#Hong Kong risk reporting

[darkautomaton]

Integrating Risk Management into Corporate Culture in Hong Kong

As regulatory complexity and economic uncertainty continues rising across Hong Kong and mainland China markets, establishing risk-aware cultures has become pivotal for corporations seeking to embed resilience against crises. Beyond building risk monitoring systems, companies today need to drive mindset shifts from the leadership down to infuse vigilance and responsibility towards hazard identification at all levels.

Cultivating Risk Intelligence Starts at the Top

For most organizations, the cultural transformation necessary to view enterprise risk oversight as a shared culture rather than just a compliance activity starts with Asia regional leaders and Hong Kong senior executives. This means not only investment into formal governance through appointing Chief Risk Officers but also having CXOs like Chief Finance, Information and HR Officers spearhead training to their teams around prevailing risk landscapes and vigilance necessary in day-to-day decision making.

Incentivizing Risk Reporting from the Ground Up

Middle managers and frontline analysts will then carry this risk-aware DNA through the organizational bloodstream into daily processes. This demands establishing transparent reporting channels, securing anonymity and anti-retaliation policies to encourage surfacing of suspected risks through what-if questioning or flagging incidents that seemed“off” without fear. Especially around integrity hazards like fraud/bribery, safety hazards like harassment or mental health situations, or regulatory hazards like IP/data transfer violations, removing stigma is key.

Aligning Strategy and Operations with Risk Perspectives

Ultimately, for a risk-informed culture to stick, considerations around financial, reputational and regulatory exposures should drive strategy planning as well as operational enhancements across everything from supply chain design to cybersecurity to financial controls. Key risk indicators must be integrated into dashboards at multiple levels with drilling down to understand root causes. Frameworks like ISO 31000 or COSO provide blueprints here from setup to ongoing assessments into mitigation tracking.

With leadership setting the tone, transparency enabling ground up risk reporting without repercussions, and strategy/operations reflecting risk learnings - global companies can align around managing uncertainty as Hong Kong/China markets, regulations and technologies rapidly evolve. Risk management thereby transforms from restrictive compliance activity to enabler of sustainable advantage and resilience.

[madamepestilence]

H5N1: What to know before fear spreads

What is H5N1?

H5N1 is a 1996 strain of the Spanish or Avian Flu first detected in Chinese birds before spreading globally across various avian species. H5N1 is similar to H1N1, but spreads slower and has a much higher mortality rate.

H5N1 may also be referred to as Influenza A. The American Association of Bovine Practitioners has seen fit to rename H5N1 to Bovine Influenza A Virus, or BIAV, and are encouraging others to use the same terminology.

I would not be surprised if the colloquial name among the public becomes Bovine Flu or American Flu in the coming months, and may be referred to as the Chinese Flu by the same folks who took the spark of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic as an excuse to be publicly racist to East Asian people without social repercussions.

BIAV is a virus, meaning that it is a (probably) non-living packet of self-replicating infectious material with a high rate of mutation. BIAV is structured similarly to SARS-CoV-2, having a packet of infectious material encased in a spherical shell with a corona, or crown, of proteins that can latch to living cells to inject RNA.

Image source with interactive model: ViralZone - H5N1 subtype

What is the history of BIAV?

In 1996 and 1997, an outbreak of BIAV occurred among poultry and infected 18 people in Hong Kong, 6 of which died. This seemingly isolated incident then infected ~860 people with a >50% death rate.

At the time, BIAV was known as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, or HPAI, and killed nearly 100% of chickens within a 48 hour period.

From 2003 to 2005, continual outbreaks occurred in China and other East Asian countries, before spreading to Cambodia, the Netherlands, Thailand, and Vietnam.

From 2014 to 2016, it began being detected in American fowl, as well as mutating the H5N6 (lethal in birds, no human to human transmission) and H5N8 (largely spread through turkeys, ducks had immunity) viruses.

BIAV has since evolved into a clade known as 2.3.4.4b, and was first detected in 2021 in wild American birds. This then caused outbreaks in 2022 among wild and domesticated birds (such as chickens) alike, but was largely being overshadowed by the pressing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic at the time.

From 2022 to 2023, it was observed to be spreading among various mammals, including humans. Now, in 2024, we're having the most concerning rapid outbreak of BIAV since 2003.

BIAV is known to spread from mammal to mammal, particularly between cows and humans. BIAV may also be spread from cow to cow (highly likely, but not confirmed - this is likely the reason the virus has spread to Idaho from Texan cattle), and is known to be lethal to domestic cats and birds within 48 hours.

How does BIAV spread?

BIAV spreads through fomites - direct contact with infected animals or infected surfaces and then touching parts of your face or other orifices - as well as through airborne particulates, which may be inhaled and enter the sinuses and lungs.

BIAV is known to spread through:

Asymptomatic Ducks, geese, swans, various shorebirds

Symptomatic, may be lethal Foxes, bears, seals, sea lions, polar bears, domestic cats, dogs, minks, goats, cows, (potentially human to human, but unconfirmed - there have only been 8 potential human to human cases in 2024).

How can I protect against BIAV?

As BIAV is a type of Influenza A, existing protocols should do fine.

Current recommendations are to wash your hands vigorously after interacting with birds (I would also recommend doing this with mammals), avoid touching your face or other open orifices, and wear N95 masks.

Avoid sick or dead animals entirely - I would also recommend reporting them to your local Animal Control or veterinary centre and warning them about the infection risk. People who work with animals are recommended to also wear full PPE such as N95 masks, eye protection, gloves, and partake in vigorous hand washing.

If you suspect you've caught BIAV, seek medical attention immediately. Existing medications such as oseltamivir phosphate, zanamivir, peramivir, and baloxavir marboxil can reduce BIAV's ability to replicate.

Standard flu shots will not protect against BIAV. Remember - symptoms of BIAV may not manifest for between 2 to 8 days, and potentially infected people should be monitored for at least 10 days.

How far has BIAV spread?

BIAV is currently a global virus, though the current infection location of note is the United States.

Image Key: Dark red - Countries with humans, poultry and wild birds killed by H5N1 Deep red - Countries with poultry or wild birds killed by H5N1 and has reported human cases of H5N1 Light red - Countries with poultry or wild birds killed by H5N1

Image source: Wikipedia - Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 - File: Global spread of H5N1 map

Image source: Metro.co.uk - Map shows where bird flu is spreading in US amid new warning - File: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s H5N1 bird flu detections map across the United States

Should I be afraid?

You needn't be afraid, just prepared. BIAV has a concerningly high lethality, but this ironically culls its spread somewhat.

In the event human to human transmission of BIAV is confirmed, this will likely mainly affect marginalized communities, poor people, and homeless people, who are likely to have less access to medical care, and a higher likelihood of working in jobs that require frequent close human contact, such as fast food or retail jobs.

Given the response to SARS-CoV-2, corporations - and probably the government - may shove a proper response under the rug and refuse to participate in a full quarantine, which may leave people forced to go to work in dangerous conditions.

If this does spread into an epidemic or pandemic, given our extensive knowledge about Influenza, and the US having a backup vaccine for a prior strain of H5N1, a vaccine should be able to be developed relatively quickly and would hopefully be deployed freely without charge - we won't have to worry about a situation like The Stand.

Wash your hands, keep clean, avoid large social gatherings where possible, wear an N95 mask if you can afford them (Remember: Cloth masks are the least protective, but are better than nothing. If you can't afford N95 masks, I recommend wearing a well-fitted cloth mask with a disposable face mask over it to prevent pneumonia from moisture buildup in the disposable mask), support the disabled, poor, and homeless, and stay educated.

We can do better this time.

Further things to check out:

YouTube: MedCram - H5N1 Cattle Outbreak: Background and Currently Known Facts (ft. Roger Seheult, M.D.)

Wikipedia - Influenza A virus subtype H5N1

Maine.gov - Avian Influenza and People

CDC.gov - Technical Report: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Viruses

Wikipedia - H5N1 genetic structure

realagriculture - Influenza infection in cattle gets new name: Bovine Influenza A Virus (BIAV)

[covid-safer-hotties]

The Long-term Complications of Covid-19 Infection - Published Sept 13, 2024

Context.— As the Covid-19 pandemic continues into its 4th year, reports of long-term morbidity and mortality are now attracting attention. Recent studies suggest that Covid-19 survivors are at increased risk of common illnesses, such as myocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus and autoimmune disorders. Mortality may also be increased. This article will review the evidence that supports some of these observations and provide an opinion about their validity and their relevance to insured cohorts.

Background Many Covid-19 survivors report protracted symptoms, sometimes lasting 3 years or more. These are collectively called post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) or long Covid. They have been frequently described.1–4 In the past year, reports of long-term complications such as atrial fibrillation, heart failure, stroke and pulmonary embolism have emerged. In some reports these established disease entities are erroneously described as long Covid, generating confusion. The distinction is important: illness reported in Covid survivors are not restricted to the long Covid cohort. Thus, they are relevant to the majority of the North American population who have been infected by SARS-CoV-2, and not just the estimated 5-10% of individuals who belong to the long Covid cohort. This paper will examine the reports of increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases in both and will examine the reported long-term increase in mortality.

Cardiovascular disease after 1 and 2 years Multiple studies have reported an increased risk of cardiovascular events at 1 year. A February 2022 analysis of 153,760 US veterans, followed for 1 year after Covid-19 infection, reported an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease (HR 1.53), ischemic heart disease (HR 1.66), thromboembolic disease (HR 2.39) and atrial fibrillation (HR 1.71).5 Risk was greatest in those hospitalized and those with pre-morbid illnesses. However, risk was also elevated in outpatients, who constituted the vast majority of the cohort. These findings have been corroborated in 2 further studies. In a 2023 analysis of 690,000 Covid-19 survivors, drawn from the TriNetX database–self-described as the world’s largest global Covid-19 dataset–there was an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease (HR 1.6), ischemic heart disease (HR 2.8), thromboembolic disease (HR 2.6) and atrial fibrillation (HR 2.4) at 1 year.6 In contrast to the VA study which examined a predominantly older male population, the subjects in this study were younger, with mean age 44, and 57% were female. Risk was higher in the >65 age group and was not limited to inpatients. In a May 2023 Lancet retrospective analysis of 535,000 Hong Kong (HK) and 16,000 UK Covid 19 survivors, similar hazard ratios were recorded for stroke (HR 1.2), ischemic heart disease (HR 1.32), atrial fibrillation (HR 1.31) and deep venous thrombosis (HR 1.74).7 However, it is worth noting that while follow-up was described as 28 months for the HK cohort and 17 months for the UK cohort, the median follow-up for the HK group was 146 days and was 243 days for the UK cohort, somewhat limiting the conclusions of true impact at 1 year. Contradicting these studies, a prospective analysis of 17,000 Covid-19 survivors in the UK Biobank, did not document an increased risk of cardiovascular outcomes amongst outpatients, with the exception of thromboembolic disease (HR 2.7).8 An August 2023 analysis of 138,000 VA Covid-19 survivors followed for 2 years– the longest follow-up period to date– reported that the risk of complications in outpatients had returned to baseline at 6 months.9 In contrast, the risk for multiple cardiovascular and thromboembolic complications in the hospitalized cohort remained elevated at 2 years. None of these 5 studies was limited to individuals with long Covid, but similar findings have been reported in this group: a recent analysis of 13,435 individuals who had been diagnosed with long Covid, based on a typical array of symptoms, reported increased risks at 1 year for ischemic heart disease (HR 1.7), ischemic stroke (HR 2.1) and pulmonary embolism (HR 3.6).10

These studies document a fairly consistent, increased risk of cardiovascular complications among Covid-19 survivors. However, important questions remain. Amongst these: does increasing population immunity and vaccination change the risk? Is the magnitude of risk similar for all SARS CoV-2 variants? Does reinfection increase the risk? Answers to some are available. Vaccination appears to attenuate the risk: a Korean study of 592,000 individuals post-Covid-19 infection, showed that vaccination decreased the risk of heart attack and stroke by approximately 50%.11 This finding was replicated in a large US cohort where major adverse cardiovascular events were reduced by a similar amount for full vaccination, and by 25% for partial vaccination.12 Thus, while vaccination does not eliminate long-term complications, it appears to provide a substantial protective effect.

Reinfection may increase the risk of sequelae. In a large US VA cohort of 440,000 Covid survivors, of whom 40,000 had one or more SARS-CoV-2 reinfections, the risk of cardiovascular disorders was increased (HR 3.02), when compared to a single infection.13 Moreover, this risk was not modified by vaccination.

The impact of different variants is less clear. Most of the described studies were conducted in 2020-2021 when delta and pre-delta variants predominated. It is unclear whether similar outcomes would characterize infection with Omicron variants, which remain dominant in most countries since November 2021. Interestingly, the risk of cardiovascular complications in the cohort of Hong Kong survivors described above, where the Omicron was the prevalent strain, was no different than among the comparator UK Biobank cohort, where pre-Omicron strains were prevalent.7

Is there extra long-term mortality after Covid-19 infection? Extra mortality has been reported by several studies.6,8,14–18 A 2021 US analysis of 400 Covid-19 survivors, documented increased mortality (HR 2.5) at 1 year.14 The additional risk was confined to individuals who had been hospitalized. In 2022, 3 studies reported excess mortality in 3 different countries. The first, an Estonian whole-population study of 66,000 Covid-19 survivors, of whom 8% were hospitalized, reported a 3-fold increase in mortality at 12 months.15 Mortality was particularly elevated in the first 5 weeks following infection. For those over age 60, increased mortality persisted until 12 months (HR 2.8). However, for those less than age 60, mortality was not increased after 35 days. The second, an analysis of 690,000 Covid-19 survivors from the TriNetX database also reported increased 1-year mortality risk (HR 1.6).6 This was largely explained by excess deaths in individuals over age 65; below age 45 risk was not increased. For the outpatient cohort the risk of mortality was lower than that of the comparison group (HR 0.46). The third, a study of 25,000 Covid-19 survivors drawn from the UK Biobank, reported increased mortality risk at 20 months, for those with severe Covid infection (HR 14.7), but also an increased risk for those with mild disease (HR 1.23).16 Stratification by age was not provided.

In 2023 4 further studies reported similar, but at times quantitatively different results. Two analyses drew on the UK Biobank cohort. In the first, a prospective evaluation of 7,800 SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive individuals, increased mortality was reported for the study group at 18 months (HR 5.0), when compared to both a contemporary and an historical cohort.17 For the non-severe cases the mortality risk remained elevated (HR 4.8). The second study, already described above– a comparative analysis of 7600 Covid survivors from the UK Biobank and 530,000 Covid survivors in Hong Kong–reported increased mortality (HR 4.16) after 17 months for the former and 28 months for the latter.7 The risk of mortality was higher in the UK than the HK cohort, a difference the authors posited was due to Omicron being the dominant variant in HK during the study period. The risk remained elevated, but less so, for younger cohorts and for mild Covid-19 infections.

Finally, 2 large US studies recently reported mortality at 2 years. In the first, an analysis of 138,000 US veteran Covid-19 survivors with 5.9 million controls, the risk of death for the hospitalized cohort remained elevated at 2 years (HR 1.29).8 In contrast, the risk of death for the outpatient cohort returned to baseline at 6 months. Breakdown of risk by age-group was not provided. The second study, also of US veterans, reported similar findings. In a cohort of 280,000 Covid-19 survivors the risk of death remained elevated at 2 years (HR 2.0).18 The risk was highest in the first 90 days (HR 6.3) and decreased at 6 months (HR 1.18). Thereafter, the risk in Covid-19 survivors was slightly less than the control group (HR 0.89). A post-hoc subgroup analysis examined and refuted the possibility that accelerated mortality in the control group could have explained the lower mortality in Covid-19 survivors. The risk of death in hospitalized individuals remained elevated at 2 years (HR 1.22).

How Plausible is this Information? The studies described above command attention by virtue of their size and the consistency of their findings in different populations, and in different countries. They are also supported by the observations of long-term pathophysiologic abnormalities following SARS-CoV-2 infection, such as ongoing inflammation, persistence of virus, and immune system dysfunction. However, the negative ledger is also substantial. Observational studies such as these, no matter how well-designed, remain open to many types of bias. Reliance on diagnostic codes, prescription records, laboratory results and tallies of clinical visits, to establish disease incidence, is intrinsically error-prone and makes cross-study comparisons difficult. Perhaps more importantly, the cohorts described above were different in many respects, varying from the older, male-predominant cohort of the US VA system to the younger healthier cohort of the UK Biobank. Further, cohorts were constituted during the first year of the pandemic, at a time when healthcare delivery was disrupted, lockdowns were in effect, vaccination and antivirals were largely unavailable, and population immunity levels were low. Thus, it could be argued that the observed outcomes are better explained by an evolving pandemic, rather than solely SARS-CoV-2 infection. This could also explain the most recent reports that after 2 years of follow-up, the risk of both Covid-19 complications and mortality, in most of those infected (i.e., the non-hospitalized), is no longer elevated. It also evident that most of the reported extra mortality is occurring in the early months following infection, where survival curves separate rapidly.6,10,15,18

Are these findings relevant to an insured population? ‘Partially’ is probably the best answer. The most important observation is that hospitalization, and in-particular an intensive care unit admission, is the dominant risk factor for both morbidity and mortality. This risk appears to persist up to 2 years. The second important risk element is the presence of comorbid conditions. This observation raises the interesting question of what exactly causes the extra mortality. Is it due to ‘protracted’ SARS-Co-V-2 infection or is it caused by a recognized complication of Covid-19, such as pulmonary fibrosis or acute kidney injury? Or is it explained by an aggravation of a comorbid illness? Or is it a complication of long Covid? There is a likelihood that all these mechanisms were at play in the cohorts under study.

For non-hospitalized individuals, and those that are healthy, the evidence for extra morbidity and mortality after the first 3-6 months is far from conclusive. For the long Covid cohort, the evidence for additional mortality requires further supporting evidence. As the prevalence of co-morbid conditions is lower in insured populations, one might reasonably expect, based on current evidence, that longer-term morbidity and mortality due to Covid-19 infection will be minimally affected.

References 1.Davis H, McCorkell L, Vogel, J. et al Long COVID: major findings, mechanisms and recommendations. Nat Rev Microbiol 21, 133–146 (2023). doi.org/10.1038/s41579-022-00846-2

2.Meagher T. Long COVID - An Early Perspective. J Insur Med. 2021 Jan 1;49(1):19–23. doi: 10.17849/insm-49-1-1-5.1. PMID: 33784738.

3.Meagher T. Long COVID – One year On. J Insur Med. 2022 Jan 1;49:1–6. doi: 10.17849/insm-49-3-1-6.1. PMID: 33561352.

4.Meagher T. Long Covid - Into the Third Year. J Insur Med 2023;50(1):54–58. doi.org/10.17849/insm-50-1-54-58.1

5.Xie Y, Xu E, Bowe B et al Long-term cardiovascular outcomes of COVID-19. Nat Med 28, 583–590 (2022). doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-01689-3

6.Wang W, Wang CY, Wang SI et al Long-term cardiovascular outcomes in COVID-19 survivors among non-vaccinated population: A retrospective cohort study from the TriNetX US collaborative networks. eClinicalMedicine. 2022 Nov;53:101619. doi: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101619

7.Lam I, Wong C, Zhang, R et al Long-term post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 infection: a retrospective, multi-database cohort study in Hong Kong and the UK. eClinicalMedicine Vol. 60 Published: May 11, 2023. doi: doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102000

8.Raisi-Estabragh Z, Cooper J, Salih A, et al Cardiovascular disease and mortality sequelae of COVID-19 in the UK Biobank Heart 2023;109:119–126.

9.Bowe, B., Xie, Y. & Al-Aly, Z. Postacute sequelae of COVID-19 at 2 years. Nat Med 29, 2347–2357 (2023). doi.org/10.1038/s41591-023-02521-2

10.DeVries A, Shambhu S, Sloop S et al One-Year Adverse Outcomes Among US Adults With Post–COVID-19 Condition vs Those Without COVID-19 in a Large Commercial Insurance Database. JAMA Health Forum. 2023;4(3):e230010. doi:10.1001/jamahealthforum.2023.0010

11.Kim Y, Huh K, Park Y et al Association Between Vaccination and Acute Myocardial Infarction and Ischemic Stroke After COVID-19 Infection. JAMA. 2022;328(9):887–889. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.12992

12.Jiang J, Chan L, Kauffman J, et al Impact of Vaccination on Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients With COVID-19 Infection. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2023 Mar, 81(9):928–930. doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2022.12.006

13.Bowe B, Xie, Y, Al-Aly Z. Acute and postacute sequelae associated with SARS-CoV-2 reinfection. Nat Med 28, 2398–2405 (2022). doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-02051-3

14.Mainous AG, Rooks BJ, Wu, et al COVID-19 post-acute sequelae among adults: 12 month mortality risk. Front Med (Lausanne). 2021;8:778434. doi:10.3389/fmed.2021.778434

15.Uuskula A, Jurgenson T, Pisarev H et al Long-term mortality following SARS-CoV-2 infection: A national cohort study from Estonia. The Lancet Regional Health - Europe 2022;18:100394 Published online 29 April 2022. doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2022.100394

16.Xiang Y, Zhang R, Qiu G. et al Association of Covid-19 with risks of hospitalization and mortality from other disorders post-infection: A study of the UK Biobank. medRxiv doi: doi.org/10.1101/2022.03.23.22272811

17.Wan E, Mathur S, Zhang R et al Association of COVID-19 with short- and long-term risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality: a prospective cohort in UK Biobank, Cardiovascular Research, Volume 119, Issue 8, June 2023, 1718–1727. doi.org/10.1093/cvr/cvac195

18.Iwashyna TJ, Seelye S, Berkowitz TS, et al Late Mortality After COVID-19 Infection Among US Veterans vs Risk-Matched Comparators: A 2-Year Cohort Analysis. JAMA Intern Med. Published online August 21, 2023. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2023.3587

[mariacallous]

In 2024, increased adoption of biometric surveillance systems, such as the use of AI-powered facial recognition in public places and access to government services, will spur biometric identity theft and anti-surveillance innovations. Individuals aiming to steal biometric identities to commit fraud or gain access to unauthorized data will be bolstered by generative AI tools and the abundance of face and voice data posted online.

Already, voice clones are being used for scams. Take for example, Jennifer DeStefano, a mom in Arizona who heard the panicked voice of her daughter crying “Mom, these bad men have me!” after receiving a call from an unknown number. The scammer demanded money. DeStefano was eventually able to confirm that her daughter was safe. This hoax is a precursor for more sophisticated biometric scams that will target our deepest fears by using the images and sounds of our loved ones to coerce us to do the bidding of whoever deploys these tools.

In 2024, some governments will likely adopt biometric mimicry to support psychological torture. In the past, a person of interest might be told false information with little evidence to support the claims other than the words of the interrogator. Today, a person being questioned may have been arrested due to a false facial recognition match. Dark-skinned men in the United States, including Robert Williams, Michael Oliver, Nijeer Parks, and Randal Reid, have been wrongfully arrested due to facial misidentification, detained and imprisoned for crimes they did not commit. They are among a group of individuals, including the elderly, people of color, and gender nonconforming individuals, who are at higher risk of facial misidentification.

Generative AI tools also give intelligence agencies the ability to create false evidence, like a video of an alleged coconspirator confessing to a crime. Perhaps just as harrowing is that the power to create digital doppelgängers will not be limited to entities with large budgets. The availability of open-sourced generative AI systems that can produce humanlike voices and false videos will increase the circulation of revenge porn, child sexual abuse materials, and more on the dark web.

By 2024 we will have growing numbers of “excoded” communities and people—those whose life opportunities have been negatively altered by AI systems. At the Algorithmic Justice League, we have received hundreds of reports about biometric rights being compromised. In response, we will witness the rise of the faceless, those who are committed to keeping their biometric identities hidden in plain sight.

Because biometric rights will vary across the world, fashion choices will reflect regional biometric regimes. Face coverings, like those used for religious purposes or medical masks to stave off viruses, will be adopted as both fashion statement and anti-surveillance garments where permitted. In 2019, when protesters began destroying surveillance equipment while obscuring their appearance, a Hong Kong government leader banned face masks.

In 2024, we will start to see a bifurcation of mass surveillance and free-face territories, areas where you have laws like the provision in the proposed EU AI Act, which bans the use of live biometrics in public places. In such places, anti-surveillance fashion will flourish. After all, facial recognition can be used retroactively on video feeds. Parents will fight to protect the right for children to be “biometric naive”, which is to have none of their biometrics such as faceprint, voiceprint, or iris pattern scanned and stored by government agencies, schools, or religious institutions. New eyewear companies will offer lenses that distort the ability for cameras to easily capture your ocular biometric information, and pairs of glasses will come with prosthetic extensions to alter your nose and cheek shapes. 3D printing tools will be used to make at-home face prosthetics, though depending on where you are in the world, it may be outlawed. In a world where the face is the final frontier of privacy, glancing upon the unaltered visage of another will be a rare intimacy.

[panicinthestudio]

COVID rapidly spreads in China as government eases strict quarantine rules, December 27, 2022

China is grappling with the rapid spread of COVID-19 after the government began rolling back its zero-COVID restrictions earlier this month. Now, cases are spiraling across towns and cities, hospitals are overburdened, medical staff are outnumbered and crematoriums are running out of space. Judy Woodruff reports.

PBS NewsHour

There is no nuance left in politics or public health policy when there is either an absolute and strict inflexibility of zero COVID or wholesale dismantling of safeguards before the healthcare or support systems are prepared for the waves that have been forcibly suppressed. The political insistence on using their own less effective, non-mRNA vaccines based on the original strains rather than Delta or Omicron, coupled with a low vaccination rate of the vulnerable and elderly is not helping easing the transition at all.

The way they’ve been counting mortality from COVID diverged from nearly every other country since early 2020. A death had to be directly attributable to SARS-CoV-2 eliminating cases of many preexisting or undiagnosed conditions, chronic illnesses, and other high risk factors that may have been exacerbated by the virus which became listed as the direct cause or if they simply tested negative in the few days before dying. The policy as of this week will further limit the count only to deaths caused by pneumonia or respiratory failure after contracting COVID, in addition to dropping much of the remaining inbound quarantines and regular case counts becoming even more inconsistent with lived reality.

It appears the PRC was prepared to stay in suspended animation within an onionskin of self-isolation layers indefinitely, maintaining the appearance of control and adherence to policy that was left to different local officials to execute. Downgrading the classification removes the local, emergency-style powers to lockdown and quarantine which were used capriciously. Residential buildings, offices and commercial areas such as malls, and even theme parks could be suddenly cordoned without warning, causing panic due to the stringency of testing and knock-on effects if a positive case was found rather than fear of having contacted or contracted the virus. Becoming listed as a close contact or a complete stranger’s positive result could mean further quarantining and repeated testing, as well any change in one’s COVID passport status severely restricting mobility for work or education, travel, or even basic necessities. The protests spread because “dynamic zero” was anything but dynamic, refusing to change or amend course in preparation for a transition to an endemic or post-epidemic state. People were simply fed up and the building momentum was becoming a potential danger to a regime that had just renewed its own political mandates.

These things aren’t happening in isolation, China is also changing tact on its travel restrictions domestically and internationally. The Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau have been trying to reopen ports and travel with the Mainland for years now for travel and economic reasons. Both were forced into accepting one-way policies where it was difficult for their citizens to enter China or even between one another, while rules were softened for travelers and politicians entering from and returning to the Mainland for short trips with the reason that the pandemic was less well-contained than within the Mainland.

As news of the highly visible current outbreak within China is continuing to emerge, the Hong Kong SAR is now proudly announcing agreements have been made with the Mainland to drop their travel restrictions posthaste. It’s being reported that many are travelling specifically for mRNA vaccines which are approved in Macau and Hong Kong.

[tieflingkisser]

Shipping companies pause Red Sea journeys after Houthi attacks

A Hong-Kong based shipping company has suspended its activity to and from Israel. That's after vessels in the Red Sea came under attack from Houthi fighters in Yemen. The Houthis say they’ll continue their attacks if Israel doesn’t stop its war on Gaza. And their activities are starting to have far-reaching consequences, not just for Israel, but globally. Al Jazeera’s Sara Khairat reports from the Israeli port city of Haifa. Maritime expert Victoria Mitchell says while recent attacks on ships in the Red Sea have not led to a complete shutdown of the trading route, there are implications for individual ship operators. “What is important to highlight is the concern for the seafarers themselves, who are transporting goods and sailing the vessels along this route,” Mitchell, an analyst at Control Risks, told Al Jazeera. “That has been a concern highlighted by several of the operators who have elected to pause shipments in the current circumstances.” Earlier this week, the Danish company Maersk said it will pause all journeys through the Red Sea after a series of attacks on shipping by the Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The Iran-aligned group says they are targeting shipping to pressure Israel during its offensive on Gaza. Moreover, Mitchell says there were also major concerns around insurance premiums. “More risk premiums will increase costs for operators and we’ll also see increased costs and delays when vessels re-route,” she said. “So rather than taking the Red Sea Suez Canal transit route … the alternative is to sail around the coast of Africa. That will add days to any transit and will require additional port calls and fuel. All of this will add to the cost of any shipment.”

[pscottm]

“In New York and London, owners of gleaming office towers are walking away from their debt rather than pouring good money after bad. The landlords of downtown San Francisco’s largest mall have abandoned it. A new Hong Kong skyscraper is only a quarter leased,” Bloomberg reports. “The creeping rot inside commercial real estate is like a dark seam running through the global economy. Even as stock markets rally and investors are hopeful that the fastest interest-rate increases in a generation will ebb, the trouble in property is set to play out for years.”

Remember kiddies, it's OK to walk away from you debts! A lender will present payments as a moral obligation but as demonstrated by businesses, they are not. Lenders assume risk and sometimes lose as do you.

Except for student loans. Congress made those non-dischargable during bankruptcy into law.

[the50-person]

There go the medicines and medical supplies. Ground reports from ppl I know indicate that much of it was already swept up north anyway. And that increased risk of new COVID variants...yikes

When you open borders something crazy like this almost always happens...I rmb at the start of the pandemic smth similiar occurred in France. 🙄

A total of 4,113 people have arrived from China since Monday and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said 917 test results showed that 239 of them, or 26.1% of them, were infected with COVID. On Wednesday, 31.5% of 327 people tested produced a positive result, agency data showed.

All the more supporting the idea that the borders should never have opened in the first place. People I know from the mainland also think it is an incredibly dumb move. But what can we do? The ppl up there suddenly decided to open at this exceedingly confounding time.

[darkautomaton]

Best Practices in Corporate Risk Management in Hong Kong

With an increasingly complex legal, regulatory, economic, and technological environment, effectively managing organizational risks is critical for companies striving towards sustainable growth in Hong Kong. By taking a strategic approach to identifying key risk exposures and establishing governance policies to address vulnerabilities, both local and multinational corporations can enhance resilience.

Conduct Extensive Risk Assessments

The foundation for building robust risk oversight is to regularly conduct enterprise-wide assessments, tapping perspectives from leaders across functions on risks emerging within main business units, as well as at the corporate level. Special focus should be placed on emerging risks - from supply chain disruptions to fast-evolving cybersecurity threats. Risks posed by Hong Kong regulations and legal responsibilities around data, employment, IP, taxation and import/export controls should also be incorporated.

Appoint Centralized Risk Leadership

While business heads are accountable for risks within their domains, oversight at the core by a Chief Risk Officer and/or risk management committee provides critical independence and cross-functional coordination. Responsibilities span creating risk reporting procedures to keeping senior leadership and board directors appraised, to aligning mitigation plans with corporate strategy. Risk managers also liaise with insurance providers to secure proper coverage against financial hazards.

Implement Key Risk Policies

Findings from risk assessments should drive key policy changes, be it business continuity planning to address operational crises, instituting ethics training to reduce fraud and corruption, or enacting information handling protocols to avoid data leaks, hacking and illegal trading incidents that would undermine Hong Kong stock listings. Anti-money laundering and sanctions/export controls compliance also need special attention in Hong Kong as a gateway between China and global trade.

Monitor External Signals

In addition to internal risk monitoring, closely follow legislative or law enforcement policy shifts, as well as economic/political disruptions arising locally as well as in mainland China that stand to impact operations. Participate in trade groups and maintain contacts in agencies like InvestHK to receive critical market updates. Regular stress tests help evaluate Hong Kong megaprojects like the Greater Bay Area growth plan or One Belt One Road initiative - and gauge ensuing risk reprioritizations.

By approaching risk oversight as an integrated corporate capability monitoring both internal weaknesses and external threats, companies gain enhanced visibility into vulnerabilities which allows preemptively strengthening of operations against cascading Hong Kong/China hazards - thereby boostinglong-term performance and valuation for shareholders.

[viact1]

Protecting Workers with the Danger Zone Alert System: A Smart Solution for Fall-from-Height Safety

Safety in High Hazardous Industries of Construction, Mining, Manufacturing and Facilities with Danger Zone Warning System. At the workplace, fall-from-height safety is important. It has become mandatory in most hazardous sectors, especially those in the building of new projects and mining or the various operations within a factory in case of facilities, to safeguard individuals engaged within its compounds and achieve zero casualties. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, falls are still the second most common cause of fatal occupational injuries at construction sites.

Given the severity of this issue, companies operating in places such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, where industries are booming, are looking for solutions that can enhance safety measures and minimize workplace accidents.

Understanding the Dangers of Falls from Heights

Falls from heights are those accidents in which a worker loses his balance or falls into an open, elevated zone. Such incidents occur when workers are on scaffolding, rooftops, ladders, or suspended platforms. Reports have suggested that approximately 30 percent of all construction fatalities are attributed to fall accidents. The dangers associated with this type of accident are not only severe but also unpredictable. Proper systems for monitoring risky behaviors and unsafe zones are not in place, which makes it very hard to ensure worker safety.

Why Do You Need a Smart Safety Solution?

Traditional safety systems typically rely on human observation or manual inspection. These are always reactive systems, meaning that the workers are placed at risk of exposure before they can be placed in a position of safety.

How Does the Danger Zone Alert System Work?

Real-Time Monitoring: The system continuously scans the worksite with cameras. Cameras detect potential hazards, analyze workers' movements and environmental conditions, and help identify situations in which a fall might occur.

Instant Alerts: The system instantly sends alerts to site supervisors and workers when it identifies a potential fall hazard through an application or by direct notifications. Alerts may range from entering a danger zone to improper usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) among workers.

Configurable Danger Zones: Sites can configure various "danger zones" on the site, including edges, scaffolding, or other elevated work platforms. The system monitors these danger zones and alerts workers to falling risks off an unprotected edge or falling from unsafe factors.

Improved Compliance: A large percentage of falls are caused by a lack of the correct safety measures for workers. The Danger Zone Alert System ensures compliance because it triggers a signal for site managers when safety procedures such as harness usage or fall barriers are not in place.

Key Benefits for Your Workforce

Implementing the Danger Zone Alert System in your company will yield several benefits in the area of safety, aside from operational efficiency. Some of the key advantages of using this smart system include:

1. Decreased Chance of Falls

Real-time alerts and continuous monitoring lower the possibility of falls from heights since it give employees prompt feedback about unsafe behaviors or hazardous zones. Such a system will ensure that necessary preventive measures are taken even when near-miss accidents have been detected.

2. Increased Safety Compliance

For instance, safety procedures for employees become much easier to manage as this would include using proper PPE or not crossing areas next to unprotected edges. Enforcement of compliance is thus effective in making the entire workforce stay safe with automatic alerts directly transmitted to supervisors.

3. Improved Productivity

When workers are secure, they can do their work effectively without any fear of accidents. Better morale and more efficient working due to a safe working environment will reduce downtime brought about by safety incidents.

4. Cost Savings

One fall death costs more than a million dollars. These are only the financial costs of medical and legal fees. The firm saves on this count: reduction in the number of accidents through lower medicine costs, attorneys' costs, insurance premiums, or work stoppage.

5. AI-Powered Insights

It prevents accidents but also offers the organization valuable data that would improve safety on the job site. Over time, AI can analyze patterns and assist companies in making better decisions concerning safety policies and equipment.

Conclusion

Worker safety in a fast-paced and risk-prone world should be everybody's priority today. AI and smart safety systems protect workers from falls and other hazards better than ever. Any industry concerned with fall-from-height safety would certainly require the Danger Zone Alert System. Businesses can generate safer work sites, gain employee confidence, reduce incidents, and hence contribute toward the growth and success of the business through AI.

This might be the future of operation, as using this technology will make sure that every day, your workers come back home without any incidents and your business runs with minimum unexpected delays and costs associated with accidents. Visit viAct and enhance the saftey of your workers and grow your business.

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Protecting Drilling Rigs: Intrusion Detection System for Oil & Gas Industry

Elevating Safety: AI-based Crane Collision Detection Systems for Monitoring

[mariacallous]

Earlier this month, several prominent outlets carried news that artificial intelligence will not pose a danger to humanity. The source of this reassuring news? A bunch of humanoid robot heads connected to simple chatbots.

The news stories sprang from a panel at a United Nations conference in Geneva called AI for Good, where several humanoids appeared alongside their creators. Reporters were invited to ask questions to the robots, which included Sophia, a machine made by Hanson Robotics that has gained notoriety for appearing on talk shows and even, bizarrely, gaining legal status as a person in Saudi Arabia.

The questions included whether AI would destroy humanity or steal jobs. Their replies were made possible by chatbot technology, somewhat similar to that which powers ChatGPT. But despite the well-known limitations of such bots, the robots’ replies were reported as if they were the meaningful opinions of autonomous, intelligent entities.

Why did this happen? Robots that can visually mimic human expressions trigger an emotional response in onlookers because we are so primed to pick up on such cues. But allowing what is nothing more than advanced puppetry to disguise the limitations of current AI can confuse people trying to make sense of the technology or of recent concerns about problems it may cause. I was invited to the Geneva conference, and when I saw Sophia and other robots listed as “speakers,” I lost interest.

It’s frustrating to see such nonsense at a time when more trustworthy experts are warning about current and future risks posed by AI. Machine learning algorithms are already exacerbating social biases, spewing disinformation, and increasing the power of some of the world’s biggest corporations and governments. Leading AI experts worry that the pace of progress may produce algorithms that are difficult to control in a matter of years.

Hanson Robotics, the company that makes Sophia and other lifelike robots, is impressively adept at building machines that mimic human expressions. Several years ago, I visited the company’s headquarters in Hong Kong and met with founder David Hanson, who previously worked at Disney, over breakfast. The company’s lab was like something from Westworld or Blade Runner, with unplugged robots gazing sadly into the middle distance, shriveled faces flopped on shelves, and prototypes stuttering the same words over and over in an infinite loop.

Hanson and I talked about the idea of adding real intelligence to these evocative machines. Ben Goertzel, a well-known AI researcher and the CEO of SingularityNET, leads an effort to apply advances in machine learning to the software inside Hanson’s robots that allows them to respond to human speech.

The AI behind Sophia can sometimes provide passable responses, but the technology isn’t nearly as advanced as a system like GPT-4, which powers the most advanced version of ChatGPT and cost more than $100 million to create. And of course even ChatGPT and other cutting-edge AI programs cannot sensibly answer questions about the future of AI. It may be best to think of them as preternaturally knowledgeable and gifted mimics that, although capable of surprisingly sophisticated reasoning, are deeply flawed and have only a limited “knowledge” of the world.

Sophia and company’s misleading “interviews” in Geneva are a reminder of how anthropomorphizing AI systems can lead us astray. The history of AI is littered with examples of humans overextrapolating from new advances in the field.

In 1958, at the dawn of artificial intelligence, The New York Times wrote about one of the first machine learning systems, a crude artificial neural network developed for the US Navy by Frank Rosenblatt, a Cornell psychologist. “The Navy revealed the embryo of an electronic computer today that it expects will be able to walk, talk, see, write, reproduce itself and be conscious of its existence,” the Times reported—a bold statement about a circuit capable of learning to spot patterns in 400 pixels.

If you look back at the coverage of IBM’s chess-playing Deep Blue, DeepMind’s champion Go player AlphaGo, and many of the past decade’s leaps in deep learning—which are directly descended from Rosenblatt’s machine—you’ll see plenty of the same: people taking each advance as if it were a sign of some deeper, more humanlike intelligence.

That’s not to say that these projects—or even the creation of Sophia—were not remarkable feats, or potentially steps toward more intelligent machines. But being clear-eyed about the capabilities of AI systems is important when it comes to gauging progress of this powerful technology. To make sense of AI advances, the least we can do is stop asking animatronic puppets silly questions.

[vergess]

Let's all remember that despite the temptation, this isn't actually funny. These people went to a concert, and were blinded en masse.

This is horrific.

The organizers of this concert need to be held accountable for maiming an entire audience, as well as possibly the performers.

I don't know literally anything about Hong Kong law, but if it is in any way possible, this needs to be pursued as what it is: negligence leading to a mass maiming.

After all, this is a known risk that concert organizers are supposed to be aware of. It has happened before.

However, as of this time, the "lab grade UV-C lamp" thing seems to be a rumour. The only lab which has investigated this incident (on the event organizer's payroll), says this was caused by a malfunctioning UV-A lamp.

It is unknown if the blindness will be permanent or temporary at this time.

[aung-khant-kyaw]

Digital Privacy and Activism: The Tension Between Advocacy and Surveillance

In today's day and age, social media has become an indispensable tool for activism. Activists organize and rally protests, spread messages and raise awareness on platforms like Twitter(X), Facebook, and Instagram. While these platforms allow such activities and activism to thrive on the internet and have great impact in the real world, they come with certain risks especially in the regards of privacy and government surveillance. In this blog, we will explore the balance between utilising social media for activism and the dangers of being under constant watch by government and companies.

A Double-Edged Sword for Activists

Social Media makes things easy for activists to stay connected with others and organize movements. You have probably heard of "#BlackLivesMatter" and "#MeToo" which have brought attention to important causes and helped people join together worldwide. And the emergence of encrypted messaging apps like Telegram and Signal has enabled activists to communicate securely, especially in countries where the governments are watching your every move on social media. This was seen in 2019 Hong Kong Protests, where protesters used these apps to avoid getting tracked.

However, while social media can help activists get their movement grow quickly, it can put them at risk as well. Governments can use the same platforms to track and control protestors. The data that activists share online—like their locations, posts, and personal details—can be used to monitor or even arrest them.

#metoo movement

2019 Hong Kong Protests

Government Surveillance in the Digital Age

Almost if not all the governments around the world are using different technologies to track activists. For example, China, Egypt and Iran monitor internet traffic and social media to spot protests before they even happen. Even in the world's most democratic countries (US self-claimed this title), there is still government surveillance snooping around everyone. To give you an example, during 2020 Black Lives Matter protests in the US, there were reports that law enforcement used social media and facial recognition technology to track protestors. This kind of government surveillance raises the question about privacy and the right to express yourselves through protests without the fear of getting punished.

China's mass surveillance system to track its citizens.

Tech Companies and Activist Data

Aside from governments, big tech companies like Facebook and Google also collect huge amounts of data from users, including activists. These companies have been exposed for selling users data other business or even handing it over to the governments. This is so bad for the activists as the governments can easily track their whereabouts or use their personal information to use against them in countries where freedom of speech is not praised by the ruling parties.

For example, the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica scandal showed how data collected from simple activities, like "liking" posts, can be used to manipulate political events. While activists rely on these platforms to get their message out, they may be putting themselves and their supporters at risk by exposing their information.

Mark Zuckerberg questioned before US Congress

The Challenge for Activists: Risk vs. Reward

Activists face a tough choice. Social media platforms give them a way to reach more people than ever before, but using these platforms comes with risks. Encryption tools like Signal and VPNs can help activists protect their privacy, but they don’t offer complete safety. Activists need to understand that anything shared publicly on social media can be used against them, especially in countries with strict surveillance laws.

This was especially true during the 2019 Hong Kong protests, where activists used encrypted apps and even face masks to avoid being identified by the government’s advanced tracking systems. Still, governments continue to improve their surveillance methods, making it harder for activists to stay safe online​.

What Does the Future Hold for Digital Privacy?

As governments and tech companies continue to develop new ways to monitor online activities, activists will need to find new ways to protect their privacy. Stronger data protection laws and more ethical practices from tech companies are becoming more important. Activists also need to educate themselves about digital privacy tools and use them when organizing protests or sharing sensitive information.

Some organizations, like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), are working to help activists protect their privacy online. In the future, we might see the development of new social media platforms that focus on privacy and allow activists to avoid being tracked while still using digital tools to spread their message.

Navigating the Digital Landscape

Digital activism has empowered people around the world to push for change, but it has also introduced new risks. As the lines between activism and surveillance blur, it’s important for activists to be cautious while using digital tools. The ongoing challenge of balancing activism with privacy will shape the future of protests, making it essential for activists, governments, and tech companies to find a way to protect the right to protest while keeping people safe online.

References

Cortés, V., 2021. How governments go after protesters using social media. Rest of World. Available at: https://restofworld.org/2021/how-governments-go-after-protesters-using-social-media/ [Accessed 30 October 2024].

Participedia, 2019. Hong Kong protestors implement methods to avoid facial recognition technology and government tracking. Available at: https://participedia.net/case/hong-kong-protestors-implement-methods-to-avoid-facial-recognition-technology-and-government-tracking [Accessed 30 October 2024].

Brodey, T. and Graber-Mitchell, C., 2022. Seeing double: Does social media help or hurt activism? The Amherst Student. Available at: https://amherststudent.com/article/seeing-double-does-social-media-help-or-hurt-activism/ [Accessed 30 October 2024].

Cadwalladr, C. and Graham-Harrison, E., 2018. Revealed: 50 million Facebook profiles harvested for Cambridge Analytica in major data breach. The Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/mar/17/cambridge-analytica-facebook-influence-us-election [Accessed 30 October 2024].

Doffman, Z., 2020. New WhatsApp security blow: Political staffers move to Signal—Here’s why that matters. Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2020/02/24/new-whatsapp-security-blow-as-political-staffers-are-pushed-to-signal-heres-why-that-matters/ [Accessed 30 October 2024].

Suleiman, M., 2020. Social media surveillance of the Black Lives Matter movement and the right to privacy. Columbia Undergraduate Law Review. Available at: https://www.culawreview.org/journal/social-media-surveillance-of-the-black-lives-matter-movement-and-the-right-to-privacy [Accessed 30 October 2024].

Gu, H., 2023. Data, Big Tech, and the new concept of sovereignty. Journal of Chinese Political Science, pp.1-22. DOI: 10.1007/s11366-023-09855-1.

[inkovsky]

The Hang Seng Index opened 44 points lower at 20,433 points and then fluctuated. The low fell 98 points to 20,380 points and the high rose 151 points to 20,629 points. It rose 20 points or 0.1% for the whole day to 20,498 points; the technology index rose 29 points or 0.66%, reported 4,521 points. Main board transaction volume was HK$154.8 billion.

After rebounding yesterday, the Hang Seng Index is still constrained by the 10-DMA (20,638). The Hong Kong stock market adjusted after a sharp rise at the beginning of this month, but it found support when it fell to the rising gap on September 27 (19,954 to 20,268). In fact, the mainland has launched multiple policies to stabilize the economy. Although there are no surprises in the specific scale and timetable, it will inevitably disappoint the market. However, as the policies are gradually implemented, the market is expected to stabilize and rebound from lows. There is a certain value in entering the market at current levels. The betting rate is that it is not advisable to lose 20,000 points of support.

European stock markets were mixed, with British and German stocks closing down 0.14% and 0.2% respectively, while French stocks fell slightly by 0.01%.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) lowered its global economic growth forecast and warned of rising risks of war and trade protectionism. Coupled with concerns about further rises in U.S. debt interest rates, U.S. stocks traded mixed on Tuesday. After the Dow opened 54 points lower, the decline expanded to a maximum of 213 points and a low of 42,718 points. Afterwards, it repeatedly stabilized at low levels; the S&P 500 once fell by 0.56%, and the Nasdaq, which is dominated by technology stocks, fell by up to 0.68%.

U.S. stocks closed with the Dow down slightly by 6 points to 42,924 points; the S&P Index fell by 2 points or 0.05% to 5,851 points; and the Nasdaq rose by 33 points or 0.18% to 18,573 points.

The U.S. exchange rate index once fell 0.19% to 103.816; the Euro fell back 0.22% to $1.0793; the Japanese yen rose 0.23% to 150.5 per dollar.

[everexshubham]

Efficient and Compliant Service Exports with Sky ERP Export Plus

The services industry plays a crucial role in India's economy, being the largest contributor with over 50% of the GDP. This sector includes a wide range of services such as trade, tourism, aviation, telecom, shipping, ports, communication, storage, financing, insurance, transportation, real estate, business services, software services, and IT-BPM. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant increase in the tourism and hospitality sector in the country. The Indian economy relies heavily on exporting services such as travel, transportation, insurance, software, business services, financial services, and communication. These exports play a significant role in India's economic growth. NASSCOM Forecasts that technology exports from India will hit US$ 200 billion by fiscal year 2024.

In 2023-24, services exports increased from USD 325.3 billion to USD 341.1 billion

India is a major exporter of services to various countries worldwide, with the USA, the UK, and Japan being the primary recipients. Industries such as software, computer technology, IT, BPO, and call centers are among the top services exported to regions including America, Europe, Asia, and the Gulf countries.

The top importers of India's software services and IT sector are the USA, Europe, and the UK. Other markets for India's software services include Canada, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Additionally, India's top export markets include Hong Kong, Singapore, Germany, Bangladesh, the Netherlands, and Nepal.

In today's global economy, service exports play a critical role in the success of many businesses. However, the process of exporting services can be complex and requires careful documentation to ensure compliance with regulations and smooth transactions.

Export documentation software for service exports is essential for streamlining the export process and reducing the risk of errors. This software helps businesses create, manage, and track all necessary documentation, such as invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and export licenses. By automating these tasks, businesses can save time and resources, while also ensuring accuracy and consistency in their export documentation.

In addition, export documentation software can help businesses stay compliant with ever-changing regulations and requirements. This software for service exporters can provide updates on regulatory changes, generate reports to demonstrate compliance and help businesses avoid costly fines or delays in the export process.

Overall, export documentation software is a valuable tool for businesses involved in service exports, helping them navigate the complexities of global trade and ensure successful transactions. By investing in this software, businesses can improve efficiency, reduce risks, and ultimately enhance their competitiveness in the global marketplace.

Sky ERP Export Plus is a highly advanced Export Documentation software suite designed for managing export documentation and business intelligence reports online. This comprehensive solution ensures accurate and efficient handling of export transactions, giving businesses a competitive edge in the export industry. By utilizing this software for service Exporters, companies can confidently navigate the complex process of export registration and streamline their operations. In today's export industry, having access to reliable export software is crucial for achieving success and staying ahead of the competition.

[kelpeigh]

I was at one of the few shows in which he played Jackboot Jump.

He made a little speech beforehand that I don't remember verbatim (there's probably video out there; NYC 11/2019) except for the last two words but it went along the lines of:

I've been struggling to find a balance writing protest music. I'm constantly trying to get important messages across in my work. If I weave them into art, people will be more receptive to hearing the message in the first place. The more subtle I am, the more people I reach. But I look around and see students and reporters being brutalized in shopping malls for daring to speak up and all I can think is... fuck subtlety.

For context, this was amid the Hong Kong protests of 2019 and there had recently been some particularly gruesome accounts in the news

So yeah, Jackboot Jump was a calculated risk. It's not a surprise that it didn't blow up ("fuck subtlety", no studio recording release, not on an album). It's doubly a shame because all royalties are diverted to BLM (at least they were, I'm only assuming they still are). But it and the rest of this post go to show he's not a musician who's also an activist sometimes; his discography is saturated with activism.

🙃 Regular reminder that while Hozier has amazing love songs, he is ALSO very outspoken about his leftist politics, specifically anti-fascism, anti-racism, reproductive rights, Palestinian rights and more.

Take Me To Church and Foreigner’s God are scathing critiques of organized religion, specifically the Catholic Church.

Moment’s Silence is about oral sex but it’s ALSO about how that specific sexual act is often distorted to a show of power rather than that of love.

Nina Cried Power is an homage to various civil rights activists from the US and Ireland and a call to follow their path.

Be specifically criticizes anti-migrant policies and Trump and his ilk.

Jackboot Jump is about the global wave of fascism.

Swan Upon Leda is about reproductive rights and the violent colonial oppression of Ireland and Palestine.

Eat Your Young is about the ruinous way the 1%/capitalism prioritizes short-term profit over everything else to the detriment of the youth/99%.

Butchered Tongue is about Irish and other indigenous languages being suppressed and erased by imperial powers.

If any of the above surprised you, please, please delve deeper into Hozier’s music, you’re missing such an important part of his work.