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Mystery Bowler Sunil Narine Joins Forces with Parimatch as New Brand Ambassador

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Parimatch, the #1 global gaming platform, is proud to announce its exclusive partnership with the legendary Trinidadian all-rounder cricketer, Sunil Narine, who is taking on the role of the company’s Official Brand Ambassador. Renowned for his mysterious bowling and pivotal bat performances, Sunil represents the West Indies in international cricket and also plays for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

A master of spin and deception, Sunil Narine began his international career in 2011, showcasing his unique bowling style. He has achieved remarkable feats, such as bowling the only maiden super over in CPL history and played a key role in the West Indies’ victory at the 2012 ICC T20 World Cup. Narine has earned three IPL MVP awards—a record in the tournament, becoming one of cricket’s most reliable and celebrated bowlers. Today, Narine continues to be a critical player in international matches and various T20 leagues worldwide.

Sunil Narine’s calm confidence and dedication to team success perfectly match Parimatch’s commitment to inspiring and engaging sports enthusiasts worldwide. His humble origins and competitive spirit align with the company’s dedication to fostering a culture of collaboration and pursuing excellence through teamwork.

“I am thrilled to join Parimatch, a brand that resonates with my philosophy of pushing limits and dedication to excellence. Their commitment to elevating the gaming experience aligns perfectly with my passion for cricket. I’m excited about what we can achieve together,” commented Sunil Narine.
 

“This role as the Brand Ambassador is a remarkable opportunity, and I’m excited to lead the way in redefining gaming to new heights!” he added.

As part of this strategic alliance the ‘Mystery Bowler’ will be featured across Parimatch’s large-scale advertising campaigns, including TV commercials, print, radio, outdoor media, PR, and social & digital media outreach.

Parimatch warmly welcomes Sunil Narine as they embark on this incredible journey together. The partnership is expected to inspire and engage cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

About Parimatch

Parimatch is the #1 global gaming platform that provides a complete suite of iGaming services to its customers. Since 1994, Parimatch has grown to be enjoyed by 3,000,000 active users worldwide. It is trusted by the world’s top athletes and celebrities: famous Indian actress Kajal Aggarwal and Trinidadian cricket star Nicholas Pooran are among their brand ambassadors. Parimatch is a partner of franchise cricket teams as MI Cape Town and Antigua & Barbuda Falcons. Since 2019, Parimatch is one of the leading iGaming brands in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Jammu Bids Adieu to Sama-Vaya Artists; Art Retreat Concludes with an Exhibition Filled with Inspiration and Creativity

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Skyview by Empyrean, a 22-acre premium mountain harbour that seamlessly blends premium hospitality, adventure, nature, and luxury in the Sanget-Patnitop region, successfully concluded the second edition of the Sama-Vaya art retreat that hosted eight artists and craftspeople from across India.

Prominent art lovers and collectors from around the country and abroad, as well as over 80 art students from Institute of Music and Fine Arts, Jammu University, also attended the exhibition that displayed the individual and collaborative artworks of the eight participating artists – Lado Bai (Bhil art), Kritika Joshi (Phad painting), Saroj Shyam (Gond painting), Rachita Dutta, Rachna Badrakia, Neha Lavingia, Suman Gupta, and Sohan Singh Billawaria.

Ace and renowned movie and theatre personalities such as Mr. Rajit Kapur, Ms. Shernaz Patel, Ms. Anahita Uberoi and Mr. Sohrab Ardeshir graced the art event with their presence.

Jammu Bids Adieu to Sama-Vaya Artists; Art Retreat Concludes with an Exhibition Filled with Inspiration and Creativity
Visitors at Sama Vaya art retreat at Skyview By Empyrean

These artists spent four days in residence at Skyview by Empyrean to collaborate, exchange ideas, and produce masterpieces inspired by their surroundings. The artists worked individually as well as in pairs to create their impressions of Jammu, the environment, and Skyview by Empyrean. All their artworks were displayed at an exhibition held at Skyview by Empyrean on August 25, 2024.

We at Skyview by Empyrean are so proud to have hosted the second edition of Sama-Vaya that allowed us to see the different shades of Jammu through the eyes of this very talented and observant group of artists. They enriched the exhibition by bringing their diverse and interesting perspectives from both urban as well as indigenous backgrounds. Both Anupa and Anu have elevated the standard of the art retreat this year with their expertise and keen eye for detail. We look forward to continuing our support for such enriching cultural initiatives going forward,” said Owais Altaf Syed, Director of Skyview by Empyrean.

As we wrap up the second edition of Sama-Vaya, I’m left in awe at the beauty we’ve been surrounded by at Skyview by Empyrean and the stunning inspirations that these eight artists have splashed across their canvases! To see these talents from across India work so well individually with their unique interpretations of their environment while also collaborating so beautifully with their partners, merging their two worlds, skills, and forms of expression, all for the love of art has been truly rewarding for me as a curator! Jammu and its cultural landscape, as seen through the eyes of these artists, will remain forever etched in my memory,” said Anupa Mehta, Art Curator for Sama-Vaya. 

The property is located at one of the most scenic spots of the Sanget-Patnitop region that offers unfiltered views of the majestic Pir Panjal range and only is an hour’s drive from the famous Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple at Katra.

Capgemini and SAP Join Forces on Skilling Initiative to Empower India’s Youth and Bridge the Digital Divide

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Capgemini today announced its collaboration with SAP to launch the Capgemini-SAP Digital Academy program; an initiative aimed at providing employment-linked skill training to marginalized youths in India. This joint initiative will focus on providing vocational and technical skills training to disadvantaged youths across six cities in India including Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune.

India, home to the world’s largest youth population, has an opportunity to enhance digital skills among its young citizens. Through this collaboration, Capgemini in India and SAP unite their corporate social responsibility (CSR) visions to provide youth from underprivileged communities with training in courses aligned with market demands. Additionally, this partnership aims to influence policy advocacy to revolutionize the skilling ecosystem.

Emphasizing gender inclusivity, the initiative prioritizes bridging the gap in tech-related fields by ensuring over 50% of participants are young women, thus fostering inclusive socio-economic growth.

Commenting on the announcement, Ashwin Yardi, CEO of Capgemini in India said, “We are delighted to collaborate with SAP and make a significant contribution towards the advancement of India’s digital economy through the upskilling of its youth. This collaboration reflects Capgemini’s commitment to empowering vulnerable youth communities and promoting equal opportunities, fostering inclusion and socio-economic development in India. Through the Capgemini-SAP Digital Academy program, we are equipping individuals with essential skills and creating pathways for sustainable careers and livelihoods, while also nurturing the skilled talent India needs for future growth.”

Sindhu Gangadharan, MD, SAP Labs India and Head, Customer Innovation Services, SAP said, “At SAP, we have an unwavering commitment to providing equitable access to education and employment opportunities on digital and green skills for youth in today’s rapidly changing world. By joining forces with Capgemini on this initiative, we are delivering on our commitment to harnessing technology for positive societal impact. Our partnership will empower India’s youth with future-ready and well-defined skillsets, ensuring their long-term success in their careers. This collaboration represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to foster a culture of continuous learning, which will undoubtedly contribute to India’s growth trajectory.”

Over the next three years, Capgemini and SAP will jointly invest, and pool resources, expertise, and networks to support this crucial initiative aimed at bridging the digital skills gap for more than 8000 individuals who are part of India’s marginalized youth.

About Capgemini
Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, cloud, and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2023 global revenues of €22.5 billion. 

Capgemini in India comprises nearly 175,000 team members working across 13 locations: Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Coimbatore, Gandhinagar, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Noida, Pune, Salem and Tiruchirappalli. 

Get The Future You Want | Learn more about Capgemini in India at www.capgemini.com/in-en.


About SAP
As a global leader in enterprise applications and business Al, SAP (NYSE:SAP) stands at the nexus of business and technology. For over 50 years, organizations have trusted SAP to bring out their best by uniting business-critical operations spanning finance, procurement, HR, supply chain, and customer experience.

For more information, visit www.sap.co.

Expleo Solutions Limited Appoints Phani Tangirala as New Managing Director & CEO

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Expleo Solutions Limited, part of the Expleo Group, a global engineering, technology, and consulting service provider, announces the appointment of Phani Tangirala as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 August 2024. New MD & CEO to focus on strengthening client relationships, talent acquisition, and promoting growth

Phani Tangirala brings over 30 years of experience in the technology and consulting industry, joining Expleo in 2010 and holding numerous leadership roles, most recently Chief Operating Officer of Expleo Solutions. During this time, he has fostered growth and spearheaded innovation. As CEO, Phani Tangirala is set to lead Expleo Solutions into its subsequent market expansion and support growth for Expleo globally.
 

Ralph Gillessen, Chairman of Expleo Solutions Limited, said, “We are thrilled to appoint Phani Tangirala, who brings extensive experience and visionary leadership. We are confident he will elevate the company to new heights, reinforce a culture of excellence and innovation, and uphold our commitment to providing an unparalleled experience for our clients, employees and shareholders.”

Phani Tangirala, MD & CEO of Expleo Solutions Limited, commented, “I am honoured to take on this role and excited to work with the talented team at Expleo, who are committed to leveraging latest technologies to challenge the status quo in the diverse industries of our customers. Together, we will continue to provide exceptional value to our clients, partners and every stakeholder in the ecosystem and drive the company’s growth.”

For more information, visit the investors’ relations page here.

About Expleo

Expleo is a global engineering, technology, and consulting service provider that partners with leading organisations to guide them through their business transformation, helping them achieve operational excellence and future-proof their businesses.

Expleo benefits from more than 50 years of experience developing complex products, optimising manufacturing processes, and ensuring the quality of information systems.

Leveraging its deep sector knowledge and wide-ranging expertise in fields including AI engineering, digitalisation, hyper-automation, cybersecurity, and data science, the group’s mission is to fast-track innovation through each step of the value chain.

As a responsible and diverse organisation, Expleo is committed to doing business with integrity and working towards a more sustainable and secure society.

Expleo boasts an extensive global footprint, powered by 19,000 highly skilled experts delivering value in 30 countries and generating more than €1.4 billion in revenue.

For more information, visit expleo.com.

CEEW-Villgro’s Powering Livelihoods Programme to Provide ~INR 1 Crore Funding to Six New Cleantech Enterprises

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The Powering Livelihoods programme has committed approximately INR 1 crore in funding to scale up new cleantech innovations in the DRE sector. The programme has on-boarded six new DRE innovators while continuing to support 11 others. The programme, spearheaded by the leading think tank Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) and Villgro, one of India’s oldest and largest social enterprise incubators, has supported adopting cleantech solutions to transform rural livelihoods. Some examples of these technologies include solar refrigerators, food processing machines, solar-powered reeling and spinning machines, biomass cold storage, and solar dryers. 

The six newly onboarded enterprises – Temperate Technologies, Takachar, Jaljeevika InfoTech, Saptkrishi Scientific, SEMA and Oscillo Machines – will receive support from the newly created funding pool for scaling their innovations. These DRE solutions enhance productivity and promote local production and value addition in the fisheries, grain processing, and crop residue management sectors to positively impact rural livelihoods.

Abhishek Jain, Fellow and Director – Powering Livelihoods, CEEW, said, “India needs to create economic opportunities at a quicker pace, given its growing young population. Urban jobs can not be the only solution. We need to enhance livelihood opportunities closer to where the bulk production happens and where most people are. But, it must be done in a sustainable and climate-resilient way – that’s exactly what Powering Livelihoods does. With our experience over the years, we are now doubling down to strive for an even greater impact.”

Ananth Aravamudan, Chief of Programs and Strategy, Villgro, said, “We have seen DRE technologies mature over the years, in terms of reliability and proven business models. The stage is set to scale these technologies through access to markets and access to finance. Powering Livelihoods has the track record and resources to make this happen. We believe that not just the innovations, but also the ecosystem consisting of channel partners, financiers and policymakers will see a huge upside through our efforts.”

Powering Livelihoods currently supports a total of 17 enterprises, aiming to create 40,000 livelihoods by deploying 20,000 decentralised renewable energy (DRE) technologies across India by 2026. According to analysis by CEEW, DRE technologies have a market potential of USD 50 billion and can impact 37 million livelihoods in India alone. To enable this, Powering Livelihoods provides technical assistance to strengthen enterprise operations and enable go-to-market and financial partnerships. The initiative also facilitates end-user financing of these cleantech solutions through partnerships with microfinance institutions, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and rural banks.


Powering Livelihoods began operations in 2020 and has already supported ~19,700 livelihoods until 2023. About 70 per cent of these users are women. Further, through ~12,500 clean technology deployments, 16,800 MT of CO2 emissions were mitigated until 2023. Between 2020 and 2023, the supported enterprises raised USD 7.3 million in follow-on funding. 

The programme is currently supported by the IKEA Foundation, Good Energies by Porticus, and the DOEN Foundation. The initiative will continue to support enterprises such as Devidayal Solar, Dharambir Food Processing, Rukart, Hydrogreens, Coolcrop, Resham Sutra, New Leaf Dynamic, Karmatech, Katidhan, Raheja Solar, and Khethworks. 

As part of the initiative, CEEW will continue to generate impact and viability evidence to inform about the sector’s potential and challenges. It will also engage with policymakers and other ecosystem stakeholders to support policy convergence for DRE for livelihoods. Villgro, on the other hand, will continue to play a vital role as an enterprise incubator, providing mentoring, technical assistance, and facilitating ecosystem partnerships.

About Powering Livelihoods
Powering Livelihoods, a CEEW-Villgro initiative, aims to boost India’s rural economy by scaling up the penetration of clean energy-powered appliances for livelihoods. Over three years, the initiative will cleantech enterprises to undertake large-scale commercial deployment of their solutions and use the generated evidence to catalyse the sector. The initiative also provides explicit financial and technical support to enhance gender inclusion in the clean energy for livelihoods ecosystem. Learn more about Powering Livelihoods here.

About CEEW 
The Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) is one of Asia’s leading not-for-profit policy research institutions. The Council uses data, integrated analysis, and strategic outreach to explain – and change – the use, reuse, and misuse of resources. It prides itself on the independence of its high-quality research, develops partnerships with public and private institutions, and engages with the wider public. In 2021, CEEW once again featured extensively across ten categories in the 2020 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report. The Council has also been consistently ranked among the world’s top climate change think tanks. Follow us on Twitter @CEEWIndia for the latest updates. 

About Villgro 
Villgro is India’s foremost and one of the world’s largest social enterprise incubators. Established in 2001, Villgro’s mission is to make innovative, impactful businesses succeed in Health, Agribusiness, and Climate Action. Since 2001, Villgro has supported 340 social enterprises that have raised over INR 4.28 billion in investments, created 5,646 jobs, and impacted over 20.8 million lives. Villgro was awarded the Top Incubator Award by the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (GoI) in 2020 and the DivHERsity Awards in 2022.

Rediscover Da Nang with Series of New Experiences

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According to a report by the Da Nang Tourism Promotion Centre, the most common length of stay for visitors to Da Nang is three to four nights. It’s no coincidence that Da Nang consistently ranks among the top destinations with the highest attractiveness index in Vietnam.

A new culinary hotspot of the world

After debuting in Vietnam with two destinations, Ha Noi and HCM City in 2023, the Michelin Guide generated a buzz in June 2024 by announcing the first-ever list of selected restaurants in Da Nang, including two Michelin-starred establishments.
 

One of the greatest pleasures for food lovers is queuing up to try all the restaurants recommended by the Michelin Guide. The Michelin Selected award highlights 19 dining establishments in Da Nang, including Banh Xeo Ba Duong, Bun Cha Ca Ba Hoa, Luk Lak, Madame Lan…. Additionally, the Bib Gourmand award honours Bun Cha Ca Hon, Thia Go, Hai San Be Ni….
 

However, the turning point for Da Nang’s cuisine lies in the two Michelin-starred restaurants. La Maison 1888, located within the renowned InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, earned one star. This restaurant was honored by CNN in the top 10 restaurants in the world in 2016. Architectural Digest magazine voted the restaurant as one of the world’s 10 most beautiful restaurants.
 

Notably, 2024 marks the first time a Vietnamese restaurant, Nen Danang, received a Michelin Green Star.
 

A “giant outdoor theatre” on Ba Na Hills

Having garnered international fame for its Golden Bridge, one of Vietnam’s most iconic tourist attractions, Sun World Ba Na Hills continues to enchant visitors this summer with its one-of-a-kind and frequent shows. Therefore, Ba Na Hills is also known as the “giant outdoor theatre.”

Vibrant shows on Ba Na Hills 
 

Visitors can experience world-class shows throughout the day and night, including roller skating performances at the central church square, “Search for the Beer King” activity, Bestival festival, South American fire dance and campfire shows each evening and the Cabaret Plus 18+ show featuring Thailand transgender beauty queens.
 

Rounding out the experience are Soloist stages throughout Ba Na Hills, featuring top circus artists from around the world.
 

This year, Sun World Ba Na Hills introduces a show combining 12 art forms, featuring hundreds of international artists. Fairy Blossom is performed daily at 11am at Noel Plaza Square (except Tuesdays).
 

The show gathers top stars from the world’s circus, including Domitil Aillot, the world’s top male pole circus artist; the famous twin stars of Cirque du Soleil, Crystal Ladies with magical legs, once stirred up The Ellen Show; hand-balancing circus artist Oleg Izossimov; aerial silk queen Olga Moreva; and Anastasia Popsulys – a young contortionist acclaimed for her exceptional talent.
 

Visitors can also enjoy an exclusive “The Ba Na Hills Experience” package at Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills, valid until September 30, 2024. This offer includes a one-night stay in a Superior room with buffet breakfast, an 18-hole golf round at Ba Na Hills Golf Club, round-trip cable car tickets, a buffet dinner at La Crique restaurant, a 10% discount on dining services, a complimentary Deluxe room upgrade (subject to availability), a free bottle of sparkling wine upon check-in, and exclusive early morning visits to the Golden Bridge. Alternatively, guests staying at Novotel Danang Premier Han River can opt for a room and cable car combo starting at VND3,760,000 (USD150).
 

Nightly fireworks art shows

Launched in late June, the multi-experience show Symphony of River, featuring nightly fireworks, has drawn thousands of visitors to Da Nang’s new “entertainment district” – Da Nang Downtown.
 

Symphony of River takes place at 8.30pm every night on stage by the Han River, which features performances by over 100 international artists, including 20 world champion Jetski & Flyboard athletes. The shows highlight is a seven-minute fireworks display with never-before-seen effects imported from China.
 

In less than two months since its debut, the show has continuously sold out. Lucky ticket holders describe it as the best show they’ve ever seen in Da Nang.
 

The largest puppet theatre in Central Vietnam

Visitors to Da Nang can explore Vietnamese culture at the largest puppet theatre in Central Vietnam – Au O Theatre.
 

The theatre, with a capacity of about 600 seats, is located within the Da Nang Downtown complex. The Vietnamese Puppetry (Roi Viet) show is performed by artists from the Vietnam National Puppet Theatre in Ha Noi. It combines over 1,000 years of traditional water puppetry and land puppetry, integrating folktales with contemporary art elements and showcasing the beauty of Vietnam’s culture and people.

Samsonite and BOSS Elevate Travel with Luxurious New Luggage Collection

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Samsonite, the global leader in travel solutions, has partnered with luxury fashion brand, BOSS to launch the ‘Departures’ campaign. This collaboration introduces an exclusive, limited-edition luggage collection that combines premium quality with modern design and luxury.

The BOSS | Samsonite collection showcases high-quality aluminum construction with an anodized BOSS monogram pattern. The smooth, tone-on-tone black finish not only enhances durability but also gives each piece a unique and pristine look. The interiors feature soft-textured fabric in the iconic BOSS camel color, offering a luxurious feel. Spacious compartments and adjustable packing straps make it easy to organize and protect belongings.
 

“This collaboration brings together the best of both brands, merging Samsonite’s expertise in innovative luggage design with BOSS’s distinctive elegance. This collection is the perfect blend of style and functionality,” said Jai Krishnan, CEO at Samsonite India“We aim to redefine travel gear and are thrilled to offer travelers a collection that embodies both functionality and style.”
 

Designed for fashion-forward travelers who prioritize style and functionality, the collection includes four models: a cabin suitcase, two check-in options, and a trunk. Co-branded leather handles add a touch of luxury and sophistication, making each piece both elegant and practical.
 

Available in limited edition, the BOSS | Samsonite collection will be sold at select Samsonite and BOSS stores and online, making it accessible to travelers around the world. This collaboration sets a new standard in travel gear, combining aesthetic appeal with practical design. Whether for business or leisure, the BOSS | Samsonite luggage collection invites travelers to explore the world with confidence and style.
 

Explore more about the BOSS | Samsonite collection and embark on your journey with unparalleled style and sophistication.

US based startup announces the world’s first AI doctor’s office

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In a world where technology is rapidly transforming industries, healthcare is no exception. Digital health startup Forward, led by co-founder Adrian Aoun, is on a mission to revolutionize how people access medical care. With a fresh injection of $100 million in funding, Forward is betting big on its latest innovation: the “CarePod”—an AI-powered healthcare kiosk designed to bring medical check-ups to malls across the country.

Redefining Healthcare

Adrian Aoun doesn’t believe in traditional doctor’s offices. In fact, he envisions a future where healthcare is driven by technology, much like Elon Musk’s vision for self-driving cars. Aoun’s creation, the CarePod, is an 8×8-foot metallic kiosk that aims to automate the primary care experience. Patients can unlock the pod with their phones, step inside, and follow prompts from a large screen as a robotic voice guides them through various health assessments, such as body scans, blood pressure readings, and finger prick blood draws.

“Slowly but surely, we’re just migrating every single thing from doctor and nurse to hardware and software,” Aoun explains. His goal is to eliminate the need for traditional doctor’s offices altogether.

However, despite Aoun’s disdain for the conventional healthcare model, Forward’s business still relies on it. The company currently charges $149 per month for a combination of virtual and in-person primary care at its 17 clinics across nine states and Washington, D.C. But with the introduction of the CarePod, Forward aims to scale its reach exponentially, offering a more automated, accessible form of healthcare.

The CarePod Experience

The CarePod is Forward’s attempt to fully automate the check-up process. While the technology inside the pod handles the diagnostics, licensed medical professionals still play a crucial role behind the scenes. These professionals review the data collected by the pod and interact with patients via video or chat to interpret the results and provide guidance.

For $99 a month, users can access the CarePods as often as needed. However, this membership does not grant access to Forward’s in-person clinics—a hybrid offering may be introduced in the future. Despite this limitation, Aoun believes the CarePod model will attract a significant portion of Forward’s current members, about 35% of whom are uninsured.

Expanding Access

With the $100 million in new funding, Forward plans to roll out its first batch of 25 CarePods in major cities like San Francisco, New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia. Aoun has already secured deals with prominent mall owners, including Westfield, Simon, and Macerich, and expects the number of pods to grow rapidly.

“We’re gonna put more healthcare on this planet than the world’s ever seen,” Aoun told Forbes. This ambitious goal reflects Aoun’s belief that the future of healthcare lies in widespread access to technology-driven solutions.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite Forward’s bold vision, the concept of AI-driven healthcare is not without its critics. Arthur Caplan, a professor of bioethics at New York University, expresses concern about the lack of human interaction in the CarePod model. He argues that many patients may be reluctant to discuss sensitive issues without a human doctor present to pick up on non-verbal cues and guide them through complex conversations.

Caplan also questions the effectiveness of what he calls “jukebox medicine,” where patients interact with a machine rather than a person. He believes that traditional face-to-face consultations are essential for addressing the full spectrum of a patient’s needs.

The World’s Best Healthcare for One Billion People

Aoun’s ultimate goal is to provide the world’s best healthcare to one billion people, ideally for free. While Forward currently operates on a cash-pay monthly membership basis, Aoun acknowledges that the cost “should be $0” and is committed to working toward lowering the price over time.

Forward’s CarePod represents a significant step toward this vision, offering a glimpse into a future where healthcare is more accessible, efficient, and technology-driven. Whether this model will succeed in addressing the complexities of human health remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Aoun and Forward are challenging the status quo, pushing the boundaries of what healthcare can be in the digital age.

Cristiano Ronaldo Nears Unmatched ‘1 Billion Milestone’ After YouTube Channel Launch

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Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the greatest footballers of all time, is on the brink of yet another historic achievement—becoming the first person to reach 1 billion followers across social media platforms. Known for his record-breaking performances on the field, Ronaldo’s influence extends far beyond football, and his social media presence is a testament to his global appeal.

Recently, Ronaldo launched his YouTube channel, ‘UR Cristiano,’ which quickly became a sensation. The Portuguese superstar shattered records, becoming the fastest celebrity to surpass 1 million, 10 million, and 20 million followers on the video-sharing platform. Now, as his YouTube following nears the 50 million mark, Ronaldo’s total social media following is rapidly approaching the 1 billion milestone—a feat no other celebrity has ever achieved.

A Social Media Powerhouse

Ronaldo’s social media dominance is unrivaled. He boasts an impressive 637 million followers on Instagram, 170 million on Facebook, and 112.7 million on Twitter. Adding in his 45 million YouTube subscribers, Ronaldo’s total follower count stands at an astonishing 964 million. With this trajectory, it’s only a matter of time before the 39-year-old reaches the coveted 1 billion mark.

This milestone would not only cement Ronaldo’s status as the most followed person on the planet but also highlight the immense power of social media in modern celebrity culture. No other athlete, or indeed any public figure, has come close to achieving such a vast and engaged global audience.

The Financial Impact of Ronaldo’s YouTube Success

Ronaldo’s YouTube channel has not only expanded his fanbase but also added significantly to his wealth. According to a report by Spanish publication Marca, Ronaldo earned an estimated $100 million within the first 72 hours of launching his channel. With YouTube paying around $6 per 1,000 views, Ronaldo’s 20 videos (including shorts) have already garnered approximately 200 million views, translating to earnings between $1,200 and $6,000 per million views.

Ronaldo’s savvy use of social media has made him one of the richest sportspersons in the world, with his online presence contributing significantly to his income. The success of his YouTube channel is a clear indicator of his ability to engage and monetize his audience across multiple platforms.

A New Era in Celebrity Influence

As Ronaldo edges closer to the 1 billion follower milestone, he is redefining what it means to be a global celebrity in the digital age. His ability to connect with fans across various social media platforms demonstrates the evolving nature of fame, where athletes and entertainers can leverage their popularity to build vast online empires.

Ronaldo’s impending achievement is not just a personal triumph; it is a glimpse into the future of celebrity culture, where social media influence can rival, and even surpass, traditional forms of fame. As the world watches Ronaldo’s follower count tick ever closer to 1 billion, it’s clear that the Portuguese star is not just breaking records—he’s setting new ones that may stand for years to come.

Scientists Develop the Whitest White Paint—A Game-Changer in Cooling Technology

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In a groundbreaking achievement, scientists at Purdue University have developed the whitest white paint ever made, so reflective that it can cool surfaces significantly, even under the scorching sun. This ultra-white paint, first introduced in 2020, has recently been enhanced to reflect a staggering 98.1 percent of sunlight, earning it a spot in the Guinness World Records as the whitest paint ever created.

While this scientific feat may sound like an aesthetic pursuit, the motivation behind it is far more profound. “We weren’t really trying to develop the world’s whitest paint,” said Xiulin Ruan, a Purdue professor of mechanical engineering who led the research. “We wanted to help with climate change, and now it’s more of a crisis, and getting worse. We wanted to see if it was possible to help save energy while cooling down the Earth.”

A Cool Solution to a Warming Planet

The potential impact of this ultra-white paint is significant. By reflecting nearly all sunlight that hits it, the paint can keep surfaces cool to the touch even during the hottest parts of the day. For instance, a surface coated with this paint can be up to eight degrees Fahrenheit cooler than the surrounding air temperature in the afternoon, and the difference can reach up to 19 degrees Fahrenheit at night.

This cooling effect could prove revolutionary in urban areas, where the “urban heat island” effect—caused by buildings absorbing more heat than natural landscapes—leads to elevated temperatures. Painting rooftops and building exteriors with this whitest white paint could help counteract this phenomenon, potentially reducing the need for air conditioning and lowering energy consumption.

The Science Behind the Whitest White

The journey to create this super-reflective paint was no small task. The initial version of the paint, which reflected 95.5 percent of sunlight, was made using calcium carbonate particles. However, after six years of research and testing over 100 different materials, the Purdue team discovered that barium sulfate was the key to pushing reflectivity even further. Barium sulfate’s reflective properties are so powerful that a higher concentration of its particles increases the paint’s whiteness, though too much of it can cause the paint to crack.

This scientific advancement draws parallels with other record-setting materials, such as Vantablack, known as the “blackest black,” which absorbs 99.965 percent of light. While Vantablack is made from carbon nanotubes, the ultra-white paint’s secret lies in the unique composition of barium sulfate.

Beyond Buildings

The potential applications for this paint are vast, extending beyond just buildings. “I’ve been contacted by everyone from spacecraft manufacturers to architects to companies that make clothes and shoes,” Ruan said. These industries are eager to harness the cooling power of the whitest white paint, though many have asked for a thinner version suitable for their specific needs. In response, Ruan’s team has been working on a lightweight formula that could be used on cars and other surfaces.

Although the paint is not yet commercially available, with a release expected in about a year, the Purdue team is collaborating with a paint manufacturing company to refine the product further. Their goals include enhancing the paint’s durability, making it more resistant to dirt, and even developing other colors that incorporate the ultra-white base to improve their reflective properties.

The Future of Cooling Technology

While the whitest white paint is a remarkable tool for cooling, its widespread use could have a tangible impact on global temperatures. A 2019 study published in the journal Joule suggested that to stop global temperatures from rising, one to two percent of the Earth’s surface would need to be covered with a reflective material like this paint—an area just over half the size of the Sahara Desert.

In the meantime, the whitest white paint offers a glimpse into the future of sustainable cooling technologies. By reducing the need for air conditioning, this innovation could help cut down on energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, making it a small but significant step in the fight against climate change. As Ruan and his team continue to refine their creation, the world eagerly awaits the impact this ultra-white paint will have on our environment and daily lives.