praises on its latest NPD, which taps into contemporary demand for salted caramel products while boasting some impressive provenance
Berry flavours and on the go among trends
HEALTH conscious mums and children with busy lifestyles are the target consumers for the latest innovation from Fruitypot


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For six Academy at the Lakes’ students, summer vacation included the adventure of a lifetime.
The students, ranging from Grades 5 through 10, traveled with their families as part of Academy at the Lakes’ Amazonia Expeditions group, spending eight days deep in the heart of the Peruvian jungle. Amazonia Expeditions is owned and operated by Academy parents of alumni Paul and Dolly Beaver (daughter, Stephanie ’14).
Opportunities during the trip included zip-lining through the rainforest canopy; swimming in the Amazon River; fishing for piranha; hiking through the jungle; learning about medicinal plants and Peruvian survival skills; hunting for poison dart frogs; and visiting a local village.
Said Jordan Witt ’20, “My favorite part of the Amazon trip was seeing the way of life of the animals and the people that lived there.”
Julianna Rogers ’21 added: “I loved swimming in the Amazon River because I felt so daring! I never do things like that!”
Sarah Witt ’21 said: “I felt like zip lining in the Amazon was a once in life time experience.”
For more information about how your family can join Academy’s 2015 trip to the Amazon, contact Science Department Chair Colleen McCormick at email@example.com.


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Does buying local actually make me a Republican now? Uh oh.
Oh, it's on! Black Friday is in full swing -- but do you really even need to leave the house anymore? Only 23 percent of Black Friday shopping took place online in 2006. Last year? 40 percent. Hey, why brave the crowds when you can shop in your PJs?
Black Friday may have just passed, but I wish Los Angeles were seeing more green today. The solution to our city's budget shortfall is not to tax or cut, but to grow our economy. That's why I'm leading the charge to eliminate Los Angeles' gross-receipts tax on businesses.
This week brought what we hope will be a lasting ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict, the promise of looming conflict in Congress over the fiscal cliff and out-and-out hostility in stores and malls across America as shoppers heckled, scuffled and even wielded weapons in search of Black Friday bargains. Thanksgiving football, meanwhile, served up some early holiday treats: viral gifs of Ndamukong Suh's "accidental" groin kick, and Mark Sanchez's epic face-in-butt fumble. We were also treated to the decidedly less humorous spectacle of Iraq war cheerleaders like John McCain and Lindsey Graham trying to score political points attacking Susan Rice and demanding "an accounting" and answers to "the basic questions" surrounding Benghazi. If only McCain and Graham (bellicose backers of a different -- and truly misleading -- serving of Rice) had shown a similar fervor in demanding "an accounting" and answers to "the basic questions" about how they and their fellow cheerleaders got it so wrong on Iraq.
If you can't be bothered with hitting a mall and you love a great deal, the internet is truly your BFF. I don't do Black Friday, but I do love Cyber Monday.
Consumers who are willing to give brands a peek into their private lives by following them on Twitter or becoming their Facebook fan should be able to use their data in their favor.
Unlike many, who literally fought their way to savings on Black Friday, I chose to shop online and visit local merchants. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great but these days seem to pass local stores by -- well, not anymore!
The Thanksgiving dishes were in the dishwasher. It was 11 p.m. and Black Friday was just an hour away. I was standing in front of the Best Buy in Wilton, New York. I had come to witness the sport of shopping.
We never fully understood Black Friday. People travel across the country to spend Thanksgiving with the people they love. And then the next day, they get up at 6 a.m. to find the best deal and go on autopilot. Isn't there so much else we can do on this day, surrounded by our families?
My brother loves to make predictions. Six years ago Alex predicted that we were moving towards a sharing economy. I thought that sounded like a perfec...
Whether you want to shop online or actually hit the stores, here are the very best sites, services, and no-brainer tech tools to login, load-up, and start saving now.
As the celebration of American consumerism once again draws near, there's a question we need to ask of ourselves: Which religious Friday are we going to celebrate this season?
"You have to decide whether you want to make money or make sense, because the two are mutually exclusive." -- Buckminster Fuller As we move into the ...
Is Black Friday really all about bargains? While it's possible to save some green on Black Friday, researchers say the retailing riot that defines the day after Thanksgiving may be less about dollars than about basic psychology.
Now that we get our food from Fred Meyer, Rosauer's, or Walmart, we often forget that many people were involved in bringing our food to the table. So take a little time this Thanksgiving to send a quiet "thank you" to them and to anyone else who's done something special for you lately.
Love it or hate it, Black Friday is here. It isn't going to shrink; it's only going to get bigger. Any question about how to manage that natural and inherent expansion has to focus on making the experience better for everybody.


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Recently published CIA exploits uncovered the ability for intelligence agencies to hack into Samsung smart TVs, but it appears the flaws in Samsung’s ecosystem run much deeper. Motherboard reports that security researchers are preparing to unveil as many as 40 zero-day exploits for Samsung’s Tizen operating system. Samsung uses Tizen on a range of TVs, smartwatches, and phones, and the vulnerabilities will allow attackers to hack the devices remotely.
Tizen runs on around 30 million TVs, and Samsung plans to have 10 million phones running the software by the end of the year. Samsung has attempted to move to Tizen on its devices as a way to loosen its reliance on Google’s Android software, but it’s clear Tizen isn’t secure and ready for popular devices like the company’s Galaxy range of handsets.
40 vulnerabilities have been discovered in Tizen
Israeli researcher Amihai Neiderman claims Samsung’s open-source Tizen operating system “may be the worst code I've ever seen,” noting in an interview with Motherboard that “you can see that nobody with any understanding of security looked at this code or wrote it. It's like taking an undergraduate and letting him program your software."
Neiderman has uncovered a number of flaws that can be triggered remotely, but one of them appears to be major security issue in Samsung’s operating system. One flaw lets attackers hijack a TV and install malicious code on it, allowing any hacker to take full control over a TV through the TizenStore software. Neiderman plans to fully detail his findings during a talk at Kaspersky Lab's Security Analyst Summit on Monday.
Samsung initially responded to Neiderman with an automated email response, but after Motherboard’s report the company says it is “fully committed to cooperating with Mr. Neiderman to mitigate any potential vulnerabilities.”


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Latvia's merchandise trade deficit increased from the previous month in February, data released by Statistics Latvia showed Wednesday.
The trade deficit increased to LVL154.3 million in February from LVL146 million in January. In February 2011, the trade balance was a deficit of LVL107.2 million.
Export of goods increased 4.9 percent from the previous month to LVL489.2 million. In February 2011, the value of shipments was LVL419.1 million.
Imports advanced 5.1 percent sequentially to LVL643.5 million in February. A year earlier, the country imported goods worth LVL526.3 million.
In the January-February period, Latvia's exports increased 14.6 percent from the corresponding period last year, while imports climbed 23.9 percent, the agency said.
by RTT Staff Writer
For comments and feedback: firstname.lastname@example.org


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Kota Kinabalu, Nov 28: The World Tourism Conference (WTC) 2022 jointly organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia in partnership with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Sabah State Government runs from Nov 28 till 30 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Now in its sixth edition, this year’s conference brings together 1,000 delegates from more than 60 countries to reconnect and reassess tourism’s recovery in the aftermath of the worldwide pandemic.
Alongside UNWTO officials, the conference features some 30 expert speakers comprising government policy makers, industry leaders and leading academicians in championing thought leadership on tourism futures and strategies driving tourism’s recovery and resilience in a post-pandemic world.
They include the State Minister, Ministry of Tourism Maldives, Dr Ahmed Salih, Regional General Manager, Tourism Australia, Brent Anderson, Professor Emeritus, University of Wisconsin-Stout, USA, Prof Jafar Jafari, Co-founder of Traveloka, Indonesia, and representatives from some of the world’s most innovative tourism-related companies such as Skift, Tripadvisor, TUI Group and Intrepid Travel.
Local Malaysian experts making an appearance on the exclusive WTC 2022 stage include Prof Dr Amran Hamzah of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, HC Chan, CEO of Sunway Malls & Theme Parks, Lau Yin May, Group Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, Malaysia Airlines; Yusno Yunos, CEO of Evenesis and two local Sabahans from Kota Kinabalu – Dr Maklarin Lakim, Director of Sabah Parks, and Jessica Yew, Founder and Director of Sticky Rice Travel.
One of the major highlights of the conference is the keynote presentation by distinguished speaker, Prof Datuk ChM Dr Mazlin Mokhtar of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network-Asia and Academy of Sciences Malaysia, who will for the first time bring a scientist’s perspective to the WTC, particularly in advancing a more sustainable tourism recovery which embraces energy transition and carbon neutrality.
In her welcoming address, Datuk Saraya Arbi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia acknowledged the tremendous impact of the worldwide pandemic and multiple crises which continue to disrupt the tourism sector’s growth trajectory.
“However, there is also a great window of opportunity for us to rethink and reimagine tourism for the future which is more sustainable, inclusive and less susceptible to shocks,” she said.
Despite challenging headwinds to the global economy in 2023 and beyond, experts have great expectations for the tourism sector, predicting continued pent-up demand alongside new growth opportunities and emerging niche markets arising from the pandemic. For instance, as tourism recovery gets underway, the boundaries between work, home, leisure and travel become increasingly blurred, requiring greater cross collaboration between tourism and transport, health, security, cities and urban systems towards greater livability and quality of life for both visitors and residents alike.
“These are just some of the exciting new prospects that will be explored during the two- day conference. Therefore, I hope the chosen theme of “Tourism Futures Reimagined” will inspire deep insights on the challenges, opportunities, trends and forecasts shaping the future of the industry,” Saraya said.
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Paul Kelly, FDI Director said: “The food industry is deemed an essential service by Government so has remained open whilst dealing with the risks of the pandemic. Where cases of Covid-19 have been detected, our members have responded in accordance with HSE guidance.
“We must take appropriate measures to ensure the continuity of essential businesses and protect our economy. This must involve Government, public health officials and businesses working together to ensure that there is a proportionate response to outbreaks within the community. The experience of the sector to date has highlighted a number of key considerations for further testing in communities and workplaces including speed of swabbing/testing, data protection and business continuity / sustainability. It is vital that a considered and coordinated approach is developed that is proportionate, takes account of the essential nature of food processing and is grounded in expert advice from the health authorities”.
Prepared Consumer Meats companies produce cooked, cured and other value-added meat products. They employ over 2,800 people and buy over €230 million worth of goods and services domestically every year.


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UNITED STATES FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
Maharashtra to face shortage of Remdesivir for next 2 to 3 days: Minister
Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Rajendra Shingane said, “Companies that produce Remdesivir injection have increased their production but it will take some time for the vials to hit the market. If we consider a 10-12 per cent shortage, Maharashtra will continue to face a shortage of 12,000 to 15,000 Remdesivir vials for the next two to three days.”
US recommends 'pause' for J&J vaccine over clot reports
In a joint statement Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the ...
Glenmark gets USFDA nod for generic antipsychotic drug
The company has received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration ...
Strides Pharma arm receives USFDA nod for potassium chloride oral solution
Strides Pharma Global, Singapore, has received approval for Potassium Chloride for Oral Solution USP, 20 mEq from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), Strides Pharma Science said in a regulatory filing.
Sun Pharma, Dr Reddy's, Aurobindo recall products in the US market
As per the latest Enforcement Report by the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), Sun Pharma is recalling Cequa ophthalmic solution, which is used to treat chronic dry eye.
Cipla gets USFDA nod for migraine drug
The newly approved product is a generic therapeutic equivalent version of GlaxoSmithKline's Imitrex Nasal Spray.
Zydus Cadila gets USFDA nod for antidepressant drug
Zydus Cadila has received final approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to market Nortriptyline Hydrochloride capsules USP, in strengths of 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg and 75 mg, Cadila Healthcare said in a regulatory filing.
Zydus Cadila gets USFDA nod for low blood pressure drug
Zydus Cadila has received final approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to market Droxidopa capsules in the strength of 100 mg, 200 mg, and 300 mg, Cadila Healthcare said in a regulatory filing.
Unichem Laboratories gets USFDA nod for plaque psoriasis treatment drug
Apremilast tablets are indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy.
Lupin, Aurobindo units recall products in US market
The drug is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever. USFDA noted that Lupin has initiated the recall of the affected lot due to,"Failed Impurities/Degradation Specifications".
Strides Pharma receives USFDA approval for Prednisone tablets
Strides Pharma Global Pte Limited, Singapore, has received approval for Prednisone tablets USP in the strengths of 10 mg and 20 mg from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), Strides Pharma Science said in a regulatory filing.
Glenmark gets USFDA nod for acne treatment drug
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has received final approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for Clindamycin Phosphate Gel USP, 1 per cent, the company said in a regulatory filing.
Rhizen's cancer drug Umbralisib gets USFDA nod: Alembic Pharma
Alembic Pharma on Tuesday said its associate company Rhizen Pharmaceuticals AG's product Umbralisib, which was licensed to TG Therapeutics, has received approval from the US health regulator the drug for the treatment of certain forms of cancer.
Alembic Pharma gets five observations from USFDA for Gujarat facility
As per the USFDA, a Form 483 is issued to a firm's management at the conclusion of an inspection when an investigator has observed any conditions that in its judgment may constitute violations of the Food Drug and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act and related Acts.
USFDA grants orphan drug designation to Zydus Cadila's Saroglitazar Mg
Zydus Cadila, which is a part of Cadila Group, said orphan drug designation provides eligibility for certain development incentives, including tax credits for qualified clinical testing, prescription drug user fee exemptions and seven-year marketing exclusivity upon USFDA approval.


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Legal cannabis is America’s fastest-growing industry, with more than 428,000 jobs across dozens of states. If you’re curious about starting a cannabis career—or just want a job with decent pay and cool co-workers—budtending is an excellent way to learn the trade.
Dispensaries in Eastern states are booming, and that means they’re hiring.
Leafly’s 2022 Cannabis Jobs Report found 428,000 full-time jobs in America’s legal cannabis industry—a 33% increase from last year’s 321,000. The report was published in Feb. 2022, and since then tens of thousands of jobs have been created in booming states like Arizona, Illinois, Michigan, Florida, New York, and New Jersey.
One thing to note: nearly all of those states are east of the Mississippi River. America’s cannabis boom began in the West, but today’s hiring boom is happening in the East.
Here’s a look at budtending by the numbers.
This varies from state to state and city to city. But wages generally start in the $14 to $16 per-hour range. Data firm Payscale estimates the average budtender wage at $14, though it can rise to the $18 to $22 per-hour range. For reference, the federal minimum wage is only $7.25 per hour. State and city minimum wage laws may set a higher rate.
Some dispensaries may also offer bonuses, commissions, and tips, but these aren’t universal industry practices.
The cannabis hiring company Vangst reports that in 2021, around 72% of cannabis companies they surveyed offered paid time off to their employees, while 71% offered health insurance benefits (with around half including dental and vision).
If you want to make $50 an hour, budtending won’t get you there. But it can be leveraged as a stepping stone into a career in America’s fastest-growing industry.
Demand for experienced budtenders is rising in New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Jersey as those states open their adult-use stores.
As a budtender, you’re gaining valuable experience on the front lines, learning what customers care about in product modalities and quality, experiencing the rhythm of the retail day and week, spotting trends, understanding distribution channels, and sharing your passion with customers who are genuinely excited to be shopping at your store.
Top budtenders typically rise to become assistant managers, retail managers, or product buyers, but really there’s no limit with the right attitude. As a budtender, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the entire industry, and from there you can pursue your passion—whether it’s growing, product development, manufacturing, or any one of a hundred different roles in the industry.
As more states get their markets up and running, demand for experienced employees goes up. Budtenders coming from a mature retail market like Colorado, Washington, California, or Oregon may find their knowledge and skills highly valued by startup cannabis retailers in newly legal states like Vermont, New York, and New Jersey.
Who’s hiring now?
Nearly every cannabis company is hiring. This is an industry that sees double-digit growth every single year. But right now there are a number of emerging states that are hiring at blinding speed.
- Florida: Medical marijuana sales in the Sunshine State could reach up to $1 billion this year, with over 700,000 registered patients who need employees to consult.
- Illinois: Illinois has sold over $1 billion worth of cannabis in 2022 alone.
- Maine: Mainers and visitors love legal weed, with sales up 120% from last year.
- Michigan: Cannabis sales keep climbing, and the state has nearly 1,000 dispensaries and counting that need employees.
- Missouri: Bud business is booming! Missouri medical cannabis sales are up 500% since mid-2021.
- New Jersey: Adult-use sales began in April 2022, with over $20 million in sales in the first month. It’s only up from here.
- New York: In the last couple months, New York has issued licenses to hundreds of growers, processors and retailers for its impending adult-use cannabis industry, including up to 150 dispensary licenses. If they manage to start adult-use sales before the end of 2022, budtenders will be needed.
- Vermont: Adult-us sales in Vermont started on Oct. 1, 2022.
- Rhode Island and Connecticut: Adult-use sales in both states are coming in late 2022 or early 2023.


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Walmart and Sam’s Club have announced plans to make electric vehicle (EV) ownership more accessible and affordable for Americans by implementing EV fast-charging stations at thousands of their stores and clubs coast-to-coast by 2030.
Walmart’s almost 1,300 charging stations are already available at more than 280 facilities, and the company’s new initiative will expand access to EV charging in rural, suburban, and urban areas. As many of Walmart’s stores are located within 10 miles of approximately 90% of Americans, the company’s charging stations will offer convenient and affordable charging options for EV owners on long journeys or errands. Walmart also has sustainability goals, such as achieving zero emissions by 2040.
Source: Walmart press release
Disclosure: Content was produced with the assistance of ChatGPT.


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Google has completed YouTube Music’s replacement of Google Play Music. The YouTube Music app will now come pre-installed on all Android 10 devices, doing away with Google Play Music, which was the previous music-streaming app on Android. The app will also be installed on new devices that ship with Android 9.
Until now, to use YouTube Music, you had to download it separately from the Google Play Store, but now you’ll be able to use it out of the box. In other words, the two apps will essentially switch places — so you’ll still be able to download Google Play Music from the Play Store if you so choose.
“Music listeners on Android devices are now just a few taps away from streaming their go-to tracks and discovering new music,” said Google in a blog post. “From the gym, to the car, to work — it’s all here, right in your back pocket. Discover official songs, albums and playlists, music videos, remixes, live performances, hard-to-find music, and more. Whatever your mood, we’ve got you covered.”
The fact that YouTube Music will come pre-installed on Android means that it’ll likely get a lot more attention, especially over time, as users buy new devices and sign into their accounts.
It’s no surprise that YouTube Music is replacing Play Music as the default music app on Android. When Google originally launched YouTube Music last year, it was clear that it intended YouTube Music to be its flagship music-streaming product, and that it would slowly but surely do away with Google Play Music. That said, it has been a little slow in bringing users over from Google Play Music to YouTube Music, especially when it comes to loading users’ libraries onto the new service. Understandably, many users are unwilling to make the switch to the new service until they can access their libraries in it.
Still, YouTube has been heavily marketing the new service, in the form of ads on YouTube.com, pop-ups, and more. Most of the ads come in the form of ads for YouTube Premium, which allows for ad-free watching on YouTube and offline downloads, as well as a subscription to YouTube Music Premium.
- Sunbird looks like the iMessage for Android app you’ve been waiting for
- Spotify Wrapped 2022: what it is and how to view it
- Hive Social is my favorite Twitter alternative, but that’s not saying much
- App subscription fatigue is quickly ruining my smartphone
- Apple vs. Samsung: Who has the best lock screen customization in 2022?


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Apple deserves some credit too, since the iPhone 6S turned out to be waterproof, surprisingly! A report claimed that dropping the 6S in a liquid, did not result in as much damage as initially expected. Hence, it is clear that Apple has taken an initiative to make the iPhone waterproof.
Presence of additional gaskets play a major role in keeping the water out while every major logic board is sealed with silicon. Apple had even filed for a patent last year. However, some work is yet to be done in terms of the power button, volume control button and the charging and headphone jack, as water can enter the device from these spots.
Even though the iPhone 6S waterproof, at least to a certain extent, being the good guys that they are, Apple failed to boast about it on the brochure! Hence, even though you now know that the iPhone 6S is semi-waterproof, you cannot charge Apple with making false claims, if the device is damaged underwater!
What are your views on the Apple iPhone 7? Do you appreciate the importance of waterproofing the iPhone as much as the rest of the world? Fill us in on your thoughts via the Comments Section below.
Stay tuned for additional news, reports and updates from the world of technology!


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Google Fiber is finally here, but will it be a success?
Google has started to install its Fiber TV and broadband service in Hanover Heights, Kansas City, KS, giving residents in the US state internet of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps).
Verizon given $1.25m fine for allegedly blocking tethering apps
Verizon Wireless, one of the biggest carriers in America, has agreed to stop blocking its Android subscribers from using third party tethering apps.
Deutsche Telekom's Google talks give rise to NFC payment apps
Deutsche Telekom AG has been in apparent discussion with Google over the possibility of expanding its mobile payments service overseas and collaborating with Google Wallet.
New Google TV to launch in Europe, but will it be worth it?
Google’s “all-new” TV offering is being rolled out in Europe next month, marking what the search giant will hope is a vastly improved version of their previous attempt at smart TV.
Google Apps for Business clears ISO security audit
Google Apps for Business has cleared a key security hurdle by achieving ISO 27001 certification, which it hopes will persuade large businesses that it’s safe to move crucial data and processes to its cloud.
Google finalises Motorola deal by bringing in own CEO
Google hasn’t wasted any time in stamping their mark on the newly-acquired Motorola Mobility, with Motorola CEO Sanjay Jha “stepping down” to be replaced by “long-time Googler” Dennis Woodside.
"It's a tough time to be an operator", Google's Schmidt
It's hard to be a Mobile wireless operator today, according to Eric Schmidt, Google chairman; with regulation and the cost of 4G network upgrades threatening to cause serious problems for telcos the world over.
Google shares fall on disappointing results
Google shares plummeted yesterday following news that the search giant’s performance for Q4 2011 had come in below predictions.
British Telecom files patent lawsuit against Google services and Android
Google is facing a lawsuit against British Telecom for infringing 6 US patents that are worth billions of dollars in total.
Google Chrome vs Firefox - who will be the top web browser?
Mozilla Firefox has some work to do to reclaim its place as the second most popular web browser in the world, as Google Chrome has overtaken the browser.


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The groundbreaking ceremony has now taken place for the central warehouse which Logicenters is developing in Bålsta outside Stockholm. The warehouse will be leased to Dahl, which the logistics company signed a contract with in December 2020. The facility will measure 73,000 m2 in area and is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2023. Logicenters will also become the owner of Dahl’s current logistics facility in Kallhäll.
In December 2020, Logicenters announced that it had signed an agreement with HVAC wholesaler Dahl Sverige AB for a new warehouse in Bålsta, Håbo municipality. The lease is for the development of a 73,000 m2 logistics facility which also includes a fully automated high-bay warehouse. Construction is now under way on the new warehouse space, which is scheduled to become operational in the second quarter of 2023.
“We are delighted that the traditional groundbreaking ceremony has now taken place for Dahl’s new logistics facility in Bålsta. I am confident that Dahl will thrive at its new location and we look forward to welcoming it to its new facility in Håbo municipality,” says Matthias Kettelhoit, CEO at Logicenters.
Logicenters has also acquired Dahl’s current 45,000 m2 logistics facility located in Kallhäll, in the neighbouring municipality of Järfälla. Dahl will continue to operate from this property until the new central warehouse has been completed in Bålsta. There are also development opportunities for Logicenters in Kallhäll with up to 12,000 m2 available in addition to the existing warehouse space.
“It is very gratifying that construction is now under way on our new warehouse in Bålsta. We would like to thank Logicenters for its excellent collaboration so far and we look forward to moving into our new modern and sustainable logistics facility in Bålsta,” says Göran Dahlin, CEO at Dahl Sverige AB.
In line with Logicenters’ high sustainability goals, the new facility in Bålsta will be environmentally certified in accordance with BREEAM Very Good. In addition, there will also be the opportunity to install solar cells on the roof. The area also offers good communications with proximity to the E18 motorway and Stockholm.
“We are very proud that Logicenters has now begun construction of the facility in our municipality. We believe this establishment will increase business in Håbo and generate more jobs. We would like to take this opportunity to warmly welcome Dahl to Bålsta and we are confident that the company will benefit from the strategic location that we can offer in the region,” says Mattias Jonsgården, head of local government at Håbo municipality.
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Microsoft's crazy new artificial intelligence system can apparently draw images based on your description.
Recent Microsoft Stories
Minecraft boss Matt Booty is now overlooking all of Microsoft's game studios.
A month ago, we thrilled to news of new Qualcomm-powered Always-Connected PCs. But that was SO December.
Microsoft pulled support for Bitcoin from the Microsoft Store earlier today, but it's already back.
With every new piece of hardware having a digital assistant crammed inside, we are about to experience digital overload.
I attend CES in Las Vegas with many misgivings, though it's something I've been doing for almost 20 years. Here's a visual look back.
As Microsoft kills Groove Music Pass, its smart assistant can no longer identify songs. But if you know some tricks, you can still get the personal assistant to identify songs for you.
2017 was another epic year for Microsoft. Here are my picks for the top 10 Microsoft stories of 2017.
Microsoft built yet another lock screen app for Android devices. This time, it's trying to offer a "personalized" lockscreen experience.
Microsoft's latest patent application for its "Andromeda" foldable device shows off its fancy hinge, as well as all the different viewing modes.
Microsoft's ad campaign for the holidays tells the story of a young girl on an imaginary world with the help of 3D.
Microsoft is significantly expanding its AI for Earth program as the software giant looks to put AI to work on our planet's environmental issues.
Following the launch of Windows 10 S, Microsoft touts strong growth for Windows in the US education sector as Chrome OS experiences its slowest growth ever.
Microsoft is finally revealing the first set of Always Connected PCs powered by Windows on ARM and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 processors.
In addition to Redmond, Microsoft is also revamping its Silicon Valley Campus to soon be the company's "smartest, greenest" office yet.
Microsoft will raze 12 of the oldest buildings on its Redmond campus and replace them with larger, more efficient offices.


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The store’s liquidation sale will showcase the mix of classic and unique jewels it’s known for stocking.
This Virtual Market Is Connecting Artisanal Miners with Buyers
Started in response to the pandemic, Virtu Gem sells rough from miners in Zambia and Malawi.
This included the inaugural Africa Gem Exhibition and Conference, which would have provided a place for, among other things, connecting miners, dealers and jewelers.
It was initially planned for July in Zambia, and while organizers first thought they might be able to push it to October, they ended up having to postpone it until 2021.
Cancelling the event took yet another selling opportunity from the continent’s artisanal and small-scale miners, but in recent interviews and research for an upcoming story, I became aware of a new virtual marketplace launched during the crisis to help them.
Realizing the immediate need for a marketplace for Zambian miners without access to international buyers during the pandemic, AGEC founder Monica Gichuhi partnered with The Responsible Jewelry Transformative, the Federation of Small Scale Mining Associations of Zambia, The Association of Zambian Women in Mining and The Nomad Jeweler on a digital project called Virtu Gem.
It aims to help ASM miners sell their rough gemstones as well as raise money to give back to the mining communities.
Through it, buyers are purchasing gemstones directly from the federation, which sources stones from its vetted miner members. The group behind the marketplace also has local cutter partners so buyers can choose to get their gemstones cut in country.
Twenty percent of the proceeds from stones sold on Virtu Gem go back to mining communities for food drives and purchasing protective gear.
To get it off the ground, organizers reached out to jewelers they knew would be interested in buying through such a project.
They also got the word out through webinars and conference networks, as well as creating an Instagram account, @virtu_gem.
But from the start, interested buyers have been reaching out directly to organizers, with the platform’s founders facilitating communication and buying.
There’s a lot of outreach on all sides, the Responsible Jewelry Transformative’s Susan Wheeler explained in a recent interview.
On the Zambian side, the federation first and, now, the mining association gathers stones, images and information.
On the buyer end, there’s a lot of interaction among designers—many of whom haven’t purchased rough before—and miners and cutter—for those who opt to cut in country—about the kind of stone and design they’re seeking.
Additionally, all stones sold via Virtu Gem are logged into Gübelin’s Provenance Proof blockchain.
The program is drawing buyers who want to customize their jewelry as well as those looking for a purpose-driven purchase, according to Wheeler.
This has led to a wide variety of buyers participating, from emerging designers—including one who is building her first collection around the stones—to well-established brands.
Over $6,000 in gemstones have been sold via Virtu Gem so far, and proceeds from the platform have facilitated two food drives.
Gichuhi said the marketplace has received some criticism from gemstone dealers who note they can’t buy rough they haven’t seen in person and been able to value for themselves.
“But,” she noted, “instead of doubting each other, we are hoping we can form partner collaborations that can eliminate doubt and create trust in the supply chain to really reinforce this way of doing business.”
“If it’s going to take more than one year for people to travel and do business, this might be how they will get back to trade.”
The program was piloted in Zambia but has just added miners from Malawi, partnering with the Gemstone Association of Malawi and the Malawi Women in Mining Association and adding some faceted stones to the mix with them, like the rhodolite garnet pictured at left.
There are now 12 miners included in the program, half of whom are women.
There also is a cutting partner in Malawi.
Ultimately, organizers are hoping this proves to be a long-term program, extending past the pandemic to provide revenue to miners on an ongoing basis.
For more information, visit VirtuGem.com.
It follows Creative Director Lucia Silvestri as she crafts the brand’s high jewelry collections.
Learn how to better serve your employees, customers and community by having a dynamic and supportive company culture.
The competition takes place in tandem with TJA’s annual convention, known as the Texas Jewelers Roundup.
The limited-run collection features figures from Haring’s iconic street art on charms, bracelets, rings, and more.
While ethical mining is essential to a diamond business, they represent only a fraction of the responsibility bestowed on jewelers.
One hundred percent of proceeds will benefit the nonprofit’s silicosis prevention initiative.
Sponsored by Bloomreach
Burgundy also announced the retail launch of its diamond brand, Maison Mazerea.
As the end of 2022 draws near, National Jeweler offers another deep dive into lab-grown diamond market data.
These trending-yet-timeless pieces are no-brainers for customers in search of the perfect gift.
Namdar joins a long line of diamond experts, but his love of the trade was learned rather than inherited.
Growing supply and falling prices likely will make differentiation a necessity and a reality, according to analyst Paul Zimnisky.
The auction house is celebrating 100 years since the discovery of King Tut’s tomb.
Agents in Cincinnati intercepted three shipments of fake brand-name jewels that would be worth more than $10 million if genuine.
From free shipping to early shopping, Emmanuel Raheb outlines a handful of factors expected to shape the holiday season this year.
The sole fine jewelry nominee, the brand is up for an award in the emerging designer category.
Customers earn one “gem” for every dollar spent as part of the “Vault Rewards” program, unlocking discounts and special member-only offers.


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SEOUL, April 17 (Korea Bizwire) – Amid a tepid economy and criticism over the lack of diversity in wedding ceremonies in South Korea, more and more couples are opting for smaller weddings to value individuality and practicality over pretension and formality.
Young South Korean couples are turning to restaurants and outdoor venues, away from mass-produced weddings at traditional Korean ‘wedding halls’, as a way of reducing wedding costs related to the ceremony and gifts, which have long been traditions closely associated with marriage in the country.
Smaller-scale wedding ceremonies were thought of as exclusively the domain of celebrities in South Korea until recently, as the wedding industry is reporting a surge in demand for less expensive, more personal weddings, particularly among young couples.
Husband Kim In-joog and his wife Shin Yun-jung’s wedding was held at Cheongwadae Sarangchae, a tourism exhibition center located near the presidential office, according to the Small Wedding Information Center run by the Ministry of the Gender Equality & Family.
“We didn’t want a manufactured cookie-cutter type of wedding, and wanted to save money to spend on something more useful in the early stages of our marriage,” the couple said.
Kim and Shin’s wedding took place without a wedding official and a studio photo session as the couple thought pictures from their honeymoon trip would be sufficient.
As Kim and Shin recommend a smaller, independent wedding which is cost effective and guarantees more choice than when using wedding planners, another couple, Jo Beob-jae and Lee Ju-hee made a similar decision with their wedding.
Jo and Lee skipped wedding gifts with the agreement of both of their parents, except for rings and their hanbok (traditional Korean garments), in an effort to appreciate the true meaning of marriage rather than to show off and please their guests.
However, small weddings are still hard to come by in South Korea, as the culture of receiving and giving cash as a wedding gift is deeply entrenched among close social circles and many parents are still not open to unconventional wedding ideas.
The lack of suitable venues is another reason that hinders the change in South Korea’s monolithic wedding culture.
Most wedding venues have a capacity of upward of 100 guests, with a policy that charges customers based on the number of chairs rather than the number of guests who are present.
As criticism and calls are growing for change in the way wedding ceremonies are held, Konkuk University professor Lee Sung-shin said, “Wedding culture needs to change, from spending so much on wedding gifts just to save face, to ceremonies that are simple and more economical.”
Ashley Song (firstname.lastname@example.org)


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“Next Generation Banking Is All About Innovation, And More Innovation”
What will be the future disruption in banking? Experts opine at BW Businessworld BFSI CXO summit
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Indian banking is not going to be the same as convergence of technologies on mobile devices becomes the new mantra and banks increasingly turn ‘digital banks’ rather than just pure play banks. Banks and financial institutions have to lead the way in adopting digital technologies, and even take cues from social media, use big data and analytics and shift the definition of banking experience for the masses.
Banks need to innovate at a continuous pace if they are to stay ahead of customer expectations. “Innovate, innovate, innovate, because customer expectations and experiences are changing faster than technology itself,” said P C Panigrahi, General Manager, Financial Inclusion Department, Union Bank of India, while speaking at the BW BFSI CXO Summit.
With newer technologies and capabilities and with the advent of artificial intelligence, technology will be capable of adding more functions.
Rajnish Khare, head-digital transformation, Social Business and New Media and Mobility Banking, HDFC Bank stressed that banks have to turn more technology savvy. “Everybody is open to technology changes. The question is who can do it better. All financial companies are experimenting with next generation technologies. Starting from blockchain, etc, The linkster generation, born after 2002, has started the generation on mobile."
Shiv Kumar Bhasin, chief technology officer, SBI: “In 6-12 months, you will see many banks are becoming mobile app only banks. If you are going for digital banks and branchless, expectation of the customer will always be that it should omni-channel.”
New age banking such as gesture based banking which helps make payments just by shaking your mobile may be the way digital banking is moving. In fact, customer expectations such as pre-approved applications will be the way forward populated with data already available with the banks.
Avadhesh Chaturvedi, Director, Brands & Agencies, IMIMobile said: “Banking is only going mobile. If a customer is comfortable or his history shows engaging on facebook, why not use your communication on facebook only. So if I were to sum it up, next generation banking is seeing a paradigm shift. It’s more of reaching out to the customer where he is available.”
Of course, as technology changes, banks and customers have to increasingly take care of security concerns. Lalit Popli, Head IT, ICICI Prudential, noted that as Indians we are less concerned about the security of our information. “When it comes to our computers, we don’t buy authorised software. That itself opens up your data to security breaches. We have seen with wannacry, how many small sectors, have been affected by it.”
Popli added that information is now the new gold, and we have to be very careful with what we are doing with it.


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A new business group wants more success stories. The 3-month-old Silicon Valley chapter of the nonprofit Association of Strategic Alliance Professionals (ASAP) said it hopes to schedule a series of "Alliance Thought Leadership Workshops" this summer to help companies identify acquisition targets or partners and smooth integration after deals are completed.
The hottest segment for alliances is the business-to-business e-commerce sector, said chapter founder Dick Hoffmann. Experts predict that the vast majority of business-to-business virtual marketplaces, many of which connect manufacturers with vendors, will vanish within two years as bankruptcies and takeovers sweep through the sector.
According to a report from Andersen Consulting, the average large company is juggling 30 or more alliances, ranging from small-scale joint-marketing arrangements between companies with some overlapping customers to corporate takeovers.
Despite the fact that the number of corporate alliances has been increasing by more than 30 percent per year for the last decade, most fail. Andersen's survey of 323 senior executives showed that 61 percent of alliances are viewed essentially as disappointments or failures. Only 39 percent are seen to have met or exceeded expectations.
Corporate culture clashes, high rates of management turnover, rank-and-file employee defections, sagging morale and irrational expectations are the main culprits that cause alliances to sour.
Linda Varoli, an analyst at institutional research service Merger Insight of New York, also pinned blame on executives who do not do their homework before inking the deal. The problem is especially rife in the tech industry, where executives working quickly on "Internet time" often rush deals before assessing whether the companies fit well together.
"The biggest thing we've seen is that the companies don't know what they're buying or they overpay," Varoli said. "A lot of times the executives say 'Yeah, we did due diligence.' But then you look, and the confidentiality agreement was signed one week before the merger. I don't care how thorough you are--a week isn't enough time."
ASAP hopes to minimize the high failure rate. The 50-member Silicon Valley chapter is the second worldwide. The first chapter is in Toronto, and others are forming in Washington, Hong Kong and London.
"Most companies stuff their alliances coordinator somewhere between sales and marketing," Hoffmann said. Hoffmann is also vice president of alliances for San Francisco-based Rapt, which develops technology for companies that buy and sell high volumes of goods in fast-moving markets. "Some are just starting to form alliance teams or divisions. It's got to be ingrained in the company from the ground up, before you can learn the wrong lessons."