Latest news with #adaptation
TECHx
a day ago
- Business
- TECHx
Ashok Harpalani: 30+ Years in UAE's Evolving Tech Scene
Home » Tech Value Chain » Resellers » Ashok Harpalani: 30+ Years in UAE's Evolving Tech Scene From running a footwear business in India to starting one of Dubai's early IT ventures, Ashok Harpalani's path took unexpected turns. In this exclusive conversation with TECHx Media, the Computronic UAE founder looks back at how he built a career in a changing business environment, from the impact of the Gulf War to the early days of digital adoption. His story reflects a time when decisions were driven by instinct and experience, and progress came through steady effort. Ashok Harpalani, Founder of Computronic UAE, has seen the UAE's digital landscape evolve from its infancy. With decades of experience in business and technology, his story is one of persistence, adaptation, and transformation. His journey began in 1982 with an idea. By 1986, after a visit to his in-laws in the UAE, that idea started taking shape. Back then, he was running a successful wholesale and retail footwear business in India. Before considering Dubai, he explored Asia, including a two-year stay in Bangkok to pursue garment trade. A legal dispute forced him to return home, where he refocused on his footwear business. Dubai didn't immediately impress him. But on a later visit, the city's pace, lifestyle, and business potential left a strong impression. Wanting more out of life, he took a leap. In 1990, he handed over his business to his brothers and moved to Dubai. Along with a partner, he entered the textile wholesale market. They did well at first, but the Gulf War in 1992 brought significant financial losses. The period that followed was difficult. Despite the pressure to return to India, he chose to stay in Dubai. He worked in textile retail for two years, searching for a new direction. Over tea one day, he discussed his frustration with a friend's brother who had IT experience. That conversation sparked a new idea: to launch an IT store. With no technical background but growing curiosity about the digital world, he co-founded Computronic in 1992. Dubai was just beginning its digital journey, and Harpalani sensed the shift. He believed technology wasn't just a passing trend, it was the future. Starting in IT was not easy. He had to adapt to local business customs, build trust in a new industry, and understand consumer preferences. Distributors were hesitant to support newcomers. But banking support and straightforward business regulations helped him move forward. He focused on a limited product range and gradually built a strong foundation. Over the years, he witnessed the UAE's transformation. The rollout of high-speed internet, 4G and 5G, and free nationwide fiber-optic upgrades marked the country's serious commitment to digital growth. Data centers and cloud adoption became the norm. Smartphones and e-commerce reshaped everyday life. He saw banking evolve from cash to contactless payments and online transfers. Small businesses gained reach through digital platforms. The UAE's shift to a tech-enabled society was underway. In the last decade, Harpalani observed a growing demand for skills like coding, data analytics, and AI. Education systems adjusted, and the government supported tech startups with funding and incubators. New laws around data and cybersecurity ensured a safe digital environment. Initiatives like Golden Visas for AI professionals showed national commitment to innovation. As a result, the UAE became a global tech hub. Harpalani noted how the youth embraced technology not just as users, but as creators. For him, resilience has been key. Business and life brought many challenges. Each setback taught him to rise stronger. He believes in discipline, consistency, and ethical conduct. These values helped build trust with clients, employees, and partners. His wife's support played a critical role, especially during the years when work consumed most of his time. Gratitude and empathy, he says, helped him stay balanced and connected to people around him. Over time, his relationships with distributors, peers, and mentors became central to his success. He credits his father for instilling ambition and his mentors for providing direction. These bonds gave him strength during uncertain times. If given a chance to restart, Harpalani says he would follow the same path, driven by passion for technology and the desire to build something meaningful. He would still start small, test ideas, and scale with discipline. Most of all, he would prioritize relationships and continuous learning. In closing, he acknowledges the visionary leadership of the UAE. Their commitment to creating a tech-forward environment made his journey possible. And today, as he looks back, Harpalani remains deeply grateful, not just for the success he's achieved, but for being part of the UAE's ongoing digital story.
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Deng Ziqi rejects Hummingbird Music's ultimatum to remove remastered songs
Singer-songwriter Deng Ziqi has issued a public response to a legal ultimatum from her former label, Hummingbird Music , regarding recently released remastered versions of her earlier work. The company issued a statement on June 18, asserting that it holds the rights to the original recordings and associated intellectual property, and demanded that Deng remove the re-recorded songs within 48 hours. Also read: AI Strikes the Heartstrings of the Music Industry: Embracing a New Era, Where Innovation, Customization an Hummingbird Music claims ownership of the recording producer's rights as well as the copyrights to the lyrics and music of the original tracks. The company stated that 'GEM has infringed on the rights of reproduction and adaptation, as well as the information network rights.' It further requested that all major platforms immediately remove the disputed songs and warned that legal action would be taken if the content is not removed. Live Events Hummingbird Music alleges copyright infringement over Deng Ziqi's remastered works Deng Ziqi, also known as GEM, recently revealed she had not received royalties from Hummingbird Music for a period of six years. Following a legal dispute that has since concluded, she announced plans to re-record her older songs. According to her, this would allow her to regain control of her creative works and monetize them legally. Deng Ziqi cites legal grounds and unpaid royalties in response to former label's claims Deng Ziqi has responded to a 48-hour takedown demand from Hummingbird Music, her former label, over newly remastered songs . The company claims copyright infringement, but Deng asserts legal grounds for re-recording the tracks. She says she will not remove the songs and questions unpaid royalties from her former contract Deng Ziqi rejects Hummingbird Music's ultimatum to remove remastered songs Responding to Hummingbird Music's statement, Deng said she would not comply with the takedown demand. 'After talking with my legal team, we all smiled helplessly. In fact, I don't know what else I need to respond to? Because the legal basis for my re-recording this time is already very sufficient,' she said. 'This re-recording is strictly based on the legal license of our country, and I also paid the remuneration according to the law.' Deng also stated that the public broadcasting rights of her works have been managed by the CASH Association since she was 14 years old, before her contract with Hummingbird Music. She argued that the remastered versions are legally distributable worldwide. Also read: If you can't sink the ship, buy it!: Major record labels court AI music startups like Suno and Udio amidst 'So I will not remove the songs,' she added. 'On the contrary… can Hummingbird Music first settle all my legal royalties from October 2018 to 6 years and 8 months? And I haven't received the legal labor fees for about 6 months before the termination of my contract in 2019. Can you settle it for me first? Sorry, thank you.'
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
India ‘disappointed' after talks at Bonn
India and several developing countries have expressed disappointment after a key climate finance discussion was excluded from the Bonn Climate Talks agenda, vowing to raise the issue at November's COP30 summit in Brazil. The dispute centred on Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement, which mandates that developed countries provide financial resources to assist developing nations with both mitigation and adaptation efforts. The debate over the 9.1 agenda item proposal led to a 30-hour delay before talks could begin. 'We are extremely disappointed with the reluctance of developed countries to discuss their legal obligations to provide finance to developing countries,' said Amandeep Garg, additional secretary at ministry of environment, forests and climate change, who represented the Indian delegation. The Like Minded Developing Countries (LMDC) group and the G77 and China had proposed agenda items on both the legal obligation of wealthy countries to provide climate finance and another on unilateral trade measures. However, these were not adopted after the European Union and other developed nations refused to agree. 'Without enough affordable financial support, developing countries cannot address the challenges posed by climate change,' Garg said during his intervention at the agenda adoption session, backing the LMDC position. 'This is completely unacceptable. We do not understand how this process can engage in article 9.1 without which climate action in developing countries cannot be taken in scale, scope and speed' Garg added: 'It has been 10 years of the Paris Agreement and still the items which are required to be discussed, we are not discussing them.' Diego Pacheco, Bolivia's negotiator and spokesperson for the LMDC group, warned that the issue would resurface at COP30. 'Public finance from developed countries is a necessary condition for implementation of the Paris Agreement,' he said. 'You can deny us the starting point but be rest assured, the LMDC will raise these items at COP30.' The African Group also highlighted the implementation of Article 9.1 as critical to their region, emphasising the need to address resource provision for nationally determined contributions, national adaptation plans, and just transition measures. EU negotiators said their 'positions and motivations being mischaracterised' and urged parties to respect all positions in a constructive spirit. The agenda was finally adopted on Tuesday evening after extensive behind-closed-doors consultations. Simon Stiell, the UN climate chief, acknowledged the difficulty of the negotiations whilst urging progress on mandated items. 'The past 30 hours have been hard and have not reflected the urgency that we face,' Stiell said. 'Through cooperation and compromise, we have resolved the impasse. We must now move the work ahead.' This year's Bonn talks agenda includes discussions on Global Goal on Adaptation indicators under the UAE–Belém Work Programme, the UAE Dialogue on implementing global stocktake outcomes, the UAE Just Transition Work Programme, and the Baku to Belem roadmap to 1.3 trillion dollars. Avantika Goswami, programme manager at the Climate Change Centre for Science and Environment, said the European Union and its allies had blocked the G77's demand to discuss developed countries' climate finance obligations. 'The fight is not over, as the LMDC bloc and India have vowed to bring focus back to this at COP30,' she said. The dispute comes as climate change appears to be losing prominence in some international forums. The International Institute of Sustainable Development noted that G7 statements following recent talks between leaders in Kananaskis omitted references to climate change, with only the chair's summary making a passing reference to the issue. 'The G7 sidestepped climate change in the leaders' statements, despite acknowledging increased wildfires,' said Patricia Fuller, IISD president and chief executive. 'Previous G7 commitments to action on climate change remain on the books and must be delivered.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
The Government of Canada is investing in flood mapping and adaptation projects
GATINEAU, QC, June 18, 2025 /CNW/ - Canadians are experiencing record-breaking climate events—from wildfires and extreme heat waves to floods and extreme cold. Flood events are among the costliest impacts of climate change, causing significant damage to communities and infrastructure. It is now more important than ever to provide Canadians with high-quality data and insight as we adapt to the impacts of our changing climate. To that end, the Government of Canada today announced an investment of $6.8 million for 20 projects across the country through the Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping Program, as part of Canada's National Adaptation Strategy. Environment and Climate Change Canada is investing $3.3 million in nine projects focused on advancing flood mapping science nationally and bringing together Canadian research institutions and departmental scientists. This science and research will gather the information needed to better understand the areas in Canada that are at the highest risk for damaging floods. Building this critical groundwork will result in more reliable tools for a resilient and thriving Canadian economy and for Canadians to protect themselves. Natural Resources Canada is investing $2.8 million in eight projects to develop and improve regional flood modelling approaches to advance flood hazard information coverage throughout Canada. Natural Resources Canada is investing an additional $750,000 to support three projects focused on the exchange between Indigenous Traditional Knowledge and other scientific practices related to flood hazard mapping. These projects will lead to a smarter, stronger, and more resilient future for Canadian-built infrastructure and communities. Each of the projects align with the National Adaptation Strategy's framework to reduce the risk of climate-related disasters, improve health outcomes, protect nature and biodiversity, build and maintain resilient infrastructure, and support a strong economy and workers. Quotes "Flooding is already the most costly natural disaster in Canada, and climate change is expected to make flooding more frequent and more severe in the future. By investing in cutting-edge flood mapping and bringing together experts from across sectors, we're helping communities better understand their risks and build a safer, more resilient future for Canadians and their families." – The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change "Flooding poses a significant threat to Canadian families, infrastructure, and the economy. We are collaborating closely with provinces, territories, and researchers to support flood hazard mapping that helps safeguard crucial infrastructure, minimize disruptions to local economies, and improve public safety." – The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Quick facts In 2021, the Government of Canada launched the Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping Program with an initial investment of $63.8 million. In 2023, the Government of Canada expanded the Program through the National Adaptation Strategy, announcing $164.2 million over five years to advance flood hazard mapping, make this information available, and help Canadians better plan and prepare for future floods. The primary purposes of flood mapping are land-use planning, emergency management, and environmental and resource management. Environment and Climate Change Canada, in collaboration with provinces and territories, monitors Canada's water levels and flows, making water quantity data and information available to all Canadians. Natural Resources Canada develops and manages geospatial data (including topographic maps), the Canadian Hydrospatial Network (representing surface water across Canada), flood maps, and elevation data, which are made available to Canadians and used for planning, research, and emergency preparedness. Related products Backgrounder: The Government of Canada invests in flood mapping and adaptation projects Associated links Current Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping Program Projects Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping Program Floods: Get Prepared Canada's National Adaptation Strategy: Building Resilient Communities and a Strong Economy Water Survey of Canada Canadian Centre for Climate Services Environment and Climate Change Canada's X page Environment and Climate Change Canada's Facebook page Environment and Natural Resources in Canada's Facebook page Environment and Climate Change Canada's LinkedIn page Environment and Climate Change Canada's Instagram page SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada View original content: Errore nel recupero dei dati Effettua l'accesso per consultare il tuo portafoglio Errore nel recupero dei dati Errore nel recupero dei dati Errore nel recupero dei dati Errore nel recupero dei dati
Time Out
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Les Amours de Carmen Wong
To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the legendary Carmen from French composer George Bizet, one of the world's best-known operas, The Peninsula Hong Kong is presenting a brand-new adaptation of this 1875 opera – but the catch is that it's set in a Hong Kong bar in the 60s and 70s instead of 1800s Seville. And where else should Les Amours de Carmen Wong be held but within The Peninsula Hong Kong's beautiful fine dining spaces? To make the evenings even more special, each performance will be accompanied by culinary offerings specially created for the occasion. Head to Gaddi's on July 21 or Felix on September 20 to enjoy the contemporary opera performance as well as special one-off menus. The extremely limited Les Amours de Carmen Wong opera and dinner experience is priced at $4,800 per person, and is available by reservation only.
