A study led by scholars at Stanford University and Northeastern University has shed light on why large language models often produce narrow, repetitive outputs and offers a promising technique to restore creative breadth without retraining. The research identifies a hidden driver behind “mode collapse” in aligned LLMs and introduces a prompting approach known as Verbalized Sampling as a corrective measure. The phenomenon of mode collapse describes a […]
Tokyo-based digital forwarder Shippio has secured fresh capital to accelerate its transformation of international trade logistics, signalling a push to capture a major share of cargo flows into and out of Japan and beyond. The company, founded in 2016, has raised a total of approximately ¥3.24 billion in its Series C round, comprising ¥1.87 billion in equity and ¥1.37 billion in debt financing, bringing its lifetime funding to roughly ¥7 billion overall.
Key investors in this round include DNX Ventures as lead investor, along with Suzuyo, New Commerce Ventures and YMFG Capital in the equity portion, and a consortium of financial institutions—such as Shoko Chukin Bank, Japan Finance Corporation, Mizuho Bank, Mitsubishi UFJ Bank and Resona Bank—providing the debt portion. The funds will support Shippio’s goal of capturing a 30 per cent share of Japan’s total cargo volume through product development, customer expansion and mergers and acquisitions.
Japan, as an island economy heavily dependent on imports and exports, has seen a dramatic up-surge in e-commerce and cross-border trade: customs clearance permits have reportedly increased eight-fold between 2016 and 2024. Despite this, many logistics operations remain mired in analog workflows and manual documentation. Shippio aims to plug that gap by deploying a digital platform that offers shipment tracking, cost analysis, invoice management and customs processing. The founder and co-CEO, Takanori Sato, has remarked that the company is building a multi-sided network for importers/exporters and freight forwarders, with an eye on becoming the leading digital forwarder in Asia.
Shippio’s growth trajectory is evident: industry data indicates the company achieved approximately US$1.8 million in revenue in 2024, up from roughly US$590 000 in 2023, representing year-on-year growth of more than 200 per cent. Though earlier funding profiles remain opaque, publicly available records state Shippio underwent a Seed round of ¥190 million in December 2018 and has proceeded through Series A and Series B stages.
The logistics industry in Japan presents both a compelling opportunity and formidable challenge. On one hand, the market is highly fragmented, low margin, and hard-to-digitise—qualities that deter many investors. On the other, digital disruption in freight forwarding is overdue and ripe for those who can execute. In an interview with a logistics-industry podcast, Sato acknowledged the complexity of the space, noting that legacy practices have persisted for decades, and that the challenge lies not simply in building technology but in shifting enterprise behaviour and workflows.
Shippio now aims to expand its platform coverage beyond freight forwarding into wider supply-chain orchestration, including customs brokerage, trucking and warehousing. The company has already opened an office in Ho Chi Minh City to establish a Southeast Asia footprint, recognising that Vietnam and other manufacturing-heavy nations will be key origins for cargo flowing to Japan and other Asian markets. Its ambition to gain 30 per cent share implies a very steep climb: the total Japanese import-export market for logistics services is large, and incumbent players have entrenched relationships.
Industry analysts observe that Shippio’s dual-capital structure—equity plus debt—reflects a hybrid growth model where the company needs forward-looking product development as well as stable working-capital to service logistics networks. The inclusion of major banks suggests confidence in Shippio’s revenue model and risk profile. However, some caution that scaling in freight forwarding entails managing international customs regimes, myriad carriers, modal shifts and often low visibility in cost structures and margins. How well Shippio executes integration of its digital platform with real-world assets and operations will determine whether it can move beyond a niche player into a regional logistics heavyweight.
Texas has approved a significant $1.1 billion loan for a proposed natural gas-fired power plant in the Permian Basin, marking the largest financial commitment under a state programme designed to secure the state’s energy future. The funding, provided at low interest rates, aims to address the rising demand for electricity driven by both industrial growth and the increasing need for energy to power emerging technologies, including artificial […]
Researchers from Kobe University have identified a molecular mechanism by which gourds such as pumpkins, squash and zucchini absorb stubborn soil pollutants and concentrate them in their edible parts. The team has discovered that a particular class of proteins acts as a conduit for hydrophobic compounds like dieldrin and dioxins, enabling their movement via plant sap from roots to fruit. The study revealed that these proteins vary […]
Dubai-based global terminal operator DP World has pledged an additional $5 billion in investment to strengthen India’s maritime infrastructure, furthering its long-term commitment to the country. The announcement was made during India Maritime Week 2025, marking a significant boost to the nation’s integrated supply chain network that facilitates both exports and domestic trade. This latest financial commitment follows the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding with prominent […]
OPEC+ has defied expectations, continuing its strategy of increasing oil output despite a weaker global oil market and growing concerns that prices could slide further. The cartel’s resolve to raise production reflects its broader strategic priorities, which remain largely unchanged even in the face of declining prices. Oil prices, which are hovering in the mid-$60s per barrel, are still far from triggering a shift in OPEC+ policy. […]
The multimedia framework FFmpeg has been awarded a $100,000 grant by the FLOSS/fund initiative, marking a significant injection of resources into a project that underpins video and audio processing worldwide. The grant is part of the organisation’s second tranche for 2025, delivered by FLOSS/fund—a programme launched by the brokerage firm Zerodha to bolster Free and Open Source Software projects globally.
FFmpeg, which is instrumental in powering platforms from online streaming services to editing suites, has long faced sustainability challenges despite its ubiquity in digital infrastructure. The project’s official handle confirmed receipt of the donation, describing it as “a step forward to a sustainable future for Open Source Software.” Meanwhile, FLOSS/fund’s blog revealed that the second tranche totals $675,000, bringing its total disbursement for the year to $1 million including the $325,000 committed earlier. Among the recipients alongside FFmpeg are notable projects such as Blender, OpenStreetMap and Wireshark.
The decision signals a wider trend in which tech-sovereignty and infrastructure resilience are being framed as strategic priorities. In its anniversary post, FLOSS/fund’s leadership emphasised that the typology of “Mutual Assured Sustenance” will—unlike traditional arms-race logic—apply in software ecosystems: interdependence rather than deterrence. With this context, the fund sees itself as a “global initiative with Indian roots”, citing India’s growing role in open source ecosystems.
Behind the scenes, the mechanics of funding remain complex. The blog post acknowledged that although the full amount has been committed, only $195,000 of the first tranche has been disbursed due to cross-border regulatory and tax paperwork. The timetable from announcement to actual transfer spans four to sixteen weeks, driven by varying jurisdictional requirements. The fund is working on a partnership with GitHub Sponsors to simplify payment flows.
The selection process for recipients is also non-traditional: rather than a formal application, projects publish a “funding. json” manifest detailing their finances and needs. The fund curators review the open-directory listings and pick recipients based on criteria such as “critical technical infrastructure”, adoption, and uniqueness of the project. It noted that diversity of projects—from developer libraries to humanitarian-tech tools—makes comparison difficult but unavoidable.
FFmpeg now joins a cohort of 29 projects selected in this tranche. The fund’s leadership stated that the grant does not “solve the funding problems behind FFmpeg and open source in general”, but underlined its symbolic and practical value. Analysts note that while a single donation will not fundamentally shift open-source economics, the move may prompt other large-scale users of open-source components to follow suit.
Industry observers credit the decision in part to shifting attitudes within the enterprise and government sectors. As digital dependency deepens, the risk of under-funded foundational tools becomes more visible. FLOSS/fund’s commentary suggested that countries such as India would benefit from a sovereign open-source fund administered in collaboration with the community—a concept that remains aspirational but gaining traction.
Corporations that derive value from open-source software may face increasing moral and strategic pressure to contribute back. Zerodha founder Nithin Kamath has publicly stated that “without open source software, there would be no Zerodha” and that supporting open-source infrastructure is in the best interests of both companies and states. That statement underscores the larger narrative at work: that critical digital infrastructure must be supported not just by users, but by the ecosystem as a whole.
Gold prices escalated early on Saturday, drawing fresh investor interest as the U. S. Federal Reserve’s quarter-point rate reduction to the 3.75 %-4.00 % range reinforced the appeal of non-yielding assets. Spot gold edged up 0.3 % to US$4,034 an ounce, and bullion is positioned to record a third consecutive monthly gain driven by both bargain buying and institutional demand. The backdrop includes a sharp rise in […]
The blockchain platform admittedly known as Qtum has rolled out a new desktop artificial-intelligence agent called “Ally”, aiming to shift the landscape of AI productivity from cloud-only assistants to desktop-native, multi-model orchestration. The launch positions Qtum as a player in both blockchain and artificial-intelligence domains as users increasingly demand local control, privacy and advanced automation beyond chat-based tools. Ally can run on both Windows and macOS platforms […]
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 October 2025 – The journey of Mr. Sansern Kiattivejsoonthorn, Founder of COSDENT Dental Clinic, encompasses resilience, creative design, and digital transformation—a journey recently celebrated with the Master Entrepreneur Award at the prestigious Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2025 Thailand Chapter. With an education spanning Architecture and Urban Design, Sansern entered the healthcare sector with a unique vision: to fuse […]
Tech giant Google has announced a $2.85 million funding package to support artificial-intelligence skills development, education, online safety and cybersecurity in South Africa. The funding was disclosed at the AI Expo Africa event in Johannesburg and forms part of Google’s broader continental strategy to cultivate an AI-ready workforce and digital ecosystem. The funding will be channelled through Google. org, the company’s philanthropic arm, and it builds upon […]
A configuration error in the cloud infrastructure of the software giant caused its service platform to falter around 16:00 UTC on October 29, affecting productivity tools, gaming services and enterprise systems worldwide. The company reported that the fault stemmed from a change to its global delivery network and ensuing DNS problems, which triggered widespread failures across key offerings. The affected services included the productivity suite used by […]
Dubai-listed developer Emaar Properties is sharpening its global expansion strategy by placing a stronger emphasis on India while exercising caution over entry into China’s troubled housing market, according to chief executive and founder Mohamed Alabbar.
Alabbar told the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh that India would be “our next big step,” citing two decades of operations in the country and significant growth potential. He emphasised that, while Emaar remains “very interested in China,” it is holding off until the market shows clear signs of recovery, noting that “it is a different world. Let them recover.”
The directive comes after Emaar posted strong financial results: net profit jumped 25 per cent to AED 18.9 billion last year and rose a further 34 per cent in the first half of 2025, conditions that Alabbar says position the firm to target large market acquisitions rather than start-ups abroad. Emaar’s land-bank footprint already spans more than 1.87 billion sq ft globally, including a 122 million sq ft stake in India and around 175 million sq ft outside the UAE.
In India the driver is rising urbanisation, youthful demographics and a housing deficit that Emaar believes it is well placed to address. Alabbar signalled that the company is pursuing joint-venture partnerships with local groups rather than divesting its Indian operations, dismissing reports of a sale to one of the country’s major conglomerates. By contrast, China presents multiple headwinds including a pronounced housing market slump: new-home prices in 63 out of 70 major Chinese cities fell in September, reflecting a 0.4 per cent month-on-month drop and a 2.2 per cent year-on-year fall.
Analysts say Emaar’s bifurcated strategy makes sense in the context of broader market dynamics. India’s economy is forecast to grow about 6.7 per cent in fiscal 2025-26, according to a Reuters poll, while China is projected to expand by roughly 4.8 per cent amid real-estate weakness. Alabbar noted that the company sees China’s environment as “still suffering with their housing problem, but they’ll come up with it,” stating that Emaar wants to be ready rather than reactive.
Emaar’s preferred mode of overseas expansion appears to be acquiring significant stakes in existing developers, upgrading business models and rolling out its integrated real-estate offering rather than green-field launches. “Maybe you go and buy a majority stake in a developer and then change the way they do business … or maybe they already do good business and we learn from them,” Alabbar explained. That approach aligns with Emaar’s low net debt, elevated cash position and willingness to invest in large markets such as the US, Europe and China.
Critics caution that while India holds promise, foreign developers often face regulatory, land-title and partner-alignment risks. Emaar’s long-standing Indian venture, launched in 2005, endured partner disputes and execution delays, a history that Alabbar acknowledged when he said “we’ve been there 20 years. That’s big for us.” He further noted that successful growth in India depends on selecting the proper location and product mix. Meanwhile, China’s structural property problems are deep-rooted: unsold inventory and falling valuations continue to impair homebuyer confidence, raising questions about the timing of any major developer expansion into the market.
Greenlogue/AP Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar has secured two large-scale solar photovoltaic projects in Saudi Arabia, with a combined capacity of 2 gigawatts, under the country’s sixth round of the National Renewable Energy Programme. One facility, located in Najran Province, will deliver 1,400 megawatts, and the other, in Jizan Province, will provide 600 MW. Both projects will operate on a build-own-operate basis and are […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai CASIO this week introduced two high-end additions to its G-SHOCK collection, launching the new MTG-B4000 and GBM-2100A models that aim to combine cutting-edge materials, advanced design and smart features. The company describes the MTG-B4000 as the first G-SHOCK timepiece with frame design co-created by human designers and generative artificial intelligence, while the GBM-2100A re-imagines the popular 2100 line with metal-clad build, Bluetooth connectivity […]
Tax authorities in the Russian Federation are confronted with mounting pressure to modernise the treatment of derivative financial instruments as the emergence of crypto derivatives reshapes global markets. The current framework within the Tax Code of the Russian Federation continues to rely on classifications such as delivery versus settlement derivatives and hedging versus speculative transactions, yet these criteria are increasingly ill-suited to evolving instruments. Research by Oleg […]
By K Raveendran New Delhi appears to be recalibrating its crude-oil sourcing strategy under mounting pressure from Washington, signalling what may be a strategic shift away from Moscow in favour of deeper ties with the United States. Over the past few months, Indian refiners, including the major private player Reliance Industries, have ceased or paused […]
The article India’s Energy Pivot Under Donald Trump’s Tariff Pressure appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 October 2025 – Amity Global Institute (AGI) proudly celebrated a significant milestone with the graduation of more than 1,800 students at its Class of 2025 Ceremony, held at the iconic Shangri-La Hotel Singapore. Renowned for hosting world leaders and global occasions, the Shangri-La served as a fitting venue to honour academic excellence, cultural diversity, and the global vision of tomorrow’s […]
A wave of advanced phishing campaigns is exploiting a novel combination of social engineering and browser-cache manipulation to infiltrate systems without triggering typical security alerts. The technique begins when a user is tricked into visiting a phishing webpage that pretends to be a trusted application—such as a VPN compliance checker. The danger lies in the instruction to copy and paste a network path into the Windows File […]
The US stock market continues to surge, its strength underpinned by robust earnings and an easing policy stance from the Federal Reserve. AI remains the defining force, lifting productivity expectations and propelling capital spending. Wall Street is still the engine of global growth, but attention is beginning to turn elsewhere. A growing number of market participants see the next major wave forming in Asia, led by China […]
BARCELONA, SPAIN – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 October 2025 – OPPO’s global launch of the Find X9 Series reinforces its continued commitment to the high-end segment. This move coincides with the brand’s global user base exceeding 740 million, reflecting its success in engaging new generations through user-centric innovation. “OPPO is advancing its brand and user experience with a clear focus on the new generation of global […]
Scientists at Ohio State University have transformed dehydrated specimens of the edible mushroom Lentinula edodes into functioning memristors—electronic components that “remember” past current states—offering a paradigm-shifting approach to memory hardware that could usher in greener computing systems. The device achieved switching speeds of up to about 5,850 signals per second, operating with approximately 90 % accuracy under laboratory conditions. The researchers grew the fungus, dehydrated the tissue […]
—Hong Kong brand DR H fuses Eastern philosophy and cutting-edge innovation to reshape the global smart wearables landscape. HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 October 2025 – In today’s smart wearables market, the hottest segment of the Consumer Electronics industry, leading brands dominate resources, while endless spec races and price wars leave consumers overwhelmed and uninspired. Beneath this seeming prosperity lies a landscape of […]
Powering the Intelligent Age Summit announced the ASEAN AI Safety Network and Sustainable AI White Paper, aligning regional collaboration with sustainability and trust KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 October 2025 – The Ministry of Digital, through the Malaysia Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (MYCentre4IR), in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF), today hosted the Powering the Intelligent Age: Driving Innovation with […]
