Latest news with #SPARC
Edinburgh Reporter
6 hours ago
- Edinburgh Reporter
Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC) launches 2025-2028 strategy
The Police Scotland-chaired Scottish Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC) has launched its 2025-2028 strategy. This third iteration continues the work the multi-agency partnership has been doing over the last nine years to prevent, reduce and tackle rural crime across Scotland. The strategy was launched by SPARC partners at the Royal Highland Show on Thursday, 19 June, 2025, and sets out the key priorities for the next three years. Five rural crime priorities have been identified who each have a SPARC partner as their lead. These priorities are; rural machinery, tool, fuel and metal thefts; livestock crime; equine incidents; fly-tipping and heritage crime. The focus for the next three years also centres on crime prevention and education. In April 2025, 109 police officers received training on Vinchip stolen vehicle identification techniques and technology to prevent and tackle thefts of agricultural machinery and equipment from farms. Through further partnership working under SPARC, Police Scotland will shortly be training a further 12 officers as Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) accredited Stolen Vehicle examiners across Scotland to further enhance our capability to target and disrupt the theft of rural machinery. Crime prevention continues with partners through local PARCs (partnerships against rural crime) and raising awareness of the impact of rural crime. Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, SPARC Chair, Police Scotland, said: 'SPARC is a proven partnership that has been running for a number of years involving a range of organisations that operate within the rural community. 'Tackling rural crime is a priority for Police Scotland which is strengthened by the work of SPARC members. 'The five rural crime priorities are each led by the agency that is best placed to lead, supported by Police Scotland and the other partners. 'This strategy has crime prevention and education at its core and we know that crime prevention does work. Agricultural theft can have a significant financial loss but is also disruptive and disturbing to local communities and individual's livelihoods. 'Scotland has many diverse rural environments. We are committed to working together to protect our communities by deterring, disrupting and detecting criminal activity. I am confident this continued partnership will make a real impact with various preventative and enforcement activities. 'I want to reassure these communities that if they are affected, please report incidents to us. We will investigate to identify those responsible.' Like this: Like Related
Los Angeles Times
2 days ago
- Science
- Los Angeles Times
How Commonwealth Fusion Systems is Igniting a Clean Energy Revolution
In the panel discussion 'Fusion is the New F Word,' Kristen Berke, VP of Sales, Entertainment & Branded Content at LA Times Studios moderated a conversation with Joe Paluska, Chief Marketing Officer at Commonwealth Fusion Systems and Jennine Willett, Creative Director at Commonwealth Fusion Systems. The panel talked about how Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS), an MIT spin-out, is leading the charge in commercial fusion energy. The company is harnessing the power of the sun and stars through fusion, a clean, unlimited and safe energy source with no byproducts. Unlike fission which splits atoms, fusion combines two hydrogen molecules. While fusion has been around for over a century, recent advancements in material science and AI have made it possible. CFS is building a machine called SPARC and plans to turn it on by 2027. SPARC uses powerful, high-temperature superconducting magnets, a technology first discovered by IBM in the 80s. These magnets are key to containing and controlling the superheated plasma—a state of matter above 100 million degrees Celsius—inside the machine to release massive energy. The company's culture is driven by a sense of mission, with a team of over 1,000 people including top scientists, engineers and skilled tradespeople from NASA and SpaceX. They are working 24/7 to achieve what was once considered the 'holy grail' of energy. CFS believes fusion energy is vital to addressing the global climate crisis, especially as current climate projections indicate humanity will surpass the 1.5-degree Celsius warming threshold sooner than anticipated. Their goal is to scale up production of magnets and power plants fast, just like during World War II when we faced an existential threat. Beyond the tech, CFS is committed to making fusion energy understandable and public. Through the #PowerMoves campaign they say fusion is 'humanity's power move'—a big step for the planet. They want to mainstream climate tech and tell more creative and impactful stories to reach a wider audience, including young people, to inspire the next generation of engineers and physicists. CFS envisions a future where compact fusion power plants can be deployed everywhere, and energy can be democratized and resource conflicts resolved.
Business Recorder
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Call to end ‘child labour in supply chains'
HYDERABAD: On the occasion of the Annual World Day against Child Labour, the Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) joins the global community in reaffirming its commitment to ending child labour in all its forms. This year's theme, 'End Child Labour in Supply Chains – It's Everyone's Business!' underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts across sectors to eliminate child exploitation. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), an estimated 168 million children around the world continue to be engaged in child labour. Over half of them are subjected to the worst forms of child labour, including hazardous work, bonded labour, and exploitation in illicit activities such as drug trafficking and armed conflict. In Pakistan, the absence of recent national statistics hampers efforts to address the issue effectively. The last National Child Labour Survey, conducted in 1996, estimated 3.3 million child labourers. However, recent ILO and UNICEF figures suggest this number may have surged to between 10 and 12 million, with a significant number working in informal sectors unmonitored by labour inspectors. Alarmingly, approximately 264,000 children are engaged in domestic labour alone. SPARC is especially concerned about the growing prevalence of child labour in the brick kiln sector, a form of exploitation that is often hidden and deeply rooted in cycles of poverty and lack of education. In response, SPARC has initiated non-formal education centres in Umerkot and Hyderabad districts to provide vulnerable children with educational opportunities and a pathway out of labour. On this occasion, Omer Imran Programme Director and Kashif Bajeer, Regional Manager of SPARC, emphasized: 'Child labour is not only a violation of children's rights but a reflection of systemic failure. We urge the Sindh Government to take immediate steps to establish non-formal education centres in all brick kilns across the province. Without education and enforcement of child protection laws, we cannot break the cycle of poverty and exploitation.' Although Pakistan has declared education a fundamental right under Article 25-A of the Constitution, implementation remains weak. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has taken a lead by enacting legislation to ban child labour, but other provinces lag behind. Importantly, Punjab is the only province that has enacted a separate law to specifically protect children working in brick kilns – The Punjab Prohibition of Child Labour at Brick Kilns Act 2016 (Act XXXVII of 2016). SPARC demands that other provinces follow this example and introduce province-specific legislation to eliminate child labour in the brick kiln sector. Let June 12th be a turning point. Let us act – not just observe – to ensure a childhood free from exploitation for every child in Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Canon U.S.A., Inc. Completes Fourth Edition of Career-Building 'Skilled Professionals at Rising Canon' Program
Careington International shows students from the SPARC program how teams integrate Canon technology into their day-to-day operations PCI Group provides an inside look at their high-efficiency print workflows powered by Canon Melville, NY, June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, recently welcomed a new class of students into its annual Skilled Professionals at Rising Canon (SPARC) program, a career development initiative designed to provide high school seniors with valuable insights and practical, hands-on experience in a corporate environment. Established in 2021 in partnership with Grand Prairie Independent School District (GPISD) in Grand Prairie, Texas, SPARC has grown in both scope and attendance. Now in its fourth year, the program prepares students from multiple school districts across the Dallas metro area in disciplines such as sales training, administration, equipment maintenance, and repair. 'SPARC is a program we are very passionate about,' said Steve Lukas, vice president of Service, Canon U.S.A., Inc. 'It's a way for us to give back to the community and impact young adults by giving them an inside look into the professional work environment. We're very grateful to be involved each year and excited to continuously provide students with a foundation for a successful future.' With strong participation from students at GPISD, Arlington Independent School District, Irving Independent School District, and Lancaster Independent School District, this year's initial sessions, held in February at each participating school district, drew more than 300 students, educators, and administrators. 'My goal is to give these young adults the confidence to explore opportunities beyond their comfort zones and see what a larger organization can offer—growth, stability, and a chance to build something meaningful,' said Mike Landolfa, regional Service director, Canon U.S.A., Inc. This commitment to introducing students to new options and experiences is demonstrated throughout the program. Following the introductory sessions, eager students submitted personal essays to explain why they were interested in joining SPARC. Those selected for the program then participated in several activities over the following months. At each stop, students learned about Canon's business operations, overall reach, and global impact, while also hearing inspirational messages from current employees who shared stories of their corporate journey. The first program activity was a full-day field trip to Canon U.S.A.'s Dallas regional facility. The visit featured several presentations from Canon leaders, who each shared personal stories and overviews of their responsibilities. This incorporated areas like equipment preparation and shipping processes, the daily sales experience, product demonstrations, and technical service. Students also learned about Canon's robust technology portfolio, its inclusive workplace culture, and its commitment to the Kyosei philosophy. The next journey had students visiting two Canon production printing customers—PCI Group and Careington International—to see how Canon technology is utilized in a real-world business environment. Participants explored the history of each organization, experienced live product demonstrations, and witnessed firsthand the impact Canon has made in the industry. With this added knowledge, along with comprehensive guidance on what it means to be a professional at the corporate level, students benefited from mock interviews and individualized assessments from Canon U.S.A. professionals during the program's final touchpoint. This insight helped them put new skills into practice, open the door for future opportunities, and provided them with a roadmap for their post-high school plans. 'The progression of the SPARC program has been an incredible experience,' said Peter P. Kowalczuk, executive vice president and Client Service Group president, Canon U.S.A., Inc. 'What started as a simple idea to connect with students and inform them about job opportunities in areas they may have not known about or considered before, has evolved into a wide-reaching initiative that positively influences and shapes career trajectories.' About Canon U.S.A., Inc. Canon U.S.A., Inc. is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions to the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean markets. With approximately $28.5 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc., as of 2024 has ranked in the top-10 for U.S. patents granted for 41 consecutive years. † Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To learn more about Canon, visit and connect with us on LinkedIn at † Based on patent counts issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office and compiled by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services. Attachments Careington International shows students from the SPARC program how teams integrate Canon technology into their day-to-day operations PCI Group provides an inside look at their high-efficiency print workflows powered by Canon CONTACT: Nicole Esan Canon U.S.A., Inc. 631-330-2136 niesan@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists edge closer to unleashing virtually unlimited power source — here's when it could finally go live
China's Burning Plasma Experimental Superconducting Tokamak fusion reactor aims to create five times the energy output to revolutionize global energy production. Located in Hefei, China, the "BEST" reactor uses a complex tokamak design. According to Sustainability Times' reporting on May 8, it utilizes a doughnut-shaped vessel that heats plasma to temperatures hotter than on the surface of the sun. It causes hydrogen isotopes to fuse and form helium, which releases massive amounts of energy. Nuclear fusion is preferable to nuclear fission because it creates less radioactive waste. Radioactive waste must be carefully managed and often requires ample storage space. Eliminating the need for waste management streamlines energy production. The process also releases minimal harmful gases into the atmosphere. Burning coal, natural gas, and oil creates dangerous carbon pollution. These heat the planet, destabilizing the climate, upsetting ecosystems, and furthering the spread of diseases. While other fusion projects, such as China's Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak and the United States' Smallest Possible ARC prototype fusion machine, have made strides, the BEST reactor is a major breakthrough. The United States' SPARC reactor only promises to double its energy output; BEST aims to quintuple its output. This high energy output could vastly improve the world's sustainability. With fusion, energy would be near-limitless and thus easily accessible and substantially more affordable. People could enjoy lower utility bills and consistent, reliable energy. The innovative reactor would help slow down climate change and lead to a cleaner, cooler future, while helping people save money and access clean energy. Reducing energy pollution will benefit every human, reducing the health hazards of breathing polluted air or drinking contaminated water. The BEST reactor is slated for delivery by November 2027, and it could be the beginning of an energy revolution. However, there are ways to embrace innovative clean energy solutions now. If you want to lower your utility bills and reduce your home's pollution, you can install solar panels. They could bring the cost of home energy down to or near $0. To get started, use EnergySage's free service that makes it easy to compare quotes from vetted local installers and save up to $10,000 on solar installations. The environmental benefits of fusion combined with the financial savings and high energy output mean China's BEST reactor could change how we think about and use energy. It's an important leap forward in nuclear fusion technology and a step toward a healthier Earth. Should we be harnessing the ocean to power our homes? Absolutely Leave it be It depends I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
