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Canada’s only Elevated Park is joining forces with other railway entities in St. Thomas. Seven years after the park opened on the former Michigan Central Rail Bridge, volunteers say it’s time for the next chapter and new leadership. Those behind the park have joined forces with the Railworks Coalition to help collaborate and grow. “We have a board structure and management and a bigger group of volunteers,” said Mat Janes, president of On Track St. Thomas, who manage the park. “Up to this point, it's been a small number of us that have been doing all the work. We hope to take advantage of Railworks standing in the community to bring some more people into the project as well.” The Railworks Coalition believes this is the natural next step, to unite all rail entities. “When this was all envisioned many years ago, it was to bring together all the rail, heritage and rail assets within St. Thomas and surrounding communities,” said Scott Sleightholm, president of Railworks Coalition. “Up until now, we have the Elgin County Railway Museum, CASO Station and BX Tower. When we were presented with the opportunity to bring in the Elevated Park, into the assets, I think it was a natural next step.” The park, which opened in 2017, recently received a boost from a local business. Entegrus has donated $10,000 to support enhancements. “What we're going to do is continue our tree planting program to the west of the bridge,” said Janes. “We call it the Arboretum Line because it's going to be all native trees identified. We're going to use it as an educational opportunity for people to learn about native trees. Then we'll also use it (the donation) for other improvements on the bridge, such as repairing the light sculpture.” It’s a partnership both parties believe will enable them to provide opportunities to attract new visitors, supporters, solidify the park’s impact on the region. “We've been expanding events at the CASO Station, the Elgin County Railway Museum, we can move to maybe bring back some more events and some different events over on the Elevated Park as well,” said Sleightholm. “We want to continue to push the rail heritage and the rail assets in St. Thomas-Elgin community.” Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks 10 Family Calendars And Planners That'll Help You Keep Track Of Everything In The New Year Our Guide To The Best Winter Boots You Can Get In Canada 16 Cozy Home Essentials That Cost Less Than $100 Home Our Guide To The Best Snow Shovels In Canada In 2024 (And Where To Get Them) 14 Of The Best Home Security Devices You Can Find Online Right Now (And They've Got The Reviews To Prove It) 13 Of The Best Fidget Toys For Adults Gifts The Clock Is Ticking — Shop These 25 Last-Minute Amazon Prime Gifts Now If You Have An Amazon Prime Account, These 70+ Crowd-Pleasing Gifts Will Still Arrive Before Christmas If You Have An Amazon Prime Account, These 50 Brilliant Stocking Stuffers Will Still Arrive Before Christmas Beauty 20 Products Your Dry, Dehydrated Skin Will Thank You For Ordering 14 Hydrating Face Masks That’ll Save Your Skin This December 12 Budget-Friendly Products To Add To Your Winter Skincare Routine Deals PSA: The Michael Kors Boxing Week Sale Is Happening Right Now The Silk & Snow End Of Year Sale Is Officially On — Here's What To Add To Your Cart The Best Early Boxing Day Deals On Amazon Canada For 2024 London Top Stories Anonymous $2 million donation given to St. Joseph’s Health Care Transitional shelter to open in Ingersoll in 2025 Next chapter for St. Thomas Elevated Park as it joins forces with Railworks Coalition Santa Claus cleared for travel in Canadian airspace Two charged in South Bruce Peninsula break-and-enter 91-year-old harness driver victorious at The Raceway in London, Ont. Statistics Canada reports real GDP grew 0.3 per cent in October STPS searching for two theft suspects CTVNews.ca Top Stories Quebec fugitive killed in Mexican resort town, RCMP say RCMP are confirming that a fugitive, Mathieu Belanger, wanted by Quebec provincial police has died in Mexico, in what local media are calling a murder. Trump again calls to buy Greenland after eyeing Canada and the Panama Canal First it was Canada, then the Panama Canal. Now, Donald Trump again wants Greenland. The president-elect is renewing unsuccessful calls he made during his first term for the U.S. to buy Greenland from Denmark, adding to the list of allied countries with which he's picking fights even before taking office. Multiple OnlyFans accounts featured suspected child sex abuse, investigator reports An experienced child exploitation investigator told Reuters he reported 26 accounts on the popular adults-only website OnlyFans to authorities, saying they appeared to contain sexual content featuring underage teen girls. King Charles ends royal warrants for Ben & Jerry's owner Unilever and Cadbury chocolatiers King Charles III has ended royal warrants for Cadbury and Unilever, which owns brands including Marmite and Ben & Jerry’s, in a blow to the household names. 'Serious safety issues': Edmonton building where security guard was killed evacuated An apartment building where a security guard was killed earlier this month is being evacuated. Santa Claus cleared for travel in Canadian airspace Santa's sleigh has been cleared for travel in Canadian airspace, the federal government announced on Monday just ahead of the busy holiday season. Ex-OpenAI engineer who raised legal concerns about the technology he helped build has died Suchir Balaji, a former OpenAI engineer and whistleblower who helped train the artificial intelligence systems behind ChatGPT and later said he believed those practices violated copyright law, has died, according to his parents and San Francisco officials. He was 26. U.S. House Ethics report finds evidence Matt Gaetz paid thousands for sex and drugs including paying a 17-year-old for sex in 2017 The U.S. House Ethics Committee found evidence that former Rep. Matt Gaetz paid tens of thousands of dollars to women for sex or drugs on at least 20 occasions, including paying a 17-year-old girl for sex in 2017, according to a final draft of the panel's report on the Florida Republican, obtained by CNN. Young mammoth remains found nearly intact in Siberian permafrost Researchers in Siberia are conducting tests on a juvenile mammoth whose remarkably well-preserved remains were discovered in thawing permafrost after more than 50,000 years. Kitchener Parts of southern Ontario under travel advisory Anyone planning to travel today is being urged to be prepared as 5 to 15 cm of snow could hit a large portion of southern Ontario. Beloved bookstore in Uptown Waterloo forced to close for months following fire A beloved bookstore in Uptown Waterloo is bearing the brunt of some holiday misfortune. Grand River Transit’s holiday service begins Grand River Transit (GRT) will operate on a holiday service schedule starting Monday. Barrie Several collisions reported along Highway 11 as driving conditions deteriorate Highway 11 was closed briefly in Oro-Medonte on Monday afternoon as driving conditions deteriorated, causing multiple collisions. Firearms seized after 'violent threats' made against secondary school: YRP Police say officers found several firearms during a search at a teen’s home after he allegedly made violent threats against a secondary school. Single-vehicle crash in Springwater Twp. One woman was taken to the hospital following a single-vehicle crash in Springwater Township. Windsor City of Windsor reviewing other H4 properties, no longer pursuing Wellington Avenue The City of Windsor has announced it is no longer pursuing land at 700 Wellington Avenue and is looking at other properties for the new Homelessness and Housing Help Hub (H4). Parvovirus found in Belle River A local groomer has confirmed a positive case of parvovirus, found in Belle River. Santa Claus cleared for travel in Canadian airspace Santa's sleigh has been cleared for travel in Canadian airspace, the federal government announced on Monday just ahead of the busy holiday season. Northern Ontario Teen passed out at coffee shop with bottle of booze on the table, northern Ont. police say A 19-year-old from Blind River is facing several charges following incidents at a coffee shop and in jail. Stolen vehicle investigation ends with sleeping driver and impaired charges An apparent attempt to steal a vehicle in Thunder Bay, Ont., failed when the impaired driver fell asleep in a parking lot. Man charged with damaging downtown Sudbury eatery A man free on probation has been charged with causing significant damage to a restaurant on Elgin Street in downtown Sudbury over the weekend. Sault Ste. Marie Northern Ont. hospital to close emergency department for Christmas and Boxing Day A physician shortage is again forcing the closure of the emergency department at the Thessalon Site of the North Shore Health Network – this time for more than 48 hours over the holidays. Suspect charged with headbutting their parent, confining them to a chair in Thessalon, Ont. A member of the family in the northern Ontario community of Thessalon is charged with a vicious assault and forcibly confining their parent. One injured in the Sault after lithium-ion battery starts house fire Sault fire officials have determined a lithium-ion battery to be the cause of a house fire that broke out early this morning. Ottawa SNOWFALL WARNING | Pre-Christmas storm forecasted in Ottawa with up to 20 cm of snow tonight Environment Canada has issued a snowfall warning for Ottawa and parts of eastern Ontario with a snowstorm in the forecast Monday afternoon and into the evening. Man handed 5th distracted driving charge for using cellphone on Hwy. 417 in Ottawa An Ottawa driver was charged for using a cellphone behind the wheel on Sunday, the fifth time he has faced distracted driving charges. Brockville, Ont. cafe giving hundreds of Christmas dinners to people in need Richard's Coffeehouse in Brockville, Ont. is handing out hundreds of free Christmas dinners to people in need on Monday afternoon. Toronto LIVE UPDATES | Parts of Ontario under snowfall warning Monday as holiday travellers hit the road Holiday travellers and commuters could be in for a messy drive on Monday morning as a significant round of snowfall moves into the region. Here are live updates on the situation in Toronto. Doug Ford dresses up like Santa to grant wishes in Christmas video In a video posted on social media on Monday morning, Ford is seen dressed up in a bright red Santa suit performing a personalized rendition of the famous 1823 poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas." Durham police looking for man after Whitby home hit by bullets For the second time in less than a week, police are investigating reports of gunshots fired into a home in Whitby. Montreal Judge rejects lawsuit tied to controversial 2017 Montreal Formula E car race An entrepreneur who sued the City of Montreal for not considering his bid to organize a 2017 electric car race has failed in his effort to obtain more than $3 million in compensation. Snow on the way as Montreal is put under weather advisory A weather advisory has been initiated for the Greater Montreal area, with 10 to 15 cm of snow expected to hit the ground. Quebec fugitive killed in Mexican resort town, RCMP say RCMP are confirming that a fugitive, Mathieu Belanger, wanted by Quebec provincial police has died in Mexico, in what local media are calling a murder. Atlantic No need to dream, White Christmas all but assured in the Maritimes An early nor'easter followed by a low-pressure system moving into the region all but ensure a Maritime White Christmas Province names 2024 Order of Nova Scotia recipients Nova Scotia has named the five individuals who will receive the province’s highest honour for 2024. Nova Scotia RCMP investigating structure fire on South Shore Queens District RCMP is investigating a fire that destroyed a home in Pleasantville, N.S., Sunday. Winnipeg Manitoba government to make permanent cut to gas tax Manitobans can expect to see a permanent change at the gas pump as early as next week Snowmobile crash leaves 10-year-old dead: RCMP A 10-year-old boy is dead following a snowmobile crash near Rosebank, Man., on Sunday. Trump again calls to buy Greenland after eyeing Canada and the Panama Canal First it was Canada, then the Panama Canal. Now, Donald Trump again wants Greenland. The president-elect is renewing unsuccessful calls he made during his first term for the U.S. to buy Greenland from Denmark, adding to the list of allied countries with which he's picking fights even before taking office. Calgary Serious crash closes part of Highway 1 near Bassano, Alta. RCMP responded to a serious crash on Highway 1 near Bassano, Alta., on Monday morning. The collision occurred approximately two kilometres east of Highway 56. 2 Alberta men charged with sex crimes involving children in separate investigations Two registered sex offenders are facing charges after separate investigations in northern Alberta. Crews respond to blaze at Calgary pizzeria The Calgary Fire Department put out a fire at a northeast business Monday morning. Edmonton DEVELOPING | 'Serious safety issues': Edmonton building where security guard was killed evacuated An apartment building where a security guard was killed earlier this month is being evacuated. City of Edmonton to lift Phase 1 parking ban Monday evening The City of Edmonton will lift the Phase 1 parking ban on Monday at 5 p.m. 2 Alberta men charged with sex crimes involving children in separate investigations Two registered sex offenders are facing charges after separate investigations in northern Alberta. Regina Heavy fog descends over Regina, most of Saskatchewan Dense fog is being reported across much of the province to begin the week of Christmas, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). Regina police asking for public's help in assault investigation The Regina Police Service (RPS) is asking the public for help finding a suspect connected to an assault with a weapon over the weekend. Weyburn police searching for suspects after copper wire, motorcycle theft The Weyburn Police Service (WPS) is asking for the public's help after motorcycles and copper wire were stolen over the weekend. Saskatoon 'There are lines': In year-end interview, NDP leader says Moe went too far in election campaign Saskatchewan’s two main political leaders had agreed before October's provincial election not to target the families of candidates during the campaign, says Opposition NDP Leader Carla Beck. Saskatoon woman arrested following machete attack A 55-year-old woman was arrested following a stabbing with a machete early Monday morning. Heavy fog hits Saskatoon, creating slippery roadways Saskatoon is under a fog advisory on Monday, creating slippery conditions for commuters and last-minute Christmas shoppers. Vancouver Chilliwack farmer facing multiple charges after crashing tractor into police vehicle A Chilliwack man has been charged with multiple criminal counts in connection to an incident involving a tractor being driven dangerously during a protest last year. Over $20K worth of stolen search and rescue gear found in Squamish More than $20,000 worth of search and rescue equipment stolen from BC Parks has been recovered, say the Sea-To-Sky RCMP. More than 280M trees planted in 2024 in B.C., focus on fire-damaged areas British Columbia's forests ministry says more than 280 million trees were planted in the province this year. Vancouver Island More than 280M trees planted in 2024 in B.C., focus on fire-damaged areas British Columbia's forests ministry says more than 280 million trees were planted in the province this year. Several storms in store for B.C.’s south coast over Christmas A series of storms are expected to bring heavy winds and wet weather to B.C’s south coast over the festive period. Over $20K worth of stolen search and rescue gear found in Squamish More than $20,000 worth of search and rescue equipment stolen from BC Parks has been recovered, say the Sea-To-Sky RCMP. Stay ConnectedKuwait City : In a special gesture, Kuwait's Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah came to see off PM Modi at the airport Sunday evening as he wrapped up his historic two-day visit to the West Asian country and left for India. "Thank you Kuwait! This visit was historic and will greatly enhance our bilateral relations. I thank the Government and people of Kuwait for their warmth. I also thank the PM of Kuwait for the special gesture of coming to the airport for the see-off," PM Modi posted on X just before his departure. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi held back-to-back meetings with the country's Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah besides holding bilateral discussions with the country's PM Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. "Held fruitful discussions with HH Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister of Kuwait. Our talks covered the full range of India-Kuwait relations, including trade, commerce, people-to-people ties and more. Key MoUs and Agreements were also exchanged, which will add strength to bilateral relations," said PM Modi. According to the Prime Minister's Office, the two leaders discussed a roadmap to strengthen the strategic partnership in areas including political, trade, investment, energy, defence, security, health, education, technology, cultural, and people-to-people ties. "They emphasised on deepening economic cooperation between the two countries. The Prime Minister invited a delegation comprising the Kuwaiti Investment Authority and other stakeholders to visit India to look at new opportunities in the fields of energy, defence, medical devices, pharma, food parks, among others. The leaders also discussed cooperation in traditional medicine and agricultural research," read a statement issued by the PMO after the meeting. "They welcomed the recent signing of the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) under which new Joint Working Groups in the areas of trade, investment, education, technology, agriculture, security and culture have been set up in addition to the existing JWGs on Health, Manpower and Hydrocarbons," it added. Both leaders also witnessed the signing and exchange of bilateral agreements and MoUs after the talks. It included an MoU on defence cooperation, cultural exchange programme, an executive programme on cooperation in the field of sports and the framework agreement on Kuwait joining the International Solar Alliance. In what was the first meeting between the two leaders, Prime Minister Modi met and the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah held discussions at the Bayan Palace and re-affirmed their full commitment to further expand and deepen bilateral cooperation while agreeing to elevate the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership. The leaders recalled the strong historical and friendly ties between the two countries with PM Modi thanking the Amir for ensuring the well-being of over one million strong Indian community in Kuwait. The Amir also expressed appreciation for the contribution of the large and vibrant Indian community in Kuwait’s development. "Excellent meeting with His Highness the Emir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. We discussed cooperation in key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, IT, fintech, infrastructure and security. In line with the close relations between our two countries, we have elevated our partnership to a strategic level and I am optimistic that our friendship will flourish further in the future," the Prime Minister said. The PM appreciated the new initiatives being undertaken by Kuwait to fulfill its Vision 2035 and congratulated the Amir for successfully holding the GCC Summit earlier this month. Reciprocating Prime Minister's sentiments, the Amir expressed appreciation for India's role as a valued partner in Kuwait and the Gulf region and looked forward to greater role and contribution of India towards realisation of Kuwait Vision 2035. The Amir of Kuwait also conferred upon Prime Minister Modi 'The Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer', the highest national award of Kuwait. PM Modi dedicated the award to the long-standing friendship between India and Kuwait, to the Indian community in Kuwait and to the 1.4 billion people of India. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the conferment of the award - instituted in 1974 and conferred only on select global leaders - on the historic visit of a Prime Minister of India to Kuwait after 43 years added a "special meaning" to the occasion. PM Modi also met with Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, the Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait. Both leaders had also met on the margins of the UNGA session in September, earlier this year. "Prime Minister conveyed that India attaches utmost importance to its bilateral relations with Kuwait. The leaders acknowledged that bilateral relations were progressing well and welcomed their elevation to a Strategic Partnership. They emphasised on close coordination between both sides in the UN and other multilateral fora. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that India-GCC relations will be further strengthened under the Presidency of Kuwait," said PM Modi.
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Secretary General of Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Foundation Prince Faisal bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz stressed that the World Arabic Language Day celebration, organized by the foundation in collaboration with UNESCO and Saudi Arabia's Permanent Delegation to the organization, and held in Paris last Wednesday, provided a prominent platform to emphasize the significance of the Arabic language and its vital role in shaping the cultural and civilizational identity of Arab and Islamic nations. He mentioned that it was a remarkable opportunity to explore the challenges faced by the language in the digital era, as well as ways to promote it through AI and innovation. He also praised UNESCO's role and its great interest in the Arabic language, as well as the organization’s continuous efforts to support events that highlight the Arabic language as a global human heritage. He also acknowledged the efforts of Saudi Arabia's Permanent Delegation to UNESCO for its active and distinguished role in holding the celebration, and for its diligent work in promoting the Kingdom's position as a hub for the Arabic language regionally and internationally. Prince Faisal noted that the foundation's support for this celebration aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030, which places special emphasis on the Arabic language as a tool for global communication and a source of creativity and innovation. He also highlighted the foundation's commitment to fostering collaboration with both international and local institutions to promote the Arabic language, utilizing avenues such as scientific research, technological initiatives, and cultural and educational activities.Delco Safe Schools Collaborative holds inaugural meetingIndia News | Constitution is a Guide for Socio-economic Change: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla
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Thom Tillis begins 2026 reelection with tough fight ahead in North CarolinaAlbertsons terminated its $25 billion bid to merge with Kroger today after courts blocked the deal then sued Kroger, alleging a breach of contract that led to the deal’s demise. The formal termination ends a two-year effort by the chains to combine that regulators argued would lead to higher prices for shoppers. Albertsons, the parent company of Safeway, said it was suing due to rival Kroger’s failure to take “any and all actions” to get the deal approved. “Given the recent federal and state court decisions to block our proposed merger with Kroger, we have made the difficult decision to terminate the merger agreement,” Albertsons CEO Vivek Sankaran said. Albertsons is seeking billions of dollars in damages along with a $600 million termination fee. Kroger called the claims baseless in a statement and said it will defend against them in court. “This is clearly an attempt to deflect responsibility following Kroger’s written notification of Albertsons’ multiple breaches of the agreement, and to seek payment of the merger’s break fee, to which they are not entitled,” a Kroger spokesperson said. Albertsons operates around 2,300 stores and had alluded to the possibility of store closures and layoffs if the deal was blocked. However, the company sounded a positive note today, touting recent investments in new technology. Two different courts blocked the deal on Tuesday, siding with federal and state antitrust regulators who moved to stop the deal by arguing that the merger would eliminate competition between the traditional grocery chains, causing higher prices and reducing leverage for unionized workers. A combined Kroger and Albertsons would have had the second biggest share in the U.S grocery industry with about 11% based on 2023 industry market share information from GlobalData. Walmart would have continued to hold the top spot with about 17% of the market. “Walmart, Costco and other grocery giants are the clear winners in this scenario,” said Blake Droesch, analyst with eMarketer. “The merger would have created a formidable grocery competitor to Walmart. But without the merger, Walmart remains in a league of its own.” The deal became a symbol of surging grocery costs and faced fierce regulatory opposition. U.S. food prices have risen by 25% over the last four years, and while food inflation is showing signs of cooling in 2024, grocery bills remain a concern for shoppers. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission sued along with attorneys general from eight states and the District of Columbia. Washington state sued on its own to block the deal. In both of those cases, judges ruled on Tuesday that the deal would unlawfully decrease competition. Colorado had also sued to block the deal. Kroger defended the proposed combination, saying it would bring prices down at Albertsons stores, where it said prices are 10-12% higher than its own. The merged company would fund price cuts through cost savings it expects from a larger operation, and a larger customer base to drive revenue for Kroger’s data consulting business. The rulings against the deal are the result of Kroger’s unwillingness to listen to regulators’ feedback and to sell off assets that would have allowed deal clearance, Albertsons said. Had the deal proceeded, Kroger would own approximately 5,000 stores across the United States. The companies had argued at trial that selling 579 of the stores, particularly in western U.S. states where Kroger and Albertsons are located near each other, would preserve competition. U.S. District Judge Adrienne Nelson, who oversaw the FTC case, disagreed, raising doubts that the proposed buyer of the stores, C&S Wholesale Grocers, could become a successful competitor. Albertsons claims that Kroger rejected stronger candidates for the sale. Several analysts had predicted a quick termination of the deal and said that Kroger would not appeal the decision to block the deal. “We are disappointed by the Court’s decision, but not surprised, given the narrow view of competition adopted by the FTC and pushback and lawsuits from multiple state attorneys general,” Telsey Advisory Group analysts said after the deal was blocked. Albertsons on Wednesday also said it would bump its quarterly dividend up to 15 cents a share from the current 12 cents a share, and it approved $2 billion in share buybacks, though that includes previously authorized share repurchases. Kroger shares were up 1.4%. Albertsons stock, which has fallen about 20% this year, was down marginally in midday trade on Wednesday.
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Banque Cantonale Vaudoise Increases Position in Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY)
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BEIJING, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Nov, 2024) 's rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are positioning the nation as a global powerhouse in technological innovation, playing a pivotal role in international collaboration and governance. Dr. Sean Heigeartaig, Director of the AI: Futures and Responsibility Programme, University of told Economic Net at the Conference Wuzhen Summit concluding today in . Themed Embracing a People-centered and AI-for-good Digital Future -- Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace, the summit features a dazzling Light of Expo that demonstrates cutting-edge digital solutions and 24 sub-forums that attract the participation of over a thousand guests over 130 countries. AI takes center stage during the summit. humanoid robots, eVOTLs, and unmanned tour buses, to AI-empowered medical therapy, lively demonstrations of AI applications highlight the opportunities brings to the global AI landscape. China's AI Innovation Drives Progress According to the Development Report 2024 released yesterday at the Conference, the number of effective artificial intelligence invention patents in reached 378,000 by the end of 2023, a year-on-year growth rate of more than 40%, 1.4 times the global average growth rate. In the past several years, nearly ten thousand digital plants and smart factories have been built throughout the country. " has cemented its position as a leader in AI, with innovations seamlessly integrated into daily life and industries. improving operations to addressing critical global issues such as poverty, climate change, and sustainable development, 's AI ecosystem demonstrates its ability to deliver solutions beyond commercial priorities," Dr. Sean Heigeartaig observed, noting that 's rapid innovation provides ideas for how AI can benefit people globally. John Hoffman, CEO of Global System for communications (GSMA) told CEN that in , AI, together with and big data, allows great opportunities especially for the sector. " enterprises has put into operation the 's largest terrestrial augmentation base station network, built 's first large-scale regional digital , and the country's first cross-regional MEC and C-V2X fusion test bed... The size and scale that we've seen here in is unprecedented," he said. Statistics 's national data bureau show that generative artificial intelligence applications have witnessed vigorous development. As of this year, the number of large-scale artificial intelligence models in with over 1 parameters each has exceeded 100, empowering an assortment of industries , healthcare, finance, and energy, etc. Between 2014 and 2023, produced more than 38,000 generative AI inventions, ranking first globally. Pioneering Global AI Governance At the Conference, an Artificial Intelligence Professional Committee was established, with 173 AI experts the globe as the first batch of members, marking a step forward in global AI cooperation and governance. "There can be no meaningful global AI governance without . 's engagement in global AI governance has been widely recognized as essential. It has actively participated in legislative efforts, and has contributed to discussions at the ," remarked Dr. Sean Heigeartaig, stressing that collaboration is crucial, particularly as countries navigate differences in data privacy, risk management, and economic priorities. Recognizing these differences while fostering interoperability is key to creating effective governance frameworks. Digital divides—both within and between nations—pose a significant challenge to global AI governance. Addressing disparities in access to AI , especially in rural areas and developing countries, is essential for achieving global equity. While geopolitical tensions and intellectual property concerns present hurdles, there's an urgent need for , , and global countries to prioritize collaboration on AI against shared challenges, such as security and environmental protection," said Patrick Nijs, co-founder of Joint Innovation Center. APP/asgThe round was led by HanKang Capital , with participation from Sherpa Capital , CDH Investments , and a strategic investor, as well as continued participation from existing investors Qiming Venture Partners , InnoPinnacle Fund , and YuanBio Venture Capital . This financing followed the company's Series A round completed in July this year, demonstrating continued investor confidence in its proprietary platform and strategic direction. The proceeds will fund the continued Phase 2 development of AHB-137 , AusperBio's lead investigational therapy, supporting both clinical studies in China and global trials, as well as the development of commercial-scale manufacturing processes. The funding will also facilitate the expansion of the company's therapeutic pipeline and operational capabilities to drive sustained growth. Dr. Guofeng Cheng , co-founder and CEO of AusperBio, stated, " We are honored by our investors' confidence and support. This milestone financing recognizes our scientific and clinical accomplishments to date and enables us to accelerate our clinical programs and move closer to delivering a functional cure for CHB patients in need." Dr. Chris Yang , co-founder and CSO, added, "AHB-137 continues to attract attention from the scientific and clinical communities, particularly after the late-breaking oral presentation at the recent AASLD conference. The promising clinical data further validates our Med-OligoTM platform, strengthening our development of groundbreaking targeted oligonucleotide therapies for CHB and other serious chronic diseases." AusperBio is committed to delivering patient-centered innovations, aiming to alleviate the global health burden of CHB and transform treatment paradigms for this serious chronic disease. About AHB-137 AHB-137, a novel unconjugated antisense oligonucleotide ( ASO ) developed within AusperBio's proprietary Med-OligoTM ASO technology platform, was designed to treat chronic hepatitis B for a functional cure. Its compelling preclinical and Phase 1 clinical data were highlighted at the 2023 EASL conference and the 2024 EASL conference, respectively. Interim Phase 2a data was presented in a late-breaking oral session at the 2024 AASLD. This novel dual-mechanism ASO has completed its global Phase 1b trial and is now undergoing multiple Phase 2 trials in China . With its global development strategy, AHB-137 is advancing rapidly toward the goal of an HBV cure. About AusperBio. AusperBio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with operations in the USA and China , dedicated to advancing oligonucleotide and targeted delivery technologies for transformative therapies, with an initial focus on curing chronic hepatitis B infection. The company has developed a proprietary Med-OligoTM ASO platform which has been shown to substantially enhance the current ASO therapeutics, through novel insights into ASO design. Combining with efficient targeted delivery conjugation technologies, the modular Med-OligoTM Platform empowers ASO therapeutics to treat a broad range of diseases, including viral infections, metabolic conditions, genetic disorders, and immune diseases. For further information, please contact: Media Contact Email: info@ausperbio.com Investor Relations Contact: Tel: 650-888-1756 (US) Email: growth@ausperbio.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ausperbio-secures-73-million-in-series-b-financing-to-advance-functional-cure-for-chronic-hepatitis-b-302339451.html SOURCE AusperBio Therapeutics Inc.
Luigi Mangione case: Police get closer to ‘motivation and mindset’ in CEO killing
