Saudi Fund for Development Provides $100 Million Development Loan for the Rogun Hydropower Project

 The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Chief Executive Officer, H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad, signed a new development loan agreement with the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Tajikistan, H.E. Kahhorzoda Fayziddin Sattor, through which SFD is contributing $100 million USD to fund the Rogun Hydropower Project, a landmark initiative that will enhance energy, food, and water security, and foster sustainable development in the country.

The signing was attended by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Tajikistan, H.E. Waleed Al-Reshiadan, and the Ambassador of Tajikistan to Saudi Arabia, H.E. Akram Karimi, alongside other officials from both sides.

SFD’s development loan will help contribute towards a more sustainable and equitable food and water future for Tajikistan, while driving the country’s energy transition and climate resilience.

The project aims to contribute to the national energy security and will help advance sustainable development in the Republic of Tajikistan, by providing the renewable electricity supply to meet local demand and expand electricity production domestically and regionally, producing 3600 MW of energy. The loan agreement will also finance the construction of a 335-meter-tall dam, which will enhance irrigation capabilities and bolster agricultural activities across the country.

Additionally, the project will improve flood protection through the construction of four hydraulic tunnels for diversion and drainage. It will also provide clean and drinkable water to people through desalination, and help advance socio-economic development, by creating both direct and indirect jobs.

Importantly, this project also supports the realization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); specifically, SDG 2, Zero Hunger, SDG 6, Clean Water and Sanitation, and SDG 7, Affordable and Clean Energy.

On this occasion, the CEO of SFD, H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad, said: “Today’s signing marks a major milestone in our shared journey towards a more sustainable future. With this landmark development loan, SFD is not just supporting Tajikistan's energy future, but also its sustainable development and the well-being of its people. The Rogun Hydropower Project is a beacon of hope for a bright future that is powered by clean, renewable energy. It will propel Tajikistan towards environmental stewardship and prosperity.”

 

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Randah Alhothali

Director General: Corporate Communications

Email: ralhothali@sfd.gov.sa

Mobile: +966 55 450 0881

Nawaf Alojrush

Director: Media Relations

Email: alojrush@sep.gov.sa

Adani Green Energy Ranks Among Top 3 Global Solar PV Developer

 AHMEDABAD, India - Wednesday, 06. December 2023 AETOSWire

Only player from Asia in global largescale solar PV developer ranking

Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) ranked second after TotalEnergies in Mercom Capital's Global Solar PV Developer Rankings

Outstanding performance and contribution to the renewable energy landscape have earned it the prestigious rank

With an impressive total solar capacity of 18.1 GW, AGEL solidifies its significant position in the global solar energy sector

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL), India’s largest and one of the world’s leading renewable energy solutions partner, has attained the remarkable position of the second-largest global solar PV developer, in Mercom Capital Group's latest Annual Global Report.

According to the report, AGEL's outstanding performance and contribution to the renewable energy landscape have earned it the prestigious second rank among the world's foremost solar PV developers. With an impressive total solar capacity of 18.1 GW encompassing operational, under-construction, and awarded (PPA-contracted) projects, AGEL solidifies its significant position in the global solar energy sector. With a total capacity of 41.3 GW, France-based TotalEnergies emerged at the top.

Speaking on the ranking, Gautam Adani, Chairman, Adani Group, said, “We are committed to largescale renewables, developing an indigenous fully integrated manufacturing ecosystem and green hydrogen solutions. At the Adani portfolio level, a total investment of $75 billion (by 2030) on our energy transition initiatives will further our vision to have 45 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030 and strengthen the pivotal role played by AGEL in India’s glide path to decarbonization.”

Mercom Capital Group, a reputable clean energy communications and research firm, has unveiled its report outlining the top ten leading global large-scale solar PV developers based on data compiled from July 2022 to June 2023. It includes data of projects with more than 1 MW capacity encompassing operational capacity, projects under construction and projects with awarded Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

More about the report

The top 10 developers accounted for 145 GW of operational, under-construction, and awarded (PPA-contracted) solar projects during the reporting period. Of this, 49.5 GW of projects were operational, 29.1 MW were under construction, and 66.2 GW were in pipeline (PPA-contracted).

The full report, Leading Global Large-Scale Solar PV Developers, is available here.

About Adani Green Energy Limited

 

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For media queries, contact Roy Paul: roy.paul@adani.com

 

AnyQuest Improves Citizen Developer Productivity by Launching Low-code Platform for Generative AI

 BOSTON - Wednesday, 06. December 2023 AETOSWire Print 

The open-source platform is available immediately via an early access program to business application developers exploring and deploying generative AI.

 

(BUSINESS WIRE)--AnyQuest, the enterprise AI enabler, today announced the availability of AnyQuest PyAQ, an open-source low-code platform for cognitive applications.

Cognitive applications improve knowledge worker productivity by integrating generative AI with enterprise solutions for customer relationship management, marketing automation, enterprise resource planning, supply chain management, and many others.

Unlike interactive GPT chatbots and copilots, cognitive applications can run entirely unattended. They do not sacrifice precision for speed and can run longer to process more data, use different types of larger AI models, or launch long-running jobs via connected enterprise applications and robotic systems.

AnyQuest PyAQ users define cognitive applications visually as flow diagrams or declaratively as statements in a low-code scripting language. The declarative nature of cognitive applications enables automatic optimization, massive parallelism, hardware acceleration, robust security, and control.

“We are releasing an open-source implementation of AnyQuest to enable rapid prototyping and testing of cognitive applications in organizations exploring and piloting generative AI,” says Dmitri Tcherevik, AnyQuest founder, previously CTO at Progress Software. “Once tested, applications can be deployed on a more robust cloud-based version of AnyQuest for improved performance, scalability, security, and control.”

To get started with AnyQuest PyAQ, a low-code platform for cognitive applications, visit AnyQuest at https://www.anyquest.ai.

 

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Dmitri Tcherevik

(631) 403-0122

AnyQuest.ai

dmitri@anyquest.ai

Merck Provides Update on Phase III Results for Evobrutinib in Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis

 DARMSTADT, Germany - Wednesday, 06. December 2023Results from the EVOLUTION clinical trials showed evobrutinib did not meet its primary endpoint of annualized relapse rate for up to 156 weeks compared to oral teriflunomide in both studies

Not intended for UK and U.S. based media

 

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Merck, a leading science and technology company, today announced that its two Phase III EVOLUTION clinical trials (evolutionRMS 1 and evolutionRMS 2) investigating the efficacy and safety of evobrutinib did not meet their primary endpoints of reducing annualized relapse rates (ARR) in people with relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) compared to oral teriflunomide (0.11 vs. 0.11 in evolutionRMS 1 and 0.15 for evobrutinib and 0.14 for teriflunomide in evolutionRMS 2, p=NS in both trials). Of note, teriflunomide ARR values were lower than reported in other recent Phase III studies. The overall safety and tolerability profile was consistent with results from the previously reported Phase II trial. The Company will complete a full evaluation of the data from the EVOLUTION clinical trials and will work with investigators on the future presentation and publication of the results.

“With evobrutinib, our aim was to address the significant unmet need of smouldering MS in addition to strong relapse control for people living with this condition,” said Danny Bar-Zohar, Global Head of Research & Development and Chief Medical Officer for the Healthcare business of Merck. “While we are very disappointed with the results, we continue to advance our strategy in healthcare with a focus on progressing our marketed portfolio and internal pipeline, complemented by external innovation, with the aim of bringing more medicines to patients, faster. I would like to sincerely thank all patients participating in the trials, their caregivers and our network of dedicated clinical investigators.”

About Evobrutinib

Evobrutinib is an oral, CNS-penetrating, highly selective inhibitor of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) in clinical development as a potential treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). Evobrutinib is designed to modulate B cell responses such as proliferation and antibody and cytokine release, as well as modulate macrophage/microglia activation.

About the Phase III EVOLUTION Clinical Trial Program

The EVOLUTION clinical trial program consists of two randomized, parallel-group, double-blind, double-dummy, active-controlled Phase III studies of oral evobrutinib twice-daily versus oral teriflunomide once-daily in people with RMS to evaluate efficacy and safety (evolutionRMS 1 and evolutionRMS 2). In the studies, patients with RMS (including relapsing-remitting MS or secondary progressive MS with relapses) were randomized 1:1 to receive either evobrutinib 45mg twice-daily and oral placebo once-daily or teriflunomide 14mg once-daily and oral placebo twice-daily for up to 156 weeks with a minimum treatment duration of 24 weeks.

About Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory condition of the central nervous system and is the most common non-traumatic, disabling neurological disease in young adults. It is estimated that approximately 2.8 million people have MS worldwide. While symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms of MS include blurred vision, numbness or tingling in the limbs and problems with strength and coordination. The relapsing forms of MS are the most common.

Merck in Neurology and Immunology

Merck has a long-standing legacy in neurology and immunology, with significant R&D and commercial experience in multiple sclerosis (MS). The company’s current MS portfolio includes two products for the treatment of relapsing MS – Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) and MAVENCLAD® (cladribine tablets). Merck aims to improve the lives of patients by addressing areas of unmet medical needs. In addition to Merck’s commitment to MS, the company also has a pipeline focusing on discovering new therapies that have potential in other neuroinflammatory and immune-mediated diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).

All Merck press releases are distributed by email at the same time they become available on the Merck website. Please go to www.merckgroup.com/subscribe to register online, change your selection or discontinue this service.

About Merck

Merck, a leading science and technology company, operates across life science, healthcare and electronics. Around 60,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2022, Merck generated sales of € 22.2 billion in 66 countries.

Scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to Merck’s technological and scientific advances. This is how Merck has thrived since its founding in 1668. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck operate as EMD Serono in healthcare, MilliporeSigma in life science and EMD Electronics.

 

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gangolf.schrimpf@merckgroup.com

Phone: +49 151 1454-9591

 

Fujirebio and Sysmex Expand CDMO Partnership into the Field of Neurodegenerative Diseases under Their Immunoassay Collaboration

  (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Fujirebio Holdings, Inc. (President & CEO: Goki Ishikawa) and Sysmex Corporation (President: Kaoru Asano) today announced that they have entered into an agreement to expand their Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) partnership for Sysmex's Automated Immunoassay System HISCL™-Series to include the field of neurodegenerative diseases, following the discussion based on the Basic Agreement on Business Collaboration in the field of immunoassay signed in October 2023*.

While Fujirebio has been developing dedicated reagents for Sysmex’s HISCL™-Series since 2020, the two companies agreed in October 2023 to deepen their partnership, based on a common belief that combining their respective expertise and strengths in immunoassay will accelerate their global expansion, and will contribute to the development and advancement of immunoassay. Since then, the two companies have been discussing how to strengthen their collaboration.

Under the terms of the new agreement, in the field of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's Disease, Fujirebio will develop reagents for Sysmex's HISCL™-Series for cerebral spinal fluid (CSF)-based testing as well as blood-based testing. This will accelerate the expansion of Sysmex’s testing parameters in the diseases field, further propelling the expansion of its global footprint in immunoassay.

Fujirebio and Sysmex will further collaborate to develop and launch the tests as early as possible.

*Press release “Fujirebio and Sysmex Enter into Basic Agreement on Business Collaboration in the Field of Immunoassay” issued on October 10, 2023

About Fujirebio

Fujirebio, a member of H.U. Group Holdings Inc., is global R&D-driven company constantly developing new in vitro diagnostics testing technologies and unique biomarkers with high clinical value. Our group mission is to create new value in healthcare and thereby contribute to human health and the future of medical care.

Our global teams located in Japan, Asia, Europe, and the US focus on delivering products with the highest quality standards to our customers and partners. We value partnerships with other leading companies in the industry, sharing knowledge, capabilities, and critical materials to supply, develop, or manufacture diagnostic solutions on a wide variety of platforms.

For more information about Fujirebio, please visit www.fujirebio.com.

About Sysmex Corporation

Sysmex Corporation, headquartered in Kobe, Japan, is a global leader in in vitro diagnostics. Since its foundation in 1968, Sysmex has focused on diagnostics as the core of its business, and today, it supports the health of people in over 190 countries and regions worldwide. Sysmex continues to innovate in diagnostics, and to collaboratively create unique values in the areas of personalized medicine and novel treatments, under its long-term vision of "Together for a better healthcare journey." To realize this vision, Sysmex identifies and verifies prioritized Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and materiality (priority issues), thereby maintaining its growth as a company that generates both social and economic value. Through its unique technology, solutions, and co-creation with various partners, Sysmex delivers new value and addresses the universal desire of people to live longer and healthier lives. For more information about Sysmex, please visit www.sysmex.co.jp/en/.

 

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Contacts

For media:
Public Relations Section, Public Relations/Sustainability Department,
H.U. Group Holdings, Inc..
Phone: +81-3-6279-0884
E-mail: pr@hugp.com

For investors and analysts:
IR/SR Dept.
Phone: +81-3-5909-3337
E-mail: ir@hugp.com

Gillette Gaming launches new creative concept, Hit Reset with Gillette, to encourage and inspire gamers and fans worldwide

 

 Global initiative will leverage the Gillette Gaming Alliance to drive buzz and excitement through custom-branded social content

(BUSINESS WIRE) -- For over ten years, GilletteTM, the world’s largest male grooming company, has been helping gamers look and play their best, whether it be for gaming or everyday life. This year, Gillette is refreshing its approach and creating a new era of gaming with its newest campaign, “Hit Reset with Gillette” – encouraging the gaming community to hit reset after a night of gaming, come back a better player and look sharp for the day with a fresh shave. Hitting “reset” is a universal term in gaming and works perfectly with grooming – inviting gamers and fans to start their day looking and feeling their best, to be their best and most confident, whether it be in gaming or whatever the day has ahead.

To further inspire the gaming community, Gillette will leverage its Gillette Gaming Alliance to create “Hit Reset with Gillette” content and host branded streams for their specific regions on Twitch, YouTube, and social media platforms. New this year, the Gillette Gaming Alliance is evolving from an all-star streaming roster to a global community – from passive viewership to active participation. Regions across the world will have team members representing their country, culture and language that will create content around specific marketing and product programs in that market. Additionally, gamers and fans will be able to get involved like never before through UGC, social media, and activations at some of the biggest gaming events.

Through custom-branded content, The Gillette Gaming Alliance – including both new and returning members such as AJ3 (UK), Elded (MEX), PizFN (IT), Xiuder (IT), Tvander (SP) & Idreau (FR) – will highlight how they are owning their morning by sharing their own personal “reset routines” and task their audiences worldwide to do the same – kick off their shaving and gaming routine with Gillette and think about the day to come and how they can be the best they can be. Additionally, the Gillette Gaming Alliance will continue to provide the community with tips and educational content around helpful grooming routines and resetting rituals.

“Gillette supports gamers and creators to reset for the day using their grooming routine to look and play their best,” explains Daniel Ordonez, Global Brand Franchise Leader for Gillette. “We are thrilled to expand our gaming program this year with the ‘Hit Reset with Gillette’ campaign. Hitting reset is a universal term in gaming and works perfectly with grooming – inviting gamers to start their day looking their best, to be their best, whether it be in gaming or whatever the day has ahead. Hit Reset will also be launched with our new Gillette Gaming Alliance, creating gaming and grooming content in new and exciting ways. They will also activate at some of the biggest events worldwide to engage with the gaming community. It’ll be an exciting year.”

To officially launch the “Hit Reset with Gillette” program, Gillette will partner with The Esports Awards – the global gaming event that recognizes excellence in gaming, esports and content creators annually to millions of viewers each year. Through this partnership, Gillette will be featured throughout the program, including Reset with Gillette pre-show content, GilletteLabs product integrations and attendance from Alliance members that will share their experiences with Gillette. Additionally, attendees and viewers will be encouraged to “reset” via their grooming and gaming routine with help from Gillette.

“Hit Reset with Gillette” is the latest Gillette Gaming announcement, which comes shortly after the hugely successful launch between Gillette and Razer, the world’s leading lifestyle brand for gamers, to unveil the ultimate collaboration in grooming and gaming. The two brands – that both have rich history and tradition within the community – meet at the intersection of design, innovation, and cutting-edge technology to unveil the GilletteLabs Razer Limited Edition product. The latest collaboration features a shaving set, which consists of a handle, razor blades and magnetic stand boasting Razer’s signature design codes and motifs such as its triple-headed snake logo.

The must-have grooming accessory for all gamers and fans, loved by media and streamers alike, is available now for purchase at gillette.com/razer. With the GilletteLabs Razer Limited Edition, the gaming community worldwide can now reset via their shaving and gaming routine and take on the day with confidence.

About Gillette: 
For more than 120 years, Gillette has delivered precision technology and unrivaled product performance – improving the lives of over 800 million consumers around the world. From shaving and body grooming, to skin care and sweat protection, Gillette offers a wide variety of products including razors, shave gel (gels, foams and creams), skin care, after shaves, antiperspirants, deodorants and body wash. For more information and the latest news on Gillette, visit www.gillette.com. To see our full selection of products, visit www.gillette.com. Follow Gillette on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

About Procter & Gamble: 
P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, and Whisper® The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands. For other P&G news, visit us at www.pg.com/news.

Esports Awards 
Founded in 2015, the Esports Awards is the most prestigious night in the esports calendar and the only global award show that aims to recognise esports excellence. The Esports Awards is dedicated to showcasing world-class performance and innovation from every corner of the industry throughout the year and reaches its pinnacle at its end-of-year ceremony, considered the Oscars of esports. The ceremony celebrates everyone from the players, teams, media, hardware providers, games, events, and personalities that shape the esports industry.

The 2021 Esports Awards saw a record-breaking 20 million viewers across the campaign and 10 million votes counted. For 2023, the Esports Awards returns to Resorts World Las Vegas for the second time.

Website // Twitter // Facebook // Instagram // Twitch

 

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Kristyn.Brown@Ketchum.com

HID Wins Contract to Provide Finland with New Driver’s License and European Second-Generation Smart Tachograph Card Solution

 

 HID’s Comprehensive Smartcard Solution to Secure Access to Device Data for Drivers, Law Enforcement and More

 

(BUSINESS WIRE)--HID, a worldwide leader in trusted identity solutions, has been awarded a contract to provide Finland with a new high-security driver’s license cards and personalization services solution, incorporating the European second-generation smart Tachograph solution. This collaboration reflects HID’s commitment to enhancing security and efficiency in Finland's transportation systems.

Finland will benefit from a comprehensive, tailor-made, and configurable solution that integrates software, hardware, and equipment to align with the Traffic Authority's vision of a streamlined and efficient digital document issuance system. For the project, HID has joined forces with CardPlus Systems, a trusted partner that provides secure ID documents, services, and systems, to ensure an exceptional driver's license solution with industry-leading features.

Max Fogdell, Head of Services for Driving Licenses and Examinations at Finland’s Transport and Communications Agency, Traficom, stated, "The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency, Traficom, is pleased to enter into a partnership with HID. We are convinced that with HID's broad experience in the field of trusted identity solutions, we will be able to ensure that our card services continue to meet the highest level of security, efficiency, and compliance with the European Union's safety regulations.”

Craig Sandness, Senior Vice President and Head of Citizen Identity & Secure Issuance expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "We are proud to collaborate with the government of Finland and contribute to the enhancement of the country's driver's license and tachograph systems. Our commitment to security and innovation is unwavering, and this contract is a testament to our dedication to safeguarding citizens and infrastructure."

With the European Union’s new safety standards and tachograph regulations, commercial vehicles in the region are required to install second-generation tachographs by 2026. HID’s advanced solution fully complies with these stringent regulations and includes smartcards securing access to device data for drivers, law enforcement, companies, and workshops.

For additional information about HID’s ID Document Issuance solutions, please visit the website.

Stay Connected with HID

Visit our Media Center, read our Industry Blog, and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

About HID

HID powers the trusted identities of the world’s people, places and things. We make it possible for people to transact safely, work productively and travel freely. Our trusted identity solutions give people convenient access to physical and digital places and connect things that can be identified, verified and tracked digitally. Millions of people around the world use HID’s products and services to navigate their everyday lives, and billions of things are connected through HID’s technology. We work with governments, educational institutions, hospitals, financial institutions, industrial businesses and some of the most innovative companies on the planet.

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, HID has over 4,500 employees worldwide and operates international offices that support more than 100 countries. HID is an ASSA ABLOY Group brand. For more information, visit www.hidglobal.com.

About CardPlus

CardPlus is a Nordic distributor of secure ID documents, a provider of services and systems, and its principal products include all types of plastic cards, contact- and contactless smartcards, dedicated software solutions, card printers and other personalization equipment. As a solutions partner, CardPlus has chosen a technological indifference approach that means that it remains free to choose the best technologies that best fit the customers need and application.

© 2023 HID Global Corporation/ASSA ABLOY AB. All rights reserved. HID, HID Global, HID Integrale, the HID Blue Brick logo and the Chain Design are trademarks or registered trademarks of HID Global, ASSA ABLOY AB, or its affiliates(s) in the US and other countries and may not be used without permission. All other trademarks, service marks, and product or service names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

 

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Matt Winn
mwinn@hidglobal.com