Latest news with #Kahn
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
This is the first ever picture clicked on a cell-phone!
Taking a photo today is second nature—you pull out your phone, tap the screen, and capture the moment in an instant. It's casual, seamless, and deeply woven into the fabric of everyday life. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now We don't think twice before sending a selfie, sharing a sunset, or preserving memories with a single click. But what we now take for granted is the result of years of innovation, experimentation, and a dash of tech magic. B efore smartphones and cloud storage, before Instagram and camera rolls, there was one moment—one photograph—that started it all. And it happened on June 11, 1997, in a hospital room in California. How did the first ever picture come to be? On June 11, 1997, engineer and tech entrepreneur Philippe Kahn sat in the maternity ward of Sutter Maternity Center in Santa Cruz, California. His wife was in labor, and as he waited for their daughter to arrive, Kahn decided he didn't just want to take a photo—he wanted to share it instantly. But there were no smartphones then. No Instagram. No instant sharing. So Kahn improvised. Using a Motorola StarTAC flip phone, a Casio QV digital camera that shot low-res 320x240 pixel images, and a Toshiba 430CDT laptop, he built a system from scratch right there in the hospital. The setup was wired so that when he took a photo, it would automatically upload the image to his web server, then send out email alerts to friends and family with a link to view it online. This wasn't just a photo—it was the first time an image was captured and sent directly from a mobile phone. Kahn had already been working on a concept called 'Picture Mail', a vision for sending photos instantly via a server-based system. As he told IEEE Spectrum, he wanted to be the 'Polaroid of the 21st century,' bringing to life a digital version of the instant camera. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Still, he hadn't developed consumer-ready hardware to make the system easy to use. But time—and necessity—sparked invention. 'I had always wanted to have this all working in time to share my daughter's birth photo,' Kahn said. 'But I wasn't sure I was going to make it.' Luckily for Kahn (and not so luckily for his wife), she was in labor for 18 hours—long enough for him to put his Frankenstein rig together. He had most of the tech on hand, and what he didn't have, an assistant quickly grabbed from a local Radio Shack. As Kahn put it, 'It's always the case that if it weren't for the last minute, nothing would ever get done.' A single photo that sparked a revolution That day, the first photo ever sent from a mobile phone was shared with the world—and though it was a humble 320x240-pixel image of a newborn, it marked the beginning of a technological revolution. We've come a long way since then. Today, more than 1.8 trillion photos are taken each year, mostly from phones that are thinner than a paperback but smarter than computers from the '90s. And it all began with a father, a hospital room, and a dream to share a moment instantly. We've never looked back since.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
What Operation Sindoor tells us about the nature of escalation, and India's changing approach
The four-night military confrontation between India and Pakistan that began early on May 7 was the most expansive outbreak of hostilities since the war of 1971. The Kargil conflict of 1999 was limited to a small area in Jammu and Kashmir; during Operation Sindoor, India hit targets up to 100 km inside Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), and Pakistan launched aerial attacks against J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan, even Haryana. In terms defined by the American military strategist and thinker Herman Kahn's 44-step 'escalation ladder', the situation can be seen as having begun with the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 — the 'Ostensible Crisis' — and gone up to the stage of 'Dramatic Military Confrontations' before being paused by the ceasefire of May 10. The idea of escalation began to appear in strategic literature in the years after the end of World War II, in part as a reaction to the idea of 'all-out' war. Kahn, a futurist and military strategist who co-founded the Washington DC think tank Hudson Institute with the vision of 'thinking about the future in unconventional ways', was the preeminent Western theorist of the 'structure' of escalation. Kahn's metaphor for escalation was a ladder, each rung of which denoted a rising level of conflict. In 1962, Kahn proposed a 16-step ladder of escalation from 'Subcrisis Disagreement' to 'Aftermath'. Three years later, he published On Escalation: Metaphors and Scenarios (1965), in which he developed a more detailed, 44-step ladder of escalation — with 'Ostensible Crisis' as Step 1, and 'Spasm/ Insensate War' as Step 44. The India-Pakistan escalation The Pahalgam terror attack can be described as 'Ostensible Crisis' — Step 1, in which 26 civilians including 25 tourists and one local Kashmiri were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists on April 22. This led to Step 2, 'Political, Economic and Diplomatic Gestures' — India's decisions from April 23 onward can be labeled as such. These include the decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, cancelling the visas of Pakistani nationals, stopping trade and postal services, closing India's air space for Pakistan's aircraft, not allowing Pakistan-flagged ships to dock at Indian ports, etc. Then came Kahn's Step 3 — 'Solemn and Formal Declarations'. India's top leadership declared the intent to avenge the killings of the tourists at Pahalgam — Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to 'pursue the terrorists and those who shelter them to the very end'. And Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif promised a 'crushing reply to any Indian misadventure'. Kahn's Step 4 is the 'Hardening of Positions — Confrontation of Wills'. India blamed Pakistan for not taking action against terrorist groups, while Islamabad asked for evidence of India's accusation. It also said that India's position on the IWT would be deemed as an 'act of war'. Step 5, Kahn's rung of 'Show of Force' was seen as the Indian Navy on April 27 carried out multiple anti-ship missile firings, underlining its preparedness for long-range offensive strikes. On May 3, Pakistan test-fired Abdali, its surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a 450-km range. Step 6 — 'Significant Mobilisation' — was quick and stealthy, and from May 7 onward, the escalation quickly reached rungs 8 ('Harassing Acts of Violence') and 9 ('Dramatic Military Confrontations'). India struck at nine terror locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, and successfully thwarted Pakistani drone attacks along the western border. The two militaries remained at Step 9 for four nights before they agreed to stop military action — this is where Kahn's escalation ladder was aborted. 2016, 2019: change of doctrine In Choices: Inside the Making of Indian Foreign Policy, former National Security Adviser Shiv Shankar Menon concluded the chapter on the 26/11 terror attacks ('Restraint or Riposte? The Mumbai Attack and Cross-Border Terrorism from Pakistan') with the sentence: '…Personalities matter. With a different mix of people at the helm, it is quite possible that India would have chosen [to act] differently [in the aftermath of the attacks]. In fact, if India is forced to make a similar choice in the future, I am sure it will respond differently.' The book was published in November 2016. Weeks earlier, on September 29, Indian special forces had crossed the Line of Control to carry out surgical strikes on terrorist launchpads in PoK. That October, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told a gathering in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh: 'Earlier Israel used to be spoken of like this (in the context of carrying out targeted military strikes against its enemies). Now everyone knows our Army can do it too and is no less capable.' A little over two years later, in February 2019, the Prime Minister said in Hindi at a public meeting in Churu, Rajasthan: 'I swear by this soil that I won't let the nation be destroyed, I won't let the nation be stopped. It is my promise to Bharat Ma that I won't let her head be bowed.' In these two speeches, the Prime Minister mentioned neither the surgical strikes nor the Balakot air strikes of February 26, 2019, but the change in India's doctrine of response to terrorism was clear. In his address to the nation on May 12 this year, Modi articulated the elements of India's current doctrine against terrorism: a befitting response on India's terms; zero tolerance for Pakistan's nuclear blackmail; and no distinction between terrorist leaders and state sponsors of terrorism. He also made it clear that India had only 'suspended' its military action, and underlined that for New Delhi, this was the 'new normal' now. India's new policy is qualitatively higher in aggression. Targeting the Pak establishment that has long used cross-border terrorism as an instrument of policy means the military and government of that country are not off-limits for future retributive actions. By linking Pakistan-based groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed to major terrorist attacks in the US and UK, Modi framed Operation Sindoor as India's war on terrorism, similar to what NATO launched in Afghanistan after 9/11. The PM also painted Pakistan as a country that protects, rather than going after, terrorists, and laid down the red lines on resuming the bilateral dialogue that has been suspended since 2016. Takeaways, outlook going forward New Delhi has its task cut out — politically, diplomatically, and militarily. LOWER THRESHOLD FOR ACTION: India's 'new normal' has lowered the threshold of response in case of a major terrorist attack in future. In terms of Kahn's ladder of escalation, this could mean India's response will begin from Step 3 (Solemn and Formal Declarations) and could very quickly escalate to Steps 9 (Dramatic Military Confrontations) and 10 ('Provocative Breaking off of Diplomatic Relations'). Step 12 ('Large Conventional War') would be very much on the horizon. DIPLOMATIC CHALLENGE: Pakistan has been trying to project itself as the victim before the international community. New Delhi is concerned at the false equivalence between the two countries that some in the West have suggested, along with a re-hyphenation of India and Pakistan. The multi-political party outreach by the Indian government, where bipartisan political delegations are currently travelling the world, explaining to countries that India was the original victim in Pahalgam, and that it responded in self-defence. THE DONALD TRUMP FACTOR: President Trump's claim of a 'US-brokered ceasefire' has created a challenge for India, which has always rejected any third-party involvement in India-Pakistan issues. Trump's view of the May 10 ceasefire as a success for American diplomacy and the first 'military confrontation' that he has been able to stop from escalating presents Indian diplomacy with a delicate task. New Delhi has to navigate Trump's unpredictable statements and posts on social media, pushing back with tact and conviction. NEW FRONTIERS OF WAR: Besides upgrading its military prowess to dominate in the air, at sea, and on land, India will have to also build capacity in the new frontiers of war where evolving and improving technology is changing the rules very rapidly. Shubhajit Roy, Diplomatic Editor at The Indian Express, has been a journalist for more than 25 years now. Roy joined The Indian Express in October 2003 and has been reporting on foreign affairs for more than 17 years now. Based in Delhi, he has also led the National government and political bureau at The Indian Express in Delhi — a team of reporters who cover the national government and politics for the newspaper. He has got the Ramnath Goenka Journalism award for Excellence in Journalism '2016. He got this award for his coverage of the Holey Bakery attack in Dhaka and its aftermath. He also got the IIMCAA Award for the Journalist of the Year, 2022, (Jury's special mention) for his coverage of the fall of Kabul in August 2021 — he was one of the few Indian journalists in Kabul and the only mainstream newspaper to have covered the Taliban's capture of power in mid-August, 2021. ... Read More
Business Upturn
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
AgriFORCE Growing Systems Ltd. to Participate in Exclusive BitGo-Hosted Events at Bitcoin 2025; CEO Jolie Kahn Recognized as One of the Only Female Public Company Leaders in Bitcoin Mining
Vancouver, British Columbia, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AgriFORCE Growing Systems Ltd. ('AgriFORCE' or the 'Company') (NASDAQ: AGRI), a diversified technology and infrastructure company, today announced its participation in a curated series of private events hosted by BitGo during Bitcoin 2025, the world's largest Bitcoin conference, taking place May 27–29 at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. AgriFORCE CEO Jolie Kahn will attend four exclusive BitGo-hosted gatherings over the course of the week, including: BitGo High Roller Summit (May 27–29): An invite-only, three-day experience for top-tier institutions, builders, and visionaries in the Bitcoin space, featuring high-level networking, strategic dialogues, and exclusive access to VIP forums. (May 27–29): An invite-only, three-day experience for top-tier institutions, builders, and visionaries in the Bitcoin space, featuring high-level networking, strategic dialogues, and exclusive access to VIP forums. BitGo x A&T Capital After Dark Party (May 28): An evening celebration blending deal-making and community engagement with entertainment and cultural activations tailored for global crypto leaders. Event link (May 28): An evening celebration blending deal-making and community engagement with entertainment and cultural activations tailored for global crypto leaders. BitGo Institutional Sunset Soirée (May 29): A sunset rooftop gathering that brings together the most influential players in digital asset custody, capital allocation, and infrastructure strategy. Event link (May 29): A sunset rooftop gathering that brings together the most influential players in digital asset custody, capital allocation, and infrastructure strategy. 2025 Women of Bitcoin Brunch (May 27): Hosted by Bitcoin Magazine and BitGo, this premier networking brunch celebrates the leadership and contributions of women in the Bitcoin industry. Event link As a guest of BitGo, Ms. Kahn's participation underscores her growing influence in the energy-powered digital infrastructure sector. Importantly, Jolie Kahn is among a very limited number—if not the only —female CEOs leading a publicly traded company actively engaged in Bitcoin mining. Her presence at Bitcoin 2025 signals AgriFORCE's commitment not only to innovation and sustainability but also to advancing diversity and inclusion at the highest levels of industry leadership. 'It's an honor to represent AgriFORCE and our TerraHash Digital™ platform at Bitcoin 2025 alongside some of the most respected minds in Bitcoin and digital infrastructure,' said Jolie Kahn, CEO of AgriFORCE. 'As a female CEO in the Bitcoin mining space—a rare position—I'm proud to contribute a unique perspective to a field that's still in the early stages of building true inclusivity. We're here to do big things: responsibly, profitably, and with purpose.' Strategic Presence at Bitcoin 2025 AgriFORCE's attendance at these events complements its recent launch of TerraHash Digital™, a wholly owned division focused on vertically integrated, energy-efficient Bitcoin mining campuses. The Company's participation reflects its goal of leading from the front—building next-generation infrastructure that is both sustainable and inclusive. About AgriFORCE Growing Systems Ltd. AgriFORCE Growing Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: AGRI) is a mission-driven technology company pioneering innovation at the intersection of agriculture, clean energy, and digital infrastructure. Through its TerraHash Digital™ division, the Company is building high-performance Bitcoin mining campuses with dual-purpose utility—supporting decentralized compute networks while enabling clean energy reuse and sustainable food production. About BitGo BitGo is the leading infrastructure provider of digital asset solutions, delivering custody, wallets, staking, trading, financing, and settlement services from regulated cold storage. Since our founding in 2013, we have focused on enabling our clients to securely navigate the digital asset space. With a large global presence through multiple regulated entities, BitGo serves thousands of institutions, including many of the industry's top brands, exchanges, and platforms, as well as millions of retail investors worldwide. As the operational backbone of the digital economy, BitGo handles a significant portion of Bitcoin network transactions and is the largest independent digital asset custodian, and staking provider, in the world. For more information, visit . IG (Instagram): @agriforcegs X (Twitter): @agriforcegs FB (Facebook): @agriforcegs LinkedIn: @agriforcegs TruthSocial: @agriforcegs Follow TerraHash Digital™ on Social Media: IG (Instagram): @Terrahashdigital X (Twitter): @THashDGTL FB (Facebook): TerraHash Digital™ LinkedIn: @TerraHash-Digital TruthSocial: @THashDGTL Forward-Looking Statements Statements made in this press release include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These include, but are not limited to, statements regarding expected operational capabilities, project development, and financial or environmental impacts. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including those beyond the Company's control, and may cause actual results to differ materially. Readers are advised to review the Company's filings with the SEC under the heading 'Risk Factors' in Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K. AgriFORCE undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements due to new information or future developments. For more information, visit: Investor Relations: 1-561-717-1742 Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Associated Press
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
From Shoreline to Showstopper: ECD Reveals Vibrant Yellow Soft-Top Defender 90 'Beach Patrol'
KISSIMMEE, Fla., April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ECD Auto Design (NASDAQ: ECDA), the world's leading creator of restored Land Rovers and custom classic vehicles, proudly debuts Project Beach Patrol, a Defender 90 soft top built for warm weather, relaxed cruising, and statement-making style—all handcrafted in the U.S.A. View images and video of Project Beach Patrol Finished in a vivid Land Rover AA Yellow gloss finish, Beach Patrol is a one-of-one open-air Defender built entirely at ECD's 100,000-square-foot Florida facility. From its sleek black Optimil hardware to its powerful V8 heart, this Defender is engineered for long weekends, beach runs, and unforgettable coastal adventures. A Clean Coastal Statement Project Beach Patrol's exterior is designed for head-turning simplicity. The vibrant yellow body is accented by Narvik Black elements, including its mesh grille, fender flares, light surrounds, and SVX side steps. The roll cage, finished in matte black, adds contrast and structure to the open-top layout, while twin HELLA 500 LED spotlights on the brush guard create a purposeful silhouette. Riding on 18' Satin Black Kahn 1983 wheels and BFG All-Terrain tires, this D90 is ready for both sand and street. A custom-painted brush guard, classic DRL-equipped front bumper, and round rear light guards round out the build, adding rugged utility to this otherwise breezy design. It's not just ready to drive—it's ready to be noticed. Performance That Plays Power comes from a GM LS3 6.2L V8 engine, delivering over 430 horsepower through a 6-speed automatic transmission. A Borla stainless dual sport exhaust adds throaty tone and visual symmetry, while heavy-duty axles and ECD's road suspension keep the ride confident. Alcon high-performance brakes with red calipers ensure modern stopping power that complements the vintage styling. Inside: Sport Meets Sophistication Inside, the 2+2 layout balances utility with luxury. Up front, Corbeau Trailcat seats are finished in black Cadence Licorice leather with yellow single vertical diamond stitching and heated functionality for cool nights along the coast. In the cargo area, staggered inward-facing jump seats mirror the finish, offering flexibility and style. A MOMO Prototipo steering wheel, All American gauges, and a leather-wrapped Puma dash give the cockpit a tactile and driver-focused feel. The ECD custom center console houses dual USB outlets (A & C), and the audio system is upgraded with Pioneer components, Bluetooth, and CarPlay for seamless summer playlists. Other comfort and convenience features include a digital rearview mirror, blind spot monitoring, remote start, and backup sensors—all integrated to modern standards while respecting the Defender's utilitarian heritage. Project Beach Patrol: Full Specification Overview Exterior Paint: Land Rover AA Yellow (Gloss Finish) Roll Cage: Multi-point, Matte Black Grille: Body Color Surround with Narvik Black Mesh Wheels: 18' Kahn 1983 – Satin Black Tires: BFGoodrich All-Terrain – Black Walls Out Bumper: Classic Style with DRLs & Brush Guard Lighting: HELLA 500 Series LED Spotlights, Rear Light Guards (Round, Black) Side Steps: SVX Black/Black Door Handles & Hinges: Optimil Black Metal, Body Color Painted Rear: NAS Style Rear Bumper with Swing-Away Carrier Soft Top: Canvas, Black Performance Engine: GM LS3 V8 Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic Suspension: ECD Upgraded Road Suspension Brakes: Alcon High-Performance (Red Calipers) Exhaust: Borla Stainless Dual Sport – Left & Right Axles: Heavy Duty Chassis Coating: Raptor Liner Interior Layout: 2+2 (Front Buckets + Rear Jump Seats) Seats: Corbeau Trailcats in Cadence Licorice Leather Stitching: Yellow Single Vertical Diamond Center Console: ECD Custom Console with USB-A and USB-C Dash: Puma Style, Wrapped in Black Leather Door Cards: Leather Wrapped with Diamond Stitching + Storage Pockets Seat Belts: Custom Speed Yellow Flooring: Raptor-Lined Tub + OEM Rubber Mats Steering Wheel: MOMO Prototipo Gauges: All American Trim: Black Metal Kit Technology & Electronics Audio: Pioneer System with Subwoofer, CarPlay & Bluetooth Charging: USB Outlets Front & Rear Safety: Backup Camera, Sensors, Blind Spot Assistant Mirrors: Digital Rear View Convenience: Remote Locking & Alarm, Remote Start, Automatic Headlights A Defender That Defines Summer 'Project Beach Patrol is a standout in our portfolio—it's carefree, sunny, and unmistakably personal,' said Kevin Kastner, Chief Revenue Officer of ECD. 'It's more than a soft-top Defender—it's a symbol of coastal escape, weekend freedom, and the confidence that comes from driving something truly one-of-a-kind.' To begin your own custom journey, visit or schedule a design consultation with the ECD team. About ECD Auto Design ECD, a public company trading under ECDA on the Nasdaq, is a creator of restored luxury vehicles that combines classic beauty with modern performance. Currently, ECD restores Land Rovers Series, Land Rover Series IIA, the Range Rover Classic, Jaguar E-Type, Ford Mustang, Toyota FJ, and highly specialized vehicles from its Boutique Studio. Each vehicle produced by ECD is fully bespoke, a one-off that is designed by the client through an immersive luxury design experience and hand-built from the ground up in 2,200 hours by master-certified Automotive Service Excellence ('ASE') craftsmen. The company was founded in 2013 by three British 'gear heads' whose passion for classic vehicles is the driving force behind exceptionally high standards for quality, custom luxury vehicles. ECD's global headquarters is a 100,000-square-foot facility located in Kissimmee, Florida that is home to 105 talented and dedicated employees that hold a combined 80 ASE and five master-level certifications. ECD has an affiliated logistics center in the U.K. where its seven employees work to source and transport 25-year-old vehicles back to the U.S. for restoration. For more information, visit Media Contact: Kevin Kastner Chief Revenue Officer [email protected] 407-738-1056 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Daily Mail
23-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Retail group in bankruptcy crisis ditches strongest brand to stay afloat
A major retail group will sell its strongest brand as it struggles through the bankruptcy process. The Franchise Group, which owns businesses such as Pet Supplies Plus, Badcock Home Furniture and Buddy's Home Furnishings, is set to sell its prized possession - The Vitamin Shoppe. The franchise filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in November last year as it faltered under $2 billion in debt. At the time of filing, Franchise said bankruptcy was necessary to protect its best performing brands. But less than six months later the company has etched out a deal to sell The Vitamin Shoppe. The group's best known brand will be sold off to private equity firms Kingswood Capital Management and Performance Investment Partners for $193.5 million. Next month the company will seek approval from a judge for its reorganization plan, which includes the sale. The Vitamin Shoppe, which sells a range of health and beauty products, has 650 stores across the country. The 50-year-old brand has remained successful despite the woes of its parent company, and announced expansion plans as recently as 2023. 'We are excited to partner with The Vitamin Shoppe team and help them build upon the success the business has enjoyed over the last forty-eight years,' Kingswood Partner Michael Niegsch and Performance Investment Partners Mark Genender said. The Vitamin Shoppe has invested in its brick-and-mortar stores in recent years, including launching its store-within-a-store concept which features wellness goods from local sellers. The company also launched a telehealth service called Whole Health Rx last May. The wellness economy was valued at $6.3 trillion in 2023, and could even reach $9 trillion by 2028, according to The Global Wellness Institute. The Franchise Group is just one of many companies which have filed for bankruptcy in recent years - including popular restaurant chains and healthcare companies. As part of Franchise's restructuring, the company called time on its American Freight furniture chain and closed all 357 of its locations. The chain, which counts Wayfair and Big Lots as rivals, sold beds, mattresses, sofas, fridges, ovens, ranges and dishwashers. Franchise Group blamed the bankruptcy on a post-pandemic sales slump as stimulus funds dried up and inflation-weary consumers cut back on spending. The business also suffered in the wake of a federal probe into its CEO Brian Kahn. Kahn was investigated for his dealings with the firm that had taken Franchise Group private in August 2023. Franchise Group claimed in its filings that the situation had scared off possible partners that might have helped with a rescue deal. Franchise Group's 'operating businesses, and primarily American Freight, continued to encounter headwinds driven by the macro-economic and other factors,' David Orlofsky, Franchise Group's chief restructuring officer, said at the time. 'Together with the allegations against Mr. Kahn, adversely impacted Franchise Group's ability to sell or otherwise monetize any of its other businesses,' he explained. Other traditional health giants have failed to compete with the rise of medical breakthroughs such as Ozempic and Wegovy. WeightWatchers has plans to file for bankruptcy in the coming months as it struggles under the weight of $1.6 billion in debt. Many of its former customers are turning to a new generation of weight-loss drugs that help them shed pounds with far less effort.
