December 4, 2020

TIME and Nickelodeon Reveal the First-ever Kid of the Year.

• Gitanjali Rao, 15, is Recognized as the 2020 Kid of the Year for Her Mission to Create a Global Community of Young Innovators to Solve the World’s Biggest Problems.

• Kid of the Year TV Special, Hosted by Trevor Noah and Produced by TIME Studios, to Simulcast on Nickelodeon, TV Land, TeenNick, and Nicktoons on Friday, Dec. 4.

NEW YORK, Dec. 3, 2020 — TIME, TIME for Kids, and Nickelodeon announced 15-year-old scientist and inventor Gitanjali Rao from Colorado as the 2020 Kid of the Year, the multiplatform initiative recognizing extraordinary young leaders who are making a positive impact in their communities.

Selected from a field of more than 5,000, 2020 Kid of the Year Gitanjali Rao is featured on the Dec. 14 cover of TIME, available on newsstands on Friday, Dec. 4.

In an interview with Angelina Jolie for TIME, Rao spoke about her work using technology to tackle issues ranging from contaminated drinking water to opioid addiction and cyberbullying: “I don’t look like your typical scientist. Everything I see on TV is that it’s an older, usually white man as a scientist. It was almost like people had assigned roles regarding their gender, age, and skin color. My goal has shifted from creating my own devices to solve the world’s problems and inspiring others to do the same. Because, from personal experience, it’s not easy when you don’t see anyone else like you. So I want to put out that message: If I can do it, you can do it, and anyone can do it.”

Kid of the Year Gitanjali Rao, alongside the other top finalists and honorees, will be recognized during the first-ever Kid of the Year TV special, hosted by Trevor Noah. The special will simulcast across Nickelodeon, TV Land, TeenNick, and Nicktoons on Friday, Dec. 4.

The Kid of the Year TV special will feature guest stars from entertainment, sports, and pop culture to surprise the top five Kid of the Year honorees and celebrate their work. Celebrity guests making appearances throughout the special include Kristen Bell, Simone Biles, Dixie D’Amelio, Billie Eilish, Rob Gronkowski, Neil Patrick Harris, Chris Hemsworth, Ken Jeong, Angelina Jolie, Chloe Kim, Brie Larson, Zachary Levi, Russell Westbrook, and Malala Yousafzai, among others.

Each of the top five Kid of the Year honorees will receive a cash prize from Nickelodeon and have the opportunity to serve as a Kid Reporter for TIME for Kids with exclusive access to a Nickelodeon event.

Nickelodeon’s Kid of the Year TV special is a co-production of TIME Studios, Day Zero Productions, Mainstay Entertainment, and Nickelodeon.

TIME is a global media brand that reaches a combined audience of more than 100 million worldwide, including over 40 million digital visitors each month and 45 million social followers.

Nickelodeon, now in its 41st year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and worldwide, plus consumer products, digital, location-based experiences, publishing, and feature films.

Source: TIME

|GlobalGiants.Com|

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 8:54 AM | View the original post

December 3, 2020

The USA Wins First-Ever Miss Earth Crown

• Lindsey Coffey from Pennsylvania bests 83 candidates at the 20th-anniversary coronation.

Photo: Miss Earth 2020. Lindsey Coffey of Pennsylvania, USA.

WASHINGTON, December 2, 2020 — On November 29, Lindsey Coffey of Pennsylvania became the first American representative to be crowned as Miss Earth during the 20th-anniversary coronation.

Based in the Philippines, Miss Earth® is the only major international pageant to hold an event during 2020, opting to host a two-month-long series of virtual online events. “We decided not to skip this year so we can continue with our mission to raise awareness on the state of the environment,” Lorraine Schuck, Carousel Productions executive vice-president and Miss Earth co-founder, said in a statement earlier this year.

Advocating Beauty for a Cause™, Miss Earth empowers women through community leadership, eco-tourism, and environmental education. It is recognized as the globe’s most relevant pageant and has been named best national pageant by several American media networks.

Coffey, 28, was a successful college track athlete and completed a pre-law curriculum at Washington and Jefferson College in Pennsylvania. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in political science before entering a successful modeling career in New York and other major cities worldwide. She plans to continue her goal to pursue law school following her year as Miss Earth.

Following the announcement, Coffey said, “I joined the Miss Earth sisterhood to become a voice, to inspire, and to make a difference in our world. Now is that opportunity, as now is the time for action. Now is the time to be more than in your country. We are not just citizens of our nation. We are citizens of the world, and once we start to view one another as such, we will always find success. As your Miss Earth, that is the legacy I will leave behind me.”

Miss Earth is unique in that it also crowns three elemental international titleholders to carry out the organization’s mission in their regions. Miss Air is Stephany Zreik of Venezuela, Miss Water is Roxanne Allison Baeyens of the Philippines, and Miss Fire is Michala Rubinstein of Denmark. The remaining finalists were Myanmar’s Amara Shune Lei, Netherlands’ Tessa le Conge, Puerto Rico’s Krystal Badillo, and Poland’s Sabina Połtawska. Eighty-four national representatives participated in activities.

This week, Coffey will conduct several international media interviews and appear on December 5 at a congratulatory reception. Plans are underway for an official crowning by 2019 Miss Earth Nellys Pimentel of Puerto Rico. The next USA representative will get crowned on January 17 in Orlando.

Source: Miss Earth

|GlobalGiants.Com|

Miss Earth 2020 Eco Angel of the USA.

Miss Earth 2020 Eco Angel of the Philippines.

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 6:01 AM | View the original post

December 1, 2020

New Global Index Defines What Makes Digital Economies More Trusted and Resilient

• Digital Intelligence Index from The Fletcher School at Tufts University and Mastercard provides an in-depth look at the rate of technology adoption and the state of digital trust around the world.

Purchase, NY & Medford, MA. December 01, 2020 — The Fletcher School at Tufts University, in partnership with Mastercard, unveiled the Digital Intelligence Index. It charts the progress countries have made in advancing their digital economies, fostering trust, and integrating connectivity into the lives of billions.

This year’s index paints a picture of global digital development, sheds insight on key factors driving change and momentum, and unpacks what this means for economies facing the challenges of a worldwide pandemic and post-pandemic future.

Notably, the most dynamic digital economies - such as the United States, South Korea, Taiwan, UAE, and Germany - significantly outperformed the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) growth rate in Q2 2020 amidst the global lockdown. They feature high levels of available talent, active R&D collaboration between industry and academia, and a strong record of creating and bringing digital products into the mainstream.

Bhaskar Chakravorti, Dean of Global Business at The Fletcher School, said, “The pandemic may be the purest test of the world’s progress towards digitalization. We have a clearer view of how dynamic digital economies can contribute to economic resiliency during a time of unparalleled global turmoil and can recover and change.”

Other key findings include:

With nearly two-thirds of the world’s population online today, we are entering an ‘after access’ phase, where access alone is not enough. Aspects such as the quality of access, effective use of digital technologies, accountable institutions, robust data governance policies, and fostering trust are more excellent factors in determining digital competitiveness and sustainability.

Ajay Bhalla, president, Cyber & Intelligence, Mastercard, said, “Never before has there been such an acute need to understand the factors that drive digitalization and digital trust. With that knowledge, businesses and governments can work together to help all 7.6 billion people worldwide benefit from the vast opportunities a digitally advanced economy can bring. While much remains uncertain today, it is clear that digital success will be a key building block in our collective recovery.”

A Global Outlook on Digital Evolution and Trust

This year’s index looks at two components: Digital Evolution and Digital Trust. Digital Evolution captures an economy’s historical momentum from the physical past to the digital present. Digital Trust is the bridge that connects its journey from the digital present to an intelligent and inclusive digital future.

Mapping 95% of the world’s online population and drawing on 12 years of data, the Digital Evolution scorecard measures 160 indicators in 90 economies across four key pillars: institutional environment, demand conditions, supply conditions, and the capacity for innovation and change. These segment into four categories:

• Stand Out economies - Singapore, United States, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, Germany, Estonia, UAE, Israel, Czech Republic, Malaysia, Lithuania, and Qatar - are highly digitally advanced and exhibit high momentum. They are leaders in driving innovation, building on their existing advantages in efficient and effective ways.

• Stall Out economies - such as Sweden, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Japan, and Canada - are mature digital economies with a high digital adoption state despite slowing digital momentum. They tend to trade off sustainability speed.

• Break Out economies - such as China, India, Indonesia, Poland, and Russia - are evolving rapidly. With such momentum and significant headroom for growth, they are often attractive to investors.

• Watch Out economies - such as Nigeria, Uganda, Colombia, Peru, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka - have several infrastructure gaps. Despite this, young people show enthusiasm for a digital future with increased social media and mobile payments.

The Digital Trust scorecard measures 198 indicators in 42 of the index’s economies across four key pillars: behavior, attitudes, environment, and experience.

• Economies such as Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico are beginning to build momentum on behavior scores, demonstrating substantial engagement on social media and other new technologies.

• Economies such as China, Indonesia, and Vietnam have increasingly favorable attitudes about their digital future, buoyed by rapidly expanding digital adoption and opportunity.

• Economies with more mature digitalization approaches such as Sweden, the Netherlands, and Denmark share measures that strengthen the trust environment, such as privacy, security, and accountability policies. Citizens in these countries tend to have more optimistic attitudes towards the future of digitalization.

• Economies such as the United States, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, and Singapore provide citizens with a near-seamless experience, delivering the holy grail of advanced infrastructure, broad access, and unparalleled interaction. This experience is matched by high engagement levels, offering these economies a clear advantage in a ‘beyond access’ future.

Source: Mastercard

|GlobalGiants.Com|

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 11:48 AM | View the original post

November 29, 2020

Nissan to launch the all-new Nissan Magnite in India.

Photos: Nissan unveils an all-new SUV, the Nissan Magnite, built for urban adventures.

New Delhi, November 29, 2020 — Nissan will reveal the price of the All-new Nissan Magnite on its launch in India on December 2, 2020. The Big, Bold, Beautiful SUV is Engineered in Japan, Inspired by India. Customers will now experience the all-new Nissan Magnite and book it across all the Nissan showrooms in India.

“The upcoming launch of the all-new Nissan Magnite is a symbol of Nissan’s commitment to the Indian market for discerning customers. The “Carismatic” SUV will come at a special introductory price with many unique offerings for many of the Customers who have eagerly been waiting for its launch,” said Rakesh Srivastava, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India.

2020 has been an imperative year for Nissan, right from the concept teaser to the global unveil to experiencing the SUV in the production state to now gearing up for the price and booking announcement.

“The all-new Nissan Magnite plays a vital role in Nissan NEXT. The all-new Nissan Magnite is an SUV that is made in India, made for the world. As we continue to prioritize and invest in the Indian consumer, who is aspirational and discerning with vehicles, we aim for the all-new Nissan Magnite to be the first product that will enable sustainable growth.” said Sinan Ozkok, President, Nissan Motor India.

Nissan Motor India Private Ltd. (NMIPL) is a 100 percent subsidiary of Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. Japan. The company was incorporated in 2005 and offers innovative and exciting products across the hatchback, MUV, SUV, and sedan segments in India. Together with its global alliance partner Renault, Nissan set up a manufacturing plant and a Research & Development Centre near Chennai. Nissan in India has a portfolio of two brands, Nissan and Datsun.

Source: Nissan

|GlobalGiants.Com|

BIG. BOLD. BEAUTIFUL. All New #NissanMagnite.

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 10:38 AM | View the original post

November 27, 2020

FORD honors GOODYEAR at 22nd Annual World Excellence Awards.

Photo: Wingfoot One, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’s newest blimp, flies over its airship hangar at Wingfoot Lake in Suffield, Ohio. Image provided by & copyright © The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.

Photo: Goodyear’s newest model airship, a semi-rigid Zeppelin design, flies above the world headquarters of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in Akron, Ohio. Image provided by & copyright © The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.

AKRON, Ohio, Nov. 25, 2020 - Ford Motor Company has recognized The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company as a top-performing global supplier at the 22nd annual Ford World Excellence Awards.

” Ford’s annual World Excellence Awards recognize our top-performing suppliers for their contributions to our success,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford’s chief product platform and operations officer. “Congratulations to The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company for being a recipient of this coveted award. Thank you for all that you do in support of Ford Motor Company.”

Ford’s World Excellence Awards recognize companies that exceed expectations and achieve the highest levels of excellence in quality, cost, performance, and delivery. Awards span multiple categories, including sustainability, winning portfolio, propulsion choices, autonomous technology, fitness, special recognition, and diversity.

Ford presented the Special Recognition Award to Goodyear for its performance in the area of delivery. Ford highlighted Goodyear’s exemplary leadership in providing technical and commercial solutions to unique problems and delivering unprecedented assistance on several high-performance vehicle fitments.

“This award is a testament to our dedicated associates who have gone above and beyond to exceed our customers’ expectations,” said Chris Magana, Goodyear’s vice president and general manager, OE North America.

Ford has recognized Goodyear for achieving the highest global excellence levels as a supplier for the second consecutive year.

Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. It employs about 62,000 people and manufactures its products in 46 facilities in 21 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the industry’s technology and performance standard.

Source: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

|GlobalGiants.Com|

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 7:45 AM | View the original post

November 26, 2020

QS releases Annual List of Asia's Best Universities.

Photo: Ideas Lab with Tsinghua University. Mao Donghui, Head, Tsinghua x-lab, Tsinghua University, People’s Republic of China, at the World Economic Forum - Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Tianjin, People’s Republic of China 2014. Image provided by & copyright © World Economic Forum / Ciaran McCrickard. China’s Tsinghua University is at 2nd place in the QS Asia University Rankings 2021.

LONDON, Nov. 25, 2020 — QS Quacquarelli Symonds, global higher education think-tank and compiler of the world’s most-consulted university rankings portfolio, has today released the latest edition of their annual list of Asia’s best higher education institutions. The National University of Singapore is the continent’s best university for the third consecutive year.

The 2021 QS World University Rankings: Asia compares 650 universities and is QS’s most extensive independent comparison of the Asia region’s higher education system. The table accounts for eleven key indicators of university performance. They reflect:

• Academic standing,
• Graduate employability
• Research quality
• Web presence
• Internationalization on campus, and
• International collaborations’ diversity.

• The 650 featured universities are in 18 locations across Asia. The most-represented area is Mainland China (124 ranked universities). Its closest competitor systems are India (107), Japan (105), South Korea (88), Taiwan (43), Pakistan (40), Malaysia (35), and Indonesia (30).

• China’s Tsinghua University rises to 2nd - its highest position in the history of the ranking, while Shanghai Jiao Tong University enters the top ten for the first time.

• The University of Hong Kong (HKU) is Hong Kong’s top university but drops one place.

• Universiti Malaya breaks into the top ten for the first time, and 24 of Malaysia’s 35 universities have improved their position.

• Japan has more universities in the top 50 of the ranking (11) than any other nation, location, or territory.

• South Korea’s top university is Korea University (12th).

• Six of Asia’s top ten universities for research productivity are Indian. However, Indian research quality does not match quantity, and Indian teaching capacity and employability scores decline.

• IIT Bombay (37), IIT Delhi (47), IIT Madras (50), Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (56), IIT Kharagpur (58), University of Delhi (71), IIT Kanpur (72), and Jawaharlal Nehru University (81) lead the universities from India.

• NUST Islamabad (76), Quaid-i-Azam University (106), Lahore University of Management Sciences (121), COMSATS University Islamabad (146), University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore (175), Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Islamabad (176), Punjab University, Lahore (178), and University of Peshawar (217) lead the universities from Pakistan.

• QS UNIVERSITY ASIA RANKINGS 2021 — TOP 25

QS RANK — UNIVERSITY — COUNTRY

• 1— National University of Singapore — Singapore
• 2 — Tsinghua University — China (Mainland)
• 3 — Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU) — Singapore
• 4 — The University of Hong Kong — Hong Kong SAR
• 5 — Zhejiang University — China (Mainland)
• 6 — Fudan University — China (Mainland)
• 7 — Peking University — China (Mainland)
• 8 — The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology — Hong Kong SAR
• 9 — Universiti Malaya (UM) — Malaysia
• 10 — Shanghai Jiao Tong University — China (Mainland)
• 11 — Korea University — South Korea
• 12 — KAIST - Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology — South Korea
• 13 — The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) — Hong Kong SAR
• 14 — Seoul National University — South Korea
• 15 — The University of Tokyo — Japan
• 16 — Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) — South Korea
• 17 — Kyoto University — Japan
• 18 — City University of Hong Kong — Hong Kong SAR
• 19 — National Taiwan University (NTU) — Taiwan
• 20 — Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) — Japan
• 21 — Yonsei University — South Korea
• 22 — Osaka University — Japan
• 23 — Tohoku University — Japan
• 24 — Hanyang University — South Korea
• 25 — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University — Hong Kong SAR

• INDIAN SUBCONTINENT RANKINGS — TOP 50

S. NO. — QS ASIA RANK — UNIVERSITY — COUNTRY

1. 37 — Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) — India
2. 47 — Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD) — India
3. 50 — Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) — India
4. 56 — Indian Institute of Science — India
5. 58 — Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT-KGP) — India
6. 71 — University of Delhi — India
7. 72 — Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) — India
8. 76 — National University of Sciences And Technology (NUST) Islamabad — Pakistan
9. 81 — Jawaharlal Nehru University — India
10. 103 — Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IITR) — India
11. 106 — Quaid-i-Azam University — Pakistan
12. 117 — Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG) — India
13. 121 — Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) — Pakistan
14. 134 — University of Dhaka — Bangladesh
15. 142 — University of Hyderabad — India
16. 146 — COMSATS University Islamabad — Pakistan
17. 147 — Jadavpur University — India
18. 154 — University of Calcutta — India
19. 155 — Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai — India
20. 175 — University of Engineering & Technology (UET) Lahore — Pakistan
21. 176 — Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS) — Pakistan
22. 178 — Punjab University, Lahore — Pakistan
23. 180 — Banaras Hindu University — India
24. 188 — Indian Institute of Technology Indore — India
25. 193 — Savitribai Phule Pune University — India
26. 194 — Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani — India
27. 196 — Anna University — India
28. =199 — Alagappa University — India
29. =199 — Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology — Bangladesh
30. 201 — IISER Bhopal — India
31. 202 — University of Madras — India
32. 203 — Jamia Millia Islamia — India
33. 215 — Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) — India
34. 217 — University of Peshawar — Pakistan
35. 219 — University of Mumbai — India
36. 220 — Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad — India
37. 221 — University of Peradeniya — Sri Lanka
38. 225 — Indian Institute of Technology Ropar — India
39. 228 — North South University — Bangladesh
40. 230 — Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka — India
41. 231 — Aga Khan University — Pakistan
42. 233 — Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar — India
43. 234 — Tezpur University — India
44. 244 — University of Agriculture, Faisalabad — Pakistan
45. 250 — National Institute of Technology Rourkela — India
46. 251-260 — National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli — India
47. 251-260 — Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala — India
48. 261-270 — Aligarh Muslim University — India
49. 261-270 — Amity University — India
50. 261-270 — Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham — India
51. 271-280 — Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad — India
52. 281-290 — University of Karachi — Pakistan
53. 291-300 — JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysore — India
54. 291-300 — Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh — India

Ben Sowter, Director of Research at QS, said: “This year’s results reiterate the intensely competitive, intensely dynamic nature of Asian higher education. China’s best universities continue to progress, Japanese higher education is stagnating - and Malaysia remains on the rise.”

Source: QS Quacquarelli Symonds

• Shoolini University tops India in QS Asia Rankings on Citation Index.

SOLAN, India, Nov. 29, 2020 — Eleven-year-old Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, based in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, has topped India in the 2021 QS Asia Rankings for Citation Index, an indicator of quality research in institutions.

“Shoolini University, the youngest to be among the top-ranked, has been placed joint seventh among all private universities in the country and 38th among all universities and educational institutions in India. It includes better performance than several established institutions nearby, such as Panjab University Chandigarh,” Shoolini stated in a Press Announcement.

The QS Asia rankings also placed Shoolini University among the top 300 Universities of Asia.

Shoolini Vice-Chancellor Prof. P. K. Khosla said through the QS rankings, the University has reflected the sincerity and hard work of the researchers at the institution. He said the University was poised to reach greater heights and added that its mission was to be among the top global universities.

Source: Shoolini University

|GlobalGiants.Com|

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 4:50 AM | View the original post

November 25, 2020

World Economic Forum: Global leaders to shape the Davos Agenda ahead of ‘the crucial year to rebuild trust.’

• The world has experienced unimaginable hardship since the global pandemic outbreak, reversing gains in the fight against unemployment, climate change, and poverty.

• Rebuilding trust and increasing global cooperation are crucial to implementing the bold and innovative solutions needed to drive a robust recovery.

• To mobilize government, business, and civil society on these solutions, the World Economic Forum will hold a virtual meeting on 25-29 January 2021 on the Davos Agenda.

• Heads of state and government will address the state of the world in 2021 to audiences in Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, North America, and Latin America.

Photo: Participants in the Digital Safety for Youth session at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2020, Open Forum, in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, 24 January. Swiss Alpine High School Auditorium. Image provided by @ copyright World Economic Forum/ Marc Forzi.

Photo: Jonathan Haskel, Professor of Economics, Imperial College London, United Kingdom, speaking during the session Accounting for Human Capital at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2020 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, 24 January. Congress Centre - in Salon. Image provided by @ copyright World Economic Forum/Jakob Polacsek.

Geneva, Switzerland, 23 November 2020 - The Davos Agenda is a pioneering mobilization of global leaders to rebuild trust to shape the principles, policies, and partnerships needed in 2021. The virtual meeting will build momentum ahead of the Special Annual Meeting in the spring. The Davos Agenda will feature a full week of global programming on 25-29 January 2021 with the participating heads of state, CEOs, civil society leaders, international media, and youth leaders from Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, North America, and Latin America.

“2021 is a crucial year to rebuild trust,” said Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum. “The world is at a crossroads. The pandemic has reversed essential gains in the global fight against unemployment, climate change, and poverty. Leaders must come together for decisive and inclusive action.

Building a better future for work, accelerating stakeholder capitalism, and harnessing the technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution will be essential topics on the Davos Agenda.

The five program themes are:

• Designing cohesive, sustainable, resilient economic systems (25 January).

• Driving responsible industry transformation and growth (26 January).

• Enhancing the stewardship of our global commons (27 January).

• Harnessing the technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (28 January).

• Advancing global and regional cooperation (29 January).

Heads of state and government and international organizations will give addresses on the state of the world and engage in dialogue with business leaders. Industry leaders and public figures will discuss how to advance and accelerate public-private collaboration on critical issues such as COVID-19 vaccination, job creation, and climate change, among others. The Forum’s core communities, including its International Business Council, will share their insight and recommendations from global, regional, and industry initiatives in impact sessions.

The World Economic Forum further announced that the high-level agenda-setting dialogues that characterize the Forum’s January meeting will occur throughout the week and will be live-streamed - providing more opportunities for the public to engage. Sessions will occur across Beijing, Geneva, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo time zones to ensure global participation, the Forum stated.

Source: World Economic Forum

|GlobalGiants.Com|

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 9:18 AM | View the original post

November 23, 2020

Oxford University announces its breakthrough on Global COVID-19 Vaccine.

Photo: Rachel Botsman, Visiting Academic and Lecturer, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, United Kingdom, speaking during the Session “In Technology We Trust?” at the Annual Meeting 2018 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, January 23, 2018. Image provided by & Copyright World Economic Forum / Faruk Pinjo.

Oxford, November 23, 2020 — The University of Oxford, in collaboration with AstraZeneca plc, today announced interim trial data from its Phase III trials that show its candidate coronavirus vaccine, ChAdOx1 nCoV-2019, is effective at preventing COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) and offers a high level of protection.

• An early indication that the vaccine could reduce virus transmission from an observed reduction in asymptomatic infections.

• There were no hospitalized or severe cases in anyone who received the vaccine. Extensive safety database from over 24,000 volunteers from clinical trials in the UK, Brazil, and South Africa, with follow up since April.

• Crucially, the vaccine can be easily administered in existing healthcare systems, stored at ‘fridge temperature’ (2-8 °C), and distributed using existing logistics.

• Large-scale manufacturing ongoing in over ten countries to support equitable global access.

Professor Andrew Pollard, Director of the Oxford Vaccine Group and Chief Investigator of the Oxford Vaccine Trial, said:

• ’ These findings show that we have an effective vaccine that will save many lives. Excitingly, we’ve found that one of our dosing regimens maybe around 90% effective, and if we use this dosing regimen, we could vaccinate more people with a planned vaccine supply. Today’s announcement is only possible thanks to the many volunteers in our trial and the hard-working and talented team of researchers based around the world.’

Professor Sarah Gilbert, Professor of Vaccinology at the University of Oxford, said:

• ’ The announcement today takes us another step closer to the time when we can use vaccines to bring an end to the devastation caused by SARS-CoV-2. We will continue to work to provide detailed information to regulators. It has been a privilege to be part of this multi-national effort which will reap benefits for the whole world.’

Following the trial reaching the target for interim analysis, the independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) recommended that the Oxford team conduct its first analysis on all the cases with data locked on November 4, 2020.

Additional cases may accrue by the time of the final analysis, and future studies will determine the duration of protection. No severe safety events related to the vaccine have been identified.

Oxford will now support AstraZeneca in submitting both the interim Phase III efficacy data and the extensive safety data to all regulators globally, including in the UK, Europe, and Brazil, for independent scrutiny and product approval, and emergency use. Many of these regulators have been reviewing the trial data on a rolling basis during the trial.

In parallel, Oxford is submitting the full analysis of Phase III interim data for independent scientific peer review and publication.

The interim Phase III data builds on Oxford’s phase I/II peer-reviewed trial results, showing that the vaccine induces potent antibody and T cell immune responses across all age groups and has a good safety profile.

The clinical trials, enrolling over 24,000 participants from diverse racial and geographical groups in the UK, Brazil, and South Africa will continue to final analysis. Trial teams are conducting further tests in the United States, Kenya, Japan, and India. The trial unit expects to have 60,000 participants by the end of the year. These trials will provide regulators with further information about the Oxford candidate vaccine’s efficacy and safety, including its ability to protect against and stop the transmission of COVID-19.

The Oxford vaccine (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) is made from a virus, a weakened version of a common cold virus (adenovirus), that has been genetically changed so that it can’t grow in humans.

Adenovirus vaccines have been researched and used extensively for decades and have a unique benefit: they are stable, easily manufactured, transported, and stored at domestic fridge temperature (2-8 degrees C). It means they can be easily distributed using existing medical facilities such as doctor’s surgeries and local pharmacies, allowing for the vaccine, if approved, to be deployed very rapidly.

Oxford University’s collaboration with AstraZeneca has been crucial to the successful development of the vaccine and vital for its global manufacturing and distribution across the world. AstraZeneca already has international agreements to supply three billion doses of the vaccine, with access being built through more than 30 supply agreements and partner networks.

A key element of Oxford’s partnership with AstraZeneca is the joint commitment to provide the vaccine on a not-for-profit basis for the duration of the pandemic across the world and in perpetuity to low and middle-income countries.

Professor Louise Richardson, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, said:

• ” This is a great day for the University of Oxford and universities everywhere. Pushing at the frontiers of knowledge with partners across the globe and putting our extraordinary brainpower in service to society is what we do best.”

Source: The University of Oxford

|GlobalGiants.Com|

Oxford University’s ‘Vaccine for the World’ is Effective.

• Prime Minister Modi visits Serum Institute of India, Pune.

The Serum Institute of India is the manufacturing partner of the Oxford vaccine. The Pune-based firm has selected 17 sites in India, including PGI Chandigarh, to conduct the trial. A total of 1,600 candidates are taking part in the study.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Serum Institute of India, Pune, on November 28, 2020, and interacted with the team at the Institute. In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, “Had a good interaction with the team at Serum Institute of India. They shared details about their progress so far on how they plan to ramp up vaccine manufacturing further. Also took a look at their manufacturing facility.”

Had a good interaction with the team at Serum Institute of India. They shared details about their progress so far on how they plan to further ramp up vaccine manufacturing. Also took a look at their manufacturing facility. pic.twitter.com/PvL22uq0nl

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 28, 2020

— The Editor holds an Oxford Alumni Card and is a Member of the Oxford and Cambridge Society of India.

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 8:40 AM | View the original post

November 22, 2020

Ducati Global Dealer Conference 2020 held Digitally.

• Great success for Ducati’s annual meeting with the global dealer network, which was held entirely online for the first time.

• More than 5,000 people attended the digital event, the highest number ever for the Global Dealer Conference.

• Thanks to the virtual mode, Ducati employees worldwide connected and previewed the 2021 range.

Photo: Ducati Superleggera V4. Image provided by & copyright © Ducati.

Photo: Ducati Panigale V4 S. Image provided by & copyright © Ducati.

Photo: Ducati rider. Scott Redding (R5 Teruel - Race-2) Year:2020. Image provided by & copyright © Ducati.

Photo: Ducati riders. Christian Iddon (VisionTrack Ducati #21) and Josh Brookes (VisionTrack Ducati #25). Image provided by & copyright © Ducati.

Borgo Panigale (Bologna, Italy), November 20, 2020 - The annual Ducati Global Dealer Conference took place in the week of November 2 to 6, in a wholly digital way, for the first time in its history.

The Global Dealer Conference is one of the most significant moments of the year for the Borgo Panigale motorcycle manufacturer. Ducati had the opportunity to interact with its global network of dealers, take stock of the year just ended and plan all activities for the next one with the preview presentation of the new models in the range.

For 2020, the complicated global health situation did not make it possible to physically carry out the annual meeting, which had always taken place in Italy with personal attendance in past years. Therefore, Ducati chose to revitalize the event, organizing the first virtual edition in history, and obtaining record participation numbers. More than 5,000 participants in the 2020 Global Dealer Conference got connected from 87 different countries.

This online convention aimed to make all participants feel an integral part of the Ducati family. Ducati invited all employees of the Borgo Panigale headquarters, the Ducati Motor Thailand plant, and all the Ducati subsidiaries in the world, to reduce distances and facilitate discussion. These initiatives included an active chat with Ducati VP Global Sales & After Sales, Francesco Milicia, the Museum Online Journey (the virtual tour of the Ducati Museum available in 8 languages), and a virtual coffee lounge that allowed the various users to carry out networking.

The highlight of the 2020 edition of the Global Dealer Conference was the live streaming with the preview presentation of the Ducati models for 2021. Thanks to simultaneous translation in 8 languages, dealers worldwide could discover the new bikes’ characteristics. Also, a “closed room” exclusively dedicated to the Multistrada V4 was reserved, within which the participants were able to ask their questions to the project managers directly.

As usual, the convention ended with the Ducati Dealer Awards ceremony, in which the best 2020 dealers for each geographical area received awards. An innovation for this year’s ceremony was introducing a new prize: the “Best Adapter Ducati Cares & Online Sales,” dedicated to the dealer who has most distinguished himself on digital issues and Ducati Cares program.

Despite the difficult situation, Ducati tried to communicate confidence to all its dealers, obtaining positive feedback on the virtual event’s organizational level and conveying the values ​​of Style, Sophistication, Performance, and Trust that characterize Ducati in the best possible way.

Source: DUCATI

|GlobalGiants.Com|

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 2:39 PM | View the original post

November 21, 2020

G20 Leaders' Family Photo from Today's Opening Session of the G20 Riyadh Summit

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 21, 2020 — The Saudi G20 Presidency has shared a leaders’ family photo from today’s opening session of the G20 Riyadh Summit.

Photo: G20 Leaders’ Family Photo from Today’s Opening Session of the G20 Riyadh Summit. Image provided by Saudi G20 Presidency.

Source: Saudi G20 Presidency

|GlobalGiants.Com|

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 2:40 PM | View the original post

November 20, 2020

SF90 SPIDER: LIFTING THE ROOF ON FERRARI’S MOST POWERFUL SERIES-PRODUCTION SUPERCAR

• The first hybrid with a retractable hardtop in the Ferrari range would deliver unparalleled air exhilaration.

Photos: Ferrari SF90 Spider. Images provided by & copyright © Ferrari.

Maranello, Italy. 19 November 2020 - The spider version of the SF90 Stradale, the SF90 Spider, was unveiled today during a dedicated digital event. This unique online event provided Ferraristi worldwide with an exclusive introduction to the car’s innovative features and in-depth information on its development.

As the Prancing Horse’s first production plug-in hybrid spider, the SF90 Spider sets new performance and innovation benchmarks for the marque’s range and the entire sports car sector. The new convertible has the same extreme supercar specification and record-breaking performance as the SF90 Stradale. It also adds further driving pleasure and versatility to the mix, thanks to the latest iteration of Ferrari’s signature retractable hardtop architecture. It makes the SF90 Spider the ideal car for owners that demand Ferrari technology’s very pinnacle but still want the thrill of open-top driving.

The retractable hardtop (RHT) guarantees optimal noise insulation and protection from the elements when raised, does not deform at high speeds, and provides exceptional occupant space and comfort. The RHT is so compact, simple, and light that it can be actioned in just 14 seconds and deployed when the car moves.

• POWERTRAIN

In a first for a Ferrari production spider, the SF90 Spider has plug-in hybrid architecture. The internal combustion engine is integrated with two electric motors at the front, comprising the RAC-e (Cornering Angle Regulator, Electric) system. The synergy between the internal combustion engine and the electric motors allow the car to unleash a maximum of 1,000 HP and put the SF90 Spider not only at the very top of the Ferrari range of road cars but also its category.

The SF90 Spider sports the completely redesigned 8-speed, oil-bath, dual-clutch gearbox launched on the SF90 Stradale.

• VEHICLE DYNAMICS

To make full use of the powertrain unit’s power, the engineers developed vehicle dynamics systems that guarantee an improvement in terms of pure performance and lap times and simultaneously ensure that drivers of all kinds can fully enjoy the car’s potential and have fun behind the wheel.

• AERODYNAMICS

Just as the SF90 Stradale redefined the Ferrari range’s aerodynamic performance levels, the SF90 Spider pushed the limits of the results delivered still further. The goals that drove the car’s aerodynamic development from the earliest stages of the platform design were threefold:

• Maintaining the SF90 Stradale’s performance levels with the RHT deployed.
• Minimizing aerodynamic turbulence and noise with the RHT retracted.
• Optimizing flows in the engine bay.

• DESIGN

• EXTERIOR

The crafting of the SF90 Spider’s exterior forms was inspired by the same principle as influenced the development of the SF90 Stradale: to create a futuristic, innovative design that communicates both the car’s racing vocation and the series production supercar concept.

The front of the car has a very pronounced profile, which underscores its aggressive character.

The rear of the car is dominated by high exhaust pipes, resulting from the optimization of the exhaust line layout.

• INTERIOR

The instrumentation is now predominantly digital, with all the screens going completely black when the car is not running, lending the cabin a very minimalist look. However, once the Engine Start button on the steering wheel gets pushed, a “ceremony” of sorts begins that sees all the digital components in the driver cockpit gradually springing to life until the whole cockpit is aglow.

The central instrument cluster comprises a single 16” HD screen, which is curved towards the driver to make it easier to read and emphasize the wraparound cockpit effect.

Thanks to the head-up display, the primary information is projected onto the windscreen section within the driver’s field of vision. It means less distraction in line with the “Eyes on the road, hands on the wheel.”

The SF90 Spider’s steering wheel completes that transfer process from the competition world and ushers in a new era by introducing a series of touch commands that allow the driver to control virtually every aspect of the car without ever taking their hands off the wheel. The traditional controls include the now-iconic Manettino, steering-wheel-mounted headlight control, windscreen wipers, indicators.

• 7-YEARS MAINTENANCE

Ferrari’s unparalleled quality standards and increasing focus on client service underpin the extended seven-year maintenance program offered with the SF90 Spider. Available across the entire range, the program covers all regular maintenance for the first seven years of the car’s life.

Ferraris’s scheduled maintenance program is an exclusive service that allows clients the certainty that their car is at peak performance and enjoying safety over the years. This exceptional service is also available to owners of pre-owned Ferraris.

Regular maintenance (at intervals of either 20,000 km or once a year with no mileage restrictions), original spares, and meticulous checks by staff trained directly at the Ferrari Training Centre in Maranello using the most modern diagnostic tools are just some of the advantages of the Genuine Maintenance Programme. The service is available on all markets worldwide and from all Dealerships on the Official Dealership Network.

Source: Ferrari

|GlobalGiants.Com|

Go beyond imagination with the Ferrari SF90 Spider

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 7:13 AM | View the original post

November 19, 2020

TISSOT GENTLEMAN GOLD — PERMANENT ELEGANCE

Photos: Tissot Gentleman Gold Watch. Images provided by & copyright © Tissot Ltd.

As an innovator by tradition, Tissot is dedicating its new Gentleman to the elegant man of today. Sophisticated yet understated, made of steel and 18 ct pink gold, it is available in four versions. This 40 mm-diameter model shows Tissot’s devotion to fine artistry in its watchmaking, with carefully-wrought details.

• Versatility

The Tissot Gentleman is a multi-purpose watch, both ergonomic and elegant in any circumstance. It is equally suitable for wearing in a business environment, where conventional dress codes apply, as at the weekend, when it adapts easily to leisure activities. “As part of the life of a modern, active man, the Tissot Gentleman becomes the perfect companion for every day, every occasion, and every style,” Tissot said.

• High-quality materials

A bezel made entirely of 18 ct pink gold embellishes the steel case of the watch. This precious metal catches the eye and adds warmth to the Gentleman’s coloring, especially since it also appears on the dial. Measuring 40 mm in diameter by 10.64 in thickness, the case is extended by horns with a pronounced curvature, enabling it to hug the wrist’s lines more closely. These design features make the Tissot Gentleman a watch that is comfortable and easy to wear, gliding under the sleeve of a shirt finely woven from the best cotton.

• Colors

Two straps adorn the Tissot Gentleman. The first is a steel bracelet, consisting of three wide links. The one positioned in the center is burnished, while the ones surrounding it have a satin finish. The solid attachment is more sporty and is the natural extension of a silver dial. The second option consists of smooth calfskin straps in colors that match the dials: black, camel, and chocolate.

• Details

The company explained that all the dials sport four noteworthy features. Firstly, a marking in the shape of a circular sighting-line makes the dial easy to read and gives it a contemporary appearance. Secondly, the ring of applique hour markers, beveled and buffed to a satin finish and accentuated by faceted dauphine hands with white luminescent material and a date aperture at 3 o’clock, reveal the subtle elegance of the dial. This magnificent dial’s pink gold color has precisely the same warmth as the 18 ct pink gold bezel. A very slender second hand enables the time to be read with great precision to the second. Lastly, the “Powermatic 80 Silicon” indication is a reminder that the Gentleman has an exceptional caliber.

“The Gentleman’s watch, The Tissot Gentleman, can thus be worn for both work and leisure, formal and informal occasions, sporty or smart events. It looks elegant with its bezel in solid 18 ct pink gold and its finely-wrought dials. It’s the watch for a gentleman. Always at ease, without ever overdoing things, no matter what the situation,” the company stated.

Source: Tissot Ltd.

|GlobalGiants.Com|

Tissot Gentleman Powermatic 80 Silicium Solid 18K Gold.

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 11:43 PM | View the original post

November 18, 2020

Renault Kiger Show-Car: An All-New SUV for India

• Thanks to a dynamic and fluid silhouette evoking energy and driving pleasure, the Kiger show-car is an all-new small SUV that is both sporty and agile on all roads.

• Kiger show-car prefigures a new compact model, of less than 4 meters, for the Indian market.

• The vehicle that derives from the Kiger show-car will offer a new asset for Renault’s current range in India, alongside Kwid, Duster, and Triber.

• Today, Renault lifts the veil on a future all-new model in India’s range with the Kiger show car: an original SUV, translating the expectations and needs of a clientele increasingly fond of the style, dynamism, newness, and distinction.

Photos: Renault Kiger. Images provided by & copyright Renault.

Boulogne-Billancourt, France. November 18, 2020 — India has been one of the most attractive automobile markets globally for several years. Renault recognized this potential and has been present in India since 2005. It has adapted successful models to the local market like Duster and has revolutionized specific segments with original products such as Kwid and Triber. Kiger show car is a new step consolidating Renault’s presence in India.

• An eye-catching little SUV with a devastating look

Born from the cooperation between Renault’s French and Indian Design divisions, the Kiger show car is an SUV with an adventurous look exuding attractive energy that catches both the eye and the mind. With its DNA, it is for the urban jungle as well as the great outdoors.

The Kiger show car stands out with its sculpted bonnet, slender windscreen, and semi-floating roof with a roof rack. On both sides, the tapered mirrors are like airplane wings. The roof drop is topped by a spoiler at the rear, giving the vehicle a very airy look. The lower section is more muscular and stockier, resting on four 19-inch wheels framed by large square arches that provide strength to the exterior styling. The sporty side is accentuated by the dual centrally located exhaust tailpipes and the honeycomb patterns distributed around the vehicle.

“French and Indian designers’ creative association was the best way to meet the needs and expectations of a clientele increasingly fond of the style, dynamism, and novelty. As with Triber, we are again demonstrating our ability to innovate by offering a new model with a dual personality, both urban and outdoor. Kiger Show-car is very close to the future production model,” said Laurens van den Acker, EVP, Corporate Design of Groupe Renault.

Specially developed in India for the show car, the green ‘Aurora Borealis’ color of the Kiger show car changes according to the light and the angle from which you observe it. It is adorned with mysterious blue and purple reflections that make the car as intriguing as it is seductive. Fluorescent touches highlight certain aluminum elements such as door handles, bumper inserts, strapping with inlaid decoration, logo contours, and brake calipers.

• An asset for Renault in India

As the leading European manufacturer distributed in India, Renault continues to strengthen its market presence. It anticipates the transformations in the automotive industry and remains attentive to the Indian customers’ requirements.

Renault is entering a new phase with the Kiger show car. The production model it prefigures will attract customers looking for novelty and modernity in a B-segment representing 51% of the Indian market. Compact enough to fit in anywhere and surprisingly spacious to accommodate a whole family, it will make the city its main playground while crossing rural terrain.

“India is the second-most populous country in the world and also one of the fastest-growing states. Thanks to the Duster, Kwid, and Triber models, Renault is the leading European brand in India. Renault Kiger, this compact SUV of fewer than 4 meters, different from the ones we see on the roads today, will strengthen our presence and win new customers,” said Fabrice Cambolive, SVP, Chairman of AMI-Pacific Region - Groupe Renault.

The series version of the Kiger show car, designed and developed for India, answers customers’ needs in compact SUVs and allows Renault to reach a new clientele. Renault will export this vehicle to markets outside of India as well.

Source: Renault

|GlobalGiants.Com|

Presenting The New Renault Showcar - Renault Kiger.

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 10:29 AM | View the original post

In the Face of Extraordinary Challenges, 36 Pioneer Cities Chart a Course Towards a More Ethical and Responsible Future.

• World Economic Forum has selected 36 cities across 22 countries and six continents to pioneer a new global policy roadmap for smart cities developed by the G20 Global Smart Cities Alliance, hosted at the Forum.

• The selected 36 Pioneer Cities include 4 from India — Bengaluru, Faridabad, Hyderabad, and Indore.

Photo: Toronto, Canada. Image credit: Nicolas Vigier.

Photo: Melbourne, Australia. Image credit: Eugene Kaspersky.

Geneva, Switzerland, 17 November 2020 - The World Economic Forum announced today that 36 cities across 22 countries and six continents have agreed to pioneer a new roadmap for safely adopting new technology as part of the G20 Global Smart Cities Alliance.

Cities face urgent challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and other major disruptions, which may culminate in a budget crisis that could reach $1 trillion in the United States alone. They need data and innovation to become more resilient, responsive, and efficient. Yet, there is no global framework for how cities should use these technologies, or the data they collect, in a way that protects the public interest.

It would change with the launch of a new global policy roadmap by the G20 Global Smart Cities Alliance, designed to give cities the procedures, laws, and regulations they need to use new technology responsibly. The World Economic Forum hosts the secretariat of the alliance.

“This roadmap is not about theoretical ideas and pipe dreams. It is built on practical, real-world policies from leading cities around the globe,” said Jeff Merritt, Head of the Internet of Things and Urban Transformation, World Economic Forum. “City governments are on the frontline of a global crisis and need to be able to act quickly and decisively to curtail this pandemic and set course for their economic recovery. Technology is an essential tool in this fight, but governments cannot risk falling into the usual traps related to privacy, security, and vendor lock-in. That’s where the G20 Global Smart Cities Alliance can help.”

To kickstart the roadmap adoption, the alliance has recruited a group of 36 “pioneer cities” that will collaborate with global experts to enhance their city policies in areas ranging from privacy protection and cybersecurity to better services for disabled people and better broadband coverage.

The pioneer cities are launching their activities today at a global event broadcast by Smart City Expo World Congress, the world’s premier smart cities event.

List of pioneer cities (in alphabetical order):

• Apeldoorn, Netherlands
• Barcelona, Spain
• Belfast, United Kingdom
• Bengaluru, India
• Bilbao, Spain
• Bogotá, Colombia
• Brasilia, Brazil
• Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Chattanooga, United States
• Cordoba, Argentina
• Daegu, South Korea
• Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• eThekwini (Durban), South Africa
• Faridabad, India
• Gaziantep, Turkey
• Hamamatsu, Japan
• Hyderabad, India
• Indore, India
• Istanbul, Turkey
• Kaga, Japan
• Kakogawa, Japan
• Kampala, Uganda
• Karlsruhe, Germany
• Leeds, United Kingdom
• Lisbon, Portugal
• London, United Kingdom
• Maebashi, Japan
• Manila, Philippines
• Medellín, Colombia
• Melbourne, Australia
• Mexico City, Mexico
• Milan, Italy
• Moscow, Russia
• Newcastle, Australia
• San José, United States
• Toronto, Canada

“This initiative originated in Japan last year from our Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a fact I’m very proud of,” said Koichi Akaishi, Vice Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation for the Cabinet Office of the Government of Japan. “I hope to see more cities participating in the Alliance following the model set by these first pioneer cities.”

Leaders of organizations participating in the program:

Miguel Eiras Antunes, Global Smart Cities Leader, Deloitte Global, said, “The transformation from a traditional city to a ‘smart city’ does not just happen overnight. Success depends on the quality of the decisions. Deloitte is committed to working closely together with the G20 Global Smart Cities Alliance on Technology Governance to co-design policy frameworks that will empower governments to accelerate smart cities initiatives for sustainable developments.”

London’s Chief Digital Officer, Theo Blackwell, said, “We need to work together to realize the potential of data to solve city challenges by putting it in the hands of those who can make a difference. But we also need to do it in a way that is safe, ethical, and responsible. London is proud to join this global initiative as a pioneer city to promote the adoption of ethical, smart city policies.”

“Technology and knowledge are two strategic assets to build inclusive, data-driven, and sustainable smart cities capable of tackling new and emerging challenges,” said Roberta Cocco, Deputy Mayor for Digital Transformation and Services to Citizens, Milan. “That is why Milan is joining the G20 Global Smart City Alliance, as this initiative will allow us to share best practices with innovative cities around the world. Today more than ever, in fact, we need to collaborate to identify the most effective tools to face global threats like COVID-19. It is only by joining our forces that we can beat this common enemy that is threatening the health, the economy, and the future of our citizens.”

Dr. Julia Glidden, Corporate Vice President, Worldwide Public Sector, Microsoft Corporation, said, “Accessibility and privacy policies are critical to making cities more inclusive and transparent. Microsoft congratulates the Forum and G20 for creating model policies that aid cities in serving all citizens.”

“We will adopt a transparent and participatory philosophy of local governance in the city of Istanbul,” said Ekrem İmamoğlu, Mayor of Istanbul. “We aim to empathize with all segments of society, and value the participation of everyone, ensuring that the majority of the people are represented - not the few.”

Gilvan Maximo, Secretary of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Brazil, said, “The G20 Global Smart Cities Alliance will provide us with a global partnership to accelerate the adoption of technologies responsibly and for the benefit of the citizen, debating complex issues and seeking joint solutions. Therefore, Brasilia is eager to participate in this joint work.”

“This opportunity to collaborate as a G20 Global Smart Cities Alliance pioneer city on a new roadmap for safely adopting new technology is very welcome indeed,” said Alderman Frank McCoubrey, Lord Mayor of Belfast. “We’ll be exploiting new technologies and data to tackle city challenges in areas such as health and mobility to improve our citizens’ quality of life - and we must ensure this is done ethically and in a way that prioritizes transparency, privacy, equity, and inclusion. Being part of the G20 Global Smart Cities Alliance on Technology Governance means that each of the partner cities will benefit from expert, tailored insights and policy tools. This collaborative approach will allow us all to make progress in how we govern technology more swiftly and effectively, for the benefit of all our citizens.”

“Transforming our cities into smart cities is a great tool to improve people’s life quality,” said Horacio Rodriguez Larreta, Mayor of Buenos Aires. “That is why we are committed to continuing incorporating technology, developing innovative public policies, and working together with the G20 cities to build a modern and efficient state that makes life easier for everyone who lives, works, studies, or visits us in Buenos Aires.”

The World Economic Forum’s inaugural Pioneers of Change Summit takes place online on 16-20 November. The summit brings together more than 750 leaders from government, business, and civil society from more than 90 countries. The meeting takes place when there is a rare but narrow window of opportunity to reflect, reimagine, and reset the world. Key topics discussed include digital business, sustainable production, infrastructure, health, new work models, financial innovation, and frontier technologies.

Source: World Economic Forum

|GlobalGiants.Com|

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 5:14 AM | View the original post

November 17, 2020

Annual Bloomberg New Economy Forum: India's Modi Seeks Funding to Build Smart Cities.

Photo: Opening Plenary with Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, speaking during the Opening Plenary at the Annual Meeting 2018 of the World Economic Forum in Davos, January 23, 2018. Image provided by & copyright © World Economic Forum / Manuel Lopez. [File Photo]

NEW YORK, BEIJING, LONDON, JOHANNESBURG. November 17, 2020 - The China Center for International Economic Exchanges (CCIEE), The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), and Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) are co-hosts for the 2020 Bloomberg New Economy Forum, November 16-19. More than 500 current and former heads of state, influential business executives, government officials, academics, and experts from around the world join them in a collaborative effort to help redesign critical parts of the global economy after the ravages of Covid-19, emphasizing sustainable and inclusive growth.

Prime Minister Modi of India virtually addressed the 3rd Annual Bloomberg New Economy Forum on November 17, 2020. Here is the text of his address:

” Mr. Michael Bloomberg, Thought Leaders, Captains of Industry, Distinguished participants of the Bloomberg New Economic Forum.

I begin by expressing my appreciation for the great work being done by Michael and his team at Bloomberg Philanthropies. The support provided by this team in designing India’s Smart Cities Mission has been excellent.

Friends,

We are at a crucial point in our history. More than half of the world’s citizens already live in urban areas. Over the next two decades, India and some African nations will witness the most significant urbanization wave. But the COVID -19 pandemic has posed enormous challenges before the world. It has shown us that cities, which were our growth engines, are also our vulnerable zones. Many cities worldwide declared themselves on the brink of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. The very things which represented living in a town are facing a question mark. Things like community gatherings, sports activities, education, and recreation are not the same as before. The biggest question before the entire world is how to restart? The restart will not be possible without a reset. A reset of mindset. A reset of processes. And a reset of practices.

Friends,

I think the historic reconstruction efforts after the two world wars can give us several lessons. Post world wars, the entire world worked on new world order. New protocols were developed, and the world changed itself. COVID-19 has also given us a similar opportunity to develop new protocols in every field. The world should grab this opportunity if we want to create resilient systems for the future. We should think about the post-COVID requirements of the world. A good starting point would be the rejuvenation of our urban centers.

Friends,

Here, I want to share a positive side of Indian cities. Indian cities have presented an extra-ordinary example during these challenging times. There were worldwide incidents of resistance against the lockdown measures. However, Indian cities meticulously followed these preventive measures. For us, the most prominent building block of our towns was not concrete, but the community. The pandemic has re-emphasized that our most significant resource, as societies and businesses, is our people. The post-Covid world has to be built by nurturing this key and fundamental resource. Cities are vibrant engines of growth. They hold power to drive this much-needed change.

People often migrate to cities because cities give them work. But, isn’t it time that we also make cities work for the people? Covid-19 has given us a chance to accelerate our process of making cities more liveable for people. It includes better housing facilities, a better work environment, shorter and efficient travel. During the lockdown, many towns saw cleaner lakes & rivers as well as cleaner air. So many of us saw the chirping of birds we never noticed before. Can we not build sustainable cities where these features are the norm and not the exception? Our endeavor in India has been to build urban centers, which have a town’s amenities but the village’s spirit.

Friends,

During the pandemic, technology has also helped us maintain continuity in our work. Thanks to a simple tool like video-conferencing, I can wrap up many more meetings. It has also helped me bridge the distance and talk to all of you. But this also poses an interesting question for a post-Covid world. Will we continue with the learnings of the Covid-times like Video-Conferencing? Or will we travel across continents to participate in a conference? Reducing stress on urban systems will depend on our choices.

These choices will also help us maintain a better work-life balance. In today’s age, empowering people to work from anywhere, live anywhere, and plug into global supply chains from anywhere is an absolute necessity. That is why we have announced simplified guidelines for the technology and knowledge-enabled services sector. It will facilitate ‘Work from Home’ and ‘Work from Anywhere.’

Friends,

Our cities cannot prosper without the availability of Affordable Housing. Realizing this, we launched the Housing for All program in 2015. I am happy to note that we are well on our way. We will deliver more than one crore or 10 million houses to aspiring families in urban areas before the targeted deadline of 2022. Looking at the conditions created by the pandemic, we also introduced an affordable rental housing initiative. We started the Real Estate Regulation Act. It has transformed the dynamics of the real estate sector. Again this has made it more customer-oriented and transparent.

Friends,

Sustainable mobility is key to creating resilient cities. The work on Metro Rail is going on in 27 cities. We are on track to deliver close to 1000 km of the Metro Rail system by 2022. Our Make in India push has led to the development of the tremendous indigenous capacity to produce transportation systems. It is going to help us push our sustainable transport goals in a big way.

Friends,

Technology is an essential enabler in the journey of a smart, prosperous, and resilient city. Technology helps manage a city efficiently and build connected communities. We are looking at a future where a significant chunk of education, healthcare, shopping, food experiences may happen online. Our cities need to be ready for the convergence of the physical and digital worlds. Our programs - Digital India and Start-Up India Missions are helping create capacities towards this. We have selected 100 Smart Cities through a two-stage process. It was a nationwide competition upholding the philosophy of cooperative and competitive federalism.

These cities have prepared projects worth almost two lakh crore rupees or 30 billion dollars. And projects worth nearly one lakh forty thousand crore rupees or 20 billion dollars have been completed or nearing completion. Integrated Command and Control centers have been set-up in many cities to unleash the full potential of technology. These centers are currently also serving as war-rooms to manage the Covid situation in various cities.

Lastly, I would like to remind one thing to all of you. If you are looking to invest in urbanization, India has exciting opportunities for you. If you are looking to invest in mobility, India has exciting opportunities for you. If you are looking to invest in innovation, India has exciting opportunities for you. If you are looking to invest in sustainable solutions, India has exciting opportunities for you. These opportunities come along-with A vibrant democracy. A business-friendly climate. A huge market. And a government that shall leave no stone unturned to make India a preferred global investment destination.

Friends,

India is well on its way towards urban transformation. I do not doubt that with the help of all stakeholders, the civil society, academic institutions, industry, and most importantly, the citizens and communities, we will achieve the dream of resilient and prosperous global cities.

Thank you.”

……………………………….

Sources: Bloomberg New Economy Forum. Prime Minister’s Office, New Delhi.

|GlobalGiants.Com|

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 11:02 AM | View the original post

November 12, 2020

Diwali Greetings 2020

Diwali Greetings 2020 from GlobalGiants.Com.

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November 11, 2020

Mastercard Expands Efforts to Help Over 500 Cities Build More Inclusive and Sustainable Communities.

• City Possible Co-Creation Framework Adds London, Los Angeles, and New York City as Members.

Photo: Wellington, New Zealand. Wellington has joined City Possible.

Purchase, NY | November 10, 2020 — Mastercard today announced expanding its City Possible™ network and capabilities, whose unique solutions now reach over 500 communities in over 50 countries worldwide. The partnership framework focuses on building more inclusive and sustainable cities by increasing access to city services, expanding urban mobility solutions, and informing an inclusive recovery through data-driven insights.

Since debuting with just 16 founding members in November 2018, City Possible has expanded to 220 city members and candidate cities. City Possible welcomed Los Angeles, New York City, London, and Hamilton, CAN to the growing community, with an additional 320 towns leveraging best in class transit solutions. The network also welcomed Digital Main Street, a Canadian organization that partners with over 500 cities across Canada to help main street small businesses in those communities achieve digital transformation.

• City Insights: A marketplace for cities and partners

The network will feature a reimagined digital marketplace that provides access to different tools and partner solutions in a unique new store-like experience. A new feature is specific sentiment analysis data provided by ZenCity, a City Possible partner and graduate of Mastercard’s Start Path program. Access to data-driven insights has proven critical for informing response to the pandemic, with Mastercard’s data tools currently supporting over 50 state and local governments through Mastercard’s Recovery Insights initiative, Mastercard said.

“COVID-19 has accelerated the demand for an enhanced digital experience that would provide network members access to multiple data sources, insights services, and tools,” commented Miguel Gamiño, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Cities at Mastercard. “As we continue to grow our network, we will continue to scale our capabilities, leveraging the insights from city leaders to build solutions that enable them to serve their communities inclusively.”

• City Key: Expanding Access to City Services

Initially launched in 2019, Mastercard City Key™ is now live in over 25 communities. This solution allows each municipality to combine identification, access to city services, and payment functionalities into one tool. As a result, residents can have one digital solution to pay bills, access city services, and pay for public transit.

Recent deployments include:

• In Honolulu (USA), Mastercard helps the City disburse COVID-19 financial relief to 13,000 residents in need and collaborate to increase functionality over the coming months in partnership with MoCaFi.
• In Los Angeles (USA), Mastercard also partnered with MoCaFi to expand the Angeleno Card’s functionalities, a program that leverages City Key and has initially distributed more than $36 million to help over 100,000 L.A. residents hardest hit by the pandemic. The platform will eventually evolve to streamline utility payments, build credit, and digitize additional city services.
• In Kolin (Czech Republic), a unique partnership between the city government and a local school helped students access services such as public transportation, library services, and other resources with one card that increased convenience, safety, and efficiency to the school’s ecosystem. In 2020, the program has expanded to all schools in Kolin city.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with City Possible and city leaders in the network to expand the functionalities of City Key,” said Wole Coaxum, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mobility Capital Finance. “It’s an innovative way of turning financial services into infrastructure for cities. City Key makes financial services a part of the “plumbing” that drives efficiency, drives safety, drives security, and drives inclusion.”

Mastercard plans to further evolve the initiative beyond the City Possible network by providing “converged card” solutions to state departments of motor vehicles in the United States in partnership with IDEMIA. IDEMIA’s Converged Card solution combines a state-issued driver’s license or I.D. with a payment card and drives financial inclusion for unbanked and underbanked communities.

• Transit Partner Program & Integrated Mobility: Keeping Cities Moving for Everyone

Leveraging the Transit Partner Program, Mastercard has expanded best in class transit solutions to over 330 cities worldwide by working with transit operators, service providers, and technology partners across the globe to expedite and scale solutions faster than ever before.

As cities evolve public transit systems due to ongoing health concerns, Mastercard develops digital solutions for them. The answers are focused on meeting the increased demand for contactless payments, mobile ticketing, and integrated transit apps, allowing cities to gain insight into ridership and utilization. In Sydney, Mastercard recently announced the expansion of its partnership with Transport for New South Wales to pilot a digitized Opal Card, enabling a seamless payment experience across transportation modes, Mastercard elaborated.

Source: Mastercard

|GlobalGiants.Com|

Mastercard Transit and Mobility Solutions

Mastercard City Insights

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 4:37 AM | View the original post

November 10, 2020

Asya Branch crowned Miss USA 2020. Ki’ilani Arruda is Miss Teen USA 2020.

Photo: Asya Branch, Miss USA 2020 winner, wearing the “Power of Positivity” Crown presented by Mouawad, the official crown sponsor, at the Miss USA Competition, on November 7, 2020, at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee. Photographer: Jessielyn Palumbo. Image provided by & copyright © The Miss Universe Organization.

Photo: Ki’ilani Arruda, the winner of Miss Teen USA 2020, wearing the “Power of Hope” Crown, presented by Mouawad, the official crown sponsor, at the Miss Teen USA Competition, on November 7, 2020, at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee. Photographer: Benjamin Askinas. Image provided by & copyright © The Miss Universe Organization.

Source: The Miss Universe Organization

|GlobalGiants.Com|

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 2:10 AM | View the original post

November 9, 2020

NEW JAGUAR XF: BEAUTIFUL, LUXURIOUS, CONNECTED

Photos: Jaguar XF Saloon. Images provided by & copyright © Jaguar.

Jaguar has announced the dynamic new Jaguar XF Saloon.

Jaguar XF Saloon has enhanced exteriors, an all-new interior incorporating luxurious new materials, and seamlessly integrated, connected, and future-proof technologies. New XF showcases contemporary British design and engineering at its best, Jaguar said.

A next-generation, 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium turbocharged diesel engine featuring Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology and the latest 2.0-liter four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine power the new Jaguar XF, providing enhanced efficiency with firm performance.

The exterior features a new front bumper with more extensive and lower air intakes for increased visual width. This visual width gets a broader front grille featuring a mesh design detail inspired by Jaguar’s heritage logo. The side fender vents now feature the iconic Leaper emblem, demonstrating the exceptional attention to detail found right across the vehicle, the company stated.

Design enhancements at the rear include a more extended bumper and body-colored rear upper valance, which visually lower the car. Darkened rear light surrounds now also feature on the XF Saloon.

Other features include:

• Enhanced exterior design, all-new beautifully crafted interiors, advanced connectivity, and efficient engines with mild-hybrid capability.
• New exterior: New front bumper, all-LED headlights, new grille, and new rear bumper deliver a more assertive presence.
• Beautiful interior: All-new interior features carefully selected, luxurious materials and exquisite details for a contemporary, calming occupant experience.
• Always connected: Technologies include Jaguar’s latest Pivi Pro dual-sim infotainment accessed through an all-new 11.4-inch HD curved glass touchscreen.
• Always up-to-date: Software-Over-The-Air capability. The vehicle has the latest vehicle systems and infotainment installed seamlessly and remotely.
• Enhanced occupant wellbeing: Innovative Active Road Noise Cancellation, and cabin air ionization with PM2.5 filtration to capture ultrafine particles and allergens.
• Powerful petrol engines: Refined 250PS and 300PS Ingenium petrol engines deliver 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds and 5.8 seconds respectively for the Saloon model.
• Intelligent all-wheel drive: Every XF features an eight-speed automatic transmission and is available with all-wheel drive.

Source: Jaguar

|GlobalGiants.Com|

New Jaguar XF | Introducing the New Saloon and Sportbrake

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 12:28 PM | View the original post

November 7, 2020

Audi India drives in the Audi Q8 Celebration model for the festive season.

• Sporty dynamics with permanent Quattro All-wheel drive

• A driver’s car that boasts the power-packed combo of a 3.0L TFSI petrol engine and 8-speed Tiptronic transmission.

Photos: AUDI Q8. Images provided by & copyright © AUDI AG.

Mumbai: Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer today, announced a new model, the Audi Q8 Celebration, as it observes the festive season in India.

The Audi Q8 Celebration has a powerful yet efficient 3.0L TFSI engine that generates 250kW (340hp) and 500Nm of torque, propelling the car from 0-100 mph in 5.9 seconds. Richly equipped, comprehensively connected, and tough enough for off-road duty, the Audi Q8 55 TFSI is a composed companion for business and leisure, the company said.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said, “Traditionally, the festive season has been a strong sales period for the auto industry, and we are delighted to introduce an addition to the Q-family - the Audi Q8 Celebration. Since its successful launch in January earlier this year, the Audi Q8 has received an overwhelming response. We are confident that with the Audi Q8 Celebration, we will now be able to widen this irresistible Q model’s appeal.”

Mr. Dhillon further added, “The Audi Q8 is an SUV that showcases Audi’s robust design, cutting-edge technology, and depth of engineering. It’s an SUV that’s as pleasurable to sit in as it is to drive and also packs in the versatility of an Audi Q-model. As a brand, we focus on exceeding customer expectations, and the Audi Q8 Celebration model is another step in that journey.”

The Audi Q8 Celebration model features HD Matrix LED headlamps with dynamic lighting, Button-less MMI Navigation system with Touch Response, Audi Virtual Cockpit, and Audi Smartphone Interface. It also has Audi Phone Box light with wireless charging, Audi music interface, a Panoramic Sunroof, Audi Pre-Sense, 8 Airbags, Contour Ambient lighting, and Audi Park Assist, among other equipment.

Customers can book their choice of the Audi Q8 model at any Audi Dealerships across the country OR on the Audi India website (www.audi.in).

Source: Audi India

|GlobalGiants.Com|

Edited & Posted by Chief Editor | 1:39 PM | View the original post