Latest news with #said
Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Putin amasses troops at border amid chilling Putin peace talk attack warning
Ukrainian intelligence warns Russia is preparing a major build-up or troops in readiness for a major pre-Summer attack in a bid to gain major new ground ahead of any ceasefire talks Ukrainian forces are bracing for another major frontline assault from Russia after learning of a large build-up of pre-battle troops in the north east. Intelligence analysis suggests Russia is massing assault units near embattled Kharkiv in readiness for a pre-summer bid to breakthrough defences. It is possible, sources say, that Putin has ordered a major attack timed to gain ground if peace talks get underway, to give the Kremlin more leverage. There are also fears Moscow has developed and produced devastating fibre optic drones which cannot be electronically jammed and can be blown 25 miles inside Ukraine. Andriy Pomahaibus, chief of staff of Ukraine's 13th Charter Operational Brigade,said the troop concentration may be a sign of planned assault operations. He said: 'Russian forces typically use a combined approach – artillery, drones for reconnaissance and attack, heavy equipment, and infantry. They often distract in one area and advance in another.' Attacks have been ongoing in border areas of Sumy and Kharkiv but it is believed a fresh escalation is coming as the ground hardens and the fighting season gets underway. It is believed Russia wants to create buffer zones or large heavily defended no-go areas to prevent Ukraine from launching a counter-attack. In another significant move President Vladimir Putin visited Russia's Kursk region for the first time on Wednesday since Moscow claimed it drove Ukrainian forces out of the area. Russia has reclaimed about two-thirds of the captured territory of Kursk inside its border, leaving Ukraine with an area around Sudzha, a border town that was Ukraine's main hub in the region. The kremlin claims no no direct peace talks have yet been scheduled between Ukraine and Russia. It is almost a week since they held a face-to-face session in Turkey in which a major prisoner swap was agreed upon. kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "There is no concrete agreement about the next meetings. They are yet to be agreed upon." At the same time as the troop build-up near Kharkiv, it is also feared Russia is preparing large-scale forces within 100 miles of Russia's border with Finland, sparking major alarm within NATO. An attack on Finland would drag other countries such as the UK into a major war with Russia. Fresh building of barracks and other logistical hubs have been spotted along with preparations chillingly similar to the build up of Russian forces before the 2022 February invasion from Belarus and the eastern frontline. During two hours of talks in Istanbul on May 16, Kyiv and Moscow agreed to exchange 1,000 prisoners of war each, in what would be their biggest such swap. Several months of intensified U.S. and European pressure on the two sides to accept a ceasefire and negotiate a settlement have yielded little progress. And far from seeking peace Russia is readying for a summer offensive. Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier this week that Moscow would "propose and is ready to work with" Ukraine on a "memorandum" outlining the framework for "a possible future peace treaty." Putin has effectively rejected a 30-day ceasefire proposal that Ukraine has accepted. European leaders have accused Putin of dragging his feet in peace efforts while he tries to press his bigger army's battlefield initiative and capture more Ukrainian land. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday that preparations are underway for the potential prisoner exchange, which he described as "perhaps the only real result" of the talks in Turkey. Russia and Ukraine have been firing dozens of long-range drones at each other's territory almost daily. Russia's Defence Ministry said it shot down 105 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 35 over the Moscow region. It was the second straight night that Kyiv's forces have targeted the Russian capital. More than 160 flights were delayed at three of Moscow's four main airports, the city's transport prosecutor said, as officials grounded planes citing concerns for passenger safety. The attack prompted some regions to turn off mobile internet signals, including the Oryol region southwest of Moscow, which was targeted heavily Wednesday. Russia has come under escalating drone attacks from Ukraine.
The Wire
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Wire
Sonata Software Unveils New State-of-the-Art Facility in Hyderabad; Aims to Create 5,000 Jobs
HYDERABAD, India, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sonata Software (NSE: SONATSOFTW) (BSE: 532221), a leader in Modernization Engineering, today announced the opening of its new facility in Hyderabad. The facility was formally opened by the Honorable Chief Minister of Telangana, Shri Anumula Revanth Reddy. Spread across 200,000 square feet in the Vamsiram Suvarna Durga Tech Park in Hyderabad's Financial District, the new center is designed to fuel innovation, scale global delivery, and nurture next-generation digital talent. This strategic expansion reinforces Sonata Software's deep commitment to delivering future-ready technology solutions and strengthening its global delivery footprint. Over the next three to five years, the facility is expected to generate more than 5,000 high-value technology jobs and serve as a key hub for digital engineering, co-innovation, and advanced technology development. Speaking at the event, Honorable Chief Minister, Shri Anumula Revanth Reddy,said, 'Sonata Software's new Hyderabad facility is a testament to the partnership between visionary enterprises and progressive governance. Telangana remains steadfast in fostering a business-friendly ecosystem for technology companies. We are proud to see global firms like Sonata expanding from here and contributing to Hyderabad's position as a premier global tech hub.' Samir Dhir, Managing Director and CEO of Sonata Software, noted, 'This new center marks a major step forward in our growth journey. Hyderabad's strong ecosystem and global reputation for innovation make it the perfect location for building AI-led digital solutions at scale. The facility will enable us to attract top-tier talent, drive deeper client collaboration, and accelerate delivery of value-driven outcomes for our clients.' Equipped with modern collaboration zones, innovation labs, and green infrastructure, the facility reflects Sonata's commitment to responsible growth, sustainability, and engineering excellence. Its flexible design supports agile operations, secure service delivery, and rapid scaling of digital capabilities. Srini Veeravelli, CEO of Quant Systems Inc, a Sonata Software company, added, 'This facility will be instrumental in delivering AI, machine learning, and cloud modernization solutions to global clients. It not only enhances our delivery capabilities but also enables scalable GCC models and fosters a culture of continuous innovation across the enterprise.' With a strong global presence—including key regions in North America, the UK, Europe, APAC, and ANZ—and a robust partner ecosystem, Sonata Software continues to be a trusted transformation partner for global enterprises. The Hyderabad facility marks a new chapter in Sonata's mission to engineer purposeful digital excellence at scale. About Sonata Software In today's market, there is a unique duality in technology adoption. On one side, extreme focus on cost containment by clients, and on the other, deep motivation to modernize their Digital storefronts to attract more consumers and B2B customers. Sonata Software, with $1 Billion Revenue, is the leading Modernization company. Our unique Modernization approach through helps create Efficient and Agile digital businesses to drive intelligent ecosystems of the future. Our bouquet of Modernization Engineering Services cuts across Data, Cloud, Dynamics, Automation, Cyber Security, and around newer technologies like Generative AI, Microsoft Fabric, and other modernization platforms. Our unique and innovative Responsible-first AI offering Sonata is a comprehensive platform powered by GenAI and encompasses a variety of industry solutions, service delivery platforms, and accelerators. It is distinguished by its embedded ethics, privacy, security, and compliance. We enable our clients to leverage AI in three different ways: i) driving efficiencies, ii) driving higher consumer experience/modern sales, and iii) driving innovative business models. Headquartered in Bengaluru, India, Sonata Software has a strong global presence, including key regions North America, UK, Europe, APAC, and ANZ. We are one of the fastest growing IT Services companies and a trusted partner of Fortune 500 companies in Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI); Healthcare and Lifesciences (HLS); Telecom, Media, and Technology (TMT); and Retail, Manufacturing and Distribution (RMD) space. Sonata Software boasts of a very strong partnership with Microsoft, AWS and many others. We are proud member of Microsoft AI Partner Council and have also achieved AWS Generative AI Competency. Also, we are member of the prestigious Inner Circle for Microsoft Business Applications and Featured and Launch Partner for Microsoft Fabric. For more information, please visit Photo: (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). This is an auto-published feed from PTI with no editorial input from The Wire.
Business Standard
12-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Sonata Software Unveils New State-of-the-Art Facility in Hyderabad; Aims to Create 5,000 Jobs
PRNewswire Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], May 12: Sonata Software (NSE: SONATSOFTW) (BSE: 532221), a leader in Modernization Engineering, today announced the opening of its new facility in Hyderabad. The facility was formally opened by the Chief Minister of Telangana, Anumula Revanth Reddy. Spread across 200,000 square feet in the Vamsiram Suvarna Durga Tech Park in Hyderabad's Financial District, the new center is designed to fuel innovation, scale global delivery, and nurture next-generation digital talent. This strategic expansion reinforces Sonata Software's deep commitment to delivering future-ready technology solutions and strengthening its global delivery footprint. Over the next three to five years, the facility is expected to generate more than 5,000 high-value technology jobs and serve as a key hub for digital engineering, co-innovation, and advanced technology development. Speaking at the event, Chief Minister, Anumula Revanth Reddy,said, "Sonata Software's new Hyderabad facility is a testament to the partnership between visionary enterprises and progressive governance. Telangana remains steadfast in fostering a business-friendly ecosystem for technology companies. We are proud to see global firms like Sonata expanding from here and contributing to Hyderabad's position as a premier global tech hub." Samir Dhir, Managing Director and CEO of Sonata Software, noted, "This new center marks a major step forward in our growth journey. Hyderabad's strong ecosystem and global reputation for innovation make it the perfect location for building AI-led digital solutions at scale. The facility will enable us to attract top-tier talent, drive deeper client collaboration, and accelerate delivery of value-driven outcomes for our clients." Equipped with modern collaboration zones, innovation labs, and green infrastructure, the facility reflects Sonata's commitment to responsible growth, sustainability, and engineering excellence. Its flexible design supports agile operations, secure service delivery, and rapid scaling of digital capabilities. Srini Veeravelli, CEO of Quant Systems Inc, a Sonata Software company, added, "This facility will be instrumental in delivering AI, machine learning, and cloud modernization solutions to global clients. It not only enhances our delivery capabilities but also enables scalable GCC models and fosters a culture of continuous innovation across the enterprise." With a strong global presence--including key regions in North America, the UK, Europe, APAC, and ANZ--and a robust partner ecosystem, Sonata Software continues to be a trusted transformation partner for global enterprises. The Hyderabad facility marks a new chapter in Sonata's mission to engineer purposeful digital excellence at scale. About Sonata Software In today's market, there is a unique duality in technology adoption. On one side, extreme focus on cost containment by clients, and on the other, deep motivation to modernize their Digital storefronts to attract more consumers and B2B customers. Sonata Software, with $1 Billion Revenue, is the leading Modernization company. Our unique Modernization approach through helps create Efficient and Agile digital businesses to drive intelligent ecosystems of the future. Our bouquet of Modernization Engineering Services cuts across Data, Cloud, Dynamics, Automation, Cyber Security, and around newer technologies like Generative AI, Microsoft Fabric, and other modernization platforms. Our unique and innovative Responsible-first AI offering Sonata is a comprehensive platform powered by GenAI and encompasses a variety of industry solutions, service delivery platforms, and accelerators. It is distinguished by its embedded ethics, privacy, security, and compliance. We enable our clients to leverage AI in three different ways: i) driving efficiencies, ii) driving higher consumer experience/modern sales, and iii) driving innovative business models. Headquartered in Bengaluru, India, Sonata Software has a strong global presence, including key regions North America, UK, Europe, APAC, and ANZ. We are one of the fastest growing IT Services companies and a trusted partner of Fortune 500 companies in Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI); Healthcare and Lifesciences (HLS); Telecom, Media, and Technology (TMT); and Retail, Manufacturing and Distribution (RMD) space. Sonata Software boasts of a very strong partnership with Microsoft, AWS and many others. We are proud member of Microsoft AI Partner Council and have also achieved AWS Generative AI Competency. Also, we are member of the prestigious Inner Circle for Microsoft Business Applications and Featured and Launch Partner for Microsoft Fabric.
Daily Mirror
07-05-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
130 days worth of train delays caused by floods last year in UK as thousands cancelled
Experts say the figures show how vulnerable Britain's Victorian rail infrastructure is to extreme weather caused by climate change. Almost 7,000 trains were cancelled last year as a result of floods, with passengers facing 130 days worth of delays new data reveals, highlighting the impact climate change is having on Britain's rail infrastructure. Travellers heading off from London Paddington were the worst hit, with the station recording 406 rain related cancellations in 2024, with Cardiff Central (249) and London Euston (242) close behind. Great Western Rail services were the worst affected with 2,068 cancellations and 53,303 minutes of flood related delays, followed by Northern Trains Ltd (1,046 cancellations, 22,457 minutes) and Transport for Wales Rail Ltd (855 cancellations, 20,091 minutes). The figures obtained via a Freedom of Information request to Network Rail confirmed there were 6,718 train cancellations (4,296 full and 2,422 part cancellations) across the UK in 2024. Those figures show a 15% rise with trains running a total of 187,475 minutes late, equivalent to a third of a year's worth of delays (130 days). Although this represents a 4% drop in the total number of cancellations compared to 2023, since 2014, flooding has caused 48,562 train cancellations and racked up more than 1.4 million minutes of delays. The data was revealed by Round Our Way, an organisation that supports people impacted by climate change in the UK. Co-Director Sofie Jenkinson,said: 'Climate change is a life and death issue for our rail system. These findings show the ongoing vulnerability of the UK's rail infrastructure to extreme weather caused by climate change. The significant rise in delays indicates the growing disruption and concerns about safety beneath the service of our creaking rail infrastructure and the impact of extreme weather caused by climate passengers and operators alike. 'With more than 48,000 cancellations due to flooding over the past decade, it's clear that long-term resilience planning and investments are essential if we want to keep the network moving.' Over the past decade, ScotRail has had the highest overall cancellation count (9,450), while Northern Trains Ltd. recorded the greatest number of delay minutes (198,657) in the same period. In 2020 a train derailed after hitting a landslip at Stonehaven, North East Scotland, three people died. Newcastle University Professor of Climate Change Impacts, Hayley Fowler, said: 'Our national transport networks are not resilient to current weather extremes, and will require increased investment to keep up with the projections of increasing summer heatwaves and winter flooding and windstorms. 'There is a need to think more strategically about hotspots where the risks of disruption are greatest as these growing extreme weather risks have the potential to have a major impact on people and on the economy. " She added: "There is no doubt that strategic investments in climate resilience now will significantly reduce the future costs of extreme weather.'
Hindustan Times
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Calculated terror masterminded by Pakistan: CWC
New Delhi: The Congress Working Committee (CWC) on Thursday said the 'cowardly and calculated act of terror, mastermind by Pakistan, is a direct assault on the values of our Republic' and maintained that 'the deliberate targeting of Hindus was done to inflame passions across the country.' The CWC — the highest body in the Congress— also said it was 'imperative that a comprehensive analysis is conducted into the intelligence failures and security lapses' in a Union Territory that came 'directly under the purview of the Union home ministry.' It also lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) and said the latter was trying to exploit the attack that killed 26 people in Kashmir two days ago. 'The massacre has rightly drawn condemnation from all political parties in Jammu and Kashmir and from a wide cross-section of its citizens. However, it is shocking that the BJP is exploiting this grave tragedy through official and proxy social media platforms to sow further discord, mistrust, polarisation and division at a time when unity and solidarity is most needed,' the CWC resolution said. The Congress also demanded that the safety of millions of pilgrims who would come for the Amarnath Yatra 'must be treated as a national priority' and demanded robust, transparent, and proactive security arrangements without delay. Congress general secretary KC Venugopal announced that the party will arrange candle light march across the country in every state and district, to mourn the deaths in Pahalgam. 'This cowardly and calculated act of terror, mastermind by Pakistan, is a direct assault on the values of our Republic. The deliberate targeting of Hindus was done to inflame passions across the appeal for calm in the face of this grave provocation and reaffirm our collective strength in the face of adversity. The CWC appeals for calm and reaffirms the Indian National Congress's longstanding resolve to combat cross-border terrorism with determination and unity,' the CWC resolution said. The CWC meeting that lasted for two hours at 24, Akbar Road,said there was an intelligence failure, pointing fingers at the Union home ministry. 'Pahalgam is known to be a heavily guarded area, secured by a three-tier security arrangement. It is imperative that a comprehensive analysis is conducted into the intelligence failures and security lapses that enabled such an attack in a Union Territory — an area directly under the purview of the Union home ministry. These questions must be raised in the larger public interest. This is the only way justice can truly be seen to be served for the families whose lives have been so brutally devastated,' the resolution read. The Congress's highest executive body demanded robust and proactive security arrangement for the Amarnath Yatra. 'The CWC also notes that the Amarnath Yatra is set to commence shortly. Lakhs of pilgrims from across India participate in this annual journey, and their safety must be treated as a national priority. Robust, transparent, and proactive security arrangements must be put in place without delay. The safety of pilgrims, as well as the livelihoods of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, many of whom depend on tourism, must be protected with full sincerity and seriousness,' it said. Party general secretary KC Venugopal read out the resolution after the meeting, and also said the questions on security lapses were being raised in larger public interest. 'This is quite clearly evident there. The place was secured is 3-tier security forces. But people felt enough security arrangement was not there. All relative of the victims are asking the same question,' said Venugopal, who was in Srinagar on Wednesday and paid last respect the those killed in Pahalgam.
