Latest news with #GCR
New European
26-05-2025
- Politics
- New European
‘You are not welcome here'
Voridis first came to prominence in 2014 when he was appointed health minister, and people cottoned on to his ultra-nationalist links. Then in 2023 he made headlines for saying that, if it came to a vote, he wouldn't support same-sex marriage. In a political system plagued by accusations of corruption and cronyism, few Greek ministers can claim to be controversy-free. But the new minister for migration and asylum, Makis Voridis, is in a league of his own. Back in the 1980s, he led the youth wing of a fascist party founded by Greece's former dictator Georgios Papadopoulos. There's even a photograph of Voridis wielding an axe against leftist students. And so the prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, put him in charge of helping refugees. It was partly a response to the protests in March, when hundreds of thousand took to the streets after the 2023 Tempi rail disaster. Greece's worst-ever train crash killed 57 people, and there's a broad view that the government response has been inept. In an attempt to help his approval ratings, Mitsotakis went for a cabinet shake-up, which is when Voridis got his new job. 'I was devastated,' says Lefteris Papagiannakis, director of the Greek Council for Refugees (GCR). 'Because I know exactly who Voridis is, what he stands for.' The GCR provides legal aid and other support for asylum seekers and refugees, which makes it precisely the sort of organisation Voridis will see as an obstacle to his hardline agenda. 'We're seeing a symbolic change in the narrative – much more direct, much more aggressive. At least, that's the image he wants to project. But I don't think he'll actually be able to make all the changes he's shouting about. I don't think Greece will manage to change the European policy at the level he wants.' Voridis is the latest in a stream of hardliners in Greek politics. 'Putin has a higher approval rating here than anywhere else in Europe, so the 'strong man' model people really respond to,' says Papagiannakis. 'Mitsotakis knows this, so he's using them to appeal to the far right electorate.' While the prime minister is supposedly centrist, you'll often see Greeks referring to this political stance in air quotes. Since coming to power in 2019, his New Democracy party has pushed policies that blur the line between mainstream conservatism and far right nationalism, such as tightening immigration laws and cracking down on press freedoms. More from this author The horror of Greece's femicide Hester Underhill And while Voridis might not live up to his bold claims, his appointment couldn't have come at a worse time for Papagiannakis and his organisation. Trump's foreign aid cuts have put the Greek Refugee Council's future in danger, as the NGO was heavily reliant on the UNHCR to finance its operations. 'We might not be the only organisation advocating for refugees here, but we're one of the only ones that really bites. We use the legal system to hold the government accountable for its actions. So the government will really benefit from all these funding cuts, because if there are no NGOs around to challenge them, they can get away with whatever they like. And that scares me.' Earlier this year his organisation helped to win a landmark case at the European Court of Human Rights for a woman forcibly sent back to Turkey despite her attempts to seek protection. Greece was found guilty of carrying out a policy of illicit deportation – the first time the country had been publicly condemned for conducting the 'systematic' repatriation of refugees. But a new EU migration pact that comes into force next year might lead to even more rights violations. The pact on migration and asylum is meant to be 'a fresh start' for the EU. It will give member states three options: relocate a certain number of asylum seekers, pay €20,000 per claimant they refuse to relocate, or finance operational support, such as staff and equipment. 'It will make things worse,' says Papagiannakis. 'Because we'll just end up seeing more illegal detentions and pushbacks.' And with new political figures like Voridis in positions of authority, the question isn't just how the Greek government will handle the flow of migrants across its borders, but who will be left to hold them accountable. Hester Underhill is a freelance British journalist currently based in Athens
New Indian Express
23-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Environmentalists urge MoEFCC to reconsider implementation of Aravalli green wall project
Environmentalists are urging the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to reconsider the implementation of the Aravalli Green Wall Project, warning that the plan poses significant risks to India's oldest mountain range. The statement was made by the 'People for Aravallis' group shortly after Union Minister Bhupender Yadav announced during a national workshop in Rajasthan on 22 May 2025 that the project would enhance green cover and biodiversity in the Aravalli range. Neelam Ahluwalia, a founding member of the non-profit People for Aravallis, expressed concern about the project's implementation through the 'Green Credit Programme' for eco-restoration work in the Aravalli landscape. Additionally, a legal petition is currently pending in the Supreme Court, filed in early March 2025 by People for Aravallis and the Goa-based group 'Rainbow Warriors'. This petition challenges the existing Green Credit Rules (GCR), emphasising that the rules inadequately address the responsibility of the entity seeking green credits. Specifically, the GCR focuses only on the initial planting of trees and does not ensure the long-term survival of those trees. Further, the GCR allows the plantation of 1,100 trees per hectare without any scientific study and permits plantations in fragile ecosystems such as open forests, scrublands, wastelands and catchment areas.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Centipede-inspired robots promise cheaper weed control for vineyards, blueberry farms
A giant robotic centipede could soon crawl out of the lab and into vineyards and blueberry farms in the United States. Inspired by nature's long, slender, and wiggly movers, Ground Control Robotics (GCR), an Atlanta-based startup, has developed a robotic centipede designed specifically for tough agricultural terrain. Built with a simple design, the robot consists of a sensor-equipped head followed by several identical segments connected by cables, each powered by a couple of motors that move its legs. While this setup technically offers many degrees of freedom, it achieves impressive performance through relatively straightforward control methods. 'Centipede robots, like snake robots, essentially move like swimmers,' explains Daniel Goldman, director of CRAB (Complex Rheology and Biomechanics) Lab at Georgia Institute of Technology, told IEEE Spectrum. But the addition of legs lets these robots navigate a wider variety of environments. Their unique cable-driven legs generate a fluid-like thrust mimicking the motion of real arthropods, allowing these 'robophysical' models to 'swim' through uneven ground without getting stuck or damaging crops. By carefully coordinating the lifting and lowering of legs, the robot can help it push off surfaces and maintain steady, reliable motion. 'We developed a new mechanism that shifts actuation from the robot's centerline out to the sides via cables,' Goldman said. 'When tuned correctly, the robot transforms from rigid to flexible in one direction, and that's when the magic happens — it can swim through complex terrain effortlessly, all without any brain power.' Unlike traditional robots, these multi-legged machines navigate complex environments with surprising ease. The initial focus is on automating weed control and crop monitoring in perennial farms where traditional machinery struggles. Manual weeding in such fields can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars per acre, with labor shortages only making it harder. According to GCR, no automated solutions currently exist for weed control around tangled, bushy, or vine-like crops such as blueberries, strawberries, or grapes. The company believes their robotic centipedes could be the game-changing alternative. 'We want to send the robot as close to the crops as possible,' Goldman said. 'And we don't want a bigger, clunkier machine to destroy those fields.' GCR anticipates that its robotic centipedes will be significantly more affordable than conventional agricultural robots, with projected costs in the thousand-dollar range. This cost efficiency stems from the relatively inexpensive leg modules and the reliance on mechanical intelligence rather than complex sensors or computational systems. The company envisions deploying a decentralized swarm of these robots capable of operating autonomously in fields around the clock. In the initial phase, the robots will focus on scouting and monitoring, which already provides substantial value to farmers. The bug-like robot can deliver herbicide directly to the weed as well as remove it mechanically. Ground Control Robotics Over time, GCR aims to equip the robots with active weed-removal mechanisms—potentially including specialized grippers or even laser-based solutions—offering a scalable, low-cost alternative to existing methods. Ground Control Robotics is currently collaborating with a blueberry grower and a vineyard owner in Georgia to conduct pilot programs. These trials will help refine the robot's navigation and sensing capabilities before broader deployment. The company is also exploring potential applications beyond agriculture. Future use cases could include disaster relief operations and even military deployments. However, as Daniel Goldman notes, different environments may necessitate alternative limb configurations or the capability for the limbs to retract entirely, depending on specific operational demands.
Malaysian Reserve
30-04-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Latham Bolsters Antitrust and Competition Practice in Germany
The addition of Dr. Tilman Kuhn upholds Latham's legacy of cutting-edge legal excellence across its global platform. DÜSSELDORF, Germany, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Latham & Watkins LLP is pleased to announce that Dr. Tilman Kuhn will join the Düsseldorf office as a partner in its Antitrust & Competition Practice, and a member of the Litigation & Trial department. Dr. Kuhn is widely recognized as one of Germany's leading antitrust lawyers, bringing extensive international experience across multiple jurisdictions to the firm. Dr. Kuhn advises on a wide range of antitrust matters, including cartel matters, conduct investigations, civil litigation as well as merger control and FDI reviews. His expertise spans key industries such as oil & gas/chemicals, pharmaceuticals, consumer products, automotive, and technology. 'Tilman is highly regarded for the top-notch quality of his advice, creativity and commercial approach, making him a highly sought-after advocate and solutions provider,' said Michael Egge, Global Chair of Latham's Antitrust & Competition practice. 'His arrival reinforces our dedication to excellence in Antitrust & Competition, and we're excited to see the impact Tilman will have on our clients and global platform.' Latham's Antitrust & Competition practice is internationally acclaimed for its exceptional multi-disciplinary expertise and unwavering excellence. Recently, the firm was distinguished as one of the leading competition practices worldwide by the Global Competition Review (GCR), securing a top-two ranking across all antitrust categories, including merger control, cartel, non-cartel, and litigation. This year proudly marks Latham's 17th consecutive inclusion in GCR's Global Elite ranking. 'We're thrilled to welcome Tilman to the firm,' said Burc Hesse, Office Managing Partner in Germany. 'His market reputation speaks positively to his leadership, work ethic, and entrepreneurialism, which aligns perfectly for Latham's global platform. His addition reinforces our position as a leader in the antitrust and competition arena.' 'We're delighted to have Tilman join our team,' said Max Hauser, Deputy Office Managing Partner in Germany. 'We've gotten to know Tilman as a proven leader whose technical skills, personality, and business acumen make him an exceptional fit for our firm. We are confident that his expertise will greatly contribute to our continued success and growth.' 'I am excited to join Latham's outstanding team of antitrust lawyers, who are strategically positioned across continents,' said Dr. Tilman Kuhn. 'As part of this exceptional team, I look forward to advising clients on their most complex antitrust issues, while leveraging, and continuing to support the growth of Latham's enviable global platform.' Dr. Kuhn joins from White & Case. He holds an LLM from the University of Amsterdam in 2001 and received his Dr. jur from the University of Cologne in 2005. NOTES TO EDITORS Latham & Watkins operates worldwide as a limited liability partnership organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (USA) with affiliated limited liability partnerships conducting the practice in France, Hong Kong, Italy, Singapore, and the United Kingdom and as an affiliated partnership conducting the practice in Japan. Latham & Watkins operates in Israel through a limited liability company, in South Korea as a Foreign Legal Consultant Office, and in Saudi Arabia through a limited liability company. CONTACTS Michael Egge, Global Chair, Antitrust & Competition Practice, +1.202.637.2285 Burc Hesse, Germany Office Managing Partner, +49.151.16311760 Max Hauser, Germany Deputy Office Managing Partner, +49.176.24432535
Cision Canada
30-04-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Latham Bolsters Antitrust and Competition Practice in Germany
The addition of Dr. Tilman Kuhn upholds Latham's legacy of cutting-edge legal excellence across its global platform. DÜSSELDORF, Germany, April 30, 2025 /CNW/ -- Latham & Watkins LLP is pleased to announce that Dr. Tilman Kuhn will join the Düsseldorf office as a partner in its Antitrust & Competition Practice, and a member of the Litigation & Trial department. Dr. Kuhn is widely recognized as one of Germany's leading antitrust lawyers, bringing extensive international experience across multiple jurisdictions to the firm. Dr. Kuhn advises on a wide range of antitrust matters, including cartel matters, conduct investigations, civil litigation as well as merger control and FDI reviews. His expertise spans key industries such as oil & gas/chemicals, pharmaceuticals, consumer products, automotive, and technology. "Tilman is highly regarded for the top-notch quality of his advice, creativity and commercial approach, making him a highly sought-after advocate and solutions provider," said Michael Egge, Global Chair of Latham's Antitrust & Competition practice. "His arrival reinforces our dedication to excellence in Antitrust & Competition, and we're excited to see the impact Tilman will have on our clients and global platform." Latham's Antitrust & Competition practice is internationally acclaimed for its exceptional multi-disciplinary expertise and unwavering excellence. Recently, the firm was distinguished as one of the leading competition practices worldwide by the Global Competition Review (GCR), securing a top-two ranking across all antitrust categories, including merger control, cartel, non-cartel, and litigation. This year proudly marks Latham's 17th consecutive inclusion in GCR's Global Elite ranking. "We're thrilled to welcome Tilman to the firm," said Burc Hesse, Office Managing Partner in Germany. "His market reputation speaks positively to his leadership, work ethic, and entrepreneurialism, which aligns perfectly for Latham's global platform. His addition reinforces our position as a leader in the antitrust and competition arena." "We're delighted to have Tilman join our team," said Max Hauser, Deputy Office Managing Partner in Germany. "We've gotten to know Tilman as a proven leader whose technical skills, personality, and business acumen make him an exceptional fit for our firm. We are confident that his expertise will greatly contribute to our continued success and growth." "I am excited to join Latham's outstanding team of antitrust lawyers, who are strategically positioned across continents," said Dr. Tilman Kuhn. "As part of this exceptional team, I look forward to advising clients on their most complex antitrust issues, while leveraging, and continuing to support the growth of Latham's enviable global platform." Dr. Kuhn joins from White & Case. He holds an LLM from the University of Amsterdam in 2001 and received his Dr. jur from the University of Cologne in 2005. NOTES TO EDITORS Latham & Watkins operates worldwide as a limited liability partnership organized under the laws of the State of Delaware (USA) with affiliated limited liability partnerships conducting the practice in France, Hong Kong, Italy, Singapore, and the United Kingdom and as an affiliated partnership conducting the practice in Japan. Latham & Watkins operates in Israel through a limited liability company, in South Korea as a Foreign Legal Consultant Office, and in Saudi Arabia through a limited liability company. Michael Egge, Global Chair, Antitrust & Competition Practice, +1.202.637.2285 Burc Hesse, Germany Office Managing Partner, +49.151.16311760 Max Hauser, Germany Deputy Office Managing Partner, +49.176.24432535
