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KUWAIT: Kuwait’s technological advancements and collaborative efforts in 2024 reflect a comprehensive approach to modernization across various sectors. From enhancing educational tools and cybersecurity measures to fostering financial technology, the government aims to create a secure, efficient, and inclusive digital environment. At the same time, collaboration with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is strengthening Kuwait’s position in addressing digital challenges and supporting sustainable growth. Google Cloud In July, the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) announced the opening of new Google Cloud offices in the country. This move is aimed at driving digital transformation by creating a collaborative hub for innovation and offering expert support to local businesses. Additionally, in October, Communication Minister Omar Al-Omar highlighted training initiatives that would attract foreign investment and foster a fully digitalized environment. Google’s “Cloud Day” event also saw the launch of a joint training program focused on building national skills in Artificial Intelligence and cybersecurity technologies. Financial sector growth Kuwait’s financial sector is undergoing a major digital transformation. In October, the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) registered its first companies under securities-based financial technology services, a step towards enhancing financial inclusion and supporting the growth of fintech. Furthermore, the CMA issued Module 19 of its Executive Bylaws, introducing a framework for crowdfunding services and automated investment advisors. In December, the Ministry of Finance signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Microsoft in Seattle to advance Kuwait’s digital transformation. The MoU focuses on modernizing financial and administrative systems through the latest technologies, including artificial intelligence and cloud services. This partnership aims to boost the efficiency of government services, with Microsoft providing technical support to the ministry. Cybersecurity initiatives Kuwait is also prioritizing cybersecurity as part of its digital transformation. The Central Agency for Information Technology, in partnership with Microsoft, launched the “Zero Trust” initiative. This program aims to bolster cybersecurity in government agencies by employing Microsoft’s solutions to safeguard people, devices, data, and applications against cyber threats. This initiative is expected to enhance the efficiency of government spending while reducing operational costs. The Ministry of Information recently signed a cooperation agreement with the National Cybersecurity Center to enhance cybersecurity measures, training, and media collaboration. The partnership is expected to improve operational mechanisms within the ministry, especially for Kuwait State TV studios. The National Cybersecurity Center will provide ongoing technical support, regular assessments of digital devices, and training courses to elevate cybersecurity awareness among media personnel. Additionally, the ministry plans to promote community awareness of cybersecurity through various media channels. Education sector innovations In the education sector, Kuwait introduced 5,125 interactive screens to enhance digital learning for both students and teachers. These screens are designed to improve classroom interaction, clarify educational materials, and encourage teamwork. They also provide access to a wider range of educational resources, supporting distance learning and the development of digital skills. This technological integration is part of Kuwait’s effort to prepare students for a digital economy and future workforce demands. Regional cooperation Kuwait is also enhancing its collaboration with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to drive regional digital initiatives. Communications Minister Omar Al-Omar met with GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi to discuss joint efforts to support and develop digital initiatives across member states. This meeting underscores the GCC’s aim to strengthen relations and integration in critical fields to achieve sustainable development and prosperity. In a recent lecture at Sabah Al-Salem University, Maher Al-Saleh, Director of the Communications and e-Government Department at the GCC General Secretariat, outlined plans to enhance communication and technology integration across member states. These initiatives include a unified communications area, joint IT investments, and shared e-government services, all aimed at fostering collaboration and addressing emerging digital challenges.
New Delhi, Nov 24: As part of the 60th Anniversary Celebrations of the World Craft Council (WCC), themed “Craft, Creativity & Compassion,” Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, hosted a dinner for World Craft Council Delegates in New Delhi here on Saturday evening. The event, attended by distinguished national and international delegates, was part of the celebrations to welcome the World Craft Council. The WCC celebrations have been scheduled in two phases – from November 21-24, which was held in New Delhi and from November 25-27 at Srinagar to highlight the significant role of Jammu & Kashmir in global crafts. With Srinagar’s recognition as the 63rd World Craft City, the region’s standing as a hub of cultural and artisanal excellence has been further elevated. Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized the importance of crafts in preserving cultural identity and giving fillip to the economic growth: “Jammu & Kashmir is proud of its rich cultural heritage, deeply rooted in traditional craftsmanship. The handicrafts and handloom sectors, vital pillars of this heritage, hold immense potential for economic growth and social upliftment, particularly in rural areas. These crafts not only preserve the region’s cultural identity but also provide livelihood for countless artisans.” The Chief Minister expressed the hope that as World Craft Council would achieve more milestones to celebrate in years to come, the Crafts sector would also emerge stronger in J&K. He hoped that the transfer of skills and craft knowledge will pass on to the younger generations. He said that organizations like World Craft Council could assist J&K in unlocking its full potential in handicrafts and making it sustainable in the years to come. During the presentations to the participants, several initiatives undertaken by the J&K Government were highlighted including the Wool Processing, Handloom, and Handicrafts Policy-2020, financial assistance programs, skill development schemes like the Karkhandar initiative, and the promotion of Geographical Indication (GI) certification to protect Kashmiri crafts. It was conveyed that there has been a remarkable increase in exports which has risen from Rs 563 crore in 2021-22 to Rs 1,162 crore in 2023-24. A key highlight of the event was the announcement of the collaboration between the Government of Jammu & Kashmir and the World Craft Council to establish a World Craft Hub and International Crafts Museum in Srinagar. This initiative aims to position Kashmir as a global center for artisanal excellence to preserve traditional skills and create sustainable revenue streams for artisans. During the event, a presentation on the crafts of Jammu & Kashmir and the way forward; a short film celebrating the global legacy of crafts and Srinagar being designated as a World Craft City was shown to the audience. Besides Chief Minister and delegates from the World Craft Council, the dinner was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Dheeraj Gupta, Union Additional Secretary in Ministry of Textiles Rohit Kansal, Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce Vikramjeet Singh, Director Handicrafts Kashmir Mehmood Ahmad Shah. From World Craft Council the notable dignitaries present were the President of the WCC Saad Al Qaddumi, Vice President WCC Dr Kevin Murray, Aziz Mutazaev (Uzbekistan), Nadia Meer (South Africa) Prof Aftab Gharda (UK) and delegates from member countries of the World Craft Council, including representatives from Australia, Kuwait, France, the UK, Uzbekistan, South Africa, Ireland, Malaysia, and Turkey, attended the event. Other key officials from the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, and J&K Government and representatives of Craft Industry from J&K. The celebrations hold immense significance for Jammu & Kashmir, offering global recognition to its artisanal heritage and creating direct and indirect employment opportunities for artisans. By integrating crafts into tourism and connecting local artisans to global markets, the event is expected to have a lasting impact on the region’s cultural and economic landscape. A notable feature of the second leg of the event in Srinagar would be the participation of artisans from Iran and Central Asia, whose visit would help be significant for historical and cultural ties between Central Asian and Kashmiri crafts. The interaction with WCC is expected to foster cross-cultural learning, celebrate shared heritage and to open up avenues for reviving lost techniques. This momentous event is seen as a milestone in Jammu & Kashmir’s journey to reclaim its position in the world of crafts. With its artisans at the heart of this revival, and collaboration with the World Craft Council is expected to help J&K to revive and sustain its rich cultural heritage for generations to come. The event now moves to J&K with the delegates from World Craft Council set to celebrate the 60th anniversary of WCC in Srinagar, starting with their arrival and Craft tour on 25th November and two day long event at the SKICC on 26th and 27th of November.
Rays will play 13 of first 16 games at home and 47 of 59, then have 69 of last 103 on road
ATLANTA — On Jan. 18 and 19 the AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! will be held at State Farm Arena in advance of the College Football Playoff national championship on Jan. 20. The star-studded lineup was announced Thursday at a news conference at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Performances will include Lil Wayne and GloRilla on Saturday; and Camila Cabello, Myles Smith and Knox on Sunday. On game day, the Allstate Championship Tailgate, taking place just outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the Home Depot Backyard, will feature country acts on the Capital One Music Stage, including global superstar Kane Brown and iHeartCountry “On The Verge” artist Ashley Cooke. The concerts are just two of the festivities visiting fans can enjoy in the days leading up to the big game. The fan experience for both ticket holders and the general public has been a focus for event planners. All weekend long, an estimated 100,000 people from across the country are expected to attend fan events preceding kickoff. “It will be an opportunity for fans of all ages to come together to sample what college football is all about, and you don’t have to have a ticket to the game to be a part of it,” said Bill Hancock, executive director of the CFP in a press release. “We’ve worked closely with the Atlanta Football Host Committee to develop fan-friendly events that thousands will enjoy come January.” On Saturday, Jan. 18, Playoff Fan Central will open at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. The free, family-friendly experience will include games, clinics, pep rallies, special guest appearances, autograph signings and exhibits celebrating college football and its history. That day, fans can also attend Media Day, presented by Great Clips, which will feature one-hour sessions with student-athletes and coaches from each of the College Football Playoff national championship participating teams. ESPN and social media giants X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok will be taping live broadcasts from the event. On Sunday, Jan. 19, the Trophy Trot, both a 5K and 10K race, will wind its way through the streets of downtown Atlanta. Each Trophy Trot participant will receive a T-shirt and finisher’s medal. Participants can register at atlantatrackclub.org . On Sunday evening, the Georgia Aquarium will host the Taste of the Championship dining event, which offers attendees the opportunity to indulge in food and drink prepared by local Atlanta chefs. This premium experience serves as an elevated exploration of local cuisine on the eve of the national championship. Tickets to the Taste of the Championship event are available on etix.com . Atlanta is the first city ever to repeat as host for the CFP national championship. The playoff was previously held in Atlanta in 2018. “We are honored to be the first city to repeat as host for the CFP national championship and look forward to welcoming college football fans from around the country in January,” said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta Football Host Committee. “This event gives us another opportunity to showcase our incredible city.” The College Football Playoff is the event that crowns the national champion in college football. The quarterfinals and semifinals rotate annually among six bowl games — the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential and the Allstate Sugar Bowl. This year’s quarterfinals will take place on Dec. 31, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025, while the semifinals will be Jan. 9-10, 2025. The CFP national championship will be Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For additional information on the College Football Playoff, visit CollegeFootballPlayoff.com . Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!How Contract Lifecycle Management Software Streamlines Business Processes