The EU has agreed on the Data Act, which sets principles of data access, portability, and sharing for users of IoT products.
The EU countries and lawmakers have reached a consensus on the Data Act. Initially proposed by the European Commission in 2022, the Data Act introduces the principle of data access, portability, and sharing for users of internet of things (IoT) products. It enables users of connected devices, including smart home appliances and industrial machinery, to access the data generated by these devices, typically controlled exclusively by manufacturers and service providers. It also aims to prevent unauthorised access to data by non-EU governments, addressing concerns raised following revelations of extensive surveillance by the USA in 2013. Additionally, it seeks to protect trade secrets and intellectual property rights, with safeguards in place to prevent abusive behavior by data holders. Public sector bodies, including the European Commission, the European Central Bank, and Union bodies, will have access to and can utilise private sector data in exceptional circumstances, such as during public emergencies or for fulfilling public interest tasks. It will also enable customers to switch between data-processing service providers (cloud providers) and establish additional safeguards against unauthorised data transfers. Lastly, the interplay between the Data Act’s existing horizontal and sectoral legislation, such as the Data Governance Act and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), is clarified.
The Data Act will start to apply 20 months following its entry into force, with new products required to meet design requirements for data accessibility after one year and existing contracts on IoT products changing after five years.
When Joyce Pingel of Epiphany Technologies went looking for experts who could help the Holt family of businesses integrate their technology, she found an opportunity.
Joyce Pingel is president of Epiphany Industrial Technologies, a tech company offering systems integration in the industrial sector. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report
Pingel, Holt’s chief information officer and head of digital innovation, found plenty of companies offering systems integration — the creation and management of processes that integrate the disparate technologies companies use to run their businesses. But Pingel found a distinct lack of those that also had deep expertise in the industrial sector.
She took her “a-ha moment” to Holt leadership, and was encouraged to pursue what has become Epiphany Industrial Technologies, which launched in January 2022. Holt businesses include Holt Cat, one of the largest Caterpillar dealership networks in the country; Holt Manufacturing; Holt Renewables; and others. The Holt family is also the majority owner of the San Antonio Spurs.
On Tuesday, Epiphany held an open house at its newly refurbished headquarters on Southeast Military Drive, next to the future home of the San Antonio Arboretum and less than three miles from Holt’s $24 million corporate headquarters, completed in 2017.
The 13,000-square-foot building was formerly the University of the Incarnate Word’s professional golf management facility. Today, the putting green out back has been replaced by pickleball courts and an outdoor kitchen. Inside, a spacious kitchen, gym and light-filled collaborative workspaces will welcome new employees and future clients alike.
Epiphany Industrial Technologies is located off of Southeast Military Drive near Brooks. Credit: Scott Ball / San Antonio Report
Mayor Ron Nirenberg joined Holt CEO Peter J. Holt; Corinna Holt Richter, president andchief administrative officer of Holt; Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran (D3); and her sister Rebecca Viagran, a former councilwoman who is now president and CEO of the South Texas Business Partnership (formerly the South San Antonio Chamber of Commerce), for the open house.
In her remarks, Pingel described systems integrators as akin to general contractors; Epiphany, she said, will eventually serve industrial customers in the construction, oil and gas, renewables and manufacturing industries.
The Holt family of companies was Epiphany’s first customer, she said later, helping them while ironing out the startup’s processes. Later this year, she said, Epiphany will start to court outside customers, including other Caterpillar dealers.
Pingel initially led a team of three — herself, Vice President of Solution Engineering Dinu Mathai and Vice President of Solution Delivery David Kash — in forming the company. Today it has 15 employees, she said, and expects to double that figure by the end of 2023.
“We’re bringing high-skill, high-tech jobs to the South Side,” she said to applause from the crowd of business leaders, elected officials and South Side boosters.
The company is hiring for positions such as solutions architect, data integration engineer and senior Salesforce developer, according to its website. Mathai said as it fills its senior ranks, Epiphany also hopes to expand opportunities for more recent graduates and interns “to fill the pipeline.”
He acknowledged that it’s been a struggle to hire locally, and expanding their search statewide helped round out the company’s leadership team. A partially remote and hybrid workforce is the reality, Mathai said, but he hopes the amenities of the new headquarters will help attract workers to San Antonio.
But “we love to hire local,” said Kash, “and the tables are turning, things are picking up.”
Access to a qualified workforce and the ability to attract and retain talent is a top priority for the South Texas Business Partnership, said Rebecca Viagran. The former Southside chamber, which merged with the West San Antonio Chamber of Commerce in 2020, now considers not just the South Side but all of South Texas as its service region.
The economic center of San Antonio is “shifting ever southward,” said Nirenberg. “The amenities coming to the South Side are not to be overstated.”
Peter Holt said his company is “pleased to be a part” of the South Side’s growth, and lauded Pingel’s vision.
“When new ideas come up,” he said, “let’s run through the door together.”
Youth Women’s Nationals: Asian Junior Silver medallist Supriya Devi punches her way to quarters
Supriya Devi (red) punches her way to quarterfinals of the 6th Youth Women’s National Boxing Championship.
Skilled pugilist TH Supriya Devi showcased her exceptional skills to secure a commanding victory and advance to the quarter finals on the third day of the ongoing 6th Youth Women’s National Boxing Championship in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
Facing Kuldeep Kaur of Punjab, Supriya (54kg) utilized her smart attacking strategy and emerged victorious with a unanimous decision of 5:0. The Manipur-born pugilist who has the Asian Junior silver medal to her name, hardly put a foot wrong throughout the bout.
She will now face Meherunnis A Becum Mohd of Andhra Pradesh in the last-8.
Contrasting to Supriya’s result, another pugilist from Manipur, Kajal S Devi registered a hard fought 4-1 victory against Harshita of Chandigarh. She will go head-to-head against Riya Toor of Punjab in the quarterfinals.
In the 50kg category, Anshu of Haryana delivered a remarkable performance against Swati Yadav of Delhi to secure a victory after the referee stopped contest (RSC) in the first round. She will take on Kafi of Madhya Pradesh in her quarters bout.
Displaying a smart combination of attack and quick movement, S Jaya Sree (81kg) of Telangana recorded a 5:0 win against Ritu of Haryana and booked her place in the quarter-finals where she will take square off against Mansi Lad of Maharashtra.
Pakistan: Earlier in the week, the International Cricket Council (ICC) unveiled the fixtures of the 2023 ODI World Cup, which is scheduled to commence on October 5 in Ahmedabad.
As per the schedule, Pakistan will take on India on October 15 at the same venue. The other venues allocated for Pakistan’s matches include Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Kolkata.
Although the date as to when the country will send a delegation is unclear, a source close to the Inter-Provincial Coordination (Sports) Ministry said that it will happen once the new chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is selected.
“The security delegation will go with representation from the PCB to inspect the venues where Pakistan will play and also the security and other arrangements made for them in the World Cup,” said the source.
“The delegation will interact with the officials there and discuss and inspect with them the security and other arrangements for our players, officials, fans and media, who will go for the tournament,” he added.
The source also notified that Pakistan had sent a delgation back in 2016, too, before Pakistan arrived in India for the T20 World Cup that year.
The PCB will later share a report with the ICC and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) if the delegation had any concerns.
While online shopping presents shopaholics convenience like never before, there is no denying that spam mail received on personal IDs is a huge irritant.
Former Flipkart SVP Ranjith Boyanapalli has launched Flash.co, a one-stop shopping experience with a unique email ID, to ditch the spammers.
Features
The app’s ‘Handpicked’ tab allows customers to track all account or order related details. They can also view information like items ordered, amount, address details, tracking number, number of orders placed, and amount spent in a given time span. Flash.Co, which has partnered with more than 40 brands, also has a tab to cover promotional mail.
Rewards and cashback
Most of the rewards and cashback generated on the app are sponsored by the brands themselves. ”We are trying to showcase brands, give more visibility to customers. If consumers like something, they go shop and we charge brands on adding value,” Ranjith tells businessline.
Consumer Safety
“Flash.Co is like identity play, wherein brands can engage with new customers,” he says. It offers “ease of shopping while ensuring privacy and security” of consumer data.
Funds for the app
Flash.Co raised $5.8 million in a recent round of funding from Global Founders Capital (GFC), co-led by White Ventures Capital, a Singapore-based firm. Binny Bansal, Co-Founder of Flipkart; Kunal Shah, Founder of CRED; and Lalit Keshre, Co-Founder and CEO of Groww have also funded the app.
Upcoming features
Ranjith and his team plan to have a separate section for order invoices, a BrandChat feature where brands and customers can engage directly without the need of a third-party, and widgets for Shopify to provide more discounts and rewards.
Plans down the line
Ranjith plans to tap the US market by the end of 2023. In addition, plans are afoot to add a travel segment, where people can book tickets, and enjoy other related perks.
How to register with Flash.co app
Head to Google Play Store or Apple App Store to download Flash.co.
Enter your phone number for OTP authentication.
Create unique ID with Flash.co.
On main page of the app, one can connect to Gmail.
What sets SPKK apart is its ability to empower the woman in the story and Kartik Aaryan plays a pivotal role in this regard.
‘Man of the moment’ Kartik Aaryan has delivered several notable performances throughout his career. However, his portrayal of Sattu in the freshly released Satyaprem Ki Katha (SPKK) stands out as one of his finest performances yet. He carries the film on his shoulders and shines through every scene.
Kartik Aaryan
The reviews from critics as well as the netizens, called Kartik Aaryan’s character arc in the film truly remarkable while appreciating his ability to seamlessly transition between comedy and drama, showcasing his versatility as an actor as he navigated the complexities of Satyaprem’s emotions so perfectly.
What sets SPKK apart is its ability to empower the woman in the story and Kartik Aaryan plays a pivotal role in this regard. His character supports and encourages his partner and the leading lady, Katha, to be heroic, rather than being the hero for her. This nuanced approach showcases Kartik’s security as an actor. Additionally, it also leaves the present-day woman wanting a man just like Kartik’s Satyu in her life.
Trade expert Taran Adarsh Says, “Kartik is now building his own brand of romatic hero. We have Shah Rukh Khan’s brand of romance, which no one can touch and in the current times, Kartik is surely building his own brand of romance – which is more new-age and has high relatability factor. He brings freshness to the screen and off screen his endearing nature and genuine charm captures the hearts of the audiences especially women, just like Khan did in his prime. He plays the most ideal Bollywood hero with Sattu and hits it off the park.”
Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani in a still from the film
His massive female fandom are so impressed by his character Sattu that after watching the film, they soon made a hashtag #BeLikeSattu. Now this itself is such a rare story to hear of people having such craze for a reel-character in this day-and-age. The internet is mad about them and are saying that after Raj and Simran setting couple-goals, Sattu and Katha (played by Kiara Advani) are the young India’s couple-goals on screen.
Kartik Aaryan has revived hope in the industry by delivering a pure romantic love story that resonates with the masses. Beyond his box office success, Kartik’s portrayal of Sattu in Sameer Vidwans directed film, deserves recognition for the way it handles a sensitive issue at the core of the film. The approach to this subject matter goes beyond heroic, as he brings empathy and understanding to the character, raising awareness and providing a fresh perspective but keeping the film ever-entertaining than preachy. A modern-day hero Bollywood deserves!
In many ways, Kartik Aaryan’s journey parallels that of Satyaprem in the film. From zero to hero and being an outsider to a young superstar to be reckoned with!
The fun on the historic New Orleans riverfront at the Go 4th on the River event begins during the afternoon of July 4 when the General Roy S. Kelley fireboat sprays its special red, white and blue fountains and continues through the evening when a brilliant fireworks show takes over the night sky. Accompanied by a passionately patriotic soundtrack, the pyrotechnics fill the horizon over the Mississippi River with a myriad of dazzling colors.
Each year on July 4, Lights on the Lake presents one of the most breathtaking fireworks performances in the nation, a display that is considered a “Top 5” event by The American Pyrotechnics Association. After a day that features a parade in South Lake Tahoe, lots of water-based recreation and revelry, the fireworks explode in the night sky above the lake for a breathtaking end to the Fourth of July.
Naturally, Music City’s Independence Day bash would involve some great music, and Let Freedom Sing! never disappoints on that front. This year’s edition will feature Brad Paisley, The War And Treaty, Langhorne Slim, Tiera Kennedy and Ben Rector as opening acts to one of the biggest fireworks shows in the nation, which will be synchronized to a live performance by the Nashville Symphony.
The Cornhusker State’s official “Fourth of July City” proves that bigger cities aren’t always better when it comes to big-time Fourth of July fun. This cherished annual celebration dates back to 1868 and features a grand parade, car show, craft show, live music and dozens more special events alongside plenty of Midwest charm. Each and every July 4, the celebration is capped with a dazzling fireworks display.
The City of Brotherly Love will once again welcome visitors from all over the nation (and world) eager to celebrate the Fourth of July in the city where America declared its independence. The city’s flagship event is the Wawa Welcome America Festival, which will begin with a Celebration of Freedom Ceremony, continue with concerts from Demi Lovato and Ludacris, and finish with a spectacular fireworks show over the city.
The Melaleuca Freedom Celebration is home to one of the biggest Independence Day fireworks displays west of the Mississippi River and that’s just the tip of the iceberg of the patriotic fun that goes down here on July 4. The day starts with Riverfest—an event featuring live music and family fun—then ends with over 18,000 shells being shot into the night sky over the banks of the Snake River in a display choreographed to moving music meant to honor America’s Founding Fathers, veterans and service members.
There’s nothing like seeing fireworks against a backdrop of the one-of-a-kind NYC skyline and each year the Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks leaves rooftop revelers in the Big Apple breathless. In addition to the pyrotechnics, there will be music from Ashanti, Bebe Rexha, Brett Young, Ja Rule and many more during a broadcast hosted by Zuri Hall.
The Seafair Summer Fourth will once again bring a breathtaking fireworks show to the skies over Lake Union in Seattle. The natural setting creates a unique amphitheater effect, serving to enhance all the sights & sounds of the fireworks. While you’re waiting for the fireworks to start, the festival provides fun by way of beer gardens, live music and family entertainment.
There has been an unusual rise in the number of children and teenagers around the world diagnosed with type 1 diabetes since Covid, say researchers.
A new study in JAMA Network Open journal has collated available data from different countries, including the UK, on more than 38,000 young people diagnosed during the pandemic.
The authors describe the increase in cases of diabetes as “substantial”.
More work is needed to understand why the rise is happening, they say.
Some of the rise could be attributed to catch-up – from backlogs and delays when health services were shut – but does not explain all of the newly diagnosed cases, say scientists.
Before the pandemic, the incidence rate of childhood type 1 diabetes was already increasing – by about 3% a year.
There recent study found:
There was a 14% rise in the rate during the first year of the pandemic, compared to before Covid
In the second year of Covid, the rate was up about 27% on pre-pandemic levels
Researchers from the University of Toronto say, regardless of the cause, more resources and support may be needed for the growing number of children and adolescents affected by type 1 diabetes.
What is type 1 diabetes?
People with the condition have to closely monitor their blood sugar level and take insulin to control it because their body cannot do this automatically
That is because insulin-producing cells in the pancreas are mistakenly destroyed by the body’s immune system
It occurs in children and adults, but the causes are not fully known and there is currently no cure
What’s behind the rise?
Experts say it is unclear what has triggered the surge in cases, but there are some theories.
One such theory, is that Covid can trigger a reaction in some children which increases the risk of diabetes. But among the studies looking for this type of autoimmune reaction – where the body starts to attack some of its own healthy cells – not all have found evidence to support this theory.
Another hypothesis is that exposure to some germs in childhood can help guard against a number of conditions, including diabetes. Some scientists believe it is possible that lockdowns and physical distancing during Covid meant many children did not get sufficient exposure to germs and missed out on this additional protection.
Hilary Nathan, Policy Director at type 1 diabetes charity JDRFUK, said: “This research reflects a life-changing reality for so many families here in the UK.”
She urged people to look out for the symptoms of type 1 diabetes: tiredness, thirst, needing to go to the toilet to urinate more often, and weight loss or increasing thinness – collectively known as the four Ts.
“Knowing these signs and getting an early diagnosis and swift treatment can be life-saving,” she said.
Theo, pictured with his mum Jo, controls his diabetes using an insulin pump
Theo, now 9, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes a year ago. It happened just a few months after he caught Covid. His mum, Jo, says it came as a shock: “I didn’t know anything about diabetes.
“I thought it was a misdiagnosis because he wasn’t poorly with it. We’re very lucky that we caught it early.
“You’re trying to process that your child’s going through this. You’re being taught all these scientific facts about the condition…to keep them alive. If you don’t do it, you know, there are severe consequences.”
Theo, who lives in Sheffield, now has an insulin pump and is managing his diabetes well.
Dr Faye Riley, from Diabetes UK, said: “Research worldwide has identified higher than expected numbers of diabetes diagnoses in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. This study adds to the evidence.
“Future studies that examine longer-term trends will be important to disentangle the impact of the pandemic from natural fluctuations in incidence of type 1 over time, as well as establishing the range of factors that could be behind any apparent rise.”
AHMEDABAD: Union home minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said PM Modi has taken Indian culture and traditions to the global stage through the International Yoga Day, which is celebrated across the world on June 21.
Amit Shah plants a sapling at a garden in Shilaj
PM Modi will be leading the Yoga Day celebrations at the lawns of the United Nations headquarters in New York on Wednesday.
Addressing a gathering in Ahmedabad, Shah said PM Modi turned the practice of yoga into a public movement which has benefited many people. Modi has become the first head of a country to lead the Yoga Day celebrations at the UN, he said.
“Through Yoga Day, PM Modi took Indian culture and traditions to the entire world. The entire world has embraced yoga and it is celebrated in 170 countries on June 21,” said Shah after inaugurating a public garden near Shilaj area of the city.
“Our ancient research proved that we will not need medicines if we perform yoga regularly. Narendra Bhai turned this ancient knowledge into a public movement and inspired people to embrace this lifestyle. This practice has changed the lives of many people,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Shah inaugurated a railway overbridge in Jagatpur area of the city and a public garden at New Ranip. On the occasion, he urged the invited guests, including builders associated with Credai (Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India), to plant more trees and take the activity as a movement. He asked the builders to plant at least 25 trees in each of the schemes they have developed so far in the state.
He also thanked Credai for announcing that it will provide sports and games equipment in 75 ‘anganwadis’. “It will do away with the inferiority complex that anganwadi children face and will also promote sports and games as a routine in their lives,” Shah remarked. Shah also visited the 400-year-old Jagannath Temple in Jamalpur on the occasion of Rath Yatra and participated in the ‘mangala aarti’ on Tuesday morning.
Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt are currently awaiting the release of their highly anticipated film ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani’. The first song from the film ‘Tum Kya Mile’, which was released recently, has already become a chartbuster. The stunning locations, sizzling romance, and everything else has blazed the route directly into the hearts of all fans. Alia recently created a reel on the song from Dubai Beach, which captured our hearts, and now Ranveer has followed in her footsteps.
Taking inspiration from his ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ co-star Alia Bhatt’s super-aesthetic Tum Kya Mile clip, Ranveer Singh gave it his all. While Alia lip-synced the song on a beach, Ranveer shot his version on a green screen, complete with sunsets, beaches, and even Matrix images. The Reel was hilariously labelled by the actor as, “Alia ke reel jitna budget nahi thha #TumKyaMile.”
As soon as Ranveer posted the reel, fans started giving their opinion in the comment section. One fan funnily wrote, “Haters will say this is green screen 😝.” “Bhai Bhai 😂😂😂😂😂, ”said another fan. While others dropped laughing emoji.For the unversed, ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani’ marks Karan Johar’s return to filmmaking after a seven-year hiatus. His previous directorial effort, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, was a modest box office success in 2016. Ranveer Singh plays Rocky in the film, which also stars Alia Bhatt as Rani. The romantic movie, according to reports, centres around the larger-than-life love story of Rocky and Rani, who come from Punjabi and Bengali cultures, respectively. The film also stars veteran actors Dharmendra, Shabana Azmi, and Jaya Bachchan in the pivotal roles.
On the work front, apart from ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani’ Alia Bhatt is looking forward to her Hollywood debut with the film ‘Heart of Stone’ alongside ‘Gal Gadot and Jamie Dornan’. The film featured Alia as the main antagonist. She also has ‘Jee Le Zaraa’ with Katrina Kaif and Priyanka Chopra in her kitty. Ranveer Singh has films like ‘Baiju Bawra’, ‘Don 3’ among others.
