Latest news with #Estonians
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Eesti Tech: Is a revolution for the visually impaired brewing in Estonia?
'Cheese' is what the English-speaking world says when getting a photograph clicked. We Indians have come up with our own 'Paneer' for similar situations. In Estonia, it's 'Eesti' – the country's name in Estonian. Estonians are of course very proud of their achievements since they regained their independence from the erstwhile Soviet Union in 1991. It is well integrated with EU and Nato, has a high quality of living, invests around 6% of its GDP on education, is ranked as the best performing European nation in the global PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) evaluation for school learning, has more than 50% forest cover, and arguably the best quality of air and drinking water on the planet. All of this, in turn, has led to the right environment for creativity and cool scientific innovation. Take for example the Estonian company 7Sense that is empowering the visually impaired with their wonderful tech innovation. Using telehaptic sight technology, the company has created a product that translates objects, motion, speed and distance onto the forehead of the visually impaired. The device, from the outside, looks like a hat or a headband. A turban, if you will, in the Indian context. But it contains hundreds of physical pixels that sense the surrounding environment and impart this information onto the person through the sense of touch. In other words, the company's tech has reinvented sight by developing a remote sense of touch. The devices – SuperBrain 1 and SuperBrain Lite – have been found to be extremely intuitive by the visually impaired. And with a short amount of training and adjustment can easily have them experience a level of safety and freedom unimaginable till now. The company says most users can even play catch with a ball using the devices. If true, it opens up a limitless array of possibilities, especially in sports. The first thought that comes to mind is the application of the device in cricket for the visually impaired. Blind cricket, as it is played today, involves a slightly larger ball filled with ball bearings to provide audible cues. The bowlers bowl underarm and the batsmen essentially deploy the sweep shot from a low horizontal angle. If 7Sense can bring their telehaptic technology to blind cricket where every visually impaired cricketer will be equipped with their SuperBrain device, it could potentially revolutionise the game. Visually impaired batsmen could essentially bat like their sighted counterparts, deploying the entire range of shots and motions, and visually impaired bowlers may even be able to bowl overarm. This will be a huge transformation. Of course, the application can also have transformational impact in other areas of everyday life and workspaces. The visually impaired in India continue to face multiple hurdles. Around 18.6% of India's 26.8 million disabled population are visually impaired. And around 60.4% of the disabled population are either unemployed or marginally employed. Therefore, much can be done to empower those with disabilities, including the visually impaired. Estonia may have a revolutionary tech-based solution. And demonstrating this through blind cricket may be a good start. BCCI, which has always supported important social causes, may want to look into this. As the leader of the cricketing world, it is only fair BCCI takes the lead in transforming the game. And Estonian technology could be that magic sauce that takes blind cricket to a whole new level. That again would be really cool. Say 'Eesti!' Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Euronews
15-05-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Euronews Debates: The future of digital identity
What is digital identity? How does it affect organisations, consumers and individuals? And what are the safety concerns around how these identities are created and managed? These are just some of the questions being asked around the world in 2025, but right now most prominently in Switzerland, where the government is hoping to launch a statewide e-ID (electronic identification) system. The proposition was roundly rebuffed by the public back in 2021 when it was put to a referendum, so the Swiss government has been modifying their offering ever since and is now looking to launch a new, refined version in 2026. But for residents, many questions and concerns persist. Dig into this issue with the latest views and opinions on digital identity by tuning into the Euronews YouTube channel at 11.00am CET on 22 May, to enjoy an hour-long debate on this very topic. We'll be hosting a live panel debate with some of the most significant voices in the industry. You can follow it live on the player above. The debate will discuss, among other things, the state of play of digital identity, consumer protection, security and privacy and trust and consumer digital literacy – as well as just how digital identity affects our daily lives. If you have a question for our panellists, please let us know using this Google Form. The debate will be hosted by Chris Burns, a long time Euronews contributor, and feature Agnieszka Wyszynska-Szulc, Vice President Regulatory, Product & ESG Policy at PMI, Daniel Säuberli, President of DIDAS and Karim Nemr, Chief Business Officer at PXL Vision. Digital identity is broadly defined as being a collection of data points identifying an individual or an organisation in a digital space. These points can include login details, social media profiles, biometric data, email addresses, usernames and even behavioural patterns. Digital identities determine who a person or entity is online, and crucially, what services they can access. They can help protect users against fraud and cybercrime while allowing access to facilities such as online banking and healthcare. Many European countries already use a version of e-ID, such as Finland, Sweden and most successfully Estonia. Estonia's digital identity system is considered to be the gold standard, furnishing residents with chipped ID cards, mobile-friendly login options, digital signatures and a platform equipped with tools designed to protect privacy and ensure data integrity. Estonians use it daily to vote, bank, access health facilities, sign contracts and run businesses. Its success is partly down to early legal backing (laws were passed giving digital signatures validity), the creation of a secure data exchange layer which allows communication without centralisation and a high degree of user transparency, enabling users to see who has accessed their data and why. Though such systems can make accessing facilities easier for many, some Swiss residents remain concerned about their online privacy and the possible surveillance issues arising from a government-run organisation. Additionally, although ostensibly 'voluntary', there's the chance e-ID could end up being the only way to access certain public services, making it essentially obligatory. In Switzerland's case, this particular e-ID is also slated to be rather expensive, costing around CHF 180 million over five years. Some people wonder if this money could be better used. Conversely, if executed correctly, the e-ID could make accessing public services quicker and easier. And while security might be a concern, selective disclosure (SSI) will be in place, meaning users can choose what information to share and (to a degree) how it's used. This is one of the questions the panellists will be looking to cover in detail. What does 'digital identity' look like in 2025? How is it evolving and how has it changed since COVID 19? Pertinently, how much has AI influenced the concept, processes and future of digital identity – particularly in the EU? After introducing GDPR in 2018 to protect personal data, and the upcoming Data Act to support fair sharing of non-personal data, the EU's next major step in regulating the digital world is the AI Act, set for 2026. This will be the first major regulator of AI in the world. How will businesses and consumers be affected by these developments? An ever-present topic, the panellists will be discussing the nature of consumers' security, privacy and protection. How do businesses strike a balance between increasing their security offerings without compromising consumer privacy? Expect the speakers to discuss the important nature of data protection and its management within businesses, as well as digging into the nature of regulatory frameworks and their impact on digital ID verification practices. Consumers' digital literacy varies, and their trust in online services often rises or falls in line with that. We'll be taking a look at how people consume online tools and the quality of the user experience. What impact does this have at a business level, and what role do governments and private sectors play in ensuring digital literacy and as a result, equitable access? Agnieszka joined PHI back in 2004 as part of the Corporate Affairs Team in the Polish sector of PMI before moving on through various positions within the organisation. She attended Warsaw University where she obtained a Masters degree in Management and Administration and a postgraduate degree in Public Affairs. She also holds an Executive MBA from the Warsaw University of Technology Business School. Daniel Säuberli is the President of Digital Identity and Data Sovereignty Association (DIDAS). His company's goal is to bring the digital world to a broad range of industries and individuals so that they can easily exchange identity and related proprietary data electronically without compromising on data ownership and privacy. DIDAS is currently working with the Swiss confederation to enhance the country's digital trust infrastructure. Daniel studied at Harvard University and the Questrom School of Business, Boston University. Karim Nemr has worked for PXL for more than eight years, leading the charge for a company dedicated to help improve digital safety, aid businesses through their digital transition and help make the online space more accessible for everyday users. He has previously worked at AI Lab and in project management at Dacuda AG. He is a guest lecturer at St Gallen University and trainer and coach at Venturelab.
Scottish Sun
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Watch dramatic Nato vs Russia sea clash erupt as warplanes buzz Putin's ‘shadow fleet' vessel as it's ordered ‘stop NOW'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BOTH Nato and Russia scrambled warplanes in a dramatic dogfight over the Baltic Sea after a tense standoff over an undercover Russian tanker. Estonian sea and air forces stalked and tried to board an oil tanker called Jaguar - thought to be part of Russia's shadow fleet. 7 A Russian Su-35 fighter jet, followed by a Polish Air Force MiG-29 Credit: East2West 7 Left to right: an Estonian AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter, M28 Skytruck aircraft and a Russian Su-35 fighter jet pictured over the Jaguar oil tanker during the standoff Credit: East2West 7 The Russian tanker crew goaded the Estonian helicopter forces Credit: East2West It was draped in the Gabon flag, but was sanctioned by Britain on Friday over accusations it is a Russian pawn. Nato aircraft - including Polish MiG-29s - were scrambled as the vessel refused to cooperate. In response, Russia scrambled a Su-35S fighter jet which is said to have violated Estonian airspace as it stormed in to cover for the fleeing Jaguar. In dramatic footage, the Polish Nato plane can be seen tailing the Russian Su-35 in a dogfight over the Gulf of Finland - part of the Baltic Sea. A Russian voice on the bridge of the tanker goaded the Estonians, calling them 'clowns' as they tried and failed to board. The tanker ultimately anchored near Gogland Island - controlled by Russia - in the eastern Baltic Sea. Footage shows the high drama in one of the most tense regions in the world amid disputes between Russia and Nato over Ukraine. 'This is how we're greeted with helicopters,' said a voice -apparently Russian - on the tanker. "They're demanding we anchor.' A message is heard saying: 'This is Estonian warship Papa 6732. 'Your request will be denied. Satellite pics show Putin on the march as Russia masses troops 35 miles from Nato border with 2k soldiers & helicopters 'Follow my instructions. Immediately change course to 105. Over.' A voice from the tanker in Hindi says: 'That looks like our drone in front….' A Russian voice demands: 'Go on, hit it running….' Referring to the Estonians, he says: 'What a bunch of clowns!' The Estonian vessel comes close to the tanker seeking to swerve it to the right. 7 The Russians communicated with the Estonians Credit: East2West 7 The Jaguar oil tanker flying a Gabon flag, thought to be part of Russia's shadow fleet Credit: East2West An Estonian A139 helicopter and an M-28 Skytruck plane of the Estonian defence forces were seen circling the vessel. Boasting a success against the West, pro-Kremlin news outlet Izvestia reported: 'Despite this show of force, the Estonian authorities were unable to stop the vessel. 'The Jaguar ultimately reached Gogland Island, a Russian-controlled territory in the Gulf [of Finland], and resumed its route to Primorsk'. Russian outlet News-Pravda reported, 'Sailors from the Baltic Republic [Estonia] twice tried to land troops from a helicopter.' After the extraordinary clash, Nato state Estonia summoned the Russian Chargé d'Affaires in Tallinn, Lenar Salimullin, who was handed a note of protest, accusing the Putin warplane of violating the republic's airspace. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said: "From Estonia's point of view, this is a very serious and regrettable incident that is in no way unacceptable." He demanded that Russia "must face tougher, faster sanctions" . The tanker had been near Naissaar Island, off Tallinn, when the Estonian Navy communicated with it by radio at 15:30 GMT on Tuesday, said Commander Ivo Vark. He added that it was was sailing "without a nationality' and Estonia "had an obligation to verify the vessel's documents and legal status". "The vessel denied cooperation and continued its journey toward Russia [...] given the vessel's lack of nationality, the use of force, including boarding the vessel, was deemed unnecessary.' Estonia escorted it until the vessel reached Russian waters. Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said the ship was sent from Estonian to Russian territorial waters to prevent a threat to his country's critical infrastructure. 7 Russia continues to send devastating missiles into Ukraine Credit: AP 7 The aftermath of a Russian firestorm on the Sumy region of Ukraine this week Credit: AP He said: "The issue was the ship's flag state, and our most important goal was to ensure the security of critical infrastructure. This was achieved." The 800-ft long Jaguar is a crude oil tanker reportedly sailing under the flag of Gabon. The Equasis database suggested the ship changed its name and flag state at the beginning of February. According to this data its name is now Argent and its flag state is Guinea-Bissau. Putin uses a vast network of non-Russian tankers - called a shadow fleet - to avoid oil sanctions.
The Irish Sun
15-05-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Watch dramatic Nato vs Russia sea clash erupt as warplanes buzz Putin's ‘shadow fleet' vessel as it's ordered ‘stop NOW'
BOTH Nato and Russia scrambled warplanes in a dramatic dogfight over the Baltic Sea after a tense standoff over an undercover Russian tanker. Estonian sea and air forces stalked and tried to board an oil tanker called Jaguar - thought to be part of Russia's shadow fleet. Advertisement 7 A Russian Su-35 fighter jet, followed by a Polish Air Force MiG-29 Credit: East2West 7 Left to right: an Estonian AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter, M28 Skytruck aircraft and a Russian Su-35 fighter jet pictured over the Jaguar oil tanker during the standoff Credit: East2West 7 The Russian tanker crew goaded the Estonian helicopter forces Credit: East2West It was draped in the Gabon flag, but was sanctioned by Britain on Friday over accusations it is a Russian pawn. Nato aircraft - including Polish MiG-29s - were scrambled as the vessel refused to cooperate. In response, Russia scrambled a Su-35S fighter jet which is said to have violated Estonian airspace as it stormed in to cover for the fleeing Jaguar. In dramatic footage, the Polish Nato plane can be seen tailing the Russian Su-35 in a dogfight over the Gulf of Finland - part of the Baltic Sea. Advertisement read more on russia A Russian voice on the bridge of the tanker goaded the Estonians, calling them 'clowns' as they tried and failed to board. The tanker ultimately anchored near Gogland Island - controlled by Russia - in the eastern Baltic Sea. Footage shows the high drama in one of the most tense regions in the world amid disputes between Russia and Nato over Ukraine. 'This is how we're greeted with helicopters,' said a voice -apparently Russian - on the tanker. "They're demanding we anchor.' Advertisement Most read in The US Sun Exclusive A message is heard saying: 'This is Estonian warship Papa 6732. 'Your request will be denied. Satellite pics show Putin on the march as Russia masses troops 35 miles from Nato border with 2k soldiers & helicopters 'Follow my instructions. Immediately change course to 105. Over.' A voice from the tanker in Hindi says: 'That looks like our drone in front….' Advertisement A Russian voice demands: 'Go on, hit it running….' Referring to the Estonians, he says: 'What a bunch of clowns!' The Estonian vessel comes close to the tanker seeking to swerve it to the right. 7 The Russians communicated with the Estonians Credit: East2West Advertisement 7 The Jaguar oil tanker flying a Gabon flag, thought to be part of Russia's shadow fleet Credit: East2West An Estonian A139 helicopter and an M-28 Skytruck plane of the Estonian defence forces were seen circling the vessel. Boasting a success against the West, pro-Kremlin news outlet Izvestia reported: 'Despite this show of force, the Estonian authorities were unable to stop the vessel. 'The Jaguar ultimately reached Gogland Island, a Russian-controlled territory in the Gulf [of Finland], and resumed its route to Primorsk'. Advertisement Russian outlet News-Pravda reported, 'Sailors from the Baltic Republic [Estonia] twice tried to land troops from a helicopter.' After the extraordinary clash, Nato state Estonia summoned the Russian Chargé d'Affaires in Tallinn, Lenar Salimullin, who was handed a note of protest, accusing the Putin warplane of violating the republic's airspace. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said: "From Estonia's point of view, this is a very serious and regrettable incident that is in no way unacceptable." He demanded that Russia "must face tougher, faster sanctions" . Advertisement The tanker had been near Naissaar Island, off Tallinn, when the Estonian Navy communicated with it by radio at 15:30 GMT on Tuesday, said Commander Ivo Vark. He added that it was was sailing "without a nationality' and Estonia "had an obligation to verify the vessel's documents and legal status". "The vessel denied cooperation and continued its journey toward Russia [...] given the vessel's lack of nationality, the use of force, including boarding the vessel, was deemed unnecessary.' Estonia escorted it until the vessel reached Russian waters. Advertisement Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said the ship was sent from Estonian to Russian territorial waters to prevent a threat to his country's critical infrastructure. 7 Russia continues to send devastating missiles into Ukraine Credit: AP 7 The aftermath of a Russian firestorm on the Sumy region of Ukraine this week Credit: AP He said: "The issue was the ship's flag state, and our most important goal was to ensure the security of critical infrastructure. This was achieved." Advertisement The 800-ft long Jaguar is a crude oil tanker reportedly sailing under the flag of Gabon. The Equasis database suggested the ship changed its name and flag state at the beginning of February. According to this data its name is now Argent and its flag state is Guinea-Bissau. Putin uses a vast network of non-Russian tankers - called a shadow fleet - to avoid oil sanctions. Advertisement
Daily Mirror
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
NATO and Russia warplanes in dramatic 'dogfight' over Putin's secret oil tanker
Estonian forces attempted to board the oil tanker Jaguar - believed to be part of Vladimir Putin's clandestine fleet used to dodge international sanctions - before a Russian warplane was launched Both NATO and Russia scrambled warplanes in a dramatic dogfight above the Baltic after a major standoff over a tanker in Vladimir Putin 's shadow fleet. Estonian forces attempted to board the 'Gabon-flagged' oil tanker Jaguar - believed to be part of Putin's clandestine fleet used to dodge international sanctions. The tanker, which was sanctioned by Britain on Friday, was en route to Russia and refused to comply with Estonian orders. As tensions escalated, NATO launched fighter jets - including Polish MiG-29s - into the skies, while Russia responded by scrambling a Su-35S warplane. The Russian jet allegedly violated Estonian airspace as it moved to shield the Jaguar, heightening fears of direct confrontation in one of the most volatile regions in Europe. In dramatic footage, the Polish plane was seen tailing the Russian Su-35 in a dogfight over the Gulf of Finland, part of the Baltic Sea. A Russian voice on the bridge of the tanker accused the Estonians of being 'clowns' as they tried and failed to board the vessel. The tanker ultimately anchored near Gotland Island - controlled by Russia - in the eastern Baltic Sea. Footage shows the high drama in one of the most tense regions in the world amid disputes between Russia and NATO over Ukraine. 'This is how we're greeted with helicopters,' said a voice - apparently Russian - on the tanker. 'They're demanding we anchor.' A message is heard saying: 'This is Estonian warship Papa 6732. Your request will be denied. Follow my instructions. Immediately change course to 105. Over.' A voice from the tanker in Hindi says: 'That looks like our drone in front….' A Russian voice demands: 'Go on, hit it running….' Referring to the Estonians, he says: 'What a bunch of clowns!' The Estonian vessel comes close to the tanker seeking to swerve it to the right. An Estonian A139 helicopter and an M-28 Skytruck plane of the Estonian defence forces were seen circling the vessel. Boasting a success against the West, pro-Kremlin news outlet Izvestia reported: 'Despite this show of force, the Estonian authorities were unable to stop the vessel. The Jaguar ultimately reached Gogland Island …. a Russian-controlled territory in the Gulf [of Finland], and resumed its route to Primorsk.' Russian outlet News-Pravda reported 'sailors from the Baltic Republic [Estonia] twice tried to land troops from a helicopter.' After the extraordinary clash, NATO state Estonia summoned the Russian Chargé d'Affaires in Tallinn, Lenar Salimullin, who was handed a note of protest, accusing the Putin warplane of violating the republic's airspace. 'From Estonia's point of view, this is a very serious and regrettable incident that is in no way unacceptable," said Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna. He demanded that Russia "must face tougher, faster sanctions" . The tanker had been near Naissaar Island, off Tallinn, when the Estonian Navy communicated with it by radio at 1530 GMT on Tuesday, said Commander Ivo Vark. It was sailing "without a nationality' and Estonia "had an obligation to verify the vessel's documents and legal status", said the Estonian. "The vessel denied cooperation and continued its journey toward Russia... given the vessel's lack of nationality, the use of force, including boarding the vessel, was deemed unnecessary.' Estonia escorted it until the vessel reached Russian waters. Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur said the ship was sent from Estonian to Russian territorial waters to prevent a threat to his country's critical infrastructure. "The issue was the ship's flag state, and our most important goal was to ensure the security of critical infrastructure. This was achieved,' he claimed. The 800-ft long Jaguar is a crude oil tanker reportedly sailing under the flag of Gabon. The Equasis database suggested the ship changed its name and flag state at the beginning of February. According to this data its name is now Argent and its flag state is Guinea-Bissau. Putin uses a vast network of non-Russian tankers - called a shadow fleet - to avoid oil sanctions.
