 NAGAON, (MExN): UCO Bank on Monday organised a Resource, MSME, Retail and Agriculture Carnival at Hotel Rishiraj in Nagaon as part of its nationwide outreach campaign. Chinmay Kumar Sahu, Deputy General Manager from the bank’s Head Office in Kolkata, attended the programme as the chief guest. Branch managers from Nagaon and nearby areas, along with existing and prospective customers, participated in the event aimed at extending loan support to eligible individuals and businesses to promote entrepreneurship and local economic growth. Zonal Manager Narendra Pratap Singh inaugurated the programme with a welcome address, thanking the chief guest and customers for their participation. He said UCO Bank remained committed to serving customers across the Jorhat Zone and highlighted the importance of cyber-security awareness. Singh briefed attendees on the bank’s achievements and vision, stating that the bank is dedicated to the socio-economic development of Assam. Under the ongoing campaign for the 2025–26 financial year, the Jorhat Zone has sanctioned loans worth over Rs 485 crore to 7,150 beneficiaries, he added. Deputy Zonal Head Hassan Ejaz Hashmi outlined features of UCO Home Loan, UCO Car Loan, UCO Property Loan and UCO Education Loan. Amit Kumar, Head of the MSME Hub, highlighted new MSME financing schemes including UCO Unnati, UCO Vahan, UCO Yuva Shakti, UCO Nari Samman and UCO Abhinandan. He said strengthening the MSME sector was essential as it generates significant employment and contributes to the nation’s economic and social progress. Addressing the gathering, Deputy General Manager Chinmay Kumar Sahu apprised customers of the bank’s performance in 2025–26, noting deposits of over Rs 3.05 lakh crore, advances exceeding Rs 2.30 lakh crore and total business of more than ₹5.36 lakh crore. He said UCO Bank is conducting similar Resource, MSME, Retail and Agriculture Carnivals across the country and is offering a wide range of loan and deposit products at competitive rates. Sahu said customer growth remained central to the bank’s growth and several UCO Bank loan products were available at interest rates lower than many competitors. He added that the bank had a strong presence in the Northeast and that all major banking products were now accessible through both branch and digital channels. Customers may apply online for various loans, including home, car, personal, education and loans against term deposits, he said, adding that the bank’s mobile app enjoys strong user ratings.Among those present were Pranjal Bora, Senior Manager and Branch Manager of UCO Bank Nagaon Branch; Assistant Branch Manager Bidyut Bikash Gogoi; Advance-in-Charge Priyanka Gupta; LBO and Digital Nodal Officer Akansha Baruah; and other staff. Also present were Anand Kumar Gupta, Branch Manager of Lanka Branch; Soumar Jyoti Deori, Branch Manager of Haiborgaon Branch; and Simanta Savapondit, Assistant Branch Head. UCO Bank holds MSME, retail and agriculture carnival in Nagaon | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
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Expensive data and poor internet access: South Africa fails to measure up against Brazil (2025-12-10T12:21:00+05:30)
Ashraf Patel, University of South AfricaEmerging middle-power countries like South Africa, India and Brazil face growing inequalities. At the same time, everyday lives are becoming more and more digital – from paying bills and reading news to contacting companies and services. Ways need to be found to include everyone in the online world, regardless of how much money they have. Ashraf Patel is an information and communications technology policy specialist who has been researching the G20 for several years. In his chapter from a new open access book, G20 in Brazil and South Africa: Priorities, Agendas and Voices of the Global South, he discusses how South Africa compares with Brazil on the digital economy. What are the key areas of the digital economy?The G20’s Digital Economy working group covers discussions around digital access, equality, artificial intelligence governance, safety, innovation and sustainability. It also looks at how the digital space can be regulated so it does not cause harm to society. In the last two or three years it has gained a lot of traction with nations that are trying to deal with inequalities in the digital economy. For example, the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) is causing consternation in all sectors, especially around jobs and labour, ethics, and the massive amounts of energy it uses. These are huge themes that were discussed in the G20. How is South Africa measuring up on digital access compared with Brazil?South Africa has had 31 years of democracy and has generally had suboptimal outcomes. For instance South Africa has one of the highest data costs in Africa. There’s also a lack of broadband in public spaces. This is despite the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa and the Competition Commission promoting competition to keep prices affordable. Brazil is a developing country, but has far exceeded South Africa in meeting digital access. South Africa’s broadband rollouts for ordinary people, clinics, rural areas and schools are weak compared to many medium and lower income countries. This means that connectivity and digital inequality are two major barriers. When people don’t have access or affordability or digital literacy, they can’t use e-government services. A major part of the problem is that South Africa is trapped between jobless growth, de-industrialisation and inequality. Academic Dani Rodrik looked at inequality, unemployment, skills development and the unequal globe and came up with this trilemma. In South Africa, the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) digital economy aspects are about automation, big data, AI and the Internet of Things. But very few nations, except those in the north and China, have mastered these four. For this reason, no more than 10 countries dominate production, patents, research and development, and are able to commercialise these. The rest of the planet are mainly consumers. If countries don’t have properly managed digital economy policies, systems and skills development in place, they won’t be able to participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This will cause disruptions in society and the labour market. In the area of digital economy development, Brazil does far better than South Africa, India, Kenya and other developing countries. This is mainly because it’s had a very progressive Labour government, the Partido dos Trabalhadores (Workers’ Party) that has governed Brazil for two periods totalling 15 years. From early on they invested in social development. They funded expansion of infrastructure and services and very strong education programmes. Brazil has led into the first generation of telecentres in the favelas (shack settlements). The telecentres are public facilities that offer access to computers, internet and digital training programmes for women, youth and low income communities. Brazil’s National Broadband Plan uses satellites to expand internet to rural areas. They also have world class science and technology institutions and very good regulatory systems. All of these come together under this social agenda and they have solid leadership. So I would argue that there is no comparison – Brazil far exceeds South Africa in all aspects of the digital economy. But fortunately, Brazil has made many knowledge resources available. It’s up to South African institutions, universities and government regulators to take that knowledge and implement it. That is how South Africa can make a dent in digital inequality. What progress was made under South Africa’s G20 presidency to boost the digital economy?The country’s presidency was caught up in global geopolitics and opposition from the Trump administration in the US. The G20’s specific working groups therefore faced great difficulties. For example, the Digital Economy working group could not agree on the final statements because the US delegation opposed any talk of equality, diversity, gender and climate. These are huge themes in the digital economy. But the final declaration from the leadership summit was generally watered down to accommodate US concerns. Nevertheless, the South African G20 presidency came up with some good statements on how AI and digital tools can support the growth of small and medium businesses. Africa is grappling with the rapid growth of fintech – digital tools, apps and platforms that make it easier to provide financial services such as payments, loans, savings, insurance and investments. In Nigeria and Kenya, new digital financial systems have expanded faster than regulations could keep up. The result has been chaotic state interventions. In contrast, the BRICS Digital Industrialisation initiatives set out an appropriate model for global south countries. (They set out ways for the global south countries to support each other by sharing skills and technologies rather just allowing unregulated market expansion.) Was the South African G20 presidency worthwhile?The G20 was an expensive exercise for South Africa. It cost well over a billion rand (US$58.3 million). And I argue that it hardly created impact on themes or dialogues related to social society and civil society. The absence of public engagement and mobilisation on issues like the debt crisis, cost-of-living pressures and AI exclusion and bias were the “sore thumbs” (most obvious weaknesses) of South Africa’s G20 year. In conclusion, South Africa’s G20 presidency was strong on symbolism and media coverage and marketing, but weak on concrete outcomes and agreements. Ashraf Patel, Senior Research Associate: Digital Economy, University of South Africa This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. |
Prajakta Koli on digital creation: There’s no roadmap, it’s a rollercoaster (2025-12-10T11:03:00+05:30)
 Photo : IANS/mostlysane/insta) Mumbai, December 9 (IANS) Actor-content creator Prajakta Koli feels the digital space is far from slowing down, instead, she says it has transformed into a wider, faster and more unpredictable universe than when she began almost a decade ago. Asked if content creators have a shelf life considering social media is more influencer-dominated than the content creation, Prajakta told IANS: “I don’t think so. And I also don’t agree that it has reduced. It has evolved. It’s very different. When we started 10–11 years ago, it was all about long-form content. Attention spans have reduced and mediums have increased.” She pointed out how attention spans have shrunk and platforms have multiplied, creating a different kind of demand. Citing the digital boom triggered in 2017, she noted that the ecosystem only expanded from there. “And thanks to the digital boom that happened in India in 2017, we’ve now reached a point where there is so much more work. So, we actually have more creators than we’ve ever had,” she said. “That’s also why India is the biggest digital economy in the world right now, and everybody is looking at us and wants to work with us.” Calling the creator journey unpredictable, she added that the industry doesn’t come with a blueprint “I don’t think there’s a shelf life because again, this is only my opinion. I don't think any of us really have a roadmap for this. It’s also very unpredictable. It’s a rollercoaster. Once you realise that videos are going on, you feel like your life is set. Then the fourth video is over. There’s no pattern, there’s no rhythm to this madness. It’s something you kind of wing on your own.” For her, adapting has been key.She added: “That’s why, for me, understanding when things are working, when things are not working, and then pivoting to newer things was very important in the past decade.” Prajakta Koli on digital creation: There’s no roadmap, it’s a rollercoaster | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
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India can help tackle digital inequality, build an inclusive AI future for world: UNDP (2025-12-05T12:58:00+05:30)
 IANS Photo New Delhi, (IANS): India is well-positioned to tackle digital inequality and shape an inclusive transition in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the world, said a new United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report released on Tuesday. While AI is advancing at a historic pace, strong digital ecosystems in some countries and limited connectivity, skills, and infrastructure in others are widening gaps. The report, focussed on the Asia Pacific region, warned that without deliberate action, AI could widen gaps in income, opportunity, and governance, reversing years of progress in reducing global inequality. However, it showed that India’s digital public infrastructure, expanding AI research ecosystem, and large technology workforce provide a strong foundation to scale AI for public value. “India’s digital strengths give it a head start in building an AI future that works for everyone. AI is already strengthening public health, improving climate resilience, and supporting better services. The real test is ensuring these gains reach every community,” said Dr Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative, UNDP India. “The choices we make now will determine whether AI narrows gaps or widens them. India can lead by ensuring its benefits reach rural communities, women, and young people, not only those already connected,” she added. The report highlighted India as a country that can demonstrate how AI can be scaled safely and inclusively. India is already applying AI to strengthen major public systems. Aadhaar, the world’s largest biometric ID system with over 1.3 billion residents, is the biggest example. It has been increasingly paired with AI to reduce fraud, improve targeting, and ensure benefits reach the right households. The country's health sector is also seeing increasing AI adaptation, especially in chest X-ray interpretation in tuberculosis screening, and to tackle climate change, to predict floods and other weather conditions. AI is also being applied in India's agriculture sector to help authorities identify climate-vulnerable districts and guide climate-smart agriculture, as well as strengthen biodiversity with AI-enabled species identification and real-time alerts. AI’s long-term impact will depend on choices made now -- especially investments in digital governance, inclusion, and safeguards, the report said. It called "for India to continue leading on people-first AI, focusing on transparency, equitable access, and participation of marginalised communities in designing AI systems".“With the right policies, India can help steer the region away from a new era of inequality and toward an inclusive AI future that advances the Sustainable Development Goals,” it added. India can help tackle digital inequality, build an inclusive AI future for world: UNDP | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
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Digital twin of APR1400 control systems created (2025-12-02T12:06:00+05:30)
_41197.jpg) The opening of the Innovative MMIS Centre (Image: KHNP) After four years of research, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power has completed the development of a digital twin of the Man-Machine Interface System for the control room and instrumentation & control system of the APR1400 reactor. It expects this to "greatly contribute to the reliability and safety of nuclear power generation". KHNP completed the construction of its Innovative MMIS Centre at the KHNP Central Research Institute in Daejeon, South Korea. It is equipped with Man-Machine Interface System (MMIS) digital twin virtualisation facilities. The company said this centre "is expected to contribute as an advance base for the MMIS digital twin simulator included in the Czech new nuclear power plant construction project, for which KHNP has been selected as the preferred bidder". The MMIS digital twin for the APR1400 is characterised by implementing the safety and non-safety system controllers of nuclear power plants identical to actual equipment through full virtualisation, which KHNP says is more advanced than existing object-based twins. "Using this newly developed technology, performing simulation of all processes from power plant construction to operation becomes possible," KHNP said. "In the power plant construction phase, design verification can be performed, and in the operation phase, it can be of a great help in performing root cause analysis when events such as failures occur. "For example, when utilising the MMIS digital twin, various scenarios possible in a power plant can be simulated to test various control systems, and problem-solving ability and maintenance efficiency can be improved through smart engineering functions, real-time monitoring of controllers, and data analysis functions." KHNP Research Institute Director Ho-cheol Shin said: "Our Korean MMIS digital twin for APR1400 will further enhance the safety of nuclear power plants, and it is expected to also further increase our export competitiveness." South Korea has four operational APR1400 units - Saeul units 1 and 2 (formerly Shin Kori 3 and 4) and Shin Hanul units 1 and 2. Two further APR1400s are under construction as Saeul units 3 and 4. Construction permits for APR1400 units at Shin Hanul units 3 and 4 were granted last month.Four APR1400 units have also been built at the Barakah nuclear power plant in the UAE, which are all now in commercial operation. Digital twin of APR1400 control systems created
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Nasscom Foundation, IBM to equip 87,000 marginalised youth in India with digital skills (2025-11-28T12:23:00+05:30)
 New Delhi, November 26 (IANS): The Nasscom Foundation and IBM on Wednesday announced a strategic partnership to equip over 87,000 youth from underserved communities across India with market-relevant digital, domain, and employability skills. With the collaboration, students will gain access to IBM SkillsBuild -- a free digital learning platform offering curated courses and hands-on experiences in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, cloud computing, data analytics, and professional development. Nasscom Foundation will focus on handholding learners throughout their journey to ensure meaningful engagement and skill absorption. The programme also includes interactive learnings, mentorship, and guided experiences designed to build both technical proficiency and professional confidence. “At Nasscom Foundation, we are committed to enabling India’s youth to actively participate in the digital economy. By equipping young learners especially from the underserved communities with future-ready skills, career exposure, and access to learning pathways, we are helping unlock opportunities that can transform lives and strengthen India’s digital workforce,” said Jyoti Sharma, CEO, Nasscom Foundation. “Skilling is emerging as the new currency of innovation, driving inclusive and sustainable growth. Our collaboration with Nasscom Foundation reinforces IBM’s commitment to expanding access to cutting-edge technology skills across areas such as AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity,” added Sandip Patel, Managing Director, IBM India & South Asia. The project will be implemented across India through a hybrid model that combines direct engagement with universities and collaboration with on-ground skilling partners specialising in emerging technologies. This approach ensures wider outreach and deeper impact among youth. The collaboration further blends digital learning with project-based training and placement-linked skilling, enabling participants to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.Select learners will also receive mentor-led sessions focused on employability and career readiness, supporting their transition from learning to employment, boosting their career prospects. Nasscom Foundation, IBM to equip 87,000 marginalised youth in India with digital skills | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
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With seemingly endless data storage at our fingertips, ‘digital hoarding’ could be an increasing problem (2025-11-24T14:10:00+05:30)
Darshana Sedera, Southern Cross University and Sachithra Lokuge, University of Southern QueenslandAs data storage has become more accessible than ever, the amount of digital “stuff” we all have stashed away is on the rise, too – for many of us, it’s becoming more unwieldy by the day. In a recent paper published in the journal Information & Management, we have investigated a rising phenomenon called “digital hoarding” – the need to acquire and hold onto digital content without an intended purpose. The way we interact with digital content through easily available smartphones, social media and messaging apps only exacerbates the behaviour. Social media platforms especially encourage us to hoard, as our emotions get entangled with the digital contents we share with others, such as photos with lots of shares or likes. If it can take up to 25 or more selfies before seeing a “winner”, the sheer volume of content creation raises an important question: how do we plan to manage this morass of data? Taking clutter into the digital eraHoarding is defined as a persistent difficulty in discarding one’s posessions, and can be either a disorder on its own, or a symptom of another mental health issue such as obsessive-compulsive disorder. A person with hoarding disorder experiences distress at the thought of getting rid of the items. They end up with an excessive accumulation of stuff in their home, regardless of actual value. We propose that digital hoarding happens when an individual constantly acquires digital content, feels difficulty in discarding it, and accumulates digital content without an intended purpose. Digital hoarding can quickly spiral out of control, too – perhaps even more quickly than in the physical world, due to several reasons. First, the digital hoarder is less likely to notice the space limitations in the digital world. While the boundaries of a physical space are clear, such boundaries are less prominent in digital spaces. Second, hoarding of physical objects happens in fixed boundaries, while digital spaces are “expandable” – you can get additional digital storage with minimum effort at very little or zero cost. Third, to hoard physical items, a person needs to expend some effort, such as purchasing them. By contrast, most digital contents are either self-created, free, or available on a subscription basis. Fourth, compared with physical stuff, digital contents can be multiplied (for example, by making copies) with very minimal effort. Overall, having various formats of digital content, an endless capacity to expand storage, increasing emotional attachment, and the lack of a sophisticated retrieval system may all make an individual nervous to delete this digital content – showing the potential signs of digital hoarding. We define digital hoarding based on these three criteria: constant acquisition of digital contents, discarding difficulty, and a propensity for digital content clutter. Constant acquisition refers to the constant gathering of digital content, without much consideration of its value, purpose or utility. With most communications taking place electronically, we tend to keep any and all digital content without discrimination – just in case! This includes emails, images, videos, bills and receipts. In our research sample, some people had gathered more than 40 terabytes (TB) of digital content over time. Acquisition refers not just to photos you have in storage devices, for instance, but also ones uploaded to social media. Difficulty of discarding digital content is the second characteristic of digital hoarding. Think about the last time you meticulously deleted old emails, for example. Theoretically, an individual with compulsive hoarding disorder tends to place high value on the contents they have, and as a result, they feel great difficulty discarding them. Clutter propensity is the third characteristic of digital hoarding. It refers to how abundant digital contents, often unrelated, are stored in a disordered fashion. As most digital contents can be stored in any digital device, individuals tend to save such content without much organisation and think they can sort it out later. This often leads to a feeling of being disorganised and cluttered in digital spaces. What can you do to curb digital hoarding?In our survey of 846 respondents representing the general population, we found that digital hoarding can lead to higher levels of anxiety. Statistically, 37% of one’s total level of anxiety, measured using an established depression, anxiety, and stress scale, was explained by digital hoarding. Our research also showed females are 27% more likely to feel the negative impacts of digital hoarding, compared with their male counterparts. Not surprisingly, the number of data storage devices someone owned worsened the impact of digital hoarding. For example, if someone owns multiple hard drives or cloud storage, digital hoarding impacts can increase. In the modern world, it is inevitable that digital content plays an important role in our lives. Therefore, the potential of serious mental health impacts from digital hoarding is a real possibility. If you think you’re holding onto too much digital content, here are some tips:
However, if you find these issues particularly difficult or confronting, consider speaking to your doctor or a mental health specialist. Darshana Sedera, Associate Dean (Research), Southern Cross University and Sachithra Lokuge, Lecturer, Information Systems, University of Southern Queensland This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. |
e-Jagriti empowers consumers: 2.75 lakh users registered, 1.3 lakh complaints filed since January launch (2025-11-18T12:18:00+05:30)
 IANS Photo New Delhi, (IANS): In a major boost to consumer rights, the e-Jagriti platform has emerged as a transformative digital grievance redressal system, registering more than two lakh users since its launch on January 1, 2025, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution said on Sunday. The platform streamlines procedures for citizens by reducing paperwork, minimising travel, and cutting down physical documentation, thereby promoting environmental sustainability. It also strengthens access for non-resident Indians (NRIs) by removing geographical barriers and enabling them to assert their consumer rights from abroad. As of November 13, the unified portal has facilitated 1,30,550 case filings and ensured the disposal of 1,27,058 cases, reflecting its efficiency in strengthening consumer protection across the country. With its simple OTP-based registration, e-Jagriti enables NRIs to file complaints, make digital or offline fee payments, participate in virtual hearings, exchange documents online, and track cases in real time, eliminating the need for physical presence in India. More than 2.75 lakh users, including 1,388 NRIs, are registered, enabling a Global Access and Seamless Consumer Grievance Redressal Platform, enabling the filing of complaints from abroad, virtual hearings and real-time tracking, ensuring accessible justice for all. E-Jagriti reflects government’s commitment to citizen-centric, technology-driven governance and empowers consumers with paperless, contactless and efficient grievance redressal. This year, 466 NRI complaints have been filed through the platform, with major participation from countries such as the US (146), the UK (52), the UAE (47), Canada (39), Australia (26) and Germany (18). The platform's inclusive features include a multilingual interface, chatbot assistance, voice-to-text support for visually impaired and elderly users, and end-to-end encryption, which enhance accessibility, transparency, and user security, the Ministry said. For citizens within India, e-Jagriti integrates legacy systems like OCMS, e-Daakhil, NCDRC CMS and CONFONET into a single, seamless interface. As of November 13, 2025, a total of 1,30,550 complaints have been lodged nationwide, with high adoption in states like Gujarat (14,758 cases), Uttar Pradesh (14,050 cases) and Maharashtra (12,484 cases). The platform's role-based dashboards provide advocates with tools to track cases, upload documents and receive alerts, while judges access digital files, analytics and virtual courtrooms for efficient hearings. The e-Jagriti platform is transforming consumer grievance redressal with faster disposals, improved accessibility and secure digital processes. Offering global access with end-to-end encryption and role-based permissions, it enables citizens and NRIs to file and track cases from anywhere. Automated workflows, virtual hearings and real-time SMS/email alerts have enhanced efficiency, helping 10 states and the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) achieve disposal rates above 100 per cent. In 2025, e-Jagriti recorded a notable rise in disposal efficiency. Between July–August, 27,545 cases were disposed against 27,080 filed, and in September–October, 24,504 cases were cleared against 21,592 filed -- surpassing 2024 performance and accelerating backlog reduction. More than 2 lakh SMS and 12 lakh email notifications have been dispatched, covering registrations, case approvals, document submissions and real-time updates, ensuring users never miss deadlines, especially those operating across time zones, the Ministry added. The platform has also enabled swift and impactful resolutions. In Assam, a parent secured a Rs 3.05 lakh award within 25 days after an online course provider wrongfully deducted fees.In Tripura, a consumer won more than Rs 1.67 lakh for an eight-year-old defective LG refrigerator, reinforcing that brands remain accountable long after purchase. e-Jagriti empowers consumers: 2.75 lakh users registered, 1.3 lakh complaints filed since January launch | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
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Library is Rescuing Historical Treasures Trapped on Old Floppy Disks from the ‘Digital Dark Ages’ (2025-11-14T12:00:00+05:30)
 Credit – Cambridge University LibraryCambridge University archivists are leading an important project to extract and conserve valuable information from floppy disks before they become unusable. The initiative began when the archive received a box of 5.25-inch floppy disks from a DOS-formatted computer that belonged to none other than physicist Steven Hawking, who was able to use early computers despite his disability from ALS. The challenges a group of archivists encountered when they attempted to read the disks helped them realize how vulnerable this funny, briefly adopted technology which predate compact disks is to the ravages of time, and how a clock was ticking to get important information off them before they became unusable. It spawned a project, aptly named in our current pop-culture environment: “Future Nostalgia.” Before the term was chased from the historical lexicon with torches and pitchforks, “the Dark Ages” were used to describe the period in European history when primary source writings are particularly scant—between the fall of Rome and the Middle Ages. The Future Nostalgia project presents the case that the late 20th century may form a sort of dark ages when historians in the future look back on our time and see a big hole in early computer writings. Certainly books and magazines and newspapers are available a-plenty, but if floppy disks and other early technologies aren’t kept in good order, early computer writings may seem sparce to future historians. Floppy disks present numerous challenges to archivists, among which were the multiple formats they were built and coded for. “There wasn’t one system that dominated the market,” explains Leontien Talboom, a member of the Cambridge University Library’s digital preservation team who is leading the project. That means that as many as a dozen different early computing systems are needed to read the full spectrum of floppy disk formats, and it’s not always straight forward finding these machines. Nor is it straightforward that the disks themselves are readable. They may be moldy, if stowed away in an attic for example. Iron oxide on the surface of the plastic may corrode material away. It can also lose its magnetism, preventing it being from read entirely. That is why Talboom and her team are urgently trying to acquire collections of noteworthy writers or authors—like Hawking—and further digitize them from their early floppy disk format. So far, in addition to Hawking, they’ve uncovered abstract lists by the poet Nicholas Moore, articles from a society of the paranormal, and more. “Most of the donations we get are from people who are either retiring or passing away,” Talboom told the BBC. “That means we’re seeing more and more things from the era of personal computing.” Not only are donations coming from those retired or passed, but so is a lot of information on how to use different formats. An example comes from the archivists’ work with a set of floppy disks that contained speeches and letters with constituents of Neil Kinnock, a UK labor party leader in the 1980s. “They were written on the Diamond Word processor,” explained Chris Knowles, a participant in the Future Nostalgia project.” There’s not much information about that system out there. There are lots of fan communities around any system that had games, and archivists often borrow their tools. But where that doesn’t exist, it’s more awkward.”Work continues, and Talboom is more and more eager to have the public’s involvement with the project. She sees it as a win-win partnership: owners of floppy disks get to see what kind of materials their old colleagues or family members wrote onto them, and Future Nostalgia gets more material, but also more knowledge and practice about how to access and preserve floppy disk formats and the material they contain. Library is Rescuing Historical Treasures Trapped on Old Floppy Disks from the ‘Digital Dark Ages’
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Lecture on ‘digital brain drain’ held in Dimapur (2025-11-13T11:41:00+05:30)
 A lecture on ‘Digital Brain Drain - Protecting the Mind in a Hyperconnected World’ was held for military personnel at the Rangapahar Military Station, Dimapur. Dimapur, (MExN): A lecture on ‘Digital Brain Drain - Protecting the Mind in a Hyperconnected World’ was held for military personnel at the Rangapahar Military Station, Dimapur. According to a defence spokesperson, the session, attended by serving personnel of the garrison, was delivered by a Public Health Specialist. The lecture highlighted growing challenges such as smartphone dependence, online gaming, and digital fatigue among troops and their families. Through real-life narratives and interactive demonstrations, the specialist explained the scientific basis of social media addiction and compulsive smartphone usage. The talk focused on understanding the psychological impact of excessive screen use, recognizing early signs of digital addiction, and developing practical strategies for digital discipline and mental resilience, the spokesperson stated.It was emphasized that digital wellness is integral to overall health, concentration, and operational effectivenessLecture on ‘digital brain drain’ held in Dimapur | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
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Scotiabank TT cops digital excellence awards (2025-11-04T11:01:00+05:30)
 Scotiabank's mobile point of sale device allows customers to make payments using their debit or credit cards. Scotiabank TT has been recognised with the Euromoney best digital bank award along with other accolades at its Awards for Excellence 2025. In a media release on September 19, the bank said it was also given awards for the best corporate/industrial digital bank, the best consumer digital bank and the best mobile banking app. Scotiabank was also named best corporate digital bank as well as best digital bank 2025 in the Bahamas, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Guyana, Jamaica and Turks and Caicos. Scotiabank TT said the awards reaffirm its leadership in innovation, client experience and technological advancement.  Gayle Pazos, senior VP and managing director at Scotiabank. - Scotiabank "These recognitions reflect our continuous investment in digital and data-driven capabilities to anticipate and meet client needs," said Scotiabank senior vice president and managing director Gayle Pazos. "On the retail side, we’ve seen steady growth in adoption, reaching a digital usage rate of 57 per cent. "At the corporate level, we continue to enhance our cash management solutions and merchant services to deliver greater efficiency for our clients. "These successes are driven by the dedication of our employees, who leverage our expertise to make banking simpler, smarter, and more convenient for clients." Euromoney lauded Scotiabank’s digital transformation strategy, client-centric innovation and industry-first technology solutions. "Its continuous enhancements across mobile, online and merchant platforms has enabled the bank to redefine convenience, security and accessibility in banking – cementing its leadership in digital innovation across TT," Euromoney said.On September 9, Scotiabank TT reported a profit after tax of $531 million for the nine months ended July 31, an increase of $43 million or nine per cent over the same period the year before, when it earned $488 million. Scotiabank TT cops digital excellence awards - Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
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Converse Bank receives BACEE Award for International Banking Cooperation at 50th jubilee conference (2025-11-03T12:45:00+05:30)
.png) Armenia: Converse Bank has been awarded the BACEE Award for International Banking Co-operation during the 50th Jubilee Conference of the Banking Association for Central and Eastern Europe (BACEE). The award was presented in recognition of Converse Bank’s exceptional and consistent cooperation with BACEE, its commitment to ensuring financial stability, and the successful integration of international best practices into its operations. The Bank was also acknowledged for its efforts in advancing correspondent banking relations, active participation in trade finance initiatives, and engagement in regional multilateral projects Mr. Andranik Grigoryan, CEO of Converse Bank, commented on the award: “We are deeply honored to receive this prestigious recognition from BACEE. This award is a testament to our Bank’s consistent efforts in expanding international cooperation, promoting sustainable financial development, and supporting the growth of international trade. We are confident that through the joint efforts of BACEE and its member financial institutions, we will not only be able to overcome the current challenges in the industry, but also achieve sustainable growth, strengthen regional collaboration, and advance the use of digitalization and AI technologies.” The 50th anniversary conference of BACEE took place on October 20–21 in Vienna, where Converse Bank was the Diamond Sponsor of the event. |
Digital lifeline for women running Asia's small businesses (2025-10-17T10:51:00+05:30)
 Vendors wearing protective masks sell food in Chinatown, after the government started opening some restaurants outside shopping malls, parks and barbershops during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Bangkok, Thailand on May 3, 2020. (REUTERS Photo) KUALA LUMPUR, (Thomson Reuters Foundation): When the coronavirus stopped her husband working, Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc's small business of selling cosmetics from home became the main income for this Vietnamese family of four. But her business took a hit as, unlike many micro-entrepreneurs, she could not exploit online platforms and deliveries beyond her personal Facebook page. Ngoc is typical of millions of small business women in the region who are keen to earn but feel locked out of a digital revolution that has mostly helped young men in cities. "I don't know how to use Facebook to attract more customers. It was a real headache," the 39-year-old mother told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone from Vinh Phuc province, near the capital Hanoi. Now help is at hand, offering hope of a way through the crisis and laying the foundations for better business beyond. Ngoc will get digital training under a scheme for 200,000 people across Southeast Asia, part of efforts to close a digital gap that mostly hurts women and those in rural communities. DIGITAL GAP The coronavirus pandemic has threatened businesses around the globe, but the lack of digital know-how has exacerbated the risk for small businesses, many led by women in Southeast Asia. Although lockdowns have eased in many cities, experts said continued social distancing would push more businesses online, highlighting a need for digital skills among vulnerable groups. The $3.3-million programme starts next month and is funded by Google. Most trainees are women and young entrepreneurs, spanning 10 countries including Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. "The importance of digital literacy has never been greater," said Marija Ralic from Google.org, philanthropic arm of the U.S. tech giant which gives more than $100 million in grants each year to support innovation and technology. "We know the current outbreak has left many businesses in vulnerable situations, especially those in rural and under-served communities," said the head of its Asia-Pacific office. Training covers a host of skills, be it how to pin a business site on a map, use chat messaging or beef up security. For Thai seamstress Noraeri Thungmueangthong, an indigenous entrepreneur who sells traditional woven clothes, the digital training could inject new life into her ancient craft. "We sell about five pieces a month now. I hope technology can help my business grow and help our community," said the 45-year-old from the ethnic Karen group, a hill tribe people. WOMEN LOCKED OUT The Asia Foundation, a U.S.-based charity that runs the training, said the region's most connected citizens were urban men and it was important to ensure women were not left behind. Boys are 1.5 times more likely to own a phone than girls and the proportion of women using the internet globally is 48%, against 58% of men, according to the United Nations. Yet U.N. data shows there are more than 61 million women entrepreneurs who own and run businesses across Southeast Asia. "They often don't get as many opportunities," Meloney Lindberg, who leads the initiative at the charity, said by phone from Cambodia. "What we are doing is to bring the opportunity to their neighbourhood." Digital lifeline for women running Asia's small businesses | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
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